Hill Rag Magazine – January 2024 by Capital Community News

HILLRAG.COM JANUARY 2024

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For All Things Real Estate, Call Formant FOLLOW us on Instagram! @formantpropertygroup

424 Newton Pl. NW

Nantucket Investments Renovation! Sold in Columbia Heights 4 Beds, 3.5 Bath with yard & parking

$799,000 in Edgewood! 6 Beds, 3 Baths, End-Row!

WE HAVE MOVED!

2701 North Capitol St. NE

1423 Ames Pl. NE

Nantucket Investments Renovation! Offered $1,145,000 4 Beds, 3.5 baths on Capitol Hill

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406 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 202.544.3900

7712 12th St. NW

Dilan Investments Renovation! Sold in Shepherd Park 5 Beds, 4.5 Baths, Parking, Yard, Garage!

3583 13th St. NW Development Opportunity Sold in Columbia Heights

3362 Clay St. NE Sold in Lily Ponds 2 Beds, 1 Bath End-Row

I plan to celebrate the end of 2023 with family Wishing all of you a fabulous 2024 Filled with Joy and Accomplishment

January 2024 H 3

��e ��s��n�� e ��s��n�� ou did a fantastic job and �� ated us like family. We really Selling the Hill... A Way of �� Life for The Generations ��

preciated it! iously your help getting the perty ready was above and �� ree� �� ond any of our expectations. �� o�e�e� �ar�arn �on�o one could have done more on��o�e��o� us.” a �a��l� �ro�er�� s a real s��l�� an� � �a�e �ha� TIME TO SELL s��l�� ser�ousl�� h � ��ree� �� ou�h �arol�na ��e General’s House ��e ��s��n�� did a fantastic job and �� d us like family. We really ciated it! sly your help getting the Call me today at 202-256-1353! rty ready was above and ’ Don Denton �� n� de��any of our expectations. �� on�ra�� e�could have done more � �� ”

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730/730A/732 11th Street SE Incredible investment opportunity. 4 units. Live in one and rent the other 3!

1013 I Street SE Unmatched Historic Gem

Listing Agents: Don Denton (202)256-1353 & Sam Pastore (202)441-9823 SOLD - $1,535,000

Listing Agents: Don Denton (202)256-1353 & Topher Cushman(202)327-4682 Under Contract - $1,999,000

946 14th Street SE

Sweet front porch for rockin the evenings away! Listing Agents: Don Denton (202)256-1353 & Topher Cushman (202)327-4682 SOLD - $785,000

1225 C Street SE

Selling Agent: Don Denton (202)256-1353 SOLD - $800,000

If you are a prospective seller and plan to sell in the next two weeks or the next two years, it is time to sit down and map out your sales strategy. What is the local market looking for. Staging? Absolutely. Today it makes all the difference. It is a big mistake to put your property on the market empty or with your own old comfortable furniture! A little market fluff? Essential! $15,000 to freshen up the look! Will make all the difference. I can make the process easy, painless and affordable.

1417 A Street NE Coveted Carbarn Condo

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202)256-1353 SOLD - $432,000

902 South Carolina Ave

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202)256-1353 SOLD - $1,300,000

Associate Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty ®

648 Mass Ave NE

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202)256-1353 SOLD - $2,000,000

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C: 202-256-1353 E: ddenton@cbmove.com

11 4th Street SE The General’s House

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202)256-1353 SOLD - $1,550,000

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I N THIS ISSUE

Look for the Winter Education & Camp Special Issue!

January 2024

(center fold) A CAPITAL COMMUNITY

NEWS PUBLICATION

/ CAPITALCOMMUNITYN

EWS.COM

E DU C A T I O N

FoSEL and Neal Gregory: Using Books to Build Community

Plants and Blooms: Reimagined

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

by Larry Janezich

by Rindy O’Brien

LOCAL CALENDAR

Capitol Cuisine by Celeste McCall

Meet The Winners of the 2023 Brickie Awards

2024 WINTER EDUCA

TION & CAMP ISSUE

A Resource for the Educa tion and Enrichment of

/ PRE K-12

Students in Washington , DC

capitol streets 27

School Boundary Changes Under Consideration: Proposed Plans would Impact Schools on the Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Community Clashes on K Street NE Bike Lanes: Cycling Safety VS Parking Access for the Elderly by Sarah Payne

Southwest Town Center Park Design: Neighbors Say More Community Input Required by Elizabeth O’Gorek

FoSEL and Neal Gregory: Using Books to Build Community by Larry Janezich

Cannabis Confusion: ANC 6A Report by Sarah Payne

DDOT Asked to Study Restricted Traffic on D Street: ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Medical Cannabis Dispensary Raises Eyebrows: ANC 6C Report by Sarah Payne

Trees, Lights and A Statue: ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman

New Benning Road Zero Waste Facility: ANC 7D Report by Sarah Payne

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Update on Onyx on First: ANC 8F Report by Andrew Lightman

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

homes and gardens 57

Plants and Blooms: Reimagined by Rindy O’Brien

Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair

Changing Hands by Don Denton

arts and dining 65

Theater Night: A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV by Matthew McClure

Retail Therapy by Denzell Spencer

Capitol Cuisine by Celeste McCall

family life 73

Taking Care of Yourself: Your Quality of Life May Depend on It by Pattie Cinelli

“Our Enchanted City” at Hill Center by Elizabeth Nelson

Goals for 2024: The District Vet by Dan Teich

Meet The Winners of the 2023 Brickie Awards by Elizabeth O’Gorek

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on the cover: Patricia Williams Illusions II • 16” x 20” watercolor at Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 240-786-2788 touchstonegallery.com info@touchstonegallery.com Also, don’t miss “figure” at Touchstone Gallery, on view from January 12–February 19, 2024. This exhibition, juried by Lyndon Barrois Jr, Lizzy Lunday, and Sheldon Scott, invited artists to consider the role of the human form in contemporary art. What bodies and persons do we see, showcase, hide, define, abstract, or obscure through the expressions and interpretations of art? An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 12 from 5 - 8 pm. See more at touchstonegallery.com/figure

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper at the NGA

Joy, despair, ecstasy, tragedy: these are some of the themes that Mark Rothko sought to express in his luminous art. Rothko is renowned for his towering abstract paintings on canvas, but he also created nearly 1,000 paintings on paper over the course of his career. He viewed many of these as finished paintings in their own right—not simply preliminary studies intended for his own eyes. Through March 31 at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building, the exhibit brings together more than 100 of Rothko’s most compelling paintings on paper, many on view for the first time. They range from early figurative subjects and surrealist works to the soft-edged rectangular fields, often realized at monumental scale, for which Rothko is best known. Together, these radiant, rarely displayed paintings transform our understanding of one of the preeminent artists of the 20th century. nga.gov. Untitled (seated ﬁgure in interior), c. 1938, watercolor on construction paper sheet: 26 x 30.8 cm. (10 1/4 x 12 1/8 in.) National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc. Copyright © 2023 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Washington Winter Show

Marvin Gaye performing in a concert at the Forum in Inglewood, May 20, 1974.

DC ORIGINALITY: Showcasing the Cultural Beat of Capital City

From smoky jazz echoing down U Street to the pulsating beats of Go-go born in the heart of DC, the vibrant sounds of our city come alive at this electrifying concert event. On Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 p.m. (both days), in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, join the National Symphony Orchestra and remarkable local artists as they showcase the music of homegrown heroes such as Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa, and more. Tickets are $29 to $99. kennedy-center.org.

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Founded in 1954, the Washington Winter Show is the second oldest charitable antiques show in the United States. Steeped in history and hosted within the modern walls of American University’s Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, the Washington Winter Show, from Jan. 12 to 14, features more than 40 antiques dealers from across the US and Europe, offering a broad range of exquisite antiques and fine arts. The show includes a preview night on Jan. 11, lectures, luncheons and panels. The Washington Winter Show benefits at-risk children and families through services provided Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC and St. John’s Community Services. General admission tickets are $25. For the complete schedule, visit washingtonwintershow.org/2024-schedule-of-events.

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January 2024 ★ 11

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, 1957, photo by Richard Avedon

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

(re)Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon 1946-1965 at American History

(re)Framing Conversations: Photographs by Richard Avedon 19461965 explores the power and impact of post-WWII magazine photography through iconic portraits. Six thematic sections totaling twenty photographs are accompanied by thought provoking questions, visual and textual background, quotes, and opportunities to explore magazines of the period. Presented in conjunction with Avedon’s Centennial year, the exhibit offers both beauty and stark realism from a time when photographic film dominated. Internationally recognized as one of the 20th century’s most influential photographers, Avedon’s photography captured depth and dimension, embracing the emotions, psychology and aging of his subjects. Though high fashion brought him his initial fame, his passion for social and political issues became evident as his popularity rose. (re)Framing Conversations at the American History Museum is scheduled to run through 2024. americanhistory.si.edu.

“Morning After Grace” at the Anacostia Arts Center

Tickets are on sale now for the DC premier of this unconventional new play, “Morning After Grace” by Carey Crim. It features three aging baby boomers dealing with love, loss, sex, aging parents and the munchies (you have to come see to find out why). Previously unknown to each other, Abigail and Angus wake up one morning unexpectedly under the same blanket. When a neighbor knocks on the door, all bets are off for a peaceful retirement and these three strangers enter each other’s lives in surprising, and surprisingly deep, ways. This serio-comic play asks how we grow older without giving up who we are, and what the next chapter can look like when we face it with honesty, compassion and humor. And perhaps a little sex! All tickets are $20. At the Anacostia Arts Center Black Box, 1231 Marion Barry Ave. SE, (formerly Good Hope Rd.), from Jan. 18 (opening) to 28, is directed by Stevie Zimmerman and features Matty Griffiths, Adele Robey, and Dejeannette Horne. valleyplacearts.org.

Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portraits Project

“Annie” at the National

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production—just as you remember it. Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. Tickets are $59 to $139. Annie is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Jan 23 to 28. thenationaldc.com. 12 H HILLRAG.COM

Through Feb. 19, President Lincoln’s Cottage partners with Justice Arts Coalition on Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portraits Project. The art in this exhibit has been created entirely by artists living within the US carceral system and features presidential portraits on the walls of the Cottage paired with narratives of that president’s record on incarceration, and personal writings on life behind bars as well as poetHonest Abe (Change is Possible) ic visions of what true justice by Valentino Amaya could look like. This project is the creation of journalist Caddell Kivett, one of the editors of Nash News, who is currently incarcerated at the Nash Correctional Institution in North Carolina and made possible by the generosity of the Art for Justice Fund. The power of art for those incarcerated goes beyond its significant therapeutic value. As Kivett put it, “Art can be a powerful tool to exercise your voice, to expose injustice, to influence people, and to tell our stories.” President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with guided tours on the hour. lincolncottage.org.

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Effervescence Collective Debuts at Dance Place

For their debut show on Friday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m., at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE, Effervescence Collective explores their namesake in three one-act works, led by three different DC-based choreographers. The goal is to capture the concept of collective effervescence in three vastly different ways, by featuring three works that explore community and connection in three different capaci-

ties–by seeing community among humans with each other, community/harmony within the ever-developing versions of oneself, and community in nature. The audience will witness pure humanity, vulnerability, and care on stage. In bringing such human emotions and experiences to movement, they look forward to creating an accessible show where the audience challenges their own beliefs of what community is and how to build authentic connections. General admission is $30; seniors, $25; artists and college students, $20; and $10 for teens and kids. danceplace.org. Photo: Michele Egan

Monster Jam at the Capitol One Arena

Enjoy big-time family fun at Monster Jam, where the wo rld’s best drivers and their 12,000 -pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competition s of speed and skill. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you witness all-out racing, massi ve stunts, big air and backf lips. Monster Jam is the only place to see the legendary Gr ave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco and more. It’s the most heart -pounding monster truck event and an experience you won’t forge t. Monster Jam is at Capital One Ar ena, 601 F St. NW, on Saturday, Ja n. 27 at 1 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $120. capitalonearena.com/events.

Austin Dean Ashford, Sarah B. Mantell, Jacob Ming-Trent in Folger Theatre’s 2022 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Folger’s Reading Room Festival

Folger’s Reading Room Festival, Jan. 25 to 28, offers a premier platform for playwrights inspired by, in response to, or in conversation with the plays of William Shakespeare. Staged readings of plays will be complemented by an array of activities that invite all attendees to immerse themselves in the creation, evolution, and interpretation of new work. Here’s the schedule: Thursday, Jan. 25, 5 p.m., Rap Monologues; Friday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m., The Cuban Vote; Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m., Everything That Naver Happened and at 8 p.m., How Shakespeare Saved My Life. Festival Pass, $35; All-Access Pass (plus special events), $75. Students with ID admitted free one-half hour before readings. 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu/whatson/the-reading-room-new-play-festival-2024.

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Ride & The Charlatans’ Between Nowhere Tour at the Fillmore

Ride is an English rock band formed in Oxford in 1988. They have been recognized as one of the key pioneers of shoegaze, an alternative rock subgenre that emerged to prominence in the United Kingdom during the early 1990s. The Charlatans, also formed in 1988, are an English rock band. Their thirteen studio albums have all listed in the top 40 of the UK Albums Chart. Ride and The Charlatans are bringing their Between Nowhere tour—where they play classic albums Nowhere (Ride) and Between 10th and 11th (Charlatans) in full—at the Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 to $89.50. livenation. com/venue/KovZpZA6tFlA/the-fillmore-silver-spring-events. The Charlatans at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, 2018.

Join The Tombs & Tomes book Club

Tombs and Tomes is Congressional Cemetery’s book club. We meet every other month both in person and virtually. Our book selections tend to stray towards the macabre, as is natural for a cemetery book club. It’s free to join and all are welcome!

www.congressionalcemetery.org/ tombs-and-tomes-book-club 1801 E Street SE I (202) 543-0539 www.congressionalcemetery.org

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

AOI: Three One-Act Operas at the KC

On Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 and 9 p.m., be at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater for the world premiere of three one-act operas staged in a concert performance, accompanied by a small chamber orchestra comprised of WNO Orchestra musicians. The Washington National Opera American Opera Initiative’s acclaimed commissioning program for contemporary American opera, enters its 11th season—showing how short opera can move and inspire us. Talented composer-librettist teams will showcase three world premiere one-act operas, performed by the Cafritz Young Artists. Laura Jobin-Acosta and José Alba Rodríguez present A Way Forward; Elizabeth Gartman and Melisa Tien present Forever; and Joy Redmond and Sam Norman present Hairpiece. Tickets are $19 to $35. kennedy-center.org.

“Merrily We Roll Along” at Keegan

Stephen Sondheim, circa 1970

From Feb. 3 to March 3, the authors of the landmark musical “Company” reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise, and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals. Tickets are $60. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com.

Dance Sanctuaries at the KC

On select Saturdays, at 10:30 a.m., you are invited to join free movement-based classes in the REACH. Dancers are invited for three onehour structured classes and an optional Open House Hour. The goal of Dance Sanctuaries is to create space for communities of targeted styles and cultures with the intention of building a community environment for new to advanced movers. Free, pre-registration is highly recommended. January’s Dance Sanctuaries are on Jan. 6 and 27. Find upcoming Dance Sanctuaries and details at kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/ dance/2023-2024/dance-sanctuaries.

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That’s What Friends Are For: Nova Y. Payton Sings Burt Bacharach From Jan. 16 to Feb. 4, at Signature Theatre, the incomparable Nova Y. Payton sings the repertoire of acclaimed tunesmith Burt Bacharach, whose sixdecade career produced the hit musical Promises, Promises as well as chart-topping pop songs including “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Tickets are $45. Signature Theatre is at 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA. sigtheatre.org.

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

The center of our Milky Way galaxy is hidden by clouds of obscuring dust and gas. But in this stunning vista, the Spitzer Space Telescope’s infrared cameras penetrate much of the dust, revealing the stars of the crowded galactic center region.

Planetarium Shows at Air and Space

“Love, Love, Love” at Studio

The planets, stars, and everything you can see are less than 5 percent of the universe. What is the other 95 percent? “Dark Universe” (every hour on the hour) examines the invisible dark matter underlying galaxies that, together with dark energy, accounts for that other 95 percent of the universe’s total energy and mass. Narrated by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Based on authentic scientific data from groundbreaking space missions, “Worlds Beyond Earth” (every hour on the half-hour) takes viewers on an exhilarating adventure through our cosmic neighborhood. Immersive visualizations showcase the solar system with unprecedented accuracy, including a landing on the cratered surface of our own Moon, a dramatic flight through the swirling rings of Saturn, and soaring encounters with distant worlds of active volcanoes and buried oceans. Ticket prices are $9 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for kids. airandspace.si.edu.

It’s London, 1967, and the sixties are in full swing when we meet Ken and Sandra, two carefree spirits in a world that belongs to the young. Love, Love, Love drops in with them over the next 44 years, from free love to middle-class comfort to well-compenswwated retirement— when their adult daughter accuses them of squandering the world they inherited. From Jan. 10 to Feb. 18, author Mike Bartlett turns his sharp eye and biting humor on the Baby Boomers and the generation they spawned. Tickets are $45 to $140. Studio Theatre is at 1501 14th St. NW. studiotheatre.org.

NSO’s Musical Roots: Noseda & Friends

Violinist Gil Shaham. Photo: Chris Lee

On Jan. 18, at 7 p.m.; Jan. 20, at 8 p.m.; and Jan. 21, at 3 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Grammy-winning violinist Gil Shaham, proclaimed as one of the outstanding American violinists of his generation, brings flawless technique and spirited warmth to every note of Dvořák’s Violin Concerto—from its powerhouse opening and lyrical slow movement to the lively finale infused with Slavic cheer. Noseda closes the program with Schubert’s final Symphony No. 9, “The Great.” Tickets are $19 to $112. kennedy-center.org.

