Hill Rag Magazine – December 2021 by Capital Community News

hillrag.com . December 2021

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Compass brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.laws. Information is compiled from from sources deemed reliable but isbut notis guaranteed. All measurements andand square footages are are approximate. Compassisisaalicensed licensedreal realestate estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Information is compiled sources deemed reliable not guaranteed. All measurements square footages approximate. This in Virginia Virginia and and Maryland. Maryland. 660 660 Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Avenue AvenueSE, SE,Suite Suite300, 300,Washington, Washington,DC DC20003 20003| |202.545.6900 202.545.6900 This is is not not intended intended to to solicit solicit property property already already listed. listed. Compass Compass isislicensed licensedas as Compass Compass Real Real Estate Estate in in DC DC and and as as Compass Compass in

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H A P P Y H O L I D AY S F R O M

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IN THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

pg.23

Special Issue 24 Hill HOLIDAY Gifts: Shop Local to Give and Give Back by Elizabeth O’Gorek

38 Telling the Stories Behind the Things: Artifcts Platform Lets Meaning, Not Just Objects, Outlive Us by Elizabeth O’Gorek 40 The Ultimate Libations Gift Guide: From the Schneider’s Family to Yours by Elyse Genderson

43 The Washington Navy Yard: A Long History Briefly Told

Capital Turnaround Phase II Opens

by William Zeisel

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

109

Capitol Special Section Riverfront

44 Capitol Riverfront: From Industrial Backyard to Premier Waterfront Neighborhood by Michael Stevens

50 The Modern Capitol Riverfront: It’s Not All About A Ballpark by Jacqueline Dupree 56 The Washington Navy Yard: A Long History Briefly Told by William Zeisel 60 Capitol Cuisine by Celeste McCall

12 21

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR

capitol streets

Hill Gardener: Local Gardens Light Up for the Holidays by Rindy O’Brien

A New Little Pantry on Capitol Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Hill East to Ward 7; Nats Stadium to Ward 8 – Redistricting Draft Map Released by Andrew Lightman

Congressional Cemetery Welcomes New President: Jackie Spainhour, Leader of “America’s Hippest Cemetery” by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Our River: The Anacostia – Anacostia Parks and Community Collaboration Throughout Anacostia by Bill Matuszeski

Capital Turnaround Phase II Opens: Children’s Learning Center, Concert and Event Space by Elizabeth O’Gorek

EV Charging Needs Expansion: ANC 6A Report by Nick L. Alberti

Unhoused Neighbors Housing Update: ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

NRP Developer Proposes Affordable Project Near Union Market: ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Audi Field Parcel B Moves Forward: ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

homes and gardens 91

Hill Gardener: Local Gardens Light Up for the Holidays by Rindy O’Brien

New DCRA Platform Connects Customers and Inspectors: Find Third-Party Inspection Services With Tertius by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair

Changing Hands by Don Denton

arts and dining 101

At the Movies by Mike Canning

104

Art and The City by Jim Magner

106

Literary Hill by Karen Lyon

107

Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon

family life 109

A New Little Pantry on Capitol Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

112

The District Vet: Separation Anxiety in Cats and Dogs by Rochelle Camden

114

Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

120

School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson

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CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD

on the cover: Hughes Claude Pissasrro (Grandson of Camille Pissarro) Neige au bois Jôdin (detail for cover) – Oil on canvas, 18” x 21 1/2” Guarisco Gallery is one of the largest and leading 19th, 20th and 21st century galleries worldwide. Open since 1981 with a focus on Impressionist, Academic, Modern and Contemporary paintings and sculpture. Located at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. Guarisco Gallery 2828 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Washington, DC 20007. 202-333-8533 / guariscogallery.com

Next Issue: January 1

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Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Tom Daniel • tom@rthomasdanielrooﬁng.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com William Matuszeski • bmat@primary.net Elizabeth O’Gorek • Liz@hillrag.com Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter Waldron • peter218@prodigy.net

Beauty, Health & Fitness

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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 Rindy 0’Brien • rindyobrien@gmail.com

Commentary

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Real Estate

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N WHAHTI ’NSG TOO N W A S

Photo: Marsel van Oosten/Unforgettable Behavior

UNFORGETTABLE BEHAVIOR: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION

Through next spring, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is hosting an exhibition that highlights the wonder of nature through photographs of extraordinary and often rarely seen animal behaviors. Featuring 38 award-winning images, visitors will be challenged to think differently about their relationship with nature. Each photograph tells a unique story—from life-or-death decisions to changing environments and human interactions. The images ignite curiosity about the natural world and invite visitors to become advocates for the planet. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Robert E. Person (left) and Marcel Worrell Miller (right)

A SNOWY NITE AT THE DEW DROP INN

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET

The Downtown Holiday Market, F St. NW, between Seventh and Ninth Sts., is open daily through Dec. 23 (except closed Dec. 6), noon to 8 p.m. The market features more than 70 exhibitors. Six food vendors provide tasty treats and hot beverages, spread across the market. This extensive outdoor market supports small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, festive shopping experience in the heart of the District. downtownholidaymarket.com.

Photo: Matthew Murphy

AIN’T TOO PROUD

From Dec. 11 to Jan. 9, you’re invited to the rowdiest juke joint on earth. Anacostia Playhouse’s madcap fun house of Dew Drop performers are letting the good times roll...sassy, hot and steamy on a cold snowy night. Building on 2019’s smash hit, they revisit some truly great music with songs made famous by Big Mama Thornton, Fats Waller, Etta James, and Dinah Washington, to name a few. Take a break from the busy season and join them at the Inn. $35. The Anacostia Playhouse is at 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.org.

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” Ain’t Too Proud tells the story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time. $45 to $175. Ain’t Too Proud is at the Kennedy Center from Dec. 15 to Jan. 16. kennedy-center.org. 12 ★ HILLRAG.COM

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2015-2021 December 2021 ★ 13

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

FLIGHT AT STUDIO THEATER

Created by Scottish theatre company Vox Motus, Flight is the story of orphaned Afghan brothers on an epic cross-continental journey from Kabul to London in search of safety. Like a 3D graphic novel, the story is told in breathtaking miniature, with more than 200 moving dioramas illustrating Aryan and Kabir’s odyssey as they brave hazardous sea crossings, unfamiliar cities, and the constant threat of violence on their adventure. The DC premiere of Flight also notably parallels the US military withdrawal from AfRunning through Athens. Image from Flight by Vox Motus. ghanistan, sparking droves of Afghan citizens to ﬂee the country. $42 to $52. Flight Photo: Beth Chalmers. is at Studio Theater, 1501 14th St. NW, from Dec. 16 to March 6. studiotheatre.org.

SEVEN GUITARS BY AUGUST WILSON AT ARENA

The 1940s Pittsburgh is the backdrop for August Wilson’s ﬁfth cycle play and the second production in the August Wilson Festival. Seven lives are interconnected when old friend and blues singer Floyd Barton vows to turn his life around after a surprise windfall leaves him hopeful for a second chance. Infused with deep and soaring blues rhythms, this exceptionally vivid play pits the desire for a better future against the harsh realities ultimately leading to heartbreaking and inescapable circumstances. On stage at Arena, 1101 Sixth St. SW, through Dec. 26. arenastage.org.

JOHN OLIVER DOES STAND -UP

From Dec. 28 to Jan 1, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, John Oliver takes a break from television and returns to his ﬁrst love: stand-up. John Oliver is an Emmy and Writer’s Guild award-winning writer, comedian and host of the HBO show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. From 2006 to 2013, Oliver was a correspondent on the multi-award winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Prior to this, he starred in his ﬁrst stand-up special John Oliver: Terrifying Times before going on to host four seasons of his own stand-up series for Comedy Central, John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show. $79.50 to $99.50. kennedy-center.org.

MAYOR BOWSER’S FRESH START 5K

Mayor Bowser seems determined to get us all in as good a shape as she is and, therefore, invites us to join her in the eighth annual Fresh Start 5K (run and/or walk) on New Year’s Day at Haines Point. As always, it’s free. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race is at 10 a.m. As the New Year looms, visit FITDCFreshStart5k.com for details.

CONFLICT TO CREATIVITY: TRANSITIONS AT HONFLEUR GALLERY

This group exhibition, at Honfleur Gallery and the adjacent Anacostia Arts Center through Jan. 2, 2022, embodies continuity of service by veterans as leaders in the art world. The space between veteran and civilian fades as visual forms of expression connect both of their worlds. Conflict to Creativity: Transitions examines sometimes difficult and personal subject matter in two- and three-dimensional forms. While often taken for granted, artistic exploration of controversial topics is possible through freedom of expression, guaranteed to all Americans by constitutional right, a right which all veterans have sworn to uphold and defend. honfleurgallery.com.

Benjamin “Pins” Leese. 7 Deadly Sinx, pen and ink prints, 18”x24”.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with ﬁreworks over the Potomac River at the foot of King Street. Photo: J. Cliﬀord/Visit Alexandria

FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA

Billed as a New Year’s Eve Festival of Music & More, First Night Alexandria comes back to Old Town on Dec. 31, 2021. This signature New Year’s Eve celebration showcases and supports the performing and lively arts with a day and evening full of family-friendly and affordable entertainment. The daytime schedule for kids and seniors is from noon to 5 p.m. The evening schedule is from 6 p.m. to midnight with ﬁreworks over the Potomac. Much of it is free; some ticketed. See the full schedule at ﬁrstnightalexandria.org.

HOLIDAYS AT THE BOTANIC GARDEN

This year, the US Botanic Garden at the foot of the Capitol, offers an outdoor holiday display, running through Jan. 2 (closed on Christmas day), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The display includes festive decorations, trains, evergreens, and lights in the outdoor gardens. Ggauge model trains run each day in the gated outdoor gardens. The trains will circulate through agricultural displays from across the United States and around the world, all made from plant parts. These farm scenes range from orange groves, cranberry bogs, and wheat ﬁelds in the US to grape vineyards in Australia, coffee farms in Uganda and olive orchards in Spain. No tickets required. The trains may not run during inclement weather. usbg.gov/holiday. Photo: Courtesy of the US Botanic Garden

THE KINSEY SICKS’ OY VEY IN A MANGER AT THEATRE J

From Dec. 17 to 25, the Kinsey Sicks are back at Theater J. Full of their signature panache and perfect harmonies, these chicks with schticks are trying to sell off their manger – yes, that manger – before it’s foreclosed. Crises arise, secrets are reveals, Jewish-Gentile tensions surface, and mayhem ensues. Don’t miss America’s favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet in their triumphant return to Theater J. $65 to $75. Theatre J is at 1529 16th St. NW. theaterj.org.

Photo: Tim Norris/Courtesy of Strathmore

THE HIP-HOP NUTCRACKER AT STRATHMORE

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Strathmore on Dec. 20, 21 and 22, at 8 p.m. This contemporary dance spectacle is a remixed and reimagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. $34 to $68. Strathmore Music Center is at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. Strathmore.org.

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Photo: Courtesy of Keegan Theatre WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Photo: Morris Mac Matzen

AN IRISH CAROL

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL AT THE NATIONAL

A play to lift your spirits and light up your heart, Pretty Woman: The Musical is at the National Theatre for one week only from Dec. 28 to Jan. 2. Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman, the film, was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. $50 to $110. Parental guidance suggested. National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org.

Keegan’s own holiday tradition—an original work by Keegan company member Matthew J. Keenan, An Irish Carol is a homage to Dickens’ classic, told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve, challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present, and faced with the reality of a lonely future, David’s life may change forever. $50 to $60. 1742 Church St. NW, from Dec. 10 to 31. keegantheatre.com.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH (PART I) & BACH’S MAGNIFICAT

From Dec. 16 to 19, one of DC’s favorite holiday traditions returns to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. For the first time, Gianandrea Noseda conducts the NSO in selections from the quintessential musical crown of the season: Handel’s Messiah. Experience the beauty of “Rejoice,” “For unto us a Child is born,” “Comfort Ye,” and more iconic music of Messiah’s Part I—coupled with Bach’s celebratory showpiece Magnificat—heralding in the grand arrival of holiday festivities. $15 to $99. kennedy-center.org. Music Director Gianandrea Noseda conducts the National Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Tracey Salazar

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE: NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE ANTHEM

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is at The Anthem on New Year’s Eve. The music of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, also known as “RKS,” is known for its harmonies, instrumentation and lyrics. The alternative rock indie band features lead vocalist Sam Melo, Darrick “Bozzy” Keller (guitar, backup vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar), Jess Haney (drums), and Charlie Holt (bass). The show starts at 9 p.m.; doors at 7:30 p.m. $56 to $126. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com.

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CELEBRATING 70 YEARS

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on Capitol Hill serving our community with the country’s best selection of fine wines, spirits, and beer.

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Folger Consort’s A Medieval Christmas. Dec. 10 to 18. For its holiday concert of cherished early music, Folger Consort presents an intimate program revisiting its beloved album, A Medieval Christmas in the nave of St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. folger.edu.

Capitol Hill Jazz Jam. Wednesdays, 8 to 11 p.m. CHJJ is a weekly jazz jam session at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Each week, the house band rotates musicians which in turn has provided 50+ jazz musicians with a $100 performance fee. mrhenrysdc.com. Troop 500 Coat Drive and Xmas Tree Sale Capitol Hill Boy Scout Troop 500 is having a Christmas tree sale and coat drive outside the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. on Sat. Dec 4, 9 am-7 pm and Sunday, 9-3. Bring any size clean winter coats, gloves, scarves and hats. Donations will be given to St Francis Xavier Catholic Church for distribution throughout Anacostia.

William Elliott Whitmore at The Miracle Theatre. Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Whitmore comes from the land, growing up on a family farm in Lee County, Iowa. Still living on the same farm, Whitmore has taken the time to discover where his center lies, and from that he will not be moved. $17. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com.

WINE. BEER. SPIRITS. TRADITION.

Miracle Theatre Christmas Movies. The Polar Express, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. and Dec. 12, 2 p.m.; Elf, Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.; It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. and Dec. 18, 4 p.m.; White Christmas, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. All tickets, $6. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. Southeast Library Monthly Book Sale. Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Friends of Southeast Library to shop a range of titles with most books

DECEMBER MIXED CASE SPECIAL!

Seven Guitars by August Wilson at Arena. Through Dec. 26. Seven lives are interconnected when old friend and blues singer Floyd Barton vows to turn his life around after a surprise windfall leaves him hopeful for a second chance. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Union Market’s Friday Night Lights Holiday Show. Dec. 3, 10 and 17; 5 to 7:30 p.m. (light show, 7 to 7:30 p.m.). Join them on Neal Place at Union Market for weekly holiday light shows in partnership with the Make-A-Wish. unionmarketdc. com/events/friday-night-lights-holiday-show. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. Dec. 9 to 30. This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. stepafrika.org.

NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert. Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Join the NSO as the musicians ditch traditional tuxedos and evening gowns. Don your favorite holiday sweater and join them for an evening filled with holiday spirit. $15 to $30. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com.

Everything you need for holiday festivities! 6 Bold Reds, 4 Winter Whites, 2 Cool Sparklers (1 Champagne and 1 Brachetto) Retail Price: $381.88 Sale Price: $278.88 Mixed Case Club Price: $229.99 40% off Retail! The Wharf Ice Rink Opens for Season. The rink is on the Transit Pier just outside The Anthem. Open Wednesday to Friday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Special holiday hours on Dec. 23 to 31. $12 for adults; $9 for 12 and under. $6 for skate rental. Thewharfdc.com.

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Sant’Ilario Chianti

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Walnut City Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

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Barrique Cellars Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

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Cavaliere D’oro Chianti Classico Riserva

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Chiarina Chamber Players Concert. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. National Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef teams up with pianist Efi Hackmey in a program inspired by life scenes, works of art, and personal experience. $25 online; $30 at the door; $10 age 30 and under. St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. chiarina.org.

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Château Haut Baron ‘Les Termes’ Haut-Médoc

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Jon-Marc Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley

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Kennedy Point Vineyard Organic Sauvignon Blanc

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Capital City Symphony: Our Favorite Things. Dec. 12, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Capital City Symphony is presenting The String Queens alongside their orchestra in a concert of “Our Favorite Things,” featuring works from their second album, which premiered in November 2020. $35. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.com. u

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December 2021 ★ 23

Hill HOLIDAY Gifts Shop Local to Give and Give Back

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Maketto (1351 H St. NE) is a communal marketplace located in Washington DC combining retail, restaurant and cafe experiences. The retail section is a precisely curated mix of international footwear, clothing, accessories, books, and magazines. The goal is to provide a unique and interesting retail experience. Maketteo1351.com Sanabria & Co The Shop (409 E. Capitol St. NE) is the place to buy the Everything at Sanabria & Co The Shop is designed to go together. Courtesy: same home goods the Sanabria & Co. Sanabria & Co interior design team uses nearly 5,000 Made in DC products from more than in renovation and redesign projects. Chosen 200 makers including apothecary, apparel, art, furto celebrate small and ethically-minded businiture, jewelry, home decor and stationery. https:// nesses, items all coordinate. Each is also dewww.shopmadeindc.com/ signed to be paired with other items. Gift a Steadfast Supply (301 Tingey St. SE) proJungle and Loom plant with Jaipur Living pot vides a retail platform for independent brands and and the Wild at Home coffee table book, or At Groovy DC, owners Manuel and Dennis have everything you designers from around the globe to share their need to decorate your home and gifts. get advice from design staff. sanabriaandco.com Patrick’s Fine Linens and Home Gifts Decor (771 Wharf St. SW) offers everyGroovy DC Cards & Gifts (321 7th Street SE, thing for the home, from unique, upscale groovydc.com) has it all: home accessories, cards, home decor including furniture, fine linballoons and gifts from delicate silver candle holdens and table top wares to fragrances, ers to wipes that eliminate red wine from your smile. shaving products and jewelry. Staffed by They also carry all the tissue, wrap and bows needowner Patrick Dempsey and his partner ed to dress the holiday up right! Troy Englert as well as their pups Ms. Flea Market at Eastern Market (200 & 300 Shannon and Pineapple Jack, Patrick’s is blocks Seventh St. SE; 700 block C Street SE) has a lifestyle store that offers design services something for everyone. Kids will see themselves in for home and business. shoppatricks.com Jacq’s doll’s; grown-ups will love how they look in With six locations throughout the jewelry by vendors like Enise or a t-shirt from Hero District, including Union Market (325 Heads. Art, finely-crafted furniture, imported crafts Morse St. NE) The Wharf (10 District and vintage and antique furniture, art, records and Sq. SW) and The Roost (1401 Pennsylclothing —you can find something for everyone Satvania Ave. SE) Made in DC has a mission: urday and Sunday at the flea market. https://easternTroy Englert holds silver cup at Patrick’s Fine Linen’s and Home to support DC makers and artists. Shop market-dc.org/our-outdoor-vendors Decor (771 Wharf St. SW). t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Why spend all your time sitting at your computer choosing amongst the tiny photos only to worry endlessly about whether your packages will be stolen? Instead, stroll the red-bricked streets of the Hill with friends. Peek through the festively-decorated windows and say hello to the neighbors that keep your favorite local businesses. You can complete all your holiday shopping right here on the Hill and support your neighbors at the same time!

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Politics and Prose book seller John shows oﬀ the holiday newsletter at the Wharf location (70 District Sq. SW). Sales Lead Olivia straightens gifts at Steadfast Supply (301 Tingey St. SE).

Seventh St. SE) owner Mehmet Yalcin houses around 5,000 rugs of all the five different types in his shop, along with over 200 gift items from along the silk road, from hats, earrings, intricately embroidered boots, tiles and plates as well as bowls in beautiful Turkish patterns. Wovenhistory.com

Books

To get the full book experience, visit all three ﬂoors of Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE).

goods and their stories with our neighboring communities. You can shop it all and still shop small, from accessories, art and apparel to face masks, jewelry, pet gifts and scarves. Order online and include a complimentary personalized note with your order. steadfastsupplydc.com Woven History & Silk Road (315 26 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE) is more than a witty Twitter feed. The store has three floors of quality used books along with a selection of new titles, first editions, and rare and collectable books. You can shop online, but there are way more books in the store than could possibly be listed on the website. Get the full experience and go in for a visit. capitolhillbooks-dc.com East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) is an independent, woman-owned and community-focused bookstore for children and adults. In addition to books, they also carry a selection of toys, gifts, art supplies, and bookish items. They also

Solid State. Book seller Nissa completes a sale for a customer at Solid State Books (600 H St. NE).

host multiple events. If you provide information and a price point, they’ll choose a box of books for kids and adults. Or make an appointment for concierge shopping. eastcitybookshop.com Politics and Prose (P&P) has three locations, including at Union Market (270 5th Street NE) and at The Wharf (70 District Sq. SW). The DCbased business carries an extensive selection of books for adults and children, games, apparel, gifts and stationary. Staff are known for their knowledge of literature. P&P offers a subscription service that will send customers a book every month. politics-prose.com

Solid State (600 H St. NE) is a full-service general interest bookstore with a deep and diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as gifts curated to appeal to customers of all ages. Solid State Books has an extensive children’s book and young adult section to fully serve the smallest readers. Make it a pit stop —there’s a coffee bar with a selection of pastries, snacks, beer, and wine. Order via phone or visit online: solidstatebooksdc.com

For the Kids Fairy Godmother Books and Toys (319 Seventh St. SE). For more than 35 years, Roberta and Jack Blanchard have offered a choice selection of books, toys, clothes costuming and stuffed friends. Call or email the shop with requests, be they very specific, such as a teddy bear or more general such as a children’s book for a five-year-old. 202547-5474 | roblanchard@fairygodmotherbooksandtoys.com Labyrinth (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) is a family-friendly, com-

“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) Roberta and Jack Blanchard outside Fairy Godmother Books and Toys (319 Seveth St. SE). Photo: Annette Neilsen

202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTATING EX H IBITS OF LO CA L A RTIS TS December 2021 ★ 27

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Small Treasures Wed-Sat 11 AM to 7 PM

SEE WEBSITE FOR HOLIDAY HOURS

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202-244-3244 | classicamericanpainting.com Kathleen Donahue with puzzles at Labyrinth Puzzles and Games (645 Pennsylvania Ave SE), participants in DC Dog Days. Photo: Gavrielle Jacobovitz

munity-focused store featuring a wide selection of non-electronic, specialty games, puzzles, and mazes. Pop in for hands-on experiences or to get expert advice from knowledgable staff. Gift-wrapping is available in-store. Or go online to get personal recommendations from the Labyrinth Personal Shopper, or to see lists of top-sellers, stocking stuffers or local designers. labyrinthdc.com Honey Made (727 Eighth St. SE) is anchored by Viboonrattana Honey’s

unique baby, children clothes and accessories brand, Li’l Fishy. She also carries Miss BB, products made by her school-aged daughter. But you can find something for anybody in Honey Made, made by a network of creators and small business owners. It is cheerfully stocked with RBG and DC tee shirts, a selection of women’s and children’s dresses, jewelry, notecards, zippered pouches, wallets, and lotions. honeymadedc.com Three Littles (1260 Fourth St.

Viboonrattana Honey poses with one of her onesies at Honey Made (727 Eighth St. SE). Photo: Sarah Cymrot

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“A good example of stove to table,” store owner Leah Daniels with colorful French pie plates at Hill’s Kitchen.

LET OUR A-MAZE-INGLY KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF HELP YOU GIVE FUN TO EVERYONE ON YOUR HOLIDAY LIST.

• Educational, board • Jigsaw puzzles and party games • Brainteasers • LEGO and other • Marble mazes building toys • Corporate gifts; and • Chess & other much, much more! strategy games

NE) was founded on the principal that nothing our kids play with or wear should be made by another child somewhere else. The Union Market District shop carries sustainable, thoughtfully-designed children’s goods designed to stand the test of kids and time. The shop offers a curated selection of necessities and gifts, making an effort not to overwhelm shoppers with things that no one really needs. threelittles.co The Toy Soldier Shop (503 11th St. SE) is open Saturdays. Choose

from several thousand figures displayed in antique showcases. Owner Neil Rhodes does repairs, conversions and original commissions. Toy soldier books, wooden castles and a remarkable selection of original WWI posters round out the offerings. toysolidershop.com

For the Foodie Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE). Leah Daniels opened this shop that carries everything for the chef more

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Eastern Market meets every delicious need. Choose from a variety of artisan cheeses at Bowers Fancy Dairy Products. Courtesy: M. Bowers

OPEN MONDAY - SUNDAY 11:30AM - 10PM

Located in the historic Barracks Row neighborhood, Sushi Hachi, founded by highly talented Chef, Steve Yoon, offers a premier dining experience like never before in DC. Dishes are plated with thick cut slices of fresh fish that is flown in daily, and rice that is prepared with the highest care. Sushi Hachi takes on the art of traditional sushi with an innovative drive.

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More than 140 contributors, including Michelin starred chefs, have contributed to A Taste of Hill Center. Courtesy: Hill Center DC

than ten years ago. You can get everything for the cook in this homelike store with knowledgeable staff and extraordinary service. Every product is carefully selected and characterized by excellent design and the highest available quality. Products are listed online, but call or visit to get the full experience. hillskitchen.com Eastern Market (225 Seventh St. SE) The oldest continuously operating fresh food market in the country offers everything to tantalize taste buds this season. Choose from a smorgasbord of variety: the baked goods at the Fine Sweet Shoppe; artisan cheeses from Bowers Fancy Dairy; Italian chestnuts and persimmons at Calomiris Fruits and Vegetables; Steak from Union Meat or a lobster tail from Southern Maryland Seafood. Don’t forget to get a centerpiece from Blue Iris Flowers! easternmarket-dc.org J Chocolatier. Jane Morris experimented with chocolate to handcraft the perfect versions of the perfect food, beginning with 32 H HILLRAG.COM

handcrafted truffles and branching out to bars, toffees, flea de Se Caramel and a fossil bar dusted in 24K gold. The recipe of a historic buildings and heat closed her brick and mortar stores, but you can order online jchocolatier.com. Email from the “contact us” page to arrange pick-up at Groovy DC (321 7th St. SE). Sweet Crimes Gluten Free Bakery (1239 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) The standard at Sweet Crimes bakery is to make goods that don’t taste like they’re gluten free. Choose from cakes, cookies, pies, donuts, buns and breads. The shop also carries coffee, sandwiches and soups, and Khachapuri, a Georgian cheese bread, catering to a lunch crowd that is rarely accommodated. Give someone a treat that tastes the way they remember it. Pre-order online, or pop a gift card in someone’s stocking. sweetcrimes.com Hill’s Center Cookbook. For the 140th Anniversary, Hill Center gathered more than 140 recipes from friends, neighbors, teachers,

Customers pose with their purchases at A Beautiful Closet DC (20 District Sq. SW). Courtesy A Beautiful Closet

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Sanabria & Co., a full-service interior design studio based out of Capitol Hill, has opened a home decor, furnishings, and gifts storefront! 409 East Capitol Street SE The store offers everything from locally-made beeswax candles and home fragrances to one-of-a-kind vintage rugs, all selected with the Capitol Hill modern family in mind.

