Hill Rag Magazine – March 2024

440 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Listed For: $3,650,000

Arguably one of the finest properties on Capitol Hill! Welcome to this stunning and spacious 7-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom compound nestled in the shadow of the Capitol. This fabulous homestead offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience in an unparalleled location, fronting both New Jersey and 1st Street SE.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of natural light that fills the open and elegant living spaces: a gourmet kitchen, perfect for culinary enthusiasts and entertaining guests; the formal dining area with elegant finishes, fireplace and built-ins; and the expansive double parlor with two fireplaces, hardwoods, and graceful bay window.

The upper levels boast multiple bedrooms, offering flexibility for a home office, gym, or guest accommodations. The top floor primary bedroom suite is a serene retreat, complete with a luxurious en suite bathroom. The basement has a separate rental unit, along with a workroom, additional laundry, and wine room.

The separate coach house allows for ample garage and outdoor parking spaces, with a beautiful two-bedroom rental unit above, replete with soaring wood ceilings, skylights and gracious living spaces.

IN THIS ISSUE

March 2024

Ready,

95

71

What’s

Reservation 13?

Elizabeth O’Gorek

38 READY, SET, GROW: GETTING A JUMP START ON YOUR GARDEN by Rindy O’Brien

44 IF I HAD A HAMMER, SAW, OR WHEELBARROW... DC TOOL LIBRARY CAN HELP by Rindy O’Brien

48 WHEN THE WEATHER THREATENS: SOME TIPS ON HOW TO BE PREPARED by Rindy O’Brien

54 CHOICES, CHOICES AND MORE CHOICES: FOR YOUR NEW ROOF by Tom Daniel

58 CALL BOXES FOR THE COMMUNITY: TWO YOUNG HILL RESIDENTS LEARN RESTORATION – AND COMMUNITY SERVICE by Theo Weller

62 CHANGING HANDS by Don Denton

66 MEET “QUEEN GRACIE”: DESIGN TEAM LISA & LEROY BRING FRESH LOOK TO HISTORIC HOME by Elizabeth O’Gorek

12 WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

25 LOCAL CALENDAR

30 EASTER CALENDAR

by Matthew McClure

Pattie Cinelli

capitol streets

71 What’s Up Now At Reservation 13? An Update on the Hill East Development District by Elizabeth O’Gorek

76 Our River, The Anacostia: Wonderful Places To Visit In Spring by Bill Matuszeski

80 Social Housing Policy Discussed: ANC 6A Report by Sarah Payne

80 ANC Requests Reconfiguration of Easter n Market Metro Park: ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

82 Plastic Window Coverings, “An Abomination”: ANC 6C Report by Sarah Payne

84 A Spinning TOPP: ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman

85 ProLogis Development Generates Concerns: ANC 7D Report by Sarah Payne

86 DDOT No Show: ANC 8F Report by Andrew Lightman

88 Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

Theater Night: A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

Next Issue: April 6

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Kids & Family

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Homes & Gardens

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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Two Blossom Festivals at the River

On Saturday, March 23, 2 to 9 p.m., The Wharf celebrates spring with Bloomaroo, a free festival featuring live music, dancing, crafts and public karaoke. Explore family-friendly activities including koi kite decorating, balloon artists, and flower vendors in the Kids Zone near The Green. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. wharfdc.com. On Saturday, April 6, 1 to 9 p.m., celebrate spring at Capitol Riverfront’s Petalpalooza with a full day of live music and engaging activities. This free, day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly activities, roaming entertainers, and more. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. (Fireworks are also visible from Anacostia Park.) nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

DC Moth StorySLAM: Dazzled

On Monday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), listen to true stories or share your own at their open-mic storytelling competition. This night’s theme is “Dazzled.” Prepare a five-minute story of a time you sparkled. Drippin’ in diamonds down the red carpet, smooth cruisin’ in a Corvette, or cosplaying as Marilyn Monroe.

Share your shiniest, knock out memories that no one believes or the moments that prove that all that glitters is gold. Admission is $15. DC Moth StorySLAM is at Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot underneath the highway on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themoth.org.

National Gallery Nights

The spring season of the popular (and free) National Gallery Nights takes place on the second Thursday of March, April and May, 6 to 9 p.m. This season they celebrate “Color Theory” on March 14, “Flowers After Hours” on April 11, and “Art Prom” on May 9. Music, live performances, artmaking, and pop-up talks center around each theme. Light fare, gelato, and beverages, including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, are available for purchase throughout the East Building and in the Terrace Café and Espresso & Gelato Bar. Their April and May programs also feature activities on the Fourth Street Plaza which are open to all without registration. Due to its popularity, registration is through a lottery system. The lottery takes place the week before each event. Additional passes are available at the East Building entrance—first come, first served—starting at 5:30 p.m. on the afternoon of each event. nga.gov/calendar/community-events/nights.

RIGHT: The East Building comes alive during National Gallery Nights programs on March 14, April 11, and May 9. National Gallery of Art, Washington.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Easter Sunday Organ Concert at National Cathedral

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2 p.m., Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan celebrates the joy of Easter with a selection of uplifting music to celebrate the Resurrection on the cathedral organ. Available in-person or online. No tickets required. The Washington National Cathedral is at 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral.org.

Change YOUR Game at American History

Invention and technology can make the difference between victory and defeat and expand the field of who can participate in sports. Change YOUR Game is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition on the intersection of invention, sports, and technology developed by the museum’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. The exhibition showcases dynamic stories and objects related to diverse inventors, athletes, and technologies that have changed how sports are played. Visitors will be invited to identify themselves as inventive problem solvers who can become “game changers” in their daily lives. In addition to hands-on activities in the gallery’s four key sections, the adjacent Draper Spark!Lab will also feature themed activities. Change YOUR Game opens at the Smithsonian American History Museum. 1st Floor, West, Lemelson Gallery, on March 15. americanhistory.si.edu.

Ellington 125: Celebrating the Duke at the KC

The Kennedy Center commemorates Duke Ellington’s 125 birthday with institution-wide celebrations of the American icon who changed how the world heard music. An outstanding musician, charismatic band leader, and prolific composer, the Washington, DC native was an innovator across an expansive and eclectic range of styles…from pop and theatrical to swing, fusion, and beyond. Here’s the lineup: March 15, Duke Ellington Orchestra; March 15 and 16, Symphony Swing; March 17, NSO Family Concert; March 30, Robert Glasper—Black Radio and Afterparty; April 10, Jason Moran—Solo Ellington; April 13, NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert; April 16, Beyond Category, Ellington Concert Music; April 23, Dover Quartet; April 24, Tomeka Reid; April 26, Three Keys to Ellington; April 29, Cyrus Chestnut, Duke Ellington Sacred Concert. kennedycenter.org/whats-on/festivals-series/ellington-125.

Jogbra concocted from two jock straps.

Gary Gulman: Misfit Book Tour at The Warner

Gary Gulman, an American stand-up comedian, was a finalist on the NBC reality-talent show Last Comic Standing in its second and third seasons. Gulman’s comedy centers on absurd observations about daily occurrences. He is one of only a handful of comedians to appear on every major late-night television comedy program. He brings his Gary Gulman’s Misfit Book Tour to the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m. Tickets are $49 to $205. warnertheatredc.com.

President Richard M. Nixon presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Duke Ellington, April 24, 1969.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Artomatic

Artomatic is an open-entry creative art showcase of visual art, music, film, performance, poetry and fashion. They typically occupy a large commercial space of over 90,000 sq ft that is either in transition or has recently been delivered to the market. This year Artomatic is at 2100 M St. NW. From March 8 to April 29, Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to midnight; and Sundays, noon to 9 p.m. All art is sold commission-free and remains on the walls until the show closes. artomatic.org.

A Wildflower Hike at Turkey Run Park

Ireland at the Wharf

On Saturday, March 16, noon to 6 p.m., grab a drink from the Guinness Beer Garden, then enjoy live music performances by the 19th Street Band, Poehemia, and Ben-David Warner & Friends on the District Pier main stage during Ireland at The Wharf. Here’s the schedule: noon, Festival Activities and Six Nations Rugby Championship Begin; noon, Irish Dancing--Boyle School of Irish Dance; 12:30 p.m., Poehemia; 2:15 p.m., The 19th Street Band; 2:30 p.m., Irish Dancing--McGrath Morgan Academy; 4:15 p.m., Ben-David Warner Band. wharfdc.com/ireland.

On April 2, 3 or 4, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., discover the spring splendors of the Potomac Gorge, a 1,900-acre natural area spanning Maryland and Virginia that is one of the most botanically diverse places in North America. Hike north from Turkey Run Park along the Potomac Heritage Trail on a wilderness adventure inside the Beltway as you admire lush upland forests and floodplains brilliantly decorated by Virginia bluebells and other spring ephemeral wildflowers. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and other native fauna in the temporary pools and side channels and in the Potomac River itself. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the adventure. Your study leader Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a naturalist and the author of six regional nature books, has explored the Potomac Gorge from Great Falls to Theodore Roosevelt Island for a forthcoming book, and this trek covers one of her favorite sections. $75. smithsonianassociates.org.

Nicki Minaj at Capital One Arena

Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter often referred to as the Queen of Rap. She is one of the best-selling music artists with 100 million records sold worldwide. Billboard has ranked her as the top-selling female rapper of the 2010s and one of the greatest rappers of all time. She is the only female rapper to have three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart. She is at the Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, on Monday, April 1, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $96 to $310. capitalonearena.com.

Mike McMullen’s Yellow Triangle

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Busboys and Poets Weekly Open Mic

For two hours each week at seven Busboys and Poets locations, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. Times are subject to change. Here are the locations, 14th and V, Tuesdays, 8 to 10; Columbia, Thursdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; 450 K, Wednesdays, 6 to 10 p.m.; Shirlington, Mondays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Hyattsville, Thursdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Baltimore, Wednesdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Brookland, Second, Third and Fourth Fridays, 9 to 11 p.m. busboysandpoets.com.

Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s

Little Shop of Horrors is a nonstop blast, sci-fi horror comedy, love story and rock musical that has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre. While paying homage to doowop and Motown recordings, the story follows a luckless florist shop worker, Seymour, who raises a wisecracking carnivorous plant that develops a craving for human blood. He delights in the fame and fortune that his leafy, ever-growing friend attracts, while trying to show his co-worker Audrey that she is the girl of his dreams. As Seymour discovers his plant’s out-of-this-world origins and intent toward world domination, he learns the lesson: “Don’t feed the plants!” Tickets are $25 to $95. Ford’s Theatre, 514 Tenth Sy. NW, from March 15 to May 18. fords.org.

Busta Rhymes’ BLOCKBUSTER TOUR 2024

Busta Rhymes is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and actor. His favorite rapper as a teenager was LL Cool J, who was the inspiration and reason for Busta Rhymes writing his first raps. He was creatively inspired by American singer and record producer George Clinton for “being over the top and outlandish and brave as far as his showmanship.” In 2021, Busta Rhymes released the 25th Anniversary Edition of his debut studio album, The Coming. In late 2023, his eleventh studio album Blockbusta was released. Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, April 6, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $81.85. livenation.com.

Baltimore Street Food Festival

The Baltimore Street Food Festival is returning to Power Plant Live!, 34 Market St., Baltimore, on April 6 and 7, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., both days. They are shutting down an entire city block and bringing out the area’s best food vendors, entertainment and excitement. All food items will be priced at $5 or less. This provides the best opportunity to sample as many vendors from around the world as possible. Come for the food and stay for the fun as there will be tons of live entertainment, a huge general vendor market, kids fun zone experience, axe throwing, an indoor climate-controlled giant beer garden, breakdancing expo, mechanical bull riding, free hard seltzer sampling, crazy eating challenges and more. General admission tickets required. powerplantlive.com.

At the Wedding at Studio

Carlo crashes her ex’s wedding with three simple goals: Don’t get drunk. Don’t make any kids cry. Don’t try to win back the bride, no matter how boring the groom is. (She’ll ultimately fail at all three.) A very, very funny play about loneliness, estrangement, and a slow-burn romance with being alive. Studio Theater, 1501 14th St. NW, from March 13 to April 21. Sstudiotheatre.org.

Busta Rhymes has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for his work making him one of the most nominated.

Artwork based off of photo of Derrick D. Truby, Jr. and Chani Wereley by Scott Suchman.

March

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Chiarina Chamber Players Concerts at St. Mark’s

On Sunday, March 17, 7:30 p.m., enjoy Enchantment: Trios by Arensky, Ravel, Boulanger, and Esmail. Towering melodies and dramatic colors frame this program of old and new piano trios, featuring Chiarina artistic directors and violinist Domenic Salerni. On Sunday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., enjoy Intersections: Songs of the Earth. With strings, winds, and piano as vehicles, these imaginative works create an all-encompassing experience where sound, sky, and seascape collide. Concerts are at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE. General admission tickets are $30; 18 and under, free. chiarina.org.

Thalea Quartet--Christopher Whitley and Kumiko Sakamoto, violins, Lauren Spaulding, viola, and Alex Cox, cello.

Thoughts, Questions and Shit to Say

From March 8 to April 7, Dupont Underground presents “Thoughts, Questions and Shit to Say,” an exhibition featuring multiple forms of visual art to celebrate the complexity of the DC region’s female artists‘ narratives in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibition, featuring over 20 local female artists, features sculptures, paintings, and other forms of visual art intentionally curated to encourage a dialogue around issues that resonate with women across various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Opening Night, March 8, 7 p.m.; Poetry Night, March 14, 7 p.m.; Music Night, March 21, 7 p.m.; Artists Conversation, March 28, 7 p.m.; Closing Dance Party, April 5, 7 p.m. dupontunderground.org.

“Thoughts, Questions and Shit to Say,” reflects the candid, unfiltered, and authentic narratives presented through diverse artworks and performances. It is taken from a quote by stand-up comic, author, and actress, Amy Schumer.

Nora and the Lighthouse by Javier Padilla at Dance Place

NORA and The Lighthouse is a sci-fi immersive dance theater experience that takes us through the coastal town of Shenoa Creek on a journey of loss, hope, grief and transformation. Through vignettes of audience participation, projections, vocal looping and choreography, NORA questions what actually waits for us at the end and how far we’re willing to go for the ones that we love. Nora and the Lighthouse by Javier Padilla is on Friday, March 15, 8 p.m. at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. Tickets are $10 to $30. danceplace.org.

National Harbor’s Sakura Sunday

Come to Sakura Sunday at National Harbor on Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances on the Plaza Stage, culinary delights, music and dance, a sake and beer garden and more. nationalharbor.com.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Jeffrey Martin at Pie Shop

Unidentified Maker, Crazy Star;

Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women at SAAM

In the late nineteenth century, Amish women adopted an artform already established within the larger American culture and made it distinctly their own, developing community and familial preferences, with women sharing work, skills, and patterns. The quilts in Pattern and Paradox were all made between 1880 and 1950 in communities united by faith, values of conformity and humility, and a rejection of “worldly” society. No specific guidelines governed quilt patterns or colors, so Amish women explored an uncharted territory, pushing cultural limitations by innovating within a community that values adherence to rules. Styles, patterns, and color preferences eventually varied and distinguished the various settlements, but it was the local quilters who drove and set the standards. Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G Streets NW, from March 28 to Sept. 2. americanart.si.edu.

On a small corner lot in southeast Portland, Oregon, Jeffrey Martin holed up through the winter recording his quietly potent new album Thank God We Left The Garden. What began as demos meant for a later visit to a proper studio became the album itself, spare and intimate and true. Recorded live and alone around two microphones, Jeffrey often held his breath to wait for the low diesel hum of a truck to pass one block over on the busy thoroughfare. In a moment where depth is so often traded for the instantaneous, where tech billionaires are building rockets to escape the planet, where the dead-eyed stare of artificial intelligence is promising to existentially upend our world, and where divisiveness in our culture is breeding delusional levels of certainty, Jeffrey Martin’s new record feels like a hopeful and fully human antidote. Jeffrey Martin is at Pie Shop, 1339 H St. NE, on Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.). Admission is $20. pieshopdc.com.

Life of a Poet:

Sandra Beasley

On Thursday, March 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m., poet Sandra Beasley will be in conversation with poet Kyle Dargan at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Sandra Beasley is the author of four poetry collections—Made to Explode; Count the Waves; I was the Jukebox; and Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life. Honors for her work include the 2019 Munster Literature Centre’s John Montague International Poetry Fellowship, a 2015 NEA fellowship, and six DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities fellowships. She lives in Washington, DC. $10 admission. hillcenterdc.org.

Penelope at Signature

“If we’re going to talk about the Trojan War, we need a drink.” Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, is fed up and has some things she wants to say. With glass of bourbon in hand, she takes the microphone to chronicle those twenty years waiting on the small island kingdom of Ithaca. With soulful music, this witty and thoughtful musical flips the script on the dutiful wife, as Penelope steps out of the background to claim her time in the spotlight. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, from March 5 to April 21. Tickets start at $40. sigtheatre.org.

ca. 1920, Arthur, Illinois, cotton and wool; 74 x 63 ½ in. (detail), Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown, Promised gift to the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

LOCAL CALENDAR

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN at St. Mark’s. Through March 9. After grad school, Catherine and Gwen chose opposite paths. Decades later, each woman covets the other’s life, commencing a dangerous game. St. Marks is at 301 A St. SE. stmarksplayers.org.

Live Music Thursdays with Hi-Lawn. Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Join Hi-Lawn every Thursday from 7-9 pm for live music from local musicians on the roof. No cover, make a reservation at unionmarketdc.com or just walk in and grab a spot on the lawn.

SE/NE Library Book Sale. March 9 (second Saturday), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most books are $1. The new book sale location is NE Library, 330 Seventh St. NE (corner of Seventh Street and Maryland Avenue NE). dclibrary.org.

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center. Americana Duo Violet Bell. March 10, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Hill Center has launched its new concert series in partnership with Stone Room Concerts. First up is duo Violet Bell’s original Amer-

Brought to You by Schneider's of Capitol Hill

icana drawn from folk, soul, and bluegrass music. $20. Sextet Buffalo Rose. April 7, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Buffalo Rose is a charismatic six-piece modern folk/Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. $20. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Monthly Bingo at Northeast Library. March 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join them every second Thursday of the month for Bingo Night. 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.

Capitol Hill Chorale presents Fanny. March 16, 7:30 p.m. and March 17, 4 p.m. Celebrate the works of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel and attend a pre-concert lecture by Musicologist Michael Cooper starting 30 minutes before each performance. $25 to $30: twelve and under, free. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 Fourth St. SE. capitolhillchorale.org.

ExPats Theatre presents Migraaaaants or There’s Too Many People on This Damn Boat. March 16 to April 7. This satirical comedy explores the lives of migrants as they cross

FreshFarm Farmers Market. Sundays, year-round, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April to December, opens at 9 a.m.). Plaza at The Dock (adjacent to Union Market), 1309 Fifth St. NE. unionmarketdc.com.

seas, deal with profiteers, and navigate the cultures where they land. $20 to $45. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Tempestuous Elements at Arena. Through March 17. Born into slavery in North Carolina, Anna Julia Cooper was a visionary Black feminist and educator in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, and only the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Sing Out Piano Bar and Open Mic with Gay Man’s Chorus.

March 20 and April 10, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Come out to sing with live piano accompaniment or just enjoy the music. Free admission. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Bloomaroo at the Wharf.

March 23, noon to 9 p.m. The Wharf celebration of spring culminates with Bloomaroo, a free festival and fireworks show. wharfdc.com.

Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees.

