Hill Rag Magazine – April 2023

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NSO CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE AT THE KC

Back by popular demand, on Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, at 8 p.m., the Kennedy Center Concert Hall offers a high-flying display of jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strongmen and more, bringing the music of the symphony to life in unique and delightful ways. $29 to $99. Most enjoyed by ages five and up. www.kennedy-center.org

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

SPRING EXTRA

CITY GIRLS WHO WALK DC

City Girls Who Walk DC is a walking club, founded in March 2022, that provides a platform for women to connect and form friendships, explore the DMV and focus on inclusion and accessibility for all. City Girls holds weekly walks and happy hours throughout the city and curates a GroupMe channel of over 130 groups. No sign-up required; join any event at any time. Every walk is free and Metro accessible. Dogs are welcome to join as long as they are allowed at the walking location and remain leashed. www.citygirlswhowalkdc.com

AROUND THE WORLD EMBASSY TOUR

On May 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Around the World Embassy Tour participants travel the world as they experience food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and goods from different countries. More than 50 embassies will open their doors to visitors. This is a free public event. No registration or tickets required. Find embassy locations at www.eventsdc.com/passport-dc.

At the Embassy of Haiti.

Photo: Samantha Heeley

Photo: Courtesy of Cirque de la Symphonie

“LA VALENTIA: VALOR” – A SPOOKY SPECTACULAR AT GALA

“La Valentia (Valor)” is an expertly constructed comedy brimming with family feuds and supernatural secrets. Sisters Trini and Guada battle over whether to sell their beloved family summer home next to a bustling highway. They encounter mysterious visitors who provide hilarious twists and turns. At GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, Thursdays to Sundays, from April 20 to May 14. Tickets $48; discounts for seniors and military. www.galatheatre.org

IAN SMITH ON “MAKING BLACKNESS”

Recently, more scholars have become interested in examining early modern “blackface,” emphasizing the kinds of cosmetics used to create or make blackness on the early modern stage. In this lecture, Ian Smith use Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost” as a dramatic point of departure in expanding our knowledge of early modern race. “Making Blackness” is at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m., with a reception at 6:30 p. This event is part of Searching for Shakespeare: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio, a festival in partnership with the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Folger Shakespeare Theatre. Free registration required at www.events.folger.edu/7972/7973.

CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY HISTORICAL SPEAKER SERIES

Congressional Cemetery has teamed up with historians, experts and organizations for a monthly series of history-filled talks on the cemetery grounds. The opening features Jake Flack, deputy director of education at Ford’s Theater, speaking about the Lincoln Assassination, on Saturday, April 15, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The following month, May 13, Blake Lindsey, a Ward 6-based writer, speaks about the Capitol Police. Tickets are $5. Read more and sign up at www.congressionalcemetery.org/cemetery-speaker-series.

JE T’AIME GEORGETOWN!

From Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 25 local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries will display wares for up to 75% off. Neighborhood restaurants will offer items from an outdoor grill, a sale on French wines and pastries from Patisserie Poupon. On Saturday and Sunday, the Georgetown French Market will feature live music, a caricature artist, roaming stilt-walkers and more. The Georgetown French Market has become a DC tradition and one of the biggest shopping events of the year for the small businesses of Book Hill. www.georgetowndc.com/event/georgetown-french-market

Dr. Ian Smith of Lafayette University.

Photo: Chris Chern for the Georgetown BID

Illustration: Jonathan Olivares

Australian green tree frog, Litoria caerulea. About 60% of invertebrates and 30% of vertebrates are or active at night.

NSO AT THE ANTHEM: LIVE MUSIC TRIVIA!

Ever wanted to play trivia backed by a live orchestra? On Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), play trivia at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, with the National Symphony Orchestra. Teams of any size are encouraged to flaunt their knowledge across all genres. This is a general admission seated event. $30. www.theanthemdc.com

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL AT STRATHMORE

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world. To celebrate its 65th year, the festival has put together an ensemble featuring some of the best that jazz has to offer. This stellar band will be directed by visionary pianist Christian Sands and anchored by longtime rhythm section bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn. $38 to $78. At the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryland, on Thursday, April 20, 8 p.m. www.strathmore.org

“LIGHTS OUT: RECOVERING OUR NIGHT SKY”

More than 80% of people worldwide live under some degree of light-polluted skies. The Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum has opened “Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky,” a 4,340-square-foot exhibition about how the night sky and its disappearance owing to light pollution affects life, from natural ecosystems to human cultures. The exhibition will remain on view through December 2025. www.naturalhistory.si.edu

IN SERIES’ “I WAS LOOKING AT THE CEILING AND THEN I SAW THE SKY”

With a libretto by poet June Jordan, John Adams’ “song-play” dramatizes the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, exploring issues of race, gender and migration in Los Angeles. “I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky” is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, on Saturdays, April 22 and 29, at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, April 23 and 30, at 3:00 p.m. www.inseries.org/post/ ceiling-sky

Artist: Richshaad Ryan

In the opening night film, “Chevalier,” the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with a love affair and falling out with Marie Antoinette.

FILMFEST DC, A FESTIVAL OF STORIES

The Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with an ensemble featuring NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside vocalist Kurt Elling and saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. The band is directed by pianist Christian Sands and anchored by bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.

From April 19 to 30, the Washington, DC, International Film Festival, aka Filmfest DC, brings 65 films from 35 countries in 11 days. Filmfest DC is an annual festival presenting feature premieres, restored classics and special events to the general public. It is one of the longest running (37 years) major cultural events in Washington and credited with thought-provoking, insightful and entertaining programming. www.filmfestdc.org

PHILIP GUSTON NOW AT THE NGA

“Philip Guston Now” charts the 50-year career of one of America’s most influential modern artists through more than 150 paintings and drawings. Guston’s work resonates, attracts and provokes, raising crucial questions about the relationship of art to beauty and brutality, freedom and doubt, politics and the imagination. On view in the National Gallery of Art East Building through Aug. 27. www.nga.gov

Philip Guston, “Bombardment,” 1937, oil on Masonite, framed diameter 121.9 cm (48 inches). Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Musa and Tom Mayer, 2011. Estate of Philip Guston. Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art/Art Resource, New York

“THE JUNGLE” AT SHAKESPEARE THEATRE’S HARMON HALL

Through April 16, come to “The Jungle,” where cultures collide and thousands of refugees dream of crossing the English Channel to the possibility of freedom. The Shakespeare Theatre Company teams up with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company to bring this theatrical experience to Washington after sold-out runs in the West End in New York. The “Jungle” is an immersive experience with non-traditional seating and staging. Patrons seated nearest to the stage could be asked to interact with the action. $64 to $130. Harmon Hall is at 610 F St. NW. www.shakespearetheatre.org

TO HAVE AND HAVE ANOTHER: THE LIFE AND COCKTAILS OF ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Although he probably never drank Dos Equis, Ernest Hemingway was perhaps a prototype for the brand’s Most Interesting Man in the World ad campaign. He lived an adventurous life that took him from summers in northern Michigan to the Spanish Civil War. On Thursday, May 4, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., at the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the Mall, Smithsonian Associates presents writer and attorney Philip Greene, who examines the life, prose, travels and adventures of Hemingway through the lens of his favorite drinks, watering holes and drinking buddies. Enjoy light snacks and four cocktail samples and raise a toast to Papa. $70. www. smithsonianassociates.org

Ernest Hemingway and his wife settled in a Cuban plantation named Finca Vigía. They lived in the village outside of Havana for more than a decade.

“THE NOSEBLEED” AT WOOLLY MAMMOTH

Through a series of absurd autobiographical vignettes, Aya Ogawa’s “The Nosebleed” delves into parenthood, as both a parent and a child. A trip to the home country of Japan, a child’s nosebleed and a hit reality TV show come together in this theatrical tribute to Ogawa’s father, with surprises like a healing ritual for the audience and a transcendent appearance by a 20th-century icon. At Woolly Mammoth Theater, 641 D St. NW, through April 23. www. woollymammoth.net

Elham Ehsas in the 2018 St. Ann’s Warehouse production of “The Jungle” by Teddy Wolff.

Aya Ogawa as youngest son Kenya.

Photo: Julieta Cervantes

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

SPÆLIMENNINIR AT THE INSTITUTE OF MUSICAL TRADITIONS

Spælimenninir’s music of the Nordic countries is as familiar as an oldtime barn dance and as exotic as the landscape of the Faroe Islands, the band’s home. Kristian, Sharon Ívar, Erling Lars and Charlie, traveling and performing together for more than 45 years, inspire and elate multigenerational audiences. At the Institute of Musical Traditions, Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland, on Monday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. www.imtfolk.org

“I strive to achieve comfort and elegance through design and sculpted details. My chairs combine contrasting North American hardwoods with attention to grain and wood tone. No one who knows of Sam Maloof’s contributions can mistake his influence on my work though I have also been influenced by several other contemporary woodworkers.”

‒Robert Wing

SAM MACPHERSON AT SONGBYRD

Sam MacPherson is an LA-based singer-songwriter and musician who writes music with honesty and a relentless attention to detail. At the Songbyrd Music House, 540 Penn St. NE, on Monday, April 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $18. www.songbyrddc.com

SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW

At the Smithsonian Craft Show, see and buy hand-crafted work from leading contemporary artists, including an outstanding selection of Native American and indigenous work. Also on display: pieces from this year’s Smithsonian Visionary Award and Delphi Award winners. At the National Building Museum and open to the public, May 4 to 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and May 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission, May 4 to 7, $20; preview party, May 3, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., $270. www.smithsoniancraftshow.org

THE KENNEDY CENTER’S ROLLING ON THE RIVER FREE POP CONCERT AT THE WHARF

On Wednesday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m., a free, 60-minute outdoor pop concert on the floating stage at the DC Wharf Transit Pier celebrates life on the Potomac River with music, storytelling, and Broadway and Helen Hayes Award-winning musical stars perform favorite “river songs.” All are welcome, seating first-come, first-served. No tickets required. www.wharfdc.com.

CAROUSEL DAY AT GLEN ECHO

Glen Echo Park’s 102-year-old Dentzel Carousel opens for the season on Carousel Day, Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to riding the carousel, families can enjoy other free activities throughout the park, including live music, open art galleries and arts and crafts. The carousel season runs from April 29 to Aug. 27, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Aug. 28 to Sept. 25, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is also open on Memorial Day and Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every person, including babies and accompanying adults, must have their own ticket. Children under six must be accompanied by a paying adult to ride. $2 per ride; $5 for allday pass. Glen Echo Park is at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Maryland. www.glenechopark.org/carousel

“BLOCK BY BLOCK” AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery explores the namesakes of Washington’s streets, avenues, neighborhoods and other public spaces in the exhibition “Block by Block: Naming Washington.” Featuring reproductions of 16 portraits, drawn mostly from the museum’s collection, the exhibition presents the faces and biographies behind some of the city’s most familiar locations. On view in the secondfloor Riley Gallery through Jan. 15, 2024. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and G streets NW. www.npg.si.edu

“DEEP: IN THE WAKE OF DREXCIYA WITH AYANA V. JACKSON”

For her first monographic exhibition, photographer Ayana V. Jackson was inspired by the Detroit-based 1990s techno band Drexciya, whose albums imagined a mythical aquatopia populated by descendants of African women thrown (or who jumped) overboard during the Middle Passage. In this exhibition, Jackson expands her practice to include animation, immersive video, installation, sound and scent. “Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson” opens at the National Museum of African Art on April 29. www.africa.si.edu

SNARKY PUPPY AT THE WARNER

After over a decade of touring and recording in all but complete obscurity, a Texas-bred quasi-collective found itself held up by the press and public as one of the major figures in the jazz world. At its core, the band represents the convergence of black and white American music with accents from around the world. Tickets start at $45. At the Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW, on Wednesday, April 19, at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). www.livenation.com.

FRUIT BATS AT 9:30 CLUB

“A River Running to Your Heart” is the Fruit Bats’ latest release. Lead single “Rushin’ River Valley” is a love song about the songwriter’s wife, who clings to the borrowed imagery of the place where she grew up in northern California. The wistful “It All Comes Back” is a blend of tone and lyricism that taps into shared apprehensions and hopes for a post-pandemic life. $25. See Fruit Bats at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Saturday, April 22; doors at 6 p.m. www.930.com

Installed at Glen Echo Park in 1921, the canopy and the carved figures were made by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Germantown, Pennsylvania. Now fully restored, the carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo: Courtesy of Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture

Photo: Courtesy of Live Nation

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

“ANYANG: CHINA’S ANCIENT CITY OF KINGS”

The National Museum of Asian Art is presenting “Anyang: China’s Ancient City of Kings,” the first major exhibition in the United States dedicated to Anyang, the capital of ancient China’s Shang dynasty (occupied ca. 1250 B.C.–ca. 1050 B.C.), the source of China’s earliest surviving written records, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Chinese archaeology. Composed of objects exclusively from the museum’s collection, “Anyang” is on view in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery from Feb. 25 to April 28, 2024. The exhibit brings together more than 200 artifacts—including jade ornaments, ceremonial weapons, ritual bronze vessels, bells and chariot fittings—to examine the Shang state and artistic achievements of those who lived in its capital some 3,000 years ago. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. asia.si.edu.

LES MISERABLES AT THE KC

In 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become one of the world’s most popular musicals. Now, they are bringing her home. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The score includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Les Miserables is at the Kennedy Center Opera House from April 11 to 29. $45 to $199. Kennedy-center.org.

A.W. MELLON LECTURES IN THE FINE ARTS AT THE NGA

Stephen D. Houston, Dupee Family Professor of Social Science at Brown University, will give the 72nd annual National Gallery of Art’s A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts this spring. Houston’s lecture series, entitled Vital Signs: The Visual Cultures of Maya Writing, will take place in the East Building Auditorium on Sundays from April 16 through May 21, at 2 p.m. Over six lectures, Houston will explore Maya writing (“glyphs”) of ancient Mexico and Central America, uncovering the essence of a system of script and picture that never quite split apart yet never quite fused. Recent decipherments of glyphs enable us to probe how language intersected with visual experience, who devised these innovations, by what means, and for what reasons. (Visit nga.gov/press/mellon-lectures for further details.) nga.gov.

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF ORCHIDS AT THE BOTANIC GARDEN

The 27th annual joint orchid exhibit between the United States Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens is “Discover the World of Orchids” which is on display in the USBG Conservatory through April 30. The exhibit shares stories of the diversity of orchids and how technology advances their conservation. One of the largest plant families in the world, orchid shapes, sizes, colors, and scents vary greatly. Throughout the Conservatory, thousands of orchid blooms showcase the USBG and Smithsonian Gardens’ extensive orchid collections. The gift shop features offerings such as live plants and other botanical gift items. The Botanic Garden Conservatory is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. usbg.gov.

Stephen D. Houston of Brown University will deliver the 72nd A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in spring 2023.

Photo: Courtesy of Stephen D. Houston

Photo: Johan Persson

Ritual wine containers (you) with masks (taotie), dragons, birds, and owls, middle Anyang period, ca. 1150-1200 BCE, bronze, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment. Photo: Courtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution

LOCAL CALENDAR

Rorschach Theatre’s “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea.” Through April 16. Once upon a time, a rain cloud fell in love with a human, Dolan, who bears an uncanny resemblance to author Hans Christian Andersen. He tries to tell this simple and sweet story, but characters in the story keep turning into figures from Dolan’s own history of turbulent relationships. $5 to $45. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. www.atlasarts.org

“Angels in America Part I: Millennium Approaches” at Arena. Through April 23. We meet Louis and Prior and Harper and Joe, two couples whose relationships are on the rocks; an AIDS diagnosis closeted homosexuality all figure in. $56 to $95. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. www.arenastage.org

Mosaic’s “Unseen.” Through April 23. When American conflict photographer Mia wakes up in her ex-girlfriend’s Istanbul apartment, she doesn’t recall how she got there, but the contents of her camera might. $29 to $50. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. www.atlasarts.org

LOC Concerts. April 14, at 8 p.m., Mingus@100: Mingus Dynasty Quintet at Arena Stage; April 21, 8 p.m., Harlem Quartet with Michael Brown, piano, at St. Mark’s; Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, May 4, 8 p.m., in the Coolidge Auditorium. www.loc.gov

Versatility Dance Festival. April 15, at 7 p.m. Versatility Dance Festival presents contemporary dance companies from around the country and dance filmmakers from around the world. $15 to $25. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. www.atlasarts.org

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Petalpalooza. April 8, from 1 to 9 p.m. Petalpalooza brings art, music and play to multiple outdoor stages at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards, as well as a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly activities, entertainers and fireworks. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

two pianos side by side, presents highlights from Olivier Messiaen’s visionary suite for two pianos, composed in 1943. $25; 18 and under, free. Concerts are at St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. www.chiarina.org

House Concerts at Hill Center: Ft. SingerSongwriter & Storyteller Drew Gibson. April 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Expect to feel retro vibes, catchy melodies, buttery vocals and emotional lyricism. $8 to $15. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. www. hillcenterdc.org

“U-Boat Assault on America.” April 15, at 3 p.m. Author Ken Brown will discuss his book “U-Boat Assault on America: Why the US Was Unprepared for War in the Atlantic.” Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. www.dclibrary.org/southeast

Chiarina Chamber Players at St. Mark’s. April 16, at 7:30 p.m. “Visions: Mozart, Messiaen,” showcasing

Open Mic: Poetry and More. April 27, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. In celebration of Poetry Month, the Southwest Library invites you to participate in Open Mic Night. This is a family-friendly event for library customers of all ages. Share poetry and more. 900 Wesley Place SW. www.dclibrary.org/southwest

NoMa Farmers Market Opens Thursdays for Season. May 4, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Alethia Tanner Park, between Harry Thomas Way NE and Metropolitan Branch Trail. www.nomabid.org

Notes from the Crypt. May 6, noon to 1 p.m. This chamber music concert is free to attend but seating is limited to approximately 50 seats, firstcome, first-served. Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. www.congressionalcemetery.org

Kentucky Derby Whiskey Tasting. May 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Join Vitis Wines for a free tasting featuring favorites from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Willett and New Riff. Free, no reservation required. www.unionmarketdc.com

H Street FRESHFARM Market Opens for Season. Beginning April 1. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on 13th St. NE between H and I. www.freshfarm.org

Half Street Central Farm Market. Opens for the season on Saturday, May 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Table seating, music, kids’ club activities, chef demos and more. 1250 Half St. SE. www.centralfarmmarkets.com/half-street u

Petalpalooza on the Capitol Riverfront in 2022.

Photo: Courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Photo: Joshua Cogan for FRESHFARM

A GREEN

GREEN DC Casey Tree Sets Tree Planting Record

50,000 Trees Enhance the DC Tree Canopy article

April is the best gardening month of the year. Cherry blossoms, da odils, tulips, and so much more pop up after the colder months of winter. It is the perfect time to plant seeds and start up plants you can enjoy all summer long. It is also the month of two key national celebration days—Arbor Day and Earth Day. Earth Day always falls on April 22nd, and Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday of April, falls on April 28th this year. The Arbor Day Foundation is one of the largest membership groups of its kind.

Every day is Arbor Day at the DCbased foundation, Casey Trees. Started by the late philanthropist and longtime area resident Betty Brown Casey in 2002, the group’s mission is to restore, enhance

and photos by Rindy O’Brien

Casey Trees Nursery in Berryville, VA grows 5,000 trees a year to give to DC residents for free. Over 40 varieties are planted and are carefully tended to by Casey Tree staff.

The farm was donated by Betty Casey when she founded the Casey Tree Foundation to enhance the tree canopy of DC.

and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. The city was designed by Pierre L’Enfant to have many tree-lined boulevards and green spaces, but over time the tree canopy has declined to just over 35 percent. Thanks to Betty Casey’s foresight, the city is working hard to plant more trees, and on April 22nd this year, Casey Trees will plant it’s 50,000th tree. That is an astounding record to celebrate on Earth Day.

The 50,000th tree will be part of a community planting at Fort Stanton Recreation Center in Anacostia. Casey Trees has added a focus on environmental justice and planting trees in traditionally underserved Wards 5,7, and 8. Tree decline in DC has increased in the last year especially in these areas. Why? Andrew Schichtel, Chief Operating O cer of Casey Trees, says climate change, development, and some hesitancy by residents to plant trees have all contributed.

Casey Trees plants at least 5,500 trees a year in DC. Its goal is to increase that number to 8,000 trees a year. The group hopes to attain 40 percent canopy by 2032. Casey Tree works closely with DC’s Urban Forestry Department, the National Park Service, and many other partners including residents, schools, and community groups. Just like the Arbor Day Foundation, which will plant 25,000 trees on Arbor Day around the United States, the trees planted are free.

Where Do All These Trees Come From?

In the early days, Casey Trees outsourced its tree inventory by purchasing them from nurseries around the country, with many

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new homes. Andrew says the annual audit shows the trees are worth a half of million dollars.

“I am not sure people realize how much human touch goes into growing these trees,” Andrews reflects. “From the time the young trees are shipped to us, to planting the trees in the ground in circular pots, to staking them, pruning them, watering, checking for disease, there is sta caring for them.”

Currently, the sta is concerned about the redbud trees. A fungus creates open wounds on the tree’s limbs and trunk that cuts o the ow of nutrients, eventually killing the tree. Red buds, often more purple than red in its owers, are a native tree to our area. Red buds and dogwoods bloom simultaneously creating a lovely array of colors in the spring.

coming from tree farms in Oregon. Today, the group grows its own at a tree nursery on the former estate of Betty Casey near Berryville, VA in the Shenandoah. The facility is a two-hour drive from Capitol Hill o Interstate 66. The trees are nestled along the Shenandoah River with a 100-acres of trees, row after row, staked to stand up straight, and cared for a sta of 13 full time employees. Schichtel oversees the operation.