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pers turning in off H Street to rap musicians by appointment. a-ma-maniere. com Kashmir (750 C St. SE) fashionable, but not trendy, Kasmir focuses on chic, modern and classic clothing designs and features the finely-embroidered coats and jackets they are known for. Staff will help find the perfect gift, or co-ordinate a wardrobe. kashmirboutiques.com A Ma Maniere (l1214 H St. NE) loosely, “My Way,” oﬀers luxury streetwear for men. A Beautiful Closet (20 District Sq. SW) owner Pamela Sofola has met most chefs and volunteers who have helped define of the people who make the timeless pieces feathe landmark building on Capitol Hill. Get rectured in her boutique at the Wharf. Find casual ipes from Michelin-starred chefs like Gerard and evening wear, jewelry, hats shoes and bags Pangaud and Aaron Silvermen. Make Camboor the gown for your next gala. Shop in store or dian soup from a recipe from ABC Pony’s Erik online abeautifulclosetdc.com Bruner-Yang. To purchase a copy of “A Taste of Boutique on the Hill (208 Second St. SE) Hill Center,” visit www.hillcenterdc.org/prodcarries casual and professional selections for uct/cookbook/ women as well as attire for the casual woman, from dresses, suiting, handbags and accessories. For the Fashionista Services range from personal shopping and stylParis Bleu (321 Seventh St. SE, 2nd Fl) ing to closet organization and purging. The enstocks accessories such as Italian leather bags, tire staff is committed to meeting the needs of all patterned wool gloves, silk scarves and jewelwomen and assisting a friend or partner in selectry as well as gifts appropriate for hosts such as ing a gift. theboutiqueonthehil.com candles, fine soaps and towels. Items are found in New York, San Francisco and Italy; but most of the pieces, like proprietor Christine Arnold, Experiences come from France. Prices range from $8 for a Classes. Help artists budding and seasoned pear-shaped candle, gift wrapped in a small bag build on their talents with a class from Capitol and tied with delicate ribbon and sprigs of Hill Arts Workshop. Classes are availflower, up to a few hundred dollars for able in arts, ceramics, photography and an Italian leather handbag. 202-644dance. chaw.org. Or do you have 6575 | parisbleudc@gmail.com a budding dancer? Studio One A Ma Maniere (1214 H Dance (511 11th St. SE, stuSt. NE) offers luxury men’s dioone-dance.com) offers street style. From the French creative ballet to kids from for “my way,” the boutique 2 to eight years. Joy of Mois designed to represent tion Dance (1333 H St. and inspire a fashion forNE; joyofmotion.org) offers ward clientele deeply-roothip hop, jazz, modern and ed within their community. Shop everything from $50 Kashmir Boutique oﬀers casual t-shirts to a $5,000 NASA and modern chic in addition to Balenciaga jacket, the shop the hand-embroidered jackets for which they are known. serves everyone from shopCourtesy: Kashmir

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Razonte Dunne, Explosive Performance Site Director, training a member at Sport & Health. Photo: Pattie Cinelli

Self care is the greatest gift you can provide yourself and unto others.

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tap dance students starting at 2 years old. Health and fitness. Strength and flexibility are gifts of health. Sport & Health (sportandhealth.com, 315 G St. SE) offers gift memberships, perHot Yoga Capitol Hill. Allison Shelley Photography sonal training packages and spa servicunlimited memberships, single classes. Boutique fitness es and intro specials. studio Jade Fitness (1310 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; jadefitnessdc.com) ofThis year support your local stores fers small group and 1 and 1 training instead of lining the pockets of a ziland studio fitness and yoga classes. lionaire. After checking off everyWant a flexible gift? Hot Yoga one on your list, stop with friends to Capitol Hill (410 H St. NE, hotyogashare a glass, then head home to do capitolhill) offers an all-inclusive new some wrapping with your packages local student special to local residents, safely under your arm and your heart from pilates and yoga to fusion for warmed with the joy of the multiple kids and adults. District Flow Yoga ways you can give —and give back to (410 Eighth St. SE, districtflowyoga. your community. ◆ com) offers outdoor classes in Lansburgh and on Recreation Pier, with

545 8th Street, SE. WDC 20003 202.543.3030 www.frameofminedc.com

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December 2021 H 37

Telling the Stories Behind the Things Artifcts Platform Lets Meaning, Not Just Objects, Outlive Us by Elizabeth O’Gorek

bout five years ago, Heather Nickerson suddenly lost her mother. “One day she was there, and the next day she wasn’t.” Being the eldest daughter, Nickerson was in charge of what to do with the things her mother had accumulated over six decades. She and her brothers agreed that they would keep the things that would tell the stories of their mother. But they were frustrated: they had no way of knowing what those things were. Did her mom not use the crystal vase because it meant so much to her and she was afraid of breaking it? Or was it because Aunt Mildred gave it to her, and she disliked her aunt? It was easy, Nickerson said, to figure out things that have value— like artwork or jewelry. But how do you determine sentimental value? How do you know what best tells a story for the next generation? “We never thought to ask, Hey

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Mom, why do you like this?” Nickerson said. “What’s the story behind this?” That was the genesis of Artifcts, a secure online platform created to document and preserve the history, life moments and memories of the objects behind the stories. “I wanted to do something that would be a way to pass down stories, not just things,” Nickerson said.

How It Works Artifcts is a platform that allows users upload photos of an object and document the facts that give it meaning: from whom or where it was acquired, where it was made, where it is now, and why it has been treasured and kept for so long. Documentation, such as warranties or appraisals, can be attached. Entries can be categorized and tagged, a way of finding items and linking them to one another. It’s Artifcts, no ‘a’, partly because it’s easier to copyright, Nickerson said. But she and her co-founder

Ellen Goodwin like to say they are redefining artifacts. “Artifcts you create do not need to be valuable or historically relevant,” the website advises. “An Artifct is anything that has meaning to you.” When you create an Artifct, you are Artifcting. For her part, Nickerson created Artifcts to preserve the stories of the objects that outlive us. In practical terms, she saw it as useful for estate planning and insurance purposes. But people use it in myriad and sometimes surprising ways. Artists use the system to catalogue and share their work, documenting the creative process and sales. Users in their late teens and early twenties An Artifct is any object that has meaning to an individual and helps to tell the stories of their lives. Clockwise from L: Princessa the cat @Charles | Superbowl XXXVI Ring @ CJH | Lana’s Green Machine @Girlstart | Asolo Hiking Boots @Heather | Oak Tree Sixpence @Grandpaw | Cornet @ArtIeditor. Courtesy: Artifcts

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combinations of cupcakes, choosing flavor, filling, frosting and toppings with our original concept:

turn to Artifcts to document key moments and items in their lives, a time capsule unencumbered by the data mining and advertising of social media sites. Thirty- and forty-something parents are Artifcting their children’s artwork. Some of these uses really surprised Nickerson, she said, because many of these things can be done on other platforms. But not all photograph platforms allow users to attach a story — for instance, parents who wanted to attach a description of art in their child’s own words. Artifcts also allows users to share objects with a limited number of people, either for select items, or for everything they post. In testing, many users told Goodwin were attracted by the privacy and security features on the site. Nickerson and Goodwin met at the CIA where they spent a decade working as analysts. They take privacy and security extremely seriously. Artifct data security is second only to the federal government, Nickerson said. Information and images are hidden, with defaults set to the most private settings, hidden from the public or other users unless a subscriber decides to share with an audience they define.

What’s Artifcted Some users have decided to make some of their objects viewable to the public, contributing to a gallery of publicly-viewable Artifcts. “It’s like a museum to humanity,” one user told Nickerson. “It’s almost better than the Smithsonian. You get all these different objects, with all these stories. You can relate to them.” Objects in the gallery include a 17th century six-pence coin, found in an archaeological dig near Boston; “Lana’s Green Machine,” a machine invented by a child and (continued on pg. 41)

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December 2021 ★ 39

The Ultimate Libations Gift Guide From the Schneider’s Family to Yours by Elyse Genderson

rom luxury bottles to affordable classic wines, the Schneider’s holiday gift guide has something for everyone’s tastes. We are thrilled to share our selections to wow your loved-ones. The gift of wine is a wonderful way to thank those special people you’re grateful for this year. We have selected our favorite bottles guaranteed to light up the holidays. At Schneider’s our cellar contains incredible wines from the most sought after First Growths to lesser-known offerings. Discover elegant and earthy, 1997 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines ($99.99); a rich and bold Aussie, 1996 Coriole Old Vines Grenache Lalla Rookh McLaren Vale ($49.99); and a showstopping Bordeaux, 2000 Branaire Ducru Saint-Julien ($219.99). For the adventurer on your list, try 2000 Musar ($99.99) from Lebanon, an iconic heritage estate. Just stop in the store or call to speak with one of our wine experts who will guide you in selecting the perfect bottle of mature and rare wine.

For the Connoisseur

2016 Purlieu Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $99.99 Located in the new Coombsville AVA at the edge of the forest and the Napa Valley, Purlieu is a stunning expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker, Julien Fayard, produces wines of pure terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil, and climate. He began his wine career at his family’s winery in Provence making rosé. Then on to Lafite and Smith Haut Lafitie. Give the gift of a truly special Napa Valley Cabernet.

2017 Ferragu Valpolicella Superiore, Verona, Italy $49.99 Deep, rich, concentrated with floral aromas and hints of sweet blackberry jam, prune, cinnamon, anise, and clove. Extremely velvety and supple.

Demiere Confiden’s Subtil Brut $49.99 Give the gift of stunning Grower Champagne. Châ40 ★ HILLRAG.COM

teau Demiere was founded in 1936, on the right bank of the Marne Valley, in the heart of historic Champagne. Their vineyards are composed of the classic three grape varieties of Champagne (50% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay). The current owner, Jerome Demiere, is a dynamic 40-year-old, 3rd generation, winemaker. You can taste his love and passion for life in each glass of his Champagne.

the wine girl

For the Wine Explorer

2014 Waters Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla $29.99 For someone beginning their wine journey, start with the classics. A wonderfully complex Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State. Waters Winery was founded in 2005 in the Walla Walla Valley. Waters produces just a few thousand cases of small-lot bottlings each year, aimed at reflecting the unique character of each varietal and the qualities of the land that they come from. This is a benchmark and elegant expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.

For the Spirits Aficionado

Jefferson Rye Cognac Cask Schneider’s Barrel $99.99

Jefferson’s Straight Rye Whiskey finished in cognac casks combines the spice of American Rye with the refinement and elegance of cognac. Double barreled for up to 19 months, The Cognac finish adds complexity and depth with a touch of sweetness to the typical spice of rye whiskey. A rich mouthfeel with flavors of honey, toffee, and orange peel.

Wilderness Trail Hi-Rye Bourbon Schneider’s Barrel $69.99 Co-Founders Shane Baker and Pat Heist were in a rock band together in the 1990s and shared a deep love for fine whiskey. Together they create some of the best whiskeys in the United States. There is a rich family history of distilling with Shane’s grandmother working at Stitzel-Weller for over 50 years. This type of history provides a lot of influence today, including some special yeast strains. The goal

of our Schneider’s single barrel is to capture the essence of more complex notes from one specially selected barrel.

Ainneamh 20 Year Wardhead Blended Scotch $119.99 Ainneamh (pronounced an-yoov) means a rare thing in Gaelic and it is the perfect name to describe this independent bottling company owned by Brian Woods and Scott Watson. Wardhead is the name for Glenfiddich with a dash (1%) of Balvenie. This lovely light-colored whiskey was aged for 20 years in refill hogshead cask. The straw color is the perfect example of what natural aging with no color additives looks like. Don’t be fooled by the artificial color added to many other whiskeys – a dark color is not indicative of quality! Bright notes of apple, toffee, baking spice, and savory smoke appear on the nose. The palate is incredibly smooth with hints of burnt orange peel, and caramel. Any scotch lover will appreciate this sophisticated blend. Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love. ◆

(continued from pg. 39) made of paper, sticks and straw machine that can fly 120 inches. There’s a championship ring from Super Bowl XXXVI, the first victory for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. And you can view the first page of the book of Ephesians from a Second Century papyri. But how can Artifct help connect the physical objects, as they sit on a shelf or in a box, to their stories? After “Artifcting” an object, the platform gives users the option to print and attach a QR code to the object, thereby linking it to its story. One grandparent used the QR codes in a scavenger hunt, handing an iPad to their grandson and telling him to find the various stories. People have gotten creative. The first Artifct created during beta testing was a living, breathing cat. Nickerson and Goodwin call her lovingly the “Arti-cat”, but her family calls her Princessa. Charles grew up in a house without pets. He was an adult when he and his wife, on assignment for the State Department in Brazil, adopted a rescue cat. They named her Princessa and she became Charles’ first real pet. “If I’m commemorating things, this would be something I would want to commemorate,” he said. Nickerson said it was due to Princessa that the Artifcts team created the popular “pets” category. How easy is it to Artifct? You can use it on a desktop, laptop, tablet. iPhone or Android. Feedback from AARP is that it is really easy to use, especially for a less-tech savvy crowd. You can Artifct your first five items for free; after that, choose from two different annual subscriptions. Create unlimited entries for $89 a year. Subscriptions are available for gifting. Learn more about Artifcts and Subscribe at artifcts.com/ ◆ December 2021 ★ 41

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December 2021 ★ 43

Capitol Riverfront

From Industrial Backyard to Premier Waterfront Neighborhood

egardless of whether a neighborhood is built quickly by a single developer or over decades with numerous landowners, the development of a neighborhood from vacant or underutilized lands usually involves vision, good planning, public investment —typically in infrastructure—and private investment. Such is the case with the nearly 500-acre Capitol Riverfront neighborhood which has been evolving for over two decades now.

An Industrial Backyard

Visitors to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood of 2021 would not remember its previous incarnation as an industrial and manufacturing backyard for the District of Columbia that contained metal scrapyards, concrete manufacturing plants, asphalt batch plants, large oil storage tanks, an incinerator and trash transfer facility, car repair shops. That landscape also included the Arthur Capper Carrollsburg public housing complex, the Washington Navy Yard, and dance clubs. After WWII the neighborhood was largely forgotten and overlooked by the city and the real estate development community. But with almost two miles of riverfront frontage, and a 15-minute walk to the US Capitol complex, the neighborhood was well positioned for discovery and an intensification of uses.

Change Agents The neighborhood’s trajectory was changed by a series of large economic development moves and public investment based on a new vision for the Anacostia River – that the river could be cleaned up and become a centerpiece for the east side of the city and neighborhoods in Wards 7, 8 and 6. The adoption 44 H HILLRAG.COM

by Michael Stevens

This is a neighborhood rendering that was commissioned by the BID, a number of our property owners, and the city during the Amazon HQ2 bid process. While a bit dated is still provides an accurate and compelling vision of what the neighborhood will look like at full buildout, as well as Poplar Point across the river. Courtesy Riverfront BID

of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) Plan in 2003 as public policy began changing the public’s perception regarding the value of the river and the importance of waterfront neighborhoods. The 1995 move of the Naval Sea Operations (NAVSEA) from offices in Crystal City to the Washington Navy Yard brought over 8,000 employees to the neighborhood. Private contractors followed as well resulting in the construction of five new office buildings. Several other key economic development moves followed that plan and laid the groundwork for today’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood: • 2003 – the Federal DOT decided to move their headquarters office building to the SE Federal Center adjacent to the Navy Yard. The new building opened in 2007 bringing almost 7,000 employees to the neighborhood. • 2003 – after years of planning between GSA and DC’s Office of Planning, Forest City was awarded the development rights to 42-acres of the former SE Federal Center, later to become known as the Yards. • 2003 – the DC Housing Authority was awarded

a HOPE VI grant for the demolition and rebuild of the Arthur Capper Carrollsburg housing complex. DCHA selected a master development team to undertake the rebuild which included a oneto-one replacement of 707 public housing units and the construction of another 1,100 units of workforce and market rate housing. • 2006 – construction began on the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium which opened in April of 2008. • 2010/2012 – Yards Park and Canal Parks open and create much needed open space, as well as a sense of place, community, and identity. • 2014 – the 50,000 square foot Harris Teeter grocery store opens branding Capital Riverfront as an urban neighborhood with services. These large economic development moves led to the construction of thousands of units of new housing, approximately six million square feet of new public and private office space, new restaurants, and hotels. Unfortunately, in late 2008 the national recession impacted the nation for approximately three years and most development projects came

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dents and visitors to the neighborhood. The southwest corner of Half and M Streets SE has been completed as a new class A office building, and the Half Street streetscape improvements have been extended to M Street. All retail storefronts are active and lively, and the street is closed on Nat’s game days and on Saturdays for a year-round farmers market and street fair. Half and N Streets, SE now serve as pedestrian-only celebration spaces for the holidays and other special event days such as St. Paddy’s Day, Halloween, July 4th, etc. The area south of National’s Park has been completed with an office building and a new destination hotel on the river.

to a standstill. During that time Capitol Riverfront saw the construction of Yards Park and its opening to the public in September 2010. Yards Park has become a regional waterfront destination as well as one to the neighborhood’s greatest communal gathering spaces. Following the recession, the neighborhood began to once again see development projects underway with residential becoming the dominant land use.

A Look Forward Capitol Riverfront is a “new growth” neighborhood comprised of seven subareas that offer different architecture, mixes of uses, and open spaces. Each subarea is evolving at its own pace, but each will contribute to the neighborhood’s ultimate buildout of 37.5 million square feet of mixed-use development. Let’s jump ahead to the year 2030 to see how the neighborhood looks at full buildout: The Yards – Phase I of The Yards has achieved full buildout with the construction of a new office building on the parking lot immediately east of District Winery. Yards Phase II has been realized as an office/commercial district north of N Street, SE with Chemonics being the first office building completed. The blocks south of N Street, SE are home to 4-5 new residential buildings with ground floor retail. New local roads have been constructed east/west and north/south to provide circulation and 46 H HILLRAG.COM

ground floor retail opportunities. A new park space has been constructed north of Diamond Teague and to create additional open space overlooking the Anacostia River. The Yards in its entirety has become a new downtown on the Anacostia River with a vibrant restaurant and retail scene. The Heights – this subarea north of M Street, SE and west of 2nd Street, SE has become the highest density subarea in Capitol Riverfront. Greystar’s mixed-use project just south of the freeway and west of New Jersey has added another hotel (AC Marriott) and two new residential towers. The frontage on South Capitol Street has been built out with three additional apartment buildings and one office building, and a new office building occupies the southwest corner of Half and L Street, SE. The areas beneath the freeway have been transformed into a network of arts, recreation, and open space. The three DCHA sites that front on Canal Park have been constructed as residential building with affordable housing components, as well as ground floor restaurants or retail services. One of these sites contains a new condominium building and an affordable apartment building. Ballpark District – the Ballpark District has become not just the entertainment gateway to Nationals Park but a year-round celebratory space for resi-

Buzzard Point – this subarea has developed as a high density, mixed-use neighborhood with over 5,000 units of housing, two (2) hotels, new office space, seniors housing, a grocery store, new restaurants, and a new public park on the tip of Buzzard Point. It connects to both the Wharf and Capitol Riverfront east by way of the Riverwalk trail. S Street, SW serves as a pedestrian gateway to major new development on the former concrete manufacturing site, and new piers and docks provide river access for boaters. The Memorial oval that was constructed with the new Frederick Douglas bridge provides additional open space relief and the opportunity for food and music festivals. Canal Park /Capper/Lower 8th – Van Ness Elementary School and the Capper community center have become anchors of the neighborhood’s “civic” infrastructure providing a range of community serving activities. The old car barn at M and 8th Street, SE (now known as the Capital Turnaround) has been completely renovated and includes Phase Family Learning Daycare Center, a 982-seat auditorium (open), an Ebenezer’s Coffee house, a co-working facility, and an urban marketplace with restaurants and retail shops. The Humane Rescue Alliance has opened their new headquarters building at 11th and M Streets, SE overlooking Virginia Avenue Park. Virginia Avenue Park has been enhanced with additional landscaping, trees, and public art and serves a neighborhood park for this area of Capitol Riverfront. Development sites along Virginia Avenue, SE between 7th and 8th Streets, SE have been redeveloped as a hotel with a restaurant and celebration venue on the top floor. Washington Navy Yard – a new Navy Museum has opened at the Washington Navy Yard, and it occupies Building 74 and Building 202 – two historic structures from its earlier days as a munitions manufacturing center. A new exhibit space building and an entry plaza with ship artifacts and a water feature open on to M Street, SE and welcome over 1 million visitors a year to the museum’s interactive displays and installed memorabilia from the U.S. Navy’s rich history on the seas and in the air. A restaurant, museum shop, and conference facilities further activate this museum campus and make it a showpiece for the neighborhood and a tourist destination. Maritime Plaza/Boathouse Row – the Maritime Plaza site has been fully realized with the construction of a new office building, hotel, and residential building overlooking the river. Felice Development’s mixed-use project at 1333 M Street, SE has delivered and contains an apartment building, condominium building and hotel, along with ground floor retail that overlooks and takes advantage of the Virginia Avenue ROW. A new park has been created by DOEE on the former Washington Gas gasification site and it is a passive meadow style park that provides access to the river along the trail. The historic shed struc-

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ture on site has been renovated to serve as a canoe/kayak/bicycle rental space and refreshment center. Boathouse Row has been renovated and a new community structure built to serve all of the historic clubs. The river channel has been dredged here and new docks for the boathouse clubs as well as the public have been built.

A River Defines Us Part of this transition to a waterfront neighborhood was predicated on the belief that the Anacostia could be cleaned up for human interaction – boating, swimming, and fishing. Numerous nonprofit groups have been advocating for the river’s clean-up and leading efforts to do so. The catalytic change truly began with the implementation of DC’s Clean River Project – a series of deep tunnels that serve as storage cisterns for the combined sanitary and storm water effluents that had polluted the river for so long. The Clean Rivers project has eliminated over 95% of this effluent from being discharged into the Anacostia and changed the perceptions of the river at the same time. The Anacostia River is a point of differentiation for our Capitol Riverfront neighborhood and defines our “outdoor ethos” while connecting us to over 1,600 acres of public parks and open spaces along the river. Two new bridge systems connect us to neighborhoods in Wards 7 and 8, while creating a “bridge loop’ trail system of 3.3 miles for running, walking, and cycling. The new 11th Street Bridge Park when open will only reinforce this connectivity and destination appeal of the Anacostia and its parks.

Point of Comparison The Capitol Riverfront is one of the largest riverfront redevelopment projects in the country, on a scale similar to Hudson Yards in New York; Pittsburgh’s riverfront redevelopment; San Francisco’s Waterfront Plan; and wa48 H HILLRAG.COM

terfront initiatives in Vancouver, BC and Toronto, Ontario. At buildout, Capitol Riverfront will include approximately 37.5 million square feet of new development on formerly underutilized or vacant industrial lands. For a point of comparison, the Phase I and II of the Wharf project in SW Waterfront contain approximately 4.2 million square feet of development and is a great urban interface with the Washington Channel and an example of one developer/owner implementing a neighborhood vision. Capitol Riverfront at build-out will be the equivalent of 9 Wharfs in size and will be developed by multiple ownership entities in partnership with the Federal Government and the government of the District of Columbia. As of the end of December 2021 Capitol Riverfront will be approximately 70% built out, and it is hoped that the remaining 30% can be achieved over the next decade. To most observers it may seem like a long time to achieve buildout. But these three decades (2000 – 2030) of development are chapters in the 231 years that Washington, DC has been evolving as a city. Neighborhood development is a complicated process involving multiple players and highly dependent on market economics. Capitol Riverfront is a vibrant example of a new growth neighborhood with a waterfront geography that has benefited from a definitive vision, good planning, public investment, and private response. u

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Capitol Riverfront

The Modern Capitol Riverfront

It’s Not All About a Ballpark by Jacqueline Dupree

f one were to ask a non-interested observer about when the “revitalization” began of the neighborhood between the Southeast Freeway and the Anacostia River, it’s likely that the answer would have something to do with the arrival of the Washington Nationals. Some might have picked Sept. 2004 the Montreal Expos relocated to DC and the city decided to construct the team’s stadium on South Capitol Street, and other’s would choose the ballpark’s opening in March 2008. After all, in the preceding years the area hadn’t exactly been a destination for non-residents unless you worked at the Navy Yard, or knew someone who lived in one of the Capper/Carrollsburg public housing buildings, or who frequented the multiple dance

New Jersey Ave, SE looking south

Yards Park, looking north

clubs or strip clubs, or who needed cheap industrial space. The Nationals put the neighborhood on the map, many pundits would say. And yet, while there is no denying that 2005 and 2006 saw a “gold rush” of money being thrown at long-time landowners as big real estate companies swooped in, a strong case can be made that Nationals Park merely threw accelerant on the redevelopment fire that had actually started smoldering a few years earlier.

