capitalcommunitynews.com • July 2011
Est. 1981
NG I M ! CO OON S CAPITOL HILL
CAPITOL HILL
D! L SO LOGAN/SHAW
CAPITOL HILL
530 12th Street, NE
243 10th Street, SE
229 C Street, NE
Renovated 3BR/3BA Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM
1BR Condo – Steps to Eastern Mkt! Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
$749,500 – SOLD!
1513 8th Street, NW $938,500 – Reduced!
www.chriszimmer.com/229cne
www.MouseOnHouse.com/14842
Genie Hutinet 202-413-7661
Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM
CAPITOL HILL
311 7th Street, NE #203 Remodeled Top Floor 1BR! Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM
CAPITOL HILL 329 East Capitol Street, SE Towering corner Victorian w/ approximately 4,500’ on 4 levels, 50+ windows, 3 new baths, including a gorgeous master & 3-car parking! CAPITOL HILL
$2,295,000
1824 Bay Street, SE $565,000 – CONTRACT! Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM
GEORGETOWN
1419 27th Street, NW $910,000 – SOLD! www.chriszimmer.com/1419NW27
Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD
Stan Bissey 202-841-1433
Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 THE BISSEY TEAM
D! L SO CAPITOL HILL
BROOKLAND
CAPITOL HILL
CAPITOL HILL
CAPITOL HILL
1225 Maryland Avenue, NE
4310 10th Street, NE
323 S. Carolina Ave., SE
309 3rd Street, SE
610 3rd Street, SE #9
$479,000 – Reduced!
$294,500 – Back on the Market! Colin Johnson 202-536-4445
$1,029,500 – SOLD! www.MouseOnHouse.com/13944
$799,000 – CONTRACT! Colin Johnson 202-536-4445
www.homevisit.com/DC7302362
www.homevisit.com/DC7600476
Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
Genie Hutinet 202-413-7661
$299,000 – 1BR Condo! Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
“WHERE WASHINGTON SHOPS FOR A NEW ADDRESS!”® 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003
Tel: 202-544-3900 www.johncformant.com
Sales • Rentals • Commercial Leasing • Property Management • Investments
Rob Bergman Invites to
Join The 9th Annual Capitol Hill 4th of July Parade Sponsored by Robert Bergman, Tiber Creek Associates of Capitol Hill and the Masons of Naval Lodge No. 4 on Capitol Hill
Monday, July 4th – 10 AM
Capitol Hill
Celebrate the Nation's Birthday!
4 The event will take place from 9 AM and 2 PM. Parade marchers should meet at the intersection of 8th and I SE at 9 AM. The parade will begin at 10 AM. Immediately following the parade, the 4th of July Family Festival will be held at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza, from 10:45 AM until 2 PM. The festival will benefit an Arts Education Fund for DC Public Schools on Capitol Hill.
Don't miss: • • • • •
The Eastern High School Marchin Band! Engine Co. 18 Truck! Mini Cooper Club of Capitol Hill! Fairy Princess Patrol! The Healing Works Restoring Military Families!
• • • • • •
The Capitol Hill Colonials! Anacostia Roller & Friends! Colonial Fife & Drum Corp! General George Washington! The Girl Scots! The Greyhounds of Capitol Hill!
To register a marching group, visit http://tiberdc.com/4thofjuly. For more information, contact Sharon Boesen at (202) 230-4588 or email sharonboesen@gmail.com.
Proudly Presented since it’s beginning by Rob Bergman, Former Marine and The Capitol Hill Cluster Schools Parent.
202.262.3848
Building Sand Castles Is Fun!! But Less Fleeting Is Building Equity Through Home Ownership!!! CAPITOL HILL 637 3rd Street, NE B3 Capitol Mansion A wonderful boutique condo building in a superb location within moments of Union Station, restaurants and shops! This terrace level one bedroom/ one bath features an open living/dining/kitchen floor plan. The updated kitchen shines with granite and tile floors. While the bedroom is spacious with a large closet. This unit has been nicely maintained with the installation of a new wall unit A/C. Plus—PARKINGnot a typo—one surface parking spot conveys with this unit!! Absolutely the best value on Capitol Hill! $189,995
ED! REDUC
SW / Waterfront Gangplank Marina 600 Water Street, SW For the unique, discriminating and adventurous home buyer… Floating House… Own a snug contemporary home on the water. Cathedral ceilings, skylights, large fully equipped kitchen, step-down living room, step-down bedroom, den/loft, roof-top deck with fantastic views of the sunsets, 4th of July fireworks and surrounding yacht marina. CAC, electric heat pumps, great neighbors and much more. Must see to appreciate. A whole new experience in living! $185,000
Hill Crest 2910 W Street, SE Perfectly Wonderful On W!! This three bedroom and three and one half bath home is located in the highly desirable Hill Crest neighborhood. Set high up on a hill over-looking park land with winter views To DC ! This quiet neighborhood is moments to downtown, shopping and easy access to Maryland. From the gleaming hardwood floors to the gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry--no detail has been over-looked. Additional features include a master with ensuite bath, another bedroom with an adorable office/laundry room and a lower level in-law suite with full kitchen and bath. The versatile lower level with custom Murphy Bed is perfect for guests or used as a family/rec room. A large rear deck with easy access to the kitchen is ideal for pleasant weather entertaining—and the perfectly manicured yard will make your downtown dwelling friends green with envy! $484,000 Indian Head, MD 6075 Chapmans Landing Road Stately English Manor Home Plus A Separate Guest House!! Elegant custom built English Manor Home with detached matching brick and stucco guest house sits on three meticulously maintained acres adjacent to 2,200 acre Chapmans State Forest within twenty minutes walking distance from the Potomac River in Indian Head. Backyard paradise features a 24x34 oval shaped gunnite concrete in-ground pool and large deck, life-like play house with swing and play area, several out buildings. Main house has a two car garage, circular driveway and parking for ten plus cars – guest house also features a three car garage. Enjoy this serene setting with lots of wild life in your own backyard. Approximately sixteen miles to Washington, DC. $845,000 SW / Waterfront 827 6th Street, SW Grand And Glorious!! Welcome to this elegant and surprisingly large four level townhome within steps to the redeveloped Waterside Mall, Arena Stage and the Metro—and a short stroll to the waterfront promenade!! Boasting four bedrooms, two full and two half-baths and a true laundry room—this solidly built home benefits from both morning sun at your front door and afternoon sun across your private brick courtyard. Featuring a large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, an office off the front entrance, a huge family room for entertaining, hardwood floors throughout and an elegant traditional wood staircase. Plus one off-street parking space!! $729,000
ED! REDUC
Trinidad 1518 Trinidad Ave, NE Fabulous Renovation In Trinidad! This stunning renovation is sure to please even the pickiest buyer. The welcoming first level features an open floor plan with a large living room, a true gourmet kitchen and several options for dining! Light natural color maple flooring and recessed lighting set the stage for elegant modern living. The chef’s kitchen boasts a large island with seating, granite counters, upgraded LG Appliances and vintage (style) maple cabinetry with brushed nickel pulls! Designer tile work gives the kitchen the wow factor found in homes in higher brackets. The second floor boasts a master with bath ensuite plus two additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Both baths with exquisite custom tile! The flexible lower space is accessed by either the connecting stairs or the front and rear entries. This space is perfect for guests as it is complete with a bedroom, a bath and a living room—or ideal as an in-law suite. Plus two car gated parking $399,000
New Creek, WV Three Ponds Cottage at Nancy Hanks Farm! Lovely hand crafted cottage set in the foothills of West Virginia. Lovingly built by a local artisan as her personal residence using reclaimed and green building product.While also utilizing new high energy-efficient windows, insulation and radiant heat stone and wood floors. Boasting two bedrooms/two baths with a vaulted ceiling in the living room and a separate dining area. The property is 7+/- acres and features a large swimming pond with dock, two additional smaller ponds, a separate workshop, a root cellar built into a hillside and a large garden at the rear of the cottage. Perfectly idyllic in setting! For additional photos: www.threepondscottage.com Inquiries should be direct to peter@jackiev.com Additional acreage available.
H Street Corridor/SoFlo 608 L Street, NE – UNDER CONTRACT IN ONE DAY Prettiest Block—Lovely Home! Perfectly positioned within a short stroll to the new Harris Teeter, the Metro and all the new restaurants and shops along the bustling H Street Corridor! This charming home has been renovated yet retains many period details. The large living/dining area is perfect for large scale entertaining with the original wood floors and gorgeous crown molding plus a decorative mantel. The modern chef’s kitchen boasts honed marble floors, stainless steel appliances and counter tops. Featuring three bedrooms/one and one half baths—the master on the south facing front of the home is HUGE with custom California Closets built-ins!! Plus an unfinished basement perfect for storage with laundry facilities. Pristine professionally landscaped front patio and a deep rear yard. Complete with off-street parking for two! $569,000
Finding Folks Their Perfect Capitol Hill Home Since 1988 Proud Sponsor of Hilloween
202-547-5088
www.jackiev.com Allegiance
Licensed in DC, MD, VA & FL
H Street is Open for Business! HR 57 816 H ST, NE 202.706.8057 www.hr57.org
A.S.P.I.R.E Health Store
Sova Expresso & Wine
646 H ST, NE
1359 H Street NE
202.560.5213
202.397.3080
151 11th Street SE $969,000 Bring your sunglasses! Sunlight abounds in this 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath gorgeously remodeled semi-detached home. • 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths - upstairs • 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath - au pair suite • Private patio • Remodeled Kitchen • Landscaped gardens • Remodeled bathrooms • Built-in bookshelves • Amenities galore
Easy walk to Metro, Eastern Market, Barracks Row and Lincoln Park. Look Us Up on Facebook! Megan Shapiro (Cell) 202-329-4068 meg@megandgeorge.com
George Olson (Cell) 202-203-0339 george.olson@rmxtalk.com
www.megandgeorge.com Allegiance
The Norris Group capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 9
07.11
What’s Inside
ineveryissue 14 16 26 136 144 126
Go ... See ... Do Washington’s Best Calendar Crossword Classified Ads Last Word The Nose
capitolstreets 27 30 38 42 44
73
46 48 50 51 52 54
Hill Buzz / by Anna Cranage Conathan The Bulletin Board The Future of Hill Middle Schools/ by Alice Ollstein Hine Site Redevelopment Update/ by Amanda Abrams What Businesses Make Good Neighbors?/ by Larry Janezich Redistricting Goes Our Way/ by Gwyn Jones The Numbers: How DC Should Tax and Spend/ by Ed Lazere and Elissa Silverman ANC 6A / ANC Wins Redistricting / by Roberta Weiner ANC 6B / Hill Center Raises Ire / by Heather Schoell ANC 6C / by Roberta Weiner ANC 6D / A Visit from Asst. Chief Groomes/ by Roberta Weiner
communitylife 57 58 60 62 64
Spotted on the Hill / by Peter Vankevich Profile: Margot Kelly / by Stephanie Cavanaugh H Street Life/ by Elise Bernard Barracks Row July/ by Sharon Bosworth South by West: Plans Move Forward on the Wharf / by William Rich
realestate 67
“Man is the most intelligent of the animals - and the most silly.” Diogenes Adam Russell and D.J. Photos by Bartlett Anne Russell
Changing Hands: Residential Home Sales / compiled by Don Denton
Hill Rag Pet Special 73 88
2011 Pet Photo Contest At Your Service/ by Heather Schoell The Cat’s Meow / by Jackie Cook City Sidewalks and Dog 101/ by Gary Weitzman, DVM
90 92
Leyna & John. by Paul McGlyn
Artsdiningentertainment 95 98 100 102 104 106 108 110
Dining Review: Acqua Al 2/ by Celeste McCall Dining Notes / by Celeste McCall Wines for the Grill / by Josh Genderson Art and the City / by Jim Magner At the Movies / by Mike Canning The Pleasures of North Beach / by Peter Davis The Literary Hill / by Karen Lyon The Jazz Project / by Jean-Keith Fagon
beautyhealthfitness 111 112 114
Summer + Fun = Sunscreen / by Dr. John Jones The Curse of the Skeeters / by Maggie Hall The Beauty of Idleness/ by Ronda Bresnick Hauss
kidsandfamily 115 118
Kids & Family Notebook / by Kathleen Donner School Notes / compiled by Susan Braun Johnson
homesandgardens 125 128 132 134
Summer’s Pinkish Blush/ by Rindy O’Brien Ask Judith: Exploding Toilets: Part II / by Judith Capen Garden Spot: 10 Plants to Beat the Heat/ by Derek Thomas Dear Garden Lady / by Anonymous
COVER: “Woman in Field”. Aster da Fonseca. acrylic on canvas. 20”x 20” At Gallery Plan b. 1530 Fourteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. 202.234.2711. www.galleryplanb.com. Email: info@galleryplanb.com. Upcoming Exhibits at Gallery Plan b: “PODS” – Drawings by Lauren Sleat June 22, 2011 - July 24, 2011 Opening Reception: Jume 23, 2011 from 6-8pm “LOCAL COLOR” – An exhibition of Washington, DC scenes by gallery artists July 27, 2011 - August 28, 2011 Opening Reception: July 28, 2011 from 6-8pm
26 95
HILL RAG MID CITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES
Pets In the Chiropractic Office
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com
By Dr. David Walls-Kaufman
I
t’s always fun to watch peoples’ eyes light up when I tell them that, Yes, I have adjusted animals. I’ll never forget when I was in chiropractic school and Dr. Schmeidel would adjust animals in the Dissection Lab every Wednesday under the low light entering from the glass cube wall. One day a student brought in his Doberman with paralyzed back legs after he had been struck by a car he was chasing. Dr. Schmeidel gently removed the muzzle on the pathetic dog who was lying on a doormat that reeked of urine, since he had lost bowel function. Dr. Scheidel lifted up the xrays from the vet’s office (who had said “Put him down”) in front of the glass cubes: the dog’s spine looked nearly like an L instead of being straight, like an I. Dr. Schmeidel, who was famous for his cruelty to us students, ever so delicately began working the kink in the spine. You could tell from the dog’s eyes he understood he was being helped. They were full of gratitude. Long story short—Three weeks later that paralyzed dog came back for a spinal checkup dancing and prancing with his master as game as you please. My own first experience with a dog came with a Doberman named Baron. He was fanatically chewing his right wrist. The vet suspected a splinter, but could find nothing. I suspected he had a nerve irritation creating a buzzing in the joint that he was trying to tear out with his canines. I adjusted Baron’s neck. He stopped chewing, and was fine for a year, when he started the horrible habit again. I adjusted him again, he stopped—and he never did it again.
For the better health and life experience of you and your family – Capitol Hill Chiropractic Center 411 East Capitol St., SE 202.544.6035. Serving our neighborhood since 1985.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF
KIDS & FAMILY
MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com SCHOOL NOTES EDITOR: SUSAN BRAUN JOHNSON SCHOOLS@HILLRAG.COM KIDS & FAMILY NOTEBOOK EDITOR: KATHLEEN DONNER KATHLEEN.DONNER@GMAIL.COM
Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
SOCIETY & EVENTS Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com
HOMES & GARDENS
ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com HIT THE CITY: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com RETAIL THERAPY: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, MIDCITY DC & EAST OF THE RIVER: CALENDAR EDITOR: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Melanie Sunukjian • melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway • holloway.shannon@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Amanda Abrahams • manda.abrams@gmail.com Lex Kiefhaber • lexk24@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com
Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com
NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:
Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES
PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB MASTER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com
ADVERTISING & SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Deborah Bandzerewicz 202.543.8300 X13 • deb@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com MARKETING ASST.: Giancarlo Fagon
DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Andrew Lightman DISTRIBUTORS: Southwest Distribution DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION: distribution@hillrag.com
BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS
DEADLINES & CONTACTS
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com
ADVERTISING: sales@hillrag.com DISPLAY ADS: 15th of each month CLASSIFIED ADS: 10th of each month EDITORIAL: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
PUBLISHER: JEAN-KEITH FAGON • fagon@hillrag.com ADVERTISEMENT 12 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
capitalcommunitynews.com
D! SOL Gentile Living Minutes from The Hill Four Fabulous Homes! 4001 to 4009 N. Richmond St. Arlington, VA 22207 Starting at $1,848,000 nly five homes on a quiet circle above Chain Bridge, these NAHB certified Green homes can be customized with old growth random width floors and elevators. As you drive in past the guard house, the home on the right, #4001, is available for immediate delivery. It can be purchased for $1,848,000. Across the street is #4009, which is roughed in with an elevator and a walk out lower level. It is available for 90 day delivery. This one has no finishes in place, so the buyer can select everything from the entry foyer to the kitchen and bath sinks. The last two have started construction, but can be totally customized.
Visit www.sharonchamberlin.com for Mouse on House Tour.
Sharon Chamberlin, SRES, CLHMS, SRS @McEnearney Assoc. (703) 533-0537 – sharon@sharonchamberlin.com www.sharonchamberlin.com Top Producer service since 1992, but I’m NEVER too busy to help YOUR referrals find THEIR dream!
160 NORTH CAROLINA AVE., SE CONGRESSIONAL LOCATION! Superb 5BR/2.5BA home only steps to Congress, Metro and E. Market / Barracks Row!Features classic wide floor plan, new gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, patio / deck, exquisite family room w/kitchenette, attic loft, 2 zone HVAC, chestnut wood details and a 2 car garage. Offered at $1,199,000.
