Hill Rag Magazine – December 2022

Happy Holidays!

From our Formant family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season! We are beyond thankful for being able to serve Washington for four generations as a family business. This is only possible because of you and all that makes up our beloved city. We hope you enjoy an amazing holiday season and as we approach the New Year we look forward to continuing to be here for you! – Mike C. Formant

From

our very happy home to yours Fond wishes for wonderful holidays And an amazing New Year

homes and gardens

arts and dining

on the cover:

Capitol Hill House art Created by: Erin Thompson Studio (@ErinThompsonStudio on Instagram). Art was originally drawn by hand with pen and digitally edited for print. ©Erin Malick Thompson, 2021. You can nd Erin’s work and shop from her studio at www.ErinThompsonStudio.com. She also will be popping up at Groovy DC on Saturday, December 3, 2022 (or on December 4 in case of inclement weather).

Erin Malick Thompson is an artist living in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. She works with pen, watercolor, ink, graphite, and charcoal. Erin is inspired by the lines of a form (be it a human subject’s pose or gesture, or a home/building’s character), by loss, transitions, change, and the beauty of the neighborhood. Her work frequently depicts moments of togetherness between parents and children or between siblings, places we love or miss (like childhood homes or local establishments), objects that have held meaning for us, beloved pets, etc.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

DRINK THE DISTRICT WINE FESTIVAL: WINTER EDITION

The winter edition of the Drink the District Wine Festi val on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m., is a wine bonanza, with a wide variety of wines to sam ple. Enjoy an unlimited sampling of over 50 wines, includ ing French favorites; ask questions and learn about wine from the roaming sommeliers at the event; gain access to the Demonstration Kitchen where you can learn how to sip like a pro; and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the venue. $39.99 to $99.99. The Drink the District Wine Festival: Winter Edition is at the National Union Building, 918 F St. NW. drinkthedistrict.com.

LECTURES ON THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN ART AT THE NGA

On Wednesdays, Dec. 14 and 21, 1 p.m., enjoy an illustrated Christmas holiday lecture by se nior lecturer David Gariff exploring the episodes surrounding the birth of Christ as depict ed through masterworks from the National Gallery’s permanent collection. Related excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible as well as investigations of iconography, technique, and historical context enrich the experience. Paintings by Duccio, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Giorgione, and Gerard David are among the featured works. Registration is required at nga. gov/calendar/lectures/christmas-story.

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER AT STRATHMORE

From Dec. 19 to 22, 8 p.m., join Ma ria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they set off for a magical ad venture…in modern day New York City. The Hip Hop Nutcracker fea tures Tchaikovsky’s classic score punched up by all-star contempo rary and hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a vi olinist, and Kurtis Blow, one of hiphop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Innova tive visual effects transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s be loved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, di verse sights and sounds of modern urban life. $34 to $68. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is at The Music Cen ter at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. strath more.org.

Sandro Botticelli, The Adoration of the Magi, c. 1478/1482, tempera and oil on poplar panel, Andrew W. Mellon Collection.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” SEASONAL STORIES AT UNION STAGE

Story District celebrates the holiday season on Dec. 17 with It’s a Wonderful Life featuring seasonal stories told live at Union Stage. This one night only event features first-person stories inspired by classic holiday movies like It’s a Wonderful Life. This classic 1943 film touches on themes that have particular resonance during these pandemic years: generosity and greed, the power of com munity, the interconnection of humanity, and what goes around comes around. Story District uses true stories to connect the Dis trict with the enduring lessons of the holiday season. Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. General admission, $25. storydistrict.org.

CANDLELIGHT HOLIDAY SPECIAL FEATURING “THE NUTCRACKER”

Listen to your favorite holiday music by the Listeso String Quartet from “The Nutcracker” and more at the Mira cle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE, under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring lo cations like never seen before in Washington DC. Zone seating; first come, first served. Two shows each date: Dec. 3, 7 and 15; 6:30 and 9 p.m. $40 to $50. Nearby public parking lot is on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: CELTIC CROSSROADS

JUST FOR US AT WOOLLY

Through Dec. 23, Just For Us takes the audience through hilarious anecdotes from Alex Edelman’s life—his Olympi an brother AJ, an unconven tional holiday season, and a gorilla that can do sign lan guage--but at its center is an astonishing and frightening ly relevant story. After a string of anti-Semitic abuse is di rected at Edelman online, he decides to covertly attend a gathering of White Nation alists in New York City and comes face–to–face with the people behind the keyboards. The result is a hair-raising en counter that gives Just For Us its title and final, jaw-drop ping moments. PWYC tickets, $5 up; otherwise, $30. Wool ly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net.

WICKED AT THE KC

The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… from a different angle. Long be fore Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin— smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordi nary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is ex ceptionally popular, their ini tial rivalry turns into the un likeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Wicked is at the Ken nedy Center’s Opera House from Dec. 8 to Jan. 22. $59 to $349. kenne dy-center.org.

This holiday, Washington Revels brings the 40th annual Christmas Revels back to Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW, for a homespun celebration of the holidays with music, dance and stories that echo from Celtic homelands to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Friends and neighbors living in a 19th-century “hollow” gather to prepare for “Old Christmas,” and the coming of the New Year. They share mu sic, the warm family rituals that reflect their ancestral roots, and sto ries of the journeys that led them to their Appalachian home. Scot tish, Irish, German, Appalachian, and African American musical influences create a rich, uniquely American mash-up of toe-tapping reels, ballads and spirituals. $17 to $65. Performances are Dec. 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 18, 2 p.m. revelsdc.org.

HOLIDAY MARKETS

The National Arboretum Winter Festival is on Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop from local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities in the New York Avenue parking lot, 3501 New York Ave. NE. The Cleveland Park Winter Market, also on Dec. 10, 2 to 7 p.m. is on the 3400 block of Connecticut Ave. NW. Shop jewelry, original art, sweets & treats, aromatherapy, tea, handcrafted cards and Cleveland Park merch. Downtown Holiday Market runs daily through Dec. 23, noon to 8 p.m., on F Street NW, from Seventh to Ninth Sts. Enjoy shopping, browsing, food and live entertainment. The Flea Market at Eastern Market, Seventh and C streets, SE, operates Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Garden, a gift store run by the Friends of the US Botanic Garden and local DC small business Rewild offers a variety of botanically themed gifts for purchase. BZA Holiday Black Gift & Art Show, Dec. 23 and 24 at Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth St. NW.

FOLGER CONSORT’S A NEW WORLD CHRISTMAS (EUROPEAN, AFRICAN, AND NATIVE AMERICAN CURRENTS)

Most composers in New Spain during the 16th to 18th centuries were originally Spanish, but they drew from many sources for their varied musical styles, including indigenous American and African in uences. This extraordinarily colorful, spirited, and diverse music includes a rich repertoire telling the story of Christmas. On Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m; Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2:30 p.m., with an ensemble of singers, harp and guitar, strings, winds, and percussion, the Folger Consort celebrates the fusion of European, American, and African practices that formed a uniquely Latin American music. $60. Performances are at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. folger.edu.

A WINDOW SUDDENLY OPENS: CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY IN CHINA

A Window Suddenly Opens: Contemporary Photography in China is the Hirshhorn’s rst survey of photography by leading multigenerational Chinese artists made between the 1990s and 2000s. The exhibition showcases 186 artworks made between 1993 and 2022 of which 141 are a landmark promised gift to the Hirshhorn from pioneering collector of Chinese art Larry Warsh. A Window Suddenly Opens chronicles how, over three decades, emerging Chinese artists independently embraced the immediacy of print and digital photography, recorded performance and video art during an unprecedented cultural shift away from the priority of the collective to a revived focus on the self. Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue and Seventh St. SW, through Jan. 7, 2024. hirshhorn.si.edu.

47 ¾ x 6 in.

NSO’S HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Experience all of the hope, redemption, and grace of Handel’s cherished Messiah in the festively decorated Concert Hall as Biondi – best known as the founder and director of esteemed period-instrument group Europa Galante – conducts a performance of Messiah the way it was premiered in Dublin, 1742. The National Symphony Orchestra’s Handel’s Messiah is at the Kennedy Center, from Thursday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 18. $15 (wheelchair access) to $89. kennedy-center.org.

Conductor Fabio Biondi.

Photo: Alan Gelati

This program will also be available for on-demand streaming from Dec. 16 to Jan. 5 at folger.edu/folger-consort.

Huang Yan Chinese Landscape Series No. 3, 1999. Color photograph;

Eastern Market Flea. Photo: Charlie Ross

THE MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL

From Friday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 18 ( ve performances only), the world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday production—A Magical Cirque Christmas. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. $50 to $188. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.com.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE HAMILTON

For almost four decades, the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band has been stunning fans with aery live show and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. From their legendary 25+ year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world, Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador. Enjoy Rebirth Brass Band on Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 at The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. The show begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.). $85, seated; $40, standing (plus fees). thehamiltondc.com.

SNOW MAIDEN AT SYNETIC

In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. But what will happen when the ice begins to melt? Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. $25 to $40. Synetic Theater, 1800 So. Bell St., Arlington (Crystal City), through Dec. 23. synetictheater.org.

FANTASIA AT NATIONAL HARBOR

North Carolina native Fantasia broke on to the scene in 2004 as the season three winner of Fox’s American Idol. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the globe with her powerful vocals and R&B anthems. Prepare to be blown away this December as Fantasia performs a range of her greatest hits at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Ave. National Harbor, MD, on Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m. $155 to $433. nationalharbor.com.

Photo: Johnny Shryock

Rebirth Brass Band

THE UTOPIA PROJECT: INSPIRATION FOR CREATIVE ACTIVISM

The Utopia Project seeks to deconstruct the reasons why social change happens. Why does one tactic work and another fails? This interactive gallery is a space to learn the art of activism and to unlock the creativity in each of us to transform our world. Through a series of experiential activities, visitors learn to tap into the issues they care about and then envision their own version of a utopia in an immersive “Dream Space.” Here, visitors will be asked to imagine, with all obstacles removed, a world beyond the problem at hand to the awe-inspiring end goal. They will discover the research-informed tactics that have most often led to measurable social change. With everything from cardboard and tape to Legos and whiteboards, visitors are invited to prototype their ideas for making a better world. The Utopia Project is at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, through March 1, 2023. anacostia.si.edu.

In 1970, neighborhood residents worked with Anacostia Community Museum staff to transform the vacant lot next to the museum into People’s Park. Painting murals on the walls and planting a community garden also helped to transform people’s lives. Photo: People’s Park, 1970. Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution

JANE ANGER AT STC

It’s 1606 and Shakespeare is plagued…with writer’s block. London’s theatres are closed and the actual plague has the Bard stuck in quarantine with his “young” apprentice, Francis. In through the window climbs Jane Anger, a cunning woman and a writer of her own merit with a dream to change history. As Shakespeare attempts to write King Lear, Jane and Anne Hathaway take matters into their own more than capable hands. Jane Anger is at Shakespeare Theatre, Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from Dec. 13 to Jan. 8. Tickets are $35 to $115. shakespearetheatre.org.

CLASSIC HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN

SING! AN IRISH CHRISTMAS AT THE ANTHEM

On Dec. 19, 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), the Museum of the Bible presents Sing! An Irish Christmas at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, featuring Keith and Kristyn Getty. The Gettys and friends will be performing Sing! An Irish Christmas, a concert previously aired to millions on TV. $45 to $85. Theanthemdc.com.

Nothing beats the big screen for classic holiday movies. This year, The Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE, presents some of the best. Here’s the lineup: Dec. 2, 7 p.m. and Dec. 4, 2 p.m., A Christmas Story; Dec. 9, 7 p.m. and Dec. 11, 4:30 p.m., Christmas Vacation; Dec. 10, 11 a.m., Polar Express PJ Party; Dec. 16, 4:30 p.m., The Star and 7 p.m., Elf; Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m., Elf and 7 p.m., White Christmas; Dec. 18, 2 p.m., The Star and 4:30 p.m., White Christmas; Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m., The Polar Express and 7 p.m., White Christmas. All daytime tickets are $6; after 5 p.m., $8, adults (13+); $6 for kids (two to twelve), students with ID, military and seniors. Nearby public parking lot is on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

DROP-IN ART MAKING AT THE NGA

On the First Sat urday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., try your hand at cre ating art in the in formal, relaxed environment of the National Gal lery of Art’s East Building Atrium. A different art activity is offered each month, inspired by works of art on view. Artmaking activities are designed for all ages and abilities. All ages are welcome; however, children must be accompanied by an adult. nga.gov.

Visitors enjoy a Community Event in the National Gallery’s East Building.

A SOLDIERS’ PLAY AT THE KC

In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A Black ser geant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in Ameri ca. A Soldier’s Play, the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller by Charles Fuller, is back in the spotlight, thanks to this 2020 Tony Award-winning Best Revival from Roundabout Theatre Company. A Soldiers’ Play is at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater from Dec. 13 to Jan. 8. $45 to $135. kennedy-center.org.

NEW YEARS EVE AT THE BIRCHMERE

Celebrate New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Al exandria, VA, with The Seldom Scene, Eastman String Band & Wicked Sycamore. The Sel dom Scene was established in 1971 in a basement in Bethesda, Maryland. Their progres sive bluegrass style has become increasingly popular since their founding. The band’s popularity has forced them to play more than once a week—but they have continued to maintain their image as being seldom seen (and non-touring) and on several of their ear ly album covers were photographed with the stage lights on only their feet, or with their backs to the camera. $49.55. Long live the Seldom Scene. birchmere.com.

NOTES FROM THE CRYPT CONCERT AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY

On Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 1 p.m., some of DC’s best musicians will perform an intimate concert in the cemetery’s his toric 1903 Chapel. This chamber music concert is free to attend but there is lim ited seating. Seating is first-come, firstserved, so they recommend arriving early.

Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

The Seldom Scene

The 2019 Broadway Revival Company of A Soldier’s Play. Photo: Joan Marcus

Interior of Congressional Cemetery’s historic 1903 Chapel.

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C hriStmaS d ay m aSS , S unday , d eCember 25 th at 10:30 am v igil m aSS , S aturday , d eCember 31 St – at 5:30 pm S olemnity of m ary , t he h oly m other of g od S unday , J anuary 1 St –8:30 am , 10:30 am , and 12:10 pm

257th Army Band Holiday Concert Monday, Dec. 12th – 7:00 pm

Penance Service Thursday, Dec. 15th – 7:00pm

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Family Mass/Youth Pageant Saturday, Dec. 24th – 6:00 pm

Midnight Mass Saturday, Dec. 24th – w/Music Service at 11:00 pm

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

Watch Night Mass (New Year’s Eve) Saturday, Dec. 31st – at 11:15 pm

Solemnity of Mary (New Year’s Day) Sunday, Jan. 1st – Mass at 10:00 am and at 7:00 pm

calendar community

Canal Park Ice Rink Opens for Season. Open Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adult admission, $12; kids and se niors, $10; skate rental, $5. Canal Park, 200 N St. SW. skatecanalpark.com.

Wharf Ice Rink Opens for Season. DC’s only over-water ice skating is open through February at the Transit Pier outside The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. Open Wednesday to Friday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Sat urday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. (There are special holiday hours.) Adult admission, $13; kids, seniors and military, $10. Skate rental is $7. wharfdc.com/wharf-ice-rink.

Enchant at Nat’s Park. Through Jan. 1. En chant features an immersive 4 million light maze, a 100-foot holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday shop ping marketplace with crafts and culinary treats. Adult admission, $34; kids three to seventeen, $18; two and under, free. enchantchristmas.com.

Washington Bach Consort’s Free Noontime Cantata. Dec. 5, 12:10 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episco pal Church, 301 A St. SE. bachconsort.org.

Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: A Bohemi an Christmas. Dec. 5, 8 p.m. $15 to $25. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.com.

Winter Wreath Building & Wine Tasting. Dec. 7, 13 and 20, 6:30 p.m. This workshop is led by Jun gle & Loom. Each participant will create a Winter Wreath and participate in a wine tasting with Vitis Wine. $60. Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE. union marketdc.com.

LOC December Concerts. Dec. 9, 8 p.m., Gonza lo Rubalcaba, Piano & Aymée Nuviola, Voice; Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Stradivari Anniversary: Aizuri Quartet. Free. All concerts are in the Thomas Jefferson Building, Coolidge Auditorium. loc.gov.

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. Dec. 9 to 18. This is the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of step ping. $56 to $95. Arena Stage also offers their Fam ily Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. are nastage.org.

Furia Flamenca: Navidad Flamenca (Fla menco Holidays). Dec. 10, 4 p.m. Enjoy an af ternoon of Spanish holiday music and song (vil lancicos) alongside flamenco dancing, and even a “parranda.” $30 to $35. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.com.

Southeast Library Book Sale. Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Friends of Southeast Library to shop a range of titles with most books at $1. Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Notes from the Crypt Concert. Dec. 17, noon to 1 p.m. This is an intimate chamber music concert fea turing a few of DC’s best musicians. Free but limited to 50 attendees--first-come, first-served. Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

“Rockin for Haiti.” Dec. 16, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). $20. All proceeds benefit the Haiti Primary

Capital City Symphony Holiday Concert and Sing Along. Dec. 18, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. This is a funfilled concert and sing-along featuring holiday favorites. Adults, $35; kids 16 and under, free. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.com.

School, Notre Dame D’Altagrace, to fund school lunch es, teacher’s salaries and tuition scholarships. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. pearlstreetware house.com.

Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting. Dec. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The annual Menorah Lighting, co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah, celebrates the start of Hanuk kah on the front steps of Lutheran Church of the Ref ormation, 212 East Capitol St. NE. capitolhillbid.org.

See It Before the Sequel: Knives Out. Dec. 22, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join them for a free screening of Knives Out (PG-13) before the sequel drops on Net flix. Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary. org/southwest.

New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing. Dec. 31, 9 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Join their nature and forest ther apy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Pay-what-you-can; suggested donation, $35. US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE. fona.org. u

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Happy Holiday! A Hill Rag

Happy Holidays!

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

2022 Holiday Gift Guide Shop Local and Gift to Give Back

Happy holidays! This year, make holiday shopping an outing. You could stay in at your computer choosing between tiny photos and worrying about whether your packages will be stolen or arrive on time. Or you could stroll the red-bricked streets of Capitol Hill under the glow of the lampposts and shop the many small businesses ready to help you find the perfect gift. You can complete all your holiday shopping right here on the Hill and support your community at the same time.

Gifts

It’s no wonder they’re celebrating 16 years in business. Groovy DC Cards & Gifts (321 7th Street SE, groovydc.com) has it all: home accessories, cards, balloons and gifts from delicate silver candle holders to wipes that eliminate red wine from your smile. They also carry all the tissue, wrap and bows needed to dress the holiday up right! Over at The Wharf, Diament Jewelery (51 District Sq. SW, www.diamentjewelry.com) sells rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. But they also have a wide collection of

Gifts, houseware, shaving items – Patrick’s Linen has it alL (771 Wharf St. SW).

other gifts, from candles and candy to mugs, clothing, games and puzzles, ornaments, cards, wrap and bows. On H Street, Maketto (1351 H St. NE, maketto1351.com) is a communal market place that mixes retail, restaurant and cafe experiences. The re tail section is a precisely curated mix of international footwear, clothing, accessories, books, and magazines.

Home goods at Sanabria & Co The Shop (409 E. Cap itol St. NE, sanabriaandco.com) are chosen to celebrate small and ethically-minded businesses – and all the items match. Gift a Jungle and Loom plant with a Jaipur Living pot and the Wild at Home coffee table book, or get advice from design staff. Patrick’s Linen (771 Wharf St. SW, shoppatricks.com) offers every thing for the home, from unique, upscale home decor including furniture, fine linens and table top wares to fragrances, shaving products and jewelry. It is a lifestyle store that offers design ser vices for home and business.

Jewelry, souvenirs, candles, gifts and more are available at Diament Jewelry (51 District Wharf Sq. SW).

Shop for housewares, design items and gifts at Sanabria & Co.

With six locations throughout the District, including Union Market (325 Morse St. NE), The Wharf (10 District Sq. SW) and The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, www. shopmadeindc.com), Shop Made in DC has products from more than 200 makers including apothecary, apparel, art, fur niture, jewelry, home decor and stationery. In Navy Yard, Steadfast Supply (301 Tingey St. SE, steadfastsupplydc.com)

Happy Holidays!

provides a retail platform for inde pendent brands and designers from around the globe. You can shop it all, from accessories, art and appar el to face masks, jewelry, pet gifts and scarves. Order online and include a complimentary personalized note with your order.