The City and the Feds

Yards Park, looking east

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In 1995, Congress approved spending $200 million to modernize and construct portions of the Washington Navy Yard that would become the new headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and bring more than 4,000 new employees to the brick-walled enclave. Five years later, 19 federal and District agencies signed the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, committing to restoring the city’s “forgotten river.” Not long afterward, federal legislation passed that al-

lowed the General Services Administration to partner with private developers for the first time in its history in order to redevelop the 55-acre Southeast Federal Center site south of M Street and east of South Capitol Street. And in 2001, along with the official opening of the NAVSEA HQ, GSA chose JBG Cos. to build the new US Department of Transportation headquarters at New Jersey and M, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded a $35 million grant to the DC Housing Authority to replace 700 aging public housing units at the Arthur Capper project between 2nd and 5th Streets SE alongside construction another 800 units of market-rate offerings. Because of these moves, by the time ground was broken in spring 2006 for what would become Nationals Park there were already five new office buildings completed along M Street SE and one more underway, filling up with contractors wanting to be close to NAVSEA and the Navy Yard. GSA had selected Forest City Washington to develop what would become “The Yards” on the rest of the Southeast Federal Center site. Capitol Hill Tower, a co-op that would be the neighborhood’s first “luxury” residential building, was under construction at New Jersey and K, opening in 2006 along with its sibling on th south side of the building, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Two buildings for low-income seniors were under construction as part of the Capper revitalization plans. And the Marines’ new Bachelor Enlisted Quarters had opened at 7th and L. December 2021 H 51

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Half Street and N St, SE looking west. 2003 and 2017

2006 also saw the last residents “temporarily” moved out of the existing Capper/Carrollsburg buildings. Nightclubs such as the Nexus Gold Club, Nation, Ziegfield’s, and others closed down, along with warehouses, asphalt and concrete plants, car repair garages, fast food joints, liquor stores and taxicab companies. The Great Demolition was underway. From 2003 until the bulk of it was over at the end of 2009, more than 150 buildings would be torn down.

structure and streetscape improvements it had promised. Other than Five Guys, Subway, CVS, and the Starbucks that opened at USDOT in 2007, there was little else to offer visitors other than torn up streets and dust. One could walk the streets around the ballpark on Sunday morning and see nobody other than construction workers. Major League Baseball made its first regular season debut at Nationals Park on March 30, 2008, with much of the sellout crowd emerging from the newly expanded Navy Yard Metro station, and others parking on the numerous surface lots put into use while developers waited for the right time to get started. Unfortunately, by the time Ryan Zimmerman hit the walk-off home run that gave the Nationals a win for their first game at their new home, both the U.S. and the global economies were starting to teeter. “The Great Recession”

Construction Explodes, Then Slows Construction fences went up with colorful signage heralding planned apartment and office buildings with ground floor retail, accompanied by legions of construction cranes and workers in hard hats. And the city worked to not only get the ballpark completed but the associated infra52 ★ HILLRAG.COM

4th and L Streets, SE. 2004 and 2016

clobbered investment banks (among many others), which then clobbered companies that needed loans and couldn’t get them, like real estate developers. B u i l d i n g s u n d e r way slowed and then stopped altogether, such as the office building at 1015 Half Street and the renovation of the Pattern-Joiner Shop at the Yards into The Foundry Lofts, with both buildings standing incomplete for many months. The deep hole that had been dug immediately north of Nats Park for a new residential project remained unfilled for years. From spring 2008 to fall 2011, not a single project funded by private developers began construction in the neighborhood. But government money allowed a number of high-profile projects to start, including the new twin 11th Street Bridges spans, the Yards Park, Canal Park, and the mixed-income townhomes at Capitol Quarter. The financing behind the construction dust was now different, but the dust remained ever present. Slowly, private money began to return. In 2014, two new apartment buildings opened. By 2016, it was like the recession had never happened, with five more apartment buildings and two hotels completed. By early 2020, 10 more apartment buildings would arrive, along with two hotels, two office buildings, a winery, a marina, and a muchgrumbled-about reconstruction and expansion of the 100-yearold train tunnel beneath Virginia Avenue. Equally slowly, the thousands of square feet of retail space that had remained mostly empty began to fill in, first with smaller offerings such as Pot-

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belly Sandwich Works and Lot 38 Espresso, then with more high-profile arrivals, notably in the retail spaces in the historic Boilermaker’s Shop and Lumber Shed buildings at the Yards, where Bluejacket Brewery and Osteria Morini opened within weeks of each other in late 2013. And by 2018, there were not one but two full-sized grocery stores.

Assessing Two Decades of Change As the 2010s ended, the neighborhood was approaching the visions that had been laid out two decades earlier. It not only had become home to thousands of residents and office workers, but it became a draw for people from all around the DMV beyond just trooping in and out of the ballpark gates. Nats fans now had places like The Salt Line, Mission, and Buffalo Wild Wings to hang out at on game days. Parents pushed strollers down from Capitol Hill to take advantage of the splash parks at Canal Park and Yards Park, or to sit on the grass and watch Friday night concerts, or just to amble along the Anacostia Riverwalk. As an exclamation point on all of this revitalization, in 2019 a most unexpected playoff run ended with the Nats winning the World Series. (They still haven’t actually won a World Series game at home, but let’s not quibble.) Not all of the changes seen south of the freeway have been welcome, of course. Block after block of similarly shaped 12-story buildings leave some observers cold. Cheap eats at old places like the Market Deli are now pretty hard to come by.

The four gas stations that were in operation in 2003 have disappeared. The Display Ship Barry left its longtime pier at the Navy Yard. Traffic has increased markedly, and even with separated bike lanes and new stop lights, it’s still not easy for vehicles and bicycles and pedestrians and scooters to safely share the streets. And one of the earliest pledges of the neighborhood’s new path remains unfulfilled, as progress has stalled on the promised number of public housing units, preventing many previous Capper/Carrollsburg residents from returning to the area that used to be home. Almost everything has changed in the neighborhood in the 20 years after the first redevelopment plans were put into the pipeline. Even so, there are still more buildings to come. There will also be more residents, more office workers, more restaurants and more traffic. Hopefully there will also be more playoff games. After all, while Nats Park did not actually light the development fire, the stadium and its team are at the heart of this “new” neighborhood. Jacqueline Dupree, a longtime Capitol Hill resident, tracked the redevelopment of what was known as Near Southeast from 2003 to 2020 at her web site, JDLand.com, where thousands of photos documenting the journey from “before” to “after” are available for browsing. u

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The Washington Navy Yard

A Long History Briefly Told

he Washington Navy Yard is not what it seems. Arguably it is not a navy yard at all. Back in 1800, when the base opened, navy yards constructed, equipped and repaired naval vessels. Today’s Yard builds and maintains no ships, casts no anchors or cannons and functions mainly as a command and ceremonial center. The Yard has a public face, like the majestic Latrobe Gate on Eighth and M streets SE, or the impressive naval museum and historical center, or the gun park sprinkled with cannons and other trophies. But it has also had a less visible and even secret side, with labs that helped perfect naval communications and ra-

by William Zeisel dar and factories that built giant guns and manufactured munitions.

Early Days Several years before Washington became operational as the nation’s capital, the US government decided to place a naval yard on the Anacostia River, a stream located far from the ocean but with good depth of water and access to the timber needed to build ships. The Yard completed its first warship, the sloop Wasp, in 1806, and more would follow during the next five decades, like the 74-gun ship of the line Columbus in 1819. Military bases attract people, not only soldiers or sailors and civilian employees but those who provide essential services like groceries, liquor and entertainment. The Navy Yard, as Washington’s largest industrial establishment, had an especially large draw. The scale

Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee in her Navy Yard office, 1918. Canadian-born Higbee became the first woman to receive the Navy Cross, for her service in World War I. In World War II, the Navy named a destroyer after her, USS Higbee, which served in the Pacific theater. Photo: Library of Congress

View of Navy Yard in 1866, showing the “experimental battery” in foreground and 11th Street Bridge in background. Photo: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

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of operations varied. Originally the workers numbered in the hundreds, but in its fat-cat days, through World War II, the Yard employed thousands of women and men – some 26,000 at its peak in the mid-1940s. The paychecks of these workers fed the surrounding neighborhoods on both sides of the Anacostia River. During the 1850s, real estate developers created Uniontown, on the south side of the river, to provide housing for city workers, who could walk to work on a crossing at 11th Street SE known as the Navy Yard Bridge. Uniontown prospered and became a core of what is now known as the community of Anacostia. On the north shore of the Anacostia

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River, a settlement called Navy Yard Hill had its own public market, village green and churches. The neighborhood was largely working class and racially mixed, in keeping with the profile of the Yard’s employees. The Navy hired workers wherever it could find them, including Irish and German immigrants and other whites, but also free blacks and even slaves. Black workers and slaves usually got the worst jobs and lowest pay. The complicated and sometimes tense relations among these workers are mentioned in the diary of Michael Shiner, who worked at the Yard from 1813 to 1865, first as a slave and then, after 1836, as a freedman. For about a decade, Shiner was owned by the Yard’s clerk, Thomas Howard, who kept a portion of Shiner’s pay. In line with the relaxed slavery that prevailed in the District, Shiner seems to have had quite of bit of latitude in moving about town, as he did to attend services at the local Ebenezer Methodist church or to take meals and drinks at the Capitol Hill restaurant run by a former slave, George Lee. Shiner witnessed many notable events, such as the city’s burning by British troops in 1814 and its first race riot, in 1835, begun by white workers at the Navy Yard.

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Not all local residents benefited from the Yard’s money machine. Just east of the Yard was Pipetown, a mixed-race neighborhood of shacks and taverns that was one of the poorest and most lawless parts of the city. In January 1884, a police lieutenant named Greer, of the Eighth Precinct, speaking to a newspaper reporter after having visited Pipetown, declared, “I would almost rather be led out and shot than to be compelled to witness so much human misery and woe again.” PiDecember 2021 ★ 57

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petown gained a degree of imal for the development of heavy ordA Changing Tide mortality in Pipetown Sandy, a nance. In 1845 the Yard established New capabilities needed new spaces. The Yard’s novel by John Philip Sousa, the a facility for the design and producoriginal site was relatively small, stretching from M March King, who grew up on G tion of fuses, rockets and mines (often Street to the water and from Ninth to Fifth streets Street SE nearby. called torpedoes back then). SE. It expanded with the world wars, especially Immediately north of the Under the direction of a naduring World War II, when it grew to cover 127 Navy Yard, other poor neighval officer, John A. Dahlgren, the acres with acquisition of a large tail of land on its borhoods extended from M yard became the Navy’s gun capiwestern side. But after the war, the scale of operaStreet up to Virginia Avenue. tal. Dahlgren designed the Navy’s tions fell so much that in 1963 the Navy declared During the Depression years, biggest weapons, some capable of the western 63-acre parcel as surplus and gave it when federal funds became throwing projectiles weighing hunto the GSA – the federal government’s propertyavailable, the District began dreds of pounds. To test his demanagement arm. Shops and foundries that once constructing subsidized houssigns, Dahlgren constructed an produced weapons of war stood empty, the ecoing, including two projects “experimental battery” in the Yard, nomic flow into local neighborhoods slowed, M near the Navy Yard, the Ellen a one-story building for firing new Street became a mean street that cab drivers drove Wilson Dwellings and the Carguns into the Anacostia River. Forwith unease. Frontispiece for Pipetown Sandy, a novel by John Philip Sousa rollsburg Dwellings, complettunately, the guns of the day had a Finally, starting in the 1990s, the GSA was able published in 1905. The novel’s ed in 1941. The Wilson homes limited range, and the massive shells to find non-military tenants, who began turning the protagonist was a resident of were for whites, the Carrollswould have fallen Pipetown, one of Washington’s toughest neighborhoods. burg homes for blacks. harmlessly into the Image: Wikisource The city’s original houswater, but it must ing agency, the Alley Dwelling have been a heartAuthority, built approximately one unit of whites-onstopping experience for a riverman ly housing for every two units of black-only, to acto hear a ka-boom! and the roar of count for the greater poverty level among the city’s a projectile overhead, followed by a African Americans. The authority’s successor, the huge water splash. National Capital Housing Authority, abandoned the For the next century, the Navy segregationist racial policy in 1952, declaring that its Yard designed and often constructed new projects would not discriminate in accepting tenthe guns that adorned US warships ants. When the Carrollsburg Dwellings complex was like the Arizona and the Missouri. But extended north from M Street in the late 1950s, the as military art and technology devel612 new units got their own oped new capaname, Arthur Capper Dwellbilities, so did the ings, to honor a US senator Yard. When wirefrom Kansas who had champiless communicaoned affordable housing. The tion, aka the radio, Latrobe Gate looking from the Yard’s interior, 1923. US Marines guard Capper homes were integratappeared ca. 1900, the entry while a streetcar makes the turn at the intersection of M ed, at least on paper, but the rethe Yard began a and Eighth streets SE. Photo: Library of Congress ality was different. White flight school to train nato the suburbs and an influx of val radio operators. As medical land and the buildings to new uses. Swords were African Americans was growpractice improved, the Navy forbeaten into – beer mugs, pizza trays and woks, while ing the proportion of low-inmalized its nursing service and cabin cruisers replaced battlecruisers. Patrons at come black residents while regave it a headquarters at the Navy trendy eateries and groggeries in the Yards, the residucing that of whites. Yard. Thomas Edison suggested dential complex and pleasure resort constructed on that the Navy might profit from the Navy Yard’s old tail, now work knives and forks Serious Business having its own high-tech lab, and instead of lathes and drill presses. Cicil M. Coles of the National Youth The Yard itself was also changthe Navy agreed. In 1923 it creatAdministration instructing Juanita ing, in both function and size. Southwest resident William Zeisel is a partner in QED ed the Naval Research Laboratory, E. Gray to operate a lathe machine Associates LLC, a consulting firm that has conducted Its ability to manufacture anpreparatory to her employment at now housed a little ways down the extensive research on the history of the DC area. He is the Navy Yard, 1943. This former chors, chains, steam engines Potomac in a collection of builddomestic worker was one of many co-author of the official history of the University of the and other heavy gear essential ings topped with white domes that African American women trained District of Columbia. u for the Yard during World War II. for the whole Navy made it idelook like oversize ping-pong balls. Photo: Library of Congress

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Christmas Mass Schedule

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Mass on Christmas Day Saturday, Dec. 25th – 10:00 am

Weekend & Daily Mass Schedule Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am & 4:30 pm (vigil) Weekdays: 7:00 am (chapel)

The Main Sanctuary of the Church is open every day for prayer from 8 am until 8 pm.

Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, Dec. 26th – Mass at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm Watch Night Mass (New Year’s Eve) Friday, Dec. 31st – 11:00 pm

Solemnity of Mary (New Year’s Day) Saturday, Jan. 1st – Mass at 10:00 am

Feast of the Epiphany Thursday, Jan. 6th – Mass at 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm

1357 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 www.hcscchurch.org • 202.546.1885 Reverend Monsignor Charles E. Pope, Pastor

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Capitol Riverfront

Capitol Cuisine

f you wondered “where’s the beef,” you’ll find lots of it at Harvest Tide Steakhouse, 212 Seventh St. SE. Across from Eastern Market, the 150-seat, beefy newcomer is a spinoff of the family-owned parent restaurant in Lewes, Delaware. (The family operates another Harvest Tide and Zoca, both in nearby Bethany Beach. Zoca, by the way, is planning an offshoot at 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, where Stanton & Greene used to be.) On a chilly fall evening, we perused Mexicanborn executive chef/owner Danio Somoza’s menu, led by dry-aged USDA prime steaks. Tonight’s special was a humongous 49-ounce tomahawk ribeye, meant for sharing. Instead, I went for the 8-ounce top sirloin, perfectly timed (medium rare), seasoned with sea salt and escorted by a mound of truffle potato puree topped with a tiny carrot (I could not discern the truf-

A humongous, 49-ounce tomahawk ribeye is an evening special at Harvest Tide.

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articles and photos by Celeste McCall

fles). Sauces are $3 extra; I chose veal garlic peppercorn; other options are vino foie gras and mustard/wine reduction. Peter selected the East Coast halibut; the moist fish was perched atop Mediterranean couscous, peas and mushrooms. Other sea-going options include Chinook salmon, fried calamari, pepper crusted ahi tuna and a “build your own” seafood tower. Harvest Tide’s kitchen also offers cheese and charcuterie boards, mac-and-cheese and even “artisan pizza.” Next time. There’s also a kids menu. Joining the victuals are jazzy cocktails and an extensive wine list including Kim Diners at Harvest Tide enjoy wine, mac-and-cheese, and Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (our favorite) and artisan pizza. Poggio Chianti. Dinner for two with a drink apiece came the late Harry Morton, grandson of Morton’s Steakto $117 before tip. Service, rendered by Bob, was exhouse founder, Arnie Morton. Stay tuned. cellent. Harvest Tide’s spacious interior is inviting; light and airy. Barrels support some of the tables. More Capitol Riverfront There’s another dining room in back plus upstairs ABC Pony, 2 Eye St. SE, is a retro sandwich/noodle “overflow” seating. Harvest Tide is open daily for bar. Operated by Erik Bruner-Yang, ABC Pony lunch and dinner, including a “prime time” tapas (named after a children’s toy), offers ‘build your happy hour. For more information and reservaown” burgers (including plant-based) with fries, tions (recommended), visit www.harvesttidecapsalad or Caesar fried Brussels sprouts, pinsa (similar itolhill.com. to pizza) and cannoli. www.abcpony.com At Albi (Arabic for “my heart”), chef/owner MiCapital Riverfront/Navy Yard chael Rafidi updates traditional Our Washington Nationals Middle Eastern cuisine, tapping are gone for the year, but that Mid-Atlantic bounty. Heading hasn’t prevented restaurant achis creative menu are mushroom tivity around the Capital Rivhummus, yellowfin tuna kibbe, erfront/Navy Yard. Coming savory lamb meat pie. Closed soon: Pink Taco, 100 M St. Monday and Tuesday. www.alSE. Don’t rush right over, bidc.com. Pink Taco is not arriving here Basebowl Ramen & Grill, until spring, with expansion 1201 Half St. SE, is appropriateplans for New York, Los Anly situated near Nationals Park. geles, Miami Beach and overThis cleverly named eatery seas ventures. The menu will slings all sorts of ramen, edamashowcase enchiladas, burritos, me, gyoza (dumplings), soups, fajitas, and a lineup of margarbento boxes and an 18-inch itas including a “Cadillac” ac“Super Bowl” chock full of jumcompanied by a mini bottle of bo shrimp, steak and the trimErik Bruner-Yang operates ABC Pony, Grand Marnier. The Pink Taco near the Navy Yard, as well as other mings. www.basebowldc.com. chain was founded in 1999 by popular enterprises.

Additions & Basement Experts BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs Located at 300 Tingey St. SE in the Boilermakers Shops, Bluejacket (named for a U.S. Navy manual) is more than a sports bar. The kitchen turns out serious food including baked feta dip, Cobb salad, butternut squash soup, grilled salmon, burgers and “smothered” tater tots. www.bluejacketdc.com Dacha Beer Garden, 79 Potomac Ave. SE., serves Teutonic favorites like pretzels, potato pancakes, pork schnitzel strips, bratwurst (veal) and other sausages, assorted skewers, platters, roasted branzino. Plus beer, naturally. www. dachadc.com Due South, 301 Water St. SE, serves south-of-the Mason-Dixonline fare: pimento cheese arancini; Louisiana hot crawfish dip; smoked chicken wings; blackened catfish; shrimp and grits; pulled pork. www. duesouthdc.com. Emmy Squared Pizza, 1300 Fourth St. SE, dispenses square Detroit-style pizzas crowned with myriad toppings: pepperoni, smoked Gouda, Nashville hot chicken and more. emmysquaredpizza.com Gatsby, 1201 Half St. SE, is located across the street from the ballpark. The classy Gatsby showcases an art decor interior and serves updated classics like deviled eggs, vegan Caesar salad, chicken pot pie, milkshakes and retro cocktails. Plus all-day breakfast. www.visitgatsbyrestaurant.com Hatoba (“dock”), 300 Tingey St. SE, showcases Sapporo-style ramen and Japanese-inspired “small bites.” Besides noodle soups, you can order Japanese-style hot dogs slathered with noodles, pickled ginger, mayo. Visit www.hatobadc.com. Jackie, the “New America” bistro at 79 Potomac Ave. SE is named for the famous First Lady and headed by award-winning chef Jerome Grant. Complementing jazzed-up potables are roasted pumpkin bur-

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rata, beef tartar, grilled octopus, pan-seared salmon, Spam-fried rice, and even a Jackie burger. www.jackiedc.com. La Famosa, 1300 Fourth St. SE, turns out the best Puerto Rican fare we’ve had north of Miami. Bolitas (deep fried globes filled with cheese), pastelillos (turnovers, similar to empanadas), Latin-inspired sandwiches, whole crispy snapper, traditional flan. www.eatlafamosa.com Mah-Ze-Dahn Bakery, 1201 Half St. SE (next to Gatsby) offers breakfast pastries, assorted croissants, scones, donuts, veggie quiches and cakes (including cheesecakes), coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages. www. kneadhd.com. Maxwell Park, 1346 Fourth St. SE, is a lively wine bar offering various tasting sizes, half and full bottles. Accompanying the vino are mixed nuts, olives, smoked trout dip, grilled truffled pimento cheese. (The original Maxwell Park is in Shaw.) www.maxwellparkdc.com At Mission Navy Yard, 1221 Van St. SE, try breakfast burritos packed with scrambled eggs, chicken, cheese and beans; taco salads; the nachos Volcan, slathered with queso fundido, guacamole, pico de gallo, beans, jalapenos. Plus steak fajitas, burgers, dinner burrito, flan, margaritas, beer and other potent potables. Visit www. missionnavyyard.com. Salt Line, 79 Potomac Ave. SE, presents a seafood-centric menu, starting with clam ceviche, stuffed clams, broiled cod, Portuguese-style stew, a hefty waterman’s platter. For landlubbers, there’s grilled ribeye. Heading the sandwich menu is the lobster roll, my favorite. www.thesaltline.com Guys needing a stylish haircut and a cock-

In the Navy Yard, Emmy Squared Pizza dispenses Detroit-style, square pies with myriad toppings.

tail might visit Scissors & Scotch, at 1 M St. SE (Van and South Capitol) for a snip and sip. Part of a chain, the shop offers expert grooming plus Scotch and other drinks including beer, wine and coffee. S&S is open daily; for hours visit www.navy-yard.scissorsscotch.com. Part of the Hill Restaurant Group is Stadium Sports Bar +Smokehouse (formerly Willie’s Brew & Que), 300 Tingey St. SE. Fans quaff beers, wines and cocktails, while chowing down on the new brunch and dinner menu: avocado toast/Benedict, slicers, soft tacos, Maine mussels, smoked beef satay. www.stadiumsportsbardc.com. Yellow Café, 1346 Fourth St. SE, is a bright yellow bakery tucked inside Albi, dispensing an all-day taste of the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean). Austrian-born pastry chef Gregory Baumgartner creates sweet and savory croissants, mezze and pita sandwiches. Complementing these victuals are coffees and teas.

More Pizza

Near Eastern Market, La Casina de Pinseria Romana sports an oven lined with bricks imported from Italy.

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As colleague Liz O’Gorek has reported on the Hill Rag website, La Casina de Pinseria Romana has arrived at 327 Seventh St, SE, where Seventh Hill Pizza used to be….Ledo Pizza is opening its umpteenth offshoot at 415 Eighth St. SE on Barracks Row. u

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HILL EAST TO WARD 7: NATS STADIUM TO WARD 8 Redistricting Draft Map Released

he DC Council Redistricting Subcommittee unanimously approved its Final Redistricting Map on Nov. 18 realigning the city’s eight wards. The map makes major changes to Wards 6, 7 and 8. It transfers a portion of the Capitol Riverfront including Nationals Stadium to Ward 8. Simultaneously, it shifts a significant section of the eastern side of Capitol Hill, east of 15th Street to Ward 7. Kingman Park returns to Ward 6. The map is available at https://dcredistricting.esriemcs.com/redistricting/ and

Redistricting Every 10 years, the DC Council redraws the boundaries of the city’s eight wards in the wake of the US Census. The District’s Charter fixes the number of wards at eight. The DC Code dictates that the city’s population must be apportioned equally (one person, one vote) among the wards, with no more than a 5% deviation permitted. Dividing the city’s 2020 population (689,545) by eight yields 86,193. To be legal, a redistricting plan must limit the population of each ward to between 81,883 and 90,504. In the District, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson appointed a three-member Redistricting Subcommittee consisting of At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds (D) and At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson (I) to de-

by Andrew Lightman velop a plan to overhaul the ward boundaries. This plan must secure a majority of votes on the committee and then be approved by a majority vote of the Council. Under the DC Code, wards redrawn under redistricting must be “compact and contiguous.” The boundaries should conform as much as possible to those of the US Census tracts. This limits population exchanges to adjacent wards. In addition, Silverman stated at a Council hearing, the redistricting plan should avoid dividing “communities of interest” ‒ neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Hillcrest, Brookland or Georgetown. “The key question before the Subcommittee was how to grow Wards 7 and 8, which are geographically separated by the natural boundary of the Anacostia River from the rest of the city (with the exception of a small part of Ward 7 which spans the Anacostia) while shrinking the population of Ward 6. Though the fundamental duty of redistricting is to rebalance the population to ensure every resident has an equal voice in government, any new political boundaries must be drawn in a way that does not dilute the voting strength of minority residents. The Subcommittee considered this principle greatly as it examined how to blend neighborhoods of varying racial and economic composition,” stated the Subcommittee in the press release accompanying its draft redistricting map. The map was crafted “with an eye towards balancing “the legal requirement

of equal representation with a strong interest in advancing the economic and racial diversity of the District’s wards while safeguarding the voting strength of Black residents east of the Anacostia River,” the Subcommittee stated.

The New Ward 8 The subcommittee drew a new Ward 8 to span the Anacostia River. The ward boundary crosses the 11TH Street Bridge. Thereafter, it follows I-695 west to New Jersey Avenue SE, taking a southern turn down to M Street SE. Finally, it heads west to South Capitol Street and south to the new Frederick Douglass Bridge. The new Ward 8 would (Continued on pg 66)

The Final Map Draft endorsed unanimously by the Redistricting Subcommittee.

December 2021 ★ 65

.capitol streets.

known as “Hill East,” into Ward 7. The border between the two runs south along the Anacostia from Benning Road and then crosses the river at the East Capitol Bridge. Following C Street NE west to 15th Street NE, it turns south to Potomac Avenue SE. There, it heads southwest dodging the metro along I and K Streets SE before heading south crossing the 11th Street Bridge. There

have the representation of an entire Advisory Neighborhood Commission.” In drawing the new northeastern border between Wards 6 and 7, the Subcommittee created a strange elbow jutting out the Anacostia across Kingman Island instead of extending a cleaner line straight down 15th Street NE/SE from Benning Road. Their intent, members stated at the news conference, was retain the last two Black majority neighborhoods of Rosedale and Kingman Park in Ward 6. This decision seemingly violates their intent to create geographically compact wards. Rosedale and Kingman Park collectively contain a population of 6,013, 61.77% of which is Black. Removing these two neighborhoods from The odd extension of Ward 7 south of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Ward 6 reduces its population to 81,941, 22.87 of have a population of 85,246, which would be Black, a 83.2% Black. reduction of 2.5 percentWard 8’s new boundarage points, hardly materiies, the Subcommittee stated, al. One could as easily arcreate “more racial diversity, gue that Kingman Park though the addition of white and Rosedale have stronresidents does not dilute the ger ties to the neighborvoting strength of Ward 8’s hoods to their south than Black residents. Additionally, to their east. this allows western Ward 8 to The Subcommithave enough population for a tee’s reasoning is parstand-alone Advisory Neighticularly odd given their borhood Commission.” decision to move the maThe Subcommittee’s dejority Black neighborcision to orphan eleven cenhood of Hill East just to sus tracks located north of M the south to Ward 7. This The Navy Yard bump out which keeps seven blocks of the neighborhood in Ward 6. Street SE, east of South Capitol, south of I-695 and west of New Jersey Avenue SE into Ward 6 quite clearly diit follows the Anacosvides “a community of interest.” This area contains tia River northeast to 4,291 residents, 449 of whom are Black. Including the Sousa Bridge. them in Ward 8 would have raised its population The new Ward 7 to 89,537, making it larger than Ward 2, the largest would have a popward by population under the new map. With this ulation of 81,997, addition, Ward 8 would be 79.75% Black, a reduc83.91% Black. tion of roughly four percentage points, hardly mateThe new boundrial. Asked about the decision at their news conferaries of Ward 7, the ence announcing the map, subcommittee members subcommittee statattributed this strange bump out to “the math.” ed, promote “racial

The New Ward 7 The Subcommittee extended Ward 7 further across the Anacostia. The map shifts Kingman Park into Ward 6 along with the Fields at RFK, while simultaneously moving a significant section of Capitol Hill, 66 H HILLRAG.COM

diversity but does not dilute the voting strength of Black residents in Ward 7. Additionally, it allows western Ward 7 to

The northern Ward 6 extension incorporating Rosedale, Kingman Park and the Fields at RFK.

area, whose population of 7,625 is 46.50% Black, has nearly as many Black residents as its northern neighbors and arguably stronger ties to Capitol Hill. A simpler solution would have been to draw the border between Wards 6 and 7 from Benning Road straight down 15th Street NE/SE to the Potomac Metro. The Subcommittee’s decision to retain Kingman Parka and Rosedale in Ward 6 likely created another oddity on their new Ward 7’s southern border. They chose to extend the ward south of Pennsylvania Avenue SE along the Anacostia to 11th Street SE and then north of I-695 from the Potomac Metro along Potomac Avenue and K Street SE. A total of 1,515 individuals live in this racially mixed area. The section above the highway has strong ties to Capitol Hill with which it shares a “community of interest.” Most importantly, the border would divide the neighboring public housing complexes of Potomac Gardens and Hopkins, creating complexities in ward-based city services. Lastly, it would complicate the planned reconstruction of Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

The New Wards 2 and 6 The Subcommittee’s map significantly redraws the boundary between Wards 2 and 6. It reunites Shaw by moving four US Census tracts to Ward 2. The new boundary would go from New York Avenue NE to K Street NW where it takes a brief southern turn before heading west along Massachusetts Avenue NW to Fifth Street NW. There, it traces a route south to Indiana Avenue NW, where it turns briefly west and then south along 6th Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW. It then heads back to the December 2021 H 67

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base of the Capitol at Third Street NW where it turns south to Independence Avenue SE following the Mall to the 14th Street where it heads across the Bridge to the Virginia border. This shifts nearly all of Haines Point, the Washington Channel and the Capitol itself into Ward 6. The new population of the new Ward 6 will be 87,954, 25.4% Black. The new Ward 2 would have a population of 89,411, 11.43% Black. Placing both Kingman Park and Rosedale, the only majority Black neighborhoods on Capitol Hill, in the new Ward 6, preserved racial diversity in that ward, the Subcommittee stated, as well as reuniting two “communities of interest” in response to the demands of residents. Reuniting Shaw, the subcommittee stated, followed the same logic.