“Mindplay” (a love letter to the imperfect mind) at Arena

From Jan. 19 to March 3, Drama Desk Award–nominated theatermaker and mentalist Vinny DePonto guides us on an entirely new theatrical event in which your thoughts play a leading role. A “warmly inviting, nostalgia-ridden, gem of a performance” Mindplay, written by Vinny Deponto and Josh Koenigsberg, and directed by Andrew Neisler, masterfully blurs the line between illusion and reality. Escape into the expansive beauty of imagination and bask in the ephemeral and surprising nature of memory. $41 to $95. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

The Del McCoury Band at Wolf Trap

From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed honkytonks, schoolhouse stages, and the Grand Ole Opry, to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del McCoury has maintained a legacy like few others. The Del McCoury Band, which includes Del’s sons Ronnie and Rob, charms every audience they meet and welcomes a growing musical community while advancing bluegrass music and heritage. The Del McCoury Band is at the Barns at Wolf Trap on Wednesday, Jan. 17, Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. (doors, 90 minutes before show time). Tickets start at $63. The Barns are at 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. wolftrap.org.

Variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus), female.

The Newly Reopened Live Insect Zoo at Natural History

Our planet depends upon the vast diversity of hissing, flying, crawling, and pollinating creatures we sometimes call “bugs.” The O. Orkin Insect Zoo—the oldest continuously operating insect zoo in the United States, opened in 1976—features many species of live insects, a “nursery” room where visitors can peek at insect larvae and pupae, and lots of opportunities to interact with volunteers and examine insects up close. The Live Insect Zoo is at the National History Museum in the northeast corner of the second floor. Among other attractions, they’ve got a 22-million-year-old termite trapped in amber. PS: Public tarantula feedings have been temporarily canceled. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Photo: Mr. Schultz

“This Much I Know” at Theater J oices?

Am I in charge of my ch or do How could anyone think In the ss? ine pp ha is at that? Wh ology ych midst of a lecture, a ps res, ctu fra e professor’s marriag of dy stu l ica sparking a theatr become three characters as they self-disentangled in a search for m the fro covery. With inspiration Daniel te rea research of Nobel lau search rs cte ara Kahneman, the ch deof ce en sci the for answers in rn that, in cision-making. They lea ing can Kahneman’s words, think al or deon be “fast or slow,” emoti uitive, int d an e liberate, drive-lik part ry, ste my rt Pa or calculated. of is ax r ou ins sp ow t, This Much I Kn es qu l ica ph so ilo ph 16t rt J, 1529 h St. love story, pa ch I Know” is at Theater Mu is “Th g. din an rst de un .99. theaterJ.org. belief and Tickets are $49.99 to $90 25. b. Fe to 31 n. Ja m NW, fro

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Greensky Bluegrass at The Anthem

Since their 2000 formation in Kalamazoo, MI, the quintet– Anders Beck [dobro], Michael Arlen Bont [banjo], Dave Bruzza [guitar], Mike Devol [upright bass], and Paul Hoffman [mandolin]— have unassumingly progressed into a phenomenon on their own terms with the undying support of a devout audience. Rolling back and forth across North America on successive tours, they recently sold out three nights at Red Rocks, a feat unheard of in their genre. They’ve also earned critical acclaim from Billboard, Parade, NPR, and Rolling Stone who hailed them as “representing the genre for a whole new generation.” Greensky Bluegrass is at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Friday Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. (both days; doors at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets are $45 to $75. A two-day pass is $85. theanthemdc.com.

January 2024 H 21

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Not Just Another Day Off: A Poetic Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15, 11

a.m., the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday with this annual event featuring contemporary poets and actors reading historic speeches from King, Frederick Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others. Free but registration requested. folger.edu.

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking at an AFL-CIO event. International Ladies Garment Workers Union Photographs (1885-1985)

Jazz and Blues in Southwest. Jazz on Fridays;

Blues on Mondays, 6 to 9 p.m. $10 cover. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). westminsterdc.org.

Baila Thursdays Salsa Socials. First and

Third Thursdays, 7 to 11 p.m. (6:45 p.m., check-in; 7 to 8 p.m., beginner salsa Lesson; 8 to 11 p.m., open dancing.) Enjoy a beginner Salsa Footwork lesson with Baila DC, music by DJ Mambo Soul, and open dancing, plus cocktails and food at nearby vendors. $15 online for salsa class ($20

Global Sounds on the Hill: Featuring Maura Shawn Scanlin Band. Jan. 21, 4:30 p.m. Boston-based fid-

dle player and songwriter Maura Shawn Scanlin is gaining notoriety among the Celtic and Acoustic music scenes across the country. Her band features Conor Hearn on Guitar (Rakish), Adam Hendey on Bouzouki (The Fire), and Julian Pinelli on Fiddle (Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, The Foreign Landers). $20. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterc.org.

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at door); $7 online for open dancing ($10 at door). La Cosecha in the Union Market District. unionmarketdc.com.

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Congressional Investigations Exhibit at the US Capitol. Through July 24. Examine his-

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torical investigations to see how Congress works, what happens during its inquiries, and how it often results in legislation. Enter behind the Statue of Freedom on the lower level. visitthecapitol.gov/explore/exhibitions.

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Funny Arabs by Rola Z at Union Stage. Jan. 13, 8 p.m. (doors

at 6:30 p.m.). See a stand-up comedy show featuring Arab-American comedians from all over the US. Performers bring you laughter through cerebral comedy, and include important topics such as the immigrant experience, culture, displacement, belonging and everyday life. The show is a bridge to other cultures and is in English. Audiences of all backgrounds welcome. $25 to $30. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. unionstage.com.

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round, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plaza at The Dock (adjacent to Union Market), 1309 Fifth St. NE. unionmarketdc.com.

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Jan. 16 and 30: Feb. 13 and 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Play classic boards games, checkers, uno, dominos, backgammon and scrabble during this fun twohour program event. Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org. Live Music Thursdays with HiLawn at Union Market. Thurs-

days, 7 to 9 p.m., through Jan. 25. Join Hi-Lawn for live music from local musicians on the roof. No cover, make a reservation or just walk in and grab a spot on the lawn. unionmarketdc.com.

Tombs and Tomes Book Club.

Jan. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meet every other month on the second Tuesday in the Congressional Cemetery Historic Chapel, 1801 E St. SE, to discuss primarily non-fiction books. It’s free to join, and mostly free to attend. For each in-person meet-

ing, they ask that you bring either a $5 donation or a bit of food or wine to share with the group. Extra points for brownies. congressionalcemetery.org. Mindplay at Arena. Jan. 19 to

March 3. Mindplay invites audiences to an unforgettable experience infused with intrigue and mystery. Mentalist Vinny DePonto guides participants on a jawdropping, interactive journey as he reads their minds while revealing his own. $51 To $95. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

A Commedia Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. Jan. 19

to Feb. 3. Romeo and Juliet, the classic story of two young lovers divided by a family feud, borrows heavily from the tradition of the Italian Commedia dell’Arte. Last performed in 2012, this high-octane version, featuring five actors in a one-hour performance, brings physical spectacularity to Shakespeare’s poetry and highlights tragedy by juxtaposing it with humor (family-friend-

ly). Tickets from $15 at factionoffools.org. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. chaw.org. Tempestuous Elements at Arena. Feb. 16 to March 17.

Born into slavery in North Carolina, Anna Julia Cooper was a visionary Black feminist and educator in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, and only the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree. Tempestuous Elements shines a light on Cooper’s tumultuous tenure as principal of Washington, DC’s historic M Street School where she fought to keep Black education alive, despite the racism, gossip and sexism that threatened to consign her efforts to obscurity. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC: Exhibitions. Feb.

17 with timed entry from 4:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Experience all of GMCW and its small ensembles in a moveable feast of sound, harmony, and dance. Stroll through the multiple performances on a selfguided tour featuring GMCW, Seasons of Love, Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance. $20 to $45.

Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN at St. Mark’s. Feb. 23 to March

9. After grad school, Catherine and Gwen chose opposite paths. Decades later, each woman covets the other’s life, commencing a dangerous game. With searing insight and trademark wit, this comedy was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. St. Marks is at 301 A St. SE. stmarksplayers.org. u January 2024 H 25

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CAPITOL STREETS

School Boundary Changes Under Consideration by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Proposed Plans would Impact Schools on the Hill

he Deputy Mayor of Education (DME) has reached the point in their Boundary and Student Assignment Study where recommendations are being made that impact specific schools. This is part of a reexamination of feeder patterns and school boundaries required by DC law every ten years. The last boundary study took place in 2013. Proposed changes will impact most Hill schools, with the biggest changes at Brent, Maury, Miner, Payne as well as the Cluster Schools (Peabody, Watkins and Stuart Hobson). More than 200 people attended a Dec. 4 meeting hosted by Charles Allen on the boundary study. Many more also attended town halls hosted by the DME on Dec. 12 and 13. At his meeting, Allen emphasized that changes are an executive function. They do not require approval from either the DC Council or the Board of Education. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is expected to receive the DME recommendations by February. Deputy Mayor Paul Kihn said the DME was trying to get to a set of recommendations “that are broadly considered to be in the best interests of all.” Here are some of the changes under discussion right now that will affect schools on the Hill.

A New Cluster School? Miner and Maury

Most of the air at Allen’s meeting and the DME Town Halls in December was taken up by the proposal to pair Miner and Maury Elementaries. The proposed solution to racial and socio-economic disparities between the two schools is to blend them into a “paired” elementary school something like the cluster—with Miner serving grades from pre-K3 to 2 and Maury serving grades 3 through 5. DME did note a possible alternative: implementing at-risk seat reservation for schools where atrisk students account for 30 percent or lower enrollment. “What we can see is, just looking at the target outcome of that percentage, it does more evenly distribute it.” But while DME Director of Planning and Analysis Jennifer Comey gave modeling for multiple Hill schools at the Dec. 14 meeting, as of that date DME had not yet modeled Maury and Miner.

Privileging the Privileged?

Both school communities have complaints about the way the proposal to pair the schools was presented to each community. Maury Elementary (1250 Constitution Ave. NE) learned about the idea far earlier than Miner, with a DME-led meeting with the Maury school community held Nov. 28. The Maury PTA reached out to members of the Miner PTO. Secretary of Miner Elementary (601 15th St. NE) PTO Julie Muir attended the virtual Nov. 28 Maury Elementary community meeting. There she noted in the chat that to her knowledge the school community had not been informed of any of these plans and that she herself only learned

through friends and neighbors with links to Miner. (In the weeks since, DME has scheduled a Dec. 19 meeting with the Miner Elementary Local School Advisory Team (LSAT), an elected board of parents and teachers that advises the principal on how to run the school). The LSAT meeting took place three weeks after the Maury meeting; as of Dec. 15, a meeting with the wider school community had still not been scheduled. At the meeting he hosted, Allen said he had heard from several parents about this problem. “I think that it really undermines some of the concerns that you’ve outlined of your goals overall and I definitely want to respect the Miner community’s concerns,” he told Kihn Dec. 4. In response, Kiihn said that DME “heard the feedback and we take it on board.” But Kihn deflected some responsibility, saying that had DME reached out to the schools simultaneously, noting the DME usually works through principals as primary point of contact. However, Miner Principal Lawrence Dance stepped down from his role Nov. 27, the day before the Maury meeting. “The Miner leadership change really stalled us.” Kihn said DME would be happy to hold multiple meetings at the Miner and would work hard to ensure they are incorporating voices from those families.

Response

The discussion threw into stark relief the diversity and division that is still present within what seems to be a single community on the Hill. A Maury Elementary PTA president (Maury’s PTA allows for dual executive officers) argued in multiple Town January 2024 ★ 27

CAPITOL ST.s

DME Proposed Solutions, Peabody-Watkins, Brent and Payne Elementaries. Screenshot: Payne School Presentation, dme.dc.gov

Potential solutions in a paired Miner-Maury School, from DME Maury School Presentation, dme.dc.gov

Peabody and Payne ES enrollment, via DME presentation, dme.dc.gov

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Halls that if DME wanted to merge the communities, the method by which the concept was introduced has done more to divide than unify. Although only about a half a mile apart, if one goes by the data, the two schools are extremely different. Miner is a Title 1 school, meaning that 40 percent or more of the students qualify for the federal free lunch program. Maury Elementary was a Title 1 school until the 2013-2014 school year, when 31 percent of the students qualified for the free lunch program. By 2013, Maury was a magnet school; it was designated a blue ribbon school in 2020, recognizing overall academic excellence and progress in closing the achievement gap. But other gaps had widened. The population living in-bounds for Maury is 25 percent Black, while those living in Miner boundaries are 73 percent black. Maury’s student population is 21 percent Black while 80 percent of the students at Miner identify as Black. 64 percent of students living inboundary for Maury are attending their boundary school; only 26 percent of Miner students living in bounds attend their school. There is also a disparity in at-risk populations; at-risk enrollment at Maury in 2022-23 is 12 percent and at Miner, 64 percent. Speaking at the Maury’s school community meeting Nov. 28, DME representative Comey said there are 44 pairs of adjacent elementary schools that have a difference of more than 25 percentage points in at-risk student enrollment. For most of those, 37 pairs, the difference is less than 50 percent. But for seven pairs, the difference is 50 percent or more. Of those seven, Miner and Maury are the only pair without a geographic barrier (such as a busy highway) preventing a cluster solution; Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn pointed to this when asked why more racially segre-

gated schools in Northwest were not being clustered to increase diversity at a Dec. 4 meeting. Some Maury parents pointed to the existing cluster school, arguing that whatever its past successes (it was founded in the early 80s), at this moment it does not appear to be a model for the stated goals of shared diversity across race, socioeconomic background, or at risk status. Peabody elementary is approaching 60% white and 70% in bounds; meanwhile, Watkins is closer to 70% black, and under 40% in bounds. They also pointed to the effect on the current classes; students in both schools currently in kindergarten will switch schools twice over their elementary school careers. Others asked what the implication of the paired schools would have on the Title 1 status currently held by Miner. That funding permits free school lunch and additional staffing and supports and is applied to Miner’s campus, not a paired school. Some of the comments cut to the quick. Members of the Miner community expressed their feeling that comments at town halls from those identifying themselves with Maury, including “I bought my house to attend Maury,” or that a paired school would “dilute” their community were hurtful and offensive to Miner families.

Cluster Schools

Changes are also proposed for the original cluster school, which includes Peabody (425 C St NE, serving Prek3 through kindergarten), and Watkins Elementary (420 12 St. SE, serving grades 1 to 5). There, the challenge is that an expansive, slash-shaped boundary for the cluster school means that some families in the southeast corner of the boundary are distant from Peabody. Some of these families live across the street from Payne but are in bounds for Peabody.

The proposed solution is a Cluster school boundary reduction in southeast corner, putting families living there in-bounds for pre-K at Payne Elementary (1425 C St. SE). This population loss would be countered by a southward expansion in the northeast arm of the cluster school boundary, now in-bounds for Brent Elementary. The portion of the Brent Elementary (301 N. Carolina Ave. SE) school boundary north of Pennsylvania Avenue would be assigned to Peabody-Watkins. According to the DME boundary tool, these changes would increase Payne’s population but would decrease the at-risk population. For Peabody-Watkins, that would reduce utilization to low, “which is something of a flag for us,” Comey allowed. Cluster families are concerned that changes could reduce the diversity of the school population. At the Dec. 14 DME Town Hall, Comey said that changes would decrease the diversity at Watkins and increase it at Peabody. The Peabody-Watkins community has expressed concern about reducing diversity, enrollment and utilization. They worry that the removal of these families includes many who have generationally gone to Watkins for elementary school. Finally, the Payne community has expressed concern that these changes will drive over-enrollment. They have already had a large increase in student population this past year.

Brent

As touched on above, DME believes that Brent Elementary has been experiencing overcrowding. DME proposes cutting a portion January 2024 H 29

Understanding Juvenile Carjacking January 30, 2024 - 7 to 9 PM Hill Center - 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Councilmember Allen will lead a panel discussion of stakeholders and community on the motivations that lead youth to carjack; and the way the District’s justice system holds them accountable for their actions. Panelists: • Hill Rag Reporter Elizabeth O’Gorek • DC Deputy Attorney General Liz Weiser • Miss Hardy, Founder of Guns Down Friday • Credible Messenger Reginald Mathis of Building Blocks DC • Kevin McGilly - DC Foster Father & Concerned Citizen

The discussion will be based on the following two articles on carjacking published in the Hill Rag and East of the River Newspapers:

“Why Do Kids Carjack?”

Carjacking is “No Big Deal”

www.hillrag.com/2023/09/29/why-do-kids-carjack

www.hillrag.com/2023/12/06/carjacking-is-no-big-deal

Questions for the panelists can be emailed in advance to ward6matters@hillrag.com. Written queries will also be permitted at the event itself.

Seats are Limited! RSVP at: Hosts:

30 ★ HILLRAG.COM

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Families also argue that the proposal will make it harder for out of boundary students to attend Brent, citing particularly the long-term links as families at Joint Base Anacostia Boling send students to Brent.

