Hill Rag Magazine – November 2021 by Capital Community News

hillrag.com . November 2021

Brokerage

•

Development

•

Investments

B A UY G ER EN S T

LE SA

For All Things Real Estate, Call Formant

@formantpropertygroup

formantpropertygroup.com

WE HAVE MOVED! 406 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 202.544.3900

2044 37th St. NW

Nantucket Renovation! $1,399,000 3Br, 3.5BA & Parking Mike C. Formant 202-577-3027

802 Delafield Pl. NW Nantucket Renovation! $835,000 3Br, 3.5BA with backyard in Petworth Mike C. Formant 202-577-3027

5053 Mass. Ave NW Listed $1,649,000 3,360 square feet in AU Park! Mike C. Formant 202-577-3027

November 2021 H 3

SUMMER STORMS HAVE TURNED TO VIOLENT FALL SQUALLS! WE CAN INSPECT YOUR ROOF BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! EMAIL US TODAY AT TOM@RTHOMASDANIELROOFING.COM

OR CALL US AT 202-569-1080 WHILE APPOINTMENTS FOR FREE INSPECTIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

THE HILL’S ROOFER FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS!

R.THOMAS DANIEL ROOFING

UNDER YOUR ROOF IS YOUR MOST

VALUABLE ASSET... YOUR HOME!

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ROOFER Owner Tom Daniel, outside the original location of the family roofing business at 310 Independence Ave., S.E.

Our Services: • LEAK REPAIR • NEW ROOFS • ROOF COATING • Low Slope Roofing

• • • • •

Steep Slope Roofing Gutter & Downspouts Skylights Chimneys Masonry

Uncover Hidden Future Costs. Warning Signs Could Mean Higher Costs If Not Corrected Today! • • • • •

Roof is over 10 years old Interior water stains Visible leaks or cracks Loose attic insulation Open joints and seams on roof

• Drains/gutters filled with debris • Loose chimney flashing or mortar • Skylight cracked or leaking

202.569.1080 202.544.4430

tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com www.rthomasdanielroofing.com

PROUD TO BE A CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE PREFERRED VENDOR

PROUD TO BE A CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SPONSOR. 4 ★ HILLRAG.COM

November 2021 ★ 5

D C ’ S FAT H E R & S O N R E A L E S TAT E T E A M

THE BISSEY TEAM Selling on Capitol Hill for 60+ Combined Years!

ACTIVE

SOLD

CAPITOL HILL

713 G Street, SE 5BR | 3BA | Multi-Unit | Garage $1,548,500

143 E Street, SE Represented Buyer Listed @ $1,359,000

CONTRACT

ACTIVE

CAPITOL HILL

U STREET CORRIDOR

506 D Street, SE 3BR | 3.5BA | 2,076 sq.ft. | 2-Unit $1,368,500

2002 15th Street, NW 5BR | 4.5BA | 3,416 sq.ft. | In-Law Suite Inquire for Price

202.841.SOLD (7653) TheBisseyTeam@compass.com 660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE | 202.545.6900 Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in VA and MD.

6 ★ HILLRAG.COM

November 2021 H 7

IN THIS ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

s d o o F y a d i l o H sp e c ia l is su e

22 Capitol Cuisine: Thanksgiving at Home by Celeste McCall

28 The Wine Girl by Elyse Genderson

30 Hill Center Cookbook: Bringing Us Back to the Table Just in Time for the Holidays by Bonny Wolf

Jurisdiction Impedes Aid for Encampments

Zone Bending: Capitol Hill Goes Tropical

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

by Rindy O’Brien

Pottery on the Hill Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary by Phil Hutinet

When Small Businesses Collaborate,They Create Community by Pattie Cinelli

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

capitol streets 33

Jurisdiction Impedes Aid for Encampments: Residents Left Unsure as Federal and District Agencies Clear Sites by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Race And Redistricting: Why It Matters by Andrew Lightman

The Nose: In Celebration of Gottlieb Simon by Anonymous

Our River / The Anacostia: With RiverSmart Homes You Can Help the Anacostia by Bill Matuszeski

DDOT’s Expedited Plans: ANC6A Report by Nick L. Alberti

Redistricting: ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Focus on Public Safety: ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Commission Tackles Parking Enforcement: ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

homes and gardens 67

Zone Bending: Capitol Hill Goes Tropical by Rindy O’Brien

Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair

Changing Hands by Don Denton

arts and dining 79

Mini Golf: The Best of Edition: Where to Play a Round in DC by Meghan Markey

Pottery on the Hill Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary: Annual Ceramic Expo to Be Virtual in 2021 by Phil Hutinet

At the Movies / Two Major Directors’ Latest: Wes Anderson Wallows in Whimsy; Ridley Scott Crafts a “Woke” Epic by Mike Canning

Art and The City by Jim Magner

Literary Hill by Karen Lyon

Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon

family life 91

When Small Businesses Collaborate,They Create Community: Opening Up to Change Breeds New Possibilities and Growth by Pattie Cinelli

The District Vet by Dan Teich

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

102

School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson

106 CLASSIFIEDS 110 CROSSWORD

on the cover: Thanksgiving Salvatore Lascari, n.d., oil on canvas mounted on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Henry Ward Ranger through the National Academy of Design, 1978.135 courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum 8th and G Streets, NW Washington, DC 20004 Wed–Sun 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. americanart.si.edu #atSAAM

Next Issue: December 4

Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of: MIDCITY

F A G O N

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

FAGON

EDUCATION

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Capital Community News, Inc. PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.hillrag.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com

Editorial Staﬀ

M�� E��: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com C�� F�� O��: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com E�� R��: Elizabeth O’Gorek • liz@hillrag.com K�� F�� E��: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Intern: Sarah Payne • sarah@hillrag.com

Arts, Dining & Entertainment A��:

D��: L��: M��: M��: T��: W�� G��:

Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Phil Hutinet • phutinet@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • cmccall20003@gmail.com Karen Lyon • klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Elyse Genderson • elyse@cellar.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board

C�� E��: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

General Assignment

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

Beauty, Health & Fitness

Patricia Cinelli • ﬁtmiss44@aol.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com

Kids & Family

Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

Homes & Gardens

Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Rindy 0’Brien • rindyobrien@gmail.com

Commentary

editorial@hilllrag.com

Production/Graphic/Web Design

A�� D��: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Shawn Henderson • shawn@hillrag.com W�� M��: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

Advertising & Sales

Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive & Classiﬁed Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com Account Executive: Mariana Heavey, 202-400-3507 • Mariana@hillrag.com

Distribution

M��: Andrew Lightman D��: MediaPoint, LLC I��: distribution@hillrag.com

Deadlines & Contacts

A��: sales@hillrag.com D�� A��: 15th of each month C�� A��: 10th of each month E��: 15th of each month; editorial@hilllrag.com B�� B�� C��: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

Real Estate

Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com Heather Schoell • heathersdo@gmail.com

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. 10 ★ HILLRAG.COM

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! bat

10% OFF

SEU

Ava i

lab

$25 OFF

LIST PRICE ON ANY EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS *Exp.11/30/2021

Any Service Call *Exp.11/30/2021

18 Month, 0% Interest Financing

FAST SERVICE FAST INSTALLATION Serving Capitol Hill Since 2001 • Residential & Light Commercial • Roof Top Package Units • Highly Experienced Technicians • Low Prices • Free Estimates On Replacements • Convenient Financing • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Specializing in:

Equipment: Change outs & Complete Ductwork Systems + High Velocity Systems WE SERVICE & INSTALL ALL MAKES & MODELS

202-333-1310

www.polarbearairconditioning.com Your crew was really clean and tidy. Plus, they were very pleasant to work with.We really appreciated that. – Linda, Capitol Hill

All Credit Cards Accepted November 2021 ★ 11

KRS-ONE

Old-school Hip-Hop artist KRSOne performs in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. With 20 published albums to his credit and his numerous appearances with other artists, KRSOne is believed to have written the most rhymes in Hip Hop’s history. KRS-One openly rejects such cultural exploitation and materialism grounding Hip Hop in its original principles of peace, love, unity and safely having fun. Tickets are $104 to $304. kennedy-center.org.

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N NEW GLASS NOW AT THE RENWICK

New Glass Now documents the innovation and dexterity of artists, designers and architects from around the world working in the challenging material of glass. This global survey is designed to highlight the breadth and depth of contemporary glass making. New Glass Now is at the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street NW, through March 6, 2022. The Renwick is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick. Andrea da Ponte, Globalized, blown glass, transferred image, 30 x 30 x 30 cm. The Corning Museum of Glass, gift of Andrea da Ponte, 2021 5.1. Photo: Courtesy of The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, copyright Rosana Silvera.

Chef Peter Chang of Nihao Thomas Moran, A View of Venice, 1891, oil of canvas, 35 1/8 x 25 ¼ in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1968. Sargent, Whistler and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the

MAGIC OF MURANO

Sargent, Whistler and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano brings to life the Venetian glass revival of the late 19th century and the artistic experimentation the city inspired for visiting artists. It is the first comprehensive examination of American tourism, art making and art collecting in Venice, revealing the glass furnaces and their new creative boom as a vibrant facet of the city’s allure. This exhibition is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G Streets NW, through May 8, 2022. SAAM is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. americanart.si.edu. 12 H HILLRAG.COM

FIRST ANNUAL REDEYE NIGHT MARKET

Inspired by the bustling open-air night markets of East and Southeast Asia, DC’s first annual REDEYE Night Market is on Nov. 6, 4 to 11 p.m. on four blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue from Third through Seventh Streets NW. This family-friendly market brings together 50 local vendors to showcase an array of food and beverages that one might find at an Asian night market including Filipino pastries, Taiwanese shaved ice, bao and Korean fried chicken. In addition to sampling signature dishes from celebrated local restaurants including Incheon, Tiger Fork, Maketto, China Chilcano, Thip Khao, Nihao, enjoy cultural and musical performances throughout the evening. Admission is free. theredeye.nokingscollective.com.

November 2021 H 13

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

PAT METHENY SIDE-EYE

As a teenager, Pat Metheny regularly jammed with Kansas City’s best jazz musicians. It was this experience of sitting in with more mature players that lead to the acclaimed jazz guitarist’s latest project, “Side-Eye.” This edition features pianist James Francies, equally at home in the worlds of jazz and R&B, and drummer Joe Dyson, a New Orleans native who has performed with everyone from Ellis Marsalis to Esperanza Spalding. Pat Metheny Side-Eye with James Francies and Joe Dyson is at the Strathmore, 5303 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, on Nov. 13, 8 p.m. $49 to 89. strathmore.org.

PRIOR TO BROADWAY: A STRANGE LOOP

Usher is a Black queer writer working a job he hates while writing his original musical about a Black queer writer working a job he hates while writing his original musical. A Strange Loop is at Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW, from Nov. 22 to Jan. 2. woollymammoth.net. Image: Designed by Justine Swindell

KATIA & MARIELLE LABEQUE PLAY DESSNER’S CONCERTO FOR TWO PIANOS

FUEGO FLAMENCO XVII

From Nov. 5 through 14, Fuego Flamenco XVII explores traditional flamenco and its breadth and diversity through contemporary expressions. This year’s program includes the return of Salvador, an autobiographical piece by Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company that traces DC-beloved choreographer and dancer Edwin Aparicio’s journey from war-torn El Salvador to his discovery of flamenco in the United States. Tickets are $35 to $55. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org. Edwin Aparicio in Salvador. Photo: Steve Johnson

FOLGER CONSORT’ MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS

For its annual holiday concert of cherished early music, Folger Consort presents an intimate program revisiting its beloved album, A Medieval Christmas. Carols in English from the Middle Ages as well as Medieval Latin carols from throughout Europe will be performed in unique arrangements for historical instruments. From Dec. 10 to 18, the nave of St. Mark’s on Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE, provides the ideal acoustical backdrop for harmonious and joyful early music for the Yuletide season. folger.edu.

14 H HILLRAG.COM

On Nov. 11, 7 p.m.; Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.; and Nov. 13, 8 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, renowned sibling pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, who are credited with having transformed the piano duo, perform a piece composed especially for them: Bryce Dessner’s Concerto for Two Pianos. Juanjo Mena conducts the program which also includes Schumann’s Manfred and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. $19 to $99. kennedy-center.org.

November 2021 H 15

RENT

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggle with gentrification, love, loss and legacies amidst the HIV/AIDS crisis. Through songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “One Song Glory,” “I’ll Cover You,” “Out Tonight” and more, they embrace hope, find strength and survive. Winner of the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking phenomenon defined a generation as it redefined the American musical. RENT is at Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, from Nov. 2 to Jan 2. $40 to $108. sigtheatre.org. Photo of Pussy Noir by Christopher Mueller

FUTURES AT THE REOPENED ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING

The historic Arts and Industries Building, America’s first National Museum, opens FUTURES on Nov. 20. On view through July 6, 2022, the exhibition is the Smithsonian’s first major building-wide exploration of the future and will reopen its oldest museum for the first time in nearly two decades. The part-exhibition, partfestival will celebrate the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary with more than 150 awe-inspiring objects, ideas, prototypes and installations that fuse art, technology, design and history to help visitors imagine many possible futures on the horizon. Visit FUTURES on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information and to plan a visit, go to aib.si.edu. Bell Nexus courtesy of Bell Textron, Inc.

GAY MEN’S CHORUS: THE HOLIDAY SHOW

Tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree, snow and much more return to the Lincoln Theatre the Gay Men’s Chorus, always popular, The Holiday Show. The festive program includes songs like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and features performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all their ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. $25 to $65. The Holiday Show is at Lincoln Theater, Dec. 4, 11 and 12. gmcw.org/the-holiday-show. Photo: Michael Key

16 H HILLRAG.COM

AMERICAN AQUARIUM

American Aquarium is an American alternative country band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Their first album, “Antique Hearts,” was released in 2006, followed by “The Bible and the Bottle” in 2008. The band has continued to tour extensively, playing around 250 shows a year. Their most critically acclaimed album to date is 2012’s “Burn. Flicker. Die.” American Aquarium is at The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE, on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $30. themiracletheatre.com.

THE

GRANT, RYALL & ANDREW GROUP Team Direct: (202) 741-1654 grantryallandrew.com Coldwell Banker Realty 350 7th Street SE 20003 (202) 547-3525

2015-2021 Proud to be recognized as a top team in DC, MD & VA. Thank you for your continued support and referrals.

309 MARYLAND AVE NE #5 1BR/1BATH - $1,495

1502 POTOMAC AVE SE 2BR/1BATH - $2,800

1519 WEBSTER ST NW

1000 NEW JERSEY AVE., SE #1019

335 C ST SE

1417 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE #6

4BR/2.5BATH - $3,600

1BR/1BATH - $2,150

Property management and leasing –

That is ALL we do.

Tiber Realty Group specializes in placing high-quality residential and commercial tenants on Capitol Hill and throughout the city.

If you need to fill a vacant unit, Call Tiber today!

FURNISHED 2BR/2BA - $3,200

2BR/1BATH - $2,595

Michael Frias

Owner / Broker / Property Manager

406 H St. NE, Second Floor

(202) 355-6500

tiberrealtygroup.com Michael@tiberrealtygroup.com

November 2021 ★ 17

18 H HILLRAG.COM

r a d n e l ca

c o mm u n i t y

Brought to You By

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS

Schneider's of Capitol Hill

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

covered. $267. Beginning Ceramics is Mondays, Nov. 8 to Dec. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. This class is an introduction to ceramics and will cover basic techniques and materials to get you started and comfortable with working with clay. Learn the fundamentals on how to transform a lump of clay into a next work of art or functional pottery piece. $309. chaw.org.

Photo: Winston Zhou

Chiarina Chamber Players Concert. Nov. 7, 7:30 PM Music for clarinet, viola, and piano, written over a span of more than two centuries, comes alive in this program featuring artists Charles Neidich, Dana Kelley and Efi Hackmey. $25 online; $30 at the door; $10 age 30 and under. St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. chiarina.org. Rumsey Pool Hours Adjusted. William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Ave. SE, (adjacent to Eastern Market) is now open weekdays from 6 AM to 9 PM; and Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. dpr.dc.gov/page/william-h-rumsey-aquatic-center.

DC Beer Fest. Nov. 6, noon to 8 p.m. DC’s largest beer festival, featuring over 80 breweries, food trucks, bands, dueling pianos throughout Nat’s Park. General admission, $50 to $90. dcbeerfestival.com. Capitol City Symphony: Elegy. Nov. 7, 5 PM. Who Are We, DC? Elegy is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

WINE. BEER. SPIRITS. TRADITION.

CHRS Guided Walking Tours. Nov. 13 and 14. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society is offering a third series of outdoor guided walking tours: Architecture of Capitol Hill, Capitol Hill Alleys, The Resistance, and Parks, Treasures of Capitol Hill. chrs.org.

NOVEMBER MIXED CASE SPECIAL!

DC Art Now 2021. Through Nov. 18. This is the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ annual exhibition, at the CAH Gallery at 200 I St. SE, of selected work by finalists for the Art Bank Program grant. The collection can also be accessed at dcarts.emuseum.com. Celia and Fidel at Arena. Through Nov. 21. Fidel Castro’s most trusted confidant and political partner, Celia Sánchez, is never far from his side as he grapples with how to move his country forward. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Tai Chi Chuan at Hill Center. Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 to 8:15 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 AM to noon. Tai Chi Chuan is a formulated set of movements designed for body and mind All ages welcome. $150 per month. Hillcenterdc.org. Beginning and Intermediate Ceramics at CHAW. Intermediate Ceramics is Tuesdays, Nov. 2 to Dec. 14. Learn, practice and perfect basic to advanced ceramic skills. Wheel throwing and hand building and finishing techniques will be

Everything you need for your Thanksgiving Feast 6 Balanced and food-friendly Reds, 6 Vibrant and Crispy Whites. Retail Price: $357.88 Sale Price: $290.88 Mixed Case Club Price: $215.99 40% off Retail!!

US Capitol Christmas Tree Arrival. Nov. 19. The US Capitol Tree is due to arrive at the West Lawn of the Capitol. uscapitolchristmastree.com. Southeast Library Monthly Book Sale. Nov. 13, 10 AM to 3 PM. Join the Friends of Southeast Library to shop a range of titles with most books at $1. Proceeds supplement library programs. Southeast Library is at 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Enchant Christmas at Nat’s Park. Nov. 26 to Jan. 2. Cherish time with family and friends as you glide down the breathtaking Ice Skating Trail. Sample gourmet holiday treats from around the world. Visit the artisan Christmas marJohn Phillip Souza Birthday ket. Meet the Big Man Concert. Nov. 6, 10:30 to 11:30 AM. himself to whisper a The program will start at 10:30 a.m. most heartfelt Christwith an awards ceremony, followed mas wish and step into by a brief talk by a John Philip Sousa an all-original, fully-imimpersonator. The Marine Corps band mersive light maze exwill enter through the 17th Street perience. $25 to $29; gate at 11 AM for a 25-minute contwo and under, free. encert at the grave site. Historic Conchantchristmas.com. gressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. u congressionalcemetery.org.

VINTAGE

WINE

RETAIL

SALE

2019

Black Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

$16.99

$11.99

2016

Buty “Rediviva of the Stones” Walla Walla Valley

$59.99

$49.99

2018

Sparkman Cellars Wilderness Rhone Blend

$29.99

$24.99

2010

Lambert Zinfandel

$17.99

$12.99

2017

Infiniment de L’Ou Rouge

$24.99

$19.99

2015

Chilensis Icon Lazuli

$25.99

$19.99

2019

Jon-Marc Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley

$24.99

$19.99

2020

Valduero Blanco Albillo

$29.99

$24.99

2018

Chiron Nectar Dance Chardonnay Moon Mountain, Sonoma

$54.99

$49.99

2018

Balthazar Fry Reserve Gewurztraminer

$23.99

$17.99

2019

Sonrío Cuando Llueve Albariño

$24.99

$19.99

2018

Schmitt & Carrer Les Sens Riesling

$22.99

$17.99

300 MASS AVE. NE WASHINGTON, DC 20002 VISIT CELLAR.COM CALL 202.543.9300 November 2021 H 19

The Point’s Thanksgiving Feast Menu YOU GET TO ORDER THE APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS. THE ENTREES ARE SERVED AT THE CHEF’S CARVING STATION. ALL SIDES SERVED FAMILY STYLE FOR THE TABLE.

Appetizers (choose One)

Chef’s Carving Station

Caesar Romaine lettuce, brioche croutons, shaved parmesan

Roasted Turkey Breast Gravy - Cranberry sauce

Green Salad Roasted butternut, Cheddar cheese, toasted pecans, apples, maple vinaigrette

Roasted Salmon Tzatziki Sauce

Kale and Green Farro Salad Red Grapes, Hazelnuts, pickled beets, scallions, cabernet vinaigrette

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Beef Cream, Red Wine Cranberry Sauce Wood Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma Spice, Hummus, Tzatziki

New England Clam Chowder Salmon Jerky, Bacon, Red Potato, Grandma Grace’s oyster crackers Crab Doughnuts

Sides all served for the table

Dessert (Choose One)

Candied Sweet Potatoes Brioche Stuffing Fried Brussel Sprouts Soy Glaze Mashed Potatoes

Chocolate Praline Bar a la carte Pumpkin Pie with maple whipped cream Vanilla soft serveSundae Warm cider stewed apples, pecan streusel dulce de leche

THE POINT

Located On Historic Buzzard Point 2100 Second Street S.W. 202-948-2522 www.thepointdc.com 20 ★ HILLRAG.COM

HOURS:

Mondays & Tuesdays – 5 to 11 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays – 11:30 AM to 11 PM Fridays & Saturdays – 11:30 AM to Midnight Sundays – 11:30 AM to 11 PM

Holiday Foods special issue

November 2021 ★ 21

Holiday foods

Capitol Cuisine

Thanksgiving at Home

by Celeste McCall

uring our half-century on Capitol Hill, husband Peter and I have developed holiday traditions, including for Thanksgiving. We often host dinner, and don’t have to leave Capitol Hill for ingredients. (Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 25 this year.) To begin, we plan our menu: hors d’oeuvres, first course, entree, sides, wines, dessert, decor. Before sitting down to dinner, our guests might sip Mumm Napa brut rose, Lamarca prosecco or sparkling apple-cranberry cider from Safeway, while nibbling smoked salmon, pates and dips from Eastern Market Grocery (Eastern Market). Once seated, we light candles (Groovy DC) and launch our feast with curried pumpkin soup. I hate throwing away our Halloween jack-o-lantern, but with Thanksgiving coming up, I found a solution: pumpkin soup. Here is a recipe similar to a soup we savored at the long-gone Yellow Brick Bank restaurant in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. We buy our pumpkin ‒ and other produce ‒ from Eastern Market’s weekend farmers’ line. CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP 1½ pounds pumpkin or 1 (27-ounce) can unseasoned pumpkin Olive oil as needed 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chicken stock 2 to 3 tablespoons curry powder ½ pint half-and-half (or coconut milk) Salt and pepper to taste Dash of paprika and turmeric (for added color) Fresh parsley or chives, snipped (for garnish), optional If using fresh pumpkin, cut in half and scoop out seeds and insides. Cut into small chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer about 15 minutes until pumpkin is soft. (Or microwave until pumpkin is soft.) When pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove skin. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet and saute onions and garlic until soft; do not burn. Add curry powder and other seasonings. Transfer to a soup pot and add chicken stock; simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until pumpkin is soft. Add half-andhalf. Pour mixture into blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Pour into individual bowls and sprinkle with chives or parsley if desired. Serves about six as a first course.