March 24, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Women’s History Month and DC’s beloved Cherry Blossoms as author and Capitol Hill resident Stephanie Deutsch moderates a conversation with Diana Parsell about her biography Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees. $10. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

The Eternal Art Collective: VISCERAL. March 30, 8 p.m. VISCERAL is a real-time, fullsensory experience that will enable the viewer to identify with the performer with shared thoughts, emotions, memories, and experiences. $30. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

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Ireland at the Wharf. March 16, noon to 6 p.m. Enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival with Guinness, Jameson, rugby, and bands. wharfdc.com/Ireland.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis and Writer Elliot Ackerman Discuss their Novel 2054. April 5, 7 to 9 p.m. Stavridis and Ackerman are the bestselling authors of 2034: A Novel of the Next World War. Their new thriller 2054 opens twenty years after the catastrophic war between the United States and China that brought down the old American political order. $10. Hill Center is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Carpe Librum Used Book Sale. April 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join Carpe Librum in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 N St. SE, for an outdoor pop-up, nonprofit used-book sale. Browse through thousands of books all under $6. turningthepage.org.

Petalpalooza 2024 at Capital Riverfront. April 6, 1 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. This day-long allages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, familyfriendly hands-on activities, roam-

ing entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ event/petalpalooza.

CHAW Chamber Music DropIn Reading Sessions. Free, dropin chamber music reading sessions for musicians with moderate to advanced experience on Thursdays March 7 and 21, April 4 and 25 and May 9 and 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RSVP to Catherine@CHAW.org to let them know you are coming and what instrument you will be playing. 545 Seventh St SE. chaw.org

Congressional Cemetery’s (first ever) Cherry Blossom 5k. April 13, 9 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a beautiful and invigorating run (or walk) inside the cemetery in the company of some of the cemetery’s beloved cherry trees. $35. congressionalcemetery.org. ◆

Easter Calendar

Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial. Easter Sunday, 6:30 a.m. As one of the nation’s largest Easter sunrise services, this Washington tradition has attracted people from all over the United States and the world. It is hosted by the National Community Church. Drive, walk or bike. Parking is tricky. eastersunrise.com.

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s of Capitol Hill. Easter Vigil is on Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. 313 Second St. NE. stjosephsdc.org.

Capitol Hill United Methodist Sunday Services. Join them for a 9 a.m. casual service in the parking lot and 11 a.m. for a more traditional service inside. 421 Seward Sq. SE. chumc.net.

Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday at Holy Comforter Saint Cyprian Catholic Church. On Good Friday, neighborhood Stations of the Cross at noon; Choral Stations at 3 p.m.; and Youth Pageant at 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass at 9, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 1357 East Capitol St. SE. hcscchurch.org.

Easter Sunday Services at St. Mark’s. Easter Sunday Services are at 9 and 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. 301 A St. SE. stmarks.net.

Good Friday and Easter Services at Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Good Friday services are at 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m. with brunch between services at 8:30 a.m. 212 East Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org.

Easter Sunday Services at Christ Church. Easter Sunday Services are at 9 and 11 a.m., followed by a co ee hour. 620 G St. SE. washingtonparish.org.

Easter Sunday at New Samaritan Baptist Church. Easter Sunday, promptly at 10 a.m. 1100 Florida Ave. NE. Parking onsite and around the neighborhood. newsamaritan.org.

Easter Sunday at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Easter Sunday at 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 525 A St. NE. capitolhillbaptist.org.

Good Friday, Easter Sunrise and Easter Service at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. Service on Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., (o site at the Union Square reecting pool near the Capitol) and 11 a.m. at the church, 201 Fourth St. SE. capitolhillpreschurch.org.

National Community Church Good Friday and Easter Services. Good Friday at 6 p.m. and Easter Sunday, 9 and 11 a.m. at Capital Turnaround. 700 M St. SE. national.cc.

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Easter Sunday, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Arlington’s National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater (transportation to amphitheater provided). Parking garage opens at 5 a.m. arlingtoncemetery.mil.

quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities”

Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill. Good Friday is on March 29 with stations of the Cross at noon, Reconciliation at 12:30 p.m., Children’s self-led Stations of the Crosss, 2 to 4 p.m., and Passion of Our Lord at 7 p.m. Easter Vigil is on Saturday, March 30, 8 to 11 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass is at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. 313 Second St. SE. saintpetersdc.org.

Washington City Church of the Brethren Easter Sunday Service. Easter Sunday at 11 a.m., both in-person and online. 337 North Carolina Ave. SE. washingtoncitycob.org.

Good Friday, Great Vigil of Easter and Easter Sunday at the National Cathedral. Good Friday, Rite of Reconciliation, 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, noon. Evening service, 7 p.m. Great Vigil of Easter is Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. The service features music by both the Cathedral Choir and the Contemporary Ensemble. Easter Sunday, 8 and 11:15 a.m. (pass-

The Steeple of St. Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill.

421 Seward Square, SE

Palm/Passion Sunday 9am & 11am

Holy Thursday Foot Washing and Communion 8-11am (drop-in)

Holy Thursday Dinner & Communion 6:30pm (catered by recent refugees)

Good Friday Contemplative Service, noon & 7pm

Easter Egg Hunt Sunday 10am (bring a basket)

Easter Sunday Brunch @10am, Service @11am chumc.net

201 4th St, NW

Palm Sunday 11am

Maundy Thursday meal & communion 6:30pm

Good Friday Tenebrae 7pm

Easter Sunrise @ West side of Capitol Reflecting Pool 7am

Easter Service 11am capitolhillpreschurch.org

337 North Carolina Ave, SE

Palm Sunday + Love Feast 11am

Easter Sunday Egg Hunt 10am

Easter Sunday Service 11am (potluck to follow) washingtoncitycob.org

212 East Capitol Street, NE

Maundy Thursday Service 7pm

Good Friday Service 7pm

Easter Sunday Worship 8:30am &11am

Easter Brunch 9:30am reformationdc.org

es required). Organ recital at 2 p.m. Thomas Sheehan celebrates the joy of Easter with a selection of uplifting music to celebrate the Resurrection on the Cathedral Organ. Choral Evensong, 4 p.m. cathedral.org.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services at Redemption Hill Church. The Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. and the Easter Sunday services are at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each week Redemption Hill Church gathers together for worship. At these gatherings you can expect times of singing and prayer, preaching from the Bible, and an opportunity to connect with others in community. Redemption Hill Church currently meets at historic Ebenezer UMC, 400 D St. SE. redemptionhilldc.org.

Good Friday, Solemn Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass at the National Shrine. On Good Friday, confessions at 9 a.m. to noon; 1 to 5 p.m. Stations of the Cross at noon. Organ Meditations on the Passion at 2 p.m. Choral Meditations on the Passion at 2:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 2:30 p.m. No Catholic Mass on Good Friday. The Solemn Easter Vigil is at 8 p.m. The Easter Vigil features the Service of Light which includes the Blessing of the Fire and a Candlelight Procession through the darkened Great Upper Church. The Choir and Brass of the Basilica will provide sacred music for solemn liturgy. On Easter Sunday in the Crypt Church at 7:30 a.m. Great Upper Church, 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Solemn Mass in the Great Upper Church at noon. His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, Celebrant & Homilist. Misa Iglesia Superior (Spanish Mass) at 2:30 p.m. Solemn Mass and Lisa Iglesia Superior live streamed at nationalshrine. org/mass. u

HomeGarden & Spring special W

Home Ga rden & Ready, Set, GROW

Getting a Jump Start on your Garden

photos and article by Rindy O’Brien

March is finally here. The good news is that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on February 2nd. It means an early spring for all of us. Of course, the groundhog’s predictions have only been 30 percent right over the past ten years, but we gardeners will hang our hopes on anything this time of year.

With the spring crocus, daffodils, and early green sprouts starting to show, we want to get started on our gardens. Caution is important since cold weather and frosty conditions still are in the forecast. Early plantings often get a nice start only to be zapped by some ice and even March snows.

A better plan is to line up the research, testing, and put pencil to paper designing your spring and summer garden. There are many steps you can take to get ready for when the spring warmth comes.

Garden 101 Research

Timing is everything. So, one of the first steps is consulting a Frost-Free Calendar, available online, and a good one is provided by the National Gardening Association, https://garden.org/apps/calendar/. According to that guide, “ On average, the frost-free growing season starts Mar 29 and ends Nov 15, totaling 231 days. Most plants can be planted around March 29th, but there are some that can tolerate the cold soil like onions and potatoes that can be planted as soon as the ground thaws.

In addition to giving guidance on when to plant, the

guide provides dates for seeds to be sowed inside, so the seedlings will be ready to transplant into the garden. For instance, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and tomato seeds can be planted indoor starting now. The seeds should germinate and turn into seedings over the month. Getting a head start on some vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants is important since they require around 100 days to harvest.

In addition to checking the calendar, you may need to do some soil research. If you are starting new or haven’t checked the nutrients in your soil in a while, March is a great time to get the test kit from your local nurseries, or to order a soil sample test from the University of the District of Columbia. This research is especially important if your previous season left you scratching your head as to why certain vegetables or flowers just didn’t produce.

Here on Capitol Hill where soil has been subjected to all kinds of previous uses, it is an important health consideration to know that your plants aren’t growing in arsenic or mercury. Lead, copper, and too much potassium can also be unhealthy and can transfer from the soil to your vegetables. Home kits can detect some of these elements, but a professional test is more reliable.

DC’s Environmental Quality Testing (UDC) offers full services of environmental sampling and analysis in the DC metro area. There is a link on the website to submit your request for a quote, and the staff will help guide you through the process once the quote is accepted. Depending on the size of the project,

TOP: Caitlin Dicara at Frager’s Garden Center picks basil seeds as one of her favorite seed packets and is looking forward to the starter plants arriving later this month. Frager’s Garden Center is located at 1123 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, two doors from the main store.

LEFT: Gingko Gardens (911 11th Street, SE) is selling egg carton seed starter kits this season. The cartons produce herbs, plants for salsa, or a honeybee collection.

Home Ga rden &

the staff may even do field samples. For information contact, https://www.udc.edu/eqtl/.

Jump Start the Plantings

In addition to doing research, March is an excellent time to get the seed starting kits out and start to plant your vegetable garden indoors. There are so many ways to jump start the seeds. Luckily three different garden centers in the Capitol Hill area have everything one needs to get started.

The movie version of long folding tables with naked light bulbs hanging from the ceiling in the dark basement really is an extreme example of seedling kits. There are plenty of small trays of seed cups and even in a small apartment you can always find room to get started.

Many gardeners use both seeds and starter kits. The seed packages are a great source of information about the vegetable and will guide you on how long a seed takes to germinate, and when to

place outdoors. It also guides you on the type of soil and sun requirements. Starter plants usually don’t come with this kind of information.

A new kind of starter kit, and one that would work perfect for kids or gardeners short on space, is egg carton gardening. The product is called Grow, and its branding says, “grow happiness in small spaces.” It retails for $15.99 and comes in three types, Salsa, Honeybee Habitat, and Herbs. Gingko Garden staff say demonstration samples were very convincing that this approach works, so they were excited to add them to the store inventory. In addition to buying the kit, there are many DIY YouTube videos on how to make your own from scratch.

Caitlin Dicara, in her second year at Frager’s Garden Center, is using her master’s degree in plant biology to help customers find the right plant for their homes. “I think by mid-March we will be starting to get the early starter plants in,” says Caitlin, “but we are ready to get you started on your seeds now.” In addition to the growing kits, Frag-er’s has a Greenhouse in a Box kit that provides LED light cords to help you get the right light and heat. Caitlin also finds the Renee’s Garden Center, When to Plant Chart, a great resource to help gardeners on timing for planting.

gardeners don’t want to miss, will be April 13th from 11 to 3 p.m. Another great garden starter is the tried-and-true seed tape, and Jenks has an entire display of the Velcro tapes available.

Lowes Garden Center is also full of plants, seeds, and many kinds of set ups for starting the seeds. The Center has many different bags of soil to choose from depending on the type of vegetable or flower seeds you want to try. The store carries a seed starting heat mat that holds a 10” by 20” seedling tray. No need to worry about light bulbs, this tray keeps the roots warm, stimulating warmer soil conditions.

Over at W.S. Jenks & Son Hardware and Garden Rooftop Center, there are many great bargains to kick off your gardening season. Many of the pots, soil, and other short-cut kits and tools are on the entry level store floor, so you don’t even have to climb to the rooftop. The rooftop garden center’s opening party, one that

Now is the perfect time to sneak a trip into your favorite garden center, and pick out the seed packets, starter kits and other resources that will turn your garden into a vegetable jungle and flower paradise in just a few months.

Rindy O’Brien is more than ready for spring to come and see all the Hill gardens come alive. To contact Rindy, rindyobrien@gmail.com u

Myla Riddick keeps track of inventory at the W.S. Jenks & Son hardware and garden center. Jenks is located at 910 Bladensburg Road, NE. Myla says the rooftop garden center will soon be bursting with starter plants and more.

Lowes Garden Center located at 2438 Market Street, NE, near Costco has many different sizes of starter kits, as well as a wide variety of soil bags.

Home Ga rden & If I had a Hammer, Saw, or Wheelbarrow...

DC Tool Library Can Help

by Rindy O’Brien

For many do it yourselfers, a big stumbling block is having the right tools and equipment to accomplish their projects. It doesn’t make sense economically to buy a saw to cut a couple of corners for a frame or invest in a wheelbarrow to haul a pile of mulch for a one-time delivery. Especially in DC’s urban setting, storage is a real issue and concerns about the environmental impact of overconsumption come into play for many of us.

So, for example, rather than throw out an old bicycle, it would be nice to have a way to repair the bike you already own. The DC Tool Library was created in 2021 to provide tools to local DC residents with home projects without having to purchase tools. Just like borrowing a book from your local library, you can take out a power saw, a rototiller, or drill to create your project, and then return it.

The project is a partnership between Green Neighbors DC and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. The library is located at Twin Oaks in the Petworth neighborhood,14th and Taylor Streets NW. Since it opened in 2021, more than 300 people have borrowed tools and over 900 people have registered to participate.

The organization is volunteer based and relies on a strong community of people offering their time. Abigail Salvatore is a volunteer at the library. She says the group is hoping

to soon open a second location at the Lederer Gardens in Ward 7. “It would be great if we can have one in every ward down the road,” she says, “and the different libraries could then share equipment.”

The concept of tool libraries started in 1979 in Berkeley, California, and has spread to about 50 cities around the US. In 2013, Green Neighbors DC started in Petworth with likeminded neighbors concerned about green ideas, resources, and actions. The Lending Library is one of their bigger projects, and they are involved in a variety of other climate-related activities.

After the Robbery

Sadly, in early February there were a series of break-ins at the Twin Oaks site, and $11,000 of power tools were stolen. “It has been devastating,” says Salvatore, “but the outpouring of support and help to restore the library by neighbors and the broader DC community has been amazing. After such a horrible experience, it seems we are going to come out stronger and better.” Most of the tools stolen were expensive, power tools, generators, and batteries for the equipment. Luckily, the garden tools for the most part were spared, and will be available this spring when the center reopens.

The city owns the property and contributes to the maintenance of the building. The city had already pledged $200,000 in the city’s upcoming budget for upgrades to the building, including a new roof and improved security. The second site in Ward 7, also owned by the city, is awaiting some upgrades to the shed, and a recent fire that damaged the greenhouse is requiring further funds to repair the facility.

The volunteers have organized a fundraiser setting a goal of $15,000 to replace the stolen tools, provide more security and obtain insurance. If you can help out, g,,o to the online website, https://opencollective.com/dc-tool-library/contribute/help-us-replace-our-tools-71038. Your donation will

Buying gardening equipment like a new wheel barrel can be expensive. Having the chance to borrow one for a day is perfect for urban gardeners. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

The Twin Oaks DC Tool Lending Library opened in 2021 and has had a steady increase in borrowers. The goal is to eventually open one in each Ward. Ward 7 is the next in line to open in spring, 2024. Photo: Green Neighbors DC

Fortunately, the garden supplies, hoes, shovels, and more were not lost in the heist and will be available starting this spring at the Twin Oaks Tools Lending Library. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

be tax-deductible. Salvatore and staff emphasize that the size of the donation doesn’t matter. Whether you can give $5 or $500, it will be deeply appreciated and will help lift the project.

In addition to funds to replace the tools, there will soon be a tool donation drive. If you have tools you no longer use including saws, drills, camping gear, gardening tools, pliers, or other DIY tools, contact the tool library at dctoolshare@gmail.com. The staff will be happy to talk to you about donating. It was through the generosity of so many that the tool library had amassed such a great array of tools, and hopefully it will not take long to replace the two-thirds of tools stolen.

The library is actually a resource for not just DC residents. Folks in nearby counties can also check out tools. Proof of residence is required, and tools can be borrowed for one week.

Looking to Spring to Reopen

Right now, the Twin Oaks Tool Library is closed. But hopefully not for long. “Since many of the garden tools were not taken, and spring is right around the corner, we plan to open in time for folks to be able to borrow the hoes, shovels, and other garden tools to get their gardens started,” Abigail reports. Watch the website for updates, https://dctoollibrary.org/. There is great hope that the Lederer Garden Tool Library will also be able to be opened later this spring, as well.

Salvatore says staff have found solace in the broad community support they’ve received and, on a lighter note, in the fact that the most popular tool – the snow cone machine – was not taken. Life goes on and hope endures.

When the Weather Threatens

Some tips on HOW to be Prepared

Article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

Home Ga rden & ��

ver think about these twin facts. DC is built on a swamp. Capitol Hill is situated on one of the higher spots of the city. It seems like Hill homeowners would be safe from flooding and other dire weather-related problems. Hill residents do have the advantage that electric and cable lines are all safely underground.

That helps protect homes and businesses from threat of loss of electric power during high winds and rain unlike in other areas of the city. But city sewer backups are a different story.

Our climate is changing resulting in warmer temperatures and higher than normal rain averages. This February the precipitation in DC was three inches above average. The Department of Agriculture upgraded our growing zone a half of a step warmer this year based on the past few years’ temperatures. Meanwhile, the trusty Farmer’s Almanac predicts tropical storms in late August this summer.

The biggest threat for Hill residents is not necessarily flooding from the Anacostia or Potomac Rivers. It’s the back-up of the combined water and sewer lines. Too much rain arriving too quickly, can overwhelm the city’s system and residents can find their basements full of sewer water and debris.

When it happens, it is a costly and frightening mess. There are some steps that residents can take to reduce the risk of this happening. Some involve projects the city is taking on and services the city is making available to homeowners. But there are also steps individuals can take on their own before and during a disaster.

DC Storm Water Tunnel

In October of 2023, city officials celebrated the opening of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel project, known as the NEBT. The tunnel, finished a year ahead of schedule, will have the capacity to take wastewater and stormwater runoff and transport it safely to DC’s Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Treatment Plant. For communities affected by the tunnel, it should cut sewage overflows by 98 percent. The tun-

nel efforts are a result of a lawsuit filed in February 2000 by the Anacostia Watershed, Friends of the Earth, the Sierra Club, and other groups. The $2.9-billion project is paid for by DC Water customers through charges on our monthly water bills. The project is focused on helping to clean up the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, but a great additional benefit is that it will cut down on flooding in many neighborhoods.

Many remember the August, 2023 flood that killed 10 dogs at a doggy day care along Rhode Island Avenue. The severity of storms is rated by how frequently they are expected to occur. Before the new tunnel, the city’s system could only handle 2-to-5-year storm events. Now, DC Water says

The farmer’s almanac is predicting tropical storms in our area in August this year. Too much rain, too quickly make sewers overflow and causes dangerous road conditions.

Research and proactive actions by homeowners can keep disaster away. New city tunnels should help too.

the tunnel, a new rst line of defense, should stop ooding for up to 15-year storms and would have prevented the day care disaster.

Reporting a Water Event in Your Home

Knowing what to do should your home experience a sewer or water ood event is paramount in making sure you will qualify for assistance from the city and your own insurance resources. Before you even start trying to mop up the mess, you must call the DC Water and Sewer hotline. The emergency hotline is covered 24 hours a day (although during an emergency you may have to try a couple of times.)

The number is 202-6123400. There needs to be a report on le to be able to le a claim against the city for damages. It is also important in ling claims with your insurance homeowner’s policy.