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The newly re-named Chisholm Elementary (Tyler) lacks nearby dual language middle school programming. The solution proposed to switch its programmatic feeder from Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHECH) and MacFarland to Jefferson MS, giving the latter dual language programming at the middle school level. However, families are concerned about resourcing at Jefferson and want to see evidence that such a program would rise to the need of fully bilingual students. DME said that would require deep engagement with the community before it could be implemented. Time is short. While DME says the plans are not final and conversation is open, they are trying to determine which recommendations they will forward to the school communities over two months. DME is to submit final recommendations to the mayor for approval by February 2024. The changes would go into effect at start of SY2025. There is still some time to provide input. You do not have to attend the schools to give your views; statements all members of the community are welcome. The best way to continue providing feedback is at https://www. dcschoolboundaryexplorer.com/ until Jan. 30 where you can leave comments. There is also a form on the DME website: look under “Community Feedback” at https:// dme.dc.gov/node/1644431. ◆

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of the Northeast corner of Brent’s boundary out and adding it to Peabody/Watkins. Brent’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has drafted a community letter arguing that any perceived overcrowding at Brent would be best addressed by the school modernization that is already on the books. Brent has an upcoming modernization that will increase space in the future, with design expected to begin in 2024. The modernization will increase the school’s capacity from the low 400’s to 500 students and is supposed to reopen for school year 2027. Comey said that DME decisions would not affect those plans. “The modernization is happening regardless of the recommendations in the boundary study,” said Comey. She noted that the office has heard concerns that families who get in for Peabody will not continue on to Watkins; they also still have proximity preference to Brent. Another proposed solution was to reduce out of boundary seats, now at about 30 percent and largely centered in the grades above kindergarten. But, Connelly noted, that would have a ripple effect on other schools. These adjustments would also change the middle school pattern for affected families; Watkins students go to Stuart Hobson, whereas Payne families go to Eliot Hine and Brent students to Jefferson Middle School Academy. Brent’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) wrote a sign-on community letter indicating their opposition to this plan, worrying it would alter the parameters of the upcoming modernization project. They are also concerned that the boundary change would cause an enrollment drop. Because enrollment is directly linked to DCPS budgets, that could result in a drop in school funding.

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CAPITOL ST.s

Community Clashes on K Street NE Bike Lanes Cycling Safety VS Parking Access for the Elderly

by Sarah Payne

he emergency no parking signs taped to trees and streetlights along the 600 and 700 blocks on K Street NE mark the end of the months-long debate about the bike lane extension along the street. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) confirmed Thursday that the work is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 18. Project construction will take two to three days and involve restriping the roadway and the installation of curbside signage.

enth Street NW and New York Avenue NE. The project will also serve as a traffic calming measure along the corridor. This corridor has been “identified as a priority bike route in [the] MoveDC long-range transportation plan” according to DDOT and will become part of a larger network of bike lanes throughout the city. The installation of the new bike lane will require the removal of all 23 parking spaces along the 600 block and an additional six spaces along the 700 block of K Street NE.

The K Street Bike Project

Public Engagement Concerns

DDOT says the extension project will close a 0.06 mile gap in a nearly 2.7 mile continuous section of continuous bike lanes between Sev-

Neighbors, ANC commissioners and DDOT have engaged through email, discussions and petitions since the notice of intent (NOI) was ini-

ABOVE: A sign along K Street NE. Photo: S. Payne LEFT: DDOT says the project will help close two gaps in the K Street lanes. From DDOT NOI-23-161PSD, July 20, 2023.

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tially issued on July 20 regarding the proposed bike lane. DDOT reported receiving more than 60 public comments in support of the project before comments were closed Aug. 31. But, while some residents are enthusiastic about the bike lane extension, others oppose the extension and feel that their voices have not been heard. After neighbors received paper copies of DDOT’s NOI at their residences on Aug. 25, more than 50 signatures were collected in opposition to the project before the agency’s Aug. 31 feedback deadline. A group of neighbors sent a petition to DDOT and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) expressing concern about the project and requesting that DDOT present other options. In the fall, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C voted to support the project. They also sent a letter of support for a reserved parking space for a disabled resident, provided it did not impede the extension of the bike lane. ANC 6A also voted in support of the project. One resident, who has lived on the street for 10 years, expressed disappointment both in the outcome and the process. In addition to a lack of communication with DDOT, the resident said that the virtual format of ANC meetings “silences a lot of the community residents’ feedback,” the resident stated. “We have been left out in the dark [and] we have not had any engagement to build a collaborative community-based response,” the resident said. “This whole experience has been very disappointing.”

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ANC 6A Vice Chair Keya Chatterjee (6A01) spoke about her involvement with bike lane advocacy which dates back to 2019. Chatterjee and many of her neighbors organized weekly bike rides, walks and picnics in support of the bike lane. She described the installation of the lanes as a “life or death issue” citing multiple cyclists’ deaths along the corridor. “There’s much more support than there is opposition, but sometimes the opposition is so vitriolic that the supporters are honestly a little bit afraid to admit that they’re part of the silent majority,” Chatterjee said of the discourse. “As elected officials, our highest priority here is to protect the children,” Chatterjee said. ANC 6C Commissioner Christy Kwan (6C01) noted that the commission has historically supported traffic safety measures along this corridor and described how ANC 6C is working with residents to address safety concerns, particularly within the alley. “We are listening,” Kwan said. “I think we just disagree on how public space should be used.”

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Among the objections to the project, the removal of the parking spaces is of significant concern. Many residents, particularly the elderly, those in opposition say, rely heavily on the easily accessible street parking in order to access their vehicles as well as public and medical transportation.

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“It’s very infuriating, because this disproportionately impacts elderly residents,” one resident said. “To see their community change without their input is disappointing to say the least.” Other neighbors were relieved to see the project moving forward. Joal, who has lived in the community with his family for more than a decade, believes that a “less carcentric” neighborhood would be safer. “I deployed to Al Anbar province in Iraq as a Marine where I conducted about 100 dismounted combat patrols, but I think the closest I’ve come to getting killed was on my bike in this neighborhood,” he said. Another resident who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 60 years expressed frustration, saying that the project will prevent access to their homes from the south side of the street. They called the project proposal “not a viable option” for residents. The longtime resident also raised concern about the spillover of cars and traffic into adjacent streets, crime in the alleyways and pedestrian safety along the street. “I think what happens too, is it gets pushed down to a very basic message about parking, and I think it does this issue a disservice,” the resident stated. “It is much bigger than that.” Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

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Southwest Town Center Park Design Neighbors Say More Community Input Required

he Department of General Services (DGS) is looking for community feedback in the design phase of the Southwest Town Center Park Project. The overall goal of the project is to create a single urban park space from the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl. SW) to the Southwest Duck Pond (Sixth at I Streets SW). DGS is beginning two phases of work on the central part of the Town Center Parks, the 300 and 400 blocks of I Street SW, located on the blocks to the east and west of Fourth Street SW. In fall 2023, DGS kicked off community discussion around the design of the remaining portion of the Town Center Park. $3.5 million has been allocated to Phase 1, which consists of construction on the parcel called site “B”, located adjacent to Christ United Church (900 Fourth St. SW). No funding has yet been allocated to site “A”, north of Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I St. SW).

Background

The project has been a long time coming. In the early 1950s, the Southwest Urban Renewal Plan proposed that the National Capital Parks division of the National Parks Service (NPS) develop the area into a park, but the proposal was never implemented. Frustrated by the delay, which it saw as caused

by Elizabeth O’Gorek by Congress’s reluctance to approve funding, in 1960 District commissioners proposed turning the project over to the Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA). But this approach also nev-

“This is a very important community facility. DGS and DPR need to talk to the community about what they’re thinking and give themselves time to interpret and integrate those concerns.” – ANC 6D Commissioner Frederica Kramer er came to fruition, possibly due to a projected $500,000 price tag — a little more than $5 million today. The project was revived five years ago when, in 2018, the Southwest Community Foundation (SWCF) gave a $250,000 grant to SW BID to undertake a visioning process for the Town Center Parks. The BID spent months gathering ideas and feedback via the community and a Town Center Parks Advisory Group composed of stakeholders such as Arena Stage, two churches and AmidonBowen Elementary (401 St. SW). The result was the Town Center Parks Vision Plan, released in the summer of 2019. That Vision Plan helped inform some of the work later done by the city at the Southwest Duck Pond (20202021) and the Southwest Library Park (2021) which mark the

Proposed Concept 1 for sites A (left of Fourth Street SW) and B (right of Fourth Street SW). DGS presentation, Nov. 30, 2023.

36 H HILLRAG.COM

western and eastern edges of the overall park project. But work on the central blocks, the 300 and 400 blocks of I Street SW, fell by the wayside as the city dealt with the COVID pandemic. The 2019 vision plan proposed a pedestri-

an “corridor” to the south of the church properties, where a walkway traverses Fourth Street between Third and Sixth Streets SW. Plaza uses were proposed for the property on either side of Fourth Street SW, including for markets or holiday events.

Where We Are Now

In Phase I of this project, DGS is focused on site B, near Christ United Church. The design process is now underway and being driven by DGS together with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). In August, DGS selected a design team of THIHA Inc. Construction and Development and architects Lee and Associates Inc (LAI). Although the two portions of the project will be built at different times, they are being planned together. The team is therefore undertaking community feedback simultaneously on two concepts for each of the eastern and western sites. DGS says the park could include amenities such as café and terraced seating, an event stage or a public art display. There could also be a multipurpose area to host events such as farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals. The team seeks feedback on the concept design with the goal of a final design by spring 2024. Construction could begin as early as late 2024.

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ed community meetings to discuss this project,” a spokesperson said. DGS and DPR say they will be taking the feedback from the community via additional meetings, community walks and an online survey open until Jan. 12. This feedback will be taken into consideration for the final concept design. The team will be holding another community meeting in early 2024, although the date has not yet been announced. ANC 6D Commissioner Gail Fast, who was on the Commission from 2016-2020 (6D01) and was re-elected in 2022 to the newly redistricted 6D03, agrees that two options are too limiting. “What I’ve really just seen from them is logistics changes, not really a design,” Fast said. “When we did that vision, we thought, this is what it could look like programmatically.” She says the survey is also limited. It provides little context, Fast says, lacking even the location of Town Center Park. Those taking

DGS says the team has met with the leadership of both Christ United Methodist Church and Westminster United Methodist Church to discuss the project. Both churches have expressed enthusiasm for the improvements overall. But, while Southwest residents appear excited that the project is finally getting off the ground, many have said they need more time to consider the project. Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D Frederica Kramer says DGS presented the two alternatives at a Nov. 30 meeting at the Southwest Library. “People were very taken aback by that,” she said, pointing out that the community and some of the people in it have changed since 2019. “They [DGS] got a general message which they seem to have heard—that the community needs to speak on this,” Kramer said. Since that meeting, the ANC Chair said, DGS has taken a less binary approach. SW BID Deputy Director Lexie Albe said that her biggest takeaway from the Nov. 30 community meeting is that people want to re-engage with this project. “2019 was a long time ago and the world has shifted since then in ways both big and small,” she said. “I’m glad to see that the DPR and design-build teams Proposed Concept 2 for sites A (adjacent to Westminster Presbyterian) and Site B are open to working (adjacent to Christ United Methodist Church). DGS presentation, Nov. 30, 2023. with the community to build upon the the survey are asked questions about how they original Vision Plan and make sure it meets currently use the space. But that’s not related the community’s needs today,” Albe said. to a future use as park, she said. “You don’t DGS deferred questions about addiput your blanket out and sit, say, on the lawn tional visioning to SW BID, but they stood at Westminster because [many] deem that as by their community engagement. “DPR and Westminster’s property,” she said. DGS have a robust strategy for community Fast says she would like to see the team engagement and have held two well-attend-

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slow down and take a breath. “Let’s figure this out and do it right, so that everyone in the community is happy,” she said. Another concern is whether the park will allow space for markets and festivals. Currently, the SW Market is held on the District-owned lot at Fourth and M Streets SW. Although the timeline is uncertain, development is likely to push the market from that site in the future. DGS did not comment on whether the park will explicitly include space for a market or for festivals, only relaying, “DGS is excited to deliver a world-class park that will allow for robust programming from DPR and SW BID.” Kramer says the way DGS and DPR are going to get the park right is by listening to the community’s broad concerns, presenting multiple possibilities and working from there. “The bottom line is this is a very important community facility, both because of where it is situated and its length,” Kramer said. “They, DGS and DPR, need to talk to the community about what they’re thinking and give themselves time to interpret and integrate those concerns.” Learn more about the SW Town Center Project by visiting dgs.dc.gov/page/sw-town-center-park. Complete the survey at https://dpr.dc.gov/SWTownCenterParkSurvey. See the 2019 Town Center Parks Vision Plan at swbid.org/wp-content/uploads2023/12/2019-07-15_FinalVisionPlan_lowres-1.pdf ◆

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FoSEL and Neal Gregory Using Books to Build Community

outh East Library will close for renovations on January 4 for at least two years. During that time, the Friends of the Southeast Library (FoSEL) will suspend their monthly book sales, the proceeds of which go to support library programs. Known for its highly successful book sales, FoSEL wasn’t always the force in the Capitol Hill community that it is today. Former president Neal Gregory – who stepped down last January when he and his wife moved off the Hill – led the organization as it became one of the most active and financially successful friends-of groups operating in support of the DC Public Library system. FoSEL was founded in 1982, but by 2000 had fallen into a state of somnolence until the presidency of author Margaret Hollister reinvigorated the organization. When she stepped down five years later, Neal Gregory succeeded her. In a recent interview, Gregory mentioned two things as his major contributions to FoSEL: the creation of a logo for FoSEL – designed by Karen Falk – and the monthly (except August) library book sales. Before 2005, FoSEL held one or two book sales a year. Others give him credit for much more.

Raising Funds for the Library

Long time FoSEL member Jack Wennersten says one of Gregory’s greatest strengths was his people 40 H HILLRAG.COM

by Larry Janezich skills and his unique ability to “suffer fools gladly” in the face of sometimes dismissive treatment by DC Public Library’s (DCPL) “downtown staff ” that seemed indifferent to library volunteers. “Whatever we did didn’t seem to count much to the DCPL bureaucracy,” Wennersten says, “but they couldn’t dismiss Neal.” He said Gregory was “the principle organizing force behind the book sales to make sure they were a success and he was assiduous in adding a public relations component with book sale ads in the Hill Rag and other community media outlets.” Wennersten added that Gregory “made sure to fund children’s programs not funded by the Library.” FoSEL is still the only Friends’ group in DC that holds a monthly sale. “At one point,” Gregory said, “we raised over a quarter of a million dollars in ten years – all of which went to the SE Library or other libraries for children’s programs and other support.” Under Gregory’s leadership, FoSEL developed another unusual fundraising strategy: selling books written by its own members. Robert Pohl, who succeeded Gregory as FoSEL president last January, said that FoSEL had helped publish two books by members of the Friends: The End of Slavery in the District of Columbia by Jack Wennersten and Pohl in 2009, and Hollywood on the Potomac by Mike Canning in 2012. Proceeds from the sale of the

books went to FOSEL for support of library programs.

The Broad Reach of Neal’s Efforts

In one of FoSEL’s more ambitious undertakings, Gregory directed FoSEL support for the 2004-2005 relandscaping of SE Library, a project of a local Girl Scout troop and their moms – and a project which was resisted by DCPL. “We just went ahead with it,” Gregory added. FoSEL made an initial contribution of $5,000 and helped organize community fundraisers that raised another $50,000. Gingko Gardens and its owner, Mark Holler, designed and landscaped the area. He provided plants, soil, fertilizer, and other supplies at cost. FoSEL provided garden furniture and other equipment used in summer children’s activities. FoSEL also paid $3,500 for an underground irrigation system. Gingko Gardens maintained the garden at no cost for several years before

DCPL took over maintenance. Gregory also saw to it that FoSEL’s work did not end with the Southeast Library. During his tenure, the group supported public school libraries across the Hill by creating a simple process to apply for grants for school libraries. FoSEL donated books to the DC Jail, women’s shelters, Botswana school libraries, the Old Soldiers Home, and the Marine Barracks. The group made financial donations to the MLK Library’s Adult Literacy Department. Within the Southeast library itself, FoSEL bought the first public computers (four) prior to those installed as part of the renovation in 2016. FoSEL bought other electronic equipment including a Blue ray DVD player and television, still in use at the Library. After the City Council finally authorized funding for the Southeast Library renovation in 2018, Councilmember Charles Allen asked Gregory and ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe to represent the community on the design selection committee. Likewise, he appointed the pair to the “Stakeholders Taskforce” to provide community input on the redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, of which the library is a crucial component. Gregory was born in Tupelo, Mississippi – Elvis Presley’s hometown – and went to Old Miss for degrees in journalism and political science. He started out as a reporter for a local newspaper and

came to Washington on a fellowship, launching a career in politics working for members of Congress, including Senator Al Gore, Sr., and then Vice President Hubert Humphrey. He had said he would leave the country if Nixon got elected. Shortly after Nixon’s victory, Gregory bought a round-theworld ticket on Pan Am. He worked as a free-lance journalist abroad and fell into a job as a publicist for a movie starring Marlon Brando being filmed in Morocco which was released under the title of “Burn.” Later, watching it snow in St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) – Gregory decided it was time to go home. He became the first political editor of the National Journal, married Janice, his wife of 52 years, and started a family. He transitioned out of politics and journalism into public relations with Hill + Knowlton then to his own firm, from which he retired in 2006. He and Janice became authors in their own right in 1980. On a whim, they had saved dozens of newspapers published the day after Elvis Presley died in 1977. Gregory’s friend Jim Malloy, Doorkeeper of the US House of Representatives, let him have the papers which the Doorkeeper’s Office was going to discard. The Gregorys put them aside and “didn’t do anything with them” until a chance encounter at a cocktail party with a DC publisher who encouraged them to turn the collection into a book. That idea became “When Elvis Died” which was published in 1980 and sold 10,000 copies. Gregory says, “We have a fantasy of it being republished, but we’ll see.” ◆

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Cannabis Confusion ANC 6A REPORT by Sarah Payne Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on Dec. 14. Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01, vice chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03), Amber Gove (6A04, chair), Dave Wethington (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06) and Steve Moilanen (6A07) were in attendance.

he Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) is currently taking applications from gray market cannabis entrepreneurs to enter the District’s longstanding medical marijuana program. In 2014, Initiative 71 (I-71) legalized possession of up to two ounces of weed and cultivation of only three mature plants at a time, which remains a federal Schedule 1 substance subject to felony arrest. The referendum also permitted “gifts” between individuals of no more than one ounce of cannabis. A loophole in the law has hindered regulation of DC’s retail marijuana sector and engendered a probably illegal and rapidly expanding drug businesses that have been the subject of concern, especially along H Street NE due to the uptick in crime and violence surrounding these stores. At recent ABCA training, cannabis enforcement by District agencies including the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was discussed, Commissioner Shapiro stated. “The staff at ABCA seemed more confused than I was regarding issues of enforcement,” she said. It is critical for the commission, collaborating with nearby ANCs, to create standardized and effective enforcement for different areas of the city, Shapiro stated. Commissioner Chatterjee echoed Shapiro’s statements. Current law prohibits medical dispensaries from operating within 400

42 ★ HILLRAG.COM

feet of each other, she pointed out. “We currently have a bunch of establishments that don’t have medical licenses and are much more dense than 400 feet in our ANC,” she noted. Commissioner Velasquez saw the benefits to increased enforcement. “I think the intent was to allow the people who are illegally operating businesses the opportunity to try and become legal,” Velasquez said. “[This is] an attempt by the city to establish a protocol to operate these businesses legally, and an attempt to finally enforce the laws for those that are operating illegally.” The commission took no vote on this matter.

