hillrag.com • January 2014
Est. 1981
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Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 THE BISSEY TEAM
Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
125 C Street, SE 4-1BR Apartments & PKG! Fern Pannill 240-508-4856
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
BUTTERFIELD HOUSE 1020 Pennsylvania Ave., SE #405 Light-filled 1BR steps to Eastern Market & the METRO in a 6-year young elevator building! $348,500
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Todd Bissey 202-841-7653
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AT JOHN C. FORMANT REAL ESTATE, INC.
16th STREET HEIGHTS
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$639,500 w/Carriage House Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
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COLONIAL VILLAGE
523 K Street, NE
1709 Kalmia Road, NW $1,295,000
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Tel: 202-544-3900 www.johncformant.com
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Gasoline and Fuel Pump Octane Measurement Amendment Act of 2012 What: Come Learn About DCRA’s Office of Weights and Measures new Gasoline and Fuel Pump Octane Measurement Amendment Act of 2012. This workshop will educate individuals on automotive fuel to ensure that the octane levels sold to customers is of the quality that is advertised. When: January 21, 2014 Time:
9:00 am - 10:30 am
SBRC’s Money Smart for Small Business Program: Financial Management and Credit Reporting Workshop What: If you want to learn basic financial management and credit reporting concepts of how to run your own business, this workshop is for you. Presented By: BB&T Bank When: January 30, 2014 Time:
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
To register go to: https://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com or call 202-442-4538 for assistance.
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free!
Presented by the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs Sponsored by the DC Bar Pro Bono Program If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice clinic. You can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice. Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Time: 5pm – 7:30 pm Location: DCRA Small Business Resource Center 1100 4th Street SW, Second Floor Waterfront-SEU Metro Station Please bring any documents relevant to the issues you wish to discuss. This is a walk-in clinic; however, if you wish to pre-register, call Lauren Paley, Project Coordinator at 202-737-4700, ext. 3357 or visit http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferencePresignup.action?iD=37647 Language translation services are available upon request.
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What’s Inside?
capitol streets 29
E on DC
30
The Bulletin Board
In every issue:
38
The Numbers
40
The District Beat
14
42
ANC 6A Report
What’s On Washington 16 Calendar 50 Hill Rag Crossword
E. Ethelbert Miller Wes Rivers & Jenny Reed Andrew Lightman Maggy Baccinelli
44
ANC 6B Report
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45
ANC 6C Report
Charnice A. Milton
jan.
142 Classified Ads 144 Last Word 146 A Very Hill Rag Party
54
46
ANC 6D Report
47
ANC 6E Report
Roberta Weiner
Steve Holton
community life 51
South by West
54
H Street Life
Will Rich
56
Barracks Row
57
Step Out for the Capitol Hill Village Gala
58
Winter in the Capitol Riverfront
60
Where We Live
Elise Bernard Sharon Bosworth Mike Canning
real estate
84
63
Changing Hands
Don Denton
health and fitness SPECIAL 74
Aging Well
Pattie Cinelli
78
Bonny Wolf - Food Writer
Annette Nielsen Jonathan Neeling
82
Octavia Payne: Ultimate Star
84
Dress Right to Stay Fit
86
Successful goal Setting for the New Yearl
87
@Your Service
88
WE Have the Technology
Alita Brown Dave Liss
Ellen Boomer Dr. Chris A. Miller
94
on the cover: Winter Ensemble, Edward Bear Miller 40” X 30”. Oil on Canvas. See this month’s ART IN THE CITY on page 100, for more information. www.edwardbearmiller.com
arts and dining 90
Two New Exhibits At ACM
94
Dining Notes
96
Wine Guys
98
House Exchanges:
Charnice A. Milton
Celeste McCall Jon Genderson
A New Way to Travel 100
At the Movies
102
Art and The City
104
The Literary Hill
105
The Poetic Hill
106
The Jazz Project
Beth Milleman
Mike Canning Jim Magner Karen Lyon Jean-Keith Fagon
kids and family 111
Kids & Family Notebook
117
A Fond Farewell to Monkey’s Uncle
Kathleen Donner
118
Priveleged to Do Without
120
School Notes
Steve Lilianthal
Susan Braun Johnson
home and garden 129
The Healing Power of Gardens & Landscapes
134
EV Downey
Cheryl Corson
Dear Garden Lady
Anonymous
HOMES THAT SHOW BETTER SELL BETTER WITH
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see our website for more events! www.whatsonwashington.com
National Skating Month Open House at Fort Dupont This year to celebrate National Skating Month, Fort Dupont Ice Arena is hosting an open house on Monday, Jan. 20, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day public holiday. Come and skate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s free skating lessons from 11 a.m. to noon and a special exhibition at 12:25 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under and seniors. Skate rental is free. If you miss this one, there is another open house on President’s Day, Feb. 17 (same time and program). Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org
Arica Shepherd, a longtime volunteer of the Fort Dupont skating program is a high school senior. Photo: Brittany Greene
“Let Freedom Ring” Concert at the Kennedy Center On Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. Grammy Award winning singer and actress Dionne Warwick joins the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University in a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. During this event Georgetown University will award the 2014 John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to Lecester Johnson, executive director of D.C.’s Academy of Hope. Free tickets, two per person, will be distributed beginning at 5 p.m. on January 20 in the Hall of Nations. The concert is in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. kennedy-center.org Rev. Nolan Williams conducts the Let Freedom Ring Choir during the 2013 Let Freedom Ring Celebration in the Concert Hall. Photo: Margot Schulman
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Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Open House On Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., celebrate the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum’s tenth anniversary with its first-ever open house. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at historic artifacts, documents, and works of art that are not on public display and see what it takes to collect, preserve, and restore them. Tour the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar and see the Museum’s current projects such as the Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver. Meet curators, conservators, archivists, and other specialists, and learn how the aircraft are hung for display in the Boeing Aviation Hangar. Participate in hands-on activities designed for adults and children. Get some tips for photographing objects in the Museum from a staff photographer. Free but parking is $15. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA Courtesy of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Cente
The Washington Ballet Jazz/Blues Project This mixed repertory program pays homage to American Jazz and Blues music and includes Blue Until June by Trey McIntyre, Bird’s Nest by Val Caniparoli and PRISM, a world premiere by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Set to the soulful songs of Etta James, Blue Until June explores how our ideas of love are influenced by the American songbook. Val Caniporali’s Bird’s Nest, uses the music of Charlie “Bird” Parker that ushered in the modern Jazz Era and explores the relationships between men and women. PRISM set to Keith Jarrett’s iconic improvisational work, The Köln Concert reflects the different moods and atmospheres of the music like a prism reflects light. PRISM is choreographed to give the audience an improvisational feel as a tribute to the music. Both Blue Until June and Bird’s Nest premiered at The Washington Ballet in 2000. The Washington Ballet Jazz/Blues Project will be performed Sidney Harman Hall, from Jan. 29 through Feb. 2. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. washingtonballet.org
Brooklyn Mack and Sona Kharatian. Photo: Steve Vaccariello.
The Tallest Tree in the Forest at Arena Bursting with poetic storytelling and 14 songs, including “Ol’ Man River,” and “Happy Days Are Here Again,” The Tallest Tree in the Forest combines the talents of award-winning solo-artist Daniel Beaty (Emergence-See!) with acclaimed director, Moisés Kaufman (33 Variations, The Laramie Project). Discover the true story of Paul Robeson, hailed as the ‘best-known black man in the world’ for his incomparable singing and acting, brought low by accusations of disloyalty to America. Beaty brings his signature wit, grit and piercing lyricism to more than 20 characters, asking the question, how does a man remain an artist when his soul cries out to be an activist? On stage, Jan. 10-Feb. 16 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org Daniel Beaty as Paul Robeson in Tectonic Theater Project’s The Tallest Tree in the Forest, which comes to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater Jan. 10-Feb. 16, 2014. Photo: Don Ipock.
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Gospel Choir Brunch at Union Market.
First Saturday of every month, usually starts at about 11 a.m. Experience Gospel Choir Brunch on the first Saturday of every month with a dynamic performance featuring the Israel Baptist Church. Brunch specials are available from vendors. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. unionmarketdc.com Gospel chess at Union Market Photo: Courtesy of Union Market
JANUARY CALENDAR MLK DAY RELATED EVENTS Staged Reading of Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail”. Jan 14, 6:30 PM. Join them in honoring Dr. King with a live staged reading of his beloved, “Letter from the Birmingham” by a diverse group of DC Public Library Staff. This program will also feature a video display and special musical offering from vocalist Orlanzo Chapell and pianist Maceo Kemp. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk “In Remembrance of Martin: A Documentary” Jan 15, 7:00 PM. This hour-long documentary features interviews with Coretta Scott King, Rev. Andrew Young, former president Jimmy Carter, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, and other notable figures as they remember the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-724-4752. dclibrary. org/southwest 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program. Jan 17, 7:00-9:00 PM. Join them for their annual program to commemorate the legacy of one of the nation’s most influential leaders. Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Ave. at 10th St. NW. Wreath-Laying at the Lincoln Memorial. Jan 20, 1:00 PM. The National Park Service will place a wreath at the Lincoln Memorial, on the steps where Dr. King gave his 1963 speech. The recitation of the “I Have a Dream” speech will be presented by students of a Washington, DC school. 202-426-6895. nps.gov/linc Alexandria’s Watson Reading Room. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM4:00 PM. Visitors should call in advance for holiday hours. Located next door to the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Watson Reading Room is a non-circulating research repository focusing on issues of AfricanAmerican history and culture. Black History Museum staff and volunteers are available (by appointment) to work with visitors of all ages who are
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researching African-American history. Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA. 703-746-4356. alexandriava.gov/historic Visit the MLK Memorial. Open to visitors all hours, every day. 1964 Independence Ave. SW. nps.gov/mlkm NAACP: A Century in the Fight for Freedom Online Exhibition. The NAACP: A Century in the Fight for Freedom exhibition presents a retrospective of the major personalities, events, and achievements that shaped the NAACP’s history during its first 100 years. myloc.gov/Exhibitions/naacp Civil Rights at 50 at Newseum. On display through 2015. “Civil Rights at 50,” a three-year changing exhibit, chronicles milestones in the civil rights movement from 1963, 1964 and 1965 through historic front pages, magazines and news images. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NE. 888-639-7386. newseum.org MLK Day of Service. Find volunteer service opportunities by calling 202-727-7925 or at serve.dc.gov.
MUSIC NSO in Your Neighborhood Concert at the Atlas. Jan 8, 8:00 PM. The full orchestra plays a special opening concert at historic H Street corridor’s Atlas Performing Arts Center, led by NSO Assistant Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl and featuring soprano Aundi Marie Moore. Tickets are free but must be reserved ($2 per ticket service fee). Seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org Brave New World: Music of the Tempest. Jan 10-11, 8:00 PM. A program exploring and celebrating the musical interpretations of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. With Matthew Locke’s 1674 incidental music for orchestra and voices, and beguiling 2000 piece for soprano, baritone, and Renaissance in-
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Come Party
Banana Cafe The Hill’s Only Piano Bar! Newly Renovated! Live Piano Music Wednesday Through Saturday Featuring Gordon Kent Every Friday & Saturday Karaoke - Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Evenings! The HIll’s Best Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7:30 PM & Weekends Noon to 5 PM Brunch All Weekend: 10 AM to 3 PM Regular Menu Also Available Where Every Customer is Family! Serving the Finest Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin Cuisine
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struments by American composer James Primosch. Featuring Rosa Lamoreaux, William Sharp, and Tempesta di Mare. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues NW. folger.edu
SDA Church, 914 Massachusetts Ave, NE.
7 Layers Captive - Special “One Night Only” Performance. Jan 10, 8:00-9:30 PM. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com
Fanfare Ciocarlia (Gypsy music) at the Atlas. Jan 17, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org
Kafka Fragments at the Atlas. Jan 11, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202399-7993. atlasarts.org Ayreheart at the Corner Store. Jan 11, 8:00 PM. Corner Store Arts, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org NSO in Your Neighborhood. Jan 12, 11 AM-Noon, Brass of Peace at Eastern Market; noon-1:00 PM, NSO musicians Steve Hendrickson and Robert Dorer, trumpets; Laurel Ohlson, horn; Craig Mulcahy, trombone; and Stephen Dumaine, tuba, play at Eastern Market; noon- 2:00 PM, Chamber Music-The Last Stand Quartet at THE FRIDGE DC, 516½ 8th St. SE (rear alley); noon-1:00 PM, Chamber Music at Congressional Cemetery; 2:00-3:00 PM, Community Performance with NSO musicians Kathryn Meany, English horn; Sue Heineman, bassoon; and Jamie Roberts, oboe, play classical works at Southeast Library, 403 7th St. SE; 3:30-4:30 PM, Community Performance with NSO musicians Steve Hendrickson and Robert Dorer, trumpets; Laurel Ohlson, horn; Craig Mulcahy, trombone; and Stephen Dumaine, tuba, play a special concert in celebration of the sesquicentennial of Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church; 5:00-6:00 PM, Chamber Music with NSO musicians Natasha Bogachek and Zino Bogachek, violins; and Eric deWaardt, viola, play classical works at National Community Church, Miracle Theatre, 538 8th St. SE; 7:00-8:30 PM, Ensemble Performance with NSO musicians Aaron Goldman, flute; Charles Nilles, bass; Joe Connell, percussion; and pianist Tony Nalker play jazz and chamber at HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues, 1007 H St. NE; 8:00-10:00 PM, Chamber Music-The Last Stand Quartet at The Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. NSO in Your Neighborhood. Jan 13, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo at the Rosedale Library, 1701 Gales St. NE; 7:00-8:00 PM, Workshop Performance with Kid Pan Alley Following a weeklong songwriting workshop led by arts organization Kid Pan Alley, students from Capitol Hill Montessori, 215 G St. NE, perform their original material with NSO musicians Glenn Donnellan, violin; and Jamie Roberts, oboe; as well as musicians from Kid Pan Alley; 7:30-9:00 PM, Chamber Music with NSO musicians Natasha Bogachek and Zino Bogachek, violins; and Eric deWaardt, viola, play classical works at Capitol Hill
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Anthony Pirog Trio at the Atlas. Jan 16, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202399-7993. atlasarts.org
Onohtrix Point Never at the Atlas. Jan 19, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202399-7993. atlasarts.org Singer/Songwriter Mary Ann Redmond at Hill Center. Jan 22, 7:30-8:30 PM. $15/ advance, $20 day of. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. hillcenterdc.org Mary Battiata and Little Pink at Ebenezers. Jan 24, 7:30-10:00 PM. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Third Coast Percussion at the Atlas. Jan 31, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org Don Byron Gospel Quintet at the Atlas. Feb 1, 8:00 PM. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org National Jukebox. The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Go to loc.gov/ jukebox. HR 57 Weekly Jam Sessions. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 PM-midnight. Since 1993 HR-57 has provided a place where aspiring musicians gather to learn the history and cultures of the genres of jazz and blues. It’s a venue for the exchange of ideas and information between aspiring and professional musicians, students, aficionados and the general public. $8. 1007 H St. NE. 202-253-0044. hr57.org Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-3472635. epiphanydc.org Jazz Night (and fish fry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Every Friday night. Expect a large, fun and friendly crowd. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. 202484-7700. westminsterdc.org/jazz Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children
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All Credit Cards Accepted January 2014 H 21
under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202484-7700. westminsterdc.org/blues National City Christian Church Organ Concerts. Every Friday, 12:15-1:15 PM. Free. 5 Thomas Cir. NW. 202232-0323. nationalcitycc.org Sunday Gospel Brunch Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. Every Sunday, 12:30-2:00 PM. $30-$45. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Here to Stay-The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin. Ongoing exhibition. Experience the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s in this permanent tribute to the brothers who helped provide a musical background to the period. The exhibition contains a wealth of materials that provide insight into their careers and personalities, including manuscript and printed music, lyric sheets and librettos, personal and business correspondence, photographs, paintings, and drawings, all from the Gershwin Collection in the Music Division of the Library of Congress, the world’s preeminent resource for materials about the Gershwins. Gershwin Gallery, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov
THEATER & FILM Special Program and Screening of The Loving Story. Jan 9, 7:00 PM. The National Archives presents a program and screening of The Loving Story, a documentary about Mildred and Richard Loving whose socalled “mixed” marriage was deemed illegal by their home state of Virginia, and whose case rose to the Supreme Court. Director Nancy Buirski and attorney Phil Hirschkop, an ACLU attorney who represented the Lovings, are scheduled to discuss the film. This event, held in celebration of new “Records of Rights” permanent exhibit, is free and open to the public, and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives Building. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Ave. at 7th St. NW. archives.gov
www.hillrag.com
Jazz Film Fridays with Larry Appelbaum at LOC. Jan 10, Arrows into Infinity (2012); Jan 17, Mickey One (1965); Jan 24, Black February (2010); Jan 31, Inside Out in the Open (2001) and The Breath Courses Through Us (2013). All films shown at 7:00 PM. All films will be shown in the Mary Pickford Theater, 3rd floor of the Library of Congress James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Doors open 30 minutes before screening. No tickets required. For information, call 202-707-5502. loc.gov/concerts/ filmscreenings The Tallest Tree in the Forest at Arena. Jan 10-Feb 16. The incomparable Daniel Beaty (Emergence-See!) brings to life the true story of Paul Robeson, hailed as the ‘best known black man in the world’ for his incomparable singing and acting, brought low by accusations of disloyalty to America. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org Capital City Players of DC present “A Steady Rain” at CHAW. Jan 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, 8:00 PM and 2:30 PN Saturday matinees. The play is a gritty, darkly poetic duologue about two Chicago police officers whose inner need to serve and protect both consumes them and rips them apart. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit capitalcityplayersdc.org. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE.
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Gin Game at Anacostia Playhouse. Jan 11-Feb 2. This Pulitzer Prize winning play uses a game of cards as a metaphor for life. As the two characters play gin, they reveal the intimate details of their lives and their secrets become weapons. The New York Times called it, “a thoroughly entertaining lesson on the fine art of theatrical finesse. The closest thing the theater offers to a duel at 10 paces.” Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE (under five minutes from Capitol Hill). 202-290-2328. anacostiaplayhouse.com “Here is a Play Fitted” Exhibition at the Folger. Through Jan 12, 2014. Discover how staging Shakespeare’s plays has changed over the past 400 years. More than 100 items-scripts and promptbooks, designs for sets, lights, and costumes, props, models, production photographs, playbills, letters, and reviews-highlight broad shifts over the centuries in the performances of Othello, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the sometimes surprising changes made to the plays. Folger shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202544-4600. folger.edu The Importance of Being Earnest at Shakespeare. Jan 16-Mar 2. Oscar Wilde’s most perfect of plays is a comedy of class, courtship, and avoiding burdensome social conventions. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org Violet at Ford’s. Jan 24-Feb 23. A touching story of hope, love and healing, “Violet” is set in the early 1960s and follows the story of a physically scarred young woman, who travels across the South in search of a televangelist’s healing miracle. On her journey into Oklahoma, Violet meets Monty and Flick, two soldiers who help her learn about courage, beauty and her own self-worth. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW. 202-347-4833. fordstheatre.org Richard III at the Folger. Jan 28-Mar 9. Weighing how history is written, Robert Richmond returns to direct another of Shakespeare’s celebrated stories of the English throne. With the skeletal remains of the long-vilified king being discovered earlier this year, beneath a parking lot of all places, this staging features Drew Cortese as the Machiavellian king. Folger Shakespeare Library, E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu Mother Courage and Her Children at Arena. Jan 31-Mar 9. Kathleen Turner returns stars as a toughas-nails matriarch who profits off the very war that steals her children from her one by one. But will the cost of war be higher than she’s prepared to pay? Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org
EXHIBITIONS Pieces of You: Portraits by Chanel Compton at The Fridge. Through Jan 12. Pieces of You is an exhibition featuring a series of mixed media portraits created by Chanel Compton. She is fascinated or has a personal connection with the subjects in these portraits be it musicians, celebrities, and friends (real and imaginary). Compton deconstructs and reconstructs these portraits with layers of paper, paint, charcoal, and whatever else she can gets her hands on. Within her work, Compton searches for the physical and emotional elements of each person she paints; layer by layer, piece by piece. The Fridge, 516½ 8th St. SE (rear alley). thefridgedc.com
CAPITOL HILL CLUSTER SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSES 2014 Peabody Primary (PK3 – K) Tuesday, February 4 9:30 am & 6:00 pm 425 C St NE • 202.698.3277
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Watkins Elementary (1-5) Wednesday, February 5 9:30 am & 6:00 pm 420 12th St SE • 202.698.3355
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (6-8) Thursday, February 13 9:30 am & 6:00 pm 410 E Street NE • 202.671.6010
For Families Moving Up to New Campus Wednesday, January 15 6:00 pm at SHMS 410 E Street NE • 202.671.6010
Kindergarten Event Thursday, January 16 6:00 pm at Watkins 420 12th St SE • 202.698.3355
www.capitolhillclusterschool.org
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The Works-Recent Painitng, Sculpture, Video at Connersmith. Through Jan 18. 1358 Florida Ave. NE. 202-5888750. connersmith.us.com Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990. Through Mar 10. Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990 traces the city’s transformation into an internationally recognized destination with its own design vocabulary, canonized landmarks, and coveted way of life. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Common Ground at Honfleur Gallery. Jan 10-Feb 28. Opening reception, Jan 10, 6:00-9:00 PM. Common Ground presents the work that arose from a collaboration between painter Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann and photographer Michael B. Platt. Artist talk is on Saturday, Feb 1, 2:45 PM. ; Jadallah’s talk begins at 2 p.m., Mann and Platt’s talk will follow at 2:45 p.m. Both exhibits close February 28, 2014. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. Adrift at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. Jan 10-Feb 28. Opening reception, Jan 10, 6:00-9:00 PM. Adrift showcases multiple in-camera exposure landscapes by Laila AbdulHadi Jadallah. Artist talk is on Saturday, Feb 1, 2:00 PM. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. CHAW presents “Urban Eyes, A Photo Exhibition by the Girl from Nowhere”. Jan 11-Feb 25. Opens Jan
11, 5:00-7:00 PM. A photo exhibition by the Girl from Nowhere (Tokyo-born French-American artist/photographer Camille Clifton) CHAW, 545 7th St. SE. 202-5476839. chaw.org Unveiling of “Records of Rights”. The new permanent exhibition in the Rubenstein Gallery, “Records of Rights,” uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents and how they have debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archives.gov Shakespeare’s the Thing at the Folger. Jan 28-June 15. Explore Shakespeare’s influence on visual art, performance, and scholarship through treasures from the Folger collection hand-picked by Folger staff, including a special look at how fans have celebrated Shakespeare from his time to ours. Marking Shakespeare’s 450th birthday. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu Art Enables Call for Art: Amazing Marvels. The Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables is opening its walls and inviting artists in the Washington, Virginia, Maryland area to participate in Amazing Marvels, a show featuring work inspired by the circus, sideshows or carnival acts. Off-Rhode is a gallery for self-taught and outsider artists however, this call is open to all artists working in all mediums and
preference will be given to self-taught and outsider artists. Electronic submissions due by Jan 29, 2014. Email bbaldwin@art-enables.org. Art Enables is a studio and gallery for emerging artists with developmental disabilities. Their chance to make art comes through Art Enables. Their reasons for doing it are their own: to have something to do, to make money, to feel important, to tell the world who they are, to become famous. All those reasons and more. Art Enables is at 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE. 202-554-9455. art-enables.org
SPORTS & FITNESS Washington Wizards Basketball. Jan 5, 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22 and Feb 1. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-397SEAT. nba.com/wizards Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Jan 10, 12, 14 and 21. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-628-3200. capitals.nhl.com NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo. Jan 11-12, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. More than 200 health care providers, businesses, and non-profit organizations will be on site at the Expo. They will provide free assessments, advice and information, and tests, screenings and services. Also, raffles and giveaways, blood drive, dancing, healthy cooking stage and a Winter Olympics pavilion. Free. Washington Convention Center. nbcwashington.com
Sample a variety of yoga classes to best meet your new year fitness goals as Breathing Space Yoga and Hill Center offer Drop-In Week from Jan 11-16. Photo: Chris Blackshear
Breathing Space Yoga @ Hill Center Drop-In Week.
Jan 11-16 (all day). Meet the instructors and try out their yoga classes during drop-in week before signing up for their January-April sessions. Special pricing all week: $10 cash or $11 credit card when reserved in advance. Reserve your space online and pay $10 cash in person (choose “enroll unpaid”) or $11 by credit card in advance. Drop-in without preregistration, space permitting, $20. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. hillcenterdc.org
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DC Rollergirls. Jan 18 and Feb 1, 4:00 PM. (Doors open at 3:00 p.m.) Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for children 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance at ticketmaster.com or at the door on bout day. Individuals with a valid military ID can purchase tickets for $10 at the door. Bouts are at DC Armory. dcrollergirls.com NatsFest. Jan 25, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. The annual fun-filled baseball festival will offer a variety of interactive games and activities, including live batting cages, exclusive Q&A sessions with players and team personnel, skills challenges and much more. Advanced tickets are $20, adults; $10, children 12 and under ($25 and $15, day-of). Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD. nationals.com/2014 Maryland Polar Bear Plunge. Jan 25, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland. Sandy Point State Park. plungemd.com Championship Boxing at DC Armory. Jan 25, 9:00 PM. Hometown hero IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson defends his 140-pound crown against Montreal’s unbeaten Dierry Jean as part of a live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event at the DC Armory. In the co-main event, Middleweight Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo risks his undefeated record against TwoTime World Title Challenger Gabriel “King” Rosado. Tickets $25-$250. Tickets available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800745-3000.
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Canal Park Ice Rink. Open MondayFriday, noon-9:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. Adult fee is $8; children, seniors (55+) and military fees are $7. Skate rental is $3. On Tuesdays, two can skate for the price of one from 4:00-6:00 PM. The park is at Second and M sts. SE, one block from the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Avenue exit). canalparkdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open through mid-Mar (weather permitting). Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM9:00 PM. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating
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Public Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon-1:50 PM and Saturdays 11:45 AM-12:45 PM. Children (12 and under) and seniors are $4, adults (13 and older) are $5. Skate rental is $3. For more information, call 202-584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org Washington Harbour Ice Skating. Open through mid-Mar (weather permitting). Monday-Thursday, noon-9:00 PM; Friday, noon-10:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM10:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. At 11,800 square feet, the new Washington Harbour Ice Rink is DC’s largest outdoor ice skating venue, and is also larger than New York City’s Rockefeller Center rink. Adults, $10; children/seniors/military, $8. Skate rental is $5. 3050 K St. NW. thewashingtonharbour.com Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating. Open through mid-Mar, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM. $7-$8. $3 for skate rental. 1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, VA. 703-4186666. pentagonrowskating.com Rumsey Pool. Public swim, MondayFriday, 6:30-9:00 AM; noon-5:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. Public swim, Saturday, 1:00-5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 635 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202-7244495. dpr.dc.gov DC’s Rock N Roll Marathon Registration Open. Marathon is Mar 15. runrocknroll. competitor.com
MARKETS Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 AM8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is DC’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM. The crowd is as diverse as the items for sale! Antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books and photographs are
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an example of the available items. 1819 35th St. NW. 202-775-3532. or georgetownfleamarket.com.
CIVIC LIFE Free Foreclosure Prevention Hotline. 1-855-449-2255. Housing Counseling Services, a DC based HUD approved nonprofit, now offers a free hotline for homeowners in danger of foreclosure. If you own a home and are in danger of falling behind on your mortgage or have already fallen behind, you can get free counseling and assistance. DC Hypothermia Hotline. 1-800-5357252. Please call when you see a homeless person who may be impacted by extreme temperatures. Families seeking emergency shelter should go to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 33 N St. NE. The shelter operates 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for holidays and days the District government is closed). After 3:30 p.m. and on weekends, during extrene temperature alerts, families should call the Shelter Hotline for transportation to the DC General family shelter or other available family shelter. Community Office Hours with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. Jan 9, 8:00-9:30 AM at the Southwest at Channel Inn, 650 Water St. SW. All Ward 6 residents encouraged to come out and meet with Councilmember Wells and members of his staff. 202-724-8072. tommywells.org Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. First Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Pound the Hill, 621 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible. Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-7835065. norton.house.gov ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-423-8868. anc6a.org ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5433344. anc6b.org ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-547-7168. anc6c.org ANC 6D. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at 1100 4th St. SW, DCRA meeting room, 2nd floor. 202-5541795. anc6d.org u
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Happy New Year! Full service salon (Nails-Skin care-Massage-Hair) New Year’s Specials:
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NSO in your Neighborhood Concert begins our Sesquicentennial!
{capitol streets}
E on DC
© AZP Worldwide - Fotolia.com
Leaping from December without Falling
F
or me 2013 was a year of too much cancer. Friends either died from the disease or discovered they had it. Lumps and bumps in the night. A different type of pain making one suddenly feel old or just old enough to really think about death for the first time. A person you love loses their hair and maybe a breast. It’s December and everyone wants to be a survivor. Can the new year be four seasons of spring? I keep thinking terrorism starts from within. If only we could stop cancer and all those sleeper cells. What if we could free ourselves from cancer the way we hand over bottled water in the airport terminals? Why can’t we all fly free? Sad texts and painful phone conversations filled 2013. What do you say when a person shares the “c” news with you? No way I can turn away and simply write a poem. Do I blame God for changing a friend’s narrative? How many sunsets do they have left? How many years? In 2013 we had endless talks about healthcare. Cancer treatment, however, comes with a price tag. If only we could solve the “Big C” the way we shut down our government. We continue to experiment with new drugs the way we handle our democracy. We
by E. Ethelbert Miller take risks. We make mistakes. But what gives me hope is the ability to dream and to be seduced by my imagination. What gives me hope is memory: the stories already told that I can return to. Poet Lucille Clifton once wrote about the good times and how we should celebrate them. We accomplish this by remembering – everyday I call a close friend who is fighting cancer and I let her know how much I love her. I still believe love is eternal, it’s what endures after everything is lost. It’s love that provides the blueprints to rebuild after disaster. It’s love that unwraps the New Year and presents itself as a gift. What we cherish can never be denied by illness or diminish our hope. We embrace life even when it flickers, knowing we determine the brightness no matter how short or long. Gil Scott-Heron once sang about “Winter in America.” Did he sense the cancer in the air? Two thousand thirteen was a year of dark clouds, bombs, floods, and guns in schools. If politicians were doctors they would be accused of malpractice. History sits in a crowded emergency room holding a number that reads 2014. While my friends fight, to live I’ve started to pay more attention to how wounded I too have become with time. My feet and knees
hurt more. My eyes no longer see in the dark or even in the light as well as they did two years ago. At my workplace many of my friends have retired. I was starting to make my own arrangements but I looked ahead to what W.E.B. DuBois once called “dusk of dawn.” I’m writing more, pushing myself into the extra innings. It’s not about throwing fast balls, it’s about knowing how to finally pitch well. Yes, I’m looking forward to a few more springs with optimism. December’s darkness can only descend so far. Two thousand thirteen will not repeat itself. If 2014 brings the changing same, then our struggle to make this a better world will have to continue. Faith often comes with gray hair. What I’ve learned about winter is that I must avoid slipping or falling during or after a storm. World events can often turnw a sane person into an acrobat. In 2014 we must land on our feet. I’m afraid there is no longer enough money for nets. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He is the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University and the board chair of The Institute for Policy Studies. u
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Bulletin Board
NSO in the Neighborhood Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church welcomes the Capitol Hill community to a free concert and reception on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 3:30 p.m. featuring the National Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Please bring a donation of canned goods for the local food pantry. The one-hour concert will serve as the start of the church Sesquicentennial (1864-2014). The NSO Brass Quintet is Steve Hendrickson, trumpet; Robert Doer, trumpet; Laurel Ohlson, French horn; Craig Mulcahy, trombone; and Stephen Dumaine, tuba. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 4th St. SE. 202-547-8676. capitolhillpreschurch150.org Free concerts in the neighborhood by the full orchestra are on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and Saturday, Jan. 11, 3 and 7 p.m. at Union Station.
Registration Open for Cupids Undie Run Cupid’s Undie Run is returning on Feb. 15 for its 5th year in Washington, DC. On Valentine’s Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of half-naked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Be a part of something great. Last year Cupid’s raised over $1.3 Million to end neurofibromatosis and they’re relying on you to make this year’s fundraising (and party) the biggest and best yet. Start a team, join a team, or just run solo and make some new friends. The party, at Pour House, Hawk ‘N’ Dove and Capitol Lounge on Capitol Hill, starts at noon; run time is 2 p.m.; then back for more fun until 4 p.m. Arrive early and stay late... and feel free to remain pants-less the entire time! Until Jan. 14 registration is $70; Jan. 15-Jan. 31 registration is $80; and Feb. 1-Feb. 15 is $100. cupidsundierun.com
CHAW Registering for Winter and Spring Classes The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is now registering students
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NSO brass section. Ph oto: Scott Suchman
of all ages for new classes in the visual and performing arts beginning in January. Gift certificates are available. Tuition assistance and payment plans are available for all classes. For a complete list of workshops, classes or registration information, visit chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. CHAW’s innovative Youth Art Program, begins Jan. 6. Limited spaces are available. Van pick-up is available from local schools to CHAW. Adult classes, beginning Jan. 27, include Ceramics, Photography, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Guitar, Music & Theater Improvisation, Jazzercise, Tap, Ballet, Burlesque, Hip-Hop, and much more. CHAW has something even for busy schedules including drop-in rates and short workshops. Students ages 0-5 can participate in Music Together, Visual Arts classes, Books Alive, Material Magicians, and Ballet, Tap, and Tumbling classes beginning Jan. 6. CHAW also offers private music instruction in a variety of instruments for students of all ages.
Get Your Tickets to Capitol Hill Village Gala Capitol Hill Village’s sixth annual Gala evening will circle the globe next year with the theme “The 2014 World Tour.” Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, 7:30-11:30 p.m., the Gala offers a chance to catch a virtual flight around the world in one night of music and entertainment. The Gala will be held throughout the program rooms of the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The evening’s music-aiming at an around the world flavor-will be provided by “Raggs and the All Stars.”
As part of this year’s worldwide focus, there will be the “International Marketplace,” featuring theme rooms with food and drink from Italy, Brazil, Africa, and others. Incorporated into the marketplace will be a silent auction offering the Gala’s popular “salon dinners,” where successful bidders can share a fine meal and good conversation in a Capitol Hill home with authors, diplomats, entertainers, and local celebrities. Bid on US and across-the-water vacation homes as well as special services and skill sessions like pottery lessons, behind-the-scenes tours, and unique theater events. Discounted prices for Gala tickets will be available through Jan14. More details about the entire Gala program will be available at capitolhillvillage.org and in a future announcement in the Hill Rag.
Foreclosure Prevention Seminar at SE Library Want to learn more about how to prevent home foreclosure? On Saturday, Jan.18 at noon, join them for a seminar lead by staff from the Latino Economic Development Center to learn more about this very important issue. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th St. SE. 202-698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast
Ground Broken on Fire Station and Hyatt Place Hotel in Southwest On Dec. 6, ground was broken on a new firehouse and hotel in Southwest. The innovative, mixed-use building at 400 E St. SW will be designed to create the
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A streetcar perched at 3rd and H Sts. NE awaiting deployment. Photo: Kathleen Donner
DC Streetcar Connections There are several ways to stay in touch with DC Streetcar. For 24/7 construction information, call 202-210-3700. To speak with a person, call at 855413-2954. For employment information or if you have questions about their upcoming job fair, contact Molly at 202-887-4747. You can always e-mail them at info@dcstreetcar.com. For construction-related inquiries, email at construction@dcstreetcar.com.
effect of being two distinct buildings. It will house a state-of-the-art fire station to replace Engine Company 13, now located at 450 6th St. SW, and a new Hyatt Place Hotel. The project received $65 million in EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa funding.
Foster Dogs Available from Rural Dog Rescue New pups have just arrived from rural North Carolina. Hillhounds wants to help place them into loving homes so they can become more adoptable. Fosters are important and a great way to help out. If you’re interested, visit ruraldogrescue.com.
H Street Loading Zone Changes The District Department of Transportation is rolling out changes
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to loading zones along the H/Benning corridor that coincide with the arrival of DC Streetcar to the District. On Monday, Dec. 16, loading zones along the H/Benning moved to side-streets. In the two years of planning for the delivery of DC Streetcar, DDOT took into account the approved DDOT DC Streetcar Design Plan, business and residential stakeholder feedback, delivery schedules (times/locations), and streetcar hours of streetcar operation. Newly posted signage identifies loading zone locations that have been shifted from H St. NE to portions of side streets between 4th St. to 14th St. Truck and bus travel rules on restricted side streets remain intact for through traffic. A clear path for streetcar needs to be maintained at all times, therefore, double-parking of any vehicle is prohibited and strictly
enforced. Impeding the operation of streetcar will result in vehicles being ticketed and towed.
Anacostia Watershed Society Water Trail Map Now Available The Anacostia Watershed Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning the water, recovering the shoreline, and honoring the heritage of the Anacostia River and its watershed communities, has released the Anacostia Water Trail Map and Guide. The Anacostia Water Trail Map and Guide, created in partnership with the National Park Service, brings together all of the resources and activities available on the Anacostia River and guides users to access points and features of the trail. Features of the map and guide include highlighted sites along the river including parks, marshes, marinas, an education center and an aquatic garden; tips for experiencing the trail; a timeline detailing 400 years of the Anacostia River’s history, use and restoration; facts about the history and nature of the Anacostia; and boating safety tips. It is currently available online at anacostiaws.org/anacostia-water-trail, as well as at Anacostia Watershed Society’s office and National Park Service offices around the Anacostia. They are currently working to have it available in various outdoor retailers as well.