22 H HILLRAG.COM

Roast turkey with the trimmings forms the usual centerpiece for our Thanksgiving feast. Photo: Celeste McCall

Main Event Our usual centerpiece is roast turkey. My favorite recipe comes from my dear friend Clotilde Benitez, who was born in Puerto Rico and has lived in Washington for decades. It’s best to start with a fresh, rather than frozen, bird, available at Capitol Hill Poultry and Market Poultry (Eastern Market), and Groff ’s Content Farm (Tuesdays, outside Eastern Market), Kip Kelley’s Full Cellar Farms (Farmfresh Market and Safeway). Markets are now accepting turkey orders for pickup a day or so before Thanksgiving. (Safeway and Frager’s Hardware carry roasting pans.) To drink: A to Z Oregon pinot noir (Safeway) or a Chateau Ste. Michel Riesling, or a Cote du Rhone (red) from Classy Wine Corks & Spirits. Classy Wine also carries Ariel (non-alcoholic) wines. Chat’s Liquor offers a six-pack of assorted wines (pinot gris, pinot noir, sparkling, Riesling, Rioja, cabernet). DCanter has a “good juice wall” of various wines under $15; Schneider’s also offers turkey-happy vintages. HISPANIC ROAST TURKEY 1 (10-12-pound) turkey Marinade: 12 garlic cloves Salt and black pepper to taste Oregano Thyme 4 or more tablespoons olive oil 2 to 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Eastern Market’s weekend farmers’ line offers pumpkins in all sizes and colors. Photo: Celeste McCall

Remove giblets from turkey cavity and reserve. Rinse bird inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Combine mar-

November 2021 H 23

Holiday foods

inade ingredients and make a paste with mortar and pestle. Rub mixture into bird, inside and out. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Next day, make stuffing: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground turkey Turkey giblets (heart, gizzard, liver, optional) ⅓ cup chopped onion 2 cups seedless raisins 2 tablespoons capers, drained 8 to 10 pimento-stuffed olives, whole 1 (7-ounce) jar pimentos, with liquid 18 seedless prunes 4 hardboiled eggs, chopped 1 (1-pound) jar applesauce Preheat oven to 350 F. Heat olive oil in large skillet (cast iron is best) and brown the ground meat, along with chopped innards, if using. Add brown chopped onions. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Stuff turkey loosely (do not pack) and truss with strong thread (I use unflavored dental floss). Place on rack over pan, breast side down, so juices will flow to the white meat, keeping it moist. Cover bird loosely with foil, leaving vents to prevent steaming rather than baking. Bake at 350 F for about four hours, basting occasionally. About an hour before it’s done, flip bird right side up (it takes two people to do this) and remove foil. Return to oven and finish baking, allowing breast to brown. If necessary, cover wing tips with foil so they won’t burn. Remove turkey from oven and allow to rest at room temperature for a few minutes. Meanwhile, make gravy: Turkey juices All-purpose flour, as needed Turkey or chicken stock Vermouth Splash of Madeira or port wine Pour juices off turkey, skimming off fat. Combine de-fatted juices gradually with flour, then with stock (good quality canned will do). Add vermouth and heat thoroughly. At the last minute add Madeira or port. Serve with turkey and stuffing; serves 8 to 10. 24 H HILLRAG.COM

I usually serve Clotilde’s turkey with cranberry sauce: CRANBERRY SAUCE 3 cups fresh cranberries ¾ cup half water and half orange juice 1 cup sugar (or to taste; orange juice adds sweetness) 2 tablespoons orange marmalade Splash of orange liqueur (optional) Place first three ingredients in large pot and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer until berries are soft but not totally mushy. Remove from heat, drain if necEastern Market’s poultry vendors are taking orders for your Thanksgiving turkey. Photo: Celeste McCall

In the farmers’ line, RavenHook Bakehouse carries fresh-baked breads, pies and pastries. Photo: Celeste McCall

essary and stir in marmalade and liqueur if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Yield: About two cups. For a side dish, we prepare something green, like Brussels sprouts, string beans or broccoli. And spaghetti squash. This simple recipe combines the internet and my own invention:

enough to handle, cut squash in half. Scoop out pulp and seeds, then use a fork to scrape out “spaghetti” strands. Meanwhile, melt butter (or oil) in a skillet, add minced garlic. Cook briefly and add squash strands. Heat through, season with salt and pepper and add Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serves six. Our feast usually includes cheese. Bowers Fancy Dairy Products (Eastern Market) carries a wide array of ar-

tisan cheeses. For the sweet finale, I ask a guest to bring dessert. Or ‒ I might visit RavenHook Bakehouse or Pie Shop for apple or pecan pies, Eastern Market’s Fine Sweet Shoppe for sweet potato or pumpkin pies or red velvet cupcakes. We might sip Fonseca tawney port from Classy Corks or Amontillado sherry (Schneider’s). Ambience is essential. Groovy DC carries taper candles, napkins and centerpieces, including a sparkly foam

SPAGHETTI SQUASH 1 (2-pound) spaghetti squash 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced Butter or olive oil as needed ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Minced parsley (optional) With a sharp knife, stab squash several times to allow steam to escape. Microwave on HIGH or until tender. When cool

Capitol Hill’s Safeway carries moderately priced produce and other holiday ingredients. Photo: Celeste McCall

November 2021 H 25

HELLO CAPITOL HILL,

WE ARE NOW OPEN! Our executive chef/owner Danio Somoza has created a menu that will please every palate.

From Our dry-aged prime steaks, freshly sourced seafood, and local produce. You will taste the passion in every bite.

Hill’s Kitchen displays festive serving items, decorations, napkins, candles and other party essentials. Photo: Celeste McCall

We are driven to provide the community with the finest family-owned and operated restaurant in DC.

Reserve your table online at harvesttidecapitolhill.com or call 202-733-1691 Try our Thanksgiving Buffet. To view the menu and make reservations visit us online.

harvesttidecapitolhill.com 212 7th Street SE WDC 20003 26 ★ HILLRAG.COM

pumpkin. Blue Iris (Eastern Market) offers lovely floral arrangements. Hill’s Kitchen provides such festive supplies as cookware, tableware, napkins, towels, aprons and more. Patrick’s Fine Linens & Home Decor (District Wharf ) offers china, glassware, napkins and elaborate butter dishes. To sharpen your carving knife, visit Union Market’s District Cutlery. If your guest list gets too big, you can rent chairs and other essentials from Frager’s Hardware (Hello Rentals). Blue Iris Flowers Eastern Market South Hall Chat’s Liquor 508 Eighth St. SE www.chatsdc.com Classy Corks Wine & Spirits 801 Virginia Ave. SE (south end of Barracks Row) www.classycorksdc.com DCanter Wine Boutique 545 Eighth St. SE www.dcanterwines.com Eastern Market www.easternmarket-dc.org

• • • • • • • •

Bowers Fancy Dairy Products Capitol Hill Poultry Eastern Market Grocery Fine Sweet Shoppe Market Poultry RavenHook Bakehouse (Tuesdays, outside) Southern Maryland Seafood Groff ’s Content Farm (farmers’ line, weekends)

Frager’s Hardware ‒ Hello Rentals 1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (lower level) www.hello-rentals.com Freshfarms Farmers Market 1300 H St. NE www.freshfarms.org Kip Kelley (Full Cellar Farm) brings produce and turkeys to Freshfarms, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.fullcellarfarm.com Groff ’s Content Farm Tuesdays, outside Eastern Market www.groffscontentfarm.com

Groovy DC 321 Seventh St. SE www.groovydc.com Hill’s Kitchen 713 D St. SE www.hillskitchen.com Pie Shop 1339 H St. NE www.pieshopdc.com Safeway 415 14th St. SE www.safeway.com

Chat’s Liquor proprietor Burnie Williams displays a variety of holiday wines. Photo: Celeste McCall

Schneider’s 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE www.cellardc.com Union Market 1309 Fifth St. NE • District Cutlery • District Fishwife • Harvey’s Market • Neopol Savory Smokery • RavenHook Bakehouse www.unionmarketdc.com ◆

G E T YO U R B E A N S DELIVERED

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1718 14th St. NW Union Market www.peregrineespresso.com

Order With Joe’s Coffee App

JOE.COFFEE November 2021 ★ 27

Holiday foods

The Wine Girl

The Top Thanksgiving Wines of 2021

he time has come! You’ve spent weeks prepping that elegant Thanksgiving feast you’re proudly going to serve to your loved ones. With so much time and love going into this holiday meal, it’s important to select wines worthy of your efforts to elevate the occasion. Follow these simple rules when planning wine pairings and discover expertly selected wines for the perfect match. Your friends will think you’ve hired a personal sommelier! Start with sparkling wine as a festive treat. Sparkling wines are remarkably food-friendly and make a classy aperitif. The high acidity helps to cut through rich fatty sides like creamy mashed potatoes, and the minerality adds depth to meaty flavors. The bright stone fruit and citrus notes also make it the ideal partner for turkey. When pairing still white wines, look for crisp aromatic whites like Riesling. Serve slightly off-dry but balanced whites to complement sweeter sides like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and creamed corn. Acid is the key, so look for whites with a tart freshness that also pair with those roasted root veggies, green beans and salads. Avoid buttery, oaky chardonnay, since it will appear flabby against a customary Thanksgiving menu. For the reds, choose wines with high acid and low tannins like pinot noir and gamay. The bright cherry and tart cranberry notes, along with savorysweet baking spices, are ideal accompaniments to vibrant side dishes like stuffing, creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. The subtle earthy and mushroom flavors in good pinot noirs like the ones listed here make a great pairing with turkey. Fruity and lush grenache and zinfandel are also great choices, but lean toward softer styles that are not overly jammy or fruit forward.

Sparkling NV Demiere Allegory $39.99 Not just a pre-dinner drink, champagne goes with your meal as well! Honeydew melon, toast, white 28 H HILLRAG.COM

by Elyse Genderson

flowers and honey aromas mingle on the nose and palate of this beautiful, fresh, aperitif-style champagne, offering tons of complexity.

Whites 2019 Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee St. Ctherine $79.99 This outstanding Riesling from Domaine Weinbach, the top producer in Alsace, offers notes of lime, apple, ripe white peach and spicy lychee on the nose. White pepper spice, wet river stones and hints of petrol follow on the long finish. 2017 Bichot Saint Veran $23.99 This classic, unoaked chardonnay is crisp and refreshing, loaded with bright acidity that balances nectarine fruit flavors. An affordable white Burgundy, its lively citrus, tart green apple and white peach characteristics express the Saint Veran growing appellation. It nicely pairs with green beans topped in almonds and crunchy fresh salads.

2019 Sonrío Cuando Llueve Albarino $19.99 For the Spanish wine lover, serve albarino. Aromas of green apple, lemon, pear and pineapple burst from the glass. The palate has a creamy and round texture along with racy acidity to create a balanced and lively white wine. Shake up the Thanksgiving table with a nontraditional wine that still suits the menu.

Reds 2019 Calstar Cellars Pinot Noir River’s Edge $39.99 Dark ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, this pinot noir is ideal with turkey and cranberry sauce. The rich palate delivers spicy toasted oak, dark cherries, strawberries and Asian spices. A lingering finish features balanced oak and fruit with soft, velvety tannins. 2016 De Lancellotti Vineyard Lachini Mountain Pinot Noir $59.99 Deep ruby-red with a firm, earthy structure, it has

notes of tart red cherry and violet with white pepper spice and a long finish that make it a natural pairing for poultry. 2018 Robert Debuisson Brouilly $19.99 While it may seem a cliche, Beaujolais is still a wonderful Thanksgiving pairing. Cru Beaujolais especially is the perfect partner for tart fruit sauces and chutneys. It’s medium(+)bodied, low in tannin and has tons of baking spice and black pepper. This is a serious gamay loaded with lush and sweet red fruit. 2018 Terrazas del Moncayo $36.99 Fresh and exotic aromas of red cherry, boysenberry and strawberries complement white pepper spice and a full-bodied and powerful finish ‒ a perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving sides. 2017 Calstar Cellars Za Za Zinfandel $13.99 Aromas of juicy Bing and maraschino cherry with raspberry and strawberry compote gain complexity from supporting notes of sweet coffee, dried rose petal and violet. Subtle minerality joins lovely, lingering acidity.

After Dinner Leyenda Oloroso $11.99 Delight your guests with a special, unexpected treat. Loaded with rich toast and complex nuttiness, this delightful and affordable oloroso pairs wonderfully with your pecan and pumpkin pie with sherry. Notes of dried apricot and Christmas spice complement the holiday’s decadent desserts. Elyse Genderson is the vice president of Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. Visit her at the historic storefront at 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE to discover wines you’ll love. u

November 2021 H 29

Holiday foods

Hill Center Cookbook

Bringing Us Back to the Table Just in Time for the Holidays

by Bonny Wolf

ood is community, as much about connection as cuisine. That is essentially the message of “A Taste of Hill Center,” a new community cookbook. Fellowship around the table – feeding and eating with friends – has been one of the many things we’ve lost since the pandemic shut down the world. We eat for fuel, of course, but we also eat to be together. “We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink,” ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus wrote. To begin reconnecting with our community, Hill Center gathered more than 140 recipes from friends, neighbors, teachers, chefs and volunteers who have made this landmark building on Capitol Hill the place it is. Publication of the book kicks off the 10th anniversary celebration of Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital – the reincarnation of the Civil Warera hospital into a center of cultural enrichment, lifelong learning and civic engagement. The book also was written to help underwrite operations at Hill Center after the pandemic closed its doors. All proceeds from book sales will go toward operating costs. “A Taste of Hill Center” continues a long national tradition of fundraising cookbooks. The first was published in 1864 to raise funds for Union soldiers wounded in the Civil War. Coincidentally, that was the same year President Abraham Lincoln commissioned the construction of Washington’s first naval hospital for the sailors and marines needing treatment – the building that now houses Hill Cen-

30 H HILLRAG.COM

ter. “A Poetical Cookbook,” that first community cookbook, by Maria J. Moss, was the precursor to thousands of community cookbooks that followed. They proved to be a successful way to raise money for causes including suffrage, religious charities, firehouses, refugees and war relief. These cookbooks introduce readers to a community and its tastes. “A Taste of Hill Center,” therefore, reflects the richly diverse community in which we live. It gives readers a glimpse into the kitchens of people they may know for things other than their cooking, as well as recipes from well-known chefs who have taught at Hill Center. There are recipes and profiles of Gerard Pangaud, the youngest French chef to be awarded two Michelin stars, and Erik BrunerYang, who popularized ramen in Washington. Both chefs teach at Hill Center. Pangaud shared two of his signature recipes – poached lobster with ginger, lime and sauternes and mango tart tatin – as well as several others. Bruner-Yang contributed, among others, his traditional Cambodian soup (sawmlaw m’choo kroeung). Readers will find fried green tomatoes and buttermilk burrata from Amy Brandwein, chef/owner of Centrolina restaurant; chocolate chip cookies from Doron Petersan, who started Sticky Fingers bakery, and cioppino from Fiona Lewis, co-owner of District Fishwife at Union Market. All three have taught at Hill Center. Aaron Silverman, chef/owner of three Capitol Hill restaurants including Little Pearl in Hill Center’s carriage house, shared recipes from his popular Rose’s Luxury. Wendi James and Mark Haskell regularly teach Hill Center cooking classes and have donated recipes. Marianne Tshihamba, another contributor, teaches the No Boundaries and Family Style cooking series in which she introduces classes to unusual ingredients and how to incorporate them into home cooking. If you attend the popular foraging, fats or fermenting classes of Bill Schindler, you’ll find his recipe for roasted marrow bones with wild greens. Devotees of Hill Center’s “Talk of the Hill with Bill Press” will learn that he knows about cooking as well as politics.

Capitol Hill businesses are also a part of “A Taste of Hill Center.” Leah Daniels, owner of Hill’s Kitchen, and Kathleen Donahue, owner of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, have contributed some of their favorite recipes. Melissa Ashabranner, co-owner and executive editor of the Hill Rag, gave us her mother’s hummus recipe. Merchants at Eastern Market cook food as well as sell food. Bill and Billy Glasgow from Union Meat Co. contributed their recipe for mustard rib-eye roast. Leon Calomiris let me copy his favorite recipe from his favorite Greek community cookbook, and Mike Bowers from Bowers Fancy Dairy Products shared old family recipes. Hill Center staff, volunteers and board members contributed. Eleanor Milline is the face of Hill Center at the reception desk. We have her mother’s applesauce recipe. Judy Zippin, one of Hill Center’s most active volunteers, provided her mother’s apple tart. Brian Hanlon, a board member and third-generation Washingtonian, gave us the recipe (spinach blobs) that led him to propose to his wife. Potters who participate in the annual Pottery on the Hill event provided recipes, pictured in their pots. Each section of the cookbook opens with a piece of art from artists whose work has hung in Hill Center’s galleries. There are recipes from friends and neighbors of Hill Center for artichoke dip, kale salad, zucchini chips and gazpacho. This is a community cookbook, and a first step to reconnecting at the table. To purchase a copy of “A Taste of Hill Center,” visit www.hillcenterdc.org/ product/cookbook/. “A Taste of Hill Center,” was edited by Bonny Wolf. ◆

Now Available ONLINE @

in the Whole Foods Section

The best corn you’ve ever had Available at I N T H E F R OZ E N V E G G I E S S E C T I O N

100% ALL NATURAL!

NO added sugar, additives, coloring or preservatives

More info and recipes at: larrysweetcorn.com November 2021 ★ 31

HELP DECIDE D.C.’S NEW WARD BOUNDARIES!

It’s time for redistricting! By law, D.C.’s 8 wards need to be roughly equal in population. According to the 2020 Census, Ward 6 needs to shrink while Wards 7 and 8 need to grow!

NEW THIS YEAR, REDISTRICTING DIY! You can draw your own map and submit it to the D.C. Council for consideration! Go to DCredistricting.esriemcs.com with training tool links available at elissasilverman.com/redistricting.

SUBMIT TESTIMONY BY NOVEMBER 12:

Email your thoughts to redistricting@dccouncil.us or call us at 202-350-1521

32 ★ HILLRAG.COM

capitol s ree s t

JURISDICTION IMPEDES AID FOR ENCAMPMENTS David Graves stands in front of his tent at the Third Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE encampment, Thursday, Oct. 14. Photo: E. O’Gorek/CCN

avid Graves and the other residents of an encampment on a triangle park at Third and Massachusetts Avenue NE were still debating their next move the day before they were evicted, Oct. 15. “We don’t know what to do,” Graves said. “Everybody that comes here asks us what we’re going to do. And we’re asking them, what are you doing?” Graves moved to the encampment with two friends in August, when the National Park Service (NPS) evicted them from the triangle park a block away, citing tree remediation. That area is now empty and surrounded by a chainlink fence. A similar fence was already up on Thursday around the encampment where he lived. “I guess all the parks are just going to look like this,” Graves said. “I don’t know where they keep pushing us.” Like many American cities, the District has experienced an increase

Residents Left Unsure as Federal and District Agencies Clear Sites

by Elizabeth O’Gorek in the number of encampments over the last few years. Unlike other jurisdictions, however, the spaces occupied by these encampments are regulated by multiple agencies, including Capitol Hill Police, NPS and the District Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services. Critics say the multiple agencies responsible for these parcels of land makes it unclear who has the responsibility to help the people living there. As a result, they say, nobody does.

health or safety risk or interferes with community use of the spaces. DMHHS is required to give twoweeks’ notice prior to these cleanups.

In the meantime, DMHHS, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and contracted providers are supposed to conduct outreach

Whose Responsibility? Camping on public space is illegal in the District, but the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services (DMHHS), which is responsible for encampments, says it is not city policy to arrest or cite campers. They do periodic clearings of a site when it presents a security,

An NPS employee removes contents from an encampment tent, Friday, Oct. 15. Photo: E. O’Gorek/CCN

November 2021 ★ 33

Looking for a Pied a Terre? A water view? One level living?

WE GOT YOU COVERED!

525 Water Street, SW Unit 109 High end 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath condo with gorgeous kitchen and garage parking. This full-service building will not disappoint. GIve us a call for more details!

Give us a call for more details! Jackie Sink 202.352.5793 jackie.sink@compass.com

Libby Clarke 202.841.1812 libby.clarke@compass.com

Crystal Crittenden 202.246.0931 crystal.crittenden@compass.com SE E OU R R EV I EW S ON Z I LLOW J LC T E A M .C OM

@ J LC T E A M

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900

“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises 513 11TH ST. SE (EASTERN MARKET METRO)

202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTAT I N G E X H I B I TS O F LO C A L A RT I S TS 34 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Victar Parker uses a wheelchair to move items from the encampment, Friday, Oct. 15. Photo: E. O’Gorek/CCN

to connect encampment residents with services and programs. But the District does not have jurisdiction over all the public spaces. The site at Third and Massachusetts, for instance, is under the jurisdiction of NPS. According to NPS, it evaluates each park individually and removes encampments when it determines that a site poses a significant and continuing security, health or safety risk. In the case of the Third and Massachusetts encampment, officials on site said there were fire hazards posed by a generator and grills as well as complaints about trash and cleanliness from neighbors and area businesses. The park service lacks homelessness outreach programs or services. A representative said NPS is “committed to taking a social services-first approach and will continue to work closely with DMHHS and community partners to connect people living in encampments with resources and housing.” Graves said nobody had approached him or the two friends he lives with about the Thursday removal date. “They put that sign up

there two days ago,” Graves said. “We asked them what was going on, and he was like, ‘Well I just work for the parks department.’ He couldn’t explain it.” On Thursday morning, reporters and advocates watched an NPS employee post signs announcing the encampment clearing had been moved to Friday. He attached them to the fence, then returned to his truck and drove away.

Where to Go Next Andrew Anderson is the outreach director for the People for Fair-

Outreach Director for People for Fairness Coalition (PFFC) Andrew Anderson stands outside the fence during the removal of the encampment by the National Park Service (NPS). E.O'Gorek/CCN

ness Coalition (PFFC). He said the organization had helped many of the residents relocate Thursday night, before the clearing took place, some moved to the encampments under I-695 near Garfield Park. Others are heading to the encampments at Allen Park at O Street and New Jersey Avenue NW and the area of E Street near 21st and 22nd streets NW. However, those two encampments are also slated for dispersal as part of a District pilot program. November 2021 ★ 35

The pilot program, which focuses on those two sites and the NoMA encampments at L and M streets, provides expedited access to housing and services for all who were residents of the sites as of Aug. 23. Once cleared, the sites will become “no encampment zones.” The change allows DMHHS and District agencies to remove items from the site within a day, without the two-week notice otherwise required. That means that if Graves and his friends go to either of those sites, they will be ineligible for the pilot program but will still be evicted in November. Anderson said that neither NPS nor the District are worried about where the residents will live. “They’re not concerned about relocation, [it’s] just ‘get them out of the way, because we don’t want to deal with the problem anymore,’” he said.

The Need for Coordination

TAE KWON DO SPOTS AVAILABLE

STARTING AT AGE 4 AND UP 10’ SOCIAL DISTANCING. FULLY MASKED. 6TH & EYE ST., NE. - PARKING • MASTERGUTMAN@GMAIL.COM

36 H HILLRAG.COM

At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I) was on site for the encampment clearing. She said that while NPS has kept the DC Council informed of activities on the site, she would like more coordination with the city. “These are District residents, and this is a complex issue,” she said. “Complex issues involve putting all our heads together and being strategic and really coming up with solutions. We need to have a strategy so we’re not just moving people around the city.” Silverman said that DMHHS should take the initiative to reach out to NPS and contracted outreach partners to work on such a strategy. In an emailed statement, DMHHS said its outreach team had worked with NPS to inform residents of the impending closure.

Building Smart from the Start

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

“We continue to work with NPS regularly to learn of any closures in advance so that we can properly engage the encamped residents beforehand,” read the statement, “and encourage all encamped residents to utilize District shelter options and to regularly engage in outreach provider service connection efforts. We know that many of the residents have relocated to other areas of the city and our providers will continue to support them along their journey towards independence and housing stability.” PFFC’s Anderson said he was judging the support from District agencies and their contracted outreach organizations by their presence. “They haven’t been here,” Anderson said. “If they have, it’s been one or two agents coming out to do any kind of information collection.” He said the city needs to invest more money in homelessness support services so that, months ago, agents could have come to the encampment to make sure each resident had filled out applications for permanent housing. He pointed out that the process to obtain a housing voucher can take five to eight months. “You don’t see that,” Anderson said. “Nobody from DMHHS is here, nobody from DCHA is here; nobody from Pathways is here. There’s no point in providing a solution except eviction ‒ that’s what you get.” On Thursday, Graves and his friends were trying to decide what to do with their last day together at the encampment. They had discussed setting up an encampment protest on Freedom Plaza, he said. But whatever they decide to do, they have to move on. “Gotta’ find another spot,” Graves said. “[You] do what you can.” ◆

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

301 642 5182 o

derek@thomasdesignconsultants.com

CHECK OUR GALLERY AT: thomasdesignconsultants.com

New Private Session & Membership Special! Hot Yoga Hot Pilates Barre and HIIT Yoga Sculpt Pilates/Yoga Fusion Hot Vinyasa Flow 6-Month Unlimited + 6 Private Sessions

Annual Membership + 6 Private Sessions

$1386

$1796

• Receive six private one-on-one sessions for less than half the price! • Sessions can be done with or without a mask and customized to fit your wellness needs.

Activate your membership and help keep our local community studio thriving! Buy at: www.hotyogacapitolhill.com 410 H St. NE • 202-547-1208 • hotyogacapitolhill@gmail.com November 2021 ★ 37

.capitol streets.

RACE AND REDISTRICTING Why It Matters by Andrew Lightman

very 10 years, the DC Council redraws the boundaries of the city’s eight wards in the wake of the US Census. This is a gut-wrenching political process. Neighborhoods fear division. Constituents are loath to part with familiar ward councilmembers or residential parking privileges. Some cite “lower property values,” lack of “common interests” or “too much public housing.” Under the DC Code and federal law, a redistricting plan cannot have “the purpose and effect” of diluting the voting strength of minority citizens. To be more specific, it cannot over-concentrate minorities in fewer wards or disperse them across too many. So, race is a central element for consideration. “Race is the one of the big issues in our city,” declared At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), chair of the DC Council’s Redistricting Committee, speaking at a recent meeting of the Ward 8 Democrats. “We are going to have an honest and true discussion in the redistricting hearings. We are going to talk about race directly … We are not going to dance around it,” she emphasized. This article explores three possible redistricting scenarios with an eye to examining their impact on the racial composition of future wards. Before starting, however, it is important to understand the rules.

38 H HILLRAG.COM

Population Change by Ward. DC Office of Planning

Redistricting Rules

Three Scenarios

The District’s Charter fixes the number of wards at eight. The DC Code dictates that the city’s population must be apportioned equally (one person, one vote) among the wards, with no more than a 5% deviation permitted. Dividing the city’s 2020 population (689,545) by eight yields 86,193. To be legal, a redistricting plan must limit the population of each ward to between 81,883 and 90,504. The population of each ward has grown, the 2020 Census revealed, but not equally. While Ward 6 is home to 108,202 residents, Ward 7 numbers only 76,255, a 31,947 difference. The US Constitution, which enshrines the principle of one person, one vote, requires this disparity be rebalanced. In the wake of each decennial census, states across the nation routinely redraw political boundaries. In the District, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson appointed a three-member committee consisting of Silverman, At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds (D) and At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson (I) to develop a plan to overhaul the ward boundaries. This plan must secure a majority of votes on the committee and then be approved by a majority vote of the Council. Under the DC Code, wards redrawn under redistricting must be “compact and contiguous.” The boundaries should conform as much as possible to those of the US Census tracts. This limits population exchanges to adjacent wards. In addition, Silverman stated at a Council hearing, the redistricting plan should avoid dividing “communities of interest” ‒ neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Hillcrest, Brookland or Georgetown.