Liberty North Community Market Food, Produce, Arts & Crafts Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00-4:00 At the corner of 5th and Eye Street, NW Closest Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown
NEW PRICE! • 309 A ST., NE SENATE STYLE! Three floors of comfort in the 3BR/2.BA. Popular neighborhood next to Capitol, Supreme Court and all the Hill has to offer! Features excellent layout with top fl master suite, relaxing table space kit, custom built-ins, two tiered garden patio, ample storage and much more! VALUE WITH GREAT LOCATION! Call Today for showing! Offered at $799,000 $769,000.
COLDWELL BANKER 605 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003
202.258.5316 Cell 202.741.1676 Direct Line cburger@cbmove.com
Visit www.chuckburger.com
www.libertynorthcommunitymarket.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 13
GO.SEE.DO. Capitol Hill July 4th Parade and Festival. On Monday, July 4, 10:00 AM, with Councilmember Tommy Wells as Grand Marshall, the ninth annual Capital Hill July 4th parade steps off at Eighth and I sts. SE. While they prefer that everyone register to march, participation seems to be open and anyone can join in the fun. The parade ends at Eastern Market Metro Plaza with a family festival featuring hot dogs, beverages, games and craft sales. A portion of the proceeds from the day’s activities will go to benefit the Arts Education Fund for DC Public Schools on Capitol Hill. The parade and festival is sponsored in part by Naval Lodge No. 4, Tiber Creek Associates of Capitol Hill, Inc, Barracks Row, Rob Bergman and The Hill Rag.
“What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” at the National Archives. Check out butter as its own food group. What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? is a thoughtful selection of records culled from thousands of pages of material that chronicle the story of the government’s efforts to feed Americans an ample, safe, and nutritious diet. Spanning the Revolutionary War-era through the late 1900’s, the documents, films, and photographs in the exhibition echo many of our current concerns about the Government’s role in the health and safety of our food supply. There are over 100 original records in the exhibit—including folk songs, war posters, educational films, and even seed packets. Passing over the traditional chronological approach, the exhibition is arranged into four themes: “Farm,” “Factory,” “Kitchen,” and “Table.” On exhibit through Jan. 3, 2012. 202-357-5300. archives.gov “For Health...eat some food from each group...every day!”, 1941 – 1945. Courtesy of US National Archives 14 ★ HillRag | July 2011
East River Jazz. If you’re in the mood for “straight ahead” classical jazz, the Anacostia Art Gallery presents Sunday afternoon concerts this summer performed by jazz artists some of whom have performed together for nearly 60 years. Sundays at 4:00 PM, July 10, Craig Alston Quintet (celebrating Vernard R. Gray’s 70th birthday); July 24, Arnold Sterling Quartet; August 7, Dunbar Alumni Jazz Ensemble (Charles Funn’s 18 member jazz ensemble); August 21, Bengie Porecki Ensemble. $25-$30, includes lite fare. Anacostia Art Gallery, 2806 Bruce Pl. SE. 202-610-4188. bzbinternational.com. Courtesy of Anacostia Art Gallery
Table 8. Courtesy of Capital Fringe Festival 2011
Capital Fringe Festival 2011. Here are the basics. It’s held from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 24 at 19 stages in DC with over 700 performances of over 100 productions. Individual adult tickets are $17 plus a required one-time purchase of a festival admission button for $7. Discounts and multiple-show passes are also for sale. Tickets are for sale at 866-811-4111 or at capitalfringe.org and at the box office 60 minutes before each performance. Capital Fringe Festival is the only major unjuried, self-producing, openaccess festival in the Washington, DC area and occurs in July each year. The Fringe Festival provides all artists, whether new or established, a venue to express and develop their talents and artistic visions in total freedom. capitalfringe.org.
Kutztown Folk Festival. This is the oldest folklife festival in the United States focusing on the Pennsylvania Dutch culture and traditions. America’s largest quilt sale, demonstrating craftsmen, traditional Pa Dutch cooking, and unusual historical demonstrations and reenactments are only a small part of what makes this festival unique. 40% of festival visitors are under the age of 12. Helping to create a lasting memory of a happy family day together in the mind of a child is one of their most important goals. July 2-10, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, daily. $14, adults; $13, seniors; 12 and under, free; all-week pass, $24. Kutztown Fairgrounds, 225 N. White Oak St., Kutztown, PA. (about 170 miles from DC). kutztownfestival.com. Quilt Barn – The Kutztown Folk Festival has the largest sale of new quilts in America. All of them are handmade in the USA, and are stunning practical works of art. Courtesy of Kutztown Folk Festival
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 15
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JULY
HillRag CALENDAR TOP TEN AREA INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS
July 4th National Symphony Orchestra Concert Full Dress Rehearsal. July 3, 7:30 PM. US Capitol west lawn. You will find a much smaller crowd at the concert rehearsal. You will be allowed on the Capitol grounds starting at 3:00 PM. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. Free. nso.org National FreedomFest. July 3, 2:00 PM-9:00 PM and July 4, 1:00-9:00 PM. Freedomfest features two days of DC’s most
at about 9:15 PM. No one will be allowed on the Capitol west lawn until 3:00 PM. Come early with a picnic and a blanket to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for the National Symphony Orchestra Annual Independence Day Concert. The fireworks can be seen from all over the mall, from many rooftops and from across the river. Just make sure that you have a clear view of the top half of the Washington Monument. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on except in the case of extremely bad weather. Your best source for up-to-the-minute information is local TV and radio stations. Free. nso.org Capitol Hill July 4th Parade and Festival Picnic. July 4. Parade,10:00 AM. Festival, 11:00 AM. Parade route is along 8th St. SE between Penn. Ave. and I St. SE. Festival is at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Free. Patriotic Organ Concert at the National Cathedral. July 4, 2:00 PM. Washington National Cathedral. The all-American program opens with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, and includes opportunities for audience singing the National Anthem and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Free. 202537-8980. nationalcathedral.org The National Archives Celebrates the Fourth of July. July 4. Band performance, 8:30–9:45 AM; Ceremony, 10:00-11:00 AM; Family activities, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical reenactors, and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages. Free. Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW. 202357-5400. archives.gov
Washington Nationals Pups in the Park. Saturday, July 9, 7:05 PM. Nat’s vs. Rockies. Bring your well-behaved dog (on a leash) to the ball park. Tickets for you and your dog are $25 which includes a $5 donation to Humane Society. washington.nationals. mlb.com/pups. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals popular local, regional and national bands and DJ’s. Over 40 bands and DJ’s will appear on 5 stages, and will be joined by a variety of food vendors and artisans. $35-$50. Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. nationalfreedomfest.com July 4th Fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Fireworks
16 ★ HillRag | July 2011
America’s Independence Day Parade. July 4, 11:45 AM (sharp). Parade begins at Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW and proceeds on Constitution Ave. to 17th St. The parade consists of about 20 marching bands (including fife and drum corps), 15 floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian units, drill teams, municipal entries and celebrities. july4thparade.com “What to the Slave?” Speech Reenactment at Frederick Douglas National Historical Site. July 4, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Frederick Douglas reenactor delivers the famous “What to the Slave?” (does July 4th mean) speech from the front porch of the home. Kids activities follow. Free. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960. nps.gov/frdo
Palisades July 4th Parade & Picnic. July 4, 11:00 AM. Parade route is MacArthur Blvd. between Whitehaven Blvd. and Sherier Pl. NW. The July 4th parade has been a Palisades tradition for many years. What makes this parade unique is that anyone can march in it. Registration is not necessary. The line-up begins at 10:15 AM on Whitehaven Parkway in the order in which people appear. After the parade, march-
The Capitol Hill Garden Club’s Annual Bulb Giveaway
Free Spring-flowering Bulbs!
In October, the Capitol Hill Garden Club will continue for the seventh year in a row to give away free spring-flowering bulbs for use in public spaces on Capitol Hill. Daffodils and crocus are chosen as they come back – and even proliferate – every year. Coordinator Amy Haddad says no qualified applicant will be turned away! Applicants should include a plan for the planting, which must be visible from the street. A photograph of the space is appreciated. The plan must also name the person responsible for the planting.
ers and spectators will gather for a free picnic with moon bounces, horse rides, hot dogs, watermelon and live music at the Palisades Rec Center on Sherier Pl. palisadesdc.org Independence Day Celebration and Air Force Band Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM (fireworks over Washington Monument follow). Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs and crowds.) Contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org
Individuals and organizations are invited to apply. Applications, available July 1, are due on September 15. The bulbs will be distributed in October, 2011– in time for planting. To request an application form, which can be submitted electronically, please contact the blogspot of the Capitol Hill Garden Club at http://capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com or phone Amy Haddad at 202-486-7655. Last year, this bulb give-away program won a prestigious national award – because it has resulted in more than 60,000 daffodils and crocuses being planted in public spaces on Capitol Hill. Please apply now – for a lovely springtime show in 2012.
FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Smithsonian Folklife Festival. June 30-July 4 and July 7-11. 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening events at 6:00 PM. 2011 themes are Colombia, Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues. Free entrance (food is extra). National Mall between 7th and 14th sts. www.folklife.si.edu/center/ festival Hip-Hop Theater Festival. July 11-16. Hip-Hop is an urban art form of stories, people, music, dance, and spoken word. For many in DC, Hip-Hop and its scene is the soundtrack that defines them and their communities. www.hhtf.org DC Africa Festival. Saturday, July 16, noon-6:00 PM. This year the theme is “One City, Many Voices: showcasing Africa’s cultural and economic contributions to the District of Columbia.” The festival will promote the positive legacy of the African community by highlighting: talent, social and networking media, social entrepreneurism as a tool for the betterment of Africans in the Diaspora and Africa’s capability to compete in the global market. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs will kick off a new initiative: We Count! : A demographic survey of African-owned businesses, organizations and residents of the District of Columbia. Free. Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren St.
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 17
Our Friends at The Tune Inn Need Our Help The recent fire at the Tune Inn has impacted the income of the restaurant’s staff, who made it such a special place. Please join us for a fundraiser to help support them until the restaurant’s renovation is completed. Event will include appetizers, giveaways, cash bar, live music and a silent auction
The American Legion Post 8 224 D Street, SE
Friday, July 15 from 3 to 10PM
$20 Donation Requested at the Door For more information, visit www.friendsoftuneinn.org
Honoring Mary McLeod Bethune at Lincoln Park. Sunday, July 10, 6:00 PM. Every July 10, The National Council of Negro Women gather to celebrate Mary McLeod Bethune’s birthday. Guest Speaker and Youth Choir. All are welcome. 202-737-0120. ncnw.org. Photo: Mary McLeod Bethune statue in Lincoln Park. Courtesy of Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site NW. For more information, contact Kenyatta Albeny at oaa@dc.gov. 202-727- 5634. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Annual Waterlily Festival. July 16, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Blooming lilies and lotuses. Storytelling and puppet show. Face painting. Gardening workshops. Pond and greenhouse tours. Arrive at 9:00 AM and help clean up the gardens. Free. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. www.nps.gov/keaq
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Capitol Hill Chamber Music Festival’s An Elizabethan Broken Consort. Sunday, July 10, 7:30 PM. This concert will focus on the music of Elizabethan England within the broader context of the Renaissance and the beginnings of the Baroque style. Chamber music from 1500 through 1650 will be performed by Tina Chancey on renaissance violin, viola da gamba and other bowed instruments, Jeffrey Cohan on renaissance transverse flutes of various sizes and Joseph Gascho on harpsichord. Suggested donation (a free will offering), $20. Students 18 and under, free. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill, Third and A sts. SE. 800281-8026. chcmf.org The Dreamscapes Project, ilyAIMY and Wytold. Thursday, July 7, 7:30 PM. $10. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Evening Tour of the National Garden. July 7, 14 and 28, 5:30-6:30 PM. Stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the Mid-Atlantic region. Enjoy stories surrounding them and learn which would grow
18 ★ HillRag | July 2011
well locally in your lawn and/or garden. Free. No pre-registration required. National Garden Lawn Terrace adjacent to the US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202225-8333. usbg.gov To Catch a Thief: Recovering the Durham First Folio. Thursday, July 7, 7:00 PM. Steven Galbraith, Folger’s Curator of Books, and Renate Mesmer, Acting Head of Conservation, present a lecture on “To Catch a Thief: Recovering the Durham First Folio.” Free, with reception and exhibition viewing to follow. Folger Elizabethan Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. :202-544-4600. folger.edu “Bigger Than The Beatles” Obama and the Peeps. Thursday, July 7, 7:00 PM. Film screening and talk--the week before the inauguration in Washington DC. Producer/Director Charles Krezell and David Minckler will be present. $10 Donation. Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org Summer Film Series @ the Atlas. Gay 101 (Thursdays, 8:00 PM)-July 7, My Beautiful Laundrette; July 14, Paris is Burning; July 21, The Kid Are Alright; July 28, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert. Musicals (Fridays, 8:00PM)-July 8, Dreamgirls; July 15, Chicago; July 22, Hair; July 29, My Fair Lady. Family Series (Saturdays, 5:00 PM)-July 2, An American Tail; July 9, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial; July 16, Chicken Run; July 23, Babe: The Gallant Pig. Spike Lee Presents (Sundays, 4:00 PM)-July 3, Inside Man; July 10, 4 Little Girls; July 17, Get on the Bus; July 24, Clockers; July 31, Crooklyn. Movies are free. 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlas.org SAW Songwriters Showcase Hosted by Margot MacDonald. Friday, July 8, 7:00 PM. $5, suggested. Ebenezers
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Don’t Become a Victim of Fraud!! REPORT QUESTIONABLE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID CHARGES AND PRACTICES Has this happened to you or someone you know? • • •
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Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. Free Tango Practica. Fridays, July 8 and 22, 6:30-9:00 PM. Join Jake and Danarae Stevens for a free tango practice. Tango dancers of all levels have an opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a collective space. Free and open to all age levels. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. 202-5476839. chaw.org Capital City Players of DC presents 70 Million Tons. Thursdays-Saturdays, July 8-23, 7:30 PM. Join them for the Washington, D.C. premiere of this “charmingly original” comedy which “embraces its own absurdity,” (Huffington Post, 4/23/10). The production is presented as part of the 2011 Capital Fringe Festival. $18. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. foundryplayers.com Untitled at Industry Gallery. Untitled will open at Industry Gallery on July 9 and run through Aug. 13, (open Wednesday through Saturday, noon-4:00 PM). An opening reception will be held on July 9, 8:00-11:00 PM in conjunction with the reception for Conner Contemporary’s Academy show downstairs. Untitled is a unique traveling MFA invitational exhibition organized and curated by University of Virginia graduate students Michael Maizels and Brittany Strupp that pairs up-and-coming artists from the mid-Atlantic region with emerging scholars, critics and curators. 1358 Florida Ave. NE. 202-399-1730. industrygallerydc.com. Music at the Atlas. July 14, Concert at 8:00 PM; wine tasting at 6:30 PM. This Bastille Day, let French guitar virtuoso Stephane Wrembel transport you to the cafes of Paris and hillsides of Provence. Wrembel and his quartet will perform an evening of classic French Jazz and original music including his most recent work “Bistro Fada”, which is the theme of “Midnight in Paris”, Woody Allen’s newest critically acclaimed film. $40. 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlas.org Celeste McCall in celebrating Bastille Day. Thursday, July 14, 6:00-8:00 PM. Celeste will be signing copies and reading from her culinary memoir, “Peter, There’s a Bug on my Plate”, with reminisces about the late French restaurateur Dominique D’Ermo, who brought Bastille Day festivities to Washington. Yes, there will be wine, cheese and other Gallic fare. Open Donation. Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org Truckeroo at Capitol Riverfront. Friday, July 15, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM. Truckeroo is a monthly festival held June through October showcasing food trucks from the DC area. This time, there will be between 20-25 foodtrucks to accompany the live music. Das Bullpen will be serving beer and other beverages. Das Bullpen at Half Street SE. truckeroodc.com Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings, through Aug. 26. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines.