The city should send out a team to see where the backup is occurring. According to the DC Water and Sewer website, DC water employs about 1,000 skilled workers at many locations throughout the city and they are on duty seven days a week. It is important for you to record the time and date of the event because the city has video across the water and sewer systems and when your claim is processed through the Risk Management O ce it will review what was happening in pipes around your home at the time of your sewer event.

It’s important to take pictures of the damage right from the start. In addition, you should retain all repair receipts from plumbers, cleanup services, lab testing, medical bills and reports,

and reconstruction work. Don’t underestimate a sewer event. Raw sewage in your home is a serious health hazard, and a quick wipe with Clorox may not be enough.

There is an official claim form on the DC Water and Sewer website. Once led, the Risk Management O ce will assign an insurance adjuster to review all the documents and gather ofcial evidence from the city. The adjuster will make recommendations to the DC Water and Sewer on whether your claim for city reimbursement for damages is accepted or not.

Unfortunately, many Hill residents along with people in other DC neighborhoods have received disappointing results. The city most often retreats to language that says it is not responsible for the heavy rains. They claim that their videos show their system working at the time and reject the claim.

Insurance companies also can be di cult to work with in the gray area of what is a water ood and a sewer event. Talking with your insurance agent now to clarify what is and isn’t covered is also important to do. Be careful not to incorrectly categorize the event since that could be used to deny your claim.

Protecting Against the Backup

Of course, the best way to deal with a sewer backup is to take steps to prevent it from happening in the rst place. DC government o ers one helpful solution. It is called a backwater valve rebate. The city will pay for the purchase and installation of the device designed to stop the ow of sewage when extreme weather

hits. If your request is accepted, the city will pay up to $6,000 for your residence.

A backwater valve connects the building to the public sewer in the street. Basically, the valve allows for the sewer to flow in one direction when activated (triggered by pressure in the sewer line), preventing wastewater from entering your home during a storm event. Once the storm event is over, your system reverts to its regular operation. Plumbers give this system a very high rating for preventing future sewage disasters. In addition to the valve, your system can be equipped with an alarm to alert you that the valve is being activated. Alarm systems add additional cost, and are not covered by the city grant, but for muti-residence buildings, it may be important to add so all resi -

Combined water and sewer pipes in DC can cause massive damage to Hill homeowners under severe weather conditions. The system is not able to handle the capacity and water/sewage erupts, coming through bathtubs and toilets, leaving toxic sludge.

dents know when not to run their water during a storm event.

Property owners in areas where water and sewage flow through the same pipes are eligible to apply for the backup valve rebate if they have had a documented sewer back-up since 2012. Information on how to apply is available on the DC Water and Sewer site, or by contacting Emanuel Briggs at 202-787-2003 or email edbriggs@dcwater. Com.

Other plumbing solutions are available through private plumbing companies. Whether it is exploring problems like the roof and gutter systems not properly draining to foundation and basement drain issues, homeowners should be proactive in exploring options such as sump pumps or French drains or sub oor water relief systems. The cost of better drainage systems either inside or out is an investment worth making, compared to being struck by a disastrous sewer or water event. Make sure your plumber is licensed and insured to do work in the District.

A nal piece of advice is to ask your neighbors. Hill residents are full of history and knowledge about happenings on your street and may be able to share a lot of information to inform your decisions.

Bottom line. More storms will come and taking preventive action now – including some the city will help fund – is de nitely preferable from the disruption and cost of a sewer backup in your home.

Home Ga rden & Choices, Choices and More Choices for Your New Roof

by Tom Daniel

There are many choices for your roof.

First, a roof is the cover of a building.

Second, roofing is the material used for a roof. So, there’s your roof structure and then there’s roofing materials, which I will talk about today.

Over the 13 or so years I have been writing about roofs and roofing for the Hill Rag, there has been an evolution in our industry. Technology breakthroughs and innovation, as in most industries, have impacted roofing as well. Manufacturing methods and new products have been introduced to the market that impact roofing distributors, contractors and homeowners.

I will focus primarily on roofing products to consider when your low-slope roof has outlived its useful life and it’s time to consider a new roof.

When I started roofing as a teenager working with my father and uncles, most of the roofs we worked on in Capitol Hill were tin roofs (also known as terne roofs, which consisted of a mixture of tin and lead). I remember long, hot summers tearing off these old roofs and replacing them with…. new tin roofs! We also worked on a lot of “slag” roofs (also known as built-up-roofs or BUR, made primarily of asphalt, felt and gravel) and rolled asphalt. That was then and this is now!

While you will still find tin and slag roofs in Capitol Hill, they would represent less than 15% or so of total roofs. New materials and roofing systems have been

New TPO roofs

New copper roof

created for low-slope roofs that are single ply membrane and these are the “new kids on the block” generally for Capitol Hill homes.

New Choices in Single Ply Roofing

Single ply roofing (SPR) is comprised of flexible sheets of synthetic polymer that can be divided into two main groups: thermoplastics and synthetic rubber. These include TPO (thermoplastic olefin), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). TPO and PVC are in the thermoplastic category and EPDM is synthetic rubber. Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz later!

Regardless of the type of SPR materials selected, there are nu -

merous universal benefits which include:

• Resistance to UV light and natural elements such as the build-up of potentially harmful micro-organisms.

• Highly durable, resistant to tears and punctures and provides added protection against weather conditions and extreme temperatures. These roofs should last 20 years or more.

• Energy efficiency from reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less solar energy, keeping the home cooler in the summer. The cooling effect can save energy and money by reducing heat flow from the roof into the occupied space.

• Cost effecti veness is provid -

New copper roof

ed both from the pricing of the materials and due to the durable and exible nature of the single ply membrane which reduces the cost of repairs and maintenance over the course of the roof’s lifespan.

So, the newer SPR roo ng is a great option for those reasons.

Metal Roofs

Finally, there is room in this discussion to consider metal roofs. Some homeowners do consider copper roofs for low-slope roofs and aluminum for highly sloped roofs. Each year our company is hired by numerous Capitol Hill homeowners to install copper roofs. Perhaps the highest quality roof system available, copper roofs can quite easily last for up to 100 years. Yes, copper roofs are relatively expensive, but they do increase the value of the home and can last 3-4 times longer than most other roofs. A cost-bene t analysis is in order! As customers Joe and Vicki of 8th St SE (across from Eastern Market) explained their purchase of a copper roof, “This was a long-term investment in our home consistent with our long-term outlook”.

Whatever your choice of roo ng materials, we’ve got you covered!

Tom Daniel is the owner of R. Thomas Daniel Roo ng, LLC and is the third generation of the Daniel family to provide roo ng services to thousands of Capitol Hill homeowners for a continuous span of nearly 100 years. Tom was born in Capitol Hill and is very familiar with the unique nature of the community. He can be reached at 202-569-1080 or tom@rthomasdanielroo ng.com. ◆

Home Ga rden & Call Boxes for the Community

Two Young Hill Residents Learn Restoration –and Community Service

by Theo Weller

If you’ve walked the streets of Capitol Hill, you’ve probably seen a call box. Some stand at attention on street corners, wearing rusty tones that betray their age. But others have become

street sculpture, drawing the eye with their newly painted, brightly colored array.

First installed in the 1860s, the boxes were used for communication by firefighters and police officers up until the early 1980s. Starting around

2000, many were converted into art pieces through the District’s Art on Call project.

But many of the so-called “silent sentinels” in our neighborhoods have not yet been revitalized and are in danger of deteriorating too far to stand much longer as a reminder of their – and our – past.

With the help of their parents, a pair of young Capitol Hill brothers are working to change that. Aged just seven and five years respectively, Henry and James Modisett have restored two call boxes at Second and E St. SE. Capitol Hill residents themselves, they frequently passed the call boxes, often referring to them as “big junky things,” as Henry put it.

Given their youth, it would be easy for the two to disregard the rusted columns, but in the summer of 2022, with the help of their parents, Cindy and

Above: Henry and James Modisett with the fire call box they restored at Second and E streets SE.

Photo: T. Weller. Right: Henry and James paint their call box. Photo: Michael Modisett

Michael, they decided to begin working to clean and paint them.

Making It Beautiful

To get better insight on how to best approach the project, the Modisetts reached out to Jim Guckert at Guerilla Gardeners. The nonpro t organization has long organized the painting of Hill call boxes. “Our collaboration with the Modisetts was mostly encouragement and advice,” Guckert said. “We shared with Michael our experiences with other groups and our own restoration projects.”

Equipped with Guckert’s advice and motivation, the Modisetts felt ready to begin.

They started with the former police call box that sits on the southwest corner of Second and E. As Henry and James can now tell you, the restoration process has four main steps - scraping, cleaning, priming and nally, painting. To align with the call box’s historic use as a place where police o cers would check in, the Modisett’s chose to paint the exterior blue.

They painted the post holding up the box gray, with artful touches of gold and the inside white. The restoration was made more elegant when an unknown community member added a smiley face with two googly eyes.

To Each Their Own

When they aren’t restoring antique communication devices, Henry and James are also just normal kids with age-appropriate attention spans. But instead of letting their age get in the way of their project, the family has found ways to make the project work. To keep the boys productive and having fun, the family painted for short periods at

a time. “It might take a month from beginning to end but really we’re only out here for an hour of scraping, and come back in a week for an hour of priming,” explained Michael.

Early this fall, the family decided to embark on their next project—painting the re ghter’s call box on the other side of the intersection of Second and E Streets. Again the Modisetts referenced the box’s historic use, painting the box red. This one di ers in structure to the police call box, shaped like a house with a sta at the top that increases its height.

Henry said that painting the sta was the most di cult part of the two projects, given that neither Henry or James stand above ve feet. To tackle this, they divided up the painting so that each family member was painting a part of the call box that was appropriate for their height, starting with James painting the bottom.

Tackling it individually but as a family, they completed their project by mid-fall.

History

Of course call boxes were not intended to be public art. Despite the name “call boxes”, the re boxes weren’t actually used for calls via telephone. When a resident noted a re, they would go to a designated station for a key to open the nearest call box, then turn the wheel inside. This would send a telegraph to the re department, who would then send re ghters to that location.

But the police boxes did place a call. Instead of being for citizens to report an emergency, these were for communication between officers, and their precincts. Officers were to report in at designated times and places; if they did not, the station would send a car to the area to search.

The use of call boxes was of-

cially ended when the 911 emergency call line was introduced. The telephone had taken over and police and re departments were using radio systems to communicate.

Around 2000, the city decided it was time to get rid of them. But local non-pro t Cultural Tourism DC pushed the city to convert the call boxes into art pieces. In cooperation with the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), Cultural Tourism embarked on a project that eventually painted nearly 150 boxes.

In the 2010s, call box interest again arose, this time with a Capitol Hill focus. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) took interest in the revitalization of the boxes, ultimately teaming up with Guerilla Gardeners.

Guerilla Gardeners has continued to lead painting of Capitol Hill call boxes. Di erent call boxes often have unique designs. Guerilla Gardeners encouraged the Constitution Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution to restore a call box at Fifth St and Seward Square SE. It was ded-

A call box at 5th and Seward Sq. SE was restored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 2022 and dedicated to Roberta Flack. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Willia m Shelton ee Arborist

William Shelton Tree Arborist

icated to Roberta Flack. The legendary singer started her career at Capitol Hill restaurant and jazz club Mr. Henry’s.

For all the restored call boxes, many remain neglected. As DAR did with the Flack call box, Michael hopes future restoration projects will honor people who shaped neighborhoods. There has been talk of a Capitol Hill call box commemorating Elgin Baylor, the Hall of Fame basketball player who grew up on what is now Duddington Street SE, near Garfield Park.

Raising Community Leaders

The Modisett boys started with call boxes, but now they also have “adopted” three blocks, taking responsibility for cleaning public space in the area around where their restored projects are located.

“They really genuinely like it,” said their father, Michael, about the boys’ adoption of blocks, “it’s almost like little kids on an Easter Egg Hunt.” Michael sees the Adopt-a-Block program as a very valuable one. “I don’t think it’s well publicized,” he said, “but it’s another great way for neighbors to get involved.”

Michael hopes that other families will continue the effort to revitalize aging call boxes. “It’s a perfect project to do with kids,” he said, “and we see all these call boxes around. I’d love if something catches on and other neighbors want to start doing the same thing.”

Learn more about the Art on Call program by visiting www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/art-oncall. Learn more about Guerrilla Gardeners of DC at guerrillagardenersdc.org u

Home Ga rden &

Article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

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

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Home Ga rden & Meet “Queen Gracie”

Design Team Lisa & Leroy Bring Fresh Look to Historic Home

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Walk into this house a few blocks from Eastern Market, and you’ll be struck by the mood inside. The house retains many of its historic elements—the original fireplace, delicate plaster moldings and original pine floors. But that’s not what you notice first. It’s a feeling of calm cast by the blues and grays in the living room, punctuated with warm colors in the seating; the pendant light evoking the sun suspended above an Asianinfluenced dining room covered in grass cloth wallpaper.

Classic With A Twist

The home is a work of art, and it perfectly captures the style of Lisa and Leroy, the design team that put it together. Head of the firm Lisa Shaffer named the company after herself and her puppy, Leroy. She has carried the tradition forward by naming design projects for client pets. In this house, that’s their little dog, Gracie; thus, the project name “Queen Gracie.”

Shaffer works with clients to achieve their style goals, but she is

probably known best for mixing the old and the new, a style she calls “classic with a twist.” She incorporates the original or historic aspects of the home while modernizing the overall look.

It’s design, but not over-design, Shaffer said, and it is the look many clients are often after when they call. “They really enjoy the historical elements of their home. They want to modernize it—but not make it a completely different house. They want to walk in and say, ‘Yes, I still recognize this as a Capitol Hill row home.’”

Gracie sits on a wingback armchair in the living room, with pops of apricot in the art behind her. Courtesy: Lisa & Leroy

The calm of the living room is highlighted by lines old and new and warm apricot in the seating. Courtesy: Lisa & Leroy

Home Ga rden &

Design First

Lisa & Leroy is a full-service design studio with the ability to perform both design and construction projects from sketch, design and purchasing to renovation and installation—and everything in between.

Shaffer came to the design business by accident. Eight years ago, she took a break from her high-pressure job in corporate retail, stepping away from a position where she managed over a billiondollar budget and thousands of employees. Finding herself bored during her year-long leave of absence, Shaffer decided to start a company. She was already a licensed general contractor who had purchased

her first Hill home at the age of 23, completely redoing it herself from roof to windows to floors. “Anything we do in a client’s home, I’ve done myself,” she said. She thought that she might try it out for a year, then return to corporate life. “But then, I fell in love with it,” Shaffer said.

Now, Shaffer has built a designfirst team that includes an in-house construction team and more than 25 employees.

Her aesthetic sense is critical, but her business background still plays an important role. Shaffer says Lisa & Leroy delivers a great client experience because there are processes in place, and because she has learned how to hire as well as how

to run a project and a business. “It helps to grow when you have the foundation and knowledge of how to do it,” Shaffer reflected.

Queen Gracie

The home, a 2,500 square-foot, 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath, was purchased right at the start of the pandemic. The clients lived elsewhere on the Hill, but wanted to be near the hustle and bustle of the Eastern Market area. As the pandemic wound down and guests became a larger consideration, they were ready to rethink the look of their home. They called Lisa and Leroy to help reimagine the main floor.

“It already had a beautiful fireplace and facade, some gorgeous plaster moldings to highlight,” Shaffer said. “It also had the original hard pine floors—those are all things we wanted to keep and highlight, rather than mask and cover up.” The team took the historic elements of the home, layering in some antiques and whimsical traits.

In the living room, that led to the juxtaposition of a sofa that has more modern, clean lines with a traditional wingback chair in the corner that Shaffer said pays homage to the house and its history.

The client fell in love with samples of the grasscloth wallpaper, Shaffer said, so it was the focus of the design for the dining room. The chairs were found at an antique auction and refinished and reupholstered, paired with a brand new, almost sculptural white table. “The tension in that room I thought was so important,” Shaffer explained. “Because there’s not a lot of other things in it—so items that you put in need to really make a statement, and those chairs certainly do.”

The home is unified by color, in some places just a nod. The dining room has a golden apricot ceiling, featured in two swivel chairs in the living room and small nods with accessories in the common spaces, even as light a touch as a splash of color in artwork.

Now, Lisa and Leroy are back in the house to design the rest of the home. Most of their business is repeat clients or referrals, Shaffer said. You can reach out to Lisa and Leroy to talk about your project. Visit www.lisaandleroy.com or call 202-758-0028. u

The client fell in love with a sample of this grass cloth wallpaper, so the Lisa & Leroy team de-signed the living room around it. Courtesy: Lisa and Leroy

Shaffer found the dining room chairs at an antique auction and had them refinished to fit the room.

Courtesy: Lisa & Leroy

What’s Up Now At Reservation 13?

An Update on the Hill East Development District

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Development is moving forward in Hill East. In March, Donatelli/Blue Skye are scheduled to appear before the District’s Zoning Commission (ZC) for design review and approval of two new buildings that will be built across the street from the DC Armory.

The hearing before the DC Zoning Board indicates forward motion on the large parcel of land now called the Hill East Development District, once known as Reservation 13. But the move comes more than two years after the development team was awarded a contract for the property and 22 years after the District first creat-

ed a Master Plan to guide development at the site. Meanwhile, there has been no publicly visible motion on three other lots at the site awarded to another developer.

Former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) 6B10 Francis Campbell served on the ANC for 12 years starting in 2002, the year the city started planning for the site. Only three buildings have been built in the 21 years since then.

“Look what we’ve done throughout the city,” he said, comparing development at sites such as The Wharf and St. Elizabeth’s to construction at Hill East. “In my opinion, it sucks,” Campbell said.

History

The 67-acre property is technically located in Ward 7, just to the east of Capitol Hill. Originally a federal reserve (Reservation 13) it was transferred to DC by Congress in 2006. Generally, the site is bounded on the north by Independence Avenue and to the south by Congressional Cemetery. To the east is the Anacostia, buffered from the site by National Park Service (NPS) land; to the west is 19th Street SE, the edge of the existing Hill East neighborhood.

In 2002, after extensive community engagement, a Master Plan was created to guide redevelopment on the site, hoping to accommodate public services and neighborhood needs with mixed-use elements. New zoning

codes were approved in 2009, setting the project up for development the following year.

However, the economic downturn caused the city to downsize the project in 2010. Instead of the full site, the District focused on two parcels, F1 and G1 to the east and just south of the Stadium-Armory Metro station. In 2012 the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched a request for expression of interest (RFEI) for the area.

One development team, Donatelli-Blue Skye, responded. The Donatelli-Blue Skye plan for parcels F-1 and G-1 included two mixed-use buildings with a total of 353 residential units and 25,678 square feet of

View of Donatelli-Blue Skye Building 1 (B1) from Independence Avenue, looking to-wards 21st Street SE. Office of Zoning.

retail. The project was expected to break ground in 2016 and be completed by 2018.

But the project did not break ground until spring 2018. DonatelliBlue Skye finished the Park Kennedy (1901 C St. SE) in late 2020 and immediately began work on The Ethel (1900 C St. SE), 100 units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) which opened February 2023.

Now complete, the two mixeduse buildings have a total of 353 residential units and space for 25,678 square feet of retail. Sala Thai (1901 C St. SE, Set A), in the Park Kennedy, opened in October 2023; Duffy’s Irish Pub opened next door a few months later. In November 2023, Donatelli-Blue Skye told a public meeting that the Park Kennedy was fully leased, with a daycare expect-

ed to fill the remaining space and said they are looking for retail tenants at The Ethel.

In November 2020, DMPED issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for two “bundles” at Hill East adding up to under 497,000 square feet total. A year later, Bowser selected developers for these bundles, located between Independence Avenue and the continuance of Massachusetts Avenue, east of St. Coletta School and the new Park Kennedy Apartments.