We’ve seen first-hand how tirelessly Charles has worked for Ward 6. As small business owners, as neighbors, and as parents, we are very proud to support Charles Allen. Shaaren Pine & Scott Magnuson, owners of the Argonaut
Eastern Market Metro Park Website Now Live The public comment period on all design plans has been
January 2014 H 33
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34 H Hillrag.com
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Database Demonstration: Heritage Quest at Southeast Library On Monday, Jan. 20, 5 p.m., come learn about one of the library’s most interesting and useful databases: Heritage Quest. They will explore all of the prominent features of the database, particularly use of the online census data available through the website. They will also provide time for participants to share their amateur genealogy tips with each other. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th St. SE. 202-698-3377. dclibrary. org/southeast
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extended until Jan. 17. Everyone in the community is encouraged to take the survey on the project website and to leave comments. The Eastern Market Metro Park Task Force will convene in early 2014 to review the results of the community comments on Master Plans A and B as well as the survey and to then give further direction to the design team. Go to easternmarketmetropark.com.
222 8th Street NE Washington DC,20003
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January 2014 H 35
utilities, childcare, security deposits, and other household expenses. The program also provides case management to help veterans resolve the issues that caused their housing crises and to ensure long-term housing stability. SSVF serves veterans in DC, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington. Call Housing Counseling Services at 202-667-7006 for more information about this important resource for veterans.
Painter Christine Nicoll Parson Opens 2014 Season at St. Augustine’s Art & Spirit Coffeehouse “Seeking the Divine” is the mission of painter Christine Nicoll Parson, the featured artist at St. Augustine’s Art & Spirit Coffeehouse on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. The 7 p.m. program at the church at 600 M St. SW, includes coffee and desserts served throughout the evening, followed by questions and answers. Born in Washington, DC, Parson has always wanted to be a painter and spent years visiting the National Gallery, entranced by the Medieval and Renaissance rooms. She studied at the Corcoran School of Art, Carnegie-Mellon University and with various artists. Her varied art background includes teaching art to both children and adults for 25 years, participating in one artist shows, showing her work in local and national venues, and producing art on commission. Her work is in collections worldwide. staugustinesdc.org
Meditation at SE Library In this busy, fast-paced world, peace seems like an elusive commodity. On Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 at 7 p.m., David Newcomb will offer a simple, effective meditation technique that can help you find inner peace. Begin your new year with a three-part meditation series. Newcomb, author and meditation practitioner has been meditating for over 36 years. He has been offering workshops and lectures on mediation, personal transformation and spirituality. He has been inspiring audiences on how to practice and learn this very simple technique which can impact your life in many positive ways. In this series, you will
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have the chance to practice the art of meditation which can positively affect your life. Join David for this inspirational meditation workshop series and start the New Year on the right track! Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th St. SE. 202698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast
Corcoran Presents “Question Bridge: Black Males” This winter, through Feb.16, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design hosts Question Bridge: Black Males, a collaborative, transmedia project that complicates traditional views of identity by exploring the full spectrum of what it means to be “black” and “male” in America. In video-mediated exchanges, over 150 African American men of different social, economic, political, and generational backgrounds from across America respond to questions posed by one another about issues that unite, divide, and puzzle them. Framed as an internal conversation within a group too often defined externally, Question Bridge uses candid discussion to expose the diversity of thought and identity among black males, challenging monochromatic views of “blackness.” The wide-ranging conversation touches on family, love, masculinity, discrimination, community, education, violence, and the past and future of black men in society. In addition to the five-channel video installation at the Corcoran, the project includes a single-channel version of the project at the Corcoran’s Community Gallery at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Jan. 11-Feb. 16. A roundtable discussion with local leaders in the African American community will take place at THEARC, Jan. 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
DC Snow Team Asks Residents to Organize The DC Snow Team in the Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation is asking residents to reach out to their neighbors to organize snow shoveling teams to clear sidewalks after it snows. The District requires property owners (residential and commercial) to clear the sidewalks surrounding
their property within 24 hours after a snowfall. DPW Director Howland noted that Serve DC, the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism, along with the Office on Aging and the Department of Disability Services, is organizing teams to help elderly and disabled residents with clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice.
Picnic Reservations at DC Parks The National Park Service will move the reservation process for group picnic areas at Rock Creek Park and Fort Dupont Park to Recreation.gov, a convenient website used by many national parks and thousands of park visitors across the country, beginning Mar. 1, 2014. Since 1949, the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation has managed these reservations under an agreement with the NPS. DPR has asked the NPS to assume reservations management. The fee for group picnic areas has not changed since the early 1990s, and an increase is under consideration. The NPS proposal would bring the fee in line with the price for similar group picnic areas in the Washington Metropolitan Area, and would provide options for full-day and half-day rentals. The proposal is to phase this increase over three years starting in the summer of 2014 with an increase to $25/half day. Additional increases will occur in 2015 at $45/half day, and 2016 at $65/half day. The additional revenue will improve the condition of the picnic areas and the service provided to visitors. NPS is inviting comments during a 30-day public comment period ending Jan. 10, 2014. If you wish to comment on this proposal, you may submit comments electronically at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) site parkplanning. nps.gov/documentsOpenForReview.cfm?parkID =198&projectID=49652.
Black History Month Luncheon Tickets Available The luncheon is on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The 2014 theme is Civil Rights in America. Contact them at 202238-5910 or at info@asalh.net. u
January 2014 H 37
{capitol streets / the numbers}
Making Work Pay Even More for DC Residents by Wes Rivers and Jenny Reed
F
or District residents in low-wage jobs, making work pay is important. We live in an expensive city, where $8.25 or even $11.50 per hour doesn’t go very far in paying for housing, transportation, food, and other necessities. That’s why DC gives an incentive to working residents through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which eases taxes for low-income workers. But right now the credit provides very little to a big group of workers: singles without children. The DC Tax Revision Commission (DCFPI) recognized this gap and recently endorsed an expanded EITC that increases benefits to low-wage workers without children, a group which is ineligible for many other public benefits. DCFPI enthusiastically supports this recommendation. We hope that Mayor Gray and the DC Council will fund this important tax credit in the upcoming budget. Making the EITC work for childless households will provide a boost to the pay of these residents, as well as to our local economy, because most of these dollars will go right back into local businesses.
Little Safety Net for Singles Over one-fourth of DC families who lived in poverty in 2012 had no
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children, making them a significant portion of the poorest residents. Yet the District’s safety net and income tax system offers fairly little assistance to them. Low-income childless workers are ineligible for cash assistance like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and can get just $195 a month in food stamps. And the EITC, one of the best tools to lift families above poverty, provides very little benefit to singles. The fact that singles without kids are largely excluded from assistance means that singles working at a low-wage job get much less to make ends meet than low-wage workers with children. But if properly designed the EITC could lift thousands of single earners out of poverty by incentivizing work and supplementing the wages of those who need it most.
EITC 101: How the District’s Credit Works The District offers an EITC that reduces DC income taxes, much like the federal EITC that applies to the federal income tax. The credit is refundable, meaning that if a worker’s EITC benefit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, the excess is given as a tax refund. DC’s EITC is equal to 40 percent of the federal credit, making it the second largest state-level EITC
among the 21 states that offer an EITC. Very low-income households receive an EITC equal to a percentage of their income, so that the credit grows as these households earn more. As income increases further, households reach a range of incomes in which they can claim the maximum EITC benefit. Beyond the maximum credit income range the credit slowly phases out. The District credit, like the federal credit, varies based on the number of children living in the household. Households with no children receive the smallest credit, while households with three or more children receive the most. As Figure 1 illustrates, the District’s credit for childless adults is small and claimable by only a very limited group of single filers without children. For 2013 a single person without children can receive a maximum credit of $195, compared to a single person with one child who can receive a maximum credit of $1,300.
Making Work Pay for Childless Workers The District’s EITC is effective at providing income tax relief for very low-income families with children, but fairly limited in its effect for childless singles. For example, a single parent with one child making the new minimum wage of $11.50 per hour and working 30 hours a week can receive the maximum EITC of $1,300. A childless single with the same amount of income – about $17,250 a year – would not be eligible for any EITC benefit at all and would instead owe DC income taxes of $500. A recent proposal endorsed
by the DC Tax Revision Commission would change the DC EITC’s benefit level and income eligibility for childless singles, while still maintaining the benefit for families with children at 40 percent of the federal credit. The commission recommended raising the credit to about $500 for a single worker earning between $6,400 and $16,800, which means someone working part-time to almost full-time at minimum wage. The credit would then start to phase out completely at about $23,000. This would significantly increase the number of singles without children who could claim the credit and provide more relief to childless workers at the minimum wage. For example, the minimum wage worker who earns $17,250 and owes $500 in taxes currently would have an EITC of $450 and end up owing only $50. That’s a 90 percent reduction in income taxes. Figure 2 shows the proposal’s EITC benefits at different level of income. The tax commission’s EITC proposal would provide tax relief to a substantial number of low-wage workers who get little work support from other sources. If the mayor and DC Council adopt the proposal, DC would be the first state to create an EITC for childless adults that goes beyond the federal credit. As with the recent passage of the $11.50 minimum wage, the District would remain a national leader in making work pay for all its residents. u
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4701 Old Dominion Drive • Arlington, VA 22207 January 2014 H 39
{capitol streets / district beat}
The Gray Equation by Andrew Lightman
W
hen a candidate is considering running for office in the District, the first order of business is to figure out the magic number of votes needed to win the election. The key element of this political calculus is taking an educated guess at the total number of registered voters likely to show up at the polls. This month The District Beat will walk readers through just such an exercise. So, power up your calculators and let’s begin.
The Magic Number In August 2013 there were 355,774 registered Democrats in the District of Columbia. Of course not all those registered choose to vote. Good electoral calculus involves making an educated guess at predicting voter turnout. Previous elections can provide some guidance to the electorate’s behavior. In the September 2006 Democratic primary 37.23 percent (106,288) of registered Democrats voted. Adrian M. Fenty received 57.20 percent (60,732) of the votes, Linda Cropp received 30.98 percent, and Marie Johns 8.01 percent. In the 2010 Democratic primary 39.95 percent (134,342) of registered Democrats voted, and 54.27 percent of them (72,648) voted for Vincent C. Gray. Fenty garnered 44.47 percent of the total (59,524). Unlike previous primaries, which were conducted in September, the 2014 Democratic election will take place on April 1. No longer will candidates slog door-to-door in the summer heat. Campaigning will take place in unpredictable winter weather. It is unclear whether the turnouts of early mayoral primaries offer a guide to predicting future voter behavior. To add insult to injury, the primary is being held on April Fools’ Day. Fortunately for political prognosticators, DC held an April Democratic primary election in 2012 that gives some idea of turnout in a non-mayoral contest: 17 percent of Democrats voted. Accepting that prior electoral turnouts provide a guide to future behavior, we can take the
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mean of the percentages of voter turnout in the 2006, 2010, and 2012 primaries. This yields a 31.39 percent figure. Applying this to the current number of registered Democratic voters (355,774) yields a prediction of 111,677 votes in the 2014 primary. If the mayoral field remains crowded, and the US Justice Department fails to issue additional indictments, Gray, following the path charted by Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large), can win with low as 31.49 percent of the vote. However, many pundits believe that voters, much like herd animals, converge on candidates they think likely to win. If the electorate becomes focused on two challengers, Gray’s victory might require as much as 40 percent of the vote, as it did for Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) in 2012. Depending on the dynamics of the race Gray needs between 34,000 and 44,000 ballots. Unfortunately for Gray these votes are unlikely to come from the city’s western, mostly white, wards.
A Wounded Mayor In July 2012 The Washington Post commissioned Abt SRBI to poll public impressions of Mayor Gray. The pollsters found that 34 percent of all adults had a favorable impression, though perceptions varied strongly by race. While 37 percent of African-Americans approved of Gray’s performance, only 15 percent of whites agreed with this assessment. Surprisingly, 61 percent of the respondents believed the mayor to be untrustworthy. When asked whether Gray should step down owing to the federal investigation, 62 percent of whites agreed joined by 48 percent of African-American respondents. Gray’s strong negatives did not improve with time. A year later a poll conducted by Lake Research Partners for Candidate Tommy Wells (DWard 6) found only 31 percent of likely voters in the Democratic primary had a favorable impression of the mayor. This dismal view of Gray’s stewardship was confirmed by a poll of voters conducted by Hart Research Associates this past
September, which found support for the mayor hovering at 35 percent. Of those surveyed, 45 percent held a totally unfavorable opinion, an improvement on the previous year. It is clear from these polls is that there is persistent, widespread dissatisfaction with the mayor. Moreover, white residents are significantly more displeased. The situation, somewhat ironically, mirrors that of the summer of 2010, when 56 percent of African-Americans expressed unfavorable views of Fenty in a Washington Post poll. It was the heat from this simmering discontent that lifted the fledgling Gray campaign to victory against a well-funded incumbent. Is it a stretch to imagine angry white voters propelling one of his opponents to victory in 2014? Fortunately for Gray, Wards 2 and 3, the city’s predominantly white wards, are home to only 18.66 percent (66,402) of the city’s registered Democrats. This gives him an opportunity to pursue the same path to victory pioneered by Orange and Bonds in their recent primary victories, the “Eastern Strategy.” Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 are home to 55.53 percent of registered Democrats. Ward 7, Gray’s home ward, contains the largest number, 51,174 (14.38 percent), followed by wards 5 with 50,806 (14.28 percent) and 8 with 47,286 (13.29 percent). Ward 6, their immediate neighbor and home of challenger Councilmember Tommy Wells, contains 49,600 registered Democrats, representing 13.94 percent of the city’s total. Given the racial and geographical breakdown of Gray’s negatives, these neighborhoods are the key to his finding between 34,000 and 44,000 votes.
Gray’s Base: Wards 7 & 8 In September 2006 Ward 7 provided Gray with 11,314 votes to propel him to the chairmanship of the DC Council. This number constituted 19.39 percent of his total citywide take and 82.46 percent of the ward’s vote. The Democratic turnout in Ward 7 was 34.46 percent. In the September 2010 contest with Fenty,
Ward 7 provided Gray with 14,518 votes, roughly 20 percent of his total citywide, and 82.26 percent of those cast in the ward. 36.75 percent of registered Democrats voted in Ward 7. In the April 2012 Democratic primary, in which Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) won reelection, the turnout was 19.07 percent in Ward 7. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in the 2012, 2010, and 2006 primaries (30.01 percent) and apply this to the total number of registered Democrats in Ward 7 we get 15,337 voters. If Gray manages to maintain his previous margin of victory, he can expect 12,576 votes. Given the fact that his Ward 7 political machine has been decimated by indictments and defections, and that candidate Muriel Bowser’s (D-Ward 4) brother may garner support in Hillcrest, this is likely an optimistic figure. Moreover, the total constitutes only 29 percent of the 44,000 needed to ensure his victory in a crowded field. The situation in Ward 8 is analogous to its neighbor’s. In September 2006 Ward 8 provided Gray with 6,823 votes to propel him to the chairmanship of the DC Council. This constituted 11.70 percent of his total votes citywide and 78.90 percent of those cast in the ward. The Democratic turnout was 27 percent. In the September 2010 contest with Fenty, Ward 8 provided Gray with 10,502 votes. This was roughly 14.5 percent of his total citywide and 82.10 percent of those cast in the ward. The polls drew 31.35 percent of registered Democrats in Ward 8. In the April 2012 Democratic primary, in which Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) handily won reelection against a crowded field, the turnout was 15.78 percent. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in the 2006, 2010, and 2012 primaries (24.71 percent) and apply this to the total number of registered Democrats in Ward 8 we get 11,684 voters. If Gray manages to maintain his previous margin of victory in the ward he can expect roughly 9,400 votes – 21 percent of the 44,000 needed to ensure victory in a reduced field.
Even if Gray’s base performs as expected in wards 7 and 8 he still needs another 32,000 votes elsewhere (73 percent of his needed total) to sail to victory. Given his huge negatives among white voters, he will no doubt seek these votes in wards 4 and 5, the battlegrounds of the 2014 election.
Ward 4: Can 2010 Be Repeated? The situation in the battleground wards remains unsettled. Here Gray faces competition from sitting councilmembers, each of whom possesses a ward political machine. Demographic change wrought by three years of gentrification may have eroded previous strongholds of support. Let us begin with Ward 4. In September 2010 Gray trounced Fenty, a favorite son, in Ward 4, amassing 12,815 votes (58.94 percent). This constituted 17.64 percent of his total citywide. Turnout in the ward was high at 45.10 percent. In 2014 an incumbent Gray faces Councilmember Bowser, a well-funded favorite daughter. In her first election, in May 2007, Bowser beat out a crowded field with a total of 5,064 votes or 40.30 percent in a low-turnout election. In September 2008 Bowser defended her seat, taking 74.85 percent of the vote (7,132). In April 2012 she won with 64.95 percent of the vote (7,541) against a crowded field. By comparison, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells garnered 12,862 votes. In 2010 Fenty pulled in 8,639 votes, 1,000 more than his successor did in any election. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in Ward 4 for the September 2006, 2008, 2010, and April 2012 primaries we get 33.13 percent. However, given the ward’s historically high turnout during mayoral contests, a figure of 40 percent is more likely. Applying this to the total number of currently registered Democrats we get 19,321 voters. For the sake of argument, if Gray takes the same percentage of the electorate as Bowser’s earlier opponents he could garner a minimum of 6,700 voters. The amount could be larger depending on the effectiveness of... (continues on pg. 45)
January 2014 H 41
{capitol streets / anc news}
ANC’S ANC 6A by Maggy Baccinelli
Community Campaigning ANC 6A meeting attendees used the community-comments segment of the December meeting to campaign. Mayoral candidate Muriel Bowser’s Ward 6 campaign coordinator advocated for new leadership, and Dr. Shelonda Tillman promoted herself as a City Council Ward 6 candidate. Tillman said she is running not as a politician but as a District resident of 37 years, a science teacher at Eastern High School, and a mother whose four children attend Ward 6 schools. She added that she is a business owner who is concerned with economic development for minorities in Ward 6, and a doctor of organizational leadership who is concerned with city-wide leadership. A representative from the AmeriCorps organization Public Allies introduced herself as being new to the area and working with a nonprofit called Live It Learn It. She asked the community to think about how Live It Learn It might be of service assistance to H Street and help make a lasting impact in the area. The representative said she would follow up with commissioners in the coming weeks.
Neighborhood Developments and Events In his chair’s report David Holmes reported that the first H Street streetcar delivery would oc-
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cur during the early morning of Saturday, Dec. 14. He added that new commercial unloading zones will soon become the practice on numbered side streets off of H Street. These spaces will be regular metered parking after 6:00 p.m. In her Single Member District (SMD) report Commissioner Gloria Nauden (6A02) noted that the second version of the Sherwood Playground plan is underway. The playground will be a shared space for School Within School and the community. Nauden added that School Within School, a DC public school, moved to the neighborhood without notice, and that she testified to the Education Committee in November asking for neighborhood preference. Commissioner Nick Alberti (6A04) reported an unexpected power outage in his SMD, adding that he has recently learned power outages are a recurring problem in ANC 6B, just south of his SMD. ANC 6B organized a meeting with Pepco, which Alberti invited his SMD members to attend. He will report on the meeting at the next ANC 6A meeting. Alberti also reported that both Serve Your City and DC Strokes were given a community service award by the Anacostia Boathouse for their work in introducing teenagers to rowing. He mentioned this because the commission recently gave Serve Your City a grant to support the rowing program for young adults. Commissioner Andrew Hysell (6A03) reported that the DCRA recently inspected the abandoned house at 519 Tennessee Ave NE, which has been a source of neighborhood frustration. He hopes that the inspection will allow them to move
forward with finding the home’s owner. Commissioner Sondra Phillips-Gilbert reported that the Rosedale Library has formed a partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, adding that the library will host a string quartet show for adults on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. In addition the library will host a “musical instrument petting zoo” for children on Monday Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children are invited to play with and explore different instruments. In his 6A01 report Commissioner Omar Mahmud said a meeting between neighbors and the owner of the Florida Avenue property that was formerly Jimmy’s Tires resulted in an easing of community concerns about future development on the property and gave the sense of a positive relationship with the owner. Mahmud also reported on neighborhood conflicts with delivery trucks for H Street Connection businesses. He said that the Police Service Area lieutenant expressed willingness to step up enforcement on that issue.
Diversifying Advertisement Following last month’s discussion on how to advertise ANC 6A meetings and services to a more diverse range of constituents, the Community Outreach Committee’s recommendation not to place advertising in the Washington Informer met with some hostility at the December meeting. COC Chair Elizabeth Nelson reported that after hearing from the Informer’s advertising director at the last committee meeting the committee could not justify the cost of advertising in
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A DAVID HOLMES, CHAIR, 202-251-7079 Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and Stanton Park communities
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ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.
www.anc6a.org
Next ANC 6A is 2nd Thursday, January 9 the paper, only 100-200 copies of which are distributed in 6A. Placing a quarter-page advertisement in the Informer for the year would cost $6,000, which is one-third of the ANC’s total allotment. Nelson added that the Hill Rag, where the commission currently advertises, costs roughly $3,500 and has a 6A circulation of approximately 4,000. Commissioner Sondra Phillips-Gilbert said that after moving to increase the advertisement budget by $3,500 at the last ANC meeting – a motion that passed – she attended the COC meeting and was embarrassed at how the committee treated the Informer’s advertising director. Phillips-Gilbert said he was prevented from talking and “shut down,” even as he made comprises and offered cost solutions like email blast advertising opportunities. PhillipsGilbert said she plans to invite him back to the next COC meeting and that she hopes the committee will improve its bidding process. Other commissioners weighed in on the matter, with Nauden asking for a creative solution for making good use of the money added to the budget for diversified advertising. Holmes argued that he would rather see this money go toward grant funding. An audience member promoted the usefulness of flyers, especially in reaching communities that did not have easy access to the Internet, and Alberti spoke to the commission’s success with using flyers in years past.
Unanimous Motions Abound Aside from the advertisement discussion the meeting may have been the commission’s most agreeable yet, with all motions passed unanimously except for Commis-
sioner Nick Alberti’s abstention from all alcohol beverage licensing votes. In a 6-0-1 vote the commission supported the recommendation of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee not to agree to the request of Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar, Vendetta, H Street Country Club, Rock and Roll Hotel, and Sahra to terminate their settlement agreements with the ANC. In addition they supported Chairperson Holmes’s motion to consider an alcohol license for a new applicant, Sin Bin, in a 6-0-1 vote. They unanimously supported the Transportation and Public Space Committee’s recommendation to send a letter of support for the National Marathon and Half-Marathon to be held March 15, 2014. With regard to Economic Development and Zoning matters, the commission unanimously agreed with the committee’s recommendations to send letters to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) in support of the requested extension of the BZA order for 1309 and 1311 H St. NE, and to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in support of the third-story addition to 1329 Constitution Ave. NE. Finally the commission unanimously supported Chairperson Holmes’s amendment to the bylaws stating that the chair and vice chair, in addition to anyone else who may be named, shall have the authority to represent the commission in any matters pursuant to motions adopted by the commission. Holmes’s motion, under new business, regarding seeking changes in the District Department of Transportation’s position on pocket parks, was also passed unanimously. The ANC 6A Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second
Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee 3rd Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Jay Williams, 906-0657 Transportation & Public Space Committee Monday, Jan. 27, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th and G Sts. NE • Chair, Omar Mahmud, 546-1520 Economic Development & Zoning Committee 3rd Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th and G Streets, NE • Chair, Andrew Hysell, 203 570-7560 Community Outreach Committee Monday, Jan. 27, 7pm • Maury Elementary School - 13th Street & Constitution Avenue, NE • Chair, Elizabeth Nelson, 543-3512
Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue.
January 2014 H 43
{capitol streets / anc news}
Thursday of each month at Miner Elementary School. The 6A committees meet at the following times: • Alcohol Beverage Licensing: 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center • Community Outreach: 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, Maury Elementary School • Economic Development & Zoning: 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center • Transportation & Public Space: 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center
ANC 6B by Charnice A. Milton
Cava Restaurant Commissioner Sara Loveland (6B07) announced that Cava Restaurant had reached a settlement agreement, but only after a long conversation with the community and the commission. While it was a standard agreement, Commissioner Phil Peisch (6B03) noted two exceptions: Cava was allowed the maximum outside hours for private events (midnight and 1:00 a.m.) and will dispose of all bottles and glass before 11:30 p.m. due to a storage issue. Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04) asked about the operation hours, as her constituents have complained about the noise coming from the front and rooftop garden areas. Co-owner Ted Xenohristos replied that the majority of private events occur during the holiday season and they conclude
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no later than midnight; he asked for consideration for later hours so that he would not turn down potential customers. As for Cava’s storage problem, the owner stated that time is an issue; if they finish cleaning the restaurant around 11:00 p.m. they will not be able to store extra trash bags inside. The commission approved the agreement with a 6-0 vote with one abstention, as Commissioner Francis Campbell (6B10) was out of the room.
Pennsylvania Avenue Market Commissioner Nichole Opkins (6B06) reported that she had written an amendment to a voluntary agreement with Pennsylvania Avenue Market and had shared it with Sarah Fashbaugh of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). The amendment aims to strike a provision prohibiting the sale of two- and three-packs of beer, malt liquor, or ale if the containers are less than 70 ounces. Commissioner Opkins stated that Fashbaugh agreed with the amendment, saying that striking the provision is appropriate. Commissioner Brain Flahavan (6B09) also agreed, stating that the concerns they had two years ago are not the case now. The commission voted 6-0, with one abstention (Commissioner Campbell was again out of the room).
407 Independence Ave. The commission evaluated a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) to add a two-story rear addition to 407 Independence Avenue, doubling the house’s width and increasing its facade. While the architect gave an updated plan, residents raised concerns about
the house’s historical significance. Built in 1847 by a free AfricanAmerican man who worked at the US Capitol, it was the first house built on the block. Some neighbors feel that modifying the house would change its character, which would not fit in a historic neighborhood. While the Historic Preservation Review Board report acknowledges the house’s history, it does not raise any issues with the addition. The commission voted unanimously to support the HPA.
Covered Walkway Connection to Accessory Buildings According to Commissioner Campbell, the Planning and Zoning Committee discussed the use of covered walkways to connect a main building with an accessory unit. Some members consider this a loophole to the building code requiring accessory units to be located within the main structure. While the committee did not submit a recommendation or motion they did discuss the possibility of drafting a letter to the Zoning Commission, which is looking to revise the zoning regulations. Commissioner Oldenburg suggested taking the issue to a future Zoning Commission hearing for ANCs. The commission voted unanimously to empower the chair to appoint a representative to present their position on the zoning regulations at the Jan. 30 hearing.
RFK Stadium During November’s Hill East Task Force Meeting, Erik Moses, senior vice president and managing director of Events DC, presented the organization’s plan to conduct a site study for RFK Stadium. Ac-
cording to Commissioner Flahavan, Events DC posted a Request for Expression of Interest on their website to find contractors whose work is consistent with Event DC’s mission. The task force drafted a letter thanking Events DC for the update, encouraging them to continue their community engagement, and asking them to keep redevelopment efforts along the Anacostia Waterfront and the community in mind. The Commission voted 8-0 (Commissioner Pate, 6B05, arrived late) to approve the letter. Commissioner Flahavan also reported that the task force saw an overview of the proposed Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park, which could replace the north parking lots at RFK. The presentation also explained the site’s potential uses, including hosting the Olympics. While asked to comment on the proposal, Commissioner Flahavan suggested waiting until ANCs 7D (where RFK is located) and 6A (adjacent to RFK) discussed it first.
Frager’s at Hine Junior High Since Frager’s Hardware was destroyed in a fire the Mayor’s Office allowed its Garden Store to operate from a pad located on the former Hine Junior High School’s property. However, the Saturday Flea Market, which operates on Hine’s parking lot, wants to expand into the pad before the site is redeveloped. While Commissioner Peisch thought that the commission should not have a role in the situation, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) requested a comment from ANC 6C. Since the current location of Frager’s will be destroyed during
demolition, Commissioner Peisch motioned for ANC 6B to support Frager’s using the pad until demolition begins or the store finds a new location. The motion also recommends that the city close the 300 block of 7th Street during weekends to accommodate the Flea Market during construction. The commission approved the motion, 5-0, with three abstentions.
Other News •
The commission voted 7-0, with one abstention, to support a resolution regarding use of FlexiPave on sidewalks in ANC 6B. • The Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force made revisions to the Public Safety Report, including deleting a description of the Navy Yard shooting as an example of interagency issues in that area. The commission voted 7-0, with one abstention, to accept the revisions. • The Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force also updated the Priority Nuisance Properties list, which focuses on vacated and blighted properties. Commissioner Pate stated that they deleted three properties but added six, bringing the list to 19 total. The commission voted 7-0, with one abstention, to approve the list and send a letter to the Vacant Building Enforcement Unit. • The commission voted unanimously to send a letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation reaffirming support for the Friends of Kim Brenegar Park and their park partnership. The next ANC 6B meeting is Jan. 14, 2014.
ANC 6C
by Charnice A. Milton
Down Syndrome Event Gena Mitchell, president of the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, presented her proposal for an awareness 5K event scheduled for March 30. Mitchell and her organization are working with five other Down syndrome awareness organizations around the DC area, as there is no such group in the city. While the event will take place west of ANC 6C, participants do come into the Union Station area. The commission voted 5-0 to support the event.
TruOrleans and Ibiza Protests, Update Commissioner Mark Kazmierczak (6C05) reported that before October’s protest hearing against TruOrleans the restaurant entered into a settlement agreement with the commission. The agreement granted the majority of the commission’s suggested restrictions, including no entertainment endorsement, an enclosed second floor, removing the H Street entrance, and keeping all doors and windows closed after 10:00 p.m. The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board approved the agreement with one change: the commission could not ask an applicant to lose or not apply for an endorsement. The ABC Board will issue its final order in January. Commissioner Tony Goodman (6C06) gave an update regarding the commission’s protest against Ibiza Nightclub’s license renewal. At last week’s roll call hearing ANC 6C, along with a group of 11 landowners, were certified as valid protestors. The mediation is scheduled for the end of February.
(continued from pg. 41) ...Bowser’s campaign and whether Tommy Wells can attract progressive voters into his camp, as David Grosso (I-At Large) did. In November 2012 the Brookland independent garnered 10,981 votes in Ward 4 during his contest against former councilmember Michael A. Brown, a favorite son. Either way, this only brings a third or less of the 32,000 additional votes Gray needs outside his eastern base.
Uncertainty in Ward 5 While Ward 4 remains very much in play, the situation next door in Ward 5 is even more unsettled. In his September 2006 race for chair, Gray garnered 9,772 votes, or 17 percent of his total, from Ward 5. Turnout in the ward was 36.76 percent. Orange garnered 1,255 votes, or 7.99 percent of the total cast. In September 2010 Gray trounced Fenty, a favorite son, taking 14,160 votes (74.75 percent). This constituted 19.5 percent of his total citywide. Turnout in the ward was 39.05 percent. Orange, running against then popular Kwame R. Brown for chair, garnered only 42.25 percent of the vote for a total of 7,742 votes. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in Ward 5 for the 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 primaries we get 27.5 percent. However, given the ward’s historically high turnout during mayoral contests, a figure of 35 percent is more likely. Based on the 50,806 registered Democrats in the ward, 17,782 voters are in play. In Ward 5 Gray faces Orange (D-At Large), a favorite son. He also must contend with Bowser, the neighboring councilmember, who has a strong claim on the ward owing to her father’s long political activism in its northeast corner. Finally, the ward provided Grosso with progressive support from the Brookland and Bloomingdale neighborhoods (5,405 votes). These western sections of the ward, having seen enormous demographic change, are being actively courted by Wells. There is no easy way to quantify what will happen in Ward 5. Bowser is an unknown entity, having never competed there. Orange has had trouble historically holding his own against a powerful African-American incumbent from Ward 7. It seems likely that Gray can conservatively pull at least 12,000 votes out of the ward.
One Fractured City Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 contain 247,169 registered Democratic voters. Yet, Gray’s path to victory through an eastern strategy remains uncertain. The analysis above suggests the mayor will garner something in the neighborhood of 40,000 votes, possibly more. While this will certainly provide a base for victory in an election waged against multiple opponents, success in a reduced field is much less certain. If one of Gray’s opponents can harness the discontent in the city’s western neighborhoods, Gray may be looking for a new job come 2014. u
January 2014 H 45
{capitol streets / anc news}
DDOT Issues Transportation and Public Space Committee Chair Joe McCann explained that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) created a comprehensive map in 2004 that diverts bus and truck traffic from the main streets; however, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) created a different map based on signage. Eulois Cleckley of DDOT stated the department is conducting a comprehensive analysis of freight movement within the city in order to create better bus and truck routes. He also stated that it would be no issue for DDOT to study 6th Street. The commission unanimously voted to send a letter of support to DDOT, MPD, and the mayor regarding restrictive signage on 6th, particularly the area between K Street and Florida Avenue, along with the 800-900 block of H Street. On Dec. 13 DDOT announced new loading zones on H Street. With the new streetcars traveling throughout the corridor Cleckley stated that DDOT is looking at turning portions of side streets into commercial loading zones. Working with DC Streetcar, DDOT discussed their plans with carriers and business owners. However, as Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) pointed out, DDOT did not consult the community or other ANCs in the area before making a decision. In fact, he called the plan “far from perfect,” citing space, locations, and loading hours as issues. The commission agreed, voting unanimously to send a letter of opposition citing a lack of outreach to the community.
6th St. Reconstruction Currently 6th Street is one-way except for a section between K Street and Florida Avenue. However, the commission considered the possibility of converting that section from two-way to one-way. McCann stated that this is important, especially since the surrounding sidewalks are not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and there is no green space. Since DDOT is assessing Florida Avenue, the Transportation and Public Space Committee recommended the commission send a letter asking DDOT to improve the two-way section of 6th Street. The commission voted unanimously to adopt this recommendation.
Beatles 50th Anniversary Rebecca Miller, director of the DC Preser-
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vation League (DCPL), announced plans for the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ first North American concert at Uline Arena. Partnering with Douglas Development and others, this event will occur on Feb. 11. DCPL expects about 3,000 people to come to the charity event, which has garnered national attention. To accommodate it the organization plans to close 3rd and M streets as well as two feet into 2nd Street. They also engaged the surrounding community by providing alternative parking and giving them free tickets. Commissioner Goodman called the event “the best of all worlds,” as it speeds up the cleaning and construction process of getting rid of asbestos and mold, while creating an historical event. Since DCPL has meetings planned with the neighbors and the Department of Homeland Security in January, the commission voted unanimously to support the event.
“Pop-ups” Discussion Commissioner Eckenwiler reported that the Planning, Zoning, and Environmental (PZE) Committee discussed issues about “pop-ups,” or building additions. Some PZE members expressed concerns, including zoning and building code violations as well as damage to adjacent properties. While Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells wrote a letter to the Office of Planning voicing his concerns on pop-ups, it did not offer any solutions. Commissioner Eckenwiler proposed that PZE members who are well-versed in building codes draft a letter to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs seeking better enforcement while identifying issues under current law. He hopes that the commission will vote on the letter during January’s meeting.
Other News • •
•
Joseph Slovinec introduced himself as a candidate for Ward 6 councilmember. Commissioner McCann addressed residents’ concerns about streetscape destruction along H Street as the first streetcar begins testing in the corridor. He said that the DC Streetcar team promised to make improvements, including replacing stones along tree beds and placing caps on streetlight bases. Commissioner Eckenwiler gave a summary
of upcoming developments discussed during the PZE meeting, including the previouslyapproved Apollo project. • According to Commissioner Kazmirczack, J.O. Wilson Elementary School won a RiverSmart grant, which allows them to expand their school garden. The next ANC 6C meeting is Jan. 8, 2014.
ANC 6D by Roberta Weiner
Changes Continue at Commission Two new members of the ANC were introduced at the meeting, having run for their seats without opposition so that an election procedure was not necessary. The new commissioner for SMD 6D01, replacing Donna Hopkins, is Sam Marrero, who can be reached at 6d01@anc. dc.gov. The new representative for 6D03, taking Ron McBee’s seat is Rachel Reilly Carroll. Whose email is 6d03@anc.dc.gov. In another change, Ed Kaminski, who represented 6D02, the single member district that crosses South Capitol Street between Southeast and Southwest, has resigned. An election will be held in February if there are multiple candidates. Finally, ANC Executive Director Susan Role has resigned in order to devote more time to her business as a parliamentarian. She was saluted at the meeting for her efforts on behalf of the commission.
Harris Teeter Making Progress Representatives of Forest City Washington came before the Commission to ask for approval for a curb cut and gutters on 4th and M Streets SE to allow for a loading dock for the new Harris Teeter rising behind the turreted brick wall at that corner. The cut, for a private service road, has already been approved by the Zoning Commission and they are now seeking an okay from the Department of Transportation. The ANC voted unanimously to approve. In the course of the presentation, the Commission learned that the building had been topped, obvious because the two cranes working
on the building are gone, and the building will be completed in late spring.