Want to get great gifts that are en vironmentally conscious? In addition to bulk groceries and deli items, sus tainability store Mason and Greens (400 Eighth St. SE) has great gift items that are plastic-free and locally-sourced. You’ll find cosmetics and bath items, wooden ornaments, eco-friendly Christmas crackers, advent calendars and needful things like a plastic-free coffee cup.

The Hill is rich in gift shops – but don’t sleep on the hardware stores. Frager’s (1115 Penn sylvania Ave. SE, acehardware.com) carries a wide variety of sweets, toys, decor items, decoration, culinary tools and gardening tools – check out the holiday cards by Erin Thompson (who did this months Hill Rag cover) and the treats by Capitol Candy Jar. Jenk’s Hardware (910 Bladensburg Rd. NE, wsjenks.com) also carries holiday decor, household items and big gifts like the Green Egg. Check out Little Wild Things Farm upstairs at 906 Bladensburg Rd. NE (littlewildthingsfarm.com), where you can gift a salad share membership or flavored vinegars.

For the Kids

Labyrinth (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, labyrinthdc.com) is a family-friendly, com munity-focused store featuring a wide se lection of non-electronic, specialty games, puzzles, and mazes. Or go online to get personal recommendations from the Lab yrinth Personal Shopper, or to see lists of top-sellers, stocking stuffers or local de signers. For more than 35 years, Roberta and Jack Blanchard at Fairy Godmother Books and Toys (319 Seventh St. SE) have offered a choice selec tion of books, toys, clothes, cos tuming and stuffed friends. Email them at roblanchard@fairygod motherbooksandtoys.com

Honey Made (727 Eighth St. SE, honeymadedc.com) is an chored by Viboonrattana Honey’s unique baby, children clothes and accessories brand, Li’l Fishy. It is cheerfully stocked with RBG and DC tee shirts, as well as a selection of women’s and children’s dresses, jewelry, notecards, zippered pouches, wallets, and lotions.

The Union Market shop Three Littles (1260 Fourth St. NE, threelittles.co) carries sus tainable, thoughtfully-designed children’s goods designed to stand the test of kids and time. The shop offers a selection of necessities and gifts, making an effort not to overwhelm shoppers. Or choose from several thousand figures displayed in antique

(503 11th St. SE, toysoldiershop.com).

showcases at The Toy Soldier Shop

Toy soldier books, wooden castles and a remarkable se

Anna and Justin Marino inside the DC Mason and Greens store (400 Eighth St. SE). E. O’Gorek

Colorful gift selection at Steadfast Supply (301 Tingey St. SE).

Holiday decor items at Jenk’s Hardware (910 Bladensburg Rd. NE).

Since 1984 Roberta and Jack Blanchard have been helping Santa find the perfect toys, books and gifts at Fairy God mother Books and Toys (320 Seventh St. SE).

Kathleen Donahue, founder of Labyrinth Puzzles and Games shows off the new store logo. Capitol Hill businesses have banded to gether for the “better together” promotion. Neighborhood stores will give you a five dollar gift card to another neighborhood store with purchase.

lection of original WWI posters round out the of ferings. Open Saturdays.

Help artists beginning and seasoned build on their talents with a class from Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE, chaw.org). Classes are available in arts, ceramics, photography and dance. Or do you have a bud ding dancer? Studio One Dance (511 11th St. SE, studioone-dance.com) offers creative ballet to kids from two to eight years. Joy of Motion Dance (1333 H St. NE; joyofmotion.org) offers hip hop, jazz, modern and tap dance students starting at 2 years old.

For the Bibiliophile

Is there a book lover on your list? Capitol Hill is rich in book shops. East City Bookshop (645

Pennsylvania Ave. SE) is an independent, wom an-owned and community-focused bookstore for children and adults. In addition to books, they also carry a selection of toys, gifts, art supplies and literary-inspired items. eastcitybookshop.com

On C Street SE, Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE, capitolhillbooks-dc.com) serves up ev erything from well-loved pocket books to first editions. The store has three floors of quality used books along with a selection of new titles, first editions, and rare and collectable books. You can shop online, but there are way more books in the store than could possibly be listed on the website; they also offer a surprise book box. On Barracks Row, Little District Books (737 Eighth St. SE, littledistrictbooks.com) sells books that represent the spectrum of LGBTQ

Preorder your Champagne Christmas Tree, a creation of Seven Alexandria, founder of Seven Petals (408 H St. NE).

Patrick Kern is owner of Little District Books, the Hill’s new indie bookstore specializing in LGBTQ+ litera ture. Photo: Karen Lyon

(600 H St. NE).

IA+ identities and independent publishers. They o er a monthly subscription box as well as a curated gift box – you give them a theme, and they ll it up.

Over on H Street, Blackowned Solid State Books (600F H St. NE, solidstatebooksdc.com) has a deep and diverse selection with a café for a pit stop. Solid State Books has an extensive children’s book and young adult section to fully serve the smallest readers. Head further north to Union Market to check out Politics and Prose (1270 Fifth St. NE) or visit them at The Wharf (70 District Sq. SW, www.politics-prose.com).

The DC-based business carries an extensive selection of books for adults and children, games, apparel, gifts and stationary. Sta are known for their knowledge of literature. P&P o ers a subscription service that will send customers a book every month.

Health and Fitness

Strength and flexibility are gifts of health. Sport & Health has been renamed OneLife Fitness (315 G St. SE, onelife tness.com) and o ers gift memberships, personal training packages and spa services. Boutique tness studio Jade Fitness (1310 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; jade tnessdc.com) o ers small group and one-on-one training and studio tness and yoga classes.

Want a flexible gift? Hot Yoga Capitol Hill (410 H St. NE, hotyogacapitolhill.com) offers an all-inclusive new student special to local residents, from pilates and yoga to fusion for kids and adults. District Flow Yoga (410 Eighth St. SE, district owyoga. com) o ers outdoor classes on District Pier at The Wharf in addition to in-studio, with unlimited memberships, single classes and intro specials.

#BikeDC! To truly impress a cyclist, put your gift where their heart is: the bike. At Daily Rider (600 H St. NE, thedailyriderdc.com) get gift certi cates for a tune-up or nd the perfect accessory or clothing item. Conte’s Bike Shop (contesbikes.com) in Navy Yard (1331 Fourth St. SE) o ers bikes, racks, baskets and everything from helmets to socks.

Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) speaks with The Daily Rider coowner Loren Copsey during a tour of small businesses on the Hill. The shop at 600 H St. NE repairs and sells bikes, e-bikes as well as all the accessories for your stocking.

Edible and Drinkable Gifts

Get the holidays done DC-style with a stop at Capital Candy Jar (201 15 St. NE, capitalcandyjar.com). Jane Thomas, aka J. Chocolatier , will pop up in front of Groovy DC (321 Seventh St. SE), o ering artisan handmade chocolate in classic brown wrap with red ribbon–the gs are amazing and the eur de sel caramels a stocking staple. jchocolatier.com

If your sweets are best baked, check out the decadent and beautiful cupcakes by Cake Theory (325 Seventh St. SE) which can be stu ed, topped and loaded in multiple avors. Or opt for croissants, madeleines, shortbread, macarons and cookies from Souk (705 Eighth St. SE, dcsouk.com). Gluten not your thing? Sweet Crimes Bakery (1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) does it with their pies, cakes, cookies and pastries. Preorder at sweetcrimes.com

But a treat is as a treat does, so don’t forget the adult beverages. Check out Classy Corks (801 Virginia Ave. SE) for a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits from Absinthe to Zinfandel. The consultants at Schneiders of Capitol Hill (300 Massachusetts Ave. NE) – eight in the wine department alone – can draw on 60 years of experience to help you nd the perfect bottle for meal, stocking or under the tree. cellar.com

The holidays are a time for foliage, so check out the new orists on the Hill. H Street’s Seven Petals (408 H St. NE, sevenpetals.co) offers owers done di erently – the innite rose collection is a boxed bouquet of specially preserved roses dyed all the colors of the rainbow that can last up to three months. Or preorder the Champagne Christmas Tree, a real tree that opens to reveal a champagne bottle. She Loves Me (721 Eighth St. SE, shelovesme.com) o ers holiday wreath and centerpiece workshops, unique bouquets and a full selection

of gifts such as puzzles, confetti can nons, candles and the “surprise or ange.” Or check out Volanni (218 Ninth St. SE, volanni.com) where you can order your holiday bouquets, each one with a name like a story – and hol iday wreaths in a variety of trims and sizes. They also offer gift baskets.

Holiday Markets

The Flea Market at Eastern Mar ket (200 & 300 blocks Seventh St. SE; 700 block C Street SE, eastern market-dc.org/our-outdoor-vendor) has something for everyone. Kids will see themselves in Jacq’s doll’s; grownups will love how they look in jewelry by vendors like Enise or a t-shirt from Hero Heads. Art, finely-crafted furni ture, imported crafts and vintage fur niture, art, and clothing – you can find something for everyone every Satur day and Sunday at the flea market.

This year’s DC Holiday Market operates from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23 on two entire blocks of F Street NW, from Seventh to Ninth Streets NW. With its main grand entrance located on the sidewalk in front of the National Por trait Gallery, more than 70 exhibitors including Black-owned and minorityowned businesses and six food ven dors will provide tasty treats and hot beverages. There’s also a live stage! downtownholidaymarket.com

Unique Markets will again open the Holiday Market at Dock 5 at Union Market, featuring local design ers and small business owners. But it’s not just a market, it’s a festival–with free drinks, projects, photo moments and more. Tickets are required. Check it out at eventbrite.com/e/unique-mar kets-dc. The Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street will host their 2nd annual holiday market on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. at the DC Dream Center (2826 Q St SE, mhc do.org). In addition to the opportuni ty to shop from local and small busi ness there will be photos with Santa, a DJ and dancing, contests and more.

December

Christmas

Christmas

a special blessing.

Furry Friends

But don’t forget the fuzziest members of the family! Howl to the Chief (719 Eighth St. SE, howltothechief. com) o ers a full selection of treats and toys for pets, in addition to natural food and supplies. Shop online for delivery and pickup. Are you going out of town for the holiday? Give your dog a holiday, too, at Dogtopia Navy Yard (900 M St. SE, dogtopia.com), where they o er doggy spa services.

Pets, like kids, tend to get into things over the holidays, so put the vet in your contacts. District Vet has a location in Navy Yard (801 Second St. SE) and Eastern Market (240 Seventh St. SE, districtveteasternmarket. com) and a way of treating pets like your family. Veterinarian Emergency Group (VEG, 925 H St. NE, veterinaryemergencygroup.com) promises short waits, no paperwork until your pet has gone into treatment, and no separation – you’ll be able to stay near your pet during their treatment.

This year shop local. After checking o everyone on your list, stop with friends to share a glass, then head home to do some wrapping with your packages safely under your arm and your heart warmed with the joy of the multiple ways you can give –and give back to your community. ◆

Put Veterinary Emergency Group |(VEG, 925 H St. NE) in your contacts this holiday. They’ll let you stay with your pet through care.

Happy Holidays!

Hill Holiday Tree Lights Up the Season

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

It is one of the small-town tra ditions that make living on the Hill so great. On Saturday, Nov. 26, hundreds of Hill neigh bors came together on Eastern Market Metro Plaza (EMMP) park near the Southeast Library to light the Hill Holiday tree, kicking off the season.

Neighbors shared a warm cup of cheer. Hot chocolate, donuts and can dy canes were served up by the Capitol

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Suzuki Strings perform at the 16th Annual Hill Holiday Tree lighting.

The Didden family in front of “Sonny,” the Hill Holiday tree named in honor of George Didden III.

A moment of joy and affection in the crowd.

The BID Men in Blue handed out hot chocolate and donuts.

Kojo Nnamdi, Capitol Hill BID President Patti Brosmer and Tom Sherwood.

The crowd listens to speakers at the tree lighting event.

Hill BID’s Men in Blue as Joyous Voices began the evening with carols, followed by a performance by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Suzuki Strings. Vocalist Adalia Jimenez performed at the tree lighting, including a rendition of Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny.”

Capitol Hill BID President Patti Brosmer told the crowd how the 40-foot Cedrus Deodara was originally planted in spring of 2007 to honor the late George Didden III for his many contributions to Capitol Hill. The tree was named “Sonny,” the nickname by which Didden was known to family and friends. As is tradition, Didden’s wife Kathy led the countdown to illuminate the tree.

The tree is itself a performance this year. In a partnership between the BID and Barracks Row Main Street (BRMS), this year the Capitol Hill HolidayTree will play a musical light show on the hour and half hour every day between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

This year the lighting ceremony featured Master of Ceremonies Kojo Nnamdi, host of The Politics Hour on WAMU, and Tom Sherwood, resident Political Analyst at WAMU 88.5 FM Politics Hour.

As the night wore down, families snapped photos and children danced underneath the tree, sheltered under the limbs of the neighborhood symbol of holiday joy as the lights around them danced.

The celebrations continue into December. Join the Capitol Hill BID and Hill Havurah for the 9th Annual Menorah Lighting, which will take place on Monday, Dec. 19 on the steps of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St. NE).

Learn more at https://capitolhillbid.org/things-to-do/bidevents/community-menorahlighting ◆

capitolstreets

DC FACES DISABILITY SUIT OVER BIKE LANES

Lawsuit Charges Bike Lanes Violate ADA Rights

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Protected bike lanes are presented as a way to increase safety and mobility across the District. The city has thus far built 24 miles of protected bike lanes. Earlier this year, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced plans to build an addition al 10 miles annually.

But what expands street space for one user can prevent access for others, according to a new lawsuit filed in federal court.

A Nov. 28 lawsuit charges that District street re designs are in violation of the Americans with Dis abilities Act (ADA). Plaintiffs, including two resi dents and two organizations—the DC Center for Independent Living (DCCIL) and the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA)—say that pro tected bike lanes “create serious barriers for individ uals with disabilities.”

The lawsuit calls for the DC to alter bike lane designs to be in compliance with ADA, pointing to problems caused by the design of bike lanes on Fourth Street SW and 17th Street NW. Both streets,

the suit says, lack accessible or curbside parking and mid-block curb cuts. That makes it difficult for peo ple in wheelchairs or walkers to get safely from vehi cles to the sidewalk.

“We aim to remedy this systemic discrimina tion by the District against residents as well as vis itors with mobility disabilities who are prohibited from mov ing about this beauti ful city with the same freedom and ease as those without disabil ities,” says Richard A. Simms, Executive Director of DCCIL. DCCIL is a private non-profit organiza tion that assists DC residents with signif icant disabilities with living independently.

According to the CDC, about 22 percent of adults in the District have a disability. That’s about 115,000 people in DC.

EDCAA attorney Ed Hanlon said everyone in the city should have the right to access sidewalks, which are a public facility. But there are now barri

A plan for ADA accessible parking as depicted in the federal Highway Administration Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide (2015).

Bike lanes on the 700 block of Fourth Street SW. Photo: Andrew Lightman

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ers between the space where vehicles park and the sidewalk. Even if a person in a wheelchair manages to exit the vehicle, he said, they often exit into the bike lane, forcing them to travel to a curb cut or negotiate the curb. “That 4” curb might as well be a 10-foot wall for somebody who is in a wheelchair or a walker,” Hanlon said. “There is no ready access to the sidewalk.”

Hanlon said that parties have been asking DDOT to consider the needs of disabled residents for years. The group is not opposed to bike lanes themselves, Hanlon said. “Bike lanes and accessibility [are] not mutually exclusive. There is a way to properly build bike lanes to guarantee accessibility to the sidewalk for people with disabilities,” Hanlon said, referencing Federal Highway Administration guidance. “DDOT has chosen not to do so, but DDOT knows how to do so and

the law requires DDOT to do so.”

A representative for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the agency responsible for roadway redesign, said the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation. The 2019 DDOT Design and Engineering Manual advises that “bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks, crosswalks, over/underpasses, tra c control features, curb cuts and access ramps for persons with disabilities, should adhere to the latest design standards and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.”

Two women are named as plainti s in the lawsuit, Theodosia Robinson and Dana Bolles. According to the ling, Bolles uses a power wheelchair and drives a van equipped with a side ramp

can be deployed onto a curb as long as there are no obstacles.

sidewalks are obstructed by trash cans and planters. In common ly used designs, the bicycle lane is located between the sidewalk and the parking spaces. There is not enough space for the ramp on Bolles’ van to deploy with clear ance for her to exit her vehicle.

DC isn’t the only city fac ing accessibility concerns with bike lanes. In London, activists have expressed concern about bike lane design, pointing to concerns that bus passengers at “floating” bus stops have to cross a bike lane to reach the sidewalk.

In 2020, a California court held that Los Angeles violated ADA law when it redesigned its streets to add protected bike lanes. Park ing was moved from curbside to the middle of the street without designating accessible spaces. Like Bolles, the plaintiff in that case, Ron Sarfaty, used a sideloading wheelchair lift to get out directly onto the sidewalk. After the redesign, he had to travel in bike lanes to reach a curb cut and access the street. The court held that this inaccessible alteration to a public program—parking— was a violation of the act. The judge in Los Angeles rejected the city’s argument that it com plied with the law by following the ADA Standards for Accessi ble Design (the 2010 standards do not mention curbside parking or bike lanes), noting that ADA act requires alterations to public facilities be “readily accessible” to people with disabilities.

“Access is a critical compo nent to equity for people with disabilities,” said Maia Goodell of Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, cocounsel for the plaintiff. “Like everyone, they deserve streets designed to allow them to partic ipate fully and equally in life in the District without putting their safe ty at risk.” u

CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES FALL GRANTEES

Small Donations Add Up to Make a Big Impact

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

In early December, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF) announced their fall grant ees. In this round, the foundation awarded 87 grants totaling $204,075.

It is a significant disbursement, all the more impressive because CHCF is not a foundation in the typical sense. There is no multi-million-dollar legacy family fortune behind it. Instead, grant funds come from residents and businesses of the Capitol Hill com munity. There are no paid staff; everything is done by volunteers. The 28-member Board covers all admin istrative costs.

A Community Organization

CHCF uses funds to support activities, projects and groups that enrich the lives of residents and

celebrate the history and beauty of the community.

The foundation was founded by the late Steve Cymrot in 1989 as the philanthropic arm of the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Profes sionals (CHAMPS). Cymrot served as the first President of CHAMPS, the Hill’s chamber of commerce. Ini tially, each business made a small con tribution to the foundation that, add ed together, was distributed as grants throughout the community.

Later it was decided that there was more potential to grow the phil anthropic effort as a stand-alone or ganization, which became the Capitol Hill Communi ty Foundation. Many members of the busi ness community continue to serve on the board, said current CHCF President Nicky Cymrot. “The contributions of business people in this community have been enor mous to the growth of this foundation,” she said. The foundation now invites local busi nesses to join in the efforts as Foundation Business Partners.

Since its founding, CHCF has donat ed more than $13 million to a broad range of local organizations and initiatives, pro viding grants to support projects and work around the arts, schools, youth, neighbor hood beautification and community build ing. Hundreds of grants, ranging up to $2,500, are disbursed twice annually in fall and spring. In addition, CHCF annually awards two $25,000 grants, the John Fran zén Award for the Arts and the Arnold F. Keller Jr. Grant, for larger projects. They also award microgrants of less than $350 throughout the year, often to teachers for

special programs or projects.

This is only possible because of the number of neighbors who want to give where they live, Cym rot said. CHCF proves every gift, no matter how small, counts.

“We pool the resources of everyone in the com munity to make big things happen,” said Cymrot. “In the beginning, we were receiving donations of $25, $50. We were only giving away five or six thousand dollars a year.” Today, individual donations are still relatively modest, but come from a relatively large number of people. Gifts of $250 or less count for more than half of donations received by CHCF. Still, in 2021 year, CHCF gave away nearly $400,000.

In some ways, it’s been an atypical year for CHCF. An October Washington Post story led to more than $200,000 in donations earmarked for the Eastern High School Marching Band, all contribut ed over one month. CHCF will help the Eastern High School PTO manage and account for those funds.

In other ways, dealing with surprises is typi cal for CHCF. Capable of responding to needs in real time, CHCF has stepped in to help after emer gencies, channeling community support to those

Everyone Home DC received two fall CHCF Grants, one to support Shirley’s Place which provides light meals, laundry and assistance to homeless people. Photo: Courtesy Everyone Home DC

Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC Founder Jim Guckert gardens with participants in programming at Sasha Bruce Youthworks. Guer rilla Gardeners received two fall CHCF Grants, one for a program to work with youth and another for a unity walk to promote cooperation in the neighborhood.

Photo: E. O’Gorek/CCN

COMMUNITY FORUM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 6:30 PM

Curious about the planning process behind the Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenue projects? At this virtual meeting, DDOT personnel will outline the factors that were considered, including the need for different transportations modes, and provide updates on the current status. Visit chrs.org/ddot-planning-on-the-hill/ for more information.