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With the unanimous approval of the Draft Redistricting Map by the Subcommittee, matters move to the full Council, which will hold two votes to approve a final map on Dec. 7 and Dec. 21. In the past, Councilmembers have made substantial changes to the subcommittee’s recommendations. Certainly the oddities in boundaries created by the Kingman Park and Rosedale hook, the Capitol Riverfront bump out and the extension of Ward 7 below Pennsylvania Avenue SE warrant consideration. However, the main tenants of the Subcommittee’s plan is likely to survive their review and form the basis for the District’s June 2022 election. ◆

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CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT Jackie Spainhour, Leader of “America’s Hippest Cemetery”

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

istoric Congressional Cemetery impactful social media presence. In addition to (HCC) has a new President. Afa significant increase in revenue, Jackie’s tenure ter a national search, the board at the Hunter House was marked by dramatof the Association for the Preseric innovation and major steps forward in provation of Historic Congressional gramming and outreach. Cemetery selected Jaclyn “Jackie” Spainhour as Spainhour said she was “humbled and the next HCC President. thrilled to be joining the Congressional CemeThe board said they were looking for a visionary leader with strong management and fundraising skills to lead HCC into the next phase of its growth. “In Jackie, we found all of those traits as well as a warmth and curiosity that will draw all of the cemetery’s constituencies further into our family,” the board wrote in a press release. Spainhour officially took office Nov. 1. Jackie comes to HCC from the Hunter House Victorian Museum in Norfolk, VA, where she spent the better part of a decade overseeing a staff of museum professionals and volunteer docents. As Director of the Hunter House, Jackie transformed the organization from an unknown local gem to a facility well-known in Virginia and beyond for its forward-thinking programs, engaged millenniJackie Spainhour, President of Historic Congressional Cemetery (HCC). al audience, and active and Courtesy: HCC

tery family,” and to building upon the legacy Williams has left to include even more diverse audiences. “I look forward to learning more about the residents—and future residents—of ‘America’s Hippest Cemetery’,” she said. “I accept this position with the utmost respect for the past as we journey into the future of Congressional Cemetery together.” The national search for the HCC President was launched in June 2021. A wide field of candidates was ultimately narrowed by the Search Committee to three finalists. The three finalists each spent a half day on the grounds of the cemetery, interviewing with HCC staff, members of the Search Committee, all remaining members of the Board of Directors, and with Christ Church Rector, Reverend John Kellogg. Outgoing President Paul K. Williams stepped down from his role as President in October after nearly a decade at the helm of the cemetery. Williams accepted a position as Superintendent of Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown and as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Oak Hill Foundation. But he won’t get far. “As he is fond of sharing,” the HCC board said, “as a cemetery plot owner, he plans to be with us for all eternity.” COVID restrictions prevented the Board from hosting a planned farewell event for Paul before his departure. A celebration of Williams’s years of service will be held as soon as it is safe to host large gatherings, ideally in spring 2022. Learn more about Historic Congressional Cemetery (HCC), its programs, events and plots by visiting www.congressionalcemetery.org. ◆

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.capitol streets.

/ Our River: The Anacostia /

ANACOSTIA PARKS AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATION THROUGHOUT ANACOSTIA

t is fascinating how people on both sides of the Anacostia River have resolved to work toward the restoration of the waters and adjacent lands using two very different approaches. Even more interesting is how each approach fits so well with the landscape, the history, the land uses, and the assets of each side. On the Capitol Hill side of the River, the traditional neighborhoods turned their backs on the pollution, the old industrial buildings and all else going on east of the freeways and the stadium, golf course and Arboretum. But once the River’s recovery began, there was a renewed interest in what could be done to clean away the old industries, build new stadiums, develop the area south of

Coming Up with Ideas – July 2021. Photo:

the Navy Yard with expensive houses, condos, apartments, stores and restaurants along the water – even yacht clubs! And now the effort is even moving across South Capitol Street and into Buzzard’s Point, a place ignored for many decades. On the other side of the River, in Anacostia, the effort to support the recovered waters and parks has been more complex, but has resulted in a coopera72 ★ HILLRAG.COM

by Bill Matuszeski tive effort to bring the River into the lives and neighborhoods of all who live near it without creating costs and conditions that force folks to move out. There are many challenges to bring the citizens of Anacostia into embracing the parks and the River as new and wonderful parts of their environment. Some are structural; the Freeway separates many neighborhoods from the parklands and provides few places to cross under. Some are historic; the River has acted as a barrier to cross to get to the main part of the city. Some are social, such as fears of being alone without access to help. But now there is an effort to overcome all these and other reasons that have kept the citizens of Anacostia from enjoying the open spaces and river activities and views. This effort is being carried out by a coalition of 32 organizations, which have formed the Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative, or APACC. Some are local, others city-wide, regional or even national. Brenda Richardson Formed in the middle of the last decade by ex-Mayor Anthony Williams and his colleague Doug Siglin, APACC has grown to engage its members in a wide range of activities to work with the community and neighborhoods to create the conditions and programs that let folks be able to afford to stay in their homes and expand their use of the parks and River without fear of being displaced by increasing costs of liv-

Anacostia Park And Community Collaborative – Membership Ward 7 (5)

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Groundwork Anacostia River DC Ward 7 Business Partnership Zion Baptist Church of Eastland Gardens

Ward 8 (7)

Anacostia Business Improvement District Anacostia Coordinating Council Fairlawn Citizens’ Association Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative Historic Anacostia Block Association Ward 8 Woods Friends of Oxon Run Park

Wards 7 and 8 (3)

Akiima Price Consulting Community Preservation and Development Corporation Progressive National Baptist Convention Comm,Dev.Corp.

DC Anacostia Watershed (2) Building Bridges Across the River (11th Street Bridge Project) Living Classrooms – Kingman Island Entire Watershed (2)

Anacostia Riverkeeper Anacostia Watershed Society

DC-Wide (9)

Alice Ferguson Foundation The Conservation Fund DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Institute for Public Health Innovation Nature Bridge Neighborhood Legal Services Program Policy Innov. Lab McCourt Sch.of Public Policy, Georgetown Sierra Club DC Washington Parks and People

Region-wide (3)

Casey Trees Groundswell Urban Institute

National (2)

Audubon Naturalist Society Clean Water Fund

ing. The following Table gives you a sense of who are the 32 organizations working together and what the names indicate each is focusing on. The Collaborative holds monthly meetings to coordinate actions, activities and pressure on agencies and systems of all types to get these neighborhoods what they want and need for the coming years. These are meetings of the Steering Committee, the Policy Committee, General Meetings to which all are

Sunset from Anacostia. Photo: Danielle Burs

invited, and public events. Check for the time and place of meetings and events on the Collaborative website, www.anacostiaparkcommunity.org. The purpose of the meetings is to organize the power and rally the community on areas of concern. At the moment, the focus of the group is on a number of ongoing efforts. One is the design and progress for the 11th Street Bridge Project to add pedestrian activities over and alongside the River – a project of “Building Bridges Across the River”. Another is stewardship programs to engage students in school and train those graduating in possible work protecting natural systems along the river. Then there are possible activities in stream restoration, water quality measurement, wetlands reconstruction and other areas for both education and jobs for youth. Anacostia Park and its River are turning into a marvelous places that should be designed and provided with programs that will make the residents of Anacostia want to stay and take advantage of all the improvements that are coming their way. And the organization to do just that is in place and working on it fulltime! Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of Friends of the National Arboretum and on Citizen Advisory Committees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia. ◆

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CAPITAL TURNAROUND PHASE II OPENS Children’s Learning Center, Concert and Event Space

n October, Capital Turnaround celebrated another milestone in the renovation of the Navy Yard Car Barn when National Community Church (NCC) opened the kids play and learning space at the newly developed building. The morning event included tours of the newly renovated space, balloons, a doughnut truck and playtime for a group of happy children. For nearly a century, the Navy Yard Car Barn served as the last stop on DC’s street car line. This historic building, reverently renovated with exposed concrete columns, a top-notch sound system, and several seating areas, has been rechristened Capital Turnaround. NCC bought the building in 2014 for $29.3 million. The total cost of renovations is estimated at $20 million. The funds have come largely from donations by congregants and supporters, NCC said. The mixed-used facility is now

by Elizabeth O’Gorek home to Phase Family Learning Center, a state-of-the-art event space, church services for NCC and a planned future mixed-use marketplace.

Landmark The renovation of the 100,000 square foot building is expected to kickstart change at the southern end of Eighth Street SE, now a relatively quiet area across from the Washington Navy Yard’s historic Latrobe Gate. Built in the 1890s, the Blue Castle is a well-known District landmark, with its own Facebook and Wikipedia pages. Also known as the Washington and Georgetown Railroad Car House or the Navy Yard Car Barn, the building was the terminus of the city’s first and most important streetcar line that ran along Pennsylvania Avenue from Georgetown to the Navy Yard. The building was later used as storage, a bus garage and a temporary headquarters for the US Department

NCC Pastor Mark Batterson (third from left in gray) with Capital Riverfront BID President Michael Stevens, Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D), Phase Learning Center CEO Frank Bealer and family members during the ribbon cutting. Photo: Linda Hughes. Courtesy: Capital Turnaround

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of Labor. In 1988, mental health services company PSI purchased the building and painted it blue. Multiple charter schools have also called the building their home in the past twenty years, most recently Richard Wright Public Charter School.

Prayer Walk NCC Pastor Mark Batterson is excited about the plans for the building and Children play at a building station during a tour of children’s playrooms. Linda Hughes/Capital the church. “When God led the Turnaround me on a 4.7-mile prayer walk around Capitol Hill in 1996, Miracle Theatre; we turned an abanI turned the southeast corner at Eighth doned apartment into the Dream Cenand M Streets,” Batterson said. ter. This is sort of the biggest endeavor.” “I had no idea that eighteen years The congregation wanted a space to the day from the day of that prayer that they could use for services, he said, circle, we would purchase the Navy but also something the wider city could Yard Car Barn.” use during the week to gather, celebrate That prayer walk also led him and be entertained. past the current site of Ebenezers Cof“We think that’s a way to facilitate feehouse (201 F St. NE), which NCC community along with doing what we opened in 2006, the former People’s do as a church,” Batterson said. Church Building, opened as Miracle Theatre (535 Eighth St. SE) in 2016, Phase II Celebrated Square 906, bounded by Virginia AvThe October celebration marked the enue, Seventh, Eighth, and L Streets completion of a child development SE, on which NCC owns two additioncenter that will be operated by Georal lots (1003 Eighth St. SE and 733 Virgia-based Phase Family Learning Cenginia Ave. SE). ters. Offering services to families with Batterson said that owning propkids 6 weeks through five years old, erty is necessary to do the work that Phase teachers provide an all-incluNCC, which sees itself as “a church sive approach of both traditional classin the marketplace,” feels called to do. room instruction and hands-on enrichPurchasing and renovating properties ment spaces. is one way to do that. The program will emphasize aca“You seek the peace and prosperdemic and character development deity of the city by building spaces that signed to help family members connect serve the community,” he said. “So inwith one another as well as with other stead of building a church building, we families in the community. The childbuilt a coffee house; we renovated the care center has the capacity to serve

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170 children and employs about 40 DC childcare professionals. Phase’s Turnaround location includes classrooms, its own minitheatre, and an indoor streetcarthemed playground space that will be accessible to the community. Its curriculum is a blend of Emilia Reggio and STEM, recognizing both the value of a play-based approach and the need to hit milestones, said Phase CEO Frank Bealer. He said Phase Family Learning’s business model involves strategic partnerships with urban churches throughout the country that often have empty buildings during the week. “They’re not running the school —our content is not faith based,” Bealer said. “We’re just strategic in that partnership.”

A Place to Go Capital Turnaround is not just a space for kids to grow. It’s also a place for people to go. The space is becoming a popular venue for weddings. Phase I, completed in spring 2019, includes an event space with seating for 850 that doubles as a worship space for the church. The space is available for rent for events such as concerts, conventions and school events. The stage is also the city’s latest concert and performance venue. Programmed by Wharf venue

EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF CAPITOL HILL & BEYOND Union Stage as Union Stage Presents, the stage hosts bands, live podcasts, comedy and other shows, filling a void left when Rock n Roll Hotel and U Street Music Hall closed in 2020. In February, actor-comedian Chris Fleming and singer Richard Marx will hit the stage. A May concert featuring British singer Rina Sawayama is already sold out. The venue will feature shows limited to those 21-plus, but also a range of all age events.

More to Come The final phase planned for the renovation will bring an indoor marketplace to the gates of the Navy Yard. The market is expected to take up a little more than half of the building, or about 50,000 square feet. Pastor Mark Batterson said that COVID has delayed the start date, but planning and demolition are slated to begin in 2022. It will be a mixed-use marketplace with restaurants and retail, including a coworking space, but so far NCC is not sure if it will be a built-out urban market or one better suited to kiosks and pop-ups like Union Market. Batterson said he sees the renovation of the Capital Turnaround as the ability of NCC to serve the city, and he calls it a joy and a privilege. “My hunch is, God doesn’t give us a city block to dream small,” he said. “I think this is our moment to dream a little bit bigger and to believe that we can do some things to make this a better city.”

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Learn more about Capital Turnaround, how to book space for events and about upcoming shows by visiting https://capitalturnaround. com/. Learn more about Phase Learning Center at https://phase. center/school/locations/washington-dc/ ◆ December 2021 ★ 77

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EV Charging Needs Expansion ANC 6A REPORT by Nick L. Alberti Chair Amber Gove (6A04) convened the November 10, 2021 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A via Zoom with Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01), Phil Toomajian (6A02), Mike Soderman (6A03), Laura Gentile (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06), Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07) and Brian Alcorn (6A08) all in attendance.

DC Redistricting Councilmember-at-Large Elissa Silverman updated the ANC about the on-going process of developing a redistricting plan for the city. The 2020 census showed that Ward 6 has experienced the most significant growth in population and is now well above the acceptable population threshold while Wards 7 and 8 have declined in population. The Redistricting Committee, of which Councilmember Silverman is the chair, held a number of hearings and offered a digital redistricting tool in an effort to collect input from DC residences on the redistricting process. Much of the Councilmember’s time at the November ANC6A meeting was spent defending the three maps that were, at the time, the favored options for redrawing the Wards. Many residents as well as Commissioners spoke out in favor of preserving as much of the Ward 6 boundaries as possible, as evidenced by the two motions passed, unanimously to that effect. Councilmember-at-Large Silverman offers updates on the redistricting process on her website, elissasilverman.com/redistricting.

DC Parks and Recreation Christopher Dryer, Community Engagement director for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) informed the ANC about a number of upcoming programs, both virtual and in-person, put on by the department. This winter, DPR is offering ballet classes, piano lesson, a variety of exercise courses and more, in addition to the year-round offerings. Programming is available for a spectrum of ages across the city. More information is found by visiting dpr.dc.gov.

New Business •

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The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to the DC Council Redistricting Committee requesting that the Committee ensure that the current ANC6A boundaries are retained in the Redistricting Pro-

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A AMBER GOVE, CHAIR, AMBERANC6A@GMAIL.COM Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and H Street communities ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.

www.anc6a.org

ALL ARE WELCOME •

cess, and that ANC 6A remain a part of Ward 6. The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to the Chair of the DC Council Committee on Health, the Director of the DC Department of Health Care Finance and the Director of the DC Department of Behavioral Health in support for bridge funding for DC Mental Health Access in Pediatrics.

Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) expressing the need for expansion of electric vehicle charging throughout the District; urging both public and private solutions to electric vehicle charging for residents without off-street parking, including measures to facilitate extending charging cables from residences to the curb, with all due consideration for safety and ADA compliance. • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT supporting TSA 2100448727 for the 300 block of 18th Street NE, including consideration of speed humps and raised crosswalks. • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT supporting TSA’s 21-00428331 & 2100428369 for the 1500 -1900 blocks of Benning Road NE, including a full traffic safety investigation; consideration of speed humps, raised crosswalks, signal timing, and all other traffic calming measures; and that DDOT consider extending the planned H Street dedicated bus lanes to this corridor as a traffic

calming measure as well as to improve transit. • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT requesting that 20 MPH speed limit signs be placed on all collector streets in ANC6A that do not yet have signs. • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT requesting the installation of a contra-flow bike lane on the 1100 block of F Street NE. • The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT supporting TSA 21-00119585 for the intersection of 13th Street NE and Wylie Street NE, including installation of raised crosswalks for the entire intersection. The Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00 pm on the third Monday of each month.

Economic Development and Zoning •

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, December 9, 7:00 p.m. Community Outreach Committee meeting 4th Monday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, December 15, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Transportation & Public Space Committee 3rd Monday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting 4th Tuesday, December 28, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Instructions for accessing the meeting via WebEx have been posted under Hot Topics at anc6a.org. Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be able to enter the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start time.

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The Commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter of support to Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for a special exception from the rooftop and upper floor requiremewnts to construct a third story addition to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit at 327 Tennessee Avenue, NE (BZA Case #20607) with the caveat that the owners make best efforts to get letters of support from the neighbors at 324, 326 and 328 14th Street.

The Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Visit www.anc6a.org for a calendar of meeting times, meeting agendas and other information. u

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

Next meeting Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Information will be posted on the ANC 6C website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANC usually meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Ave, N.E. Please check the ANC 6C website for dates.

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: anc6c.tps@gmail.com

Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants Environment, Parks, and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: 6C06@anc.dc.gov

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov Twitter: @6C_PZE

December 2021 H 79

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Unhoused Neighbors Housing Program Update ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek Appearing were Commissioners Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02), Brian Ready (6B03), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06), Edward Ryder (6B07), Peter Wright (6B08), Alison Horn (6B09). Not appearing: Denise Krepp (6B10).

epartment of Health (DoH) representatives were scheduled to appear before the ANC to discuss the implications of a viral video showing rats in a Barracks Row Popeye’s restaurant. Chair Brian Ready (6B03) said that DoH representatives had confirmed attendance at the Nov. 9th meeting. Ready said it was an important conversation around the safety of dining in the District. The video, Ready said, indicated that the rat infestation was not spontaneous ,but instead had developed over time. Popeye’s was “grandfathered” in, and not subject to restrictions newly imposed by the ANC, notably a requirement for indoor trash storage. Acknowledging that the restaurant had health code infractions, the Chair expressed concern about the safety of other restaurants on the block, given the age and interconnected nature of the buildings. Ready said he still wanted to ask DoH if the restaurant would be open if the video had not been published online and would invite representatives to the December meeting.

Housing Unhoused Neighbors The Commission discussed, but ultimately deferred, a vote on a letter intended for Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage, asking him to expedite the placement of all unhoused neighbors into housing, not just those part of the pilot program. The letter cited concern with the treatment of individuals after a man was hit by heavy equipment during an encampment clearing on L Street NE. The letter recommended a postponement of clearings until all unhoused residents are connected with services and requested public 80 H HILLRAG.COM

meetings with encamped residents. Community Connections Chief Impact Officer Ishan Heru spoke at the meeting. He pointed out that the pilot program targets only specific sites, none of which are located near Eastern Market. The decision of who gets housing first is not based on need, Heru said. “It’s based on who gets to amplify their voices loud enough,” Heru said, “and this is happening completely outside our homeless entry system.” People who are in the pilot program are getting housing much faster than those in the coordinated entry system: 45 days compared to upwards of three months. The two programs are administered and funded separately, Heru said, with the pilot funded from leftover funds from the CARES act. As the pilot programs move people out, Heru said, people formerly living in those encampments who did not make the list for housing are moving to other locations. Commissioner Allison Horn (6B09) said this movement actually slows down the housing process for many, as there are different outreach organizations working at each site. Switching sites might mean that an individual needs to switch case managers, or even start the process over again. “This is a very dangerous game of whack-amole,” Heru said. “You’re just going to move them from one place to the other.” The program should be expanded to all encampments, Heru said, or people will take refuge where they know there are resources. Commissioners expressed support for a special meeting on the topic to discuss the matter in greater depth, to be held under the auspices of the ANC Livable Communities Task Force (LCTF).

Eastern Market Park Preacher The commission voted to support a request to Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D), District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Everett Lott and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First District Commander Ralph McLean to attend a meeting of the LCTF to discuss community concerns with noise at Eastern Market Metro Park (EMMP). In raising the matter, Commissioner Steve Holtzman (6B05) noted an email exchange between Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) and residents about the high-volume amplification used by a late-evening public preacher situated regularly on the plaza near the metro station entrance. Allen said the legal opinion from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) was that this was

protected speech, and so DCRA could not act on the matter regardless of the amplified volume. While acknowledging that public meetings on such a topic are not generally productive, Holtzman said that after dealing with the issue for a long time, commissioners continue to receive emails on the matter, and it would be worthwhile to provide a forum where District representatives can explain the city’s position on the issue and residents can voice concerns.

Daytime School Zones Parking The commission voted 7-1 to submit comments to DDOT on proposed rulemaking on daytime school parking zones. DDOT is working to implement DC Council legislation passed in 2018 which gives the option for an ANC to request a daytime school parking zone where staff could park around schools. The rules are expected to take effect in January or February 2022 and will affect 322 DC Public School (DCPS) and charter schools in DC, said Transportation Committee Chair Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04). The commission requested that DDOT provide the rational for setting aside specific parking areas rather than issuing regular Residential Parking Permits (RPPs) to school staff, wanting to know more about specific signage for these areas. Once the rules are finalized, they asked the agency to provide guidance to ANCs and to schools, saying the rulemaking is vague on many aspects of the process.

Support for Third Rental Unit The Commission voted 5-3 with one recusal to support a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application to convert a three-story building and a carriage house to a three-unit apartment at 316 Second St. SE. The applicant requires a special exception and a zoning use variance to permit more than two rental units on a single lot in the RF-3 zone. The prior owner had rented the carriage house but without the required Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). The current owner would like to renovate the main house to include a basement unit for rent, and to also rent the carriage house. Counsel for an adjacent neighbor argued that the lot lacks the required square footage for three rental units and that there is insufficient egress from the rear for the carriage house. Reminding the assembled that the commission could only vote on the issue at hand, the special exception and use variance for the additional rental C

of O, commissioners supported the application. Many argued that they were legalizing a long-term use and said they appreciated the applicant going through legal channels. Peter Wright (6B08) recused himself, noting that he had previously worked with the applicant in a professional capacity. The next meeting of ANC 6B is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. For the most up-to-date information on meetings and how to join a virtual meeting via Webex, visit anc6b.org. Learn about Commissioners and committees and subscribe to the ANC 6B newsletter by visiting anc6b. org or connect with the commission via email at 6b@anc.dc.gov or via @ ANC6B on Twitter. ◆

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t their Nov. 10th meeting, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C endorsed a letter supporting the concept behind a proposal for a Planned Unit Devel-

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and the Comprehensive Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act of 2021, both of which had Council hearings Nov. 19. Eckenwiler said such legislation was inevitable, but said he thinks changes should be strongly urged. As written, the legislation prohibits licensed premises from being within 400 feet of a school or recreation center. Eckenwiler suggested there should also be a requirement for 400-foot separation NRP Development Associate Chris Marshall presents a fully-affordable concept for between all types of licensed sell301 Florida Ave. NE at the November meeting of ANC 6C. Screenshot: Webex/ANC 6C ers, to avoid clustering and the creation of a perceived drug market. The bill prohibits micro and opment (PUD) at 301 Florida Ave. some Permanent Supportive Housoff-premises sales in residential zones inNE. The proposed mixed-use projing (PSH). The project is set to including R, RF and RA zones. Eckenwilect will include 115-120 entirely afclude a number of family-sized afer said that he believed that sales should fordable units, said NRP Developfordable units. Marshall said the also be prohibited in neighborhood ment Associate Chris Marshall. developers increased family-sized mixed-use (NC) zone, but compromised, Marshall said that the team units to 21 percent three-bedroom proposing the exclusion of the NC Housseeks support at this very early and 26 percent two-bedroom after ing Sub-District on H Street from Second stage, prior to discussing form and a conversation with Commissioner to Seventh Streets. design, so they can apply for funds Drew Courtney (6C06). 10 percent Eckenwiler said the city cannot rely from the Department of Houswill be studio and 43 percent oneon the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation ing and Community Development bedroom units. Marshall showed Administration (ABRA) to deal with un(DCHD). Marshall said the ANC’s charts indicating the annual mean licensed operations. Eckenwiler said the support is necessary as part of a wage of essential workers in DC, act legalizing sales should incorporate PUD application to the Office of connecting them to the affordabilprovisions from emergency legislation Zoning (OZ). ity levels of the proposed units. proposed by DC Council Chairman Phil The site is four blocks from Although no concept deMendelson (D) that includes additional Union Market and two blocks from signs were presented at the meetprovisions to penalize illegal sales. NoMA Metro station, across the ing, Marshall said the project will street from several developments be at about equal height to other Consent in various stages of completion. buildings on Florida Avenue, with Commissioners unanimously supported Given its proximity to amenities, ground floor retail but no parking. the following matters on consent: Marshall said the site is a “onceThe set down hearing, at • to unanimously oppose a Board of in-a-career opportunity.” which the Zoning Commission Zoning Adjustment (BZA) applicaANC 6C Planning, Zondecides whether the application tion for a special exception to coning and Economic Development meets the standards for a PUD, struct a rear addition and conver(PZ&E) Committee Chair Mark could be as early as February 2022, sion to a four-unit apartment house Eckenwiler (6C04) said that the Marshall said, after which the team at 622 I St NE. The application has site was the subject of a PUD would pursue further discussion been opposed multiple times since application approved in 2016. about application with the ANC. September 2020, and opposition That PUD included 56 units with was reiterated on earlier grounds, four affordable units and ground Comments on including privacy and the length of floor retail. Cannabis Legislation the extension which is well past the In addition to the 120 units at The ANC voted to send comments by-right maximum. 30-50 Area Mean Income (AMI), to the DC Council on the Medical • to support a BZA application to r the proposed project will include Cannabis Amendment Act of 2021 82 H HILLRAG.COM

build an existing rear two-story deck at 621 A St NE to replace the aging structure. • to support a BZA application to add a second story addition on top of a previously constructed one-story addition at 103 Fourth St NE. The new addition would fit entirely on the old footprint. • to submit comments to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) on proposed rulemaking on daytime school parking zones. DDOT is working to implement DC Council legislation passed in 2018 which gives the option for an ANC to request a daytime school parking zone where staff could park around the school. • a letter supporting a traffic calming measures, including light high visibility crosswalks and curb bump outs in addition to a speed bump on the 1100 block of Seventh St NE. A DDOT traffic safety investigation found calming measures unnecessary, said Transportation Public Space (TPS) Committee Chair Christy Kwan, but added they would install a speed bump if the ANC requested it. Commissioners say DDOT is using bumps instead of more meaningful measures. • a letter to DDOT expressing concerns about construction on the 300 block of M Street NE and asking the agency to enforce the site safety plan. There are concerns about a lack of safe accommodation for cyclists and pedestrians at the construction site, which extends to 1200 Fourth St. NE. Work has closed off access to the sidewalk and the two-way cycle track on Fourth St.