Help Sought for M Street Pedestrians Commissioner David Garber pointed out that the traffic lights on M Street SE were timed for automobile traffic before there were so many pedestrians crossing the street north and south. Because of that, too many people cross against the light, resulting in accidents. This will only increase, he said, as more residential buildings are built north of M Street and more amenities are developed to the south. Garber offered a resolution urging that DDOT present the ANC with a plan of timing improvements to M Street at intersections from Half Street SE to 4th Street that will increase signal regularity and make the cycle of light changes automatic and fixed without the need to press a “Walk” button. The motion passed unanimously, without any discussion.
Next Meeting The next meeting of ANC 6D will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014, at 7:00 PM at the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 1100 4th Street SW. One agenda item will be the election of officers for 2014.
ANC 6E by Steve Holton
Reinventing the Square The Washington DC Convention Center Authority attended the meeting to give a presentation on redevelopment of the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. The library was dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt and Andrew Carnegie and is also known as a special events venue for hosting galas, weddings, receptions, and press events. The plan calls for redeveloping the square while keeping the consistency of public gatherings for the community.
A large part of the new site plan calls for the Spy Museum, located downtown at 800 F St. NW, to make its new home in an additional structure to be built on the north side of the library, opposite the DC Convention Center. “We want to keep the character of the library so we don’t want to obscure or cover it up. The new addition will appear more open by having a modern, glassy and transparent design,” said Dan Kelley of MGA Partners Architects. The Spy Museum wants to move since it does not have a long-term lease at the current location. The architects would like to go underground with two-thirds of the museum to accommodate all its exhibits in the addition’s extra square footage. The above-ground portion will feature the Spy Museum’s retail shop, visitors center, café, and an area for special events. “The Historical Society of Washington, DC will continue to occupy the iconic Carnegie Library and have given their support of the new sketches,” said Kelley. The library’s north side will appear more like a city streetscape with the addition of extra trees and redeveloped paving. “Neighborhood demographics are trending toward more families moving in so we anticipate a playground, amphitheater, and pavilions in future plans” said Greg O’Dell, president and CEO of Events DC. Once the project breaks ground construction and renovation could take up to 18 months, and concerns of its impact on the community were raised. East and west streetcar lines have been proposed, but the conversation is not over due the concerns of other street traffic and cabstands that could make the area too congested. With neighborhoods being affected, dialogue on the transportation plan will continue. “We are hiring a transportation consultant to come in and make sure construction doesn’t affect the community. It is one of the most critical issues that we will have to address” said O’Dell. The Convention Center Advisory Committee will convene on January 17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, beginning at 5:00 p.m., to address public concerns of the project. Visit the Notice of Public Meetings page at www.eventsdc.com for other committee meeting dates.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C ANC 6C serves Capitol Hill, Union Station, NoMa as far east as 8th Street N.E. The community is invited to attend/participate. Monthly meetings are generally the second Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue N.E. Call for information: (202) 547-7168. www.anc6c.org Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee Grants Committee Contact 6C05@anc.dc.gov First Tuesday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 997-6662 Transportation and Public Space Committee Planning, Zoning, and First Thursday, 7 pm. Environment Committee Contact (202) 641-4264 First Wednesday, 7 pm. Contact zoning@eckenwiler.org
Commissioner Marge Maceda (6E05) made a special announcement informing everyone that the city has narrowed its design-firm search from 10 to four firms to develop a parcel of land at the corner of 5th and I streets NW. The land is located next to Massachusetts Avenue and is referred to as the Mt. Vernon Triangle property. “The 5th and I property is the gateway to our area so I am looking forward to the proposals” said Maceda. Ten proposals were submitted in July, and the excellence of the designs has given the city some hard choices. The four final groups and proposals selected are as follows: The Peebles Corporation, which plans to construct a hotel on the property (www.peeblescorp.com); CSG Urban Partners, which plans on creating a dog park, daycare center, and retail units (www.csgurban.com); Akridge, which plans to build a daycare center and bakery and create a green area with a playground (www. akridge.com); and JBG, which plans to create a community room available to the public and two triangle parks, one designated as a dog park (www. jbg.com). The groups will be submitting their proposals on Dec. 18 and 19 to the Deputy Mayor’s Office, which hopes to award a contract in January.
Venue Change? The board will continue the discussion of holding future meetings at the current location or another that would be more central to 6E constituents at the Jan. 8 meeting. Currently meetings are held at the Shaw Library on 1630 7th St. NW, and the proposed location is at Northwest One Library at 155 L St. NW. “The ANC will be able to connect with four single-member districts at the new location and we are
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interested in engaging these constituents because of the increase in development in the area. We want to know their opinion too” said ANC 6E04 Chairwoman Rachelle Nigro. If approved the venue change could go into effect as early as February.
Rito Loco Application A request for support for a special exemption to be a quick food service restaurant at 606 Florida Ave. NW was presented by Louie Hankins, an owner of the Rito Loco, a food truck franchise that makes burritos with homemade ingredients in locations all over DC. Hankins asked for the board’s consent to open a new location with seating in the Shaw neighborhood near Howard University. The restaurant will have up to 30 seats and be open early for breakfast and coffee and late for dinner and the Howard Theatre crowd. ANC 6E01 Vice Chairman Alexander Padro asked that the board table the motion until the ANC 6E meeting on Jan. 8 due to the absence of that particular area’s (6E02) commissioner, Kevin Chapple. Padro would like Chapple to have the opportunity to review the application and speak with adjacent property owners and area residents. “I fully support Rito Loco coming to the area, but I think we should take the responsible approach of consulting area constituents first” said Padro. Responded Hankins, “We are good stewards of the land by picking up any trash on our property. Business owners and residents have welcomed us with open arms but by all means speak with them yourself.” The motion passed to table the request until the January meeting.
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Other Topics of Note •
The board motioned to send a letter to DC Police Department Chief Kathy Lanier to have a representative at future 6E meetings and provide a public service announcement for the area. Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilman Tommy Wells will be copied in the letter. • A motion passed to support a public space patio application for Le Pain Quotidien at 433 Massachusetts Ave. NW. • A motion passed to the Director of District Department of Transportation to undertake a traffic study in the 400 block of Warner Street to install traffic-calming measures. The next ANC 6E meeting occurs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., at the Shaw Library, located at 1630 7th St. NW. Visit www.anc6e.org to view the ANC 6E newsletter. Follow on Twitter, @ANC6E, and Facebook by searching ANC6E. u
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January 2014 H 49
“On the Road Again”
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across: 1. Suffix with sea or moon 6. Pago Pago’s place 11. ___ Aquarids (May meteor shower) 14. ___-eyed 18. 200 milligrams 19. Online publication 20. Contents of some banks 22. Coatrack parts 23. Freddy flick 27. Expunge 28. Greasy 29. English county 30. Flush 32. Conclusion of some games 33. Element #10 34. Annoyance 37. Library section 41. Put in stitches 45. ___ system 46. Aggravate 48. Biddy 49. Tournament passes 51. Mayan language 52. Key letter 54. Norse goddess of fate 56. Beneficiary 57. Cook’s meas. 58. Children’s book inspired by 23-Across 62. Medium claim 63. Alleviate 64. Durable wood 65. Robust 66. Complex unit 68. Tie indicator 69. Capital on the Red River 72. Range rover 75. Losing come-out roll in craps 76. Launch site 77. High degree 80. 1947 Williams play 87. Beach bird 88. Compassion 89. ___-en-scène 90. Man of La Mancha 91. Bonanza find 92. United Nations agency acronym 93. Hale 94. “Hogwash!” 96. Gloppy stuff 97. Just out 100. Prayer book
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103. “E” and “u,” e.g. 105. Soaks, as flax 107. “Uh-uh” 108. Run off to the chapel 110. Buttonwoods 114. Elliptical 115. Elderly 119. “On ___,” “My Fair Lady” tune 122. English Channel resort 123. “La Scala di ___” (Rossini opera) 124. High wave 125. Narrow groove 126. “Idylls of the King” lady 127. Abbr. next to a telephone number 128. Clothesline alternative 129. “Get ___ of yourself!”
Down: 1. Bunch 2. Staff 3. Husk 4. Items on belts 5. Biblical verb ending 6. Round after the quarters 7. Spring bloomer 8. Like a bog 9. Inseparable 10. Relating to the Greek god of the winds 11. Scene of a fall 12. It’s softer than gypsum 13. Soul, in Hinduism 14. Track event 15. Bad look 16. Curved molding 17. “Humanum ___ errare” 21. Charges 24. Contents of some cartridges 25. Grandmothers, in the U.K. 26. 10 C-notes 31. ___ artery 32. First American to orbit the Earth 34. Maori war dance 35. Belittle 36. Second-year students, for short 38. Paroxysm 39. Digital tome 40. In ___ (harmonious) 42. Brownish 43. Pulled down, var. 44. Drain 47. Work, as dough
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 50. “Omigod!” 53. It was discovered by Native Americans 55. Approximately 56. Spicy stew 57. Gallivant 59. Boy toy? 60. Sage 61. Even if, briefly 67. “A Chorus Line” number 68. Not straight 69. Goes quickly 70. Birch relative 71. Affirmative action 72. Cop club 73. Alpine river
74. Scatter 75. Fiesta fare 76. Cuff 78. Door part 79. Drivel 81. Electrodes in a transistor 82. Dick 83. Losing first throw in Reno game 84. Concord 85. Prevent 86. “Aeneid” figure 93. Briefly showed oneself in public 95. Convex molding 98. Cleared 99. Cast 101. Again
102. Idolize 104. Fortune 106. Animal in a roundup 109. Cake part 110. Unit of loudness 111. Dolly ___ of “Hello, Dolly!” 112. Anatomical network 113. Fraternity letters 114. Bacchanal 116. Copter’s forerunner 117. Axis of ___ 118. Gone 119. Everyday article 120. Ring bearer, maybe 121. Cable network
{community life}
South by West by William Rich
Hyatt Place Hotel Groundbreaking Hyatt Place will be the operator of the 214-key hotel planned at 400 E St. SW, just north of the Southwest Freeway and across the street from the new Consolidated Forensic Lab. The vacant parcel most recently served as a parking lot, and before that there was a gas station on the site. The hotel will be called Hyatt Place DC Capitol/National Mall, and its entrance will be on E Street along with space for ground-floor retail. A new firehouse for Engine 13 will be on the 4th Street side of the building. This will be the second Hyatt Place hotel to open in the District – one is under construction in NoMa on New York Avenue NE and a third was recently announced for a site in the West End. The upscale select-service hotel brand is known for spacious guestrooms with a state-of-the-art media center, complementary Wi-Fi access, StayFit@Hyatt fitness centers, a coffee and wine bar, and 24-hour room service. An outdoor pool and rooftop bar will be a part of the E Street hotel. Two other hotels are in the general vicinity: a Courtyard by Marriott hotel a block east on E Street and a Holiday Inn at 6th and C streets SW. E Street Development Group won the rights to develop 400 E Street and a second parcel at 6th and E streets from the District government back in 2009. At the time the 400 E Street parcel was planned as an office building with a firehouse on the ground level and space for DC Central Kitchen and Kid Power Inc., a local nonprofit. At one point there was an effort to lure the headquarters of Northrop Grumman to the building with tax credits offered by the city, but ultimately the company chose to relocate to Fair-
fax County. Since then the planned office building changed to a hotel and the exterior changed from a fire-engine-red building designed by Beyer, Blinder, Belle to the current design by WDG; however, the building is still planned to achieve LEED-Silver certification. There will be a 1,300 square-foot retail space at the corner of 4th and E streets and space for Kid Power Inc. (the DC Central Kitchen space will be included in the second phase at 6th and E streets). A groundbreaking ceremony in early December was attended by Mayor Gray and other dignitaries. Official construction is expected to begin by the end of 2013, with the hotel greeting its first guests in 2015. The next few years will see a net gain of three hotels in Southwest, with Hyatt Place and three planned hotels at the Wharf including an Intercontinental Hotel, Aloft, and Element (the Channel Inn on Water Street is slated for closure due to the redevelopment along the waterfront). There is no timetable yet for the construction of the office building at 6th and E streets SW after the firehouse operations are moved from that site to the new location below the new Hyatt Place.
Randall Project Moving Forward At the November 2013 monthly meeting of ANC 6D the commissioners unanimously gave qualified support to the latest plans for the Randall School site redevelopment at Half and I streets. A few outstanding items still need to be spelled out, including a community benefits package and a construction management plan. In addition the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) gave unanimous concept approval to the planned unit develop-
October 2013 H 51
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ment. A nonprofit contemporary art museum from the collection of the Rubell family will be located in the original 1906 center building. The first floor of the museum will be used as a community cultural space, with an art gallery The three historic buildings along I Street SW will be maintained during featuring local artthe redevelopment of Randall Junior High School. Photo: William Rich ists, 100-seat auditorium, library, on the ground level facing the courtbookstore, cafĂŠ, and meeting space. yard and containing artist studios. The upper two levels will house the Twenty percent of the residential museum exhibits. Other arts-related units will be set aside as affordable to uses will be located in the west wing. households earning up to 80 percent A destination restaurant with outof area median income (AMI). door seating will be in the east wing Some changes were made to (both wings were built in 1927). Bethe plans from the original planned hind the center building a new threeunit development (PUD) submisstory addition will house additional sion that was recommended by the exhibition space for the art museum. HPRB. For instance, curved winTwo 12-story towers with 550 dows were added to the residential residential units will wrap behind addition, as well as more balconies the historic buildings and courtyard, and transparent bridges between the which will be open to the public. Six wings of the residential buildings. commercial spaces may be created Wood will be used on the doors lead-
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SALON 52 H Hillrag.com
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The new residential buildings proposed behind the historic buildings will be clad in glass and metal, contrasting with the brick façade of the existing school buildings. Rendering: Beyer Blinder Belle
ing from the residential units on the ground level to the courtyard to soften the appearance of the buildings. A glass façade has been added that will connect the historic central building to the three-story museum addition so that the back of the historic building will be visible. In a nod to the request of the late ANC Commissioner Ron McBee, the balustrade in the front of the building will be restored and the brick retaining wall will be replaced with a historically appropriate curb and berm. The sidewalk will slope downward toward the entrance to the central building, while the sidewalk will slope upward to the other two I Street buildings. The Telesis/Rubell team met with the Zoning Commission on Dec. 2, when the commissioners generally showed support for the project. At the ANC meeting Marilyn Melkonian from Telesis stated that once the development team gets approval from the Zoning Commission construction may begin in 2014, although at the Zoning Commission meeting it was indicated that final drawings may not be completed for six to 12 months after the project is approved, which may not happen until March 2014. This would probably push back the start to 2015. The first phase of development will include the historic buildings, museum addition, and one of the residential buildings. William Rich is a blogger at Southwest‌The Little Quadrant that Could (www.southwestquadrant.blogspot.com). u
January 2014 H 53
{community life / h street life}
H Street Life by Elise Bernard
A
new year ushers in a new era for H Street NE. The long awaited streetcar finally made its appearance in mid-December of last year. For now, the trolley rolls solo. But the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) says it will carry its first passengers starting this spring. The streetcar, and the anticipation of its arrival, has played a tremendous role in spurring development along our little corridor.
ode to Ms. Lim, and a mural depicting her adorns a rear wall.
The streetcar has (finally) come home.
Harvest Hopes to Offer a Farmto-Table Bounty along the H Street NE Corridor
CrossFit DC NE Coming to 1365 H Street NE Residents of the H Street Corridor have long, and loudly, called out for a local gym. In October Old City CrossFit (http://www.oldcitycrossfit.com) opened its doors at 810 H St. NE. Now comes news of a much larger CrossFit gym coming to the space previously occupied by the H Street Playhouse: CrossFit DC Northeast (http:// crossfitdc.com, 1365 H St. NE). At 4,500 square feet the new gym is quite large. As you may have gathered from the name, the owners run another CrossFit gym in the District (CrossFit DC over on 14th Street NW). CrossFit opened in 2005 and was actually the first CrossFit gym in the District. CrossFit consists of a wide variety of exercises meant to build both strength and endurance. It can consist of everything from running, to weightlifting, to gymnastics, to working the core, to things like jumpies and hill climbers. CrossFit can be a very intense workout, but CrossFit DC Northeast will work with everyone from beginners to competitive athletes. The owners hope to open this spring.
well as to watch it actually hit the tracks at the Hopscotch Bridge.
H & Heaven Rises at 701 H St. NE An entire neighborhood mourned the senseless murder of Hae Soon “June” Lim, who ran Grace Deli. Now a friend of hers has opened up a sandwich shop in the old space. The offerings primarily consist of a variety of freshly made sandwiches, but you’ll also find a few salads and a homemade soup or two. Prices are in the $7-9 range. One standout is the June Lim Sandwich, which consists of grilled shrimp and lobster meat served on a roll. June Lim isn’t just on the menu here, either. The name is an
The H Street NE Streetcar Comes Home The mythical streetcar has finally arrived on H Street. You still can’t ride it (expect that to change sometime this spring), but that didn’t stop crowds from gathering for its arrival in mid-December. A great number of folks braved the cold to catch a glimpse of it parked at 8th and H, as
54 H Hillrag.com
The restaurant scene along the H Street NE Corridor has exploded in recent years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. A recent Washington Business Journal delivered the news that Harvest, a new farm-to-table restaurant, will open this spring at 517 H St. NE. Chef Arthur Ringel most recently served as executive chef at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont. Harvest will be a collaboration between Chef Ringel and his brother, who will run the front-of-the-house operations. Though seafood will certainly appear on the menu at Harvest, you’ll also find meats, poultry, vegetables, and even pastas as well. Harvest will have two floors in an 1,800 square-foot space. They plan to have seating for 60 with an additional 10 seats at the first floor bar.
Foundry Offers Vintage Furnishings for Your Home The owner of Foundry (http://www.foundrybyfreeman.com, 1129 Atlas Court NE), previously located along the U Street Corridor, reportedly did quite a bit of searching before settling on a spacious carriage house located in an alley just off H Street NE. At 4,000 square feet the new space is much larger and will even allow for a new clothing component (Foundry Threads). Foundry was originally scheduled to open in December, but circumstances forced a delay until later this month.
Krampusnacht, a New H Street NE Tradition
H & Heaven brings new life and hope to the former Grace Deli space.
Did you turn out for the second annual H Street NE Krampusnacht? If you didn’t you missed out. What is Krampusnacht? It’s a traditional celebration in which Santa’s darker helper goes out in search of naughty boys and girls, whom he then spirits away
Your Neighbor On The Hill
“The road to success is not always straight; let me help you through the real estate maze to a happy and successful destination” and later devours. On H Street NE it’s a family friendly procession of devilishly costumed participants who play to the crowd (younger children might be frightened by the costumes). This year’s event drew a large crowd of all ages, and it promises to delight for years to come.
Deborah Charlton
Long and Foster Realtors Christie’s Great Estates
(202) 415-2117 (202) 944-8400
Krampus patrols the Atlas District in search of naughty children.
DC.DC@LongandFoster.com www.yourneighboronthehill.com
Peter Frias “Your Connection to Capitol Hill and Beyond”
Argonaut Starts Thursday & Friday Brunch Service I’ve often heard people say that DC is a city obsessed with brunch. A recent announcement from the Argonaut (http:// argonautdc.com, 1433 H St. NE) lends credence to that argument. The owners recently unveiled plans to expand their popular weekend brunch to Thursdays and Fridays. The Argonaut, which first opened in 2005, is a standard option for many in the neighborhood. It’s as popular for its family-friendly vibe as for its Tuesday Science Nights, during which teams answer science trivia and complete challenges straight out of junior high. Stop by on an upcoming Taco Tuesday and take advantage of discounts on one of their more popular options. For more on what’s abuzz on and around H Street you can visit my blog, http://frozentropics. blogspot.com. You can send me tips or questions at elise.bernard@ gmail.com. u
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January 2014 H 55
{community life / barracks row}
Eastern Market Metro Plaza Interactive Website Open For Comments by Sharon Bosworth
B
arracks Row is sponsoring a design study to renew and upgrade the Eastern Market METRO plaza / park area both functionally and aesthetically. A major step along that path was achieved the week of December 23 with the launch of the Eastern Market Metro Park interactive website www.easternmarketmetropark.org The general study area for the Eastern Market Metro Park project is the public land on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, between 7th and 9th Streets, shown here in an aerial photo-
graph that labels each of the parcels with a number. Two alternative conceptual master plans for the parcels are now on the website for review and comment titled Concept A (Bosque) and Concept B (Library). The word in parenthesis refers to the defining feature in each Concept’s Parcel #4 design. A bosque is an oasis-like area created by a canopy of tall trees. The bosque in Concept A runs parallel to D Street, SE, between the METRO canopy and the retail shops lining D Street, SE. A proposed underground expansion to the Southeast Library, which might have an entrance on the METRO plaza, led to the term “Library” for Concept B. To locate the two defining features in these Concept drawings, look to the left of the METRO canopy.
The Project Design Team Is Listening Concept A (Bosque) features oasis of tall trees along D Street, SE
Concept B (Library) features possible entrance pavilion (to left of METRO canopy) leading to proposed underground expansion of Southeast Library
56 H Hillrag.com
By accessing www.easternmarketmetropark.org you can review the power point presentation made to the community in December 2013 by project architect, Amy Weinstein, Essocoff & Associates, Landscape Architect, Lisa Delplace, Oehme van Sweden and traffic planners, Kittleson and Associates. To leave comments for the designers on the interactive website virtual
“sticky notes” are available which can be positioned anywhere on the plans. There are easy to follow “sticky note” directions in the upper right corner of each Concept page. Both of these birds’ eye views show Parcel #1 in the foreground and Parcel # 4 in the distance, looking southwest toward the Metro station canopy. By utilizing the virtual sticky notes you can even mix design ideas from the two plans. For instance, if you basically like Concept B (Library) best but you want to move the water feature to where it appears in Concept A, just say that on a sticky note you place near the water feature. The site also contains a Transportation Survey and a link to the project blog. The comment period will remain open until the third week in January. The Eastern Market Metro Park Task Force will convene in early 2014 to review all community comments on Concept A (Bosque) and Concept B (Library), the Transportation Survey as well as blog comments. After reviewing community input, the task force will give further direction to the design team.
New Year’s Eve On The Row On the evening on December 31st you will find a smorgasboard of options on Barracks Row. At Matchbox, 521 8th Street, SE, it will be business hours as usual. But at Ambar, right next door at 523 8th Street, SE, there will be special menus and three seatings for dinner, and a New Year’s Eve party which begins at 10:00 p.m. At Belga Cafe, 514 8th Street, SE, there will be two menus and price options--one for the early seating and one for the late. The first seating is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by the late seating at 9:15 p.m. At Senart’s Oyster and Chop House, 520 8th Street, SE, their regular menu will be available all evening but if you are looking for adventure Senart’s Chef Brandon Tharp promises a New Year’s special or two. But, don’t wait to make reservations. The week before Christmas Rose’s Luxury, 717 8th Street, SE, was almost booked up for their New Years dinners.
Step out for the Capitol Hill Village Gala This Year the Annual Fundraiser Goes Global Developments at 515 8th Street, SE January will bring the opening of the longawaited Medium Rare at 515 8th Street. Medium Rare is a DC-based steak and pomme frites Parisian style café with locations in Cleveland Park and Bethesda. Devoted fans, including BRMS Executive Director Martin Smith, rave over their steak dinners with seconds for $19.99. Owner Mark Bucher had contemplated a late 2013 opening, but permitting and substantial renovations took longer than expected. Meanwhile, the Cheung family, owners of the building at 515 8th Street, SE, where Medium Rare is opening, confirmed their plans to re-establish a take-out Asian restaurant to be located above Medium Rare. The Cheung family bought the building many years ago and until 2004 ran an Asian themed take-out business there before it was renovated and re branded as dine-in restaurant, Fusion Grill. Though no firm opening date or has been established, we expect the Cheungs’ new 2nd floor take-out venture will be open by mid-2014.
2014 Event Watch: Restaurant Week to 4th of July Keep celebrating the New Year by reuniting with old friends over dinner. Restaurant Week, January 17 – 23, hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, is a bi-yearly citywide event featuring three course lunches for $20.14 and three course dinners for $35.14. Restaurant Week is one sure way to gauge the evolution of eateries on your must-try list. As Capitol Hill’s restaurant row you’ll find many Barracks Row restaurants participating including Ambar, Belga Café, Lavagna, 539 8th Street, SE, and Zest Bistro, 735 8th Street, SE. By mid January you can check out the entire list of Barracks Row restaurants participating in Restaurant Week by going to www.barracksrow.org. Looking forward, save the date for Barracks Row’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. A full line up of spring and summer events on the Row is planned for the first half of 2014 including the Bunny Trail, Taste of 8th, the Barracks Row Garden Party and 4th of July! u
T
by Mike Canning
he sixth annual Gala party of the Capitol Hill Village (CHV) will circle the globe this month with the theme “The 2014 World Tour.” Taking place on Saturday evening, Jan. 25, the Gala offers a chance to catch a fantasy flight around the world in an evening of music, entertainment, and fun. The Gala will run from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. throughout the program rooms of the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). The evening’s music–aiming at an aroundthe-world flavor–will be provided by Raggs and the All Stars playing in the center’s Abraham Lincoln Hall. The hall will serve as a large dance space, with surrounding seating areas and drinks and snacks. The Gala’s World Tour will offer the sounds, views, cultures, tastes, and entertainment of Brazil, Indonesia, Morocco, Italy, and a group of West African nations. “We wanted to celebrate the Hill community’s appreciation of different cultures, ” said Gala Chair Doriann Fengler, who added, “Think of it as a virtual vacation. World travel in one night.” The four featured nations and West Africa will be located in separate rooms on the first and second floors of the Hill Center. Each will offer tastings of special foods, music, dancing and costumes, artwork, and stories. Selected Village staffers will be dressed in foreign costumes from the five areas, while attendees will be encouraged to show off accessories such as scarves, jackets, headgear, shoes, and jewelry from foreign countries they have visited. Incorporated into this international marketplace will be a silent auction offering the Gala’s popular “salon dinners.” According to dinners’ coordinator Deborah Hanlon these events will allow successful bidders “to share a fine meal and lively conversation in a Capitol Hill home in the company of authors, diplomats, entertainers, and local celebrities.” Among the salon dinner speakers will be Congressman John Lewis, veteran legislator from Georgia and civil rights icon, who will discuss his 50 years of activism. Donald Kohn, recently retired vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, will be on hand at another dinner to talk about all things economic.
Mike Ambrose will talk about “Adventure Travel for the Over 70 Set!” with tales of his trekking the world. In other sessions Harriet Tregoning, director of the DC Office of Planning, will converse with dinner guests on her department’s aims to make Washington a more livable, sustainable city. Also featured will be Ambassador David Shinn, Capitol Hill resident and African specialist, who will share his thoughts on the topic “China in Africa: Savior or Self- Interest?” Bidding will also be underway for a number of US and across-the-water vacation homes. Once again weekend and/or week-long vacation homes will be up for bids during the evening, including many offered at previous Galas as well as some new ones. Among the more enticing new getaways being offered is a four-day, three-night stay for four in a condo in the heart of downtown New York City. Included will be a $200 gift certificate for a neighborhood Greek restaurant. Also available will be a
cozy cottage (which sleeps four) on Lake Dunmore near Middlebury, Vt., close to the Green Mountains and quaint local villages. Also new this year is a twonight stay for two at a newly renovated loft condo on Philadelphia’s Locust Point, which overlooks the Schuylkill River and is within walking distance of numerous downtown attractions. Besides the salon dinners and the vacation spots there will be sign-up sheets for special services and skill sessions like pottery lessons, behind-the-scenes tours, and unique theater events. Close to 300 people attended the 2013 Gala, drawing both CHV members and a mix of other Hill residents ready to dance and enjoy themselves. The event is the Village’s primary annual fundraiser, and last year’s gala netted $52,000 for the organization, which aims to help its members live their lives to the fullest in their own homes as they grow older. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase tickets for $80 per individual until Jan. 20, when the cost for all will rise to $90. Reservations can be made by calling Capitol Hill Village at 202-543-1778 or going to the CHV website at www.capitolhillvillage. org. More details about the entire Gala program can also be found at the same website. u
January 2014 H 57
{community life / capitol riverfront}
Winter in the Capitol Riverfront by Michael Stevens, AICP. President, Capitol Riverfront BID
T
here is a wintertime rhythm to the parks and restaurant scene of the Capitol Riverfront that should draw you out on these colder winter days and nights. The Canal Park ice rink is open for business and skaters are returning to the Capitol Riverfront for time on the ice! Over 20,000 skaters joined us last year, and while the rink was delayed in opening this year, it is back at full operations with the following hours: Canal Park Ice Rink. Photo: OLIN/Sahar Coston-Hardy • Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Tavern restaurant. Also, take a break from skat• Wednesday–Friday: ing and take a walk through Canal Park and see 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. the landscape in its dormant period. Shrubs and • Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. bushes have been pruned, flowers and other • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. perennials cut back, and the water features are So come for a skate and then stay for a late turned off for the winter. The winter landscape lunch, dinner, or a warm beverage at the Park is beautiful in its own way and a prelude to the
coming growth seasons. Yards Park is in a similar state of winter landscape except that the water wall and fountain features are active except when we close them for periods of exceptionally cold weather. The park lighting is beautiful at night as well, with the blue lights under the curvilinear benches offering colorful lighting to guide you through the park. The Anacostia River and the boardwalk offer a great wintertime promenade before or after dinner at the Bluejacket Brewery & Arsenal Restaurant, Osteria Morini, or Agua 301. Agua 301 is our latest restaurant opening by the Zest Bistro team – Amanda & Steve Briggs and David Bonior. Located on the
The bright Interior of Osteria Morini
south side of the Lumbershed Building on Water Street, SE, the restaurant features modern Mexican food with a tequila bar. Osteria Morini and Agua 301 will both offer outdoor seating in the warmer months, but for now they both offer a warm setting, excellent food, and great views to Yards Park from inside their restaurants. Some future restaurant openings include Willie’s Brew & Que and 100 Montaditos in the Boilermaker Shops; Sweetgreen and TaKorean in the Twelve12 project; and Nicoletta which will offer fresh pizza in the retail bays of the Yards Park overlook.
Development
A shot of the interior of Bluejacket Brewery
58 H Hillrag.com
While the winter months do bring a slow-down in activity in the parks and open spaces, development projects continue at a rapid pace and are currently transforming the landscape of the Capitol Riverfront.