Blue Skye Development and Donatelli Development will develop Bundle 1, (Parcels A, B-1, B-2, F-2 and G-2). R13 Community Partners, a consortium of eight different developers who came together for the project, has been selected to develop Bundle 2, including parcels C, E and H.

A Hotel as Anchor on Bundle 2

Former Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander presented plans on behalf of R13 Community Partners (R13) for a $564-milion Phase II project. The plan includes a 150-room hotel as a flagship, seeking to make the area a tourist destination. In addition to the hotel, plans call for 1,120 rental and co-living apartments, 60,000 square feet of retail, 126 condos and townhomes and “multigenerational” park spaces. During presentations of the proposal, the team said they had received consent from the family of Relisha Rudd to dedicate a central playground with splash park in her name.

R13 had hoped to break ground at the end of this year. However, Alexander said that the economy had changed since

the project began in 2021. While the plan is unchanged, she said the team needs to revamp project finances. The team is also working to finalize land disposition agreements and infrastructure design with a view to breaking ground in 2025.

Evens Charles of the contracting firm Frontier Development and Hospitality Group, one of eight members of the R13 partnership, gave a tentative timeline for the project. He said it will proceed in three phases, beginning with infrastructure and two apartment buildings near RFK; 12 months later, work will begin on the central park, with a memorial to RFK and a playground named for Relisha Rudd. Condos and townhomes “will probably be about 12 months after that,” Charles said.

More Residential on Bundle 1

In 2021, the Mayor selected Donatelli-Blue Skye to build on Bundle 1, located east and northeast of the work they were doing on The Ethel. The team, styling themselves as Hill East Parcel B LLC, will build on the A, B1 and B2 parcels, just east of St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Ave. SE).

The project will take over a portion of the school’s parking lot but developers say they will provide parking in the underground lot of the resi-

dential building. The larger of two buildings will go up on parcel B1, a seven-story, 350-unit residential apartment with a 238-space, two-level below-grade parking garage, at Independence Avenue at 21st Street SE. 100 of those spaces are allocated for the use of St. Coletta. A linear park along the residential building will be dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On B2, they will build a seven-story, 144unit mixed-use building with 14,000 square feet of ground floor retail fronting along Burke Street. The two buildings will share access to a below-grade parking garage, a central courtyard and penthouse lounge in B1. Residential access is off 21st Street; a private drive will provide access to parking between the two entrances.

30 percent of residential units in both buildings will be affordable, half at 30 percent AMI and the other half at 50 percent AMI.

GTM DC designed The Park Kennedy and The Ethel and have also been tapped as the architect for the new buildings. In documents filed with the Board of Zoning, the team said “the architect’s overall approach is to create two distinct buildings that integrate signature elements for consistency and foster a pedestrian friendly experience.”

The parcels directly east of The Ethel and the Park Kennedy, F2 and G2, were also part of this RFP for Bundle 1, but the developer’s plans as submitted to the Zoning Commission only concern the northernmost portions of the full bundle they won in the RFP. Initial presentations indicated that developers wanted to put a grocery store in the large retail space fronting Burke Street. That possibility was not raised at a November 2023 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7F presentation. Donatelli-Blue Skye did not reply to a request for comment in time for publication.

Community Feedback

Neighbors have a mixed response to the news that ground could soon be broken on a new project. Some are simply pleased that development is finally moving forward.

Gary Peterson is the former Chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) Planning and Zoning Committee, and was part of the efforts to establish the plan for the area.

“If you look at what they’ve done, I think it looks really good,” said Peterson. He said he expected that the District’s Zoning Board would approve the Donatelli-Blue Skye application with little controversy.

“I’m just glad to see something being built there,” he said. “The more of that site that gets redeveloped, the less the hungry eyes of the city are going to come in and do something that will damage the plan.”

However, others were not part of the 2020 RFP process and want to know more about the project. ANCs were redistricted in 2022, and Commissioner Shirley Thompson-Wright (7F07) now represents the area to be developed in a new crossriver single member district.

Both ANCs have voted unanimously to send letters to the Board of Zoning requesting a delay of the hearing. Those include both ANC 7F and ANC 7D, the latter commission representing the Hill East community across 19th Street SE, which has not yet heard from the development team.

In putting forward the letter at a Jan. 31 special call meeting of ANC 7F, Thompson-Wright said it was done to allow time for community information sessions with the developer.

“I’m not saying that I want to oppose this situation,” Thompson-Wright continued, noting that she had some questions. “But I would like to get more information out to communities so that we can be working hand in hand with the developer and bring justice to our community with these developments being built.”

The ANC 7F resolution calls for DonatelliBlue Skye to do in-person engagement with communities on both sides of the river in the next month, proposing an in-person meeting within the bounds of ANC 7F. u

View of Donatelli-Blue Skye Phase II buildings, showing RFK Stadium in the background. Office of Zoning.

Our River, The Anacostia Wonderful Places To Visit In Spring

by Bill Matuszeski

There are many places along the Anacostia that are easy to overlook but are very special if you decide to explore them. Here I suggest ve places with a wide range of experiences among them. Let’s start downriver and work our way to the top through visits to these very special places.

Pope Branch

Our rst stop is along Pope Branch in southeast Anacostia. This is a stream in a deep valley that requires us to climb to the top to cross streets where the stream tunnels underneath, but that adds to the adventure of nding your way, and emphasizes that when walking along the stream it is so deep and remote that it seems impossible to be in the midst of a large city. I have never seen another walker along Pope Branch, and I have been welcomed a number of times by deer and owls who like being there and are happy to see you.

A good place to start nding your way is to park your car on M Place, SE, which is on the north side of the park, not to be confused with M Street, SE on the south side. The easiest place to nd your way down to the stream is half a block upstream from Branch Avenue, which is the rst intersection on M Place upstream of Minnesota Ave. The walk is short but lled with a sense of wilderness and surprises.

Watt Branch – Marvin Gaye Center

Watts Branch in northeast DC is a place that celebrates singer Marvin Gaye who grew up along the stream there. He would escape from his family and come sit by the stream to compose his music. Today the trail and playgrounds are named for him, as well as the new modernistic music, education and performance center at the top of the stream as it arrives in DC along Pennsylvania Avenue. It feels as though Marvin Gaye is still there.

In contrast to Pope Branch, Watts Branch comes across as a very urban stream, with paved pathways and cars crossing at bridges with sidewalks all along the way. It is a pleasant mix, with natural areas, adjacent elds, pleasant residential streets, apartment complexes and even small commercial areas along the way. It starts where the stream

Pope Branch Park, southeast Anacostia above Pennsylvania Ave.

Marvin Gaye Center along Watt ’s Branch

LEFT: Lake Artemesia, inside the Beltway near College Park, Maryland

BELOW: Lake Artemesia, signboard with map of the Grounds.

enters from Maryland, with the new Marvin Gaye Center to welcome it. It is a fun trip for all ages and families to take part in.

Then, below the 295 Freeway and commercial avenues, Watt’s Branch changes once again, this time to a natural format. It makes its way with natural cover alongside the playing elds of Kenilworth Park until it reaches and discharges into the Anacostia.

Lake Artemesia

The third special place is one you are most likely to have found already on your own; if not, you must seek out Lake Artemesia, located on the other side of the elevated railroad and Metro tracks from College Park, Maryland. It has a history of being used by early owners to raise plants and sh to sell. When the Metro was being built up this way in the 70’s, there was the need for sand, soil and rocks. So the land was excavated to produce these and the remainder turned into a park with the 30-acre lake, 2.4 miles of loop trails plus picnic spots, changing rooms and restrooms.

You can reach the lake by subway, auto or bicycle. You can walk, bike or taxi from the Metro Station on the College Park side, following signs to the lake along streets and on paths through the woods. You can bike from Bladensburg on the Northeast Branch Trail, which ends at the south end of the Lake. If you drive, the lake is about half an hour (30 miles) from Capitol Hill.

Northwest Branch

Our fourth special place to visit is just outside the Beltway in Prince Georges County. The

• The recall attempt is a misguided attempt to address a real problem

• Charles is being scapegoated for a regional increase in crime

• A recall will waste a significant amount of city-wide taxpayer dollars that could be better invested in real solutions

fall line requires the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia to tumble over rocks and fallen trees to reach the coastal plain. All streams and rivers in our area must do this, but this one is especially dramatic. Teddy Roosevelt would bring his mother by on horseback each year in springtime to observe it. It is impressive any time of the year.

The best route to get there is to take University Blvd. north from the Beltway, then go right at the rst major intersection on US 29, Columbia Pike and Colesville Road. After about a half mile the road will start down a long hill and you will see at the bottom the crossing of the Northwest Branch with two historic buildings, one on each side of the road. Exit right and park in back before reaching the shopping center ramp.

The most impressive parts of the stream’s passage over the fall line begin along the parking area. They continue through a series of falls and pools for the next mile or so. It is a very impressive performance by the Northwest Branch of what all our streams go through to enter the coastal plain, and it is there for you 24 hours a day. There is the ability of children to get close to the water here. Depending on age and experience, they should be watched and instructed on how to deal with wet rocks and other dangers they may not anticipate.

The Birthplace of the Anacostia

The fth and nal place to visit is a remarkable combination of nature, beauty, and human history. It is the birthplace of the River, a

spring in open elds and woods working together, and the sight of human bravery and celebration. This has been identi ed as the farthest place from the discharge of the Anacostia River where water emerges to form a stream.

The human history of the area is remarkable and appropriate. A Quaker meeting house was built early on a half mile from the water source. They wanted to help escaped slaves with their health and new homes after escaping the south. They learned that the escaped slaves would use shallow water to cover their tracks and the trees alongside to hide; they used rivers like the Anacostia, which had both.

So Sandy Spring took its name from the farthest source of the Anacostia River that started there in a sandy spring and it supported the Quakers as they helped the escaping slaves. To get there takes some time but is a pretty attractive trip. Take the Beltway west to Route 650, New Hampshire Avenue north for about a half hour to Route 108 Sandy Spring Road, left at a stoplight. Sandy Spring is the next village and comes up rather quickly. Look for a sign on the left for the Quaker Meeting House and take that road to either the parking lot at the Meeting House or the end of the road to a place to park that does not block the gate for those with a key to enter.

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Social

Housing Policy Discussed

ANC 6A REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on Feb. 8. Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01, vice chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03), Amber Gove (6A04, chair), Dave Wethington (6A05) and Steve Moilanen (6A07) were in attendance. Commissioner Robb Dooling (6A06) was absent.

Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Social Housing and Public Investment (www.socialhousingcenter.org), Will Merrifield, briefed commissioners on the challenges facing residents in need of social housing. The District has taken steps to institute inclusionary zoning, noted Merri eld. The Housing Production Trust Fund, the Preservation Fund and voucher-based programs for residents have helped, but signi cant gaps remain, he said.

“A lot of what’s built in Washington, DC are class A luxury apartments,” Merri eld said. “We are not building things that rationally and efficiently meet the needs of residents in the District of Columbia; we’re building

things that private equity is looking to invest in.”

member Janeese Lewis George,

The Green New Deal for Housing Act, introduced by Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, allows the District to build “thriving transit-connected neighborhoods” and ensure that the largest percentage of housing is “deeply a ordable” for working class residents, said Merri eld. George’s proposal includes the creation of “The O ce of Social Housing.” This new agency would buy, build and manage properties across the city and provide operational oversight for maintenance, he said.

• support the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) plan for bus priority lanes on H Street NE;

The speci cs of the bill raised eyebrows of some commissioners.

“This is not a way to house people,” commented Commissioner Chatterjee on privately owned apartments. She looked forward to learning more about how to stabilize and increase availability of social housing.

“I don’t share your same optimism about creating another DC agency to provide oversight,” Commissioner Velasquez stated. He suggested a “quasi-governmental” approach as a possible alternative.

Other Matters

The commission voted to:

• approve a $1,000 grant for Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, to establish an outdoor garden;

• request DDOT prioritize longstanding Tra c Safety Input at the intersections of 13th and I Streets NE, 14th and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE and E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE;

• request DDOT provision automated traffic enforcement, reconsider speed tables and raised crosswalks on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue

• request DDOT conduct a signal study at the intersection of Eighth Street NE and West Virginia Avenue NE;

• support a limited term stipulated license for Smoking Pig at 1208 H St. NE.

The next meeting of ANC 6A is at 7 p.m. March 14 via Zoom. Get details on committee meetings and how to join online at anc6a.org. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

ANC Requests Reconfiguration of Eastern Market Metro Park

ANC 6B REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B held their rst hybrid meeting on Feb. 13 via Zoom and at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Jerry Sroufe (6B02); David Sobelsohn (6B03, secretary); Kasie Durkit (6B05, parliamentarian); Chander Jayaraman (6B06, vice chair); Vince Mareino (6B07); Edward Ryder (6B08, Chair); and Matt LaFortune (6B09) were present. Frank D’Andrea (6B04). Frank Avery (6B01, treasurer) did not attend.

ANC 6B voted unanimously to send a letter to Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) asking him to convene a committee to reconsider the southwest quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza (EMMP) Park.

“It’s been in many ways a great

success; and in some ways, somewhat of a disappointment,” said chair of the ANC Public Parks and Recreation Space Task Force Jerry Sroufe.

After nearly a decade of community work, EMMP officially opened in 2021. Located at Pennsylvania Ave. SE between Seventh and Ninth Streets SE, the park is diagonally separated into two major sections. The northeast quadrant features a new playground, splash pad and public art. The southwest side, between Seventh and Eighth Streets SE, includes a pavilion, pedestrian and streetscape improvements and movable furniture.

Sroufe said the southwest side of the park is less successful than the northeast side. Much of the movable furniture is now missing. Sculptures have not yet been installed. Maintenance is spotty, with light posts on the ground. The ANC letter argues that congregations of unhoused people and unsupervised students “discourage activities such as a quiet lunch or reading in the park. The metro police and DC police [Metro-

politan Police Department (MPD)] are frequently called to the southwest [quadrant], especially in the after-school hours.”

In April 2023, Allen united stakeholders who agreed to a memorandum of agreement (MOA) assigning maintenance responsibilities for EMMP, Sroufe said. But, he added, the MOA leaves some important issues up in the air.

The ANC recommends Allen reconvene the original EMMP Advisory Committee to get feedback on the success of the park and reconsider the original goals for the southwest parcel. That committee should now include representatives from MPD and members from local schools. It should consider whether design components of the park need to be reworked and make suggestions as needed. The ANC also requests that the city install public restrooms on the site (pointing out that access to the Southeast Library facility is closed until its renovation is complete). Finally, they ask that the MOA signatories meet periodi-

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A AMBER GOVE, CHAIR,

6A04@ANC.DC.GOV

Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, and H Street communities

ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom.

www.anc6a.org

ALL ARE WELCOME

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting

3rd Monday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting

3rd Wednesday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Community Outreach Committee meeting

4th Monday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting

4th Tuesday, March 26, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual meeting via Zoom

We seek community-minded 6A residents interested in joining ANC 6A committees. Visit anc6a.org or email 6A06@anc.dc.gov for more information.

Instructions for accessing the meeting via Zoom have been posted under Hot Topics at anc6a.org. Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be able to enter the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start time.

“Uniting Communities

and West” Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.

anc7d

91628647160

Wendell

Brian Alcorn

Brett Astmann Rosedale – 7D07 7d07@anc.dc.gov

Treasurer

Ashley Schapitl Hill East – 7D09 7d09@anc.dc.gov

Secretary

Siraaj Hasan Eastland Gardens/ 7d01@anc.dc.gov

– 7D01

Mike Davis River Terrace – 7D04 7d04@anc.dc.gov

Ebony Payne Kingman Park – 7D05 7d05@anc.dc.gov

Marc Friend Rosedale – 7D06 7d06@anc.dc.gov

Brianne Hill East – 7D10 7d10@anc.dc.gov

Vacancy in Single Member District 7D02

Image: ANC 6B unanimously supported a letter calling for a committee to reconsider the design and use of the Southwest quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Park, pictured in June 2021. File: E.O’Gorek/CCN

cally to assess if they are achieving the goals of the agreement.

ABC Chair Rues

“Hunger Games”

Cannabis Licensing

Chair of the ANC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Committee Jayaraman is in the process of negotiating Settlement Agreements (SA) with three applicants for medical cannabis licenses. These include No Kids Allowed (637B Pennsylvania Ave. SE), DC Dash (727 Eighth St. SE) and UpNSmoke (427 Eighth St. SE). Jayaraman said he expects to publish the SAs in March.

DC Code prohibits the operation of more than one cannabis retailer within 400 feet. In the Up-NSmoke case, two additional cannabis sellers currently operate within these limits, Mother Blossom (406 Eighth St. SE) and Mr. Nice Guys (409 Eighth St. SE, Unit 200). Jayaraman noted that if Up-NSmoke’s application is successful, the other two retailers will be prevented from legal operation at their current sites and would potentially lose significant investment in the spaces.

As is, the applications are processed and granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, a situation Jayaraman likened to the fight to the death premise of popular film series the Hunger Games, calling the process “inherently unfair.” Although the ANC can weigh in, Jayaraman said commissioners don’t get to indicate a preference for an applicant. Opposition must be based on adverse impact on peace and quiet, property value, or pedestrian safety and parking.

Since all these businesses are new, the ANC can’t speak to adverse impact, Jayaraman said. He said Allen and McDuffie are working on permanent legislation related to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA);

that could be an opportunity to weigh in with changes to the law.

Pedestrian Safety Around Southeast Library Project

The ANC unanimously supported a letter asking DC Public Library (DCPL) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to improve pedestrian safety around the Southeast Library renovation. The project is fenced on all sides, including the sidewalks on the west side of Seventh. The letter proposes: 1) a protected pedestrian walk in the bike lane on the edge of the construction site on South Carolina Ave, 2) a temporary painted crosswalk on D Street SE (roughly behind the rear entrance of Labyrinth); 3) that DDOT provide analysis of best way to protect pedestrians on Seventh Street; and 4) that screens around site be removed to improve sightlines.

In Other Business:

Committee and Taskforce were unanimously renewed and chairs elected as follows:

• Planning and Zoning Committee Chair: D’Andrea

• Public Safety Committee

Chair: Resident Member Lisa Masamoto; Vice Chair Avery.

• Transportation Committee

Chair: LaFortune

• Taskforce for the Southeast Library and Public Parks and Recreation were renewed as were the existing chairs: Sobelsohn and Sroufe, respectively. No action was taken regarding the ABC Committee. Bylaws allow the current chair, Jayaraman, to serve until a successor has been elected. Jayaraman intends to serve as Vice Chair in 2024 but cites reduced availability in the upcoming year. The Committee can elect

Jayaraman as Pro Tempore Chair, with ANC selection of permanent chair in March.

The next meeting of ANC 6B takes place 7 p.m. March 12 in-person and online. Get full meeting details at anc6b.org u

Plastic Windows Coverings, “An Abomination”

ANC 6C REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on Feb. 14 via WebEx. Commissioners Leslie Merkle (6C02, secretary), Commissioner Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, chair), Commissioner Patricia Eguino (6C06) and Tony Goodman (6C07, vice chair) were in attendance. Commissioners

The World Mission Society of God at 700 A St. NE has installed plastic panels over the exterior stained-glass windows of its historic church. In 2011 at the time of the property’s purchase, the church had elected to remove the windows. The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) objected. The issue ended up in front of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), which found the windows to be “a key contributing factor” of the historic structure and ordered their restoration. The church subsequently lost an appeal before the Mayor’s Agent. The windows were restored in 2013.

The panels “look terrible” from the exterior, the commission’s Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZE) committee unanimously concluded, stated Chair Eckenwiler.

“A neighbor said the windows

Christy Kwan (6C01) and Commissioner Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer) were absent.

Neighbors object to the white plastic panels covering the stained glass at World Mission Society of God church at 700 A St. NE.

are the eyes to the community and these are huge cataracts over the windows,” stated Commissioner Adelstein.