Now that the rules are clear, it is time to take a look at three most likely redistricting scenarios. Driven by the low populations of the city’s eastern wards, all scenarios move boundaries across the Anacostia River. There are three simple ways to accomplish this: move Southwest, move the Navy Yard or move Hill East. The outsized population of Ward 6 also requires a shift in its western borders. A transfer of Shaw to Ward 2 appears inevitable. Ward 6 needs to shed 17,698 residents. Even adjusting its eastern borders is insufficient to pare down its size. All three scenarios below reunite Shaw by moving Ward 2’s boundaries to N and Fifth streets NW. This rough rectangle is home to 7,127 residents, 40.74% (2,904) of whom are Black. Its transfer raises Ward 2’s Black population to 9,768, or 10.97%. Two additional minor adjustments to the boundaries of Ward 1 and 5 are necessary so that Ward 2’s population does not grow beyond the 90,504 legal upper limit. Shifting Ward 1’s southern boundary to S Street NW, a short stretch of New Jersey Avenue and Rhode Island NW, raises its population to 85,578 and lowers Ward 5’s slightly to 89,425. Both would be below 90,504. Now, it is time to turn to the three scenarios.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR

GEORGE OLSON (202) 203-0339 - (M) (202) 203-0339 - (D) george.olson@cbmove.com Capitol Hill Office 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 202.547.3525

Scenario 1: Move Southwest The 2020 Census counted 78,513 residents in Ward 8. To meet the legal lower threshold of 81,883, the ward needs 3,370 residents. Analogously, neighboring Ward 7 requires 5,628. Both are contiguous to Ward 6. The most obvious way to redistrict is to start where Wards 6 and 8 meet

November 2021 ★ 39

.capitol streets.

at the base of the Douglass Bridge in Southwest. Southwest is the neighborhood south of Independence Avenue and the Mall, northeast of the Potomac River and west of South Capitol Street. It is home to a vibrant, mixed-income community numbering 16,447, of whom 36.4% (6,001) are Black. Adding Southwest to Ward 8’s existing residents puts the reconfigured ward at 94,960, which is 4,457 above the legally allowable number of 90,503. Moving Ward 7’s northern boundary south to Good Hope and Naylor Roads SE increases the Scenario 1: Moving Southwest ward’s population to an acceptable 84,386. on 17th Street and finally turning east on Good Hope The new population of the reconfigRoad, before heading south again to Naylor Road SE ured Ward 6 would be 84,335. The reconfigto the District line. This border brings both wards ured Ward 8 ends up with 86,829 residents, within acceptable numbers: 82,806 (Ward 7) and and its white population rises 289.79% to 11,137. 82,998 (Ward 8). Ward 6’s Black population falls 31.5% to 19,617. Under the Navy Yard plan, Ward 8’s white population rises 285% to 11,072. Ward 6’s Black popuScenario 2: Move Navy Yard lation falls 16.86 percent to 23,811. The other neighborhood connected to Ward 8 at the Douglass Bridge is the Navy Yard. Bounded by South Capitol, the Anacostia River and I-695, this area is home to Nationals Park and is one of the city’s fast-growing areas, with scores of large new apartment complexes. Its population is 11,036, of whom 1,877 are Black. The removal of Shaw from Ward 6 and the addition of the Navy Yard to Ward 8 brings that ward’s total population to an acceptable 89,784 while reducing Ward 6’s number to 89,736, with 23,811 Black residents. However, it does not address Ward 7’s deficit of 5,628. The simplest fix is to move Ward 8’s northern boundary south by snaking it from the Anacostia River along Pennsylvania Avenue, turning south on Fairlawn Avenue, heading south again Scenario 2: Moving Navy Yard

40 H HILLRAG.COM

Scenario 3: Move Hill East A third option is to move the section of Capitol Hill known as Hill East to Ward 7. Lying east of 15th Street, south of Benning Road NE and north of K Street and Pennsylvania Avenue SE, this area has 14,556 residents, 7,524 of whom are Black. This move, with transfer of Shaw to Ward 2, reduces the number of Ward 6 residents to 90,477, within the 5% deviation. Ward 8, however, still requires an additional 3,370 residents. A simple solution is to move Ward 8 north. Snaking its northern border from the Sousa Bridge east along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, then south along Branch Avenue SE, turning west on Alabama Avenue and then east again on Naylor Road SE to the District line, leaves the Hillcrest home of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray (D) within the ward, while increasing Ward 8’s population to a legally allowable 82,281. Ward 7’s population would increase to 82,792. Under the Hill East plan, Ward 6’s Black population falls 30.98% to 19,792. The racial composition of both Wards 7 and 8 remains largely unchanged. The Hill East plan raises two

important caveats. First, it divides Hill East from Capitol Hill, with which it is tightly socially integrated. Civic, fraternal, nonprofit and other organizations span both sides of 15th Street SE and create a “community of interest.” Second, no matter what the maps display, most Hillcrest residents consider 25th Street and Naylor Road SE to be their neighborhood’s eastern border. In their eyes, Branch Avenue bisects the neighborhood. Many civic associations, nonprofits and other organizations knit this area together. It also is home to Ward 7 Councilmember Gray. These factors complicate any reconfiguration attempt. Both Capitol Hill and Hillcrest qualify as communities of interest. Redistricting plans should avoid dividing such neighborhoods, Silverman has stated repeatedly.

Race: The Elephant in the Room

drops the Black population of Ward 6 from to 28,640 to 19,617, or 20.72%. Thus, both the Hill East and Southwest plans increase the number of Black voters in Ward 7 and 8 while reducing them in Ward 6 by roughly one-third. If redistricting was a simple exercise in math, the Navy Yard plan would win, since it avoids further concentrating Black residents in majority Black wards.

Winning the New Ward 8 The concentration of Black voters is not the only consideration, however. Moving either Navy Yard or Southwest establishes a significant white population in the new Ward 8 of roughly 13%, which could have implications in future contests for the ward’s Council seat. In the 2020 Democratic primary, voters in Ward 8 cast 8,977 ballots, while those in Ward 6 cast 18,873. The four voting precincts in Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D collectively accounted for 4,392 votes.

Given that a legal redistricting plan cannot have either the “purpose” or “effect” of diluting the voting strength of minority citizens, race becomes a central element of redistricting. “When you talk about public housing versus Navy Yard, are we going to move Black residents in communities that are predominantly Black in Ward 6, or are we going to move more mixed or predominantly white communities in Ward 6 to be part of Ward 8?” asked Silverman at a recent meeting of the Ward 8 Democrats. “Let’s just talk about it genuinely, authentically and honestly. I think it is a good discussion and one we don’t often have in our city,” she added. All three scenarios start with the transfer of Shaw’s 2,904 Black residents from Ward 6 to Ward 2. This raises Ward 2’s Black population to 9,768, or 10.97%. Under the Navy Yard scenario, Ward 6’s Black population falls to 23,811, the least reduction of the three considered. The new ward remains 26.53% Black, almost unchanged from its current configuration. Moving Hill East reduces Ward 6’s Black population of 28,640 to 19,792, reducing its share to 21.86%. Transferring Southwest similarly All three scenarios in this article move Shaw.

Scenario 3: Moving New Hill East

November 2021 H 41

THANK YOU TO MY CLIENTS

A million thanks to the “DC Modern Luxury” magazine audience who named me a 2020 Top Agent!

Dare has been my agent as both a seller and a buyer. In both roles, Dare has been exceptional. She (and her whole team at Compass) are really responsive and expertly manage both the process and the communication throughout the ups and downs of buying or selling a house. I have and would recommend her to anyone. - Karen J

Dare Johnson Realtor® DC

Historic Window Replacement Specialists Full Tear-Out and Retro-Fit Installations, Wood, Aluminum Clador Synthetic Windows & Doors Permit Expediting for Historic DC Properties

20% OFF INSTALLATION COST E-mail request to alex@windowscraft.com *By email only. Exp. 11/30/2021

D: 202.957.2947 O: 202.545.6900 Dare@RealEstateOnTheHill.com www.RealEstateOnTheHill.com Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900

FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES alex@windowscraft.com | 202.288.6660

www.windowscraft.com LICENSED, INSURED AND BONDED

NEW MILLENNIUM

PROUD TO BE AGENTS WITH THE #1 CENTURY 21 FIRM IN THE WORLD! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bridgette.cline@c21nm.com FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office # 202-546-0055 42 ★ HILLRAG.COM

NEW MILLENNIUM

The highest two were King Greenleaf (#127) at 1,478 and Arthur Capper Community Center (#131) at 1,353. The average voter participation was 29.27%, 11 points over Ward 8’s average. Ward 8 has historically had the lowest voter turnout in the city, 18.13% in the 2020 Democratic primary, a national contest. In an off-cycle election with the ward’s DC Council seat not at issue, such as the 2018 Democratic primary, turnout can fall as low as 8.31%. Contrast this with Ward 6, whose percentages were 21.91 and 28.29 respectively. In the 2020 Democratic primary, Councilmember Trayon White (D) coasted to victory with 5,062 votes, while his challengers collectively garnered a mere 3,032. Adding several thousand, highly motivated voters, many of them white, to Ward 8’s electorate would certainly alter the election dynamics. In the end, any redistricting plan has to earn a majority on the three-member committee and then on the 13-member DC Council. Silverman has stated her intention to forge a solution worthy of support from a majority of her colleagues. It remains to be seen what part of Ward 6 will be voted off the island. The DC Office of Planning has a handy tool for redrawing ward boundaries: https://planning. dc.gov/page/district-columbia2021-ward-redistricting. This application enables residents to submit their maps to the Council’s Redistricting Committee. The truly motivated even have the opportunity to testify in favor of their solutions. Visit https://www.elissasilverman.com/redistricting to see the schedule. ◆

November 2021 H 43

.capitol streets.

/ The Nose /

IN CELEBRATION OF GOTTLIEB SIMON

by Anonymous

ear Readers, it has been long months since The Nose put pen to paper. Yet, inspired by recent events, after fortifying himself with a brown medicinal libation he has girded his loins to wade again into the Wilson’s Building’s turbulent cesspool. While DC may be politically kneecapped by the prejudices of its Congressional minders, who shrilly sing hosannas to the founders of our republic while simultaneously denying District citizens the most essential civil rights, within the tiny confines of this polity, democracy flourishes in each Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) enshrined at the city’s heart. Reporting on ANC meetings is not for the fair-weather correspondent. Topics range from the most mundane of matters, such as the placement of curb cuts, to the esoteric heights of the planned unit development (PUD). Deliberations are complicated by District agencies clamoring for free airtime and the loquaciousness of the commissioners. Remaining awake through these lengthy, often tedious proceedings to gather a few nuggets of interest requires the consumption of vast quantities of Oreos washed down with liberal amounts of Diet Coke. Yet, one cannot help but salute these unsung heroes. Overworked, advisory neighborhood commissioners form the lowest rank of the District elected. They police our polity, ensuring it remains, in the famous words of one former Ward 6 pol, “A livable, walkable city.” As important, their meetings provide an accessible forum where residents can voice their concerns. The only benefit to serving as a commissioner is a placard warding off the District’s rapacious meter maids. For more than two decades, Gottlieb “The Cyclist” Simon has served as the director of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. In the pre-pandemic age, he would cycle from one meeting to another, dodging the SUVs of the suburban commuters that clog the city’s roadways. Employing a dry wit and exercising enormous self-restraint, The Cyclist famously shepherded his charges with gentle chiding and incisive wisdom. Most importantly, he established financial safeguards to ensure that commissioners did not splurge public dollars on crayons and adult beverages. As parliamentarian, he oversaw countless elections, adjudicating disputes with the skill of a proverbial Solomon, although this writer never witnessed him presiding over of the division of an infant. Imagine The Nose’s surprise when he received an official communication from the office of At-Large Councilmember Robert “Candidate for Life” White (D), informing him of The Cyclist’s retirement. This unexpected missive left The Nose and many commissioners scratching their heads. What was more surprising in White’s letter was the absence of any details involving an official send-off. Has civilization in the District descended so low that elected officials cannot properly recognize the legacies of hardworking civil servants? Do its finances no longer allow the purchase of commendatory placards? Have the keys to the city been misplaced? Has the Candidate for Life forgotten the simple phrase, “Thank you for your service?” Quite frankly, in the opinion of this poor scrivener, anyone who sat through

44 H HILLRAG.COM

as many commission proceedings as The Cyclist should either be canonized or knighted. While Councilmember White does not possess such authority, a simple Council resolution might do the trick. In its absence, The Nose asks his readers to don their aluminum beanies. Imagine the District’s politicians, ANC commissioners, fellow scriveners and political wags all gathered in the smoky upper bar of the old Hawk’n’Dove to celebrate The Cyclist’s retirement. Suddenly, the clear, dulcet tenor of Councilmember Charles “Boy Scout” Allen pipes up. To a famous tune from “Oklahoma,” Allen sings out: Pore Gottlieb has resigned, Pore Gottlieb Simon has resigned, All gather ‘round his empty desk and cry. He had a heart of gold And he wasn’t very old. Oh, why did such a public servant have to resign? Pore Gottlieb is gone, Pore Gottlieb Simon is gone, He’s biking off oh so peaceful and serene. (The audience joins in) “And serene!” He can finally rest, Leaving his official cell on his desk, ANC finances have never been so clean! Then a grizzled ANC commissioner stands up on his hind legs to intone: “Folks, we are gathered here to moan And groan over the departure of our former director, Who resigned and rode off on his bicycle leaving us bereft.” Then there’d be weepin’ and wailin’ ... (From the audience. Then he’d say) “Gottlieb was the most hardworking man in this here District. People used to think he was a simple bureaucrat and they called him dispensable and a detailed bean counter.” “But the commissioners that really knowed him,” “Knowed that under that bike helmet he always wore,” “There beat a heart as big as the entire District, As big as the Big Chair. Gottlieb Simon loved his Advisory Neighborhood Commissions And he loved his commissioners, every one.” In The Nose’s humble opinion, Candidate for Life should host a retirement party for Simon. Recognizing the countless miles the director logged in his pursuit of the public good might earn White a few votes. u

November 2021 H 45

.capitol streets.

/ Our River: The Anacostia /

WITH RIVERSMART HOMES YOU CAN HELP THE ANACOSTIA by Bill Matuszeski

e all know that part of the pollution in our river, the Anacostia, comes from runoff and overflow of storm water and that all homeowners are contributors. But what we don’t all know is that an effective and active program pays homeowners a large part of the cost of reducing or eliminating the pollutants and the volume of the runoff from their property, and getting other benefits in return. Let’s take a look at what RiverSmart Homes can offer. It is a program of the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) carried out under contract with the nonprofit Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

The DOEE and the alliance recently gave a tour of RiverSmart projects in the Benning Ridge neighborhood of Anacostia, bordered by C and D streets SE and Texas Avenue. Project representatives and enthusiastic homeowners shared their experiences with the program. The owners have beautified their properties, are saving on utility bills and have improved on the use of Rain garden, permeable pavers and a rain barrel. Photo: Bill Matuszeski rainwater and drainage convisible results are the benefits to our river and the trols. The benefits to the District and the Anstreams leading into it, paid for in part by generous acostia are improved water quality, reduced homeowners who have dedicated funds and hard levels of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, work to the Anacostia. and more stable soils to prevent erosion. Some of the most enthusiastic expressions How is this funded, and how much of for progress came from staff of the Alliance for the it does the homeowner pay? In most cases, Chesapeake Bay who were on the tour. Projects Asa homeowner’s co-payment covers the costs sociate Amanda Bland pointed out, “After so many that are providing clear benefits for them. For ‘virtual’ events over the past year, it is wonderful to example, rain barrels carry a one-time charge be with residents in their own community talking of $50-70. They capture roof runoff and make about solutions to stormwater issues.” it available for watering plants, washing the Her colleague Carly Starobin added, “I like car or whatever, thus saving on the bill from working in the Anacostia – people here have a DC Water. The homeowner also pays $100 strong connection to the river.” per 50 square feet of rain gardens or 120 So, what are the next steps to creating a Rivsquare feet of bayscaping. There is no ownerSmart Home on your property? er charge for shade trees, and only $10 per First, make an application online at www.doee. square foot for replacement of impermeable dc.gov/get-riversmart or by phone to the DOEE at surfaces with permeable pavers, and $5 per 202-535-2600. After you submit the completed apsquare foot to replace them with vegetation. plication, you will join the waitlist for a site audit. The visible results are beautiful yards The audit examines ground slope, roof size, paved A Benning Ridge home’s rain barrel. Photo: Bill Matuszeski everywhere you look! Less immediately

46 H HILLRAG.COM

Front garden partnership with a rain barrel. Photo: Bill Matuszeski

areas, existing gardens, shade and the like as the basis for deciding which projects are most appropriate for the property. The wait-time for the audit averages two to four months, and you must be present at the audit, which usually takes about a half hour. You will receive the auditor’s report with recommendations for features and projects on your property. You then tell DOEE what features you wish to have installed. The alliance or the contractor will coordinate the installation. The timeline for co-payments will vary by project and completion time. After completion, your primary duty is to enjoy and maintain the features consistent with information provided at the time of installation and also available online at www.riversmarthomes.com. Everybody wins with RiverSmart Homes, especially the Anacostia! Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River and the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of the Friends of the National Arboretum and on citizen advisory committees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia rivers. ◆

Fall Special 2021

GET $600 OFF

The only dentist in both SE and SW to be recognized as: Washingtonian Magazine Top Dentist 2021 DC Magazine Top Healthcare Professional 2021

General Preventative Dental Care Same Day Crowns Smile Design & Makeovers Advanced Technology for Patient Comfort

Top Invisalign Provider on Capitol Hill

Sheila Samaddar, DDS President, District of Columbia Academy of General Dentistry DrSamaddar@SouthCapitolS mileCenter.com

202.488.1313 | 1313 South Capitol St., SW | SouthCapitolSmileCenter.com |

COMPREHENSIVE COSMETIC ESTHETIC MINIMALLY INVASIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES ALL OVER CAPITOL HILL! SouthCapitolSmileCenter

DrSheSam

Across from Nationals Park & 2 blocks from the Navy Yard Metro

November 2021 ★ 47

.capitol streets.

DDOT’s Expedited Plans ANC6A REPORT by Nick L. Alberti Chair Amber Gove (6A04) convened the Oct. 14 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A via Zoom with Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01), Phil Toomajian (6A02), Mike Soderman (6A03), Laura Gentile (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06), Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07) and Brian Alcorn (6A08) in attendance.

cting Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Everett Lott shared DDOT’s new District-wide response to implementing certain traffic speed interventions such as installing speed humps, flexi posts and additional stop signs. Lott explained that in the past, residents would h ave t o

submit a 311 request for one of these interventions, which would require DDOT to perform a traffic safety assessment (TSA) report. These reports take time and resources, slowing down the potential implementation of said intervention. Moving forward, as Lott explained, DDOT will use in-house staff and resources to make these assessments so they can expedite the process. Through this expedited process, DDOT aims to clear the backlog of requests and allow the agency to perform TSAs on larger projects. Ultimately, Lott hopes that residents and visitors to the District alike will more heavily use the alternative transportation options available instead of deciding to drive. Lott can be reached via email at Everett.Lott@dc.gov, but he encouraged residents to submit 311 requests as needed.

DC Redistricting The redistricting of DC’s wards and ANCs involves balancing population size among legislative districts. Samuel Rosen-Amy, chief of staff to At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), who chairs the redistricting subcommittee, joined the meeting to explain what changes Ward 6 can expect and to share how residents can voice their opinions. DC law requires that each of the eight wards must be equal in population within 5% of the average, which calculates to be around 90,000 residents. Ward 6 is currently well above that 5% threshold with roughly 108,000 residents, whereas Wards 7 and 8 are below the threshold. The Redistricting Committee has been holding hearings for each ward. The Ward 6 hearing will be held Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. In addition to attending the hearing, residents can visit https://dcredistricting.esriemcs.com, an interactive map that allows users to redefine ward boundaries using actual census data and even submit a formal recommendation to the committee.

Community Outreach Committee The commissioners voted to send a letter to Mayor Bowser supporting the DC Universal Basic Income (UBI) Coalition’s request that the mayor join Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), as one demonstration of support for a guaranteed income for DC residents. The vote was six in favor with Toomajian opposing and Soderman abstaining. The Community Outreach Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month.

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee The commissioners voted unanimously to protest the application of Daruwalla LLC, t/a Daru, at 1451 Maryland Ave. NE (ABRA #113870) for renewal of its Class C Tavern License unless a settlement agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline; and that 48 ★ HILLRAG.COM

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

www.anc6a.org

ALL ARE WELCOME Mona Hatoum, the chair and the vice chair of the ANC, and Dooling, be authorized to represent the ANC in this matter. The commissioners voted unanimously to protest the application of Lydia on H LLC, t/a Lydia Restaurant & Lounge, at 1427 H St. NE (ABRA #119312) for a Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline; and that Mona Hatoum, the chair and the vice-chair of the ANC, and Dooling, be authorized to represent the ANC in this matter. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Mike Velasquez to the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee. The Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to DDOT stating that the ANC’s preferred, rank-ordered options of DDOT’s bike lane designs for the 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue NE are Alternatives B, E and C. Concept 1 for the intersection at 14th Street NE is the preferred initial design option. The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support to DDOT for TSA #21-00452815, requesting all-way stop signs at 16th Street and Constitution Avenue NE, including the consideration of raised crosswalks if the all-way stop request is denied. The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support to DDOT for the 2021 Rock‘n’ Roll Marathon street closures for the race taking place on Nov. 13. The Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.

Economic Development and Zoning The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for a special exception from the rear yard requirements of Subtitle E §306.1, to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached, principal dwelling unit at 248 10th St. NE (BZA Case #20530). The Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Other Business The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to DDOT requesting a postponement for receipt of ANC comments on public space construction permit application #378346 (201 8th St. NE) until after the Nov. 10 ANC 6A meeting, as the commission did not receive sufficient time to review. Visit www.anc6a.org for a calendar of meeting times, meeting agendas and other information. u

Redistricting ANC 6B Report

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. Transportation & Public Space Committee 3rd Monday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Community Outreach Committee meeting 4th Monday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via WebEx Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting 4th Tuesday, CANCELLED Instructions for accessing the meeting via WebEx have been posted under Hot Topics at anc6a.org. Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be able to enter the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start time.

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

Next meeting Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Information will be posted on the ANC 6C website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com

Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.tps@gmail.com

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

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

by Elizabeth O’Gorek At the Oct. 13 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B, Commissioners Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02), Brian Ready (6B03), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06), Edward Ryder (6B07), Alison Horn (6B09) and Denise Krepp (6B10) were present. Peter Wright (6B08) was absent.

lissa Silverman (I-At-Large), chair of the DC Council Subcommittee on Redistricting, presented at the meeting. Federal law November 2021 H 49

.capitol streets.

requires reevaluation of electorWard 6 hearing is on Wednesday, al districts every 10 years, after the Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. A final citywide US Census, to ensure each vote has hearing is scheduled for Friday, equal power. In DC, that means reNov. 5, at noon. drawing the boundaries of some or How lines will be redrawn all of the eight wards. is the subject of much discussion Silverman said the committee among councilmembers. Silverman is under time constraints to comacknowledged that there is likely to plete the project due to the upbe “more crossing of the river for coming June 2022 primary and Wards 7 and 8.” Silverman said it is the subsequent election of ANC likely that the committee will release commissioners. Redistricting will up to three potential maps for pubbe a two-part process, with ward lic comment before the Nov. 3 and At-Large Councilmember Elissa boundaries redrawn in December Silverman appeared at ANC 5 hearings, but she is discussing op6B’s Oct. 12 online meeting to and ANCs redrawn in 2022. timal approaches with colleagues. the District’s redistricting The population of the District discuss process, which she said was inof Columbia in 2020 was 689,545, tended to be as transparent and Support for Deck according to the Census. The DC accessible as possible. Image: at The Brig Webex/ANC 6B Council must ensure each ward has The commissioners voted 8-2 to a roughly equal population, about support an historic preservation 86,193 residents. A deviation of 5%, or between application (HPA) design review for a deck addition 81,883 and 90,503 residents in each ward, is permitat The Brig (1007 Eighth St. SE) with minor design ted. In response to an audience question, Silverman caveats. Owner Mark Brody wishes to increase diner clarified that adding another ward would require recapacity by about 50 and provide coverage to extend visions to the Home Rule Act. the dining season for the beer garden. Only three of the eight wards currently have popThe deck would be placed above current seating ulations outside those limits. Wards 7 and 8, with popto create both another floor of dining as well as serve ulations of 76,255 and 78,513 respectively, are slightly as a roof over current seating. Moisture will flow into a below the permitted range. On the other hand, Ward gutter connected to the stormwater system. The com6 has a population of 108,202. That means the ward missioners took issue with the positioning of the stairs, lines must be redrawn to place at least 17,699 Ward 6 saying they added to impression of a rooftop deck, and residents in another ward, without pushing any other asked architect Neil Cruikshank to consider relocatward’s population over 90,503. ing them away from the property line. The stakes in DC are different than other jurisdicThe commissioners also requested that the aptions, Silverman said, where there is concern around plicant paint, rather than stain, the deck and seek a gerrymandering for political parties. A big goal in DC screening element that could reflect neighborhood is to ensure that the plan does not dilute the voting design and detract from the illusion that the deck strength of minority citizens, meaning that black votis “floating.” ers cannot have less voting power after the redistrictThe application goes before the Historic Presing process is over. Some neighborhoods also have ervation Review Board in October, but Brody said he a great attachment to their current ward, she added. doubted the deck would be complete by summer 2022. Silverman said she wants this to be the most transparent, accessible redistricting process ever, which is Debate Over Dogleg why she is engaging in so much outreach. To encourCommissioners opposed a Board of Zoning Adjustage public participation, the committee has created a ment (BZA) application for a special exception that one-stop website with all the facts and links to the popwould allow for a two-story rear addition and dogleg ulation data. A new online mapping tool (dcredistrictinfill at 1227 E St. SE. The plan is to add a 10-foot, ing.esriemcs.com) allows residents to draw their own 6-inch rear addition on a 14-foot-wide lot while fillward and ANC boundaries, using the new data, and ing in the dogleg, taking the lot to 59% lot occupancy. submit them to the committee. The proposed project extends more than 19 feet past At a hearing for each ward, community memthe property to the west, necessitating the special exbers can give their views to the committee. The ception request. 50 H HILLRAG.COM

The neighbor to the west opposes the addition and presented about the impacts of the addition and dogleg infill, saying a large two-story brick wall along her rear yard unfairly infringes on her enjoyment. Fowler provided the committee with a sun study showing the impact of the proposed addition compared to a by-right addition that would infill the dogleg. While Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Holman listed instances when he said the ANC had supported similar applications, even where adjoining neighbors were in opposition, other commissioners were unconvinced. Holman cautioned that opposition from the ANC could delay the project by up to 18 months, creating hardship for the homeowner. Motions to support and to take no position on the application failed. A motion to oppose the application passed 5-4.