Projects currently underway include: Twelve12 – the Twelve12 project “topped out” in November 2013 and exterior facades are being installed and interior finish-outs have started. Various components of this mixed-use project will deliver from April – October of 2014. Park Chelsea – this 433-unit apartment building by WC Smith has already seen five floors poured and will deliver in early 2015 at 880 New Jersey Avenue, SE. Velocity II – this 287-unit apartment building has reached nine floors of construction and is being built by Toll Brothers adjacent to the Velocity condominiums on First Street, SE. It is scheduled to deliver in late 2014. Parcel N – Forest City’s latest residential building is being built adjacent to the Foundry Lofts project with frontage on Tingey, 4th and Water Streets, SE. Construction work has begun on this 327-unit building that will deliver in 2016. Several new development projects should start construction in 2014 that will also continue to redefine the physical fabric of our neighborhood. These future development projects include: • Hampton Inn – this 170+ room Hampton Inn will be built near the ballpark with frontage on N & 1st Streets, SE by the Buccini/Pollin Group. The project is expected to start in the 1st quarter of 2014 and deliver in 2015. • 880 New Jersey – this 336 unit apartment building with a 35,000 SF Whole Foods Grocer will start construction in March/ April of 2014. It is being developed by the WC Smith team and should deliver in early 2016. • Square 701 – this block bounded by 1st, M and N Streets, SE as well as Cushing Place will contain a 225,000 SF office building, a 180-room hotel, a 285-unit residential building, and 43,000 SF of ground floor retail uses. Developed by Grosvenor/Skanska/McCaffery Interests, the project is expected to start in the 2nd quarter of 2014. • RiverFront – this project is a 309-unit apartment building with ground floor retail being developed by MRP Realty on the Flor-
ida Rock site adjacent to Diamond Teague Park. The project will include a segment of the Riverwalk Trail, an enhancement of Diamond Teague Park, and is projected to start in the 3rd quarter of 2104 and deliver in late 2016. • 1111 New Jersey – being developed by the Donohoe Companies, this 324-unit apartment building is adjacent to the New Jersey entrance to the Navy Yard/Ballpark Metro station. The project is expected to start in the 3rd quarter of 2014 and will deliver in 2016. The next four years will be pivotal in our neighborhood’s development history as we should reach more than 50% of our projected build-out of over 36 million SF of development. At the end of that period we will have added two new grocery stores, two new hotels, a major health club with spa and pool facilities, several new restaurants, eight new residential buildings, and enhancements to Diamond Teague Park and the Riverwalk Trail that will provide more access to the Anacostia River. We hope that you had an opportunity to witness ArtYards, a temporary art installation on the former National Geospatial Agency building and parking lot at 1st and M Street, SE. Forest City Washington commissioned several artists to paint large scale murals on three sides of the building, a three-dimensional painting on the surface parking lot, and a three-day light show on the building’s fourth façade. The paintings will remain in place until the building is demolished in 2014, and then the site will be reworked to provide additional opportunities for “temporary urbanism”. Come visit us this winter for a skate at Canal Park, a nice lunch or dinner in one of our restaurants, a winter’s stroll in one of our parks, or just to see the next development wave underway in the Capitol Riverfront. And remember, the Nats’ spring training starts in February, so spring is not so far away! Have a Happy New Year!! Michael Stevens, AICP is president of the Capitol Riverfront BID. u
January 2014 H 59
{where we live}
60 H Hillrag.com
photos: Melissa Ashabranner
January 2014 H 61
62 H Hillrag.com
{real estate} Changing Hands Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia 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
FEE SAMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1439 KENNEDY ST NW 1503 GALLATIN ST NW 1508 VARNUM ST NW
ADAMS MORGAN 2337 17TH ST NW
$714,000 $400,000 $772,000
7 0 4
$595,000
2
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4010 VEAZEY ST NW 4104 46TH ST NW 4406 RIVER RD NW 4420 CHESAPEAKE ST NW 4429 WARREN ST NW 4443 FESSENDEN ST NW 4528 VAN NESS ST NW
ANACOSTIA 1322 TALBERT TER SE 1328 RIDGE PL SE 1803 16TH ST SE 1830 T PL SE
ATLAS DISTRICT 1618 F ST NE
BERKLEY
2203 FOXBORO PL NW 4403 W ST NW
BLOOMINGDALE 132 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 52 W ST NW
BRIGHTWOOD
1346 SHERIDAN ST NW 1377 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 1447 ROCK CREEK FORD RD NW 429 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 517 TUCKERMAN ST NW 6808 PINEY BRANCH RD NW 7222 BLAIR RD NW 802 WHITTIER PL NW
BROOKLAND 2314 2ND ST NE 2717 6TH ST NE 3812 25TH PL NE
$792,500 $795,000 $902,000 $789,000 $870,000 $778,850 $849,000
3 3 3 3 3 2 3
$106,000 $282,000 $225,500 $270,000
2 3 3 4
$493,000
3
$1,650,000 $1,050,000
7 6
$650,000 $755,000
3 4
$454,000 $505,000 $680,000 $405,000 $399,000 $518,000 $759,000 $605,000
3 3 4 4 4 3 5 4
$410,000 $335,000 $549,000
3 3 4
4103 13TH ST NE 4415 13TH ST NE 4625 12TH ST NE 4703 7TH ST NE 917 HAMLIN ST NE
BURLEITH
1947 39TH ST NW 3513 R ST NW 3707 RESERVOIR RD NW 3923 HIGHWOOD CT NW
CAPITOL HILL
1151 6TH ST NE 109 5TH ST SE 1101 E ST NE 1107 C ST NE 1119 EAST CAPITOL ST SE 1130 K ST SE 12 10TH ST NE 1213 DUNCAN PL NE 1215 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 123 11TH ST SE 1232 MARYLAND AVE NE 1235 K ST SE 1251 F ST NE 1317 CAROLINA AVE SE 1401 G ST NE 1437 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 1451 CAROLINA AVE SE 15 BROWNS CT SE 161 DUDDINGTON PL SE 1701 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1747 A ST SE 2512 E ST NE 318 16TH ST SE 339 11TH ST SE 34 8TH ST NE 517 F ST NE
$390,000 $380,000 $330,000 $341,000 $449,900
3 3 3 3 3
$825,000 $1,075,000 $770,000 $1,295,000
3 3 3 4
$650,000 $1,000,000 $830,000 $825,000 $933,000 $525,000 $1,321,000 $682,000 $775,000 $850,000 $878,000 $442,000 $483,500 $770,000 $669,500 $513,500 $630,000 $1,132,000 $679,000 $542,000 $710,000 $481,500 $810,000 $749,000 $665,000 $711,600
3 4 3 3 5 2 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 4 4 3 3 2 2
607 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 611 10TH ST NE 644 G ST SE 656 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 657 SOUTH CAROLINA . AVE SE 663 K ST NE 823 5TH ST NE 925 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE 218 F ST NE 513 9TH ST SE 1127 3RD ST NE
CENTRAL
2144 NEWPORT PL NW
CHEVY CHASE
3005 STEPHENSON PL NW 3125 QUESADA ST NW 3206 NORTHAMPTON ST NW 3342 STUYVESANT PL NW 3509 MCKINLEY ST NW 3736 HUNTINGTON ST NW 3934 MORRISON ST NW 5445 30TH PL NW 5445 33RD ST NW 5928 BROAD BRANCH RD NW 6683 32ND ST NW
CHILLUM
238 MADISON ST NW
CLEVELAND PARK 3061 PORTER ST NW 3306 PORTER ST NW
COLONIAL VILLAGE 1825 PARKSIDE DR NW 1840 PRIMROSE RD NW
$539,000 $670,000 $650,000 $730,000 $735,000 $667,000 $850,000 $1,200,000 $1,099,000 $765,000 $455,000
2 3 2 3 4 3 4 3 5 2 2
$760,000
2
$661,000 $784,500 $1,450,000 $1,075,000 $850,000 $1,200,000 $1,362,000 $909,000 $670,000 $789,000 $1,100,000
2 5 6 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3
$360,000
3
$1,157,000 $1,100,000
4 4
$916,000 $775,000
4 4
January 2014 H 63
1451 S. Carolina Ave. SE (SOLD)
Evelyn Branic, GRI COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Wishing you a New Year Filled with Happiness, Success & Peace. Let’s make dreams come true in 2014
3414 Highwood Dr SE (CONTRACT)
1336 PARKWOOD PL NW 1338 MERIDIAN PL NW 1409 OAK ST NW 1467 GIRARD ST NW 1525 MONROE ST NW 2904 13TH ST NW 3021 11TH ST NW 3541 HERTFORD PL NW 3543 HERTFORD PL NW 3631 WARDER ST NW 514 COLUMBIA RD NW 618 QUINCY ST NW 725 PRINCETON PL NW 770 HOBART PL NW
2330 Branch Ave SE (ACTIVE)
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 630 CHESAPEAKE ST SE 724 CONGRESS ST SE 726 CONGRESS ST SE 805 HR DR SE 823 YUMA ST SE
CRESTWOOD 2044 TRUMBULL TER NW 4305 BLAGDEN AVE NW
DEANWOOD
1437 S. Carolina Ave. SE (SOLD)
B
velyn R
E
A
630 D. St. NE (SOLD)
ranic L
T
Y
108 15th St. SE (CONTRACT)
Jenkins Row—2BRR (SOLD)
202.741.1674
www.cbmove.com/evelyn.branic Licensed DC, MD & VA
1006 48TH ST NE 244 56TH PL NE 253 56TH ST NE 316 49TH ST NE 5016 JAY ST NE 511 58TH ST NE 5509 HUNT PL NE 7 BURNS ST NE
DUPONT
1528 CHURCH ST NW 1708 21ST ST NW 1616 T ST NW
ECKINGTON 11 S ST NW 129 RANDOLPH PL NW 170 TODD PL NE 175 TODD PL NE 2004 4TH ST NE 2110 4TH ST NE 220 RANDOLPH PL NE 321 U ST NE 75 FLORIDA AVE NW
FOREST HILLS
Office: 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, WDC 20003 Phone: 202.547.3525
3303 FESSENDEN ST NW 4444 LINNEAN AVE NW
FORT DUPONT PARK 1639 40TH ST SE 4010 ALABAMA AVE SE 4350 F ST SE 4415 A ST SE 4622 H ST SE
FOXHALL
1431 FOXHALL RD NW 4471 GREENWICH PKWY NW
New MilleNNiuM BUY • SELL • LEASE • MORTGAGE • TITLE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • RELOCATION
64 H Hillrag.com
CARTUS MASTERS CUP WINNER
www.c21nm.com
202-546-0055
GEORGETOWN 1242 POTOMAC ST NW 1412 29TH ST NW 1521 29TH ST NW 2703 P ST NW
$500,000 $720,000 $732,000 $790,000 $810,000 $750,250 $681,000 $820,000 $465,000 $408,000 $450,000 $532,500 $549,000 $447,000
3 3 3 4 4 6 4 3 3 3 2 4 3 3
$215,500 $225,000 $234,900 $145,000 $225,000
3 5 4 3 3
$870,000 $950,000
5 4
$217,000 $285,000 $150,000 $155,000 $155,000 $297,000 $180,000 $258,000
2 3 2 2 4 5 2 3
$740,000 $1,361,000 $1,700,000
2 7 6
$399,999 $765,000 $226,524 $529,000 $572,000 $449,000 $285,000 $340,000 $425,000
3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4
$975,000 $1,415,000
3 5
$230,000 $300,000 $189,000 $289,990 $232,000
3 4 3 4 3
$600,000 $1,337,500
4 4
$2,625,000 $1,750,000 $3,495,000 $1,400,001
3 4 4 4
2720 N ST NW 3420 PROSPECT ST NW
$1,975,000 $745,000
GLOVER PARK 2103 HUIDEKOPER PL NW 2239 39TH PL NW 2410 37TH ST NW 2456 39TH PL NW 3809 CALVERT ST NW 3823 CALVERT ST NW 3843 BEECHER ST NW
$865,000 $800,000 $750,000 $855,000 $759,000 $835,500 $803,450
HILL CREST 10 RANDLE CIR SE 1400 34TH ST SE 1511 28TH ST SE 2115 BRANCH AVE SE 2502 33RD ST SE 3148 WESTOVER DR SE 3430 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE
$158,400 $370,500 $223,000 $245,000 $350,000 $489,000 $495,000
HILLANDALE 3920 GEORGETOWN CT NW
$1,110,000
KALORAMA 1807 PHELPS PL NW 2005 BELMONT RD NW 2118 BANCROFT PL NW 2424 KALORAMA RD NW
$1,675,000 $1,025,000 $2,545,000 $4,500,000
4 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 2 3 4 3 3 5 5 4 5 3 3 5
KENT 5001 MILLWOOD LN NW 5020 PALISADE LN NW 5040 KLINGLE ST NW 5248 MACOMB ST NW
$2,732,000 $2,225,000 $900,000 $970,000
LEDROIT PARK 1803 4TH ST NW 1838 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW 2130 2ND ST NW 415 T ST NW
$845,000 $600,000 $710,000 $700,000
7 5 4 3 4 4 5 3
LOGAN 1452 CORCORAN ST NW 1901 12TH ST NW 1930 11TH ST NW
$1,210,000 $764,750 $850,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 120 53RD ST SE 4612 BASS PL SE 5309 D ST SE 5539 CENTRAL AVE SE
$215,000 $85,000 $294,900 $85,000
MICHIGAN PARK 4824 EASTERN AVE NE 1816 MICHIGAN AVE NE
$335,000 $435,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 1768 KILBOURNE PL NW 1813 KILBOURNE PL NW 1867 PARK RD NW 1919 PARK RD NW 3129 19TH ST NW 3337 17TH ST NW
$1,050,000 $1,092,000 $800,000 $1,380,000 $925,000 $800,000
3 2 4 3 3 4 2 3 3 4 5 4 6 3 4
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3600 VAN NESS ST NW
$975,000
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2711 36TH ST NW 3532 EDMUNDS ST NW
$2,895,000 $1,725,000
4 5 6
OLD CITY #1
January 2014 H 65
ERS. Y U B G N I V SER ELLERS. UNIT Y. S G N I V R E S COMM een R U O G N I V f Hillow SER d Sponsor o Prou
Jackie VonSchlegel 202.255.2537 Mark Spiker 202.341.9880
jackie@jackiev.com 202-547-5088 Licensed in DC, VA, MD & FL
1005 FLORIDA AVE NE 1109 I ST NE 1110 I ST NE 1310 I ST NE 1425 C ST NE 1527 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 1617 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1646 KRAMER ST NE 217 9TH ST NE 445 15TH ST NE 509 13TH ST SE 535 23RD PL NE 659 MARYLAND AVE NE 701 F ST NE 722 19TH ST NE 829 11TH ST NE
OLD CITY #2 1201 T ST NW 1319 T ST NW 1733 19TH ST NW 204 BATES ST NW 208 N ST NW 403 FRANKLIN ST NW
PALISADES
5060 MACARTHUR BLVD NW 5308 DORSETT PL NW 5624 MACARTHUR BLVD NW 5816 MACARTHUR BLVD NW
PETWORTH
121 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 131 JEFFERSON ST NW 217 FARRAGUT ST NW 221 JEFFERSON NW 232 GALLATIN ST NW 320 ALLISON ST NW 328 SHEPHERD ST NW 4102 5TH ST NW 4129 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4205 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4212 3RD ST NW 4215 7TH ST NW 425 INGRAHAM ST NW 4314 2ND ST NW 4333 3RD ST NW 4503 5TH ST NW 4525 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4604 KANSAS AVE NW 5112 3RD ST NW 5316 KANSAS AVE NW 5410 KANSAS AVE NW 5726 5TH ST NW 614 MADISON ST NW 709 VARNUM ST NW 718 HAMILTON ST NW 726 FARRAGUT ST NW 728 FARRAGUT ST NW 810 DELAFIELD PL NW
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1526 23RD ST SE 1718 22ND ST SE 3124 24TH ST SE 3463 23RD ST SE 3465 23RD ST SE
RIGGS PARK 402 PEABODY ST NE 5027 12TH ST NE 560 INGRAHAM ST NE
66 H Hillrag.com
$600,000 $486,000 $608,000 $459,000 $620,000 $423,500 $443,500 $345,000 $813,000 $425,000 $787,000 $275,000 $839,000 $1,385,000 $370,000 $700,000
4 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 3
$1,125,000 $1,350,000 $1,850,000 $660,000 $625,000 $444,000
3 4 5 3 2 2
$735,000 $2,370,000 $850,000 $1,100,000
1 5 3 4
$615,000 $410,000 $399,900 $585,000 $434,000 $529,000 $417,500 $640,000 $257,000 $580,000 $450,000 $625,000 $480,000 $530,000 $499,000 $452,000 $400,000 $695,000 $495,000 $620,000 $650,000 $505,000 $547,000 $555,000 $535,000 $530,000 $542,500 $300,000
3 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 2 3 5 4 5 5 3 4 3 4 3 5 3
$310,000 $130,000 $155,000 $86,100 $76,100
4 3 5 2 2
$310,000 $315,000 $230,000
3 4 3
782 KENNEDY ST NE 5045 8TH ST NE
RLA (SW) 715 6TH ST SW
SHAW
605 Q ST NW
SHEPHERD PARK 1442 IRIS ST NW 7500 12TH ST NW 7573 ALASKA AVE NW 7615 13TH ST NW
SPRING VALLEY 4920 INDIAN LN NW
TAKOMA PARK 32 UNDERWOOD PL NW 6724 2ND ST NW
TRINIDAD
1115 HOLBROOK TER NE 1158 NEAL ST NE 1175 SUMMIT ST NE 1237 16TH ST NE 1320 LEVIS ST NE 1622 MONTELLO AVE NE 1743 L ST NE 1820 H PL NE
U STREET 1228 W ST NW
WAKEFIELD
3621 EVERETT ST NW 4827 NEBRASKA AVE NW
WESLEY HEIGHTS 4240 EMBASSY PARK DRIVE NW 4430 WESTOVER PL NW 4432 WESTOVER PL NW 4435 WESTOVER PL NW 4500 EDMUNDS ST NW 4773 DEXTER ST NW
WOODRIDGE 1434 MONTANA AVE NE 1815 OTIS ST NE 1819 OTIS ST NE 2200 R ST NE 3013 20TH ST NE
$379,900 $356,000
3 3
$737,000
4
$862,500
4
$719,000 $549,000 $850,000 $736,500
5 4 5 5
$3,000,000
5
$349,000 $718,000
3 4
$289,000 $360,000 $389,000 $173,250 $455,000 $210,000 $220,000 $310,000
2 4 2 3 3 2 2 3
$915,000
3
$769,000 $740,000
3 4
$705,000 $1,150,000 $1,000,000 $1,012,500 $2,475,000 $1,850,000
2 3 3 3 6 6
$414,000 $385,000 $414,900 $270,000 $276,000
4 3 4 3 3
$720,000 $720,000 $330,000 $700,000 $725,000 $635,000 $609,900 $685,000 $685,000 $682,500
2 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
CONDO ADAMS MORGAN 1700 KALORAMA RD NW #204 1745 KALORAMA RD NW #B1 1840 CALIFORNIA ST NW #20A 2380 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #304 2410 17TH ST NW #305 2421 18TH ST NW #302 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #1 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #2 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #3 2512 ONTARIO RD NW #2
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #453
$475,000
1
THANK YOU!
Grant, Ryall & Andrew are working with your neighbors everyday to create more real estate success stories!
BARRY FARMS 2640 WADE RD SE #21
]BLOOMINGDALE 1839 1ST ST NW #2 223 FLORIDA AVE NW #4 6 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #1
BRENTWOOD 1384 BRYANT ST NE #102
BRIGHTWOOD 300 ASPEN ST NW #302 5414 1ST PL NW #202 5414 1ST PL NW #504
BROOKLAND 60 HAWTHORNE CT NE
CAPITOL HILL
105 6TH ST SE #105 1333 CONSTITUTION AVE NE #B 1343-1345 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #2 1343-1345 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #4 1343-1345 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #5 1343-1345 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #6 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #251 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #526 1442 CAPITOL ST NE #1442 1447 EAST CAPITOL ST SE #1 18 9TH ST NE #205 223 18TH ST SE #4 311 7TH ST NE #3 334 14TH PL NE #4 410 11TH ST NE #9 414 SEWARD SQ SE #303 424 CAPITOL ST NE #9 528 13TH ST SE #528A
CENTRAL
1099 22ND ST NW #308 1112 25TH ST NW #2 1150 K ST NW #505 1260 21ST ST NW #603 1280 21ST ST NW #506 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #518 2201 L ST NW #102 2301 N ST NW #504 2425 L ST NW #633 915 E ST NW #711
CHEVY CHASE
5402 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #406
CLEVELAND PARK 2902 PORTER ST NW #55 3100 WISCONSIN AVE NW #106 3217 WISCONSIN AVE NW #7C 3531 39TH ST NW #499 3616 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #401 3629 38TH ST NW #38 3670 38TH ST NW #248 3711 39TH ST NW #C189 3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #314 3921 LANGLEY CT NW #566 4740 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #914
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2825 11TH ST NW #2 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #403 1324 EUCLID ST NW #202 1325 FAIRMONT ST NW #2 1341 FAIRMONT ST NW #1
$50,000
2
$415,000 $427,500 $225,000
2 2 1
$219,750
2
$240,501 $308,000 $265,000
1 2 2
$232,500
2
$235,000 $795,000 $352,786 $426,000 $511,750 $425,000 $238,000 $365,000 $538,000 $410,000 $306,000 $357,250 $297,000 $312,500 $379,000 $204,900 $665,000 $788,000
0 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 2 2
$620,000 $635,000 $550,000 $309,000 $372,500 $370,000 $285,000 $495,000 $645,000 $415,000
2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
$227,000
1
$389,000 $245,000 $395,000 $552,500 $323,500 $350,000 $415,000 $330,000 $505,000 $399,000 $319,500
1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
$764,980 $349,000 $399,999 $485,000 $440,000
3 1 1 2 2
“Three transactions with us – they’re the best!”
“These guys handled it all!”
“It was tough leaving after living 30 years on the Hill. Grant, Ryall & Andrew made our transition as smooth as it possibly could be!”
Pat & Heidi Johnson 140 E St, SE
Chip English 423 4th St, NE
Cong. Jerry & Arlene Lewis 400 3rd St, SE
Have you had any thoughts of selling? Let’s talk about creating your success story!
The GranT, ryall & andrew Group Grant Griffith 202.741.1685 Ryall Smith 202.741.1781 Andrew Glasow 202.741.1654 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE • 202.547. 3525
WELCOME 2014! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bcline8041@aol.com for all you real estate needs 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office #202-546-0055 January 2014 H 67
1360 KENYON ST NW #1 1417 NEWTON ST NW #406 1436 MERIDIAN PL NW #105 1436 OGDEN ST NW #5 1440 COLUMBIA RD NW #303 1440 COLUMBIA RD NW #404 1448 HARVARD ST NW #2 2535 13TH ST NW #102 3415 Sherman NW #2 3417 SHERMAN NW #2 3500 13TH ST NW #209 3500 13TH ST NW #305 3511 13TH ST NW #203 3511 13TH ST NW #505 3606 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW #205 700 QUINCY ST NW #1 809 OTIS PL NW #201 809 OTIS PL NW #303
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3221 8TH ST SE #9 717 BRANDYWINE ST SE #204
DEANWOOD 948 EASTERN AVE NE #1
DUPONT
1704 T ST NW #403 1758 U ST NW #4 1622 19TH ST NW #1 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #805 1718 P ST NW #T19
FOGGY BOTTOM 922 24TH ST NW #107
FOREST HILLS
2939 VAN NESS ST NW #428 3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #P-170 4701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #202
FORT DUPONT PARK 3937 S ST SE #107
FORT LINCOLN 3105 BERRY RD NE #11
GARFIELD
3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #327
GEORGETOWN
Looking to Buy or Sell on the Hill? I want to be Your Agent!
Let s get together to review the market and design a winning strategy!
Dee Dee Branand At
home on the Hill
605 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 Office: 202 547-3525 Cell: 202 369-7902 Email: dbranand@cbmove.com Web: www.deedeebranand.com
68 H Hillrag.com
1015 33RD ST NW #610 1080 WISCONSIN AVE NW #2013 1218 POTOMAC ST NW #T27 2516 Q ST NW #C-103 2527 Q ST NW #B1 3052 R ST NW #104 3052 R ST NW #204 3150 SOUTH ST NW #PH1F 3299 K ST NW #201
GLOVER PARK
2111 WISCONSIN AVE NW #207 2725 39TH ST NW #514 4000 TUNLAW RD NW #925 4114 DAVIS PL NW #213
H STREET
1228 I ST NE #1 1228 I ST NE #2 1228 I ST NE #3 1815 BENNING RD NE #2 1367 FLORIDA AVE NE #401
$510,000 $339,000 $360,000 $355,000 $225,000 $314,000 $519,000 $399,000 $699,900 $700,000 $410,000 $340,000 $364,900 $474,900 $374,900 $499,000 $329,900 $334,900
2 1 2 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1
HILL CREST
$62,000 $45,000
2 2
LEDROIT PARK
$47,500
1
$781,375 $605,000 $655,000 $422,500 $295,000
2 2 2 1 0
$230,000
0
$185,000 $25,900 $595,000
0 0 2
$47,300
1
MARSHALL HEIGHTS
$230,000
3
MCLEAN GARDENS
$399,000
1
$965,000 $570,000 $898,000 $700,000 $283,000 $1,050,000 $1,650,000 $5,200,000 $499,000
2 1 4 2 1 2 2 3 2
$491,000 $429,000 $447,500 $315,000
2 2 2 1
$584,900 $555,000 $618,000 $239,000 $424,900
2 2 2 1 2
2016 37TH ST SE #102
KALORAMA
1810 KALORAMA RD NW #B4 1831 BELMONT RD NW #202 1831 CALIFORNIA ST NW #9 1840 VERNON ST NW #201 1841 KALORAMA RD NW #1 1858 CALIFORNIA ST NW #33 1930 BILTMORE ST NW #02 1954 COLUMBIA RD NW #503 2029 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #4 2123 CALIFORNIA ST NW #D5 2230 CALIFORNIA ST NW #3CE 2310 ASHMEAD PL NW #304 2311 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #301 2456 20TH ST NW #108 2456 20TH ST NW #403 149 W ST NW #33 150 V ST NW #VL02 2035 2ND ST NW #G305 75 BRYANT ST NW #1
LOGAN CIRCLE 1400 CHURCH ST NW #201 1444 CHURCH ST NW #102 1211 13TH ST NW #T-3 1306 12TH ST NW #A 1310 12TH ST NW #1 1401 CHURCH ST NW #522 1412 11TH ST NW #4 1415 10TH ST NW #2 1423 R ST NW #302 1440 CHURCH ST NW #101 1449 CORCORAN ST NW #1 1515 15TH ST NW #228 1529 14TH ST NW #603 1618 11TH ST NW #103 4932 A ST SE #304
3760 39TH ST NW #142 3871 RODMAN ST NW #55
MOUNT PLEASANT 1654 EUCLID ST NW #206 1672 BEEKMAN PL NW #G25 2922 18TH ST NW #2 3220 17TH ST NW #208 3423 BROWN ST NW #302
$59,000
2
$530,000 $319,000 $573,500 $399,999 $620,000 $399,900 $690,000 $430,000 $865,000 $539,900 $1,130,000 $295,000 $707,000 $368,000 $381,100
1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1
$345,000 $375,000 $599,900 $536,000
1 2 2 2
$850,000 $699,000 $388,000 $447,500 $695,000 $885,000 $655,000 $760,000 $458,050 $729,000 $550,000 $625,000 $622,500 $580,000
2 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
$82,000
1
$389,000 $590,000
2 3
$399,000 $92,000 $599,900 $546,000 $580,000
1 0 2 2 3
MOUNT VERNON SQUARE 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #Y-4 1117 10TH ST NW #507 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1201 811 4TH ST NW #904
$569,000 $339,900 $470,000 $574,500
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2501 WISCONSIN AVE NW #204 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #520 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #824 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #PH-6 2828 WISCONSIN AVE NW #112
OLD CITY #1
132 18TH ST SE #1 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #515 1815 A ST SE #204
2 0 1 2
$800,000 $551,000 $985,000 $1,100,000 $665,000
2 1 3 2 2
$405,000 $527,500 $240,000
2 2 1
324 12TH ST NE #1 614 MARYLAND AVE NE ##4
OLD CITY #2
1111 11TH ST NW #109 1350 S ST NW 1418 W ST NW #501 1515 15TH ST NW #203 1634 6TH ST NW #2 1717 T ST NW #1 1724 17TH ST NW #66 1830 17TH ST NW #206 1916 9TH ST NW #1 2125 14TH ST NW #217 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #704 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #802 424 RIDGE ST NW #6 475 K ST NW #317 475 K ST NW #320 55 M ST NW #404 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1208 811 4TH ST NW #202 1210 R ST NW #215
PENN QUARTER
400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #305 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #709 616 E ST NW #1201 701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1109 715 6TH ST NW #501 777 7TH ST NW #1134
PETWORTH
4226 7TH ST NW #304 907 WEBSTER ST NW #1
RANDLE HEIGHTS 3275 15TH PL SE #201
RLA (SW)
355 I ST SW #S-506 1435 4TH ST SW #B507 300 M ST SW #N805 355 I ST SW #S-314 464 M ST SW #6 800 4TH ST SW #N-215 800 4TH ST SW #N-825
SHAW
20 O ST NW 20 O ST NW
U STREET
1210 V ST NW #3 2020 12TH ST NW #508 2125 14TH ST NW #301-W 2307 15TH ST NW #4
WATERFRONT 148 G ST SW
WESLEY HEIGHTS 3101 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #808 3217 SUTTON PL NW #3217A 4200 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #918
WEST END
1099 22ND ST NW #401 1099 22ND ST NW #805 1155 23RD ST NW #PH2B
WOODLEY
2616 GARFIELD ST NW #2
$685,000 $620,000
3 2
$420,000 $605,000 $490,100 $499,000 $479,555 $460,000 $445,000 $536,000 $600,000 $525,750 $415,000 $475,500 $325,000 $512,100 $442,000 $176,000 $420,000 $435,000 $529,000
1 4 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
$427,005 $445,000 $467,000 $435,000 $440,000 $655,000
1 1 1 1 1 2
$419,650 $307,000
2 2
$72,000
3
$350,000 $247,500 $219,000 $353,000 $675,000 $349,000 $235,000
1 1 1 1 4 1 0
$399,900 $399,900
2 2
$572,500 $625,000 $1,080,000 $1,360,000
2 2 3 2
$530,000
3
$725,000 $634,000 $206,000
2 2 1
$1,100,000 $760,000 $1,695,000
3 2 3
$750,000
2
CAPITOL HILL - $2,995,000
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
I look TO THE HILL for my buyers, sellers, friends and neighbors!
I live, work, serve and play ON THE HILL! John Bratton Bratton Realty LLC 202-744-2642 (c) john@BrattonRealty www.brattonrealty.com
Come to the Country for 24 Acres + 800 Ft. of Shoreline
Just an hour and 20 minute drive south of DC lies this exquisite 4100+ sq. ft. English manor home. Spend the day hunting, fishing, or walking the trails and come inside to a nice cozy fire or a swim in the heated indoor lap pool. Master craftsman owner has incorporated incredible details throughout. Must see! - $885,000
Bonnie Baldus Grier Associate Broker bonniegrier@gmail.com
301.807.1400
January 2014 H 69
Location, Location, Location 910-912 PA AVE SE For Lease: $7,500/month Prestigious historic brick bay front office buildings of 3224 SF. Pennsylvania Ave location with US Capitol view & The Hill Center. 3224 square feet on 3 levels incl. 5+ parking spaces at rear. Spacious open floor plan and private offices & full kitchen. CAC. New carpet thru out, heart pine floors, and elegant window treatments. Located at Eastern Market and Metro Plaza, 7TH & 8TH STreets restaurants and retail.
703 D Street SE $995,000 Unique commercial property facing Eastern Market Metro Plaza at 7th & Pa Ave SE across from future Hine development (600,000 SF mixed used project). C2A townhouse with bay front, 6 office suites, historic renovation, gas fireplace, kitchenette, powder room, rear yard with deck, storage shed. On retail block with Kinkos, Starbucks, Hill's Kitchen & Radio shack. Great office and/or retail location
2725 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #209 2737 DEVONSHIRE PL NW #525
1 Block to Potomac Avenue metro, Harris Teeter, shops, Jenkins Row condos. New construction built in 1979. Three level townhouse approximately 1970 SF main house with 2 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths, Open layout Dining Room & Living Room with hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace. Rear garden. Parking. First floor efficiency unit w/ fireplace. Zoned C2A. Good layout for small office users,retail business or live work combo. First floor efficiency unit w/ fireplace.
Kitty Kaupp & Tati Kaupp Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-255-0952 • 202-255-6913 kkaupp@cbmove.com
www.kittykaupp.com
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1365 KENNEDY ST NW #101 1365 KENNEDY ST NW #209
1705 LANIER PL NW #402 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #325 2853 ONTARIO RD NW #618 1661 CRESCENT PL NW #607
$147,500 $155,000
1 1
$320,000 $152,000 $399,999 $701,000
1 0 1 2
CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS 3900 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #808A
CAPITOL HILL
1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #701
CLEVELAND PARK 3000 TILDEN ST NW #505-I 3409 29TH ST NW #2 3411 29TH ST NW #1
DUPONT
1526 17TH ST NW #411 1725 17TH ST NW #415
FOGGY BOTTOM
2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #202 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #423 700 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #603 730 24TH ST NW #520
FOREST HILLS
3001 VEAZEY TERR NW #833
“We are part of Capitol Hill, We don’t just work here... We live here, too. Let our neighborhood experience work for you...”
HARBOUR SQUARE 510 N ST SW #N422
KALORAMA
2220 20TH ST NW #41 2220 20TH ST NW #45
MOUNT PLEASANT 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #101
$314,000
1
$343,500
1
$338,250 $280,000 $254,000
1 1 1
$489,000 $360,000
2 1
$178,000 $173,000 $640,000 $190,000
0 0 2 0
$495,000
2
$227,500
1
$799,900 $435,000
4 1
$100,000
1
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #529-B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #546B 4101 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #802
202.546.3100 210 7th Street, SE. #100. WDC 20003 www.monarchtitle.net
OLD CITY #2
1444 W ST NW #406 1915 16TH ST NW #603
Watch Osprey, Blue Heron, & Bald Eagles soar from the backyard of this waterfront home in Dunkirk, MD only 30 min from DC!
$779,990
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{health & fitness}
. Beauty Health & Fitness . . . . . . S P E C I A L
SPA BEAUTY SALONS MASSAGE PERSONAL TRAINING YOGA NUTRITION January 2014 H 73
Beauty . Health & Fitness S. P . E . C . I . A . L
Aging Well Bob Gutman
Tips From Hill Residents Living Their Lives to the Fullest
Pat Taylor
by Pattie Cinelli, photos Andrew Lightman
B
ob Guttman lives alone in a large, three-story Capitol Hill home. He climbs two stories to his bedroom and several times a day he climbs to the second floor to work on his computer. At 85, he politely ignores common wisdom that a man of his age should be residing with someone in a home easier to navigate. “It seems crazy, but I love this house and my dining room accommodates all my family.” Bob is following what is best for him. “My good health enables me to do what I want. What is important to me is stability. I’ve lived here for 30 years and I want to stay here as long as I can.” Bob recognizes that stability is important to his happiness. He had a “remarkably unstable youth.” As a refugee from Germany, Bob experienced 10 different living arrangements before 21 years of age. His spacious living quarters now is the gathering place for his three daughters, their husbands, four grandchildren and his long-time girlfriend. Growing older is something no one escapes.
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Yet often we find it difficult to accept the inevitable and embrace the wisdom and insight each passing year brings us. Media is obsessed with selling us serums, potions and creams to keep us young. Many of us keep trying to retain our youth even though we know that our future will catch up to us. Growing up, the old people I knew had debilitating ailments, were slow-moving and fragile. Then I met Tao Porchon Lynch, my 95-year-old yoga teacher and I learned there is an alternative. Tao often says, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” When you look into her eyes you see youthful curiosity and joy, absent of worry and fear. She is beautiful, and she is old. She has had two hips replaced and a broken wrist, none of which has dampened her spirit. Tao loves and delights in the life she has created for herself. Tao is becoming less the exception and more the rule. I talked to eight people on the Hill over 80 about how they have managed to age so well and I could have talked to many more. Aging is
personal. Their stories are very different. Yet similarities emerged from each of their stories. All are educated, all loved their professions and all continue to love what they are doing now. They have strong social networks, many activities and all exercise. All consider themselves basically healthy. One woman, Ruth, who preferred not to use her last name, talked about how important it is to remain intellectually active and intellectually innovative. She pointed to her upright piano. “I loved music all my life, so at 78 (two years ago) I started taking piano lessons.” Ruth also aspires to become a member of the “Seven Continent Club.” She has one continent left to visit--travel to Australia has up until now eluded her, but she says it may be in her future.
Harvard Study of Adult Development According to a WebMd article about a Harvard Study of Adult Development which is the longest, most comprehensive examination of aging ever conducted, curiosity and creativity help transform older people into seemingly younger
Leo and Helen Orleans
Alice Norris
ones even if their joints ache. “Learning something new about the world, maintaining a playful spirit and finding younger friends as they lose older ones are helping people make the most of the aging process.” Since the 1930s, researchers have studied more than 800 men and women, following them from adolescence into old age, and seeking clues to the behaviors that translate into happy and healthy longevity. Many of these clues are evidenced in the lives of those with whom I talked. The results of the Harvard study surprised the study’s investigators. Longevity of parents, quality of childhood and cholesterol levels did not predict future health as much as pursuing education, maintaining a healthy weight, developing strong social relationships, exercising regularly and honing good coping skills. Even stressful events themselves did not weigh in heavily as a predictor. How you deal with stress is what matters.
The Joy of Work Bill Driscoll told me that this year at age 81, he decided to retire for the third time. He has
worked as a lawyer all his working life—in the US Army JAG Corps, as a clerk to a federal judge, as a trial lawyer, and as a lawyer advocate for rejected children and families. “If you like what you do, keep working as long as you can,” he advises. “It keeps you feeling young.” Pat Driscoll, married to Bill for 56 years, had a career as a social worker. When she retired she set up private practice. “Both of us really liked going to work,” she said. Although Bill says he is not sure what his new “work” will be, he continues singing in the choir at St. Peters and 50 years later he still gets together several times a year to sing with his college glee club group. Pat Taylor, 80, continued her work part time after retiring from Health and Human Services in 2000. “It was the best job I ever had. Setting up the new federal office on rural health policy was important. I enjoyed that.” Pat thought that she ought to find “a real retirement activity,” so she took an art class at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. She discovered a hidden talent and the results adorn her walls. “Learning something new makes life more
interesting. You make more connections because you know more.” Pat turned her love of gardening into a community project. In 1998 she became and still is the coordinator for King’s Court Community Garden, the first on the Hill. About six years ago, she searched the neighborhood for possible locations of more community gardens. She found three lots belonging to the Catholic church, negotiated a lease and created the Hill’s first kid-friendly community garden. At a young age Pat chose a path less traveled. When she went to college at Antioch in the 1950s, she said 99.5 percent of all women were getting married. “I never married and never had children which afforded me a lot of freedom. I always knew I could make enough money to live on. It was such a freeing feeling.” That freedom gave Pat the opportunity pursue her passion for social activism, something she continues to do now. Her advice for aging well includes, “do something you enjoy, keep your body moving, and be involved with you community and find ways to put enough people in your life.”
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Leo and Helen Orleans appear as if they are still courting after 64 years of marriage. They finish each other’s thoughts, share each other’s tea and dote on each other’s accomplishments. At 90 and 91 respectively, Leo and Helen continue to live a rich and happy life because they recognize their strengths and weaknesses and deal with them. “Because our health is unpredictable, we realize can no longer take long trips and we are okay with that.” As a China specialist and being fluent in Russian where Leo was born, he and his wife traveled around the world for his business. Helen had her own career as a high school English teacher in Prince Georges County. When Helen is off to her water aerobics class, Leo hunkers down at his computer writing “Random Musings of a Curmudgeon Retiree.” He says he has hundreds of both humorous and serious articles some of which are published in the monthly Capitol Hill Village newsletter. He often has op-ed pieces and letters to the editor published in The New York Times and The Washington Post. During the second half of their marriage Leo has become the chief cook, and spends time creating delicious meals without the use of recipes. Helen says that on most days, Leo de-
clares at the dinner table, “No one in the world has ever eaten what we are eating right now!” Alice Norris, 80, chose a career that few women pursued. After college she took a test and became an area specialist at the NSA. She stayed there for five years then worked in the intelligence community of her life. “I liked all my jobs – Soviet special weapons analyst, Soviet analyst, Chinese missile system analyst.” She was the first female civilian to go to the War College in Alabama. She loves to travel and her career took her to many countries. Since retiring, Alice has taken two safaris to Africa, and trips to England, Scotland, France and Morocco. When she returned to Lebanon after not being there for 50 years she says, “It was not the country I had experienced during grad school.” Since retirement Alice has become involved in projects and organizations in her community. “I believe it’s healthy to look outside yourself and see the broader aspects of life.” Alice has been a board member of Congressional Cemetery, a neighborhood board member of the Hill Center and was director of the DC Commission on Humanities. Alice fondly recalls one of her earlier community volunteer projects. “I wanted to do something for the community so I walked over to Friendship
House and offered my services. They said “Great!” You can be the coach of our baseball team!” Alice had never played baseball. All those I interviewed are active in the Capitol Hill Village, a neighborhood nonprofit organization that works to ensure that members have the confidence and practical means to stay in their own homes throughout their lives. They all have a network of acquaintances and friends, activities they enjoy, awareness of what they need to do to stay healthy and possibly most important of all, a positive, accepting attitude about their lives. Dr. Marc Agronin, MD who wrote a book, How We Age: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Growing Old (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2011) said that there is no magic cure for aging – no pills, potions, or fountain-ofyouth strategies that will restore our youth. But this does not mean that there isn’t a lot we can do, regardless of age, to improve both mental and physical wellbeing as we age and best capture all of the advantages of growing older. The course of our own aging isn’t written in stone. As these eighty-year-olds show, many factors that lead to happy, successful aging are in our control.
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Special thanks to the Capitol Hill Village (www.capitolhillvillage.org) for providing contact to this wonderful group of interesting and inspiring people. Pattie Cinelli is a personal trainer who specializes in customizing wellness programs for adults. She has been writing her health/ fitness column more than 20 years. Contact Pattie at: fitness@pattiecinelli.com. u
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Food Writer
Bonny Wolf A
gifted storyteller and accomplished food writer, Bonny Wolf didn’t start out writing about food. The Minneapolis native moved to the other side of the country to study European history at Goucher College in Baltimore, and soon after graduation married Michael Levy. They moved to New Jersey where he continued studies at Rutgers and Wolf landed her first job in a newsroom. “Over the course of six years I had almost every position at The New Brunswick Home News, starting with copy editor,” says Wolf, who memorized the AP style book and says she still loves the editing process. Later her husband was offered an associate professor position at Texas A&M University. Wolf became the features editor for the BryanCollege Station Eagle and taught journalism at the university, and it was there that she met one of her students, then-journalism major, now singer-songwriter, Lyle Lovett. “He wisely ignored my advice when I tried to talk him out of a music career,” says Wolf. Wolf and her husband decided to move with their young son to Capitol Hill in 1985.