Jackie Sink 202.352.5793

jackie.sink@compass.com

Libby Clarke 202.841.1812

libby.clarke@compass.com

Crystal Crittenden 202.246.0931

crystal.crittenden@compass.com

most a ected by the 2007 re at Eastern Market and the re that destroyed Frager’s Hardware in 2013, and funding grants to organizations supporting those impacted by the pandemic in 2020.

Wide Variety of Grantees

The 2022 fall grantees re ect the wide variety of projects and community work that the Capitol Hill community is capable of supporting.

CHCF Grants Committee Chair Mark Weinheimer said that a little more than half of all CHCF funds go to support youth and education, through both the school and youth program grant categories. For instance, one grant will put one book featuring protagonists with disabilities in every classroom of Two Rivers Public Charter School; another will restore the garden that was paved over during construction at School Within a School at Goding (920 F St. NE). The garden was the site of the school’s FoodPrints nutritional program.

In addition to in-school programming, CHCF supports after school activities. CHCF funds will also allow 25 students from Capitol Hill to attend Serve Your City’s Free School for Unlimited Youth (FSFUY) Summer Camp program. Through the FSFUY Summer Camp, students will participate in academic programs as well as activities such as rowing, trapeze, and horseback riding.

Other grants fund the arts. CHCF is sponsoring creative theatre: Dissonant City, the third season-long project in the Rorschach Theatre’s Psychogeographies program. Each month participants explore a location, receiving a box with instructions, a map and handcrafted materials that propel the story. The program’s fall chapter is set in Congressional Cemetery, celebrating the life of John Phillip Sousa.

Another grant, to Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC, will help fund unity walks along the One Beau-

tiful Mile promenade that extends from Potomac Circle to Gar eld Park. This series of events will bring residents along the route together to build connections, civility and good health. Elected o cials, faith and civic leaders will be invited to join this citizen-led e ort to strengthen the Capitol Hill community.

Everyone Home DC, which provides a range of services aimed at supporting the holistic needs of individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Capitol Hill and the District, is the recipient of two grants.

One grant supports their drop-in center, Shirley’s Place (1338 G St. SE), which gives those experiencing homelessness a safe and welcoming space o the street and access to meals, showers, laundry, mail services, and government social services referrals. Another award will help establish a new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Program for single adults.

Everyone Home DC said the Capitol Hill Community Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to ending homelessness by consistently and generously supporting its programs. “We are incredibly grateful for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s generous support, as well as that of our many caring Capitol Hill neighbors whose contributions to the foundation fund so much important work in our community,” a representative said.

The CHCF proves that every gift, no matter how small, can make a huge impact—if the community works together. “There so many wonderful organizations doing great things in our community,” said Weinheimer. “Their great work helps make Capitol Hill the terri c neighborhood it is. The generosity of our neighbors helps the foundation support a lot of that work.”

You can give back to your community by giving to CHCF. CHCF will award spring grants in April 2023; applications will be accepted in March. Learn more, apply for a grant —and donate at www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com/ ◆

US NAVY ANNOUNCES NEW MUSEUM SITE PLANS

Preferred Navy Option Involves Land Swap Outside Tingey Gate

by Sarah Payne

Hundreds of the US Navy’s ship histor ic models, guns and artifacts will have a larger and more accessible home. in a few years The US Navy is establish ing plans for the construction of a new museum outside the confines of the Washington Navy Yard –and they’re doing it through an interest mecha nism: a land exchange.

The Navy is hosting two virtual public meetings this month to receive public opinion on the draft En vironmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with the acquisition.

The Proposed Site

The Navy is seeking approximately six acres of land immediately outside the Tingey Gate at the Wash ington Navy Yard for the development and to help improve the installation’s antiterrorism security pos ture. The proposed development location sits adja cent to the Washington Navy Yard which is a fully operational military base. The property would be

purchased by the Navy from the developer and would receive the SEFC E parcels from GSA, or be acquired through a land exchange.

The new location aims to allow the muse um to offer the general public “unfettered ac cess to US Navy history and heritage.” Visitors to the current museum must pass through an extensive security checkpoint as they are offi cially entering a US Military base. It also im proves the overall antiterrorism posture of the Navy Yard as a whole, representatives indicat ed in a public presentation.

In late October, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the Department of the Navy’s preferred location for a new Na tional Museum of the United States Navy. Del Toro spoke at the ceremony about the importance of maintaining these artifacts.

“The exhibits of this new museum will create a living memorial to the US Navy’s heritage of victory and valor, bringing to life the human experiences of

serving at sea,” said Del Toro. “It will give all the vis itors of the future museum – regardless of their previ ous military experience – a greater appreciation and understanding of the economic and diplomatic impor tance of what a strong and robust Navy means to our national and economic security.”

Land Exchange

The land exchange is the Navy’s preferred option, but they could also do nothing, or purchase the site outright.

If a land exchange is completed, the Navy would trade access to “certain underutilized properties” within the Washington Navy Yard Southeast Corner “to obtain acquisition rights and ownership of the South East Federal Center (SEFC) E Parcels.” This is the Navy’s preferred alternative. It would include the development of both a new museum and mixed commercial and retail spaces on the land exchanged.

In this model, the Navy would hold development rights to the approximately six-acre SEFC E Parcels. The General Services Administration (GSA) would transfer ownership of the SEFC E Parcels to the Navy via a federal-to-federal transfer.

In exchange for acquisition rights, the Navy would transfer and/or lease underutilized assets (ap proximately 15 acres) of federal land to a developer, which would become developable and taxable pri

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral, unveil a model of the future National Museum of the U.S. Navy during an event celebrating the Navy’s 247th birthday. Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abigayle LutzUS Navy Announces New Museum Site Plans

vate land that would benefit the local commu nity. The developer would potentially construct mixed-use buildings on transferred property and renovate buildings on the leased property for commercial/ retail use on Navy Yard South east Corner.

Additionally, this land would provide the op portunity for in-kind considerations from the de veloper, such as upgrades to the Riverwalk and Piers, which would benefit the Navy and the lo cal community.

While the specifics of the museum’s con struction are still undetermined, Naval History and Heritage Command, the lead for the devel opment project, hopes to celebrate a significant construction milestone on the Navy’s 250th birth day, Oct. 13, 2025.

Community Impact

The environmental impact study found that there would be some additional traffic impacts if the preferred alternative were selected, such as some congestion at the I-695 on ramp near 11th Street in the morning and at the off-ramp in the after noon. There may also be delays at the O Street Gate. These could be alleviated with improve ments to the gate, or by lane changes, especial ly for turning. Some zoning changes would be re quired for private development on the Navy Yard.

Overall, however, community representa tives are positive about the museum relocation. ANC 6B Chair and Commissioner for the area Corey Holman (6B06) spoke supportively of the project and its ability to “open and create better connections” between the surrounding residen tial neighborhoods and the Navy Yard. He also underscored the benefits of the addition of retail stores and green spaces for the community.

“Our ANC has had a long, long track record of supporting, and trying to support, develop ment there,” Holman said. “Finding ways to cre ate more reasons to be down there, rather than just [creating] surface parking lots, [as well as] having more people down there can hopefully make the experience on the sidewalks and being around a little less hostile [and] a little less intense.”

Scott Kratz, a Capitol Hill resident and Founding Director of the 11th Street Bridge Park Project, said the development would provide the community not only with historic preservation, but also economic benefits.

“I think the Navy museum will be one more phenomenal destination, bringing residents both

here in DC, from the DMV and from the nation and world, to experience our neighborhood,” Kratz said. “I think this can be a huge econom ic generator.”

Kratz said he has “heard nothing but posi tive comments” about the proposed project and expressed excitement about the potential for what the project could bring to the community.

“If the land swap goes through the Navy would get this northwestern corner of the Navy Yard in exchange for working with developers to carve out a new development with mixed use re tail, apartments and new green spaces,” Kratz said.

Community Comments

The Navy hosted two virtual public meetings in November to receive public opinion on the draft EIS. The sessions included studies on the proj ect’s impact on transportation, cultural resourc es, land use and zoning and noise. You can read the draft statement at https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/ WNY-Land-Acquisition/1/.

Community members can also submit com mentary via email to NAVFACWashNEPA1@ navy.mil or by mail, postmarked by Dec. 2, to Na val Facilities Engineering Command Washington at 1314 Harwood St SE Washington, DC 20374.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) estimates that a decision about the land ac quisition will be made in the spring of 2023. The project could begin as early as 2023, and the con struction period is estimated to last 10 years.

Visiting the Current Museum

The announcement is followed by several chang es to the current museum buildings located within the Navy Yard. On Nov. 7, the Cold War Gallery closed to visitors to facilitate the removal of arti facts and exhibits. As of Nov. 12, the main muse um building closed Monday through Friday to al low for movement of artifacts and exhibits. It will remain open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum will continue to engage with the community through educational program ming in person, virtually and in collaboration with community partners in offsite venues such as schools and libraries. The museum will also be available for special events for Department of Navy organizations and Honor Flights.

Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. sarahp@hillrag.com. u

THE REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT

An Important Step Forward, But It is Often Misunderstood

by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen

Last month, the DC Coun cil unanimously passed the Revised Criminal Code Act, bringing to close a process that last ed 16 years. I know from meeting with Ward 6 neighbors and scrolling social media that there’s been a fair amount of discussion about the revised code, including some confusion (and let’s be honest, misinformation) about what it is and what it isn’t.

The Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) is the product of an in dependent commission tasked by the Council way back in 2006 with modernizing, overhauling, and im proving the District’s laws regarding all criminal conduct. The commis sion’s final product was approved unanimously by the US Attorney’s Office, the District’s Office of the At torney General, the Public Defender Service, and two distinguished pro fessors from the Georgetown Uni versity and George Washington Uni versity law schools. All parties agree with 95 percent of what is in the 450page bill, with that last five percent making up most of the debate recently.

The final bill represents an enormous amount of compromise and agreement. No one, myself in cluded, thinks this is the perfect bill. There’s no way that could ever happen in a bill that represents our entire criminal code. But all parties also under stood how important it was to get this done.

Why? Because our current laws are a mess. Since Congress first created the District’s criminal code in 1901, it has never been comprehensive ly revised. That makes us an outlier – most states have been through this process. We have charg es that are poorly defined or have no clear defini tion at all — for example, simple assault, one of the most charged crimes in the District. Some offens es have a mandatory minimum or degrees of sever

ity, while others do not. Sentence maximums are all over the place.

According to a recent analysis ranking state criminal codes, DC’s is one of the worst in the na tion. This makes it harder to arrest, convict, hold accountable, and rehabilitate the people who do harm in our community. The revised code address es these shortcomings.

It creates consistency by adding penalty de grees for all serious offenses, with degrees escalat ing as the harm increases. This will help everyone from attorneys to judges to juries better fit the crime with the punishment. And because it clearly defines each offense at multiple levels, it will make investi gations and arrests easier by removing so much un certainty left by our current laws.

The bill gets rid of nearly every mandatory

minimum sentence, a damaging and outdated prac tice that does little to make us safer. And while it removes extreme maximum punishments that are rarely used, it brings sentencing in line with what judges actually hand down in court. Importantly, it strengthens our gun laws, particularly for repeat of fenders and anyone carrying dangerous assault ri fles, extended clip magazines, ghost guns, or carry ing a weapon while awaiting trial. It even creates a new offense and penalties for firing a gun in public. The Council also maintained the carjacking stat ute with significant penalties and maximums above what judges are sentencing today.

Finally, none of the provisions of the RCCA go into effect for three years to ensure there’s plen ty of time for our law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the courts to prepare for

the changes. Additionally, as the RCCA slowly (over the next decade) returns the right to a jury trial — a fundamental legal principle — for misdemeanors facing jail time, we will need the Senate and the President to address our judicial vacancy backlog; or make DC the 51st state so we can x it ourselves.

The RCCA is a strong reection of DC values. It creates a set of laws that are consistent, fair, and hold anyone who does harm accountable. That isn’t the case with our current laws, under which two di erent people can, and often do, receive different sentences for committing the same o ense. I’ll also point out the spike in crime we’ve endured for the past two years has taken place under the status quo, not the RCCA. It has taken place with outdated and extreme maximum penalties. It has taken place even as the District maintains one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation. DC residents deserve better.

No matter what you hear about the RCCA, I want you to know it is good for our city and was created with input and collaboration from all sides. It takes violent crime very seriously and maintains penalties close to or higher than what judges sentence now. The Council voted unanimously twice to approve the revised criminal code because it will move our criminal justice system to be more fair and more consistent, and in doing so, earn greater trust from the community it serves.

Charles Allen (D) has served as the councilmember for Ward 6 for two terms and has just been reelected to a third. He chairs the DC Council’s Committer Judiciary and Public Safety. ◆

OUR RIVER: THE ANACOSTIA

The Route To Better Boating Along Our River

by Bill Matuszeski

channels but very carefully to capture any escaping soils. Normally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in control of the bottoms of streams and designs an approach inter nally. But here we need to get the City and the Park Ser vice to develop a program and get it funded.

That program needs to be designed to deal with the two portions of the river above and below the CSX Rail road Bridge, which crosses west to east from above Penn sylvania Avenue in Capitol Hill to right above the rink and museum at the end of the riverside road in Anacostia. The river above the bridge carries nearly all paddle boats; there are a few motorboats and those have shallow hulls like the tour boats operated by environmental organizations, so the depth of the channels can be quite shallow, although some deepening may still be needed.

An important part of the re covery of the Anacostia is to make it feasible, attrac tive and safe for the pub lic to take out small boats, either owned or rented, and feel the plea sures of finding favorite places. This is especially true in the upper parts of the river where most of the shoreline and is lands are in a natural state, although the vistas are pretty dramatic from anywhere along the river.

The river is getting better all the time in terms of pollution; discharge of combined sewer over flows are being virtually eliminated by the new tun nels that carry it directly to the Blue Plains Sew age Treatment Plant. And improvements are being made to the few remaining pollution flows from up river streams like Hickey Run and Lower Beaver Dam Creek near the DC/Maryland line.

Challenges Remain

Over the years, the Anacostia has been filling in. This started hundreds of years ago, when adjacent land was cleared for agriculture and topsoil ran into the river. Currently the river is subject to a lot of runoff from streets and residential areas that car

The river portion below the railroad bridge and further downstream is quite different and has significant challeng es: the depth of boat channel is authorized to 8 feet and the channel width to 80 feet in the area from the railroad bridge downstream to the Pennsylva nia Avenue bridge, and 12 feet deep and 200 feet wide from there to the Potomac River. The most recent dredging was in 1993, almost 30 years

ries soil with it. When the runoff enters from a stream or overland and eventually slows down, the soil that it carries, known as sediment, settles on the river bottom. After years without the regu lar dredging that rivers carrying larger vessels re ceive, parts of Our River, including portions of the boating channels, are so shallow that they can be dangerous. Boats, even smaller ones, can run aground and moving them is difficult because the river bottom may have no solid soil to stand on.

The solution is to dredge the boat channels deeper, but that may mean re-suspending in the wa ter any toxins that may be in the sediments. And because the National Park Service owns and has re sponsibility to manage the river bottom, they are re sistant to removing any of the soils there that might be toxic. The solution has got to be to deepen the

ago, so no one knows the actual depths and the bottom configuration.

Issues To Be Dealt With:

• There are boat marinas, some areas of which have filled with sediments coming downstream and off the land so that some boats cannot even

Below the railroad bridge the boat clubs cover most of the west bank of the River.

This low-level railroad bridge crosses the Anacostia between the Pennsylvania Avenue and East Capitol Street bridges, and separates large from small vessels.

Above the railroad bridge the boats are nearly all small and powered by oars through natural landscapes.

be moved to reach the chan nel;

• There are areas where dis charges from previous in dustrial activity cover vir tually the entire river width and designated channels; any deepening could dis turb these; and

• The likely extent of dredg ing needed will be signifi cant and require substan tial funds to remove and dispose of sediments, some of which may have toxic el ements, as well as potential capping of bottom areas of the new channel with a lay er of clean sediments.

All of this is to say that we can either sit around and talk about the conflicting goals relat ed to boating, clean waters and public access and use of the riv er; or we can work out among all the interested parties and agen cies ways to assure safe boating and even swimming in the Ana costia while minimizing the ef fects of modifying the bottom with a use of the full range of re mediation technologies.

Many of the entities and people involved want to get moving on the design, adoption and implementation of a pro gram to create an Anacostia Riv er that draws us in to boat, fish, and swim with a sense of health and safety at the base of it all. It is a challenge like this that will take us off deadlock and get us to celebration!

Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of Friends of the Na tional Arboretum and on Citizen Advisory Committees for the Ches apeake and the Anacostia. u

Community Groups Over Fun and Services

ANC 6A REPORT

by Nick Alberti

Chair Amber Gove (6A04) convened the November 10, 2022 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A with Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01), Phil Toomajian (6A02), Mike Soderman (6A03), Robb Dooling (6A06), Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07) and Brian Alcorn (6A08) in attendance. Commissioner Laura Gentile (6A05) was absent.

Capitol Hill Village

Capitol Hill Village is a local volunteer-based non-profit that provides volunteer services to older adults that help them age on their own terms and in their own homes for as long as they choose. They o er services encouraging social engagement, activism and volunteerism as well as provide education about longevity, current a airs and wellness. Capitol Hill Village connects the senior adults they assist directly with neighbors who can help with a variety of tasks like changing light bulbs or providing rides to appointments, but they also have lectures and social events throughout the year. One of the major goals of this organization is to ensure the older adults in their service area know they are valued within their community. Through their website, capitolhillvillage.org, neighbors and interested volunteers can nd a complete list of the plethora of services o ered and how to get involved.

Rosedale Community Center

The Rosedale Community Center, located at 1701 Gales Street NE is transitioning to its winter programing. This will include activities such as basketball for kids ages 5 through 12 and mentor programs for both young girls and boys ages 6 through 12. The Community Center also has pickleball on Wednesdays and Fridays, 12-2:00 pm, cheerleading and dance programs, as well as a tness center (open 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm) that is free to use for all DC residents, a basketball court and a computer lab. The new hours for the Rosedale Community Center are Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The following actions were accepted by unanimous consent:

Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL)

ANC 6A will submit a letter of support in favor of:

• DC Culinary Academy, LLC t/a Brine at 1357-1359 H Street NE (ABRA-110889) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• Biergarten Haus, Inc. t/a Biergarten Haus at 1355 H Street NE (ABRA-083695) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• Rosato, LLC t/a Sospeso at 1344 H Street NE (ABRA-100766) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• Par Bar, LLC t/a H Street Country Club at 1335 H Street NE (ABRA-076649) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• Dangerously Delicious DC LLC t/a Pie Shop at 1339 H Street NE (ABRA-087422) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• Langston Bar & Grille, LLC t/a Langston Bar & Grille at 1831 Benning Road NE (ABRA-076260) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.

• ANC 6A opposes the license renewal application of Lattice Partners LLC t/a Copycat Co. at 1110 H Street NE (ABRA-096474) unless a new settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.

• ANC 6A will take no action regarding the renewal of the Class C Restaurant License for Capitol Square Bar and Grill LLC t/a DC Capitol Square Bar & Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street NE (ABRA118000).

Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)

ANC 6A provided EDZ with a mandate to further investigate a text amendment for zoning districts NC-9, NC10, NC-11, NC12, NC-13, NC-14, NC-15, NC-16 and NC-17 to actively encourage use for the arts.

Commission Business

ANC 6A will send a letter to Councilmembers Vincent Gray and Robert White, Department of General Services (DGS) Director Keith Anderson and DCPC Chancellor Lewis Ferabee to request urgent support for repairs and improvements to Eastern High School Athletic Facilities.

ANC 6A approved the appointment of Ayisha Lockett as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning Committee.

ANC 6A will send a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting they delay their decision regarding Chick Fil A’s (1401 Maryland Avenue NE) application for the replacement of their fence so the TPS and full ANC may review the application.

Other Motions

• ANC 6A send multiple letters of support to the city and relevant parties with recommendations to assist the tenants at the Havana Building at 1219 K Street NE.

The motion passed with 6 Commissioners in favor with Commissioner Toomajian recusing himself.

Visit www.anc6a.org for a calendar of meeting times, meeting agendas and other information. ◆

lective memory, lasting just a few minutes over one hour.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6B) met virtually via WebEx Oct. 11. Commissioners Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02), Brian Ready (6B03), Kristen Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06), Edward Ryder (6B07) and Denise Krepp (6B10) were all in attendance. ANC 6B08 and 6B09 are currently vacant.