Other Matters

Dept. of Public Works (DPW) Chief of External Affairs Tommie Jones briefed the commission on the agency’s allocation of resources. He encouraged commissioners and community members to get involved with their community centers, recreation centers and public spaces.

Shadow US Representative Dr. Oye I. Owolewa spoke to commissioners about the fight for DC Statehood as well as healthcare and public safety initiatives. The commission voted to oppose Washington Gas’ PROJECTpipes Phase 3 application and send copies of their resolution to the DC Council, the Office of the People’s Council and the Office of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D). The next meeting of ANC 6A is at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 via Zoom. Get details on committee meetings and how to join online at anc6a.org. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

DDOT Asked to Study Restricted Traffic on D Street ANC 6B REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B met via Zoom on Dec. 12. Frank Avery (6B01, treasurer); Jerry Sroufe (6B02); David Sobelsohn

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A AMBER GOVE, CHAIR, 6A04@ANC.DC.GOV Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, and H Street communities ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom.

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ALL ARE WELCOME (6B03, secretary); Frank D’Andrea (6B04); Kasie Durkit (6B05); Chander Jayaraman (6B06, vice chair); Vince Mareino (6B07); Edward Ryder (6B08, Chair); and Matt LaFortune (6B09) were present.

he ANC voted unanimously to send a letter expressing support for the Eighth Street SE Bus Project generally and in particular, “Alternative 3” for the 800 block of D Street SE. However, the ANC took no position on the proposals for the 700 block of D Street SE, and asked District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to include a study of the impact of restricting vehicular access on that block in their traffic studies related to the project. The DDOT project aims to improve bus operations and safety on the street between East Capitol and M Streets SE. Design is expected to begin in January 2024 with 30 percent designs expected in March and final designs in June, with a goal of construction beginning in Fall 2024. This letter focused on alternatives DDOT presented for the 700 and 800 blocks of D Street SE. The 700 block runs in front of small businesses on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. The 800 block borders the playground on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue at Eighth Street SE. The concepts are intended to address safety issues and improve bus service, safety and access. On the 800 block, Alternative 3 maintains westbound directionality on D Street SE and creates a pedestrian island in the intersection. That prevents left-hand turns, which DDOT considers dangerous at the site. LaFortune said that DDOT already plans to move forward with a traffic study for Alternative 3 on the

800 block and Alternative 2 on the 700 block. Alternative 2 would reverse the direction of traffic flow from east to westbound. Jayaraman said in his opinion, reversing the direction of D Street and routing a bus around the plaza would be incompatible with the intentions for the metro park and its shared use with the Southeast Library. He said closing D Street to vehicles could make the block into a space that is programmed and would be a lot safer than reversing direction. However, Chair Ryder said while he was also personally supportive of closing the block to vehicles, he would want to hear from the businesses on that block, pointing out that closing the street would remove access to D Street for loading and deliveries. Mareino agreed, and pointed out that one of these businesses, FedEx, operates on the model of delivery by vehicle. For these reasons, the ANC supported a study of ‘restricted’ vehicular access rather than full closure.

Supporting Diverse Businesses

The Commission voted 8-1-0 to support a statement supporting diverse businesses. Proposed by Secretary Sobelsohn, it was framed as a statement of principal for the ANC, affirming that the “ANC cherishes the diversity of businesses and will protect all our businesses from harassment or intimidation.” In presenting the statement, Sobelsohn said that this spring, members of the Proud Boys threatened to close the restaurant Crazy Aunt Helen’s due to their opposition to drag shows, something that he said was successful in shutting down a show in the suburbs. Dozens of people wielding rainbow umbrellas came out to protect the restaurant and al-

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting 2nd Tuesday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom Community Outreach Committee meeting 4th Monday, January 22, 7:00pm Virtual Meeting via Zoom Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting 4th Tuesday, January 23, 7:00pm Virtual meeting via Zoom Instructions for accessing the meeting via Zoom 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.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D “Uniting Communities East and West” Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.

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Wendell Felder Chairperson Brian Alcorn Vice Chair Brett Astmann Treasurer Ashley Schapitl Secretary Siraaj Hasan

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We invite volunteers to join our five Commission committees, which include: Community Outreach/Grants, Economic Development/ Housing Justice, Environment, Public Safety, and Transportation/Public Space. Join us in working to improve and support your community. Contact any 7D Commissioner or our office account at 7d@anc.dc.gov for more information.

January 2024 H 43

CAPITOL ST.s

Alternative 3’ for the 800 block of D Street SE received support from ANC 6B at the meeting Dec. 12, but the ANC asked for a traffic study of the street’s 700 block. Image: Screenshot, DDOT November 2023 presentation.

low safe passage into the drag show. Initially, the statement ended with the phrase, “…particularly those who patronize a competitor.” Vice Chair Jayaraman asked for clarity on the term “competitor.” Sobelsohn said he put that in ”because I am worried about the possibility that some of those folks might actually be trying to close competition for a place that they consider a hangout, and I want to make sure that we are in favor of free and fair competition between our businesses and oppose harassment or intimidation.” Jayaraman said that no business on Barracks Row should be intimidated or harassed in any way but that he doesn’t want to put all competition in the same bucket. His motion to remove the terms “particularly those who patronize a competitor” passed 8-1-0, with Sobelsohn opposing.

Special Committee on Public Safety Now Permanent

The ANC voted 7-2-0 to make the Special Committee on Public Safety into a standing committee of the ANC. Under ANC by-laws, special committees cease to exist in February unless they are renewed by a vote of the full commission. Standing committees, such as the ANC Transportation Committee, exist until they are disbanded by vote. The motion was put forward by Sobelsohn, who argued that to do so would demonstrate the ANC is taking issues of public safety seriously. He said we have a serious crime problem on the Hill and in the city and the committee represents a serious effort to address the problem. The Committee on Public Safety has met with 44 H HILLRAG.COM

three members of DC Council, one of whom thanked the committee for influencing legislation he introduced around problems with 911. Sobelsohn pointed out that the ANC, conversely, has only met with one councilmember during the current term. The motion passed, with commissioners praising the work of the committee. Commissioner LaFortune did point out his reservation, that while the work of the committee was important, by law the District does not give “great weight” to ANC views on public safety as on issues of zoning or alcohol licensing. ANC 6B next meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. See agenda, 2024 meeting calendar and information on how to join meetings at anc6b.org u

Medical Cannabis Dispensary Raises Eyebrows ANC 6C REPORT by Sarah Payne Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on Dec. 13 via WebEx. Commissioners Christy Kwan (6C01), Leslie Merkle (6C02, secretary), Commissioner Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, chair), Commissioner Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer), Commissioner Patricia Eguino (6C06) and Tony Goodman (6C07, vice chair) were in attendance.

ew Leaf Smoke Shop at 416 H St. NE has filed an application with the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) to become a licensed medical cannabis dispensary.

The shop currently operates as a gray market cannabis retailer. The H Street NE corridor has experienced “major problems” with cannabis retailers, stated ANC 6C ABCA Committee Chair Drew Courtney. As part of his application, New Leaf Wwner Issa Bannourah has requested permission for cannabis smoking on site and to operate an enclosed summer garden, Courtney stated. Bannourah informed commissioners of his plans to utilize high tech portable air cleaners to eliminate smoke and odors from the proposed space. “We don’t want to be disruptive whatsoever,” he said of his plans. “It’s really important to us that we’re seen as a medical facility.” A summer garden, Commissioner Kelty pointed out, is an exterior space. Would patrons congregate around the summer garden structure? he asked. What about any potential failure of air filtration systems? asked both ABCA Chair Courtney and Kelty. “Consequences to the neighbors are severe if this doesn’t work,” Kelty said of the potential for odors and smoke to carry to surrounding residential units. The commission voted to protest New Leaf ’s application. If the commission reaches cooperative agreement (CA) before the hearing on Jan. 8, the protest may be dropped. Commissioners authorized Courtney to represent the commission at the protest hearing.

Other Matters

The commission voted to: • approve the installation of a raised crosswalk on the 1200 block of Fourth Street NE; • protest the application by Grand Central Sports Book, 625 H St. NE, for Class D Tavern license, authorizing Commissioner Kelty testify on its behalf at the ABCA hearing; • protest the application by Thrive Hair Bar, 528 H St. NE, for a Class C Tavern license while supporting, authorizing Commissioner Kwan to serve as a representative for the commission; • protest the application of Chopsmith, 300 M St. NE, the Class C Tavern license, authorizing Michael Upright as the ANC’s representative; • support an application by the owner of 425

•

Fourth St. NE to Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) to allow the construct of a thirdstory addition and three-story rear addition to an existing attached two-story row dwelling; write to the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Public Works (DPW) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) regarding issues of alley safety along Sixth, Seventh I and K Streets NE.

ANC 6C will next meet on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. Visit anc6c.org to learn more about the commission. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Trees, Lights and A Statue ANC 6D REPORT by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Dec. 11 via Zoom. Commissioners Bob Link (6DO1, vice chair), Ronald Collins (6D02, treasurer), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Bruce Levine (6D06, secretary), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance. Ashton Rohmer (6D05) was absent.

olger Pratt Development Manager Rudy Knott briefed the commission on plans for lighting and a statue at 60 I St. SW. Folger Pratt holds a ground lease from Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle of the Assemblies of God at 60 I St. SW.

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with measurements of the light intensity in lumens and schedule of for the lighting and any changes in colors. Folger Pratt has provided no details, Kramer said. Knott promised to clarify the issue. Commissioners then turned their attention to the seven-foot-tall statue of Jesus washing Apostle Peter’s feet planned for the build’s enA rendering of the proposed café enclosure in front of Kinfolk. Courtesy: trance. The statue is located partially The Wharf. in public space and is the subject to approval by the DC Dept. of Transapplication, stated Attorney David Avitabile from portation’s (DDOT) Public Space the law firm of Goulston & Storrs. No hearing has Committee, Davies stated. Folger Pratt has submityet been scheduled, he said. ted an application, he continued. The proposed structure detracts from the “The reason you (Folger Pratt) went into pubbeauty of the Phase II architecture, stated Fast. It lic with the statue is because you used up all the cuts off the view of the Amaris, she added. She furspace up to the property line,” stated Kramer pointther objected to the loss of pedestrian space. edly. In addition, the project absorbed a corner of The proposed structure reduces views to water Lansburg Park, destroying several heritage trees in from the neighborhood side, echoed Commissionthe process, she complained. er Pawley. Enclosed structures are not “café seatFolger Pratt has not yet pulled out of the park, ing,” she argued. “It is counter to what was promstated Knott. The developer will be out by spring, ised to the neighborhood,” she added, “I don’t want he said. The trees, he said, would have died anyway to see any more of these views disappear.” Collins due to construction. While there is no requirement and Kramer concurred with Fast and Pawley. for tree replacement, he said, doing so The project’s Planned Unit Development is “in our best interest.” (PUD) always reserved the 20 feet closest to Wharf A rendering of exterior lighting at Folger Pratt is currently finaliz60 I St. SW. Courtesy: Folger Pratt. buildings for café seating, replied President of ing an agreement with the DC Dept. Hoffman Associates Shawn Seaman. Restaurants of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to require permanent enclosures to cope with the replace the trees, reported Knott. District’s hotter summers and colder winters, he Chair Kramer directed him to reach argued. out to the SW Community Garden. The commission took no vote on the matter. The commission did not vote on

The developer is building 200 units along with a new church on the first floor. Principal and Founder of FORMDesign Dario Davies, the project’s architect, provided detailed of the project’s façade lighting. Folger Pratt is working on optimizing them to reduce their intensity, he stated. There are no plans to employ movement or patterns, added Knott. In response to Treasurer Collins queries, Knott stated that there had been no complaints. Pressed on the extent of the developer’s community engagement efforts, Folger Pratt had made no effort to contact the project’s neighbors, Knott admitted. “I am quite concerned that you have not reached out to the community in any way,” said Commissioner Pawley. “I would ask you to make the same effort that other organizations in SW make,” she continued. Are the lights 24/7? asked Commissioner Fast. “If that is the way the illumination looks, it is very very bright,” she added. There is no finalized lighting plan, reiterated Knott. Fast suggested incorporating a turn down time. The lights are too bright for building residents, stated Chair Kramer. Along with Vice Chair Link, she requested Folger Pratt furnish the commission

the matter.

Siting plans for the statue at 60 I Street SW. Courtesy: Folger Pratt.

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Street Enclosures at The Wharf

At the insistence of the DC Zoning Administrator, The Wharf has requested The DC Zoning Commissioner to consider a Modification of Consequence (MOC) for Phase II Planned Unit Development allowing the building of a permanent enclosure in front of the William and Connolly Building near The Seventh Street Pier to accommodate diners at Kinfolk. The Wharf has filed the MOC

Public Safety

Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Sector 3 Captain Kevin Harding and PSA 105 Lieutenant Elias Danho briefed the commission on public safety. There was a shooting at the Western and a melee at Jefferson Middle School, they reported. The fight at Jefferson did not involve the school’s students. Other youth planned the altercation on social media, Harding reported. One of the teen’s mothers was later stabbed in front of Safeway after her child fled there seeking aid. The woman was severely beaten and maced by the fighting youth, he said. Two pit bulls attacked a woman walking her

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dog at Third & P Streets, Harding stated. The owner of the two pits bulls released them at a nearby residence on the 1400 block of Third Street Sw. The dogs attacked the woman, killing her dog. They bit another pedestrian as well, he said. Animal control officers seized one of the dogs and have cited the owner, Harding said. MPD had conducted a successful anti-theft operation at the Fourth Street SW CVS, Harding reported.

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Other Matters

Karen Stuart of Call2recycle.org briefed the commission on her organization’s plan for residential battery recycling. Last year, the nonprofit collected 25,000 pounds of batteries. The organization is expanding into Southwest. Commissioners suggested reaching out to the Southwest Business Improvement District (SW BID). Pepco Senior External Affairs Specialist Jammal Jordan reported utility work on Fourth Street SW related to the Capitol Grid Project will finish by the end of December 2023. Pepco will complete work on I Street SW in January 2024, finishing all project-related construction in Southwest. The project was delayed by the need to shift unknown utilities discovered under the streets, he reported. The commission appointed Commissioner Pawley to represent it at the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Board hearing on the Fourth Street Safeway’s license renewal. The commission had previously voted to protest the supermarket’s application on the grounds of peace, order and quiet. The commission voted to write the DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT), Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) and the Washing-

www.anc6c.org

Next meeting Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Information will be posted on the ANC 6C website. ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 ANC 6C03 Christy Kwan Jay Adelstein 6C01@anc.dc.gov 6C03@anc.dc.gov ANC 6C02 ANC 6C04 Leslie Merkle Mark Eckenwiler 6C02@anc.dc.gov 6C04@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C07 ANC 6C05 Tony Goodman Joel Kelty 6C05@anc.dc.gov 6C07@anc.dc.gov ANC 6C06 Patricia Eguino 6C06@anc.dc.gov

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: drew.courtney@gmail.com Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants Environment, Parks, and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: jgmccann@gmail.com

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

January 2024 H 47

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ton Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) protesting the unreliable service on 74 Bus route, which is the only line serving Buzzard Point. The commission voted to protest a liquor application by Hen Quarter at 2121 First St. SW on the grounds of peace, order and quiet in the absence of a Community Agreement (CA). If one is inked before the hearing, the protest will be withdrawn. ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Jan. 8, 2024. For more information, visit www.anc6d.org. u

New Benning Road Zero Waste Facility ANC 7D REPORT by Sarah Payne Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Dec. 12 via Zoom. Commissioners Siraaj Hasan (7D01), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, vice chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09), secretary) and Brianne Eby (7D10) were in attendance. Commissioner Siraaj Hasan (7D01) was absent. Commissioners Wendell Felder (7D03, chair) and Mike Davis (7D04) were absent. Single Member District 7D02 remains vacant.

he DC Department of Public Works’s (DPW) Chief Administrative Officer and Benning Road Transfer Station Project Manager Jessica Smith briefed commissioners on the agency’s plans for a new transfer station at 3200 Benning Rd., NE. DPW plans to replace the current facil-

48 H HILLRAG.COM

ity damaged by a 2021 fire, with a new, state of the art operation that is “forward looking and community oriented.” The new facility, Smith stated, is expected to open in 2027 It will provide an innovative, clean and accessible space for residents to access “waste diversion activities” like recycling, she said. Additionally, DPW will build an educational center on the site to teach the community and school groups about recycling and sustainable materials management. Commissioners expressed an interest in helping DPW gather community feedback. The agency, Smith said, will be launching a community advisory committee for the project.