Update on Gun Violence Metropolitan Police Department Captain Tatjana Savoy updated commissioners on two homicides that took place in the previous week. A man was killed on the football field at Watkins Elementary School on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Savoy said officers believe the suspect and victim were playing football and got into an argument; as it progressed, the suspect pulled a gun and shot. A handgun was recovered on the scene, and Savoy said the Violent Crimes Branch is making strides toward an arrest. A second homicide took place on Friday, Oct. 8, on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue SE. A handgun was recovered. Savoy said that shooting was especially frustrating for her because officers had focused on gun recovery in the area. Residents asked for increased officer presence around 17th Street and Independence Avenue, proposing a camera on the site. Another resident pointed out that a camera already existed in the area, and Savoy noted that this clearly did not function as a deterrent. The captain said that officers do not break up groups of people on the street, as congregating is not illegal, and to try to take action would be a poor use of resources. Serve Your City Executive Director Maurice Cook asked Savoy to speak to the role of de-escalation and violence prevention in preventing crime, noting he has never experienced the illusion of safety in the neighborhood during the decade he has lived here.

Other Business The commissioners voted to support a letter to the

Additions & Basement Experts BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) favoring placement of a speed camera at the intersection of A and 17th streets SE. Commissioners informed those assembled that Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS) Executive Director Charles McCaffrey has taken another position, and that his last official day with EMMS is Oct. 15. A presentation from the District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) on a collaboration between the agency and the Better Business Bureau for the DCRA Contractor Rating System was deferred to the November meeting.

RENOVATIONS REMODELING KITCHENS INTERIORS Over 16 Years of Experience

Craftsmanship Custom Made Cabinets & Furniture References Available

703-786-3863 cemohome@yahoo.com licensed • insured

The next meeting of ANC 6B is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9. For information on meetings and how to join a virtual meeting via Webex, visit www. anc6b.org. Learn about commissioners and committees and subscribe to the ANC 6B newsletter by visiting www. anc6b.org; connect via email at 6b@ anc.dc.gov or Twitter, @ANC6B. ◆

Owned & Operated by a Capitol Hill Resident

G G ROOFING

Focus on Public Safety ANC 6C REPORT

AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST

by Elizabeth O’Gorek At the Oct. 13 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C, Commissioners Christine Healey (6C01, secretary), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, vice chair), Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer) and Drew Courtney (6C06) were present.

uch of the meeting focused on issues of public safety. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First

REHAB

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”

Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •

Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs • •

10% OFF WITH THIS AD

202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET

Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners November 2021 ★ 51

.capitol streets.

District Commander Ralph McLean said work to get McLean appeared to discuss things under control was getting crime in the area. A rise in carharder and harder. “I keep singjackings prompted the invitaing the same song. I have 20 less tion. McLean said that there had police officers now than when I been nine carjackings in the area got here three months ago. Twenroughly covered by ANC 6C. ty,” he said. A bicycle patrol unit of 40 offiLater in the meeting, the cers, eight from First District, has commissioners voted unanimousbeen working in the area from ly to support a letter to MPD Chief Fourth to 14th streets, H Street Robert Contee requesting addito East Capitol. Personnel are detional MPD resources be allocatMPD First District Commander ployed based on data related to Ralph McLean at the Oct. 13 meeted to ANC 6C to target prostituviolent crime, McLean said, and ing of ANC 6C. Image: Webex tion and drug dealing. Kelty said were on the scene of two recent that a group of about 44 residents homicides within a minute. on Seventh and Eighth streets north of H Street NE On Wednesday, Oct. 6, 26-year-old Aaron Wighad met to discuss these concerns. The letter also gins was shot on the field at Watkins Elementary asked for data on area prostitution and drug comSchool after what police described as an argument plaints and arrests. Courtney asked that the letter be during a football game. Two days later, 23-year-old broadened to include other approaches to crime beGiovanni Lovelace was killed on the 1700 block of sides law enforcement. Independence Avenue SE; three other people were injured in the same shooting. Update on Encampments In regard to the latter, McLean said that poJamal Weldon, program director in the Office of the lice know the shooting targeted the person who was Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services (DMkilled. “But we don’t know why yet, and we don’t HHS), updated commissioners on the pilot project have any clue if there’s any kind of feud or anything conducted in the L Street and M Street encampments. going on,” McLean said. Weldon said that the pilot engagement took The commander said officers were near an arplace as of Oct. 4. Of the 45 residents identified on rest in the Oct. 6 murder on Watkins field. The susthe “by-name” list, which included residents in the pect is believed to have been a member of one of the encampment as of Sept. 29, Weldon said that 24 were football teams, he said. Given that witnesses are not “leased up,” or living in housing; 11 were placed in willing to talk, officers will review the team rosters hotels or temporary housing awaiting a match to and eliminate those on the list one by one. He hoped their units. Another five are on site because they to close the Watkins case within the week. require special accommodation, Weldon said, beDespite the high-profile homicides, McLean cause they have many possessions or pets. Weldon said that carjacking constitutes most of the violent said DMHHS hoped to house them in two or three crime in ANC 6C. weeks. 5 residents moved away between the making of the list and engagement. 15 additional people came to the encampment after the creation of the H Street Concerns by-name list, Weldon said, and so did not qualify for Kelty said crime had increased in the area around H the pilot housing’s first program. Weldon said DMand Sixth streets NE, and that multiple residents have HHS needs to work on the best way to engage with told him they are ready to leave the District. Resithem to determine which programs they qualify for. dent Rob Jennings said four to six prostitutes operAfter the encampment dispersed on Oct. 4, city ated with two “security guards” and a lookout. “They workers placed concrete barriers on the M Street are not afraid of the police,” Jennings said. When he sidewalk. Weldon said his office was working on a confronted a woman having sex in his backyard, he strategy for how to clear all the underpass sidewalks was pepper sprayed, he said. Another resident conand place barriers intended to “prevent backfill,” or fronted the group in her own front yard. The group deter anyone else from living there after the engagethreatened to kill her and her family. “I want to drive ment is complete. A timeline for removal has not home how serious this is,” Jennings said. “This has ruined our lives for the last five months.” yet been determined, Weldon added, but DMHHS 52 H HILLRAG.COM

would communicate a definite timeframe once barriers had been installed on all four sidewalks. Asked about the encampment clearing scheduled for Oct. 14 at Third and Massachusetts Ave. NE, Weldon said the closure is a National Park Service (NPS) endeavor. However, the DMHHS and Department of Human Services (DHS) and contracted providers have assisted NPS in engagement. Weldon said DMHHS and NPS have discussed how to assist the residents so as to avoid simply moving them place to place.

Consent Agenda ANC 6C voted to support the following actions: • The plan for the K Street NE Cycletrack underpass, requesting a protected intersection at First Street and additional treatments in areas of concern. • Extension of the First Street Cycletrack north of M Street with additional safety recommendations. • A second-stage planned unit development (PUD) application for the Center Block of the Capitol Crossing development project to construct a mixed-use building in the block bounded by F, G, Second and Third streets NW, with the condition that there be no amplified music on the roof deck. The commissioners voted to oppose a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for work already completed at 521 Florida Ave. NE. The applicant received a permit in 2019 to construct a new building but instead did a partial demolition and removed the mansard roof, resulting in a stop-work order. According to the board, the removal of the mansard and alteration of the porch roof had a substantial adverse effect on the character of this unusual and distinctive block. “Retroactive applications should be treated as if they were made in advance, and the PZE [Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee] would not have supported such an application,” Chair Eckenwiler wrote.

Other Business The commission also voted to: • Conditionally support an historic preservation application (HPA) for facade modifications at Hillsdale College at 233-235 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The original application concerned the units at 227 and 237-239 Massachusetts Ave. as well. After the Oct. 6 PZE meeting, the applicant notified Historic Preservation Office staff of its desire to proceed with only 233-235,

Read his story at CapitolHillHistory.org

Photo by Gayle Krughoff

Len Kirsten was a true Capitol Hill pioneer. In 1965, the entrepreneurial Len opened the Emporium, the Hill’s first trendy gift and novelty shop, in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. For the next 10 years he sold posters, costume jewelry, political buttons and much more, items he said his customers had to travel to Georgetown to find before he opened his shop. Read about Len in his oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Keep Capitol Hill history alive by becoming a volunteer.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

COME TOUR WITH US! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Architecture, Alleys, The Resistance (sites significant to civil rights for women, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community), and Parks: Treasures of Capitol Hill (history of Marion and Garfield Parks and their surrounding neighborhood). Details: chrs.org/guided-walking-toursnovember-2021/

THE LIVING NEW DEAL IN WASHINGTON PRESERVATION CAFE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 6:30 PM The New Deal transformed the nation’s capital in one short decade, 1933-42, but the work is largely unmarked and unrecognized. The Living New Deal project has published a map of New Deal sites in Washington DC. Learn more in a fee virtual presentation: Details: chrs.org/ new-deal-in-washington/

CONNECT WITH US!

Visit www.chrs.org Email CapHRS420@gmail.com or call 543-0425 Follow us on @CapHRS @CHRSDC CapitolHillRestorationDC

November 2021 ★ 53

.capitol streets.

•

suspending consideration of proposed penthouse additions. Approve a letter supporting the Rock’n’ Roll Marathon on Nov. 13. Now a half-marathon and 5K run, the route will no longer encircle the residents of ANC 6C. Cars will still be towed along the race route, and there will be one amplified noise station at Fifth and K streets NE, but the event will conclude by 12:30 p.m.

ANC 6C generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. Meetings will remain virtual through at least December, pending further evaluation of the public health situation. ANCs are required to meet in person as of February 2022, when special legislation allowing for virtual meetings will expire. u

Commission Tackles Parking Enforcement ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Oct. 18 over Zoom. Commissioners Jared Weiss (6D02, secretary), Ronald Collins (6D03, treasurer), Andy Litsky (6D04), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D05, vice chair), Rhonda Hamilton (6D06) and Edward Daniels (6D07, chair) were in attendance. The chair announced receipt of a letter of resignation from Commissioner Andrew Bossi (6D01). The commissioners unanimously declared his seat vacant.

cting Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Christine Davis addressed parking enforcement in ANC 6D. Daniels closely questioned her about the handling of resident complaints about illegally parked cars placed through the 311 system. Many of these, he stated, were closed with the notation, “Vehicle Not Found.” Daniels produced photos to bolster his case. Johnny Gaither, parking enforcement administrator, stated that DPW had significantly increased enforcement throughout the riverfront neighborhoods. Daniels complained about government vehicles themselves often parking illegally, particularly

54 H HILLRAG.COM

near the Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) M Street headquarters. How does DPW handle violations by other government agencies? asked Daniels. DPW first tries to work things out with its sister agencies, replied Gaither. Daniels pointed out the frequent parking violations by DDOT traffic control officers (TCOs). “If outreach doesn’t work, we will write tickets,” replied Davis. Daniels requested increased enforcement against illegally parked delivery vehicles. Litsky praised the increased enforcement activities on Maine Avenue and 12th Street SW adjacent to the Municipal Fish Market. “I saw tow trucks,” he exclaimed. Litsky and Daniels both pressed Davis to meet with stakeholder agencies to create a new traffic operations plan for the two stadiums. They pointed out that no such meeting had been held since 2019. “My SMD is an extended parking lot for the stadium,” stated Hamilton, decrying the lack of enforcement in her neighborhood. Kramer and Collins alerted Gaither to illegal parking in the US Postal Service lot by construction workers that makes it impossible for customers to find parking. Expressing sympathy, Gaither stated that any action would require the cooperation of the Postal Service.

Fury with DDOT Andrew DeFrank, DDOT’s community engagement specialist, received an angry reception from commissioners. “How did we have such a traffic mess for the last two weekends?” asked Litsky. “People are dying because your people are not doing their business,” he added. “Take my anger, deal with it and move it up the food chain,” he said. “There were people sitting in their cars unable to move anyplace, including emergency vehicles,” pointed out Kramer. Commissioners questioned DeFrank closely about the recent change in the agency’s Vision Zero initiative. The new initiative is designed to clear the backlog of planned road safety improvements, stated DeFrank. Commissioners voted unanimously to request a meeting with DDOT before Dec. 15 regarding transportation issues.

Redistricting Discussed At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), chair of the DC Council’s Redistricting Committee, briefed the commissioners. Silverman began

by delineating the general principles on which the city’s wards would be redrawn. Any plan must enshrine one person, one vote. It cannot diminish the power of minority voters. Wards should be compact, contiguous and not divide communities of interest. Their populations should not deviate more than 5% from the average. Silverman summarized the results of the 2020 Census. The average size of a ward is 86,000. The populations of each ward must lie between 81,883 and 90,503. Ward 6 is 17,699 above the upper limit. Wards 7 and 8 are 5,628 and 3,370 under the average respectively. Redistricting, continued Silverman, is a twopart process. First, ward boundaries are established. Second, the boundaries of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are readjusted. She saw her role as ensuring that the process is transparent and the voices of all interested citizens are heard. Silverman promised her committee would hold meetings in every ward as well as ward-specific hearings. She is visiting every ANC in the District to explain the process. Her committee, stated Silverman, plans to release three draft alternatives before the Ward 6 hearing on Nov. 3. “Splitting our community at M Street doesn’t lend itself to cohesion,” observed Collins. “One or both wards are going to move west. There is no other way to meet the one-person, one-vote requirement,” she added. “We are going to talk frankly and honestly about race,” she continued. “We are going to do with respect and civility,” said Silverman. “We will get the agreement of my colleagues and try to do the right thing.” Daniels asked whether Silverman had a “formula” for “preserving racial voices.” “It is not a calculation. It is a judgment call,” Silverman answered. “We will look at voting percentages when we add white voters to Wards 7 and 8,” she added.

850 South Capitol St. WC Smith representatives briefed on the developer’s project at 850 South Capitol St., which was discussed at the commission’s last meeting. They asked the commissioners to support both the building’s design and an additional curb cut. The Zoning Commission is scheduled to review the design on Nov. 8. Responding to criticisms from the commissioners, the representatives stated that the building will house no studio apartments. They com-

EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF CAPITOL HILL & BEYOND mitted to notifying tenants living on the northeast side of the structure that their units’ windows are at risk if the adjacent vacant property is developed. They pledged not to incorporate decorative exterior lighting. They dismissed concerns about the 56 balconies facing the freeway, saying that demand in other similar buildings has been strong. The project is exempt from inclusionary zoning and will not incorporate affordable units, they stated. The developer committed to using land under I-695 to create a 3,600-square-foot public dog run. The facility features large and small areas, lighting, water stations, fencing and canine playground equipment. It will be open from sunrise to midnight, with a plan for daily maintenance. The representatives requested support for two curb cuts located on South Capitol and I streets SE. Due to its 20-foot width, the I Street access will incorporate a pedestrian, a bike and an outbound car lane. The project will maintain the existing curb cut on South Capitol as the main right turn into and right turn out of the building to accommodate loading vehicles, for-hire vehicles, deliveries and cars. An extensive driveway will ensure all this activity stays off South Capitol and is confined to the property. Commissioners expressed concerns especially about the safety of the I Street outbound vehicular lane. The developer committed to placing a stop sign at the end of the I Street egress. “This is a really big building in a problematic spot. If it was smaller and reoriented we would have a different set of concerns,” stated Litsky. He suggested the developer think more ambitiously about the space under the expressway. “I don’t think it’s fair that you bring a

DEDICATION, EXPERTISE & INTEGRITY, WORKING FOR YOU!

I donate $500 of every sale to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood. When you work with me, you make a difference!

Contact me for a no-obligation consultation Representing Buyers & Sellers

202.321.0874

heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com

Law Offices Of

James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984 General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters

TOP “AV” RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

634 G Street SE, Suite 200 | Washington DC 20003 (202) 536-5650 • Fax: (202) 315-3515 www.lootslaw.com

Capitol Hill | 705 North Carolina Ave. SE 202-608-1882 x111-175 Office heathersdc@gmail.com @HeatherSchoell Heather Schoell Real Estate dcheather © 2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.

Aden Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Fekri Munasar DDS Tawann P Jackson DDS Akram Munasar DDS

202-547-7772

650 Pennsylvania Ave SE #460 Washington, DC 20003 adendentistry@gmail.com November 2021 ★ 55

THANK YOU FROM THE CAPITOL HILL RESTORATION SOCIETY TO OUR GUESTS AT HOUSE EXPO 2021 AND TO THE PAR TICIPATING HOME SER VICE EXHIBITORS:

Alternative Property Mgmt. . . . PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Architectural Window Corp. . . WINDOW REPLACEMENT Capitol Hill Village . . . . . . . AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Chemstrip Refinishing . . . . . . .REFINISH METAL/WOOD Chuck Burger/Coldwell Banker . . . . . . REAL ESTATE Community Forklift . . . . . . RECYCLED BUILDING SUPPLIES DC Fire/ EMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAFETY DC Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTERNET & TV DCRA . . . . . . . . . . DEPT. CONSUMER REGULATORY AFFAIRS DOEE . . . . . . . . . . . . DEPT. OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Ducks in a Row . . . . . . . . . . . ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE Image Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAINTER Intnational Dark Sky Assn. . . . CONSERVATION EDUCATION Joel Truitt Builders & Mgt. . . CONTRACTOR/PROPERTY MGT. JTL Home Services . . . . . . . . . . . . HOME REPAIR N&M House Detectives . . . . . . . . . HOUSE HISTORIES Mike Jones/State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . INSURANCE MPDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPT. Shockproof Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELECTRICIAN Sunpower by Edge Energy . . . . . . . . SOLAR POWER Teass\Warren Architects . . . . . . . . . . ARCHITECTS TLJ Pest Control, Inc. . . . . . . . . TERMITE INSPECTIONS W.S. Jenks & Sons . . . . . . . . . HARDWARE & GARDEN Woodland Estate & Title . . . . . TITLE COMPANY/LOANS Councilmember Allen . . . . . . .CONSTITUENT SERVICES Councilmember Silverman . . . . . . . CITY COUNCIL

The commission’s FOIA application for DC Housing Authority documents related to Greenleaf Gardens’ development was accepted on Oct. 26, reported Kramer. Plans for using part of the Westminster Presbyterian Church development for build-first have been dropped, she stated, but no clear I Street SW egress to the proposed development at 850 South Capitol St. alternative has been ofSE stirred controversy. fered. Renovations to Greenleaf Senior will project that has no benefits to the community begin in 2023 and repairs to Greenleaf Midrise and expect us to embrace it,” added Hamilton. will also be made, Kramer said. The entire redeThe commissioners voted to oppose both velopment will be completed by 2032. The final the public space application and the design. plans are due on Nov. 10, she said. The chair was authorized to testify at the ZonThe commissioners unanimously voted ing Commission hearing. to conditionally support the nearby redevelopment of the Westminster Church property at Other Development Matters 400 I St. SW, provided the developers present a Steuart Investment and MRP Realty presented plan to extend affordability beyond the 40-year their initial design of the first phase of the devellife of the housing credits used for financing and opment planned for 1700 Half St. SW, the site of a plan for transportation specifically addressing Superior Concrete. The commissioners took no the impact of protected bike lanes planned for I position on the design but voted to support the Street SW and the decorative “Tower of Light” public space application for the development. planned for the church.

And our sponsors:

W.S Jenks & Son, Hardware, Hill Rag & Chuck Burger at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Contact information for exhibitors is available on our website at chrs.org/house-expo-2021/

Chuck Burger Sponsors:

BECOME A MEMBER!

Visitwww.chrs.orgtolearnmore.EmailCapHRS420@gmail.com or call 543-0425. Follow us on Facebook: @CapHRS; Twitter @CHRSDC; Instagram: CapitolHillRestorationDC

56 H HILLRAG.COM

A rendering of the development proposed for the site of the current Superior Concrete Plant at 1700 Half St. SW.

The commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to the DC Office of Planning and the Zoning Commission opposing a map amendment for the building planned for the old US Agriculture Building at the corner of Ninth Street and Maine Avenue SW. The commissioners will only entertain supporting the project if Jair Lynch Real Estate, the developer, engages in a planned unit development process to increase the site’s permissible density.

Other Matters Christopher Dyer, the Department of Parks’ external affairs officer, briefed on DPR’s programs. Visit www.dprprograms.com for more information. KeShawn Harris of CareFirst gave a briefing on the company’s activities in the District. Metropolitan Police Captains Jonathan Dorrough and Darren Haskis briefed the commission on public safety. The commission’s west side has experienced an uptick in theft from autos, with L’Enfant Plaza a hotspot. A gun was pointed at a construction worker at The Wharf who had confronted a man stealing tools from his truck. Across South Capitol Street, there has been an uptick in burglaries through unsecured windows and entrances. There have also been six assaults with deadly weapons as well as 10 robberies. The commissioners unanimously adopted the FY 22 budget. Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting’s amended agenda and the September minutes, and supported So Others May Eat’s 20th Annual Turkey Trot. ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Nov. 8 via Zoom. For more information and links to join ANC meetings, visit www.anc6d.org. ◆

Keith Roofing

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair

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

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359

All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed

As trained Painters, Call Today for our we can get it done fast & clean Call 202-543-1914 TODAY

Call Today for our And join other happy homeowners, with a fresh new looking home. So, you have more time to invite family and friends over. (Our crews will wear Face Masks at all times.)

November 2021 ★ 57

.capitol streets.

BULLETIN BOARD by Kathleen Donner

Southwest Nights at Arena Stage

Downtown Holiday Market Opens The Downtown Holiday Market, F Street between Seventh and Ninth streets NW, is open daily for the season from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23, noon to 8 p.m. This year’s retail lineup will feature more than 70 exhibitors including black-owned and minority-owned businesses from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Made in DC program. Six food vendors will provide tasty treats and hot beverages. Additional new features include a live stage of regional performers. www.downtownholidaymarket.com

People who reside or work in Southwest DC can buy discounted tickets for specially designated Southwest Night performances of each production. Tickets are $36 for musicals and $26 for non-musicals, plus fees. Proof of Southwest DC residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of pick-up. Tickets are based on availability. Upcoming Southwest Nights are: “Celia and Fidel,” Nov. 18, 8:00 p.m.; “Seven Guitars,” Dec. 24, 8:00 p.m.; “Change Agent,” Jan. 27, 8:00 p.m.; “Catch Me If You Can,” March 11, 8:00 p.m.; “Cambodian Rock Band,” April 13, 7:30 p.m.; “Drumfolk,” June 1, 7:30 p.m.; and “American Prophet,” July 19, 7:30 p.m. www.arenastage.org/tickets/savings-programs

The Living New Deal in Washington The Capitol Hill Restoration Society will present a virtual Preservation Cafe on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. FDR’s New Deal transformed the nation’s capital in one short decade, 1933-42, but the work is largely unmarked and unrecognized. Presenters Richard Walker and Brent McKee will discuss the Living New Deal, a project that has published a map of the 58 H HILLRAG.COM

work of the New Deal in Washington. Learn more at www.chrs.org/new-deal-in-washington/.

Chiarina Chamber Players On Nov. 7, music for clarinet, viola, and piano, written over a span of more than two centuries, comes alive in this program featuring artists Charles Neidich, Dana Kelley and Efi Hackmey. On Dec. 12, National Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef teams up with pianist Efi Hackmey in a program inspired by life scenes, works of art and personal experience. There are additional concerts on Jan. 23, Feb. 27, April 8, May 8. All concerts are

on Sunday, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. $25 at www.chiarina.org; $30 at door; $10 age 30 and under. www.chiarina.org

DCHFA Finances Affordable Housing in Ward 6

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) has closed out fiscal year 2021 by issuing more than $53 million in tax-exempt bonds for the construction of 182 affordable residential apartments at MDXL in Ward 6. MDXL Flats will consist of 101 apartments at 1530 First St. SW. 21 of the one-, two, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be designated permanent supportive housing, reserved for residents earning 30% or less of the area median income (AMI), and 80 will be reserved for those earning 50% or less of AMI. Amenities will include a below-grade parking garage, bike storage, mail and package rooms, balconies, patios, in-unit washers and dryers and an outdoor picnic area. www.dchfa.org

Food & Friends Thanksgiving Pie Sale Now in its 15th year, Slice of Life has become a tradition in the Washington metro area. Pie sellers and

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG November 2021 ★ 59

Over 95% of our business is past client clients or their referrals who come back to us time and time again.

A Restored Underpass Work of Art

721 A ST SE – ASKING $1599,000

The underpass mural located at Sixth Street and Virginia Avenue SE was recently revived by a group of community members led by Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Brian Ready, who is also serving as ANC6B chair. The project was supported by a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and provided jobs for youth of the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program who assisted. Painted by Byron Peck in 1988, the 13 mural panels were inspired by the work of artist Piet Mondrian.