20 ★ HillRag | July 2011
The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc. mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil Oklahoma at Arena Stage. July 8-Oct. 2. The best-selling show in Arena’s 60 year history is back for 12 weeks only! This is not your mother’s Oklahoma!. Inspired by the toughness of the prairie, Artistic Director Molly Smith sets her production in the robust world of territory life filled with a dynamic cast as rich and complex as the great tapestry of America itself. With Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless music, Oklahoma! celebrates the vigor of America’s pioneering spirit with athletic dance and boot-stomping energy. $60-$90. 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-554-9066. arenastage.org Fame, Fortune, and Theft: The Shakespeare First Folio. Through Sept. 3. From the 1620s through the twenty-first century, the Shakespeare First Folio influenced the industries of conservation, editing, and book-collecting, eventually becoming a cause for idolatry in itself. This exhibition explores the complex history of the First Folio, from its humble beginnings in the seventeenth century to stories of theft and recovery of an idolized book, recounting how it came to mean so much across cultures and continents. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu RAW-habilitation: A Proven System of Health & Healing. Saturday, July 23, 1:003:00 PM. Learn the secrets to having more energy, preventing disease, staying fit and beautiful, and feeling good throughout your lifetime. Join Dr. Samuel A. Mielcarski as he presents an in-depth discussion on his proven system of health and healing. $10. St. Mark’s Yoga Center, Third and A sts. SE. DrSamPT.com Hothouse on H. July 25, The Apron: The Continuing Adventures of John Blade, Super Spy by Kyle Encinas. An action play that asks that ever-pressing question: What if the henchman actually did kill the superhero? July 26, special theater evening. July 27, Love from the Soundstage: I Just Want to Sing by Dennis Williams. A young girl from Washington, D.C. in pursuit of a singing career has her dreams shattered by those around her.After being rejected by her peers, mother and from several auditions because of her appearance, a man comes along and opens a door of opportunity. Overlooking the outer appearance he turns a diamond in the rough into a star. With a real life story that will make you laugh and cry all in one production, this story will uplift and encourage anyone in troubled times. All productions are Pay-What-You-Can performances, beginning at 7:30 PM. H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE. theateralliance.com Concert with Andrea Pais. Friday, July 29, 8:00 PM. $15 donation. Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org Capitol and the Congress During the Civil
War. Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM. In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled “Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War,” is offered at the US Capitol Visitors’ Center on weekdays. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the Old Senate Chamber, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center. 202226-8000. visitthecapitol.gov Lecture and Tour: All about Crape Myrtles. July 31, 1:00-3:00 PM, (rain date Aug. 7). Crape Myrtles provide brilliant, long-lasting summer color and many feature attractive fall foliage and striking bark color. Learn about the diversity of characteristics, cultural information, and landscape use, and see over 30 mature specimens in the collection. Fee: $12. Registration required, see usna. usda.gov or call 202-245-4521 for registration information. US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE. 202-2452726. usna.usda.gov
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OUTDOOR MUSIC Yards Park Friday Evening Concert Series. Through Aug. 19, 6:00-8:00 PM. Spend your Friday evenings on the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Friday evening concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more. Food options will be provided by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ, and a beer/sangria garden will be run by Mie N Yu. N and Third sts., SE. capitolriverfront.org FrontStage Lunchtime Concert Series at Yards Park. Wednesdays through Aug. 17, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. The popular Wednesday lunchtime concerts, now in their fourth year, are moving from behind USDOT to the new Yards Park on the river this season. The 35,000+ employees in the neighborhood can enjoy their lunch break picnicking on the terraced lawn steps or sampling food from food trucks while listening to a variety of bands performing on the boardwalk stage. FrontStage Lunchtime Concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances each week including R&B, reggae, MoTown and more. 10 Water St. SE or 1 block south of N St. SE (between Third and Fourth sts.) Rhythm in NOMA Lunchtime Concerts. Thursdays at NY Avenue Metro Plaza through Aug. 11 and Fridays at Union Center Plaza through July 8. 11:30 AM1:30 PM. This is a free concert series featuring a variety of local musicians
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Capitol Riverfront Movies Thursdays, 8:45 PM. July 7, The Social Network. July 14, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. July 21, The Bourne Ultimatum. July 28, West Side Story. Free. Tingey Plaza, Second and M Sts. SE. 202-465-7093. capitolriverfront.org. Photo: Courtesy of Capital Riverfront BID. and styles. nomabid.org
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Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 9 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 2893360. nga.gov Fort Reno Summer Concerts. Mondays and Thursdays, through Aug. 4 (not July 4), 7:15-9:30 PM. Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. between Wisconsin and Nebraska aves. NW, across from Wilson High School). Free. No glass, no alcohol and no drugs allowed in the park. fortreno.com Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. Saturdays, July 9-Aug. 13 (rain or shine, except in the event of lightening), 8:00-10:00 PM. Feel free to bring a picnic, a blanket, folding chairs. Dogs must be leashed. Fort Dupont Park is on 376 rolling wooded acres that make it one of Washington’s largest parks. This summer the venue will be closed to the public at 3:00 PM to allow US Park Police to do a security sweep prior to the concerts. Entry to the concert venue will open at 5:00 PM. and will be through three entrance areas that will serve as security checkpoints where all bags and coolers will be inspected. July 9, The Boys and Girls Clubs (T.A.P.) featuring special guest artist Chelsey Green and a “ Soul Review.” July 16, Regina Belle. July 23, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett. July 30, Zapp. Aug. 6, The Barkays. Aug. 13, Mandril. Free. Minnesota Ave. and Randle Circle, SE. 202-426-7723. nps.gov/fodu
Summer Rhythms and Food Truck Roundup at The Wharf. Fridays, 6:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays beginning June 7, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8:00 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert. Free. 15th St. and Independence Ave. SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-4335717. mbw.usmc.mil Air Force Band Concerts. Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July and Aug. 8:00 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, Virginia. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs.) Expect a pleasing mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org
OUTDOOR MOVIES Screen on the Green. Mondays, July 25-Aug. 15. July 25, In the Heat of the Night; Aug. 1, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Aug. 8, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aug. 15, Cool Hand Luke. National Mall between Eighth and 14th sts. Screen on the Green Hotline, 1-877262-5866 NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, July 6, Ghostbusters; July 13, Darjeeling Limited; July 20, Some Like It Hot; July 27, Taking of Pelham 123. Food and music at 7:00 PM. Screening at 9:00 PM. Each film preceded by live DJs, barbecue, special guests and more. Free. L St. between 2nd and 3rd Sts. NE. nomasummerscreen.com U Street Movie Series. July 26 (rain date, July 28). Showtime at sundown. Gates will open at 7:00 PM. Movie shown at the Harrison Recreation Center field, V St. between 13th and 14th sts. NW. Short: Howard Theatre: A Century in Song. Feature: TBD. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to come early to picnic in the park and listen to music spun by local DJs. Free popcorn will be provided to the first 100 attendees. This year’s movie series lineup includes films that feature and celebrate Washington DC, including both classic and family-friendly Hollywood films set in Washington, DC, documentaries addressing environmental and education issues that resonate here, and films about local U St. entertainment institutions such as the Howard Theater and the 9:30 Club. In collaboration with the AFI Silverdocs Festival, prior to the feature film will be a screening of a short documentary featured at a previous AFI Silverdocs Festival. movies.ustreet-dc.org
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Semper Fi 5K. Saturday, July 2, 8:00 AM at Anacostia Park. All proceeds will benefit the Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization that provides crucial medical and financial assistance to wounded US servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as to their families. $15. 703-474-9800. semperfi5k.com Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. July 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7, 8, 9, 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. 7:05 PM (weekend games and July 4 at 1:35 PM). Double header, July 2 vs. Pirates. $5 and up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. washington.nationals.mlb.com July 4th Patriotic Cap Giveaway at Nationals Park. July 4, 1:05 PM. Nat’s vs. Cubs. Free baseball caps to first 20,000 fans in attendance. $5, up. washington. nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. Tuesday-
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JULY CALENDAR Saturday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12-$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals.mlb.com Washington Mystics Basketball Home Games. July 3, 4:00 PM. July 20, 11:30 AM. July 26 and 29, 7:00 PM. $10-$80. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com DC United Soccer Home Matches. July 2, 7:00 PM. July 20 and 23, 7:30PM. $23-$52. $15 college night tickets available on July 20. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Washington, DC Caribbean Sounds Race Weekend. July 9-10, 7:45 AM. Rock Creek Park. $38. caribbeansoundsrace.com Metro Dash. Saturday, July 9, 7:00 AM. Metro Dash is an action-packed event designed by Navy SEALs to unleash the best in you. Competitors will climb, crawl, jump, swing, and scale their way through 30 challenging obstacles in premiere metropolitan locations across the country. Revel in victory at the Metro Dash post-event party with beer, food, and music. $55. Capitol Riverfront. metrodash.com Bastille Day 4 Miler. Thursday, July 14, 7:00 PM. Fletcher’s Boathouse, 4940 Canal RoadCapital Crescent Trail. 703-241-0395 Waterfront Workouts at The Wharf. Saturdays, 9:00-11:00 AM. YaLa Dance with Laurent Amzallag at 9:00 AM and Flow Yoga with Caitlin Uzzell at 10:00 AM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com Play Bocce (aka Lawn Bowling). Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Garfield Park, Second and F St. SE. Registration now open. First week of games take place the week of April 18. dcbocce.com Rumsey Pool Summer Hours. Public swim, Monday-Friday, 6:30-9:00 AM; 1:00-5:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. Public swim, Saturday, 1:005:00 PM. Public swim, Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Pool scheduled to close on Aug. 1 for maintenance. Will be closed an estimated 60 days. Rumsey Pool. 635 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202724-4495. dpr.dc.gov East Potomac (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Wednesdays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents (have ID). 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202727-6523. www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr Randall (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Mondays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays
24 ★ HillRag | July 2011
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and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents (have ID). South Capitol and I Sts. SW. 202-727-1420. www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr
some). 202-544-3150. capitolhillgroupministry.org
Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov
Free public tennis courts in Ward Six. King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW; Garfield Park, Third and G sts. SE; Randall Park First and I sts. SW; Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE; Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, firstserved basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov/dpr
MARKETS
ANC Meeting for 6-A. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-423-8868. anc6a.org
Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour skate “rental” in summer months is free but sizes and supplies are quite limited. Go east on Penn. Ave. across Anacostia River and make the first right turn onto Fairlawn Ave. and another right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202472-3873.
The Wharf Farmers Market with Jazz and Blues. Thursdays, 5:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, through Oct. 26, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.org Marctus Art Market. Sunday, July 10, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Live musical performances. 6 bands from Jazz, Rock and Japanese Pop. Fashion tents. Food vendors. Arts and Crafts. At Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. (one block south of N and Third sts. SE ). 301-567-8210. artwhino.com
Capitol Hill Tai Chi Study Group. Saturday mornings (except when it’s below zero or very inclement weather), meeting to teach and practice Tai Chi, 8:00-10:00 AM. All styles and abilities welcome. First hour form practice, second hour the martial practice of Push Hands. Lincoln Park. Dr. David Walls-Kaufman, a Capitol Hill chiropractor, conducts this class every Saturday morning. Please dress comfortably. Free. East Capitol St. between 11th and 13th Sts. 202544-6035.
Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’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 7th St. SE. 202-544-0083. easternmarketdc.com
East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. golfdc.com
H Street Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 AMnoon. Open hrough Nov. 20. Parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. freshfarmmarket.org
Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free.
Liberty North Community Market. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. The market will have 80-100 vendors selling art, crafts, food, and produce. Fifth and Eye sts. NW. libertynorthcommunitymarket.com
Legg Mason Tennis Classic. July 30-Aug. 7. William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. Single session teckets, $10-$75. 202-721-9500. leggmasontennisclassic.com The Dash 10K & Kid’s Run. Sunday, July 31, 8:00 AM. Capital Sprints kicks off the second race in The Dash series. Racers will take on the challenging, timed 10K. The Dash 10K and Kid’s Fun Run benefits Back On My Feet & Friendship Children’s Center. $30. $15 for kids. 202-271-1633. capitalsprints.com Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s 9th Annual “Hope for the Homeless” Golf Tournament. Sept. 26. $150 ($575 for a fore-
Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE (north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202399-6040.
CIVIC LIFE Community Office Hours with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. First Thursday of the month in Southwest and third Thursday of the month on H St. NE; both are 8-9:30 AM. All Ward 6 residents encouraged to come out and meet with Wells and members of his staff. Call Wells’ office for meeting location, 202-724-8072. tommywells.org
ANC Meeting for 6-B. Second Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Brent Elementary School, 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202-543-3344. anc6b.org ANC Meeting for 6-C. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-547-7168. anc6c.org ANC Meeting for 6-D. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. St. Augustine’s, 600 M St., SW. 202-5541795. anc6d.org
OUT OF TOWN Antietam Battlefield Salute to Independence. July 2, 7:30-9:30 PM (fireworks follow). Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD. Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Zambelli International Fireworks for a special Independence Day commemoration. Be sure to bring a blanket, plenty of water or soft drinks, and a flashlight. Food and drink for sale. No pets. 301432-5124. nps.gov/anti An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. July 4, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Mount Vernon, Virginia. Celebrate Independence Day at the home of the first American hero with “General and Mrs. Washington”. FREE “Happy Birthday, America!” cake (while supplies last) and a unique daytime fireworks display over the Potomac River. The Sons of the American Revolution host a wreathlaying ceremony at Washington’s tomb. $15 for adults ($14 for seniors 62 and older), $7 for children 6 to 11 and free for ages 5 and younger. 703-7802000. mountvernon.org Fireworks at National Harbor. Every Saturday, 9:30 PM, through Sept. 3. No coolers, glass, or outside food and beverages allowed on hotel property or outdoor waterfront areas. National Harbor Waterfront, PG County, MD. gaylordhotels.com Alexandria Birthday Celebration (with fireworks!). Saturday, July 9 (rain date July 10. If rain date is needed, some activities may not be included.). Concert at 6:00 PM, fireworks at 9:30 PM. An evening of music, activities and fireworks starting at 4:00 PM, performance by the Alexandria Singers at 6:00 PM, presentation of civic awards by the Mayor at 7:30 PM with birthday cake, and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s pops concert 8:30, concluding with the fireworks and “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire provided by the US Marine Corps at 9:30 PM. Free. Oronoco Bay Park, 7 No. Lee St., Old Town Alexandria, VA. 703-883-4686. alexandriava.gov ★
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HILLRAG CROSSWORD Across 1. Lends, in a way 7. Drift ashore 13. Wets 19. Tennis great Gibson 20. Soup cracker 21. Condor condo? 22. Twinkle-toed soul pioneer? 25. 1950’s British P.M. 26. Motor City team 27. Driving off 28. Soak up again 30. Tomato sauce maker
32. “Tootsie” Oscar winner 33. “___ House” (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young hit) 34. Color ___ 36. Romantic interlude 38. Bad spots? 40. Makes right 42. Shooter pellet 43. Blue ___, Ohio 46. Twinkle-toed pre-Civil War leader? 51. Load to bear 52. High hat
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
26 ★ HillRag | July 2011
53. Uneaten morsel 54. Attire 55. “The One I Love” group 56. Double-reed instrument 57. Long bones 60. Exclamation of pleasure 61. Talks foolishly 63. Toklas partner 64. Wary 68. Unmatched 69. Master 70. Mysterious letter 71. Female hare
72. Tyrone ___, American boxer 75. Nine-sound signal 76. Gaming table fabric 78. Unit of loudness 79. Twinkle-toed “Family Ties” star? 84. Work with a shuttle 85. Class 86. Sports shoes 87. Piquant 88. Visibly shaken 90. Grasshopper sound 91. Figured out 92. Atomic no. 86 95. Girder material 97. Red mullet 102. Newspaper department 104. Some Romanovs 106. Largest of seven 107. Twinkled-toed TV icon? 111. Combat zones 112. Czech monetary unit 113. Asseverate 114. Club-shaped tool 115. Sound ___ 116. Put under Down 1. Worse, as excuses go 2. Dodge 3. In a fog 4. Cuts of meat 5. Common Market: abbr. 6. Chantey singer 7. Admonish 8. “___, Babylon” (Frank novel) 9. It’s often sloppy 10. Start for cup 11. Release 12. Active 13. Neighbor of Java 14. In equal shares 15. Lateral 16. Kind of kitchen 17. “___ Number” (The Cure single) 18. “The Playboy of the Western World” author 20. Patronizer 23. ___ France 24. Most fortunate 29. Pleads 30. Pilgrimage to Mecca 31. “Major” animal 34. Mutation target 35. Prevarication 37. Mail boat
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38. Breathing woe 39. Underground comic artist 40. “I’m outta here!” 41. Distribute 42. ___ Noël 43. Vatican vestment 44. Word with bum or bunny 45. Monopoly token 47. Fix firmly 48. Bellyache 49. Virus type 50. Island near Kauai 51. Venus or Mars 56. Senior 58. Ring in 50-Down 59. Dainty biter 60. Tack on 62. Classic clown 63. Cummerbund 64. Greek liqueurs 65. Kind of committee 66. Like some patches of soil 67. Hopper, to friends 69. Wallop 70. Fissure 72. Halloween decoration 73. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 74. Giant Hall-of-Famer 75. Twill-weave fabric 77. “When it’s ___” (old riddle answer) 78. Embarrassing boo-boos 80. .001 inch 81. Burn with desire 82. Jewish month 83. Gait between walk and canter 88. Packing a punch 89. Of a positively charged electrode 90. Orchestra chairs 91. Chatterbox 92. Précis 93. Dig deeply? 94. Small change 96. Japanese verse form 97. Misses 98. It needs refinement 99. Keys 100. ___ of Vicksburg 101. More than unpopular 103. Good news on Wall Street 104. Trident part 105. Rebuke 108. Dot-com’s address 109. Nod, maybe 110. Resembling
Capitol Streets Hill Buzz article by Anna Cranage Conathan & photos by Michael Conathan it clean above the table, while whitegloved, Butt Ref, Patrick, ensures that cheeks are securely seated. As the three full rounds of “Wrestle-Wo-Mania” came to a close, a winner emerged: Southern bell-ringer Scarlet O’Scara beat out Aussie Osbourne, taking home the coveted Golden Bicep trophy. Wanna wrestle? Find out how at dclawleague.blogspot.com.