“I grew up in Walla Walla, Oregon and my family actually supplied Casey Trees with some of our family trees as I was growing up,” Schichtel says. He had a chance to track a batch of trees shipped to DC and was introduced to the sta of Casey Trees while attending Catholic University. Upon graduation, he joined the growing organization and thirteen years later he is the Chief Operating O cer and manages the beautiful farm.

Imagine 5,000 trees in various stages of growth lined up in neat rows, with information tags on each tree and signs at the end of each row. Casey Trees grows 40 di erent species of trees that take 24-36 months to mature to the point they are ready to be placed on a truck and brought to their

Andrew says the disease is so prevalent, they will probably not ship any of their trees for planting this year. “Our sta are very diligent in educating themselves about the trees and current conditions,” says Andrew, “and we also work with others like Bartlett Tree experts to share information.”

How Do I Sign Up For A Tree?

Casey Trees works with both individual residents, community groups and the city Urban Forestry operation to plant tree boxes. The easiest way to apply for a free tree or up to 25 trees is to go to the Casey Tree website, https://caseytrees.org/plant/ free-trees. A Casey Tree arborist will get back to you and help you decide what kind of tree ts your property the best. “It is really helpful if the resident has a type of tree, for instance maybe wanting a owering tree, in mind, but we also are good at educating the owner on all kinds of possibilities,” says Schichtel.

When I was there, the farm has just gathered 25 trees to bring to DC to plant, and the variety of trees from a magnolia to oaks demonstrated the variety of trees that get planted.

If you’ve already purchased and planted a tree on your property, you can get up to $100 back through Casey Trees’ Tree Rebate Program. The program is only extended to DC residents or trees that will be planted at Washington, DC addresses.

On April 28th, Arbor Day, Casey Trees will celebrate by honoring volunteers and professionals in the tree eld that have demonstrated outstanding service. It is an annual event that began in 2014. As Schichtel noted, it really takes a lot of human care to keep the trees and the city canopy growing and thriving. The awards remind us of the professional and personal passion of our DC residents to keep our city green and healthy.

Rindy O’Brien was one of the rst volunteers with Casey Trees. To contact her: Rindyobrien@gmail.com ◆

Andrew Schichtel is Chief Operating Officer of Casey Trees and manages the 100-acre nursery farm. He grew up in the tree business with his family in Oregon and has worked for Casey Trees for the last 13 years.

24 trees are lined up ready to transport by truck to DC to be planted for free to area residents and community spaces.

DC

Whatcha Gonna do about the Electric Vehicle Charging Blues ?

by Catherine Plume

EV in the District requires some exibility and creativity. Hill residents Joe Britton and Katie Ehly know this all too well. They wanted to cut their carbon emissions, so they bought a Tesla Model X three years ago. While they love the car, charging it has been more challenging than anticipated. Joe notes, “I’ve only found only two places on the Hill to charge my car: the Trader Joe’s at Eastern Market and the Whole Foods, just south of 395. I almost always park overnight in the Trader Joe’s parking lot. You pay to park, but then there are three free-to-use Sema Connect chargers. We rarely have trouble accessing a charger there.” Katie notes, “We were surprised—and disappointed—that the Safeway on 14th Street (SE), with its huge new basement parking garage, hasn’t installed EV charging stations yet.”

A map of EV charging stations across the District highlights

Its 2023, and “electric” is in – and gas is out—for leaf blowers, stoves, and especially cars. There are now more than 7000 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in DC (about two percent of all registered vehicles in the District), and that number is growing daily. Unfortunately, as that number increases, so too do the headaches of nding a charging station to recharge that EV. DC’s vast housing stock of rowhouses, condos, apartments, and narrow alleys makes EV

charging even more di cult. Where feasible, some residents are installing their own charging stations. DC’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) has published suggestions and accommodations for residential and commercial EV stations (see https://ddot.dc.gov/page/electric-vehiclecharging-station-program), but while the program is making EV charging easier, it’s not keeping up with the fast-growing need for charging stations across the District. For most EV owners, charging their

Joe and Katie’s son is proud of their EV. Photo: K. Ehly

A map of DC EV Charging Stations. The green symbols represent publicly available charging stations while the yellow symbols represent high-powered charging stations. Credit: plugshare.com

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the lack of charging stations. Currently, most charging stations are clustered in parking garages downtown—while many DC residents are still working from home. Fortunately, there’s pending legislation—including incentives for DC residents and business owners—before the DC Council that will lead to the installation of at least 7,500 dual port charging stations across the District by 2027 and help the District meet its goal of at least 25% of DC registered vehicles being zero-emission by 2030. In January 2023, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen introduced the “Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2023.” In a nod to the bill’s overwhelming popularity, every member of the DC Council signed on as a cointroducer. In addition to significantly increasing the number of EV charging stations across the District, if passed, this bill would create a wide array of EV charging opportunities and requirements including:

• requiring the installation or consideration of installation of EV chargers in all major streetscape projects;

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• establishing an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant Program for DC residents, nonpro ts, businesses, and others to incentivize the purchase, installation, and upgrades of EV charging stations;

• requiring all new or substantially upgraded commercial and multi-unit dwellings with parking lots to include even more EV charging infrastructure than the law currently requires; and

• creating a permitting requirement for newly built or renovated single-family homes with driveways or garages to be EV-charging ready.

Importantly and as written, the bill would even give renters and condo owners the right to install EV charging stations at their place of residence, with reasonable requirements, safety restrictions, and landlord approval.

Councilmember Allen designed this bill with an eye to promoting the implementation of EV infrastructure across the District. He notes, “Transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones is a signi cant step towards decreasing emissions. However, DC has nowhere near the number of EV charging stations to create the type of access that’s needed to make this switch feasible or realistic. My bill will help rapidly scale the necessary infrastructure vital to increasing access and is designed to ensure an equitable and sustainable network of EV charging stations across the District in every neighborhood.”

A rst hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for early summer. With such broad Council support, it’s all but sure to pass. And, as this bill will use federal money, there will be no need to allocate DC taxpayer revenue to fund the bill in the FY24 budget. But in the meantime, DC EV owners will need to keep those creative juices flowing as they look to keep their EVs charged and on the road.

Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and an active member of the Sierra Club DC Chapter. Perspectives expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. ◆

GREEN DC Earth Month Calendar

Earth Day Invasive Honeysuckle Removal on the Mount Vernon Trail. April 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be celebrating Earth Day by removing invasive bush honeysuckle from the trail near the 14th Street Bridge. Read more and register at www.mountvernontrail.org.

National Arboretum Azalea Peak. Peak bloom can vary by two weeks or more, depending on the weather, but usually takes place around the end of April. The earliest peak date reported in the last decade was April 15; the latest was May 4. www.usna.usda.gov

Spring Landscape Beautification Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage. April 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring friends, family and gardening gloves and spend Earth Day morning at President Lincoln’s Cottage for the annual spring cleanup. Free landscape tours are offered to all volunteers. For more information and to sign up, email jlarry@lincolncottage.org.

National Arboretum Garden Fair and Plant Sale. On April 29 (rain date, April 30), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate spring with the Friends of the National Arboretum and their plants, expert gardening advice, dozens of local vendors and outdoor activities. The sale is at the arboretum’s visitor center. Enter at the New York Avenue entrance and park at the New York Avenue parking lot, R Street parking lot or Grove parking lot. A free shuttle will transport visitors between the parking lots and the event. FONA members get early access – 9 to 11 a.m. Become at member at www.fona.org/membership.

Fort Stanton Park Monthly Volunteer Days. On the first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., help remove trash and invasive plants from Fort Stanton Park. Volunteers meet in front of the Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. Register at www.ward8woods. org/fort-stanton-park.

Shepherd Parkway Monthly Volunteer Days. On the second Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., help remove trash and invasive plants from Fort Shepherd Parkway. Volunteers meet at 555 Newcomb St. SE. Register at www.ward8woods.org/shepherd-parkway.

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Since 1989, the Alice Ferguson Foundation has spearheaded the Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup to connect people to their local watershed through stewardship and volunteerism. On April 15, lend a hand at the flagship cleanup event along the shoreline of Piscataway Park in Accokeek, Maryland. Read more and sign up at www.fergusonfoundation.org.

Flower Mart at the National Cathedral. May 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual Flower Mart is the largest fundraiser for the cathedral’s gardens and grounds. It features a white-elephant tent, an international floral display, plants and gifts for sale, tower climbs, free live entertainment and food. www.allhallowsguild.org

Clean Waterways Kenilworth Park Earth Day Cleanup. Saturday, April 22, from 9:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. registration) to noon, help clean up Kenilworth Park Bandalong Litter Trap. All equipment is provided; wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind

getting dirty. Register at www. anacostiariverkeeper.org.

Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup at Oxon Cove Park. April 22, noon to 2:30 p.m., help remove single-use plastics and trash along the shoreline of Oxon Cove Park. Contact rebecca_george@ partner.nps.gov.

Notes from the Crypt Earth Day Concert. April 22, noon to 1 p.m., join Congressional Cemetery in its historic 1903 Chapel for a special Earth Day-themed concert featuring some of DC’s best musicians. Seating free but limited. 1801 E St. SE. www.congressionalcemetery.org

Celebrate Earth Day with Poetry. Peter Coppelman reads from his collection “A Life of Service,” April 22, 4 to 5 p.m. Coppelman explores an exemplary life devoted to environmental protection. $10. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. www.hillcenterdc.org

Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup. On April 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, thousands of volunteers will collect trash at dozens of sites around the watershed and enjoy the Anacostia River. Registration at www.anacostiaws. org is strongly recommended. You will receive a confirmation email from earthday@anacostiaws.org with details. T-shirts for participants. Some sites accept walkups. Children can participate when accompanied by an adult. www.anacostiaws.org/earthday2023

City Nature Challenge: Washington DC Metro Area. April 28 to May 1, join others in this global effort to explore biodiversity. During May 2 to 7, upload and identify observations; collective global results will be announced on May 8. Read more and sign up at www.citynaturechallenge.org.

Mount Vernon Spring Plant and Garden Sale. April 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., shop for heirloom vegetables, herbs and annual flowers in the overflow parking lot, plus native perennials, trees and shrubs grown in Mount Vernon’s greenhouses. www.mountvernon.org

Trail Riding Basics with WABA. WABA’s Trail Riding Basics class on April 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kenilworth Park, teaches bicyclists of all ages to ride safely, confidently and considerately on trails and multi-use paths. Free. Register at www.waba. org/blog/2023/03/fokag-waba.

The Bike How You Like Ride.

May 6. Whether you rode all win-

ter, are just coming out of hibernation, learning how to ride or already use your bike as the primary mode of transportation, this family-friendly ride is for bicyclists of all ages and experience levels. Two-mile fun ride; 10-mile cruiser ride; 30-mile explorer ride or 50-mile road warrior ride. All rides start and finish at Franklin Park, 1332 I St. NW. Register at www. waba.org/bikehowyoulike.

DC Urban Farm Tax Abatement Program. DC offers up to a 90% property tax abatement for individuals whose property is being used as an urban farm, pursuant to DC Code §47-868, “Reduced tax liability for certain urban farms,” for a maximum annual property abatement of $20,000. www.doee.dc.gov/ node/1592086

Waste Less – Recycle More. To learn more about ways to reduce waste, sign up for periodic updates at www.zerowaste.dc.gov. u

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Play Ball! Game Day Congestion Residents

Question

DDOT Traffic Planning

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Lucy had been sitting in traffic on M Street for 45 minutes when she finally made it to Cushing Place. She just wanted to turn left and drive into the alley that led to her parking garage at The Envy, a property located in front of the Nationals’ center field gate. The yellow-vested traffic control officer (TCO) refused to let her make the turn.

Lucy had been sitting in traffic on M Street for 45 minutes when she finally made it to Cushing Place. She just wanted to turn left and drive into the alley that led to her parking garage at The Envy, a property located in front of the Nationals’ center field gate. The yellow-vested traffic control officer (TCO) refused to let her make the turn.

Lucy begged, her voice growing more urgent as horns of

Photo: Andrew Lightman

frustrated drivers blared behind her, no doubt headed for the game. This time she was lucky. The TCO allowed her to turn. Riding the elevator after parking, Lucy sighed with relief, having dodged the alternative. “They could have routed me across the bridge to Anacostia,” Lucy said, “putting me back on I-295 where I started and back in the awful traffic for 45 minutes, when all I had to do was make a left turn and I’d be home.”

Like many residents, Lucy avoids driving on game days. Sometimes, however, “it’s unavoidable,” she said.

Managing Near-Daily Events Proves Challenging

Capitol Riverfront, composed of the Navy Yard and Buzzard Point, is suffering from its own success. Nationals Park, Yards Park, Audi Field and The Wharf draw thousands of visitors, not even counting the commuters who staff the city and federal agencies located in these neighborhoods.

Events in the Capitol Riverfront and South-

west are now the daily norm rather than the exception. Together, the Nationals and DC United host 116 games a year. The Anthem, Pearl Street Warehouse, Union Stage and The Capitol Turnaround are venues for over 190 concerts annually. The Wharf and Yards Park are significant venues with over 50 events planned for 2023.

“The Wharf and the two stadiums are all intertwined,” explained Fredrica “Rikki” Kramer, chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission ANC 6D. “We have a very dynamic picture for three different venues, plus what would go on normally for a national capital.”

COVID’s reduction in the use of public transit significantly complicated access. The road network in Southwest and Capitol Riverfront, always a challenge owing to bottlenecks, has seen a narrowing of roadways for protected bike lanes and a traffic oval at the northern foot of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

When the traffic flow is good, it can still take hours to get from Maine Avenue SW to the 11th Street Bridge; some fans routinely allocate an

hour and a half for travel to a Nationals game. When the flow is bad, traffic can trap residents in their homes, threatening their safety by impeding the movement of emergency vehicles.

The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), with a team of stakeholders, has created a Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP). Yet, it is an open question whether TOPP taking into account the tremendous population and commercial growth in the Capitol Riverfront and Southwest neighborhoods. Many residents and stakeholders say it has not.

Isolated Buzzard Point

Ben Joyce lived at The Camden on South Capitol for seven years, then moved to RiverPoint on Buzzard Point last year. “Nats game-day traffic is always fine, but games at Audi are an absolute mess,” Joyce said. “We just don’t have the infrastructure down there yet to accommodate that traffic.”

Access to Buzzard Point remains constrained both by the Anacostia River and a very attenuated road network. Fort McNair occupies the west half of the peninsula. The only two roads running fully north-south are Half Street SW and South Capitol Street. Fourth Street SW, a major artery, ends at P Street. Drivers must then head east to Second Street SW and then south.

Nothing about the way the traffic arrives at or exits from the Audi Field area feels planned, said Southwest resident Marc Levy. “One area that could help residents a lot, though, would be strict, consistent parking enforcement including rapid towing if legally allowed,” Levy said. “But the consistency is critical through the entire season, not just a month or two.”

Congested Navy Yard

Navy Yard residents cite problems with game-day gridlock, parking and enforcement. Like Lucy, they are often unable to leave or return home. Drivers wait upwards of an hour just to exit Nationals Parking Lot T, waiting to turn left toward I Street and onto the interstate, said a resident living across the street.

A recent Bad Bunny concert at Nats Park produced complete gridlock. It took 45 minutes to move three blocks in either direction, the resident said. The signal timing, he pointed out, provides little opportunity to turn onto the inter-

Afternoon game day traffic snarls Fourth Street SW on May 25, 2016. Photo: Andrew Lightman

state. The resident has completely given up event-day travel. “It’s something you have to get used to,” he said. “You have to really adjust your schedule.”

Explosive Residential Growth

The Capitol Riverfront and Southwest have experienced huge commercial and residential growth in the last decade. The empty lots that once surrounded Nationals Stadium and Audi Field are becoming a memory.

In 2000, 1,825 people lived in census tract 72, roughly the Navy Yard between the river and I-695, South Capitol Street and 11th Street SE. By 2020, that had increased to more than 18,900. New restaurants, hotels and bars have joined swanky condominiums and luxury apartments.

Development in Southwest quickly followed. Phase One of The Wharf, opened in 2017, added 2 million square feet of residences, retail and attractions such as the 6,000-seat Anthem concert hall. Phase Two added another 1.25 million square feet. Added to this is construction of mid-rises along M and I streets SW. By 2020 the population north of P Street SW and south of the National Mall, slightly under 4,300 in 2000, had increased to just under 8,400.

Buzzard Point is now on the same trajectory. Since the opening of Audi Field in 2018, its resident population has reached 6,763, a doubling since 2000 with more on the way. Just to the south of the stadium, developer Akridge is building The Stacks, bringing 2 million square feet of residential development and consuming a two-block parking

lot that served as the main parking facility for Audi fans. Managing this explosive residential growth would prove a challenge to any city, but it is compounded in the neighborhoods south of I-695 by huge influxes of visitors.

A Plague of Visitors

In a 2014 analysis of the Capitol Riverfront transportation network, a DC-commissioned study predicted that simultaneous weeknight events at the soccer and baseball venues would overload neighborhood roadway and transit systems. The zoning order for Audi Field specifically noted that DC United had committed to coordinated scheduling between the teams.

Nationals Park and Audi Field have a combined total of 61,000 seats, 41,000 at the former and 20,000 at the latter. The schedule for 2023 shows 12 simultaneous events at Nationals Park and Audi Field. That number does not reflect the schedules of other neighborhood venues such as Yards Park, The Wharf or The Anthem.

The Wharf hosts a Christmas tree lighting, July Fourth fireworks, a holiday boat parade and cherry blossoms programing as well as weekend festivals for nearly every holiday. In 2022, seven million people visited The Wharf. The schedule at Yards Park is similarly packed, especially in the summer. Collectively, these venues have more than 200 events scheduled for the year. Moreover, The Anthem, along with the two other neighboring concert halls, can draw as many as 7,000 on a single night.

TOPP does not fully address this influx.

“There is no time for one group to clear out before the next takes over; it’s madness,” declared Levy.

Area resident Conner Bruns thinks building more parking garages or widening roads definitely won’t solve the problem. “It’ll just cause more people to drive in and congest the neighborhood streets,” he said. He thought it would help if visitors relied more on public transportation.

Yet, the pandemic has decreased public use of public transit.

Public Transit Woes

Metro ridership has not fully recovered from its pandemic decline. In 2022, daily ridership was averaged 220,000, compared to 626,000 in 2019. “At one point, 55% of fans arrived by Metro,” said Gregory McCarthy, the Nationals’ senior vice president of community affairs and community engagement.

“We’re probably at less than half that now. That’s a disappointment.”

Applying McCarthy’s statement to a hypothetical scenario, and assuming that DC United fans behave similarly, if both stadiums host simultaneous sold-out games and 75% of fans drive, half in carpools, 15,677 cars would flood the road network south of I-695. This does not account for visitors to The Wharf or Yards Park or fans arriving in for-hire vehicles (FHVs).

Nationals Park and Audi Field officials said they discourage driving to their venues. Fearing gridlock, the Nationals are working with WMATA to promote ridership, the team said.

Bus access remains constrained. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed eliminating the L’Enfant to Eastern Market Circulator in her 2023 budget. Metrobus 74, the only service to Buzzard Point, runs every half hour but not below P Street SW on game days due to road closures. Given the limited public transit, visitors often choose to take FHVs provided by rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft.

Rideshare Woes

When Nationals Park opened in 2008, Uber was still three years from launching in the District.

Nationals pre-game street closures. Map: 2023 TOPP

By 2017, for-hire vehicles picking up and dropping off wherever they wanted prompted a DDOT analysis of potential designated spots. However, the rideshare companies decide where passengers will load and unload.

According to the 2023 TOPP, it is impractical to designate specific pickup spots. Instead, DDOT encourages rideshare companies to do it several blocks from the event venue. DDOT has banned pickups and dropoffs during games days near Nationals Park, including South Capitol Street between I-695 and the Douglass Bridge. M Street between Fifth Street SE and Delaware Avenue SW has been placed offlimits. That is also true near Audi Field (R Street, Potomac Avenue and Second Street SW), as well as in the residential neighborhood north of Q Street SW.

But DDOT has no enforcement mechanism ‒a chronic problem, noted many residents. The ANC commissioner for the area around Nationals Park, Rick Murphree (8F02), said DDOT had done a relatively good job of traffic management around Nationals Park, but enforcement around rideshare dropoff and pickup was a problem.

Last year, rideshare was dropping passengers on the south side of M Street near Van Street SE. “They were just lining up, dropping people off ‒not even curbside, just in the middle of the intersection,” Murphree recalled. “It was crazy, people were just running across the middle of the street.”

“Like everything with DDOT, they have great

plans,” Murphree said. But when it comes to the enforcement, which doesn’t fall to them, there’s a need to make sure everybody’s on the same page.”

Fan use of rideshare threatens to add more vehicles to already overburdened streets. This is complicated by recent major changes in the road network itself.

New Traffic Patterns

New traffic ovals opened on both sides of the Douglass Bridge in February 2023. This season is the

first time fans will encounter them.

The Nationals and the city, said McCarthy, have done a great job of informing people about the new traffic pattern. The oval helps local drivers who want to turn left into their neighborhoods. They can access Buzzard Point at Q Street SW by showing a special placard. TCOs will be stationed to prohibit northbound turns from the oval after games at either stadium, directing drivers across the bridge.

The bridge is not the only change. Protected bike lanes, installed over the past two years, have reduced the number of travel lanes on many streets leading to the ballpark, including First Street SE, Potomac Avenue SE and SW, I Street SW and SE and New Jersey Avenue SE.