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Wolf took a post at Congressional Quarterly and subsequently worked as the managing editor for Roll Call. During the early 90s she wanted to write about food again and started a newsletter, The Food Pages, lauded by The Washington Post and the New York Times’ Florence Fabricant. From restaurant reviews, ethnic food markets, and themed issues she researched and wrote about all things culinary. Her newsletter is known as being ahead of its time: not quite a full magazine but the perfect format for what we now know as today’s blog or website – all before the Internet. “It was an artistic success, but was a challenge to sustain financially, as I didn’t take advertising” says Wolf. Around this time she was offered a position at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ended up being the speechwriter for two USDA secretaries during the Clinton administration, with a front-row seat to food policy issues and honing a skill set in public relations. After her USDA post she freelanced, speechwriting as well as food writing and working with National Public Radio (NPR), where she continues to provide monthly food commentary
Bonny Wolf in her Capitol Hill kitchen, the heart of her home, surrounded by the tools of the trade and a beautiful fireplace to warm all who gather there.
by Annette Nielsen
for Weekend Edition and edits and often writes “Kitchen Window,” NPR’s weekly online food feature. She was an early adopter of electronic media and journalism, and her popular, webonly, weekly podcasts about what people eat and why took off. “Food really is the thing that brings us together – it connects us with family and traditions, provides comfort and companionship.” In 2006 Wolf published her first book, “Talking with My Mouth Full: Crab Cakes, Bundt Cakes and Other Kitchen Stories” (St. Martin’s Press), a collection of essays. After her parents passed (she threw her mom a 90th birthday party in her Capitol Hill garage due to her mother’s limited mobility, preparing her favorite pistachio Bundt cake; her dad passed away at 99½, but she feted him on what would have been his 100th birthday with an Italian feast to honor his World War II footsoldier work in Italy), Wolf started to think about launching a new website dedicated to food. “The idea was to tell the story about American food, offering a window onto the makeup of the country and where we come from – our ethnicity, religion, travel, who our grandparents are, maybe our politics.” Through her career and time
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American Food Roots, a comprehensive website started by Wolf and her partners, takes an in-depth look at our nation’s culinary traditions.
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skinning and cooking competitions on Maryland’s Eastern Shore – events like these tell you who your neighbors are.” Wolf notes that even the Midwest is now cool for food; see her essay in “Fried Walleye and Cherry Pie: Midwestern Writers at NPR Wolf met many food writers. A few of on Food” (University of Nebraska Press). those connections came together to create a If you’ve lived in the neighborhood for a website, American Food Roots. Carol Guentime, you probably already know Bonny Wolf. sburg (a long-time journalist and former You’ll find her shopping reguMilwaukee Journal food edilarly at Eastern Market or meettor), Michele Kayal (long-time ing up for a cup of coffee with writer and a contributor to the friends. This long-time resident Associated Press and NPR), and is passionate about her Capitol Domenica Marchetti (author Hill community and always of four books on Italian home generous, helping out with cooking, most recently “The Eastern Market efforts after the Glorious Vegetables of Italy”) fire, serving on the board of the represent the force behind Hill Center at the Old Naval American Food Roots, which Hospital, or cooking up a meal went live in December 2012. for neighbors in the heart of her The website is more than home. Here she shares a favorjust recipes and beautiful pho“Talking with My Mouth Full: ite (and healthful) recipe for tography. There are culinary biCrab Cakes, Bundt Cakes and Other Kitchen Stories” by Bonher restorative chicken soup. ographies of all 50 states, videos ny Wolf is a compelling collecEven without a cold, this will on contributors’ favorite food tion of essays and recipes. make you feel great. stories, a focus on farm and garden, and a section called American Made where you’ll find pieces on everything from Chicken Soup Italian pasta tools made in the USA to the I think studies have found curative powhistory of Dum Dums (those tiny lollipops ers in chicken soup. I use a recipe adapted hailing from the Akron Candy Company in from Mimi Sheraton’s “In My Mother’s Ohio). Working on American Food Roots Kitchen” (Harper and Row). Good chicken has also led to collaborative efforts with the is critical, and the more root vegetables you American Folklife Center at the National add, the better and sweeter the soup. Museum of American History’s permanent exhibit, “Food.” 5-6 pound fresh (not frozen) chicken, While current high culinary artistry cut in pieces (with giblets) might be focused on molecular gastronomy, salt Wolf says that “the compelling stories, for 2½ quarts water me, are about the Minnesota State Soci2 parsnips ety’s Walleye Dinner or the annual muskrat1 celery root
2 medium carrots 1 medium onion a few whole cloves 2 leeks 2 stalks celery with leaves a few sprigs Italian flat-leaf parsley In a tall, straight-sided soup pot place the chicken, gizzard, and heart. Do not use the liver. Add a teaspoon of salt. Add just enough water to barely cover the chicken. It should not be more than 2½ quarts or the soup will be weak. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, skimming scum off the surface as it rises. When the soup seems clear, cover and simmer slowly about 45 minutes. Meanwhile prepare the vegetables. Peel the parsnips, carrots, and celery root. Trim and wash the leek. Stick cloves into whole onion. Add all vegetables to the soup pot along with celery and parsley. Bring back to a simmer and cook about 1½ hours longer or until the meat begins to fall off the bone. As the soup cooks, taste and add salt gradually if needed. Don’t add too much too early or the soup will get salty as it cooks down. Remove the chicken and vegetables and set aside. Let the soup cool enough to handle, then strain through a fine sieve. Season the soup with pepper to taste. The soup should be served hot, but never boil when reheating or it will get cloudy. Serve over rice or noodles, if you like, with a few pieces of cut-up chicken and vegetables. u
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Beauty . Health & Fitness S. P . E . C . I . A . L
Octavia Payne
Photo: Steve Helvin
DC Ultimate Star on the Rise by Jonathan Neeley
O
n Sunday, Oct. 20, Octavia Payne and DC Scandal, the region’s top women’s ultimate Frisbee team, won the USA Ultimate Club Championships in Frisco, Tex. Scandal beat San Francisco Fury, a seven-time defending champion, in the title game – the first time that a team not from Boston, San Francisco, or Seattle has won a women’s championship since 1989. The next morning Payne, an account executive at Edelman Public Relations, flew to Denver for a client training session. Despite being less than a full day removed from winning a national championship, it was just another Monday at work. “Twelve hours [before],” says Payne, “I’m on top of the world. “On the biggest stage of my sport, I made this great achievement. Now I’m just working at some event. Nobody knows why I have scabs all over my arms. They just think I get rough on the weekends.” Created in New Jersey in the late 60s, ulti-
Photo: Steve Helvin
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mate is a lot more than rowdy weekends. Played with a flying disc, the game combines the non-stop movement of soccer, the individual match-ups and technical skill of basketball, and the end zone scoring of football. Opposing teams field seven players at a time, and teams like Scandal compete at grueling tournaments that run from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association estimates about five million people in the United States play ultimate – more than lacrosse and rugby combined. Known as “Opi” to the nickname-loving ultimate community, Payne is the face of a new wave of players – high school varsity studs and Division 1-caliber athletes – taking up the game. Standing 5’6” with a frame that is slim but strong, powerful but nimble, the Baltimore native features blazing speed and pinpoint long throws that make her one of the best women’s players in the world. The scabs come from her high-flying layouts to save possession or block opponents from scoring. In addition to captaining Scandal, this July Payne was one of 13 players to represent the United States and win gold at the World Games, a 2,800-athlete competition overseen by the Olympic Committee in Cali, Colombia.
Despite her achievements, the anonymity Payne felt in Denver is commonplace for ultimate players. With very few exceptions ultimate has no college scholarships, sponsorships are marginal, and the only reward for the endless weekend practices, nights on the track, and hours in the weight room that a high-level season demands is personal satisfaction. Payne and the rest of the National Team fundraised their way to Colombia, and Scandal players themselves foot the bill for the cost of a season (which included travelling to seven tournaments). Still, Payne says there’s no question that it’s all worth it. She had never used a passport before going to Colombia, and that’s not to mention domestic travel to California, Colorado, Boston, North Carolina, and Texas, all done this year alone and all to play or practice ultimate. As the coach of George Washington University’s women’s team, a position she volunteers for, Payne is revered as an expert, which she says has made her more assertive and improved her public speaking ability. And back when she was looking for her first job out of college, her initiative with running Scandal’s Facebook and Twitter accounts prompted a teammate to recommend her to a colleague at Edelman. Above all Payne values ultimate for the ca-
NOW OPEN!
Photo: Micah Tapman
maraderie. While playing for the National Team, Payne formed a particularly close bond with Sarah Griffith, a player from Seattle. The duo quickly learned the best ways to encourage each another at practice and enjoy low-key relaxation together between games. The relationship is one in a long line of examples of friendships that started with a shared love for the game. “Only [Sarah] and I will understand the connection that we made in a matter of six months,” says Payne. “These people, I’ll be friends with for life.” On top of coaching a college team, Payne frequently helps run local youth clinics and participates in Washington Area Frisbee League games. She points to ultimate’s low barriers to entry – to play, all you need is a field and a disc – as reason to use the sport for youth development. “It’s very welcoming,” she says, “very accessible, very flexible.” And though she’s only 24, Payne is acclimating to the view that her status as a minority – she’s half black, half Japanese, and has a long-term girlfriend – makes her a role model. “I’m a recognizable player by virtue of the way I look,” she says, “so I might have an automatic foot in the door. [A friend] asked me to come by his school with my medal and talk
to his kids about being healthy and exercising and how it can lead to really good things, which I thought was really cool.” Before she left for the World Games, Payne’s co-workers made her a poster to wish her good luck. When she came back there was a gold-medal-shaped cupcake waiting on her desk, and after Scandal’s win her office organized a viewing party to re-watch the championship game. “I think inevitably, if you’re as into ultimate as I am, that bleeds through your immediate circle and into the people you interact with everyday,” she says. “My co-workers are happy for me” Payne says their understanding is aided by ultimate’s recent push toward mainstream relevance. DC is home to two semi-professional teams, the DC Current, part of Major League Ultimate, and the DC Breeze of the American Ultimate Disc League, both of which are running unprecedented social media campaigns. The Washington Post, City Paper, and DCist have all recently run stories about the sport. In May ESPN began broadcasting major USA Ultimate events, and in September Time magazine ran a feature about ultimate that included a full-page photo of Payne diving to catch a disc. Most recently, on Dec. 3, the DC City Council passed a ceremonial resolution honoring Scandal’s championship. National exposure and recognition from a government as big as DC’s feels like a pretty big deal for a sport that, throughout its existence, has struggled to achieve even blip status on pop culture’s radar. “Time,” says Payne, “is something that at face value doesn’t need a lot of explaining. [Passing] the resolution is similar: the city recognized our achievement. You don’t have to explain much about why that’s noteworthy.” u
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Beauty . Health & Fitness S. P . E . C . I . A . L
Dress Right to Stay Fit
C
lothing has a direct impact on our exercise psyche. Not only should you choose appropriate clothes for working out. You should insure the clothes you are wearing in your everyday tasks aren’t a deterrent to your grabbing a few minutes of exercise here and there. Studies have shown that the clothing that you wear when you work out has a direct correlation with the results that you achieve. Purchase clothes that fit you comfortably and are loose to allow the highest level of flexibility when working out. If you are exercising outdoors make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the conditions. I went for a visit to my favorite ladies at Lucy in Union Station. I often recommend Lucy to my clients because they have styles for any size, from petite to plus. You are guaranteed to find the style that suits you. During my visit I learned about the newest fitness fashion in the store. Every woman has to have the perfect pair of pants that contour her figure. When I was introduced to Perfect Booty Pants I felt like the heavens had opened up. You’ll love how the powermesh support system slims hips and thighs and shapes the butt. Ultra-thin compression panels do double-duty, reminding you to contract your glutes for a more effective workout. Side seams are set forward for additional slimming effect. To complement those pants you should have a top to match your style. Bright colors and two-tone tops are in this season. My favorite new style is the Motivate Me Tank that recently
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by Alita Brown
hit the shelves, a peekaboo style that has “double slimming” layers to accentuate the good. Last, we must find the perfect accessories to accompany our perfect outfit. The New Balance 867 cross-training shoe is an excellent choice for activities from cardio all the way to the weight room. Now you are ready to work out in style. When you drop several inches off your waistline, try new clothes! You can observe how much weight you’ve lost by trying on new pairs of pants and clothing that you never thought were possible. It’s a great inspirational booster to people who want to gain a better figure. On the other hand you can start another file of fashion and wardrobe ideas. Plan what you will need to buy when you shrink a size or two. Happy Fitness! Alita Brown is committed to being a true inspiration to those around her, and you can be too. How do you want to spend the rest of your life? How do you envision your golden years? Let fitness expert and lifestyle coach Alita Brown help you move into the healthy life you have always dreamed of having. www.fitnesstogether.com/capitolhill Alita Brown is the owner of Fitness Together – Capitol Hill, 408 H St. NE. 202-558-6486. She earned her certification in personal training and fitness nutrition from the International Sports Science Association and is a member of IDEA Fitness Health and Fitness Association. She is equally passionate about being active in the community. In addition to volunteering with her church, local schools, and local nonprofits she has also served as a Board Member for CHAMPS, Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce, and H Street Main Street. u
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January 2014 H 85
Beauty . Health & Fitness S. P . E . C . I . A . L
Successful Goal-Setting for the New Year by Dave Liss
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4. Write it down. Use paper. Find a fitness or diet journal app that fits your preferences. Writing things down makes ideas tangible, clear, and real. Tracking allows you to see and evaluate your progress.
appy 2014! Made any New Year’s resolutions? If you have, you are in great company. Research shows that nearly half of all Americans, or about 158 million people, set New Year’s resolutions every year. As far as yearly goals in the United States are concerned, losing weight and exercising regularly are at the top of everybody’s list. The bad news is that only 8 percent of all U.S. resolution makers, or 12.5 million people, ever achieve their goals. Ouch! Forget about America’s top 1 percent you read about. This is the year you join the elite 8 percent who actually reach their New Year’s resolutions. This year will be different. This year you have a plan. Tim Bruffy, owner of Atlas Fitness, will show you the way forward. “At Atlas Fitness we like to use SMART goal setting,” he explains. “SMART is a formula, used as an aid in remembering, to make your goals more focused and powerful. It stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.”
Keeping these considerations in mind, here are your keys from Bruffy and Furrow for becoming one of the elite 8 percent.
Problems with Setting Goals
Your SMART Cheat Sheet
People have to be SMART. Everybody needs to be able to set and achieve consistent smaller goals to keep engaged and feeling like progress is being made toward their larger goal. Otherwise it’s just too easy to perceive failure and abandon your goals. People have to look backwards to move forward. As Diana Furrow, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and Atlas Fitness client, says, “It’s very important to consider what you tried last year. What were your past resolutions? What kept you from being successful before?”
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5. Use wearable technology. Many activity and food journals tie in with wearable technology that tracks daily activity, calories burned, number of steps taken. If you can see progress toward reaching your health and goals at the end of a week, you are much less likely to wreck everything over a weekend or a meal. 6. Tell as many people as possible. Create a New Year’s resolution advisory board. The more tools you build for personal accountability, the more likely you are to be successful.
1. Create both nutritional/diet related goals and fitness goals. 2. Set daily and weekly goals that can be easily measured: “I will lose a pound a week” or “I will schedule a meeting with a nutritionist.” Consistently reaching short-term goals makes meeting long-term goals possible. 3. Make your goals positive. Example: When skiing, count the number of runs you made, not the number of times you fell. Counting the number of times fallen is a negatively reinforcing measurement.
7. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself in the mirror every morning what your goal is for that day and what you will do to reach it. 8. Reevaluate your goals, activities, tools, and plans. Every few months, review your progress. Identify possible changes for improvement. Recognize any and all progress. 9. Acknowledge. There will be bad days or weeks along the way, periods of time with no changes on the scale at all. Think: Are my clothes fitting better? This happens to everyone. This does not mean failure. Dave Liss is a personal trainer. To learn about personal training and fitness opportunities available with Atlas Fitness go to www.atlasfitnessdc. com or call 202-525-5183. u
@ your service An Urban Oasis Jaime Bohl, owner of Lavender Retreat Wellness Club located at 1236 Penn. Ave. SE, has created a sanctuary for Hill residents. With several treatment rooms, lounges and a peaceful backyard, Bohl offers a welcome respite for overworked clients. A unique feature of Jaime Bohl, owner of LavenLavender Retreat Wellness der Retreat Wellness Club Club is the opportunity for clients to buy a membership, limited to just 300 people, which enables them to have a monthly spa treatment at a reduced rate. The aim is to encourage clients to make their physical and emotional health a priority and build a relationship with Bohl and her staff, thus enabling the staff and massage therapists to customize treatments to the client’s needs on a given day. The customized treatments may include traditional massage as well as specialized therapies such as reflexology and cupping, which uses suction on the skin to encourage blood flow. “I want to provide a home away from home,” Bohl said. “I wanted to provide a quality place and a quality service while building relationships.” Bohl spent six months renovating a former women’s shelter on Pennsylvania Avenue and has transformed it into an inviting, tranquil space. Her desire to help people balance their lives and take care of their health inspired her to open her first retreat center in 2003 in Woodbridge. In addition to spa services, Bohl offers travel services to various destinations including Costa Rica, Italy and South Africa. “Taking care of yourself is a lifestyle,” Bohl said, and she wants to enable her clients to travel with like-minded people. Lavender Retreat will begin welcoming clients just after
by Ellen Boomer
the New Year, so why not resolve to spend time in 2014 at this quiet, harmonious refuge? Contact Lavender Retreat Wellness Club at 1236 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC, 20003, by calling 202-450-2329 or by emailing info@lavender-retreat.com
The Hill’s Version of Richard Simmons
I took a Boot Camp class at Atlas Fitness a week ago, and I’m still sore. Owner Tim Bruffy offers classes that push clients to their limits and helps them leave every session a little stronger. From triathletes to senior citizens to preteen soccer prodigies, clients of Atlas Fitness can choose from a range of classes and work one-onone with trainers to create programs that fit their needs, goals and schedules. “Training is tailored and personalized,” Bruffy said, “so clients develop a relationship with their trainer.” After offering boot camps at various locations on the Hill, Bruffy opened Atlas Fitness a year ago and his brand of specialized training has already won over many Hill residents. “I have noticed a tremendous change in my body composition and strength level over the past year that I have been working out at Atlas,” dedicated client Jennifer McPhillips said. “I have tried several different gyms on Capitol Hill and nothing has come close to the intensity and dynamic nature of Atlas Fitness.” Often collaborating with a variety of specialists including chiropractors, nutritionists, physical therapists and even the trainer for the Nationals, Bruffy favors a holistic approach to keep his clients strong and healthy. “Tim knows about muscle structures and how they work together,” Hill resident Melissa Hook said. She started working with Bruffy last year to recover from a long-term Atlas Fitness Owner, Tim Bruffy
injury which affected her neck and back, and she is now able to do push-ups. Looking ahead, Bruffy hopes to offer fitness activities for children on the Hill and for senior citizens. No matter the age or fitness level of the client, Bruffy and his trainers are ready to help, one deep knee lunge at a time. Contact Atlas Fitness at 920 11th St. SE Washington, D.C. 20003, by calling 202-525-5183 or by emailing team@atlasfitnessdc.com
Healing the Hill’s Mind, Body and Spirit After spending time at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, clients will feel ready to tackle gridlocks, shutdowns and even post-holiday blues. The team at Healing Arts works with a range of clients, from children to retirees, helping Hill residents live healthy, balanced lives. “We are a wellness collaborative,” said massage therapist Ruth Anne Keister. “We use a unique combination of disciplines and work collaboratively to improve people’s health.” In addition to massage therapy, Healing Arts offers acupuncture, psychotherapy, divorce mediation and lessons in the Alexander Technique, which teaches awareness and body mechanics. This technique, which is popular with Mary Rieger of Healing Arts actors, musicians and athletes, can help clients develop a level of body awareness that will enable them to move more efficiently and avoid injury. Owner Mary Rieger opened Healing Arts in 2000 in her Capitol Hill townhouse, and she and her fellow therapists have many long-term clients for whom they personalize services. “We work from a similar mindset – that of accepting our clients exactly as they are,” Keister said, “not hoping or wishing they would be better or different. We are their partners along their path to wellness.” With two licensed social workers on staff, Healing Arts is making sure their clients’ minds and emotional lives are as well-cared for as their bodies. Contact Healing Arts of Capitol Hill at 320 G Street NE, Washington DC 20002 or by calling 202544-9389 u
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Beauty . Health & Fitness S. P . E . C . I . A . L
We Have the Technology
Understanding the Rising Standard of Care of Our Pets by Dr. Chris A. Miller
A
fter explaining complicated treatment options to the owner of a sick pet in an exam room, I am often asked, “What would you do if it was your pet?” This is such a difficult question to answer. The main reason being that it isn’t my pet. You two know each other better thaa anyone. I am the clinician and I often cannot see the forest through trees, since my mind is on remedies and potential medical outcomes. The information I give out must be used to form a customized plan that works best for the humananimal bond that you two share. Deciding what is best for your pet when they are ill can be extremely difficult, and the rising standard of care can make the choice of options that much more difficult. With today’s advancements, rarely is there one right or wrong answer. As you may remember, it wasn’t always this way. Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. I knew because I loved animals and wanted to learn about them and to be around them. Traveling to the vet as a child in the suburbs of Birmingham, Ala., was exciting. Seeing the other dogs and cats in the lobby, and picking up flea shampoos and daily heartworm medicine to give my dog, Sandy, was always a treat. That is, until he developed Cushing’s disease, an illness of the adrenal glands. When the standard treatment didn’t work we were given no other options. There was nothing we could do. Today, however, this is not the case. Sandy was likely diagnosed subjectively by a blood panel and symptoms alone. If Sandy came through a veterinary hospital’s doors today, he would have been offered a specific blood test that is sent to a specialty lab to confirm the diagnosis. He would likely have been referred to a radiology specialist for an abdominal ultrasound to visualize the adrenal glands. If this didn’t yield the results needed for a proper diagnosis and more specific treatment, Sandy would have been offered a referral to an in-
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ternal medicine specialist. The specialist would offer further testing, rule out diagnoses, and prescribe more effective medications. I have no doubt that with today’s technology Sandy would have lived much longer and with a better quality of life. Veterinary medicine is advancing at an astonishing rate that closely parallels that of human medicine. A large reason for this is that companion animals make exceptional models for the study of human disease. Many types of canine cancer especially share similar traits with their human counterparts. As studies were performed, treatments discovered, and testing was perfected over the years, the demand to use these scientific achievements to treat our furry friends increased. Now, as pet ownership is becoming more popular and the pet industry grows, veterinary institutions and pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to unlock the mysteries of diseases that affect our beloved pets. I often receive giggles when referring pets to specialists. “There is a dog dermatologist?” Yes,
and they are often booked weeks in advance. In fact just about any human specialist you can think of has a veterinary counterpart. Veterinary dentists, neurologists, surgeons, cardiologists, and even behaviorists (the equivalent to a dog psychologist) are commonly utilized by owners and primary veterinarians. Specialists typically have a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by four years of vet school, a one year internship, and then a threeyear residency, capped off with an extremely difficult board test that can have a failure rate of 30-70 percent. This increased education and experience is an invaluable resource for difficult cases. Here on Capitol Hill we are privileged with being surrounded by 24-hour referral hospitals that host a variety of specialties. You name it and the medical specialty you need is likely less than a 30-minute car drive away. When your regular veterinarian, who is often a Jack of all trades, offers referral to a specialist, it increases the efficiency of the medical care by having a master
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of the field make more skillful decisions about rare conditions. Seeing a specialist comes for a higher price, but early referral often saves money in chronic cases by committing to finding a diagnosis earlier. While not an exact comparison, the model of veterinary medicine is looking more and more like the human medical experience. Knowing the dynamics of the rising standard of care in the veterinary industry is important for several reasons. The main benefit is understanding the difficult decision-making that comes with all of the options available to owners today. Not every owner wants his vet to perform a $3,000 MRI on a dog that has a seizure for the first time. Is this medically appropriate? Possibly. This is where communicating with your primary veterinarian about the many options available is key. Most importantly, providing your pet with a good quality of life should be a veterinarian and pet owner’s primary objective. Whether or not we treat our pets with cutting-edge, humangrade medicine or simply do what is necessary to make sure they are happy and comfortable, being knowledgeable about the decisions we make together can insure the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. Dr. Chris A. Miller lives on Capitol Hill and is the co-owner of AtlasVet (Atlas District Veterinary Hospital) at 1326 H St. NE. (www.atlasvetdc.com). He is a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and attended the 2013 Iron Bowl. War Eagle! u
Two New Exhibits at ACM
{arts & dining}
Quilts and Beadwork by Women Artists are the Focus at the Anacostia Community Museum’s New Exhibits by Charnice A. Milton
S
tarting December 9, the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) will host two exhibits focusing on women artists. “Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence” introduces a collective of South African women who create artwork using the ndwango bead art form. “Home Sewn: Quilts from the Lower Mississippi Valley” is a smaller exhibit, focusing on three African-American quilters whose skills were passed down through generations.
Meet the Curators “Ubuhle Women” is curated by Beverly Gibson and James Green. Gibson is the co-founder of the Ubuhle artist community located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. “I was on a sugar cane farm when I met Ntombephi Ntobela...she was a master beader,” she explained. “Because of my Western education, I had access to marketing.” It was there that Gibson and Ntobela co-created Ubuhle as a way to bring women artisans together, using their beading skills to attain financial independence. Ubuhle, meaning “beauty” in the Xhosa language, is known for ndwangos, artwork using traditional beading techniques to hand-sew intricate patterns to black cloth canvases. Green, a research scholar at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, met Gibson while finishing his Master’s degree in South Africa. “I saw the artwork in a gallery in Johannesburg,” he said. “The gallery said that if there is one A member of The Daughters of Dorcas and Sons, a Washington, DC-based quilting group, works on a hoop to piece together her quilt. From Home Sewn: Quilts from the Lower Mississippi Valley on view at through Sept. 21, 2014 at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Photograph by Susana A. Raab, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
(L–R) Artists Ntombephi Ntombela, Nonhlakanipho Mndiyatha , Zondlile Zondo, Zandile Ntobela, and Thando Ntobela stand in the garden at Little Farm, near Lidgetton in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, home to the Ubuhle community since 2003. From Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence on view at through Sept. 21, 2014 at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Photograph by Susana A. Raab, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
person you have to meet if you want to know about beads, it’s Beth.” Green spent a week at Ubuhle interviewing the artists; those interviews became the basis for his Master’s dissertation. “When this opportunity came along,” he explained, “we joined forces.” “Home Sewn” is curated by Jasmine Utsey, who interned with ACM during the Urban Waterways project. “That experience really got me motivated to work at the museum and interested in examining communities,” she said. “When the quilt project was presented to me, I knew that it was a wonder-
ful opportunity to showcase parts of the Anacostia Community Museum’s collection.”
Meet the Artists “Ubuhle Women” features 31 pieces from five artists, including Ntobela, also known as “Induna” (“leader” in the Xhosa language). As a member of the Mpondo Xhosa, an ethnic group in the Eastern Cape, her work is based in those traditions. The group also includes half-sisters Thando and Zandile Ntobela; the latter’s signature pattern is inspired by cherry blossoms. Nonhlakani-
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The African Crucifixion” features seven panels telling the story of Jesus’ death, as well as the artists’ own experiences with death, illness, and poverty. Photo: Susana A. Raab, Anacostia Community Museum
pho Mndiyatha also has a signature pattern: a white house inspired by traditional Xhosa housing. Finally, Zondlile Zondo, the only Zulu in the group, uses bold colors and patterns to reflect those traditions. The exhibit also includes three members who passed away: Nolindelo Sidibi, Thembani Ntobela (sister to Ntombephi, Thando and Zandile), and Bongiswa Ntobela. “Home Sewn” features four quilts from the museum’s permanent collection. They were made by sisters Annie Davis and Emma Russell, as well as Russell’s friend, Effie Bates Cooper. Like many Mississippi-born quilters, Davis and Russell learned the skill from their mother, who learned it from their grandmother; Cooper learned quilting from Russell. While the quilts are contemporary, as they were created between 1986 and 1990, the patterns reflect family traditions. For instance, Dennis’ “Double Wedding Ring Quilt” was inspired another undisplayed work, “Slave Chain Quilt,” by her mother in 1969, which was a recreation of a family heirloom made in the 1800s.
Annie Davis’ “Double Wedding Ring Quilt,” one of four displayed in the exhibit is her interpretation of her mother’s “Slave Chain Quilt,” which used a similar design. Photo: Susana A. Raab, Anacostia Community Museum
Entrepreneurial Women While the artists featured in both exhibits come from different cultural backgrounds, both feature entrepreneurial women. For the Ubuhle members, living at the sugar farm gives them a place to focus on their work. “Because there is very little infrastructure in the Transkei,” Gibson explained, “to try to create a product...they needed to work away from home.” The Transkei, a former republic during apartheid, is considered a traditional area where women are expected to take care of the home; living at Little Farm not
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only gives them artistic freedom, but also financial advantages such as owning land and houses. “As soon as you earn land, you then have a base of which you can obviously grow and become more economically independent,” Gibson said. In Mississippi, quilting was not just a tradition, but a business opportunity. The exhibit features 28 letters, including correspondence with a quilt collector. “The collector who actually presented the quilts to the museum purchased a quilt from Effie Bates Cooper because he learned about her work from Emma Russell,” Utsey explained. She also described a letter Russell wrote after receiving a quote she felt was below her selling price. “She sends [the customer] a letter detailing that since material is two dollars a yard and thread over a dollar a spool, ‘I sell at $150 and up for quilted pieces,’” Utsey explained. “She was a very keen businesswoman, which I really appreciated about her. She was very honest about how she valued her work and what she was willing to sell her quilts for.”
Sharing Experiences Each ndwango and quilt speaks to the artists’ experiences. One example is “The African Crucifixion,” a seven-panel piece originally commissioned for the Anglican Cathedral in Pietermaritzburg. The work not only tells the Biblical story of Jesus’ death, but also the artists’ struggle with poverty, health, and other issues. Thembani imagines the crucified Jesus as a thin black man, as if he was suffering from HIV/AIDS, with an expression of peace on his face. In doing so, she created a figure that she and others could identify with. This was the last major art piece Thembani completed before dying of an HIV/AIDSrelated illness in 2011.
All three featured quilters of “Home Sewn” are deceased. “I would have loved to have met them in person and have them here,” said Utsey. “I wanted to incorporate their voices because these quilts tell a story about their skill, but also they tell a story about their lives.” However, she did found an audio interview with Russell. Using scraps of fabric her mother discarded from her own quilting, Russell learned how to piece quilts together. The exhibit also features a documentary as well as other audio interviews detailing about how the tradition was passed down between generations and unite quilters across racial lines.
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What Makes Them Artists? While the exhibits honor Ubuhle women and the quilters as artists, they might not see themselves that way. “Beadwork for a lot of Christian South Africans has the connotations of being traditional and therefore basic and not civilized,” Green explained. “One of the amazing things about it has been that the artists have seen themselves as artists! We see these beautiful things and we’re impressed by them.” As for the quilters, Utsey said that they would not see themselves as artists. “They learned quilting basically out of the need for warmth,” she said. She considers them to be artists because of the intentionality: “Having an idea and being able to actually create with very intentional colors and patterns, I think, is what makes them artists.” “Ubule Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence” and “Home Sewn: Quilts From the Lower Mississippi Valley” will be on display from December 9 to September 21, 2014. The Anacostia Community Museum is at 1901 Fort Place SE, DC. Hours are from 10-5daily except Christmas Day. 202-633-4820 or visit anacostia.si.edu. u
January 2014 H 93
{arts and dining / dining notes}
D I N I N G by Celeste McCall
N O T E S Italian Comfort in the Woodshed
Braised lamb at Muze in the Mandarin Oriental.
Asian Flair in Southwest Mandarin Oriental, the posh hotel in Southwest, has replaced its restaurant Sou’Wester, with Muze, overlooking the Washington Marina. Executive Chef Didier Pouzier and chef de cuisine Mark McDonnell draw upon the hotel’s Asian heritage, preparing innovative dishes with local, seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights: confit lamb shoulder, Ahi tuna crudo, blue crab tempura. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Muze will complement the hotel’s dressier flagship restaurant, CityZen by Eric Ziebold.
Coming Soon The Atlas District keeps humming along. Soon to arrive is Maketto, an Asian-style market with stalls hawking exotic food and fashion. Created by Erik Bruner-Yang and Will Sharp, Maketto is due to arrive later this year. Located at 1351 H St. NE, the “next generation Eastern Market” is a joint venture of H Street’s Toki Underground (which has a pop-up eatery in Union Market with dynamite Asian soups), and designer Durkl, Bruner-Yang. The first level will house retail space and a bar. Upstairs will contain more retail and a Vigilante Coffee Bar, which will serve java from beans roasted and brewed on-site.
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On a bitterly cold Saturday evening, we dined at Osteria Morini, which arrived in late October in the beautifully reclaimed Lumber Shed in the Capitol Riverfront area. Spring will bring outdoor dining. The 130-seat newcomer is a spinoff of Michael White’s 13-member Altamarea Group; his original restaurant opened in New York’s SoHo neighborhood in 2010. Lacking reservations at the “new” Morini, we had a wait, so we settled ourselves at the wide, marble-topped bar. As we enjoyed rosemary-spiked focaccia, our friendly bartender/server, Tom, talked us into splitting an appetizer pasta in lieu of salads or other starters. Good idea. All of executive chef Matt Adler’s pastas are cranked out in his open display kitchen. Our choice was stracci, wide ribbon noodles tossed with wild mushrooms scented with rosemary oil. The portion was a “primi piatti,” satisfying but not too filling, leaving room for entrees. From the brief but comprehensive list, Peter chose branzino, Mediterranean sea bass, which tasted of char-grilling in chef Adler’s wood-burning oven. (There’s also a selection of “simply grilled meats” like veal and lamb chops, spit-roasted porchetta and a 14-ounce dry-aged ribeye. Anointed with a kiss of fennel, Peter’s fish was flanked with spring-like green beans and a charred lemon half. I was torn between roasted Cornish game hen and Sangiovese braised short ribs. Tom recChef Antonio Burrell of Agua 301. ommended the latter,
and I’m glad he did. Cooked for 18 hours, the beef literally melted in my mouth. That’s a cliché but it’s the truth in this case. A smattering of lemon zest cut the meat’s richness. Served on an attractive oval dish, the ribs came with fluffy whipped potatoes and an array of baby root vegetables. Italian comfort food, welcome on such a cold night. Morini’s wine list leans toward regional Italian vintages, plus other European and American options. We were also intrigued by the exotic cocktails Tom was concocting while we watched. Osteria Morini is huge, fairly noisy, but not ear-splitting. It’s not cheap; dinner for two—with just a glass of house wine apiece-- came to $100 plus tip. Located at 301 Water St. SE, Osteria Morini is open Sunday-Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11. To get there from the Hill, go west on M St. SE to 4th St, SE, turn left
At Agua 301, Bistec Al Parilla: 10 oz. sirloin, caramelized onion, tomato salsa, street corn casserole, yucca fries, chimichurri sauce. Photo: Fredde Lieberman
and go as far as you can to Water St. Parking is limited; the Navy Yard Metro (Green Line) is nearby. Call 202-484-0660 or visit www.osteriamorini.com/Washington-dc.
Neighbor in the shed Also in the Lumber Shed, Agua 301, an offshoot of Barracks Row’s popular Zest Bistro, debuted Dec. 21. In his “modern Mexican” kitchen, Chef Antonio Burrell (formerly with Logan Circle’s marvelous El Centro) showcases ceviche pescado blanco, carnitas (pork) tacos, several kinds of guacamole (including crabmeat), beef barbacoa and entrees like pan-seared mahi mahi, adobo roasted chicken and crepas vegetales. At the classy opening fete, we sampled dishes and spoke with proprietors Amanda and Stephen Briggs. We also chatted with Stephen’s stepfather, former Rep. David Bonior (D-Mich), who lives nearby. We also ogled Agua’s stunning décor. Designed by Michelle Bove of GrizForm Design Architects, the 44-seat, 3,400-squarefoot newcomer evokes ancient Mexico with two major themes: the Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan and the artistry of Mexican architect Luis Barragán. A custom wall panel represents a map of the ancient city; rosy-hues dominate the color scheme. A wooden trellis evokes an Aztec pyramid; lighting fixtures blend old and new. Cactus plants snuggle in niches along one wall. Come spring, outdoor seating will overlook the Anacostia River. Agua 301 is located at 301 Water St. SE. Lunch is served Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner is Sunday-Thursday 3:30 to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 3:30 to11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy Hour goes from 3:30 to 7 p.m. seven days.(Early dinner starting time accommodates nearby Federal office workers.) Call 202-484-0301.
Turning Toques Zest Bistro welcomes a new chef, Alex Ripley, formerly with Lavagna. At Lavagna, sous chef Vicky Alt has been promoted to top toque.
Coming Soon Due to open at 1309 Fifth St. NE, the west end of Union Market, is Bidwell, a snazzy restaurant dispensing contemporary American cuisine. Headed by a pair of Irishmen, Michael O’Sullivan and John Mooney, the 2,000 square-foot enterprise will have a roof garden. Stay tuned.
Restaurant Week Coming up January 13-19 is Washington’s highly anticipated Restaurant Week. Capitol Hill is well represented. So far, we have Ambar, Lavagna and Zest Bistro (all on Barracks Row), plus Art & Soul (Liaison Capitol Hill) and Johnny’s Half Shell (400 North Capitol). Restaurant Week pre-fix lunches are $20.14; dinners $30.14. For more information and a complete list, visit www.ramw. org/restaurant week.