The Strong Arm of D-CLAW I had heard quiet whispers about a local tribe of women who, like Penthesilea of the Amazons or Boudicca of the Iceni, fought mightily so that other women might be free and prosper. “And they’re here?” I asked with an ache in my bosom, “On The Hill?” No one could tell me where to find these Princesses of Power and soon my intrigue turned to doubt. This was nothing more than local lore: a story born of hope, but simply legend. Like Atlantis, or Nessy, or couples who devoutly keep “Date Night.” Finally, I met a man walking on the road who wore the mark of the legend: T’was a black T-shirt emblazoned with D-CLAW’s logo and a coded message (www.dclawleague.blogspot. com ) that would lead me to 224 D. St. SE (American Legion, post 8 - www. legiondc8.org) on June 11, a day that will live in my bicep muscle memory forever. More retro than macho, more cool than “camp,” D-CLAW is a divine mix of spectacle and pageantry, boasting brawling beauties, inexpensive drinks in Solo cups, delectable Eat Wonky dogs (eatwonky.com ) and groove-tastic tunes spun by nasal funk master, DJ Booger X. As funky jams rocked the legion hall, the lady wrestlers – all with intimidating pseudonyms like Top Guns, Bocce Balboa and Amy Smackhouse – paraded through the audience, posing and preening, flanked by their costumed sycophants. Prior to the wo-mano a wo-mano matches, there is betting. Bets placed on wrestlers, as well as proceeds from
A False Sense of “Auto-Focus” Security
admission, go directly to a local charity for women or girls: the beneficiary of that evening was N Street Village, a housing community for homeless and low-income women. With their holistic recovery approach and co-located services, N Street helps women regain their strength, improve their health and regain self-sufficiency. (Visit www. nstreetvillage.org to learn more or make a donation.) Lest you think D-CLAW some lawless affair, there are rules. Bouts are presided over by Ref Phil, keeping
Recently my friend and shutterbabe, Maya Wechsler (www.mayaseye. com) inquired what kind of camera I used. I told her it was some fancy digital The Husband (also a photographer) picked out - I didn’t know what kind. “It doesn’t matter,” I joked. “I set it on auto and hope for the best.” She gave me a weary look and sighed. “When you shoot on auto you’re letting your camera decide what picture to take. Are you the kind of person who wants to get pushed around by a camera?” Indeed not. I decided it was time to show my camera who’s boss. I would learn how to use those button do-dads. Maybe spin a dial or two. I might change lenses, if I could get the standard lens detached. Clearly, I would not be able to do this alone. So, I signed up for Maya’s fabulous Mamarazzi Class. In her Hill home studio, Maya translates the language of fancy cameras into common English, while plying you with wine (a known photohelper) and nibbly-bits. She will teach capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 27
you tricks of the trade, explain DSLR “dos and don’ts,” give you take-home assignments, and offer tips to improve your candids, like this simple adjustment: For better shots of wee ones and furry friends, get low. Shooting children and pets on their level makes for a more intimate, more expressive, dynamic photo. Under Maya’s tutelage, you will soon be taking prized shots destined for prime real estate on Grammie and Grandpa’s fridge. Your candids will be so glorious that the grandparents will find themselves longing for a visit: a visit that might include free babysitting. Your shots may become so heartbreakingly brilliant that the besotted grandparents insist upon paying for college! Imagine, all that, simply because you dared to ditch auto focus and take Maya’s Mamarazzi Class! Upcoming classes are Thursday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 19. To sign up, email maya@mayaseye.com.
The Result of Not Planning Ahead on Childcare
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28 ★ HillRag | July 2011
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Living across from Results, I take the childcare room for granted, popping over at a moment’s notice when I need to hit things and yell profanities at a squash ball, or continue my Tribath-alon training (steam, sauna, whirlpool), or cram to finish a little column I write for a local paper. This past week, with The Boy released from academia and The Husband traveling, I needed Results’ childcare more than ever. So I reacted with horror and an ample amount of unintended rudeness when I discovered that childcare was FULL. All WEEK, full! I beg of you, gym ‘rents, if you make a rez and plans change, please (PLEASE!) release your childcare back into the wild, so that the less organized may seize upon it hungrily. Results, an idea: on-line scheduling for childcare?
Hangouts, Hideaways & Exploring My ‘Hood Instead of handing off The Boy for the phenomenal bargain of $4/hour, sometimes I spend actual time with him. You know, playing and whatnot. For us, there is no better destination than the new neighborhood gem, Yards Park. We’ve even developed our own little travel ritual: I pack a “go bag” - snacks, amusements, supplies - and we’re off, me on foot and The Boy on his Skuut. (Thank you, Groovy Guys!) Down 3rd Street we go, pausing to ogle the construction vehicles, then press on to Albert Oh’s store, Cornercopia (3rd & K. St, SE) where I pick up an enormous sandwich. (SHAZAM! Lunch and dinner!) Continuing down 3rd, we stop at the big tire outside the Dept. of Transportation (3rd & M.), lingering to watch the stream of sleek dump trucks rumble by. If it’s Tuesday we hit the Dept. of Transportation Farmer’s Market before arriving at our destination: Yards Park Spacious, and beautifully designed with various types of terrain and vegetation, interesting architecture, wide open spaces and secluded little corners, it’s a metropolitan miracle, complete with refreshing water features for kids to frolic in – pool, waterfall and geysers. On a previous visit The Boy noticed that “Mr. & Mrs. Mallard” had taken up residence in the canal pool. Over the next several visits, I noticed the ducky couple had settled in. I also noticed that the water had grown greenish in hue and the rocky pool floors had become slick with algae. I began to wonder: whence does this water come? A quick call to the management office and I found that it is not drawn from the nearby Anacostia which, while virtually plastic bag-less these days thanks to Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells, still sports its share of nasties. Indeed, Management was aware of the blooming algae and informed me the pool would be emptied, scrubbed, and re-filled with water from the municipal supply. (Which, as of press time, it has
been.) Updates on the water quality are now posted on the park’s website. Management also informed me that visitors with questions regarding the park are welcome to email Programming and Marketing Dir., Kathleen Kruczinicki: Kathleen@ capitolriverfront.org. For those who are new to the wonders of the developing SE waterfront, there’s a plethora of activities in the surrounding area: summer concerts, outdoor movies, cooking demonstrations and myriad festivities, like the July 23rd Caribbean Rum Festival. In addition to park events, there new businesses popping up over almost daily, like Justin’s Café (justinscafe.com) and purveyor fine spirits, Harry’s Reserve (909 New Jersey Ave. SE). You’ll also find staples like Starbucks, Subway, Five Guys and a new CVS. If you’re feeling physical, put some hula in those hips at Hoop Jams, swing by the Trapeze School (washingtontrapezeschool.com) or sign up for the July 9th Metro Dash (metrodash.com). And while Chris Farley’s famous SNL sketch had us believe that being “in a van down by the river” was uncool, Truckeroo (truckeroo.com) says otherwise. The monthly food festival features DC’s full fleet of delicious food trucks, as well as live music. Check out the next feeding frenzy on Friday, July 15th. Be there or be… thinner? For updates on what’s happening “down by the river” add these sites to your web-surfing rotation: yardspark. org & capitolriverfront.org. With The Husband home (finally!) I am able to strike out alone, once again in search of a mysterious tribe of women rumored to be… hilarious. I am told they can be found at Regal Cinema, Potomac Yards. They call themselves… “Bridesmaids.” I will be the last woman in America to see them. Anna is a freelance writer and screenwriter, emergency secretary to husband, Mike, and summer camp director to son, Sam. Anna enjoys helping others (whether they want help or not), popping bubble wrap and trawling Craigslist for her next career. To put a buzz in her ear, email bananascabana@yahoo.com ★
Enjoy Summer in a New Home! All Properties Listed On: BobWilliamsRealEstate.com ColdwellBanker.com CBMove.com Realtor.com Yahoo.com Google.com
Trulia.com WashingtonPost.com NYTimes.com HomesDatabase.com OpenHouse.com
For Rent: 416 East Capitol St NE Enchanting 2br/1ba farmhouse with deep front & rear yards, warm random width wood floors, fireplace in living room, separate dining room, corian & stainless steel kitchen, laundry & storage room, loft in master bedroom, over-sized bath w/ claw tub and walk-in shower. 109 8th Street NE Contemporary and Sleek. New renovation of 2br/1.5ba Federal w/ storefront windows, soaring ceiling, exposed brick, recycled glass countertops, refinished original wood flooring + w/w carpeting, carrara marble bath, skylight, recessed and track lighting, laundry & storage room.
For Sale: 3110 26th Street NE Deliciously deep yard, gorgeous new renovation of a 3br/3.5ba bungalow. $499,000 Recently SOLD Listings: 103 8th Street NE / List Price $489,000 / SOLD $625,000 1214 C Street SE / List Price $689,500 / SOLD $780,000 1811 Independence SE / List Price $565,000 / SOLD $565,000 1014 D Street NE / List Price $650,000 / UNDER CONTRACT 566 23rd Place NE / List Price $150,000 / UNDER CONTRACT
Our properties have sold in less than 3 weeks at or near asking (if not, above). References can and will be provided. Former Owner of Burns & Williams Real Estate Coldwell Banker’s top 2% in 2011 1st Qtr. Third generation Capitol Hill resident - dating back to 1918 Selling Real Estate on Capitol Hill since 1977
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 29
bulletin board DC Water, Restaurants Team Up with TapIt to Provide Free Water on the Go The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) and dozens of District restaurants have joined forces to quench thirst in the District while protecting the environment from plastic litter. DC Water and the national network TapIt have recruited more than 60 eateries in the District to offer free water refills to those who bring their own reusable bottles. District residents and visitors can find TapIt locations at tapitwater. com/dc, on their PC or mobile phones, and iPhone users can download the free TapIt application from the App Store. The website and application identify locations that serve unfiltered or filtered tap water. The TapIt network was created in 2008 as a way to provide clean drinking water to people on the go (pedestrians, cyclists and others) who carry their own reusable water bottle. The nationwide network now spans 22 states and includes more than 750 locations. For more information, visit dcwater.com/tap. 30 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Ward Six Councilmember Tommy Wells at the DC Water Tapit Launch
Volunteer at the Hill Center The transformation of the Old Naval Hospital at 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, into the new Hill Center is a community effort. As they move toward their launch this summer, they will need people willing to commit to helping them create and implement the Hill Center Volunteer Corps--an element crucial to the success of their operations. One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities are available, so come be a part of this exciting project. 202549-4172. hillcenterdc.org
on July 4th and continue until 4:00 AM the following day as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday period. During this six-hour period, area residents celebrating with alcohol may call the toll-free SoberRide phone number 1-800-200-TAXI and be afforded a no-cost (up to a $ 30 fare), safe way home. wrap.org
Free July 4th Cab Rides As a direct response to Independence Day being the US holiday when nearly half of all traffic deaths are alcohol-related, a local nonprofit group will be offering free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout DC this July 4th. Offered by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, the Independence Day SoberRide program will be in operation beginning at 10:00 PM
Hill Center ONH South Elevation Photo: Lis Wackman
CHGM “Hope for the Homeless” Golf Tournament, Sept. 26 On September 26, 2011, CHGM will host its 9th Annual “Hope for the Homeless” Golf Tournament to assist homeless and underserved families gain the support they need to go back to school, learn a trade, and strengthen the family. We invite you to golf with us on September
26 to support CHGM’s work. You will enjoy the internationally acclaimed Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, MD where each hole is a replica of championship golf courses that have hosted The Masters, The U.S. Open, The British Open and The PGA Championship. The day also includes a relaxing post-tournament dinner where prizes are awarded and a fun hole in one contest for golfers of all levels. Registration rates are $150 per golfer and $575 per foursome. With a Special Early Bird Discount until July 31st, 2011! Go to http://www. capitolhillgroupministry.org to register or for more information.
Red Palace Patio Opens On H Street
We are the District’s Kitchen Experts Like you, we love living and working right here in the District. That’s why we specialize in designing and remodeling kitchens in the historic homes of DC.
Since merging buildings and opening in November of 2010, Red Palace has established itself as a premiere venue for live bands and alternative, side show artists and burlesque acts. Along with the popular, creative and one of a kind variety shows, Red Palace has propelled itself as a one of a kind performance space. They have just opened their patio. This is another outdoor space to socialize and enjoy the DC evenings. 1212 H St. NE. 202399-3201. redpalacedc.com
Free Spring-flowering Bulbs In October, the Capitol Hill Garden Club will give away free spring-flowering bulbs for use in public spaces on Capitol Hill. Daffodils and crocus are chosen as they come back--and even proliferate-every year. Coordinator Amy Haddad says no qualified applicant will be turned away. Applicants should include a plan for the planting, which must be visible from the street. A photograph of the space is appreciated. The plan must also name the person responsible for the planting. Last year, this bulb give-away program
202.544.3316
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713 D STREET SE | WASHINGTON DC 2003 202.543.1997 | WWW.HILLSKITCHEN.COM TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10 TO 6PM, SUNDAY 10 TO 5PM CLOSED MONDAY
Hill’s Angels team members relaxing before the race with mascot “Mrs. Surefire,” are (top, L-R): Bruce Huston, Beverly Gray, Phyllis Vermer, (middle row, L-R) Joe Berdin, Carol Booker, Marie Sharp, and (front) Paris Singer. Photo: Teddy Booker
resulted in more than 60,000 daffodils and crocuses being planted on Capitol Hill. Individuals and organizations are invited to apply. Applications are due on Sept. 15. The bulbs will be distributed in Oct. in time for planting. To request an application form, which can be submitted electronically, go to capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com or phone Amy Haddad at 202-486-7655.
Theater Alliance Fundraiser, Save the Date
“Hill’s Angels” Race for the Cure
Champs’ H Street Summer School
The “Hill’s Angels,” a Capitol Hill team formed two years ago, participated again in the annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on June 4. Some 42,000 walkers and runners, including teams from 30 embassies, took part in the 5k race on the National Mall. Proceeds from fundraising for the event are used locally to promote awareness of breast cancer and to pay for mammograms for women who cannot afford them. The Hill’s Angels raised more than $500 for the cause.
32 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Save the date, Aug. 13 at 8:00 PM at the Atlas, for Theater Alliance’s fun and funky fundraiser with fun food and drink, entertainment from Theater Alliance faves and dancin’ to the oldies. Tickets go on sale soon. 202-399-7993. theateralliance.com
On Tuesday, July 5, 9:30 AM, find out how to create and manager Facebook pages. Learn the ins and outs of effectively using Facebook for your business: Set up a busineage from scratch; take advantage of the new Page features rolled out in March; optimize your Facebook presence; integrate with other social media Analyze your Page’s success using the built-in tools for measuring activity on your Page; motivate your Facebook fans to be ambassadors for your brand. Free. Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. To register, send your name, contact information, and business affiliation to champs@capitolhill.org.
2011 Military Bowl, December 28 at RFK The Washington Convention and Sports Authority and DC Bowl Committee has announced that the 2011 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at RFK Stadium at 4:30 PM. The game, which benefits the USO, will be televised live nationally on ESPN for the fourth straight year. This year’s bowl game will feature the Navy Midshipmen against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. militarybowl.org.
Rumsey Pool Scheduled to Close for Repairs Rumsey Pool is scheduled to close for repairs and maintenance on Aug. 1. It will be closed for an estimated 60 days. The two closest alternative indoor pools to Capital Hill are Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center (Brookland) at 1100 Michigan Ave. NE and Deanwood Aquatic Center, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-673-7647. dpr.dc.gov
First Annual Foos-Denham Dinner Naval Lodge’s Foos-Denham Dinner is a formal dinner held on Friday, July 15 at the Naval Lodge Hall, 330 Penna. Ave. SE. You are invited to come and enjoy live music from The Able Band, beer and wine, gifts, and great food. All are welcome at this event, however discount tickets are available to Freemasons. Formal or business attire is required and you must be 21 or older. Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/Naval4FoosDenhamDinner. $55, general public; $45, Freemasons. The Foos-Denham Dinner is named for W.B. John A. Foos and Thomas S. Denham. The records of Naval Lodge No. 4 note that, on July 13, 1864, the Lodge meeting was cancelled because these officers had to capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 33
rush to the front lines and defend Washington against rebel forces. These men represent the every-day soldier who fought without recognition or fame during the Civil War. This dinner celebrates their bravery and honors their service.
DDOT Completes Move to New Headquarters The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) completed its move into a new building at 55 M St. SE. The new headquarters is a LEED® Gold certified green building and will house approximately 450 staff members who previously were spread out in multiple locations in the District. 202-6736813. ddot.dc.gov
Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s Summer Volunteer Opportunities CHGM is now offering numerous flexible volunteer opportunities to individuals and teams looking to significantly affect their community by helping underserved and homeless families on Capitol Hill. These opportunities provide volunteers an experience to work alongside staff members at Shirley’s Place, CHGM Special Events, and around the Capitol Hill area with their CHGM Street Outreach Team. Each opportunity offers volunteers a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others through hands-on work and service to the community. If you are interested in learning more about Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s current volunteer opportunities, please contact Jacob Wilkins, Communications and Development 202544-3150 or Volunteer@chgm.net.
Navy Yard Riverwalk Now Open Seven Days a Week The Washington Navy Yard Riverwalk, which opened for limited public access in April, has extended its hours of access. The WNY Riverwalk will now be open to the public daily, including weekends and holidays, from 5:30 AM until sunset. The Display Ship Barry, located along the Riverwalk, 34 ★ HillRag | July 2011
can be accessed directly during its operating hours, which are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. The ship is closed on Sundays.