CO UN NT DE RA R CT

Handsome traditional bayfront just steps to Eastern Market on a coveted A ST location. You will love the beautiful original woodwork. Entertaining is easy here: double parlor each with a fireplace, rooms graciously sized throughout with high ceilings. This home offers 3 bdrms 2.5 baths, large eat-in kitchen - Plus a large 1 bedroom unit with a C of O- rent the apartment or expand your own living space!

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 350 7TH ST. SE, Washington, DC 20003

908 MASS. AVE NE – ASKING $2,495,000 Sophisticated and Grand! A lovingly restored Victorian retaining exquisite original period details that have been blended perfectly with modern updates. Prominently sited on Massachusetts Ave, this attentively maintained 1901 house with approx 4900 square feet; Double parlor, large sep dining room, 3 - 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths, awesome roof deck , PLUS large apt w/ C of O. A stunning home for gracious entertaining located just off Lincoln Park.

Honoring the Life of

Judy Wood Celebration of Life Details

Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Amenity, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 7th floor, Washington, DC There is underground parking at this location.

Preliminary Celebration of Life Program • 4:00 - 4:30 PM - Arrival and Greetings • 4:30 - 5:30 PM - Remarks, Reflections, and Celebration • 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Reception Please note: Due to COVID protocol in DC, all attendees will be expected to wear a mask except when eating or drinking, or when on the outside deck. All COVID-related precautions are being adhered to by our caterer and event planners.

Please RSVP to aduff@mossgroup.us if you plan to join us for the Celebration of Life on November 4, 2021. 60 H HILLRAG.COM

Volunteer working on mural restoration. Photo: ANC6B Commissioner Brian Ready

pie teams come together to raise money, ensuring that neighbors facing serious illnesses can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal complete with two delicious pies. Each pie is baked fresh by gourmet bakery Whisked and picked up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at conveniently located sites. Choose from apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and a sea-salt chocolate chess pie. Each pie sale provides a full day’s worth of nutritious meals for a neighbor in need. Place your order by Friday, Nov. 19. www. sliceoflifedc.org

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade On Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, see larger-than-life inflatable turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching

bands, dancing groups and Santa and his elves at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade ‒ DC metro area’s only Thanksgiving parade. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the parade heralds the start of the holiday season. Stepping off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeding south on Georgia Avenue, it ends at Silver Spring Avenue. It is televised live on News Channel 8 and rerun on Thanksgiving Day. www.silverspringdowntown.com/montgomery-county-thanksgiving-parade

Veterans Day Observance at The Wall The Vietnam Veterans Day Observance at The Wall is on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m., at what is probably Washington’s most visual-

November 2021 H 61

.capitol streets.

Winter Village at Cameron Run Ice and Lights is a walk-through holiday light show that features ice skating, an interactive orb field, starland display, a 100-foot tunnel arch, a walk-through tree, photo ops, food concessions and beautiful light displays throughout. It is open daily, Nov. 19 to Jan. 2, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Ice skating only, weekends and holidays, from Jan. 8 to Feb. 27, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Village admission is $9 per person or $22 which includes admission and skating. The Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, Virginia. www. novaparks.com/events/ice-lights

one miler is at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K begins at 9 a.m. The family-friendly festival is offering music, games, the Kids’ One Mile Little Turkey Fun Run and live entertainment. Funds raised from the Trot for Hunger help benefit thousands of neighbors in need, including families and the elderly, by providing muchneeded food, housing, access to healthcare, employment training and long-term comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Create a team, join a team or register as an individual for $40. Kids 10 and under can register as Little Turkeys for the one-mile fun run. See the Kids & Family section in the back of this paper. www.some.org

Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine On Thursday, Nov. 25, attend Holy Mass at the National Shrine at 8 a.m. and noon. There are no confessions, and the Shrine Shops will be closed. The church will close at 1 p.m. www.nationalshrine.org

“My Children! My Africa!”

ly powerful war memorial. On this day, prominent Americans from all walks of life come to the memorial to deliver thought-evoking and patriotic speeches. To RSVP for the ceremony, visit www.vvmf. org/2021-veterans-day. This page and VVMF’s Facebook page will broadcast the event for those unable to attend in person. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at Constitution Avenue and 21st St. NW. www.vvmf.org

“A Christmas Carol” Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming Jose Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s radio play adaptation, featuring traditional 62 H HILLRAG.COM

caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. “A Christmas Carol” is on stage at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, from Nov. 24 to Dec. 27. It is recommended for ages five up. www.fords.org

Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K Be part of a time-honored DC tradition at the 20th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K, sponsored by SOME (So Others Might Eat) on Freedom Plaza. This year, join the in-person race, timed or untimed, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, and the Little Turkey One-Miler and a family-friendly festival. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.; Little Turkey

Mr. M seeks to provide a future for his prize pupil Thami by forming a debate team with Isabel, a bright student from the local white school. But Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and the political violence brewing outside the classroom. “My Children! My Africa!” is at Washington Stage Guild, Nov. 11 to Dec. 5, $50 to $60, in the Undercroft Theatre of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. www. stageguild.org

Unearthing the Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic “The Secret Garden” has inspired generations of readers to cultivate their own bit of earth, including author Marta McDowell. Join McDowell for Unearthing the Secret Garden (online), a booktalk on Nov. 13, at 11:30 a.m., exploring Burnett’s life, work and passion for flowers and gardening. Free. Pre-registration required. www.usbg.gov/programs

“A Chorus Within Her” Through Nov. 14, the first live production of Theater Alliance’s 2021-22 season, “A Chorus Within Her,” uses the lens of women’s experience to inter-

C ome at

and spend some time with the

s t . J oseph ’ s

L ord !

C apitoL h iLL

YOU ARE INVITED! Little Free Pantry Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sunday, Nov 7th, 1-2 pm I 521 7th Street NE

Neighbors Helping Neighbors s oLemnity oF a LL s aints m onday , n ovember 1, 2021 a LL s aints d ay m asses are at 8 am , 12:10 pm , and 5:30 pm F or

more events , sCheduLes , and

m ass

times , pLease visit :

www .s t J osephs dC. org s t . J oseph ’ s

C apitoL h iLL

313 2 nd s t ne, w ashington , d.C. 20002

Little Free Pantries operate under the same rules as Little Free Libraries, a spot where community members leave nonperishable food for their neighbors who need help, and neighbors can take what they need. Sometimes called Blessing Boxes, these outdoor pantries get food to the table for our community members dealing with food insecurity. A local Imam, a Rabbi, and a Priest will help bless our box, a neighbor will play a few songs, and children can bring a canned good to add to the pantry box during the ceremony.

JOIN US! November 2021 ★ 63

.capitol streets.

NGA Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opens The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens on Nov. 19. Located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue NW, between Seventh and Ninth streets, the rink will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Two 45-minute sessions cost $10 for adults and children 13 and over; or $9 for adults 60+, children 12 and under, military servicemembers and students with ID. Skate rentals are $5, and lockers are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. www.nga.gov

rogate and explore the pandemic year. Poets, choreographers and actors have spent months conducting Zoom interviews, issuing social media surveys, mining their own identities and experiences to create an experiential evening of theater. $25 to $35. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE. www.theateralliance.com

Disability Justice Virtual Forum On Dec. 18, as an extension of Dance Place’s ongoing equity and inclusion work for people with disabilities, this free virtual series will spotlight artists with disabilities. www.danceplace.org/livestream

Mount Vernon by Candlelight Take a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia on Nov. 26 and 27 and Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 19. Visit with Mrs. Washington and other 18th-century residents of Mount Vernon in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the estate, followed by a reception. Learn about holiday traditions and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed character actors portraying Washington’s family, friends and enslaved or hired staff. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. www.mountvernon.org

Lincoln’s Wild Home Landscape Tour The President Lincoln Cottage offers a landscape 64 H HILLRAG.COM

tour, Lincoln’s Wild Home. This self-guided, appbased tour connects with the past and reflects on the present during nine stops on the bucolic grounds of President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. $10 ticket includes Lincoln’s Wild Home app, headphones, map and grounds pass. Kids’ (6-12 years) ticket is $5. www.lincoln’scottage.org

Southwest Community Grants The Southwest Community Foundation announces a special grant opportunity and expects to award up to seven grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for innovative projects that enhance the lives of people living in Near Southwest DC. The grant funds have been made possible by a community-benefits agreement negotiated by ANC6D. The deadline for submission is Dec. 1. Awards will be announced and distributed in early 2022. www.sw-community-foundation.org

Hours Change at Fort Totten Fort Totten transfer station, 4900 John McCormack Rd. NE, has new residential drop-off hours. Drop off is now available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Household hazardous waste and electronics recycling will no longer be accepted there. Residents may drop off household hazardous waste and electron-

ics recyclables every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Benning Road transfer station, 3200 Benning Rd. NE. Benning Road offers document shredding the first Saturday of every month, beginning Nov. 6.

Ticket Amnesty Program Extended The Ticket Amnesty Program deadline has been extended until Dec. 31, 2021. District and non-District drivers have until the end of the year to take advantage of the District’s amnesty program that provides the opportunity to pay, without the doubling penalty, outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement and minor moving violations. www.ticketamnesty.dc.gov

Hypothermia Alerts Hypothermia alerts are activated when the National Weather Service forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below and the forecasted chance of precipitation is 50% or greater. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety call 911. When calling, include the time, address or location of the sighting and a description of the person’s appearance.

VIRTUAL WINTER YOGA CLASSES NOVEMBER 14 - MARCH 17

Flow Fusion - Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7:30 am Restorative - Sundays - 5:00 pm

$69/month (discount available if paid-in-full) $10/class *Can’t make it to class? Sessions will be recorded so you can take them at your convenience.

AFRAID OF GAINING WEIGHT THIS HOLIDAY?

Join us for Our Virtual Workshop: Understanding the Calorie Game for the Holidays!

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade The District’s Holiday Boat Parade will be held at The Wharf on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, as well as landside holiday activities including ornament decorating, live music under a lighted Christmas tree and family photos with Santa. The parade is part of a Potomac River holiday tradition, with the Alexandria Parade of Lights earlier in the evening. Boaters are encouraged to participate in both parades for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes while dazzling crowds on both sides of the river. Captains must sign up for the DC and Alexandria parades separately. Attendance is free and open to the public. No registration is required to view the parade and enjoy the live music and activities. www.wharfdc.com

Saturday, November 20 9:30 am - 11: 30 am

$25

Wellness Coach, Functional & Strength Trainer, and 500-RYT Yoga Teacher

JANALERBACH.COM JANA@JANALERBACH.COM 202-601-0425

WELLNESS COACH

on THE

Hill

Sharon L. Bernier RN, PhD Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples

202-544-6465

WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Savings in store and online

simplywide.com Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots • Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking • Cradles • Easy Street

DC’s COVID-19 Hotline District residents who are homebound due to COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items. Call 1-888-349-8323 or visit www.coronavirus. dc.gov/gethelp.

A Musical Performance to Benefit Afghan Refugees On Saturday, Nov. 33, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE, expect a “jazzy,” “global,” “original” experience of music from Canadian singer Lynn Veronneau, accompanied by her husband, guitarist Ken Avis,

and Dave Kline on violin. Veronneau recently reopened Blues Alley. Look and listen at www.veronneaumusic.com. A suggested donation of $20 per person and $30 per family will help Good Neighbors Capitol Hill, a coalition of eight Capitol Hill congregations and others in their work on behalf of Afghan refugees. Proof of vaccination required. Donations at door. www. goodneighborscapitolhill.org ◆

10 off

Lots & Lots

Wide Width Shoes

All Sales

Limited Time simplywide.com

All Day Comfort

4279 Branch Avenue Marlow Heights, MD 20748

301-702 1401

November 2021 ★ 65

66 H HILLRAG.COM

home and garden ZONE Capitol Hill Goes Tropical Story and photos by Rindy O’Brien

ur warmer weather this fall offers one more piece of evidence, if we need it, that climate change is real. The stunning fall-colored leaves we’re used to seeing by now have yet to arrive. At least at this writing, the frost needed to start the process hasn’t occurred. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declares DC is hotter and wetter in 2021. No wonder Capitol Hill homeowners are having success experimenting with tropical plants. NOAA weather-tracking trends say that 90 F is our new summer normal, and our winter months are two degrees warmer measured from 1991 to 2020. These changes favor the more tropical plants like palms and banana trees.

Cannas are best known for their ﬂashy red blooms. They stand tall on their stems alongside the glass conservatory of the US Botanic Garden. Cannas, which are not in the lily family, were seen all over Capitol Hill this summer.

Zone Benders One of the first things gardeners consider when making a design is what hardiness zone they are working in. Since 1960, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided a hardiness zone map. The zones are defined by 10 degrees’ difference in winter temperatures. The country is organized in 13 zones, and some zones are subdivided to provide even more precise information. The USDA map can be accessed online,

Banana trees grow on many blocks on the Hill, at the US Botanic Garden and at the National Arboretum. The cold-hardy species does well in the Zone 7b climate and can be grown in a pot or in the ground, as seen in the garden at 905 North Carolina Ave. SE.

November 2021 ★ 67

The banana tree at 1340 East Capitol St. SE makes an interesting visual statement.

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. Capitol Hill is a 7b zone. Adam Pyle, horticulturist at the US Botanic Garden, calls himself a zone bender. He works with all kinds of plants in his day job. But he really becomes a zone bender at home, when he grows things that stretch the hardiness zone, like tropical plants. In the past, Capitol Hill winter temperatures have not been conducive to keeping most of these plants alive. But that’s changing. While zones define our overall climate, gardens can have microclimates that create special warmer areas. Pyle says to look for the place snow melts first, like buildings, stone walls and south-facing slopes, to find your warmest microclimates. The front of his house is a microclimate zone. Zone benders like to experiment. They recognize that it is possible to lose the plant, especially in an unusual cold spell. Pyle suggests not planting more than one or two zones 68 ★ HILLRAG.COM

away from the 7b zone. Many tropical plants survive winter by dying back to the ground once it gets cold. Using straw and extra mulch can provide protection that gives the plant a better chance to spring back. But, when it’s all said and done, Pyle believes “there are no rules other than to use your imagination and have fun.”

Tropical Plants on the Hill Banana trees are adding visual interest in Capitol Hill yards this year. With the heat and rain of July, these trees have reached 12 feet tall or higher. Whether grown in a pot or in the ground, these cold-hardy plants with giant leaves make a statement. The musa basjoo banana tree originates from Japan, which has a climate like the Hill’s. According to Pyle, researching the origin of plants can provide a lot of information and clues about how to proceed. Banana

November 2021 H 69

Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance

Thomas Landscapes OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN CAPITOL HILL

Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time! • Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features • Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work • Restoration and Enhancement

Fall Garden Special EXP 11/30/2021

10% OFF NEW CLIENTS

15% OFF ANY DESIGN

10% OFF

ON ANY NEW INSTALLATION

Derek Thomas / Principal Certified Professional Horticulturist | Member of MD Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association

301.642.5182 | 202.322.2322 (Office) thomaslandscapes.com

Serving Capitol Hill and SW DC for Over 30 Years! - Locally Owned

$25 per Hour for New clients DAILY • WEEKLY • BIWEEKLY • MONTHLY

Quality Professional Cleaning Affordable Rates Pet and Family Friendly Residential & Commercial REFERENCES • BONDED AND INSURED

703-719-9850 • 703-447-9254 standardcleaningservicesinc.com aviera3939@aol.com 70 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Elephant ears is another popular ﬂower that adds intrigue to a garden. Paired with other annuals, it makes a great container plant.

trees need sun and moist soil. They also need a lot of water during the summer. The biggest threat is root rot during the winter. Aphids and moths can also attack the leaves. Despite their name, most of these cold-variety trees do not produce bananas, and even those that are produced are not edible. If you like the tropical look, they are a good bet for your yard. Another popular tropical plant is the hardy palm tree. Some varieties are native to the southeastern United States. The needle palm, dwarf palmetto and windmill palm all tolerate DC’s climate and can be seen at the US Botanic Garden, National Arboretum and Smithsonian gardens. In yet another category, many Hill gardens show off elephant ears and canna cultivars. This summer, the cannas seem to have popped up everywhere. “Canna musifiolia, canna ‘Pretoria’ and ‘Australia’ are three good varieties to choose from,” says Pyle. Camellias are another popular and hardy tropical plant, native to China, Japan and Korea. A woody, evergreen shrub that can be pruned into a tree, the camellia

YOUR FOUNDATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HOUSE

thrives in partial sun and blooms in winter and early spring. Two camellias, C. japonica and sasanqua, have been bred by National Arboretum scientists and can be seen in the arboretum’s Asian Valley.

Lessons to Learn If you like the exotic nature of these plants, adding them to your garden may be just the thing to do. But planting only tropical plants is not advised, as one cold spell could wipe out your entire garden. A great resource for getting started is the “Palms Won’t Grow Here and Other Myths: WarmClimate Plants for Cooler Areas,” written by David Francko. The book’s author chairs the department of botany at Miami University of Ohio. He is a firm believer that gardening is as much about personal outlook as about rules and techniques. Pyle suggests visiting public gardens as another excellent way to research plants. “I like to go to Richmond, Norfolk and North Carolina gardens,” he says, “because it gives me a lot of ideas for new plantings. These gardens are within the possibility of zone bending in my own garden.” So, with climate change affecting our community, now may be the time to experiment with tropical plants. Do your research. Check out Facebook groups on tropical plants. Visit public spaces. And plant as early as possible in spring. It is fine to grow in containers and bring indoors when young. Don’t cut things back in the fall; wait until they die to the ground. Remember this rule: “When in doubt, don’t pull it out.” And, most of all, have fun. Rindy O’Brien loves the idea of experimenting with plantings and looks for more varieties to come. Contact Rindy at rindyobrien@gmail.com. ◆

ELITE FOUNDATION AND REPAIRS Specializing in Foundation Repair Services, Problems, Inspection, Sinking Foundation Concrete Retaining Walls Foundation Repair Concrete Slab Underpinning Masonry & Stone Repairs

If You Notice Your House Foundation is Settling, Call Us Now!

301.213.5050

elitefoundation72@outlook.com WE HAVE YOU COVERED FOR ALL OF YOUR

FALL HOME PROJECT NEEDS Let’s Get to Work!

Your Capitol Hill hardware store with

a wide range of tools, paint, building materials & gardening needs.

wsjenks.com | (202) 529-6020 910 Bladensburg Rd NE, WDC 20002 November 2021 ★ 71

734 7th St. SE o: 202.547.2707 f: 202.547.1977 joeltruitt.com info@joeltruitt.com

Solid wood raised panel doors plus new jamb and insulated glass transom made in our shop, installed by us.

The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents

DEAR GARDEN PROBLEM LADY,

Excellence in Customer Service!

Convenient Capitol Hill Location! Woodland Estate & Title is Conveniently Located at

701 E Street, SE • Suite 2 202.516.6855 I WoodlandtitleDC.com We Look Forward to Serving Our Neighbors in 2021.

Real Estate

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

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

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

72 ★ HILLRAG.COM

by Wendy Blair

’m trying to winterize my garden. Should I add manure or other nutrients to shrubs and perennials, or just mulch? No manure. You don’t want to encourage new growth in late autumn. Maybe a layer of compost will help compacted soil – and then just mulch. In some perennials (salvia, asters) you will want to find basal leaf growth. Late autumn is also still an OK time to plant new perennials. The soil has a good deal of warmth before freezing weather arrives, so roots can get established. After it bloomed in July, I saved black seed pods from the crooks of my tiger lily’s leaves. How do I plant them to speed up their germination? Find detailed instructions online. They tell you to crack the pods open and retrieve the seeds inside. Plant them together, flat, in a folded moist paper towel at 70 F for several weeks. Transfer the folded towel in a plastic bag to a refrigerator or cool (40 F) place for three or more months. Then plant in a moistened planting mix until a shoot appears. It will then take years for the shoot to grow a

viable bulb. Buying bulbs and planting them now or next spring will be easier, faster and far better. This year I had huge problems with tall flowers flopping over. I could not prop up my Japanese anemones, foxgloves, New England asters. I even failed to cut them back before they took off – and fell. This spring was unusually cool and wet. Trees, shrubs and flowers took off. Then the

summer sun blasted – and lasted ‒ hot and dry for months. If we were around to water, everything grew again, exponentially. The only defense against the resultant flopping was to have already installed things like this crisscross support circle. You had to install them while the plants were quite low – before you had a clue how wet, sunny and hot the summer was going to become. We were all preoccupied the whole time with the Delta variant corona virus, worry, medical appointments – everything. Happy plants that fell over were the least of this year’s woes. The Capitol Hill Garden Club was started in 1952. Activities include tours, garden therapy, plant sales, special events, speakers and workshops. The club meets the second Tuesday of the month, but in most of 2020 and 2021, meetings were held on Zoom. The October meeting featured an out-of-doors guided tour of the Franciscan Monastery Gardens in Northeast DC on Sunday, Oct. 17. For members, the December meeting involves supper while making holiday greens decorations. The club is accepting new members. Dues are $50/year. Meetings are free and open to all. Visit the Capitol Hill Garden Club website with membership and meeting inquiries, capitolhillgardenclub.org.

Because Local Experience Matters.

p: 202.546.3100

210 7th Street, SE, Suite 100

monarchtitle.net

Feeling beset by gardening problems? Your problem might prove instructive to others and help them feel superior to you. Send them to the Problem Lady c/o dearproblemlady@gmail.com. Complete anonymity is assured. u

Architects & Builders on The Hill since 1986 architecture | interior design | construction | remodeling

wentworthremodel.com 240.200.4802

November 2021 H 73

. home & garden.

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

LEDROIT PARK

FEE SIMPLE

LILY PONDS

ANACOSTIA 2517 West St SE 1820 Minnesota Ave SE

BLOOMINGDALE 2210 1st St NW 1923 1st St NW 13 Adams St NW

BRENTWOOD 2220 16th St NE 1364 W St NE

CAPITOL HILL 121 6th St NE 20 7th St NE 204 4th St SE 403 Guethler’s Way SE 20 14th St NE 1513 E St SE 1310 Emerald St NE 251 16th St SE 231 Warren St NE

$260,000 $220,000

2 3

$990,000 $985,000 $949,000

5 4 4

$630,000 $467,000

3 3

$1,725,000 $1,700,000 $1,310,000 $1,300,000 $1,170,000 $980,000 $860,000 $852,500 $815,000

4 2 5 4 4 2 3 3 2

CENTRAL 603 I St NW

DEANWOOD

4508 Dix St NE 4431 Foote St NE 227 56th St NE 89 58th St SE 4700 Kane Pl NE 4404 Nan. H. Burroughs Ave NE

74 ★ HILLRAG.COM

$423,000 $395,000

3 4

5300 Bass Pl SE 5424 B St SE

$575,000 $350,000

MT VERNON SQUARE 429 NW M St NW

1619 Trinidad Ave NE 114 16th St NE 1624 Swann St NW 1606 8th St NW

SHAW 805 T St NW

SOUTH WEST 4034 1st St SW

TRINIDAD

$810,000 $708,000

3 2

$1,500,000 $885,000

3 3

$1,000,000

$230,000

$830,000 $670,000 $470,000

4 2 2

1704 Montello Ave NE 1827 L St NE 1629 Lang Pl NE

$1,275,000

TRUXTON CIRCLE

5 6 4 5 4 4 5

CONDO

$1,599,000 $1,490,000 $1,360,000 $1,260,000 $875,000 $680,000 $621,550 $599,000 $510,000 $415,000 $290,000 $277,550 $275,000

4 4 2 3 2 2

$510,000 $485,000 $414,900 $406,000 $335,000 $329,000

4 3 3 3 3 3

215 P St NW

$830,000

14TH STREET CORRIDOR 2125 14th St NW #802 1323 Clifton St NW #3

ADAMS MORGAN 2422 17th St NW #205

BARRY FARMS DUPONT CIRCLE 2141 N St NW 1744 Q St NW

$1,810,000 $2,200,000

FORT DUPONT PARK 1231 45th Pl SE 4337 Gorman Ter SE 4224 Nash St SE 4617 Hillside Rd SE 1537 Fort Dupont St SE

$575,000 $440,000 $347,000 $308,000 $385,000

5 5 4 2 2 3 3

H STREET CORRIDOR 1112 K St NE 806 L St NE

HILL CREST 2106 32nd St SE 2701 Minnesota Ave SE

KALORAMA 1933 19th St NW

2601 Douglass Rd SE #403

$880,000 $720,000

3 3

$550,000 $368,000

3 3

$2,300,000

BLOOMINGDALE 52 Quincy Pl NW #403

CAPITOL HILL 1621 E Capitol St SE #9 18 9th St NE #304

5 2

$1,000,002

$768,380

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 140 Wilmington Pl SE 4303 S Capitol St SW 149 Darrington St SW 468 Lebaum St SE 305 Atlantic St SE 3326 12th St SE

$1,062,000

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

OLD CITY #2

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3013 13th St NW 1209 Girard St NW 918 Spring Rd NW 2516 13th St NW 1360 Meridian Pl NW 737 Otis Pl NW 655 Columbia Rd NW

219 Anacostia Ave NE 3728 Burnham Pl NE

OLD CITY #1

CAPITOL HILL EAST 449 17th St SE

2023 Flagler Pl NW

$799,000 $525,000

2 2

$274,220

$300,000

$399,900

$415,000 $269,000

1 0

FALL BACK...