The District Department of Buildings (DOB) Chief Building Official (CBO) determined the coverings to be storm windows, reported Eckenwiler. Under the District’s building code, storm windows do not require a permit. The HPO’s authority is limited to alterations involving permits, he said.

The installation of the paneling an “end run” around the windows’ restoration, Adelstein said. “This is an abomination.”

Vice Chair Goodman agreed the window coverings are “ugly.” However, the loophole may be sufficient for the church to retain the panels. “They’ve done an end run around the rules, but I think it’s a successful end run unfortunately,” Goodman said.

The commission voted to request the DOB CBO to reconsider the classification of the panels as storm windows.

Other Matters

The commission voted to:

• support the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) plan for bus priority safety improvements along H Street NE between Third Street and Benning Road NE;

• r equest that the Department of Public Works (DPW) establish resident-only parking (RPP) on the 200 and 300 blocks of A Street NE, C Street NE, Fourth Street NE and Fifth Street NE, the 900 block of Seventh Street NE and the 600 block of K Street NE;

• support the Capitol Hill Village sidewalk survey about sidewalks throughout Ward 6 in need of repair during the upcoming oversight hearings on DDOT;

• support moving the Capital Bikeshare station at 601 Massachusetts Ave. NE to the street on the southeast corner of Sixth Street NE and Massachusetts Avenue NE.

ANC 6C will meet next on March 13 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. Visit anc6c.org to learn more about the commission and register to attend the meeting.

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

A Spinning TOPP

ANC 6D REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Feb. 12 via Zoom. Commissioners Bob Link (6DO1, vice chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Bruce Levine (6D06, secretary), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance. Ronald Collins (6D02, treasurer) was absent. Commissioner Ashton Rohmer resigned from 6D05 on Jan. 10. The seat is currently vacant.

Chair Kramer submitted a letter to the Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) addressing a plethora of transportation issues, particularly the 2024 Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP) for Nationals and DC United Stadiums. The 2024 TOPP must address the Wharf and Yards Park as well, said Kramer. It must more effectively balance the needs of residents and visitors. The agency should also hold ongoing monitoring meetings with stakeholders including the BIDS and the two commissions south of the freeway.

Commissioners Fast and Vice Chair Link objected to the letter, terming it a reiteration of past communications, which have proved ineffective. They were joined by Commissioners Pawley and Levine who advised taking a new approach.

“We need to be more forward leading and tell them what needs to be done. Clearly the TOPP process doesn’t work,” said Pawley. She advised crafting a letter offering an alternative.

“It doesn’t hit the mark of getting any response from them (DDOT),” said Fast.

The letter, Kramer countered, was not a reiteration of past epistles, but a summary of commissioners’ concerns at their earlier administrative meetings. “To not do anything and not share it seems to be a lost opportunity,” she said. Commissioner Hamilton concurred. Both Fast, Link and Commissioner Levine complemented the chair on the thoroughness of her letter.

All of the commissioners lamented DDOT’s lack of consultation over the 2024 TOPP, a draft of which has yet to be submitted to the commission.

Link proposed adding a more forceful intro-

duction to the letter. Other commissioners concurred. They voted in favor of sending a rewritten letter with Fast remaining in opposition.

The Statue at 60 I Street

Commissioners discussed sending a protest letter authored by Chair Kramer to DDOT’s Committee on Public Space over an application it had granted for a religious statue located partially in public space in front of the newly rebuilt Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Assembly of God at 60 I St. SW.

The matter-of-right development built by Foulger-Pratt has proved controversial. It consists both of the church as well as a new 197unit apartment building. During construction, the city permitted the company to stage its construction in a section of neighboring Lansbugh Park, which resulted in the destruction of a number of heritage trees.

The new apartment, built right to the property line, incorporates extensive exterior lighting of significant intensity and multiple color combinations. The developer did not consult either the commission or neighbors on its lighting plans.

Commissioner Rohmer, who was in office at the time of the public space application for the statue, neglected to respond to an October 2023 notice regarding the statute. So, the commission did not submit comments.

The letter under consideration simply memorializes the commission’s many objections to the project, stated Kramer.

At the suggestion of Commissioner Fast, the DC Dept. Buildings and DC Dept. of Energy and the Environment were added to the recipient list, since those agencies are responsible for lighting and the building. The DC Dept. of Parks and Recreation was also added, since it administers Lansburgh Park, where the trees have yet to be replaced. The commission unanimously approved the letter.

Public Safety

Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Captains Hrebenak and Harding briefed the commission on public safety. No incidents occurred during Marti Gras at the Wharf, despite over 40,000 revelers, due to large MPD deployment, Hrebenak stated.

There were three robberies between Feb. 3

and 5 on Water Street at The Wharf. The first incident occurred at 600 Water St. SW. A man robbed a man while he was waiting for a female companion outside a restroom, he said. The second involved an attempted robbery on 1100 block of Fourth Street SW. The third robbery took place on Maine Avenue and involved a gun, he said. MPD has stepped up its daytime street patrols in Southwest, Hrebenak stated. In particular, police are conducting foot patrols on Water Street.

A women with mental health issues attacked a female jogger at Fourth and G Street SW. The victim was not seriously injured. Officers arrested the attacker.

The 1100 block of Fourth Street SW has been a hotbed of criminal activity, Harding stated. MPD has now stationed a car there and is conducting joint patrols with Metro police, he said. A traffic officer has also been assigned to do enforcement at the intersection of Fourth & M Streets SW. On Feb. 4, a diner leaving Station 4 was robbed at gunpoint. A nearby officer,intervened and tussled with the suspect, who managed to flee, but left his cell phone behind.

MPD has added two crime patrols to the James Creek neighborhood. On Jan. 26, two men carjacked the vehicle belonging to a superintendent of a nearby construction site. They ditched the car a few blocks away and fled on Metro.

ABCA

ANC 6D ABCA Committee Chair Josh Perry announced his resignation effective in March. Commissioners thanked him for his service.

Chair Kramer moved to filed a protest against the liquor license application by Hen Quarter at 2121 First St. SW on the grounds of peace, order and quiet. The commission had previously voted to support a community agreement with the establishment at its January meeting. Since then, the applicant has requested an entertainment endorsement from ABCA, which is not addressed in that agreement. ABCA’s attorney’s have also asked for language be struck from the original agreement. Vice Chair Link suggested the commission move to strike the language and direct the ABCA the committee to review the entertainment endorsement. The commission then voted to file a protest with Link and Fast opposed.

Commissioner Pawley requested her colleagues to amend the Safeway Community Agreement. The amendment, she stated, expands the store’s accountability and transparency including: security levels, guard training, noise control related to live camera device, loitering in vestibule, working with MPD to bar certain people in and around premises. It has been reviewed and provisionally approved by ABCA, she said. Commissioners Fast and Link commended Pawley on work along with the ABC committee member. The amended community agreement was approved unanimously.

Other Matters

DC Dept. of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Community Engagement Manager Chris Dyer briefed the commission on the agency’s Summer Camp Lottery. Dyer also mentioned his agency’s Town Center Park Project. Commissioners Link, Pawley and Fast criticized the design of the agency’s resident survey, which involved only 172 participants. The survey did not seem connected to project, said Pawley. Questions were drawn from a standard survey tool, said Dyer.

The ANC 6D Transportation Committee is focusing on The South Capitol Street Redesign, M Street SW Redesign, car-bike conflicts at Fourth & O Streets SW, increasing O Street SW parking and deliveries on Maine Avenue SW. The committee has developed a tracker for 311 complaints. Secretary Levine asked the committee to examine whether the Flex posts at Fourth and M Streets can be altered to reduce bike crossovers and signaling installed. Sandor agreed to pursue the issue.

The commission voted to request the DC Dept. of Public Works (DPW) to place a new trash receptacle on O Street between Half and South Capitol to deal with trash generated by Nationals fans.

Commission voted to support:

• the Purple Stride 5K Walk;

• the renewal of SW BID Charter;

• the Cherry Blossom 5k.

ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is March 11, 2024. For more information, visit www.anc6d. org. u

ProLogis Development Generates Concerns

ANC 7D REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Feb. 13 via Zoom. Commissioners Siraaj Hasan (7D01), Wendell Felder (7D03, chair), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brian Alcorn (7D08, vice chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09), secretary) and Brianne Eby-Stockert (7D10) were in attendance. Commissioners Mike Davis (7D04) and Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer) were absent. Single Member District 7D02 remains vacant.

Pepco’s sale of 10 decommissioned acres of land to logistics company ProLogis dominated discussion at ANC 7D’s February meeting as representatives briefed commissioners on community engagement and construction plans.

In December of 2023, Pepco sold 10 of the 67 acres of the site of the decommissioned Benning Road Power Plan to ProLogis (www.prologis.com), a company specializing in real estate relating to supply chain logistics, often manifesting as warehouses. Pepco Vice President of External Governmental Affairs and President of Pepco Region Valencia McClure and Head of Government and Community Affairs for ProLogis Steven Hussain briefed the commission on the transaction, which had surprised many commissioners and residents.

In January, the commission wrote to ProLogis and Pepco Holdings to express its concern about the sale, to “stimulate engagement and discussions” with both companies on a community-focused use of the land and to emphasize the importance of the environmental remediation of the property.

Pepco intends to keep and maintain the use of the remaining 57 acres, stated McClure. “We’re not going anywhere,” she added. “We are an active partner within the community and we look forward to be being even a more engaged community partner with this particular area.”

ProLogis intends to break ground in 2026,

said Hussain, with construction continuing through 2027. He highlighted the company’s global commitment to sustainability, expressing excitement about the environmental and economic impacts of their new facility.

“I would venture to say there is nobody who is going to build a more sustainable building and have a more sustainable operation than Prologis,” Hussein said, “We are at the forefront of this space.”

Community members are frustrated at sale of the decommissioned land to a private company, reported Chair Felder. “I’m all for sustainability as well as workforce development, however, we want to see whatever the site is transformed to benefit the community, specifically in a manner in which residents can benefit from it,” he said.

Would ProLogis would consider selling half of the land back to the District to be revitalized and developed for community use? asked Felder. The request for a partial land sale is “pretty much impossible” given its size, replied Hussain.

Commissioner Hasan echoed Felder’s concerns, noting the “lack of resources” such as grocery stores in this area of Ward 7 and highlighted the potential for the acreage to be used for public good.

Commissioner Friend raised the issue of increased truck traffic impacting nearby residential streets. ProLogis takes this type of disruption “seriously” but did not anticipate truck traffic having a negative impact on residential streets due to the location of the entry and exit points, replied Hussein.

Hasan disagreed. “Trucks come off of the highway and they tear up folks’ yards, the guardrails and more,” he said. “I will tell you I am more than concerned with this project, even more so than before.”

The commission took no vote or additional action on this matter.

Other Matters

Superintendent of National Capital Parks-East, Tara Morrison, briefed the commission on the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund that would provide nearly $12 million in funding for improvements to National Parks in Southeast DC. The National Park Service (NPS) will host pop ups this winter and spring to talk to neighbors about amenities and priorities as they plan to rehabilitate existing parks and facilities. Visit nps.org to learn more.

The commission voted to:

• to request the Zoning Commission to reschedule the March 11 design review hearing for Hill East Parcel B of Reservation 13 to allow commissioners to review the relief being requested by the applicant;

• Write to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) in support for an Anacostia River arboretum bridge and request that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) explore a “minimally intrusive” bridge option;

• support funding the extension of the DC Streetcar project.

ANC 7D will meet next on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. u

DDOT No Show

ANC 8F REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 8F) met on Nov. 28. Commissioners Nic Wilson (treasurer, 8F01), Rick Murphree (vice chair, 8F02), Brian Strege (secretary, 8F03) and Edward Daniels (chair, 8F04) and . Clayton Rosenberg (8F05) were in attendance.

The commission awaited representatives from DDOT to discuss a wide variety of issues. In particular, the commissioners were hoping to question the agency about its Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP) for Nationals and DC United Stadia. With the baseball season just weeks away, the window for substantive community comment is rapidly closing.

Commissioners expressed concerns that there would be time for any community input into the TOPP. DDOT has yet to furnish them with its 2024 plan.

DDOT representatives did not appear at the meeting.

Petalpalooza

The organizers of Petalpalooza (nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/petalpalooza), scheduled for April 6, as part of the citywide Cherry Blossom Festival briefed commissioners on the plans for their event. The festival runs from 1 to 9 p.m. A fireworks show is scheduled from 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. There will be live performances in stages at Yards and Diamond Teague parks.

Road closures and parking restrictions will begin the night before around Yards Park. No vehicles will be permitted south of Tingley Street SE. Residents will be given special placards to allow them to access their vehicles parked in underground garages.

Commissioner Murphree expressed his concerns about traffic management, given a scheduled 4 p.m. Nationals game. The commission voted unanimously to support the event.

Other Matters

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Lieutenant Kenneth Taylor briefed the commission on public safety. In general, crime is keeping pace with last year, he stated. Of the five robberies in the last 30 days, two have been closed with arrests, Taylor reported. Secretary Strege expressed his concern about the incidents of juvenile vandalism plaguing Capitol Quarter. Kids are kicking garage doors and throwing bricks in the alleys, he reported. The perpetrators have been caught on homeowner’s cameras, but there have been no arrests, Taylor replied.

“It’s going to be summer soon and kids will be roaming around in groups again,” Taylor said. “If you know juveniles in your neighborhood, I would recommend getting to know them and their parents,” he advised. “It’s going to be a long summer.”

Commission voted to support the Fifth Annual CHCI run on May 19, 2024.

Representatives from Whitlow on the Water briefed the commission on their plans for the 48-person passenger boat they intend to operate on weekends at Yards Marina. They requested the commission support a stipulated liquor license for the vessel in advance of their application for permanent approval. Due to the timing of the application process and the Cherry Blossom Festival, the commission voted to support their stipulated application.

ANC 8F’ s next meeting is scheduled for March 19 at DDOT Headquarters at 250 M St. SE at 7 p.m. For more information, visit anc8f.org. u

Anacostia River Festival Date Announced

The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service have announced that the Tenth Annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is on Saturday, May 4, 1 to 4 p.m. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Bulletin Board

Friends of the SW Library Book Sale

The Friends of the SW Library are holding a book sale on Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m., on the second floor of the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. Most items are $1 or less with a $5 bag sale on Sunday, 2 to 3 p.m. Proceeds go to library supplies and programs not provided for in the city’s budget. They take cash, checks and Venmo. There is some parking in the rear of the building. Email friendsofswlibrary@gmail.com if you have questions.

Power & Light: The Story of Electricity on Capitol Hill

The Story of Electricity on Capitol Hill is the subject of the virtual, March 26, 6:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Restoration Society Preservation Café. Author Joanna Kendig, Power & Light: The Story of Electricity on Capitol Hill, is the presenter. CHRS Preservation Cafés are free to the public. More information at chrs.org.

Capitol Hill

Village Gala: Oh, What a Night

The 2024 Capitol Hill Village Gala is on April

20, 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. The annual Gala is a time for CHV and the community to come together to have a good time and raise funds that support critical Capitol Hill Village programs and services. Captain Dave Wilbar will be spinning favorites from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Look for favorite dances from the eras, trivia games, a silent auction, good food and plenty of opportunity to mingle. Buy tickets for $150 or become a Gala sponsor at bidpal.net/chvgala.

Overbeck Lecture: 200 Years of the Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden at the base of Capitol Hill has long been a treasured destination for

residents and tourists. At the Overbeck History Lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11, at Hill Center, Dr. Susan Pell will look back at the more than 200 years of the USBG and its many contributions to national life.

Dr. Pell, executive director of the Botanic Garden, will share how the institution began with its establishment by Congress in 1820. It then grew with a collection of living plants brought back from a naval expedition in 1842 to the institution that now serves more than one million visitors each year as well as many thousands of online learners. Dr. Pell has spent her career at public gardens as a botanist, educator, and leader. Admission is free but a reservation is required due to limited capacity.

Women’s History Month 5k

March is Women’s History Month, so get ready to celebrate the over 350,000 women and girls living in the District with Mayor Bowser’s sixth annual FITDC HerStory 5k. On Saturday, March 9, bring the family to Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, and enjoy a prerace warmup, kids dash, remarks from prominent female figures, a scenic route down Pennsylvania Ave, and a post-race finish festival with music, food, and vendors from local women-owned businesses and women-led government agencies. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m. and 5k at 10 a.m. Free registration is at herstory5k.com.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

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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

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

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

COVID-19

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

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is 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

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

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

any

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

https://www.hillcenterdc.org/ event/overbeck-lecture-200-years-ofbotanic-gardens-contributions/. Hill Center is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

Folger to Reopen on June 21

The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, has announced that its historic home on Capitol Hill will reopen on Friday, June 21, 2024. The $80.5 million renovation has made the building accessible and added a new public wing, the Adams Pavilion, with 12,000 square feet of public space. The expansion houses two new exhibition halls that will offer visitors opportunities to engage directly with the Folger’s world-class collection, including its 82 copies of Shakespeare’s First Folio which will be displayed together to the public for the first time. Accessible garden entrances and visitor lobbies, a café, a new learning lab and collaborative research spaces, and an expanded gift shop are among the visitor amenities and building enhancements added during the four-year construction project. folger.edu/about-us/press/folger-open-june21-2024.

Village Voices’ Klan War and Ulysses S. Grant

On Tuesday March 5 at 7 p.m., writer and journalist Fergus Bordewich talks about his new book: Klan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction, on Zoom. Published in 2023, the book describes the Ku Klux Klan as “the first organized terrorist movement in American history,” one that Grant battled “with forceful political action.” In our current era of political divides, his look at the record of extremism is particularly timely. Join Village Voices to learn the uncomfortable parallels of events today with those 150 years ago. Village Voices presentations are free and open to the public, sponsored by Capitol Hill Village. Register and join the online discussion at https://capitolhill.helpfulvillage.com/events.

2024 Fireworks at Nationals Park

Lighting up the night sky, fireworks return to the ballpark on Friday nights; April 19, May 3, and Sept.

Arboretum Flowering 5k Run/Walk

On Sunday, March 24, 9 a.m., enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5k. This run/walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. This race is not only scenic, but it is also safe and secure. All roads are closed to cars so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. Strollers and dogs are welcome but dogs must stay on a 6’ non-retractable leash. $50 registration ends on March 21; race weekend registration is $55. Registration is free for kids to age 12. Register at fona.org/events_programs.

Capitol Hill Home Photo Contest Deadline Extended

In anticipation of the 66th anniversary of the Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society is sponsoring a photo contest--The Capitol Hill Home. Entries are now due March 15. Winning images receive two passes to the 2023 House and Garden Tour and will be displayed on the CHRS website. View details and past contest winners at chrs.org/photo-contest-2023.

13 and special Freedom Fireworks on July 3. Find the season schedule at mlb.com/nationals/schedule/2024/fullseason.

Women’s History Month AARP Meeting and Luncheon

On Wednesday, March 20, noon to 2 p.m., meet and hear from guest speaker ANC6D07 Commissioner Fredrica “Rikki” Kramer. The meeting is at River Park Mutual Homes South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. Lunch is $5. All are welcome to hear about communi-

CHRS Spring House & Garden Tour

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Mother’s Day Weekend house and garden is on Saturday, May 11, 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, 1 to 5 p.m. The tour will be in the area bordered by Pennsylvania and Massachusetts avenues and Fifth and Thirteenth streets. For more information, visit chrs.org.

ty matters, programs and initiatives in support of adults aged 50 and over and all DC residents. For further information, contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.

Tax Help at SW Library

Through April 15, select DC Public Libraries are hosting income tax return preparation for qualified residents. The DC Library partners with the AARP Foundation to provide service to eight of their neighborhood locations. Find locations and tax help hours at dclibrary. org/using-the-library/tax-preparation. To make an appointment at SW, come to SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, during regular tax assistance hours (Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m.). At that time, pick up a taxpayer information packet that contains the intake and interview form to be filled out, as well as a list of documents needed to prepare returns. For any questions, call 202656-0442 and leave a message or email 20051018@aarpfoundation.org. A tax preparer will reply. dclibrary.org.