The Nationals have an ongoing concern about the loss of the First Street travel lanes and the lack of parking enforcement, stated McCarthy. “That is a chronic bottleneck.” The Nationals have yet to see the impact of the arrangement on a post-COVID game. “I think we’ll see it this year more acutely,” McCarthy said. “That’s something that we’ll be asking the city to look at throughout the rest of the season.”

DDOT has plans for the Capitol Riverfront road network. This summer, the agency intends to install dedicated bus lanes and protected bike paths on M Street SE between First and 11th streets. Edward Daniels, chair of ANC 8F, questioned agency representatives at a February meeting, asking why they would do this in the middle of

Audi Field pre-game street closures. Map: 2023 TOPP

the baseball season. According to Daniels, “They said, ‘We’ll get back to you.’”

Fans who drive in will likely find the public parking significantly constrained.

Vanishing Public Parking

Nationals Park has around 1,100 parking spaces at the stadium and official lettered lots. Audi Field has no off-street parking. The teams do not have an arrangement to share parking facilities.

The 2023 TOPP counts 29 parking garages and surface lots, hosting more than 4,500 spaces. However, not all are public facilities available to fans. Further, this inventory was not surveyed prior to the issuance of the plan. Many of the surface facilities have been absorbed by residential and commercial development. For example, the

lot at 1880 Second St. SW is now a construction zone for the first phase of The Stacks.

Taking a minute to consider the earlier hypothetical: There is no space to park 15,677 cars in the neighborhoods below I-695.

Driving can be further complicated by gameday road closures.

Game Day Road Closures

Van Street, Half Street and Cushing Place SE will be fully closed between Nationals Park and M Street, with travel directed south from M Street to the ballpark garages or across the Douglass Bridge. After the game, the streets north of the ballpark will remain closed, as will First Street SE, with travel directed south from M Street around the park and to the Douglass Bridge.

At Audi Field, no vehicles are permitted south of M Street SW at Half or First streets; First Street will be closed between Potomac Avenue and T Street SW, as also S Street between First and Half. After games, vehicles are not supposed to travel west of South Capitol on Potomac Avenue SW or on R Street between Second and First streets SW.

Residential & Emergency Access

DDOT plans to give residents near the stadiums placards that will grant access to roads closed on game days. But residents complain about being prevented from turning into the alleys accessing their parking garages even with a placard. “It doesn’t even matter that I show them the resident placard they give us at the beginning of every baseball season,” said a resident of F1RST Residences (1263 First St. SE).

“We should be allowed to get home!”

One building, The Envy (70 N St. SE), is not even listed as a residence. It appears to be lumped with a neighboring apartment, The Kelvin (1250 Half St. SE). Murphree’s own building, the Avidian (1211 Van St. SE), is also not on the list. It is unclear if those residents will receive placards.

Worse, roadways get completely locked up, potentially hindering DC Fire and ambulances, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) has pointed out. All of the DC Fire companies within two miles of the stadiums are located north of M Street (Fire Engine 7 at 1101 Half St. SE, Engine 13 at 400 E St. SW and Engine 18 at 414 Eighth St. SE) or on the other side of the river (Engine 15 at 2101 14th St. SE). “We’re talking about if somebody had an emergency, you couldn’t get an ambulance down there,” stated Allen. “The roadways get completely locked up in a way that actually hurts our first responders’ ability to get where they’ve got to go and get to our residents in need.”

Allen said, “I think there are a number of ways in which this process is failing our neighbors.”

Yes Virginia, There Is a Plan

The first Nationals Park TOPP was released pri-

Available off-street parking. Map: 2023 TOPP

or to the 2008 season, a result of two years of negotiations, research and community planning. It outlined strategies to improve travel for large crowds and to minimize the impact on residential neighborhoods. DDOT and stakeholders committed to reviewing TOPP annually. When Audi Field was under construction, it was integrated into the plan.

The 2020 TOPP established a Stadium Event Zone (SEZ) bounded by Second Street, Delaware Avenue SW, I-695, Fifth Street SE and the Anacostia River.

borhood population of 18,900. Many told the Hill Rag they did not even know there was a plan.

Others said the planning process was too rushed. Stakeholders met with officials to discuss traffic concerns on March 6, barely three weeks before Nationals opening day. ANC commissioners received a draft of TOPP only at the end of that week, hindering thorough comment. “We’re always catching up,” said ANC 6D’s Kramer. “They have not understood

Kramer urged DDOT to start its 2024 planning now. “This requires a kind of microanalysis, and they need to accommodate that with a variety of stakeholders and knowledgeable (individuals) so they can come out with a plan that makes sense,” Kramer said. “There’s stuff that they could correct now, before the middle and end of the season, and I think they should be required to do that.”

DDOT has called TOPP “a living document,” subject to continual improvement with community input. Planning for next year is already underway, the agency stated.

2023: What, Me Worry?

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen has pushed DDOT to produce a comprehensive plan for the entire Southwest and near Southeast area. As chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Allen said he is prepared to call hearings to focus on TOPP.

Street parking is prohibited in this area sout of M Street from 7 a.m. to midnight on days when there are events at Nationals Park and Audi Field. North of M Street, there will be partial restrictions.

The 2023 TOPP includes a new Traffic Management Center (TMS). It is a 24-hour operation monitoring roadway use in real time and coordinating with enforcement agencies such as the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Public Works, which issues parking tickets. The TMS has a dedicated phone line for resident complaints: (202) 671-3368.

Residents worry that the TOPP will be insufficient. There was little resident outreach. An email survey by DDOT received hardly more than 90 responses from the Navy Yard neigh -

that they have to get to us early on and get this fixed.”

“TOPP has not worked well for the community for years now,” said ANC Commissioner Rhonda Hamilton (6D08), whose single-member district sits across South Capitol Street from Nationals Stadium. “It also does not address the cumulative impacts of game and event-day traffic on the overall health of the community including the quality of life.” She added that DDOT invites the commissioners to the table too late each year to have any real input. “It is as if our constituents are an afterthought,” Hamilton added.

Kramer questioned the terms of the SEZ and the TOPP. The SEZ, she complained, focuses largely on the Navy Yard and a small area around Audi Field, and the TOPP fails to recognize that the two stadiums are intertwined with The Wharf and the larger Southwest community.

“We’ve asked DDOT repeatedly to have a more comprehensive approach that encompasses all of this, and they have just not done that.” Allen said. The alternative is to look at a legislative solution, he stated at a recent ANC 6D meeting, though he did not propose specifics. TOPP must include an enforcement component, Allen said. “It makes no sense to have a plan and then have no enforcement plan to go with it.”

Allen’s observations are confirmed by local residents. “We are often locked in and out of the neighborhood because of the huge traffic backups. It is not fair to us to have no effective plan that works well for our neighborhood,” said ANC 6D’s Hamilton.

Many residents agree. They don’t want to be stuck in traffic or worse, like Envy resident Lucy, trapped and redirected to drive in circles right past her own home.

DDOT, DC United and Councilmember Trayon White Sr. did not comment on the record in time for publication of this story. u

The District Beat Bowser Stumbles Into Her Third Term

Falchiccio Scandal Derails Administration

by Kenneth V. Cummins

John Falchiccio held unprecedented power in District government as Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) chief of staff while doubling as her Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. His resignation in the wake of sordid allegations threatens to derail Bowser’s third term at its inception.

During the first two terms of the Bowser administration, Falchiccio earned a reputation as the most powerful DC bureaucrat since Anthony Williams served as the DC’s first Chief Financial Officer in the mid-nineties. Never in the half century of Home Rule has a mayoral aide wielded such power and influence. His position rapidly unraveled in

the face of accusations of sexual harassment, which forced his sudden departure this month.

Who is Falchiccio

Falchiccio (43) has been at Bowser’s side since both joined then Ward 4 Councilmember Adrian Fenty’s (D) “Green Team.” This shoe-leather cam-

John Falchiccio, then-Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and chief of staff to Mayor Muriel Bowser (D, left) stands behind the Mayor as they listen to Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) at a press conference held March 28, 2022 near RFK Stadium. Photo: Elizabeth O’Gorek.

paign executed a stunning upset of the District’s Democratic establishment electing Fenty mayor. The candidate won every precinct.

During the 2006 campaign, Falchiccio got an inside look at the nexus between politics, power and money in DC. He sat next to Fenty as the soon-to-be-mayor called potential donors, soliciting large contributions. He joined the candidate on fundraising runs when Fenty picked up checks. This marked the beginning of his long-lasting relationship with District developers and the moneyed class, which still fuel DC elections.

In 2007, immediately after Fenty’s election, Falchiccio managed Bowser’s successful campaign to become the mayor’s successor as Ward 4 councilmember. Afterwards, he joined the Fenty administration as a political adviser, message bearer and and jack of all trades for “the boss.”

Mayor Fenty squandered his enormous political capital over the next four years. He was unceremoniously unseated by then Council Chairman Vince Gray (D) in 2010. Falchiccio then took a brief respite from DC to return to national politics. In 2014, he returned to advise Bowser on her 2014 successful challenge to Gray’s re-election. After Bowser’s victory, he became her first and only chief of staff. In Bowser’s second term, she appointed Falchiccio Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, significantly expanding his role in her administration.

Falchiccio added to his power by being the hardest working, most loyal member of the Bowser team.

The Curse of the Third Term

Falchiccio’s exit shattered the Mayor’s inner circle. It blew a huge hole in her administration that is not easily filled. This blow has compounded the mounting problems she faces at the start of her third term which already promises to be much more challenging than her first two. The time is past when DC officials and Council members could be heard proclaiming: “the city has more money than it can spend.”

That euphoria has vanished as the infusion of federal pandemic funds has started to evaporate. Moreover, federal agencies have not and may never recall their employees back to work, leaving downtown empty. Lastly, federal agencies, corporations and law firms are likely to need less space in the fu-

ture. Recognizing this dire situation, the mayor has made the revival of DC’s office core the major focus on her third term.

In this environment of post-COVID fiscal austerity, Bowser must revitalize and reimagine downtown. She hopes to turn vacant offices into affordable residential town centers.

Falchiccio was the mayor’s point person on downtown revitalization, possessing singular skills and experience to deal with the crisis. He held the administration’s relationships with developers, who will play key roles in any future revitalization. However, as one of the Mayor’s most loyal supporters lamented last week, there is no Falchiccio 2.0 to serve in Bowser’s 3.0 administration.

Downtown woes are not Bowser’s only major headache. She also faces:

• dismal city revenues due to declining value of commercial office properties;

• a rise in violent and property crimes;

• reigning in the illegal cannabis gray market;

• aggressive oversight from increasingly hostile Congressional Republicans;

• difficult relations with the progressive-dominated DC Council;

• a DC Housing Authority slipping into federal receivership;

• public demand for incr eased affordable housing;

• a destabilized operation at DMPED.

The mayor’s first move was to shift Keith Anderson from the troubled General Services Administration to the helm of DMPED. Anderson also has served in the past as both the Director of Parks and Recreation and Director of the Department of Energy and Environment during the Bowser and Gray administrations. Many expect the move to be temporary while she conducts a national search for a permanent replacement.

Bowser then appointed Lindsay Parker as her new chief of staff. Parker has served in the past as Bowser’s deputy chief of staff, assistant city administrator and the city’s Chief Technology Officer.

Both Anderson and Parker are regarded as competent “implementers.” However, they are not strategic thinkers in the mold of Falchiccio. They also lack the deep personal relationships with the city’s business community which made him so invaluable.

Despite these swift moves, many see an ad-

ministration that remains out to sea. “There is no one who can fill John’s shoes,’’ a longtime supporter observed.

The Mayor’s Shadow

When Bowser lost Falchiccio, she lost “her brain, her fixer, her enforcer,’’ DC employees, District political cognoscenti and Council staffers all say. More importantly, Bowser, a notoriously guarded politician, lost the person she trusted most among her surprisingly small circle of insiders.

“They had a symbiotic relationship,’’ says former Bowser campaign adviser Tom Lindenfeld. “When talking to John, people assumed they were talking to Muriel. And, when talking to Muriel, you assumed you were talking to John.’’

“She might find it hard to trust anyone, now,’’ Lindenfeld said.

Regardless of whether this scandal involves one woman – or ten -- coming forward, Bowser politically and personally could not suffer the consequences of such a scandal, and had to distance herself from it immediately.

Women -- and particularly young white professionals and women of color -- form the hard core of her support, and standing up against this type of misconduct and treatment of women is central to her image and brand.

The reason for Falchiccio’s disappearance was finally revealed by civil rights attorney Debra Katz. In a March 20 press release, Katz disclosed allegations of Falchiccio’s sexual misconduct involving an unnamed female DC employee.

Katz urged other women to come forward. She advised them to contact Deputy Legal Counsel Vanessa Natale at the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel, who is conducting the investigation. This may signal possible criminal violations, such as providing favors or rewards to subordinates in return for silence.

Bowser, no doubt, hopes her quick moves to replace her consigliere will allow her administration to quickly move forward. However, Falchiccio’s ghost may yet haunt her footsteps. Only time will tell.

Kenneth V. Cummins has been reporting on DC politics and issues for nearly 40 years. u

DC Begins School Boundary Study

Boundaries, Feeder Patterns and Admission Processes May Change

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The process of changing school boundaries for DC Public Schools (DCPS) is about to begin.

On March 21 the Mayor’s o ce announced the launch of the Boundary and Student Assignment Study 2023, or Boundary Study, through the O ce of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME). The study will review boundaries and feeder patterns and Districtwide public school student assignment policies.

It’s the rst update to school by-right attendance boundaries since 2013-2014, when DC undertook its rst comprehensive review of boundaries in 40 years. DME is running a Mas-

ter Facilities Plan study at the same time and both studies will share foundational information. Any potential boundary modi cations and feeder recommendations would take e ect no sooner than School Year 2025-26, i.e. August of 2025.

“We are embarking on a city-wide planning process that will provide strategic, data-informed recommendations to ensure more students have access to great schools and facilities that meet their needs,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn.

The process will be essential to the ongoing work to not only recover from the negative repercussions of the Covid pandemic, but to

continue e orts to close the opportunity gap, Kihn added. “We know that residents will have strong thoughts and feedback, and we look forward to engaging directly with families, educators, and stakeholders over the coming weeks and months,” he said.

What This Means

Boundries:

DC law requires each child to be assigned to a school, determined by lines drawn around the area in which they live. That school is called the “boundary” school or “by-right” school. Students have the right to attend the boundary school if they live inbounds, or within the area designated. Feeder patterns determine which middle school and then high school students have the right to attend based on what by-right school they are coming from. Find your current boundary school and feeder pattern online at enrolldcps.dc.gov/ node/41

The law requires a boundary study to be conducted in 2023 and every ten years afterward, re-examining the area boundaries, feeder patterns, the capacity of schools and whether all students have equitable access to high-quality DCPS schools. It will balance overcrowded and underutilized schools,

and vicinity

boundary map. From Capitol Hill Community Guide, 2023. J.Yen/CCN

J.O. Wilson ES

Ludlow-Taylor ES Miner ES

Maury ES

Payne ES

Watkins ES

Tyler ES

Van Ness ES

Brent ES

Peabody ES

EASTERN HS

Eliot-Hine MS

Stuart-Hobson MS

Browne MS

Jefferson MS

EASTERN HS

EASTERN HS

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

balance unequal or problematic feeder programs, look at early childhood learning opportunities and address equity and diversity in the schools.

The process is long and changes won’t take e ect until fall 2025. Your child will have completed two full school years by then. DME has indicated that this process is likely to follow the same phase-in processes used in 2013 (see https://dcps.dc.gov/ publication/boundaries-andfeeder-pattern-changes-faq). By those rules, if your school boundaries change but your child was attending their old inboundary school in spring 2025, they could continue there in fall or choose the new in-boundary school. If they ever opt out of their old school, they can’t go back. If the 2013 rules are followed, this choice will also apply to incoming students with a sibling at the old in-boundary school, but only for the rst year (projected to be 2025-26).

The same rule would apply to feeder patterns. If a student were to enter middle or high school in fall 2025 and their feeder pattern had changed, they could choose between either the old or new by-right upper school —but the choice is available only for that year.

This will change things for those who bought a home thinking it was in-bounds for a particular school or who have an eldest or only child that will not yet be school-aged or is not in DCPS before fall 2025. In these circumstances, if the school boundaries change, the child’s presumed school will change. The old inboundary school could now be entered by DC School Lottery.

Students who are already at a DCPS school, including those who have entered a school through the DC School Lottery, will not be reassigned because of boundary changes. If your child is at a charter or private school, their by-right school is now the new boundary school; the change doesn’t a ect them unless they withdraw from the current, non-DCPS school. If their byright school changes, it will only a ect them if they withdraw from that institution and need another place to learn. Their by-right/ in-bounds school is supposed to take them.

Public Opinion and Town Hall Meetings

The public has a chance to weigh-in on changes, Kihn added. There will be three rounds of District-wide town halls, an Advisory Committee, engagement with school-specific communities, a boundary study website for information sharing and collecting feedback and ongoing participation at meetings and events. The process is modeled on the 201314 adjustment to boundaries.

DME has contracted with a team led by Perkins Eastman, including WXY Studio, LINK Strategic Partners and The DC Policy Center to support both studies. They will hold three rounds of District-wide town halls for both the Boundary Study and MFP 2023 over the course of the year (spring, early summer, and fall). School communities and residents will be encouraged to attend. Information regarding the town halls will be posted on the DME site and shared via social media.

As part of the launch of the Boundary Study, the DME also announced membership of the Advisory Committee on Student Assignment. The Advisory Committee is composed of education stakeholders from all eight wards who will meet monthly to create recommendations for attendance zones, feeder patterns, and school assignment policies. Members of the Advisory Committee were recommended by education stakeholders and selected by the DME to reflect Washington, DC’s public school education system, including ward of residence and enrollment preferences.

Meetings will be live streamed and open to the public. Information regarding the Advisory Committee members, meetings, and materials are posted to https://dme.dc.gov/boundaries2023.

There are two Ward 6 members of the committee, both members of Parents Amplifying Voices in Education (PAVE). Crystal Gray is a member of the Watkins ES PTA and Equity Team, as well as PAVE’s Citywide/Ward 6 Board. The other Ward 6 resident is Payne Elementary parent Carolyn Bowen, a former teacher/special education coordinator and American Planning Association member.

The rst Advisory Committee meeting took place on March 30, 2023, focusing on the committee’s charge and the goals of the project.

For more information, visit https://dme.dc.gov/boundaries2023 See the full list of advisory Committee Members at https:// dme.dc.gov/node/1649621 ◆

2023 Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awardees

by Stephanie Deutsch

It’s a rite of springtime in our neighborhood ‒ the festive evening dedicated to bestowing Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards and raising funds for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Held for many years in the magnificent Great Hall of the Folger Shakespeare Library, and then via Zoom during Covid, the awards reception and ceremony last year took place in the garden courtyard and nave of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at the corner of 3rd and A streets SE.

This spring, on Tuesday May 23, St. Mark’s will again be the venue for the awards ceremony. Honorees are Kenn Allen and Maureen Shea, Bill Press and James Perry.

Kenn Allen and Maureen Shea

St. Mark’s is a particularly appropriate place to honor Allen and Shea, longtime members of the parish whose contributions there and elsewhere on Capitol Hill are almost too numerous to count. In 1980, newly married to Allen and living on Capitol Hill, Shea was intrigued by what she read about St. Mark’s in a memoir by Harry McPherson. He had been special counsel to President Lyndon Johnson and a one-time St. Mark’s senior warden, remembered for having brought the new president to church the Sunday after the Kennedy assassination.

Shea thought the church’s emphasis on welcoming people from a variety of faith traditions, combined with a strong appreciation for the arts, sounded interesting. She and Allen became mem-

bers and found a house just two blocks from St. Mark’s, where they have lived for 30 years.

Being close to the church was helpful in 2009 when Allen, still working full time as founder and president of the Civil Society Consulting Group, became senior warden, the elected lay leader of the parish. While his work promoting volunteerism and civic engagement was taking him to 35 overseas destinations, his time at home was taken up with church concerns.

Under his guidance, St. Mark’s undertook a major assessment of its 130-year-old Romanesque and Gothic revival building and initiated a “dreaming” process about how best to ensure its viability for years to come. The process led to a major renovation of the building’s undercroft and parish hall, repairs and long-deferred maintenance to its brick bell tower and stained-glass

windows (which include a large one made by Tiffany), with a great deal of fundraising.

Allen provided leadership and a vision of St. Mark’s as a resource not just for its members but for the entire Capitol Hill community. He notes with pride that the nave is the largest indoor space available for events on Capitol Hill and has hosted school auctions, concerts and plays and events such as the annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, attended by hundreds of anti-gun violence activists and this year by President Biden. Allen has also been a longtime board member of Everyone Home DC, formerly the Capitol Hill Group Ministry, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Shea, who retired in 2009 as director of government relations for the Episcopal Church, has made a specialty of hospitality. From organizing a long-standing and much-loved summer block party on A Street to being the force behind Fridaynight dinners out for neighbors, to hosting a blacktie dinner at the East Capitol Street diner Jimmy T’s to celebrate the Clinton inauguration in 1993, to weekly Zoom calls during Covid and last-minute invitations for friends to gather on her front steps with glasses of wine, she is an imaginative creator of opportunities for people to get together and share food and fellowship.

As a driver for Food Rescue DC she has embraced the chance to serve temporarily homeless neighbors and refugees, taking leftover and donat-

James perry, Bill Press, Maureen Shea and Kenn Allen

ed food to various shelters, and co-chaired St. Mark’s outreach to Afghan refugees via participation in Good Neighbors Capitol Hill.

She re ects that, while occasionally annoyed by her many trips to Costco for supplies, she actually loves it. “On Sunday mornings,” she says, “you look around, you see people talking and enjoying each other, kids having fun, and you realize that, yes, it is worth it.”