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A diverse product line of quality beverages from all over the world One of the largest and most unique wine selections on Capitol Hill A friendly and knowledgeable staff Located just minutes form Downtown, DC and Alexandria, VA 1 block south of Eastern Market Metro on the vibrant Barracks Row Owned by the Williams Family since 1978; established before 1919
The best weekly wine tastings on “The Hill”- Sat (3-6pm)
Market Watch You might think it would be slim pickings at Eastern Market this time of year. Not so. The outdoor farmers line is bustling with all kinds of winter bounty. Among them is Agora Farms, Dan Donahue’s bailiwick at the Seventh and C St. SE corner, which has plenty of winter goods, much of it organic. Besides cold weather produce like beets, cauliflower, parsnips, rutabagas, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, squash, and bok choi, Dan also sells apple cider (bottled or heated by the cup), Amish cheese, yogurt, apple butter, maple syrup, jams and jellies, dried fruits and nuts, beef jerky, and Uncle Brutha’s hot sauce. (We still miss Uncle Brutha’s nifty shop, which used to be nearby on Seventh.) Dan also carries a line of bargain-priced Garlic Vampire herbs and spices. Packaged in 6-ounce plastic containers, the extensive selection includes lemon pepper, coriander, garlic chips, creole seasonings, vanilla beans, and even dried mushrooms. Prices range roughly from $3.99 to $6.99. The Agora Farms stand is usually around on Saturdays and Sundays, but for more information visit www.agorafarms.com. u
January 2014 H 95
{arts and dining / the wine guys}
The Rhone Valley by Jon Genderson
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he picturesque Rhone Valley stretches south from Burgundy all the way to Provence. It is a warm growing region split between the Northern Rhone, with the principal grape of syrah, and the Southern Rhone where grenache takes the starring role along with mourvedre and syrah. These wines represent exceptional value. During the holiday season last month I constantly found myself going to the Rhone section to make recommendations. “I want a soft, easy-to-drink wine for under $12.” I suggest a Cotes-du-Rhone. “I’m looking for a medium-bodied red for pork.” I suggest a Cairanne. “I need a big, spicy red for stew.” I suggest a Hermitage. These versatile wines range in weight, flavor profile, and price, and like a star college football player seem able to fill almost any position. Southern Rhone is centered around the famous town of Avignon and the famous wine Chateauneuf-du-Pape, named for the seven successive popes who resided there from 1309 to 1378. These magnificent blends of grenache, syrah, and mourvedre range from mediumbodied, unoaked fruit-forward wines for $30 to massive, rich, intense wines aged in barrique for $60-$150 and more. The Cotes-du-Rhone and Cotes du-Rhone Village surround Chateauneuf- du-Pape along with relatively new appellations that were once Cotes-du-Rhone Village including Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and Cairanne. These wines are all generally made with the same assortment of grapes, blended by the winemakers’ wishes, yet all have different characters because of the different soils and microclimates. Chateauneuf is so different mainly because the vines are not really planted in soil at all but stones the size of your fist. The stones absorb heat throughout the day and radiate it to the vines during the cool nights. They also provide superior drainage during wet years. Northern Rhone is more hilly and cooler
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than the Southern Rhone, and here the only red grape grown is syrah. These syrah wines are unique and offer characters of black pepper, bacon fat, blackberry fruit, crème de cassis, lead-pencil shavings, meat, and crushed rocks. Yes, meat and bacon fat; but taste it and you will love it! The most southern portion of the Northern Rhone is the steep hillside of Hermitage, surrounded by Croze-Hermitage, the most affordable of these great syrahs. Hermitage is a domed hill of largely decomposed granite mixed with gravel and clay. These are truly some of the finest wines in the world. The Croze-Hermitage wines can be very good, with exceptional pepperiness, but they can never reach the heights of a great Hermitage. Cornas is located on the other side of the Rhone river from Hermitage, and its wines are noted for their rustic quality along with depth, power, and muscle. They have improved dramatically over the last 10 years and are some of the best values in the Northern Rhone. Further north is the appellation of St. Joseph, noted for its characters of ground pepper intermixed with tapenade, crème de cassis, and smoky barbecue. These medium-priced Rhones are very good values. The region north of St. Joseph is noted for the finest viognier in the world, Condrieu, an impressive white noted for rich aromatics including copious honeysuckle, white peaches, marmalade, rose petal, and minerals. Inside Condrieu is the small monopole of Ch. Grillet. A monopole is a single estate with its own appellation. This is a Condrieu in all but name and many of the vintages of the last 20 year have been spotty, but it is still the finest parcel in all of Condrieu. We can take comfort in the fact that this famous estate was sold in 2011 to French billionaire François Pinault, the owner of Ch. Latour in Bordeaux. The quality is sure to improve under new ownership. The northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhone is the minute area called Cote Rotie. The vineyards are unique because of the
steep slopes facing the river and the stone walls that keep them from falling into the Rhone. Cote-Rôtie literally means “the roasted slope” and refers to the long hours of sunlight that these steep slopes receive. The wines are again syrah but here small quantities of viognier, the afore mentioned white grape, are blended in to give the wine more intensity in the bouquet and more freshness in the mouth. These wines, along with Hermitage, represent the finest of the Northern Rhone.
Suggested Rhones to Try Oraison Cotes du Rhone 2012 ($12). Bright and fruit forward with cherry, plum, and anise aromas and flavors that lead to a very pleasant finish. Feraud Cotes du Rhone-Village Seguret 2009 ($20). Made by Laurence Feraud along with her father Paul at the Domaine de
Rated One of the Best Wine Shops by Washingtonian Magazine July “Best & Worst” Issue Listed in the Wall Street journal as one of the most enjoyable places to shop for wines nationwide. “Best Website Award”, 2008 by the Wine Spectator’s Market Watch
Voted “Best Liquor Store” and “Best Wine Selection” four years in a row by the City Paper
The SchneiderCoupon is our monthly mixed case of hand selected wines from across the world that change according to the seasons and are priced up to 50% off the regular retail price. Purchase as many assorted cases as you like and get additional wines as the listed sale prices. This month’s case features 5 whites and 7 reds at 50% OFF the regular price.
Pegau, it is a big, soft, lush red with abundant aromas of ripe kirsch, lavender, dusty, loamy soil, pepper, and spice. Perrin Vacqueyras Les Christins 2010 ($30). Ripe and fleshy with plum, blackberry, and red currant fruit stitched seamlessly together, guided by a long, warm, stone-filled finish. Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2010 ($40). An exceptional wine with abundant notes of spring flowers, black raspberries, kirsch, and crushed rocks offered in a fullbodied, richly fruity, gorgeously textured and pure style. It combines elegance with substance and authority. Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2011 ($60). This is a star from an underappreciated vintage and therefore is selling for half the normal price. A great buy for you and a delicious glass of wine, its surprisingly deep purple color leads to a seductive, open-knit, precocious wine with good acidity, sumptuous fruit, and delicious, mature flavors of roasted herbs, kirsch, black currants, raspberries, licorice, and incense. Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 ($80). A classic blend of 30 percent grenache, 30 percent mourvedre, 10 percent syrah, 10 percent Counoise, and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple with loads of beef, blackberry, kirsch, smoke, and truffle, it is full-bodied, rich, and showing very well. Graillot Crozes Hermitage
Rouge 2011 ($34). A ripe style with a juicy, briary feel undercutting the layers of boysenberry, fig, and raspberry fruit, while singed alder, juniper, and bay fill in the background. Nicolas Perrin St-Joseph Rouge 2009 ($30). This rich and spicy 100 percent syrah offers up loads of racy acidity carrying the mix of blackberry, red currant, and spice cake notes, while a briary edge frames the tangy finish. It will flesh out nicely with brief cellaring. This is a great value! Romain Duvernay Cornas Rouge 2010 ($60). A rich wine with fig, blackberry coulis, and raspberry notes which race alongside juniper, bittersweet cocoa, and dark olive accents. A lively mineral note extends the long finish. Romain Duvernay Hermitage 2009 ($80). This delicious Hermitage has abundant aromas of blackberry fruit, white chocolate, espresso roast, and acacia flowers that jump from the glass. It is opulent, full-bodied, and powerful. With great intensity as well as silky tannins, this chewy, thick, well-endowed wine shows nicely now and should evolve for 10-15 more years. Nicolas Perrin Cote Rotie 2009 ($80). The outstanding 2009 Cote Rotie offers up floral notes intermixed with black cherry, raspberry, forest floor, and licorice aromas. It has complex aromatics followed by elegant yet substantial flavors.
Regular Price: $303.88 | At Sale Prices: $189.88 | SchneiderCoupon Price: $159.99……Save 47%! wine
2011 2011 2010 2011 2011 2006 2011 2011 2008 2011 2008 2012
Bichot Macon Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elderton Chardonnay Unwooded . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean-Marc Gilet Vouvray Demi Sec . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Carrel Morillon Blanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mancera Verdejo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . di Arie Zinfandel Southern Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . Goldschmidt Vineyards Redskins Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique Cellars Syrah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celler Malondro Montsant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chateau de Cordes Minervois Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . Blackbilly Shiraz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boniface Les Rocailles Mondeuse St. Jean de la Porte . . . .
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T H I S M O N T H! “One of the Best Wine Stores in the Country is Right Here on Capitol Hill” SELECTION The country’s most complete range of spirits, beer & wine. Our old and rare wine list is the most extensive anywhere, and it’s in your neighborhood. PRICING We will not be undersold. Come see for yourself. SERVICE Second to none, with seven full time wine specialists to assist you. Come in and be treated like family!
View descriptions of the wines at www.cellar.com
300 Massachusetts Ave., NE • www.cellar.com 1-800-377-1461 • 202-543-9300 • fax: 202-546-6289
Jon Genderson is co-owner of Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. u
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{arts and dining / travel}
House Exchanges A New Way to Travel by Beth Millemann
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he last time you went on vacation, you hiked in Germany’s fabled Black Forest. left behind something that could have We’ve done 24 exchanges, includsaved you thousands of dollars: your ing the trip of a lifetime in 2011 when home. Why let your house, apartwe took our son out of school, negotiment, or condo sit empty when you ated leaves of absence from our jobs, can swap it for someone else’s? Home exchanging is and traveled around Europe for four an increasingly popular way to save money and exmonths, doing house exchanges along perience a more authentic kind of travel. Instead of the way. Home-swapping has let us see paying for cookie-cutter hotels and endless restaurant the world from the comfort of someone The pool and house at our house exchange in Costa Rica in 2010 meals, exchanging lets you relax in a comfortable reselse’s living room. idence and cook in a fully equipped kitchen. It puts you into real neighborhoods where you can live like a local and discover off-the-beaten-track locations few tourists ever see. For the past decade my family and I have exchanged our modest Capitol Hill rowhouse for homes in the United States and abroad. House exchanging has given us cash in our pockets and a front-row seat on the world. By swapping our home with others, we’ve had memorable spring breaks, summer vacations, Thanksgiving getaways, and winter holidays. We’ve stayed in downtown London and Copenhagen; relaxed on the beaches of Costa Hiking in the Swiss Alps A photo of my son Max and I by the pool at our house exchange in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2008
Sardinia, Italy
Rica, Florida, and the Virgin Islands; hiked around Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks; and discovered history on Normandy’s D-Day beaches and Rome’s ancient ruins. We’ve explored Oregon’s tide pools and walked Boston’s “Freedom Trail”; lingered over mussels and beers in Belgian restaurants and
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In the United States and around the globe house exchanging is a growing practice. Websites offer thousands of listings in more than 100 countries. (For a sample of house-exchange websites see the sidebar.) Exchangers are families and singletons, retirees and young couples, gay and straight, and people of all races. And you don’t have to be rich or even a homeowner. While there are some places with drop-dead views or infinity pools, there are many apartments and modest homes that provide a great base for travel. In fact swapping is much more about trading a comfortable base in a good location than it is about taking tea in the conservatory or sleeping in hand-polished mahogany beds. If you have a house where someone wants to go, you can exchange it. Luckily for those of us who live in DC, our city is a very popular exchange destination, and Capitol Hill is arguably the city’s most coveted location. Our
neighborhood’s close proximity to the Capitol and its easy walking or Metro distance to museums and galleries along the Mall make it a prime spot. The Hill is popular for traveling Americans as well as foreign visitors, with its combination of restaurants, shops, Eastern Market, Metro stops, and easy access to the top sites of the city. There are a few things you need to know to be a successful exchanger. First and foremost, you must be trusting. A complete stranger will use your home, unsupervised, while you are far away. You have to be comfortable with strangers rummaging around your kitchen cupboards, snoozing under your covers, and eating at your table. You have to think of yourself as the Three Bears minus the “who’s-been-sleeping-in-mybed?” outburst because, after all, this time you
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optimum travel dates. invited Goldilocks in. 5. What do you do about pets? Some of us You also need to be fairly well organized. have pets, and the question of what to do with If you’re the kind of person daunted by planthe little furballs while we travel can be vexing. ning a weekend getaway or who thinks summer Typically there are two ways to approach this: vacations are more trouble than they’re worth, foist little Fluffykins or dear old Bowser off on a you probably shouldn’t consider house exfriend, a kennel, or your long-suffering mother. changing. There’s no hotel concierge to book Or see if your exchange partner is willing to your theater tickets or hail a cab. What you do care for it. Cats are easier than dogs, though and how you get there is entirely up to you, I’ve had to care for dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, and which is, of course, half the fun. yes, even horses in various exchanges. Here are some of the most commonly 6. Do you meet house exchange partners asked questions about house exchanging: in advance? Typically you drop your house 1. How does it work? Swapping works keys in the mail or leave them in an agreedthrough websites, of which there are several (see upon location and head out the door before sidebar). For most of them you pay an annual your exchange partner arrives. You are as ships fee to become a member, and then the rest is in the night! up to you. You write a description of your abode 8. How do you make your home ready for and neighborhood, post photos of your home, an exchange? By leaving it clean, with ample and create your own listing. You then have accloset and bureau space, lots of information cess to all the other places listed on the website. about the house, neighborhood, and city, and 2. Is it safe? House exchanging is a trusta friendly welcome note. based exercise, so there’s no way to make it House exchanging is a great way to travel. totally foolproof. The most important point to Make it a New Year’s resolution to try this inremember is that your exchange partner is letcreasingly popular way to go! ting you into his house at the same time he’s To learn more about house exchanging entering yours, so there’s a mutual desire to attend Beth Millemann’s workshop at the Hill not harm the other person’s domicile. You can Center on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m. It’s also take basic steps to increase your security, free but space is limited. Register at http://hillincluding removing valuables from your home centerdc.org/home/programs/1402. and using travel boards to evaluate a prospective house exchange neighborhood. 3. Who is a typical house exchanger? EvBeth Millemann is a long-time Hill resident who is writing a book on house exchanging, and erybody! Young and old, single and married, has a house exchange blog at http://houseexpeople with young kids, no kids, or grown kids, changechronicles.blogspot.com. Her June 2013 straight and gay, and all colors. House exchanghouse exchange workshop at the Hill Center is ing is the new melting pot. sold out with a waiting list. u 4. Do you have to do a simultaneous exchange? You can do either a simultaneous exchange (you both travel to HOME SWAP WEBSITES: each other’s homes at the same time) • www.HomeForExchange.com has 14,000+ listings and or a non-simultaneous exchange (one boasts that every day roughly 1,500 member-to-member person travels to the exchange resiinquiries are made. dence while the other travels at a later • www.HomeExchange.com includes listings for more than date). It is generally easier to organize 46,000 homes in 149 countries. a simultaneous exchange since both • www.HomeLink.com has been in business for more than parties are coming and going at the 60 years and has listings in more than 80 countries. same time, but staggered exchanges • www.GlobalHomeExchange.com offers its senior memoften occur as well. It’s up to you and bers a complimentary listing on its senior home exyour exchange partner to figure out change partner club, www.homeexchange50plus.
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517 8th St. SE 202.543.3700 LasPlacitasDC.com January 2014 H 99
{arts and dining / at the movies}
A Trio for the Holidays: One Noble, One Shady, One Lost
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by Mike Canning
Most effective, because it is inherently dramatic, is a core middle sequence covering Mandela’s imprisonment on Robben Island, where he spent 18 years. Part of the reason it is most effective is that Elba himself (now 41 years old) is closest to Mandela’s age at the time (who was 46 entering prison). And Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom while the actor doesn’t much reThe producers of the new biopic “Mandela: semble the sinewy Mandela (too Long Walk to Freedom” could not have dreamed large and picture-book handsome), of a better burst of publicity for their picture than he gets the distinctive cadence of the December 5th death of Nelson Mandela and (Left to right) Jonah Hill and Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Photo: the voice added to a noble presthe rhapsodic international celebration of the beMary Cybulski ©2013 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. ence that makes the sequence work. loved South African. With a world eager to learn with supposed ANC enemies. The prison scenes, too, give weight to the middlemore about the man, a movie that effectively outThe film, a long-time project of South African aged Mandela getting past rage to a more acceptlined his life, trials, and triumphs should be a smash. producer Anant Singh, is enhanced throughout by ing stance – yet with his sense of repression firmly Yet “Mandela” the movie, while it aims to be highbeing shot entirely in South Africa, sometimes at intact. In much of the latter third of the film the toned and serious, misses the mark because of a too the actual sites of events. Still, I wanted this amscript (by William Nicholson) seems to just tick off thin, too disjointed structure. (Rated PG-13) bitious film to be the superior, more meaningful a parade of highlights in his life, with the predictStarring the British actor Idris Elba as Mandedrama the man’s life deserved. able finale of his 1994 election as South Africa’s la, the film, at a lengthy 141 minutes, tries to cover first black president. the whole of the man’s life, from halcyon days on Alba himself does a creditable job throughThe Wolf of Wall Street a farm through work as crusading lawyer and ANC out, though it can be disconcerting to have to Martin Scorsese is back in familiar “New leader to his 27-year imprisonment and a triumwatch him display 60 years of makeup and hair Yawk” territory with his coruscating new look at the phant emergence as his country’s liberator. The changes. At least he is a charismatic actor playunderside of the metropolis in “The Wolf of Wall trouble is that’s it’s too episodic, with some themes ing, with control and tact, a charismatic political Street.” The film is a rough paraphrase of Scorstouched too gingerly and some missed. figure. Mention should ese’s “Goodfellas” (1990), but instead of examining be made of the porthuggery and the mob in Brooklyn he’s observing trayal of Winnie Manthe hustle and grab of dirty money in Manhattan. dela by Naomi Harris, Nobody gets rubbed out, but plenty are messed up. mostly convincing as There are other parallels. “Goodfellas” was a young wife driven based on a true story and a wise-guy over-voice narto radical politics by ration from the lead actor, Ray Liotta. This time the subjugation of her we have another chronicle of a real figure, Jordan husband and her own Belfort, played by Leonard DiCaprio, narrating the victimization. Winnie’s character’s history and comeuppance. own political arc is a Belfort is a Long Island 20-something who gets sub-theme of the movsucked into finance in the 1980s, works hard but ie, and the film doesn’t loses his job, then lands in penny stocks to earn a flinch from her own living. He turns out to be a natural operator, and (Left to right) Idris Elba and Naomi Harris star in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.” Photo: Keith harsh score-settling even in this coarse game he flimflams his way to ith the holiday season comes the usual flurry of Christmas releases. Among the crop this year (about 10 have come out since December 20th) I have chosen three very different films which debuted on Christmas Day.
Bernstein ©2013 The Weinstein Company. All Rights Reserved.
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success, with the help of his first recruit and right hand man, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill). After rounding up a bunch of rough-and-ready operators he dazzlingly misleads gullible investors and scams his way to founding his own lucrative, if finally criminal, enterprise called Stratton-Oakmont Investments. During this wild ride in the markets of the 1990s he and his team make obscene amounts of money, spend it lavishly, and live high – on conspicuous consumption and Quaaludes. The film unrolls at a breakneck pace (over its three-hour duration) under Belfort’s wiseacre commentary. For the prudish or squeamish, be aware that that breakneck pace is awash with the rudest, baldest profanity, perpetual drug use, and a buttload (pardon the pun) of blatant nudity and offhand sexuality. This is a serious “R” rating, folks! DiCaprio, long since a Scorsese staple (they’ve made five movies together), is well cast as the slick boy wonder succeeding beyond his wildest dreams yet remaining oddly innocent about what’s happened to him. Hill is a bouncy cartoon of American business excess, a Wall Street porker. Making her major Hollywood debut as Belfort’s wife, Naomi, is Aussie actress Margot Robbie, a devastating beauty who also turns out to be a tough cookie (the equivalent, to again cite “Goodfellas,” of Lorraine Bracco in the earlier film). Adding a nice leavening to the proceedings is Kyle Chandler as the squeaky clean FBI man, Denham, who is finally able to run his man to ground. “The Wolf” can be wildly entertaining, especially if you can see past the tawdry goingson, or maybe just because of the tawdry goingson! This observer wonders out loud, however, whether three hours of serious movie money is well spent chronicling the vagaries of one money-mad shark.
Her Spike Jonze is predominantly a music video director with occasional offbeat feature films like “Being John Malkovich,” Adaptation,” and “Where the Wild Things Are.” His latest, as writer and director, is a skeptical look at our technological future in the form of a sweet yet
highly unusual love story. In “Her,” boy meets computer, boy falls in love with computer, and boy loses computer. (Rated “R,” 125 minutes) In a near future in a Los Angeles bathed in citrus tones Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is a writer for Letters.com, a company which produces hand-written letters for people too involved online to write. He is on the verge of a divorce from Katherine (Rooney Mara) and feeling lonely in his airless apartment. Then he learns of a virtual companion program, an “artificially indulgent system” which provides at least someone to listen. Through his operating system (OS1) he encounters Samantha, or Sam (voice of Scarlett Johansson), who quickly comes to understand him, humor him, bond with him. Sam warms as much to Theodore as he to her, declaring “I’m becoming much more than they programmed.” Surprisingly for Theodore, Sam becomes a true love interest, sharing intimacies through ear buds and providing companionship which no human can match. The bliss cannot last, however, when Sam, in a big reveal, crushes Theodore’s presumption of a true one-on-one romance. The tone of “Her” is wistful, almost serene, yet with an ever-present underpinning of an all-consuming, implacable technology that both lulls and controls. Like other of Jonze’s works the film is intriguing and quirky, yet unsettling, too, questioning the possibility of romance in the digital age. Phoenix, in what often seems a dazed state, is well cast as the floundering Theodore. So is the voice of Scarlett Johansson, whose husky contralto beautifully exudes both allure and acumen in equal measure – a voice to fall in love with. “Her” as a work ultimately seems more of a short story than a full feature. There is not much ballast to the film but, in its quiet way, it offers one possible glimpse into our uncertain future.
Sidamo Coffee and Tea Single Origin Coffee Freshly Roasted on Site! Organic & Specialty Coffees from Around the World 25 Types of Loose Teas Bagels, Salads, Sandwiches & Desserts • Catering Ethiopian Coffee Ritual Sundays @ 2pm
Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. u
202-548-0081 Mon.-Fri. 7-7 Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-5 sidamocoffeeandtea.com FREE 417 H Street, NE January 2014 H 101
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artandthecity
Artist Portrait: Edward “Bear” Miller
by Jim Magner
His canvases are a stage where his “adoration for life’s earthy dward Bear Miller is capable elements” collides with “our lofty, freefalling historical condition.” of seeing. Really seeing. He He wants to let imagination “rip a little more” and draw you into usually begins outdoors, “en that other world. plein air,” and what he sees, You can see his work this month at his Foundry Gallery show, a bridge, a tree or a canal, is “Staples and Gravy.” (See “At the Galleries”) edwardbearmiller.com not limited to what others might observe. Tangible images that strike his optic nerve are recorded with the intangibles of time and relevance. In his studio they are bombarded by ideas. Revelations. “Narrative figures” leap, soar, and swoop – an acrobatic dance in the inner space between knowing and dreaming. It’s his place where visions explore “the rich primordial world of metaphysical gravy.” This is a world of ancient sea life, “fellow primates, ancestors and the occasional song bird.” The energy is also in the paint. It moves with the currents of the water, but also with the seemingly stationary forms of the bridge itself. He blocks the negative spaces in first. They provide the philosophical themes and set the methodology, the way the painting will proceed. The true subject then becomes the special relationships on the surface, supported by the depth and complexity of the color harmonies. The recognizable elements of the subject matter are the last to be painted in. Edward Bear Miller was born and raised in DC. He began Keythedral 16” X 20” Oil on Canvas painting at an early age and continued through his college years, earning a BA in history and a master’s in education. He taught for 12 years, including DC area schools, while studying with noted painters. Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art He quit teaching in 2009 to devote his time to painting. “The meaning of life is to see.” Some guy named Hui Neng said that in 700 A.D. I used that quote to open my book about Vietnam, “A Haunting Beauty.” I’m opening this year, 2014, with the same quote. What does it mean? Not the obvious. It is not just a visual imprint of what’s in front of you. It is the personal interpretation inside your head, the mind’s eye. But even before the interpretation comes the real seeing, the actual looking at something as an ever-changing piece of everchanging reality. That morphs into understanding. When you look at life, not just for what it is but for what it could be, seeing becomes imagination – a particularly human gift when we choose to use it. All art is about seeing. Most of that comes through the optic nerve, but it can also enter the mind through the ears or by touch. Painting in particular allows you to get beyond facades, to wade into the guts of our world as we live it. That can be tough. Painful. You don’t really want to think of that pretty landscape as an ongoing and at times desperate fight for survival – as life feeding on Sturgeon Dreams Under Key Bridge, 36”X 48” Oil on Canvas death. So we distract ourselves with the pursuit of ap-
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1025 First St SE Washington DC 202-652-1009
pearances by clutching expensive stuff – and, of course, status. We just went through the annual buying frenzy. Everything was about money. But that’s America. All year long it’s about how much money you have, how much money he has. That’s how we judge a person’s smarts and wisdom. Even art is judged by “The Market.” The more it goes for, the better it is, right? So, for the most part, we as a nation are wildly missing Hui’s admonition. The meaning of life is to see. Really see. Try it. It works. You’ll be happier.
explorations of trees and bridges inhabited by primordial creatures.” www.foundrygallery.org
At the Museums
“The World Political” Evolve Urban Arts Project 1375 Maryland Ave. NE Jan. 16 - Feb. 27, Reception: Thu., Jan. 30
National Gallery of Art, West Building 7th and Constitution NW Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections traces the Byzantine visual arts from the 4th to the 15th centuries, from the pagan world of the Roman Empire to the opulent yet spiritual world of the Christian Byzantine Empire. Over 170 rare works bring you the exquisite splendor of the Byzantine Empire: sculptures, icons, mosaics, frescoes, manuscripts, metalwork, jewelry, glass, embroideries, and ceramics … it’s all there. March 2. The Dying Gaul: An Ancient Roman Masterpiece from the Capitoline Museum, Rome details the history and worldwide acclaim of this marble sculpture, which has touched almost everyone since it was discovered during excavations in Rome in the 1620s. It is believed to be a Roman copy of a Greek bronze original created in the 3rd century B.C. This is a very special work of art. What makes it so personally affecting? Many opinions are offered of course, but you need to see it yourself. This may be your only opportunity. March 16. www.nga.gov
At the Galleries Edward “Bear” Miller Foundry Gallery. 1314 18th St. NW Jan. 2 - Feb. 2, Reception: Fri., Jan. 3 Closing Reception: Sat., Feb. 1 Edward Bear Miller (see “Artist Profile”) exhibits his recent renderings of Key Bridge and Long Railroad Bridge in his “staple realist” style in this one-man show he calls “Staples and Gravy.” He also includes a few “wavier, more far-out
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Multi-Artist Show Hill Center Galleries. 921 Penn. Ave. SE Jan. 9 - Mar. 2, Reception: Jan. 15 This is a must see. Sandy Barrett Hassan exhibits her very expressive “Quilts in Color.” Jacquelyn Flowers’ paintings in oil and acrylic are also about color and texture. Also, 25 artists show their work in the Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) exhibition juried by Nicky Cymrot and Alan Braley.
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DC artist Aaron Wilder explores the connections between people and the images with which they identify, particularly geographic identity and popular culture. His mixed-media and acrylic works often include text to provoke your personal interaction. His more dominant themes include international politics, popular culture and the contradictions in the state of humanity, gay rights, gender equality, the processes of our own socialization, and “Conditionalism.” The Evolve receptions are always great.
Honfleur Gallery and The Gallery at Vivid Solutions 1241 Good Hope Rd., Anacostia Jan. 10 - Feb. 10 Artists talk: Sat., Feb. 1, 2:45 p.m. Common Ground. Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, painter, and Michael B. Platt, photographer, have combined their visual languages to create a common space. The excellent resulting works show that common ground can serve as a mode of action as well as a space. Adrift. Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah’s Morocco and Turkey photographs are created through in-camera multiple exposures. The series reflects her continuing consideration of what constitutes “home.” Capitol Hill artist and writer Jim Magner can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. His award-winning book, “A Haunting Beauty,” can be acquired through www.ahauntingbeauty.com. u
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the
LITERARY HILL
A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events
by Karen Lyon
The Year in Books On our Literary Hill 2013 was a stellar year for books and writers, offering an impressive array of topics. As always there was plenty of national history, including James Swanson’s duo of books on the Kennedy assassination (“End of Days” for adults and “The President Has Been Shot!” for young readers), Benjamin Soskia’s “The Battle Hymn of the Republic: A Biography of the Song That Marches On,” and Pete Daniel’s “Dispossession: Discrimination against African American Farmers in the Age of Civil Rights.” Local history was also well covered, with Garrett Peck’s “The Smithsonian Castle and the Seneca Quarry,” Abby and Ronald Johnson’s beautifully researched volume on Congressional Cemetery, “In the Shadow of the United States Capitol,” and John Muller’s “Mark Twain in Washington, D.C.” Robert Pohl (“Urban Legends and Historic Lore of D.C.”) and Tim Krepp (“Ghosts of Georgetown”) once again covered the fun side of DC history; John DeFerrari took a turn through the “Historic Restaurants of Washington, D.C.,” and Canden Schwantes tracked down scandals in “Wicked Georgetown.” Scandalous doings stirred several other authors this year, notably Paul Rosenzweig (“Cyber Warfare”), Jack Colhoun (“Gangsterismo: The United States, Cuba, and the Mafia”), Kathleen Frydl (“Drug Wars in America”), and Elizabeth Becker (“Overbooked: The Exploding
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Business of Travel and Tourism”). Two stirring memoirs gave us insight into the lives of neighbors Simeon Booker (“Shocking the Conscience: A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement”) and Lovey Marie Guillory (“Born on the Kitchen Floor in Bois Mallet”). Children were the focus of two new books this year: “Melonhead and the We-Fix-It Company” by Katy Kelly and “Feet” by Myrina McCullough. Veteran editor Bill Walsh weighed in with his hilarious take on grammar, “Yes, I COULD Care Less: How to Be a Language Snob without Being a Jerk.” Jonathan Bardzik gave us all a reason to buy more fresh food at Eastern Market with his “Simple Summer” cookbook; historian William S. Peterson explored the life of elusive artist Ethel Reed in “The Beautiful Poster Lady”; and Rindy O’Brien gave us a photographic perspective on the neighborhood with “@Home on the Hill.” Sports were tackled by Tom Dunkel (“Color Blind”), Brett Abrams (“The Bullets, the Wizards, and Washington D.C. Basketball”), and Frederick Frommer (“You Gotta Have Heart”). And Christopher Datta weighed in with a lone novel, “Touched With Fire.” What an amazing line-up of books, and all by Hill authors! Be sure to stop by and meet the local talent at the fourth annual Literary Hill BookFest, Sunday, May 4, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the North
Hall of Eastern Market. If you’re a Hill author (or know of one) who has a newly published book please let me know about it at klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org.
Coming Up This promises to be another great year for Hill writers. Look for Louis Bayard’s new historical novel, “Roosevelt’s Beast,” about Teddy Roosevelt’s doomed 1914 Amazon expedition; Janine Spendlove’s third book in her “War of the Seasons” fantasy trilogy for young adults; and a biography of Folger Shakespeare Library founders Emily and Henry Folger by Stephen Grant. Watch this space for all the latest literary news!
Go, Nats! “Oh You Nationals!” trumpeted The Washington Post’s headline. The team was poised to clinch the pennant and would go on to win the World Series. The year was 1924 and the future looked rosy for the team that began in 1901 as the Washington Nationals (but was more familiarly known as the Senators). But things have a way of not turning out quite the way you expect, or hope. As Hill author Frederick Frommer writes in his new book, “You Gotta Have Heart: A History of Washington Baseball from 1859 to the 2012 National League East Champions,” the 1924 World Series win “ushered in the franchise’s only true golden age.” After winning a second pennant in 1933, the team began a downward slide that eventually earned them the mocking description, “First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” In a comprehensive chronicle filled with interviews, colorful quotes, reminiscences, vivid play-by-play accounts of pivotal games, and photos of significant moments and players, Frommer covers the highlights and the low lights, including the 1961 expansion that took the heart out of the team, and the move to Texas in 1971 by owner Robert Short that killed it altogether. Washington would be without baseball until the Nationals returned in 2005. Chapters on the team’s storied relationships with presidents and senators, on the stadi-
ums where they played, and on Washington’s Negro League team provide valuable historical context. And a myriad of details infuse the book with plenty of
active map of Washington that links specific locations around town to excerpts from novels in which they appear. Click on various parts of the city and
A local author tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the home team. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/ Associated Press
local color, including the story of “Baseball Bill” Holdforth of the Hawk ‘n’ Dove, who dogged the hated Short but denies pouring beer on him, claiming “I wouldn’t waste a beer like that.” As for the future of the Nationals, Frommer’s high hopes are reflected in his book title, taken from a song in “Damn Yankees” (which was written about the Senators): “You Gotta Have Heart.” Frederick Frommer is an AP writer and the author of “The Washington Baseball Fan’s Little Book of Wisdom” and coauthor of “Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Great Rivalry” and “Growing up Baseball.”
Explore Books Online “DC By the Book” (dcbythebook.org) features an inter-
you’ll find a variety of books by George Pelecanos, Thomas Mallon, and hundreds of other authors. Developed by the DC Public Library with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this collaborative effort among librarians, experts in local fiction, and local historians seeks to highlight and crowd-source passages from the rich body of literature set in DC. Readers are encouraged to submit their favorite excerpts for posting. “From the Catbird Seat” (blogs.loc.gov/catbird) celebrates the Center for the Book and the wealth of literary resources at the Library of Congress. These lively postings will keep you up to date on programs, events, and research as well as engaging with current topics in poetry and literature.
“The Collation” (collation.folger.edu) features postings from the curators, scholars, librarians and other staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library, a world-class center for culture and the arts here on Capitol Hill. Topics range from rare books and conservation techniques to Renaissance recipes and famous forgeries. Visitors are invited to post comments or questions for the experts.
This Month on the Hill The Hill Center presents a book-signing and conversation with award-winning Irish author Molly McCloskey, moderated by Lisa Page, Jan. 28, 7:00 p.m. Free. Register online or call 202-549-4172. The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrates the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. with dramatic readings of speeches and poetry at “MLK Day: Not Just Another Day Off,” Jan. 20, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For more visit www.folger.edu/whatson or call 202-544-7077. At the Library of Congress cartoonist Kevin Callaugher discusses and signs his new book “Daggers Drawn: 35 Years of Kal Cartoons in the Economist,” Jan. 14, noon. For more visit www.loc.gov or call 202707-1519. u
The Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon
D
ietrich Williams is a Hill poet who wants his children and those he mentors to read more poetry in the hope that it will inspire them to take literature and writing more seriously.
Tears of Joy My love has been hiding in the bushes. A step kneel! I peek still, to scared leap and use free will! The clouds have changed, still no rain my dance has brought the wrong thanng aaaagain! For years it’s weeped as still I sleep until I felt grace as bright as sheep. I feel joy in the air I breathe now Tear drops as long as sleeves now Affectionate selection love & thoughtfulness perfected my face covered/this taste covet My knees bent/a queen scent mostly humble I never heard a silence so loud that my heart rumbles. Two days ago I cried tears of joy! And somewhere I forget about it, maybe I lost it, maybe I tossed it, nahhhhh, I found it! I can see it now, more importantly I can Receive it now! Today I cry tears of Joy! If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org. (There is no remuneration.) u
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{arts and dining / music}
P roject by Jean-Keith Fagon
Thoughts Of A Jazz Lover Jazz can be enigmatic, an alchemy of mysterious sounds and moods that is spontaneous and yet deliberate in its free flowing creativity. The music can be complex, but good jazz feels as simple as first love—it goes straight to the heart and rests there, beating gently. At times, the music can be so life-like that it speaks to you with honesty and love. One still gets a keen sense of understanding of the complexity of the music. There is such a high note of haughtiness, perhaps a sort of natural aristocracy from a kind of inbred austerity about jazz that puts it in a class by itself, elevating one to a higher ground of one’s consciousness. It almost borders on elitism, and yet jazz strikes one as a beautiful music for everyone. And it is, especially for those of us who not only enjoy but truly love the music. True, most good jazz musicians more than likely think of jazz as the arbiter of modern music. And on a good day, I think they are correct. You can walk in your door after a hard day’s work and a harrowing Metro ride, put on Sarah Vaughn and your world is transformed. Your mind clears, your body relaxes and suddenly life is pretty good. There’s no drug in the world that can do that. Jazz is beautiful music.