“US Banker” Names National Capital Bank as One of the Best in the Nation The National Capital Bank of Washington was the only Washington, DC based bank named among the “Top 200 Community Banks” by US Banker magazine. This designation is based on a three-year average return on equity as of Dec. 31, 2010. The National Capital Bank, Washington’s Oldest Bank, was founded in 1889 and has been managed by the Didden family for 122 years. NCB has assets of $350 million and is headquartered on Capitol Hill with a second branch located in Friendship Heights. 316 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5468000. nationalcapitalbank.com
Help Support Common Good City Farm Since 2007, Common Good City Farm has distributed over 12,000 servings of fresh vegetables to low-income adults and families and engaged over 1,500 DC school children in farm education. Their farm lessons range from planting, to insect pollinators, and nutrition. “Kids were asking for seconds of salad,” exclaims Jeremiah Lowery, Program Fellow, after leading a group of excited kids in harvesting vegetables and preparing a salad for everyone to enjoy. Make a gift today to get this harvest to children and families through cooking classes in their outdoor kitchen, farming lessons in their kids’ garden, and other fun activities. Your donation will enable more children and families to receive their summer harvest through nurturing learning activities about healthy eating, growing food, and collectively protecting our earth. 202-330-5945. CommonGoodCityFarm.org
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University of Phoenix Adds New Degree Programs at DC Campus The University of Phoenix–the largest private university in the nation-is offering a series of new academic program offerings at its Washington, DC campus to help provide local professionals and students with relevant skills and credentials for local employment opportunities. The expansion doubles the number of degree offerings at the campus and aims to meet skills gaps and workforce needs reported by area employers. The new degree offerings are tailored to prepare students for careers in D.C.’s most vital industries and sectors. Specifically, the DC campus has added a BS in Health Administration concentrations in Emergency Management, Health Information Systems, Health Management, and Long-Term Care; an MS in Health Administration; a BS in Organizational Security and Management; a BS in Criminal Justice Administration concentrations in Institutional Healthcare, Human Services and Management; a BS in Communications concentrations in Communication and Technology, Culture and Communication and Marketing and Sales Communication; and a BS in Human Services Management. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/washingtondc.
Washington Full Circle and Q&A Café with Carol Joynt on iTunes Two of the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television (OCT) programs, Washington Full Circle and Q&A Café with Carol Joynt, are now available on iTunes. The podcasting of these shows offers OCT another opportunity to present original content that spotlights the latest in restaurants, shopping, fashion, entertainment and newsmakers unique to the Nation’s Capital. Washington Full Circle, an award winningproduction broadcast on both TV-16 and NBC4 Washington, is a high-energy, fast paced, entertaining and informa-
tive program giving its viewers a backstage pass to all things Washington. From music to theatre, fashion, travel, nightlife and everything in between, Washington Full Circle highlights the latest trends in Washington, DC’s people, places, things and so much more. Q&A Café with Carol Joynt offers candid conversation with today’s newsmakers in the dining room of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in the District’s West End.
Tips on How to Stay Healthy in the Heat As temperatures heat up, the DC Department of Health reminds residents of the importance of staying healthy in the heat during the summer months, particularly when temperatures reach 90 degrees and higher. Extreme heat and humid conditions can cause many medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke; therefore residents are advised to take caution when outdoors in high temperatures. Remember to drink plenty of water; stay out of the sun; avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar; wear clothing that is loose-fitting, light colored and breathable, such as cotton; dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella; limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches; wear sunscreen; schedule outdoor activities carefully; do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car; provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area. If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit a recreation center, library, or senior center.
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Arlington N. Exceptionally Charming! $714,900 Updated storybook Tudor on a quiet non-through street in the Popular “Walk to Metro” Willet Heights neighborhood. Enjoy the circa 1935 stone and brick construction, a sweeping living room, separate dining room, a newly remodeled granite and stainless kitchen addition with breakfast room, a main level laundry room addition, 3 upper level bedrooms plus den/sunroom, loads of lower level storage, a detached brick garage and a fantastic level lot with a lifetime’s worth of green-thumb garden tending just perfect for the summer garden party. Just half a block from bike trail and easy few block stroll to Metro! 1413 N. Wakefield Street.
Foreclosure Mediation Housing Counseling Services, a DC based non-profit, will offer free Foreclosure Prevention Clinics to help homeowners in danger of losing their homes. Clients will receive information and individual counseling to help them identify their realistic options for avoiding foreclosure and to avoid “foreclo-
Enthusiastically serving clients on both sides of the river. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 35
sure rescue scams.” A new DC law gives DC homeowners in danger of losing their homes the right to seek mediation with their lender in order to avoid foreclosure. Learn about the benefits of mediation and how to navigate the mediation process. Wednesdays, July 6,13, 20 ,27 at noon. Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW. 202667-7006. housingetc.org
Capital Bikeshare Launches Summertime Competition to Reward “Reverse Riders
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Don’t go with the flow this summer—do the opposite and it could pay off. That’s what Capital Bikeshare is telling its members. The regional bikesharing network is launching a Reverse Rider Rewards competition on June 1 to support the system’s rebalancing and redistribution efforts. The goal is to enlist the help of Capital Bikeshare annual members to help redistribute bicycles throughout the bikesharing system during the peak hours of 8:00-10:00 AM, Mondays through Fridays, and provide incentives to do so. Members who elect to participate will earn points for taking bicycles from any of the “typically full” stations to “typically empty” stations. Each trip will earn participants one point, as well as one entry into a raffle. At the end of the contest, the individual with the highest number of points will win a oneyear extension of his or her Capital Bikeshare membership, while everyone who makes it into the top ten will receive one-month extensions. Five raffle prize winners will also receive one-month extensions. Reverse Rider Rewards officially launched on Wednesday, June 1, and will run through Wednesday, Aug. 31. Winners will be posted on the fifth of each month. For complete information about the rules, prizes and eligible stations visit godcgo.com/reverse-rider-rewards.aspx.
DDOT Seeks Help from Residents to Combat Copper Wire Theft The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) needs the
public’s help to combat the theft of copper wire from the District’s infrastructure. On at least four occasions in recent weeks, thieves have removed electrical wire from underground conduits along city streets. In one case the thieves stole wire that powers the sidewalk lights along Kenilworth Ave. NE between Foote and Hayes sts. Wire that illuminated a DC 295 overhead sign was also removed on northbound Kenilworth Ave. between Polk St. and Eastern Ave. In both locations the copper wire was removed from underground conduits placed between manholes in a grass median (not in the street). At these locations the theft did not require a lane or road closure and might not have draw attention. A third incident occurred at No. Capitol and Irving sts. last week, and another at So. Capitol St. and Potomac St. Anyone witnessing a theft in progress should not confront the suspects, but rather should immediately call 911. Vehicle and suspect descriptions are very useful to authorities.
What You Can Do if Your Power Goes Out If your power goes out, do not assume that PEPCO is aware of an outage in your area or that a neighbor has called to report an outage. PEPCO needs to hear from every affected customer to help locate problem areas. Call PEPCO’s 24hour outage report line at 1-877737-2662. If you cannot use your home phone, it is still important to call and follow all the phone prompts. Make sure PEPCO has a working phone number where you can be reached about service restoration. To report wires down, call 202-872-3432. Check on elderly and at-risk friends and family to make sure they have access to plenty of water, a telephone and food. DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Hotline is 202-727-6161. They may provide transportation to a cooling center or on site cooling buses for residents.
Leave Fire Hydrants Alone As the weather heats up, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water are reminding District residents not to open fire hydrants to cool off. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system, reduces water pressure in the community and cause injury. Please report any unauthorized hydrant openings to DC Water 202612-3400.
Capitoline Venus on View at NGA The famed Capitoline Venus, one of the best-preserved sculptures to survive from Roman antiquity, will be on view at the National Gallery of Art West Building Rotunda until Sept. 5. The Capitoline Venus, which measures approximately six feet six inches in height, derives from the celebrated Aphrodite of Cnidos created by the renowned classical Greek sculptor Praxiteles around 360 BC. It has only left Rome on one other occasion—when Napoleon seized it in 1797 (it was returned in 1816). The Capitoline Venus is a significant descendent of the first, revolutionary statue of this type, the renowned Aphrodite of Cnidos by Praxiteles. With the Cnidian Venus, Praxiteles introduced a new subject to the history of art: the large-scale, freestanding, fully nude female. Preceding the official opening on June 8, Mayor Alemanno of Rome and Mayor Vincent C. Gray of Washington, DC, signed a proclamation signifying the newly formed sister-city relationship of the two worldcapital cities. 202-737-4215. nga.gov ★
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capitolstreets news
The Future of Hill Middle Schools by Alice Ollstein
M
ost DC wards have ber, local parents mobilized a one middle school. few years ago to help improve Some, like Ward 5, the public elementary schools have none. Ward 6 on Capitol on the Hill. They aggressively Hill, meanwhile, is struggling to pursued grants, public-private fill and maintain three. Low test partnerships, and connections scores, ill-maintained facilities with DC institutions ranging and under-enrollment that have from the Shakespeare Theater plagued some of the campuses in to the Nationals baseball team. recent years, and many families The Capitol Hill Community have opted to send their chilFoundation raised thousands of dren to elite private campuses, grant dollars for modernizing high performing public schools the school libraries. Teachers in Northwest DC, or one of the and administrators were fired, many new charter schools across Ward 6 School Board Representative and others were hired, buildMonica Warren Jones the city. Though a grassroots parings were modernized, and early ent effort has revolutionized the childhood programs opened up elementary schools on Capitol around Capitol Hill. Hill over the past few years, this involvement tends According to Councilmember Wells, these to fizzle out at the middle school level. changes were successful. “Parents really responded, “There’s been quite an exodus of parents that and came back to the school system,” he said. “Six have left Ward 6,” said Stuart-Hobson parent and or seven of our ten elementary schools now have Ward 6 School Board Representative Monica waiting lists. Very active parents have really taken Warren Jones. ownership of their schools. Just walk around any Maury parent Joe Wheedon agrees. “As soon as of the elementary schools and you’ll see it. It’s just kids are in first or second grade, their parents start incredible.” wondering, ‘Should we stay in the District or flee Amanda Bassow, the current PTA president to the suburbs? Should we follow the feeder pat- for the Capitol Hill Cluster, agrees: “It’s great to terns or go to public charters?’ We’re losing a lot of see more and more folks on the Hill choosing their good families.” neighborhood schools,” she said. “I see a lot of enHowever, many Capitol Hill parents and oth- ergy now.” ers have invested their time and energy over the last While this progress bodes well for the middle few years to create a plan of action for improving school effort, it may take time for parents to feel conthe three middle schools of Ward 6: Eliot-Hine, fident about the generally low-performing schools. Stuart-Hobson and Jefferson. The Capitol Hill Daniel Holt, the president of the Brent PTA Public School Parents Organization (CHPSPO) and father of a third-grader, shared this anxiety. “We researched options, surveyed the community, and feed into Jefferson, but the reality has been that aldrafted a plan that garnered the attention and sup- most no one goes to Jefferson, maybe one student port of former schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. a year,” he said. “Brent’s enrollment is surging as it With new programs, partnerships and course offer- becomes a popular school, but parents are worried ings, the plan aims to make the area campuses into about dropping off a cliff after that, with nowhere schools of choice for local families. Will this plan, to go.” and the parents behind it, turn the middle schools But Holt is optimistic about the improvements around? Or will the current budget crunch and the planned for the Ward 6 schools, which are already lure of private and charter schools undermine their piquing parent interest. “The Jefferson Academy efforts, possibly forcing one of the schools to close? now has a waiting list, which is encouraging,” he said. “More parents are considering it now than ever before, but they’re still skeptical, as they should be.” Parent Power? It’s Elementary “We’ve always lost a large number of middle Working with then-School Board member Tommy Wells, now the Ward 6 Councilmem- class families, and we still will,” admitted Coun38 ★ HillRag | July 2011
cilmember Wells. “But the degree to which they didn’t leave for elementary school is amazing.”
What Makes a Winning Middle School? The Capitol Hill Public School Parent Organization (CHPSPO) grappled with this question before presenting their ideas to DCPS. Many agreed that Deal Middle School in Northwest DC is a good model for several reasons. For starters, it’s big. Under a per-pupil funding system, more students mean more dollars. With more dollars, a school can provide a greater variety of activity for children at the age it matters most. “Middle school is the age where kids figure out what excites them,” said Councilmember Wells. “Are they motivated by languages? By sports? By art? The more options you can provide in a middle school, the better. That’s why Deal is the ideal.” Wells also noted that high test scores are not necessarily what make a school attractive to parents. “We have schools with higher test scores that families are not clamoring to get into, and we have schools with low test scores that are very popular,” he said. “For parents, the most important things are, will their child be challenged? Do they feel like they can work with the administration at the school, and what’s the likelihood their child will be going to school with their friends?” Parents also want the physical campuses to have the same quality as the classes inside them. “Our kids deserve a safe, high-performing building, and our teachers and administrators deserve decent place to work,” said Jones, who voiced concerns about the facilities at Stuart-Hobson. “When parents make choices about where to send their kids, they want rigor, but they also want a building free of asbestos and structural integrity issues.” “It’s not just about aesthetics,” clarified Bassow. “You need an environment where kids and parent want to be, a place that keeps kids and teachers excited.”
Stuart-Hobson Capitol Hill parents praise the students and teachers at Stuart-Hobson—which operates at capacity with a substantial waiting list—but say the aging facilities are problematic. “The teachers are dedicated, and the students are an impressive bunch, but we are saddled with a building bursting at the seams,” said Bassow, who has a daughter at
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Stuart Hobson students visit the Supreme Court.
MICHAEL ANTHONY SALON Stuart-Hobson. The school gym dates back to the days when boys and girls had separate physical education classes—with two smaller gyms instead of one large one, which makes recruiting sports-minded students difficult. When DCPS asked Stuart-Hobson parents what they wanted in terms of renovation, they received six pages of demands. “The building is in need of serious attention,” said Barbara Riehle, whose two children attended Stuart-Hobson. “It has major infrastructure issues. There are leaking windows, so the staircase floods when it rains. It’s a nightmare.” Jones added that while some improvements have been made, they have been insufficient and inconsistent—putting some students in brand new classrooms “with all the bells in whistles” while other rooms lack proper heating, roofing, and hot water. “What we waste on energy costs every month is ridiculous,” she added. Stuart-Hobson will not receive its scheduled Phase One renovations until the summer of 2012, and Riehle worries it will be “inadequate” and “basically cosmetic.” Yet Assistant Principal Olutayo Ayodeji says big improvements are on the way for StuartHobson, including an expanded instrumental music program and a new Mac computer lab. Smart boards were installed in every classroom last fall. Still, says Bassow, it’s difficult to overcome public perception. “Stu-
art-Hobson is one of the top middle schools in DC, and it’s still a challenge to convince parents that this school is excellent,” she said. “There are definitely lots of families that graduate from Watkins [Elementary School] and choose not to go to Stuart-Hobson.”
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Eliot-Hine Though Eliot-Hine’s campus has the capacity for over 800 students, current enrollment is only in the high 200s. CHPSPO President Suzanne Wells believes the closing of Hine Junior High and the merging of the two schools in 2008 is partially to blame, yet she is optimistic that the improved feeder elementary schools and coming improvements in the Ward 6 Plan will boost enrollment at Eliot-Hine in the years to come. The school will soon add a debate program, a Model United Nations, and a partnership program with the National Guard. It will also take advantage of its proximity to Eastern High School to share their track and field and music education resources. The school is also in “year zero” of the multi-year process of attaining International Baccalaureate certification. Wheedon, who has committed to sending his two children to Eliot-Hine, is excited about all these new offerings, but cautions that they are contingent on increasing enrollment. “The school needs to grow in order to offer the programs they’re expected to offer,” he said. “We can’t
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capitolstreets news wait for them to start programs before committing. The services aren’t going to come first. We have to gather together as the Hill, as Ward 6, and send our children there.” Riehle expressed confidence in the leadership of Principal Willie Jackson. “The atmosphere was so different when he took over,” she said. “He worked hard to bring in terrific teachers, and test score improvement rates have been impressive. He’s also always out on the corner when school is out, being a positive role model. I think he can build the population the building calls for.” Wheedon, who chairs Maury’s middle school committee and serves on DCPS’ Eliot-Hine committee, says the Eliot-Hine leadership needs to reach out to the community more if they want parents to commit to the school. “They should be going to the Fourth of July parade and the Moms on the Hill school information night. They should be speaking at the PTA meetings for every feeder school. We need to start having a true dialogue and answering all the questions and concerns parents have,” he said.