Bill Press

When political commentator Bill Press moved from California to Washington in 1996 to take a job as one of the hosts of CNN’s nightly “Cross re” debate program, he and his wife Carol got lots of advice about where they should live. Kalorama in Northwest DC, Potomac, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, were mentioned as desirable neighborhoods. They also had friends on Capitol Hill, and once they visited they knew where they wanted to be. They still have a house in California and return to visit their two sons and families, but Southeast is now denitely home.

Press notes that you couldn’t be on the Hill for long and escape the notice of Nicky Cymrot and her late husband, Steve, founders of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. They shared with him their dream of turning the rundown Old Naval Hospital building on Pennsylvania Avenue into a community center offering a wide variety of stimulating programs, an idea Press immediately liked.

As the Hill Center became a reality, Press suggested a series of talks between him and guests, with the public invited to join

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SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 13 & 14

Enjoy eleven delightful homes and stop at Hill Center for refreshments. Visit chrs.org/more- housetour-2023/ for details, including a list of addresses.

CONNECT WITH US!

the conversation. “Talk of the Hill” made its debut in 2012, with a live conversation at Hill Center between Press and Brian Lamb, founder of CSPAN, with a hundred members of the public in attendance. Since then, Press has sat down with political gures – Sen. Bernie Sanders, the late Rep. John Lewis, Associate Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer and many others. He’s talked to fellow writers and journalists like Peter Baker, Norm Ornstein and David Brooks, and also to chefs. He fondly remembers that during Covid he interviewed cookbook author Ina Garten from his own kitchen with her “ultimate beef stew” burbling on the stove behind him. Following restaurateur Alice Waters’ appearance at Hill Center, he and Carol took her to dinner at Rose’s Luxury, which she loved.

In all these talks – over 60 in more than 10 years – Press says his goal has been twofold. He wants to give Capitol Hill residents the opportunity to be in conversation with interesting and in uential political and cultural leaders. But he wants as well to show his guests that Capitol Hill is, as he says, “more than a collection of government buildings. It’s a vibrant, colorful, active, diverse, warm and welcoming residential community with some great, well-informed and dedicated residents.”

James Perry

The “Spark” Award, named for Steve Cymrot, who died 2014, recognizes individuals whose energy and imagination are so infectious that they give o sparks to inspire others. It is hard to imagine anyone of whom this could be more true than 41-year-old James Perry, director of the Eastern High School Marching Band, often called the Blue and White Marching Machine.

For 17 years Perry has been encouraging students with his drive to see them succeed, not just musically but in everything they do. He notes with pride the colleges and universities that band alumni are attending and says he loves welcoming students back when they come to visit “with their college swag on.”

Perry fell in love with music as a child growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, where family members would do their Saturday morning chores to the tunes of the king of Gospel, Rev. James Cleveland, R&B great Luther Vandross and the Mississippi Mass Choir. As a young teen he wanted to be “the cool guy” playing the drums, but his mother suggested that he choose something more practical. He chose ‒ and fell in love with ‒ the alto saxophone.

The high school he attended, I.C. Norcom, had what he describes as a “phenomenal” band. Its director, Donovan Wells, was a disciplinarian whose insistence on every detail being right, from the music to the uniforms to the “high stepping” characteristic of many black bands, made the group stand apart and do well in competitions. By the end of his time there, Perry was the band’s drum major, charged with leading processions and keeping the tempo. At college at Norfolk State University he was again part of a terri c band, the Spartans, whose distinctive headgear he had long admired. He also liked their “unique sound,” which never allowed the melody to get lost.

An early-childhood-education major, Perry worked initially as a pre-K teacher and mental health worker, jobs he loved. But when a living arrangement with friends in Portsmouth fell apart, he took it as a sign. He moved to DC, nding work at St. Coletta’s school for children with intellectual disabilities,

where he reveled in what he calls the many “small wins” made by his students.

The school is just a few blocks from Eastern High, and before long he was volunteering there, working with the woodwinds and, in 2006, being hired as co-director of the band. Two years later, when his co-director left for law school, Perry became the band’s director. He now lives close enough to Eastern to walk to work. He sold his car several years ago and donated the proceeds to the band.

Perry was astonished when, after a Washington Post article last fall about the band and its relationship with the neighborhood, unsolicited donations began pouring in, finally amounting to over $213,000.

“I was overwhelmed,” he says. “It was just great to feel all that love.” Along with money came handwritten notes and offers of donations of instruments. The unexpected contributions will allow the band to replace the uniforms they have been wearing for more years than Perry cares to remember. For upcoming events, which include Eastern High School’s centennial, the band will look as sharp as it sounds. And no one will watch with more pride than James Perry.

The Public Is Welcome

The Community Achievement Awards ceremony on May 23 is a fundraiser and open to the public. For information about tickets contact Capitol Hill Community Foundation board members Nancy Lazear (nlazear@aol.com) or Buck Waller (Buckwaller3@ gmail.com). u

National Community Church to Lead 2023 Easter Sunrise Service

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

In 1995, newly arrived District residents Mark and Lora Batterson decided to attend the Sunrise Easter Service at the Lincoln Memorial. “It marked us,” Batterson remembered. “It is such a significant event, not just for the Kingdom, but I think for the city and our country at large.”

By then the DC tradition was already in its 26th year. The Battersons marveled at the crowd of nearly 10,000 that gathered to experience the celebration together. As the rosy-colored sun crept over the stone of the nation’s memorials, Capital Church pastor Amos Dodge declared, “The tomb is empty!”

The sunrise service approximates the moment at dawn when, as Batterson relates the Biblical telling, Jesus’s mother Mary “makes what is the greatest discovery ever, I think; that He is not there, He is risen, just as He said.”

Batterson never imagined that he, who would go on to lead National Community Church (NCC) in 1996, would someday be entrusted to lead

thousands in worship at this historic site. But at 6:30 a.m. on April 9, that’s exactly what will happen as NCC takes over the leadership of the Easter Sunrise Service from Capital Church.

43 Years of History

The first Easter Sunrise Service took place at the Lincoln Memorial in 1979. Capital Church minister Amos Dodge said he had simply felt a call to worship there. “In the spring of 1979, I was walking on the mall, praying for the city and headed toward the Lincoln Memorial,” he said. “I had a thought, which now I know was a whisper from Heaven: “Have a sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial.” So we did.”

“127 people came and now these years later, only God knew what was going to happen at the Lincoln every Easter,” Dodge said.

By 2015, attendance at the event was up to 8,000. That year, the Washingtonian ranked the Sunrise Service 5th on The Great Washington Bucket List, a compilation of “things we’d regret

not doing if we moved away”.

The service brings visitors from all 50 states and many other foreign countries; thousands more watch the event via livestream. “Seeing Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and on Easter Sunday is a memorable experience,” one 2013 attendee wrote. “To be there worshipping with 6000 other believers is a must. To reflect what Lincoln did as president and his sacrifice for the nation and comparing that to Jesus and his ultimate death and resurrection is something to think about.”

Passing the Baton

When COVID hit in 2020, the in-person service was cancelled. It was cancelled again in 2021. Capital Church organized the 2022 Sunrise Service, inviting Pastor Mark to pray, an experience he describes as extremely moving. Shortly afterward, Amos Dodge of Capital Church invited

NCC Pastor Mark Batterson before the crowd seated in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the 2022 Easter Sunrise Service. Thousands more gathered on the lawn to listen. Photo: Jack Hartzman Photography, Courtesy NCC

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

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Children’s programming provided at all services

OBSERVE GOOD FRIDAY WITH NCC FRIDAY, APRIL 7 – 6:00 PM

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0014-2023

EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT FIRM FOR DCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires a professional Executive Recruitment Firm Services for DCHA Executive Director.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, March 20, 2023 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM.

Email Name of Kimberly Allen, Vice President of the Office of Administrative Services at kallen@dchouisng.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

NCC to take over planning for the entire event. After 43 years, Batterson said they explained to him, it was time to pass on the baton. “Forty years is a long time to do anything,” Batterson said. “I think they just felt like this was the moment, and this year they have gone through pastoral change.”

“But we have discovered that it’s a lot of work,” Batterson said, laughing.

Easter is a busy time for any church. NCC, however, adds the Sunrise Service to a host of other events. They will still hold regular 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Easter Sunday services at both the Capital Turnaround and Northern Virginia churches, in addition to the Easter Eggstravaganza, the egg hunt they have hosted at Lincoln Park for more than 25 years (this year’s is April 1. Preregister at national.cc/eggstravaganza).

Sunrise Plans

That’s a lot of work that requires a lot of hands, Batterson acknowl-

edged. But blessing the city is their mission. So NCC began planning for the Sunrise Service as soon as they accepted the mission, working with the National Park Service (NPS), outgoing Capital Church Minister Travis Goodman and hundreds of volunteers over the next year to prepare for the 2023 service.

“It’s a big lift,” said Batterson. “Some of the volunteers will pull an all-nighter on the mall.” The event requires extensive permitting, in addition to erecting and tearing down staging, audio equipment and about 2,000 chairs near the front. It’s a full production; this year Grammy-nominated international Gospel/worship artist Todd Dulaney (https://todddulaneyland.com) will perform. But, Batterson said, NCC is well-practiced; most of their early years were spent in rented facilities where they would also set up and tear down staging.

This year will have a bit of the NCC stamp, Batterson acknowledged, but they want to be good

NCC Pastor Mark Batterson speaks at the 2022 Easter Sunrise Service, the last organized by founding congregation Capital Church.

Photo: Jack Hartzman Photography, Courtesy NCC

stewards of the service. Founding Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge will give a welcome. “We want to honor those who have come before and made this possible,” Batterson said.

What to Know

The service lasts about an hour. Worshippers will dress for the weather and sit on blankets on the steps or out in front of the memorial. Some come very early to try to claim a chair. That requires a lot of planning; Metro service does not begin Sunday until 7 a.m., although buses begin running by 5 a.m.

But, Batterson notes, one of the great things about being in DC on a holiday is the feeling of peace. “It’s almost like you have Capitol Hill to yourself,” he said. On Easter Sunday, the mall is largely empty, adding to the aura; parking is more widely available on the surrounding streets. Worshippers can also take ride share, bike share, or walk to the event.

It is both a Washington tradition and a deeply moving experience, Batterson said. NCC does not take the responsibility lightly. Both Batterson and NCC congregation are cognizant of the gravity of this event. “There’s something about the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall that it feels like you’re speaking to the nation and that carries a certain weight,” he said. “So, we’re excited about declaring the resurrection of Jesus Christ over our city, over our nation. It’s going to be a special moment to have thousands of voices praising the name of Jesus.”

Learn more about the Sunrise Service by visiting eastersunrise.com. Learn more about NCC at/national.cc. ◆

Condo Construction Concerns

ANC 6A REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met on March 9. Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01, vice chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03), Amber Gove (6A04, chair), Robb Dooling (6A06) and Steve Moilanen (6A07) were present. Laura Gentile (6A05) was absent.

In their March meeting, ANC 6A discussed whether to support a grant of relief by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for a proposed detached ve-story, 78-unit mixed use development at 1000-1016 H St.

ANC was only willing to agree to the relief if the ground oor residential units were designated by the condominium as artist studios and the developer made best e orts to avoid installing gas in the building, commissioners stated. They also requested a construction management plan be negotiated with immediate neighbors.

The developer, stated Attorney Meridith Moldenhauer, would not consent to reserving artist spaces or to the elimination of natural gas. However, all units would be equipped with electric appliances, she promised.

“I appreciate that in your former role as the Chair of the Zoning Commission that you understand chapter and verse probably better than anyone else in this,” Commissioner Mike Velasquez said of Moldenhauer’s presentation. “But I think trying to separate things into black and white and trying to explain what our rights are and what your rights are is not really helpful in garnering community support.”

Commissioner Keya Chatterjee noted that the District will outlaw gas in these types of buildings within a few years and

raised concern about the long-term impact of the construction now.

“DC law will actually outlaw gas in multifamily buildings in 2026 and I nd it a little bit strange [given that] it’s just a few years ahead of schedule and if you put in an HVAC system that uses gas it’s going to lock it in for 30 or 40 years,” stated Commissioner Keya Chatterjee.

“We are not enthusiastic about this project at all and we feel like it’s going to dramatically change the feel of the block,” community member Emily Price said. “It’s [going from] a highly family-oriented backyard area to much more commercial.”

“Regardless of the amount of public transit that is available, 76 new units, whether they get parking permits or not, doesn’t stop people from parking in the neighborhood,” Price said. The developer is only building eight parking spaces.

“I don’t think that this is the type of neighbor we want moving in,” Community member Matt Lawrence said, echoing

Price’s comments. “They’re not willing to make the exceptions that [the ANC] has asked for, much less what the community is looking for in a good neighbor.”

The commission voted to request BZA to delay the application to provide more time for negotiations. Failing that, it voted to oppose the project.

Other Matters

The commission voted to write to Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen asking him to sponsor a resolution honoring longtime resident William Outlaw.

The commission supported a proposal to construct a second story accessory dwelling unit addition to an existing detached, accessory garage in the rear of an existing, attached, three-story principal dwelling unit at 915 Maryland Avenue NE. There was one caveat. The plans, the commission insisted, must be updated to limit access to the upper unit to the rear yard.

The next meeting of ANC 6A is 7 p.m. April 13. 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. ◆

CRYSP Presents Vision for RFK to ANC 6B

ANC 6B REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Appearing at the March 14 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B were: Frank Avery (6B01, Treasurer); Jerry Sroufe (6B02), David Sobelsohn (6B03, Secretary); Frank D’Andrea (6B04); Kasie Durkit (6B05, Parliamentarian); Chander Jayaraman (6B06, Vice Chair); Vince Mareino (6B07); Edward Ryder (6B08, Chair); Matt LaFortune (6B09).

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.

www.anc6a.org

ALL ARE WELCOME

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, April 13, 7:00 p.m.

Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting

3rd Monday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting

3rd Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Community Outreach Committee meeting

4th Monday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting

4th Tuesday, April 25, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting.

ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C COMMITTEES

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing

First Monday, 7 pm

Contact: drew.courtney@gmail.com

Michael Godec, a representative for Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park (CRYSP), presented CRYSP’s vision to improve programs and opportunities at RFK Stadium Campus. In addition to managing The Fields at RFK, CRYSP does advocacy and research to make more space available for recreation for youth in the District. The overall site is managed by Events DC.

A survey of Ward 6 and 7 communities found that there are two signi cantly underserved populations: seniors 55-plus looking to be active and youth aged 10-14 who are not otherwise engaged in organized

ANC 6C03

Kelty 6C05@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C06

ANC 6C07

Grants

Last Thursday, 7 pm

Contact: torylord@gmail.com

Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants

Environment, Parks, and Events

First

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

Site plans for a proposed condo construction at 1000-1016 H St. NE.

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.

sports and just want to have somewhere to go and play. But demand for current RFK facilities exceeds supply by somewhere between 200-300%.

Godec brought one concept for the future of the site to ANC 6B to get feedback to bring back to Events DC. The plans largely concern the fields formerly used for practice by DC United, which are in disuse. Ideas include a baseball and soccer field, open courts, pickle ball courts, a boat launch and river access.

Godec said Events DC would like a small 2000-3000 stadium, which they propose for the center of the site. They want something that will draw people to the area, such as a field for DC’s ultimate frisbee team, DC Breeze, or for other regional and national events.

The vision CRYSP is developing would serve as a launchpad for a plan for what Events DC might do, and help ensure that whatever Events DC does “is attractive to and supported by the community and the neighborhood at large.”

Godec said he has no sense of timing for improvements to the site. The land is owned by the federal government, leased by the National Park Service (NPS) to DC, and under the management

of Events DC in an arrangement that requires the site be used for recreation. He said the fact that the lease between DC and NPS expires in 2038 likely prevents huge capital investments at the site.

Godec suggested community members send their ideas to Events DC via rfkoutreach@eventsdc.com.

Commissioner Relationship with Appointees

The commission voted 8-0 with one abstention from Commissioner David Sobelsohn (6B03) to elect an amended slate of resident members to ANC committees after Sobelsohn withdrew his candidate. There was heated debate about whether a commissioner who appoints a resident member can make an agreement with that appointee for the latter to recuse themselves from particular matters under consideration.

Secretary Sobelsohn argued that such an agreement is the prerogative of the commissioner who appointed the member. He said he thought the bylaws were clear: that commissioners have the power to remove resident members

they appoint: “And if we have the power to remove someone,” he argued, “then we have the power to say to that person: “this is how we want you to vote, and if you don’t vote this way, we’ll remove you.”

Resident members may vote on matters heard by their committee or task force, but do not have a vote on matters heard by the full commission. Alternate resident members may only vote in the absence of the resident member for the same Single Member District (SMD).

The conversation centered around Sobelsohn’s own alternate member appointment to the ANC Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee, Alessandro A. Milio, who works for Rose’s Luxury. Sobelsohn expressed concern that there might be a conflict of interest during discussions about Milio’s employer’s license or competitors.

Sobelsohn said Milio had agreed to recuse himself from discussion of liquor licenses on Barracks Row because, Sobelsohn said, they would either concern his employer or the employer’s competitors.

Durkit said that while Sobelsohn was using the rule to avoid conflict of interest, its application might create a bad precedent, noting that most members could find conflict of interest between their professional roles and as commissioners. ANC bylaws were changed in February so that resident or alternate members could be removed at any time by the commission or by the commissioner who made the appointment.

Commissioners LaFortune, Avery and Mareino all agreed that conditions should not be placed on resident members. Avery said the onus was on the participant in committee work. Not to do so, Avery said, would be the grounds for removal.

CRYSP Founder Michael Godec presented this concept for development at the RFK site to ANC 6B for feedback. Screenshot [detail]: Zoom/ANC 6B

Commissioner Chander Jayaraman (6B06) said the resident members are smart people and that, while Milio should not be able to speak on applications from his employer, Jayaraman also said he does not think it appropriate to provide conditions around resident member appointments.

In Other Business

The commissioner voted unanimously to support:

• A letter to Councilmember Charles Allen (D) urging him to support interim services during the Southeast Library Renovation, slated to begin this summer, as well as to meet with the ANC Southeast Library Task Force;

• A letter to DC Council supporting Councilmember Allen’s request to include funds for renovations to Gar eld Park in the budget, including park connection enhancements and the addition of at least four pickle ball courts;

• A Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for special exception to the lot occupancy requirements to allow for a two-story rear deck addition to an attached, threestory house with cellar at 718 North Carolina Ave SE. The ANC had asked the applicant to address neighbor concerns and found the conversations satisfactory.

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Concerns

About Crime

ANC 6C REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on March 8 via WebEx. Commissioners Christy Kwan (6C01), Leslie Merkle (6C02, secretary), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, chair), Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer), Patricia Eguino (6C06) and Tony Goodman (6C07, vice chair) were present.

Crime

Commissioners raised concerns about crime following a shooting at Third and K streets NE in late February, outside Eguino’s apartment building. “As a commissioner,” said Eguino, “I take crime seriously. I heard the shots outside my window. I know it affected everyone in my district. It did shake me, and I am open to all residents’ input.”

Seeking to address concerns on crime, Jake Stolzenberg, community outreach and relations specialist of the Ward 6 Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, introduced himself as the “eyes and ears for the mayor on the ground.”

Kelty, referencing recent instances of car theft and a beating near his residence, replied, “I just want to make sure that we relay to you the concern the community has about crime and particularly violent crime in ANC 6C.” Eguino urged the mayor to address the root causes of violence in the District. Eguino continued, “I know we don’t hold a consensus on how to solve crime, but I do think that, at least personally, treating the root causes of crime would help decrease the instances of violence that have happened recently.”

Other Matters

The commissioners supported a historic preservation application to raze a dry cleaning establishment and construct a three-story residential home at 601 Massachusetts Ave. NE.

They supported E-bike legislation proposed by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D), with authorization for the transportation committee’s chair, Michael Upright, and member Mark Kazmierczak to testify at the upcoming hearing.

They agreed to submit comments on proposed amendments to DC’s zoning regulation, and authorized Eckenwiler to testify.

ANC 6C will meet April 12, at 7 p.m., via WebEx. Learn more about the commission and register to attend the meeting by visiting www.anc6c.org.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Problems With Traffic and Parking Planning

ANC 6D REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on March 13 via Zoom. Commissioners Bob Link (6DO1, vice chair), Ronald Collins (6D02, treasurer), Gail Fast (6D03), Ashton Rohmer (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, secretary), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance, along with commission’s newest member, Andrea Pawley (6D04).

The Safeway Blues

The Southwest Safeway’s general manager, Michael Bigelow, briefed the commissioners on the store’s plans for improvement. He acknowledged the store’s issues with inadequate stocking, general cleanliness, shoplifting and public safety. Bigelow has hired contractors to conduct deep cleaning and retained another company to decontaminate bathrooms. He has organized daily, weekly and monthly cleaning by employees. High employee attrition is contributing to the store’s issues, Bigelow acknowledged. There are issues of attendance and punctuality with checkout staff. He has placed assistance managers on the floor at peak hours.

Commissioners complained about the lack of grocery carts. The store received 100 carts this past January, Bigelow stated. They disappeared in a month. In February, another 100 were sourced, a new cart containment system was installed and 40 of the carts had the locks installed. Despite this,

half were stolen. Now, there are 180 carts on order. The store, Bigelow stated, would undergo remodeling in the next 90 days. Most activity will take place at night. Plans include new lighting, kiosks, self-checkout stations, cases and flooring. A reset of the store’s inventory system will produce better and more diverse provisioning.

Commissioners expressed their appreciation for Bigelow’s efforts but questioned whether improvements can be sustained and institutionalized.