Progress on Pennsylvania Avenue SE Bus Lanes

Jennifer Samolyk (6B01) noted that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) had distributed information pamphlets to area residents, and summarized the update on the Pennsylvania Bus Lane project. Lanes are currently being painted; once complete, bus line signage will be installed. Although it will change once the project is completed, as of right now, private vehicles may drive in the bus lane outside of AM or PM rush hour. Parking continues to take place at the curbside.

Elevated bus platforms are to be installed through winter and into spring 2023. During that time, parking will remain at the curb, but there will be additional restrictions at temporary bus stops and where platforms are being constructed.

Update on Pennsylvania Avenue SE Bike Lanes

ANC 6B REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B met on Nov. 9, the birthday of Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04). As a gift, they gave her their shortest meeting in their col-

In spring 2023, a protected bike lane will be installed at the same time as bus stops are relocated. Once the bike lane is installed, parking is permitted within the bus lane outside of AM or PM rush hour (7:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.)

You can learn more about the Pennsylvania Avenue SE project at www.pennavese.com/projectupdates/

Support for Barracks Row

Open Streets, But... ANC Voted 7-1 to send a letter in support of the concept of an Open Streets event along Eighth Street SE in early 2023. Currently, ANCs 6A and 6C are

ALL ARE WELCOME

in the process of asking DDOT to approve an Open Streets in early 2023 along the entire length of Eighth Street SE and NE, from Florida Avenue NE to M Street SE. They asked for ANC 6B support.

The letter recommends support but raised ques tions about the impact of such an event on residents and commercial interests on Capitol Hill. In particu lar, commissioners were concerned about closing the intersection of Eighth and Pennsylvania Avenue SE; about restricting movement and curbside parking for residents living in the area; about safety if traffic is re directed onto the 800 block of D Street SE; and about ensuring that it is still easy to access Eastern Market and the surrounding street markets. There was some discussion about whether these details should be in cluded in the letter, or whether the ANC should weigh in further along in the process. In the end, the ANC included these as concerns, rather than conditions.

I-695 Ramp Study Design

The ANC voted unanimously to send a letter to DDOT about the 11th Street SE I 695 ramp study and 30 percent design. DDOT has plans to widen the D4 Ramp, make improvements to the D3 Ramp, add a two-way bike path between I and O Streets SE, as well as make numerous safety improvements for pedestri ans, including extending the Virginia Avenue bike/pe destrian path from 9th Street SE across the northern edge of Virginia Avenue Park to 11th Street SE.

Commissioners said while they were generally supportive of changes to the pedestrian walkways and cycle paths, they are still worried about the widening of the ramp from three to four lanes, arguing that the additional lane will increase speed and include more traffic on the ramp, reducing the safety of pedestri

ans and cyclists crossing where the i-695 ramp intersects with 11th Street SE.

Krepp Asks

Commission to Follow Reservation 13

Outgoing Commissioner De nise Krepp (6B10) said that dur ing the redistricting process ANC 6B commissioners were often told that what was happening — or going to happen— on Reser vation 13 is not their business be cause they were not then in Ward 7. Krepp said, following redistrict ing, which put her SMD in Ward 7, ANC 6B Commissioners and residents are still be ing cut out of discussions, just “in new ways.”

“A lot of nagging, a lot of nagging,” she acknowl edged, “[but] sadly a lot of folks on the other side of the river haven’t been forthcoming with the information.”

Krepp encouraged commissioners who will re main in office in single member district (SMD) 6B to continue to build relationships with 7D and oth ers moving forward regarding activity on the property.

Alcohol Beverage Committee

The ANC voted to take no action on an application to the DC Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administra tion for renewal of a Class “C” tavern license from the Tune Inn (331 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), citing their long history on the street. Samolyk, the commissioner for the area, said the Tune Inn has never had a settle ment agreement (SA), but that during her eight years as commissioner she was unaware of any issues. How ever, some commissioners were uncomfortable sup porting an application without a SA.

The ANC supported an ABRA application for a Class “C” tavern License with entertainment en dorsement for Rose’s at Home (721 Eighth St. SE), amending the SA to include a requirement for indoor trash storage. The committee had questions about trash management, saying that the establishment had trouble executing according to the current SA. Rep resentatives said that the owners had agreed to store trash indoors until pickup, which happens four times a week.

Commissioner Samolyk was elected Vice Chair at the outset of the meeting, filling the role vacated by Alison Horn when she resigned after moving out of ANC 6B09. Samolyk chaired the meeting after her

election. Chair Corey Holman (6B06) was on the call, but not able to lead the meeting.

The next full meeting of ANC 6B is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. Find details at anc6b.org. It is the final meeting of this ten-member version of the ANC 6B commission; ANC Commissioners elected to the newly-redistricted ANC 6B on Nov. 8 will take office in January 2023. u

Trashcan Storage and Rat Prevention

ANC 6C RepoRt

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met Wednesday Nov. 9 via WebEx. Commissioners Chris tine Healey (6C01), Karen Wirt, Chair (6C02), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), Joel Kelty (6C05) and Drew Courtney (6C06) attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Commissioners discussed the District’s increase in the rodent population, specifically in rats. One of the main concerns contributing to this increase are residential garbage collection containers. When trash containers are left in the alley they can be hit, damaged and become not “rat resistant” creating infestation issues in residential alleys and communities.

District law requires individuals to store trash containers on their own property, not in the public alley, and remove them no later than 8 p.m. the day of trash collection.

Commissioner Joel Kelty (6C05) noted the sig nificant increase and reported that the District De partment of Public Works (DPW) will soon be imple menting “operation clean sweep” to address this. The purpose of this initiative is to educate, monitor and en force the District’s regulations regarding trash and re cycling to mitigate the number of rodents in the Dis trict. Educational outreach will include mailed notices and hanging tags on doors. The department will be conducting a three week monitoring period after which they will start writing tickets at $150 per violation.

Kelty encouraged residents to get a jump start on collecting their cans and be mindful of the condition of their personal trash containers.

“I would encourage you all to bring your cans on your property when it’s not trash day,” Kelty said.

The final stage of improvements to Pennsylvania Avenue SE will complete installation of a protected bike lane and relocate bus stops along the avenue. After that, permitted parking times and patterns along the road will be affected. Image: DDOT

“If your can is damaged, you can contact DPW or make a request through the 311 service to have the can either repaired or replaced.”

Chair Karen Wirt (6C02) commented that she had been ned several years ago during a former similar crackdown by District o cials.

Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) added that there are plans for a multi-agency walk through ANC 6C in late November, noting that “there is going to be some e ort to address the particular problem” of rodent infestation. The agencies involved include the Department of Health, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and DPW.

Representative from Mendelson’s Office Declan Falls, a representative from DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson’s o ce, spoke about the Chairman’s work in the council and upcoming hearings with a focus on education. The Chairman plans to hold a hearing on Nov. 30 regarding chronic absenteeism and truancy in schools.

Falls was asked about the Chairman’s previously proposed legislation on the gray market cannabis businesses by Commissioners. Falls said he believes that the Chairman is “still supportive of reeling them in” but did not know of any plans to move forward on the legislation proposed.

“That’s too bad,” Kelty said. “We could really use some help. We have over 16 weed shops in a one mile stretch of H Street right now. I’m not necessarily opposed to cannabis, but that’s too many in one spot in the neighborhood and commercial zone.”

Eckenwiler referred Falls to the ANC’s previous testimony when the legislation was rst proposed which detailed the nature of the ANC concerns.

Public Space (TPS) committee recommendation to complete the George Washington University electric vehicle charging station survey and recommend recreation centers, libraries, Union Station and grocery stores as potential locations for the vehicle charging sites.

• the TPS committee recommendation to oppose the School Parking Zone (SPZ) for the Two Rivers Public Charter School (1227 Fourth St. NE) and indicate that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) should provide more logistical data, including the number of parking spaces requested, in future applications.

• the TPS committee recommendation to reduce the existing 22-foot curb cut to accommodate one car and one truck (in width) at Fedex (300 Maryland Avenue NE).

• the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZE) committee recommendation to support a Board of Zoning Appeals application at 663 Maryland Ave. NE for a special exception from lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story rear addition to a three-story dwelling with basement. The ANC previously reviewed this as a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) and supported it at that time.

• the PZE committee recommendation to oppose the historic preservation application, revised from last month for a full raze of an existing building and the construction of a three-story residential building at 601 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The committee noted this is an improvement from last month’s proposal, but has remaining concerns about several “deciencies.” The applicant has indicated that they would like to further postpone this application, and the ANC will not oppose the application if the applicant postpones to December.

Other Matters:

• The Commission supported the position of the ANC 6C Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) Committee, which voted to take no action on the renewal applications for Kelly’s Irish Times (14 F St. NW), Bu alo and Bergen (240 Massachusetts Ave. NW), Red Bear Brewing Company (1140-100 Third St. NE), the Dubliner (4 F St. NW), Hamilton’s Bar and Grill (233 Second St. NE) and Solid State Books (600 H St. NE).

• Commissioners voted to protest a renewal

application for an alcohol license to the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) in pursuit of a settlement agreement (SA) for Bar Elena (414 H St. NE) and for Allure Lounge (711 H St. NE), with Graham Grossman as designated ANC 6C the representative in the latter case.

• Commissioners voted unanimously to protest the application for license renewal to ABRA for The Big Board (421 H St. NE) citing improper public space occupancy. The ANC designated Commissioner Eckenwiler to serve as its representative.

• Commissioners voted to unanimously to renew opposition to an amended Historic Preservation Application (HPA) concept approval for 616 Lexington Pl NE. The application, a concept approval for rear and attic addition to a two-story row dwelling with attic and cellar, was previously unanimously opposed by the ANC due to material de ciencies from the front facade and landscaping. The applicant has since submitted new materials which are still “materially de cient.”

• The ANC 6C Grants Committee’s next submission deadline is Nov. 17. These grants will be awarded by the committee in early January 2023. ANC 6C seeks grant applications for community projects within the ANC 6C boundaries that demonstrate signi cant lasting impact on the ANC 6C community. Get more information and an application by visiting anc6c.org/committees/grants-committee ANC 6C will meet next on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. You can register to attend the meeting and read more about the commission here.

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

ANC 6D REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D (ANC 6D) met on Nov. 10 and Nov. 14 via Zoom. Commis-

sioners Jared Weiss (6D02, secretary), Ronald Collins (6D03, treasurer) Andy Litsky (6D04), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D05, vice chair), Rhonda Hamilton (6D06), Edward Daniels (6D07, chair) were in attendance for both. Commissioner Dr. Marjorie Lightman (6DO1) was absent on Nov. 14.

807 Maine Avenue

The 807 Planned Unit Development (PUD) was the subject of a special meeting on Nov. 10. After earlier consideration, The Zoning Commission had returned the matter to the commission.

Led by Kryus L. Freeman, the Mill Creek development team presented a revised design in response to input from the commissioners. The project’s retail component was completely eliminated to minimize delivery tra c. The massing of the building facing the neighborhood to the north and east was signi cantly curtailed.

Mill Creek’s revised design features expanded landscaping on Maine Avenue SW and a pocket park on the property’s northeast corner. However, reducing the mass reduced the number of building units, Kryus stated. To qualify for a PUD, Mill Creek pro ered the following community bene ts:

• a $75,000 art installation on Maine Ave. SW;

• nine three-bedroom units, three of which are a ordable;

• 30 a ordable units;

• all electric appliances, rooftop solar and electric vehicular charging stations;

• exempting its residents from the city’s Resident Parking Permits (RPP) system;

• a pickup/drop-o zone (PUDO) within the property lines on Seventh Street SW;

• a donation of $150,000 to Je erson Academy;

• a donation of $100,000 to DC Habitat for Humanity;

• specialized marketing to seniors and teachers at nearby public schools;

• 7,000 square feet of landscaped space available to the public.

Commissioners countered by making their own mo tion of support for the project contingent on a further set of demands:

• an increase in the affordable component to a total of approximately 21 percent of the project divided equally between 60 and 80 Area Median Income for the life of the project;

• pairing back the building’s Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to bring it in line with those sanctioned un der the Southwest Small Area Plan (SWSAP);

• redirecting the donation to Habitat for Human ity to Amidon Elementary School and Richard Wright Public Charter School;

• reserving the art project for women or minority artists selected by local residents.

Once the motion was on the table, Secretary Weiss asked the developer whether they could agree to the commission’s demands. Mill Creek would try to adjust to the commissions affordable housing configuration, Freeman countered. He saw no issue with reassigning the Habitat money. However, any donations to schools must legally be tied to something specific, he stated. Freeman also agreed to requirements for the public art.

Commissioner Collins asked that the limitations on RPP be included in all leases. Freeman concurred.

Litsky expressed a concern that there be no admin istrative overhead charged to the arts funding. Freeman agreed, stating they have identified a local artist.

Chair Daniels requested Mill Creek to put infor mation about the project’s affordable units visibly on their website.

Commissioner Lightman expressed her dis appointment with her colleagues’ entire approach.

She lamented her colleagues’ unwillingness to experiment with more innovative meth ods of creating affordable housing outside the frame work of Inclusionary Zoning. Commissioner Kramer expressed her concern about endorsing any project at vari ance with the constraints of the SWSAP. Doing so, she said, might put other existing, ad jacent affordable properties in commercial play. Despite this, she expressed her appreciation for time and effort Mill Creek had spent engaging with the commission.

Town Square Towers Board Chair Gail Fast com mended Mill Creek’s willingness to engage with the commission. She repressed reservations about the project’s compliance with the SWSAP. Fast requested the commission include language about a construction management plan negotiated with adjoining proper ties in its motion’s list of conditions. Freeman object ed to the project’s endorsement being predicated on such a plan, although he did not object to presenting one to neighboring residences and Jefferson Academy for feedback.

Another resident asked Mill Creek to incorporate dog waste stations in its proposal.

The commissioners voted overwhelming to en dorse the project contingent on their demands be ing met. Only Commissioner Lightman voted against the motion.

Update on VCAP for Parcel B

A representative for developer Hoffman & Associates briefed the commission on the progress of the Volun tary Cleanup Action Plan (VCAP) for Parcel B, which is the land immediately adjacent to the DC United Stadi um, which is subject to the terms of the stadium’s PUD.

A project involving the construction of two tow ers starts next year. Before construction can commence, Hoffman is required to abate the site, which was for merly a junkyard. The developer plans to submit a draft VCAP to the DC Dept. of Energy and the Environ ment (DOEE) by end of the month. DOEE will likely approve the application in January, and the final VCAP in April, the developer stated. Both actions trigger pub lic comment periods. Hoffman expects the final VCAP to earn approval in July.

Commissioner Hamilton requested Hoffman provide commissioners with an onsite walk-through of their plan given the close proximity of residences and Eagle Academy Public Charter School. The de veloper agreed to her stipulation.

DDOT Presentation

DDOT Bicycle Specialist Will Handsfield presented the agency’s plans for Fourth and I Street bike lanes. Both are in preconstruction, he stated. The Notice of Intent (NOI) period for public comment has conclud ed. The agency is moving to install hard Protected Bike Lanes (PBLs) as soon as possible on I Street SW.

In reaction to the commission’s criticism, DDOT has readjusted its priorities on both Fourth and I Streets SW to preserve curbside parking where pos sible, increase the number of loading zones and work to accommodate the needs of Amidon-Bowen and the numerous churches.

In particular, DDOT intends to eliminate redun dant bus stops and WMATA parking next to the Water front Metro to aid these objectives. The agency has de cided to postpone any changes on I Street SW adjacent to any of the churches and between Delaware Avenue and First Street SW. Alterations to Seventh Street be tween Maine and I Street SW await significant chang es to the existing signals.

All parking on the north side of I Street in the 600 block will be eliminated, due to the townhouse resi dents possessing off-street alternatives. The existing Resident Permit Parking next to Amidon-Bowen Ele mentary School will be converted to a 15-minute, Pick up-Dropoff Zone (PUDO) during school hours. Park ing will be added on Fourth and M Streets SW next to the Waterfront Metro.

Signal work will delay road changes, stated Handsfield. In addition, the agency is making sure any roadway changes take the planned redevelopment of Westminster Church into account, he added.

“We are not stalling these processes. We want to walk block by block to make sure we are taking into ac count local conditions,” Chair Daniels.

Commissioner Litsky pressed Handsfield for in formation on the redesign proposed for South Capi tol Street, which they had expected would be part of his presentation. They stated their concern about the expiration of the 30-day comment period. Handsfield claimed ignorance of the project.

“This is the first time you are showing these things,” complained Commissioner Kramer, pointing out that no presentation was made before the comment period mandated by the NOI had expired. She asked

A diagram illustrating the change in massing for 807 Maine Ave. SW. Diagram courtesy Mill Creek

for more clarity on the parking changes on I Street SW.

Commissioner Litsky thanked Will for his partic ipation in a commission sponsored walk through on I Street SW the previous August. “People think that this ANC doesn’t’ want bike lanes to happen. That’s just wrong,” he added. DDOT is scheduled to return in December.

I-695 Freeway South Capitol Bridge Rehab

DDOT engineers presented the agency’s plans to re store the bridge over South Capitol Street. The goals are to upgrade the structure and increase general safe ty. Plans, they believe, will be completed by Decem ber 2023. The agency is now engaging stakeholders.

Originally constructed in 1958, the South Capitol bridge was last rehabbed in 1991. The agency plans no highway expansion, just a repair of the existing struc ture as well as its ramps, which while safe, show signs of deterioration. There is no date yet for construction. The budget is about $70 million. The agency con ducts biannual inspections and maintenance to main tain safety.

Commissioner expressed concerns about the construction’s impact on adjacent residences. For more information, visit www.seswbridges.ddot. dc.gov/#overview.

Portals BZA Application 1250 Maryland Ave

Lowe, a developer, has purchased the office building immediately to the east of the Salamander Hotel, for merly the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which they are converting into roughly 440 residences. They are fil ing an application with the Board of Zoning Adjust ment to put a rooftop restaurant and to alter the ex isting roof to accommodate two penthouses for their mechanicals. They are also asking for a change in use from office to residential.

While the project has no Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) requirement, nevertheless Lowe has proffered 2,200 square feet of affordable housing. Two of the units will be family sized at 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). If the restaurant does not pan out, the space will be repurposed as an amenities space.

The DC Commission of Fine Arts (DCCFA) has requested the replacement of the entire façade. The commission also denied Lowe an entire floor of density.

Lowe’s voluntary contribution to affordable hous ing was hailed by Commission Weiss.

“I don’t care whether you are required to have it or not,” stated Commissioner Litsky. “We are creating

a wealthy ghetto in the northwest corner of the neigh borhood. We are bringing more very wealthy people to the city. Does that solve our affordable housing prob lem?” he stated. “You put something on the table. It is helpful, but not helpful enough,” he added. Commis sion Kramer echoed his sentiments.

The DCCFA denied Lowe the density and height allowed them as a matter of right, eliminating a full floor, Lowe’s attorney David Avitabile retorted. More over, building new upper income housing reduces the housing scarcity at the root of high rents and converts an old office building to a residential site, Avitabile ar gued. The project received no tax credits, has no IZ re quirement and was awarded no public subsidy, he fur ther pointed out.

“We thought we were more than responsive. I am happy to walk you through the math” added Lowe Ex ecutive Vice President and Managing Director Mark Rivers. The commission did not vote on the matter.

Public Safety

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Captain Kevin Harding briefed the commission on public safety matters. There was a targeted murder on Oct. 23, Harding stated and the case is under investiga tion. The armed assault at Buffalo Wild Wings has been closed with an arrest.

On Election Day, a carjacking in Prince George County resulted in a car chase that ended in Navy Yard. MPD apprehended three individuals and recovered four guns recovered, Harding stated.

Overall, Harding stated, there has been a slight uptick in carjackings. Many of these MPD believes are “pattern cases” involving the same perpetrators.

Southwest, Harding stated, has witnessed more gun shots than usual. There were two shootings in volving two juvenile victims. MPD recovered a gun near Greenleaf Recreation Center. A man was also shot on the 1200 block of Half Street SW. “We have doubled down on our resources in SW,” the captain said.

Are the perpetrators being held, queried Chair Daniels? “We are successfully papering cases,” Hard ing responded. “All adults arrested with a fire arm are held. For juveniles some are held and some are not,” he clarified.

The cameras at Greenleaf Recreation Center were inoperable during the Election Day shooting, Hard ing stated. Are they still broken, queried Commission er Litsky? Harding affirmed this was the case. Litsky asked that the cameras be checked.

“We heard that Greenleaf Rec is being used for a shelter again. We do need to house the homeless, but

putting them in a Rec Center in the middle of endem ic violence in an overstressed community is idiotic,” Litsky stated.