Volunteers Needed for Eastern Market Marketing Plan

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) needs volunteers to serve on a newly established committee to create an annual marketing plan to promote the Market, vendors and nearby businesses. Will include an annual calendar, promotions for holiday events, advertising and social media. While we appreciate those with professional communications experience, the most important volunteer is to bring your energy and ideas to the effort. This is a great opportunity to get involved! Join us! Please contact Chuck Burger at 202-258-5316 or cburger@ cbmove.com if you have any questions or to discuss signing up.

CPR Certification Program at Giant

Giant Food has announced the launch of its CPR Certification Program, a new service offered to local businesses and organizations. The program, offering two-year certifications

Final Designs for 11th Street Bridge Park Released

The final designs for DC’s 11th Street Bridge Park have been released as the team behind the city’s first elevated park looks to finally put shovels in the ground later this year. The new park will reuse the structural pillars of the former 11th Street Bridge spanning the Anacostia River. The seesaw-shaped structure will have multiple pedestrian and bicyclist access points, as well as an amphitheater, an environmental education center, a play area, a café, a boat launch, a community farm, and a hammock grove. bbardc.org/project/11th-street-bridge-park.

led by Giant Food’s certi ed pharmacists, provides the skills necessary to respond to life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The program o ers convenient on-site training. Program participants learn to recognize and respond to cardiac emergencies and receive the most up-to-date guidelines for performing CPR, in accordance with recommendations from the American Heart Association. The course teaches the proper way to perform chest compressions, rescue breathing, and will cover the proper varying methods for adult, child and infant CPR plus AED training. Giant’s CPR Certi cation Program is available for groups of six or more individuals starting at $69.99 per person. Contact the Giant CPR team at pharmacy@giantfood.com to learn more about

Garden Plots Available for 2024 Growing Season

The 1200 Potomac Avenue Community Garden has a few gardening plots available for the 2024 growing season. The community garden is at the corner of 12th Street and Potomac Avenue, SE. If you’re interested, contact Marci Hilt at marcihilt@aol.com.

St. Jude Rock and Roll Half Marathon

On Saturday, March 16, discover the District like never before and immerse yourself in a thriving cultural hub when you run the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington DC. Get ready to experience an eclectic running tour that gets you close to some of the most iconic monuments including the White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and more. The 5k is $75; half-marathon is $139 (fees may rise). Register at runrocknroll.com/washington-dc-register.

developing a custom certi cation program for any organization.

11th Street Bridge Park

Partners with Comcast

The 11th Street Bridge Park has announced Comcast as its o cial “Connectivity Partner.” The company will provide free high-speed internet access, free laptops, and digital skills programming for the park’s anticipated one million annual visitors, and surrounding community. The investment announced today is part of Proj-

ect UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity. Comcast’s donation, valued at $1 million, includes: free public WiFi throughout the park; creation of a Comcast Lift Zone in the park’s Community Room, which will provide free high-speed internet access for visitors, along with free monthly digital skills training programming for local residents. bbardc.org/project/11thstreet-bridge-park. ◆

Theater Night

A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

As the weather warms, spring reminds us that nature’s ancient processes of rebirth have a few important lessons to impart. Transformation is not only always possible, but inevitable. If you’re brave enough to lead the charge – like those first tender buds after the last frosts of winter – change often has its own rewards. This month’s column focuses on theater that examines change, transformation, and rebirth in ways both literal and metaphorical.

On Right Now

Beauty and the Beast, Toby’s DinnerTheatre Showing Mar 15– Jun 16

It’s a tale as old as time… Girl longs to escape her life of boredom in a sleepy village. Girl tumbles upon a hexed castle. Girl falls in love with a bad-tempered beast who is really a handsome prince under a powerful spell that only true love can break. If this fantastical story sounds familiar, it’s probably because you grew up watching it on the Disney Channel.

Like the enchantment that is cast over the titular Beast’s castle and its inhabitants, Beauty and the Beast has bewitched audiences for over 30 years. The stage musical was adapted from the 1991 Academy-Award winning film in 1994, and this month Maryland’s Toby’s Dinner Theatre invites both young and old to experience its interpretation of this lyrical stage adventure. For its 2024 iteration, the theater has paired a newcomer – Rachel Cahoon –in the role of restless, romantic Belle with a Toby’s stalwart – David James – as the uptight but loyal butler/mantel clock Cogsworth.

David James as Cogsworth. Courtesy Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Perhaps part of Beauty and the

Beast’s perpetual allure is that it explores themes of transformation and change in ways both obvious and subtle. It doesn’t hurt that renowned composer Alan Menken’s magical songs weave through the action. “This is the first time I’ve done Beauty and the Beast, and my first time working at Toby’s,” Cahoon says. “Belle talks about change a lot. She wants something different, something new. Something to change her life for the better.” James has been with the Toby’s Dinner Theatre family for over 30 years and is no stranger to the role of Cogsworth. “The first time I did this was in 2005. But it’s great because every time there’s

new faces which I love, because I get to work off new people. The climate that we’re in right now, with so much stuff happening in the world, there’s always that ray of hope at the end when we change and learn and grow. There’s always a brighter future. That’s the prominent theme throughout the show which I love.”

The eponymous Toby Orenstein of Toby’s Dinner Theatre has focused on change and transformation for most of her professional career. She formed the Young Columbians –a youth group focused on the performing arts – in 1975 and has unlocked the creative potential of the performing arts for thousands of kids since 1979, when she opened her Maryland theatre. With an array of awards under her belt, Orenstein has remained committed to transforming young minds through creative expression. “Toby has always used her theater as a teaching aid for young audiences,” says James. “Theater is such an important teaching tool for children.”

This play, however, isn’t just for kids. “There’s something about Beauty and the Beast that’s always catered towards people of any generation,” Cahoon points out. “That’s why it’s one of the most iconic Disney movies and musicals of all time. There’s something so humbling about accepting the fact that change is inevitable and that to become a better person you must accept that you’re going to change and grow. That’s the learning element of this show.”

Catch Before Closing Tempestuous Elements, Arena Stage

Showing Feb 16 – Mar 17

Hot off the heels of his acclaimed play Monumental Travesties at Mosaic Theater, playwright, director, and actor Psalmayene 24 returns to Arena Stage to direct Kia Corthron’s Tempestuous Ele-

ments, a drama focused on a chapter in the life of Anna Julia Cooper, and the ways she transformed African American education forever against impossible odds.

You probably already know who Anna Julia Cooper is without realizing it. This prolific scholar, author, educator and speaker’s ruminations on the significance of freedom appear on pages 24 and 25 of US passports. Tempestuous Elements –the 11th installment of Arena Stage’s Power Play initiative – is part of a rising tide of interest in telling the stories of African American educators and changemakers active in DC in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Also in March, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s Dr. Samir Meghelli opens an exhibition focused on African American art teachers in the city during this tumultuous period of history. It’s high time that these moments of history get the attention they so richly deserve.

“Anna Julia Cooper’s life really epitomizes the essence of reinvention, because this is a woman who was born enslaved and went on to get her PhD from the Sorbonne.” says Psalm. “This idea of transformation, of change, of metamorphosis, is embedded in Cooper’s life.” Tempestuous Elements (the title comes from Cooper’s own writings and refers to the volatile social conditions that Black girls and women frequently endure) covers Cooper’s time at DC’s historic M Street High School, where she was caught up in the crossfire between two opposing teaching methodologies that would pave the way for future African American education in the US. “Anna was dealing with that tension between a classical and a vocational curriculum.” Explains Psalm. “These ideas are embodied by W.E.B Du Bois, who supported the classical curriculum for African Americans, and Booker T. Washington who espoused the vocational approach. But both approaches were about uplifting Black people.”

Psalm has been surrounded by strong Black women his whole life, so for him this play is intensely personal. “Her story, for me, feels like coming home.” Who does he hope comes to see it? “Everybody in the DC area. I want Black women to see this play because they get to see a mirror of themselves in some ways. A lot of the hurdles that Anna had to overcome are the same ones that Black women today must deal with.”

Special Mention

Little Shop of Horrors, Ford’s Theatre

Showing Mar 15 – May 18

Imagine a strange species of plant that no amount of water or fertilizer seems to satisfy. It’s only when you accidently snag your finger that a drop of blood perks this peculiar perennial right back up. You’ve just met Audrey II, the star attraction of Mr. Mushnik’s florist on Skid Row, and timid shop assistant Seymour Krelborn’s ticket to fame, fortune and possibly even love. But you’d better arm yourself with your gardening shears because Audrey II is about to transform into a voracious, flesh-eating houseplant that threatens to engulf both Mushnik, Seymour, and possibly the entire world!

This is the plot of Ford’s Theatre’s rockmusical rendition of Little Shop of Horrors, directed Kevin S. McAllister and starring Derrick D. Truby Jr. as Seymour and Chani Wereley as Audrey, Seymour’s secret crush and after whom he names his bloodthirsty botanical specimen.

Little Shop of Horrors is a vast and intimidating creative legacy. A plethora of film and musical adaptations, peppered by a host of celebrated actors, have graced stage and screen from the 1960s all the way through to 2019. The origins of the story can be traced back to an 1894 sci-fi novel by H.G Wells. However, for Truby and Wereley, McAllister’s interpretation of this musical – and their contributions as actors of color - is about changing this legacy. “I grew up with the show. I’ve seen the movie so many times!” laughs Wereley. “Being a little Asian girl, I didn’t see myself in Ellen Greene. I latched onto the urchins! But I’m realizing how much I’ve always wanted to play this role. Having the honor of playing Audrey in this theater is really special.” Truby concurs. “It’s a very different show when you have people like us in it. The two of us are not typically the people you’d think would be chosen to play Audrey and Seymour. But we’re given this opportunity. It’s such a huge gift but also a responsibility to pay homage to the communities we come from.”

McAllister’s Little Shop of Horrors promises to show you a rocking good time, but also hint at how urban life is irrevocably transformed by processes such as gentrification, migration, and economic transition. u

Gina Daniels stars in Tempestuous Elements at Arena Stage.

Photo: Tony Powell.

Derrick D. Truby Jr. as Seymour and Chani Wereley as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors

H Street Life

article and photos by Denzell Spencer

HStreet Corridor, with its vibrant community and bustling streets, offers a plethora of experiences to start your day on the right note. From indulging in a hearty breakfast to breaking a sweat at a local gym, and even taking care of furry friends, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

Breakfast at Tony’s Breakfast

Nestled near a bus stop and gas station, Tony’s Breakfast (1387 H St NE) is a beloved local spot that promises a

delicious start to your day. Stepping inside, you’re greeted with the aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee, instantly awakening your senses. Whether you’re craving classic pancakes drizzled with syrup, fluffy omelets bursting with savory fillings, or a simple yet satisfying plate of eggs and toast, Tony’s has something to please every palate.

I decided to have a breakfast sandwich and coffee since I was pressed for time. There were many options for proteins and breads to accompany my usual egg and cheese breakfast staples. I went with chicken sausage on rye and enjoyed every bite.

Sweat, Strength, and Community at Old City CrossFit

After breakfast, I kicked things into high gear with a heart-pumping workout at Old City CrossFit (1007 H St. NE). Lo -

cated just a hop and skip away from Tony’s, this fitness haven offers a range of classes designed to challenge and inspire. I opted for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session, guaranteed to torch calories and build strength from head to toe.

As I stepped into the spacious gym, I was greeted by the sound of weights clanking and the forceful yet joyful instructions from the instructor. The energy was infectious, and I could feel my motivation skyrocket as I joined fellow fitness enthusiasts in warming

Jen leads a warmup with barbells at Old City CrossFit.

LEFT: Justine hands a customer their breakfast at Tony’s Breakfast.

up for the workout ahead. Led by Jen, a knowledgeable coach who is passionate about helping us reach our goals, each exercise is carefully crafted to push our limits and unleash our full potential.

er you need daycare, boarding, grooming, or simply a bit of extra TLC for your canine companion, Atlas Dog House has you covered.

I first learned of the multiservice facility on a cold, rainy day while walking my friend’s Shiatzu. What started as a light mist quickly turned into a wintry mixture of rain and slush. Thankfully, we were able to not only seek shelter, but Marissa, one of the sta members, dried off my furry friend and even sent us home with a treat.

The workout was a whirlwind of sweat, adrenaline, triumph deadlifts, hip extensions, and Tabata workouts. By the time the cooldown rolls around, I’m dripping with sweat, but proud of what I’ve accomplished in just a single session.

Pawsitively Perfect Pet Care at Atlas Dog House

I head over to Atlas Dog House (1375 H St. NE). This premier pet care facility o ers a range of services designed to keep our fourlegged friends happy, healthy, entertained–and kennel-free. Wheth-

As I headed home, I re ected on the myriad experiences that have lled my day with such a sense of connection to this vibrant community. From a delicious breakfast at Tony’s to pushing my limits at Old City CrossFit and spreading love to furry friends at Atlas Dog House, I reveled in the experiences that the day on H Street day o ered. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a rst-time visitor, H Street has something for everyone, inviting us to explore, connect, and savor each moment to the fullest.

Denzell Spencer is a philanthropic strategist and former DC Public Schools teacher. For tips and retail recommendations on and near the H Street Corridor, email him at dspencer20003@gmail. com. ◆

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY EVENT

Volunteer Capitol Hill 2024

Saturday, April 6, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

STUDIO ARTS

Local Makers Workshop: Polymer Clay Earrings w/ Fresh Pear JewelrySpring Colors Edition

Sunday, March 3, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Contemporary Watercolors Workshop

Saturday, March 30, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking Workshop

Saturday, March 30, 2:30pm - 5:00pm

Cherry Blossom Sip ’n Paint!

Saturday, March 30, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

CONCERTS

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Acclaimed Americana Duo Violet Bell

Sunday, March 10, 4:30pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Chef’s Table Featuring Magpie and the Tiger’s Roren Choi & Caleb Jang

Friday, March 1, 6:00pm-8:30pm SOLD OUT

Classic English Tea with Globetrotter

Marianne Tshihamba

Saturday, March 2, 11:00am-2:00pm

Long Lunch: Paella with Chef Mark Haskell

Friday, March 8, 11:30am-1:00pm

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James

Tuesday, March 12, 6:00pm-7:30pm

SOLD OUT

Classic Italian: Pasta Making with Chef Mark Haskell

Thursday, March 14, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James

Tuesday, March 26, 6:00pm-7:30pm

LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS

Overbeck Lecture: 200 Years of Botanic Garden’s Contributions

Monday, March 11, 7:30pm

The Life of a Poet Featuring Celebrated Poet Sandra Beasley in Conversation with Kyle Dargan

Thursday, March 14, 7:00pm

Beloved Scottish Writer Margot Livesey discusses her new novel, The Road to Belhaven, in conversation with Novelist Alice McDermott

Monday, March 18, 7:00pm

Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees

Sunday, March 24, 4:30pm

Talk of the Hill with Bill Press Featuring Alex Prud’homme

Tuesday, March 26, 7:00pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP)

Basic Drawing Techniques

Busy Bees: Music & Art Playgroup

Contemporary Watercolors

French Courses: Various Levels

District Flow Yoga

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR

Gottaswing

Meditation in Capitol Hill

Mr. Mike’s Music Together

Opera Starts with Oh! - Opera Lafayette Piano Lessons with Gordon Tenney

Profs & Pints DC

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Spanish Courses: Various Levels

Studio One Dance

Super Soccer Stars

Tai Chi Chuan

Tippi Toes Dance

Warrior Fusion Karate

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

Michelle greets customers at Atlas Dog House.

Art and the City

by Phil Hutinet

The Phillips Collection

“Bonnard’s Worlds”

March 2–June 2, 2024 www.phillipscollection.org/event/2024-03-02bonnards-worlds

The Phillips Collection is set to unveil a captivating exploration into the life and works of renowned French artist Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) with the upcoming exhibition titled “Bonnard’s Worlds.” This exhibition marks a significant moment as it is the first major showcase of Bonnard’s art in the nation’s capital in two decades. Curated in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, “Bonnard’s Worlds” will feature 60 of the artist’s masterpieces, sourced from collections worldwide, including some rarely seen gems.

What sets “Bonnard’s Worlds” apart is its unique approach, eschewing chronological or geo-

graphical constraints in favor of a thematic exploration rooted in intimacy. The exhibition delves into the various spheres that shaped Bonnard’s life and artistic vision, from the public domain to the most private recesses of his inner world.

Bonnard, a versatile artist who defied categorization, was a key figure in the Post-Impressionist movement and a close associate of Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. His paintings are characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. “Bonnard’s Worlds” offers a comprehensive overview of his career, showcasing his evolution from decorative landscapes to more introspective portrayals of domestic life.

A particularly poignant aspect of the exhibition is Bonnard’s exploration of personal spaces, including intimate scenes featuring his longtime partner and muse, Marthe de Méligny Bonnard. Through his art, Bonnard invites viewers to glimpse into his private world, capturing moments of tenderness and contemplation.

The legacy of Bonnard’s work is deeply intertwined with The Phillips Collection, thanks to the visionary collecting practices of its founder, Duncan Phillips. The museum’s extensive holdings of Bonnard’s art reflect Phillips’s belief in the restorative power of art and his commitment to creating an intimate space for artistic exploration. 1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reservations encouraged; members may walk-in. 202387-2151

IA&A at Hillyer

Elaine Qiu: “Every Place We’ve Been” Kim Richards: “Into the Wilderness” Alexandra Chiou: “Remember/Renew”

March 2-31

athillyer.org/upcoming-exhibitions/ Three distinct voices converge at IA&A at Hillyer’s March exhibitions which feature Elaine Qiu, Kim Richards, and Alexandra Chiou. Each artist delves deep into personal experiences and universal themes, offering viewers a profound

journey through introspection and reflection.

Elaine Qiu’s “Every Place We’ve Been” invites viewers to confront the collective and personal upheavals of recent years. Through a collage of archival images and personal snapshots, Qiu explores the boundaries between history and memory, shedding light on the complexities of our shared human experience.

Kim Richards’ “Into the Wilderness” serves as a beacon of hope in tumultuous times. With vibrant paintings imbued with spiritual symbolism, Richards conveys the reassuring presence of divine guidance amid life’s challenges, offering solace and restoration to the weary.

In “Remember/Renew,” Alexandra Chiou finds healing in remembrance. Through intricate works on paper, Chiou captures the essence of cherished memories and the bittersweet journey of coming to terms with loss. Her art becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and nostalgia.

Through their art, Qiu, Richards, and Chiou remind us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience, inviting us to pause, reflect, and find solace amid life’s uncertainties. 9 Hillyer Ct NW. Hours: Mon., closed. Tues., Wed., Thurs.,

Pierre Bonnard, “The Open Window”, 1921, Oil on canvas, 46 1/2 x 37 3/4 in. The Phillips Col-lection, Washington, DC. Acquired 1930. © 2024Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Kim Richards, “Into the Light”, 2022, oil on wood, 12 X 12 in

Fri., 12 to 6 p.m. Sat., Sun., 12 to 5 p.m. 202338-0680

National Museum of Women in the Arts

International Women’s Day

March 8 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. nmwa.org/whats-on/signature-programs/ international-womens-day/

National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) will celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8 with a day-long festival filled with both in-person and online experiences. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities celebrating women artists and their contributions.

In-person highlights include yoga sessions in the museum’s Great Hall, where participants can find tranquility surrounded by inspiring artworks. Additionally, artist Bibi Abelle will be offering flash tattoos inspired by the museum’s collection, allowing visitors to commemorate their support for women artists in a unique way.

For those joining virtually, art historian, writer, and artist Ferren Gipson will deliver a keynote address discussing the accomplishments of women artists featured in her latest book. The online event will be moderated by Elizabeth Ajunwa, director of NMWA’s Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center.