Jefferson In the past decade, Jefferson Middle School went from being an in-demand, high performing school to struggling with under-enrollment and low test scores. In 2010, just 56 percent of Jefferson students met math standards, and just 46 percent met reading standards on the DC CAS exam. “Jefferson used to be one of the top schools in the whole region, and we want to get back to that,” said Claudia Lujan, who has been a liaison between parents and DCPS for many years. “There are a lot of ways to do it, and we’re starting with a focus on academics, and belief that every student can achieve.” Lujan is working with parent groups from Jefferson’s feeder schools — Brent, Thompson, and Amidon-Bowen — to construct a plan to revamp the school. “The parents who want to take a shot at turning
Jefferson students learning to sail. 40 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Jefferson around have done a phenomenal job so far,” said Councilmember Wells. “We have parents stepping forward in Southwest with new energy, and we haven’t had that in quite a while.” One result of their efforts is the new “6th grade academy” set to open this fall, which will expand in the next few years to include all grades. Lujan says the academy will feature projectbased learning, a personal success plan for every student, and high-tech “classrooms of the future.” While the academy is fully enrolled for the 2011 year, the school has struggled to attract enough students for The marching band of Eliot Hine Middle School. 7th and 8th grade. However, Holt has faith in the upcoming IB certification ments for all three middle schools. process, which he says will give more “We really struggled with the DCPS budget,” parents confidence in the school. “The IB program said Lisa Raymond, the senior education advisor has a great style of learning,” he said. “It also offers for City Council Chairman Kwame Brown. “There third-party verification, because folks from Switare no funds dedicated specifically to middle school zerland have to come approve the school and make improvement, but the chairman has made middle sure it’s up to snuff. So it’s like an assurance policy. schools a priority.” DCPS can’t arbitrarily cut programs in the future, “I’m very anxious about funding,” admitted because IB has many minimum requirements.” Councilmember Wells. “But I don’t want to disPrincipal Patricia Pride is also working to purcourage the motivated, successful parents. Who am sue some of the local partnerships in Southwest I to say they can’t do it?” that have been lost over the years due to high turnJones, however, believes no amount of parent over in leadership at the school. “It’s hard to mainactivism can make up for a lack of political leadertain connections when there’s a new principal every ship and financial support. “We need a commitfew years,” she said. “But we’re really reconnecting ment from DCPS and the politicians who control with the community.” the purse,” she said. “Parents have done the work Pride is currently setting up a program with the and will continue to do the work, but we can’t conmarina that would let students learn water safety, trol the budget and how it gets prioritized.” kayaking and paddle boating. She is also looking In the face of this budget crunch, some parents into adopting a local park, launching a spring lawant to explore the possibility of merging Stuartcrosse program, and partnering with the Nationals Hobson and Eliot-Hine. Th ey feel it would be betbaseball team. ter to have two fully funded and fully enrolled opHolt is excited about the planned improvetions than stretching resources over three schools. ments at Jefferson, but admits that convincing “With the budgetary constraints, can they supparents to enroll without seeing results first will be port three middle schools?” wonders Bassow. “I a challenge. “The stakes are high with worry about having enough students to bring the middle school,” he said. “You’re not willing to enroll your kid and hope that dollars to support all three. Combining the schools things get better. But parents are cau- is definitely worth considering. It’s worth having a tiously optimistic. About a dozen of our broader community dialogue, because three may be fifth graders are going to Jefferson next one too many.” Others, like Riehle, feel that Stuart-Hobson year, and while some of them don’t have shouldn’t be closed. “It’s a completely crazy idea,” other options, for many it’s the appeal she said. “In the cluster, it’s the most established of the improvements.” and well functioning school. It’s sort of a model of what the others are growing into. To blow that up Dollars and Sense The Ward 6 Middle School Plan was is insane and completely shortsighted.” Suzanne Wells agrees. “We typically don’t close largely the result of parent brainstormfully successful, fully enrolled schools. Why would ing, and most are enthusiastic about the we do that? It’s providing a great education for the final recommendations. Some, however, children.” She believes it is “premature” to assume worry that there isn’t enough money that Eliot-Hine will continue to be under-ento fund all the programs and improverolled. “We should prepare for a growing number
“Remember, in Real Estate it doesn’t cost more to work with the best.” of students, both from the feeder elementary schools and from bringing some families back into the public schools when they see strong programs.”
The Bigger Picture The problems facing the Ward 6 middle schools are not unique to Capitol Hill. “We hear same concerns from parents across the District,” said Lujan. “The transition from elementary to middle school is difficult. Parents wanting to ensure the environment is safe and nurturing.” Raymond added that middle school is a crucial time for students, and determines their success down the road. “There’s a lot of focus on dropout prevention at the high school level, but the phenomenon really starts in middle school,” she said. “If they’re having problems with attendance, behavior and grades in middle school, if you don’t intervene, by high school you’ve already lost them.” Holt has about a year before he has to choose a middle school for his daughter, and the decision is weighing on him. “I can’t send my daughter to a bad middle school. That would be a huge failure as a parent,” he said. “Navigating the DC school system is not for the faint of heart. You need an iron stomach. You’re constantly questioning if you’re doing the best thing for your kid.” For the past 20 years, the Ward 6 public schools have lost students every year. But this coming fall, they anticipate 700 new students. “It’s remarkable,” said Councilmember Wells. “It’s by far the highest gain of any ward in the city. I know there will be parents who look at charter schools and private schools, but we’ll have a much greater number taking a look at DC public schools than we’ve had in many years.” The Ward 6 Middle School Plan can be found on the DCPS website, dcps.dc.gov, under Community Initiatives. ★
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 41
capitolstreets news
Hine Site Redevelopment Developers and Residents Meet for Another Round of Discussion by Amanda Abrams The most recent design for the 8th Street residential building
A
t a recent ANC meeting to discuss amended plans for the redevelopment of Hine School, neighbor after neighbor stepped to the microphone to voice their dissatisfaction. With the exception of a lone supporter, every speaker— roughly 15 in all—condemned the plans as still too big, too monolithic, and largely inconsistent with the neighborhood’s surrounding architecture. Finally, Ken Golding, principal partner of Stanton Development Corporation, the company in charge of the project, was called on to respond. He sounded a defiant note, reminding Hill residents that the project is “a unique site, a once-ina-lifetime opportunity” and perhaps a final chance for the neighborhood to add parking and retail and flea market space to their prime commercial area. You had to sympathize just a little with the development team. Since the last round of meetings, which had occurred prior to a first hearing with DC’s Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), the group had in fact made some significant changes to the project. Responding to complaints about the proposed development’s height and massing, the team had slightly lowered the rooflines on some buildings and added a number of bays and other architectural elements to break up the project’s perceived bulk. But according to residents, it wasn’t enough. The redevelopment of the Hine School is a work in progress that’s been going on since 2009, when Stanton was chosen for the job. Developing plans for the project and then getting them approved by residents, citizen groups, and governmental boards like the ANC and HPRB is a long, iterative process that includes give and take between all parties, and it’s far from over. Currently, the development team is preparing to meet for a second time with the HPRB, which 42 ★ HillRag | July 2011
will look at the most recent plans and give suggestions—positive or negative—on how to proceed. In late April, the HPRB fully approved the project’s site plan. The upcoming hearing, scheduled for June 30, will examine the architectural direction, as well as the height and massing, for the southern part of the development: specifically, the 8th Street residential building, the large building at the corner of 8th and D streets, and the “office tower” at the corner of 7th and D that wraps onto 7th Street. In the plans submitted to the HPRB on June 14, the team made several specific changes. The 8th Street residential building arguably looked the most different: the project’s architect, Amy Weinstein, broke up the roofline and facade to echo the surrounding Victorian architecture; the building is now designed to look like terrace housing—i.e., a group of units built all at once by one developer— rather than townhomes. She also clearly identified the materials to be used, which included brownstone, slate, and red brick, in a nod to the traditional building materials in the neighborhood. The new design for the 8th and D Street building includes bays, giving a “Victorian massing,”
ANC6B commissioners vote to approve a resolution covering the latest plans for the Hine School redevelopment project. Photo: Amanda Abrams
according to Weinstein, to a design formerly criticized as blocky. A 6th floor balustrade has been added, lowering the edifice’s perceived height. And the plans for the 7th Street office building now feature a set-back 7th floor, decreasing the building’s apparent height; farther north on 7th Street, the building will include four bays to break up its lines. The southern section will be built using red brick, with brownstone trim around the windows; the northern section will be mostly brownstone, with red brick trim. Whether the design sufficiently fits into the Capitol Hill Historic District is the decision of the HPRB, but its board listens to citizen input—and many residents say they still aren’t satisfied with the project. Eyes on Hine, a group composed of 8th Street residents, has been particularly vocal. During a June 21 ANC6B meeting called specifically to address the project’s recent changes, Marcel LaFollette, president of Eyes on Hine, didn’t mince her words. “The architecture is anachronistic and aesthetically inappropriate. It flouts DC policies and guidelines,” she said. Others at the meeting criticized the 8th Street building’s windows and surrounding details as too plain, and complained that the plans don’t substantively address citizens’ height and massing concerns. But the ANC commissioners were slightly more moderate in their responses. A set of draft recommendations created prior to the meeting called for more details added to the 8th Street building (particularly around the windows), a further softening of the façade at 8th and D Street, and greater consideration paid to the 7th Street streetscape. The document was amended only slightly—most notably, a final comment was added asking that the buildings along D Street have a base, middle, and top (as traditional Victorian edifices do)—and
passed 6-3 as a resolution to be submitted to the HPRB. Commissioners Dave Garrison, Kirsten Oldenburg, and Norman Metzger voted against it. But if the ANC was more moderate than the citizens it represents, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) was just as critical, if not more so—and backed its opinions up with specifics. In a letter dated June 24, Nancy Metzger, chair of CHRS’s preservation committee, outlined the group’s positions on the project. The organization largely commended the developers on their design for the 8th Street residential building, but noted that the building at the corner of 8th and D streets still looks like a large block, particularly when noted from afar. “We do not think it is yet compatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District,” reads the letter. The organization was still stronger in its description of the office building at 7th and D streets. “This signature building continues to be the most problematic and controversial aspect of the buildings being considered…We do not find it compatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District and ask that this building not be given conceptual approval.” The HPRB will closely consider the recommendations submitted by CHRS and the ANC, as well as those from smaller community groups, when it makes its decision on June 30. After that, the entire process will start up again for another round—possibly the final one—as the HPRB considers plans for the northern section of the project and its courtyard. That hearing is scheduled to occur July 28. It’s a long road, one that must be exhausting for the developers, if not local residents and ANC representatives. But everyone involved agrees that the project will be a huge, important addition to Capitol Hill, and decisions can’t be rushed. Weinstein, the architect, said she’s not particularly surprised or frustrated by the slow back-andforth characterizing this project. “It’s an iterative process that is expected in designing new construction in historic districts,” she said. “This is pretty much the way things go.” ★
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What Businesses Make Good Neighbors? Chipotle Petition for Barracks Row Space Renews Debate on Corporate Retail vs. Independent Retail article & photos by Larry Janezich
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NC6B is currently considering the application from Chipotle Mexican Grill for a special exception to the ban on new fast food restaurants on Barracks Row. The restaurant is popular within the community and many would welcome the new eatery. But Chipotle’s application has been filed in the context of questions posed by the ANC’s Retail Mix Taskforce earlier this year. The Taskforce, created with the goal of making recommendations for improving the number of retail outlets on Barracks Row, has offered recommendations aimed at balancing a commercial corridor that is currently studded with bars and restaurants and little else. While one of the main issues at hand is the displacement of yet another retail space by a restaurant, part of the debate within the ANC has turned on the question of what makes a good business neighbor. There is in fact some evidence to suggest that the independent businesses on the main commercial corridors in southeast Capitol Hill are better neighbors than their corporate counterparts. ANC 6B Commissioner Ivan Frishberg pointed to the difficulty he encountered from the corporate bureaucracy of CVS. when trying to redress neighborhood concerns But talking with the Executive Directors of the two main area business organizations produced a more nuanced response to the question, “what makes a good business neighbor?” Julia Christian, Executive Director of CHAMPS, the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals, routinely consults businesses in CHAMPS’ territory. CHAMPS is a membership-based organization of more than 250 members who pay annual dues on a tiered basis. This is CHAMPS’ primary source of income, according to Christian, who said that they seldom receive grants. Membership in the organization is
44 ★ HillRag | July 2011
voluntary – but some of the largest corporate businesses on the Pennsylvania Avenue and Barracks Row commercial corridor are not members. Cosi, Duron Paint, Starbucks, Blockbusters, Burrito Brothers, CVS, Popeye, Subway, 7-11, FedEx, Radio Shack, Dunkin’ Donuts, Le Pain Quotidian, and McDonalds, Quiznos, and Verizon – among others – are not members of CHAMPS. While not every business is a member, all benefit from the work CHAMPS does. Christian cited the all-inclusive CHAMPS directory “What the Hill” and CHAMPS’ work in lobbying for legislation to defer local business taxes. According to Christian, each corporate entity is different. Marvelous Market is a franchise operation which is a huge community supporter; CVS, not so much. Sweet Green has reached out to be very supportive of the community. In order to deal with a corporate member like Harris Teeter, she has to talk with a company representative in North Carolina. On the other hand, Christian noted that some of the benefits for the community provided by corporate businesses are indirect and more difficult to quantify. For example, the number of people Chipotle could attract to Barracks Row could benefit retail on 8th Street. “It’s easy to get pegged into being anti-chain,” Christian noted, adding, “I support the independents first. Their tax dollars stay here and they invest in the neighborhood.” But, she said, even non-CHAMPS member corporate outlets bring some benefits. Barracks Row Main Street (BRMS) is a different organization, and Executive Director Martin Smith has a somewhat different perspective. The goal of BRMS is to revitalize 8th Street, SE as a vibrant commercial corridor using historic preservation and the arts as economic development tools.
CLOCKWISE from Top Left 1. Martin Smith, Executive Cirector of BRMS. 2. Julia Christian, Executive Director of CHAMPS. 3. Good Neighbors? Side by Side Corporate/Independent Outlets. 4. 413 8th Street, SE - Proposed Site of Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Unlike CHAMPS, BRMS has no voluntary membership list – each of the about 45 businesses on Barracks Row from M Street to D Street and around the corner on the 700 block of D Street is a member. But they have no assessments or fees – BRMS is supported entirely by voluntary contributions – 100% of its funding is generated by contributions, grants and fundraisers. From Smith’s point of view, what makes a good neighbor is maintaining the property inside and out, contributing to the financial support of BRMS – either by contributing funding or time, and by participating in and supporting
community events. He noted that in last year’s fundraising campaign, corporate contributors “were not as present as the independent small business owners.” He said that was not necessarily the case for corporations who own property, but contributions from corporate businesses were not very strong. Frequently, according to Smith, corporate offices respond to BRMS requests with a letter saying “your cause is important and we support it, but this year corporation support is going to military families, at risk youth, etc.” When placed under the same rubric as charities, Smith observed, “Barracks Row rarely falls into categories of corporate
assistance.” He said it is especially disappointing since corporations benefit from BRMS events, as well as from snow and trash removal and street landscaping efforts. Like CHAMPS, BRMS does have corporate chain members who contribute financially, but the majority does not. Duron, for example, is a contributor to BRMS. Besides financial support, Martin considers participation in community activities such as Taste of 8th and the 8th Street Fall Festival as marks of a good neighbor. By this measure, Starbucks meets the standard, he said. “They don’t contribute financially,” Smith said, “but do contribute free coffee and hot chocolate at select BRMS and community events. But Starbucks stands out as a rarity among the corporate neighbors.” Difficult economic times have no doubt diminished financial support for civic organizations. “Some businesses are happy to give,” Smith acknowledged, “but in a recession, not all can. But they can still be generous with their time.” Smith pointed to Matchbox and Cava – which he regards as independent small businesses, though both have other city locations – as engaged and active neighbors. The ANC is likely to vote on Chipotle’s request at their next meeting on July 12th. Blockbuster’s imminent departure from Barracks Row will no doubt sustain the debate on the presence of corporate chains in the Capitol Hill community. For retail outlets managed by corporations located elsewhere, it seems that, if the ANC is keen to stipulate “neighborly” conduct, it must do so at the licensing stage. Neither Christian nor Smith reports much success in appealing to corporate headquarters once a business is established in the community. By the same token, nothing in their experience running CHAMPS and BRMS suggests that a chain is incapable of being a good neighbor; in fact, some already are.