1100 South Capitol SE

Ruben Companies are developing 1100 South Capi tol Street SE. The project is within the South Capitol Gateway Overlay, so the design of the project is sub ject to review by the Zoning Commission.

Commissioners were delighted with the larger sized apartments suitable for families. They remained skeptical of the loading plan that employs an alley off of L Street SW. Could mirrors be placed in the alley to increase pedestrian safety, they asked? They flatly ob jected to the alternative of loading on South Capitol as well as the placement of a PUDO there.

The developer acceded to the commission’s de mands for clear disclosures on amenity fees and a pet waste station placed next to the rooftop dog park.

The developer stood firm on not providing any affordable units, which are not required by the par cel’s zoning.

Chief Executive Richard Ruben engaged in a long philosophical debate with the commissioners over af fordable housing. The significant increases in con struction costs are driving companies such as Ruben to focus their efforts on the high end, which provides the returns to cover the project costs. “It’s not true that if we build something expensive all the rents in the neigh borhood rise to meet it,” Ruben stated.

In the end, Ruben pointed out that the objective was to discuss the project’s design merits, not wheth er it contributed to affordable housing. If the city wants discounted rents, use the tax money earned by projects such as 1100 South Capitol to subsidize rents directly, Ruben suggested. The hearing on the project is sched uled for Dec. 17.

The commission voted unanimously to oppose the project, arguing it does not meet the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.

Other Matters

The commission unanimously to:

• Approved amended meeting agenda;

• Approved the October and November Special meeting minutes;

• Supported S.O.M.E. Turkey Trot.

ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. Their next meeting is Dec. 12. For more information and links to join ANC meetings, visit www.anc6d.org. u

BULLETIN BOARD

Visit the National (White House) Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree site is open through Jan. 1. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sun set each evening. This year, the ceremony and official lighting took place on Nov. 30. CBS will broadcast the 2022 ceremony on Sun day, Dec. 11, 8 to 9 p.m. The National Christmas Tree Lighting will be available for the public to view at CBS.com beginning Dec. 12. First celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the Na tional Christmas Tree Lighting continues to inspire people every where to pause to enjoy cherished traditions and memories made with family and friends in national parks during the holiday season. thenationaltree.org/visit-the-tree.

Story Behind Our Schools Preservation Cafe

With more than 200 years of history, DC Pub lic Schools are the anchors and reflections of the communities they serve. Join the Capitol Hill Restoration Society for a conversation that dives into the history of public education in the District and the story behind our schools--how they began, how they affected our communi ty, and how we are preserving their history. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m., Kimberly Spring le, Executive Director, Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, and Jen Harris, Exec utive Director, The Story of Our Schools will present a virtual Preservation Cafe, The Sto ry Behind Our Schools. The presenters will focus on our Capitol Hill schools with a close examination of the history of Payne Elementa ry School. They will use the student research the Story of Our Schools project recently un veiled, The Story of Daniel A. Payne and Our School. CHRS Preservation Cafés are free to CHRS members and non-members. chrs.org.

East City Bookshop In-person Events

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. East City Book shop welcomes award-winning science writ er Bethany Brookshire for a discussion of her book, Pests, a study of why we deem certain animals to be “pests” and others not. Joining her in conversation is Editor in Chief of Scien tific American, Laura Helmuth. On Wednes day, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., local business owner Gina Schaefer discusses her book, Recovery Hard ware. In it she shares the powerful story of building A Few Cool Hardware Stores, an in novative business that revitalized her urban community. On Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Ko soko Jackson discusses his new swoony kitch en romance, A Dash of Salt and Pepper, in con versation with fellow romance author Timothy Janovsky. These three author talks are in-per son and via Zoom. Masks and proof of vacci

nation are required for all attendees. East City Bookshop is at 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. east citybookshop.com.

Ward

6 Brickie

Awards

Return Live Dec. 7.

At Hill Center, 6 to 8 p.m., 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Awards are presented in the following categories: Neighbor Award, Community Or ganization Award, Business Award, Civic Pride Award, and Public Service Award. Free food and drink from local restaurants and business es. RSVP at charlesallenward6.com.

Southeast Library Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Southeast Library is turning 100. Whether you’re joining them for all of their family fes tivities on Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or just swinging by for part of the day, leave a birthday wish on their glowing “Wish Tree” in stallation. Southeast Library is at 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Parents’ Tax Clinic with Mother’s Outreach Network

Have you already received your Child Tax Credit? Your Earned Income Tax Credit? Your entire Stimulus payment? If not, or if you have questions, stop by Southwest Li brary on Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 or 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mother’s Outreach Network holds free Parent’s Tax Workshops and Clin ics on tax credits, including the EITC and CTC. They will consult with you about how to make these things happen. The expanded Child Tax Credit can provide up to $3,600 per eligible child. Southwest Library is at 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org/southwest.

Arena Stage’s BIPOC Fellowship Program

The Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship Program is a professional training program

Photo: Jason Yen

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your

DC Open Doors

Homeownership

DC Open Doors

Resource in the District.

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

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 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 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 int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

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.

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.

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

COVID-19

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.

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

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.

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.

Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Visit www.DCHFA.org

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.

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Visit www.DCHFA.org

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s

homeownership programs.

“Season’s Greenings” at the Botanic Garden Offers Holiday Cheer Indoors and Out

The Botanic Garden offers a gardenwide “Season’s Greenings” holiday dis play this year, running through Monday, Jan. 2 (closed on Dec. 25). As part of the festivities, model trains run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated out door gardens and the Conservatory fea tures poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. A gift store run by the Friends of the US Botanic Gar den and local DC small business Rewild offers a variety of botanically themed gifts for purchase in the Conservatory’s West Gallery. Zeke’s Coffee offers coffee and hot chocolate for sale just inside the gat ed outdoor garden near the trains. The Garden has extended evening hours each Tuesday in December when the Conser vatory and train display will be open un til 8 p.m. USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings.

for individuals who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). The pro gram offers personalized training and in-depth, hands-on experience with top-tier profession als in artistic development, production, arts ad ministration, arts education and community out reach. Fellows receive a weekly stipend of $600. The 2023/2024 Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fel lowship Program applications will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2023. Interviews with select applicants will take place in April 2023. Appli cants selected for the fellowship will be notified by phone and email by mid-May 2023. Read more at arenastage.org/opportunities.

2023 Atlas Intersections Festival (save the dates)

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a per forming arts festival that presents work that im pacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTER SECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neigh borhood, city, and world. They are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to

the many facets of our humanity. Festival dates in 2023 are Feb. 25 to March 12. Atlas Perform ing Arts Center is at 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Wreaths Across American

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Hon or and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington Nation al Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 addi tional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. This year Wreaths Across America is on Dec. 17. Those interested in placing wreaths at Arlington Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day must pre-register at wreathsacrossamerica. org. Proof of pre-registration is required for en try into the cemetery.

Big Objects, Big Stories at the NMAAHC

On Dec. 10, 11, 15, 27 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 10 and 15, “Ango la Prison Guard Tower” talk

place at 11:30

In the Conservatory, visitors will be able to view holiday decorations including nearly 2,000 poinsettias and the Garden’s collection of DC monuments and landmarks, all made from plant parts.

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

UPCOMING PROGRAMS CONCERTS

Cheick Hamala Diabate in Concert

Sunday, December 4, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills Wednesday, December 7, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Bitter is Beautiful: Amaro (Italian Liqueur) Tasting w/Italian Cookies Thursday, December 8, 5:30pm-7:00pm

Bonnie Benwick’s Annual Holiday Cookie Baking Class Saturday, December 10, 11:00am-2:00pm

Winter Risotto

Monday, December 12, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Easy Vegetarian Indian Cooking: Spice Up Your Holidays! Wednesday, December 14, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Caregiver + Child Winter Wonderland Sugar Cookie Decorating Saturday, December 17, 11:00am-1:00pm

LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS

Profs & Pints DC: Life at Earth’s Poles

Tuesday, December 6, 6:00pm-8:30pm

STUDIO ARTS

Contemporary Watercolors Course

Starting Tuesday, December 6, 6:30pm-8:00pm

One-Off Workshops

Contemporary Watercolors: Saturday, December 10, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking: Saturday, December 10, 2:30pm-5:00pm

Snow Day Sip ‘n Paint: Sunday, December 11, 4:00pm-6:00pm

LANGUAGES & HUMANITIES

Writing at the End of the World: Writing for Change Saturday, December 10, 1:00pm-4:00pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Busy Bees: Music & Art Playgroup

French Courses: All Levels

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR Meadowlark Music

Mr. Mike’s Music Together

Opera Starts with Oh! - Opera Lafayette

Piano Lessons with Gordon Tenney

Shakespeare Theatre Company Studio One Dance

Super Soccer Stars

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

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

Photo by Tyrone Hamilton

NMAAHC Debuts Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) announc es the launch of the Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal. The new comprehensive search platform is de signed to help family historians and genealogists search for their ancestors and for scholars and stu dents to research various topics found in over 1.7 million pages of Freedmen’s Bureau records. The portal allows users to search records from the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Aban doned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau. Congress created the Freedmen’s Bu reau after the Civil War to assist in the political and social reconstruction of post-war Southern states and to help formerly enslaved African Americans transition from slavery to freedom and citizenship. From 1865 to 1872, the Freedmen’s Bureau created and collected over 1.7 million handwritten re cords containing the names and information of hundreds of thousands of formerly enslaved individ uals and Southern white refugees. nmaahc.si.edu/explore/freedmens-bureau.

a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 13 and 20, “Angola Prison Guard Tower” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 12, 15 and 27, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. On Dec. 22 and 29, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. On Dec. 15, “Southern Railway Car No. 1200” talk takes place at 11 a.m. and noon. On Dec. 18, “A charred penny from the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921” talk takes places at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tours are free and walk-in. All visitors, re gardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the building. Same-day timedentry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. nmaahc.si.edu/visit/plan-your-visit.

Arboretum Community Center Opens

On Nov. 5, Mayor Bowser, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of General Services and community members cut the ribbon on the new Arboretum Community Center. The $10.8 million, LEED-certified facility, at 2412 Rand Pl. NE, incorporates and expands on the historic field house while adding new amenities.

The center includes a gym, community room, tech lounge, fit ness center, patio, and green roof. dpr.dc.gov/page/arboretumcommunity-center-00

Christmas Illuminations (and Fireworks) at Mount Vernon

On Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the hol iday season with an evening of Christmas Illuminations. See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beauti ful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse daz zling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter en campment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carol ers, and Aladdin the Camel. Watch holiday fireworks over the Potomac River. The fireworks begin at approximately 8 to 8:30 p.m. Adult admis sion with mansion tour, $60, youth with mansion tour, $38. mountvernon.org.

Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5k

Our newly reelected mayor wants us all to be in as good a shape as she is and, therefore, invites us to join her in the ninth annual Fresh Start 5k (run and/or walk) on New Year’s Day at running tracks throughout the city. DPR will open athletic tracks and provide other suggested routes. Residents are encouraged to run or walk a 5k at a location of their choice at any time on New Year’s Day. The FITDC Fresh Start 5k is a free event and residents who register at tinyurl. com/2023VirtualFreshStart5K will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Partici pants are encouraged to run or walk at one of 11 DC Public Schools sites or in their own neighborhood. Participants are also encouraged to share themselves completing the 5k on social media using the hashtag #FreshStart5K. Runner/ walker packets and T-shirts may be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard St. NW; Edgewood Recreation Center, 301 Franklin St. NE; Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th St. NE; and Wilson Aquatic Center, 4551 Fort Dr. NW.

National Shrine Christmas Dinner

DC Snow Preparations

In preparation for winter, residents are reminded that they should call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 when they see a person who is experiencing homelessness and outside during extreme temperatures. Residents are also encouraged to join Serve DC’s Volun teer Snow Team, which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors who are 65 and old er and residents with access functionality needs. Volunteers can sign-up at servedc.gal axydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or to see where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provides meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals liv ing in DC and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals are available for pick-up or delivery only. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-5268300. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 16. Volunteers are needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/event/2022-christmas-dinner-registration. For more in formation, contact rsvp@bnsic.org or 202-526-8300.

DDOT Granted Federal Funds for Electric Vehicle Charging

The District Department of Transportation has announced it will re ceive $16.6 million in federal funding though President Biden’s Biparti san Infrastructure Law to build out DC’s electric vehicle charging infra structure and advance the District’s sustainability and equity goals. The

federal funding will be used for projects directly related to charging electric vehicles, to include upgrading existing and constructing new DC fast charging infrastructure, installation of onsite electrical service equipment, community and stakeholder engagement, EV charging station signage, data sharing, and related mapping analyses. For more information, visit nevi.ddot.dc.gov.

DOEE Launches Reuse DC Website

The Department of Energy and Environment has announced the launch of Reuse DC, a rstof-its-kind website to help District residents get centralized information on how to repair, donate, and shop second-hand items ranging from furniture, clothing and other household items. Through the website, the public can search an online mapbased directory, explore how to exchange items with neighbors, learn about the importance of food recovery, nd an upcoming Fix-It event, discover grant programs, and more. reuse.dc.gov.

2023 Fringe Festival Applications Open

Founded in 2005, the Fringe Festival celebrates cultural democracy and art for everyone. It serves as a launching pad for unseasoned and established artists. Capital Fringe has become known for providing space, resources, and opportunities for both individual artists and companies, as well as a place for community building and expression. The 2023 Capital Fringe is from July 13 to 16 and 20 to 23. Applications are open through Dec. 28. Read more and apply at capitalfringe.org/artist. ◆

homegarden and

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE

Tis the season to celebrate. Front and center of all the holiday traditions is the Christmas Tree. What kind of tree to select is often an annual debate in families. What is the best eco-friendly choice to? Is it buying a green tree or investing in an arti cial tree that will last for years. Are real trees better than articial ones?

Getting an expert’s opinion on this question involved a trip to Anne Arundel County Maryland, approximately 45 minutes from Capitol Hill to visit with a Christmas tree farm. Gary Palmer, owner of Holiday Memories Farm , has given this question a lot of thought. Surprisingly, he says “it is what is right for you and your family. There are a lot of considerations to be made and circumstances and for some to buy an articial tree is perfectly ne.”

The fact that arti cial trees end up in the land ll and are not biodegradable is a leading argument against the “fake” trees. Many are also produced in China in-

creasing the carbon emissions and resources. However, nancially it makes a lot of sense to invest in one, saving you having to spend $30 to $150 a year for a tree that lasts a few weeks. Maintenance wise you don’t have to worry about watering the tree in the middle of the very rushed holiday season. USA Today re-

ports Americans purchase approximately 10 million arti cial trees a season.

Christmas Tree Farms

Of course, the ultimate environmentally friendly option is to buy or rent a live tree that can be repotted and continues to grow year after year. This option is gaining in popularity, but it was

article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

Gary Palmer, owner of Holiday Memories Farm (4848 Muddy Creek Road, West River, MD), proudly shows one of the trees available to choose and cut at his Christmas tree farm. Trees take about seven years to grow.

difficult to actually find a rent-a-tree company in the DMV area. Advocates suggest contacting local tree farmers to see if they are able to provide this option.

Christmas tree farms are plentiful in the DC area and the best of the best have been detailed by trees.com. https://www.trees.com/christmas-trees/farms-in-wash ington-dc

Holiday Memories Farm is in its second season this year. Gary Palmer, a retired DC firefighter, says it has

been his lifelong dream to be a Christ mas tree farmer, ever since he spent time on his grandparent’s farm growing up. “Unlike most kids, I really loved being on the farm,” says Gary. It took him sev eral years to find and negotiate to buy the farm, but his patience paid off.

It takes seven years for a tree to grow big enough to cut, and he has sev eral different plots of trees all in differ ent stages. The inventory for 2022 is good, and he offers several types of ever green trees, including Douglas Fir and Blue Spruces. You get to pick and cut your favorite. Gary also brings in trees from other suppliers if you want to just choose one ready to go.

Holiday Memories farm is a com plete Christmas experience with a Gin gerbread House recently built for San ta, and a barn full of holiday trees, wreathes, and holiday goodies. They even have a 100-year-old sleigh you can pose on with family members for the perfect holiday photograph. Gary wants folks to make Christmas mem ories at his farm, making his lifelong dream come true.

The farm is only open two week ends including one on December 3rd weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oth er times of the year the farm sells pick your own blueberries, fresh eggs, and herbs in season. Check the website for details.https://kelciepal mer.wixsite.com/holidaymemoriesfarm

Trees on the Hill for Good Causes

In addition to trees being available at Eastern Market, Gingko Gardens, and Fragers, local schools, scout troops, and the Friends of the National Arboretum also sell Christmas trees and wreaths. Despite a national shortage of trees, Capitol Hill will be well stocked with trees to choose from.

Boy Scout Troop 500 will be selling trees December 1st through Sunday, December 4th at the Lutheran Church of Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street, NE. Boy Scout member, William Dierlam, is an eighth grader and this will be his second year participating in the tree sale. “I re ally like giving back to the community and see

ing how happy people are in picking out the perfect tree for themselves,” says William. Del Voss, one of the Boy Scout leaders, says they will have 240 trees to choose from and two types of trees, Balsam Firs or Fraser Firs. William says that the proceeds help fund scout programs like buying tents for camp outs, food, and other activities. The scouts will be selling the trees rain or shine, and they recommend coming early to buy your tree. They will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm or on Sunday until all are sold.

Miner Elementary, Eliot-Hine Middle School and Payne Elementary School have joined forces to host their 7th annual greenery sale of Friday, Decem ber 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd at Miner Ele mentary, 601 15th Street NE. Abby McGill, a parent to a first grade Miner Bear, says that they will have some of the most affordable trees in the area. “Our stocks go quickly.” In addition to Christmas trees, they will be selling poinsettias, and greeting cards. Abby ac knowledges the tree shortage and says it is real. “We will have $40 trees at our sale and are determined to

Buck York and Anna Kate York students at Brent School get into the holiday spirit showing some of the trees that are for sale. Proceeds from the sale help with student projects. Photo credit: Brent School PTA.

Artificial trees can be found at many retailers including a wide variety at Costco and Lowes at 2438 Market Street, N.E. Most trees are pre-lit.

keep trees at that a ordable level as part of the Miner Elementary PTO commitment to equality.” They will have about 200 trees of di erent sizes and varieties.

Brent Elementary School will host its 12th annual Holiday Sale from Thursday December 1st until Sunday, December 4th. Brent is located at 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. In addition to trees, they will have wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukah items. Buyers can choose what Shelby Hunt, a school parent, says is a popular option to have the trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup. The “Holiday Sale” is a highlight of the season for Brent parents who volunteer to sta all aspects of the sale. Proceeds from the sale of trees are used to provide critical resources to students. The weekend sale is open 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

Friends of the National Arboretum will also be selling trees on December 3rd and December 10th. Check their website for more details - https://www.fona.org/

There is nothing like creating new traditions with family and friends during the holiday season. Holidays give us all a chance to share special moments together. Whether you are cutting your own tree; picking a tree from one of the local schools and nonpro ts, or putting up the arti cial tree with lights aglow, memories will be made and last a lifetime of Christmases.

A correction from last month’s article on native plants. To contact the DC native plant folks go to https:// dcnatives.org/pollinator-gardenplanner/

Rindy O’Brien is a local gardener and can be contacted at rindyobrien@ gmail.com ◆

The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents Dear Garden Problem Lady,

by Wendy Blair

I think the US Department of Agriculture map of climate zones still has the Washington DC zone split between 7 and 8, even though Climate Change is bringing high summer heat and drought, and also high winds and heavy rains, especially after hurricanes. But now I hear the term “Micro Climates” used about individual gardens. What are they?

Micro Climates have always existed. You may have noticed that some parts of your garden have a di erent prevailing wind from other parts – or much stronger sunlight, or deeper shade from other parts. In each such place you get much better luck with plantings that bene t from that individual “micro climate”.

Icy northwest winds kill camellias in winter; lavenders do less well in part shade than in total sun. Many owers can manage these extremes. Others simply can’t.

Is there any quick rule for hydrangea pruning?

Hydrangeas divide into two groups – those that bloom on “old” wood, and those that bloom on “new” wood. This means that when the hydrangea starts growing in the spring, if it blooms on “old” wood it must be pruned only – repeat only -- after it has bloomed. But its new buds are set in the fall, so don’t wait too long.

Hydrangeas that bloom on “new” – or “this year’s new branches” – can be pruned anytime.

This timing must govern when you prune to re-shape either type, although obvious dead, diseased, crossing, or otherwise inappropriate suckers and branches can be removed anytime.

Hydrangeas that Bloom on Old Wood: Big Leaf Hydrangeas such as Macrophylla, Mophead (blue, pink), Lacecap and even Oak Leaf set their buds in the fall.