After Blue •••• Tierney Sutton, BFM Jazz Tierney Sutton not only has a beautiful voice but it is also a perfect fit for jazz. And as with other great jazz vocalists like Bil-
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lie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Shirley Horn who dominate their eras, Ms. Sutton is a dominant voice in today’s contemporary jazz world. Her latest album After Blue is an undeniable work of art for all of us “who dream of retiring to a tropical isle and enjoying a life of elysian ease.” This is Ms. Sutton at her finest, teasing, assuaging, and caressing her songs with grace and majesty. The album also boasts a tour de force of musicians starting with Hubert Laws (flute), Al Jarreau (vocals, track 9), Larry Goldings (piano, organ), Peter Erskine (drums), Mark Summer (cello), Ralph Humphrey (drums), Serge Merlaud (guitar), Kevin Axt (acoustic bass guitar), and the Turtle Island Quartet. Highlights include “Don’t Go To Strangers,” “Woodstock,” “Blue,” “Be Cool,” “Answer Me, My Love,” and “April In Paris/Free Man In Paris.”
Some More Love Songs••• Marc Copland, Pirouet The combination of Marc Copland (piano), Drew Gress (bass), and Jochen Rueckert (drums) offers a relaxing and refreshing rendition of jazz without the vocalist, the trumpet, or the saxophone. This blend of jazz is the softer, romantic formulaic version that is more appealing and rewarding for one’s listening pleasure. It is not only jazz for when you’re alone or
with friends, but jazz for everywhere. And on this album standards like “I Don’t Know Where I Stand,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” all highlight this beautiful music for its personal touch and ingrained intimacy. The final track “When I Fall In Love” is just another way of saying let’s fall in love and get lost in each other. Enjoy.
Offiong Bassey ••• Offiong Bassey, CMJ New World Music Nigerian-American singer-songwriter-poet Offiong Bassey’s debut album is best described as a cross-cultural cornucopia of Nigerian Ekombi, Afro-Peruvian, R&B, jazz, gospel, funk, soul and hip hop songs. Alternately singing or rapping in English, her native Efik or Nigerian Pidgin English, the music is full of life for dancing, partying, or just celebrating the day with friends at home. Ms. Bassey, a Yale graduate, tells us that “The album was inspired by my varied experiences with people and the ways in which we respond to triumph, challenge and nuance as we move through the human experience.” A good example is “Edidem,” a song inspired by a traditional Efik prayer as passed down by her grandmother. Other highlights include the title track “Offiong Bassey,” along with “Legitimate Child,” a spiritually-inspired song driven by a sizzling Calypso beat supported by Calabar-style Nigerian drumming, while bombastic Afrobeats, blaring horns and funk guitar riffs spark the celebratory “Conclusion.”
Lua Ya ••• Yeahwon Shin, ECM Yeahwon Shin’s debut album for ECM offers songs remembered and created by artist herself along with pianist Aaron Parks and accordionist Rob Curto. Nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2011 for her first album highlighting her love for Brazilian music, Yeahwon, on the ArtistShare label, Lua Ya is about Ms. Shin’s celebrating the birth of her daughter with songs for mothers and children all over the world. In fact, according to Ms. Shin most of these songs, including popular Korean songs like “Island Child” and “Remembrance,” were all learned from her mother. The joy and purity of love that echoes from the breadth of each songs like “A Morning Song” and “The Orchard Road,” could only come from a mother transformed in that wonderful world of creating life as she cradle her baby. With life comes a miracle and only a mother feels and knows it all. Lua Ya is a mother’s gift to her child: precious, humble, ethereal, and eternal.
No End •••• Keith Jarrett, ECM On this album, recorded in Keith Jarrett’s home studio
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in 1986, Mr. Jarrett is on electric guitars, Fender bass, drums, tablas, percussion, recorder, and piano. The moment I heard the music I kept wondering what the hell was going on, waiting of course for the great pianist Keith Jarrett to start playing. Five minutes later, still no Keith Jarrett. Then I went back and read the press release and began reading this astonishing story about the origin of this music. I was stunned. I couldn’t believe my ears. This was not the man who gave the world the indomitable Koln Concert. For the record, let me give you the official record of this memorable performance by Mr. Jarrett: “The Köln Concert is a concert recording concert by the pianist Keith Jarrett of solo piano improvisations performed at the Cologne Opera House in Cologne, Germany on January 24, 1975. It was released in the autumn of 1975 by the ECM Records label to critical acclaim and went on to become the best-selling solo album in jazz history, and the all-time bestselling piano album, with sales of more than 3.5 million.” Now good folks, here’s the deal. I was blown away by the music of No End. I decided to publish the liner notes in its entirety. Read, and then please buy this CD. Trust me, you’re going to like the music.
Here then is how Mr. Jarrett describes the setting: “The Studio: Cables and cords everywhere. A drum set in the corner. Tablas and percussion, instruments of all kinds strewn around the room. A beautiful deep red Gibson solid-body on a vertical stand alongside a blond wood classic Fender bass in its stand, both in front of the same blond wood chair which was directly opposite the drums. The tablas were on my American Steinway. Microphone stands were in front of the guitars, holding (to the best of my knowledge) a Neumann stereo microphone, and I believe another identical microphone was on a boom over the tablas. All the other percussion was played using the room as the guide as to where to stand or how loud to play, though I had to do many tests to achieve some intuition about this. My studio is very small, so I didn’t move the drum set at all, or the microphone while playing the drums. In the control room were two Tandberg cassette recorders which were used exclusively for this project; so I would record something first, then overdub, using headphones as a guide to the volume or position I needed to use, then overdub (with headphones, always) again, each time transforming the new information to the ‘other’ machine. Then I would put the newly recorded tape in the first machine, start them both, and run into the studio to overdub or start the next piece. Not a single machine breakdown occurred despite the fact that no one was in the control room monitoring anything. There was really, to my knowledge, no forethought or
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L SO ‘composition’ (in the typical sense) going on; just a feeling or a rhythmic idea or a bass line concept or melody. But none of this was written down. Beginnings and endings were either hit-or-miss or just plain astoundingly intuitive. I used a small mixing board and a little reverb to send the sound out to the headphones and simultaneously onto tape. I honestly can’t remember a hell of a lot about the details, but somehow something happened during these days in the 80’s that won’t ever be repeated. I had wanted to record on drums most of my life, and when I got the tape out recently, I thought I’d better run with it. Drums were always with me in some way. I have always been drawn to instruments that you touch directly, without a mechanism in between. Therefore, I cannot say I have ever loved the piano as much as the drums or the guitar. And, though I have a reputation for being in the acoustic world, I have always loved electric guitar.” All CDs and DVDS reviewed in this article are heard through Bowers & Wilkens Nautilus 801 speakers and ASW 4000 subwoofer, and Rotel Preamp 1070, amplifier 1092 and CD player 1072. B&W speakers are now available at Magnolia, Best Buys (703.518.7951) and IQ Home Entertainment (703.218.9855). CDs are available for purchase through amazon.com For more information about this column, please email your questions to fagon@hillrag.com. u
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{kids & family} N O T E B O O K Canal Park Ice Skating Extended Hours for School Holidays On Jan. 4, 21 and Feb. 18, Canal Park ice skating hours will be extended to 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Skating fees are $8; children, seniors (55+) and military fees are $7. Skate rental is $3. The park is at Second and M Sts. SE, one block from the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Avenue exit). For more information, email SkateCanalPark@gmail.com or call 202-5546051. canalparkdc.org
Rock Band Class! Music on the Hill is introducing a brand new class on Thursday evenings starting in January. Students will form an actual rock back under the guidance of guitar/bass teacher Will Rzad. They will learn how to play together using awesome classic songs and have a great time doing it! Any instrument is welcome, from guitars and drums to violin and clarinet! They are also happy to take absolute beginners (on select instruments). The class is for ages 10-14. The class is 8 weeks long, starting Jan. 9. $200. Music on the Hill, 1453 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-733-3158. facebook.com/musiconthehilldc
by Kathleen Donner
rial Library to become part of a larger peace display for Black History Month. This project is especially for ages 4-12. dclibrary.org “We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends by peaceful means.” -Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dclibrary.org
Shake Up Your Saturdays: Prompting the Bard at the Folger On Jan. 11, 10 a.m., children and parents are invited to explore the designs of Shakespeare’s plays and take a closer look at language and prompt books used in productions in Folger’s latest exhibition Here is a Play Fitted. Recommended for ages 6-12. It’s free but reserve your spot. Folger Shakespeare Library, E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu
Searching for Capitol Hill’s Best Family-Friendly Restaurants We have some ideas but are relying on our readers for recommendations and comments about dining out with kids. We’re especially looking for pleasant staff, reasonable prices, and overall kidfriendly ambience. Kids’ menus, a plus but not necessary. So let’s hear from you. Please email Kids and Family Notebook editor Kathleen Donner at kathleendonner@ gmail.com by Jan. 20. If you want to attach a high res (500 KB’s or more) photograph of a family dining experience, we may publish it. John and Kristen Ludecke with Rose, age 9, and Thomas, age 7, at their regular Friday night table at La Plaza Restaurant, 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Photo: Kathleen Donner
King Week Project: “Let’s Promote Peace” Mural From Jan. 12-18, families can stop by any neighborhood library to participate in the King Week Project. Your child can personalize a paper peace symbol and sign a peace pledge to be displayed as a “Let’s Promote Peace” mural in the children’s room. After the mural is displayed in your neighborhood library, it will be sent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memo-
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{kids & family / notebook}
“I Have a Dream Wall” for Teens at MLK Library Jan. 12-19, teens are encouraged to artistically express themselves and continue the nonviolent fight towards equality for all. Come to MLK Library and decorate a “dream cloud” that will state your dream for the future for yourself, your community and/or this country. Your “dream cloud” will be on display on the “I Have A Dream” wall during Black History Month at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library during February.
imagiNATIONS Activity Center at the American Indian Museum Open every day, the interactive, familyfriendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides visitors of all ages with a multitude of unique learning experiences. Native peoples have always used the natural environments around them to meet their needs, and today many of their innovations and inventions are part of daily life for millions worldwide. Visitors to the center can explore some of these ingenious adaptations through a variety of hands-on activities: Weave a giant basket to learn about the various styles of basketry. Explore different modes of transportation like snowshoes and skateboards. Sit inside a full-sized tipi and learn about the buffalo. And stamp your imagiNATIONS passport with real tribal seals as you journey through the center. Even the homes where Native people lived show how they adapted to their environments! Visitors can find out how as they wander through an Amazonian stilt house, see what makes a Pueblo adobe house special, or learn how a Comanche tipi is built. Visitors can also learn about Ross and Cascade, Native kids who wear various styles of clothes for the different modern and traditional roles they play. Additionally, the activity center offers stories about Native cultures or by Native authors, available for reading in the center’s story room. The craft room offers visitors the opportunity to create art projects and take them home. Their newest activities include a kayak balancing game and our Native Beats Music Room, where kids can explore music through Native percussion instruments. Don’t forget to test your knowledge
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of Native history, culture, and customs by participating in a competitive quiz show. They invite you to come and explore! The center always has something new, hosting a regular schedule of storytellers, artists, and other unique performers and activities. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center is open Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. NMAI on the National Mall at 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW. nmai.si.edu
Chinese New Year Family Day at the American Art Museum On Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the American Art invites everyone to join them in celebrating the Chinese New Year in the heart of Chinatown. Festivities to bring in the Year of the Horse include traditional dance performances and demonstrations. Learn the art of calligraphy and make red paper lanterns to bring yourself good luck in the New Year! Free admission. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, 8th and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu
Library of Congress to Offer Junior Fellows Summer Internships Now in its 10th year, the Library’s Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program once again is offering special 10-week paid fellowships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2014 class of Junior Fellows will work full-time with Library specialists and curators, May 27-Aug. 1, 2014, to inventory, describe and explore collection holdings and to assist with digital-preservation outreach activities throughout the Library. The focus of the program is on increasing access to collections and awareness of the Library’s digi-
Presto! The Case of the Vanishing Viola at the Kennedy Center Oh no, a musician’s viola has been stolen! Could the culprit be the magician next door? With the guidance of Presto!-a talented string trio composed of violinist Karen Lowry-Tucker and violist Elizabeth Pulju-Owen (both members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra) along with cellist/magician Drew Owen--you get to follow the clues to help the detectives crack the case. For ages 4 and up. Free Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” in the Hall of States, one hour before the performance. Performances are on Saturday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.; 1:30 p.m.; and 5 p.m. The 11 a.m. performance is sensory friendly. $20. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-416-8000. kennedy-center.org Presto Kinderclassics. Photo: Ning Fan
tal-preservation programs by making them betterknown and available to Members of Congress, scholars, researchers, students, teachers and the general public. The fellows will be exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright deposits, digital preservation, reference, access standards and information management. From 15th-century German woodcuts and Civil War battlefield maps to Abraham Lincoln’s life mask and a braille copy of the book “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” published in 2003, rare and unique treasures were processed by the 2013 Junior Fellows, who
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were given access to a wide variety of collections housed in the Library of Congress. Applications will be accepted online only at usajobs.gov, keyword: 357481100, through midnight, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. For more details about the program and information on how to apply, visit loc.gov/hr/jrfellows. Questions about the program may be sent to interns2014@loc.gov.
A Dream To Share at Rosedale Library On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m., join them at Rosedale Library as they read picture books that explore Dr. King’s positive vision of ideal citizenship and discuss how the work of Dr. King and many other brave people permitted young Ruby Bridges to attend school wherever she chose. An age-appropriate activity and a craft will be used to illustrate opposing concepts and relevant terms (such as “fair”/”unfair”, “peace” and “protest”) that were prominent during the peaceful protests of the Civil Rights era and in our world today. For early learners-PreK to 3rd grade. Rosedale Neighborhood Library, 1701 Gales St. NE. 202727-5012. dclibrary.org/rosedale
Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Ebenezers On Jan. 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mr. Gabe performs nursery rhymes, folk songs, and modern favorites (such as “Yellow Submarine” and “La Bamba”) for children, 0-6. He appears frequently at schools, cafes, and libraries throughout the area. He is a featured performer at the popular Boogie Babes con-
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certs, presented at venues like the Atlas Performing Art Center and Union Market. Last year, Mr. Gabe released his first CD, entitled Play Date, which received a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and was nominated for a Washington Area Music Award. According to the Parents’ Choice Foundation, “listening to Mr. Gabe sing is like hearing an old friend telling stories on the front porch swing.” Tickets are $6 adv/$8, door (everyone 1 year and older). Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com
Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) is the only Washington, DC metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. SMYAL’s mission is to promote and support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBTQ youth as they journey from adolescence into adulthood. To fulfill the mission, SMYAL concentrates their commitment and energy on life skills and leadership development; counseling and support; health and wellness education; safe social activities; and community outreach and education. SMYAL is located at 410 7th St. SE. 202-5465940. smyal.org
Imagination Stage: “Aquarium” at the Atlas From Jan. 28-Feb. 2, enter a world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky. With gentle
music, beautiful puppets, and imaginative props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world. Imagination Stage, an international leader in family theater, is a proud presenter of “serious fun for the very young” in their innovative live performance experiences. $8. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-3997993. atlasarts.org
School Within School Open Houses Would you like to know more about School Within School and the Reggio Emilia approach? Stop by and see their school in its new space. School Within School at Goding (SWS) is a public, teacher-directed, Reggio Emilia inspired school. Come talk with current SWS families, meet the principal and teachers and get a glimpse of this vibrant learning environment. SWS will be a Pre-K 3 through 3rd grade school for the 2014-15 school year. Open houses are Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, 10-11:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 9-11 a.m. All open houses are at the SWS campus at 920 F St. NE. schoolwithinschool.org
In Every Language Love at the Sackler On Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 2 p.m., view a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art. Use printing blocks that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages as well as symbols of love to print vivid Valentines to take home. It’s an
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open house for all ages. 1050 Independence Ave. SW. asia.si.edu
Glorious March to Liberty: Civil War to Civil Rights at Southeast Library On Friday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m., Hari Jones, the African American Civil War Museum’s Curator and Assistant Director, will present the program “Glorious March to Liberty: Civil War to Civil Rights.” In this interactive program, participants will learn about the scope of African American involvement in the Civil War and have the opportunity to handle reproduced Civil War items. Program is for ages 5, older. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th St. SE. 202-6983377. dclibrary.org/southeast
Unified School Application and Lottery System Launches The District has launched a common application and lottery system for DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools. My School DC provides a single online application where families can apply for spots at all DCPS out-of-boundary schools (K–12), all DCPS PK3 and PK4 programs, DCPS specialized high schools, and nearly every public charter school program. Families can go to myschooldc.org and submit an application to as many as 12 schools. The application is open through Feb. 3 for grades 9-12 and Mar. 3 for grades PK-8. My School DC is working proactively to connect parents to all the necessary information about each school so that they can under-
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stand the options available to them and make an informed decision. In addition to the comprehensive and searchable information available on MySchoolDC.org, there will be a targeted media campaign and extensive grass-roots community outreach. There is no advantage to applying early. However, the system launched successfully on the first day, with more than 1,000 applications submitted. More than 10,000 individuals have visited the website to learn more about the process and school options.
White House Student Film Festival Call for Entries Having your schoolwork posted on the fridge at home is cool. But having a video you made posted on the White House website and screened at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? That’s pretty cool, too. That’s why the White House is super-excited to announce the firstever White House Student Film Festival: a video contest created just for K-12 students, and whose finalists will have their short films shown at the White House. Finalist videos may also be featured on the White House website, YouTube channel, and social media pages. Films should address at least one of the following themes: (1) How you currently use technology in your classroom or school and (2) the role technology will play in education in the future. Submissions for the White House film festival will be accepted through Jan. 29, 2014. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo to be submitted. Read details at whitehouse. gov/filmfestival. u
{kids & family}
A Fond Farewell to Monkey’s Uncle by EV Downey
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while also recycling. They used their store’s blog to provide information and ideas about reducing one’s footprint on the earth in addition to updating information about their shop. “Monkey’s Uncle is the only store my sixyear-old, who hates shopping, ever actually wants to visit,” said Jennifer Mueller, local mother and yoga instructor. “Just a handful of toys and puzzles by the front door coupled with Jay and Michael’s welcoming attitude, and she loved the place. There were some things we always had better luck finding at Monkey’s Uncle than elsewhere. This is a community loss that I know my family will feel,” Mueller lamented. Many parents on the Hill try hard to keep their money in the neighborhood rather than heading out to the suburbs or online for every purchase. Monkey’s Uncle provided items such as winter gear and Halloween costumes that are next-to-impossible to find anywhere else in the neighborhood. They were also a great resource for passing on school uniforms, often advertising the need for specific colors on their blog. In announcing the closing, the Uncles stated on their website, www.monkeysuncleonthehill. com, that they “consider [their] little shop a huge success in almost every measure. The one measure that has eluded [them] is financial success.” Responding to this, multiple calls have gone out to Moms on the Hill (MoTH), a local parents’ listserv, to support the business in their final days. First everyone was Michael McFadyen and Jay Keegan encouraged to patronize the store to make sure the final stock was all sold out. Within hours someone had the even better idea of telling the owners that their consignment credits could be forgiven. Several mothers reported on MoTH that they had contacted the store to tell Jay and Michael that they could keep the money built up in their accounts from bringing clothes in that sold.
arents have been raising kids on Capitol Hill for two centuries, but never has it been easier than the last ten or so years. We parents are blessed by all sorts of amenities that make our lives easier. Our schools have been improved, there are more extracurricular offerings for kids from tot to teen, and we increasingly have shopping options for toys and clothes right here on the Hill. But many were sad to hear that one of the staples of Hill shopping for kids, Monkey’s Uncle, is closing at the end of the month. Opened in 2009, Monkey’s Uncle is a children’s consignment clothing shop located on 7th Street, SE, near Eastern Market, owned by Jay Keegan and Michael McFadyen (affectionately known as “the Uncles”). At the store customers could consign gently worn, clean articles of clothing for all ages of kids, from infants to teens. In addition to kids’ clothes, the store accepted cloth diapers, maternity clothing, and kids’ equipment. They also rented baby and travel equipment as well as selling unique gift items such as handmade dolls. Jay and Michael have sorted through thousands of items on their quest to fill the need for quality affordable clothing here in the neighborhood. Choosing to be a consignment shop meant that they could also provide a simple way for families to profit from their kids’ hand-me-downs
Anne O’Rourke, a mother of two who lives just a few blocks from the store, has been shopping and consigning there since it opened. She will miss Jay and Michael and their “smiles and warm welcomes!” Anne continues, “It was just the kind of ‘small town’ store that we love having on the Hill and are so very sad to see leave us. The store was so much more than recycled clothing: they are the real fabric of our community.” Jay and Michael plan to remain open through the end of December, hoping to provide holiday wear to the Hill’s children through one more season. When asked to contribute to this article, the Uncles decided that they did not wish to speak about the closing. Jay and Michael allowed their blog to speak for them, writing, “We are thankful for the friendship and kindness that the community has embraced us with, and consider ourselves blessed for the experience.” u
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{kids & family}
Privileged To Do Without African Trip Shows Eastern Students What Is And Isn’t Important In Life by Stephen Lilienthal
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ahni Clarke-Hellams, junior at Eastern Senior High School (ESHS), and five classmates spent five days in July living in a place without television, the internet, electric lights, ovens or stoves, bathrooms, not even running water from a sink. Is it any wonder that some of Mahni’s friends would exclaim, “Africa! Why would you want to go there? You could look at it on TV.” Yet, Mahni’s and her classmates’ experience as Student Ambassadors (SA) for buildOn, a non-profit concerned with development issues, challenges the conventional American view of how life is to be lived.
From Eastern SHS to Southeast Africa The students visited Malawi, a country in southeast Africa, this July thanks to buildOn, a non-profit dedicated to reducing poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequity in underdeveloped areas. Skyler Badenoch, buildOn’s DC representative, emphasizes that the non-profit’s mission is to have students travel to underdeveloped areas to do their part to diminish the deficits in educational resources. In over two decades, buildOn has built well over 550 schools in countries with high rates of poverty. Eastern’s buildOn chapter helped raise money for the trip while the DC chapter raised a majority of the funds. Six students were selected to serve as Student Ambassadors (SA) after being recommended by Eastern faculty, completing two essay questions and going through a panel review conducted by DC buildOn Chapter members. Mahni, Naomie Williams, Givon Clair, Davonya Flythe, Alexis Adams, and Ke’Asiah McLaughlin, left in July to visit Guchi, a small Malawian village with an economy based on agriculture. They were accompanied by their science teach-
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er, Megan Fisk, and their Dean of Students, Neutah Opiotennione.
Arriving in Guchi As they rode the bus to Guchi, the students felt apprehensive. Even though Guchi needed a school to serve its residents and those of nearby villages, Mahni found herself wondering, “Are they going to appreciate what we’re doing? Are they going to accept us?” Seeing all the empty homes in Guchi increased the uncertainty. However, the SAs unease quickly dissipated upon entering the center of the village where they were greeted by singing and dancing villagers. Alexis Adams smiles when recalling the warm greeting, “I don’t really dance, but I danced there because it’s respectful to dance” with villagers. After the reception, the village leaders spoke in a hut, welcoming the SAs. Mahni and Davonya responded by expressing the wish that both Guchi residents and the SAs would learn from each other.
Eastern student Mahni ClarkeHellams carries a village child who resides in Guchi.
What They Did ESHS’s SAs were soon at work helping the village construct the school. Receiving help from buildOn requires the signing of a covenant in which villagers promise to maintain the school and ensure it provides equal access to males and females. Villagers unable to write their name provided their fingerprints. After breaking ground, the villagers and
buildOn mixed cement, sifted sand, and laid bricks. Village men worked on construction and the women prepared food and carried water. “It was fun to show them that in the US women do construction work and that we actually are good at it.”
Life Not As We Know It ESHS’s SAs had to confront all kinds of challenges unthinkable to most Americans. Villagers must walk to obtain water from a well. Travel for most villagers means walking. Guchi has no electricity so the students had to use flashlights. They had spent days studying Chichewa, the language spoken by Guchi’s residents, but found themselves relying often on nonverbal communication with their families and translators at the worksite. Children in Mahni’s residence spoke some English, allowing her to forge bonds with them by the visit’s end. The students taught them freeze tag, Uno, and answered their questions about President Obama and his family. Mahni ‘s host family was fairly affluent by rural Malawian standards, residing in a hut but also owning a brick house that some SAs used for their stay. Alexis stayed there too, recalling that the family had a TV yet, like all of Guchi, no electricity. Showering and cooking meant using water heated by fire. Mahni found using an outside bathroom difficult particularly in the cold night.
Contrasting Here and There The six students returned to the States with a stronger understanding between wants and needs. As Ke’Ashiah wrote in a journal, ”Living with a host family halfway across the world from mine really made me appreciate everything I have at home.”
Interested in health care, Mahni learned that Guchi residents must travel two hours by vehicle or walk four hours to reach the nearest hospital. Only children under 5 have regular access to doctors. Mahni and the SAs were impressed by the interest young Malawians show toward education. Visiting a school on the way to Guchi, students were “ready to learn.” When asked questions, hands shot up. Davonya says, “Malawians view education as a privilege.” When asked about the low standard of living in Malawi, Mahni says, “The striking thing is that Malawians do not carry themselves as if they need money.” She wrote in her journal that the Guchi residents “seemed to smile despite their circumstances.” Ke’Asiah now believes that many of her wants “are unimportant to living.” The hard working nature of the villagers and the commitment of Guchi’s parents to see their children prosper impressed her. Alexis says what she finds inspiring is that Malawians are helpful without expecting things in return. “That’s something you don’t see a lot of in America.” When asked about how the experience changed her life, Mahni says, “I don’t ask for much anymore.” Her fellow ESHS classmates now have a changed view of Africa. “When we came back and told our classmates and families everything, they were like, “Wow! I want to go.” Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. u
Tae Kwon Do with Master Gutman
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mastergutman@gmail.com 222 8th Street NE 202.546.6275 / 271.5449 Washington DC,20003
An experienced tutoring professional will be available for in home, at school or public setting sessions on Math, Science & Standardized Testing.
tutoringoncapitolhill@gmail.com 703-303-5060 | tutoringoncapitolhill.com
For Students of All Ages
January 2014 H 119
School Notes Susan Braun Johnson
Payne Elementary Great Community Support for Our Bulb Planting Winter may be starting, but Payne Elementary School is ready for spring. A group of folks recently came together to beautify the school grounds for winter, and planted 700 bulbs so Payne will be a show-stopper in spring. Volunteers helped organize the event alongside the PTA and The Friends of Payne School, a new organization that works in collaboration with Payne to support its priorities and increase broader community support. Friends of Payne’s Amy Mauro commented, “The bulb planting was a great opportunity to get the kids, parents, teachers, administration, and community working together to beautify the school.” PTA President Janice Brown agrees. “The children really enjoyed it,” she said. Once the planning of the event began, support from the Capitol Hill community poured in. Hands On DC donated supplies and covered a big chunk of our bulb costs. We also benefited
Payne Students Get Down to Earth!
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from individual donations, and business sponsors Frager’s Hardware, Ginko Gardens, and Curbside Cupcakes who all helped make the event a success. Payne PTA and Friends of Payne have big plans for the school grounds next year: Rehabilitating water hookups, installing a vegetable garden, trash cans, and a tricycle shed with a green roof. More trees are already slated for the school next year thanks to Casey Trees and Green Apple. We have a big job ahead, and we’re off to a great start. - Suzanna Dennis, Preschool-3 Parent.
Ludlow Taylor Fifth-Graders Take First Place at Annual Geoplunge Challenge Tournament
Ludlow Taylor ES Fifth-Graders Take First Place at Geoplunge Challenge Tournament This is Ludlow-Taylor’s second year participating in The GeoPlunge Challenge Tournament which is based on the game that teaches students about the geography of the United States. Ludlow Taylor had three teams and one alternate player. Two of our three teams made it to the semi-finals and Ludlow Taylor ultimately won the city-wide tournament. Fifth-graders Teri Franklin, Dash Thompson and Endale Pinn made up the winning team. Fourth-grader Christiana Floyd, Ludlow Taylor’s alternate student, was asked to play on a team with students from another elementary school and they also made it to the semi-finals. That team, which consisted of fourth-graders, was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Exploring Award. Geoplunge is a partnership with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee and DCPS elementary and middle schools. Students in teams of three compete in this tournament, an all-day event typically held during National Geography Week, which is open to students from grades 3 through 8. This year the tournament was held at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. - Angelica Alfonso-Royals Ludlow Taylor, 659 G ST NE; 202698-3244
John Tyler Elementary School News Tyler Elementary is buzzing with excitement over the success of El Café del Autor (Author’s Café), a readers’ and writers’ workshop for students in the Spanish immersion program. El Café del Autor is rooted in the idea that in order for students to become good writers, they must participate in the entire literary process. Beginning with an original idea, each student developed a complete story, including drawings and details, over the course of several weeks. El Café del Autor gave them the opportunity to present their literary achievements to their parents, peers, and teachers in the school auditorium, which was transformed into a literary café for the day. Pictured above are two of Tyler’s budding young autores, Noah Ramsden and Thaddeus Campbell. Thaddeus’ story is about an 11 year-old boy (Alex Coro), his mom, and a dog, all of which have superpowers (e.g. the dog has laser eyes)
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program
The Van Ness Elementary School at 5th and M St. SE has been closed since 2006, but is now slated for a 2015 opening. $9.8 million has been budgeted for its modernization. The Tyler students show off their Spanish literary skills at El Café del Autor. VNPG is a parent-run which they use to save their city from volunteer advocacy organization with a a falling asteroid. vision to create a supportive and incluNoah’s story is about the (fictisive school community that promotes tious) Star People, or Estrellacanos, academic success for all Van Ness Elwho are attacked by half-lizard (miementary School students. tad lagartija) people while defending Charles Allen (previously of a magic book. These half-lizards live Tommy Wells’ office, currently runon the distant planet of Legurtiper, ning for Ward 6 councilmember) and are called Lejáricos (from lejos shared valuable information on top meaning far away). Happily, the Eseducation issues for DCPS elementrellacanos succeed in defeating the tary schools at the fall meeting in invaders. Felicidades, Estrellacanos, y September. ANC6D rep David Garbien hecho Thaddeus y Noah! - Colber also attended. Our next meeting leen Cancio ; ccancio@gmail.com. will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb 1, Tyler Elementary, 1001 G St, SE.; 2014. A social time for parents and www.tylerElementary.net or contact children will be followed with an informative discussion and workshop Van Ness Elementary on educational options for rising Van Ness Parent Group: Now three year olds. E.V. Downey will be On Facebook And Twitter! presenting. Application and lottery The Van Ness Parent Group is pleased to announce the launch of their new Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/VanNessParentGroup. They invite all interested families to “like” us and stay up-to-date on developments with the Van Ness School. You may also follow us on twitter via the handle @ Charles Allen speaking to Van Ness Parent Group VNPG2015.
Information / Open House Sessions on the Following Thursdays*: • January 23 & 30 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • February 20 & 27 from 9:30 am-10:30 am *You must register to attend, limit of 20 people per session. Call (202) 545-0515 to register.
Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org • Application deadline March 3, 2014.
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deadlines are approaching: let’s get informed! Food will be served and, as always, there will be activities for children. More details on the meeting TBA; stay tuned via the Facebook page or our Google group. We welcome all interested parents to join the VNPG. You may contact vannessparentgroup@gmail.com and request to be included on the Parents on the Capitol Riverfront Google group. Meredith Baker; Meredith.henne@gmail. com.
7:30 pm. www.capitolhillmontessorischool. org; 215 G St., NE, Washington, DC 20002
Eliot-Hine School Art and Music Eliot-Hine’s art teacher, Abby Stomackin, is challenging her students to create the EH logo, judged on design, composition, neatness and overall aesthetic. Each student must
Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan School Happy new year to all of our Capitol Hill neighbors! We ended 2013 with a particular bright spot when we learned that we received $8,200 in grants from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF)! These grants will help us provide high-quality classroom and library materials, an effective communications system, and much-needed child-friendly furniture. We know that it takes public, private and parent support to make our schools work, and we are proud and thankful to have CHCF as a partner. Thank you to Councilman David Grosso for touring our school Eliot-Hine 8th grader Diamonte working on his version of the school’s logo. and talking with our parent leadership. We were pleased to hear submit three designs, one of which must be about his education perspectives and to share the eagle in flight. The top tier chosen will news about CHML with him. We welcome be converted to canvas and displayed as an art visitors who would like to experience firstinstallation in a common area of the school. hand the unique, caring, and challenging Ms. Stomackin will work with the PTO to find learning experience in progress at CHML funding for this project, in addition to a few and engage with the our parent, educator and others in the works, to bring vitality and school student community. pride to Eliot-Hine’s hallways. As you get organized for the 2014-15 Music stretches the mind. Sixth graders DCPS lottery, learn more about CHML! In take music class with music teacher Mr. Nayaddition to our current PS-6 grade offerings, lor, and may choose their instrument from an CHML will be adding a 7th grade in 2014-15 impressive collection. Some younger students (and 8th grade the following year). Learn about are selected to play with the more advanced our expanding school community at our up8th grade orchestra, which practices on stage coming open house on January 21 from 6:30-
Friends Community School Progressive Quaker Education Kindergarten - Grade 8 in Eliot-Hine’s great auditorium. Playing together adds another important dimension to individual music study. Eliot-Hine students who are especially advanced may play with Eastern’s band, in which case those students have access to the DC Youth Orchestra Program (dcyop. org), housed at Eastern, tuition-free. Please encourage the kids in your life to explore music!
Other Pursuits Ski Club is gearing up! Creative Writing Club, Book Club, Robotics, Knitting, Art Club, Chess Club, Student Government, Band, team sports, Tennis, and more – they’re all going on at Eliot-Hine! Learn more on Tuesday Tours each week from 9 to 10:30 am and 1 to 3pm. Happy 2014, Capitol Hill! May this year bring health, prosperity, and peace. Eliot-Hine Middle School, 1830 Constitution Ave., NE. 202939-5380 or eliothinemiddleschool. org. @EliotHine, facebook.com/ EliotHineMS. - EH parent Heather Schoell.
Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS High-Performing Stokes Partners with Whole Foods Thanks to their partnership with Whole Foods Market and their flagship DuPont “P” Street store, the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School is now able to purchase 90 pounds of fresh tilapia at cost annually. Whole Foods’ generosity will save the high-performing public charter school, which serves students from pre-K through the sixth grade, $15,000 annually. The partnership has made important contributions to the school’s
healthy eating and wellness initiatives. The school serves locally sourced, nutritious meals cooked on site from scratch, often with ingredients grown in the school’s organic garden. As part of the partnership, students learn from experts about sustainable fishing and the school has received funds as part of the “P” Street store’s ‘Five percent day,’ during which five percent of all profits from sales are donated to the school. Stokes charter, located at 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE, boasts a bilingual immersion educational program in which students are taught to think, read, speak, write and learn in two languages: French and English or Spanish and English. Stokes’ students significantly outperform their peers who attend D.C. Public Schools and other D.C. charters. http://www.ewstokes.org/
School-Within-School @ Goding Winter Solstice School-Within-School held its annual Winter Solstice celebration, a favorite school day for many kids and grownups alike. The celebration includes using candles and special lights to brighten up this shortest day of the year. But the highlight is that staff, students and parents wear pajamas to school. What a hoot for kids to see teachers in their PJ’s! Everyone cooks and eats breakfast for lunch in the classrooms, and creates objects that catch or reflect light. The tradition is also a nice transition into the two-week winter break.
Experience the Joy of an Extraordinary Education!
OPEN HOUSES
9:00 a.m. sharp - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11 Thursday, Jan. 16 Application Deadline -- Jan. 22, 2014 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Tel: 301.441.2100 www.friendscommunityschool.org Only 15-20 minutes up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway!
Accepting Only Online Applications for the 2014-2015 School Year Grades PS/PK-5th Grade Apply at www.ewstokes.org If applicants do not have internet access, they can come to the school to apply on-line. With a French and Spanish immersion program and a dual focus on academic excellence and community service, Stokes School prepares culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.
Canned Food Drive The canned food drive for the National Capitol Area Food Bank was a resounding success. SWS families donated about 800 pounds of food, thanks in part to Ms. Burke’s
Upcoming Open House: January 30, 2014 from 9:30am – 11:00am RSVP to Ms. Jo-Anne Hurlston, Parent Coordinator, jo-anneh@ewstokes.org School tours on Wednesday from 9:00 am -10:00 a.m.
3700 Oakview Terrace, NE | Washington, DC 20017 | 202.265.7237 January 2014 H 123
1st grade students organizing the drive and visiting each classroom to talk about generosity and how we can be of service to others. The message stuck, even for some of the three-yearolds, who went home and told their parents about the importance of donating food.
Open Houses Come by to see our new building and our Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms. You can examine some of our arts-based projects that teach respect, responsibility and community. Open houses: Jan 15, 6-7:30 p.m., Feb 8th, 10-11:30 a.m. and Feb 19th 9-11 a.m. -- by Allison Klein. 920 F St NE, 202-727-7377; schoolwithinschool.org.