DDOT Spins Its TOPP

The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) Ward 6 community engagement specialist, Abraham Diallo, and Traffic Operations Program Manager Charles Tenbrook briefed commissioners on the agency’s 2023 Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP). Among the new elements for 2023 are:

• resident access placards

• ADA shuttle schedule for Audi Field

• incorporation of Wharf events

• new traffic signals and timing

• additional Traffic Control Officers for Audi Field

• active special event management

• a loading zone for Potomac and First Street SE.

The changes came after an electronic sur-

vey of residents. Diallo emailed the survey link to ANC 6D and 8F offices and to Councilmember Allen’s office but conducted no follow-up. It garnered only 90 answers.

Commissioners had only recently received a written copy of the TOPP and were aghast. The soccer season has started and Nationals opening day is only two weeks away, pointed out Kramer. This discussion should have started much earlier, Link concurred.

Most critically, commissioners pointed out, the scope of the TOPP was geographically too narrowly defined. The current plan, unlike its predecessors, places its western boundary on Second Street SW. This ignores, commissioners pointed out, the major congestion and disruption that games generate throughout the Southwest road network.

Moreover, the TOPP made no mention of enforcement, Kramer said. Also, it eliminates the 74 bus route on Buzzard Point during game days, leaving this area further isolated.

“DDOT deservers a lot of grief for what has happened in Southwest,” stated Pawley. “These kinds of things can’t happen,” stated Kramer.

Charles Allen Visits

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) briefed the commissioners on the 2023 budget. District revenue growth has slowed due to reduction in downtown commercial real estate taxes, he stated.

Education is at the top of his concerns. He said that the budget of Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) resulted in severe cuts to many schools. Public (DCPS) and public charter schools (PCS) are facing a crisis in teacher retention. 30% of DCPS teachers failed to return and 17% left the profession entirely; 38% of public charter school teachers did not return. The biggest issue, Allen argued, is compensation, exacerbated by tardy contract negotiations.

Allen has assumed chairmanship of the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment. Traffic safety is his number one priority. He planning to hold hearings to solicit ideas from the public. With nearly $3.5 billion in federal transportation and environmental funds headed for the District, there are lots of opportunities to make a difference, he said. In particular, he wants to ensure a robust charging infrastructure for elec-

tric vehicles and a smooth transition from gas to electric appliances.

On issues relating to public safety, Allen emphasized a two-track approach: “great policing” and investment in at-risk communities. “We need to do both,” he stated. He wants the District rec centers to be open all weekend. Allen pledged to fund the waterway management legislation that recently passed the DC Council.

Commissioners shared concerns. Kramer requested that Allen walk the new Fourth Street protected bike lanes with her. She also questioned whether electric-vehicle charging stations could be retrofitted into Southwest midcentury-modern buildings.

Commissioners raised issues relating to the cleanliness, reliability and public safety of WMATA bus and rail service. “The bus service has never been reliable since I have lived in SW,” stated Pawley. Allen concurred. Fare-free bus service will likely reduce altercations, he argued. He is holding hearings on improving frequency and reliability. Commissioners also noted the paucity of bus service in Southwest.

Allen will hold a budget townhall on April 6 at the School Within a School. Details are available at www.charlesallenward6.com.

Other Matters

The commissioners voted unanimously to oppose the design of the 13-story building proposed for One K Street SW.

Naomi Klein, planning manager of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), updated on the Long Bridge project. The proposed new structure will separate passenger rail from freight to improve safety, reliability and speed. A pedestrian bike bridge will be added. Construction starts in 2024.

Metropolitan Police Department Captains Harding and Roth briefed the commissioners on public safety. Motor vehicle thefts and thefts from have autos increased. A police search of 1900 Half Street SW recovered 100 rounds of ammunition and guns. A daylight armed robbery occurred behind a condominium at 700 Seventh St. SW.

ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is March 13, 2023. For more information and links to join ANC meetings, visit www. anc6d.org. u

Arboretum Bridge and Trail Project

ANC 7D REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Feb. 13 via WebEx. Commissioners Siraaj Hasan (7D01), Wendell Felder (7D03, chair), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, vice chair) and Ashley Schapitl (7D09, secretary) were in attendance. Commissioner Milton Hardy (7D04) was absent. Single Member Districts 7D02 and 7D10 remain vacant.

In their March meeting, ANC 7D examined the proposed Arboretum Bridge and Trail Project. Currently in the design phase, a joint effort between the DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) and the National Park Service (NPS), it will connect the current Anacostia River Trail to Maryland Avenue NE via a new Arboretum Bridge bike and pedestrian bridge.

The seawalls which line the edges of the Anacostia River along the Arboretum are considered historic, DDOT Manager Kyle Ohlson said. Any alterations are subject to approval by both Commission of Fine Arts and the DC Historic Preservation Office. His team hopes to finish the design within the next few months and to complete the project’s construction in 2026, he stated.

Commissioner Ebony Payne asked whether the trails were sustainable and were paved with a “natural surface.” Due to ADA compliance, a natural trail is not feasible, Ohlson said.

“The trail surface is not a natural surface, and part of what’s driving it is that it must be ADA compliant,” Ohlson said. “That said, there will certainly be stormwater features, tree plantings and other kinds of natural features to help with natural setting, but the trail itself does need to be an asphalt surface.”

Commissioner Marc Friend raised the longterm closure of the gate at M St. and Maryland Ave. NE. As DDOT continues to develop the connecting trail, he suggested it include reopening the gate.

All are welcome to come and Celebrate Easter at

St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill

April 4th at 7 pm - Liturgy of Healing

This liturgy which will feature scripture, songs of hope, an opportunity for confession and the chance to be prayed over.

April 6th at 7:30 pm - Holy Thursday

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

April 7 th - Good Friday

12:10 pm - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

1-3 pm -Adoration

3 pm and 7 pm - Stations of the Cross

April 8th 7:30 pm - Holy Saturday

Easter Vigil Mass

April 9th, Easter Masses

Sunrise Service at 6:15 am on the rectory lawn

Church Masses at 8:30 am, 10:30 am & Noon

Easter Egg hunt follows the 10:30 am Mass

313 2 nd S treet ne, W aShington dC

DDOT and NPS are planning a public community meeting. Details are forthcoming.

Other Matters

The commission approved its 2023 fiscal year budget as well as expenditures for Zoom access and a renovation of the ANC 7D website.

The commission approved a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for 1717 E St. NE, currently a vacant lot on which the owner wishes to construct semi-detached, threestory, three-unit apartment homes. The owner is seeking zoning relief for a sewer easement running through the property which constricts the buildable area. The commission recognized the developer’s efforts to change some of the design to “better match the look and feel of the neighborhood.”

The commission appointed Trey Sherard (7D05) to the Environment Committee, Francis Ojok (7D05) to the Transportation and Public Space Committee, Aaron Johnson (7D05) to the Transportation and Public Space Committee, Sam Deluca (7D06) to the Housing Justice and Economic Development Committee, Adriel Harvey (7D07) to the Transportation and Public Space Committee, Sarah Bell (7D07) to the Grants and Community Outreach Committee, Mallory Row (7D07) to the Transportation and Public Space Committee and Brynn Barnett (7D09) to the Public Safety Committee.

ANC 7D next meets April 11 at 6:30 p.m. via WebEx.

One K Street SW Design Review

ANC 8F REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 6D) met on March 28. Commissioners Nic Wilson (8FO1), Rick Murphree (8F02, treasurer), Brian Strege (8F03, secretary), Edward Daniels (8F04, chair), Clayton Rosenberg (8F05, vice chair), were in attendance.

WC Smith requested the commission’s endorsement for the design of its building at One K Street SW. They propose a 130-foot high, 13-story entirely residential building with 352 units and 179 below grade parking spots on 2.5 levels. The structure is zoned D5, which exempts it from any requirements for public benefits or inclusionary zoning.

Its design is subject to Zoning Commission review, since it is located in the Capitol Gateway Overlay District.

Chair Daniels put a motion on the floor opposing the project in line with opposition from the commission’s neighbor ANC 6D. A spirited discussion followed. Commissioners disagreed with 6D’s dislike of the building’s design. They also took issue with their neighbor’s wish for a reduction in underground parking. They praised the provisions for electric vehicles and the provision of a Capitol Bikeshare station as well as the pedestrian improvements on K Street SW. However, commissioners agreed with ANC 6D’s opposition to the building solely on the grounds that the project lacks an affordable housing component, which is not a requirement in the D5 Zone. The project’s lack of ground floor retail was also a concern. The commission voted to oppose the project with Commissioner Wilson abstaining. Chair Daniels plans to testify.

Other Matters

The commission considered a public space application by Tom’s Watch Bar at 1250 Half St. SE for a patio. The bar is an immersive sports bar incorporating more than 100 TVs. The company, headquartered in Denver, has locations in multiple cities and also in DC’s Chinatown. Commissioners voiced concerns about sound from outside TVs and piped music. The applicant assured there would be no music or sound from the screens. They assured commissioners that the sidewalk width would be consistent with neigh-

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Proposed site plans for the Arboretum Bridge and Connector Trail Project

boring establishments. The bar will open in mid-July. Commissioners supported the public space permit unanimously.

Brookfield Development briefed the commission on its plan to seek a ve-year renewal from the DC Zoning Commission for parking lots on Yards

Parcel F and Parcel Q. Parking lots are permitted as an interim use with such approval. The two are the only surface lots left in the Yards development. Parcel F has about 100 spaces. Parcel Q has around 200 spaces. Both are zoned for eventual o ce use

The commission voted unanimously to:

• support expanded pickleball facilities in the Navy Yard and Ward 8;

• bank with First United;

• support moving the Thompson Hotel Valet to Tingey Street SE;

• support making Vann Street SE a one-way southbound street with an additional dedicated delivery lane;

• support changing the Half Street SE northbound one-way street with a delivery drop-off zone for businesses.

ANC 8F generally meets on the fourth Tuesday on the month. The next meeting is scheduled for April 25 at DC Dept. of Transportation Headquarters, 250 M Street SE,. For more information and links to join ANC meetings, visit www. ANC8F.org. ◆

Bulletin Board

Marine Barracks Evening Parades Begin for Season

The Evening Parades at Marine Barracks, Eighth and I streets SE, begin on Friday, May 5. They start at 8:45 p.m. (gates open from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.). The ceremony, held every Friday evening during the summer, has become a symbol of the professionalism, discipline and esprit de corps of the US Marines. Read more and register to attend at www. barracks.marines.mil/Parades/ Friday-Evening-ParadeSchedule-Reservation/.

Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour Tickets on Sale

Tickets for the 2023 Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour are on sale at www.chrs.org. The tour will be on Saturday, May 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $35; $40, day-of. www.chrs.org/ more-house-tour-2023

Capitol Hill Village Online Auction

Beginning on April 21, Capitol Hill Village is conducting an online auction in connection with its annual gala. Auction items, which can be previewed at http://bidpal.net/chvgala, include vacation homes, restaurant certificates, theater tickets, tours of Winterthur, Library of

Congress and the National Arboretum, cooking and French classes and more. Tickets for the gala on April 28, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s are available for $175 each. For business and individual sponsorships contact Judy Berman at jberman@capitolhillvillage.org or Bruce Brennan at jbrennanfam@aol.com. http://bidpal. net/chvgala

Pat Carlucci Book Talk and More at Pacci’s May 6

On Saturday morning, May 6, meet and greet Capitol Hill author Pat Carlucci at the new restaurant at Lincoln Park, Pacci’s. He will be enjoying breakfast, talking baseball, and signing his new book, A Baseball Birthright, from

9-11:00 a.m. Take your chances in raffles for gift certificates and free tickets to a Washington Nationals game. 106 13th Street SE. Information: pat@baseballbrirthright.com

Talk of the Hill with Bill Press

On Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, veteran journalist Bill Press hosts a conversation with Neil King, former Wall Street Journal reporter and editor and author of “American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal.” It is the story of a 26-day, 330-mile walk in the spring of 2021 from Capitol Hill to New York City at a time of great national upheaval. $10. Register at www.hillcenterdc.org.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

Visit

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages. You are not required to be a firsttime homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

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

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

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

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

homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

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

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)

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

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

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

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $202,000 combined. DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program.

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

DC4ME

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

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

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

COVID-19

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

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

COVID-19

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

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

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

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

COVID-19

COVID-19

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

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

Bryant Street Market Food Hall Opens in NE

Bryant Street Market food hall, 680 Rhode Island Ave. NE, has opened in DC’s Edgewood neighborhood. The market is a multi-stall food hall in the heart of Bryant Street on the ground floor of The Chase residential building. The space and the Bryant Street Market will also be hosting popups for local businesses and providing spaces for visitors to shop goods from local artisans and entrepreneurs. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.bryantstreetdc.com

Swingers Mini Golf in Navy Yard

Swingers Navy Yard, 1250 Half St. SE, has opened. The mini-golf venue boasts space spanning two floors and features three nine-hole crazy-golf courses, cocktail bars and street food. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 2:00 a.m.; Sundays, noon to 10:00 p.m. Playing mini-golf is not compulsory and entry is free for the street food and bar. Walkup golf tickets are available daily. www.swingers.club/us/locations/washington-dc/venues/navy-yard

Air and Space Spring Lecture Series Resumes

The 2023 Exploring Space lecture series examines the realities of living and working in space for years at a time. It is presented in-person at the National Air and Space Museum in DC and will be streamed live on YouTube. Remaining spring lectures are: Tuesday, April 11, at 8 p.m., “Life Support: What the International Space Station Teaches Us about Our Changing Earth.” Wednesday, May 24, 8 p.m., “Exploring the Moon and Mars: Learning to Work and Live in Space.” And Thursday, June 29, at 8 p.m., “The Habitability of Worlds in the Outer Solar System.” Reserve seats at www.airandspace.si.edu/eventseries/exploring-space-lectures.

Photo: The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavor approaches the space station.

Carpe Librum Book Sales at Canal Park

Join Carpe Librum in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 M St. SE, for an outdoor pop-up, nonprofit used-book sale. Browse through thousands of books, all under $6, in a beautiful setting. Upcoming sales are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, April 8, May 13, June 10 and July 8; Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Book sales are weatherdependent. www.capitolriverfront. org/canal-park

“Our Verse in Time to Come” @ DC Public Libraries

Inspired by the works and words of Shakespeare, “Our Verse in Time to Come” bridges the past with the present through verse, song and memory. An aging emcee gets out of prison after 25 years only to be diagnosed with early onset dementia. He engages a family friend to arrange his estate and ensure that his grown children accept it before his memory slips away for good. The siblings uncover more than they bargained for. Free tickets at www. folger.edu. Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, on Thursday, April 6, at 4 and 7 p.m. Ninety minutes; suitable for ages 13 up.

NoMa Nights: Tuesday Concert Series

Enjoy live acoustic performances, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., from local bands as well as family-friendly games on the second Tuesday of each month, April through September. Here’s the schedule: April 11, David Thong Duo; May 9, Cecily Duo; June 13, Junior Bryce Band; July 11, Pebble to Pearl; Aug, 8, Darcy Dawn; and Sept 12, Andy B Music. Alethia Tanner Park, between Harry Thomas Way NE and Met-

ropolitan Branch Trail. www.nomabid.org

Market Madness Table Tennis Showdown

The Union Market District, DC Fray and the Playtime Project o er the second annual Market Madness Table Tennis Tournament on April 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. $50 for two players; free to watch. Players of all skill levels and enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Playtime Project is a nonpro t organization that o ers transformative play experiences for children experiencing family housing insecurity in DC shelters. www.districtfray.com

The Blessing of the Fleet at the Navy Memorial

The blessing of the eet dates to ancient times and is meant to safeguard ships and their crew members. Each year, starting in 1987 when it was dedicated, the US Navy Memorial blesses the water in its outdoor fountains with water from the seven seas and the Great Lakes. This year’s ceremony is on Saturday, April 15, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Navy Memorial Plaza, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. No registration required. www.navymemorial.org

Mostly Mothers: The Eternal Maternal Guided Tour

In honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Congressional Cemetery will offer a tour focused on women for whom motherhood was central to their identities and sometimes their deaths. Walk among two centuries of motherhood to honor the public and private roles of some of the cemetery’s female residents. $5.

1801 E St. SE. www.congressionalcemetery.org

As DC Chief of Police and throughout his life, Isaac Fulwood, Jr. was guided by three things: family, faith and friends. A Capitol Hill native, he was a member of the Police Boys and Girls Club—an important influence on the youngster who would join the DC police force in 1964 and become its chief in 1989. Read Chief Fulwood’s oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Help preserve Capitol Hill history by becoming a volunteer.

Photo by DC Police Dept.

Overbeck Lecture: Washington Navy Yard – Celebrating 224 Years in the Neighborhood

The Washington Navy Yard has been part of the Capitol Hill community for 224 years. At the April 24, 7:30 p.m. Overbeck History lecture, Sam Cox, Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, will explore the Navy Yard’s longstanding relationship with Capitol Hill. Founded in 1799, Washington Navy Yard sailors defended the city from the British in 1814. President Abraham Lincoln frequently visited the Navy Yard during the Civil War. Civilian employees built ships during the early years at the Navy Yard. Later, ordinance used in World Wars I and II was manufactured at the Navy Yard. Its workers lived on Capitol Hill. Their children went to Capitol Hill schools, including Eastern High School, and families attended church at Christ Church and elsewhere. The Washington Navy Yard is proud to be one of Capitol Hill’s oldest neighbors. Samuel J. Cox, (SES), RADM, USN (Ret.) is a retired two-star rear admiral. Since 2014 he has served as the 14th Director of Naval History and Curator of the Navy. This lecture on the Navy Yard’s long history on Capitol Hill will be held Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:30 pm at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Admission to Overbeck Lectures is free but a reservation is required due to limited seating. Reservations can be made through the Hill Center web site. If you are unable to attend, please notify Hill Center (202-549-1172) so that another person can attend the lecture.

A Critic Considers: Whither Classical Music in Washington?

On Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m., via Zoom, music critic and reviewer Charles T. Downey reflects on the future of classical music in Washington. Downey is the lead critic and associate editor of Washington Classical Review. Village Voices presentations, free and open to the public, are sponsored by Capitol Hill Village. For more information and to register go to www.capitolhill.helpfulvillage.com/ events/10228.

“Antique Mantels with Modern Sensibilities” Preservation Cafe

Molly Acorn, founder of Mantel House DC, a company that installs and restores historic mantels in private homes, will present “Antique Mantels with Modern Sensibilities” at a Capitol Hill Restoration Society virtual Preservation Cafe, Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. Acorn will also cover historic trends in fireplaces and explain how to transform even a nonfunctional chimney into a beautiful and inviting centerpiece. A Zoom link will be activated shortly before the event. CHRS Preservation Cafes are free. www.chrs.org

Day Eight Books Presents Poetry Reading and Discussion

On Saturday, May 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE, poets published by DC arts organization Day Eight will read from new collections. Rebecca Bishophall and Dwayne Lawson-Brown will read from “Breaking the Blank,” and Dominic “Nerd” McDonald will read from “I’d Rather Be Called a Nerd.” Read more and register at www.dclibrary.org/southeast.

Mother’s Outreach Network Tax Clinic & Workshop

On Tuesdays, April 11 and 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., an advice legal clinic on low-income tax credits, family law and the DC Child Protection Register will be offered by Mother’s Outreach Network, Legal Aid and Crowell & Moring. They will also review the process for seeking a post-inclusion hearing for removal from the DC Child and Family Services Agency’s Child Protection Register. Attendees will be able to speak with attorneys for advice and referrals. The workshops will take place in the large meeting room on the first floor of the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. www.dclibrary.org/ southwest

Barracks Row’s Unofficial “Star Wars” Weekend

On Thursday, May 4, Barracks Row invites guests to party while dressed as their favorite “Star Wars” character. Guests will enjoy food specials and “Star Wars”-theme cocktails from participating establishments, which will host individual events. The evening continues through Saturday, May 6. www.barracksrow.org

“A Tale of Two Studios” Art Exhibit

From April 7 to 29, Del Ray Artisans and Art Enables Gallery & Studio will offer an openthemed showcase of their art to convey a story about creative expression. On display at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. The opening reception is Friday, April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. Del Ray Artisans is open Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. (closed April 30). www.delrayartisans.org/exhibits

MuralsDC Seeks Artists

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, in partnership with the DC Department of Public Works, seeks mural artists, graffiti artists and/or artists/artist teams who work with aerosol to design, create and install exterior public art murals as part of the MuralsDC program. MuralsDC seeks new and next-level designs from artists across mediums who embrace traditional aerosol graffiti styles in their prac -

Latrobe Gate entry to the Washington Navy Yard. Photo: Wikipedia

tice. Muralists with experience showcasing content that touches themes of community pride, community voices, local history, environmental scenes and colorful design are encouraged. www. dcarts.dc.gov/page/murals-dc

DC Medicaid Initiates Campaign for Medicaid Renewals

The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), the District of Columbia’s state Medicaid agency, has begun a public awareness campaign to update bene ciary contact information and renew health coverage. Beginning April 1, 2023, and continuing through June 1, 2024, all District Medicaid bene ciaries will be required to renew their health coverage for themselves and their families. This Medicaid renewal process will be accompanied by sustained public engagement e orts. www. dhcf.dc.gov/medicaid-restart

Volunteer as a Park Greeter

Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens seeks volunteers who will commit to one or two times a month for the Park Greeter program. Anyone 16 and older can be a Park Greeter. Student service learning hours can also be earned. Contact Shannah Cumberbatch at shannah@fokag.org or call 202-650-0455 to learn more.