Throughout the day, there will also be spotlight

conversations featuring NMWA staff discussing featured artworks, as well as a gallery talk exploring disabled artists and disability activism within the museum’s collection. 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000.

National Portrait Gallery

Star Power: Photographs From Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell March 1, 2024-January 5, 2025 npg.si.edu

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will present “Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell,” an exhibition showcasing images of film royalty from the 1930s and 1940s.

The exhibition features notable film icons such as Jean Harlow, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Greta Garbo, and James Wong Howe. Curated by senior curator of photographs Ann Shumard, the exhibition draws from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection, which includes 70 recently acquired Hurrell portraits.

On view from March 1 to Jan. 5, 2025, the exhibition presents over 20 vintage photographs portraying Golden Age Hollywood stars at the peak of their careers. Hurrell’s career began in 1930 at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where he quickly became the principal portrait photographer. His keen eye for lighting, composition, and posing influenced the industry’s standards of glamour.

Establishing his own studio on Sunset Boulevard in 1933, Hurrell continued to photograph actors for MGM and other major studios. The exhibition offers a captivating glimpse into the allure of Hollywood’s bygone era. Eighth and G streets NW. Hours Open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. 202-633-1000.

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

Alexandria Chiou, “This Path of Gold You Laid for Me”, 2021, ink and cut paper, 35 x 35 in

Clark Gable and Joan Crawford by George Hurrell, gelatin silver print, 1936. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquired in part through the generosity of an anonymous donor.

the LITERARY HILL

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events

by Michelle LaFrance

James Swanson’s Manhunt

Becomes Apple+ TV Series

James Swanson is the author of Manhunt: the 12Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killers, the source material for a new Apple+ series, premiering March 15th. The book was described by Janet Maslin of the New York Times as “vigorous and clear without sacrificing accuracy” and by Kirkus Reviews as a “compelling narrative of John Wilkes Booth’s desperate final days.” I recently interviewed Swanson who discusses Manhunt, the series, and his newest book, The Deerfield Massacre, recently released by Scribner.

Literary Hill: Manhunt will be available for streaming on March 15th. Can you tell us a little about what to expect of series?

James Swanson: I am an Executive Producer of the seven-episode, seven-hour Apple TV Plus series. We have a stellar cast. Tobias Menzies from “Outlander” and “The Crown” plays Lincoln’s Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln’s right hand. Stanton played an indispensable role after the President was assassinated on the night of April 14th, 1865. He had to hold the whole country

together: prevent the murder of other top officials, launch an immediate investigation of the crime as Lincoln lay dying, organize a nationwide manhunt for Booth, wrap up the Civil war, and plan the magnificent funeral train journey that carried Abraham Lincoln home to Illinois.

Hamish Linklater is our Abraham Lincoln. I’ve met several Lincolns, including Sam Waterston and Gregory Peck, and Hamish is superb. Anthony Boyle from “Masters of the Air” plays the assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Lili Taylor is Mary Lincoln, and Patton Oswalt plays one of the principal detectives during the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth. Tobias and Hamish are wonderful in the way they capture the close partnership, friendship and even love between Lincoln and Stanton, the man who Lincoln nicknamed his “Mars,” the god of war.

Manhunt was originally slated as a two-hour movie. It was a blessing in disguise that that project never happened. It was impossible to capture all the action, drama, passion, frenzy, intrigue and emotion of the Lincoln assassination in a single film. We needed a TV series to do that. We filmed most of the show in Savannah, and the sets and performances were so authentic that I felt transported back in time to Civil War America and the moment of the Lincoln assassination.

LH: How did writing Manhunt prepare you to write The Deerfield Massacre?

JS: I used the same style and techniques that I used in Manhunt. Both books are suspenseful, action thrillers that unfold in real time, staying faithful to the original chronology of what happened. I try to write in a day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute style that evokes what it must

have been like to live through these events. I try to combine the “ticking clock” urgency of a novelist with the historical accuracy of non-fiction.

March Reviews

Deerfield Massacre:ASurprise Attack,a Forced March,and the Fight forSurvival in EarlyAmerica

A photo of an imposing, dark, and tomahawkscarred door opens this page-turning history with a sense of imminent dread. The door is still housed in a small Massachusetts museum, we learn as we read, as we also learn about the Indigenous people’s attack on encroaching colonists in 1704. From the first moments of the massacre, through the harrowing forced march, and the captives’ eventual return, Swanson paints a vivid picture of the sacrifice, tenacity, and resilience necessary to survive in colonial America. Swanson adds in gripping layers of historical information from the memoir of Rev. Williams, a bestseller in its time. Readers of colonial U.S. history will be thrilled by this often forgotten story.

Rescued

“At night, the voices rise from the Long Waters and wander through the forest of our island. I fly through the night trees searching for the stories they tell,” Owl writes at the beginning of Ollie’s Tale, Ben’s Tale, and now Rescued. The third of a six-book series, William Kurtz’s Rescued is a whimsical and poetic series of letters written by the animals who inhabit a small island in northern Lake Huron. The Animal Post Office

James Swanson, Photo: Lisa Nipp

William Kurtz

series is inspired by the summers Kurtz and his family have visited that small island. If you have ever wondered what the many animals gathered at lakeside might say to one another, this imaginative and heart-filled series will delight you. Kurtz’s chapters are peppered with drawings and photos.

Kurtz is a long-time resident of Capitol Hill. Rescued and other titles can be purchased at https:// www.wildwoodbook.com/.

Kurtz

This romantic thriller, Lawson’s third, gives us Annie Kurtz, a marine grappling with the ethics of war time decisions. Annie reconnects with friend Nick Willard, a journalist, who has carried a torch for Annie for many years. As they confront the complicated attraction that arises between them, they must consider their duty to the truth and the deep psychological scars of war. Lawson’s story benefits from his years as a military analyst, news reporter, and Marine.

For more information: johnlawsonauthor.com/

NatashaTrethewey, 2024 EudoraWelty Lecture; March 21, 7:30 p.m.,National Press Club

The Folger invites readers to the annual Eudora Welty Lecture, featuring Pulitzer Prize Winning author Natasha Trethewey (Memorial Drive, Native Guard), this year’s Eudora Welty Prize winner. Previous Welty Award Winners have included Salman Rushdie, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Richard Ford, Jesmyn Ward, Ann Patchett, and Elizabeth Strout. Trethewey will speak about her own beginnings as a writer, inspired by Eudora Welty’s legendary memoir “One Writer’s Beginnings.” W. Ralph Eubanks (Ever Is a Long Time) will introduce Trethewey. The lecture will be followed by a book-signing. Tickets: www.folger.edu/poetry.

Michelle LaFrance is Associate Professor of English at George Mason University. She teaches creative nonfiction, life writing, and civic writing at the Hill Center and blogs about writing, her upcoming writing classes, and writing retreats at writinglostriver.org. u

The Poetic Hill

Tori Collins

by Sandra Beasley

Tori Collins has lived in the Navy Yard neighborhood since 2014. She came to DC to work as a transportation analyst during the Obama administration.

Tori started writing poems at a young age and won her first poetry contest as an eighth-grade student. She is published in the literary magazine Burgeon (now T he Mid-Atlantic Review ) and For Women Who Roar. Her writing is influenced by the power of words and she considers herself a community-inspired poet. Her words are not always based primarily on her feelings but on those communities she wants to give a voice.

THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

A community in action is akin to the Lion on the Mountaintop whose rustic dream roars in reality; dreams so lucid they spread to the masses in clouds of equality, freedom, equity, and reparations.

A community in action moves as one with hope in abundance and with audacity as we heal after our bodies, minds, spirits are triaged and removed to the cross we each bear.

Each of us sharing our mountaintop, a place where laws are written on scrolls; 27 amendments containing 10 bills of rights including a fraudulent bill of sale proving that freedom never comes easy.

A community in action doesn’t mean Easter comes before Good Friday or empowerment before invalidation.

What the Dreamer sought was not unreasonable; the opportunity to be impossibly free in an environment that supports, respects, hears, and listens to those united by the divine call.

The Dreamer saw the vision of a community in action, the beloved community; a people empowered to acknowledge that we are members of one family and every member of the family can be at home on earth.

A community in action is a safe and sacred refuge.

We are a community in action empowered by an ever evolving dream.

Sandra Beasley is the curator of “Poetic Hill,” a resident of Southwest, and the author of four poetry collections. If you live in D.C. and you’re interested in being featured, you can reach her at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net for questions and submissions (1-5 poems). u

John Lawson

In medieval times they had the rack. In the 21st century we have the decompression table. Maybe those ancient healers had the right idea. The decompression table is scientifically proven to help reduce or eliminate back pain through a non-surgical and non-pharmacological treatment.

Archeologist Bob Sonderman woke up one morning and found himself unable to get out of bed. “My sciatica was excruciating.” He contacted the office of orthopedics at a local hospital, but was told the first opening was three to four weeks away. A parishioner at Sonderman’s church told him to call Dr. Henry Jenkins, Jr. “I was flabbergasted. He

Treating Back, Neck and Disc Pain Non-Surgically

Latest Treatment at Paradigm Chiropractic

by Pattie Cinelli

said he could see me the next day.”

When Sonderman started treatment with Dr. Jenkins, owner of Paradigm Chiropractic and Performance on the Hill, he said his pain was sike “someone burning a hot poker through the back of my buttocks down to my thigh.”

Dr. Jenkins did a decompression of his spine. ”He put me on the rack that actually stretched me.” Sonderman said Dr. Jenkins also helped release tension in his neck and did some work on his knee. By the end of two months, after seeing him twice a week, Sonderman was “good to go.” He now visits Paradigm periodically for tune-ups. “I find Dr. Jenkins’ treatments life relieving,” he said. “Recently I had a sciatic blast which is a pinch of pain. Within a few visits the pain was gone. Because of his gentle, warm attitude about things and the ease with which we can talk, I think of Dr. Jenkins as kind of like my bartender. He’s always professional, but we sure do laugh a lot.”

Dr. Jenkins used techniques he learned and equipment he acquired when he became the DC representative for the Disc Centers of America (DCOA) in 2022. He continues to get trained annually in new decompression and laser techniques. DCOA doctors offer non-surgical spinal decompression, which, according to the DCOA website, is a conservative approach to disc restoration, maintenance and support through

TDC Thera - py, which is exclusive to DCOA. Low back pain is the second most common symptom-related reason for seeing a physician in the U.S. About 19 million people visit physicians annually for back pain, according to DCOA.

“The decompression table has mechanical pulls based on a measured, specialized pulley system,” said Dr. Jenkins. It stretches and decompresses a spine and discs to relieve pressure they are having.” The table has straps for a patient which allows the disc space to open up. “It’s revolutionary. I couldn’t do it through a chiropractic adjustment alone.”

Dr. Jenkins said he started seeing a trend in his field with the use of a decompression table in 2017. Five years later he was seeing patients get relief from this technique when before their only options to restore their discs and relieve pain were opioids, pain management or surgery. “I have been able to elevate my services. I help people who have

Cervical

PROMO CODE:

neuropathy, numbness, tingling to hands and/or feet and sciatica.” One patient he said, came to his o ce using a walker. By 10 visits he was using a cane and after about 25 treatments he was walking on his own with no pain. “It’s so rewarding to be able to give people their life back.”

Another patient had serious trauma from being inside an elevator that fell to the basement. “The patient had so many neurological problems. She had no arm use and couldn’t perform life skills like cooking,” he said. “I decompressed her spine so she could begin using her arm again.”

Mauryce Johnson calls Dr. Jenkins a miracle worker. Johnson, who is retired, has had a degenerative spine and spinal stenosis for many years. She said she has a history of experiencing sciatica over the years. “I just sucked it up until it dissipated but I never had pain like I did after the pandemic.” She did a two-day walk that included jumping up and down o cement stools which she admitted was a mistake. “I did ne on the day of the walk, but I woke

up the next day and couldn’t walk.”

Johnson visited an orthopedic doctor who put her left foot in a boot. “I wore it for about a month. That’s when all my troubles began. It was awkward and affected my degenerative spine.” Johnson nally found relief when she started to see Dr. Jenkins about a yearand-a-half ago. “He put me on several machines in his o ce including the decompression machine,” she said. “His treatments alleviated my pain.” Johnson is now on maintenance. She sees Dr. Jenkins about every three weeks. “He gave me a better quality of life. I’m doing my everyday routine and activity. Using Dr. Jenkins’ resources has helped me regain my strength and vitality.”

When Dr. Jenkins talks about his successes using the new technology he gets excited. “It’s a viable treatment option that will help. The research is there. I love seeing patients become pain-free or have their pain lessened and them getting their lives back.”

For more information: www. paradigmchiropracticdc.com, or www.dcoadmv.com. You can also call: 202-546-0981.

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

Dr. Jenkins giving a patient a Neuromed Matrix treatment for pain block on the lower back.

The District Vet Emergency Care for Your Pet

by Dan Teich, DVM

It’s 9 p.m. on a Sunday evening and the dog has a cough. He’s an otherwise healthy three-year old Labrador. He has normal energy. The question: can this wait until the morning?

For urgent matters there are several 24-hour facilities within the city or in nearby Virginia. Like most on-call and after-hours services, emergency veterinary medicine comes at a significant premium. The examination fee alone is $250, or more. Depending upon the facility, routine X-rays and bloodwork may exceed $1000-$1500. Treatments such as subcutaneous fluids, injectable antibiotics, and other therapies are also usually at a higher cost than your general practice veterinarian.

What constitutes an emergency requiring immediate care? Think of your pet in a similar light to yourself. If you are having difficulty breathing, have severe hives, are actively bleeding, going to the emergency room is clear-cut! But what about lesser issues? Many times if there’s a problem that you don’t feel warrants an urgent care visit for yourself, the same rationale can be transposed to your pet.

When a problem arises after regular veterinary hours, first calmly assess the situation. If it appears life-threatening or urgent, call or go to the emergency room with your pet. For pets that have a mild to moderate lameness that just started, and the pet is feeling fine otherwise, usually giving them a bit of peace and waiting until the morning is just fine. The same can be said of an episode or two of brownish diarrhea without significant blood. A late-night encounter with a rat (this is much more common than you’d think) that results in a a few scrapes and punctures, can usually wait until the morning, too. If you have a dog that is trying to vomit, but can’t seem to produce anything, call the emergency room right away.

What about if your pet ate something potentially toxic? Be wary of the internet; there’s lots of not-so-accurate advice out there. If you can obtain a label of the product, great! It will help guide veterinarians in determining if there’s a hazard. You may consider calling Pet Poison Control for assistance. There is a charge for this service, and you will be able to speak with an expert in pet toxicities. If they tell you to seek care, please be sure to obtain your pet’s case number. This will help us veterinarians as we can then call them for more information, if needed.

If you take your friend to urgent care,

Friendship

4105 Brandywine St NW Washington, DC 20016 202-363-7300

Veterinary

VCA

VA 22031 703-752-9100

Columbia Pike

22003 703-256-8414

please remember to bring a book and a bit of patience! Emergency care isn’t scheduled and pets may be seen in order of urgency. An actively bleeding pet will be seen before a mild cough or lameness. Emergency doctors work under stressful conditions so please have a bit of patience with them and their staff.

When at urgent care, if certain tests or procedures are needed, but not urgent, especially if the tests are sent to an outside laboratory, inquire if your regular veterinarian would be better to perform these tests or procedures. Remember that with all tests, especially those that don’t return the same day, there will have to be follow-up with the results. The testing may also lead to needing additional testing or medications and therapies.

Urgent care or the emergency room is to be utilized for non-routine care. They are not set up or designed to give routine vaccinations, perform annual heartworm tests, or discuss overall routine wellness and behavior. General practice veterinarians can be thought of as a helping neighbor who watches your children grow and develop, noting trends in their behavior, gait, relationship with you, and more. Their medical records also show progressive changes and development.

The above discussion isn’t meant to be medical advice for your pet, but to promote a bit of thought and consideration before running to the emergency room. Our mantra is that if you are concerned, worried about your pet, cannot wait until the morning, or simply need peace of mind, go to urgent care. And be certain that they forward your regular veterinarian the medical records as soon as possible. Be safe and healthy out there.

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

Choice and Chance in Art

At Hill Center’s Young Artists Gallery

by Elizabeth Nelson

Fourth and sixth grade students at Capitol Hill Day School (210 South Carolina Ave. SE) are sharing space In the Young Artists Gallery at Hill Center. Their art teachers, Julia Denardo and Sara Gibson believe that “creation is a human drive and it’s shared by all humanity regardless

of race, class, gender, education, ability...” Titled “Choice and Chance,” the show presents their exploration of these elements in art.

Under the guidance of Ms. Gibson, the fourth graders investigated two questions she regards as essential: Why do people create? What is the bare minimum people need to create? As

an example, her students looked at the work of Syrian sculptor Nizar Ali Badr. Badr uses pebble-stones from Mount Zaphon near his native town, to present stories about the situation in his country and the struggles of his neighbors. The students created their own pebble art; like Badr’s, it is ephemeral, only photographs remain. They also made a trip to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore to experience the work of self-taught artists using found materials. A further challenge: creating a portrait of someone they admired. They were free to choose from traditional and non-traditional materials to visually represent the unique characteristics of the portrait subjects.

Concerned that sixth grade students often become harsh critics of their own work, Ms. DeNardo reinforced the message that when people are “called to create,” they exercise resourcefulness and flexibility using whatever materials and techniques are available to them; formal training is not necessary. She encouraged her artists to notice how “the unpredictability of chance can enhance their artistic vision in a freeing way.” Students practiced releasing control and embracing spontaneity by dropping paper strips and allowing their landing positions to guide the design, or by applying salt and

An example of pebble art.

photos by Sara Gibson, Julia Denardo

plastic wrap on watercolors to create pattern and texture as the paint dried.

A sampling of the results is on view at Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) through April 12. Ms. Denardo and Ms. Gibson “welcome all to come get inspired by the creative ways our artists have explored choice and chance in their artwork... how they’ve used unconventional materials and experimental processes to celebrate those they admire and to express themselves.” u

Cousin GiGi

Barrett’s Rock Climbing Buddy

Cat

AJ’s Blue Collage

Riley Adams Nats Player

Menan

Tyreek Hill

S chool N otes

by Susan Braun Johnson

Northeast Stars Montessori

NES students recently studied about Abraham Lincoln. The children discovered that the 16th president lived in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. He wrote the “Emancipation Proclamation” and his nickname was Honest Abe. To reinforce this lesson, the students made their very own Abraham Lincoln craft.

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

Maury

Under the direction of music teacher Kaylee Mina, Maury 5th Graders studied the 1965 Delano Grape Workers Strike in California as an example of how people can use the power of their voice to create change. Students wrote poems about the strike and learned how to record them with a program called Sound-trap. Then they added instrumental tracks and created their very own beats, which they shared with family and peers at an in-school performance event.

Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, mauryelementary.com

Miner Elementary

Miner hosted their school-wide Spelling Bee on January 31. Thirty-five third, fourth, and fifth graders who scored at the top of their class competed. The top three spellers went on to represent Miner at the Cluster Spelling Bee on February 7. Congratulations all the Miner Bear super spellers!

Miner, 601 15th Street NE and can be found online at minerelementary.org.

Capitol Hill Cluster Schools

For Black History Month, Capitol Hill Cluster Schools are celebrating the legacy of Veola M. Jackson, the first principal of the Capitol Hill Cluster School. Check

Northeast Stars Students study Abraham Lincoln.

Maury

Miner

out the Cluster website to learn about the Cluster’s origins and the remarkable individual who made the school possible. The page also includes a video tribute to Ms. Jackson featuring Cluster students from Watkins and Stuart-Hobson (also on Facebookand Instagram). Thank you to Tom Guglielmo for the research and story! capitolhillclusterschool.org

Capitol Hill Day School

Eighth graders at Capitol Hill Day School are reading Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. This coming-of-age story touches on a variety of themes including power, inequity, and the importance of having a voice. During a recent Humanities class, students analyzed assigned chapters in groups and shared their thoughts on Janie’s developing relationship with Tea Cake and her quest for autonomy and self-determination.