Other Matters

The commission voted to write to the DC Council in support of renaming the 1300, 1400, 1500 and 1600 blocks of A Street NE “Blue & White Marching Machine Way” in recognition of The Eastern High School marching band. ANC 7D will meet next on Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Update on Onyx on First ANC 8F REPORT by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 8F) met on Dec. 19. Commissioners Nic Wilson (8F01), Bri-

an Strege (secretary, 8F03) and Edward Daniels (chair, 8F04), Clayton Rosenberg (vice chair, 8F05) were in attendance. Rick Murphree (treasurer, 8F02) was absent.

representative of the tenants’ association from the Onyx on First, 1100 First St. SE, thanked the commissioners for their efforts to rectify challenging living conditions at the property. As a result of the commission’s advocacy, over 100 smoke detectors were installed in bedrooms, filthy windows were cleaned and reliable access to hot water provisioned, she stated. “You should know you made a huge difference to people in my building,” she said. Despite all this repair work, the building’s parking garage door remains broken and open, the tenant representative stated. After two years of complaints, management now plans to replace the door, she said. On a positive note, the DC Dept. of Buildings (DOB) is conducting effective inspections and imposing significant fines on management, she said. The tenant representative also cited a building-wide mold problem which she attributed to earlier water damage. As a result, units are failing DC Housing Authority inspections forcing tenants to leave or lose their housing vouchers, she stated. Building management has engaged in a pattern of illegal activities primarily targeting lower income voucher holders, the representative alleged. Illegal collection notices have been posted on resident doors and illegal fees have been added to tenant accounts, she said. Building management conducts unit inspections, utility shutoffs and makes repairs without notice to ten-

ants, a resident stated. All management notices are sent through email, which is ineffective at reaching elderly tenants, she pointed out. However, management has become more accommodating to tenant organizers, she stated. Elevators are often out of service, another tenant stated. Often, all elevators are broken, he continued, making it very difficult for elderly and disabled residents to leave their apartments. “I don’t stay home. I don’t feel safe,” stated another resident. Her car has been keyed and damaged in the garage, she said. “It is dangerous in my building.” The exterior doors are not secured, she said. Building management had responded to the commission’s written inquiry, stating there were no maintenance issues, said Chair Daniels. The commission has also written to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) asking for assistance in removing the building’s management, he continued. “I pay $2400 for a one bedroom and the amenities are not provided,” another resident stated. “They are targeting older black people who are poor,” another resident said. “I hate hearing that you can’t stay in your place because you have no heat,” said Daniels. “In my opinion, this a slum lord that has gotten away with this for too long,” he said. Commissioners promised vigorous follow up.

Other Matters

Treasurer Rick Muphree will step down on Jan. 31. ANC 8F generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 at DDOT Headquarters at 250 M St. SE. For more information, visit anc8f.org. u

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Bulletin Board Councilmember Charles Allen with Hill Family Biking award winners.

2023 Ward 6 Brickie Award Winners

On Dec. 6, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen held the 17th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at an awards ceremony at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The Brickie Awards are an annual celebration of Ward 6, with actual bricks given as awards to winners in five categories: Neighbor, Community Organization, Business, Public Service, and Civic Pride. The Neighbor Award went to Tommy Wells, former Ward 6 Councilmember, Director of the District’s Department of Energy and the Environment, State Board of Education Member, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner; the Community Organization Award to Capitol Hill Little League; the Business Award to Old City Market and Oven at Sixth and K streets NE; the Public Service Award to the Metropolitan Police Department’s First District Community Outreach Team; and the Civic Pride Award to Hill Family Biking. All food and beverages for the event were donated by H Street NE, Ward 6, and local DC businesses, including: The Queen Vic, Pie Shop, Ethiopic, Tiki Garden Thai Street Food, Tunnicliff ’s Tavern, Hill East Burger, Taco City, We The Pizza, Little Pearl, The Pretzel Bakery, Tropical Smoothie Café in MVT, A Baked Joint, Atlas Brew Works and DC Brau. Other sponsors include Hill’s Kitchen, CreateDC, Naval Lodge No. 4, and the Hill Rag.

Film Discussion (conversation circle prompted by a short film)

For those who love being part of a good conversation, join a lively conversation circle, Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Southwest Library, composed of your neighbors and fellow library users. Enjoy watching an award-winning short film (30 minutes or less) with others and then participate in a friendly conversation afterwards. Share your point of view and 50 H HILLRAG.COM

Photo: Margit Leiner-Henry 2022

The Capitol Hill Home Photo Contest

In anticipation of the 67th anniversary of the Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society is sponsoring a photo contest—The Capitol Hill Home. Take a hi-resolution (1MB or larger) exterior shot (.jpg preferred) of what you think makes a home a Capitol Hill home and email it to HouseTourCHRS@gmail.com. If you are using a cell phone photo, you may text it to 202-329-7864. Include your name and address, email address, and the address of the property in the photo. In submitting your photo to the CHRS House Tour photo contest, you agree that it will become the property of CHRS, which may reproduce, modify, and digitize and adapt the photograph. You retain the right to continued use of the image. Entries are due March 8. Winning images receive two passes to the 2024 House and Garden Tour and will be displayed on the CHRS website. View details and past contest winners at chrs.org/photo-contest-2024.

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MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk

The 2024 MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk is on Monday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine). The walk begins at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. The Health and Wellness Fair is at 2008 MLK Ave. SE. The parade reviewing stand is at MLK and W streets SE. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and nonprofits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities. Over a thousand Peace Walkers join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave. in Southeast DC. mlkholidaydc.org.

meet new people. This program is for adults. Films are not listed. The Southwest Library is at 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org.

Non-native Invasive Species Removal at RFK Meadows

The NPS Invasive Plant Management Team is hosting nonnative invasive plant removal events on the second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, at RFK Meadows/the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This is a volunteer effort to help rescue green spaces from non-native invasive species through the hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. Participants will learn how to identify and control several non-native invasive plants threatening our natural communities. Wear sturdy shoes, pants, and a long-sleeve shirt. All supplies will be provided. Volunteers

must be 16 years of age or older to participate. Registration required at nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/calendar.

Southwest Waterfront AARP Monthly Meeting

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, noon to 2 p.m., all are welcome to join friends, neighbors, meet new people and have a conversation with Arena Stage’s new Artistic Director Hana Sharif about her creative plans, community engagement and theatrical productions for Arena Stage. Lunch is $5. The meeting is in the River Park Mutual Homes South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. Street parking available and Waterfront Metro on the Green Line is two blocks away. Bus #74 stops in front of the River Park Delaware Avenue Gate. Contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-5540901 with questions.

2024 Cherry Blossom Festival Dates Announced

The 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held Mar. 20 to Apr. 14. The festival signature events this year are Blossom Kite Festival, Saturday, March 30; Petalpalooza at Capital RIverfront, Saturday, April 6; National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Saturday, April 13; Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14. Petal Porch Registration is from Feb. 2 to March 20. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. 52 H HILLRAG.COM

Washington Improv Theater Presents

WIT’s improv comedians turn an audience suggestion into a never-before-seen comedy show. For 25 years, Washington Improv Theater’s experienced teams of improv comedians have taken a simple suggestion

or story from an audience member and turned it into a never-before-seen comedy show. And because every performance is based on an audience suggestion, that night’s show will never happen again. Washington Improv Theater is in residence at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. General admission is $15. Visit witdc.org/shows/washington-improv-theater-presents-dec-2023 for upcoming performances.

First Saturday Bird Walks at Kenilworth

On the first Saturdays of the month at 8:30 a.m., join a NPS volunteer birder for a bird walk around the aquatic gardens. All are welcome, including beginners. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and binoculars if you own some. A limited number of binoculars can be borrowed with photo ID. It is a slow-paced, two-hour walk covering about one mile. No registration required. nps.gov/keaq.

Training Series on How the Law Impacts Your Small Business

This eight-week course is designed for the non-attorney small business owner. It provides an overview of setting up your business, contracts, employment law, risk/insurance, accounting, and intellectual property legal concerns. Registration is for all eight sessions. The sessions are held virtually on consecutive Tuesdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.—Jan. 9, Introduction & Compliance; Jan. 16, Government Contracts & Certifications; Jan. 23, Employment Law I; Jan. 30, Employment Law II; Feb. 6, What’s in a Contract and Why; Feb. 13, Accounting; Feb. 20, Intellectual Property Basics; and Feb. 27, Risk

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Management & Insurance. Participants will learn the basics from experienced business attorneys of DC’s most prestigious law firms. There is a one-time $75 fee that covers the entire course. Register at probono.center/smallbizcourse2024. Email Gurdeep Singh at probonotraining@dcbar. org with questions.

Volunteers Needed to Help Build LEGO Cathedral

They’re looking for people passionate about LEGO, excited to facilitate the exhibit and help visitors place their bricks on modules. Volunteers also help set-up/ clean-up, track the number of bricks sold, monitor the building process, and answer questions. Learn more about volunteering at the Cathedral. cathedral.org/discover/lego-cathedral.

Theater J’s Free Passport Ticket Program

Twenty-five Films Selected for Preservation in National Film Registry

Twenty-five influential films have been selected for the 2023 Library of Congress National Film Registry. The films are selected each year for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage. The selections bring the number of films in the registry to 875. Films Selected (in chronological order) are: A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921); Dinner at Eight (1933); Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s); Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954); Lady and the Tramp (1955); Edge of the City (1957); We’re Alive (1974); Cruisin’ J-Town (1975); ¡Alambrista! (1977); Passing Through (1977); Fame (1980); Desperately Seeking Susan (1985); The Lighted Field (1987); Matewan (1987); Home Alone (1990); Queen of Diamonds (1991); Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993); The Wedding Banquet (1993); Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994); Apollo 13 (1995); Bamboozled (2000); Love & Basketball (2000); 12 Years a Slave (2013); 20 Feet from Stardom (2013). The public can submit nominations throughout the year. Nominations for next year will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2024. Cast your vote at loc.gov/film.

At Theater J, they believe access to art is a right, not a privilege. Their Passports Free Ticket Program is designed to provide meaningful access to art to populations that are historically underserved by arts organizations. Every season, Theater J provides over 400 free tickets to clients of homeless and women’s shelters, low-income senior citizens, and students throughout the DC metro area. For more information about participating in Theater J’s Passport’s Free Ticket Program, contact Arts Outreach Coordinator, Jacob Ettkin at jettkin@theaterj.org.

“Performed Places” at SAAM

On Thursday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m., join artists Mariam Ghani and Erin Ellen Kelly as they trace a choreographic journey with local performers throughout SAAM’s National Historic Landmark building. This newly commissioned piece is the latest addition to their ongoing collaboration, Performed Places (2006-present), which excavates layers of history, memory, and meaning embedded in significant sites. Go back in time and experience milestones in the life of the building,

including its cornerstone being laid in 1836 as the US Patent Office, hosting President Lincoln’s second inauguration, serving as a Civil War hospital, and its present-day role housing two national art collections. Free. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is at Eighth and G streets, NW. americanart.si.edu.

Village Voices: Self Managed Abortions

Join Village Voices on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. (on Zoom) when Stephanie Pell will explore how some state laws make it possible to prosecute women for self-managing abortions (i.e., with medication) and how modern technologies and data trails that did not exist pre-Roe will enable these investigations. Stephanie Pell has a forthcoming article on this important and controversial subject. She is a Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and a Senior Editor at Lawfare. Free, sponsored by Capitol Hill Village. To register visit https://capitolhill. helpfulvillage.com/events/11201village-voices---stephanie-pell.

The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the National Museum of African American History and Culture Community Day, student artists from the Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts perform original work that reimagines and reinterprets the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These brief but powerful performances will take place throughout the day. Share your own dream about Dr. King on the community talkback board. Make a Star--cele-

brate a group or person who is doing good for their community. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. nmaahc. si.edu.

Rosedale Rec Center: Pickleball for Parkinson’s

Every Friday at 11 a.m., join friends with Parkinson’s and learn to play pickleball at Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE. Pickleball is great exercise and lots of fun. Pickleball for Parkinson’s is shorter, slower and softer games. Equipment and coaching are provided. Care partners are also welcome. Email publicworks@mac.com or call 202547-2647 with questions.

Sergio Abarca, CFP® Financial Advisor

(301) 347-7196 Sergio.Abarca@edwardjones.com Crystal.Norman@edwardjones.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Menu at NMAAHC

From Jan. 12 to 15, noon to 3 p.m., NMAAHC’s Sweet Home Café celebrates the MLK holiday weekend with a specially curated menu featuring some of Dr. King’s favorites, the menu will feature items such as the southern smothered pork chop, Salisbury steak, whipped cream mashed potato, country cream coleslaw, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. nmaahc.si.edu.

Utility Discount Programs, Bill Credits, and Other Assistance

Eligible District residents can apply to several assistance or discount programs to help lower their utility costs. The DCPSC requires that Pepco, Washington Gas, and Verizon sponsor their own discount programs for residents, but there are additional money- and energysaving initiatives available through here2helpdc.dc.gov. ◆

Read her story at CapitolHillHistory.org

Photo by Gayle Krughoff

Esther Woodfolk recalls many happy days living in southeast DC after her father took a job at the Navy Yard. But she also reflects on the less-than-happy reality that her family home and hundreds of other homes and shops no longer exist, destroyed to make way for the Southwest/Southeast Freeway. Read Esther Woodfolk’s oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Help preserve Capitol Hill history by becoming a volunteer.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

January 2024 ★ 55

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HOMES& GARDENS

&Blooms

Plants

Reimagined

t is a new year and a chance for all of us to reimagine our gardens. For gardeners, the winter months are an ideal time for fresh thinking and new plans. Since this past summer was hot and dry, it may be time to rethink plants that struggled in that climate. Now is the time to prepare. For one very accomplished gardener, Kaifa Anderson-Hall, reimagining plants and flowers is a year-round, full-time mission. Seven years ago, Kaifa founded Plants and Blooms Reimagined (PBR). The non-profit organization’s mission is to use horticulture in a therapeutic setting. A big part of that plan is using repurposed

article and photos by Rindy O’Brien flowers and indoor plants to enhance the well-being Kaifa Anderson-Hall is of vulnerable communities in the DC area. “ the founder of Plants and Blooms ReimagWhen you meet Kaifa, you know right away you ined. Her knowledge are in the presence of a beautiful spirit. of plants is only surpassed by her passion Her modest demeanor belies her amazing for helping others. achievements and good deeds. She meets you with a smile, and her focused attention on you makes you feel so welcomed. Her belief that nature is a powerful source of goodness in peoples’ lives drives her to share her horticultural expertise with folks in Ward 5 and 6 senior and recovery programs. Kaifa is a native Washingtonian and grew up riding bikes and gardening at the US National Arboretum. Her ability to relate to many different ages and cultures made her a natural leader as Director of the Arboretum’s Washington Youth Garden. That work and her current mission reflect her belief that “respect for life, patience, and understanding that there are always opportunities to start over is what gardening is about.” Over time, Kaifa, trained as a social worker, became convinced that she could link many of her interests like sustainability and bringing nature to those with limited access to the outdoors. So she launched Plants and Blooms Reimagined (PBR). She laughs remembering all the hours she spent outdoors in the Washington Youth Garden, but says bringing plants indoors for her therapeutic activities with seniors and people dealing with homelessness or disabilities is even more satisfying.

A Second Scene for Floral Arrangements

Aisha Shabazz-Morris, McClendon Center Program Director, says the daily clients really enjoy the plants program, and that the Center is thrilled to have PBR as part of their program. She stands before a collaborative art piece made by the participants.

Kaifa realized that every day across Washington flowers grace the tables at events sponsored by nonprofits, corporations, and private individuals. Even the House and Senate use flowers at weekly luncheons for their members. Flowers are also featured at weddings and other celebratory events. Some days there are 30 to 40 such events throughout the city. Kafai’s dream has been to collect the flowers used at these occasions and reuse them in her workshops with seniors, disabled and predominantly low-income people. “I have been able to partner

Healthy plants are used as models for the participants to imagine what their plants may become with time and care.

January 2024 H 57

Kaifa Anderson-Hall helps students learn the science of growing plants. Each week through a combination of hands-on learning, videos, and instruction, the participants propagate a plant and watch the plant grow.

In Loving Memory of

Elodie Louise Hutinet May 15, 2013 – December 11, 2023

Elodie was an amazing dog, full of joy, thankfulness and grace. We could all learn so much from her.

with a number of event planners and set up a post-event sustainable collection process,” says Kaifa. Sidra Forman, a local floral designer, likes being able to offer to her clients a chance to feel good about donating their flowers for good things. Kaifa notes that Flowers@38 and Flowers x Flores are two other event flower companies that participate in her program. “We like to have two weeks’ notice about upcoming events and donations,” Kaifa says, “but of course we always try to work with anyone who wants to help.” In the aftermath of the COVID crisis, potted plants have also become a major supply of plant materials for PBR. “Suddenly offices are closing all over the downtown area,” says Kaifa, “and office managers are scratching their heads about what to do with all the potted plants.” PBR has been busy picking up healthy unwanted plants from offices closing or downsizing. PBR then repots and distributes these plants to organizations in their network, places where a new location can give a green plant a new lease on life.