BaltimoreWashington Parkway Safety Improvements

The National Park Service is installing new and improved signs, mile markers and guardrails on

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. It features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (J-Pop, traditional Japanese music and martial arts) and cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors and Japanese and other foods and beverages. The festival, on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between Third and Seventh streets, is on Saturday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. One-day tickets available through April 14, $12 (plus booking fee). www.sakuramatsuri.org

the BW Parkway. The mile markers will help emergency teams respond more precisely. The NPS expects to complete work this summer. Periodic lane closures during nonrush-hour periods will occur for installation.

East City Bookshop April Events

On Monday, April 3, 7 p.m., F.T. Lukens, with Jessica Spotswood and Robin Talley, discusses their new book, Spell Bound. Two rival apprentice sorcerers must team up to save their teachers and protect their own magic in this young adult romantic adventure. In conversation with fellow young adult authors Jessica Spotswood and Robin Talley. Via Zoom and in-person at East City.

On Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m., Neil King Jr. speaks on his new memoir, American Ramble, about his 330-mile walk from Washington, DC., to New York City. Via Zoom and in-person at East City Bookshop. On April 11, 7 p.m., Leigh McMullan Abramson discusses her debut novel, A Likely Story. The only child of an iconic American novelist discovers a shocking tangle of family secrets that upends everything she thought she knew about her parents and her own stalled writing career. In conversation with fellow author Laura Hankin. Via Zoom and in-person at East City Bookshop. East City Bookshop is at 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com.

“King Lear” Extended

Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced the third extension of “King Lear” with Patrick Page in the title role and directed by Simon Godwin. This will be the nal extension of the production and it must close April 16. $35 to $190. www.shakespearetheatre.org

Temporary Closures for NC Ave. NE Bike Lanes

DDOT has begun on the North Carolina Ave. NE Separated Bike Lanes Project along the 1300 block of North Carolina Ave. NE. The project was designed to improve safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians along the project corridor. ddot.dc.gov.

Boat Clubs Now Launch from Navy Yard and Wharf

The Potomac Paddle Club, and only oating tiki bar party boats, the Potomac Tiki Club, are back on the water for the 2023 season with new vessels and routes. In addition to its original port at Georgetown Harbour, boats will now sail from The Wharf and Navy Yard in DC, Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Harborview Marina in Baltimore, and Annapolis Town Dock in Ego Alley in Annapolis. Popular for social events, family reunions, corporate gatherings and any type of celebration, the Paddle and Tiki boats will be cruising from now until late October at all locations. Reservations may be made at SeaSuiteCruises. com.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Announces Winners

2023 Capitol Hill Home Photo Contest

by Elizabeth Nelson

In anticipation of the 66th annual Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) held a photo contest, “The Capitol Hill Home” with pairs of House Tour tickets for the winners. Photographers were invited to submit a visual representation of what they think makes a home a Capitol Hill home. With over 50 entries, the judges had a very difficult time choosing a winner, finally selecting two: Nan Raphael in first place, with her photo of a streetscape reflected in a puddle at Lincoln Park; and

(Continued next page)

HOMES& GARDENS

The photographer, Patrick Serfass, notes that “We use Bloom on our lawn which is made at DC Water in their biogas system from all our and your ground up food waste in your garbage disposal and the digested food waste we flush down our toilets.” – The lawn does indeed look well-nourished.

First Place: Nan Raphael

Second Place: Bobbi Krengel

G G ROOFING

Bobbi Krengel, a very close second, with a beautiful seasonal shot of the Unit Block of 7th Street NE.

These and all the other finalists are posted on the CHRS website: chrs.org/2023-photo-contest-winners/ and coming soon on Instagram: CapitolHillRestorationDC.

Love the photos, but think you can do as well or better? Start setting aside your best shots for next year’s contest. u

Finalist, Jake Glatch

Finalist, Stephanie Butto

Finalist, Marilyn Saks-McMillion

Rewild: Planting Roots on Capitol Hill

Article and Photos by Rindy O’Brien

Have you noticed Capitol Hill residents carrying beautiful plants in colorful pots from Eastern Market to their homes lately? Suddenly the Hill streets are full of potted plants and smiling faces. Rewild, a new plant boutique, has come to Eastern Market at 222 7th Street, SE. One of four Rewild shops in the DC area, the Eastern Market location is a refreshing, calming space; its spirit washes over you as soon as you walk in.

Deepening the neighborhood connection, one of the three co-owners, Lily Cox, is a Capitol

Hill resident, who lives near the 14th St. Safeway. The shop opened January 21st of this year after a long incubation period dealing with city permits. “It was definitely worth the wait,” says Lily “and we love the energy of Eastern Market, and the people that come in.” Lily’s Rewild coowners are Kyle Cannon and Joe Ressler. The three opened their first shop in Shaw in 2018, then added Ballston Quarter in Arlington, and Cabin John in North Bethesda, Maryland. Rewild was also chosen to be the first vendor to manage a gift shop at the US Botanical Garden, at the bottom of Capitol Hill. Lily says it is a fun adventure for the company to build a museum gift shop in addition to their stores. The company gathers its plants in a central warehouse in Hyattsville and distributes them to their outlets. Most of their plants come from sources in Florida arriving by truck once a month.

Lily Cox’s Passion for Plants

If central casting was looking for a creative, calming, enthusiastic plant lover to open a small plant boutique in the middle of

a thriving city center, they would have stopped looking when they met Lily. She is warm and inviting from the first hello and seems as happy as she can be surrounded by the hundreds of plants hanging from the ceiling, sitting in small and large pots on carved wood shelves, or lining the walls from the front of the store to the back door. The green walls and beautiful floor tiles are just other elements that create a peaceful feeling.

Lily says she has always loved plants, start-

Plants for kids can be challenging, but something like the silver philadondron can be magical watching the trails and new leaves.

LEFT: Lily Cox is a co-owner of the house plant boutique, Rewild, which is one of three shops plus the US National Botanic Garden shop, that Lily has created. Her passion for house plants is inspiring hill residents to bring plants into their spaces.

RIGHT: Rewild is a great resource for special gifts that keep on giving, like this succulent bowl, that even has a dinosaur exploring. Watch for great ideas for Mother’s Day.

ing as a hobbyist and expanding out from there. She started making Kokedamas, a Japanese Moss Ball that is a unique way to present plants and owers. It is often seen with bonsai arrangements. “I enjoyed making them and soon people were asking if I would make some for them. From there I branched out to oral arrangements and designs and started selling my work in shops like Made in DC.”

“When I travel, I enjoy checking out plant shops in other cities. Portland Oregon has a lot of great plant boutiques, which were inspiration for Rewild,” says Lily. Part of the mission of Rewild is “to inspire and create a retreat from the urban setting, rooted in the belief that plant care is self-care.”

Everyone Can Grow a Houseplant

Lily is very con dent that with Rewild’s educational help, anyone can grow a houseplant. Even if you have never had a houseplant, all Rewild sta are trained to guide you through the process. “Some plants need very little attention, like the snake plant,” Lily advises. She and her colleagues will ask you a series of questions about the amount of care and time you are interested in investing; the

kind of light available in your space; and how much routine you wish to have to care for the plant.

The shop o ers a 90-day guarantee for their plants, except for their orchids. The sta is always available to answer questions if your plant has the droops and will help you nurse it back to good health. Rewild uses a potting soil that is created in Pennsylvania with no peat moss included. “We have found this soil to be a very important part of our plants success.” Rewild repots their plants for free before sending them out of the shop.

Unique Gifts for Young and Old

Lily says their shops always carries plants that make great gifts. “Giving a live plant in an artistic handmade pot is very popular and we always create special gifts for holidays like Valentine’s Day. We will do something special for Mother’s Day as well.”

Rewild also has a few plants that are good starters for interested children. It is sometimes tough to keep children engaged, as plants are generally a delayed grati cation. Choosing a plant that puts on new leaves quickly or is easily propagated will keep kids involved. Of course, the most common philodendrons are a great choice for a beginner, young or old. Rewild has an entire shelf of them from silver to green to micans. The sta can help you maneuver through the hundreds of plants. Plants can be delivered, and the store even has a hand cart they will loan you if you live nearby, as long as you promise to return it. “We have never lost one,” says Lily.

Rewild is open seven days a week and is an enjoyable stop for new or seasoned gardeners. The plants range from a few dollars to hundreds for rare ones. “We are competitive with other local garden centers,” says Lily. Adding plants to your home will make you a happier, healthier human, and now there is a new local way to jump in.

O’Brien loves her houseplants, some dating back many years. To contact Rindy, rindyobrien@ gmail.com

Rewild is at 222 7th Street SE at the alley. Step inside to find a calm oasis of plants and beauty.

The

presents Dear Garden Problem Lady,

by Wendy Blair

Can you suggest a reliable perennial that blooms a long time and is not very tall?

We like the color blue!

You might consider perennial geraniums, often called “cranesbills”. Pictured is the popular “Johnson’s Blue” geranium. It hugs the ground at a height of 12 to 15 inches high, with sky-blue owers and a long bloom season from late spring to mid summer. It likes full sun or a bit of shade. In our very hot summers it might stop blooming but if you cut it back with garden shears to about half its height it will bloom lightly again when heat dies down.

Our stunning owering quince is coming to the end of its bloom. Does it need any particular care now?

An easy to grow shrub, owering quince can get scraggly. Cut back old branches and any suckers and feed it – now, and just this once, every year -with a slow-release fertilizer like Hollytone because it likes a slightly acidic soil.

Capitol Hill Garden Club

Building Smartfromthe Start

We received a beautiful orchid on a curvy stem as a gift. Its blooms have mostly dropped o . Does it need anything?

Repotting is all your orchid probably needs. It is probably the very common and beautiful Phalaenopsis type. In nature, orchids grow literally on trees, their roots preferring air, humidity and the openness of bark. Commercially planted orchids often die in their pots from getting waterlogged.

You can buy simple planting materials cheaply at a garden store – bark pieces, moistened sphagnum moss, pebbles –even kits with ready-mixed planting materials. Your pot of plastic or clay should have plenty of drainage holes.

Taking care not to damage its thick green basal leaves, hold the stem and gently remove your orchid from its pot. Then delicately untangle its roots from all the old moss and bark around them. Discard all planting materials, even wash the roots gently in lukewarm water.

Roots are thin laments, covered by a eshy outer casing that should be rm to the touch, and either white or green in color. With clean scissors, cut o any root parts that are soft or mushy – they are dead.

Choose a pot of similar size. Line the bottom with pebbles or pieces of Styrofoam. Gently fold the roots into the pot, and delicately push the mixture of moss and bark over the roots using your ngers until the moss and bark are evenly distributed all through and around the roots.

Do not water for a week. Then use a scant one-half cup of water every ten days.

On April 11 at 7:30 pm at the Northeast Library the Capitol Hill Garden Club will feature a slide show with National Geographic author Ann McClellan, about the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o the Editor, Hill Garden News. Your problems might even prove instructive to others and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. ◆

Whether remodeling, new construction or simply rearranging your current layout we handle complex and simple projects with equal care.

We integrate the design and construction disciplines, so all your needs can be addressed with one point of contact. We keep costs in check and projects on time.

Over 95% of my business are past clients or their referrals who come back to me time and time again.

“For anyone considering a realtor in the greater Washington DC area, I recommend you start by speaking with Linda Pettie of Coldwell Banker Realty.... Linda has a number of trusted contractors on speed dial. She arranged for several tradesmen to quickly and expertly make repairs prior to the sale of my home. She works with a very talented stager who presented the best impression for my home. Linda’s market analysis and marketing made my experience very efficient. She was readily available and quickly returned calls, emails, and texts. If I return to the metropolitan DC market, Linda Pettie will be my first call.”

– Michael

Changing Hands

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

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ARTS& DINING At The Movies

Fonda and Tomlin Star in Mild Comedy-Drama and a Documentary Addresses Slurs on Native American Identity

by Mike Canning

family. She has never explained her sudden exit from their marriage, but we learn (in a reveal to Evie) that it has to do with a nasty encounter with Howard buried in her past, the reason for her murder plans.

Fonda and Tomlin have an easy rapport, with the former a study in upand-down anxiety and the latter a paragon of “moving on” from the muddled past—who also has a secret regarding their departed friend. Much of the spirit of their relationship will be familiar from those who know their Netflix series, but in “Moving On” Fonda is less quippy and Tomlin is more hippy. Roundtree, now 80 and fifty years after his breakthrough as “Shaft,” still exudes smooth sexiness as Ralph, fit and cool and bald. In a film of smart performances, the odd man out is McDowell, way too cantankerous and acerbic to be taken seriously (but perhaps worthy of murder?). He plays a character rather like his egotistic orchestra conductor in the Amazon series “Mozart in the Jungle” (also directed and produced by Paul Weitz), a conniver and sleaze.

While no masterpiece, “Moving On” offers us at least another tart Tomlin in a crafty Weitz comedy like their decent earlier joint effort “Grandma” (2015).

Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting

Moving On

Actresses Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin forged identities as a successful sitcom team as co-stars of the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie,” which just finished a seven-year run on the Netflix streaming service, the longest-running series in the network’s history. They developed a ready rapport as mismatched friends who bond slowly over time to where they become testy besties, Fonda being an elegant entrepreneur left at sea after a painful divorce while Tomlin, a long-time art dabbler and smart aleck, exudes a more comic mode to confront her own surprise divorce.

In the wake of that series, the two

80-year-olds star in “Moving On” as estranged friends who reunite to seek revenge on the querulous widower Howard (Malcolm McDowell), husband of their recently deceased best friend (the film, rated “R,” runs 85 minutes and is now showing in local area theaters.)

The film opens with Fonda--as Claire--returning to a California town where she grew up to attend the funeral for a best friend she’s known since college. Evie (Tomlin) also shows up.

While in town, Claire runs across Ralph (Richard Roundtree), her second husband whom she divorced suddenly, and they rekindle some of their old affection over dinner with his new

“Imagining the Indian” is an advocacy documentary film examining the movement to eradicate the words, images, and gestures that many Native Americans and their allies find demeaning and offensive. The film opens with a telling historical introduction to the stereotyping of Indian lives and mores present in American life since—as one observer notes—”the Original Sin occurred the minute Europe touched Native shores in North America.” It then catalogs the decades-long fight Indian lobbying and protest groups have made to change that state of affairs, especially in the world of sports and media, using examples that have become notorious, like the Atlanta Braves’ cringe-worthy tomahawk “chop” (shown in the film with a clip featuring Jane Fonda and Ted Turner).

The film highlights the accelerating pace of addressing “mascoting,” with emphasis on the recent successful cases regarding changes made by Washington’s National Football League (NFL) team adopting the name of the Commanders, and Cleveland’s Major League Baseball (MLB) team becoming the Guardians.

Other professional teams—Kansas City’s NFL team, Chicago’s NHL team, and Atlanta’s MLB team—are discussed, too, but their owners remain adamant that they will never change their team names or practices (just as the

(From Left) Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda collaborate on a misbegotten murder pact in “Moving On.” Photo: Aaron Epstein

UPCOMING PROGRAMS CONCERTS

Global Sounds on the Hill: Stephen Ulrich & Big Lazy: Music from This American Life

Friday, April 21, 7:00pm-9:00pm

House Concerts @ Hill Center: Ari Voxx & The Sad Lads

Sunday, April 23, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Hill Center Presents: Palmyra & Liv Greene

Thursday, April 27, 7:00pm-9:00pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Local Makers Workshop: CBD Tea + Wellness w/ Elevated Tea Company

Sunday, April 2, 11:00am-12:30pm

Long Lunch: Build Your Own Pizza + Dough Workshop

Friday, April 7, 11:30am-1:00pm

Master Chef: 2 Cakes & A Cookie w/ Chef Pichet Ong

Saturday, April 8, 11:00am-2:00pm

The Whole Beast: Curing Meat + Fish

Tuesday, April 11, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Easy Vegetarian Indian Cooking: Creating Quick Curries

Thursday, April 13, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Rose Dumplings w/ Susan Qin of The Chinese Street Market

Tuesday, April 25, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Master Chef: Korean-American Cuisine Ft. Chefs Caleb Jang & Roren Choi

Sunday, April 30, 11:00am-2:00pm

LECTURES &CONVERSATIONS

Race, Identity, and the Struggle Against Discrimination in the United States Navy

Tuesday, April 11, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Jenny McKean Moore Community Reading Ft. Johannes Lichtman & Lisa Page

Thursday, April 13, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Celebrate Earth Day w/ Poetry: Peter Coppelman & ‘A Life of Service’

Saturday, April 22, 4:00pm-5:00pm

STUDIO ARTS

Children’s Art Workshop: Picture Book Illustrations w/ Joan Waites

Sunday, April 2, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Basic Drawing Techniques: Drawing from an Image

Tuesday, April 4, 11, 25, & May 2, 6:30pm-8:00pm

One-Off Workshops

Contemporary Watercolors: Saturday, April 29, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking:

Saturday, April 29, 2:30pm-5:00pm

Cherry Blossom Sip ‘n Paint: Saturday, April 29, 5:30pm-7:30pm

HUMANITIES & PERFORMING ARTS

French Language Courses (All Levels)

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays starting April 11, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Spanish Language Courses (Beginner & Intermediate)

Mondays or Wednesdays starting April 17, 6:00pm-8:00pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP)

Busy Bees: Music & Art Playgroup

French Courses: All Levels

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR

Gottaswing

Mr. Mike’s Music Together

Opera Starts with Oh! - Opera Lafayette

Piano Lessons with Gordon Tenney

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Spanish Courses: Beginner & intermediate

Studio One Dance

Super Soccer Stars

Tai Chi Chuan

Tippi Toes Dance

Warrior Fusion Karate

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

Redskins did). The movie indicates that there are harmful Indian mascots all over the country and myriad secondary schools still have harmful Native-American themed mascots. “Imagining the Indian” seeks to shine a light on these ongoing harms.

Interviewees include several spokespersons from the DC area such as Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), Founding Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, W. Richard West Jr. (Southern Cheyenne), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture at the Smithsonian, Kevin Gover (Pawnee), among many others.

“Changing the names for the Washington Football team and Cleveland’s baseball team was long overdue,” said the film’s co-director Aviva Kempner, “but the victory is only piecemeal until names are also changed in Atlanta for baseball, in Chicago for hockey, and in Kansas City, and don’t ignore the almost 2,000 other teams with problematic names.” Kempner is a DC-based filmmaker who has directed documentaries on baseball star Hank Greenberg and on the Molly Goldberg TV show.

Her co-director Ben West (Chey-

enne tribe) added that ‘“Imagining the Indian” addresses the misrepresentation of Native peoples in sports, television, movies, pop-culture, and beyond, familiar examples of which are liberally depicted throughout the movie, such as the subservient Tonto in the Lone Ranger shows and the “savage” identity of Indians in innumerable Western movies. West noted the filmmakers are proud that the film is a product of Indian Country.

“Eradicating mascoting of Native people will rid us of its perniciousness, which is that exposure to it is at the root of negative stereotyping and treatment of all people of color,” said the film’s co-producer Kevin Blackistone, an ESPN panelist and professor at the University of Maryland who also writes sports commentary for The Washington Post. (The film opens in the DC area on April 4. 2023).

Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. u

Arizona to Rally Against Native Mascots in Phoenix, AR.

Photo courtesy of the Ciesla Foundation

CAPITOL CUISINE

Spring, with tourists and cherry blossoms, has finally returned. Accompanying these annual arrivals are several new Capitol Hill restaurants. At last, east of Lincoln Park, Pacci’s nally opened at 106 13th St. SE. Chef Luis Flores’ s upbeat Italian menu dispenses Nonna’s polpette (meatballs), grilled octopus, and lasagna Napoletana. The dome-shaped, wood- red oven promised a selection of red and white pizzas, which were practically ying out of the kitchen on a busy Wednesday evening.

Capping Pacci’s price list are veal chops and ribeye steak, both tagged at $46. But the best thing we tasted was the wild boar (cinghiale in Italian) tagliatelle, chock full of meat, cloaked with robust sauce and dotted with (surprising) capers., an obeat marriage that worked well. The ribbons of pasta were perfectly cooked, al dente, which held up to the rich porcine sauce. A red/golden beet/ burrata salad was beautifully presented, a colorful palate of beets, burrata, and fennel with balsamic dressing; a shower of walnuts added an agreeable crunch. Colleague Liz O’Gorek raves about the rich creamy tiramisu.

Pacci’s also o ers a brunch menu, plus beer,

wine and cocktails. For more information visit www.paccis.com.

New on “The Avenue” is Coastline Oyster Co. at 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. It is part of family-owned Coastline Restaurant group, which also operates nearby Harvest Tide Steak House. The kitchen is helmed by chef/owner Danio Somoza, who turns out cioppino seafood stew, Alaskan halibut and sea scallops, plus steamers—including Chatham mussels with garlic butter-- and a raw bar. Carnivores might be served pan-seared pork chops, or New York strip steak.

Lunchtime brings tomato-based seafood stew, replete with clams, shrimp, scallops and veggies. Caesar salad, enlivened with anchovy dressing and capped with a parmesan crisp, can be topped with fried oysters, salmon, halibut or steak.

The drink menu features wine, beer, red and white sangria, tropical cocktails like margaritas and mezcal spritzes, plus “infusions” including Blue Point oyster shooters. For more information visit www.coastlineoysterco.com.

by Celeste McCall

Africa Meets Atlas

Bronze, 1245 H St. NE, celebrates the African culture and diaspora with the 700-year-old tale of Alonzo Bronze, who traveled around the globe, searching for new traditions. He eventually settled in the Caribbean. Inspired by Bronze’s world-wide adventures is the eclectic menu of hamachi crudo (raw yellowtail tuna), “torched” oyster towers, toasted chana (chickpeas) collard pesto and much more. Visit www.bronzedc.com.