IN LOVE WITH HOME! CAPITOL HILL EAST 602 Kentucky Ave SE #B 1516 K St SE #3A

CENTRAL

400 Mass. Ave NW #705 631 D St NW #536 1150 K St NW #310

$842,500 $425,000

3 1

$455,000 $447,000 $615,000

1 1 2

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2615 University Pl NW #4 1121 Fairmont St NW #2 770 Girard St NW #3E 909 Quincy St NW #1 1430 Newton St NW #301 1214 Fairmont St NW #1 1248 Fairmont St NW #2 3511 13th St NW #405 3933 14th St NW #7 1307 Clifton St NW #34 1108 Columbia Rd NW #106 2639 15th St NW #301 3101 Sherman Ave NW #403 1318 Kenyon St NW #1

$825,000 $785,000 $777,500 $690,000 $572,000 $562,750 $519,000 $485,000 $444,900 $415,000 $399,999 $395,000 $365,000 $349,900

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 4725 1st St SW #101

DUPONT CIRCLE 1301 20th St NW #507 1545 18th St NW #608 1830 Jefferson Pl NW #11 1725 Q St NW #101 1731 Willard St NW #403 1280 21st St NW #302 1711 Mass. Ave NW #724 1727 Mass. Ave NW #205

ECKINGTON

1625 Eckington Pl NE #719 125 Rhode Island Ave NE #1 1625 Eckington Pl NE #506 53 R St NE #1 1948 3rd St NE #E 1715 N Capitol St NE #5 1625 Eckington Pl NE #603 50 Florida Ave NE #824 1625 Eckington Pl NE #703 1831 2nd St NE #403

$71,000

$395,000 $310,000 $950,000 $850,000 $385,000 $375,000 $239,239 $225,000

1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0

$1,032,400 $784,900 $744,900 $738,000 $675,000 $590,000 $524,900 $490,000 $469,900 $295,000

2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1

H STREET CORRIDOR 1216 I St NE #B

HILL EAST 1323 K St SE #301

LEDROIT PARK 2201 2nd St NW #41

LOGAN CIRCLE 1312 Mass. Ave NW #604

2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1

$874,900

$312,000

$426,250

$510,000

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4442 B St SE #4

$350,000

MOUNT VERNON 1112 5th Street NW #5

$700,000

! EW G N IN T S LI

421 Independence Ave SE 3-Units, 6BD/5BA $1,525,000

EW ! N ICE PR

LIVE LIKE NEW ON CAPITOL HILL! This classic Capitol Hill brick exterior welcomes you to fine finishes, bright rooms, and immaculate spaces - all constructed in 2016! Offering 4 spacious BD and 3.5 BA on 4 levels, take particular note of the stunning owner’s suite with wall-of- glass en suite bathroom - GORGEOUS! Fully flexible lower level with separate front and rear entry offers room for guests, home office...or bonus family space! Walk to the best of Capitol Hill from this central spot - H Street/Atlas, Eastern Market, and parks!

COMMANDING RED BRICK CORNER IN HISTORIC CAPITOL HILL! Live at the epicenter of historic Capitol Hill, steps to Eastern Market or the Capitol, in this handsome 1890s brick Federal home featuring rich 19th-century masonry and 24 windows on 3 sides! Lovely wraparound gardens offer separate entry to 3 units, each with its own outdoor space; 3 bd/2ba 2-level “owner’s” unit from grand front entry, 2 bd/2 ba flat on treetop level, and 1 bd garden apartment in the former carriage house! Shopping for a home? Expand your buying power on this commanding corner, offsetting your mortgage interest w/ 2 tremendous rentals! DREAM BIG at the corner of Independence Avenue!

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

1330 K St SE Unit 1: 3BD/2.5BA, $1,075,000 Unit 2: 3BD/3.5BA, $1,125,000

G IN ! M N O O C O S

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

1634 G St SE 4BD/2.5BA $799,000

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

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

EW E! N IC PR

1028 D St NE 4BD/3.5BA $1,175,000

CUSTOM COLONIAL COMBINES SOUTHERN SUN AND STYLE!! One-way G Street blends an exceptional mix of peaceful open space with urban convenience, all just steps from groceries, The Roost restaurant hall, or Anacostia bike/ run trail! Step inside to exposed brick, custom casework, distinct dark walnut tone floors and custom plantation shutters! Three beds up with full bath plus lower BONUS! Fully furnished guest suite w/ full bath, perfect for guests or additional rental income! Solar panels soak up southern sun to offset energy costs.

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

202.243.7707

info@joelnelsongroup.com 2

November 2021 H 75

Look for the annual

HOLIDAY ISSUE! Publishing December 4th

•FEATURE HOLIDAY SECTION •LOCAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS •LOCAL SHOPPING INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? YOUR HOLIDAY MESSAGING IS IMPORTANT, MAKE SURE THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE SEEING IT.

CONTACT YOUR SALES REP TODAY: 2 0 2 . 4 0 0 . 3 5 0 8 KIRA X16 CAROLINA X12 ANDREW X19 A CAPITAL COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLICATION CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

76 ★ HILLRAG.COM

NAVY YARD 1300 4th St SE #310

$840,000

1413 A St NE #1413 $710,000 1025 1st SE #314 $538,000 1520 Independence Ave SE #301 $459,000

2 1 2

OLD CITY #1

OLD CITY #2

1902 Vermont Ave NW #D 1001 L St NW #801 1302 R St NW #3 475 K St NW #829

PENN QUARTER 631 D St NW #731

$1,655,255 $637,350 $535,000 $266,566

3 2 1 1

$460,000

RANDLE HEIGHTS 1715 28th Pl SE #A

RLA (SW)

327 N St SW #327 800 4th St SW #S510

SHAW

1102 R St NW #2 539 Florida Ave NW #3

SOUTH WEST 300 M St SW #N706 1250 4th St SW #W701

TRINIDAD

1247 Holbrook Ter NE #2 1016 17th Pl NE #304 1016 17th Pl NE #201

$295,000

$530,000 $352,500

2 0

$610,000 $350,000

2 1

$315,000 $491,500

1 2

$767,000 $364,900 $314,900

4 1 1

U STREET CORRIDOR 1451 Belmont St NW #414 1469 Florida Ave NW #7 2125 14th St NW #309

$539,293 $499,000 $385,000

1 1 0

COOP NAVY YARD

1000 New Jersey Ave SE #312

OLD CITY #1

1000 New Jersey Ave SE #PH04

$530,000

$375,000

Real Estate

Management

$229,000 $127,500 $349,900

CALL SAM JOHNSTON

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

Let him help you buy or sell your home. Schedule your appointment to get a complimentary market evaluation.

SW WATERFRONT 429 N St SW #S609 1311 Delaware Ave SW #S833 560 N St SW #N703 ◆

LOOKING FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

1 0 1

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

4J Real Estate 80 M ST SE #100 Washington, DC 20003 (770) 584-7603 sam@4jre.com November 2021 ★ 77

78 H HILLRAG.COM

arts ining d and

MINI GOLF

EDITI F O ON T THE BES

Where to Play a Round in DC by Meghan Markey

ou’re gonna die, clown!” In the movie “Happy Gilmore,” Happy screams this at a huge, shrieking, robotic clown face that has thwarted his attempts to hit the ball past an obstruction. It is one of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies, and one of the only movies my dad and I could agree on. He was more of a Turner Classic Movies guy, I’m an indie/A24 snob.

East Potomac Park – 970 Ohio Drive SW For the traditionalist, the course at East Potomac Park is the OG of miniature golf courses. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it opened in 1931 and is one of the longest continuously running mini golf courses in the country. Its 18 holes are located on Hains Point, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a more bucolic setting within the city to play a round on a crisp autumn day. It’s a straightforward course ‒ not a bell, whistle or robotic clown face in sight. You’ll get gently sloping hills, tricky turns and neat stone features. It’s challenging enough to entertain but not so much that inexperienced players wouldn’t enjoy as well, making it a perfect spot for kids or a date who has never picked up a club. If you want to make a day of it, head to the driving range and pick up a snack at Potomac Grille.

Swingers – 1330 19th St. NW

one of the oldest in The course at East Potomac Park is credit NPS) to (pho ury. cent players for nearly a

the country, entertaining

I played golf as a kid and, like Happy, I was impatient and therefore my short game always sucked. In a halfhearted attempt to rectify this, I spent a lot of time on the chipping and putting greens at our local course but also a lot of time on mini golf courses. Summers were dotted with trips to Ocean City, where my grandparents had a condo, and 10-year-old me yelled my way through all of those old-school mini golf courses, dinosaurs and pirate ships looming over the infuriatingly difficult holes. Eating Fletcher’s caramel popcorn, I tried not to stomp my feet or throw my club into the water features. I look back on that time with fond nostalgia. It didn’t matter if I was terrible, it was kitschy and fun. Though the city has largely opened up, times are still challenging. Between the pandemic, working from home, juggling family responsibilities and other stressful adult stuff, we could all use some more fun. And mini golf is just that: pure unadulterated fun. No matter what your speed or personality, there is a mini golf course in the area for you. Here are my picks.

The cheekily named Swingers opened in June in the cavernous former Buffalo Billiards space in Dupont Circle and offers a particular brand of miniature golf: “crazy golf ” – maybe because a trip to Swingers means you’ll have a crazy good time. A London import, the team behind Swingers pulled out all the stops to ensure maximum entertainment. Swingers was designed to evoke a 1920s English golf clubhouse and is truly an immersive experience; at two stories, it’s replete with four distinct, stylish, colorful bars, a huge menu filled with delicious craft cocktails, four local gourmet street food vendors and two nine-hole mini golf courses that are sure to dazzle and delight. Offering various golf, food and drink packages, a trip to Swingers might involve sipping the signature G&T (this is no regular G&T; we’re talking garnishes like pink peppercorn, star anise and a sprig of rosemary) while sinking your teeth into a gloriously melty, piping hot pepperoni pizza from Kneadza Pizza or a “SiGolfers enjoy a relaxing game at Swin gers. Photo: Jason rena” crispy cod taco Dixson Photography November 2021 ★ 79

Check out all of our happenings at

www.Mrhenrysdc.com LIVE MUSIC returns

Wed through Sat evenings. Tickets at

Instantseats.com Every Wednesday Capitol Hill Jazz Jam 11/4 - Pablo Regis

11/13 - Lena Seikaly w/ Chris Grasso Trio

11/5 - Venus Dodson and the Gentlemen 11/18 - Cissa Paz of Distinction 11/19 - Lionel Lyles 11/6 - Batida Difernte w/ 11/20 - Reginald Cyntje Integrity Reeves 11/26 - Dominic Ellis 11/11 - Tony Gudell 11/27 - Jeff Weintraub 11/12 - Kevin Cordt Quartet

Ask us about booking holiday parties!

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

601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 80 ★ HILLRAG.COM

school arcades and games that many of us older millennials grew up with: skeeball, arcade basketball, boardgames, shuffleboard and, yes, a mini golf course. H Street Country Club has been a beloved staple since 2008. Its course is probably the closest of d ge-inspired golf cart ahea Take a picture sitting on Swinger’s vinta ) gers Swin it to the kind that cred to (pho playing the Waterwheel Course I grew up with: uber kitschy with from tuTaco. Not a bad way to wait for your tee many a weird and wacky feature, like creepy time at either the Clocktower Course or the Waprotruding former-president heads (I’m looktertower Course. ing at you, mildly terrifying Teddy Roosevelt), The courses themselves are highly crea gorilla scaling the Washington monument ative, lush and meant to challenge, with loopand a huge pewter-colored body sunk into de-loops, tunnels, precarious lines, moving the middle of one of the holes, all set against obstructions (like the giant lit-up neon watercolorful walls depicting things like Godziltower), both nestled downstairs between the la. After a round of mini golf, hang out on the bars. But fear not, there is always a golf “caddie” large roof deck or downstairs for more counnearby to offer tips and fill your drink order. A try club fun. Grab some friends, order taDJ spins the kind of music no one can help but cos, drink some beer, play throwback mini sing to (think remixes of Whitney Houston and golf. Easy! the Spice Girls). And of course, there is many I may have outgrown the urge to chuck my an opportunity for photos; snap a pic at the putter in the water, but I haven’t outgrown minphotobooth or on the vintage-inspired golf cart. iature golf, and if you haven’t either, I hope this Everything at Swingers is extremely well gives you some options. ◆ curated, and these fun details really make it transportive, which is a blessing after the slog of a long work week. While there’s no robotic clown on either course, they do offer a frozen cocktail called the Happy Gilmore (it’s Crown Royal and Coke).

H Street Country Club – 1335 H St. NE For those who are still kids at heart, H Street Country Club is a dream combining the features of a fun bar with the old-

Creepy zombie ex-presidents rear their ugly heads on one of the holes at H Street Country Club. (photo credit HSCC)

November 2021 H 81

. arts and dining .

POTTERY ON THE HILL CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Annual Ceramic Expo to Be Virtual in 2021

by Phil Hutinet, photos courtesy Hill Center/Pottery on the Hill

ottery on the Hill celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. The annual ceramic expo will be virtual, as it was last year, showcasing potters from around the nation in an art fair environment using online sales platforms. A silent auction to benefit Hill Center will kick off the event. The auction begins Nov. 4, and the virtual expo begins Friday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. Both the silent auction and sale end Sunday, Nov. 14. Pottery on the Hill maintains its recurring theme of exhibiting functional handmade pottery produced by renowned professional ceramicists.

rative mugs cost $100 apiece and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pottery on the Hill Virtual Sale, Nov. 12-14

“This is the second year that our show has been moved online,” notes show curator Finnegan. “We will miss seeing all of your smiling faces but hope that you will continue to support the potters who create beautiful work to enhance your home and enrich your dining experience.” One of the major benefits of hosting a virtual sale is that more potters can participate. In the past, in-person editions could only accommodate a limBenefit Auction and Finnegan ited number of participants at Hill Center, usualCommemorative Mug Sale, Nov. 4-14 ly fewer than 20. Thanks to virtualization, twice as Despite signs that the US economy has begun to recovmany potters can sell work. er from the COVID pandemic, cultural institutions con“Moving Pottery on the Hill online is just antinue to feel the lingering financial impact of the global other example of how, as a small arts and culture orshutdown. Each of the 40 potters participating in this ganization, we’ve been able to adapt our programyear’s Pottery on the Hill donated work to Hill Cenming in this new COVID ter’s benefit auction. Works inera,” says Diana Ingraham, clude everything from cups to executive director of Hill large vases. Hosted on Auctria, Center. “The virtual show an online auction platform, bids allows us the opportunican be placed starting Nov. 4. ty to support the ceramics During the 10-day auction pecommunity who has been riod, bidders are notified when critical to making Pottery a competitor has outbid them. on the Hill one of the preThis allows the chance to place miere shows in the nation.” a higher bid to win the desired This year’s event is ceramic piece. The auction Michael Hunt and Naomi Dalglish analogous to 40 potters closes on Nov. 14 at 11:59 p.m. opening their stores siWinning bidders will be notiNote that potters use different sales multaneously to the pubfied on Monday, Nov. 15. platform like Etsy or Square to process lic. Starting Friday, Nov. 12, at Dan Finnegan, Pottery sales, so each store will have a slightly dif5 p.m., visitors will have the opon the Hill’s curator since the ferent look and feel. portunity to log onto the event event began in 2012, made 50 site and visit each of the “stores” commemorative mugs to benRoster of Potters and purchase work. Access is efit Hill Center. The one-of-aThe following potters will participate virtugranted through the event’s kind mugs will be available for ally in Pottery on the Hill 2021: main website, www.potteryonpurchase beginning Nov. 4, cothehilldc.org. The expo ends inciding with the benefit aucRichard Aerni Menorah Chanukiah. Sunday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. tion. Finnegan’s commemoCamilla Ascher Gertrude Graham Smith

82 H HILLRAG.COM

Studio Touya (Hitomi & Takuro Shibata) Sam Taylor Julia Walther Kate Waltman Catherine White Adero Willard Joel Willson

Virtual Demonstrations Daniel Finnegan. Photo: Dan Toff

Bandana Pottery (Naomi Dalglish & Michael Hunt) Mary Barringer Christina Bendo Bulldog Pottery (Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke) Kyle Carpenter Kevin Crowe Andrea Denniston Carolyn Dilcher-Stutz Dan Finnegan Warren Frederick Kenyon Hansen Jason Hartsoe Mark Hewitt Matthew Hyleck Peter Jadoonath Michael Kline Kyle Scott Lee Katherine Maloney Matthew Meunier Matthew Metz Miki Palchik Donna Polseno Mark Shapiro Gertrude Graham Smith Stacy Snyder Beth Sperlazza

In past editions, Pottery on the Hill organizers featured live, raku-style firing of ceramic objects in outdoor

Julie Wiggins studio

kilns and other types of demonstrations. In this year’s virtual edition social media will play a central role in providing information about the ceramicists and their process. The organizers are planning live demonstrations, mainly via Instagram, and will also feature studio tours and artist chats. Pottery on the Hill 2021 takes place virtually at www.potteryonthehilldc.com; on Instagram at @potteryonthehilldc. Events will be held on the following dates: • Online Silent Auction and Benefit, Nov. 4-14 • Online Show and Sale, Nov. 12-14 Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, DC’s alternative art source. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com. u

November 2021 H 83

. arts and dining .

AT THE MOVIES

Two Major Directors’ Latest: Wes Anderson Wallows in Whimsy; Ridley Scott Crafts a “Woke” Epic by Mike Canning

“The French Dispatch”

is especially reminiscent of “Grand Hotel Budapest”). However, for this From director Wes Anderson comes observer, they miss the mark. They his 10th feature, “The French Disseem like Wes gone amok. patch,” which he has described as The best of the tales is “Mas“a love letter to journalists set at an terpiece,” principally because the outpost of an American newspaper setup is distinctive and unexpectin the fictional 20th-century French ed, and the deadpan delivery works city of Ennui-sur-Blase.” The film is best (del Toro and Brody seem cominspired by Anderson’s love of The fortable in their stilted dialogue). It New Yorker with characters and is the least cloying of the three, with events based on real-life equivalents a semi-clever take on contemporary from the magazine. It is also a “portart. The “Manifesto” sequence is a manteau” film, an anthology of three narrative mess, the objective journaldistinct stories that appeared in the ist ill-contrasting with half-commitDispatch, written by its idiosyncratted, willful youth aching for a vague ic expatriate staff. (Rated R, the film revolution. It aims to mock clueless runs 103 minutes.) insurgents (Chalamet seems particBill Murray, a long-time favorite ularly ill-cast), which renders little of Anderson’s (he has appeared in all but confusion. The “Dining Room” of the director’s films), plays the DisFrom “The French Dispatch”: facade of the publishing house of the expatriate journal. Photo: Searchlight Pictures is a complete farrago, with too many patch’s editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr., oddball characters doing too many a soft-spoken curmudgeon, whose weird things, all ending in a mindis written by staffer Lucinda Krementz (Frances Mceclectic staff includes travel writer less and confusing police chase. Dormand), a no-nonsense journalist profiling student Herbert Sazerac (Owen Wilson), copyeditor AlumIf these assessments seem harsh, consider them revolutionaries, who include chess-playing Zeffirelli na (Elizabeth Moss) and magazine cartoonist Hermes disappointing outcomes from a director this review(Timothee Chalamet) and his obdurate girlfriend JuJones (Jason Schwartzman). er has often enjoyed. Here he has combined the inliette (Lyna Khoudri). Zeffirelli is the poetic voice of The first of the three stories (“The Concrete gredients of his now familiar schtick but left them too the “revolution,” while his Juliette is the enforcer. Masterpiece”) centers on Julien Cadazio (Adrien Brolong on the stove. The third article, “The Private Dining Room dy), a fervent art dealer interested in the work of a viof the Police Commissioner,” is written by Roebuck olent prison inmate, Moses Rosenthaler (Benicio del “The Last Duel” Wright (Jeffery Wright), a food journalist at the DisToro) housed in the section for the criminally insane. With “The Last Duel,” Ridley Scott steps back into patch. At a dinner with the police commissioner (MaThis piece is based on a New Yorker series covering history, as he so memorably did with “Gladiator” from thieu Amalric), Wright and others learn that his son the real-life art dealer Lord Duveen and is narrated 2000. His focus is again on an historic tale of betrayal Gigi has been kidnapped, and Lt. Nescaffier (a noted by Dispatch writer J.K.L. Berensen (Tilda Swinton). and vengeance, but this time set against the brutality chef as well as a police officer) is on the case. Edward French star Lea Seydoux plays Rosenthaler’s prison of medieval France in 14th-century Normandy durNorton (a chauffeur) and Saorise Ronan (a showgirl) guard, Simone, who serves as his muse, posing for ing the reign of Charles VI, rather than ancient Rome. are part of the kidnapping gang who are chased by the him nude, which he envisions as an abstract impres(Rated R for mediaeval violence and nudity, the film police and eventually succumb in a shootout. sionistic jumble, an image that captures Cadazio. The runs 2 hours and 32 minutes.) Let it be known that “French Dispatch” could convict follows up with an expansive series of simi“The Last Duel” begins and ends with France’s be none other than a Wes Anderson film. All the elelar frescos. last sanctioned duel in 1386 between Jean de Carrougments of his style are there. The highly stylized jewel The second tale takes off from the May 1968 es (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), box scenes, the deadpan dialogue, the occasional anstudent occupation protests and was inspired by two long-time friends and warrior-knights-of-the-king imation, the ever-present whimsy and preciousness New Yorker articles originally written by Mavis Galturned bitter rivals. ‒ all on full display for this mellow comedy (the film lant. Called “Revisions to a Manifesto” in the film, it 84 H HILLRAG.COM

Mini Golf City Paper’s Best Drag Brunch

E S T. 2 0 0 8

• Bar • Restaurant • Mini Golf • Arcade Games

Host Your Next Work Event or Dinner Date Here! Work and Casual Events

Carrouges is a ferocious knight, long engaged in fighting the rival English, and also a stolid, unlettered man with a gift for rampage but none for wit or deceit. Le Gris is his opposite, a poor but clever man who has educated himself in numbers and letters and adopted libertine ways, thereby ingratiating himself to a high prince of the domain, Pierre d’Alencon (Ben Affleck), a right hand of the King. It is Jean, however, who wins the heart of the most desirable Marguerite (Jodie Comer). However, Le Gris, lusty that he is, also has eyes for Marguerite and, with her husband away on a Scottish campaign, breaks into Carrouges’ castle and viciously assaults her. When she becomes pregnant, suspicion falls on Jacques as the father. He denies a rape charge, but Marguerite refuses to stay silent and forcefully accuses him as her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. A trial by combat is then authorized by Charles (Alex Lawther), a grueling duel to the death, shown in a grim sequence that opens and closes the picture (Scott displayed a parallel version of this brutal culminating fight in “Gladiator”). At more than two and one-half hours, “Duel” does grind on, perhaps

202-399-4722

1335 H Street NE

because Scott wallows in period detail: pervasive mud, grim stone and endless candlelight, all bathed in a grayblue cast and a clattering soundtrack. It may make for a convincing 1386, but it doesn’t always keep the action moving. The film can’t help being repetitive either, since the story is set in three chapters, the first two covering similar events, first from Jean’s perspective, then Jacques’ and lastly Marguerite’s. The three-way screenplay ‒ by Nicole Holofcener (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” “Enough Said”), Affleck and Damon ‒ may explain why the movie is part macho mania (from Affleck and Damon?) and part a sort of primitive #MeToo movement in Old France (crafted likely by Holofcener). The latter’s all-too-contemporary vessel is the young Comer, here comely for sure but also principled and a staunch seeker of the truth, unlike the tired and cynical women around her. Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. ◆

November 2021 ★ 85

. arts and dining .

ARTandtheCITY by Jim Magner

ARTIST PORTRAIT: MARTHA POPE

he wonderful thing about a pastel painting,” says Martha Pope, “is that you can mush up parts of it.” Yes, from pastels comes the freedom to change your mind. You can add details or light effects. Or take them out. You can brighten colors or subdue them. It’s about capturing the essence of a scene ‒ a statement of joy about a place and time. Pope uses that freedom to reach into the heart of a landscape. She watches the light change by the second and feels nature move with the breeze and flow with the waters that spread in a marsh … or drift through a wooded field. Ultimately, it comes from her heart. It’s her conversation with nature. Pope began her professional life with a degree in sociology with an art minor. She taught at elementary and junior-high levels and picked up a master’s in art education along the way. And then she found herself in DC. She advanced from a stopgap job as a reception-

ist in a US Senate office to legislative positions and eventually to be the chief of staff to a senator. She was elected to be the Senate’s sergeant at arms and then secretary. Along the path was a position with the National Wildlife Federation. She joined the State Department to deal with the religious/political conflict in Northern Ireland. Pope came back to art. She studied watercolor, but watercolor can be difficult, producing more anxiety than paint- Montana Homestead, pastel on sanded paper, photo: Martha Pope ings. She studied pastels with Wolf Kahn, an American impressionist, and recently You can make your own painting in your mind. here with Ellen Cornet, an American treasure. Any place you might like to be. She travels the world looking at and photographAdd color. ing landscapes, and then sequesters herself in her stuLights. Darks. dio where she reaches into the heart of a place ‒ addWarms. Cools. ing, subtracting and finding its core. Let them swim through your thoughts, You can find her work this month, through DeYour imagination. cember, at the Hill Center Gallery. (See at the GalAdd music. Let it flow. leries.) Add voices.

Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art

Killneck Creek, pastel painting on sanded paper, photo: Martha Pope

86 H HILLRAG.COM

Imagine. Go ahead, do it. Imagine what? Anything. Try placing yourself in a painting. Just pick one. Maybe one of Martha Pope’s. Have a seat, Or just look around for a while. You can add a faithful pet Or other people. Maybe some birds. Make it as comfortable as you want. Now try flying. High above the land. Looking down on the wonderful scene. Soar freely. You can do that Because you want to.