Capitol Hill Day School, 210 South Carolina Ave, SE; www.chds.org

Mundo Verde

Students at Mundo Verde are all smiles during their expos as they share their hard work with families and friends. Learning through hands-on fieldwork, they embody various roles to share newfound knowledge with loved ones, enriching their educational journey.

J.F. Cook Campus, 30 P St, NW; Calle Ocho Campus, 4401 8th St, NE; www.mundoverdepcs.org

Templeton Academy

Templeton is expanding and their middle school students enjoyed starting their third term in a new space located next door to the main campus.

Templeton, 406 7th St NW; Templetonacademy.org

Richard Wright Public Charter School

Below are two pictures from student photographer Makayla Herbert, taken on a trip to the Capitol to participate in a panel on the educational and economic benefits of charter schools and HBCUs. Afterwards, we took a tour of the building, and Makayla snapped these photos.

Richard Wright Public Charter School, 475 School St. SW; www.richardwrightpcs.org u

Capitol Hill Day School

Mundo Verde

Templeton Academy

New at the Zoo:

Meet Nick

Nick is a 16-year-old, 700 lb. male California sea lion and he is the largest sea lion the National Zoo has had in the last twenty years. His bark is incredibly loud and quite impressive, and visitors will love watching him bask in the sun, play with the other sea lions and just be in awe at how large he is. He also joins the ranks of being one of many rescued, non-releasable animals at the Zoo. Nick was found alone on Seal Rock in North Laguna, California with his umbilical cord still attached. He was rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and because he was so young, Nick needed to be bottle-fed and was hand-raised by humans. He found a permanent home at the Denver Zoo when he was 10 months old. Summer hours begin March 15; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Free zoo admission: parking is $30. nationalzoo.si.edu.

The Denver Zoo is giving their sea lion habitat some upgrades and needed a temporary home for Nick while they complete the con-struction. Nick will return to Denver once those habitat upgrades are completed.

Blossom Kite Festival

On Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, March 31), join kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends at the Washington Monument Grounds for activities, music, competitions, and performances. The 2024 Blossom Kite Festival will feature: Sakura Taiko Fest at Sylvan Theater, produced by Miyako Taiko, a day-long celebration of dynamic traditional Japanese drumming; Performances by Not a Saint Band Ian Carroll and Guava Jelly; Mr. Mikio Toki, a master of traditional Edo-style kites, who is traveling all the way from Japan to showcase his kites for attendees; Choreographed performances and demonstrations by Team KiteLife, Wings Over Washington Kite Club, and other nationally and internationally recognized professional kite fliers; and Adult Kitemakers Competition and Youth Kitemakers Competition. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Peter Pan at the National

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” Peter Pan is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from April 9 to 21. Tickets start at $55. broadwayatthenational.com.

“I am youth! I am joy! I am freedom! You can never defeat me!” Introducing Nolan Almeida as the beloved Peter Pan, with a first look at the extraordinary costume design by Sarafina Bush.

ARE

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE

• MARCH 18TH @ 9 AM

• APRIL 22TH @ 9 AM

3363 BRENTELEMENTARY@K12.DC.GOV

Sharon L. Bernier RN, PhD

Magic Mirror at the Puppet Company

Meet Toad, a young person destined for greatness in this mash-up story with many familiar fairy tales. Join The Puppet Company, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, on this journey of dragons, monsters, and spirits of the woods. Through March 24, Magic Mirror is back after its special 40th Anniversary run and Broadway World nomination in 2023. This production was the rst show founders Christopher Piper and Allan Stevens worked on as the Puppet Co. Recommended for ages ve and up. Runtime is about 50 minutes. Tickets are $15; free for under age two. Upcoming shows are Alice in Wonderland, April 12 to May 12; Allen Steven’s Pinocchio, May 25 to June 23; The Wizard of Oz, July 4 to Aug. 4; Dino-Rock Productions—Dinosaur Babies, Aug. 15 to Sept. 8. thepuppetco.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza! at Lincoln Park

CONTACT:

National Community Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza! at Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th, is on Saturday, March 23, noon to 3 p.m. Please preregister at national.cc/eggstravaganza.

Tudor Place Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, March 23, Friday, March 29 or Saturday, March 30, join Tudor Place for Eggstravaganza!, a favorite spring tradition. Children of all ages can take part in a lively Easter egg hunt and egg roll on the South Lawn. Afterwards, make crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the egg roll begins at 10:45 a.m. This outdoor event takes place rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

Each child must bring a basket, hard-boiled egg, and spoon to participate. $18 per child; $8 for accompanying adult. Tudor Place is at 1644 31st. St. NW. tudorplace.org.

Change YOUR Game/Cambia

TU Juego at American History Museum

Invention and technology can make the difference between victory and defeat as well as expand the eld of who can participate in sports. “Change YOUR Game,” is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition on the intersection of invention, sports and technology. The exhibit show-cases dynamic stories and objects related to diverse inventors, athletes, and technologies that have changed how sports are played. Visitors will be invited to identify themselves as inventive prob-

Photo: Elizabeth Dapo

STEAM Saturdays at the National Building Museum

On the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m., families are invited to join the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, for STEAM activities related to their Brick City exhibition. Each activity challenges children to think creatively and experimentally using principles of design thinking and engineering. From building with LEGO bricks to working with AI to plan a city, each child will solve problems large and small and come to a greater understanding of the built world around us. STEAM Saturdays are targeted towards children in grades second through eighth and their caregivers. STEAM Saturdays are free with museum admission. Registration is strongly encouraged. nbm.org.

lem solvers who can become “game changers” in their daily lives. In addition to hands-on activities in the gallery’s four key sections, the adjacent Draper Spark!Lab also features themed activities. Beginning March 15, Change YOUR Game is in Jerome and the Dorothy Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation Gallery on the American History Museum’s rst oor, west. americanhistory.si.edu.

Library on the Go-Go Book Bike Ride with Hill Family Biking

On Saturday, March 23, 10:30 to noon, all are welcome to join Hill Family Biking and the Library on the Go-Go Book Bike for a fun ride to the lovely Southwest Library. Stop by for story time inside the branch after the ride. Meet up at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza to join an approximately four-mile group bike ride down some of the most bikeable streets in the District. The ride will kick o at 10:30 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m. at Southwest Library. Stick around after to enjoy a story time or check out a book. Free registration at dcli-brary.libnet.info/events?l=Southwest+Neig hborhood+Library.

Chicken Feeding at Oxon Hill Farm

Every day at 10 a.m., learn all about chickens and their role on an American farm. Guided by a Park Ranger, you will visit the feed barn, see the chicken coop, and even try feeding the chickens. This program is great for all ages. Children must be supervised by an adult for the entirety of the activity. Meet the ranger at the Visitor Barn. Oxon Hill Farm is at Bald Eagle Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. nps.gov/oxhi.

Black Kids Swim

The Black Kids Swim website celebrates and publicizes the truth that African-American children can and do excel in the sport of swimming. Black Kids Swim highlights the accomplishments of Black children in the sport of swimming and also serves as a resource for families with experienced swimmers and those with children who want to explore the sport of swimming. There are also multiple resources to help Black children learn basic water safety skills. Black Kids Swim wants to see children do more than simply survive in the water. They want them to develop valuable techniques that can bene t them physically and professionally throughout their lives. blackkidsswim.com.

Visit NMAAHC’s Website for Kids

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has an ed-

ucational website that will provide a variety of learning activities designed to share African American history using the museum’s collection. The “North Star: A Digital Journey of African American History” website is designed for the discovery and creative use of Smithsonian’s digital collections and tools by educators and students in grades six through twelve. Accessible through desktop, laptop and tablet devices, this site gives students and educators access to more than 35 digital education curricula that will share an overview of American history through the African American lens. The North Star digital journey exposes users to themes, people and moments in history, with units such as Slavery in Colonial America, The Civil War, The Black Arts Movement and the Modern Civil Rights Movement. nmaahc.si.edu/learn/digital-learning/northstar.

engineergirl.org

The Engineer Girl website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Why girls and women? Because despite an increase in female participation in many traditionally male-dominated professions such as medicine and law, women remain grossly under-represented in engineering. Engineering and engineers are central to the process of innovation, and innovation drives economic growth. Diversity of thought is crucial to creativity, and by leaving women out of the process of innovation, we lose a key component of diversity and sti e innovation. The website is a

service of the National Academy of Engineering. engineergirl.org.

Marvel Superhero Day with Capital City Go-Go

On Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m., DC Public Library presents Marvel Superhero Day at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE. Students come out for a special Marvel Superhero themed game including super activities, giveaways and more. This unique experience will be fun for the whole family. Experience Go-Go in a never seen way with a combination of hoops and comics at ESA. Tickets start at $15. capitalcity. gleague.nba.com.

NSO Family Concert: Music of Duke Ellington

On Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, take the A-Train to a special afternoon of music paying tribute to the beloved jazz composer and bandleader. Conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Symphony Orchestra performs this swinging session as part of the Kennedy Center’s season-wide Ellington 125 celebration. Most enjoyed by ages ve and older. Tickets are $18 to $20. Prior to the performance, the NSO Volunteer Council’s Musical PLAYspace gives children the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team. kennedy-center.org.

Location: Maury Elementary *Pendindg DCPS Approval 1250 Constitution Ave. N.E

JUNE 26 TH – JULY 31 ST

Children ages 3-10 (PK3-5th Grade)

(Excluding holidays, weekends, and inclement weather. Camp is closed 7/4 and 7/5)

HOURS:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Full Day

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Half Day

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Half Day

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Whether you are looking for the morning, full-day, or all five weeks, we have you covered with top-notch programming.

Why Choose Polite Piggy’s This Summer?

Your child will find joy, friendships, and caring team members daily. In addition, we offer unique classes like art, music, sciences, Stemovate, chess, fitness, sports, cooking, Legos, and a hiking club with Aunt Lizzie.

P.S. We forgot to mention there are weekly water play sessions and plenty of popsicles!

2024 SUMMER CAMP FEES

Full Day: $87 per Day          $435 per week

Half Day: $67 per Day         $335 per week

Sibling Discount: 15% discount for each child after the first.

DCPS Employee/ First Responder/ Military Discount: 10%.

NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE: $150 Per Child

* Includes a t-shirt and transportation for field trips.

SCHOLARSHIP NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE: $100 Per Child

*

*

AT MAURY’S PLAYGROUND

OUTDOOR CAMP

Jun. 24 & 25, Aug.1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9

Session 1: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Session 2: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

*12:00-1:00 pm lunch break at home

*No bathroom access on the outdoor side

$45 per session

$225 per weekly session

PRIVATE CAMP GROUP

UP TO 8 CHILDREN 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Meets at a Family’s Home

Campers will hang out with our camp leader going to the playground, museums, performances, and field trips. One family’s house will be the home-base for daily bathroom visits, lunch, and pick-up.

Group Rate:

$2,200

$440

Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at the KC

Contrasting monumental masterworks and new compositions, E Pluribus, Una Vox (“Out of many, one voice”) examines the in uences of the world’s abundant fortune, both on the human experience and the fractured spaces we create. Carl Or ’s timeless Carmina Burana returns to the Kennedy Center stage under the baton of Uniting Voices Chicago’s Josephine Lee. Inspired by over 200 poems and songs from the 11th through 13th centuries, the scenic cantata tells the story of humanity through all of its peaks and valleys. The Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra welcomes youth voices from Uniting Voices Chicago for the experience. Scenic for di erent reasons, Ted Hearne’s Partition tells the story of New Haven, Connecticut. Despite the city’s meticulously planned infrastructure and local cornerstones, New Haven remains segregated by the very roads that make up the city. Join Choral Arts as they sing the story of these collective yet con icting experiences chronicled centuries apart. Carl Or ’s “Carmina Burana” is at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, April 7, 5 p.m. Tickets are $16 to $69. kennedy-center.org.

Discovery Theater on the Mall

CONTACT: KIRA MEANS

KIRA@HILLRAG.COM I (202) 400-3508

On April 9, 11, 12, 25 and 26, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., the magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick o Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away. Shows are $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Discovery Theater’s Rip-

ley Center is at 1100 Je erson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Let’s Build with Duplo blocks! at MLK Library

Kids through age twelve can come to MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, every Tuesday at 4 p.m. for an hour of playing with Duplo blocks. You can build the weekly challenge, or you can build your own creation. dcli-brary.org.

Teen Graphic Novel Reading Group

On Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, April 10, 5 to 6:30 p.m. and

DC’S LEADING LOCAL NEWS PROVIDER!

NSO Music for Young Audiences: String Thing

Attention: kids, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, rubber chickens... but especially kids and rubber chickens. This daring double act of classical fun is back. National Symphony Orchestra musicians—bassist Paul DeNola and violinist Heather LeDoux Green—introduce young audiences to some of the greatest music ever written. You’ll never hear a word out of them during the concert, but with instruments in hand and a trunk full of gags, this “silent” comedic tag-team presents a hilarious program of music and mayhem. String Thing is at the Kennedy Center Family Theater on Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, 1:30 and 4 p.m. It is most enjoyed by ages three and up. Tickets are $20. Prior to each performance, the NSO Volunteer Council’s Musical PLAYspace gives children the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. kennedy-center.org.

Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon, teens are invited to come to the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, and read a selection of graphic novels inspired by the sitters in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Through group discussion about autobiographies, fantasy and historical fiction, attendees will develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills. Open to teens ages 13 to 19. Free. Registration required at npg.si.edu.

Bilingual Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale

What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. This is an Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. Best for ages five and older. Tickets start at $12. Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, through April 5. imaginationstage.org.

Adventure Theatre Presents “Junie B. Jones: The Musical”

It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Featuring a tremendously love-able character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. Through March 30. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.

Earth Day Family Festival (save the date)

On Saturday, April 20, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., join the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum in the Kogod Courtyard to learn how art and science can help protect the earth. Attendees of all ages can enjoy nature-themed activities and there will be face painting for children 12 and under. A scavenger hunt in the galleries features works from both museums that highlight the Earth’s natural wonders and the various ways artists help care for our planet. Free but registra-tion encouraged. americanart. si.edu. u

National Symphony Orchestra musicians bassist Paul DeNo-la and violinist Heather LeDoux Green. Photo: Steven Wilson

CROSSWORD

Egg on your face?

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Make amends

6. Ratify

12. Batman and Robin, e.g.

15. Native of Mogadishu

17. Summer squash

20. Viking Ships Museum city

22. Hearty brunch fare

24. Bake, as eggs

26. Chart of beats, abbr.

27. Temperate

28. Conductor, Klemperer

29. Unruffled

30. Whale show

33. More clairvoyant

36. Holbrook of “The Firm”

37. Trilogies

38. Out on the waves

40. Sundial letters

42. Indian turnovers

44. Last quarter

47. Defense grp.

48. Golf peg

49. Breakfast choice

52. Like some eggs

56. Doctors’ org.

57. Ditto

58. I.D. datum

60. Sit in on

62. Bumps from a blow

63. Short-billed rail

65. California’s San ___ Bay

66. Attache

70. Corinne Bailey ___ 2007 Grammy nominee

71. Patriots’ grp.

72. Henna and others

73. Birdie assembly

75. Actress Archer

77. Wearing foot gear

79. Prefix with -pod

80. Federal agency support org.

81. Overwhelming fear

83. Cousin of calypso

86. Fluffy fare

89. Short-order order

92. Labor org, for short

93. Got a load of

94. Nevertheless

95. Sketches again

99. Storm heading, abbr.

100. Former Cuban leader

102. Is furious

103. Tunnel-drilling need

105. Letter-shaped opening

107. Illuminations

111. Desert-like

112. Listening devices

114. Number for one

116. “Certainement!”

117. Phillipines dish from the shell

119. Eggy French dishes

124. Canine pests

125. Pilot

126. Tea breads

127. ___ price

128. Be a go-between

129. Point of ____

Down:

1. Grate expectations?

2. Have an impact on

3. Watch model

4. U.S. sea arm

5. Rock group from the 70s

6. Rhododendron kin

7. Nova Scotia national park

8. Board for TV regulations

9. “___ bin ein Berliner”

10. Stat start

11. What Mike Myers creates

12. Recommendations

13. Popcorn sweepers

14. “Hopelessly devoted to you” singer

16. Theory

18. __ much (less)

19. Person who’s out of step with society

21. Cookies with a white filling

23. Common

25. Hosp. staffers

31. Multi-sport announcer Albert

32. Unqualified

34. Elevates

35. Liturgy

37. Leather shoe covering

39. Chronic nag

41. Itsy-bitsy pieces

43. Start of an apology

44. Health regulators

45. Original manufactured equipment, for short

46. Tony winner Merkel

47. Cleans up

50. “La Bohème,” e.g.

51. Mixture

52. Execute

53. Shaded

54. Mini-whirlpool

55. Calamitous

59. Proceed

61. Lean-___ (sheds)

64. Bitter tasting

66. Shipboard direction

67. Seine sights

68. Inflict upon

69. Light brown

74. Afghanistanis

76. Simplifies

77. Scatters

78. Parceled

82. Indulge one’s self

83. Japanese money

84. Metric wts.

85. Time long past

87. Neighbor of Ala.

88. Opposite of sophisticated and advanced

90. Saclike structure

91. Boxing’s Oscar ___ Hoya

95. Bucolic

96. Iago’s wife

97. Take off

98. Kind of drum

100. As an example

101. Pack ___ (quit)

102. Marvelous, in slang

104. Creature under Grimm’s bridge

106. Himalayan holy men

108. Prepare to frame, maybe

109. More refined

110. Hardly macho

113. 640 acres, abbr.

115. Donkey

118. Fortuneteller’s leaves

120. Land of opportunity

121. Brit. recording giant

122. Arctic sight

123. About a billion years

It takes just one person to make a difference . Learn how you can make a difference in the community.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

Goldie Mamakos’ happiest memories revolved around her Greek heritage and growing up on Capitol Hill. She learned about her roots from her many Greek relatives and thrived at local schools, especially the now-demolished Wallach School that once stood near Eastern Market. Read Goldie Mamakos’ oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Help preserve Capitol Hill history by becoming a volunteer.

Photo by Lis Wackman

Photo: Library of Congress

1207 D St, NE.

1100 E St. NE

A dream of a home, renovated by a talented contractor and tasteful decorator, a dream they lived in. Preserved original details, enhanced with modern upgrades of the highest quality, blending the best of the old and new together. Original Arched windows with modern Pella panes, Hardwood floors, upgraded fixtures; Original Radiators & modern AC, On demand HW and Clawfoot tubs; Full 3BR/25 bath home, w/ 1BR Legal LL unit, plus a 2 car garage and driveway for two more! The kitchen has it all, Large Island, Viking appliances, walk-in pantry, fireplace, wet bar & access to rear porch and private patio!

GREAT PRICE - $1.89M

Renovated homes can be a mixed bag; sometimes they are great . . . and expensive! Sometimes they’re lipstick on a pig; and often they just are not what you would have chosen. Here is an opportunity to buy a solid home, livable, ready to move in, but in need of vision and renovations. In the old days, this was called a fixerupper, a blank canvas to paint your own masterpiece on. A gateway to wealth, based upon using sweat and work to build equity. 3 Bedrooms, two baths, a big basement, deep yard,

4110 1st St, North Beach, MD

A commanding curb appeal is just the start of this perfect bayside bungalow. The original porchfront, on a large landscaped lot, has been updated, upgraded and expanded with Formal LR & DR, extra a modern kitchen, extra den and foyer, and three bedrooms upstairs. Behind the landscaped patio, there is an auxilliary bulding, with plumbing and electricity, and ready to be finished into a guest home. Half a block away, the north Chesapeake bay has a boardwalk and beautiful views! All in a lovely social seaside village!