Paste & Rind, 904 H St. NE, slid into the space vacated by Dio Wine Bar. The Cheese Counter and Tasting Bar is the rst bricks-and-mortar enterprise for Kara McGrath’s locally sourced cheese company, which she launched during the Covid shutdown. Seating 24 patrons, the tiny space has a service counter and a culinary accoutrements shop. The sit-down area serves artisan cheese “slates” with warm local bread (which feed two), charcuteries and wine pairings. Visit www.pasteandrind.com.

Navy Yard Update

The major league baseball season is again

underway, as restaurants are cropping up near Nationals Park. A British style pub, Duke’s Grocery, 1201 Half St. SE, is the gastropub’s fourth location. Situated a half block from Nationals Park,

is beloved for beer-battered sh-and- chips, and the double-pat-

As a grand finale, Pacci’s artistically presented tiramisu–rich and creamy–tastes as marvelous as it looks.

At Pacci’s Trattoria, red and golden beet salad is beautifully paired with burrata and fennel and sprinkled with walnuts.

On “The Avenue,” Coastline Oyster Co. (formerly Zoca), dispenses excellent seafood dishes, including a range of oysters on the half shell.

Duke’s

ty “proper” burger. Among bottomless brunch o erings are eggs Norwegian (scrambled eggs with smoked salmon), avocado toast and an English breakfast of eggs, rashers, bangers, and roasted tomatoes. To drink: co ee martinis. mimosas, bloody marys and beer. A 40-seat bar stretches the length of one wall and accommodates eight TVs. Visit www.dukesgrocery.com.

Wharf is Growing

As part of the District Wharf’s Phase 2 expansion, New York’s Philippe Chow will soon unveil Philippe by Philippe Chow, the rst Washington spino of his famed Manhattan agship. Chow’s eponymous newcomer will showcase classic Peking duck, crispy duck salad, sesame prawns, lobster satay, salt & pepper eggplant, plus some tofu dishes.

Tucked in the luxury Canopy Hotel, 975 Seventh St. SW, is the Canopy Central Bar & Café. For breakfast, you’ll nd lox and bagels, “adult lunchables” with meat, cheese, crackers and a “treat,” onion rings, chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads and pizza. Visit www.canopycentralcafeandbar.com

Easy Company Wine Bar, 98 Blair Alley SW, is related to the nearby fun and funky Boardwalk, both part of Better Hospitality Group. This casual neighborhood spot slings crispy calamari, cheese and charcuteries, tzatziki, hummus, mussels, grilled salmon, burgers and more. Plus all kinds of wine, foreign and domestic. Visit www.easycowharf.com.

In the spi y Pendry Hotel is Flora Flora,

655 Water St. SW. Served poolside, the allday Latin American-inspired fare focuses on traditional dishes from Mexico and Peru. Favorites include pumpkin empanadas, grilled oysters, striped bass ceviche, hearts of palm tacos, duck con t chaufa (Chinese/Peruvian inspired montage of rice, egg, soy and other ingredients). Visit www.pendry.com.

Across from Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips is the British chef’s dressy Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, 652 Wharf St. SW. Ensconced in a sprawling 14,802 square-foot waterfront structure, the pricy agship restaurant is named after the British-born Ramsay’s famous cooking show. Among specialties are beef Wellington, the decadently delicious, retro concoction of a steak llet, pate, and duxelles (minced herbed mushrooms) swathed in pu pastry; a dry-aged 24-ounce ribeye, Maine lobster tail, lobster risotto and sticky to ee pudding. For more information on both restaurants visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com.

Coming soon if not already: Zooz, 636 Maine Ave. SW, a high-end cocktail ‘‘garden bar.’’ Located at the base of the luxury Amaris condos, the glamorous late-night lounge evokes Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Cocktails are presented tableside on rolling carts, along with delectable desserts like crème brulee and tiramisu. www.wharfdc.com.

Wine About it

Coming up April 24 at 6 p.m.: Joselito Casa de Comidas, 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE will host a gala Wine Tasting Dinner. Prepared by chefs David Cardona and David Sierra in collaboration with Sommelier Gustavo Iniesta, the six-course repast will include such delicacies as tuna tartar and grilled lamb tenderloin. During this dinner, Bodega Elias Mora export manager Catalina Madra and Grapes of Spain CEO Aurelio Cabestrero will walk diners through each wine pairing and share their knowledge and passion about these opulent wines that are modern, yet deeply rooted and devoted to tradition.

Price is $135 per person, including tax and service but not including Eventbrite fees. For more information visit www.joselitodc.com.

4/1 - Batida Diferente

4/6 - Alfred Yun

4/7 - Elliot Levine

4/8 - Herb Scott

4/13 - Capital City Voices

4/14 - Rachel Burns

4/15 - Eddie Anderson

4/20 - Cissa Paz

4/21 - Fran Vielma Orchestra

4/22 - Jeff Weintraub

4/27 - The Pop Chick

4/28 - Aaron Myers

4/29 - Phil Thomas

601

In the Atlas District, Paste & Rind proprietor Kara McGrath greets cheese loving oenophiles.

Art and the City

Honoring Earth Day April 2023, Must See Art Exhibits

by Phil Hutinet

Saturday, April 22 will mark the 53rd year that Earth Day has been observed. The global environmental movement annually mobilizes one billion people in over 190 countries, according to the organizers’ website. This April, several artists will use the occasion to exhibit environmentally themed work which repurposes discarded items. Listed below, four DC-based exhibitions, three in-gallery and one outdoor public art project, ask viewers to reconsider how we see everyday objects, how we use them and what they can become in order to avoid the landfill.

“Found” at Alethia Tanner Park

Opening: Saturday, April 22, from noon–2 pm. Artist Talk: April 29, from noon–2 pm. Free public workshop: Saturday, April 8, 10 am–1 pm. www.founddc.net

A group of local artists—Sondra N. Arkin, Tim Kime and Lisa Rosenstein—led by artist-facilitator Ira Tattelman, invite the public to attend a series of workshops to create found-object sculptures which will be publicly displayed at Alethia Tanner Park in Eckington during an Earth Day opening event. So what exactly is found-object art? According to New York’s Museum of Modern art it is “an object—often utilitarian, manufactured, or naturally occurring—that was not originally designed for an artistic purpose, but has been repurposed in an artistic context.” Marcel Duchamp’s famous urinal which he signed, then titled “Fountain,” is perhaps the best-known example of found-object art. Have

you ever thought to yourself “I can do that” after seeing Duchamp’s infamous work? Now is your chance to prove it! Join the artists of Found at their next workshop and create your own artwork out of found material. The organizers will have some found objects available but encourage participants to bring their own. The found-object artmaking will culminate in an Earth Day opening celebration on Saturday, April 22 from noon-2 p.m. While participation is free, registration is required and a release, available online, must be signed. 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. DC.

Hamiltonian Artists

Maria Luz Bravo “Glimpse, Gathered” March 25, 2023 – April 22, 2023 www.hamiltonianartists.org

Maria Luz Bravo, originally from Mexico, has called DC home since graduating from the Corcoran with a Master of Arts in New Media Photojournalism. While on her daily walks, Bravo turned her attention to the sidewalks and alleys of Northwest DC avoiding what she calls “the manicured porches” in favor of “the ordinary sublime scattered throughout daily life.” Her solo exhibition “Glimpse, Gathered” at Hamiltonian Artists, where she was a fellow from 20202022, consists of a series of photographs which record her explorations. Bravo explains that her subject matter “consist[s] of artifacts from previous lives, architectural remains of incessant efforts to expand and renovate, imprints of foliage on concrete, shopping lists, and love messages that fell from pockets only to disintegrate into the sidewalk.” While Bravo’s

work does not explicitly deal with the environment, she provides the viewer with a way to look at our surroundings differently by appreciating the juxtaposition of the natural world with the urban. In DC especially, we are fortunate to live in a city where these two worlds coexist comfortably, sideby-side and in some cases, harmoniously.

1353 U St NW, DC. Hours: Thu.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 202-332-1116

Studio Gallery

Lynda Andrews-Barry “Petrichor: the Scent of The Earth after a Warm Rain,” curated by Gaby Mizes

March 29–April 22

Closing Reception: Saturday April 22, 4–6 pm. www.studiogallerydc.com

Do you find the smell of rain appealing? There is a word for that wonderful smell— it’s called “petrichor.” However, Lynda

Rendering of imagined sculptures. Schematic created by Ira Tattelman.

Maria Luz Bravo “Untitled.” Image courtesy Hamiltonian Artists

Andrews-Barry’s solo exhibition “Petrichor” addresses a much more unpleasant topic— the catastrophic impact our interactions have with the environment. Andrews-Barry examines “The possibility of a future with only remnants of The Earth,” a place where petrichor disappears altogether, in other words, a world where rain no longer smells agreeable. Through a series of sculptural works, the artist predicts that, given man’s systematic destruction of the environment and unwillingness to change course, many of the natural wonders we take for granted will simply cease to exist.

Andrews-Barry sees a future where “our natural world [will] be a manmade place where

fabricated tableaux memorialize the once common but now extinct.” For example, we will have are images of forests but none in which to hike. Andrew-Barry’s dystopic vision of a future where environmental collapse is imminent resembles the 1970s movie “Soylent Green” or more the recent “Blade Runner 2049” but her intent is neither shock-value nor the desire to instill despair in the viewer. Instead, she hopes the exhibition “encourages conversations that will animate citizens to engage emotionally to internalize an environmental ethic, and ultimately, truly feel the exigencies of our generation.” 2108 R Street NW, Washington, DC. Hours: Wed.-Fri.: 1-6 p.m. & Sat.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 202-232-8734

The Yard at Eastern Market “Materiality” group exhibition

Curated by Gia Harewood

Opening Friday, March 24, 2023 6–8 pm. While this last exhibition listing does not deal with Earth Day themes per se, many of its artists repurpose materials in their artmaking process giving rise to the possibility of creating aesthetically pleasing work with unconventional media. Curated by Gia Harewood, participating artists include: Sobia Ahmad, Aliana Grace Bailey, Buck, Aziza Claudia Gibson-Hunter, Ruth Gowell, Sarah J. Hull, Blake Pierre, Adi Segal and Candice Tevares. Aptly titled “Materiality,” the artists use materials in novel ways. For example, artists Aliana Grace Bailey and Sarah J. Hull are both part of a growing artistic movement which uses fabric as a medium to create artwork. In recent years, textile art has been increasingly recognized and elevated to fine art status. Bailey and Hull’s work reflect this encouraging, upward trend. 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington, DC. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. 202-929-4779

Phil Hutinet is the founding publisher of East City Art, DC’s visual art journal of record. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com u

Aliana Grace Bailey “blue: ancestral healing.” Image courtesy of the artist

Lynda Andrews Barry “Rockfish.” Image Courtesy of the artist.

the LITERARY HILL

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events

by Michelle LaFrance

A Celebration of Art Books

The Capital Art Book Fair

“Art Books” are categorically difficult to define. They might be books that are themselves “works of art,” or collections of and deliberations on artistic movements and unique artists, or limited run books and prints, DIY zines, graphic novels, and glossy magazines. The “author” of an art book might be a fine artist, an independent publisher, a small press, an illustrator, photographer, or cultural critic. Some art books may include little to no traditional print media. Some may play with the nature of text-as-itself-image, exploding our expectations of the role of an “author,” print and print culture, and the very nature of a “book.”

This month’s column highlights “art books” in complement to the 2023 Capital Art Book Fair, held Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, in Eastern Market’s North Hall. A partnership led by East City Art with support from the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and Hill Center, the inaugural art book fair hosts over 30 exhibitors from across the DMV, the US, Canada and Mexico. The event is open to the public and free. More information about the fair can be found at: artbookfair.eastcityart.com

We invite readers to join us this month in cel-

ebration of this wonderfully dynamic and creative genre with the following three reviews.

The DC I SEE

Carolyn Toye’s book of photographs captures the color, texture, lines, patterns, forms, deformations, absences, erasures, and stunning everyday complexities of DC’s urban terrain—an unexpectedly exquisite photographic eye capturing aging brick and mortar, nostalgia, decline, neglect, abandonment, found objects, mechanistic residues, and the yet ever-present soul of city life and its imprint.

As Phil Hutinet, founder of East City Art, writes in the foreword to this breathtaking collection, “Where many saw blight, urban decay, and redevelopment opportunities, Toye. . . found desolate beauty in the fabulous ruins of post1968-riot D.C. Like the remains of an ancient Roman city or the ruins of a Mayan temple, the faded architecture of a glorious past resonated into the present, stimulating the imagination and forcing the viewer to make sense of the disarray in which one could find glimmers of hope and beauty.”

Toye notes that one of her goals as a photographer is to preserve the “artistry” inherent in the everyday and quickly vanishing city, a landscape that for her holds “treasured memories” of family, neighborhood culture, and belonging. Her photos make real the stories that live below the surface of gentrification.

“As a native Washingtonian,” Toye writes, “I never tire of seeing the majestic and powerful monuments and structures that characterize the city of ‘Washington, D.C.’ I prefer, instead, to capture, in still frames, the quiet beauty that lives in every quad-

rant, in every neighborhood, and on every street of my hometown.”

Let’s Talk Art

Michelle L. Hermans’ book explores an artistic relationship with “manufactured” or AI-generated texts. Her book includes a series of “interview transcripts,” capturing interviews that never were— composed by the “Generative Pretrained Transformer 2 (GPT2) open-source textgenerating model developed by OpenAI.” To achieve her ghost-in-the-machine effect, Herman “re-trained” the platform with over one-thousand artist interviews, then altered the names of the interviewees “talking art.”

The resulting interview texts are at turns absurd—Donald Trump as “very, very sophisticated. . . more sophisticated than, say, a sculptor”—simultaneously performative, empty and biting. Consider this exchange:

MR. FINCH: Well, you can’t just paint. You have to be an artist. You have to be a serious artist. That’s a different concept. And I think it’s very important. But I think he’s really being a very, very, very, very smart artist, which is very, very great.

MS. PATRICK: Yes.

MR. FINCH: But I think it’s very, very important.

MS. PATRICK: I would love to be that.

MR. FINCH: Yes. I’m a very, very clever artist. Based in DC, Herman is a multidisciplinary artist who integrates theoretical and philosophical research, feminist and disability politics, comedy, and conceptualism. To see Michelle L. Herman’s digital and new media installations visit: www.michellelisaherman.com/

Carolyn Toye

Michelle L. Herman

Hong Kong 2019-2021

Ho Tam’s collection of protest slogans and reflections on the violent occupation of Hong Kong bring the ongoing Hong Kong-China conflict into high, personal and heartbreakingly ordinary, relief. Each slogan or reflection is rendered first as a line of black and white Chinese characters, brushed in a precise, but fluid brush. These blocky symbols are then translated into English and each slogan is unpacked via short, explanatory text.

With sections named “There Are No Rioters, Only Tyranny,” “Glory to Hong Kong” (which commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre), “Hong Kong Independence, The Only Way Out,” “Safeguard The Next Generation,” and “End the One Party Dictatorship,” each section offers textual snap shots of the Hong Kong resistance movement.

Tam’s small book is all the more illuminating in light of China’s ongoing restrictions of free speech and social media. “In the face of the adversities, the Hong Kongers believe that their aspirations are as strong as ever. . . they will fight till their last gasp.”

Voicing the resilience, determination, and unwavering love for their home island—“I Am So Fucking In Love With Hong Kong,” Tam scribes—we see the utterly wrenching emotional labor at the heart of resistance to violent occupation.

This and other books released by HoTamPress of Vancouver, Canada can be found on Etsy.

What Art Books Are We Reading?

DC Bookshops and book sellers celebrate art books. Among East City Bookshop’s top art book sales since December: 1) Art Is Life: Icons and Iconoclasts, Visionaries and Vigilantes, and Flashes of Hope in the Night,

by Jerry Saltz; 2) The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book, by Emily Henderson, Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson and Sara Ligorria-Tramp; and 3) 1000 Design Classics, Phaidon Editors; 4) AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home, by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason. Solid State reports their most popular art book sales as: 1) In the Black Fantastic, by Ekow Eshun; 2) Fresh Fly Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style, by Elizabeth Way; 3) Africa, by Emmanuel Courreges; and 4) Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, by Doryun Chong.

Art book enthusiasts may also enjoy perusing the offerings from Paper Cuts, a small press and digital arts company in Petworth that probes the contemporary world of zines and DIY publishing. Hosting a Podcast series and live events, as well as print media releases, Paper Cuts “features writers, performers, and artists who have shared their work in print, on paper, and in small editions.” Recent publications include Cronomachy and Place Your Hands on This, by Christopher Kardambikis, and Venus 3 by Jennifer Lillis. More info on Paper Cuts and the art books of Christopher Kardambikis can be found at: www.kardambikis.com/shop

Also look for My Dead Aunt’s Books in Hyattsville, MD. Top sales include: The Art and Life of Luigi Lucioni: a Contribution Towards a Catalogue Raisonne, Arthur Putnam, sculptor, and The Wood and the Graver: The Work of Fritz Eichenberg. My Dead Aunt’s Bookstore is also online at: mydeadauntsbooks.com.

Michelle LaFrance is Associate Professor of English at George Mason University. She teaches creative nonfiction, life writing, and civic writing at the Hill Center. In her free time, she can be found reading, writing, and hiking the region’s forests with two mischievous four-leggeds. u

Poetic Hill

by Sandra Beasley

Jona Colson

Jona Colson’s poetry collection, “Said Through Glass,” won the 2018 Jean Feldman Poetry Prize from the Washington Writers’ Publishing House. He is also the co-editor of “This Is What America Looks Like: Poetry and Fiction from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia” (2021). His poems have appeared in “Ploughshares,”

“The Southern Review,” “The Massachusetts Review” and elsewhere. His translations and interviews can be found in “Prairie Schooner,” “Tupelo Quarterly” and “The Writer’s Chronicle.” He has received fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Colson is a professor of ESL at Montgomery College in Maryland and has lived in Washington for 20 years. In 2022, he became co-president with Caroline Bock of the Washington Writers’ Publishing House and edits the biweekly journal “WWPH Writes.”

This is one of his odes. Regarding the odes, he notes that while not exactly a sequence, “I love the idea of writing them and stringing them into my working manuscripts. They act like signposts along the way.”

Ode tO Champagne

I’m in love with you.

You are glint and first blush ‒

all moon and astral-glow. I look for you everywhere.

Inside kitchen cupboards, under sinks, even beside nightstands.

You are the bell’s peal. The minute past the hour of lead. And when peril coils beneath your bottle, the raucous light

inside burns and loosens twilight into the dark.

Your shears cut the blossom before the flies gather,

and I push upward into the sky where I can see even the dead stars.

Hong Kong 2019-2021. Ho Tam

Southwest resident Sandra Beasley has written four poetry collections. If you live in DC and are interested in being featured, reach her at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net for questions and submissions (one to five poems). u

Hidden Dangers of Prescription Drugs

Local Psychiatrist Joe Tarantolo Hosts Panel Discussion

by Pattie Cinelli

About 50 guests attended a film screening and panel discussion last month at the Hill Center about the award-winning documentary Medicating Normal which focuses on the adverse e ects of psychiatric drugs. Dr. Joe Tarantolo, a psychiatrist who has been practicing on the Hill for 40 years, hosted the panel discussion.

“I saw the movie when I was in Virginia Beach. It was being used as an educational tool,” said Dr. Tarantolo. “I wanted to share it with my Hill neighbors. I’m sure lots of people are taking drugs and don’t recognize the potential danger associated with the drug they are taking.” He said most of the drugs prescribed by psychiatrists, like the popular Xanax, are bene cial in the short term but not when taken for a long time.

What is Medicating Normal?

The movie follows ve people— a newly married couple, a female combat veteran, a waitress and a teenager whose doctors prescribed

psychiatric drugs for sleeplessness, stress, mild depression, focus and trauma. The subjects struggle with serious physical and mental side e ects as well as neurological damage which has resulted from taking the drugs as prescribed and from attempting to withdraw. Their doctors prescribed pills to help with common problems such as stress, insomnia, anxiety and grief. The benets of the drugs are often the only ones presented to patients. Medicating Normal tells another story.

For more than three years, the producers documented the journey of these ve individ-

uals. They stated, “Our hope is that Medicating Normal will present one very important and predominantly untold story so that as a society we can begin a meaningful, informed nationwide discussion about what it means to be fully human and mentally well.”

According to the movie, fty million Americans are dependent on commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. While the dangers of illegal drugs and opioids are well known, few are fully informed of the potential dangers of antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds and stimulants before becoming physiologically dependent on them.

Panelist Mary Vietin, a psychologist who heads a group called the War Fighters Advance said vets who come to her for treatment stay about a week to begin to get o prescription psychiatric drugs. She said 80 percent do well several years o the drugs.

“When I work with vets, it takes about six hours to brief them on [all aspects] of the drugs, so they have informed consent,” she said. “It’s a very complicated process. Psychiatrists don’t take that kind of time.” Dr. Vietin said that often psychiatrists practice hit or miss. “If a patient has an adverse e ect from a drug, they try another one then another one. Patients become guinea pigs.”

The film acknowledges that psychiatric drugs do help alleviate su ering for a segment of those who take them. However, it is estimated that of the one-in- ve Amer-

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icans taking psychiatric drugs, 3035 percent are harmed by the very treatment meant to help them. Medicating Normal focuses on the predicament of this group—individuals facing trauma and stress who are made sicker as a result of the medication.

One of the panelists, Chuck Ruby, is a psychologist in private practice. He is also the executive director of the International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry. He said the reason there’s a problem is that doctors are medicating for problems that aren’t illnesses. “We diagnose a mental illness when [a patient] becomes inconvenient to other people,” he said. The panelists all stated they are not anti-drugs. They are pro informed consent.