Interesting conversations. Now come back. You don’t want to? Too much anxiety? No problem. You can do it whenever you choose. Once our ancestors recognized beauty, they were swept into that intellectual adventure of enormous complexity we call human imagination. That adventure is art. Creativity tied to the spiritual. Whether painted on canvas or in the infinite capacity of the mind, it can carry us through anything. Art is all we need.

At the Galleries Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE — Dec 30 This “hybrid exhibit” brings together five favorite Hill Center artists. Their work is on the walls and online. • Martha Pope: “Pastel Landscapes” • Kasse Andrews-Weller: “Happy Place”

ADVERTISE WITH THE HILLRAG! Call Kira Means at 202-400-3508 Or email: kira@hillrag.com

Saint Simons Island, pastel painting on sanded paper, photo: Martha Pope

• Ellen Cornet: “Animal Crackers” • Alan Braley: “The Joy of Baseball” • Monica Servaites: “Refraction” www.hillcenterdc.org Kristina Penhoet, Foundry Gallery 2008 Eighth St. NW Nov. 5-28 Reception: Nov. 5, 7-9 p.m. Kristina Penhoet wants us to understand and find beauty in the quiet moments that make us human. She works primarily with wool and textiles, holding close to natural tones, and uses felting, hand-stitching, wrapping and knotting. These are “three-dimensional abstractions of profound emotions tied to universal experiences ‒ through which we gain empathy with others.” The more you look at them, the more you transfer your thoughts and memories to your own experiences. www.foundrygallery.org www.kristinapenhoet.com. Soomin Ham, Multiple Exposures Gallery Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, Virginia —Nov. 28

“Lingering Glimpses” is a solo exhibition by Soomin Ham, a DC-area photographer and multimedia artist. It is an ongoing project commemorating American soldiers, young men and women who died in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is a subject few people want to deal with. She begins with an online search for images and then uses traditional darkroom methods to create-blackand-white silver gelatin prints. To drive home the reality that young lives were cut short, she processes the film with an expired developer and no fixer, giving the photographs unpredictable lives of their own as the images slowly fade away. www.MultipleExposuresGallery.com On a personal note: You can watch a short video (85 sec.) about my historical fiction novel “The Dead Man on the Corner,” https://youtu. be/bQad2_Ck78Q, and buy the book on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, along with my other new historical fiction novel, “John Dillinger and Geronimo.” See www.JamesJohnMagner.com. Capitol Hill artist and writer Jim Magner can be reached at artandthecity05@aol.com. u

November 2021 H 87

. arts and dining .

the LITERARY HILL A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events by Karen Lyon Cove Pointers will do their best to meet them. not to go near the foxholes in their yards. In the 1950s, the “party anCarol McCabe Booker is a retired journalist imals” descended and several of and lawyer whose previous books include “Shockthem share reminiscences about ing the Conscience: A Reporter’s Account of the the idyllic summer vacations they Civil Rights Movement,” co-written with Simeon enjoyed ‒ at least until an engineer Booker, and “Alone Atop the Hill: The Autobiogdecided to excavate their pristine raphy of Alice Dunnigan, Pioneer of the National sands for minerals, an enterprise Black Press.” that eventually went belly-up. Developers took their toll over The Heart of DC the years, but it was the establishAt 29, Samuel Meckler is the youngest waiter at the ment of a liquid natural gas plant Tadich Grill, a magnet for politicians located halfin the 1970s that “was enough to way between the Capitol and the White House. His Journalist Carol McCabe Booker scare the barnacles off some of the high-powered clientele can be a challenge, but he looks back at the rich history crustiest neighbors.” Today, Bookdoes his best to keep his head above water and his of a Chesapeake Bay community “where heaven and earth er notes, the gas tankers sometimes nose clean. “I’m like a sponge,” he asserts, “unasconverge.” drown out the geese, but she nonesuming in my duties but able to soak up twice my theless continues to revel in the weight.” When he’s not toting trays, he takes long “mystic beauty” of the area where walks in Congressional Cemetery to process his Getting to the Point her husband, renowned journalist Simeon Bookobservations into an epic poem, a “literary project An early 17th-century explorer described it as “a er, was the first black man to purchase property [that] is slowly piecing itself together on the page.” site where heaven and earth converged to frame a in 1981. “A Firm State of Heart” serves as the title both place perfectly designed for the enjoyment of huRecent developments, such as the raising of of a new novel by Bob Gilbert and of Samuel’s work manity.” Carol McCabe Booker heartily concurs. structures above flood level and a gradual transition in progress, which the young poet envisions as “an Her new book, “Cove Point on the Chesapeake: to solar and geothermal energy, are, she writes, “signs attempt to find an idealistic way through this messy The Beacon, the Bay and the Dream,” is both a of a community both serious and optimistic about muddle America finds itself in.” He sees himself as paean to this bucolic bayside community just 90 the future.” It’s clear that, whatever the challenges, a latter-day Walt Whitman, “a poet in a digital age,” minutes from Washington and a thoroughgoing whose goal is nothing less than “seeking account, complete with photographs, of its the foundations of a new cultural order.” long and sometimes dramatic history. In the meantime, he parties and parBooker’s stories cover every facet of ries with his three roommates in their CapCove Point’s saga, from the building of its itol Hill townhouse, becomes the friend lighthouse in 1828 to its current-day flood (and lover) of a beautiful DC news anmitigation plans. In between are tales of shipchor, is set up by the Lithuanian ambaswrecks and riptides and, especially, of the sador and arrested by the FBI for possipeople who settled there, including a Rusble subversion, gets suspended from his sian princess who founded a colony of expajob, starts selling pot in a trap house full of triates in the 1930s and a colorful Maryland dope dealers and pursues his dream womstate senator who tried to turn Cove Point an on the Metro. Just when things can’t get into “the Atlantic City of the South.” “Well,” any more chaotic, DC goes into pandemic Booker wryly observes, “not really.” lockdown. Samuel pleads with the virus: During World War II, Booker tells us, “Hey, COVID / Slip me some time / Wait the area was used as a staging ground for amA young poet hopes his work until / A Firm State of Heart / Is complete phibious landings. Children whose families will solve the riddle of what’s / Until then / Hang out, be cool.” vacationed there relate how kids were kept happening in America in Bob Gilbert’s “A Firm State of “A Firm State of Heart” is an episodoff the beach during practices and warned Heart.”

88 H HILLRAG.COM

THE POETIC HILL

G Food writer and editor Bonny Wolf has compiled more than 140 recipes for a cookbook commemorating the Hill Center’s 10th anniversary.

ic coming-of-age novel about a young man trying his best to find meaning in life (“That’s a poet’s job,” says Samuel) and to maintain his values in the face of Washington cynicism. It is Hill writer Bob Gilbert’s fourth novel, following “Mintwood Place,” “The Shady Elders of Zion” and “Green Goes Forth.”

The Hill Is Cookin’ Back in January, food writer and Hill Center board member Bonny Wolf issued a call to local denizens. “Do you have a family dish that’s everybody’s favorite?,” she asked. “Would Thanksgiving be disappointing without Aunt Betty’s sweet potatoes?” She invited cooks from all over the city to submit their recipes for inclusion in a cookbook. This month, the Hill Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with the publication of “A Taste of Hill Center: Recipes from Our Community Table.” The book follows in a tradition that began in 1864 with a cookbook sold to raise funds for Union soldiers wounded in the Civil War. That same year, what is now the Hill Center was

commissioned as DC’s first naval hospital to treat wounded Civil War sailors and marines. For the 2021 book, Wolf has compiled more than 140 recipes from Michelin-ranked chefs, Hill Center cooking teachers, artists and potters and home cooks from across Washington’s diverse neighborhoods. To get your copy of “A Taste of Hill Center,” go to www.hillcenterdc.org and search “cookbook.” Proceeds will help support the center’s operations. Journalist Bonny Wolf was a food commentator for National Public Radio’s “Weekend Edition,” hosted NPR’s food podcast “Kitchen Window” and wrote a column for the Washington Post. She is also the author of “Talking with My Mouth Full: Crab Cakes, Bundt Cakes, and Other Kitchen Stories.” u

by Karen Lyon

abriela Orozco grew up on Capitol Hill, the daughter of a father from Nicaragua and a mother whose family is South African Ashkenazi. In her debut book of poems, “A Child of Borrowed Churches,” she calls upon this diverse heritage to claim her unique poetic identity. She writes from passion and longing, from lethargy and anger. She writes of adolescent angst and universal pain. And she reflects on the limited power of her own voice: “I cannot string enough words together to rub away my / wounds, I nurse the burns on my palms / and so scarred, red and raw I write a new poem that is my / soothing balm.” Orozco is the recipient of numerous honors, including 2019 DC Youth Poet Laureate, 2020 DC Youth Slam Team Grand Slam Champion and winner of DC Public Library’s 2019 Beyond the Book contest for her “Moby-Dick” inspired poem “Cage of Bones.” The title of her new collection refers to how the Jewish community in Southeast DC rents various church spaces for services as they have no synagogue of their own. She is currently in her first year in the joint program at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. www.gabrielaorozcopoet.com The Drooping Branches of a First Generation American’s Family Tree There is so much of me, an ocean full of my parents’ memories. I drown underneath the damnations of my history The weight of all my legacies, my countries constrict my chest And make it hard to breathe. My roots have been scattered over too large seas ‒ I don’t know where my ancestors were buried I am a hybrid seed but the wind has swept me Too far away from my family trees. I’ve never been to the cemeteries Where the crucifixes stood watch I can’t find the land that could Have been my burial plot I know where my mother’s tree grew, She was avocado pits and Rooibos leaves My father’s tree had bats in it, But I don’t remember what fruit it grew so I pretend it sprouted oranges like Gioconda Belli’s.

If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@ literaryhillbookfest.org. (There is no remuneration.) u

November 2021 H 89

90 H HILLRAG.COM

WHEN SMALL BUSINESSES COLLABORATE, THEY CREATE COMMUNITY Opening Up to Change Breeds New Possibilities and Growth by Pattie Cinelli

reed Bodyworks and Rooted Pilates are two small Capitol Hill businesses hit hard by the shutdown last year. Specializing in health, wellness and movement, both were thriving in their own environment. Freed offered a variety of wellness modalities to clients and had exercise classes as well. Rooted Pilates, which had recently moved to a new location on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, just two blocks west of Freed, gave private sessions on the apparatus and held small mat classes in the studio. In March 2020, both had to shut their doors and stop doing business in person. “Freed closed from March until August of 2020,” said owner/manager Jessica VonDyke. “When we were allowed back to work, the number of people allowed in the space was limited.” In six months of shutdown, VonDyke said, some of the therapists who worked at Freed reinvented what they were doing or left the area. “We started back with a team of six. We closed with a team of 24 in March.” It was a big difference for business. Freed started a Go Fund Me page that summer. “We raised about $50,000, which has been pivotal to us staying open,” said VonDyke. “We also received A few of the Freed Bodyworks team upon reopening in August 2020. Left to right Q Garcia-Geary, Vanessa Crowley LMT, Astra Rooney LMT, Jessica VonDyke, Front Frances Reed LMT

November 2021 ★ 91

Mini Golf City Paper’s Best Drag Brunch

E S T. 2 0 0 8

• Bar • Restaurant • Mini Golf • Arcade Games

Host Your Next Work Event or Dinner Date Here! Work and Casual Events

hstcountryclub.com 202-399-4722

1335 H Street NE

Now Available ONLINE @ in the Whole Foods Section

The best corn you’ve ever had 100% ALL NATURAL!

NO added sugar, additives, coloring or preservatives

Available at IN TH E FROZEN VEGGIES S E CTIO N

More info and recipes at: larrysweetcorn.com 92 ★ HILLRAG.COM

PPE loans, and our landlord is wonderful and has been working with us all throughout the pandemic.” Down the street, Randi Moore, founding member of Rooted Movement Collective and former owner of Rooted Pilates, had a different story. “When DC shut down, we went online. We kept the business going until we opened for private sessions last summer.” Moore described her challenge as figuring out how to restructure what Rooted was doing in the uncertain environment in which they were now living. “Our new studio space was not sustainable,” she said. “We were able to have only four to five people in the building. Our landlord was not able to work a tenable deal with us. I had to close the business.” Moore regrouped and created Rooted Movement Collective, a collaborative community of practitioners working together to bring movement practices to all bodies. They work collaboratively but offer services independently. When Moore decided to search for a new location, she called VonDyke at Freed Bodyworks. “It made sense. We’d been cross-referring clients to each other for years and we shared a great deal of mutual respect.” About five years ago, VonDyke contacted Moore about teaching a class to Freed bodyworkers. “A love affair began,” said VonDyke. Moore chimed in, “It was one of my favorite classes to teach.” Indeed, a love affair among professionals exists. Each expressed how cool it is to be working together. “I love this partnership with Randi,” said VonDyke. ”She and her clients bring something different to our community.” “I love the energy of being in a space where all different wellness modalities, not just Pilates, are hap-

pening,” said Moore. “It really feels good and supportive. Being in a space all under one roof, I can easily refer folks to Freed. I love practicing holistic always.” In addition to Rooted Movement sessions, Freed offers sessions for acupuncture, chakra balancing, reflexology, integrative energy work and massage (together in one session), massage and Thai massage. Mental health sessions are still offered online. Freed Bodyworks and Rooted Movement Collective may be pioneers on Capitol Hill for their collaborative effort, but, VonDyke said, “there are models for what we are doing called wellness collectives. It’s a group of different practitioners of different modalities that share space. It was already becoming a trend before the shutdown. Now it’s become an economic necessity.” The most fulfilling benefit though, she pointed out, is how you can do more energetic alignment and reach more people when you join forces. It’s all about helping people to get and stay well. To learn more about Freed at 1337 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, log onto www.freedbodyworks.com or email info@freedebodyworks.com. You can also call: 202-321-9715. To learn more about Randi Moore and the Rooted Movement Collective, log onto www.rootedmovementcollective.com. Pattie Cinelli is a health and fitness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 20 years. She focuses on holistic and non-mainstream ways to stay healthy, get well and connect with your true self. Please email her with questions, comments or column suggestions at fitmiss44@aol.com. ◆

VIRTUAL WINTER YOGA CLASSES NOVEMBER 14 - MARCH 17

Flow Fusion - Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7:30 am Restorative - Sundays - 5:00 pm

$69/month (discount available if paid-in-full)

$10/class

*Can’t make it to class? Sessions will be recorded so you can take them at your convenience.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

AFRAID OF GAINING WEIGHT THIS HOLIDAY?

Join us for Our Virtual Workshop: Understanding the Calorie Game for the Holidays! Saturday, November 20 9:30 am - 11: 30 am

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

$25

Wellness Coach, Functional & Strength Trainer, and 500-RYT Yoga Teacher

JANALERBACH.COM JANA@JANALERBACH.COM 202-601-0425

WELLNESS COACH

www.EuphoriaDC.Org 611 1/2 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 20003 EuphoriaHealingDC

Euphoria Healing & Wellness

EMPOWERING A HEALTHIER NEW YOU

Reach out for 1 on 1 virtual coaching support

FROM PATTIE CINELLI

Individual Psychology Services in the Capitol Riverfront Area

LEARN:

• Exercises to strengthen & improve your respiratory system. • Identify methods to increase your immune function.

Telehealth and In-Person sessions, structured for today’s busy professional.

Work with Pattie to keep yourself in optimal shape to deal with anything that comes into your path. 30 years of experience

Work with a Certified Functional Aging Specialist

LET’S TALK. CALL OR EMAIL TODAY.

202.329.5514

FITMISS44@AOL.COM • PATTIECINELLI.COM

Dr. Kimberly M. Martin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Contact Dr. Kimberly for additional information:

www.drkimberlym.com | (202) 951-9942 100 M. St. SE, Suite 600

November 2021 ★ 93

. family life .

/ The District Vet /

TRAVELING WITH PETS

s travel restrictions have abated, pets are on the move once again. This is true domestically and internationally. Last month we featured cultural differences between Italy and the United States. How does a dog actually get to Italy? Or San Francisco, for that matter. Within the United States, each state is its own jurisdiction, each with potentially different requirements for entry of animals and pets. The rules are generally easy for dogs and cats, but much stricter for cattle, goats, sheep, birds and exotic pets. Some states and areas, including the District, ban the importation of certain animals outright. For travel to select states, a domestic health certificate or a state-specific certificate is requires. For states without requirements, no certificate is needed, for some with only vaccination prerequisites a simple health certificate, written within the specified period of time and printed on veterinary hospital letterhead, is sufficient. Others require state-specified

by Dan Teich, DVM forms. This is especially true if dogs are traveling from a breeder to a new owner. Most people don’t drive their pet across the country - they fly. Airlines have added restrictions to such travel, but with planning, it has become easier. First all airlines require that the pets be vaccinated against rabies. Second most require a domestic health certificate written within a certain number of days prior to travel (usually a maximum of 10-30). Third to travel in the cabin, a special ticket must be purchased, which can vary from $100 per leg, up to $250, each way. Size restrictions for routine travel usually limit the dog or cat to a maximum of 20 lbs., sometimes this includes the weight of the carrier, too. Travel on places with emotional support animals has been curtailed of recent. This is due to many people abusing the privilege. If you have a valid medical condition for which a pet is certified to assist you, airlines are generally required to allow your pet to travel. Such certification must come from your physician, with the veterinarian certifying that the animal

is healthy to travel as above. Service animals are limited to dogs and maybe cats on most airlines. Previously people bought chickens, peafowl, ducks, pigs and even a kangaroo onto a plane. Why stay in the United Sates? Let’s take Fido to Italy! For many countries in Europe, this is readily possible, especially for pets capable of traveling in the cabin. Many countries have their own requirements and it is best to plan far ahead with your veterinarian. Europe is generally pretty easy - requiring rabies vaccinations and sometimes a dewormer. An international health certificate is needed, and must be certified by the USDA. For island nations, the process is much more complicated (England aside) as they may require rabies vaccinations, other vaccinations, rabies titer testing, and potentially wait times of 180 days between time of the rabies titer test and travel! Many countries also require an import permit be obtained prior to import, too. Recently the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) instituted a ban on importation of dogs from 113 countries - this applies to dogs from these countries and dogs who travel with their owners and are returning post their trip abroad. To import a dog from one of these countries, a special permit is required from the USDA - and these have proven difficult to obtain. Before traveling abroad it is essential to assess if your destination is one of the listed countries. This can be checked by your veterinarian or on the UDSA Pet Travel website. For diplomats and people traveling for long periods (years), taking your pet may be warranted, and will allow time to apply for a return permit. There are strict restrictions for the transit of birds between states and countries. This is due to the ready transmission of avian influenza and Newcastle disease, two economically devastating pathogens for poultry production. Avian influenza is transmissible to people and can be fatal, too. For any travel of birds, the birds need to be inspected and certified by a veterinarian with advanced clearance by the USDA. Dan Teich, DVM is Medical Director at District Veterinary Hospital Eastern Market. u

94 H HILLRAG.COM

EASTERN MARKET

YOUR PET DESERVES THIS KIND OF LOVE FROM HER V E T ! CAPITOL HILL OWNED & OP

ERATED

District Vet is an independent, locally owned veterinary hospital focused on the needs of you and your pet. We believe that no two pets are the same and that each deserves individualized love and attention. It’s our philosophy. It’s just who we are. Be a part of our community.

240 7th St. SE // 202.888.2090 // districtvet.com // caphill@districtvet.com

CAPITOL HILL’S

100% OPEN 1 ON 1 PERSONAL TRAINING • FAMILY TRAINING YOGA • OPEN GYM • GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

1310 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. SE

•

202.629.4455

•

JADEFITNESSDC.COM November 2021 ★ 95

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on the National Theatre stage, Nov. 23 to Dec. 5. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Tickets are on sale now; $50 and $75. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www.thenationaldc.org

y l i m a f & kids

Philip Huﬀman as The Grinch.

Little Turkey One-Miler

This Thanksgiving be part of the 20th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K, a time-honored DC tradition sponsored by So Others Might Eat (SOME) on Freedom Plaza. Join the in-person race, timed or untimed, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, and the Little Turkey OneMiler and a family-friendly festival. www.some.org

Holiday Show by “Step Afrika!”

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

Photo: Derek Park

Maria Simpkins as the lead in Synetic Theater’s “Cinderella.” Photo: Johnny Shryock Photography

“Cinderella”

Just in time for the holidays, “Cinderella” joins Synetic Theater’s family series repertoire. Led by an all-female team of Syneticons, this innovative take on the classic fairytale is a perfect ﬁt for audiences of all ages. $15 to $30. “Cinderella” is on stage at Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, Virginia, on select days from Nov. 29 to Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free parking. www.synetictheater.org

(Continued on Pg. 98) 96 ★ HILLRAG.COM

November 2021 ★ 97

. family life .

Shaw Outdoor Family Story Time On Saturday, Nov. 13 and 27, at 10:30 a.m., enjoy stories and songs with the little ones at family story time for ages birth through five. These 30-minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays and are a great way to introduce children to language skills in a positive and fun environment. Meet at the garden at Seaton Elementary School. Enter the garden behind the school via P Street between Ninth and 10th streets NW. Bring blankets or chairs. No advance signup is needed. Show up and find a socially distanced space on the grass by 10:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. www. dclibrary.org/watha

Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blum New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books, “Acoustic Rooster” and “Indigo Blum,” to the stage in a world-premiere Kennedy Center commission. Alexander tells a story about being scared and being

brave. With special guests like Duck Ellington and Ms. Dairy Parton, this musical adaptation will have children and families dancing in their seats. Afterward, dive into a book to keep the fun going: Alexander’s new picture book of the same name is based on this musical. “Acoustic Rooster” and “Indigo Blume,” on stage at the Kennedy Center, Nov. 18 to 27, is most enjoyed by ages five and older. Following select performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an upclose-and-personal talk with some of the artists. $20. www.kennedy-center.org

Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk

On Dec. 4 at 11 a.m., this family-oriented parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and concludes at Old Town’s Market Square with a massed band concert at 1 p.m. www. campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend

Story Time The National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, offers a story time on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday in two timed sessions: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is $15.95. www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org

Creating Tomorrow Together

Moomins

Through Jan. 9, 2022, Moomins, the fairytale creatures living in Moominvalley and created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, are the subject of a visiting exhibition at the National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The exhibition, on loan from the world’s only Moomin museum, in Tampere, Finland, showcases the universal values of the Moomins such as equality, inclusion and respect for nature. The exhibition is hosted by the Embassy of Finland. On Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m., at the National Children’s Museum, join composers Samuli Kosminen and Jarmo Saar for a musical ride to the fantasy world of Moomins. Hear more about how the heart-warming music score of the award-winning “Moominvalley” TV series was made. Discover the sounds different instruments make and learn more about the basics of composing. This 30-minute event takes place virtually and in-person. Admission to the museum is $15.95. www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org 98 H HILLRAG.COM

The 2021-22 season of Saturday Morning Live! “Creating Tomorrow Together” contains five virtual series which will premiere on Facebook and YouTube. Details about each episode will come soon. Here is the schedule: “Life Now” by Northwestern University, Oct. 9 and 23 and Nov. 6; “Jessica’s Journey” by Synetic Theater on Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and 18; “Happy Soup” by Tia Shearer Bassett and Natasha Mirny of Happy Theatre on Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5; “Coki” by Natasha Cosme Batista, produced by the Indigenous Cultures Institute in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin on Feb. 19 and March 5 and 19; “Life Now,” part 2, by Northwestern University, April 1, 16 and 30. www. thenationaldc.com

First REDEYE Night Market Inspired by the bustling open-air night markets of East and Southeast Asia, DC’s first annual REDEYE Night Market is on Nov. 6, from 4 to 11 p.m., along four blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue from Third to Seventh streets NW. This family-friendly market brings together 50 local vendors to showcase foods and beverages like those at a night market abroad, including Filipino pastries, Taiwanese shaved ice, bao and

Korean fried chicken. Enjoy cultural and musical performances throughout the evening. Admission is free with food and beverages available for purchase. www. theredeye.nokingscollective.com

Adventure Theater’s Winterfest Adventure Theater’s Winterfest is from Nov. 19 to Jan. 2. Get three shows for the price of one. Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Snowflakes, frost and fantasy abound in “Uri & Ora Light the Menorah” by Robyn Shrater Seemann, “Connection” by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen and “Cranky Penguin” by Keegan Patterson. General admission is $20.50. Adventure is at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Maryland. www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org

Lights on the Bay Nov. 21 to Jan. 2, from 5 to 10 p.m., enjoy “Lights on the Bay” from your car. $20 per car; $30 for large passenger vans, small buses. $5 for 3-D glasses purchase. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Pkwy, Annapolis, Maryland. www.lightsonthebay.org

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree For a delightful family outing, use the website below to find cut-your-own and choose-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Vir-

ginia. Discover pre-cut tree lots, wagon rides, sleigh rides, holiday recipes and other winter activities. Visit www.pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. The farms typically open right after Thanksgiving.

“Corduroy” Lisa is drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her. Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store

The Washingtons brought a camel to the estate at Christmas time to delight their guests and help celebrate the holidays. Photo: Alice Rose

Celebrate in 18th-Century Style

On Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn about the holiday season at Mount Vernon in the 18th century. Visit the 12-acre site to enjoy activities such as take-home crafts and a holiday passport to explore the estate. Between 9 and 11 a.m., Mount Vernon will welcome guests who desire a quieter visit, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing disorders. Holiday Family Day activities are included in the admission price. $28 for adults; $15 for ages 6-11; five and under, free. www. mountvernon.org November 2021 H 99

Come se hine learn C us! h it w

YU YING IS OPEN TO ALL! • We’re one of 11 DC public charter schools with equitable access preference. • Parents and guardians – you don’t need to speak Chinese for your child to attend.