In Other Business the ANC: Unanimously supported a proposed restriction on trucks weighing more than 1 and 3/4 tons on G Street NE between Second and Sixth Streets. Commission-

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er Eckenwiler said a community member raised the issue. While commissioners could not cite a recent concern with large trucks in the area, they saw no problem with the proposal. Commissioner Christine Healey (6C01) said she wanted to make commissioners aware that the Supreme Court is blocking truck traffic on Second Street NE and has erected barriers on the 200 block of A Street NE without public notice or community involvement. Although expected, neither the Supreme Court Marshall nor a representative attended the Nov. 10th meeting. Healey said she had met with the Marshall in October to raise concerns, and DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) wrote a letter the same month to ask the Chief Justice about new policy. The letter notes that Norton and neighbors had strenuously opposed a permanent security barrier. As of Nov. 10, Norton had not yet received a reply. Healey said she would extend another invitation to the Supreme Court to send representation to the December meeting. ANC 6C generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting of ANC 6C is scheduled for a Thursday, 7 p.m. Dec. 8. Get the latest information on how to attend at anc6c.org/hot-topics/. u

Audi Field Parcel B Moves Forward ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Nov. 8 over Zoom. Commissioners Jared Weiss (6D02, secretary), Ronald Collins (6D03, treasurer), Andy Litsky (6D04), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D05, vice chair), Rhonda Hamilton (6D06) and Edward Daniels (6D07, chair) were in attendance. 6D01 is vacant.

arcel B is located on the vacant field just to the east of Audi Field and north of the Superior Concrete Plant. It is part of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) that includes Audi Field. PN Hoffman & Associates plans a 508,298 sq. ft., development on the

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lot. The PUD subjects the project to a design review by the DC Zoning Commission, which is scheduled for mid-December. The project also requires a slight adjustment to the PUD’s boundaries and two curb cuts, which must be approved by the DC Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Committee on Public Space. For the Parcel B site, Hoffman plans 10,780 A rendering of the PN Hoffman & Associates project at Parcel B. Image: PN Hoffman & Associates sq. ft. of retail, 39,661 sq. ft. of entertainment, would occupy all available parking during game days 41,043 sq. ft. of office reducing that available to residents. and 416,804 sq. ft. of residential uses. A total of 455 Given the long history of the parcel as an inrental residences are planned, 110 of which will be dustrial site, Commissioners Collins and Hamil100% affordable senior housing. The remainder will ton raised concerns about the Hoffman’s plans for be market rate except for 8% reserved as affordable its remediation. “This is the most contaminated dwellings. 305 parking spaces are planned. The ofparcel in Buzzard Point. We would like to have extenfices will house the headquarters of Volunteers of sive community meetings with the remediation firm America, which will also be the administrator of the you select,” said Hamilton. Hoffman is developing a senior component of the project. plan for the entire parcel in conjunction with DDOT Hoffman as arranged with DDOT to create a and The DC Department of Energy and The Envipocket park on the parcel’s northeastern side on top ronment (DOEE). Remediation efforts will include of a section of the two-level parking garage. The rethe entire parcel. Hamilton emphasized the need for mainder of the park is on public space next to Poair quality monitors throughout the remediation and tomac Avenue SW with DDOT’s permission, whose construction process. maintenance will be subject to a special covenant The public space north of the north properwith DDOT. ty line will be a subject of a covenant to maintain “We got more green space,” Commissioner the special materials in the northern park. HamilKramer stated in her positive assessment of the projton wants air quality monitors and programming and ect. Commissioner Litsky, however, expressed his services for seniors. Citing lack of details in Hoffdissatisfaction with the level of detail Vice President man’s plans for both the new green space and transof Construction for Hoffman & Associates Tony Alportation, Commissioners tabled any vote on the banese afforded related to the park. “I would like a project until their December meeting. much better articulation of the green space,” he stated, several of his colleagues concurring. Other Development News Aside from the issue of the pocket park, Litsky PN Hoffman & Associates, the developer of 1000 questioned the developer sharply about the project’s Fourth St. SW, the parcel next to the CVS, stated its affordability and transportation plan. Affordability plans for pouring the project’s foundation. Concrete for the senior apartments is guaranteed for 50 years, service is also needed on both sides of the building, thereafter it is limited to the 8% required under instated Vice President of Construction Tony Albaclusionary zoning along with the market rate units. nese. This will entail routing truck traffic out of the Given the project’s distance to the Navy Yard Metparcel’s Fourth Street SW curb cut. ro, Litsky urged Hoffman to include car sharing, bike Albanese also discussed the need for a road cloparking and electric vehicle charging onsite. Chair sure on Maine Avenue SW for the second phase of Daniels expressed his concern that stadium visitors

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Kramer than reported that the commission’s FOIA for documents related to the solicitation for the redevelopment of Greenleaf Gardens had been rejected by the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) “This is a stonewall by DCHA, plain and simple. We might have expected this, but I did not think they would be so brazen,” observed Commissioner Litsky.

The plan for the new pocket park at Parcel B. Image: PN Hoﬀman & Associates.

The Wharf. No date has been set as yet. The Atlantic Magazine has signed a lease for the office building on Parcel 10. Oct. 12, 2022 is the target date for the phase’s competition. The condos may take another month to open. Litsky requested Hoffman return to give a comprehensive update at the commission’s December meeting. Commissioner Kramer informed the commission that DDOT’s Committee on Public Space had approved the curb cuts for the development planned on the site of the Superior Concrete Plant at 700 Half St. SW. This is critical for developer MRP’s plans to solicit a grocery tenant. The DC Preservation League, Kramer also reported, has filed an application to landmark the Buzzard Point Pepco Plant with the backing of the utility. The commission voted to send a letter adding their support unanimously with Hamilton abstaining.

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Other Matters MPD First District Commander Ralph Mclean briefed the commission on public safety. Crime down from last year during the same time period, he stated. Commander Mclean cautioned citizens about walking with phones out and leaving cars running unattended. Commissioner Kramer reported that a Buzzard Point resident was unable to return by Uber to her apartment during a game day due to public safety officers. Kramer termed it unacceptable. Mclean promised to look into the matter. The commissioners complained about the proliferation of unlocked, for-hire scooters abandoned on streets, sidewalks and private property. An expected representative from DDOT representative did not show up. Commissioners unanimously approved a letter in support of the Prevent Health Cancer 5k, the appointment of Travis Johnson as Chair of ANC 6D ABC Committee, as well as the Treasurer’s reports for the third and fourth quarters of FY 2020. ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Dec. 13 via Zoom. For more information and links to join ANC meetings, visit www. anc6d.org. ◆

The current situation at The Wharf 2. Photo: PH Hoﬀman & Associates

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BULLETIN BOARD SE Library Monthly Book Sales Issue Resolved The contentious issue of lack of books-for-sale storage space in the Southeast Library renovation plan has been resolved. Friends of SE Library (FOSEL) wish to thank all who helped move this effort forward by signing their petition and/or making a donation. For decades, FOSEL has held monthly book sales to raise funds for kids’ and adult activities not supported by the DCPL budget. This community building event on the second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attracts book lovers from all over the city. Most books are $1. FOSEL averages $1500 to $2000 in receipts every month. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. DelRayArtisans.org/event/holiday-market-2021

Overbeck “A Bridge Across History” Documentary Film Premiere and Discussion

On Monday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. (seating at 7 p.m.), the Overbeck Lecture series presents the Capitol Hill premiere of the 40-minute documentary film, A Bridge Across History, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. A Holiday Fireworks Show at Mount Vernon SE. Producers John R. On Dec. 17 and 18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of Wennersten and Barry the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Tour the Mansion, Harrelson introduce the 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.; see the fireworks, 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, enjoy the lanfilm and answer questions. tern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and A Bridge Across HistoGreenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Enjoy classic holry explores the culturiday music, a winter encampment, a camel, and patriotic inspirational quotes on the Bowling al and historical developGreen. $38 to $60. mountvernon.org. ment of Capitol Hill and the Anacostia waterfront from 1790 to the present about them and their work. hillcenterdc.org/prodUniting Us: VetART (Art Rehab covering the Washington Navy Yard, the Civil War, uct-category/veteran-art-artists-rehab-therapy/. racial progress and regression, and the problems of Therapy) at Hill Center development and gentrification in the modern era. This Uniting US sponsored exhibition and Hill CenDel Ray Artisans Fine Art Hill Center safety protocols will be in place. Proof ter partnership includes artwork from 36 military, & Fine Craft Holiday Market of vaccination is required and masks must be worn veterans, and family member artists. Uniting US is a Del Ray Artisans annual Holiday Market offers inside the building. Register at hillcenterdc.org or 100% volunteer non-profit organization that works to unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artcall 202-549-4172. inspire, empower, and unite the military communiists. Different artists each weekend. Choose from ty with the communities in which they live. Through wall art, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, and partnership, all sales proceeds support the Hill Center Sixth & I Friday Night Services much more! Plus, FUNdraising 2022 wall calenoperations and the artist. For more information about Happy Hour Returns dars and upcycled tote bags to support Del Ray Arthe free programs provided by Uniting US, see the Friday Night Services at Sixth & I, at 7 p.m., led tisans. Free admission. Market is Dec. 3 to 5, 10 to 12 website at UnitingUS.org. All artwork is available by Rabbi Aaron and musicians Aaron Shneyer, Jeff and 17 to 19; Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and for sale. Click on the individual artists to learn more Geld, and Sarah Fredrick blends contemporary and 86 H HILLRAG.COM

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Qualified District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance to those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG December 2021 ★ 87

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Wreaths Across American Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. This year Wreaths Across America is on Dec. 18. Those interested in placing wreaths at Arlington Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day must pre-register at wreathsacrossamerica. org. Proof of pre-registration is required for entry into the cemetery.

traditional elements for an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Uplifting music and the rabbi’s thoughtprovoking sermon combine for a welcoming one-hour service that’s a good fit for those new to Shabbat or those looking for space to wind down and reflect. Happy Hour, at 6 p.m., returns starting with Friday Night Services on Dec. 10. Stop by to grab a drink and catch up with old friends and new before welcoming in Shabbat at the 7 p.m. service. Masks are required when not actively eating or drinking. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Sixth and I Historic Synagogue is at 600 I St. NW. sixthandi.org.

10 new artworks, interspersed with select key works from throughout her career. Guiding visitors through an immersive audiovisual experience in the Museum’s second-floor galleries, this dynamic exhibition will showcase the artist’s boundless creative process, featuring her work in video, performance, installation, painting, and other media. (This exhibition contains dark galleries with immersive light and sound installations.) The Hirshhorn is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Hirshhorn’s Laurie Anderson: The Weather

Anyone in the LGTBQ community impacted by dementia (caregivers, self, partner past or current, anyone close to you) is invited to join the LGTBQ Brain Health Support Group, biweekly, on Fridays, 1 to 2:15 p.m. via Zoom. To register, contact Samantha at shenson@capitolhillvillage. org or 202-543-1778 x106.

Through July 31, 2022, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden presents the largest-ever US exhibition of artwork by groundbreaking multimedia artist, performer, musician, and writer Laurie Anderson. Laurie Anderson: The Weather will debut more than 88 H HILLRAG.COM

Capitol Hill Village LGTBQ Brain Health Support Group Initiated

National Shrine Christmas Dinner and Volunteer Registration The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provides meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals will be available for pick-up or delivery only. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-house meals will not be served. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-526-8313. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 17. Volunteers are also needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/event/2021-christmasdinner-registration. For more information, contact rsvp@bnsic.org or 202-526-8300.

DC Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted The District’s indoor mask mandate has been lifted. Instead of following a blanket mandate, residents, visitors, and workers will be advised to follow risk-based guidance from DC Health that accounts for current health metrics and a person’s vaccination status. Updated guidance will be posted on coronavirus. dc.gov. Masks are still required, regardless of vaccination status, in the following circumstances: any private business that requires a mask; on public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles; inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries; congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/as-

sisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/ residences, and correctional facilities; and in DC Government facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public. Residents who need support getting vaccinated or who want to get vaccinated in their home can call 1-855-363-0333.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight On Dec. 10 and 11; and Dec. 19, take a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Visit with Mrs. Washington and other 18th-century residents of Mount Vernon in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the Mount Vernon estate, followed by a reception. Learn about holiday traditions of 18th century Virginia and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed character actors portraying Washington’s family, friends, and enslaved or hired staff. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. mountvernon.org.

Photo: Anne McGarvey, Friends of the National Arboretum

National Arboretum (first-ever) Christmas Tree Sale & Holiday Market Friends of the National Arboretum invite you to buy your Christmas tree this year at their firstever Christmas Tree Sale at the New York Avenue parking lot on Dec. 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also purchase gifts and goodies from local vendors during their Procrastinator’s Holiday Market on Dec. 11. fona.org/ events_programs.

Washington Harbour (Georgetown) Ice Rink Opens for Season

Lincoln’s Wild Home Landscape Tour As we all strive to prioritize our mental health during a difficult time, the President Lincoln’s Cottage staff encourages you to experience their landscape tour, Lincoln’s Wild Home. On this self-guided, appbased tour you will practice listening and mindfulness to connect with the past and reflect on the present moment during nine unique stops in the bucolic grounds of President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. $10 ticket includes Lincoln’s Wild Home app, headphones, map, and grounds pass. Kids’ (six to twelve) ticket is $5. lincoln’scottage.org.

Washington Harbour Ice Rink, 3000 K St. NW, has opened for public skating on Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7 for skate rental. thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating-rink.

DDOT Kicks Off Tree Planting Season

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division’s annual planting program begins every fall and runs through March, where arborists work to fill every possible public tree space with a new tree that’s chosen based on arboriculture best practices and the existing diversity of trees in the neighborhood. This year, DDOT will plant nearly 8,000 trees across the District. Request a new tree on your street using dc.gov or calling 311.

DC Prepares for Winter Weather On Nov. 10, members of the District’s Snow Team hosted a training exercise to ensure they are prepared for every aspect of the District’s snow and ice operations. Throughout the day, plow operators drove their routes, checking for obstacles they might encounter during an actual snow event. Administrative, supervisory, logistics, and information technology employees practiced their functions at their respective sites, including salt domes, to thoroughly assess the status of equipment and technology. The District Snow Team consists of 882 employees and a 296-vehicle fleet, including 120 heavy plows and 100 light plows, and this year will include 46 100% biodiesel plows. Each year, snowplow operators clear 2,644 lane miles of residential and commercial streets, as well as the National Highway System. Residents can track snow removal progress in real-time by visiting snow.dc.gov/page/ about-track-our-plows.

Public Service Training Academy Call for Applications The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has announced the next cohort of the Claudia L. McKoin Public Service Leadership Training Academy. The McKoin Academy is a free training academy designed to train women to lead and shape public policy in their communities. Their

especially needs volunteers in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8. Volunteers can signup at servedc.galaxydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.

Solar for All Program Launched mission is to increase the number of women of color participating in public policy development and running for elected office. They are looking for bright, driven women who are ready to become part of the solution and bring diversity to the public policy and political realm. While the program is open to women of color in all eight wards, they are particularly looking for women in Wards 5, 7 and 8. Applications must be received by Thursday, Dec. 23, 11:59 p.m. Contact mckoinacademy @thefcacdst.org for more information and/or questions.

On Oct. 27, Mayor Bowser launched a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs and the Department of Energy and Environment that will help more residents participate in the Solar for All and Solar Works DC programs. The program is not just for people who own homes or who have solar panels. Participants can lower their energy bills by receiving solar power, either directly on their roof or through community solar, if their household income meets the required threshold. doee.dc.gov/service/solar-works-dc.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Ice Skating

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms

Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, is open for public skating through the end of 2021 on Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 2 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.

Join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team Residents are encouraged to join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors who are 65 and older, and residents with access functionality needs. This year, Serve DC

To find cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.

Find a Vaccination Enter your zip code and get vaccination sites within one mile, five miles, ten miles and farther from your home—anywhere in the country. Also get information on incentives, childcare and free rides. You can also call 1-800-232-0233. vaccines.gov. u December 2021 H 89

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home and garden / Hill Gardener /

LOCAL GARDENS LIGHT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

any public parks and gardens have discovered that their garden spaces can become winter wonderlands by adding lights and outdoor activities, providing a fun way to explore our local parks. Most were dark last year, but in 2021, the garden spaces are going all out to offer holiday lights, walks, and drives. So, dig out your warm hats and gloves and make a plan to visit one of the many garden displays this year.

US Botanic Garden For many years, it has been a Capitol Hill tradition to gather the kids and out-of-town relatives for an outing down to the US Botanic Garden. At the bottom of Capitol Hill, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, the U.S. Botanic Garden will offer outdoor holiday displays including festive decorations, trains, evergreens, and

Article and Photos Rindy O’Brien lots of lights. Devin Dotson, media specialist for the Botanic Garden, says they are very lucky to have such great outdoor space including the gated outdoor gardens, the Terrace Gardens, and Bartholdi Park. This season there will be holiday displays in the Conservatory windows, and some will feature a variety of colorful poinsettia blooms. Many will remember the wonderful collection of D.C. monuments and landmarks made all from plant parts by the world-famous Applied Imagination, Kentucky-based horticulture design firm, and they will be on display in the windows. The trains will circulate through agricultural displays from across the United States and around the world. The displays will also be made from plant parts, and include farm scenes from Spain, Uganda, and Australia (the trains will not be running during inclement weather). Remember that the Conservatory and public restrooms remain closed due to the COVID restrictions of the U.S. Capitol complex. The holiday displays are free to the public, and the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Park are open dawn to dusk. The gated gardens are open 7:30 to 5:00 p.m. daily. The trains run between 10 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Everything is closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25th. For more information contact www.USBG.gov/Holiday.

U.S. National Arboretum

Trains crisscross the world of agriculture in the outdoor display at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

The Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) for the first time ever will be selling Christmas trees and sponsoring a Holiday Weekend Dec. 11 and 12. The trees and holiday garlands will be furnished by Almost Heavenly Trees from West Virginia, says Anne McGarvey, Marketing and Communications Manager for FONA. “On Saturday we will have a Holiday Market, and lots of family friendly activities including a train ride for little ones, letters to Santa, and dancing to music from a Live DJ,” reports Anne. FONA has partnered with the Bladensburg Road Main Street group to bring over 20 vendors to

Polar bears make the season bright at Cameron Run Park, only eight miles from Capitol Hill.

the Arboretum site. FONA will be selling gift memberships, locally produced Christmas ornaments, and a limited quantity of honey made from Washington Youth Garden bees. Trees can be preordered up to December 10, and can be picked up during the weekend sale, delivered to your home, or if you live in Virginia, they can be picked up at a location in Alexandria. Pre-ordering guarantees you can get the tree of your dreams. Looking for a healthy fun New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of spots still available for forest walks that day and evening. What a great way to start the New Year. Check the FONA website for details. The walks are open to all, and pay what you can afford. The US National Arboretum is located at 3500 New York Ave., NE. The Holiday Sale will be right off the New York Avenue entrance. For those looking for an escape from all the holiday tinsel, the Arboretum grounds is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday except Christmas day, December 25th.

Seven Nights of Lights Fourteen minutes from Capitol Hill is the one of the city’s best kept secrets, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and its gardens. LoDecember 2021 ★ 91

cated near Catholic University, at 1400 Quincy Street, N.E., the gardens come to light for seven nights during the Christmas season. Luminarias that honor loved ones are placed throughout the porticos and upper gardens from December 24 at 1:00 p.m. through December 31. Over a thousand candles are used and kept going during the week of lights. It is a quiet and beautiful tradition and those honored are also remembered in the friar’s daily prayers for the week. There is parking available. For more information contact https://myfranciscan.org/ The gardens have over 1000 roses that bloom in late spring and summer, and many herbs like lavender can be purchased in the gift shop. The gardens are attended to by local volunteers and the spring garden sale is becoming one of DC’s best garden weekends.

Ice & Light – Winter Village Many of the local park and gardens in the DC area have holiday shows that are reasonably priced and provide a fun outdoor event for dates or family adventures. The Cameron Run Park in Alexandria is one park that provides animated animals, Christmas trees, and lots of space between things for kids to run and kick out the Christmas jams. The ice-skating rink is available for one-hour sessions. Cameron Run Park is eight miles from Capitol Hill and is part of the North Virginia Parks system. Other NOVA Parks offering holiday lights and programs are Bull Run Park, and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. This is the 10th year for Meadowlark Winter Walks of Lights, and more than 80,000 visitors view the lights each year. Children under two are free and the ticket price begins a $9.19 per person. Parking is available as 92 H HILLRAG.COM

well. For more information: https:// www.novaparks.com/parks/cameron-run-regional-park

Garden Lights – Brookside Gardens Montgomery County Parks has sponsored the Brookside Garden lights for 23 years. More than one million colorful lights are switched on each night at 5:30 to 9:30 pm to the delight of young and old. Many of the lights are shaped into handcrafted original art forms of flowers and animals. This year there are new butterflies and the fog bubbles are back. Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland, and for more information: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ brookside-gardens/. And if you really want an adventure...

Annual Lights on the Bay

As busy homeowners, It’sDoes hard to home give your need home your newofLook. a fresh a fr fresh coat paint pa Does your home need ? We understand you don’t have time. a fresh coat of paint?

A drive to Annapolis’s Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland offers a twomile scenic drive that features 70 animated and stationary displays. Admission is $20 per car. The event is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, so besides having a great holiday adventure, you are helping the dogs and cats in the area. For more information: https://www. lightsonthebay.org/about-lights-onthe-bay/ There is much to do this holiday season outdoors in our local parks and gardens. Our garden spaces are also great stress relievers if the holidays are getting a little too much for you. Tis the season to bundle up and get out there. Rindy wishes all a great holiday full of trees, and lots of greenery. Contact her at rindyobrien@gmail.com ◆

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December 2021 ★ 93

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NEW DCRA PLATFORM CONNECTS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECTORS Find Third-Party Inspection Services With Tertius by Elizabeth O’Gorek

n Tuesday, Nov. 9, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory products create better experiences for our customers.” Affairs (DCRA) announced they will launch an online marketThe agency was transitioning from paper-based to digital services well before place for construction inspections. the pandemic pointed the direction, saying they wanted to leverage technology to Called Tertius, the Latin word meaning ‘third,’ the system improve their operations. Tertius is only one of several new technological applicais designed to easily connect residential and commercial proptions that will make the DCRA customer journey seamless for many agency services. erty owners and managers with certified and approved third-party inspectors. In addition to Tertius, DCRA has other new products: “Think of Tertius as an online marketplace for construction inspections, with oversight from the regulator. Its innovative design allows us to speed up the timeline for a project and provide transparency into third party inspection processes,” explains DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah. “As a result, residents and businesses have wider options and improved customer service, and that is our top priority.” Tertius provides customers with direct access to private inspectors. Customers create an account, identify their projects and accept bids from inspectors that are matched to their projects. DCRA says this results in competitive prices from commercial inspection agencies. Customers can communicate with inspectors and pay for the inspection through the site. DCRA-conducted construction inspections are free, but customers pay independent inspection agencies for services. The system costs each private company a platform fee amounting to 10 percent of payments received, to be used to maintain and upgrade the platform. DCRA said the system will provide more convenient options for customers, shortening the timeline to complete inspections. It also provides Ernest Chrappah, Director of the District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), speaks at the a platform to conduct and report inspection activity. Nov. 9 launch of the Tertius platform. Courtesy: DCRA Customers are not required to use Tertius or third party inspectors. They can still go directly to DCRA’s website (https://dcra.dc.gov/page/inspection-services-residents) and • Dispatch (https://dcra.dc.gov/dispatch): DCRA’s inspection-on-demand system. use an agency-approved inspector. But there are so few inspectors that in 2019, • An expanded Permit Wizard (https://dcra.dc.gov/permitwizard) - DCRA’s DCRA initiated the Resident Inspector Program, a pilot program to train inspecinnovative, faster, easier-to-use permitting application which helps users detors in an effort to meet demand. termine what permits are required for a project DCRA said the Tertius system creates a more efficient platform to conduct • The Pre-Approved Plans platform (https://dcra.dc.gov/preapprovedand report inspection activity. It can streamline and speed up the process, reducplans)will allow customers to choose from a selection of plans that are ing the time and effort it takes to complete inspection reports and get that inforpre-approved for code compliance by DCRA and shorten the plan review mation to customers and the agency. time. Learn more about DCRA and access online resources at dcra.dc.gov “DCRA continues to lead in the development of transformative platforms u that deliver better and faster service to our customers,” said Chrappah. “These

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The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents

Dear Garden Problem Lady,

by Wendy Blair

an you identify this flower? The stalks are a yard high, with dark green opposite leaves. It seemed like a weed until late October, when tiny scarlet balls appeared at the very top. They were spread out in rounded clusters about the size of my hand. A week later the red balls opened, and tiny five-petalled flowers popped out, all brilliant orange. What a show! and still blooming now -- in December!! Your description is so precise I had no trouble finding it online. Its species name, Asclepias curassavica, tells that its origin when first classified was in Curacao in the southern Caribbean —so far from our zone 7—more like zone 11. It is of the Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae), a Tropical Butterfly weed, going by many names—Sunset flower, scarlet milkweed, and Sunset flower. It likes full sun, but can thrive in any quality of soil and location, dry or wet. If a bee found it this late, and if it doesn’t snow first, you will see seed pods and silky seeds fly out. Its long tap root will make it hard to transplant, but might help it survive and bloom again. Could the climate be changing this radically? What is Anemone Blanda? I bought bulbs because of the pretty picture on the label at the Arboretum sale and need to plant this fall. Let’s hope December is not too late to get your bulbs planted. Please delay no more, since spring bulbs planted in the fall do need roughly three months of cold. Anemone Blanda (“Blanda” means charming) also goes by the name “Windflower.” Its daisy-like flowers, purple or white, rise in a low spray about eight inches high and bloom in mid-Spring. Then they vanish until next spring. Their little black bulbs come with a suggestion to soak them in water for a day before planting 3” deep. Add some bone meal in the hole. I heard somewhere that Lenten rose, also called the Helleborus, is used in alternative medicine

to treat boredom, listlessness. Which part of the plant? And how? I often feel very blah in the late afternoon, and wonder if a home remedy is growing out front. It was Pliny the Elder, Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23 – 79), a Roman naturalist and philosopher, who documented the use of Helleborus for treating emotional problems, and “lassitude.” To boost attention and focus before speeches and debates, Romans drank a tea from Hellebore bulb, roots, and leaves. They also used it as a poison for the tips of arrows.