Problems with No Easy Fixes

“We live in a drug culture,” said Dr. Tarantolo. “There is no problem that can’t be cured by a drug.” According to a 2017 article, only two countries – USA and New Zealand – allow pharmaceuticals to advertise directly to consumers. He added that drugs are being used to address the basic core dilemmas of life—death, dying, being alone, anxiety—instead of trying to address life issues by being more open to experiencing them. If any feeling becomes “uncomfortable or di cult then it becomes a disease.”

Gina Sangster, a licensed clinical social worker with the Capitol Hill Consortium, was in the audience. “It’s an issue I’m interested in, and it’s an issue that is relevant to everyone who has been through depression and/or anxiety or knows someone who has,” she said. “I have clients currently taking Zoloft and

Prozac and seem to get better in the short term. I never realized the withdrawal from these drugs could be so severe,” she said.

Information is power. Medicating Normal is a movie everyone needs to watch. I rented the movie from my local library. You can also get it on Amazon or YouTube. If you want to view the panel discussion, go to the Hill Center’s Facebook page.

To contact Dr. Tarantolo, call 202-543-5290.

Pattie Cinelli is a health and tness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She focuses on non-traditional ways to stay healthy, get t and get well. Please email her with questions or column suggestions at: tmiss44@aol.com.

Adequan For Arthritis

The District Vet

by Dan Teich, DVM

In January we discussed Solensia, a new mechanism for helping cats with osteoarthritis pain. Arthritis is a common ailment in dogs, and we will expand upon an older, underutilized, but effective medication for arthritis relief.

Arthritis control usually involves a combination of diet, oral supplements, anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, laser therapy, and disease-modifying drugs. Use of supplements such as Dasuquin and Cosequin and anti-inflammatories including Rimadyl and Galliprant is commonplace, but there’s an additional medication which should be considered. Dietary supplements may help some, but their reach is limited. The anti-inflammatories may help with discomfort, but fail to address the underlying problem: the arthritis itself.

Timing of starting therapy for arthritis may also be important. Cartilage covers the surfaces of many joints, including the elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders. This material provides cushioning between the bones and joint fluid around them helps the bones slide readily over one another. In arthritis this cartilage is worn down or even completely lost over time. Once cartilage is lost, it cannot be regenerated. Cartilage loss leads to pain / discomfort and decreased mobility. When dogs’ activity wanes, they may slowly cognitively decline, too.

Arthritis can start even in young dogs. Many dogs are genetically predisposed to cartilage loss, while other can have developmental orthopedic conditions. It is in these dogs that early intervention is most important.

Arthritis signs may begin subtly. First signs can include not jumping as frequently as in the past, decreased interest in play, reluctance to go on long walks, increased anxiety, shifting weight from leg to leg, and maybe struggling to get comfortable. Larger breed dogs are more prone to developing arthritis,

but is can be seen in any size and breed of dog.

A goal of addressing arthritis is to try and slow the progression of the condition, along with providing discomfort relief. Anti-inflammatories are useful, but what if we could slow progression itself? Adequan Canine is a FDAapproved injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug that inhibits cartilage loss in dogs’ joints and may help to restore joint lubrication, decrease inflammation, and provide building blocks of healthy cartilage.

The medication works by inhibiting the release of cartilage degenerative enzymes in the joint and enhancing helpful joint enzymes.

the joint and enhancing helpful joint enzymes. It also helps restore the cartilage matrix and surrounding joint fluid. This leads to a better lubricated joint with less inflammation. And inflammation is what causes pain and discomfort. The exact mechanism of how Adequan works is unknown at this time.

Adequan can be started in a dog at any age. It does not have potential negative liver and kidney effects, such as may be found in some anti-inflammatories, and has a high safety range. It also should not cause any stomach upset. It is given via injection - we can readily show you how to do this. The biggest roadblock for use of Adequan is overcoming a client’s hesitancy to give their dog an injection. Many dogs tolerate injections very well— better than us!

en twice per week for four weeks then once to twice a month thereafter. Every six

months administration is repeated twice weekly for four weeks once again.

Many dogs will experience an improvement in walking and a decrease in overall pain within the first four weeks of administration. The goal is comfort and slowing of arthritis progression. Adequan can safely be used with oral supplements and anti-inflammatories, if needed. In many cases, Adequan decreases the need for the use of anti-inflammatories or other pain medications.

Dan Teich, DVM is Medical Director at District Veterinary Hospital Eastern Market. ◆

S chool N otes

by Susan Braun Johnson

Friends Community School

During a carbon cycle unit in fifth-grade science, students created board games to show their learning. The project deepened learning about how the cycle works and why it impacts climate change. It also built teamwork!

Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr, College Park, MD; friendscommunityschool.org

Northeast Stars Montessori

This month NES students are learning about letter sounds. They recently focused on the letter P. The lesson was reinforced by making pigs. The children went on a P scavenger hunt on their walk. So far, they have discussed A S T C M B L O N G E D J F P letter sounds.

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool, 1325 Maryland Ave NE; nestars.net

Payne

Spring is the main time when the kids go on their environmental education field trips. Thanks to a generous grant from Chesapeake Bay Trust and Anacostia Watershed Society, all Payne students will participate in interactive field trips and learn how important it is to protect the watershed. Payne is also partnering with Guerrilla Gardeners. Students will grow pollinator seedlings indoors and then Guerilla Gardeners of DC will organize a family workday to plant them at Congressional Cemetery. Students will also be growing endangered shad fish to restore their population numbers. Lastly, kids and families at Payne have been enjoying resident chickens in their coop outside of the front door. Stop by to visit if you want to learn more.

Payne, 1445 C St SE; paynedc.org

Miner

Miner Elementary students were treated to a night of science exploration when their STEM teacher teamed up with the Carnegie Institution for Science for “Science in Your Backyard” on March 2. In this photo, Principal Dance and a Scientist from the Carnegie Institution have fun with some students in the “sandbox” where they learned about geography and topography at an augmented reality station.

Miner Elementary, 601 15th St NE; minerelementary.org

Maury

In celebration of Black History month, each homeroom classroom created a composite image of a “Living Legend” —someone who makes a positive impact on the world—in Studio Maury. Under Lauren Bomba’s direction, photographs of these heroes were cut into squares, each reproduced on paper

Friends Community School

Payne Miner

Maury

with oil pastels by one of the students, and reassembled into vibrant works of art. Pictured: Soccer star, Tyler Adams.

Maury ES, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE; mauryelementary.com.

Van Ness

Van Ness Elementary School students participate in a cross-age buddy program to help build social skills across grade levels. Buddies read together, make crafts, do science experiments, and build friendships. Teachers Aneesah Blount and Elizabeth Ward received a grant for the initiative from the NoVo Foundation (in partnership with Edu-

cation First and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors) to continue the program into the current school year.

Van Ness Elementary, 1150 5th St SE; www.vannesselementary.org

Waterfront Academy

Waterfront Academy has been keeping busy this spring! The Spring Variety Show showcased the talents of students while parents and friends enjoyed the performances. Middle school children enjoyed a butter churning activity as an assignment and were excited to have primary students join in the fun too. Waterfront Academy, 222 M St. SW; www.waterfrontacademy.org

DC Prep

DC Prep’s six campuses had such a blast celebrating Black History Month throughout all of February. As part of their BHM showcase, our Benning Elementary Campus put on a fantastic performance of The Wiz! To enroll at DC Prep, complete your application at myschooldc.org

Home Office & Anacostia Middle Campus are co-located at 2330 Pomeroy Rd, SE,

Eastern HS

The Eastern High School social studies department received a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to highlight and celebrate a variety of cultural holidays throughout the year. For Women’s History Month, female-identifying staff members developed a mentorship program with a small group of students themed “Empowered women empower the world.” Together the group sent notes to women who have empowered them, engaged in mindfulness and yoga exercises, and

created squares for a unity quilt. The program culminated in the EmpowHERment tea party where each student received a book specifically selected by her mentor.

Eastern Senior HS 1700 East Capitol St. NE; easternhighschooldcps.org u

Van Ness

Waterfront Academy

Drag Queen Storytime Returns to Adams Morgan

Drag Queen Storytime, presented by the Adams Morgan Business Improvement District and DC Public Library, returns to Adams Morgan at Unity Park, 1771-1795 Columbia Rd. NW, on the last Sunday of every month from April through October, at 11 a.m. Storytimes are free and open to children of all ages (and perfect for the entire family). The goal is to inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons on diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others. The DC Public Library will attend with additional books, information about local libraries, their famous “book bike” and more. www. admodc.org/storytime

“Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll!”

The White House Historical Association has released a new children’s book, “Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll!” Eight-year-old Rocco Smirne was among the lucky children who’ve had the opportunity to attend White House Easter Egg Rolls, and in 2022 Rocco was invited by President and Dr. Biden to read his book, “Rocco Travels with the Presidents,” at the event. In this book, Rocco shares the many activities at the White House grounds on Easter Monday, including rolling and hunting for eggs, listening to music of the Marine Band, decorating cookies, taking drawing lessons and gathering around authors as they read their books aloud. Purchase the book for $9.95 at www.whitehousehistory.org/products/roccoat-the-white-house-easter-egg-roll. www.whha.org

Rocco and the book “Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll!”

“Aladdin”

at the National

From the producer of “The Lion King” comes the story of Aladdin, a new production lled with beauty, magic, comedy and spectacle. “Aladdin,” at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from April 19 to 30, is recommended for children six and older. Tickets start at $35. www.broadwayatthenational.com

Revolutionary War Weekend at Mount Vernon

On Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both days, rain or shine), Mount Vernon’s 12-Acre Field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats and Hessians conduct military drills and perform 18th-century cavalry demonstrations. Meet the soldiers and greet General Washington. Walk through the Museum of the American Revolution’s replica of Washington’s War Tent, his ofce and sleeping quarters as the commander of the Continental Army. Admission is $35 for adults; $21 for kids. www.mountvernon.org

Photo: Courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog

On Friday, May 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy an evening filled with live music perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Mr. Jeremiah and Mr. Steve ‒ both Capitol Hillbased dads and music teachers ‒ offer roots-and-blues tunes tailored to get children dancing while delighting grownups. $10 per child two and older; $5 per grownup. Beer, wine and pizza for purchase. Hill Center is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Tickets at www.hillcenterdc.org.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Youth Invasion

On Saturday, April 29, at 1 and 4 p.m., the GenOUT Youth Chorus returns for its annual concert, Youth Invasion. Under the direction of C. Paul Heins, this free concert gives voice to the identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ and allied youth. Youth Invasion is at THEARC Theatre, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Free tickets are at www.gmcw.org/youth-invasion.

Hello, Museo

Join educators from the National Postal Museum (Byrne Classroom, third floor) every other Tuesday,

Marine Corps Marathon Kids’ Run Registration

The MCM Kids’ Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, in Arlington. Children ages five to 12 can participate in the one-mile run. Pre- and post-event hospitality, activities, entertainment, games and mascots make this an unforgettable event. The Kids’ Run offers nine start-time options between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Registration opens on April 5. www.marinemarathon.com

CityTutor DC

CityTutor DC is a coalition of schools, community organizations and city leaders aiming to overcome the educational impacts of the pandemic by expanding access to high-impact, accelerated learning for 10,000+ K-12 students. High-impact tutoring is an evidence-based approach that takes place in a one-on-one or small-group setting. Tutors and students meet frequently and consistently, usually with a focus on math or literacy. Learn more at www.citytutordc.org.

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., for a bilingual (English and Spanish) program featuring music, stories, crafts and gallery exploration. Upcoming dates are April 4 and 18; May 2, 16 and 30 ‒ and on. Designed for children ages two to five and their caregivers. All are welcome, registration not required. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum is at 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. www.postalmuseum.si.edu

“The Ice Cream Truck Is Broken!” & Other Emotional Arias at the KC

On Saturday, April 22, at 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday, April 23, at 2 p.m., join a family-friendly event exploring our strongest emotions through opera. Hosts Renee Fleming, the Kennedy Center’s artistic advisor, and Mo Willems, inaugural education-artistin-residence, together with the Washington National Opera Cafritz Young

Artists, present famous arias exploring the range of human emotions in a way audiences new and old can appreciate and enjoy. A special bonus is the world premiere performance of a WNO commission, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late!” composed by the Kennedy Center’s composer-inresidence, Carlos Simon, and featuring the Pigeon’s dramatic operatic debut. $20 to $45. Most enjoyed by ages five and up. www.kennedy-center.org

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live. Kids are invited to the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. for entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances to puppets, dance and music. On May 13, see “Mangos to Apples Tumbling Tum-

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“The White House Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands!”

The White House

Historical Association announces the presale of “The White House: Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands!” In this book, Stewart D. McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, shares the story of architect James Hoban and those who constructed the White House, including Scottish stonemasons, Irish builders and enslaved laborers of African descent. This is the sixth in a series of children’s books about White House life and history published by the White House Historical Association. $9.95. Order at www.shop.whitehousehistory.org.

The Synetic Theater Teen Company’s “Taming of the Shrew”

The Synetic Theater Teen Company’s Silent Shakespeare adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew” follows Katherina and Petruchio as they discover the journey to love isn’t always the easiest of roads. $30 to $50. From April 21 to 30. Synetic Theater is at 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington. www.synetictheater.org

bling from a Filipino Rainbow” by slam poetry performer Regie Cabico. Young poets will also have a chance to perform their spoken-word poems. Shows are best enjoyed by ages three to six, but everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but register in advance; walkup tickets are subject to availability. Masks are optional but highly recommended. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www.nationaltheatre.org/saturday-morning-live

Bobbleheads and Kids’ Giveaways at Nats Park

The Glen Echo Dentzel Carousel Opens

Glen Echo Park’s 102-year-old Dentzel Carousel opens for the season on Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The carousel season runs from April 29 to Aug. 27: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and, Aug. 28 to Sept. 25, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is also open on Monday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every person, including babies and accompanying adults, must have their own ticket. Children under six must be accompanied by a paying adult to ride. $2 per ride; $5 for all-day pass. Glen Echo Park is at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Maryland. www.glenechopark.org/carousel

Bobbleheads to the first 20,000 fans on April 15, Josiah Gray; June 6, Screech Night OUT; June 17, Racing Presidents Bobblehead: Teddy and Abe; July 22, CJ Abrams; Aug. 12, Racing Presidents Bobblehead: George and Tom; and Sept. 22, Keibert Ruiz. Kids’ Giveaways on April 30, Kids Opening Day, and Rally Cap to the first 10,000 fans 12 and under; on May 21, Kids’ Teddy Handmade by Robots Vinyl Figure to the first 10,000 fans ages three to 12; on June 4, Kids’ Arm Hug Doll to the first 10,000 fans 12 and under; on July 23, Kids’ Water Bottle to the first 10,000 fans 12 and under; on Aug. 13, Kids’ Book Bag to the first 10,000 fans 12

Photo: Courtesy of Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture

Come

• We’re one of 11 DC public charter schools with equitable access preference.

Learn more and register for an upcoming virtual open house at washingtonyuying.org/enroll

PREK 3 - GRADE 5

BEST Kids Superhero 5k & Fun Run

The BEST Kids Superhero 5K & Fun run celebrates the everyday heroes who make a positive impact in the lives of kids in DC’s foster care system. Ways to participate include running/walking the race, becoming a sponsor or volunteering. This family-friendly and stroller-friendly race is on Saturday, May 6, at 8 a.m., and begins in Bluemont Park, 601 N. Manchester St., Arlington. The 5k registration is $30; youth 5k, $15; kids fun run, free. www.bestkids.org

Fyütch.

The National Cathedral Flower Mart’s Kids’ Activities

The National Cathedral’s 84th Flower Mart, A New Beginning, is on Friday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A children’s area has a huge array of games and carnival rides. Purchase tickets for the carousel, rides and games at the ticket booth in the children’s area. Flower Mart is an annual fundraiser for the cathedral’s gardens and grounds. It features a white-elephant tent, international floral display, plants and gifts for sale, tower climbs, free live entertainment and food. www.allhallowsguild.orgglenechopark.org/carousel

Fyütch at the KC

On Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m., discover community and black history and culture through a blend of hip hop, soul, R&B, pop and reggae. Fyütch’s live shows are filled with spirited songs, spoken word and visual storytelling to educate, entertain and empower the next generation.

Grammy-nominated music and social justice artist Fyütch has been featured on “The Today Show,” NPR, Sirius XM’s “Kids Place Live” and more. $20. Fyütch is most enjoyed by ages five and up. www.kennedy-center.org.

and under. www.mlb.com/ nationals

Baby Jam at the National Children’s Museum

On Fridays at 10:30 a.m., grab an instrument and join the band to explore sound and movement. Recommended for ages birth to three. The price of admission ($15.95) includes Baby Jam at Little Drummers on first floor. The National Children’s Museum is at Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org

Three DPR Indoor Pools Now Open Sundays

Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Rd. SE; Deanwood Aquatic Center, 1350 49th St. NE; and Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW are now open Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. dpr. dc.gov/page/indoor-pools.

“The World and Me” Family Earth Day Celebration with Smithsonian Gardens

On Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, celebrate Earth Day with “The World & Me.” Families can explore the Pollinator Garden with Smithsonian Gardens, make their own pollinator home to support neighborhood pollinators and learn how to participate in the international City Nature Challenge event. Free, but registration is required. Sign up at www. naturalhistory.si.edu/events/worldand-me-family-program-earth-daycelebration-smithsonian-gardens.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Glen Echo

From April 20 to May 21, enjoy a multimedia production about a lazy lad whose life changes because of magic beans. Puppet Company fans may recognize the Giant from the annual “Nutcracker” show. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Recommended for ages four and up. $15; free for age two and under. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.. Other upcoming shows are guest artists Dino Rock, June 1 to July 9; Beauty and the Beast, July 20 to Aug. 20; Magic Mirror, Aug. 31 to Sept. 17. www. thepuppetco.org

WABA’s Youth Learn to Ride Class

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Youth Learn to Ride class teaches bike-riding in three steps: gliding, pedaling and riding. This class is for children age six to 12 who have never ridden a bike or have tried and not been successful.

On Saturday, April 29, at 10 a.m., at Anacostia Park, WABA’s League Cycling instructors take students through a progressive curriculum, with the goal of riding with two pedals by the end of the session. www.waba.org

First Saturdays at the NGA

On the rst Saturday of each month (April 1, May 6, etc.), starting at 10:30 or 11:00 a.m., join the National Gallery of Art in the East Building for a relaxed experience featuring artmaking, lms and a variety of pop-up activities. All activities are free, most are rst-come, rstserved and some require registration. www.nga.gov/calendar/community-events/ rst-saturdays.html

Discovery Theater

On April 12 to 14, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. (each day), celebrate the spirit of the Apollo landing in an interactive show for young audiences. Performers and puppets spin stories about the moon’s magic, create a “living exhibit” of its phases and introduce the science that brought us to its surface. $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets on sale now. Recommended for ages four to seven. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). www. discoverytheater.org ◆

CARPET CLEANING

WOVEN HISTORY

We wash carpets in the traditional manner – by hand, using no chemicals or machinery. No preheated room for drying. We dry in the sun and the wind. Free pick-up and delivery for Capitol Hill residents. Call 202-543-1705. More info. at wovenhistory.com. Located at 311-315 7th St. SE. Your neighborhood carpet store on Capitol Hill since 1995. Open Tuesday- Sunday from 10 am- 6 pm.

One of our small offices is available on the third floor of our ADA-accessible building. The space comes with reception services at the front entrance of the building; shared access to a staff kitchenette; a Conference Room furnished with a table and chairs that will accommodate 14+ individuals; an informal seating or “huddle” space; and toilet facilities. Utilities and internet connectivity are included in the monthly use fee of $1,080. Interested parties may email info@ hillcenterdc.org.

Water Bodies

by Myles Mellor

Down:

Look

20. Louis and Lawrence

‘’Okay if ___ myself out?’’

52. Ran 54. Make a shambles of

Takes in

Pa. neighbor

Get wet

Lover

For the birds 70. Put in high spirits 72. Tense 73. British general in America 74. Straw in the wind 75. Disk-like percussion instrument

82. Historical chapter

84. Pomposity

85. Cocktail, with gin fizz

86. Fax, say 90. Tibet’s capital

93. Sinatra ex Gardner

95. Tel follower

96. Hand-me-down

98. Intrinsic nature

102. Charles Riv. school

103. Died down

104. Scented ointment for hair

___ doble

dance)

77. Last word in the Pledge of Allegiance 78. Franc’s predecessor 79. Duvall role in “The Godfather”

80. Straight 81. “Help ___ the way!”

105. “___ for All Seasons” (1966 film)

106. Aspirations

107. Insurance worker

108. Cape ___ Islands

109. Take in again 112. Curves 114. “One for My Baby” composer 115. Parisian subway 116. Muscle problem 118. Commuting option 119. Hard to find 121. Confidentiality agreement, abbr. 124. Sitter’s handful 126. Spring

127. “Deep Space Nine” role

128. Brian Gilbert from 1994: “Tom and ___ “

129. Words of praise

1200 East Capitol St, NE - The Fairfax #3

1411 sf of Traditional Charm, glistening kitchen & bath, one lvl, overlooking Lincoln Park! $987K

214 9th St, SE

GREAT location, nice appeal, needs attention, 861 sf, 2 bedrooms, 1ba, fenced front yard, patio. $750K

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3000+ msf of Incredible Restoration, 3BR./2.5ba Up plus legal 1BR unit for AirBnb plus 4 car OSP. $2M+

Invite Friends to become Neighbors at Some Really Interesting Homes! BROOKLAND

4124 14th St, NE

Semid-detached porchfront w/ upgrades, and great neighborhood appeal and views! $850K

BHHS Leading Edge Society 2022