Flamenco en Familia at GALA

On Nov. 6, at 1:30 p.m., free interactive flamenco demonstrations with castanets, fans and zapateo for children and the entire family will be led by Sara Jerez and Ricardo Marlow. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. www.galatheatre.org Photo: GALA Theatre

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

PREK 3 - GRADE 5

has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search ‒ with the night watchman in comical pursuit. The ASL-interpreted performance is Jan. 2 at 1:30 p.m. The sensory-friendly performance is Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. “Corduroy,” on stage at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Maryland, Dec. 11 to Jan. 23, is best for ages three to nine. www. imaginationstage.org

“A Christmas Carol” From Dec. 3 to 18, the Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a return of the Dickens classic. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian, travels with ghostly guides through Christmases past, present and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols and Tiny Tim, “A Christmas Carol” is a must for the entire family. The Little Theatre of Alexandria is at 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, Virginia. www.thelittletheatre.com

100 H HILLRAG.COM

the DCSAA’s social media accounts. Send photos from games involving DCSAA teams to dcsaa.photos@dc.gov. Be sure to include pertinent information, such as date of the game, participating teams, final score and a highlight or two, and identify the photographer. The DCSAA seeks to raise the visibility of DC high school athletes and their teams. Contact DCSAA Sports Coordinator Desmond Stewart, desmond. stewart@dc.gov, with questions. www. dcsaasport.org

Girls on the Run 5K The Girls on the Run 5K is on Nov. 21 at Anacostia Park. It is a 3.1-mile loop around the park. Registration will stay open until Monday, Nov. 15, at midnight for Community Buddy Runner registration and until Sunday, Nov. 20, at noon for families and community runners. Register before Oct. 17 to receive early-bird pricing. Read more at www.gotrdc.org.

Share Your DCSAA Photos

Fort Dupont Public Ice Skating

The DC State Athletic Association encourages parents, fans and others to submit their photos to be posted on

Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Place SE, is open for public skating. November hours are Sunday, 2:30 to 4:30

University for Kids (formerly Kiddie University)

p.m.; Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Friday, noon to 2:00 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. www.fdia.org

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl? Join The Puppet Company at 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, Maryland, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5, to take home a special gift. The run itself is on select days from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3. $15 per person. Under two, free. www. thepuppetco.org

is Now Enrolling! Infants through 3 yrs old.

This is your chance to join a high quality early

childhood program that will jumpstart your child’s development and

lifetime of learning. We use a national research based curriculum while offering STEM and Spanish immersion programs.

“The Nutcracker” On select days from Nov. 26 to Jan 2, for the 33rd year, the Puppet Company brings to life Tchaikovsky’s musical adaptation of the tale by E. T. A. Hoffman. Larger than life-size costume characters and marionettes delight Clara-Marie and the audience on a magical journey through the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy. $15 per person. Under two, free. www.thepuppetco.org

FUTURES Family Day aThe historic Arts and Industries Building, America’s first national museum, opens its new museum experience, FUTURES, on Saturday, Nov. 20. On view through July 6, 2022, FUTURES is the Smithsonian’s first major building-wide exploration of the future and will reopen the Smithsonian’s oldest museum for the first time in nearly two decades. FUTURES Family Day is Sunday, Nov. 21, all day. This day invites families of all types for pop-up guided activities and bite-size experiences. For more information and to plan a visit, go to www.aib.si.edu. ◆

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

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

H Street Campus: 806 H St. • F Street Campus: 728 F St. NE WDC 20002

November 2021 ★ 101

. family life .

kids&family

SCHOOL NOTES by Susan Braun Johnson

Northeast Stars During the month of October, the Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool students focused on weather changes brought by autumn, fruits and vegetables in harvest as well as the changing colors of leaves. The curriculum includes learning about the life cycle of pumpkins, creating leaf print art, transferring and sorting work and practicing new vocabulary words such as bellota. Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool, 1325 Maryland Ave NE, nestars.net.

Maury Elementary School Walk to School Day, the first Wednesday in October, is a much-anticipated event on the Maury calendar. Students and their families convened in Lincoln Park for snacks, socializing and pinwheels before making the short jaunt to school. A bit of a drizzle could not curb their enthusiasm, much less keep them away. Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, mauryelementary.com.

Brent Elementary School Brent Elementary celebrated the new school year with a family welcome picnic at X Park. They would like to send a big thanks to all the Brent families and the PTA for creating such a wonderful event with an extra special thank you to all volunteers who helped set up, clean up, monitor the bounce houses, grill the food, and more. Brent would also like Photo: D.Diggs. to thank the generous sponsors of the event. Special thanks to Premier Event Sponsor, Jeanne Phil Meg Team at Compass! Thanks to Silver Sponsors, Skills on the Hill and Tiber; and to sponsors, Capitol Kicks, Fly Pizza, Tippi Toes, and We, The Pizza! Brent, 301 North Carolina Ave SE, brentelementary.org.

Ludlow-Taylor Elementary L u d l o w - Ta y l o r ’ s Coach, Tyresa Smith, leads a group of young warriors who braved the drizzle on Walk to School Day.Ludlow-Taylor, 659 G St NE, www.ludlowtaylor.org.

Photo: Elizabeth Nelson.

Van Ness Elementary School On Sept 19, the Van Ness Elementary community gathered together in the school’s outdoor “Oval” to enjoy delicious barbecue. As students ran between tables, eager to play with their friends, families caught up with one another. Teachers, staff, parents and students had the opportunity to meet and share their hopes and plans for the new school year. Van Ness Elementary, 1150 5th St SE, www.vannesselementary.org. Photo: Cynthia Robinson-Rivers.

102 H HILLRAG.COM

Photo: Beth O’Connor

Capitol Hill Cluster Peabody and Watkins Elementary students and staff are thrilled to be back in person. They have kicked off a great school year with Back-to-School Nights, Welcome committee events, and garden and outdoor activities. And, of course, an amazing community-building event –the Second Annual Cluster Cup Scavenger Hunt. They were thrilled to see returning friends and welcome new families to the Cluster community! Watkins Elementary, 420 E St SE; Peabody, 425 C St NE, www.capitolhillclusterschool.org.

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

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

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 2021–2022 SCHOOL YEAR NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2021 MONTESSORI AND MORE FOR EVERY CHILD

• Certified Licensed Teaching Staff • Potty Training • Superior Academics and Care • Spanish and Yoga Enrichments • AM Meals Provided • Kindergarten Readiness

DC Prep campuses now accepting applications for the 21-22 school year in ward 5, 7 & 8. We’re the highest performing public charter schools serving PK3 – 8th grade.

TEACHING WITH SUCCESS FOR 18 YEARS

YEAR ROUND ENROLLMENT SIGN UP TODAY at

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

703.945.0408

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

ALEXANDRIA 697 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Call 202-780-5126 for more information or visit:

dcprep.org

November 2021 ★ 103

Stuart-Hobson Middle School

FRANK TUTORING

Stuart Hobson welcomed over 500 students in late August, greeted on the first day by Music Director, Mr. Simmons, on the drums. They are off to a strong start with full academic schedules, extra-curricular clubs and athletics. These activities build community and provide social-emotional support for all students. It’s going to be a great school year. Go Panthers! Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 410 E St NE, www.stuart-hobson.org.

Need SAT Help ?

Friends Community School

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

Nico Will:

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

Rates start at $60 hour

Additional subjects offered grades 5-12:

Math

English

Calculus

Spanish

Algebra

History

Physics

Chemistry

Rates start at $35 hour

www.franktutoring.com CALL or TEXT (202)-480-2985

nico.frank8@gmail.com

104 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Students in Sandy Stein’s half class at Friends Community School (FCS) have been watching life evolve and emerge right before their very eyes. They are practicing their observation skills as they watch the tiniest caterpillars devour milkweed harvested around campus, grow into larger caterpillars who turn into chrysalises and eventually emerge as beautiful black and orange butterflies. Students tag and release the butterflies once they are strong enough to fly. FCS is part of a citizen sci- Photo: Hallie Friedfeld. ence project through the University of Kansas Monarch Watch program. The butterflies tagged on the FCS campus might be found somewhere along their journey down south or in the Oyamel forests in Mexico. The tags are monitored in order to learn more about the migration of these butterflies and the health of their population. Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD, www.friendscommunityschool.org. Photo: Emily Prigg.

Capitol Hill Day School Capitol Hill Day School’s Field Education program is back in action with proper COVID mitigation protocols in place. Students are able to explore and gain knowledge from people and places around the city. Because field education experiences happen often, their youngest learners spend time each fall familiarizing themselves with the bus procedures and rules so that field trips are always fun and safe. Pre-K and Kindergarten classes spent time examining the school bus last month and drawing what they saw after taking a spin around the neighborhood as a “practice” trip. Students are ready for a great year of exploring, learning, and growing. Capitol Hill Day School, 210 South Carolina Ave, SE, www.chds.org.

FULL DAY

SERVING CHILDREN AGES 18 mths - 5 years

Visit our website to register for an OPEN HOUSE:

schoolforfriends.org Photo: Melissa Rohan

Waterfront Academy Waterfront Academy students listen intently during story time with one of the school’s newest teachers, Miss Rosa. Miss Rosa serves as primary Spanish guide for the school, which is a Spanish dual-immersion Montessori school with Christian stewardship. Waterfront Academy, 222 M St. SW, www.waterfrontacademy.org.

Templeton Academy

Photo: Templeton Academy.

Templeton Academy has just been ranked in the top 10 percent for the Best High School for the Arts with an A grade by Niche! Students at Templeton thrive in Arts and other academics through innovative programming and hands-on learning. Templeton Academy, 406 7th St. NW, www.templetonacademy.org/dc.

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

2201 P St., NW • WDC 20037 • Dupont Circle

Richard Wright Public Charter School American Sign Language instructor, Mr. Penn, is assisting a student with an online assignment from virtual ASL teacher, Mrs. Robinson. The Richard Wright student photographed is dressed in a jersey, not her uniform, because it was Homecoming week. The day was Jersey Day and students could represent their favorite team, sport or cartoon through the form of a jersey. Richard Wright Public Charter Schools for Journalism and Media Arts, 475 School St. SW, www.richardwrightpcs.org.

Students Kayla Briggs & Adrieayana Anderson.

Eastern High School Eastern High School’s ninth and 10th grade students headed to Kingman Island to engage in social-emotional learning (SEL) and relationship-building activities such as fishing, boating, scavenger hunts, photography, kayaking, slack line and a ropes course. Eastern HS, 1700 East Capitol St NE, www. easternhighschooldcps.org. Eastern tenth-grader.

Schools are welcome to send a short blurb and photo describing interesting school, student or teacher-related events to schools@hillrag.com. ◆

November 2021 ★ 105

Contact Carolina at 202.400.3503 & carolina@hillrag.com to get the most for your advertising dollars.

ADDRESS NUMBERS BEFORE

BASEMENT SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING WOVEN HISTORY

AFTER

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

CLEANING SERVICES

COMPUTER

ANCHOR C O M P U T E R S

202-251-7980 mongraphicsdc.com

Professional ofessional Home Cleaning

Keeping your home and family safe and disinfected with a professional clean.

APPLIANCES REPAIR

On-site Service for Homes & Businesses Since 1994 Troubleshooting, Repairs & Upgrades Virus & Spyware Removal New & Existing Computer Setup Network & Wireless Installation Data Recovery, Transfer & Back-up TV & Phone Configuration

WOODLAND

Webpage Development

APPLIANCES REPAIR, LLC Your Trusted Capitol Hill Repair Experts!

202-640-2178

202.399.3090

woodlandappliancerepair.com FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR

$55 OFF

BATHTUB

ANY COMPLETE REPAIR

SERVICE WITHIN 3 HOURS!

No Extra Charge Weekends, Evenings & Holidays

We Service, Repair, and Install all Major Brands No Extra Charge Weekends, Evenings & Holidays

ALL MAKES & MODELS / SERVICE & INSTALLATION

• Refrigerator - Service within 3 hours • Washers/Dryers • Wall Ovens • Ranges • Garbage Disposals • Microwaves • Icemakers • Freezers • Dishwashers • Sub-zero Specialists

4 Family Owned & Operated. DAY SERVICE 4 TheSAME finest service at a reasonable rate. 4 Up-front estimates, with no hidden costs. $35 OFF ANY COMPLETE REPAIR

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR!

Nick, Jay, and Sunny Singh Offer 35202.640.2178 Years Combined Experience! CALL NOW!

www.prorepairappliance.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

106 ★ HILLRAG.COM

SANITIZING & DISINFINFECTING

A Cleaning Service, Inc.

Limit one per customer • Not valid with any other offers • Mention this coupon at time of purchase.

Refrigerators, Washer/Dryers, Ranges, HVAC Units, Appliances Pro, Inc. Garbage Disposals, Microwaves, “We Repair It Right The First Time!” Icemakers, Freezers and more!

Call: Or Visit: www.maidpro.com/capitolhill 1405 H Street, NE • 2nd Fl

LARRY

ELPINER

202.543.7055

anchorcomputers.com admin@anchorcomputers.com

CONTRACTORS

cares about the environment in which you live

Decorative Coatings Refinishing LLC Don’t Replace it. Get it Renewed! decorative-coatings.com • Bathtubs • Ceramic Tile • Fiberglass Surrounds • Sinks • Shower Pans • Claw Foot Tubs

(571) 235-1682

a clean house, a clean mind. Complete Residential Cleaning, including Laundry & Ironing CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

703.892.8648

acleaningserviceinc.com satisfaction guaranteed serving DC, MD & VA since 1985 licensed, bonded & insured

Residential & Commercial Restoration & Historical Preservation Structure Specialists Renovations & Remodeling Kitchens, Baths & Basements Restoration & Repair

Call 202.965.1600 DCRA Lic 9115 • Insured • References

www.jfmeyer.com

John Himchak Construction Co. Inc. SATISFYING CAPITOL HILL CUSTOMERS FOR OVER 27 YEARS

Basement Excavation Underpinning Foundation Repair Waterproofing Concrete Masonry Tuck pointing Paver & Flagstone Installation Garages Repaired Garages Built New Demolition Additions Renovations UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY REASONABLE RATES WARRANTY ON ALL WORK LICENSED

BONDED

ELECTRICIAN

Whether you are looking to finish your old basement or remodel your kitchen, we are the right choice.

FLOORS

Residential Floors Dedicated to Perfection

3Renovations & Remodeling 3Painting 3Concrete / Masonry 3General Repairs

• Sanding and Refinishing • Installation • Repairs • Cleaning & Waxing

7 days a week - Free Estimates Reasonable Rates Residential & Commercial

(301) 990-7775 FREE ESTIMATES

Family owned and operated 3 Generations of Experience

AFFORDABLE RATES LICENSED, INSURED & BONDED

HEATING & AIR

CONTACT GABRIEL TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT HOME PROJECT

(571)437-4696

lgmhomeimprovementsinc.com

FITNESS

INSURED

MEMBER OF

We are Open! Speak Directly with Owner John Calls Preferred

202.528.2877

JohnHimchak@hotmail.com

DOORS & WINDOWS

Replacement Windows & Doors 1880 ON THE OUTSIDE

2021 ON THE INSIDE

Maximize your Health!

Bikram Hot Yoga (26 + 2) -plusHot Pilates • Barre • Warm Flow Piyo and Spa Yoga

Book your classes today! hotyogacapitolhill.com

HOUSE HISTORY

New Student Special*

One week class pass – all inclusive $49. *For local, new students only.

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

410 H Street NE • 202-547-1208 hotyogacapitolhill@gmail.com Historic Window & Door Replacement Specialists

alex@windowscraft.com 202.288.6660 www.windowscraft.com LICENSED, INSURED AND BONDED

Do You Know the historY of Your DC home? Let us create a coffee table book on the history of your home.

nmhousedetectives.com nmhousedetectives@gmail.com

November 2021 ★ 107

INTERNET

MASONRY

GEORGE HALLIDAY

MASONRY

MOVING & HAULING

BEST RATES IN DC $80 x Two Men- 2 or 3 Hours Minimum • Pickups / Deliveries

CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING

CONTINENTAL MOVERS

• Restoration Cleaning on Historical Brick & Stone

Owner Operated Since 1982 References – Local & Long Distance Packing Services – Pianos & Big Objects

Professional Movers Who Really Care

• Basements & Waterproofing • Experts in New & Traditional Masonry

Chimney Repointing, Lining & Repairs! NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!

202.637.8808 IRONWORK

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Call for a FREE Quote

202.438.1489 301.340.0602 www.continentalmovers.net

Peach Moving Services When Trust Matters Most Residential, Office & Commercial

PEST CONTROL

F L K Termite, Pest &

Rodent Control More than just killing bugs, we take care of your home Little Peach in Training

Short Term Notice Moves Local & Up to 300 mile Radius Expert Packing & Unpacking Temporary Storage by the Day Hourly Rates

Michael Pietsch (aka Peach) Capitol Hill Resident

LANDSCAPING Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time!

Historic Renovation & Artisan Stonework

Award-Winning Mason with over 30 years of experience

SPECIALIZING IN: Custom Masonry • Stone • Brick Work Point Up • Restoration • Patio & Water Gardens

202.368.7492

www.peachmoving.com

PAINTING

Call Tom for a Free Estimate

Thomas Landscapes OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN CAPITOL HILL

202-544-4484

www.michaligamasonry.com FORMER HEAD MASON OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FROM 1989 - 1996.

Reasonable Prices : Hill Resident Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens

Painting Division Interior & Exterior Custom Painting Drywall & Plastering

Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work Restoration and Enhancement

Derek Thomas / Principal Certified Professional Horticulturist | Member of MD Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association

301.642.5182 202.322.2322 (Office) thomaslandscapes.com 108 ★ HILLRAG.COM

you saw them in

Call 202.965.1600

DCRA Lic 9115 • Insured • References

www.jfmeyer.com

• Babies, children, pets, no worries, customized treatments • Latest environmentally sound methods and products • One time, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, yearly LICENSED & INSURED

Free Estimates

301.273.5740 301.576.3286 WWW.FLKPESTCONTROL.COM

PET SERVICES

RADIO/MEDIA

PIANO TUNING

WE WILL BEAT YOUR BEST PRICE New Roofs, Maintenance & Repairs

Piano Tuner

Seamless Gutters Experts

Mark J. Schultz

Stopping Leaks is our Specialty!

Piano Maintenance & Consulting Capitol Hill Resident

Phone: 212-951-1931

WOOD &

Prompt & Professional

WHITACRE ROOFING CONTRACTORS

R.W. ROOFING

We offer the most competitive price in town. All Roofing & Rubber Roofs. We do everything: replacements, repairs, maintenance and coatings. See our ad under general contracting. 202-674-0300 or 301-929-0664.

JEFFREY WOOD cell

Just Say I Need A Plumber®

Licensed Bonded Insured

FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate

L U M M E R

’

I C E N S E

• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications

We Do Everything!

202-251-1479 DC P

301.674.1991

www.wood-whitacre.com

Kenny

BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC.

#707

G G ROOFING

AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST

LIC. BONDED. INS

Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate

Chimney Repairs • Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs

202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET

Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners

Eastern Market Shoe Repair • Shoes • Boots • Purses • Luggage 645 Penn Ave., SE upstairs M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6

202-543-5632

WELDING

BBB

Member

202-223-ROOF (7663) ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS

•

10% OFF WITH THIS AD

SHOES

75 years in service

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE” •

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES • Work Guaranteed

PLUMBING

• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement

202.637.8808

30 years on the Hill Slate – Tile – Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks

ROOFING/GUTTERS

Dial A Plumber, LLC®

WE DO IT ALL!

Star Roofing Company RELIABLE

Specializing in Residential & Commercial Flat Roof Systems

202-543-6383 All work done by owner • Free Estimates Insured • Licensed • Bonded

Continental Welding

SPECIALIZING IN IRON REPAIR WORK

4 Iron Gates & Fences 4 Railing & Stairs 4 Steel Repair Work 4 Metal Structural Support 4 Security Gates for Windows & Doors

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

202-749-1487

continentalwelding@hotmail.com C O N T I N E N TA LW E L D I N G . C O M

November 2021 ★ 109

www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

XWORD “Making Breakthrough” by Myles Mellor Across: 1. Lunch or dinner? 5. Look at with smug satisfaction 10. Fairy tale character 15. S.A country 19. Nota ___ 20. Actress, Jessica 21. Rajah’s wife 22. Exceedingly (so) 23. Things that were stumbled upon 27. Free 28. Sport 29. Dacha 30. Savile Row threads 34. Editor’s margin notes 36. US bureau founded in 1947 38. Handed-down history 39. Overcast 41. Herb once thought to be an aphrodisiac 46. Fruitless 49. Santa has to navigate it 51. Superstar 52. “Seize ___!” 53. Sweeping story 54. One should have three a day 61. Comes to 65. “___ Lang Syne” 66. Thai money 68. Fluids 69. Sound during a Eureka moment 72. Astronomers’ activity 79. Honor society letter 80. Gigolo 81. Highlands hillside 82. Labor 83. Corn bit 85. Form of laundry 90. Whistler’s whistle 93. “Losing My Religion” group 95. Essex was one 96. Modernism’s predecessor 100. Charity event 106. Left out in the cold, perhaps

107. Sly 109. Robin Cook’s classic novel 110. Not shorn sheep 111. Camera output 112. Taxonomic subdivision 114. Established 118. Starch source 119. Loser of a fabled race 121. Marco Polo, et al 130. “Too bad” 131. Earliest original 132. Apologetic 133. Remote valley 134. Disburse 135. ___ President 136. Cancun coins 137. Squire

Down: 1. CEO’s wallhanging 2. Common Market abbreviation 3. Post-apartheid org. 4. Luau souvenir 5. South ___ Falls, NY 6. Come down 7. Hip 8. Foreign dignitary 9. Biz card abbr. 10. Religious artwork 11. Wipes the slate clean 12. Formerly 13. “Seinfeld” uncle 14. Bk. after Exodus 15. Winkle predecessor 16. The dark force 17. Tape recorder part 18. Bear of the night sky 24. Directly 25. Hold, as an opinion 26. Skirt 30. Bug 31. Particle 32. Bikini half 33. Cleric 34. Prince, to a king

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 35. Dress (up) 36. Web follower 37. Dew Drop __ 39. Grab (onto) 40. Pencil movement 41. Brunch beverage 42. Whiskey plants 43. PC program 44. Lucky fish 45. Abbr. after a comma 47. Expose to public scrutiny 48. ___ T on Law and Order 50. Chart topper 54. Sound’s partner 55. Relinquish 56. Humerus neighbor 57. __ insult to injury 58. Phlebotomist’s system 59. Gentle one 60. Broken pottery

62. Old-time gumshoe 63. Tablet holder 64. ___-di-dah 67. Skier’s transport 69. Lotion additive 70. München mister 71. Acts as the interlocutor 73. Conniption fit 74. Correlative neither 75. Starter’s device 76. Be ticked off 77. “The Conquest of Space” author Willy 78. Recognize 83. Bingo relative 84. “Glee” actress Michele 86. 100th of a dollar 87. Queen 88. Mess up 89. “Carte” or “mode” lead-in

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

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

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Steps from Eastern Market Metro)

110 ★ HILLRAG.COM

• Educational, board • Jigsaw puzzles our Help us celebratarey by and party games 11th annivers all • Brainteasers shopping sm • LEGO and other and local! • Marble mazes building toys • Corporate gifts; and • Chess & other much, much more! strategy games Shop online or in-store. We are shipping anywhere in the U.S.

202-544-1059 • labyrinthdc.com

90. Greek letter 91. Coffee pot 92. Greatest possible 94. Pizza topping 97. One-up 98. Deplete 99. Relax 100. Toned 101. Craft in the tabloids 102. Hasbro robot 103. Spanish sun 104. The second-largest living bird 105. Hit head-on 108. Dance 111. It might be cooked al dente 112. Petitions 113. Female pronoun 114. Headlight sends it out 115. Wagon part 116. Petty squabble 117. Alternate 118. Walked on 119. His alternate 120. Jimi Hendrix’s do 122. Car measurement 123. Piece of history 124. Little food measuring tool 125. Garden digger 126. It’s good if it is golden 127. Toby mug filler 128. Member of Cong. 129. Atlanta-based station

TO HILL WITH THE SUBURBS!

Selling in a changing Market doesn’t have to be a Mystery, if you know what to look for.

THE SMITH BROTHERS Licensed in DC & MD

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

202.262.6037 202.498.6794 301.332.1634 202.608.1880 202.608.1887

228 9th St, NE

3 BR / 2.5 bath, recently renovated Brick Bay, w/ 2 Car garage parking, Stone & Stainless Kitchen, Private Yard w/ Deck, Large Open LR/DR, MBR Ste, Full storage basement!

623 Pickford Pl, NE

Private Courtyard fronts 2 Lvl, 3BR/2ba updated home, w/ Granite Kitchen, Sep Dining & Living Area, Double Deck, Mini-Split AC, & New Appliances!

731 18th Stm/ NE Upper & Lower Twin Newly Convwerted & Renovated 2BR/2.5ba Condos in Affordable Kingman Pk! 1100+ sqft, Designer Fixtures, Stone & Stainless Kitchen, Outside spaces, 1 car Pkg!

300 Taylor St, NW

Corner Brick Porchfront, 4+BR, Original Flr Plan, Hwd Flrs, CAC, Storage, Full Fin basement, OSP. Chance for Livable home & Build Equity!

3614 36th St - Mt, Rainier, MD

4 Lvl Renovated Craftsman Home, w/ 4+BR/3ba, new appliances, utilities, roof, 1900+ sqft, surrounded by White Picket Fence! OSP for 2!

$1.089 M

$839K

$550K / $535K

$850K

$649K

Experience can show you the way, when you have the right agents on your side.

To HILL with the Suburbs! THE SMITH BROTHERS

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

LICENSED IN DC, MD & VA

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

705 North Carolina Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003