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Building Smart from the Start Bottom line, it might work, it might also kill you, and there isn’t enough information to know how hellebores might work medicinally. Try taking a brief nap after lunch instead. The Capitol Hill Garden Club activities include tours, garden therapy, plant sales, special events, speakers and workshops. The club meets the second Tuesday of the month, but in most of 2020 and 2021, meetings were held on Zoom. For members, the December meeting involves supper while making holiday greens decorations. The club is accepting new members. Dues are $50/year. Meetings are free and open to all. Visit the Capitol Hill Garden Club website with membership and meeting inquiries, capitolhillgardenclub.org. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Your problem might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Send them to the Problem Lady c/o dearproblemlady@gmail.com. Complete anonymity is assured. ◆

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. home & garden.

CHANGING HANDS Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. NEIGHBORHOOD PRICE BR

FEE SIMPLE 14TH STREET CORRIDOR 1446 Swann St NW

$2,009,000

ADAMS MORGAN 2478 Ontario Rd NW

ANACOSTIA 1326 Valley Pl SE 2554 16th St SE 1340 Morris Rd SE 2264 Mount View Pl SE

BARRY FARMS 2809 Pomeroy Rd SE

$1,425,000

$649,000 $532,000 $497,440 $275,000

4 3 4 3

$500,000

BLOOMINGDALE 121 U St NW 122 Seaton Pl NW 125 Randolph Pl NW 31 Adams St NW 50 Rhode Island Ave NW 2225 Flagler Pl NW 115 Seaton NW 2218 Flagler Pl NW 40 R St NW

CAPITOL HILL 424 C St NE 613 Constitution Ave NE 723 Massachusetts Ave NE 908 Massachusetts Ave NE 316 12th St NE 631 Lexington Pl NE 1412 Massachusetts Ave SE 1014 D St NE 217 13th St SE 143 E St SE 1010 Constitution Ave NE 530 8th St NE 714 A St NE 234 8th St SE 1309 D St SE 230 14th St SE 514 G St NE 522 7th St NE 409 E Capitol St SE 133 Duddington Pl SE 410 D St NE 1013 I St SE 323 4th St SE 412 Constitution Ave NE 1411 South Carolina Ave SE 425 7th St SE

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$1,489,000 $1,360,000 $1,250,000 $1,200,000 $1,060,000 $925,000 $901,100 $875,000 $868,600

5 4 5 5 4 4 4 3 2

$3,000,000 $2,800,000 $2,775,000 $2,495,000 $2,060,000 $1,815,000 $1,650,000 $1,575,000 $1,510,000 $1,459,000 $1,413,600 $1,400,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 $1,330,000 $1,299,900 $1,299,000 $1,290,000 $1,290,000 $1,249,900 $1,220,000 $1,220,000 $1,200,000 $1,190,000 $1,175,000 $1,150,000

5 6 6 5 4 5 5 8 4 3 3 4 7 3 4 4 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 3 3

418 S Capitol SE 728 9th St SE 1216 C St NE 654 6th St NE 715 G St NE 21 7th St NE 325 South Carolina Ave SE 1443 Constitution Ave NE 255 10th St NE 1418 A St NE 419 9th St NE 321 F St NE 806 E St SE 205 6th St SE 321 14th St NE 547 5th St SE 1627 E St SE 534 9th St SE 1438 D St NE 242 Warren St NE 680 4th St NE 1418 D St NE 1374 K St SE 1415 K St SE 518 E Archibald Walk SE

$1,141,800 $1,141,000 $1,140,000 $1,090,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,030,000 $1,010,000 $972,500 $938,000 $925,000 $920,000 $906,000 $882,000 $865,000 $850,000 $822,500 $820,000 $820,000 $749,000 $700,000 $699,000 $600,000

CAPITOL HILL EAST 1614 A Street NE

$749,000

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1500 Monroe St NW 1118 Fairmont St NW 1133 Columbia Rd NW 3547 13th NW 1130 Girard St NW 2825 13th St NW 3027 15th St NW 3666 Park Pl NW 444 Park Rd NW 1351 Meridian NW 1226 Shepherd St NW 1246 Irving NW 3923-3923 NW 14th St NW 3533 Hertford Pl NW 3121 11th St NW 1330 Fairmont St NW 1460 Newton St NW 917 Euclid St NW 1448 Spring Rd NW 762 Irving St NW 636 Columbia Rd NW 3663 13th St NW 754 Columbia Rd NW 639 Morton St NW

$1,425,000 $1,360,000 $1,315,000 $1,295,000 $1,185,000 $1,100,550 $1,095,000 $1,060,000 $1,055,000 $1,024,500 $1,022,500 $975,000 $963,000 $950,000 $930,000 $925,000 $895,000 $860,000 $800,000 $789,000 $780,000 $769,000 $739,000 $600,000

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 718 Malcolm X Ave SE 3612 Horner Pl SE 1212 Congress St SE 156 Darrington St SW

$599,900 $515,000 $450,000 $270,000

3 3 3 3 4 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 4 4 7 6 4 5 5 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 4 0 4 4 4 2 4 3 2 2 3 5 3 2

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS! DEANWOOD 635 49th St NE 4206 Eads St NE 4402 Lee St NE 3944 Ames St NE 4400 Lee St NE 5722 Foote St NE 4234 Dix St NE 327 57th St NE 4520 Eads St NE 4551 Eads Pl NE 3922 Clay Pl NE 3955 Clay Pl NE 4262 Clay St NE 5341 Gay St NE 5356 Gay St NE 4411 Edson Pl NE 216 63rd St NE 4740 Blaine St NE

$575,000 $569,000 $565,000 $558,027 $555,000 $540,000 $500,000 $475,000 $425,000 $410,000 $350,000 $340,000 $317,000 $310,000 $303,300 $280,000 $265,000 $260,000

DUPONT CIRCLE 1707 19th St NW 1719 Q St NW 1528 T St NW 1815 T St NW 1614 V St NW 2120 Florida Ave NW 1727 Massachusetts Ave NW #817

ECKINGTON 3 Rhode Island Ave NE 2031 2nd St NE 1706 3rd St NE

$2,200,000 $2,225,000 $1,750,000 $1,400,000 $1,100,000 $885,000 $227,000

5 8 2 3 4 2 0

$905,000 $855,000 $787,500

3 3 4

FORT DUPONT PARK 3922 E Capitol St NE 3916 Q St SE 3103 E St SE 802 Hilltop Ter SE 218 Ridge Rd SE 434 Burbank St SE 4615 Hillside Rd SE 510 Hilltop Ter SE 4469 C St SE

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

$589,900 $542,500 $470,000 $450,000 $450,000 $426,000 $418,000 $375,000 $280,000

4 5 2 2 3 3 4 3 2

3620 Comm. Joshua Barney Dr NE $760,000 3622 Wright Ter NE $691,500 3807 Comm. Joshua Barney Dr NE $565,000

4 4 2

FORT LINCOLN

H STREET CORRIDOR 724 7th St NE 608 I St NE 916 K St NE 528 12th St NE 1029 10th St NE 918 8th St NE 321 I St NE 1346 Emerald St NE 726 11th St NE 1820 H St NE

HILL CREST 2423 32nd St SE 3727 Bangor St SE 3823 Pope St SE 2712 O St SE 1820 24th Pl SE 3309 Highwood Dr SE

$2,175,000 $1,240,000 $1,050,000 $1,039,000 $1,025,000 $965,000 $950,000 $870,000 $665,000 $525,000

6 4 3 2 4 4 4 3 2 2

$900,000 $675,000 $643,000 $615,000 $593,000 $585,800

4 4 5 4 4 3

G IN ! M N O O C O S

809 G St NE 3BD/3.5BA

EW ! N ICE PR

TOP-NOTCH TRANSFORMATION! From local builders Scribe Development, this whole house renovation preserves key original elements while instituting beautiful updates throughout. Enjoy three levels, with 3-bed and 3.5 baths walkable to H Street, Stanton Park and Union Station. Don’t miss this home for the holidays!

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

1330 K St SE Unit 1: 3BD/2.5BA, $995,000 Unit 2: 3BD/3.5BA, $1,099,000

CLASSIC PORCH-FRONT: CAREFULLY CURATED DETAILS OLD AND NEW! Carefully cultivated updates preserve historic charm of porch front row near H Street restaurants and best of Hill! Oak floors, exposed brick, and pristine craftsman kitchen opens to double rear decks, stone patio and private yard! Original heart pine floors UP w/ 3 bds, renovated hall bath, & upper deck! LL Bonus w/rear walkout feat. den, full bath, laundry; updated mechanicals & windows. Perfect porchfront package!

! ER T D C N A U TR N CO

1542 D St SE 2BD/2BA $699,900

1029 10th St NE 4BD/2.5BA $1,025,000 PERFECTLY POISED BAYFRONT VICTORIAN NEAR H STREET! Standing tall and proud, tucked away from the H Street corridor but easily walkable to its popular restaurants, bars and fitness boutiques, enjoy this deep layout with yard & PRECIOUS PARKING spot! Exposed brick living and dining, ½ ba plus brightly renovated rear kitchen opens to elevated deck. Head up the turned staircase to 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath with rear upper deck! BONUS LL in-law suite w/ separate rear entry for fantastic flexibility - gorgeous kitchen, bedroom + full bath and wonderful light! DON’T MISS THIS ONE!

LUXURY-CRAFTED CONDOS THAT LIVE LIKE A HUGE HOME! Capitol Hill is filled with delightful tree-lined brick streetscapes and quaint historic homes – but you don’t have to settle for tiny, cozy, narrow, or dark! Renowned master builders Schmidt Development – neighborhood locals – have found a way to deliver new condos at GRAND scale! Seamlessly blended into a quiet block less than 500 meters from Metro and The Roost food hall, these broad & deep beauties offer a median 2208 square feet on two levels with outdoor decks or gardens, along with custom craftsmanship and fantastic finishes throughout.

ER T D C N A U TR N CO

1656 Gales St NE 3BD/2BA $769,000

HISTORIC TEXTURES TO WELCOME YOU HOME!! Sunny South-facing porch front presents the perfect package for city living: rustic refinished historic brick and heart pine plus SMART space configuration front and rear of sky-lit turned staircase! Renovated windows, wiring, plumbing, kitchen, and full baths up and down, plus ingenious placement of 5 closets - every SF wellused. Lovely garden in front and French doors to private rear deck - all the key ingredients!

735 12th St SE #2 3BR/2.5BA $850,000 LIVE LARGE IN CLASSIC CONDO CONVERSION! Just steps to Pennsylvania Ave and Barracks Row. A Classic Hill porch front converted to spacious and low maintenance condo home. Renovated systems, fixtures, and finishes across 6 BIG rooms and two long levels. Smart layouts, skylit stairs, and gleaming floors lead to private deck and gardens PLUS parking behind! EXPAND your thinking in this condo that lives like a home!

202.243.7707

info@joelnelsongroup.com December 2021 H 97

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3429 Carpenter St SE 1116 34th St SE 3117 Minnesota Ave SE

HILL EAST

1814 Independence Ave SE 710 13th St NE

KINGMAN PARK 2104 D St NE 651 20th St NE

LEDROIT PARK 1946 3rd St NW 402 U St NW 417 T St NW 519 U St NW 165 Adams St NW 413 Elm St NW

LILY PONDS 604-1/2 Parkside Pl NE 3452 Dix NE 3358 Alden Pl NE

LOGAN CIRCLE 1443 Q St NW 1700 13th St NW 1820 13th St NW 5 Logan Cir NW 1443 Corcoran St NW 1508 Kingman Pl NW

$530,000 $475,000 $320,000

2 4 0

$935,000 $780,000

4 2

$649,900 $550,000

3 2

$1,700,000 $1,500,000 $1,155,000 $980,000 $780,000 $777,000

5 5 3 3 4 2

$525,000 $483,997 $395,000

3 3 2

NOMA

610 I Street NE

OLD CITY #1

1336 A St SE 805 7th St NE 121 15th St SE 1137 4th St NE 512 F St NE 1422 Duncan St NE 1381 Florida Ave NE 1414 Duncan St NE 212 16th SE 1500 Pennsylvania Ave SE #306

OLD CITY #2 1914 15th St NW 1536 8th St NW 244 P St NW

$3,000,000 $2,695,000 $2,650,000 $2,500,000 $1,575,000 $1,550,000 $246,000 $1,250,000

2 4

$1,550,000 $1,400,000 $1,140,000 $1,030,000 $1,010,000 $749,000 $740,000 $700,000 $680,000 $465,000

4 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 2

$1,870,000 $900,000 $900,000

5 3 3

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW #1020 $489,900

RANDLE HEIGHTS

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4 7 5 4 3 3

$1,950,000 $1,775,000 $1,200,000 $1,099,000 $979,000 $949,900 $682,500 $605,000

SW WATERFRONT 601 I St SW 727 Capitol Square Pl SW

TRINIDAD

1213 Staples NE 1609 Levis St NE 1260 Neal St NE 1118 Neal St NE 1162 Neal St NE 1600 Montello Ave NE 1720 L St NE 810 21st St NE

$1,040,000 $1,035,000

3 4

$925,000 $825,000 $807,999 $740,000 $642,500 $585,000 $500,000 $375,000

5 4 3 7 3 4 2 2

TRUXTON CIRCLE

$1,250,000

U STREET CORRIDOR 2217 12th Pl NW 2215 13th St NW

$810,000 $1,055,000

VILLAGES AT DAKOTA CROSSING 3566 Fort Lincoln Dr NE

4 3 3 2 3 4 2 2

$705,999

$562,000 $551,000 $420,000 $405,000 $390,000 $266,000 $160,000

1 4 3 3 2 2 3 2

BLOOMINGDALE 49 Quincy Pl NW #B

CAPITOL HILL

525 9th NE #105 215 I St NE #204 141 12th St NE #9 308 E Capitol St NE #6 1452 E Capitol St NE #1452 1020 Pennsylvania Ave SE #304 225 20th St NE #2 1222 Maryland Ave NE #1 624 Maryland Ave NE #3 1127 C St SE #2 1301 South Carolina Ave SE #3 315 G St NE #302 1815 A St SE #302 315 G St NE #306 115 E SE #101 1815 A St SE #304 732 5th St SE #1 101 North Carolina Ave SE #203 1125 Maryland Ave NE #1 305 C St NE #403

$694,000 $489,000

ADAMS MORGAN 2429 Ontario Rd NW #6 2380 Champlain St NW #303 2429 Ontario Rd NW #2 2429 Ontario Rd NW #5 2429 Ontario Rd NW #1 2337 Champlain St NW #PH406 2429 Ontario Rd NW #4 1827 Florida Ave NW #301 2429 Ontario Rd NW #3 2008 16th St NW #103 2300 18th St NW #312 1840 California St NW #17A 1855 Calvert St NW #LL4 2300 18th St NW #207 1840 Mintwood Pl NW #102

BARRY FARMS 2201 Hunter Pl SE #101

$1,065,000 $1,050,000 $720,917 $700,000 $699,000 $689,000 $650,000 $544,000 $540,000 $440,000 $420,000 $415,000 $368,500 $337,000 $330,000 $316,000 $315,000 $304,700 $275,000 $252,500

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

2 3

CENTRAL

CONDO 2125 14th NW #320 3916 14th St NW #THREE

CAPITOL HILL EAST 412 19th St NE #204

1010 Mass.s Ave NW #PH113 1150 K St NW #908 1280 21st St NW #309 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #721 616 E St NW #209

2 1

$1,180,000 $883,000 $815,000 $750,000 $725,000 $695,000 $675,000 $640,000 $450,000 $449,000 $429,000 $420,000 $400,000 $385,000 $189,000

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

$77,500

$300,000

$696,000 $595,000 $535,000 $530,000 $360,000

2 2 2 1 0

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

1300 Euclid St NW #6 1129 Bellevue St SE $290,000 2 783 Morton St NW #B 1462 Chapin St NW #8

14TH STREET CORRIDOR

$747,000

WASHINGTON HIGHLANDS

PENN QUARTER

1713 24th Pl SE 1613 25th St SE 1918 Trenton Pl SE 1478 Congress Pl SE 1918 21st Pl SE 3040 30th St SE 1707 Gainesville SE #301

1325 Naylor Ct NW 2114 10th St NW 942 O St NW 1511 Marion St NW 1612 8th St NW 86 P St NW 410 Franklin St NW 411 Warner St NW

88 P St NW

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4639 A St SE

SHAW

3566 13th St NW #4 1322 Kenyon St NW #3 1221 Kenyon St NW #1 1444 Taylor St NW #2 1101 Fairmont St NW #6 1345 Irving St NW #1 3114 13th St NW #B 732 Columbia Rd NW #1 1380 Quincy St NW #2-B 1462 Chapin St NW #1 1462 Chapin St NW #4 1462 Chapin St NW #6 3622 Georgia Ave NW #31 3238 13th St NW #4 1462 Chapin St NW #5 1462 Chapin St NW #3 1308 Clifton St NW #509 1495 Newton St NW #404 1417 Newton St NW #506 1457 Park Road NW #108 1495 Newton St NW #B101

$1,160,000 $1,099,000 $935,000 $812,500 $768,000 $721,000 $681,000 $676,000 $657,900 $645,000 $615,000 $580,000 $525,000 $480,000 $479,900 $469,900 $451,000 $450,000 $440,000 $429,000 $390,000 $385,000 $314,000 $299,000

CONVENTION CENTER 910 M St NW #620

DEANWOOD 4116 Ames St NE #202

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

$675,000

$186,503

DUPONT CIRCLE

2200 17th St NW #207 $1,035,000 1745 N St NW #108 $890,000 1617 Swann St NW #4 $885,000 1816 New Hampshire Ave NW #908 $440,000 1280 21st St NW #805 $327,000 1825 T St NW #P5 $45,000 1312 21st St NW #2 $950,000 1704 T St NW #404 $939,000 1625 Q St NW #107 $770,000 1823 Corcoran St NW #9 $617,500 1316 New Hamp. Ave NW #102 $540,000 1730 New Hamp. Ave NW #4 $517,000 1600 Q St NW #3 $515,000 1931 17th St NW #401 $495,500 1816 New Hamp. Ave NW #1008 $419,000 1301 20th St NW #406 $345,000 1758 NW Corcoran St NW #2 $329,000 1718 P St NW #703 $300,000 1825 T St NW #301 $250,000 1711 Massachusetts Ave NW #331 $239,000 1545 18th St NW #P44 $35,000

ECKINGTON

201 S St NE #201-2 1625 Eckington Pl NE #PH117 6 R St NW #201 138 Quincy Pl NE #4 233 S St NE #1 1625 Eckington Pl NE #PH315 1715 N Capitol St NE #4 1948 3rd St NE #B 1920 3rd St NE #2 1827 1st St NW #1 1625 Eckington Pl NE #PH203 1625 Eckington Pl NE #617 219 T St NE #404

FORT LINCOLN 3102 Cherry Rd NE #35

$1,035,000 $799,900 $780,000 $765,000 $650,000 $609,900 $605,000 $604,995 $540,000 $530,000 $524,900 $429,900 $390,000

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

$419,900

H STREET CORRIDOR 301 G St NE #13 1350 Maryland Ave NE #215 810 13th St NE #B

HILL CREST

2117 Fort Davis St SE #B 2131 Suitland Ter SE #B 3819 V St SE 2102 Suitland Ter SE #202

KINGMAN PARK 429 18th St NE #3 216 21st St NE #2

LOGAN CIRCLE

2125 14th St NW #401 1314 Massachusetts Ave NW #505 1401 Q St NW #503 1300 13th St NW #701 1515 15th St NW #426 1433 S St NW #2 1440 Church St NW #304 1401 Church St NW #302 1527 Church St NW #PH 1224 11th St NW #3 1437 Rhode Island Ave NW #412

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

$700,000 $618,000 $599,900

2 2 2

$285,000 $245,000 $179,000 $173,000

3 2 1 2

$524,995 $415,000

3 2

$790,000 $449,000 $1,135,000 $1,004,000 $909,000 $887,000 $877,000 $805,000 $799,000 $755,000 $744,000

2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2

Real Estate

Management Attention Condos, Coops, HOAs, Apartment Owners, Homeowners, & Investors:

1401 R NW #202 1325 13th St NW #205 1120 Rhode Island Ave NW #1 1211 13th St NW #202 1245 13th St NW #513 1111 11th St NW #504

$630,000 $549,000 $504,000 $455,000 $410,000 $430,000

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 300 50th St SE #403

$113,000

MT VERNON SQUARE 475 K St NW #804 1111 11th St NW #703 925 H St NW #809 811 4th St NW #411 811 4th St NW #311 475 K St NW #1017 1117 10th St NW #812

OLD CITY #1

1728 New Hampshire NW #201 315 G St NE #301 1350 Maryland NE #502 637 3rd St NE #304

OLD CITY #2

1918 15th St NW #1 1718 P St NW #915 1312 P St NW 910 M St NW #113 437 New York Ave NW #1006 1227 N NW #B 1001 L St NW #810 1545 18th St NW #318 1545 18th St NW #818 1545 18th St NW #203 1545 18th St NW #203 1711 Massachusetts Ave NW #132

PENN QUARTER 915 E St NW #711 915 E St NW #914

RLA (SW)

350 G St SW #N624 300 M St SW #N312 1435 4th St SW #B316

SHAW

1011 M St NW #906 1316 8th St NW #1 2030 8th St NW #207

SOUTH WEST 45 Sutton Sq SW #901 34 G St SW #107

TRUXTON CIRCLE

2 1 2 2 2 1 1

$584,000 $444,900 $416,000 $365,000

1 1 1 1

$840,000 $675,000 $675,000 $660,000 $540,000 $516,000 $515,000 $415,000 $399,900 $365,000 $365,000 $220,000

2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

$475,000 $432,500

1 1

1503 Neal St NE #2 1151 Morse St NE #1 1227 Morse St NE #4 1417 Staples St NE #102 1156 Owen Pl NE #2 1144 Owen Pl NE #2 1515 3rd St NW #B 1510 N Capitol St NW #401 55 M St NW #107

2120 Vermont Ave NW #405 1935 12th St NW #1 2020 15th St NW #2 2120 Vermont Ave NW #611 2020 12th St NW #404

WATERFRONT 45 Sutton Sq SW #502 700 7th St SW #427

ADAMS MORGAN 2605 Adams Mill Rd NW #31 2707 Adams Mill Rd NW #401 1661 Crescent Pl NW #202 1801 Clydesdale Pl NW #619

DUPONT CIRCLE 1701 16th St NW #509 1701 16th St NW #308 1701 16th St. NW #250 1526 17th St NW #212

NAVY YARD

1000 New Jersey Ave SE #1223

$522,000 $241,000 $200,000

2 0 0

WATERFRONT

$710,000 $599,000 $590,000

2 2 2

$2,000,000 $750,000

3 3 4 3 2 2

$865,000 $669,000 $292,800

3 4 2 2 2 2 3 2 1

$482,000 $1,042,000 $870,000 $600,000 $515,000

1 2 2 1 1

$780,000 $485,000

1 2

$754,000 $599,000 $545,000 $144,538

2 2 2 0

$415,000 $217,500 $399,000 $240,000

1 0 1 0

$390,000

734 Seventh Street, SE Office: 202.547.2707 Fax: 202.547.1977 joeltruitt.com info@joeltruitt.com

CO-OP

3 2 2 2

$1,075,000 $727,500 $575,000 $535,000

$990,000 $790,000 $739,900 $555,000 $400,000 $395,000

U STREET CORRIDOR

$309,000 $295,000 $160,000 $135,000

SW WATERFRONT 1227 4th St SW 1101 3rd St SW #715 288 M St SW #288 355 I St SW #524

TRINIDAD

$555,000 $514,000 $1,375,000 $861,000 $850,000 $624,900 $504,000

RANDLEHEIGHTS 1607 Gainesville St SE #301 1717 28th Pl SE #A 2832 Hartford St SE #302 1907 Good Hope Rd SE #210

1 1 2 1 1 1

Full service property management offering direct depositing, online 24 hr record viewing, budgeting, funds management & special accounts, delinquent notices & collections, building inspections, project & maintenance bidding, project planning, contract monitoring, renting/ leasing (new D.C. law), tenant screening, and more.