McClendon Center Workshop

On the fifth floor of New York Presbyterian church at 1313 New York Avenue, NW, a 40-year-old social service program, the McClendon Center, thrives. Program Director Aisha Shabazz-Morris sought out Kaifa following COVID, to join the team that offers a variety of programs for recovering and mental health clients. “During COVID, I came to realize how theaputic working with plants was for me, and I decided to explore horticultural therapy for the 58 ★ HILLRAG.COM

center”, says Aisha. “To be honest, it was a new discipline to me.” But googling led Aisha to Kaifa and after meeting her, “I was hooked, and she is a great addition to our staff.” Attending a therapy session at McClendon is so inspiring. The clients gather around three tables listening intently as Kaifa reviews the steps they have taken and what they need to do that morning. Besides watering their individual potted plants, the job on the day I visited was to measure either the height of their plants or how many leaves were present. The good news was all the plants had grown in the month since they had been transplanted to the clay pots. The effort lent itself to several discussions about growth of plants and recognizing growth in one’s own life. The plants remain at the center from week to week, but the pride people have in their plants goes with them long after they leave the Center. If you are interested in donating plant material or funds contact Kaifa at the PBR website, https://www. plantsandbloomsreimagined.org/ Rindy O’Brien looks forward to the new gardening season. To contact: Rindyobrien@gmail.com ◆

Come Visit Our Store! Plants! Plants! Plants! lants! For Indoors & Outdoors

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The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents

Dear Garden Problem Lady, by Wendy Blair

202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTATI NG EXHI BI TS O F LO CA L A RTIS TS

CAPITOL HILL’S #1 NEWS SOURCE!

LIKE US

HILLRAG.com

I have made so many mistakes in the garden this year, I can’t make a coherent New Year’s Resolution. I planted in sun plants that needed shade – and vice versa. The seeds I unwittingly planted grew into giants where they had little space to thrive. Or else they died. The whole garden is one huge problem – caused by me. The Problem Lady has not had a chance to see your garden, but your question shows great insight. For 2024, recall the wise words of James Joyce when his books failed to sell. “A man of genius makes no mistakes; his errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.” Can you please identify this beautiful flower? I saw it locally this past June, and it was still blooming in September when I saw it again. It is an annual flower called Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia). It needs full sun, flowers prolifically, and tolerates poor soil. The flowers are smaller than those of Helianthus, the well-known large yellow sunflower with the dark brown center. Sow seeds after the last frost in the spring – close to the top of the soil because the seeds need sun to

Find your neighborhood news,

DAILY ONLINE, MONTHLY IN PRINT

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CONTACT: NOAH HOLMES

NOAH@HILLRAG.COM I (202) 400-3504 60 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Mexican Sunﬂower (Tithonia rotundifolia)

germinate. It grows fast and can easily reach 8 feet high – may need a fence or some staking. Squirrels are at it again, digging up my spring bulbs and chewing the fat buds on my spring-flowering camellias. Squirrels apparently like neither the taste of Daffodils nor of purple Thomasina crocus. For all other bulbs put hardware cloth (metal screening) over your planting, and protect your Camellias with bird netting. Why is Roundup, the well-known chemical weed killer, still on the market? I thought its developer, Monsanto, sold Roundup to Bayer, a giant German multinational company. Yes, and now Bayer is losing money the way Monsanto did. Monsanto invented Roundup – and then developed seeds for crops that Roundup can’t kill. When those farm crops are sprayed with Roundup it kills only the weeds, not the crops. Thus Monsanto created a profit machine lasting for decades – until…. The W.H.O. in 1915 ruled Roundup “probably carcinogenic to humans.” But months later that year the EPA ruled Roundup safe. The European Union did too. Sales continued worldwide. In 2018, Monsanto sold Roundup to Bayer. Now, five years later, mega-diversified megarich Bayer is suffering financially as lawyers begin to craft winning cases for plaintiffs suffering from cancers. It’s about the money. As long as profits exceed losses, Roundup remains. The next big Roundup lawsuit against Bayer is January 2024 in Philadelphia. Bayer’s new President has set aside $16 Billion for lawsuits. The Capitol Hill Garden Club meets next on Tuesday January 9 at 7:30 pm on zoom. Karl Gercens III, Conservatory Manager of Longwood Gardens, will speak about American Gardens. Receive the zoom link at capitolhillgardenclub.org. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to www.hillrag.com/editor. Your problems might even prove instructive to others and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. ◆

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MOVING OUT, SELLING, RENTING OR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME? WE CAN HELP! • Repair and paint • Replace worn-out fixtures, • Check windows & doors to close tight & lock • Replace kitchen & bath countertops and cabinets • Replace tub with low-curb walk-in shower, tile, add grab bars and handrails • Replace or restore the front door • Add lighting

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January 2024 ★ 61

HOMES&GARDENS

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, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

Changing Hands NEIGHBORHOOD

PRICE BR

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA 1350 Maple View Pl SE 1619 V St SE 1621 V St SE

$799,500 $649,950 $620,000

BARRY FARMS 1437 Howard Rd SE 1433 Howard Rd SE 2419 Shannon Place SE 1438 Howard Rd SE

$565,000 $550,000 $465,000 $429,900

BLOOMINGDALE 31 R St NW 2222 1st St NW

$1,400,000 $1,203,000

CAPITOL HILL 621 A St NE 160 12th St SE 510 D St SE 322 8th St SE 416 SE 4th St SE 134 11th St NE 13 9th St SE 405 11th St SE 416 6th St NE 547 4th Street SE 1358 E Capitol St NE 1020 C St NE 523 10th St SE 725 Kentucky Ave SE 209 14th St NE 1607 D Street NE 1101 G St SE 628 13th St NE 1306 F St NE 518 10th St SE 433 15th St NE 1327 Emerald St NE

$2,600,000 $1,550,000 $1,500,000 $1,495,000 $1,495,000 $1,460,000 $1,455,000 $1,175,000 $1,175,000 $1,175,000 $1,101,358 $1,025,000 $980,000 $954,000 $950,000 $930,000 $880,000 $825,000 $800,000 $790,000 $779,000 $650,000

CAPITOL HILL EAST 726-1/2 11th St SE 907 12th St SE

$875,000 $718,000

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 409 Savannah St SE 160 Forrester St SW 420 Chesapeake St SE 4314 Wheeler Rd SE 530 Lebaum St SE 868 Yuma St SE

$474,900 $457,000 $450,000 $392,000 $375,000 $370,800

DEANWOOD 4709 Jay St NE 4712 Dix St NE 4615 Clay St NE 557 47th St NE 5351 Ames St NE 5085 Just St NE 1130 48th Pl NE 3956 Clay Pl NE 4402 Kane Pl NE 912 Porter Ct NE 15 54th St SE 4838 Sheriff Rd NE 715 50th St NE 914 52nd St NE 6200 Clay St NE

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$580,000 $525,000 $499,900 $497,000 $450,000 $430,000 $420,000 $414,000 $406,000 $390,000 $315,000 $240,000 $238,075 $230,000 $230,000

5077 Just St NE 4248 Brooks St NE

$225,250 $225,000

DUPONT CIRCLE

3 6 6 5 5 3 3 5 4 4 6 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 3 5 5 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 4

1618 Corcoran St NW 1830 S St NW

$2,250,000 $1,750,000

ECKINGTON 221 Rhode Island Ave NE

$600,000

FORT DUPONT PARK

4408 Dubois Pl SE 1617 Fort Dupont St SE 1339 28th St SE 4201 Hildreth St SE 1645 Fort Dupont St SE 825 Burns St SE 856 Burns St SE 3926 R SE 4314 Bowen Road SE

$525,000 $479,900 $475,000 $430,000 $425,000 $419,900 $380,000 $276,000 $250,000

FORT LINCOLN 3280 Theodore R Hagans Dr NE

$675,000

HENSON RIDGE

1409 Shippen Ln SE 1813 Tobias Dr SE

$425,000 $395,000

HILL CREST

2104 32nd Pl SE 1111 Anacostia Rd SE 4213 Nash St SE 3024 Q St SE 2021 36th St SE 3606 36th Pl SE 3009 M St SE

$635,000 $510,000 $360,000 $759,000 $574,900 $490,000 $340,000

LILY PONDS

222 33rd St NE 3321 Alden Pl NE

$468,000 $389,900

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

5557 Central Ave SE 5325 B St SE 5050 Benning Rd SE

$424,900 $247,000 $222,900

MT VERNON SQUARE 1104 5th St NW

$1,300,000

2 2

SHAW

4 4

SW WATERFRONT

TRINIDAD

4 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 4

TRUXTON CIRCLE

3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 4 0 5

NOMA 1146 Abbey Pl NE

$850,000

OLD CITY #1

325 K St NE 1508 D St NE 905 C St NE 124 18th St SE 1158 Abbey Pl NE 1240 I St NE 1111 6th St NE

$1,110,000 $880,000 $860,000 $825,000 $815,000 $650,000 $446,250

OLD CITY #2

1717 Swann St NW 1233 12th St NW

$2,995,000 $1,850,000

RANDLE HEIGHTS

2207 Hartford St SE 2549 Alabama Ave SE 3462 23rd St SE

$400,000 $236,000 $220,000

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

1604 5th St NW 630 Q St NW 629 4th St SW 815 6th St SW

1215 Oates St NE 1737 Lang Pl NE 1641 11th Pl NE 1272 Neal St NE 1331 Montello Ave NE 41 Hanover Pl NW 1546 3rd St NW

$1,200,000 $840,000 $1,205,000 $953,500 $1,195,000 $660,000 $595,000 $565,000 $550,000 $870,000 $475,000

4 2 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 3

ECKINGTON

$830,000 $825,000 $782,000 $399,999

3 3 3 1

$410,000

853 Monteria Ct SE $425,000 4 H STREET CORRIDOR 915 12th St NE #4 $775,000 1300 I St NE #5 $710,000

2 2

U STREET 2009 Vermont Ave NW 1223 Fairmont St NW

$880,000 $1,600,000

2 5

52 Quincy Pl NE #2 2029 3rd St. NE #1 16 T St NE #1 1625 Eckington Pl NE #714

FORT LINCOLN 2759 31st Pl NE #2759

WASHINGTON HIGHLANDS

CONDO ADAMS MORGAN 1719 Euclid St NW #3 1794 Lanier Pl NW #409 2240 Ontario Rd NW #4

$600,000 $445,000 $345,000

BARRY FARMS 2608 Wade Rd SE #304

$200,000

BLOOMINGDALE 145 Adams St NW #2 1814 N Capitol St NW #103

$905,000 $679,000

CAPITOL HILL 1001 E Capitol St SE 1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE #315 401 13th St NE #PH5

$850,000 $665,000 $450,000

CARVER LANGSTON 2209 M St NE #8 2001 I St NE #3 2001 I St NE #2

$350,000 $299,000 $274,900

CENTRAL 809 6th St NW #55 777 7th St NW #1115 2130 N St NW #4C 912 F St NW #1100

$545,000 $300,000 $205,000 $725,000

DEANWOOD 4445 N. H. Burroughs Ave NE #201 $275,000 940 Eastern Ave NE #1 $165,000

HILL CREST

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

DUPONT 2028 16th St NW #2 $585,900 1401 17th St NW #601 $567,000 1280 21st St NW #606 $428,000 1711 Massachusetts Ave NW #323 $289,000 1 Scott Cir NW #610 $280,000 1721 21st St NW #204 $800,000 1545 18th St NW #911 $404,900 1754 Corcoran St NW #46B $307,500

2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1

2912 Nelson Pl SE #1 3829 W SE #P2

HILL EAST

2 17th St SE #201 1211 G St SE #2 3943 Pennsylvania Ave SE #B

KALORAMA

1803 Kalorama Sq NW #2 1882 Columbia Rd NW #404 1827 Florida Ave NW #204 1829 California St NW #101

LOGAN CIRCLE

1520 O St NW #305 1602 13 St NW #2 1224 11th St NW #4 1400 Church St NW #204 1125 11th St NW #401 1306 Rhode Island Ave NW #2 1450 Church St NW #204 1320 R St NW #8 1239 Vermont Ave NW #508 1420 N St NW #1010 1440 N NW #916 1515 15th St NW #420

$332,000 $17,000

2 0

$358,000 $253,000 $169,900

2 0 2

$3,595,000 $1,250,000 $555,000 $490,000

4 2 2 2

$680,000 $1,155,000 $1,015,000 $925,000 $820,000 $817,000 $620,000 $527,000 $499,000 $235,000 $215,000 $575,000

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

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5106 F St SE #6

MERIDIAN HILL 1421 Chapin St NW #22

$160,000

$680,000

MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE

400 Massachusetts Ave NW #216 1106 5th St NW #2 811 4th St NW #703

NAVY YARD 37 L St SE #1001

$725,000 $625,000 $624,900

2 2 2

$625,000

NOMA

911 2nd St NE #505 911 2nd St NE #403

$575,000 $430,000

2 1

1431 Corcoran St NW #2 $773,000 1615 New Hampshire Ave NW #42 $725,000 1401 Q St NW #501 $655,000 1515 15th St NW #217 $610,000 1615 Q St NW #203 $536,000 1101 L St NW #307 $362,000

2 2 1 1 2 1

OLD CITY #2

PENN QUARTER 631 D St NW #1136

RANDLE HEIGHTS 3103 Naylor Rd SE #304

RLA (SW)

383 N St SW #95 700 7th St SW #P231

SW WATERFRONT 601 Wharf St SW #505 813 Delaware Ave SW #229 350 M St SW 601 Wharf St SW #306

THOMAS CIRCLE 1133 14th St NW #610

TRINIDAD

2213 M St NE #8 2213 M St NE #6 2213 M St NE #12 2213 M St NE #14 2213 M St NE #11 1016 17th Pl NE #107

$465,000

$83,500

$752,000 $30,000

4 0

$1,979,404 $649,900 $530,000 $2,075,000

2 2 2 2

$429,999

$390,000 $387,000 $373,000 $370,000 $365,000 $210,100

1 2 1 1 1 1

U STREET CORRIDOR 1013 V St NW #3 1451 Belmont St NW #105 2020 12th St NW #518

$835,000 $650,000 $535,000

OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES FOR EVERY CLIENT! In 2023 we worked hard to serve 80+ buyer and seller clients on Capitol Hill and beyond! We drew upon our creativity, teamwork, experience, and hustle - skills becoming more valuable than ever - as we successfully navigated market fluctuations. We are proud that our commitment to successful outcomes helped our clients achieve their real estate goals.

CAN WE HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOURS?

As we enter 2024 – our 22nd year! – contact us for a FREE consultation as you make your plans.

2 2 1

info@joelnelsongroup.com 202.243.7707

COOP ADAMS MORGAN 3025 Ontario Rd NW #306

$534,000

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 20 Chesapeake St SE #38

DUPONT

1701 16th St NW #103 1701 16th St NW #334 1725 17th St NW #108

HILLCREST

2813 31st St SE #B522

KALORAMA

2101 Connecticut Ave NW #85 1901 Wyoming Ave NW #20

NAVY YARD

1000 New Jersey Ave SE #312 1000 New Jersey Ave SE #921

SW WATERFRONT 560 N St SW #N408 560 N St SW #N707 1301 Delaware Ave SW #N408 ◆

$50,000

$349,000 $505,000 $466,000

1 2 1

$115,000

$3,700,000 $562,000

3 1

$547,000 $410,000

2 1

$430,000 $237,000 $110,000

1 0 0

Joel Nelson Group is a leading full service real estate agency for the Nation’s Capital. Our team is committed to enhancing the fabric of life in Washington DC neighborhoods. We are proud to be part of KW Capital Properties on Capitol Hill, where our office overlooks Stanton Park at 519 C St NE. @JoelNelsonGroup @JoelNelsonGroup @JoelNelsonGroup

202.243.7700

519 C ST NE Washington, DC 20002 www.joelnelsongroup.com

January 2024 ★ 63

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ARTS& DINING

Theater Night

A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

leave, but our imagination remains. My friend Hugo may have departed, but his imagination is here. Now you can see the theatre that he imagined.” It’s a heartfelt tribute to someone that Ott clearly respected and cared for deeply. It’s this respect In The Spotlight that will guide Ott’s Meet Gustavo Ott, GALA Hispanartistic direction at ic Theatre’s new Producing Artistic GALA. He plans to Director. Ott takes on the role after Gustavo Ott. Courtesy GALA continue building on GALA’s co-founder Hugo MedraHispanic Theatre the theater’s highly no passed away unexpectedly in May successful programs like Paso Nuevo and GALilast year. For almost 50 years, Medrano and his ta. Paso Nuevo offers theater skills training to high team at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in Columbia school students between the ages of 14 and 19, Heights have played a pivotal role in the incubaequipping them with essential tools for work both tion and propagation of Latino heritage and culin front of and behind the curtain. Playwrighting, ture in DC. Nine Helen Hayes Awards are testaacting, makeup, singing, and technical production ment to their success. are all on offer, in addition to the possibility of perThere’s a bright, humorous sparkle in Ott’s forming at prestigious venues such as the Kenneeyes that hints at a precocious temperament as he dy Centre and the Shakespeare Theatre Compresents his plans for his Directorship at a Depany. GALita is for GALA’s younger fans and cember press conference. He’s no stranger to the has been teaching children about the importance GALA Hispanic Theatre, having been fast friends and relevance of Hispanic culture and identity with Hugo Medrano and his wife, GALA cosince 1980. Fully bilingual, GALita also re-interfounder Rebecca Medrano, since 1991. Several prets classical Hispanic theatre for kids. of Ott’s plays have been produced by the Theatre, Ott believes that art and creativity are the and his new work based on the life of Eva Perón glimmers of hope on a dark horizon. “In a time will debut to GALA audiences in May this year. when war, fascism, pandemics, the idea of exOtt chuckles as he reflects fondly on his early tinction is with us, imagination allows us to enjoy memories of visiting the theatre while under conbeing human. I know that I’m here to build on struction in 2003. He gestures to the elaborate Hugo’s vision.” With Ott at the helm, the GALA gilded plaster ceiling above him. “Hugo and ReHispanic Theatre looks set to forge a brave new becca were very excited,” he recalls. “The beautipath. “We will create more links with DC artful ceiling you can see now was covered in plastic. ists. We have to reach out to them so that they They showed me this huge hall full of construccan find here not only a national theatre for pertion trash!” Even then, surrounded by debris, Ott forming art, but also a neighborhood theatre,” respected the powerful potential of the MedraOtt declares. “We need to hear our neighborno’s vision. “I realize that imagination is with us hood talking about the things they worry about all the time. It’s our partner. We’re the ones that

elcome to 2024! A new year means renewed hope, optimism, fresh starts and – for some – a list of resolutions. This month’s column celebrates beginnings. Read on for our curated selection, and happy new year from us to you.

and the stories they have to tell. More community means more theatre.”