8/31/11
hill1125
600 Penn Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
202-544-7273 1740 Mst NW, Washington DC 20036
202-955-5660 911 N. Quincy St., Arlington VA 22203
703-841-0111
Larry Janezich is Secretary of Eastern Market Metro Community Association (EMMCA), and editor of emmcablog. org ★
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Redistricting Goes Our Way Ward 6 Spoke and the Council Listened article by Gwyn Jones & photo by Andrew Lightman
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ours spent in meetings, marching on neighborhood streets, phone calls and emails have paid off for much of Ward 6 as the District of Columbia Council approved in its first hearing a modified redistricting map that would leave most of the Ward as it is. The Council passed the Ward Redistricting Amendment Act of 2011 (Bill 19-219) in a 12-1 vote at its June 7 legislative meeting, with only Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) dissenting. To become law, the bill must get a majority of council votes on its second reading. The next reading of the bill is slated for Tuesday, June 21. The amended map sets the boundary between Ward 6 and Ward 7 primarily at 19th St., rather than 17th St., as the council’s Subcommittee on Redistricting had originally proposed. There are exceptions that push east of this boundary: a small group of houses bounded by East Capitol Street, 22nd Street NE and C St. NE and all of Congressional Cemetery, which will also remain in Ward 6. This means that the area known as Reservation 13, which includes the DC Jail, the Armory, and other facilities will now be part of Ward 7. The Kingman Park neighborhood that is currently in Ward 7 will remain in that ward. On the western end of Ward 6, the boundaries remain roughly the same as originally proposed by the subcommittee, with the Shaw neighborhood moving in Ward 6 and Penn Quarter being reunited in Ward 2. “It was a heated, painful process at times,” Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells said just prior to the council vote. “But I think we’re ready to move on,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of his colleagues on the Redistricting Subcommittee. “They really listened.” The amended bill complies with the law that requires all wards to be within five percent of the “ideal” population 46 ★ HillRag | July 2011
– 75,773 peoto ward-wide ple in this case events such as – but the varithe June 25 ance is greater Ward 6 Family than originally Day. intended by the A N C subcommittee, Commissioner which included Brian Flahaven councilmem(6B09) put a bers Michael mostly positive Brown (D-Atspin on the relarge) and Jack districting legEvans (D-Ward islation. “I think 2) as co-chairs overall we’re and Councilpleased that member Phil they moved Mendelson (Dthe boundary Hill East residents and others protest the plan to lop off At-large). substantially Evans ex- Hill East at 17th Street and assign it to Ward 7. and that we’re plained at the able to keep the June 7 council meeting that, while immediate neighborhood plus Conequity among the wards was the gressional Cemetery,” he said. “There subcommittee’s original intent, “dur- is definitely disappointment that Resing the course of the process, I recog- ervation 13 has moved to Ward 7, but nized that trying to achieve that goal that was the only direction they [the would disrupt a number of communi- subcommittee] could go to gain the ties that did not need to be disrupted. population [for Ward 7].” Most of the wards are close,” Evans While noting that the process was said. “Ward 7 is the lowest, but the sometimes contentious, Flahaven said rest of the wards are pretty close.” it showed “that we really do have a Wells is also pleased with the result. voice, and that when you have a consis“We won a lot more than I expected,” tent message, and you weigh in, you can he said. “It seemed that they (the Re- have any impact.” districting Subccommittee) had dug in “They kept most of my SMD intheir heels, and that’s why we needed tact except for Reservation 13,” ANC to rally support from the ward. And it Commissioner Francis Campbell really helped to have the community (6B10) said. “They kept the neighcome together like they did.” borhood together, and that’s the Wells said that he was disappoint- most important thing. We [Ward 6 ed that he couldn’t retain Reservation residents] have been telling them all 13 or bring Kingman Park back into along that you don’t split neighborWard 6, but added that Kingman Park hoods. It was frustrating for us to residents should be able to get dual have to take it to the extremes we did, parking passes. but we’re glad they listened.” On the western side of the ward, Wells is looking forward to getting to From Wards to ANCs know Shaw. He is already planning The District’s ward redistricting meet-and-greets and making sure process must be completed within Shaw residents are fully integrated into 90 days of the U.S. Census date beWard 6 from community leadership coming available -- by July 14, 2011.
From there, the council will take on adjustments to each ward’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission boundaries including adding 15 single member districts to represent the additional population – each SMD represents about 2000 people. The process affords some latitude to ward councilmembers in their approach to realigning ANCs within their respective wards and then adjusting the Single Member Districts within those ANCs, according to Evans. In Ward 6, Wells said he will be appointing a seven-member task force, which he intends to be “regionally representative.” He has asked Joseph Fengler, former ANC6A chair, to lead the efforts and is working with Fengler on the exact process, which will include a community engagement component. He expects to have the process in place by mid-July. In addition to the representatives chosen by Wells, each of the five at-large Councilmembers can appoint a representative to the Task Force, giving them a voice in the process as well. The first job of the Committee will be to establish the boundaries of the SMDs, each of which should have about 2000 people, and are created, like the wards, on the basis of population determined by the Census. After the SMDs are determined, they will be assembled into ANCs, contiguous and compact bodies of approximately the same size. (Currently, Ward 6 has four ANCs) The process should be completed by October 1, at which time the proposed ANCs will be discussed in a final set of hearings, and then there will be a vote by the City Council; While that process should all be completed by the end of this year, the new SMD representatives will not be elected until November 2012, and the newly configured ANCs will not go into effect until January 2013. ★
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capitolstreets news the NUMB3RS 3.327.649.10
What Do District Residents Think about How DC Should Tax and Spend? Results from the Hart Research Associates Poll by Ed Lazere and Elissa Silverman
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e hear a lot of opinions on the DC budget from elected officials, journalists, and policy wonks. But what do actual DC residents—you, your friends, your neighbors— think about how our city should raise and spend its money? This spring, DC Fiscal Policy Institute commissioned Hart Research Associates to learn just that. Hart, a nationally respected polling firm whose clients include NBC News and The Wall Street Journal, interviewed 504 likely DC voters in April. Those interviewed reflected the demographics of the District in race and income, and were evenly distributed throughout the city’s eight wards. The poll asked voters about their general attitudes toward revenue and spending but also probed specifically about Mayor Gray’s then justreleased budget proposal for next year.
So what did Hart find out? Overall, the results showed that DC residents appreciate the services they receive and want to protect funding for edu48 ★ HillRag | July 2011
cation, public safety, and social services. They also are OK with paying a bit more to maintain those services they value. Yet you wouldn’t know that from the budget choices made by the Mayor and the DC Council this spring. While Mayor Gray proposed an income tax increase to help maintain services, his budget also cut heavily into programs for families with children and residents with disabilities. The Council worked to restore some of these critical services, but finding the dollars was made harder because a majority of members rejected the mayor’s proposed income tax increase. Perhaps DC’s leaders may not be as in touch with voters as they think.
The Results of the Poll DC voters consider maintaining city services a bigger priority than holding taxes down. When it comes down to it, the District’s budget is a reflection of our city’s priorities. So what do DC residents prioritize? It turns out DC residents have strong feelings about the services they receive, despite some skepticism over the ability of the
District government to deliver them well. When asked directly—“Which do you think should be a higher priority for DC government right now (A) holding down taxes or (B) maintaining public services” --residents favored maintaining public services by 70 to 23 percent. The overwhelming margin was much stronger than in other states where a similar question has been asked of voters, according to Hart. What issues and services do DC residents care most about? Not surprisingly, education ranked No. 1, followed by public safety, jobs and the economy, and social services for low-income residents and those with disabilities. What ranked last? Taxes, with just 11 percent putting taxes as one of the top two priorities facing the city. Yet residents express concern about their tax dollars being spent effectively. While 44 percent of poll respondents answered they trusted DC government “a great deal” or a “fair amount” to spend their money well, the other 56 percent were more skeptical. DC voters support a
balanced approach to solving budget shortfalls that includes both tax increases and spending cuts. When asked about the best way to approach DC’s budget gap for next year, the largest group of DC voters — 42 percent — said they supported a balanced approach that included both spending cuts and tax increases. Another 37 percent said the shortfall should be closed primarily through spending cuts, and 15 percent said it should be dealt with primarily through tax increases. Mayor Gray’s budget proposal hit that sweet spot in one key way: His budget included a mix of spending cuts (60 percent) and tax increases (40 percent). Yet the Mayor missed it in another key way: When deciding where to cut, two out of every three dollars came from social services. The poll found that most DC residents considered many of Gray’s proposed cuts unacceptable. At least 7 out of 10 opposed cuts to homeless services, temporary assistance to needy families, police, services to residents with disabilities and education. In other words, residents felt it isn’t right—and doesn’t reflect their priorities—to ask our most vulnerable residents to bear the majority of sacrifice in balancing our budget. The DC Council recognized a frustration with steep social service cuts — and responded. The Council restored $24 million to critical programs like sheltering the homeless, temporary assistance to needy families and assistance for residents with disabilities. If the District experiences an increase in revenue this summer and fall, as many city leaders anticipate, the budget approved by the Council includes a
plan to spend those additional dollars to hire more police, add to library collections, and restore funding to affordable housing and mental health services that took a preponderance of cuts. But it will take quite a bit of unanticipated revenue to get through this list. DC voters strongly support an increase in the city’s top income tax rate. When Mayor Gray proposed a new 8.9 percent income tax bracket for income above $200,000, it seemed like a bold political move. His predecessor had avoided such an increase, and there was significant Council opposition. Yet in reality, it turned out to be a no-brainer to DC residents. The poll showed that 85 percent of voters supported the increase, with almost equal support in every ward. How about among those who would be impacted by the tax? They support it even more, with 90 percent of voters with incomes above $100,000 finding the tax increase acceptable. This support was clear in other ways as well. Phones at City Hall remained pretty quiet in the weeks following the budget release, with almost no one weighing in to complain about the tax increase. Yet despite overwhelming resident support, the DC Council rejected the progressive tax increase and instead chose to eliminate a tax exemption that DC residents receive when they invest in out of state bonds. Before the vote, DC was the only jurisdiction in the country to create an incentive for its residents to invest in other places. The Council actually got more outcry from residents about this change, but it declined to go back to the more popular
rate increase. (DCFPI supported both tax changes.) DC’s budget for next year also includes a tax rate hike on parking garages and a provision to close tax shelters used by multi-state corporations, which received strong support in the poll as well. However, a last-minute Council change gives $35 million in new tax deductions over seven years to the same corporations. Which DC residents said they wanted to do that?
Listening to Voters Politicians shouldn’t govern on polls alone, but their actions should in the main follow what residents say they want. This year’s budget experience shows that DC’s leaders are tuned in to voters on certain matters of policy but totally deaf to other priorities. Mayor Gray raised revenues to avoid a cutsonly budget (in tune) but chose to make poor residents bear most of the cuts (out of tune). The DC Council worked to restore many of these cuts (in tune) but still ran in fear from a tax cut that voters overwhelmingly supported (out of tune). What does this mean for how the Mayor and Council should respond as the District grows out of the recession? Should they restore services or cut taxes? You should let them know. Interested in learning more? A copy of the poll as well as Hart’s memo on the poll can be found at www. dcfpi.org. Ward specific data may be requested from DCFPI as well. Lazere is executive director and Silverman is a communications and policy associate at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low-andmoderate income residents. ★
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capitolstreets ANC reports
NEWS ANC 6A ANC Wins Redistricting Battle by Roberta Weiner
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hairman David Holmes opened the meeting by acknowledging the community’s success in retaining Rosedale and much of Hill East as part of Ward 6, during the redistricting, He thanked the citizens of Rosedale, the ANC Commissioners, and the residents of Kingman Park who related their negative experiences in being moved to Ward 7 ten years ago, for their hard work and strenuous efforts that saved the day. Several attendees expressed their hope that Kingman Park could be included in Ward 6 when the boundaries of the ANCs are drawn.
East Capitol Street Raze Permit Denied A request for support for a permit to tear down a building that was originally a stable at 1310 East Capitol Street was met with skepticism and anger by members of the Commission. Chair Holmes was outspoken in his view that the building, which is within the boundaries of the Capitol Hill Historic District, had been allowed to run down so that it could be demolished He pointed out that the outrageous neglect by the owner should not be rewarded, and that the appropriate remedy is the reconstruction and repair is the appropriate remedy for the property. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) staff and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society have 50 ★ HillRag | July 2011
already recommended against the raze, and with that in mind, the ANC voted unanimously to ask HPRB and DCA to deny the permit and require the owner to stabilize the structure and return it to habitable condition.
Commission Plans Two Community Meetings for September Two issues that have been under discussion for a long time—whether the Capitol Hill Historic District should be expanded, and whether there should be a cap on the number of liquor licenses that are granted for establishments on H Street--will be spotlighted by large community meetings in September. The ANC voted unanimously to allocate funds for flyers and other publicity to achieve attendance by as broad a cross section of 6A residents as possible. The eastern end of H Street has become a center for dining and entertainment, and the H Street Zoning Overlay that created the entertainment zone has, in the words of many commissioners, been a tremendous success. But the question has been raised about what constitutes the critical mass of liquor licenses and establishments that create an impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The question of whether or not to cap the number of liquor licenses, and what form that cap could take has been a topic of discussion in the community, and the ANC’s Alcoholic Beverage and Licensing Committee has determined that a
good first step in the discussion would be to hold a community meeting. The question of expanding the historic district has been the subject of several studies of the neighborhood’s architecture and some discussion with the local residents. The next step in the process is to meet with local residents—about 2000 households are involved—to discuss what is involved in creating a historic district of the residential area and solicit their views as to whether or not they want to be part of one. One proposal for the district would extend its boundaries to H Street (but not include the commercial area on H Street), from East Capitol St. to 15th Street. The thought is that two meetings would be an effective way to handle the issue, one with public officials who can provide information and the other for the community to make its views known The meetings are being planned for September.
Maury School to Get Summer Makeover A very enthusiastic Carolyne Al-
bert-Garvey, principal of the Maury School, gave a presentation of the complete makeover the school will experience over the summer. According to DCPS, it will take only the six or seven weeks to provide a longawaited, extensive, and, according to Ms. Albert-Garvey, badly needed renovation. The outside of the building will be reconfigured with; two staircases and seating area so that the children will have a safe place to wait to be picked up. Inside, office area walls will be torn down and replaced with glass to increase transparency. Most significantly, she said, the early childhood classrooms, which are currently out of legal compliance, will be reconfigured so that each have its own bathroom and new furniture. Each room will have its own library, and the second floor will feature an outdoor classroom. However, she said, the campus will be closed down for the summer, with the basketball courts being used as a staging area for construction equipment and the play area will be used for parking. The Maury offices will be temporarily relocated to Eastern High
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A DAVID HOLMES, CHAIR, 202-251-7079 School. Ms. Albert-Garvey said that Maury is doing very well, with 241 children on the waiting list for the school, and she is looking very much forward to the new school year.
In Other Actions In other actions, the ANC * Approved an outdoor patio for Khan’s Barbeque at 1125 H Streets, after discussion about of late they should be allowed to serve, and whether hours should be incorporated into a voluntary agreement • Voted to support a request for a two-story addition to a property at 818 C Street NE. • Also voted to support an application for a special exception to construct a new garage with a basement and a pop-up stairway for access to the structure’s roof. • Congratulated Commissioner Nick Alberti on his appointment as Interim Chair of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The next meeting of ANC 6A will b e on Thursday, July 14 at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street NE, at 7 p.m.
ANC 6B Hill Center Raises Ire by Heather Schoell
T
he June 14, 2011 ANC 6B meeting brought neighbors together, but it was to unite against the proposed Hill Center operations as an ABC Committee issue of Class C liquor licensing for alcohol service at events. Sharon Ambrose and Nicky Cymrot of the Old Naval Hospital Foundation (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, www.hillcenterdc.org) were there to address issues raised by commissioners and by the audience, and to get approval. The main concern from the neighbors is the anticipated noise level that will emanate from events at the Hill Center. Ambrose countered that amplification will be limited to 60 decibels, and asked
the community to “have some good faith” that as members of the community themselves, she and they would do right by it. Chairman Glick’s comment that the Foundation was holding itself to a higher standard than businesses on 8th Street brought snorts from an increasingly frustrated audience. Proposed hours for the liquor license are 7 a.m. to midnight daily in the outdoor Summer Garden, and indoors from 7 to 2 a.m. on weekdays and until 3 a.m. on Fri. and Sat. All events with more than 30 expected vehicles must provide valet parking. [Since the ANC meeting the Hill Center has agreed to modified hours which are posted under Special Events at www.hillcenterdc.org] Neighbors of the Hill Center, such as Tom Parker of the 500 block of 10th St., asked that there be no amplification. Don Chundov of the 900 block of E St. asked that they limit the sale of alcohol to 8 p.m. Other concerns included parking for guests, where valet businesses might park, lack of metro service at the 3 a.m. event end time. (For the record, Metro closes its doors at about 3 a.m. on Fri. and Sat. See wmata.com for schedule.) Amber Jones of the 800 block of E St. requested an indoor end time of 10 p.m. and truck delivery restricted to Pennsylvania Ave. The audience applauded at Jones’ characterization of the Hill Center’s “bait and switch” from community center to event hall. Ambrose countered that the Hill Center must maintain their use agreement, and that without their intervention, the City would’ve sold the building and there would’ve been no community center component. Commissioner Frishburg wished to see a financial report that would prove the Foundation’s need to generate income, and Commissioner Pate had two requests: first, to include a neighbor of the Hill Center on its board (Cymrot will consider Pate’s request, but could not agree without due process), and to see their business plan online. Ambrose and Cymrot agreed to amend hours of operation. Events indoors may go until 1 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on Fri. and Sat.
Serving the Kingman Park, Linden, Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and Stanton Park communities
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ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, 7 pm, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.
www.anc6a.org ANC 6A, 2nd Thursday, July 14 Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee 3rd Tuesday, July 19, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Adam Healey, 556-0215 Transportation & Public Space Committee 3rd Monday, July 18, 7pm • Community Room of the Capitol Hill Towers 900 G St. NE • Chair, Omar Mahmud, 546-1520 Economic Development & Zoning Committee 3rd Wednesday, July 20, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Drew Ronneberg, 431-4305 Community Outreach Committee 3rd Monday, July 18, 7pm • Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Annex 1235 C Street, NE • Chair, Elizabeth Nelson, 543-3512
Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue. Attend a meeting! Volunteer for a committee! It’s your ANC!
Preserve and Protect Your Neighborhood Join the Capitol Hill Restoration Society CFC # 50747
202-543-0425 www.chrs.org capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 51
For the summer garden, entertainment (music, amplification, etc.) must end by 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 p.m. on Fri. and Sat. Hours of sales and service are one hour later – 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. respectively. In other words, an hour is shaved off all around, leaving one hour less for parties so clean-up and truck pickup will be complete by the ending hours. Commissioner Olsen, in whose Single Member District the Hill Center resides, assured her constituents that “if there are mistakes, I will bring it to this body, I promise you.” Commissioner Green moved to approve the motion, and as amended, Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the motion to approve the Hill Center’s Class C liquor license. The crowd erupted in boos, and the room had to be cleared.