SW WATERFRONT 560 N St SW #N108 1301 Delaware Ave SW #N517 352 N St SW ◆

$350,000 $189,000 $540,000

1 1 3

Read his story at CapitolHillHistory.org

Photo by Tyrone Hamilton

For 41 years, Jim Finley’s labor of love was a no-frills gym he ran on the second floor of his auto repair shop at 10th Street and Maryland Avenue, NE. Boxing greats like Bob Foster and Sugar Ray Leonard went there to spar. They spent time with neighborhood kids and adults, bringing joy to so many around them. Read about Jim in his oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Keep Capitol Hill history alive by becoming a volunteer.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

December 2021 ★ 99

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arts ining d and

MOVIES THE New Offerings: A Wrenching Family Drama AT

and a Surprising Campaign Story by Mike Canning

Mass A small movie in scope but large in heart is “Mass,” a four-hander wherein two grieving couples meet to try to cope with unimaginable loss. One pair, Jay and Gail (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton) had, six years earlier, lost their teen-aged son in a school shooting, while the other, older couple, Richard and Linda (Reed Birney and Ann Dowd) are the parents of the teen-aged shooter, who committed suicide after the act. Though they all have had testy encounters in the aftermath of the shooting, Gail has, through a mediator, suggested that the other couple meet with them one more time for some final reconciliation (the film is rated “PG-13” and runs 111 minutes). Their meeting, in an all-purpose room in an isolated Episcopal church in northern Idaho, begins tentatively, with church staff trying to make the guests comfortable. All arrive and some guarded small talk ensues—there is a fussy exchange about a bouquet Linda has brought—before Jay opens up the meeting, still trying to comprehend what happened. An early flare-up occurs when Richard From left to right: Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney, and Ann Dowd star in “Mass.” Photo credit: Bleecker Street Pictures hints at political issues being implicated in their case, when Jay cuts him off, saying they should exclude poliguiding a fine quartet of older actors when he was but 39. May Mr. Kranz have tics from their conversation. many more chances to prove himself over the years. From there, each parent, in turn, agonizes about how the shooting has left them. Gail still wants to know “why,” while the shooting has triggered her husband towards a new activism. Richard, though regretful, is the one most ready Mayor Pete to move on, while his wife struggles with her own inchoate guilt. All four actors Observers of documentaries about political campaigns usually cite “Primary” achieve a delicate balance, with each given a chance at a modest monologue to of 1960, covering the Wisconsin primary race between Humbert Humphrey express their own version of grief. The four pinwheel through personal attacks, and JFK. “Mayor Pete” follows in that tradition, with the minutiae of the campoignant remembrances of their sons, speculations on their own guilt—not expaign trail leavened with the unabashed youth of the candidate and his articuactly reconciling what has happened but aiming for some kind of surcease. late, guarded demeanor. From the start, director Jesse Moss ”was intrigued by All four actors are splendid, utterly natural in delivering Fran Kranz’s inciButtigieg. He had remarkable composure, evident intelligence, and a gift for sive script. Plimpton stands out as a woman struggling to express herself, while conveying complex ideas in ways that felt graspable.... Could a small-town mayher inner turmoil is agonizingly revealed in her eyes and expressions. Ann Dowd, or ascend, in one bold step, to the highest office in the land? It was a story that the most emotional of the quartet, delivers an urgent late soliloquy describing Frank Capra might have concocted.” (the film, now on Amazon., runs 97 mins. her last fraught last evening with her son, a devastating reveal. and is rated “R.”) Fran Kranz makes his directorial and screenwriting debut with “Mass,” and “Mayor Pete” shows Buttigieg’s 2019-2020 campaign with unprecedentit is a stunning one for this LA-based actor. His work is the more remarkable for ed intimacy. Opening a year before the Iowa caucuses, it follows Buttigieg’s reDecember 2021 ★ 101

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Pete Buttigieg (center right) takes a selﬁe on the campaign trail. Photo courtesy of Amazon. Copyright Amazon Content Services, LLC

markable trajectory up to his unlikely, hair-breadth victory there. The campaign carries on to New Hampshire and beyond, ending only in his withdrawal after the March 2020 South Carolina primary. This film reveals fully the mechanics of a presidential campaign. The candidate is shown touring the country in his “Pete 2020” bus, appearing on TV interviews, prepping for the Democratic debates, and in earnest conference with his chief aides, led by campaign manager Mike Schmuhl and head of communications, the feisty Lis Smith. A unique aspect of the Buttigieg campaign is the steady presence of his spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, who fulfills a role as tactician and surrogate, as well as Pete-whisperer. In candid interviews, he offers insights into the candidate which Buttigieg, famously self-contained, does not reveal. While overall laudatory, the movie does not avoid one major hiccup on the campaign. While campaigning, Pete was still mayor of South Bend, and in June 2019, an incident happened involving a white policeman shooting and killing a Black man. This caused him to skip campaign stops

and return to his home town, where he is shown facing a Black crowd enraged at the incident, chastened and defensive, and facing a hostile audience asking what actions he will take for justice. The troubling event gives us a different take on the ever-cool Buttigieg as he searches to explain a failure of his city’s government. “Mayor Pete” is director Moss’ follow-up to last year’s “Boys’ State,” which was honored with a 2021 Primetime Emmy Award as Outstanding Documentary. As in “Boys State,” Moss achieves, with roaming, handheld cameras, an intimate connection with the candidate and his campaign team, portraying a revealing and candid backstory.

Fauci – DC in the Movies “America’s Favorite Doctor,” i.e., Dr. Anthony Fauci, has become a household name with his singular knowledge as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in a time of COVID-19. His remarks on the science of epidemiology made him a TV superstar, delivering sometimes dozens of interviews per day. Moreover, his assured man-

ner and distinctive Brooklyn voice were a balm for a concerned and confused public. Adding to his celebrity was his presence on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, where he represented medical reason amidst presidential hunches and grandstanding as President Trump dominated the group’s narrative. He came out of the Trump years untainted (though vilified by some Trump supporters) and surfaced again as a chief adviser to the Biden administration. His expertise on the coronavirus front are an important part of “Fauci,” but only a part. The movie is an admiring biography of this treasured civil servant whose career—50 plus years at NIH—deals with other international epidemics, including HIV/AIDS, SARS, and Ebola. A sequence on AIDS shows his first national exposure on a major virus while also introducing criticism of him as a stodgy bureaucrat. While the Reagan Administration’s initial reaction to the AIDS crisis was silent or wary, it was Dr. Fauci who first came to pay serious attention to both activist’s protests and the scientific questioning of the Act-Up coalition. He went from being a pariah to their ally and helped steer the virus to a treatable malady. The film, directed by John Hoffman and Janet Tobias, captures the Fauci saga in media sequences, leavened with contemporary footage of the doctor and his family, humanizing this committed man. 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. ◆

Check out all of our happenings at

www.Mrhenrysdc.com LIVE MUSIC returns

Wed through Sat evenings. Tickets at

Instantseats.com Every Wednesday Capitol Hill Jazz Jam 12/2 - Pablo Regis 12/3 - Brendan Brady 12/4 - Holiday Divas and Divos

SMYAL.org

202-546-5940 | supporterinfo@smyal.org 410 7th Street., SE WDC 20003

12/17 - Eddie Anderson Project 12/18 - Renee Tannenbaum

12/23 - Capital City Voices Levine Jazz Band 12/9 - Alex Hamburger Masterclass 12/10 - Fran Vielma’s 12/30 - Senobia and Orchestra Friends 12/11 - Sara Jones and 12/31 - New Year’s Eve with Chris Grasso Steve Washington 12/16 - Carly Harvey Holiday Show

Ask us about booking holiday parties!

Mon-Fri 11am – 1:30am Sat & Sun 10:30am – 1:30am

601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE December 2021 ★ 103

. arts and dining .

ARTandtheCITY by Jim Magner

ARTIST PROFILE: KASSE ANDREWS-WELLER Clay. Clay is ever the art form. From flags to farms and from fruit to families, the glazed ceramics of Kasse Andrew-Weller are happy, and make you happy. It’s life as it was and should be. It has always been that way for Kasse—from childhood to now: “Through my art, I express and preserve memories that can still take me to my Happy Place.” For Kasse, it’s a slice of the universe that is wonderfully imaginative and playful. It hovers in the magical space between the naïve ideal and the tarnished reality, forever fresh and fun—it creates its own undeniable certainty. Kasse has two Masters degrees: one in Fine Arts (Sculpture) and the other in Strategic Studies. She says she used one to make a living and she is now, as

a retired Air Force Colonel, following her passion for making art and exhibiting in solo and group shows. In addition to glazed ceramics, she uses wood, mosaic stones, embroidery thread and metal as well as other available materials. Kasse is also dedicated to helping others find that happy, or at least, peaceful place in their lives through art. She works with veteran programs and groups and is always there for others. Kasse Andrews-Weller finds happiness in that next step to the future through the past. You can find all of her themes at: www.kasseart.com. If you are in need of peace and happiness this month, you can find her work at the Hill Center galleries. (See, At the Galleries.). They make great gifts and you can buy online. www.hillcenterdc.org

"Chinese Checkers in the Corn Field" Glazed ceramics, wood, marble and marbles

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(Title:) Repairing the Favorite Quilt Glazed Ceramics and Wood

wa. She came back to rediscover her grandmother’s ancient methods of making pots. She dug clay from the banks of nearby arroyos and shaped pottery and figures in all sizes and shapes. I was fascinated at how smoothly her gnarled hands could work the wet clay while my young hands couldn’t. She had to learn how to process Jim Magner’s the clay and when to put the Thoughts earthen pots on the wall to on Art dry in the morning—before Happy places often the wind would blow and rise from the ground. “Field Trip to the Gallery” Glazed Ceramics crack the clay. I taught in the mid-70s She cooked them in on what was then the pits behind her old adobe house—beneath mesPapago Indian Reservation (now Tohono quite branches. That too took much experimenting O’odham). There, I discovered Laura Kerbecause there was no one to teach her. man. She was reliving her own happy place. She wanted to locate the white clay that the warShe had left the reservation as a girl and had riors wore in the old days when they were preparing spent her whole life in Tucson. to fight the Apaches. We drove the vast desert reserNow she was back in the village of Topa-

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Laura Kerman - Tohono O’odham Reservation. Photo: Jim Magner

vation on the Mexican border in my Ford Bronco, digging in dry arroyos until we found some. We tried it, but it wasn’t as good as the red clay. Laura did not have electricity and refused hookups from the tribe. She got her water from a well. She grew her own corn and had chickens. She and her dog would fight off the big wolf that came to steal a hen. Laura Kerman was very alive in her happy place. Looking back, it was my happy place too. Make someone else’s place a happy one this year. There is much art, most of it very inexpensive, at the Hill Center, art galleries, and outdoor markets.

At the Galleries Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave., S. E. – Dec 30 This “Hybrid Exhibit” brings you five favorite Hill Center artists. Their work is both on the walls and online. It is all great art, unbelievably inexpensive, and will make great and muchloved gifts. Martha Pope: Pastel Landscapes. Kasse Andrews-Weller: Happy Place (See, Artist Profile) Ellen Cornet: Animal Crackers Alan Braley: The Joy of Baseball Monica Servaites: Refraction www.hillcenterdc.org

Rosa Vera Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Avenue NW Dec 3–Jan 2, “ Opening Recep: Sun., Dec 5, 3–5 “For Land and Water” is a new series of paintings by Rosa Vera that embraces all that we hold dear—all that could be lost through climate change. Through floating patterns of symbols and color, she expresses the joy of beauty—the richness that subsists only through ecological vitality and the profusion of natural life forms. See also Elaine Florimonte’s elaborate and compelling compositions that express the isolation and connectivity of all that we do and see. www.rosavera.com www.touchstonegallery.com www.elaineflorimonte.com

CALL KIRA MEANS SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

202.400.3508 KIRA@HILLRAG.COM Capital Community News, Inc.

On a personal note: You can watch the very short video (85 sec.) for my historical fiction novel, The Dead Man on the Corner. https:// youtu.be/bQad2_Ck78Q You can buy the book on both Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, along with my other new historical fiction novel, John Dillinger and Geronimo. See: www.JamesJohnMagner.com. A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com ◆

December 2021 ★ 105

. arts and dining .

the LITERARY HILL A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events

Somerset as Microcosm In 1975, John R. Wennersten was teaching history at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore when he was asked by the local Bicentennial Committee to write a history of Somerset County. His account, which included descriptions of the lynchings that took place there, was never published. What the committee desired, he writes, was not the reality of this complex region, but “a replica of ‘Gone With the Wind.’” Now, in his new book, “Strange Fruit: Racism and Community Life in the Chesapeake, 1850 to the Present,” Wennersten has free rein—and Tara is nowhere to be seen. Tracing the long, fraught history of this area on the Delmarva peninsula, he positions Somerset County as a microcosm reflecting the racial attitudes of the country as a whole. Eschewing the “moonlight and magnolias sentimentality” that early plantation owners often deployed to defend their “peculiar institution” of slavery, he reveals a harsh and oppressive society. “Somerset,” he writes, was “as much a pro-slavery county as any county in Mississippi.” When the Great Depression hit Somerset County hard, it led to even more racial scapegoating and violence—including lynching. One particularly egregious example, the vicious murder of George Armwood at the hands of an angry mob, “demonstrated how poverty, racial fear, and geographic isolation from the cultural mainstream could result in acts of horrendous violence,” Wennersten writes. It

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wasn’t until after WWII that legislation gave the federal government the power to go after lynchers. In more recent times, Somerset County was the site of racial protests so violent that the National Guard was stationed in one town for nearly two years. The 60s “continue to be a defining moment in our culture,” notes Wennersten, “and the Eastern Shore became “part of a worldwide struggle for human rights.” Even today, he writes, the violent legacy of Somerset lives on and “continues to reflect the region’s problematic racial heritage.” In writing “Strange Fruit,” Wennersten’s goal was to remind us all of the truths “that most people would rather not know about, especially when it comes to race.” His powerful book is a large step in that direction. John R. Wennersten is a Professor Emeritus of American History at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, and the author of eleven books, including “Maryland’s Eastern Shore: A Journey in Time and Place” and “Chesapeake Bay: An Environmental History.”

Weirdwater Rafting

Welcome to the worlds of Dan Fitzgerald. The Hill fantasy writer who created a magical universe populated by warriors, mages, and man-beasts in The Maer Cycle Trilogy is back with a haunting new series. “The Living Waters,” the first book in his planned Weirdwater Confluence Duology, begins with a river journey. The excursion is intended as a “roughabout” research adventure for a pair of untried young people. Sylvan, who just received his doctorate in Life Sciences, is eager to put his knowledge to use in the real world. And Temi is using the excursion to avoid a forced marriage that would assuage her family’s debt. They are chaperoned by Gilea, a seasoned traveler who is also an John R. Wennersten traces empath, and Leo, their strong and perenthe fraught racial history of Maryland’s Eastern Shore in nially cheerful boat captain. “Strange Fruit.” Sylvan and Temi are part of a peo-

The first book in Dan Fitzgerald’s Weirdwater Confluence Duology takes readers on a fantastical trip through “The Living Waters.”

ple called “painted faces,” who treasure and protect their pale skin and are known for being soft. According to Gilea, “their lives were so easy they had to go on roughabouts just so once in their life, they could experience the same struggles that were the daily lot of most people.” More than just an exercise in “eating mucky fish and river rat three meals a day,” the trip is seen as an opportunity to “wisen them up.” But what the foursome encounters as they raft downstream in the swirling river—strange creatures, humanoids who can communicate with their minds, and menacing, shape-shifting waters—will change all of them in deeply significant ways. Much of what they experience strains belief, especially for the scientific-minded Sylvan. As he discovers, to his wide-eyed amazement, “there was much more in the world than what was written in his textbooks.” In “The Living Waters,” Fitzgerald has crafted a fantastical tale about “a legendary place, said to hold wonders that defied the imagination”—but not, happily, the robust and unfettered imagination of Dan Fitzgerald. His created worlds are delightfully awe-inspiring places in which you’ll want to linger. Dan Fitzgerald has already completed the second book in the duology, “The Isle of a Thousand Words,” which will be published in January 2022. Find him at www.danfitzwrites.com.

Beyond the Pale In the late 18th century, Tsarist Russia created the Pale of Settlement to confine Jews into a swathe

THE POETIC HILL

D Based in part on oral history, Nora Jean and Michael H. Levin’s “A Border Town in Poland” tells the story of Hirsch Bieler’s life.

of provinces on the border of Russia and Poland. It was here, in 1900, in the Polish town of Grajewo, that Hirsch Bieler was born. The stories he later told of his eventful life echoed those of many of his lost generation. Now, more than a century later, his daughter and her husband have “pick[ed] up the baton,” compiling his “painstakingly detailed tales” into a book that serves both as a memorial to him and a testament to the times he lived through. “A Border Town in Poland: A 20th Century Memoir,” as told to Nora Jean and Michael H. Levin, is the story of Bieler’s life, from his upbringing in Grajewo to his immigration to America just prior to World War II. And what stories he has to tell! Some of the most vivid involve Zelde, the ugly but clever crone who ran the town’s smuggling operation. Working as her courier helped him survive the poverty of his childhood—but also resulted in some hair-raisingly narrow escapes. After WWI, he became “a man without a country.” He fled to Germany, where a kindly family saved him from deportation by adopting him and helping set him up in the fur business. When that failed, he survived by selling oil to farmers. Unfortunately, the rise of Nazism eventually took its toll. People he’d known for years turned on him and his cit-

izenship was revoked. Thankfully, a contact in the oil business helped to get him a US visa and Bieler—now with a wife and young daughter— was able to come to America. Throughout his life, Bieler supported his extended family, but when Europe fell to the Nazis, he was unable to get them out. The final section of the book reprints their heartbreaking letters pleading for help, and his desperate but ultimately doomed attempts to provide it. None of his relatives in former Poland survived the war. The story of Bieler’s long life is one of displacement, resilience, loss, and hope. As the Levins write, “He shared his tales to make sure they would not be lost. He believed that through his telling, those lives would live on.” Thanks to them, they now do. The Levins are also the authors of “Two Pianos: Playing for Life,” a documentary about female Jewish musicians who performed during the Third Reich. www. twopianosplayingforlife.org u

by Karen Lyon

ana Gittings is a DC-area poet whose forthcoming collection, “The Dark Dance,” explores how a shared thread of compulsivity can, through the vehicle of writing, link alcohol consumption, intimacy, and the almost manic process of healing. Her poetry has been featured in “Abridged,” “Under the Basho,” and “Avatar,” the literary magazine of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, as well as in “INK BLOTS, Vol. 1,” an anthology from the DC Poetry Collective. As for her poetic inspiration, she says, “I write to find the final line. I write to feel in the dark for power.” Learn more at www.danagittings.com.

Searching We rise and fall to fill the incessant tick, tick of the silence, struggle all night against the weight of it crushing into the depths of the ocean between us. We dig in the sheets for a toehold, weather the seclusion of our private thoughts, rip our starving hearts wide open as the moonlight scooping crescents in our backs. We sail our gaze deep into the eyes for steady seas, keep watch until morning as the ship swells with the tides of our bodies, pulled side to side in probing hands. We search between trick and trap of our shifting angles to find each other, gaining ground with every glance over the shoulder. We don’t breathe out until the sun comes up, retreat to our distant cabins, two continents.

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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A NEW LITTLE PANTRY ON CAPITOL HILL

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

very five years, Liz Gregg gives herself many people —white people, she said —would shrug do something supportive right here in their corner of a significant birthday present, sometheir shoulders and say, really, does anyone actually the world,” Gregg said. “That was my point.” thing that goes out into the world. One take the food?” she said. Those same people would Gregg’s spouse, Eric Mader, said Gregg is the year, she learned to compost, acquired donate and be shocked to see those items disappear right person to put out the message. “She’s the pera composter and invited the neighbors within hours. fect person for this sort of thing, because she’s a good to use it. Five years ago, she had a Little Free Li“I wanted to provide the evidence that they can communicator,” he explains. “She’ll get the word out.” brary installed. On Nov. 7, Gregg celebrated her latest birthday with the dedication of Hobbes’s Little Free Pantry in her front yard at 521 Seventh St. NE. Gregg’s yard is in an optimal location for a Little Pantry, along a heavily trafficked pathway used by people going between H Street and Eastern Market. She said she made her choice because of the need exposed by the pandemic. She was further inspired by the power of the Little Free Library to inspire connection between neighbors as they give and receive. But more than anything, she wanted to draw attention to the need in our midst. The Little Pantry was up for a month prior to its dedication, she said. As she worked in her front garden, she would often speak to those who craned their neck to look at it, or even stopped on their way by. Liz Gregg, her son William and their cat, Hobbes (for whom the pantry is named) at the Nov. 7 dedication ceremony. “I can’t tell you how Photo: John Shore Photography December 2021 ★ 109

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When beginning her project, Gregg reached out for help via social media, getting support in return from Patrick McClintock. Active with Capitol Hill Village (CHV), McClintock has helped establish two other Little Pantries on the Hill, at 14th and E Sts. SE and at 16th and D Sts. SE. In August, an unaffiliated pantry was placed on the 600 block of South Carolina Avenue SE, just behind the Southeast Library. Throughout the Hill, several Little Libraries have also been converted into Rabbi Hannah (L) led a Shehechiyanu while Father William pantries during the pandemic. Gurnee (R) blessed the pantry box with holy water during the dedication. Photo: E.O’Gorek “It’s very spontaneous,” McClintock said of the eruption of Little Pantries. “People are Dedication of the Hobbes pleased to get a chance to do it.” He says the bigFree Pantry gest challenge in erecting a pantry box is dealing The dedication was an opportunity to bring atwith the humanity of the need. “It’s really movtention to the project. Father William Gurnee, ing. We try to find something that’s useful, but rePastor of St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill (313 Secalize at the same time that it’s really only a symbol ond St. NE), blessed the pantry at the dedicaof the food insecurity that’s all around us in DC tion. He said the pantry was a place of learning, and all around this pathetic country.” and an opportunity for people to be a blessing Food insecurity is a stark reminder of the to one another. inequities in the District. In 2020, the Capitol “Often it is difficult and exhausting for Area Food Bank Hunger Report estimated that those in need to ask,” he noted. “By placing 82,020, or one in ten District residents, were this little free pantry here, we are giving peoexperiencing food insecurity, a situation exacple dignity and allow them to access the goods erbated by the pandemic. of this world without fanfare. In addition, we allow those who donate to do so without calling attention to their good deeds.” Sprinkling it with holy water, Gurnee blessed the pantry and those who contribute to it as a sign of hope and as a place of hospitality on Capitol Hill. In her remarks, Rabbi Hannah of Hill Havurah (212 East Capitol St. NE) referenced the tradition of giving food in the Torah, saying it was indicative of the abunEric Mader gives a child a balloon as thanks for her donation. Photo: John Shore Photography dance that some of us live

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in and the opportunities that some have to give. Together, Rabbi Hannah and those gathered sang a “firsttime” blessing, Shehechiyanu, to give thanks for the dedication, before children climbed a small step-ladder to fill the pantry. When the Little Pantry first opened, Gregg said, she bought $200 worth of food but could only keep 15 to 20 items in the box. ”More often the box was empty or close to empty,” she said. Since the dedication, donations have taken off, she said. As long as people donate three to five items a day, she said, it will be kept stocked. Since the pantry was installed in October, Gregg’ has met many of its patrons. Many tell her their stories, she said. “They are saying, “I found it through social media. [or] I’m three days away from a paycheck. I don’t have enough for my family. Mom’s just gone to the hospital, she’s no longer working, we don’t have her money, things are getting really tight for us.” The largest amount of money spent on a single holiday in the US is spent on Thanksgiving. As it approaches, Gregg hopes folks will keep other, less-laden holiday tables in mind. She encourages people to buy an extra cornbread or gravy mix, cranberry sauce or sweet treat to add

to someone else’s menu. Also needed are things that are not edible but are essential, Gregg said, like new socks and underwear, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Gregg points out that even when food can be obtained cheaply, mothers often have to make difficult choices while shopping, especially as feminine hygiene items are so costly. “When they buy their products, it’s very expensive, and they have to choose between that and meals for their children,” she said. “You can guess what they choose.” Gregg knows that the Little Pantry is just that —a little thing. But its role is not to solve hunger, she said. “It is to connect our neighbors to the food insecurity of our other neighbors all around us, who we know and who we build our community with—but we may not be aware that they’re struggling with food insecurity,” she said. It’s a safe place to get intermittent, modest support that brings attention to the issue. Sometimes, the little things make a big difference.

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Hobbe’s Little Pantry is at 519 Seventh St. SE. Overflow donations can be made in bins on the front porch. Learn more about the Little Free Pantry Movement by visiting https://www. littlefreepantry.org/ ◆ December 2021 ★ 111

. family life .

/ The District Vet /

SEPARATION ANXIETY IN CATS AND DOGS

hankfully there has been a recent shift in today’s society that is making the discussion of mental health such as anxiety and depression more socially acceptable. There are many parallels between human medicine and veterinary medicine and mental health of our pets is no exception. Cats and dogs can experience anxiety and it can negatively impact their overall health and the human-animal bond that we all treasure. In the times of COVID-19, pet owners are noticing separation anxiety more than ever. Here are some signs of separation anxiety to look for in your furry friends as well as some home remedies. As stoic and independent as cats can appear, they can struggle with separation anxiety when their owners leave for work or weekend trips. Have you noticed any of the signs below? • Destructive tendencies - Do you come home to find shredded toilet paper that makes it appear as though the roll itself imploded? Doesyour favorite pair of shoes now have teeth marks? • Aggression - Do you notice that your cat is biting or scratching people or other animals in the house aside from their usual sass? • Not using the litter box - Does your cat have a new favorite place in the house to urinate or defecate? While this could be a sign of anxiety this could also be a more serious medical condition such as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). • Increased vocalization - Does your cat sing the song of their people—such as yowling at night or meowing more throughout the day? (This does not include cats voicing their concerns that their food bowl is now half empty and starvation is imminent.) As happy as our dogs can be when we come home, they can also become upset when we leave. Dogs can learn your morning routine and can begin to anticipate your departure which can eventually lead to separation anxiety. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs can present as any of the signs listed below. • Pacing - Does your pooch constantly pace around the door or one area of the house when

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by Rochelle Camden, DVM you spy on them through your pet cams? • Accidents in the house - Your dog is potty trained but you come home to urine or stool in the house? • Increased vocalization - Can you hear your pup barking or whining after you have left the same room or the house? • Destructive tendencies - Is your pup normally a gentle giant but when you leave turns into a weapon of mass destruction? • Decreased appetite - Is your dog’s favorite time of the day breakfast or dinner but they don’t touch their food bowl when you’re gone? If you have noticed one or more of the signs above for your dog or cat, this could be an indication your pet is affected by anxiety. The next best step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so they can discuss options with you. This will also ensure that your pet is otherwise healthy.