On Right Now

How to be a Korean Woman, Theater J Showing 4 Jan – 14 Jan www.theaterj.org In her mid-thirties, Korean adoptee Sun Mee Chomet decided to start a new chapter of her life. With an MFA in Acting at New York University, voted artist of the year by the Minneapolis City Pages, and with a slew of awards under her belt, Chomet seemingly had it all. But the opportunity to meet her birth family in South Korea—and reexamine her identity as an Asian-American raised by a Jewish family in Detroit— was a chance that she couldn’t pass up. Her play How to be a Korean Woman, debuting at Theater J this month, is about her experience. “I had thought about searching for my birth family when I was younger, but I never felt ready. It’s an extremely emotional journey, regardless of what you might find.” Chomet explains to me over Zoom from Minnesota, where she lives and works. How to be a Korean Woman: Guthrie Theater presentation, 2013. Photo: Aaron Fenster.

January 2024 H 65

tined to repeat the mistakes of Having been told very little inour past? “I think it’s a fun fanformation about where she tasy; that we can live in a cercame from by her adoptive partain way with a certain modus ents, Chomet took the unlikely operandi and yet life happens. route of signing up for a Korean Children happen,” answers reality TV show that attempts Liza Bennett, who plays the to reconnect families separatcharacter of Sandra in Studio ed by processes like adoption. Liza Bennett Theatre’s production of British “My 80-year-old birth grandplaywright Mike Bartlett’s work mother saw the show.” Chomet Love, Love, Love being directed laughs. “She had watched every by David Muse. Max Gordon episode for three years hoping Moore, who plays Sandra’s husthat I was going to be on it.” band Kenneth, concurs. “You It’s this chaotic, somesee with Ken and Sandra in the times uncomfortable, often hufirst act, it’s 1967 and they’re morous sojourn that Chombristling against their parents et takes us on. Equipped with and the way things have been only minimal set design and her Max Gordon Moore done and how they need to body, Chomet slips easily from change things. Then they beone character to the next, uncome older, they have kids, and they’re the packing the inner layers of her selfhood on ones being bristled against! ” stage like a matryoshka doll. This process, Bartlett’s work tracks Kenneth and Chomet believes, is something everyone can Sandra, products of the free-loving 1960s, relate to. “There’s a fluidity in understandthrough their tumultuous lives; from countering how complex everyone’s family histories culture to comfortable couch in retirement, to are,” she explains. “Seeing my birth grandfending off attacks by their disillusioned Gen mother’s hands, seeing her body, and underX children. Bartlett’s quick-witted, writing standing for the first time how I’m going to captures the shifting relationships between age, filled up a well inside of me that I didn’t the characters and the world around them even know was empty.” against a backdrop of domesticity and routine. Ten years have passed since the play was Bring your parents with you to see this one. last performed, so parts of the original production will be revisited. Having been raised Annie, Broadway at The National in the Jewish faith means that there’s an addShowing 23 Jan – 28 Jan ed level of significance to the performance bewww.broadwayatthenational.com ing hosted at Theater J, and Chomet plans on Director Jenn Thompson’s rendition of the using this incarnation of her work to address classic musical Annie is currently on a twothe current conflict in Gaza. “Performing this year tour, and its essential message of hope at Theater J at this moment in time is an opand optimism - of living in the moment—is portunity to talk about the complexity of dias fresh as it was when first performed on aspora. This play is for people searching for Broadway in 1977. “We always need Anwholeness. It’s about the human longing to nie,” Thompson says. “Annie’s optimism is know where you’ve come from.” a choice. She chooses to lift herself up and through that she lifts other people up. That’s Special Mentions the greater message: We don’t have dominion Love, Love, Love, over the world, but we do have over ourselves Studio Theatre and how we treat others.” This one is for kids Showing 10 Jan and adults alike and is the perfect way to kick www.studiotheatre.org off the new year. u Are new beginnings possible, or are we des66 H HILLRAG.COM

January 2024 H 67

ARTS&DINING

Retail Therapy “

by Denzell Spencer

he urge to splurge is univerSerene Sounds at City Dogs sal, indulged in by nearly equal A chorus of happy little yappy puppies greeted me when measures regardless of the conI arrived at City Dogs located at 301 H Street NE. Each sumer’s age, income or gender,” of them fought for my attention differently, and while all according to a recent survey pubof them were exuberant, they were far more well-behaved lished in Forbes. Yes, you read that right. Most than the leash-less little monsters who’ve taken over Linpeople are addicted to retail shopping. I, howcoln Park. After playing with them for about five minutes, ever, regard my constant shopping as “theraone of the store attendants, who had recognized I needpy.” I’ve even awarded myself $50 to buy items ed a moment, came over to help me shop. at local retailers as conversation starters to help I thought of the smelly dog that always stands over me more effectively vent to my therapist about me when I sit on the bench at the park while his owner, my monthly woes. a big-bellied man with horrid breath, roams arrogantly with the dog’s leash in his hands. “Do you have anything that will deodorize a dog that smells like chitterlings the night before Thanksgiving?” I asked. Befuddled, she led me to the shampoo section and pointed to the Ultra Collection by NiLodor. I picked it up to smell and was charmed by the scent of oatmeal. I smiled knowing its contents, once I completed my rant, would soothe the skin of a friend’s dog.

A Stroll into Aurora’s Salon

allergenic Puppy

on, Hypo with Ultra Collecti Janelle and Dovi, City Dogs Shampoo, $11 at

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Next, I walked into a place I wouldn’t normally frequent. Judging by the intrigued looks on Oribe’s Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray, $30 at the customers’ faces when I arrived at AuroAurora’s Salon ra’s Salon (315 H ST NE), I wasn’t the only one wondering why I had wandered into this good after “the shade” was thrown and establishment. my session with my psychotherapist was “May I help you?” a kind but confused stylover – to the bookstore, I went! ist asked. “Yes, I am looking for a gift for a friend,” I fibbed, thinking of the grumpy old lady at the A Solid Find at Solid coffee shop who always gets my name wrong State Books when I say good morning. “She has short hair If you’ve been on H Street, there are three that was once blonde, but her roots...” things I can guarantee you’ve seen: 1) “Ah, say no more!” the stylist interjected trollies that move as slowly as my grandwhile guiding me to Oribe’s Airbrush Root ma when I’m ready to leave her church; Touch-Up Spray. 2) the constant construction that upends Giggling like a schoolgirl with a crush, I traffic, and 3.) Solid State Books at 600 strode out of the salon. With a little less than H St NE. $10 in my retail therapy budget, I had enough As I do in all bookstores, I stopped to buy something that would make me feel and smiled as soon as I crossed the

UPCOMING PROGRAMS GALLERIES

African Textiles of Dr. Joel Breman Sunday, January 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Deep As the Sky, Re d as the Sea by $27 at Solid State Rita Chang-Eppig, Books

Hill Center Galleries Juried Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Wednesday, January 24, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

CONCERTS

Global Sounds on the Hill: Featuring the Acclaimed Maura Shawn Scanlin Band

threshold of Solid State Books, inhaling the aroma of coffee and pastries that filled the store. Then, I found my way to the fiction section. There I spied Deep as The Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita ChangEppig. I was initially captivated by the colorful cover and paradoxical title, but after reading the synopsis, I decided it was worth the purchase. A legendary Chinese pirate queen who marries her late husband’s secondin-command. A precarious fight to attain power. ‘This is my kind of story.’ I thought to myself as I briskly headed to the check-out counter. And with the beeping sound of my dreams and

only $18 over budget, I purchased the last item for my therapy. It was finally time to retreat to my apartment with the perfect find. Denzell Spencer is a nonprofit development consultant and former middle school teacher. He is a graduate of Howard University who enjoys good music, suspenseful mystery novels, and Southern cuisine. If you would like to recommend an item or local retailer for “Retail Therapy,” send it to dspencer20003@ gmail.com. u

Sunday, January 21, 4:30pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James Tuesday, January 9, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James

Tuesday, January 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) Basic Drawing Techniques Busy Bees: Music & Art Playgroup Contemporary Watercolors French Courses: Various Levels District Flow Yoga Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR Gottaswing Meditation in Capitol Hill Mr. Mike’s Music Together Opera Starts with Oh! - Opera Lafayette Piano Lessons with Gordon Tenney Profs & Pints DC Shakespeare Theatre Company Spanish Courses: Various Levels Studio One Dance Super Soccer Stars Tai Chi Chuan Tippi Toes Dance Warrior Fusion Karate

Profs and Pints DC: Ukraine in Peril

Thursday, January 4, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Juvenile Carjacking Motivation & Accountability: A Town Hall with Councilmember Charles Allen

Tuesday, January 23, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Rescheduled)

Programmatic support provided by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

January 2024 H 69

ARTS&DINING

Capitol

Cuisine

by Celeste McCall

f seeking an answer to the age-old question, “What came first, the chicken or the egg,” look no further than Barracks Row. Last fall, I Egg You hatched at 517 Eighth St. SE. Created by Fried Rice Collective Chefs Scott Dweno and Danny Lee, the eggy eatery dispenses all-day breakfast and lunch/brunch, specializing in— you guessed it—yummy egg sandwiches with various flourishes. Adding to the enjoyment is a full bar. Fried Rice Collective also operates nearby ChiKo at 423 Eighth St. SE with branches at Dupont Circle, Arlington, and Bethesda. A future ChiKo is planned for Sterling. The name ChiKo combines the restaurant’s Chinese and Korean fusion cuisine. On a frigid midweek afternoon, Peter and I checked out I Egg You. The eclectic menu is amazing, with all sorts of innovative concoctions. Peter started with parsnip soup, a tummy- warming potage which tasted as good as it looked. Crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese complemented the pureed root vegetable perfectly. The “original egg” is a brown-butter-fried egg with fontina cheese, packed between thick slices of the signature milk bread, similar to brioche. Then customers can add embellishments like chicken-fried pork sausage, bacon, crispy tofu, custard filling with blueberries. From the breakfast menu, I decided on the DL (named for chef co-owner Danny Lee) egg drop sandwich. The jazzy combo consisted of milk bread slices stuffed with a fontina egg-cheese scram-

ble, scallions, Korean bulgogi, and spicy gochujang aioli. A deviled egg fan, Peter went for the “devil’s egg salad” sandwich. House hot pickle juice and black pepper mayo added plenty of punch. Lunch for two, including a glass of California Cabernet Sauvignon and the 20 percent service charge, came to $82. Service, provided by Keys, was friendly and professional. Speaking of service, presenting Peter with his Earl Grey tea was quite a production. The “teabag” was a tiny platypus, which was immersed into the cup of hot water. For diners 12 years old and younger, a “Little Egg Heads” menu offers grilled cheese, toad in the hole and scrambled egg toast, all served with orange wedges. I Egg You is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless there is a special private event. On weekends, it’s best to arrive early, as there’s apt to be a long wait.

More Breakfast

Nearby, we revisited the still-popular Ted’s Bulletin, 505 Eighth St. SE, for the first time in many years. Serving Capitol Hill since 2010, Ted’s often seemed too busy for those of us unwilling to wait for one of these comfy wide booths. Joining friends for their weekly Friday lunch, Peter enjoyed a cup of zesty tomato soup followed by the best Cobb salad he’s tasted on Capitol Hill over the past few years. The salad included grilled chicken strips, deviled eggs, pickled onions, real bacon chunks, bleu cheese, an avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. One of our companions ordered scrambled eggs with sausage

TOP LEFT: I Egg You’s “Egg Drop” sandwich is made with a fontina egg-cheese scramble, bulgogi, scallions and aioli. LEFT: On Barracks Row, I Egg You incorporates eggs into its innovative breakfast/lunch/ brunch menus.

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son, ex-executive chef for the U.S. Senate and a Culinary Institute of America grad. Watch for details.

Union Station Recovers

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, is gradually coming back to life. During the covid shutdown, the stately Beaux Arts building faced some hard times. But things are improving. Due to roll into the station any day now is Raising Cane’s. The fast-food enterprise is the latest outlet of a Louisiana-based, nation-wide chain specializing in chickA tummy-warming, non-egg oﬀering is I Egg You’s parsnip soup, enlivened with crisp bacon and melted cheese. en fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and more. Other outlets are scattered around the Washington area. For more information and updates visit www.raisingcanes.com. And... The Halal Guys has already opened in Union Station’s lower level food court. The group’s first corporate-owned outlet outside New York, Halal Guys offers Middle Eastern favorites including falafel, chicken (or beef) gyros sandwiches (and platters), hummus, baba ghanoush, baklava cheesecake. Union Station’s food court is popular with commuters and tour groups, Also on Barracks Row, Ted’s Bulletin oﬀers down-home favorespecially school children. (Halal refers ites as well as a generous Cobb salad. to meat and poultry slaughtered and prepared as prescribed by Islamic law.) For and bacon while another settled on cheese grits. more information on Halal Guys visit www.theBy the way, we were seated immediately in the halalguys.com. spacious but packed dining area. Service was prompt and efficient. The décor was welcomCold Weather Dining ing and entertaining; vintage movies are shown Coming up January 15-21: The 2024 Winon the wall. ter Restaurant Week. Sponsored by the ResNext time, we won’t be discouraged to retaurant Association Metropolitan Washington visit this well-regarded Barracks Row mainstay. (RAMW), the culinary promotion will highSeveral Ted’s spinoffs are scattered around the light special deals throughout the MetropoliWashington area. For hours and more informatan area. Three-course dinners will be priced tion visit www.tedsbulletin.com. at $40, $55 and $65; with three-course brunch Also on Barracks Row, coming soon if not and lunch tagged at $25 and $35. Many will already: Joey’s, a family friendly dining spot at offer wine pairings. As in years past, numerous 527 Eighth St. SE, where Cava—and before restaurants, including many on or near Capitol that Marty’s—used to be. Joey’s proprietor is Hill, are expected to join in. For more informarestaurateur John Boyle, who opened Marty’s tion and a list of participating restaurants, visit at that location 20 years ago. He then leased www.ramw.org. ◆ the space to Cava, which closed in November 2021. Heading Joey’s kitchen will be Rob Gib-

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FAMILY LIFE

Taking Care of Yourself Your Quality of Life May Depend on it

by Pattie Cinelli

ast month I had my heart set on going to Longwood for the first time. I paid for the pricey trip well in advance. The week before the scheduled departure I became dizzy, clogged and coughing from overworked sinuses. Still, not a problem. I heal fast. Ha! The night before, I was still sick. Reluctantly, I practiced self-care – forfeiting my ticket and staying home. I knew I wouldn’t die if I went, nor was I contagious. But I also knew I would probably prolong my recovery at a time when I had weekend guests visiting. Shortterm satisfaction lost out to bigger-picture happiness. I wanted to be healthy and have fun with my guests. Taking care of ourselves is not always easy. It’s hard to say no to a family member or friend who wants you to do something. We do things we don’t want to do, eat things we don’t like and go places we don’t belong because of outside pressure. It could be from friends, family, teachers, spouses, parents, TV, a church leader, social media or just simply from that voice in your head saying, “You SHOULD do this…” When I searched for books on Amazon about self-care the sheer number (I stopped counting at 100) and categories of books on the subject astonished me. I scrolled through descriptions of self-care books for women, men, specific races, new moms, teen girls, care workers and a whole slew of workbooks and journals with daily prompts. There’s even books on self-care according to your astrological sign.

I asked myself, why are Americans so obsessed with self-care? Maybe because not taking care of yourself has become epidemic. In 2022, 76 percent of adults reported they had experienced at least one symptom in the last month as a result of stress – such as headache, fatigue, feeling nervous, anxious and/or depressed or sad. The American Psychological Association reported that according to their poll Americans strug-

gle with multiple external stressors out of their personal control. A whopping 27 percent report that most days they cannot function. The importance of taking care of yourself is not addressed adequately by western medicine, practices like massage are not covered by health insurance and the concept is not valued in most workplaces or in homes. People are expected to work long hours, pass on vacation days and work even if sick. Multi-tasking is a source of pride. There’s an underlying belief that we must always be productive. Taking care of yourself is looked upon as a waste of time, or worse yet, as being selfish. Yet, unless you take care of yourself, you will live like a racquetball randomly bouncing from one wall to another. The ball can bounce up, down, across or diagonally. Its direction is not easily predictable and depends exclusively to outside stimuli. Without the realization of our individual needs, our days can go similarly to that of a racquetball – driven haphazardly by whatever is happening around us.

What is Self-Care?

“Self-care as a set of habits that someone does on a regular basis that helps maintain a sense of calm, balance, objectivity (not taking things personally) and awareness,” said LaShone Wilson, owner of One Breath at a Time Wellness Services and instructor at Hot Yoga Capitol Hill. “For example, in the middle of a conversation that I may feeling uncomfortable with, I slow my

LaShone Wilson, owner of One Breath at a Time Wellness Services and instructor at Hot Yoga Capitol Hill

January 2024 H 73

FAMILY LIFE

speech down and consciously stay connected with my breath (taking an inhale and exhale) to create a space. I then find it easier to say what I really feel. If I take a deep breath, look right at them, speak slowly and respectfully, eight out of 10 times they slow down, too.” She said self-care is about, “not being manipulated and controlled by what’s going on outside of yourself. Set your pace from within.” Wilson has a set of practices that make sure she is getting what she needs. “I identify parts of the day when I’m not available to anyone for 10 or 15 minutes. I also connect with my breath often to see how I feel. I listen to my internal dialogue. I also find it helpful to write down practices that work. I trust myself to let me know what I need no matter what’s going on around me.”