Winter Olympics. Students track their minutes by working their way through different sports, like Basketball, Skiing and Skating. Each campus goal is as follows: Peabody (PK3-K) – 250,000 Minutes; Watkins (1-5) – 450,000 Minutes; Stuart-Hobson (6-8) – 300,000 Minutes
Winter Holiday Concerts Feature a Focus on Music
The Cluster’s music program, supported by both DCPS and individual grants received for new instruments, was on display at each campus this holiday. Peabody Kindergartners performed with 1st graders at Watkins Elementary, demonstrating their connection of music and moveCHDS Sixth-Graders and Early Childhood Students Select the 2013 Giving Tree. Photo: Lisa Sommers ment, developing their singing DC International School voices, and showing awareness of The District of Columbia Interstudent enrollment and is scheduled for a major melodic contour and pitch in their Winter Wonnational School (DCI) is now accepting applicarenovation soon. derland Concert. tions for the 6th and 7th grades. DCI is a new IB For those who haven’t seen it, seventh grade Watkins 2 -3rd graders performed together and language focused public charter middle and teacher Greg Dohmann is the video mastermind beas well, with the 3rd graders showing off their rehigh school that will open in 2014. Come visit hind “Rock that CAS”. It’s hard not tap to the beat. corder skills, and with a performance of “Elfis and us at the DC Education Fair January 11 at the It’s available at: http://articles.washingtonthe Sleigh Riders” under the direction of Watkins Convention Center, an upcoming information post.com/2013-08-08/local/41191531_1_middleMusic Teacher Ms. Tori Pergerson. session, or online at www.dcinternationalschool. school-jefferson-middle-cas Watkins 4-5th graders performed in an eveorg. - Mary Shattner Following the Teacher Appreciation Event, ning choral concert at the Stuart-Hobson auditoNando’s and NSCP will host fundraising events for rium as part of a Winter Evening with the Arts with Amidon-Bowen & Jefferson both schools in February. the Stuart-Hobson middle school students. SH With all of the projects happening around Academy News students displayed their artwork and did a dance Capitol Riverfront and (soon) the Southwest WaNando’s Peri Peri in Yards Park and the Near presentation in the new gymnasium. terfront, the success of these schools will be more Southeast Community Partners (NSCP) are hostCluster families shared holiday cookies and important than ever. -Bruce DarConte, Co-Founding a Teacher Appreciation Event for Amidongood cheer before the Winter Break. er/Vice Chair, Near Southeast Community PartBowen and Jefferson Academy in early January. Capitol Hill Cluster School, PK3 – 8: Peaners (NSCP). The purpose of the event is to bring awareness to body Primary, 425 C St NE, Watkins Elementary, the great work being done by these teachers. 420 12th St, SE; Stuart-Hobson Middle School, The teachers and principals in both schools Capitol Hill Cluster School News 410 E St NE. www.capitolhillclusterschool.org have worked hard to raise test scores and both Cluster-wide Winter Reading Program schools have seen a rise in student enrollment. Kicks Off Capitol Hill Day Schools News Amidon-Bowen had just recently undergone a maThe entire Cluster is committed to reading 1 Giving, Performing, Learning, Exploring jor renovation, including a new playground and Million Minutes this winter, which we will track Capitol Hill Day School students, parents, new windows are set to be installed soon. through our Winter Reading Incentive Program. and teachers packed a lot into December’s 15 Jefferson Academy recently had the third This year’s theme is “Be a Good Sport and Get school days! floor renovated and re-opened given the rise in Your Game on Reading” as we get ready for the • Families “decorated” The Giving Tree
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with mittens, hats, and scarves that sixth-graders delivered to the Naylor Road Family Shelter – a 31 year tradition at CHDS! • Community Service Committee parent volunteers organized a toy and gift card collection for 97 children of incarcerated parents, as well as children of families served by the nearby food bank to which CHDS families contribute extra lunches every Wednesday. • Head of School Jason Gray, middle school teachers, and some parents of current middleschoolers met with parents to describe the “Finishing Touches: Completing the CHDS Experience in Grades 6-8.” • Capitol Hill Community Foundation awarded a grant to the Shakespeare Alliance Partnership between CHDS and Stuart-Hobson, whose 8th graders will present scenes from Romeo and Juliet at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in June 2014. • Seventh-graders packed and sent college care packages, including “good luck” notes, to the college freshmen from the CHDS Class of 2009. • Sixth-graders rehearsed in preparation for their January 31 pre-
sentation of Oklahoma! • Fifth-graders researched China’s Yangtze River Three Gorges Dam project, and then argued its pros and cons using official debate rules. • Third-graders created and performed an original mini-opera about Roald Dahl, whose books they have been reading in class. From September through December, CHDS students enjoyed 124 field trips, each one related to what they are studying in the classroom, and well on their way to reaching the average school year total of 300 plus! - Jane Angarola. 210 South Carolina Ave, SE, www.chds.org
Maury Elementary Fiber Arts Program: Did you know that George Washington could not buy mittens in a store? That socks do not grow in plastic packs? That Civil War uniforms were made out of wool to be flame retardant? Our fourth and fifth grade students are studying textiles, where they come from and how they are made into clothing and art. This is a hands-on exploration, beginning with the raw wool straight off the sheep, all the way through carding, washing, spin-
Maury knitters in Fiber Arts Class
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ning, dyeing and knitting. The special properties of a variety of fibers -- animal, vegetable and synthetic are compared and factory made items are contrasted with similar ones made by hand. Students are learning just how much time and effort goes into making the simple things they use every day. And they developing an appreciation of how love and caring can be expressed through the crafting of home-made gifts, like the hats they are knitting. Science Open House: Ms. Ford, our Think Tank coordinator, has organized another STEM Expo, Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m. in the Maury Multi-Purpose Room. All our young friends and neighbors are invited to join us for this superexciting event. Exhibitors and presenters from some of the greatest Gaming, Science and Engineering organizations will be there to fascinate with hands-on activities. Labyrinth Puzzles and Games will be there again this year. And the beekeeper and astronomers with the high-powered telescopes have been invited back as well. Don’t miss it! Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Carolyne Albert-Garvey, Principal. 202698-3838 - Elizabeth Nelson.
Friendship PCS News Friendship Blow Pierce Junior Academy Host Anti-Bullying Event As part of its commitment to create a safe and caring academically rigorous environment Friendship Public Charter School partnered with Centene Corporation, and Children’s National Health System to host a special anti-bullying education and prevention event. The “No Bullying Zone” event took place at Friendship’s Blow Pierce Junior Academy campus. This was the second stop on Centene Corporation and Children’s National Health System national “No Bullying Zone” campaign that kicked off in Lake Charles, Louisiana. During the program students at Blow Pierce were educated on how to identify and prevent bullying. Students received a special anti-bullying book from award-winning author Michelle Bain. Following her presentation, Bain spoke with students. In addition to meeting with Bain, students received a surprise visit from X Factor finalist and EPIC recording artist Marcus Canty. After per-
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forming Canty, a District native, spoke about how he had to deal with and overcome bullying when he was growing up. Many graduates of Friendship’s Blow Pierce Junior Academy, which serves students from pre-K through the eighth grade, go on to attend Friendship’s flagship public charter high school, Collegiate Academy, which boasts a 95-percent on-time (within four years) high-school graduation rate— significantly higher than the D.C. Public Schools and D.C. charter average. Fully 100 percent of Collegiate Academy’s graduating class is accepted to college annually. Friendship’s Blow Pierce campus is located at 725 19th St NE Washington, DC. http://www. friendshipschools.org/
Archbishop Carroll High School Admissions Information Session For Prospective Students
announced the names of three principals selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s first Principal Ambassador Fellows (PAFs) program. Eastern Senior High School Principal Rachel Skerritt was one of three. The principals will serve from now until August 2014 as part-time employees to lend the perspective of school principals to the work of the Department. As the first PAFs, they will also help design the fellowship program for future participants. “Each year I have the opportunity to visit schools and meet with leaders across the country who are committed to improving educational outcomes for our nation’s students,” said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. “Principals are a linchpin in the effort to improve student success and raise achievement at any scale, and I look forward to working with the 2013 Principal Ambassador Fellows to continue a thoughtful conversation on the best ways to sustain and support school leaders for the long haul. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges principals face will help shape policy and programs across the country to better pre-
Archbishop Carroll High School will be holding an admissions information session for prospective students for the 2014-2015 school year on Jan 16, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. – 7p.m. on the campus at 4300 Harewood Road NE, Washington, DC 20017. Archbishop Carroll, serving grades 9-12, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school committed to serving a diverse student population since 1951. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 202-529-0900 The information session will give prospective parents and students the opportunity to participate in student-led tours of the building, and to meet the adminisArne Duncan and Eastern Principal Rachel Skerritt pictured at the far right. tration, faculty and staff. Visitors will also learn about the International Baccalaureate Programme, athletic offerings and other extrapare our nation’s children for college and career.” curricular activities. Launched last February, the PAF program was created in recognition of the vital role principals Eastern High School play in every aspect of a school’s success – from inEastern’s Principal Rachel Skerritt struction to the school environment to staff perforSelected as Inaugural Principal mance -- and to better connect their expertise and Ambassador Fellow with the US talent with education policymakers. The principal fellows, in turn, will have the opportunity to lend Department of Education their perspective on the best ways to implement U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
to encourage students to discover the pleasure found in books and to recognize the power of learning. Ben Carson Reading Rooms create a literacyfocused environment for children to develop their reading skills and unlock their full potential. Renowned surgeon Dr. Ben Carson credits reading as being a catalyst to success. “When a child Friendship’s SE Academy Opens Carson Reading Room opens up a book, the possibilities for that student policies at the school level and engage are endless,” said Dr. Carson. “The local communities in the outcomes. partnership between the Carson Principals Sharif El-Mekki, Jill Scholars Fund, Friendship SouthLevine, and Rachel Skerritt were east Academy and Navigant will enselected from a pool of over 450 apsure that young minds will develop plicants who serve in a wide variety a love of reading and learning. I am of traditional public and charter very proud of the success of the Ben schools, as well as alternative and Carson Reading Project and can’t private schools. Applications came wait to see its impact on Friendship from principals in nearly every state students.” working in a range of urban, rural Currently, Ben Carson Reading and suburban settings. Emma Osore, Rooms serve students in 12 states. Eastern Senior High School In 2012, over 15 million minutes of 1700 East Capitol St. NE, Webindependent reading were logged in site: www.easternhighschooldc.org. Ben Carson Reading Rooms. Adapted from an ED press release The mission of Friendship Pubposted on December 9th: http://1. lic Charter School is to provide a usa.gov/1d5omNo [Author: US Deworld-class education that motivates partment of Education Press Office] students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develFriendship Southeast op as ethical, literate, well-rounded Academy and self-sufficient citizens who conBen Carson Reading tribute actively to their communities. Room Opens Friendship Southeast Academy Thanks to a partnership with Public Charter School, 645 MilNavigant and the Carson Scholars waukee Place SE, Washington, DC. Fund, Friendship Public Charters www.friendshipschools.org u School’s Southeast Elementary Academy recently opened the District’s first Ben Carson Reading Room. The Friendship PCS Southeast Academy reading room features stateof-the-art technology and is designed
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{home & garden} The Healing Power of Gardens and Landscapes
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by Cheryl Corson, RLA, ASLA
t’s been proven that being in nature or even looking at a garden through a hospital window is restorative. Our intuition would call this common sense. Scientific studies have shown reductions in blood pressure in patients whose rooms look out onto gardens versus those who look out onto, say, a brick wall. Gardens in or around therapeutic settings can also enhance and complement the healing process for patients’ families and staff. This can be no less true of home gardens, even in the smallest of spaces. We have heard the terms, “therapeutic gardens,” “healing gardens,” or “restorative gardens” used interchangeably. But there are shades of meaning and much to learn about how gardens and landscapes can be used as places of peace as well as places in which to engage in physical or mental rehabilitation. In America, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, first documented the positive effect that working in gardens had on people with mental illness. Since then the modality of horticultural therapy, or HT, has blossomed, helping people learn new skills or regain those that are lost. Today horticultural therapists work alongside physical and occupational therapists in many settings, with great results. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) notes that therapeutic gardens employ what’s called Universal Design, meaning that they are accessible for people with the widest range of conditions and “commonly stimulate the full range of senses including memory, hearing, touch, smell and sometimes taste” in addition to visual experience.
Not all therapeutic gardens must be professionally designed in order to serve as rehabilitative settings. And not all healing or restorative gardens must serve as clinical rehabilitative settings in order to improve a person’s sense of well-being. But there is a lot of overlap.
Therapeutic Garden Design Elements We can take cues from the proliferation of therapeutic hospital gardens and incorporate certain design elements into our own public and
Even a small fountain can freshen the air and fill a garden with sound.
October 2013 H 129
private spaces, sometimes with little cost or disruption to what’s already there. Here are some examples: 1. People who are working on balance or simply walking after an injury or stroke may benefit from subtle paving markers that note distance intervals. At Boston’s new Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Garden, where many Boston Marathon bombing victims are relearning to walk, simple bands of contrasting pavers denote 10-foot intervals, and numbers are carved into stone for longer distances of a quarter mile, half mile, etc.
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2. Simple leaning posts inconspicuously installed along walkways offer places to rest without having to sit and stand up again. 3. Changes in paving materials can help people become comfortable navigating slightly uneven surfaces. 4. Gentle changes in grade help people re-learn balance and build strength. If you injure an ankle or leg you become acutely aware of slopes that you formerly thought were flat. 5. Garden elements may serve double duty as hitching posts for stretchy bands used by physical therapists for various exercises.
Healing Garden Design Elements In addition to therapeutic functions there are other design considerations to be aware of in
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Mass. Walking on different surfaces helps regain balance, and heavy stones mounted on poles help develop strength and manual dexterity.
creating a healing garden environment. Some of these are: 1. The Annapolis-based TKF Foundation suggests four elements of a healing space – a portal or clear marker showing the transition into a special space; a path helping focus one’s mind on one’s surroundings; a destination marking an end point on the journey through the garden; and a surround which encloses the area through plantings, fencing, or trees, providing a sense of safety and enclosure (see www.naturesacred.org). 2. Seating of various sizes and configurations accommodates small groups and private settings for individual reflection and inspiration. Seating can have a raised back or planter wall behind to provide privacy. 3. Shade from the hot summer sun is necessary in our area and, besides trees, can include pergolas, metal cutouts, or curtains, which can create beautiful patterns on the ground. 4. The sound of water, even in a simple recirculating fountain,
is soothing and can attract songbirds. 5. Raised planters or containers enable people to garden from a seated position. 6. Fragrant plants such as lavender, rosemary, and sage stimulate the senses, while others, like lamb’s ears (Stachys) are soft to the touch. 7. Plants like the common garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) are hardy and attract lots of butterflies, which are wonderful reminders of the beauty of transformation. Capitol Hill has many public spaces of all sizes (and jurisdictions). As we age, the notion of inter-generational playgrounds will increasingly incorporate these concepts. With the growth of Capitol Hill Village, advocacy for gentle design adjustments into our public spaces may occur more and more. Meanwhile consider these aspects of healing and therapeutic gardens for your own home spaces. Cheryl Corson, a licensed landscape architect in private practice, has served Capitol Hill since 1998. www. cherylcorson.com
Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time! Over 20 years of experience · · Online Resources: 1. Therapeutic Landscapes Network, a resource of gardens and landscapes promoting health and well-being. www.healinglandscapes.org 2. American Horticultural Therapy Association. www.ahta.org 3. Annapolis-based TKF Foundation, which offers grants for healing spaces and for research on healing landscapes. www.naturesacred.org
Books: 1. Clare Cooper Marcus and Naomi A. Sachs, “Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces” (2013). 2. Nancy Gerlach-Spriggs et al., “Restorative Gardens: The Healing Landscape” (1998). 3. Jane Stoneham and Peter Thoday, “Landscape Design for Elderly and Disabled People” (1994). 4. Tom Stoner and Carolyn Rapp, “Open Spaces Sacred Places: Stories of How Nature Heals and Unifies” (2008). u
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by Wendy Blair How does one grow figs, and are there fig types I should look for? —Mouth Watering, on the sunny side of Duncan Pl. NE Dear Gastronome, Two varieties of fig hardy outside of California are Brown Turkey and Sweet Celeste. Apparently Thomas Jefferson was fond of a fig called White Marseilles at Monticello. When purchased, fig trees usually come bare-root or in a pot and grow as much as eight feet in two years, eventually reaching the size of a small crape myrtle. Plant the dormant shrub in March before new leaves come out. Figs do best in full sun or against a sunny wall, in execrable soil. In November 2012 I bought a cyclamen plant that was a thing of magic, with beautiful glossy dark green leaves and a flowering habit that produced literally dozens of brilliant red flowers until April 2013. In May I put the plant in a shed and withheld all water and other care, allowing it to go completely dormant. In early September I put it out in my backyard and began watering and fertilizing. It quickly produced new growth. In October I returned it to a cool, south-facing bedroom where it did so well the year before. As of this date [January 2, 2014] the plant has put out 15 or so very healthy-looking leaves but gives no hint of any flowers. What can I do to jump-start the flowering process?
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Dear Deflowered, What a brilliant plants man you are! You have done everything right. Cyclamen like a cool temperature – as low as 40 F at night, 65 F max during the day – with ample but indirect sun. Now you must fertilize. New buds will soon appear with the addition of a water-soluble, high phosphorus plant food. When the blooming stops do all the same things all over again this year.
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Where is a good place to find the best camellia plants around DC? I need white camellias in my garden – what should I look for? Dear Camellia Lover, There are many beautiful white camellias, both Japonica (spring blooming) or Sasanqua (autumn into winter blooming). Shop at any reputable plant nursery. Plant in spring after danger of frost, avoiding full sun. Camellias love dappled shade and abhor DC’s hot afternoon sun. Capitol Hill Garden Club meetings are free and open to all on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 4th Street door, corner North Carolina Avenue and 4th Street SE. Membership details are at 202-544-4261. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, members will discuss their own gardens – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o The Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@hillrag. com. Your problems might prove instructive to others and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. u
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Call Tom for a Free Estimate
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www.michaligamasonry.com FORMER HEAD MASON OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FROM 1989 - 1996.
Reasonable Prices : Hill Resident Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CHIMNEY REPOINTING, LINING & REPAIRS!
Over 20 years of experience
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www.thomaslandscapes.com
THOMAS LANDSCAPES Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Firm Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
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NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!
Serving D.C. since 1918
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Call Ty • 703.615.7122 138 H Hillrag.com
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MOVING & HAULING Peach Moving Services When Trust Matters Most Residential, Office & Commercial
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PAINTING
Residential/Commercial Over 40 years in Business
Little Peach in Training
Chimney Repairs Storm & Wind Damage Repair
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
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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.
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• 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 • Ask about our gutter specials
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Call to schedule a pick-up (small fee)
Full Service with a Strict No Landfill Policy
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RUBBER & FLAT ROOFS WATER PROOFING SLATE ROOFS LEAK REPAIRS METAL ROOFS GUTTER REPAIRS SHINGLE ROOFING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FACIAL/SOFFITS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING
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January 2014 H 139
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AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
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We Do Everything!
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We are a family-owned business with three generations of expertise in Capitol Hill.
• New tin, copper & membrane roof systems • Inspections & repairs • Roof painting • Gutters, spouts & skylights
BBB
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Alex Williams Seamless Gutters • Box Gutters
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Call now for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION
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• • • • •
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(202) 256 6981 (301) 858 6990
WOOD & WHITACRE
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
ROOFING CONTRACTORS 20 years on the Hill Slate - Tile - Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks Free Estimates • Work Guaranteed
WE WILL BEAT YOUR BEST PRICE
Licensed Bonded Insured
JEFFREY WOOD cell 301-674-1991
Our website just got a whole lot better!
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www.wood-whitacre.com
New Roofs, Maintenance & Repairs Seamless Gutters Experts
STORAGE
Stopping Leaks is our Specialty! ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS
WE DO IT ALL!
202.637.8808 Licensed, bonded & Insured, DC
Star Roofing Company RELIABLE
Specializing in Residential & Commercial Flat Roof Systems
202-543-6383 All work done by owner • Free Estimates Insured • Licensed • Bonded
140 H Hillrag.com
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WATERPROOFING
OTHER SERVICES
SOFTWARE/COMPUTERS
BEAUTY/HEALTH/FITNESS Burn Over 700 Calories in one class WE OFFER 35+ CLASSES A WEEK!
Introduction Offer $20
for 7 days of unlimited yoga!
WELDING
Suburban Welding Company
ALL LEVELS WELCOME! No reservations required! • Reduce stress • Increase Strength + Flexibility ®
Welding & Ornamental Iron Work • Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases • Window bars and door security gates • Handrailings & Stair Railings • Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences • DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding
24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates
703-765-9344
www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
WIRING
Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill 410 H ST. NE 202-547-1208
CUSTOM WIRING & REPAIRS Cable, satellite, internet, networking, phone and stereo.
240-305-7132 Earl Dennis
On-site Service for Homes and Businesses • • • • • •
Troubleshooting, Repairs & Upgrades Virus and Spyware Removal New and Existing Computer Setup Network andWireless Installation Data Recovery, Transfer and Back-up Webpage Development
Look better, feel better and change your body! Living on & serving the Hill since 1986
Dr. David Walls-Kaufman Chiropractor 411 East Capitol St., SE All are welcome to Dr. Walls-Kaufman's free Saturday morning Tai Chi class at 8 am in Lincoln Park
202-544-6035
Larry Elpiner Elpiner 301.767.3355 • 202.543.7055 www.anchorcomputers.com
PET SERVICES PET SITTING
Would your INDOOR cat or kitten like to be pampered, cared for and played with while you’re away or at work? Then you should give me a call as I would love to pet-sit your cat or kitten. Joyce at 202-547-0556
Because Optimal Health is Impossible Without Optimal Posture!
Eastern Market Shoe Repair • Shoes • Boots • Purses • Luggage 645 Penn Ave., SE upstairs M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6
202-543-5632
The Cat Lady Over 20 years’ experience in all things cat
• vacation/travel pet sitting for cats and other small animals • in-home training in medication or fluids administration
www.BikramYogaCapitolHill.com
SHOE REPAIR
CABLE LINK
Anchor Computers
• assistance with alley cats • cat behavior questions & behavior modification techniques
Charlotte Fox 202-341-9089 Specializing in Cats with Medical Needs Serving Capitol Hill, near Northeast, Atlas District, Southwest & NoMA For cat adoptions www.capitalcats.petfinder.org
zoolatry (zoo-ahl’-uh-tree) the worship of animals – especially a pet
Mid-Day Dog Walking Service Pet sitting – Medications Administered Crate Training Insured – Bonded Member of National Association of Professional Petsitters
(202) 547-WALK (9255) Meet Our Walkers Online at
www.zoolatry.com
Big dogs, puppies, hard to handle and older dogs. I love them all ….and I also love kitties.
Phillip DuBasky Dog Walking, Kitty Care & Pet Sitting
Serving Capitol Hill Since 1995
Never missed a walk in 10 years Experienced and Reliable Outstanding Hill References • Insured by PSA
202.889.0996 January 2014 H 141
DOG TRAINING
MISC. FIREWOOD FOR SALE
WELL SEASONED FIREWOOD Conveniently Located Just Outside DC • Pickup or Delivery • Large or Small Amounts • Over 10 years Serving DC
PET ADOPTION
Adoption Event at Howl to the Chief
Sundays Noon to 3 PM 733 8th Street, S.E.
a five-minute walk from Eastern Market Metro.
(202) 554-4100 firewdfac@yahoo.com 4521 Kenilworth Avenue, Bladensburg, MD - Rear Lot
BUY HOUSES
Visit our Web site to view pictures and their engaging personalities at www.capitalcats.petfinder.com or www.homealone.petfinder.com Capital Cats is a non-profit cat rescue organization on the Hill that has many wonderful, personable cats and kittens available for adoption to good homes.
Relocation Assistance Available • Quick Settlement
1.800.601.4496
LEARN LANGUAGE
Chinese
On the Hill Helen Zhu
Our website just got a whole lot better! capitalcommunitynews.com
Professional language instructor Visionary Practitioner (for children/adults)
New class starts Sep/Mar
Classes + Online lessons + Network
202.885.9406
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Learn Chinese Communicate
at Soul Levels
142 H Hillrag.com
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The Hill Rag! You can find The Hill Rag @ these Fine Establishments: Atlas Theater Atlas Vet Bliss Cafe Caper Carrolsburg Apartments Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Capitol Hill Hotel Capitol Supreme Market Carrollsburg Condominiums CityVista Coldwell Banker Capitol Hill Congressional Cleaners Corner Market Cornercopia Cupboard – 1504 E. Capitol CVS – 12th ST CVS – 8th NW CVS – 8th ST SE CVS – Benning RD CVS – New Jersey and M ST SE CVS - NOMA Eastern Market Ebenezers Coffee Fragers @ Eastern Market Frager’s Paint Store Grubbs Pharmacy Box H St Mainstreet Harris Teeter Hill Center
Jacob’s Coffee Jenkins Row Kenny’s BBQ Lincoln Park Cleaners Lustre Cleaners Meridian at Gallery Place Metro Cleaners MLK Library Morton’s Pharmacy Mr. Henry’s National Capital Bank NE Library Neighbors Cleaners New York Pizza P&C Market Park (NAM) Market Peregrine Expresso Potomac Place Tower Prego Cafe Results Gym – Capitol Hill Riverby Books Roland’s Rosedale Library Rosedale Rec Center Safeway – Benning Road Safeway – Capitol Hill Schneider’s Liquor Sherwood Rec Center
Senate Square Sidamo Coffee Sizzling Express – Penn AVE Southeast Library Sova Espresso Bar St. Mark’s Church St. Peter’s Church Stadium Metro Super Care Pharmacy The Axiom The Jefferson The View The View 2 Town Square Towers Washington Sports Club Waterfront Tower Wisdom Yarmouth Property
The Hill Rag is Also Available in Boxes at These Locations: 8th & E ST SE 212 D ST SE 521 8th ST SE 719 8th ST SE 799 8th ST SE 15th ST & Massachusetts AVE SE
1350 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1200 New Jersey AVE SE 300 M ST SE New Jersey and I Street SE 355 1st ST SE – Capitol South Metro 400 1st ST SE 100 I ST SE 709 8th ST SE 301 East Capitol SE 501 East Capitol SE 801 East Capitol SE 201 Pennsylvania AVE SE 237 Pennsylvania AVE SE 336 Pennsylvania AVE SE 600 Pennsylvania AVE SE 621 Pennsylvania AVE SE 666 Pennsylvania AVE SE 801 Pennsylvania AVE SE 8th ST & C ST SE 700 14th ST SE 1027 Independence AVE SE 1801 E ST SE 303 7th ST SE 701 N. Carolina SE 4th ST & I ST NW 6th ST & E ST NE 220 I ST NE 3rd & I ST NE
414 H ST NE 530 H ST NE 801 H ST NE 961 H ST NE 1359 H ST NE 1234 H ST NE 1433 H ST NE 8 ST & H ST NE 410 H ST NE 3rd & F ST NE 200 Florida AVE NE 239 Massachusetts AVE NE 331 Constitution AVE NE 4th and Constitution NE 13th ST & Constitution AVE NE 400 E. Capitol NE 516 A ST NE 732 Maryland AVE NE 1450 Maryland AVE NE 4th and Mass AVE NE 701 7th ST NE 1305 E. Capitol ST NE 1365 H ST NE 600 E. Capitol ST NE 1200 E. Capitol ST NE 6th and I ST SW 401 M ST SW 600 M ST SW
Questions about Distribution? Email distribution@hillrag.com or call 202-400-3512 January 2014 H 143
{the last word}
God Save Us From CSX
T
he idea of double-stacked freight trains running in an open trench only a few feet from our apartments has residents of the Capper Senior Building alarmed. So does CSX’s proposal to place larger, permanent tunnels much closer to our building, which already rattles from the smaller trains going through the smaller tunnel further away. I pray that divine love and wisdom flows from the community: renters, homeowners, workers, businesses, military, federal and district agencies to move beyond race and class divides that pervade our consciousness and embrace our commonality, realizing the Power of our Oneness. We will all be affected by the increased air pollution, (including asbestos from the tunnel), noise and vibrations levels, risk of accidents (CSX had 221 accidents in 2012, and a freight car fire in this tunnel on November 17!), and traffic congestion affecting the whole town. As the damage gets more invasive, discontent will grow throughout the entire metropolitan area, and everyone will feel more vulnerable to Corporate America! The EPA, Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Committee 100 on the Federal City, Sierra Club, Capitol Quarter, the ANC 6D commissioners, and other government agencies (e.g., WASA), have serious concerns with CSX’s proposal. We can insist that CSX concede to our demand for “no build” or, at the very least, do whatever it takes to amplify safety and security -- including rerouting the trains during construction and making other critical improvements! We can play victim, feel we are David up against Goliath and accept a “No Build” stance as futile. OR we can live in the power of our numbers, of individuals expressing their human rights, behind the ONE voice. Let’s all pray that the people overseeing this project hear us and are courageous and divinely guided to do what is in the highest good for all, not just for CSX. Helen Douglas sacredhearthealinhg@yahoo.com
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Thank You Capitol Hill
A
s we begin 2014, DCSafeRail would like to thank our Capitol Hill community for its incredible support this past year. So many of you responded to our calls to action regarding CSX’s proposed expansion of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel. You educated yourselves at DCSafeRail. org about the health, safety, and environmental concerns surrounding the project. You wrote to your ANC representatives, city council members, mayor, and congresswoman. You attended meetings and helped spread the word on neighborhood listservs. You liked us on Facebook.com/DCSafeRail. You followed us on Twitter @DCSafeRail. YOU are why this project--if it happens--will be done with appropriate consideration regarding the health, safety, and security of our community. Thank you to Mayor Vincent Gray for promising to meet with the community. Thank you to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Councilmember Tommy Wells for intervening on our behalf. Thank you to ANC6D Commissioner David Garber for your tireless advocacy. Thank you to a majority of ANC6D commissioners for your support. Thank you to the Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, and the Navy Yard Neighborhood Association for demanding accuracy and accountability in the process. Thank you to the national and local media for nearly thirty stories in the past three months alone helping spread awareness about the project and its serious implications for our community and for the District. Our last ‘thank you’ is to CSX. Thank you for helping unite us as a community. Thank you for helping us realize our socioeconomic, racial, geographical, and generational differences do not define us and will not divide us. Thank you for helping us embrace our power and for helping us find our voice. We promise to continue speaking up in 2014. Natalie Skidmore Member, DCSafeRail.org nataliainitalia@gmail.com
Out of Left Field
The Name Game
T
by Dave Kletzin
he professional football team that plays in Washington DC can’t seem to catch a break. It’s to the point where even some talking heads and analysts won’t even refer to them by the name that has been in place since the team’s inception 81 years ago. Not only is the team itself in disarray, but it is also in danger of losing its identity in the community. Religious leaders locally and nationally have spoken out against what they feel is a derogatory and racist depiction of the Native American people. There are protests each Sunday outside Fed Ex field by those demanding change. There are also those, including myself, who in no way intend to disrespect, yet understand why it is seen as offensive. We view the name as a tough fighting warrior. Just like the words in the team fight song “braves on the warpath...” In fact, growing up in the 1980’s and 90’s, I don’t remember ever hearing about or thinking the team name was offensive. I don’t remember it being an issue when the Joe Gibbs regime won the franchise’s first Super Bowl in 1983, or when the team won just four games in 1993. I don’t remember it being a problem when the team experienced a rebirth 10 years later with the return of Joe Gibbs. But now in 2013, coupled with a dysfunctional performance on the field as well as in the front office, the teams’ logo is under unprecedented scrutiny to conform to the sensitivities of today’s world. Name change for our sport’s teams is nothing new here in DC. Its basketball team has gone from being called the popular Bullets to the silly Wizards. Its baseball team went from the Senators (who left town twice), to the Nationals. Just a few years ago the Wizards changed their uniform to a similar red, white and blue scheme that the Bullets wore for many years, in an attempt to evoke that teams’ popularity. Now it’s appearing more and more likely that the football team is set to adopt yet another unfamiliar name.
As the pressure continues to grow for owner Daniel Snyder to change the name of his team, so does the anxiety for those who bleed burgundy and gold throughout the year. I can’t imagine calling them anything other than what I’ve always called them. So if the name is to change, what can it be called that will appease the faithful fans who love their football team? Capitol Hill resident DJ Seidman suggests the “Redskin Potatoes.” He says it works because you don’t have to change the team fight song or nickname. Among the more popular nicknames gaining momentum is “Bravehearts.” Other suggested names are the “Generals” and “Renegades” but the one I like the most is simply “Skins.” You do away with the ‘Red’ and Native American theme all together. The new logo could be a football with the name ‘Skins’ implying pig skin—what a football is made of. So many locals and diehard fans already refer to the team as the “Skins” that this would be an easy transition to make. Whatever is to happen, change is likely coming to Washington…but who didn’t know that already. If you have a good idea for the new name, send it to me at dave@hillrag.com and we’ll post some of the most interesting ideas online. Dave Kletzkin is an employee of Capital Community News. dave@hillrag.com. This opinion was previously published in the December editions of East of the River and MidCity DC.
Responses to “Out of Left Field” How About Gridlocks?
H
ow about the ‘Gridlocks’? What could be more evocative of Washington? Then too, the ‘grid’ could be for gridiron, and ‘locks’ for warlocks, who are kind of wizards ... oh wait, we already have Wizards. Or dreadlocks, which players seem to have a lot of these days. R. Pascale - egreenz.rp1@gmail.com
Stick to Skins Dave, as a lifelong fan of the Washington football team, I wanted to thank you for your insightful article about the inevitable change that is coming to our beloved DC football franchise. I agree with you that while most of us never intended the team’s name to be offensive, I have learned over the years (partly through my work as a diversity professional) that intent is not the operative work when it comes to offending people; effect is. Intentional or not, I think we can objectively agree that the team’s name on it face would be clearly offensive if the color were substituted to apply to any other group. The organization has been informed that the name and the associated images are offensive and unwelcome, and for that reason alone, strong consideration should be given to changing the name. I completely understand that emotional attachment we have with historical tradition. But there are many words, names, and images rooted in historical tradition that today are patently offensive, hurtful, and destructive. We dont need to perpetuate things that diminish us. It is time to evolve. So, my vote is to change the name officially to the “Skins.” This maintains the connection with the historical name but without the offensive connotation. As you point out, it would make the transition easier but instead of associating it with “pigskins,” I would opt for simply “Skins” which could evoke images of deerskins, bearskins, etc. to retain the association with early American cultures and pioneer/wilderness motifs. Just a thought! Georgia – georgiacoffey@comcast.net
John Rosson (1927-2013)
O
f all the editors and bosses I’ve had over the years, John M. Rosson, who died Dec. 7 at age 86, exerted the most influence on my culinary career and professional self-esteem. He was truly my mentor. Until failing health required him to move to a nursing home in
Severna Park, and later hospice care, he lived in Southwest Washington for many years. I met John at a lavish dinner at the longgone Jean-Pierre on K street NW in 1982. I was representing the Georgetowner, for which I was free-lancing. John was seated next to me, and we hit it off. For 28 years, he had covered various beats—since 1961 as restaurant critic--for the old Washington Star. He is credited with placing the Inn in Little Washington on the culinary map. The paper had folded a year earlier after 128 years in business, and John had joined the brand-new Washington Times. About two months later, I sent him a query about sun-dried tomatoes, a novelty in the early 1980s. He told me to go for it, and numerous freelance assignments followed. One gig involved reviewing Washington area diners. I still get heartburn thinking about it, but I proved that I was serious about food writing. Eventually, I was hired full time, and I began a 9-year odyssey with the newspaper. John was one of five siblings (all boys) who grew up in Culpeper, Virginia, during the Depression. John never let anyone forget his southern roots, but a lot of his cooking skills came from his Pennsylvania Dutch mother, who lived to be 95. One day, a writer from the Times Metro desk presented John with a squirrel he had shot. John didn’t miss a beat. He took the creature (already skinned and gutted, thankfully), upstairs to the executive kitchen, plopped it into a pot of water and boiled it with dumplings. The meat was tasty but rather tough, but the culinary experience inspired me not to be afraid to try new foods--within reason. John retired in December 1990, and we kept in touch, usually meeting for lunch and attending Easter services together. Fortunately, Peter and I were able to visit with him at his nursing home shortly before he died. John leaves numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial will take place at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the University of Maryland College Park, John’s Alma Mater. Celeste McCall – celeste@us.net u
January 2014 H 145
Trudy and Gary Peterson
E.V. Downey, Thomas Snow and Ana and Jason Townsend.
Melissa Ashabranner (CCN) and Roberta Weiner
Paul and Barbara Savage
Mimi Kim and Lee Kyungmin (CCN)
Damian Fagon, Marco Fagon, Mia Fagon
Nicolas Frank and Dorian Lipscomb owner of Boutique on the Hill
Kwame Brown, Anwar Saleem (H St. Main Street), Jean-Keith Fagon, David Grosso, Mayoral Candidate Tommy Wells
Pattie Cinelli, Melissa Ashabranner, Carolina Lopez
Ward 6 City Council candidate Charles Allen with wife Jordi Hutchinson and daughter Cora
We celebrated the season with friends, collegues and clients in the beautifully renovated Piano Bar at Banana Cafe. Photos: Nicolas Frank
Best to all in 2014 from Capital Community News!
A Very HillRag Party!
Jamie Bohl, owner of Lavendar Retreat
Sharon Bosworth (BRMS) and Jim Smailes, Capital Rowing Club
Jean-Keith Fagon, CCN and Stan Bissey (John C. Formant)
Ward 6 City Council Candidate Darrell Thompson and Jason Miller (JSMG)
146 H Hillrag.com
City Councilmember-At-Large David Grosso and Carolina Lopez (CCN)
Dave Kletzin (CCN) and Jason Yen (CCN) Barbara Wells, John Smith, Phil and Genie Hutinet
na
b
hil et
January 2014 H 147