Hydrangeas that Bloom on New Wood: Paniculata types such as Grandi ora (or Peegee) Hydrangea and later-blooming Tardiva Hydrangea set their buds in the spring. Prune branches back to as short as six inches in spring if you need to prevent the plant from getting too tall, or opping over when blooming. You can wait until a bit later in in spring to shape the shrub by cutting branches about one-third from the top. Cut at just above a new bud.

What’s a good inexpensive holiday gift for gardeners who have everything?

Gardeners always need disposable gloves to avoid dirty hands and ngernails. In addition, leather work gloves from a hardware store provide strength to aging hands. Or, for the feet, look for inexpensive outdoor clogs that slip on and o , provide support and keep shoes away from garden lth. Or nd a magazine (Fine Gardening; Cottage Gardens, English Gardens – many more are listed online).

In December the Capitol Hill Garden Club is having a members-only greens workshop. For information about joining the club and future programs, go to Capitolhillgardenclub.org.

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. ◆

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 o ce on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

LILY PONDS

4602 Quarles St NE $525,000 4 117 33rd St NE $420,000 2

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

5009 Astor Pl SE $590,000 4 5506 C St SE $258,000 2

OLD CITY #1 205 16th St SE $1,195,000 4 625 Lexington Pl NE $1,098,000 4 1231 D St NE $887,500 2 313 17th St NE $725,000 3 1425 K St SE $616,900 2

RANDLE HEIGHTS

1949 S St SE $450,000 3

SHAW

449 Q St NW $1,005,000 2 206 N St NW $899,900 3 1824 6th St NW $761,500 2

TRINIDAD

1432 Trinidad Ave NE $756,500 3 1316 Montello Ave NE $605,000 3

TRUXTON CIRCLE 1512 1st St NW $761,500 2

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

1328 Park Rd NW #D $859,900 2

1420 Clifton St NW #304 $475,000 2 718 Park Rd NW #4 $386,000 2 3900 14th St NW #607 $373,900 2 3500 13th St NW #502 $365,000 1 1421 Columbia Rd NW #201 $336,000 3 3900 14th St NW #304 $220,000 0

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

212-212 Oakwood St SE #112 $200,000 1 3876 9th St SE #203 $159,000 2

DUPONT

1325 18th St NW #709 $410,000 1 1624 U St NW #400 $560,000 1 1401 17th St NW #710 $450,000 1 1615 Q St NW #1213 $399,999 1

ECKINGTON

231 Seaton Pl NE #6 $850,000 3 233 Seaton Pl NE #8 $815,000 3 1912 3rd St NE #3 $750,000 2 1625 Eckington Pl NE #406 $699,900 2 1715 North Capitol St NE #3 $249,900 1

FORT DUPONT PARK

3935 S St SE #101 $185,000 2

H STREET CORRIDOR

FEE SIMPLE

ADAMS MORGAN

1835 Vernon St NW $1,350,000 4

BLOOMINGDALE

115 V St NW $1,950,000 5

2031 1st St NW $1,055,500 4

2027 Flagler Pl NW $725,000 5

CAPITOL HILL

723 Massachusetts Ave NE $2,800,000 6 139 12th St SE $2,500,000 5 314 A St SE $1,900,000 4

801 Independence Ave SE $1,580,000 6

628 E St NE $1,550,000 4

304 E St NE $1,510,000 5

412 E Capitol St NE $1,310,000 4

710 9th St SE $1,175,000 3

333 8th St NE $1,150,000 2

404 E Capitol St NE $1,050,000 6 221 8th St SE $1,049,000 2

428 Kentucky Ave SE $1,048,000 3

732 9th St SE $919,000 2

1513 Gales St NE $865,000 3

27 15th St SE $780,000 2 237 14th Pl NE $719,500 2

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

1208 Euclid St NW $1,605,000 4 1210 Irving St NW $1,535,000 6 1022 Lamont St NW $970,000 4 1358 Quincy St NW $950,000 4 743 Irving St NW $690,000 3

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

3514 7th St SE $510,000 4 3934 1st St SW $300,000 3

DEANWOOD 307 56th St NE $585,000 4 4118 Gault Pl NE $475,000 3 5330 Gay St NE $425,000 3 4053 Grant St NE $415,000 4 5013 Just St NE $270,000 3

DUPONT

2025 N St NW $1,595,000 4

ECKINGTON 110 R St NE $1,164,900 4 232 Randolph Pl NE $798,750 3 1929 Lincoln Rd NE $649,000 3

FORT DUPONT PARK 732 Adrian St SE $330,000 3

LEDROIT PARK 65 V St NW $1,299,900 4

U STREET 1321 V St NW $942,000 2

CONDO

14TH STREET CORRIDOR 1801 13th St NW #3 $1,195,000 2

ADAMS MORGAN

2410 17th St NW #302 $850,000 2 1706 Euclid St NW #3 $760,000 2

ANACOSTIA

1300 Talbert Ct SE $430,000 3

CAPITOL HILL

514 4th St SE #200 $1,450,000 2 401 13th St NE #413 $485,000 1 626 Independence Ave SE #104 $474,900 2

CARVER LANGSTON

1021 17th St NE #7 $600,000 3 828 18th St NE #301 $480,000 2 1019 17th Pl NE #301 $459,000 2

CENTRAL 1150 K St NW #1105 $650,000 2

1102 Staples St NE #302 $479,900 2

HILL CREST

1317b 27th St SE $265,000 3 1327a 27th St SE $140,300 0 2016 37th St SE #102 $180,000 2

HILL EAST

1324 E St SE #106 $740,000 2 1628 C St SE #303 $489,000 2

KALORAMA

1811 Kalorama Sq NW #6 $3,300,000 4 2301 Connecticut Ave NW #3A $1,260,000 2 2022 Columbia Rd NW #406 $640,000 2 2413 20th St NW #1 $580,000 1

1842 California St NW #7B $415,000 1 1907 Belmont Rd NW #69 $755,000 2

KINGMAN PARK

401 13th St NE #310 $680,000 2 1607 Isherwood St NE #C $650,000 2 1612 Isherwood St NE #2 $594,900 2 415 17th St NE #B $439,000 2

LOGAN CIRCLE

1420 N St NW #505 $250,000 0

1460 Rhode Island Ave NW #2 $685,000 2

1125 11th St NW #504 $435,000 1 1402 12th St NW #2 $419,900 1

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

4732 Benning Rd SE #203 $138,500 2

MOUNT VERNON

1117 10th St NW #703 $635,000 2

OLD CITY #2 437 New York Ave NW #404 $519,990 1 500 Florida Ave NW #1 $435,000 2

PENN QUARTER

675 E St NW #800 $1,675,000 2 631 D St NW #231 $720,000 2 675 E Street NW #620 $585,000 1

RANDLE HEIGHTS

2311 Altamont Pl SE #202 $140,000 3 SHAW

801 N St NW #302 $555,000 1

SOUTHWEST

1425 4th St SW #A316 $215,000 0 350 G St SW #N309 $618,557 2 1101 3rd St SW #108 $269,900 1

TRINIDAD

1159 Neal St NE #1 $700,000 3 1732 Montello Ave NE #3 $199,900 1

U STREET CORRIDOR

2120 Vermont Ave NW #606 $939,000 2 1013 V St NW #2 $591,000 2

2331 15th St NW #101-S $399,000 1 2117 10th St NW #302 $1,199,900 2 1406 T St NW #6 $795,000 2 2125 14th St NW #111W $770,000 2 2001 12th St NW #119 $435,000 1

WATERFRONT 1101 3rd St SW #107 $280,000 1 COOP ADAMS MORGAN 1736 Columbia Rd NW #306 $622,500 2

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3128 Sherman Ave NW #10 $222,000 2 3701 13th St NW #1 $91,473 1

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 20 Chesapeake St SE #C23 $50,000 1 DUPONT 1526 17th St NW #110 $349,000 1 SW WATERFRONT 560 N St SW #N903 $400,000 1 1301 Delaware Ave SW #N508 $100,000

1300 I St NE # 2 2BR/2BA $875,000

FIRST AVAILABLE IN STUNNING BOUTIQUE BUILDING! All new ground-up construction of unparalleled quality from Schmidt Development - maker of Hill mansions! Every unit is a grand corner at ‘Eye’ Street Condominium, and Unit 2 delivers a private street-front entrance and garden. Fully custom kitchen and baths with Amish cabinets, marble counters and prep island, and wide oak floors. Don’t miss the first opportunity to own at EYE!

521 17th St SE 4BR/3.5BA $1,249,000

MODERN MASTERPIECE INSIDE MILDMANNERED FACADE! Welcome home to another stunning transformation by a local visionary developer, offering 4-bedrooms and 3.5 baths on 3 levels with sleek European styling - overlooking the hills of Congressional! Beautifully crafted casework, finishes and fixtures throughout with great bonuses: spacious elevated deck, rear parking, and separate entry lower level suite - perfect for Airbnb or future long-term rental!

603 F St NE 3BR/1.5BA

WALK TO EVERYTHING FROM FANTASTIC F STREET! Convenient Stanton Park home near Union Station, H Street and Union Market, hop in the bike lanes or walk to groceries, restaurants and cafés! Perfectly placed brick bay front home with private patio and off street parking

1130 Maryland Ave NE #1 4BR/3.5BA $1,125,000 HISTORIC RETAIL CORNER SOARS AS

LUXURY HOME! Condo conversion from

Hill builders of DILA Development provides a striking home on this sunny corner of Capitol Hill! Soaring 11-ft. ceilings and serious square footage on three levels, along new Maryland Ave streetscape with easy bike or walk access to the best of the Hill and H St / Atlas. Enjoy European styling in this modern interior inside an historic Capitol Hill storefront, with BEAUTIFUL & spacious roof deck bonus with 360 degree views from the Arboretum to Stanton Park!

artsdining and WITH MUCH ADO, SHAKESPEARE’S VOICE COMES ROARING BACK

by Barbara Wells

More than two years after the pandemic obliterated theater as we knew it, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Much Ado About Nothing proves it’s one production that was well worth the wait. STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin has reimagined this play in ways that amplify its timeless themes, capitalize on its comic possibilities and, best of all, showcase the wit and beauty of every line. Ever conscious of expanding Shakespeare’s audience, Godwin has created a production to delight people of every sensibility.

The brilliance begins with setting the play in a TV news studio, with all the main characters neatly recast as news anchors, sta ers and corporate

moguls. This is no random conceit. The play’s title is a play on the words “nothing” and “noting,” and centering the action around a gossipy newscast deftly emphasizes that most of the characters are driven by information they’ve overheard. As a bonus, Godwin uses the newsroom device to hilarious e ect when, throughout the play, the plot is interrupted for breaking news of deaths, marriages, murders and intrigue lifted straight out of Hamlet, King Lear and countless other Shakespearean plays.

We enter the studio as newsroom manager Leonato (Ed Gero) announces the return of Benedick (Rick Holmes) to serve as co-anchor with Beatrice (Kate Jennings Grant), who responds with profound dismay and hints at their rocky past. When Benedick’s friend Don Pedro asks if she has lost Benedick’s heart, Beatrice replies, “Indeed, my lord, he lent it me a while, and I gave him use [interest] for it, a double heart for his single one. Marry, once before he won it of me, with false dice.”

Enter weatherman Claudio (Paul Deo, Jr.), who falls instantly and hopelessly in love with Hero (Nicole King), the sportscaster. What could foil true love at rst sight? The dastardly plot of Don John (Justin Adams), who proclaims to the audience, “It must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain.”

Having set the stage, the play proceeds to convert the sparring Benedick and Beatrice into lovers and allies while derailing but then reinstating the marriage of Claudio and Hero. We also see the wicked Don John brought to justice by a bumbling team of security guards led by Dogberry (Dave Quay), who has a gift for constantly saying the opposite of what he means but somehow always speaking the truth.

As usual for Shakespeare, all these relationships and plot twists can be tough to follow. But instead of streamlining the story or trimming the script,

Godwin entrusts the language to actors who know how to breathe life into the words. The meaning is further illuminated in the cast’s facial expressions, stage business and even the broadest physical comedy, liberally ri ng on yet remaining rmly rooted in Shakespeare’s text.

In the lead roles, Holmes and Grant are masters of Shakespeare’s repartee and

Photo of the cast of Much Ado About Nothing by Tony Powell.

Photo of Rick Holmes and Kate Jennings Grant in Much Ado About Nothing by Tony Powell

bring the breadth and nuance that their characters demand. They both seam lessly evolve from somewhat arrogant egotists to deluded clowns and finally earnest romantics and champions of the slandered Hero. In their eavesdropping scenes, they rise to the challenge of the most ridiculous physical stunts, wheth er hiding in plain view behind a plant er, suffering blasts of foam from a fire ex tinguisher or, after being sprinkled with Skinny Pop while concealed in a roll ing dumpster, ejecting little puffs of corn trapped in various orifices.

As Beatrice, Grant is equally com pelling in trading barbs with Benedick as in declaring her rage at Claudio for disgracing Hero. Building to a cre scendo, she leaves the audience spell bound with her ferocious cry: “O God that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the marketplace.”

The supporting cast is just as skill ful in managing challenging transfor mations. Gero, a revered STC veteran, portrays a jovial Leonato with playful whimsy until he needs to express mul tilayered grief and fury, first in believing that his daughter, Hero, has been un faithful, and then after realizing she’s been terribly wronged. As Hero, King initially exudes carefree innocence, but when she’s left at the altar, she defends her honor with impressive force. And as Claudio, Deo convincingly evolves

from a lovesick suitor to a heartless cad and then a repentant sinner.

Beyond strong performances, the production serves up pure entertain ment. Composer Michael Bruce and choreographer Jesse Kovarsky have concocted a rousing disco rendition of “Hey Nonny Nonny,” a celebratory line dance featuring the entire cast. And costume designer Evie Gurney has created countless ensembles that reflect each character’s persona for ev ery occasion, including Benedick and Claudio’s Batman and Robin outfits and Gero’s Yankees uniform for the masked ball.

Most gratifying of all, scenic de signer Alexander Dodge has harnessed the full capabilities of Harman Hall’s stage, creating rotating sets that piv ot from large public spaces to inti mate settings. It’s all framed by projec tion designer Aaron Rhyne’s amusing and sometimes revealing videos that appear on 11 TV screens. If Much Ado is any indication, STC audienc es can look forward to expertly craft ed Shakespearean productions on the grand scale that Harman Hall was built to support.

Much Ado About Nothing has been extended through December 18. Don’t miss your last chance to see the show. Tickets start at just $35. Order online or call 202-547-1122). u

Photo of Nicole King, Kate Jennings Grant, and Edward Gero in Much Ado About Nothing by Tony Powell.

ART andthe CITY

December Exhibitions & Holiday Art Markets

by Phil Hutinet

As development accelerates on the east bank of the Anacostia River, cultur al mainstay Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum curated an exhibition which amplifies contemporary communi ty voices and asks how we can create a better world through art and activism. At Honfleur Gallery, a sec ond annual multi-media group exhibition offers per spectives by veteran artists and their family members who have lived through deployments, loss and war.

SACM’s “The Utopia Project”

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum part nered with the Center for Artistic Activism whose founders Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert au thored “The Art of Activism.” Their book provides the blueprint for “The Utopia Project,” which asks its audience to consider the following two questions: “What does utopia look like?” and “How can activ ism achieve dreams of a better world?”

So, come prepared to take notes and to be en gaged! Upon entering the exhibition, you will be giv en a notebook and asked, as you move through the gallery, to examine components of the exhibition and to describe your vision of “Utopia.” Yours notes can then serve as a template for that dream which you can share with your community.

While the exhibition contains nu merous artifacts and works of art, of note is the museums’ acquisition of a mural created by local artist Yetunde Sapp of Breonna Taylor, the Black medical worker who was shot and killed by po lice officers in a botched raid in Lou isville, KY, in March, 2020. On view through March 1, 2023. Open Daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Decem ber 25. 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington DC, 20020; anacostia.si.edu/utopiapro ject; 202.663.4820

Honfleur Gallery –“Peace of War: Intertwined by Art”

A quick backdrop on the proliferation of veteran artmaking—The Department of Defense has invested heavily in art thera py programs for veterans to address PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). The re sults have shown extraordinary medical potential for restoring motor coordina tion and speech as well as healing psy chological wounds of war. The program, called Creative Forces, also works with outside organizations to connect veterans and their families to community art programs for those interested in pursuing an artistic path out side of a clinical setting.

One of these organizations is Uniting US, a Vienna, VA-based nonprofit organization found ed by AnnMarie Halterman, a US Air Force combat veteran and Tiffany Wheeler, an awardwinning educator. The organization connects military veterans and their families with the arts. If you’ve flown from Dulles or National airports recently, you may have seen art displays curated and hung by Uniting US of their member artists.

Now in its second year, the organization has partnered with ARCH Development to show a group exhibition of work which opens Veter

ans Day and runs through mid-December. One of the goals of the exhibition is to integrate veterans into DC’s art world by showing their work in a highly re spected art gallery.

Most of the work expresses artists’ incredibly per sonal stories of war, deployment and loss. To illus trate this example, artist Michelle Anne Smith cre ated a sculpture titled “Protective Nature.” Smith’s husband, who was in the Navy, committed suicide during deployment. Now working on her Masters of Fine Art at James Madison University, the artist has spent years studying seed pods. “Protective Nature” depicts a chestnut seed pod and within it, a figure which represents her 10-year-old daughter. Smith cast the figure in papier mâché and finished its exteri or using pages from her grievance journal which she kept after her husband’s untimely death. On view

People’s Park, 1970. Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Michelle Ann Smith, Surviving Navy Spouse, “Protective Nature”. 2005-2009. Steel, magic papier mâché, motion activated led lights and grief journal entries – 60” x 60” x 45”. Image courtesy Uniting US and the artist.

through December 16, 2022. Thu.-Sat.: Noon–5 p.m. & by appointment; www.honfleurgallery dc.com; 202.631.6291; 1241 Good Hope Road SE, Washington DC, 20020

Holiday Gift Giving

With the holiday season upon us, opportunities abound to purchase one-of-a-kind original work by local artists and artisans. Why not use it as an occasion to sneak-in a gift for yourself? Be low are four venues just outside of DC that of fer quality, inexpensive art, stationary, crafts, or naments and more.

Torpedo Factory

Torpedo Factory Arts Center has an incredible selection of independent galleries, artist studios and artisan boutiques. If you are looking to pur chase original art, the center’s Target Gallery has 79 artworks on sale which are all priced under $500 as part of its annual Fall Salon juried exhi bition meaning that the works were selected by a group of local curators and experts. Open Dai ly 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Fall Salon runs through Dec. 11, 2022); Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria VA; https://torpedofactory. org/event/2022-fall-salon; 703.746.4570

Brentwood Arts Exchange

Run by Prince George’s Parks, Brentwood Arts Exchange offers class es, curates award-win ning exhibitions in its two galleries and fea tures storefront window artists. BAE’s storefront artists create jewelry, pot tery, textiles and home goods. Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood MD; pg parks.com/1782/Brent wood-Arts-Exchange; 301.277.2863

Gateway Art Center Craft Fair

On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gateway Arts Center, the space in which BAE is located, will host a building-wide craft fair. Home to artist studios, galleries and BAE, art work and crafts from local vendors take centerstage. Adding to the festive environment, live mu sic and a tasting lounge by Maryland Meadworks should put you in the holiday spirit. 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood MD; mygatewayarts.org; 301.277.2863

Pyramid Atlantic

Located in Hyattsville’s lively arts district, Pyra mid Atlantic Art Center is the one of the region’s premier print making studios. In the lobby, cus tom made printed material such as stationary, cards, journals made from handmade paper, cal endars and postcards provide a bounty of choice. If you prefer purchasing artwork, for $60 at its annual 10x10 print exhibition, you have the op portunity to choose a print from one of 300 art ists. Wed.–Thu.: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.| Fri.–Sun.: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.| Mon.-Tue.: Closed; 4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville MD; pyramidatlanticartcenter. org, 301.608.9101

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

Brooke Ann Inman “3 Pink Bunnies or Rabbits”. Image courtesy Pyramid Atlantic Art Center.

AT THE MOVIES

Two Real-Life Dramas from New York City and Colombia

by Mike Canning

She Said

“She Said” is a drama based on the 2017 New York Times investigation that exposed film producer Har vey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual miscon duct against women who worked at his Miramax Stu dios in New York City over decades.

It is based on the 2019 book of the same name chronicling the investigation led by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, both Times reporters. It is a splen did picture in the spirit of its Hollywood forebears (see below). The film stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as Twohey and Kantor, respectively, alongside Patricia Clarkson as the duo’s editor-boss, Rebecca Corbet, as well as Andre Braugher (as Times editor Dean Baquet), with Jennifer Ehle and Samantha Mor ton in supporting roles, and singer Ashley Judd ap pearing as herself (the film, released mid-November, is rated “R” and runs 128 mins).