How to Take Care of Yourself

Self-care practices that work for me may be totally different for you. “Part of it is about being honest with yourself,” said Natalie Boulware, doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at Lavender Retreat. “Ask yourself questions like, ‘How am I doing? What have denied myself that I wish I was doing more of ? What’s missing? What can I do right now to make me feel better?” She said we are doing a lot of things, but are we doing stuff to enhance and enjoy our lives?

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness

are experiencing is because you not dealing with the physical.” If pushing the hardest, staying up the latest and working the longest becomes your badge of honor, what has become the rhythm of your life? How do you balance time for rest, time with family and time to relax? If I don’t take care of all the “to dos” what’s left in my life?” Boulware said that exercise helps her feel strong and balanced. However, her physical needs determine the type of exercise she does.

Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Some organizations look at health and wellness as a continuum. They use the Eight Dimensions of Wellness –physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, environmental, occupational, social and intellectual – created by Peggy Swarbrick, an internationally recognized pioneer in peer-driven wellness and recovery. Boulware said examining the Dimensions is a good place to start. “Perhaps the anxiety you

Pattie Cinelli is a health and fitness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She focuses on non-traditional ways to stay healthy, get fit and get well. Please contact her at: fitmiss44@aol.com. u

Natalie Boulware, doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at Lavender Retreat.

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“I may choose yoga if I’m feeling stressed.” She also prioritizes social time with family and friends and recognizes the connection between what she eats and how she feels. “There such a connection between our gut and our brain.” The question Boulware suggests asking yourself is, “What will be the thing to help me shift so I can balance my life and become the person I want to be and do what I want to do?” She asks if the ‘doing’ drives your activities, or are you enjoying what you are doing? What are your non-negotiables? “Self-Care is recognizing need for pause and balance in your life and understanding that your mental health, physical health and well-being must take a priority” said Boulware. “Self-care is individual. It can be making time to see friends, doing art or going to the doctor. You do things that give you joy, support the foundation of your health and leave you with sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.” Learning about what makes you happy and what makes you feel uncomfortable is a lifelong lesson. I learned at an early age if I didn’t take care of myself, no one else would. As the years evolved, my needs changed so I have adjusted. I find when I regularly follow my inner guide it takes me to what works best for me and I am better able to react to things that happen in my life. As Rumi said, “Yesterday I was clever, I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

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FAMILY LIFE

” y t i C d e t n a h c n “Our E at Hill Center

Airport

by Elizabeth Nelson cian—by experimenting with hand drills, hammers, screwdrivers, wires, and tin snips in the Maury art studio. Next, students learned the differences between rural, suburban, and urban communities and brainstormed the unique buildings and facilities necessary to help each type of community thrive. Each child identified a structure to construct using straight wooden planks (popsicle sticks), reflecting the material and budgetary constraints many builders face. As a final touch, they played the role of the interior designer, sketching in fur-

Library

indergarten and first grade artists at Maury Elementary School (1250 Constitution Ave. NE) took inspiration from a book “The House That She Built” by Mollie Elkman and Georgia Castellano. Based on the real-life experiences of the author and illustrator, the story highlights the creativity, collaboration, and skilled labor of women who built an entire home from the ground up. Students explored the various trades involved in the construction industry—plumber, framer, roofer, electri76 H HILLRAG.COM

nishings and architectural details to balance functionality with creativity. Astute observers of the world around them, the kids included a hospital, church, school, library, shops— and representations of the National Zoo, Nationals Park Stadium, the Congressional Cemetery, and the DC Jail. This spring, Maury art instructor, Lauren Bomba, will submit the work to a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) exhibition, “Enchanted Church

Painting the “frame”

Foundation

City,” at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum. But you can get a preview at the Young Artists Gallery on the ground floor at Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) through January 28, 2024. ◆ Hospital

Finishing touches

January 2024 ★ 77

FAMILY LIFE

Goals for 2024 The District Vet

uess what? It’s January, 2024. When we roll the calendar from one year to the next, it’s important to assess if we met certain goals of the prior 365 days. Whereas resolutions are for the 1980’s, we now set achievable hallmarks for ourselves and our pets. Often-times we neglect certain important medical or husbandry needs, not out of ill intent, but simply because we are tied-up in our very busy world. Now that the ball has descended in Times Square, make a commitment to your pet, assuring them the best healthcare and well-being for 2024. A few ideas:

An Annual Wellness Examination

The gift of wellness is priceless. This year be certain that all of your furry friends have a wellness exam, one where the veterinarian performs a physical, routine lab monitoring panels, assesses diet, and discusses overall well-being. Annual exams permit the veterinarian to address current issues, plan for the future, and detect problems, of which you may not be aware.

New Toy Once per Month

Enrichment is the spice of life. Pets live longer and healthier lives if they are intrigued by puzzles and new games / toys. The more they use their brains, the happier they tend to be. The same goes for us humans. And who doesn’t love a new toy!

Routine Vaccinations

Vaccines protect our friends (and us) from nasty diseases. Foremost is rabies. It exists here (recall the rabid fox on Capitol Hill recently) and is one of the more fatal diseases known. All dogs and cats need to be current on this vaccination. Distemper virus, parvovirus, leptospirosis, canine influenza, are some of the other ailments prevented via vaccination. Be sure your pet is appropriately vaccinated. 78 H HILLRAG.COM

by Dan Teich, DVM

Heartworm and Flea/ Tick Prevention

Bugs are everywhere. Heartworm is transmitted via mosquitoes, and with a combined sewer system in the District, we can have them present year-round. Ticks are present year-round, too. Fleas thrive in urban environments. Your fifthfloor cat isn’t immune to a flea infestation. Use preventives as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Longer Walks

Commit to taking longer, more frequent walks. Exercise is essential to health. Walking has been demonstrated to be low-impact on joints and high impact upon health! This exercise benefits you and your pet. For dogs it also adds new smells and experiences which exercises their brain.

Toss the Retractable Leash

This type of leash is dangerous, especially here in the city. They do not allow for control when around people, dogs, and especially cars! Most scary is that the locking mechanism can fail, permitting your dog to dart out into the street. And the rope is thin and can hurt your fingers.

Feed a High-Quality Diet

Trendy diets, rehydrated foods, grain-free diets, may not be healthy for your dog or cat. All the advertising in the world can’t make a food healthy. While the idea of boutique foods, frozen food, “natural foods,” may be appealing, most of these brands have no scientific data to show they are healthy. Some have even been found to be detrimental. Talk with your vet about feeding a healthy diet.

Add a Litterbox

The rule of thumb for quality of boxes is a box per cat plus one. One cat: 2 boxes. Two cats: 3 boxes. Cats like choice! Adding a box may lower their stress level, leading to a happier cat and healthier urinary tract. Also, scoop daily and remove the cover from the box. Cats don’t poop in caves!

Address Arthritis

Older dogs and cats frequently develop arthritis. Cats don’t become lazy in their older age, they simply are in discomfort when walking or jumping, so they do it less. Within the past year additional remedies for arthritis have been approved by the FDA, greatly increasing pet comfort. Let’s have our friends as pain-free as possible. Dr. Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hospitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more information. u

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FAMILY LIFE

Meet The Winners of the 2023 Brickie Awards

he 17th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) were sold out. Hundreds of Ward 6 neighbors attended the event, hosted by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D). The Brickie Awards are an annual celebration of Ward 6, with awards to winners in five categories: Neighbor, Community Organization, Business, Public Service, and Civic Pride. Established as the “Livable Walkable Awards” by then-Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, a 2023 winner, the awards are presented as engraved bricks. The event was nicknamed ‘The Brickies’ by Hill Rag Managing Editor Andrew Lightman. It’s Ward 6’s annual get-together, with free food and drink from some of our favorite local restaurants and businesses. “Each year, Ward 6 neighbors nominate the people in our community who make it such a special place to call home. From a neighborhood store that meets your every need, to the great community

by Elizabeth O’Gorek, photos Andrew Lightman outreach team at the Metropolitan Police Department’s First District, to two organizations that have brought together hundreds of families, to a beloved public servant, awardees like these make the Brickies my favorite night of the year,” said Councilmember Allen. “Ward 6 really goes above and beyond to make our neighborhoods places we love and cherish.”

The 2023 Ward 6 Brickie Award Winners Are...

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) hosted the 2023 Brickie Awards at Atlas Performing Arts Center.

80 H HILLRAG.COM

Neighbor Award Tommy Wells has served the residents of Ward 6 in many capacities for decades, most notably as Ward 6 Councilmember from 2007 to 2015 and as the Director of the District’s Department of Energy and the Environment from 2015 to 2022. He also chaired Advisory Neighborhood Commission (“ANC”) 6B and worked on behalf of vulnerable children as the head of the DC Consortium for Child Welfare and as a social worker with DC’s Child and Family Services Agency. Known as an effective and dogged community leader and legislator, Tommy’s career has been focused on making the District a great place to live, work, and raise a family. A natural community-builder, as Ward 6 Councilmember, Tommy started the Livable, Walkable Awards (later renamed the Brickie Awards) to bring together neighbors and highlight the best of Ward 6. As he now steps back from government service, Tommy is honored with a Brickie of his own for his exemplary dedication to his Ward 6 neighbors and District residents. Every year, the Neighbor Award goes to someone who exemplifies the very best in our community in service to others, and Tommy Wells has done just that.

Community Organization Award Hundreds of Ward 6 families have been part of Capitol Hill Little League (CHLL) since its founding in 2011. This volunteer-run organization supports more than 700 players on 50 teams with all-volunteer coaches, umpires, administrative support, and board Councilmember leadership each year. Charles Allen Thousands of Ward 6 children have learned how to love basepresents a Brickie to Tommy Wells. Wells ball and softball, be part of a team, and make new friends thanks was himself Ward to Capitol Hill Little League’s tireless dedication to creating a fun, 6 Councilmember welcoming, and supportive youth sports environment. when he established the Brickies. “You’ve Capitol Hill Little League isn’t just a rite of passage for many even improved the families growing up in Ward 6; it’s a mission to see each young bricks!” he quipped to Allen. person grow and succeed. Whether it’s schoolmates on opposing teams hugging and high-fiving each other on the bases, learning the valuable skills of teamwork and resilience in the face of a loss—Capitol Hill Little League is about much, much more than the balls and strikes of baseball and softball. The organization has expanded the sport to make teams more accessible to families of all abilities and has worked with intentionality to grow teams in every neighborhood, re-

Organizers with Hill Family Biking accept the Civic Pride Brickie.

Organizers with Capitol Little League (CHLL) which has served hundreds of Hill families, received the Brickie for Community Organizations.

Public Service Award

The Metropolitan Police Department’s First District Community Outreach Team has gardless of ability of pay. It has put time, money, done an outstanding job building relationships and effort into making Ward 6 an incredible and with neighbors, ANCs, government agencies, vibrant place to call home. and businesses across Ward 6 neighborhoods to collectively improve public safety. Business Award The officers on the Community Outreach Located at the corner of Sixth and K Streets NE, Team – Officers Mohammed Lewis, Cyrus MillOld City Market and Oven has established itself as er, Linda Boone, Stephen Rose, and Steven Fera neighborhood institution. ris – truly embody the spirit of the Public Service It’s known not just for its wood-fired pizzas Musicians from Stuart Hobson Middle School began the night Award, meant to recognize those whose work and wide selection of wines, but for its unique and with some Miles Davis. in the public sector has a positive impact on the deep connection to the Near Northeast community, lives of Ward 6 residents. particularly to J.O. Wilson Elementary School. Old They have gained the trust and respect of City Market and Oven frequently goes above and residents by maintaining a frequent and consisCivic Pride Award: Hill Family Biking tent presence in the community, from organizing In less than a year, Hill Family Biking has empownumerous community safety walks in partnerered both new and seasoned Ward 6 bicyclists by ship with Councilmember Allen’s office – where offering a safe and welcoming experience for those they engage neighbors and work to collaboratively who want to explore DC’s streets and trails. The tackle our public safety challenges – hosting outorganization has organized fun and creative monthdoor movie nights, leading community cleanups, ly-themed rides that foster community, encourage and more. They are positive, proactive, and inclustreet safety, advocate for better infrastructure and sive, and always ready to work toward solutions policies, and celebrate Capitol Hill neighborhoods. and hear all neighbors’ perspectives. Hill Family Biking began in April 2023 with Along with their First District Commandthe goal of providing a space for those who want er, Colin Hall, they show genuine commitment to to bike safely through their monthly rides. While community policing and building trust in law enrelatively new to Ward 6, its popularity speaks for Operators of Old City Market, awarded a Brickie for their forcement and the team is always “here to help.” itself. The first ride in April had 250 participants, contributions to businesses and community. and ride participation has steadily grown since then, showing that Hill Family Biking is beyond to support J.O. Wilson—their neighmeeting a need for family-friendly bike rides. bor across the street—by helping the school Hill Family Biking has partnered with fundraise, providing at-cost food for commuother organizations to extend its reach and nity events, and serving as a gathering place for celebrate specific events or themes, such as parents and school staff. DC Queer Bikes for a Pride ride in June, the Old City employees know many of their Ward 6 Public School Parents Organization patrons by name and regularly welcome neighfor a Back-to-School ride, The Hill is Home bors to use their space for community events for a Halloween ride and the DC Public Lilike public safety meetings and birthday parties. brary for a library-themed ride. The group They are both a business and a hub for comhas quickly established itself as an impactful munity life – a great example of the importance organization dedicated to building commuof small, local businesses to creating and susnity through learning, exploration, collabotaining vibrant neighborhoods and exactly the ration and fun, embodying the true meaning type of business worthy of celebrating with this Members of the First District Team with Commander Colin Hall as of civic pride. u they accept their Public Service Brickie. year’s award. January 2024 H 81

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CROSSWORD Instruments by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Daily or weekly, e.g., abbr. 4. Hubbub 7. Melody 10. Strauss opera 16. City near Anaheim 18. Nothing but a pound dog 19. Big dipper 21. “Eventually ...” 22. Wind instruments 25. String instrument 26. Store sign 27. Illegal ticket sale 28. Edge a handkerchief 30. Kingdom 31. Immediately, to a surgeon 32. Late 36. Chop-chop! 40. Pince-___ (glasses style) 42. Coin deciders 45. Rock’s _____ Leppard 48. ‘’___ for All Seasons’’ (1966 film) 50. Fit 52. Detects 53. Changed the course of 56. Gist 58. Compass direction 59. Wind instrument 60. Wind instrument 66. Flick 67. Saddle’s foot holder 70. Dancer Duncan 71. Stiff-upper-lip type 73. Before, once 74. Strength 75. Part of a board 77. Cut a molar? 79. Lao-___ 82. Stringed instruments 84. Wind instruments 86. Smidgen 87. Slave Turner 88. List recipient 92. Put your chips in

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96. School grps. 99. Gather the corn 100. Football scores 101. Entices 103. Electric wire, insulation 104. Contemptible one 106. Cores 108. Pair at sea 111. Get to final form 116. Verizon rival, initially 117. Warblers 119. Protect, in a way 120. Boxed stringed instrument 125. Stringed instrument 128. Big name in fashion 129. Stuck 130. Protective shelter 131. Utah lily 132. Not liquids or solids 133. Peter, Paul, and Mary (abbr.) 134. Skipping contraction 135. Hotbed

Down:

1. Dislike intensely 2. Stingless bee 3. Vice ___ 4. Something people want cleared up 5. It doesn’t detonate 6. Eyes or planets 7. Angelina Jolie, for one 8. Nobel Prize-winning U.N. workers’ grp. 9. Budget ___-Car 10. Fish delicacy 11. “Red Letter Year” singer DiFranco 12. High-tech display 13. Quaint 14. ___ de mer 15. Storm part 17. Uptight, slangily 19. Aspiring atty.’s exam

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 20. Not on the level 23. Soprano Gluck 24. Temperature controls, briefly 29. Carney or Linkletter 33. Snake-like shape 34. Nile reptile 35. Destroyer 37. Convenient encl. 38. Cinephile’s cable channel 39. ‘80s icon Benatar 41. Metal in brass 43. Five in front 44. Pilothouse abbr. 45. Pastrami purveyor 46. Cabinet dept. 47. Hale 49. The Missouri R. forms part of its border 51. Stubborn 53. Vendor request

54. E-mail subject line intro 55. “___ Be Stupid” (“Weird Al” Yankovic album) 57. Count with a keyboard 61. More reliable 62. Accelerates 63. South African dollar 64. Chemical suffix 65. At this moment 67. Drunkards 68. Advertising connection 69. Starbucks order, for short 71. South of Spain 72. Recipe abbr. 75. Biblical possessive 76. Wickerwork stems 78. Pre-1917 ruler 79. Little hopper 80. Chief Olympian 81. Navy ship intro

83. Start of many addresses 84. TV show set in California 85. Club alternative 86. ___ Harbour, Fla. 89. Like a crescent moon 90. “The way,” philosophically 91. IRS mo. 93. College internet address ending 94. California University 95. North Star 97. Oath takers 98. In demand 102. Take home 105. Computer offering 107. Articles 109. Stopped working, abbr. 110. Elder 112. Naval investigation show 113. No longer in 114. Practice 115. Argentinian leader 118. Missile storage 119. Elbe tributary 120. Sharp turn 121. Retirement fund 122. Trademarks, abbr. 123. Experiences 124. Mariner’s dir. 126. Brightened 127. Just-OK grade

HAPPY NEW YEAR! To HILL with the Suburbs!

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