Treatments for Anxiety Now that you know some signs of anxiety to look out for, here are some treatments that can be considered to help make your pet comfortable and confident. Kennel Training Dogs - Providing a safe space for your pup can make all the difference. Sometimes large areas or free roaming abilities of the entire house can be intimidating for dogs and they might do better in small controlled rooms or kennels. I recommend teaching your dog that a kennel is a happy place by feeding them in the kennel and giving treats there. Treats - Try offering a high reward treat right before you leave. This can help pets learn that your departure is actually exciting. For dogs, you can consider a Kong filled with peanut butter, cheese, carrots, apple pieces, or yogurt. For an extra bonus, you can put the treat filled Kong in the freezer overnight to help distract your pup in a positive way for a longer amount of time. For cats, you can consider giving a catnip filled toy. Alternatively, you can get a cat licky mat and cover it in Churu! Altering Greetings/Departures - As exciting as it is to come home to our furry friends, if we make our return exciting this can reinforce the idea that

leaving is stressful. Therefore, I recommend putting your pup in the kennel five minutes before you leave and not providing any acknowledgement of your pup until five minutes after your return. If they bark or whine upon return, please keep your pup in the kennel until they are calm. Once they are calm, let them out of the kennel and go outside for a potty break and then give lots of attention and praise. This will help teach your dog to be calm with departures and arrivals. Pheromones - This is a species specific hormone that animals can use to communicate with one another. As humans, we are not able to smell these hormones but dogs and cats can. There are products such as Adaptil and Feliway, for dogs and cats respectively that come in collars, sprays, or plug-in diffusers to help keep your pets calm. They utilize calming pheromones that are released from the mom to help keep their puppies or kitties nice and relaxed. Probiotics - These are just like what you eat in yogurt to help promote good gut health. However, this does not mean you can feed your pet yogurt or human probiotics for the calming properties. There is an exact species of probiotics that have been scientifically shown to reduce stress and anxiety in pets. Calming Care has been created specifically for cats and dogs to help reduce stress anxiety. Medication - There are a couple of options for prescription level medications that can be prescribed to help keep your pet calm. Don’t be surprised if you hear medications such as Gabapentin, or Prozac mentioned. There are many more medications to choose from and they come in many forms such as liquid, pill, or capsule. Your veterinarian will help find the perfect medication for your pet, if needed. If your pet has separation anxiety, this can be stressful on the human side as well. Luckily, there are several ways owners and veterinarians can intervene and help decrease stress. We hope that this has been helpful and please know your veterinarian is only a call away. We are passionate about keeping your pets as stress free as possible, healthy, and happy! Rochelle Camden, DVM, associate veterinarian, at District Veterinary Hospital. u

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December 2021 ★ 113

Holidays at the Botanic Garden

This year, the US Botanic Garden, at the foot of the Capitol, offers an outdoor holiday display, running through Jan. 2 (closed on Christmas day). The display includes festive decorations, trains, evergreens, and lights in the outdoor gardens. G-gauge model trains will run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens. The trains will circulate through agricultural displays from across the United States and around the world, all made from plant parts. These farm scenes will range from orange groves, cranberry bogs, and wheat ﬁelds in the US to grape vineyards in Australia, coffee farms in Uganda and olive orchards in Spain. No tickets required. The trains may not run during inclement weather. usbg.gov/holiday.

y l i m a f kids &

Join the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count

Photo: Nick Eckert

Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac

Waterskiing Santa appears along the Old Town Alexandria waterfront on Friday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. (pre-show at 12:45 p.m.). Santa’s helpers come out early to ensure it’s safe for Santa (considering the Grinch or Jack Frost may be around). waterskiingsanta.com.

A family holiday tradition for many, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with over 100 years of citizen science involvement. It’s an early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across the US, Canada and many countries in the Western Hemisphere, go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds. To participate, you need to join an existing CBC circle by contacting the compiler in advance of the count day. All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, inclusive dates, each season. Read more and sign up at audubon.org/content/ join-christmas-bird-count.

BELOW: Marine Staﬀ Sgts. Hugh Wood and Randall Ayers, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, take calls at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher

NORAD Tracks Santa

NORAD tracks everything that ﬂies in and around North America in defense of our country. However, on Dec. 24, they have the special mission of also tracking Santa. NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, believing she was calling Santa Claus after seeing a promotion in a local newspaper. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night, was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the youngster that CONAD would guarantee Santa a safe journey from the North Pole. Thus, a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives nearly ﬁfteen million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers receive more than 130,000 calls (phone number appears on the website on Dec. 24) to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline. This year, children are also able to track Santa through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. noradsanta.org. 114 ★ HILLRAG.COM

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December 2021 ★ 115

. family life .

National Cathedral Family Christmas Service

On Thursday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m., the Nativity story comes to life in the glorious nave of the National Cathedral. Gather loved ones of all ages for a joyful service of carols and prayers featuring a menagerie of live animals to welcome the Holy Family. Free passes are required to attend in person. cathedral.org.

“A Christmas Carol” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria Through Dec. 18, LTA rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim. A Christmas Carol is a must for the entire family. The Little Theatre of Alexandria is at 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA. thelittletheatre.com.

Cinderella at Synetic Theater

A Family Christmas at the KC On Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 24 at 11 a.m., bring the kids to the Kennedy Center for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them. They’ll take you on a merry tour of holiday sing-alongs and Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages five, up. $20 to $45. kennedy-center.org.

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is one of the most vibrant holiday celebrations in town. This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats. The Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Dec. 9 to 30. Get tickets and updates at stepafrika.org.

Christmas Movies at The Miracle Theatre See some of the great Christmas movies on the big screen. Here’s this year’s lineup: The Polar Express, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. and Dec. 12, 2 p.m.; Elf, Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.; It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. and Dec. 18, 4 p.m.; White Christmas, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. All tickets, $6. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. 116 H HILLRAG.COM

Just in time for the holidays, Cinderella joins Synetic’s family series repertoire. Led by an all-female team of Syneticons, this innovative take on the classic fairytale is a perfect fit for audiences of all ages. $15 to $30. Cinderella is on stage at Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Crystal City, on select days through Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. synetictheater.org.

ty, led by Teaching Artist, Jessica Andrews. $25 for groups; $12 for families. discoverytheater.org/seasonsoflight.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Ice Skating Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, is open for public skating through the end of 2021 on Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 2 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.

Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA On Sunday, Jan. 2, 1:30 p.m., join GALA for this annual tradition, the celebrated Three Kings celebration which brings Latin-American tradition to the streets of DC with local music and dance groups, and free gifts for all children. Attendance is capped at 200 and allows only one adult per every three children in the group/family. Tickets are $2 per person. All patrons ages five and up

Discovery Theater’s “Season of Light” Show On-Demand See the beloved holiday favorite that bridges communities and cultures the world over— virtually! An adapted version of this enchanting, signature Discovery Theater show will be available for digital viewing this year. Celebrate the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice—right from your home or classroom. Recommended for ages five to 12. Available for school/groups, Dec. 6 to 23; families, Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Following the show, students can discover more with a pre-recorded activi-

Photo: Alice Rose

See the Trains at the National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree is lit every day, through Jan. 1, from approximately 4:30 p.m. to midnight as part of the America Celebrates display at President’s Park (White House). Ahead of this holiday season, the National Park Service planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree, a 27-foot white fir from Middleburg, Pa. was donated by Hill View Christmas Tree Farm and will be the first white fir to serve as the National Christmas Tree. You can visit the tree, surrounding model trains and decorations any time throughout the season. thenationaltree.org.

Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Ice and Lights is a walk-thru holiday light show that features ice skating, an interactive orb ﬁeld, a 100 ft. tunnel arch, a walk-thru tree, photo ops, food concessions and beautiful light displays throughout. It is open daily, Nov. 19 to Jan. 2, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; and ice skating only from Jan. 8 to Feb. 27, weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Village admission is $9 per person (under two, free) and $22 which includes admission and skating. The Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA. novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights.

are required to show proof of vaccination or recent COVID test. galatheatre.org/post/threekingsday.

The MusicianShip Virtual Music Classes DPR has partnered with The Musicianship to bring kids, six to 12, free virtual music classes taught by the masters of music education in DC. The Musicianship Virtual General Music Classes will use a mix of digital tools to provide engaging and inspiring group music lessons. Experience is not necessary for participating children. These classes will focus on music appreciation, music history, introduction to musical concepts and theory, creativity, and expres-

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sion. Additional enrollment documents will be required prior to class attendance. All you need to do is sign your child up, log on, and listen to the teachings of vetted music educators from the DMV. Sign up at musicianshipvirtualclass.splashthat.com.

Annual Children’s Christmas Mass at the National Shrine On Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m., the Basilica of the National Shrine and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart invite the faithful to participate in the annual Children’s Christmas Mass in the Great Upper Church. Students from the Stone Ridge school will provide the music ministry, and a special presentation of the Bambinelli will take place. The National Shrine is at 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.org.

Come se hine r lea n C us! h it w

Corduroy at Imagination Stage We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly im-

perfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her mother to buy Corduroy for her. Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. ASLinterpreted performance is Jan. 2 at 1:30 p.m. Sensory-friendly performance is Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Corduroy, on stage at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Dec. 11 to Jan. 23, is best for ages three to nine. imaginationstage.org.

Adventure Theater’s Winterfest Through Jan. 2, get three shows for the price of one. Adventure Theater’s Winterfest brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Snowflakes, frost, and fantasy

YU YING IS OPEN TO ALL! • We’re one of 11 DC public charter schools with equitable access preference. • Parents and guardians – you don’t need to speak Chinese for your child to attend. Learn more and register for an upcoming virtual open house at washingtonyuying.org/enroll

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Washington Harbour Ice Rink Opens for Season

Washington Harbour Ice Rink, in Georgetown at 3000 K St. NW, has opened for public skating on Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7, skate rental. thewashingtonharbour.com/iceskating-rink.

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abound in Uri & Ora Light the Menorah by Robyn Shrater Seemann, Connection by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen, and Cranky Penguin by Keegan Patterson. General admission is $20.50. Adventure is at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

The Puppet Company’s Winter Shows

Meet American Girl Evette Peters

New American Girl doll, Evette, loves vintage clothes and protecting nature, including the Anacostia River near her home. Her story, The River and Me, was written by author and Anacostia High School alumna, Sharon Dennis Wyeth. Ms. Wyeth is an African American writer with a multigenerational mixed-race legacy–the descendant of enslaved West Africans, free people of color, European colonists and indentured servants. Born and raised in Washington, DC, she is the author of numerous award-winning books for children and young adults. She received an A.B. with honors in a combined discipline of sociology, psychology and anthropology from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Find the Evette Peters doll at americangirl.com for $110 for doll and book. The closest American Girl retail outlet is at 8090 Tysons Corner Center, McLean. americangirl.com.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins: Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Hanukkah Goblins is on select days from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3. $15 per person (under two, free). Puppet Company, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. thepuppetco.org. The Nutcracker--On select days through Jan 2, for the 33rd year, The Puppet Co. brings to life Tchaikovsky’s musical adaptation of the tale by E. T. A. Hoffman. Larger than lifesize costume characters and marionettes delight Clara-Marie, and the audience, on a magical journey through the “Land of the Sugarplum Fairy.” $15 per person (under two, free). thepuppetco.org.

Annapolis Jolly Express Cruise On Dec. 3, 4, 10, 17 and 18, at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 p.m., hop aboard Miss Anne, all decked out for the Holidays and for a Spa Creek “sleigh ride” on the Jolly Express. Miss Anne will be adorned with reindeer spirit for an intimate cruise including hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Blankets will be available to keep you warm, or you are welcome to bring your own. Enjoy the cruise with “Captain Santa” at the helm. $25 for adults; $13 for kids, 11 and under. watermarkjourney. com/events/jolly-express-cruise. ◆

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December 2021 ★ 119

. family life .

SCHOOL NOTES by Susan Braun Johnson

nerships with FoodPrints and Live It, Learn It. Payne ES, 1445 C St SE, www.paynedc.org.

Capitol Hill Day School

Brent

Food Print Pictures: Ibti Vincent

Brent Elementary held its Annual Banner Parade to celebrate classroom communities. The communities were cheered on by their peers as classrooms revealed their class name, held up their class banner and marched to the tune of their chosen class song with pride. Brent ES, 301 North Carolina Ave SE. brentelementary.org.

Payne After 35 years of service, PK3 teacher Juanita Stokes retired from Payne ES. Mrs. Stokes taught at Payne for 32 of her 35 years of in DC Public Schools and was a master teacher and school leader serving as an Early Childhood Grade Level Chair. Mrs. Stokes was well loved and will be greatly missed. Growing Payne! This year Payne students are growing gardens and learning about where their food comes from thanks to a new partnership with FoodPrints. Students study the life cycle of plants and discuss what happens when a seed transforms into a plant. This year Payne has several opportunities for students to engage in more science with science teachers and partMrs. Stokes: Stephanie Byrd. 120 H HILLRAG.COM

Last month, Early Childhood students at Capitol Hill Day School (CHDS) made “gourd”geous observational drawings. Students worked from direct observation, looked closely at an assortment of gourds, and used their marks to translate the shapes and patterns they were seeing onto the page. In visual art classes at CHDS, creative expression is the goal as students draw, paint, sculpt, make 3D creations, practice digital arts, learn about famous artists, explore art and culture and more. Capitol Hill Day School, 210 South Carolina Ave, SE. www.chds.org

Tyler

Photo: Emily Prigg.

The Harvest Festival at Tyler Elementary School was full of color and creativity as kids painted pumpkins and designed their own t-shirts. There was also a petting zoo on site, games and delicious

pizza provided by Andy’s Pizza. Speaking of delicious...sprinkles and whip cream with a side of pancakes were on the menu at Tyler Elementary School’s annual pancake breakfast. Families gathered on the school’s outdoor pavilion while parent volun-

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We maintain strict Covid-19 protocols to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment full of a variety of experiences.

For more information, please contact our enrollment specialist Ann Marie directly at (202) 681-4249. w w w. c h i l d c a r e c a p i t o l h i l l . c o m

H Street Campus: 806 H St. • F Street Campus: 728 F St. NE WDC 20002 December 2021 ★ 121

SERVING GRADES 6-12

YOUR LEGACY STARTS HERE. Apply today for School Year 2022-23. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org. Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection.

WHY PAUL PCS? • Tier 1 High School • Free SAT prep and Honors Classes Dual Enrollment, AP for College Credit • Study Abroad Program • Varsity Athletics and Extracurricular Programming in the Arts

Visit www.paulcharter.org to schedule a tour and learn more. 5800 8th Street NW Washington, DC I (202) 291-7499

teer “chefs” from the PTA served fluffy buttermilk pancakes hot off the griddle to celebrate the start of the school year. Tyler ES, 1001 G St SE, www.tylerelementary.net.

FRANKTUTORING

Need SAT Help?

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool

One-on-One Local Tutoring Service Nicolas Frank, an experienced tutor, near-perfect scorer, and UCLA student will help your child improve and meet their goals.

Nico Will: Teach your student strategies to fully understand exam questions and SAT logic Analyze and target your students weaknesses to efficiently increase their score Provide ample practice material, indepth questionanalysis, and useful tips

Rates start at $60 hour

Additional subjects offered grades 5-12: Math

English

Calculus

Spanish

Algebra

History

Physics

Chemistry

Rates start at $35 hour

www.franktutoring.com ALL or TEXT (202)-417-5240 I nico.frank8@gmail.co CALL or TEXT (202)-480-2985 I nico.frank8@gmail.com

122 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Fall fest: Sunah Lee

Northeast Stars (NES) students are learning about continents and letters of the alphabet which includes sounding out words like cat, rat, bat, cap, tap and map. During their study of South America, they learned the main languages spoken are Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and Dutch. The children learned how to say “Hello” in each language; Spanish: Hola, Portuguese: Olá, English: Hello, French: BonPhoto: NES teaching staﬀ jour, Dutch: Hallo. During their study of Africa, the students made kente cloths by weaving construction paper in beautiful patterns. The students are working with the moveable alphabet: a tool used in a Montessori learning environment to teach reading, spelling and writing. Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool, 1325 Maryland Ave NE, www. netstars.net

FOLLOWING STRICT COVID-19 STATE REGULATIONS Our schools have been successfully operating during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Please refer to the website for the COVID-19 policies.

TEACHING WITH SUCCESS FOR 18 YEARS

YEAR ROUND ENROLLMENT OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR STARTS JANUARY 10, 2022

MONTESSORI AND MORE FOR EVERY CHILD Certified Licensed Teaching Staff • Potty Training Superior Academics and Care • Spanish and Yoga Enrichments AM Meals Provided • Kindergarten Readiness

SUMMER CAMP

COME ON A TRIP WITH US! WEEK LONG THEMED ACTIVITIES WEEKLY ENROLLMENT | AGES 2–6, 7:30 AM - 6 PM OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS JANUARY 10, 2022

www.nestars.net To register or to schedule a tour

703.945.0408

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

ALEXANDRIA 697 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

December 2021 ★ 123

. family life .

ference honors and lead her team to the NCAA tournament while at the University of Delaware. She has also played professionally in the WNBA and overseas. Most importantly, Coach Smith is a beloved member of the Ludlow-Taylor community who is a role-model known for building-up students in a joyful and caring way. Please join Ludlow-Taylor’s 2nd Annual Holiday Fair on Dec 11th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be a school concert, concessions, crafts, and other activities for children. The Holiday Fair will take place in front of Ludlow-Taylor on 7th and G St. NE. All are welcome. Ludlow-Taylor ES, 659 G St NE, LudlowTaylor.org.

Miner Miner’s Mutual Aid Network holds a monthly Community Table benefiting the community. On October 23 the Miner Mutual Aid Network teamed up with Christ City Church DC and Ward 6 Mutual Aid to host this monthly event. For questions regarding the Miner Mutual Aid Network, visit www. minerelementary.org/mutual-aid-network.html. Miner ES, 601 15th St. NE, Minerelementary. org. Photo: Miner PTO.

Photo: Caroline Johnson.

Friends Community School As cooler temperatures came to the Friends Community School campus, so did fire circles where students gathered to roast marshmallows, play campfire games and enjoy each other’s’ company. Historically, the school would go on overnight camping trips each fall but COVID precautions called for a creative remodeling of this cherished tradition. The woods surrounding the 17-acre campus provided a beautiful backdrop for these joyful afternoon events filled with friendship and laughter. Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr., College Park, MD. www.friendscommunityschool.org.

Waterfront Academy Ludlow-Taylor Ludlow-Taylor students enthusiastically participated in Walk to School Day. Congratulations to Coach Tyresa Smith. On November 10th, Coach Smith was inducted into Delaware’s Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. Coach Smith was a two-time All-State pick for basketball in high school and went on to earn all-con-

124 H HILLRAG.COM

Maury With pent-up demand and supply, it was “all handson deck” managing the Maury ES yard sale. Those who remember its pre-pandemic glory days were not disappointed. The event raised much needed funds for the PTA but almost as important, three carloads of “leftovers,” mostly children’s clothes, shoes, toys and maternity wear, were donated to Sasha Bruce Youthwork. A volunteer from that organization reports that the goods have already benefited many, many families in need of a spot of cheer and suitable clothing for the cold weather that’s coming. Maury ES, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, mauryelementary.com.

Waterfront students stayed busy this fall getting ready for Dia De Los Muertos and using the opportunity to learn more about Mexico from their new teacher, Mrs. Catia. They also got down to work learning how to read the Bible as part of the school’s faith-based aspect and worked hard on their reading, writing and math skills. The student body is looking forward to staying active with their Montessori Miles program this November and preparing for their annual Christmas pageant in December. Waterfront Academy, 222 M St. NW, www. waterfrontacademy.org/

Van Ness The Van Ness Elementary School community gathered together to celebrate autumn at the school’s annual Fall Festival. Kids played carnival games, won prizes, and got creative at the craft tables. Attendees of all ages enjoyed tasty snacks and meeting The Nationals mascot, Screech. Van Ness ES, 11505th St. SE, www.vannesselementary.org.

From Our

HillRag

Family to Yours

Photo: M. Roy

Eastern High School Eastern’s Blue & White Marching Machine (BWMM)l played for the Face of Forgiveness’ Forgiveness and Reconciliation Uniting America Rally 2021 that ended at the Martin Luther King Memorial. Face of Forgiveness’ aim is provide preventative measures for bullying and other aggressive behaviors; and provide preventative measures for domestic violence and child abuse. It came about from the forgiveness of a troubled youth who threw rocks at Rev. Dr. Johannes Christian, who lost his eyes from the incident, but still sees the potential in people. This rally was the culmination of a 15-day walk from Columbus, OH to the MLK Memorial. The BWMM has routinely taken part in worthy causes and events, from Obama’s inauguration parade to the Stanley Cup celebration to events that support issues such as this one, or the Soul Box Project on the National Mall that brought awareness to gun violence. Eastern Senior HS, 1700 East Capitol St.NE, easternhighschooldcps.org/. ◆

We look forward to continuing to provide you with your trusted local news in 2022! Capitol Hill’s #1 News Source Daily Online, Monthly in Print

FULL DAY

SERVING CHILDREN AGES 18 mths - 5 years

Visit our website to register for an OPEN HOUSE:

schoolforfriends.org • Experienced Educators • Whole Child Approach • Play-based Curriculum • Focus on Community & Diversity • Excellent Teacher-Child Ratio • NAEYC and FCE Accredited

Capital Community News, Inc. Publishers of: 2201 P St., NW • WDC 20037 • Dupont Circle December 2021 ★ 125

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Please pre-register, and arrive 10-20 minutes before the class starts. Masks are NOT required while on your mat taking class, but are required at other times at the studio. (Subject to updates) We continue to offer ZOOM and on-demand classes.

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December 2021 ★ 127

INTERNET

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301.642.5182 202.322.2322 (Office) thomaslandscapes.com 128 ★ HILLRAG.COM

you saw them in

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December 2021 ★ 129

www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

XWORD “Comparatively Speaking” by Myles Mellor Across: 1. Computer storage medium 6. Made disorderly 12. King Cole the crooner 15. Sweatshirt with a cap 17. Mastermind 18. Lawn mower’s path 20. Natural 21. Radioactive element 22. Two-time U. S. Open winner Stewart 23. Very courageous 26. ___ possible 28. Observed 29. Film genre 31. First class 32. Conifer exudation 38. Treat badly 40. California’s Santa ___ Valley 41. Pantry 44. Represents 45. Written contract 46. Unfriendly dog 47. Court fig. 49. “Phooey!” 52. “Help ___ the way!” 53. Cinema chain 55. Fastener 57. Dessert 61. Shakers and Quakers 64. Brews, as tea 65. Very rare 69. Attack verbally 70. Mix up 71. Ukrainian port 72. Dessert 73. Second person 74. Manicurist’s tool 76. In prescriptions, milk 77. Directional suffix 79. Legal scholar’s deg. 82. Weather wetness

88. Declarer 90. Developing 91. Very quickly 95. Phrase added on for emphasis 96. Chemically related compounds 97. Reprimand, with “out” 98. Model Hadid 99. Aide-de-camp, briefly 102. Black key by B 104. Very smooth 113. Yoga practitioner 114. In a way 115. Jim Palmer, once 116. Praying place 117. Epoch of the Tertiary Period 118. Abolishes 119. Survey choice 120. Gawks 121. Went after

Down: 1. Pet that needs plenty of water 2. Gets into 3. ___ Report (luxury lifestyle magazine) 4. Disagreeable smell 5. “Wonderful” red star 6. Jazz singer Carmen 7. Rub out 8. Four-door 9. Move on the water 10. Place for pins 11. Do a dog and pony show 12. Deny 13. When a clock’s hands point upward 14. Mr. or Mrs. Right 16. Bill holder, abbr. 18. Least lavish 19. Constituted 24. Follower 25. ‘’Entre __’’

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 27. Pince-____ 30. Writer Asimov 32. Pressure unit, briefly 33. BBC rival 34. Doze (off) 35. Before, once 36. D.C. bigwig 37. Cabinet-maker, e.g. 38. Bud 39. Post-E.R. place 42. Spanish for gold 43. Washroom placard 48. Student getting one-on-one help 49. Verse artists 50. Kind of dog? 51. City map abbr. 54. Microsoft brand 56. Stingers

57. Tierney of “E.R.” 58. Relating to smell 59. Shipping option 60. Micro ending 61. Grief-stricken 62. Subj. for immigrants 63. Compadre of Fidel 64. First bishop of Paris 66. Cleveland cager, for short 67. Alps flowers 68. Seeks someone’s vote 69. 650, to Caesar 73. Diplomatic agent 74. End of the week 75. 007 creator Fleming 78. Bangladesh city 80. “___ Miserables” 81. E.R. figures 83. Business going public

LET OUR A-MAZE-INGLY KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF HELP YOU GIVE FUN TO EVERYONE ON YOUR HOLIDAY LIST.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – 11am to 10pm. Wednesday – 11am to 8pm. Saturday & Sunday – 10am to 7pm.

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Steps from Eastern Market Metro)

130 ★ HILLRAG.COM

• Educational, board • Jigsaw puzzles and party games • Brainteasers • LEGO and other • Marble mazes building toys • Corporate gifts; and • Chess & other much, much more! strategy games Shop online or in-store. We are shipping anywhere in the U.S.

202-544-1059 • labyrinthdc.com

84. Pilfer (old word) 85. Shoe specification 86. Last year’s jr. 87. Cadillac model 89. One of Chekov’s ‘’Three Sisters’’ 91. Bank routing number abbreviation 92. Walk nonchalantly 93. For a short period 94. Double agents 99. Noon preceder 100. Building material 101. Bank vaults 103. Nutritional inits. 105. Mrs. Claus’s laundry problem 106. Free Willy animal 107. Stole 108. Amphoras 109. Piercing part 110. Solicit business 111. “Enchanted” Anne Hathaway role 112. __ and relaxation

TO HILL WITH THE SUBURBS!

Buy a NEW Home for Your New Tree!

THE SMITH BROTHERS Licensed in DC & MD

jsmithteam@gmail.com John Smith Aaron Smith Peter Davis Office Direct

202.262.6037 202.498.6794 301.332.1634 202.608.1880 202.608.1887

1225 G St, NE Richardson Romanesque Porchfront Home, 3BR/1.5 ba, Original details abound, w/ hardwood floors & trim, exposed brick, full footprint basement, CAC, New Roof, Double paned Windows, & Granite counters, Deep Sunny Lot w/ OSP, 1352 sf above ground. Equity Laden, but needs sweat Equity & Work.

$850K

300 Taylor St, NW Large Corner Brick Porchfront, 4BR/2.5ba, 1780 sf above ground, Full basement, Wood FLoors, traditional floor plan, fireplace, CAC, newly painted in popular part of Petworth! Needs visionary pioneer who understands which end of hammer to use! Huge potential profit!

$850K

OR, Buy a Home From US! (Use your agent or call us!)

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Call the Brothers for a Quick Market Analysis, or even a 2nd Opinion! (We may not know everything, but, we know a lot!)

LICENSED IN DC, MD & VA

KEEP IN TOUCH ABOUT HILL REAL ESTATE AT/ON: www.facebook.com/TheSmithTeam.DC | twitter.com/OneHillofaAgent | www.instagram.com/the_smith_team

705 North Carolina Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003

Hill Rag Magazine – December 2021

Articles inside

The District Vet: Separation Anxiety in Cats and Dogs

Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

A New Little Pantry on Capitol Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon

Literary Hill by Karen Lyon

Changing Hands by Don Denton

Art and The City by Jim Magner

Audi Field Parcel B Moves Forward: ANC 6D Report

Congressional Cemetery Welcomes New President: Jackie Spainhour, Leader of “America’s Hippest Cemetery”

NRP Developer Proposes Affordable Project Near Union Market: ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

Unhoused Neighbors Housing Update: ANC 6B Report

Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair

New DCRA Platform Connects Customers and Inspectors Find Third-Party Inspection Services With Tertius

Our River: The Anacostia – Anacostia Parks and Community Collaboration Throughout