Directed by Maria Schrader from a screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, filming took place in New York with cinematographer Natasha Braier. The evocative score was composed by Nicholas Britell (“Moonlight”). The film had its world premiere at the 60th New York Film Festival in October and is being released theatrically in the US this November.

The film triggers immediate comparisons to the classic “All the President’s Men” (1976), especially for its tandem of two dogged journalists wearing out their shoe leather to track down reluctant sources who finally give in to their persistence. Similarly, it evokes the great film “Spotlight” (2015), where the parallel with running down a major, wide-spread sex ual scandal among Catholic priests is even more ex act. And yes, “She Said” can stand up to those land mark movies through its painstaking, careful pacing as Megan and Jodi seek out and quietly cajole poten

tial witnesses to testify to Weinstein’s crimes.

The film shows, in myriad interviews, how re luctant the abused women were to talk, partly because of their assumption of guilt (most were very young at the time of their assault), and partly because many had signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) legally binding them to silence. Also, many respondents just wanted to forget the whole ghastly thing. (An excep tion among the celebrities sucked into Weinstein’s orbit was actress Judd). But, drip-by-drip, some of the victims absorb the Twohey-Kantor pressure and decide to challenge the Master Abuser. In the film’s textual finale, a statistic states that eventually, 82 ca sualties spoke up. (Note: the male focus of the film— Weinstein himself—is never really seen, his broad back appears in one shot and he is heard on tape and on the phone at different points of the investigation.)

Both Mulligan (“An Education”) and Kazan are the core of this excellent film, Mulligan, as the more mature Twohey, stands up to constant rejection with a calm and cool de meanor. Kazan (“The Big Sick”) matches her as a younger, poker-faced grinder with a mission, gently eliciting tears and confes sions from her interviewees. Look for them to be nominated at Oscar time.

Memories of My Father

“”Memories of My Father” (El Olvido que Seremos) is the second film this month about the heroics of an unassuming but dedicated professional in South Ameri ca struggling against long odds to do the right thing in their troubled countries. In the just-released Argentine drama “Argen tina-85,” it is the tough-minded attorney Julio Strassera (Ricardo Darin) who, with the help of a coterie of smart, young law yers, takes on the prosecution of vicious se nior military commanders responsible for the slaughter of their own countrymen in the so-called “Dirty War.”

Now, out of the miseries of a gorgeous Andean fallen city (Medellin, Colombia) comes a heartwarming—and heart-rend

From left: Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan are crusading journalists in “She Said.” Photo: JoJo Whilden/Universal Pictures - © Universal Studios

ing—true story of a prominent doctor and human rights activist who ghts on behalf of his own distressed society and, especially, for his tight-knit family (The lm opened in late November in the DC area, runs 136 minutes, and is not rated).

Set in the violent, drug-ridden city of 1970’s Medellín, Colombia (dubbed locally as the “City of Eternal Spring”), the narrative outlines the life of the university teaching physician, Héctor Abad Gómez (played by the Spanish actor Javier Cámara), a paterfamilias concerned about both his own children and children from less favored classes. Gómez is a thoughtful free-thinker who has “never kneeled down to anyone” and is occasionally brought down to earth by his more practicalminded wife Cecilia (Patricia Tamayo) and kept sane and sensible by his lively daughter and son, also named Hector and nicknamed Quinquin (Nicolas Reyes Cano).

After a devastating loss in the family, Héctor decided to dedicate himself ever more intently to the greater cause of public health programs for the poor to the consternation of the city’s autocratic authorities and paramilitary groups (who see him as a vile “comunista”) and members of his own family, which comes under threat.

This is an intimate and complex story seen through the eyes of a father’s only son, Héctor Abad Faciolince, one of the most outstanding writers in contemporary Colombia. Abad wrote

of his family life in his book Oblivion: A Memoir, on which this screenplay—written by Daniel Trueba, the director’s younger brother--is based. Son Héctor tells his story over two distinct epochs: his curly-haired youth as Quinquin (shot in crisp color) and the years when he returns home from study in Italy (shot in vivid black-and-white) to reunite with the family. Though he adores his father, the young man now frets about the fate of this man who so openly challenges the authorities and can seem more committed to his causes than to his own blood.

Academy Award-winning Spanish director Fernando Trueba, a veteran of the Spanish cinema, helmed the lm. His Oscar (for Best Foreign Language lm) came in 1992 for “Belle Époque,” a lm which earned him international attention. Trueba released “Memories” in 2021 at the Cannes Film Festival, and it has taken its time to reach our shores—but it was worth the wait. It is a sensitive and touching document, humanizing a piece of Latin American history that is little known to Americans.

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 lm can be found online at www.mikes ix.com. ◆

12/1 - Julie Mack Quartet 12/2 - Fran Vielma Orchestra 12/3 - Batida Diferente 12/8 - Karen Gray 12/9 - Lanah Koelle 12/10 - Renee Tannenbaum

- KATI

12/16 - Dominique Bianco 12/17 - Maija Rejman 12/22 - Renee Edwards 12/23 - Imani-Grace Cooper 12/29 - Matt Tremboli Band 12/30 - Eddie Anderson Project 12/31 - New Year’s Eve with Steve Washington

From left: Patricia Tamayo as Cecilia and Javier Camara as Héctor (far right), along with their kids listening to dad tell a bedtime story in the drama “Memories of My Father.” Photo Courtesy of the Cohen Media Group

CAPITOL CUISINE

by Celeste McCall

Africa on the Hill

I recently checked out DC Capi tol Square Bar & Grill, 1500 East Capitol NE. Ensconced in a for mer barber shop, the two-monthold Capitol Square has already caught on.

On a glorious Indian sum mer (early November) day, Pe ter and I visited for lunch. From Executive Chef Damian Beck ett’s African/Caribbean menu we chose Capitol Square oxtail stew and Nigerian tomato stew. The pair of fork-tender, plump oxtails was smothered in rich, savory sauce and escorted by flavorful rice, plantains and sau téed bell peppers and onions.

Peter’s Nigerian tomato stew was laced with chicken breast (other protein options are goat or fish), carrots and plantains. Other menu items are cur ried chicken, as well as curried shrimp and scal lops. There’s also Nigerian pepper soup, chock full of beef, lamb, goat and tripe scented with herbs.

Service was excellent but leisure ly, Caribbean style. But we were in no hurry. Capitol Square offers something for everyone; we’ve done the weekend brunch, which brings bottomless mi mosas, French toast, chicken and waf fles, eggs Benedict, sandwiches and burgers. We’ve had the salmon BLT, which was generous and delicious but heavy on the lemon/thyme aioli. DC Capitol Square is open for breakfast,

lunch and dinner; for more information visit www. capitolsquarebar.com

Your Goose is Cooked

As always, Cafe Berlin, 322 Mass. Ave. NE, will be showcasing its famous roast goose on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will also be other main choices such as Sauerbraten, venison steak and a veg etarian Shepard’s Pie. For the annual feast, chef/own er Rico Glage will present a prix-fixe, three-course menu for $67. There will be Teutonic mainstays such as oxtail consommé, win ter salad, potato pancakes, red cabbage, and German cakes. Seatings on both days (Decem ber 24 and 25) will be from 2 to 7:30 p.m. For reservations— highly recommended--menu and prices visit www.cafeber lin-dc.com.

To cook your own goose, German-born Rico Glage has shared his recipe. (See sidebar.)

Feliz Navidad

As always, La Plaza, 629 Penn sylvania Ave. SE, will be open on Christmas and New Year’s days. Proprietor Henry Mendo za has renovated the space, adding a gleaming, ex tended bar. He’s not serving turkey tacos on Christ mas, but expect roast gobbler with Salvadoran-style sauce. For menus, hours and to make reservations, visit www.laplazadc.com.

Speakeasy comes to Town

Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone, but Capitol Hill is about to get a speakeasy—right here by Eastern Market. Any day now, Side Door is arriving next to Harvest Tide, 212 Seventh St. SE. In his new hideaway, Har vest Tide chef Danio Somosa will create his signa ture tapas, perhaps blue crab mac-and-cheese, sticky

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: At the recent arrival DC Capitol Square, crispy calamari is a weekend brunch favorite. Photo courtesy of DC Capitol Square

DC Capitol Square chef Damian Beckett creates zesty Caribbean and African cuisine and all-American fare. Photo: Celeste McCall

Enjoy weekend American brunch, on the paio at DC Capitol Square, 1500 East Capitol St. NE. Photo courtesy of DC Capitol Square

As always, La Plaza restaurant will be open Christmas and New Year’s Day. Sizzling fajitas anyone?

agave wings, dry-aged meatballs. Plus yummy desserts and festive cocktails including espresso martinis and drinks in chocolate-rimmed glasses. For updates visit www.harvesttidecapitolhill.com.

Another British Arrival

The Brits have been busy lately. A new monarch, three prime ministers, the return of refurbished Big Ben, and now—the arrival of “bad boy” chef Gordon Ramsay. Just in time for the holiday season, British-born Ramsay has touched down in the District Wharf. Located at 665 Wharf St. SW, his Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips showcases its namesake dish: sh-andchips made with sustainable cod.

Nothing fancy here. I visited recently expecting a cozy, atmospheric English pub. Instead, Ramsay’s is fast-casual. Bright red doors resembling London’s famous telephone booths lead to the brightly lit eatery. After placing our orders, we found seats by a sunny window. From the brief menu, we chose sh-and-chips and shrimp-and-chips (both $16). The shrimp are a better deal; gossamer batter encasing the plump crustaceans melted in my mouth like tempura. However, we thought the three pieces of cod were skimpy. The chips tasted just OK, not worth the calories. (You can also choose chicken-andchips.) Combos arrived with choice of two sauces, we chose tartar and cocktail.

Chips can be ordered solo, loaded

with chorizo, cheeses, jalapenos, tru es or simply sprinkled with sea salt. To accompany these victuals are sodas, beer and wine (no liquor), including Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. When we went, however, they were out of wine so we settled for a Stella Artois beer.

Orders are served in Union Jacksplashed cardboard containers. Not everything is sustainable; plastic eating utensils are encased separately in more annoying plastic.

Meanwhile, diners will have to wait until later this winter for Ramsay’s upscale Hell’s Kitchen. The tribute to his “Hell’s Kitchen” cooking show will be housed at 652 Wharf St. SW, overlooking the Potomac River. With outposts in Las Vegas, Dubai and elsewhere, Hell’s Kitchen is known for its beef Wellington and lobster risotto. For updates and more information, visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com.

Market Watch

Union Market welcomes Yasmine, a Lebanese-style stall hawking “street foods” like lamb kebabs, beef shawarma, falafel, pita-wrapped sandwiches, cheeses and salads. Chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison reunite with beverage director Said Haddad to recreate this zesty newcomer. They both formerly cooked at Michelin-rated Maydan, in Shaw.

Yasmine, named after Haddad’s beloved grandmother, pours arak (a popular Middle Eastern distilled spirit similar to ouzo). The full bar also o ers wine and cocktails.

Located at 1309 Fifth St. SE, Union Market is open daily. For individual kiosk hours visit www.unionmarketdc. com. ◆

Ingredients:

1 (8 to 10-pound) goose (with innards if possible)

2 apples, peeled and chopped into large chunks (1 to 2-inch pieces)

1 onion, chopped into large chunks (1 to-2-inch pieces)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1 ½ tablespoons mugwort* Kosher salt and pepper our or cornstarch as needed white wine or stock (chicken, goose or veggie stock)

1 roasting pan (we love the one at Hill’s Kitchen “Cuisinart 16 Stainless with aluminum core with roasting rack) sieve or cheesecloth

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove bag from the goose cavity. Mix chopped apples, chopped onion, thyme, mugwort, salt and pepper. Stu cavity of goose with mixture. Sprinkle salt on goose exterior.

Place goose on rack in roasting pan. Chop up innards and add to roasting pan. Place pan in preheated oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until internal temperature is 155 degrees F. (Temperature should be taken on the thickest part of the leg as close to the bone as possible). You can baste skin with fat drippings from the pan periodically.

Remove roasting pan from oven, remove rack and drain fat into a separate container (you can use this fat later to make schmaltz). After draining fat, deglaze the pan with white wine or stock scraping all the good tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Place roasting pan on the stove at medium heat and bring contents to a simmer. Once the liquid is hot, place goose and innards back in pan without the roasting rack and return to oven. At this point, you can crank the oven up to 400 degrees F to make sure you have a nice crispy skin. Roast until internal temp is 165 F.

Remove roasting pan from oven, remove goose and cover with foil, and place in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. If you cut into the goose immediately, the juice will drain out and meat will be dry.

In roasting pan on top of stove, add our (or cornstarch) to make a roux. Then add wine or stock slowly and bring to a simmer on low heat, stirring regularly. When sauce starts to thicken, remove from heat. Pour sauce through sieve to remove solid bits.

Serves 4 to 6.

*Mugwort is an aromatic plant similar to tea. It’s available at Mason & Greens, 400 Eighth St. SE and online. ◆

British “bad boy” celeb chef Gordon Ramsay has imported his fish & chips eatery to District Wharf. Photo: Celeste McCall

CAFÉ BERLIN CHRISTMAS GOOSE Chef Rico Glage

the LITERARY HILL

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events

Connecting with Baseball

When it comes to the national pastime, Pasquale A. “Pat” Carlucci has led a charmed life. He was born in Queens on the day when the New York Giants squared off against the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1951 National League championship. That game was one of the most famous in the sport’s history, concluding with the home run that became known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” While he missed that one, he grew up loving baseball and went on to attend some of the greatest games ever played.

In “A Baseball Birthright: Chronicles and Con nections,” Carlucci reflects on his good fortune, the games he’s witnessed, and, especially, the connec tions he’s made. For, as he writes, baseball is all about connections—“maybe for a minute, for an out, for an inning, for a doubleheader, or forever. This is not be cause of the game, but because of being at the game, and with whom and why. If the game turned out to be special, all the better. Either way, baseball kindles great memories.”

His memories extend from the “golden age” when players were part of the communities where they played, all the way up through the steroid era, the first game played after 9/11, and the requisite pause in play during the pandemic, which provid ed the stimulus for him to start his book. He revels not only in the details of the significant games he’s

attended, but also in his companions, which have included friends, clients, grandchildren, and his elderly father, a WWII veteran.

Thanks to his business career, Carlucci has moved often and trav eled extensively—and he has taken advantage of every opportunity to get tickets to a game. He was at the final All-Star game of the 20th century in Fenway Park in 1999, which honored the greatest 100 players of the centu ry, many of whom were in attendance. Hooked from his first visit to Yankee Stadium as a boy, he has witnessed some amazing rallies, seen numerous records broken, and logged countless game-winning homers. And, as a diehard Mets fan, he was at the only two World Series games that his team has won in the 21st century (“so far,” he adds).

Written in an easy, conversational style, “A Base ball Birthright” will engage even casual sports buffs, but contains enough baseball lore to satisfy the most rabid fan—if they’re not too green with envy to pay attention. As Carlucci writes, “I consider myself to be the luckiest man on the face of the earth” And, as he notes, if that line doesn’t ring a bell, you’re either not a baseball fan or you’re far too young.

Pat Carlucci is an executive search consultant in the food and bev erage industry, which he has been a part of for 50 years. He and his fami ly live on Capitol Hill. www.baseball birthright.com

Scavenger Hunt

Get ready… set… scavenge! But first pick up a copy of JoAnn Hill’s new book, “DC Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Washington, DC’s Hidden Treasures.” This spiral-bound guide will be your ticket to a unique and adventurous treasure hunt in the na tion’s capital.

To prepare you for your search, Hill has all but worn out her walking

shoes, “obsessively scouring as many nooks as pos sible in search of obscure relics, awe-inspiring works of art, and off-the-beaten path locales.” And she has succeeded admirably.

On your treasure hunt, you’ll be searching for pubs and clubs, bookstores and libraries, shops, mu seums, historical sites, markets, and churches. Pub lic art such as sculptures, murals, and fountains are also on the list, and all of these “hidden gems” are lo cated outdoors and are accessible by foot and conve nient to public transportation.

In “DC Scavenger,” Hill divides the city into 17 neighborhoods, from Adams Morgan to the West End/Foggy Bottom, and provides pointers to some 350 sites for you to locate. Each clue is presented in verse and accompanied by a teasingly small por tion of a photograph and an illustration to give you an additional hint.

To lead searchers to a familiar spot on Capi tol Hill, for example, Hill’s entry includes a close-up shot of a storefront logo, a drawing of chef’s hat and utensils, and this poetic clue: “Sugar and spice and everything nice, / Julia Child fans, these wares will entice. / Crack, sizzle, bubble, stir, and pop, / Find the flame at this Nats-loving shop.” Did you get it?

Hill’s “hidden gems” range from the obvious— Anacostia’s Big Chair, the Kennedy Center, and the Chinatown arch—to others that might present more

Pasqual “Pat” Carlucci shares stories about the role that baseball has played in his life in “A Baseball Birthright.”

Local travel writer JoAnn Hill sends readers on a scavenger hunt for public artwork and other hidden treasures in “DC Scavenger.”

THE POETIC HILL

by Karen Lyon

Eric Rozenman came to DC in 1980 as a con gressional staffer and worked on or near Capitol Hill for many years. He is now semi-retired as a communica tions consultant for the Jew ish Policy Center. His poems have been published in the Miami-based Yiddish jour nal “Der Onheib,” as well as in Midstream and the online New English Review. Two previous poems—“Arrivals and Depar tures—Reagan National” and “Lunch Hour at Union Sta tion” have appeared here. In the poem below, he evokes im ages and sentiments that will be all too familiar to Hill res idents. Rozenman notes that,

The Lyon’s Share

After more than 20 years, I am submitting my final col umn this month. It’s been a grand run, but it’s time for me to retire. I’m pleased to announce that, starting in January, Michelle LaFrance, who teaches writing at George Mason University, will be taking over the Literary Hill, and awardwinning poet Sandra Beasley will be coordinating the Po etic Hill. They are both eminently qualified and eager to continue with the community-minded advocacy for local writers that has guided me all these years.

My eternal gratitude to the Hill Rag for all their support: to Melissa Ashabranner for getting me started and standing by me, to Andrew Lightman for keeping me go ing, and to Jason Yen and his graphics crew for always mak ing me look good. Thanks to the Hill Rag’s loyal readers and to the hundreds of local writers who have shared their books with me and provided me with such great material. And special thanks to my husband, Ed McManus, who was my photographer in the early days, who listened to more book synopses than any human being should ever have to endure, and who has been and always will be my ballast and my mainstay. Heartfelt thanks to you all.

of a challenge. Whatever the level of difficulty, though, the fun is in the search and, as she writes, in the “unique opportunity to explore [DC] through a refreshing lens.” But if you really get stuck, she invites you to visit secretdcbook.com for tips and help.

JoAnn Hill writes extensively about DC life, food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org. Her previous book was “Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonder ful, and Obscure.” u

over the years, the atmosphere on the Hill has changed—“and not for the better.” In addition to the ubiquitous flags, he re calls “when I first arrived in DC and could drive on Penn sylvania Avenue in front of the White House, not to men tion walk into House and Sen ate office buildings without go ing through metal detectors.” Rozenman is also the author of a non-poetry book, “From Elvis to Trump, Eyewitness to the Unraveling: Co-Starring Richard Nixon, Andy Warhol, Bill Clinton, The Supremes, and Barack Obama!” www.eri crozenman.com

Flags at Half-Staff

They’re at half-staff again The flags on Capitol Hill Most of them anyway A few of the glassed-in Premium office spaces Haven’t gotten word.

But the sight of them, The flags at half-staff, Has become so frequent I wrack my brains, asking Who is this time?

Former Secretary of State Albright was March

Former Senator Hatch (R-Utah) was April So, who’s gone now that it’s May?

We don’t lower flags for those shot over the weekend Who rate two paragraphs each on page B-3 In the Washington Post Metro section

Nor the retired CIA agent-turned-school teacher Whose family bought an obituary with a picture A few pages later.

Maybe flags at half-staff this time

For those murdered in Buffalo

By a boy with a gun and superstitions He caught on the Internet

Without a gun seems like you shouldn’t go anywhere Anymore with flags so often at half-staff.

Maybe I’m just being paranoid

I think, giving wide sidewalk passage

To a shirtless, homeless man elegantly Shadow-boxing and barking curses

Like a long-ago professional Now addled and uncared for Perhaps living in one of those tents

Scattered across Union Station lawn.

Regardless of all the high-toned talk this town produces I pass another set of half-staff flags

Fluttering over patrons at the Dubliner

And it turns out they’re lowered not for Buffalo

But the one million COVID-19 dead

We have so many plagues these days

Heart disease, cancer, car crashes, overdoses

I pass another homeless man

This one under-handing chunks of crumbling curb

At parked cars and think

Nah, not paranoia; just time to retire

And move Somewhere.

If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to sandrabeasley@earthlink.net. (There is no remuneration. u

Karen Lyon and Ed McMahon

GOING DEEPER TO HEAL

by Pattie Cinelli

When Melissa Galli visited my home at the beach this past summer I was limping. My ankle was acting up as it does sometimes. I had had a massage earlier in the month, but the soft tissue and energy work didn’t stick. A few weeks later my gimp returned.

In about 15 minutes Galli, who is a licensed massage therapist, twisted, turned, cracked and stretched my foot and ankle until the bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles became aligned. My limp disappeared and ve months later the work still holds.

Galli, who has been massaging me since 2005, applied medical massage techniques to repair my ankle. “I lengthened tendons, worked on range of motion, applied compression and stabilized the structure to realign and adjust the foot and ankle to support the pre-existing medical condition involving the ankle. I improved the structural integrity,” she said, describing my treatment. Because she knows my body, its strengths and its weaknesses, she was able to tweak the ankle structure back into alignment quickly.

Swedish massage and medical massage may feel similar but their techniques differ. During a Swedish massage, techniques focus on relaxation and improved circulation. When I visited Berkley Springs, WVA I received a massage in the spa that wealthy Washingtonians retreated to in another century. Basic personal information was all that was needed. When nished, I could barely walk because I was so relaxed. The purpose

of a Swedish massage was to do just that – release tension and stress.

After a session with Galli, the elation is different. While I feel somewhat relaxed, I mostly feel relieved. I also feel light and fluid. Any pain is lessened or released. A medical massage usually addresses a speci c issue. Sometimes the depth in which she probes in order to gain release is not relaxing and is uncomfortable.

“You need a deeper knowledge for medical massage,” said Silvia Edenburg, a licensed massage therapist at Lavender Retreat. “A Swed-

Galli giving a medical massage to a client in her home.

Medical massage therapist Melissa Galli

ish massage is super cial and I follow a certain path and protocol. When I do a medical massage I do a totally di erent treatment with every person. It’s even di erent treatment with the same person but at a di erent time because our bodies are constantly changing. I’m always evaluating what’s going on in a client’s body.”

What a Medical Massage Does

broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery. It may include speci c follow-up recommendations. A medical massage helps to decrease inammation and pain. It can deactivate myofascial trigger points. It can help di-

Silvia Edenburg giving a medical massage to a client at Lavender Retreat

Silvia Edenburg

gestion, calm and soothe the nervous system and improve posture and coordination. It also helps to, as it did for me, prevent future chronic pain conditions and improve exibility and range of motion. Lower heart rate and blood pressure, improvement in immune function, circulation, energy and alertness, and a reduction in muscle soreness and tension can all be had from medical massage.

“I can help a client learn how to use one’s body correctly,” said Galli. “I can also help a client get back to full range of motion without having increased pain after surgery.”

A medical massage, said Edenburg, can also help reduce pain and anxiety for people with chronic illnesses such as cancer and reduce the physiological burden of stress. It can help treat conditions including cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, low back pain and depression.

Medical massage is a form of outcome-based massage. It requires a thorough assessment of clients’ condition and needs. It is more detailed that traditional massage. “I often focus on restoring full range of motion, reducing sti ness and unsticking fascia,” said Galli. “I also notice the health of a client’s joints, I release scar tissue and often teach a client better body mechanics.”

Galli may use a technique called muscle stripping. “I go from the origin of a muscle to its insertion which may not be the most comfortable feeling,” she said. “When a client has a pulled hamstring I take the muscle back to the length it is supposed to be. It’s deep but e ective.” Medical massage therapists may also employ techniques called cross ber friction or proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation.

Who is Medical Massage for?

Anyone can benefit from a medical massage, yet not all licensed massage therapists are practitioners. Edenburg,

who has been practicing for 28 years, said that as a medical massage therapist she has learned a di erent set of modalities and expertise. Galli wanted to specialize in medical massage so she, too, focused her continuing educational credits on the technique.

Edenburg does medical massage on people who have migraines. “I work at the base of the neck so I need to know how to stretch and support the neck and head as well as alleviate the migraine.” Both she and Galli work with pregnant women, people with tennis elbow, sciatica, rotator cu injury,bromyalgia and other long-term medical issues such as scoliosis. They also massage many with chronic neck or back issues.

Often a medical massage client has been evaluated and diagnosed with an injury by another health care professional. “I massage clients with plantar fasciitis all the time” said Galli. “I give them a set course of treatment that includes two massages a week for four weeks and a set of daily stretches.”

“Massage is a phenomenal tool for preventing disease and becoming aware of your own body,” said Edenburg. “Getting regular massages can a ect other areas of your life as well. Medical massage can help you better understand how your body works.”

Massages are great gifts especially this time of the year. It’s also a year when self-care is the new buzz word. For friends and family the gift of a medical massage could be perfect.

To contact Silvia: Lavender Retreat – 202-450-2329 or www.lavenderretreat.com.

To contact Melissa: missygalli@ gmail.com or 410-504-7579.

Pattie Cinelli is a health and tness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She focuses on holistic ways to stay healthy, get well and connect with your true self. Please email her at: tmiss44@aol.com. ◆

River Park Nursing School

River Park Nursing School

CATS AND FURNITURE: A ROUNDTABLE

The District Vet

by Dan Teich, DVM

Aperpetual question emerging from most lovers and servants to cats is how to prevent scratching of furniture. Cat have claws, and they certainly like and need to use them. The doctors of all five District Vets have risen to help preserve your furniture, sanity, and maybe marriage.

Erika Martin, LVT Eastern Market

If you decide to get a cat, know that they will scratch your furniture. They just will. There it is, plain and simple. It’s not a bad habit, it’s just what they do. Now, it is possible to lessen the amount and frequency of scratching, for sure. I’ve found, through trial and error, what my cats prefer for scratching materials. Their favorite is a good ol’ sisal rope scratching post. They hold up pretty well, and even when the rope starts to unwind, a hot glue gun can buy you a few more months. The si sal rope tends to shed a bit, but so do your cats and I hope you’ve accepted that by now. Second favorite - a good ol’ cardboard box. It can be empty, it can be flattened, whatever. If it’s there, they will scratch the corners of it like it’s just the most fun thing ever. Card board boxes also make really fun, free playhouses. A few random holes cut make for some great rounds of hide-n-seek. If I had kids (thankfully, I do not), I’d also keep them busy by having them decorate the boxes for the cats. Two birds with one cardboard box.

Amanda Evans, DVM

Eastern Market

I have found that my cats prefer certain types of scratching posts and it is very much a process of trial and error. Looking at what they are currently scratch ing (vertical vs horizontal, what type of material) helps to pick an appropriate scratching post. Positioning the post near the area where they are scratching is also helpful and I have had some luck with Feliscratch by Feliway , a product applied to a scratching post that attracts the cat.

Brant Hassell, DVM

Brookland

I find the biggest mistakes clients make is using weird/ non-appealing scratching items (usually posts, but I’ve had a few clients just buy random lumber from Home Depot) and/or not having enough scratching surfaces or having them tucked away in non-socially important locations so the most appealing thing to scratch on is the living room couch or rug.

Rochelle Camden, DVM

Eastern Market

Sometimes cats prefer different textures to scratch so supplying just one type of cat scratcher is often not suf ficient. They also have preferences on how the scratch er is positioned (vertical vs horizontal surfaces).

Dan Teich, DVM Navy Yard and Eastern Market

Also essential to healthy indoor-cat life (and furniture health) is keeping your cat’s nails trimmed. Shorter claws do less damage. Slowly train your cat in clawtrimming. For those cats who insist on scratching ob

jects you’d rather keep intact, you can try nail caps, such as Soft Paws or a similar product. These require dedication and constant attention, but may be an option for some people.

Evans: I also recommend lots of cardboard scratching mats. These mats are great for let ting cats leave both a visual and scent mark. The scratching surfaces should be in socially impor tant areas where the cats will be more inclined to mark. I have at least one in every room and at the tops and bottom of all my staircases and at the doorways of the most coveted rooms. I don’t recommend the skinny cardboard scratch ing mats because they’re not terribly stable. The “double-wide” ones really let the cats get a good scratch in. You can also fine some nice wood frames for your double wide scratching mats (got mine from Etsy) so they match your mid-centu ry modern furniture.

Martin: See what materials your cat likes. Just know, they will like your furniture. Cats scratch as part of their nature. In a pinch, I’ve covered the parts of the couch my cats like scratching (like the arms and corners) with old T-shirts. Looks like a hobo lives in my house, but it helps me give the illusion that I have not-terrible furniture when guests come over (and I remove and hide the T-shirts, of course).

Hassell: I recommend that clients replace their living room furniture with wood framed mid-century modern furniture. The cats can’t really damage the wood frame and if the fabric cushions get damaged they are easy to re-upholster.

When it comes to cats scratching furniture, there are options to lessen the behavior. You have to un derstand your cat’s preferences and natural behavior. Scratching is what they do, provide them with an ap propriate, desired outlet and hopefully you can enjoy your mid-century modern furniture.

Happy holidays from all of us at District Vet.

Dr. Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hos pitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more information. u

SCHOOL NOTES

by Susan Braun Johnson

Northeast Stars

NES students recently studied solutions and solubility. They poured sugar, salt, flour, and oil in water to see if they were sol uble. The younger Stars prac ticed dry pouring the salt, sugar, and flour into water. The older Stars practiced wet pouring wa ter into salt, sugar, flour, and oil. The pouring activity helps chil dren develop independence, fine motor control, self-correc tion, eye-hand coordination, and concentration. Every part of the pouring process requires careful manipulation. The child must learn to grasp the pitch ers in a certain way. They must control how much they tilt the pitcher, affecting the amount of the pour. And if a child spills, they learn to clean up, experi encing firsthand cause and ef fect and the importance of con trolling their movements.

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

St. Peter School St. Peter School won big at the 2022 Cath olic Youth Organization Cross Country Championship meet on October 23. The 8U Girls team brought home the 1st Place trophy, the 8U Boys 2nd Place trophy, and 10 individual runners won medals. Near ly 600 runners across 6 divisions from 18 schools competed for the top spots.

St. Peter School, 422 3 rd St, SE; www. stpeterschooldc.org.

Maury Elementary

Maury’s inaugural Cross-Country season has been a huge success. The girls team took first place, and the boys came in ninth, at the DCIAA (DC Interscholastic Athletics Association) spon sored Elementary School race on October 5 at Colmar Park Maryland. The girls took first place in the subsequent Championship event on Octo ber 25, with Sally Glaven at the head of the pack. The kids have been practicing twice a week with coaches Katie Keating, Shanna Williams-Carr and Richard Glaven. They’re having a great time im

proving their fitness, acquir ing new skills and strengthen ing friendships.

Maury ES, 1250 Consti tution Ave. NE; mauryelemen tary.com.

Waterfront Academy

Waterfront Academy’s Early Adolescent class is doing pre sentations of American Indians and colonists, pilgrims, and ex plorers. Pictured is a model Tee pee by student Penelope Rohan.

Waterfront Academy, 222 M St. SW; www.waterfron tacademy.org

Van Ness Fall Festival Fun

Students at Van Ness Elemen tary played carnival games, won prizes, and tasted sweet treats at the school’s annual Fall Fes tival. The school was lucky to have the help of the Howard University softball team, who

NES Students Study Solubility and Pouring

St. Peter School

Maury Elementary

Waterfront Academy

ran each of the games, and Councilman Trayon White, who participated as a bake sale judge. Van Ness Elementary, 1150 5th St SE: www.vannesselementary.org.

Friends Community School

This fall Friends Community School’s ultimate frisbee team took to the eld for their rst competition since the fall of 2019. Under the

leadership of coaches Holly Stephens (5/6 language arts teacher), Mira Willson, and parent volunteer Andrew Marder, both of the school’s teams played hard and had a lot of fun.

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

Eastern Senior High School

Eastern’s Academy of Health and Medical Sciences inducted their new class into the program during their White Coat Ceremony. They will be holding a blood drive on December 7, from 9a.m.3 p.m. in the gym. Adult walk-in is welcome.

Eastern Senior High School, 1700 East Capitol St, NE, easternhighschooldcps.org ◆

Van Ness

kids&family

NORAD Tracks Santa

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

The Trains at “Season’s Greenings”

The Botanic Garden o ers a gardenwide “Season’s Greenings” holiday display this year, running through Monday, Jan. 2 (closed on Dec. 25). As part of the festivities, G-gauge model trains run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory features poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. The Garden o ers extended evening hours each Tuesday in December, when the Conservatory and train display will be open until 8 p.m. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.

100th National Christmas Tree Celebration

Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA

On Saturday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m. (show inside the theatre at 2 p.m.), join GALA for this annual tradition, the celebrated Three Kings celebration which brings Latin American tradition to the streets of DC. This festive end to the holiday season features the timeless story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street parade, and free gifts for children. Free/gratis. GALA Theatre is at 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org/post/threekingsday.

From state owers to notable landmarks, American students have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments to celebrate the places they call home. These ornaments will adorn 58 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Tree. The trees represent states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity. thenationaltree.org.

American Celebrates trees in 2021. Ornaments designed by students from each state and territory adorn small trees around the National Christmas Tree. NPS Photo.

NORAD and USNORTHCOM, take calls at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center.

Emotions at Play

at the National Children’s Museum

Through Jan. 8, step into the magical world of Pixar’s hit animated lm Inside Out and explore the important role emotions, memory, and imagination play in our everyday lives. Learn to recognize emotions and how they are expressed through hands-on and digital experiences featuring the characters who represent our ve core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. Recommended for ages two to ten. Open every day except Tuesday (and Christmas), 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15.95 for adults and kids under one. National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show Family Fun Pack

As the world’s rst holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom—Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear—along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. Step Afrika’s Holiday Step Show is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 9 to 18. Tickets are $56 to $95. Arena Stage also offers their Family Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. arenastage.org.

Capital City Symphony Holiday Concert and Sing Along (free for kids)

On Sunday, Dec. 18, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., come celebrate the holiday season with Capi tal City Symphony and Potomac Fever, a close-knit harmony a cappella group made up of members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Grab your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled concert and sing along featuring your holiday favorites. Adults, $35; kids 16 and under, free. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

games. Fireworks at midnight on the river. Their All-Access Pass gains you entry to any show and every show, any time, all day, and all the way to midnight! All-access pass prices are birth to two, free; ages three to ten, $10; ages 11 to 19, $20; ages 20 to 64, $50; 65+, $30. firstnightalexandria.org.

Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light

Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebra tions the world over. This signature Discovery Theater show cele brates the history and customs of Diwali, Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, St. Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Na tions’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. Seasons of Light is at Discovery Theater Monday to Friday, from Dec. 5 to 16, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. performance on Dec. 9 and 16. It is recommended for ages five to ten. $9 for adults: $8 for kids; $3

Join the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count

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

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating in December

Fort Dupont Ice Arena two-hour skating sessions are on Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon and Sat urdays, 1 p.m. Extra session on Fri day, Dec. 23, 3 p.m. Adults skate for $5; kids and seniors for $4. Skate rental is $3. The arena is at 3779 Ely Place SE. fdia.org.

Family-friendly First Night Alexandria (is back)

First Night Alexandria is back on Saturday, Dec. 31, noon to fire works at midnight. This annu al New Year’s Eve bash takes over Old Town Alexandria with more than 100 performances at 22 in door venues, with live music, danc ing, children’s face-painting and

Pierre Bonnard’s Still Life with Dog (virtual) Sketchbook Club

This is one club where you don’t need a membership to join. National Gal lery of Art teaching artists lead free, 30-minute sketches inspired by works of art from the National Gallery’s collection. Add new drawings to your sketch book or just doodle along with them as they explore a different prompt each session. All you need are a pencil and paper. They encourage you to have col ored pencils, crayons, markers, or paints as well, but these are optional. Mon day, Dec. 19 and Thursday, Dec. 22, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Sketchbook Club is recom mended for families with children of all ages. Registration is required at nga. gov/calendar/family-activities.

Photo: Nelson-Rietzke Photography

Pierre Bonnard, Still Life with Dog, c. 1912, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

Zoolights

Zoolights allows you to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live en tertainment. Remaining dates are Dec. 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 23, and 26 to 30; 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission; parking is $30. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu.

for kids under two. Tickets on sale now. This show always sells out. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Young Portrait Explorers at the NPG

On Mondays, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13; 11 to 11:30 a.m., join National Por trait Gallery staff at the museum (G Street lobby) for an engaging program about art, history and storytelling. For children up to age six and their adult compan ions. Free but registration is required. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and G streets NW. npg.si.edu.

Families Encouraged to Register for Virtual EdFEST

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mayor Bowser, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and My School DC will showcase DC Public Schools and public charter schools at the 2022 Virtual EdFEST. Now in its ninth year, EdFEST returns virtually to provide a one-stop shop for families to learn more about DC’s public school options. The public-school fair takes place just ahead of the opening of the My School DC school application and lottery on Monday, Dec. 12. Attendance is free. Language interpretation sup port is provided in Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Amer ican Sign Language (ASL). Registration is required. For more information and to register visit bit.ly/virtualedfest. Families who need support registering or navigating the lottery process can call the My School DC hotline at 202-8886336, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique light dis plays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Tickets are available for the Village or Village and Ice Skating daily through Jan. 1. $10 for Village only; $22 for Village and skating. The Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA. novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights.

The Puppet Company’s Nutcracker at Glen Echo

Through Jan. 1, join the Puppet Co. for their 34th annual Nutcracker. This time-honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Nutcracker is on stage at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, Nov. 25 to Dec. 20, Thursdays, Fridays, Dec. 19 and 20, at 10 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to

US Navy Band Holiday Concerts

The delightful US Navy Band Holiday Concerts at DAR Con stitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW, are on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Santa appears! Free tickets will be available in mid-November at navyband.navy.mil. If sold out, there are usually some empty seats on stand-by.

The Navy Band hosts thousands of people during its three annual holiday concerts. Photo: Chief Petty Officer Adam Grimm.

Big News for Little Ones at the Hirshhorn

Want to make art inspired by your favorite Hirshhorn artworks? Maker Morning is the Hirshhorn’s free monthly series that invites kids to experience contemporary art through interactive handson making activities. Drop in and explore the Museum through engaging interactives, kids’ tours, and more. Each month will in troduce a new topic and completely new way to think about art. Upcoming Maker Mornings are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Dec. 10, Illuminate The Season; Jan. 14, Shape Of You. Stroll er parking is available in the lobby and on the lower level of the museum. No reservations or tickets required. Hirshhorn Muse um and Sculpture Garden is at Independence Avenue and Sev enth St. SW. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Jan. 1 (except Christmas), weekdays and weekends, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tick ets are $15; under age two, no ticket required. Recommended for age four, up. thepuppetco.org.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and

King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, through Dec. 20, Thursdays and Fridays, Dec. 19 and 10, at 1 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, weekdays and weekends at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15; under age two, no ticket required. Rec ommended for age five, up. thepuppetco.org.

National Cathedral Family Christmas Service

Saturday Morning Live!

at the National Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspir ing children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music. It’s free. On Saturday, Jan. 14, see The Uncle Devin Show by Devin Walker, an in teractive musical experience for children. The show is an infectious blend of jazz, funk, and DC’s official music, Go-Go. Saturday Morn ing at the National shows are best enjoyed by kids age three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Tickets are free, but they request that you register in advance. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability. Masks are op tional, but highly recommended. The Nation al Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org/saturday-morning-live.

On Friday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m., a menagerie of live an imals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave. Free passes are required to attend in person ($7 handling fee per pass). cathedral.org.

A Family Christmas (For the Young & Young at Heart)

On Saturday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m., bring the kids for an un forgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Cho rus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph! This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages five and up. Tickets are $20 to $45. kennedy-center.org.

Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac

Waterski Santa will be at Columbia Island Marina on Christmas Eve 2022 at 1 p.m. Columbia Island Mari na is minutes from downtown off GW Parkway on the Pentagon Lagoon. waterskiingsanta.com. u

Devin Walker at the drums.

I am grateful for the trust and opportunity to have another term representing Ward 6 on the DC Council. I will work side-by-side with Ward 6 neighbors to solve problems big and small, make our neighborhoods the best places to call home, and strive toward a city that always better represents our values and ideals.