Chipotle: Back for More Representatives from Chipotle were wellprepared to present their case for a BZA Special Exception to allow the fast-food chain to open and operate at 413-415 8th St. SE, currently zoned C-2A. Chipotle would like to open where the Dollar Store is currently. While neighbors indicated they wouldn’t mind seeing China Wall go, they do not wish to have a food establishment, with its volume of trash and attraction of rats, take the place of the Dollar Store, which generates no attraction for rodents. Linda Elliot, whose property abuts the disposal area of these properties, and who has come to be known as the “Rat Lady” for her work in rodent abatement, gave the developers ideas to improve on their plan for trash, such as not using plastic lidded cans that, according to Elliot, rats can chew through. Pate motioned to approve the Special Exception, but there was no second. Frishberg, who voted in Committee against hearing the case in front of the Commission, voted to table, which passed, with Pate opposed.
In Other Actions • Acqua Al 2 (212 7th St. SE) is approved for a one-story addition to an existing enclosed rear patio. Unanimous. • Lola’s (711 8th St. SE) is approved for a substantial change to expand with 2nd and 3rd floors to include billiards and shuffleboard tables, increasing seating from 49 to 90. They no longer seek an entertainment endorsement. Passed with Garrison abstaining. • Verizon will install 15 antennas atop the Haines Building (801 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). Glick and Green opposed. • Pepco will replace 6B residents’ current meters with Smart Meters. Residents will get 52 ★ HillRag | July 2011
notice that power will be briefly interrupted at some point within 2 weeks of the notice. Nothing is required of homeowners, unless the meter is inaccessible. Neighborhood Commission 6B meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except August) at 703 D Street, SE.
ANC 6C by Roberta Weiner
Razing Requests Generate Controversy By coincidence, ANC 6A was not alone in dealing with controversial raze permits. 6D had three requests on its June agenda. The first, by the 3rd Street Church of God, generated considerable controversy with their request for support of a permit to raze three residential properties the church owns on New Jersey Avenue NW to provide additional parking spaces for an addition they are planning to their existing sanctuary. The church has owned the three buildings for twenty years, and they have been empty and not maintained. Rev. Cheryl Saunders, the church’s pastor, said that maintaining the property has not been a priority for the church, which has been focused on other areas of development. She also said that a structural engineer had found the buildings unsound. Members of the committee and the community say the buildings are unsound because they have been neglected. The church currently has 32 parking spaces, and the new lot will add nine spaces. Beyond that, in 2009 the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) staff issued a report on the planned addition in which they stated that the church has to prepare a plan for the preservation for all the structures on their property, including these residential buildings, Neighbors of the property oppose the razing of the buildings. One neighbor said that failing to maintain the buildings was clearly a case of “demolition by neglect,” and the houses made a contribution to the historic fabric of the neighborhood. Prior to the discussion by the ANC, the Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee had voted to not support the permit because of the long-term neglect of the three buildings, when in fact they could have been renovated to provide housing. The committee also pointed out that when the church had originally gone to HPRB with their plans, parking had not been an issue, There was a lively discussion about wheth-
er there was any reason for additional parking lots in Mt. Vernon Triangle where, in fact, that has been a problem with the proliferation of lots in an area that is supposed to be revitalizing. The fact that many churches now provide shuttle service for their parishioners was also raised. However, several commissioners spoke in support of the church’s plan, citing its expressed need for the additional parking. In the end, however, the discussion came down to whether the request for a raze permit was premature, and whether the church had to first apply to the BZA for a special exception to enable the three buildings to be torn down. A motion was made to support the raze permit, but it failed an evenly divided panel 3-3, with one abstention. Commission Chair Karen Wirt suggested that the church check with the BZA and HPRB to determine the order in which the church should move forward and that they then return to the Commission. The second raze permit request was for a building at 406 K Street NE, and was presented by an owner several Commissioners described as being a bad neighbor and neglecting his property, which is next door to other property he owns and wants to sell. And so the Commission also rejected his request for support for a permit to tear the building down. Finally, there was a request from the owner of a dilapidated church building at 426 3rd Street NE, which has structural problems, and is, according to Karen Wirt, about to fall down. She reported that it is a brick structure with some inexpensive stained glass, but little else to recommend it. In a different outcome, the Commission voted, with one abstention, to support the request for a raze permit.
Walmart Site Development Plans on the Move Commissioner Keith Silver is playing a leading role in exploring the impact that Walmart will have on his neighborhood, its residents and businesses, as plans for one of the four proposed DC stores, at 801 New Jersey Avenue NW in his SMD, move forward. He is planning
a series of meetings and hearings for his community to solicit residents’— and Walmart’s—views on jobs, employment practices and community benefits. At the same time, a developer, the Bennett Group, has begun the process of designing a mixed-use project for the site, including 300 residential units and 85,000 square feet of retail, which could house the Walmart. The Commission received a report on the planned building, but as a result of a motion at the Committee meeting, it was agreed to not take any position on its merits until the situation with Walmart is resolved. Preliminary drawings show that the building will not be a typical “big box” and will be in keeping with its surrounding structures including the Government Printing Office, Gonzaga High School and an office building at 800 North Capitol Street that is also brick and masonry.
The Harrison Site to Move Forward The Harrison, an old hotel at 3rd and G Street NW, has been the centerpiece of a mixed-use redevelopment project since it was approved by HPRB in 2008. The property has been vacant for eight years, and has gone through several owners. Finally, the current owner wants to restore the building and move forward with the project. The development will include the hotel and new construction on an adjacent lot of a restaurant/bar and other hotel-related amenities. The developer came to the ANC for support for the concept design prior to an HPRB hearing, and the Commission unanimously and enthusiastically, supported the proposal;
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C ANC 6C serves Capitol Hill, Union Station, NoMa, Mt. Vernon, Sursum Corda, and downtown as far west as 9th Street NW. 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 First Tuesday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 669-5184
Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee First Wednesday, 7 pm., NPR 635 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Community Outreach/Grants Committee Contact anc6c07@aol.com
Transportation and Public Space Committee First Thursday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 641-4264
NEWMAN GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMES Serving Capitol Hill since 1984
New ANC Committee Structure Adopted After several attempts to develop an efficient and consistent structure for the operation of its committees, a proposal drawn up by Commissioner Ann Phelps was unanimously approved by the ANC. In an effort to involve more residents in ANC activities, committees will be made up of representatives
“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises Rotating exhibits of local artists 513 11th St., SE (Eastern Market Metro) • Tue.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 202.544.7577
www.newmangallery.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 53
capitolstreets news of individual SMDs, nominated by the Commissioners, while a Committee can have more than one member from a particular SMD, each SMD will have only one vote on a given issue. Committee chairs do not have to be Commissioners, but Commissioners can serve on committees. Each committee will establish its own goals and write its own mission statement, which will be approved by the full Commission. Finally, the membership and structure of each committee will be reviewed annually.
In Other Actions In other actions, the ANC • Approved a liquor license for chef Gillian Clark’s new restaurant, The Kitchen, which will be located at 250 K Street NE • Agreed to support a public space permit for an outdoor patio for Mandu, a new Korean restaurant at 453 K Street NW • Heard a presentation from the DC Department of the Environment, which is planning an environmentally designed landscape plan for their building at 1201 1st Street NE. • Voted to write a letter of support for the Light the Night Walk in support of lupus research, to take place on October 11th. The next meeting of ANC 6C will be held on Wednesday, July 13th, at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE at 7 p.m.
ANC 6D A Visit from Assistant Chief Groomes by Roberta Weiner
A
ssistant Chief Diane Groomes, former head of the 1st Police District, came to the ANC to provide updates on several issues affecting the community. Most importantly, she reported that a recent rash of robberies—eight, in Southwest, but 22 throughout the 1st District area—has been resolved. The crimes were perpetrated by one person, and 54 ★ HillRag | July 2011
he is now off the street. So, she said, the record of reduced crime in the 1st District is still on track. That fact was later confirmed by Lt. Nick Gallucci who reported that violent crime was up 100% in Southwest, but it was solely attributable to the robberies. The Assistant Chief also reported on the current redistricting of the police districts, which is, coincidentally, happening at the same time as the new electoral boundaries are being drawn. The police district boundaries are not contiguous with the ward boundaries, and in fact there are only seven police districts. According to Groomes, 1D currently handles 25% of the policing citywide, and they are trying to equalize the workload, assigning about 14% to each district. The new boundaries will go into effect by the end of June, and the new PSAs will be announced at that time. Finally, she focused on the issue of the reduction in summer youth jobs and the steps MPD is taking, working with Paul Quander, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Bebe Otero, to compensate by developing programs to keep the kids active, occupied, and out of trouble. She spotlighted a summer in Southwest program that will run from the first week in July to mid-August that will include swimming, tennis and programs at the library. She expressed disappointment that more parents did not sign up their children to attend Camp Brown, which, she says is “the opportunity of a lifetime,” but she said that many parents were unwilling to fill out the applications. Lt. Gallucci subsequently said that 1D’s summer plans also include the use of Segways and bicycles and teams of officers to target individuals instead of particular areas, with the idea of keeping track of known troublemakers.
News on Waterfront Station Gordon Fraley, of Waterfront Associates, brought major news of changes at Waterfront Station. He announced that the two residential buildings, on either side of the two office buildings, have been sold to Urban Atlantic, a Baltimore developer. He said Urban Atlantic will develop
the two buildings as 400 residential units. He doesn’t know whether they will be condos or rental units, but they will meet DC zoning requirements for affordable housing. The footprints of the buildings will be slightly enlarged, and the skins of the buildings will be replaced. In another major move, Waterfront Associates has sold the two office buildings. They will, however, continue to manage the buildings. They are continuing to seek retail stores to fill out the remaining spaces on the ground floor of both buildings. TD Bank will soon become a tenant at the northwest corner, across from the CVS, and Z Burger, which was introduced as one of the original retail tenants, will begin the build-out of its space in the near future. He said that the new establishments are very happy with their sales and doing very well. He called attention to the new lights on the patio side of Station 4 which were installed to provide additional security. Waterfront Associates still owns, and, according to Mr. Fraley, still plans to develop, the three remaining parcels at the site: the land where the Safeway formerly stood; the bare area where the Bank of America temporary location sits (the bank’s lease has another year to run); and the large grassy lot behind the office buildings west of 4th Street. The good news is that he said that work will begin on developing some of that land later this year.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Site Development Long awaited, much anticipated, the empty lot where St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church stood until 2007 is finally about to be developed as a mixed-use project incorporating a new church, residences, community space and retail. Adam Weers, a senior vice president of Trammell Crow, the large real estate firm that will be doing the development of the site as a Planned Unit Development (PUD), and Pastor Dan Huber, gave the ANC a preliminary look at the project. The project, to be designed by Shalom Baranes, whose firm is responsible for Waterfront Station, will have a
new church for the congregation that will be designed by a noted Scandinavian ecclesiastical architect, But it will also have a multi-faceted community facility, named for Thurgood and Celia Marshall, for meetings and community activities, a computer resource center, after-school programs and adult education and job training programs. It will also feature an outdoor courtyard, and the Sacred Grounds coffee shop, and have a mixed income residential component. The project will be formally presented to the ANC for its support before it goes to the Zoning Commission within the next few months.
Southwest Playground Supporters Seek Partnership with Parks Department The Southwest Playground Project (SWPP) is seeking to become the official Park Partner for a playground proposed for the site outside the Southwest Library at Wesley Place, I Street and 3rd Street. Felicia Couts of the SWPP presented detailed plans about the playground, which will provide a 27,000 sq. ft. of space for children 2-12.being designed as a volunteer project by the American Society of Landscape Architects. She emphasized the fact that there is currently no place in Southwest that encourages the interaction of all parts of the community, and this would facilitate parents and children getting together. According to Ms. Couts, the SWPP is planning for a “Community Build Day” project during September or October of this year, which will involve local adults and children in building the facilities. The group is now engaged in fundraising and is aiming to raise $100,000-150,000. The project has the support of the Southwest Library, Councilmember Wells, and local businesses including the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Station 4 restaurant. However, despite the Library’s support, a few neighbors were vocal in their opposition to putting the playground at the library, citing noise and potential trouble from the
children. Ms. Couts said it was possible that the facilities could be placed at another, as-yet-undetermined location if the community seriously objected. But members of the ANC are enthusiastic about the prospect of a place for Southwest children to meet and play, and they voted unanimously to support the SWPP request to become the official Park Partner for the proposed playground.
In Other Actions The ANC… • Learned that the Waterfront circulator bus is ending, and that the 70/71 WMATA bus will be replaced later this year with a new 74 route that will run between Gallery Place and Half and O Street on a somewhat reduced schedule • Heard from PEPCO representatives that the Smart Meter program is progressing and will replace all electrical meters with new more efficient ones, saying that residents would be given two weeks’ notice of the installation, and warning that there could be a brief interruption of service. • Voted to grant Harry’s Reserve liquor store a waiver of the single sales prohibition for 22-700 oz. beer and wine sales for one year, with renewal possible after assessing how it works. • Heard that CSX freight rail line has received its funding to proceed with the construction of its new “tunnel’ on Virginia Avenue SE. • Learned that the funding for the much-needed comprehensive traffic study of Southwest/Southeast (14th Street SW through 11th Street SE) is in the FY 2012 District budget, so it can proceed The next meeting of ANC 6D will be on Monday, July 11, at 7 pm. at the DCRA Conference Room on the 2nd Floor of 1100 4th Street SW. ★
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 55
Community Life Spotted on the Hill
The House Wren text and photo by Peter Vankevich
W
ithout being overly anthropomorphic, I think it might be safe to say that some birds have stronger personality traits than others. And in a word, most people’s description of the house wren would be “feisty.” An accurate characterization? Let’s take a look and delve into one of ornithology’s more interesting polemics kicked off in the mid-1920s. The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is one of nine species of wrens found in North America. As a family, wrens are able to adapt to diverse habitats, from wetlands found at Delaware’s Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge where one may see Marsh Wrens to the arid deserts of the Southwest where the aptly named Cactus and Canyon Wrens reside. The House Wren is well known because it can adapt to urban settings provided that there are adequate plants and food sources and as we will see, make use of human-made bird houses. This is a small brownish to gray bird with light barring on the wings and tail. Like most wrens it has a long tail that will tilt upward especially during courtship and when agitated. They migrate in late August and September wintering in the Carolinas and points farther south including Mexico. You may become aware of their presence by their song which consists of a rapid loud burbling jumble of musical notes. I’ve lived in several houses on the Hill over the years which have permitted me to walk to work through various neighborhoods. One of my routes a few years ago included walking along A St. SE from Lincoln Park to the Capitol area. I mention this because in the
spring time I would hear the loud staccato burst of song of a House Wren on territory. I’d be curious to know if there are any nesting wrens in that area these days, or anywhere else on the Hill for that matter. Now on to our controversy. It began in 1925 when Althea Sherman, a former art instructor at Carleton College and self-taught ornithologist, wrote an article that was published in the Wilson Bulletin entitled Down with House Wren Boxes. She dubbed the wren a “felon” who should be sentenced and the sentence executed without delay. Her well-documented complaint was that House Wrens are highly territorial and will drive away other birds and especially prevent them from nesting in their area by aggressive attacks that include piercing their eggs. Encouraging nesting opportunities by providing man-made boxes greatly harms other species of birds in the area. The response to her slam on the House Wren was immediate and sustaining attracting both supporters and detractors and sometimes coupled with personal attacks. 75 years later, Barbara Boyle published an essay entitled The Great Wren Debate Revisited and noted: “Althea Sherman pulled down her wren houses. The wrens then destroyed the families of Downy and Hairy woodpeckers, flickers, bluebirds, and others, securing the cavities for themselves and teaching Miss Sherman first hand of their propensity for retaliation. ….She made it her mission to educate and inform others about the character of the
House Wren and the folly of erecting wren houses.” Karen Lippy soon thereafter joined in with The Great Wren Debate Re-revisited arguing that the harm by House Wrens to other birds is not as great as many believe and is actually worse by not providing them nest boxes. “[Sherman’s] crusade against the wren is still in full cry today. ….The driving force of all living things is to procreate. If we remove the boxes or destroy the nest, the bird looks for another site.” If you think I might be exaggerating on the emotions of wren nest boxes, I’ll leave you with this: When this bird was featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s Life Histories of North American Birds published in 1948, the writer, Alfred Otto Gross, noted: “Unfortunately, individual house wrens, especially those inhabiting populated areas, have displayed too much aggression for Lebensraum in their relations to other birds. This Nazi trait has brought them into disfavor by persons who now hold a strong prejudice against this attractive and useful bird.” Comparing a tiny wren to a Nazi in the beginnings of Post-World War II? And you thought our political name-calling these days is bad. If you have any comments, or would like to join me for a stroll on the Hill with your binoculars or camera on a weekend morning, feel free to contact me, petevankevich@gmail.com. ★
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communitylife
Margot Kelly Hale to the Queen of Barrack’s Row by Stephanie Cavanaugh
B
arracks Row was not always cupcakes and cosmos, a fact that might surprise some newcomers to the Hill. “The porno queen of 8th Street, that’s what they called me,” laughs Margot Kelly. That was near the start of her 40 year odyssey: cleaning up
8th Street. Barracks Row. It’s been a bumpy ride. In the late 1960s, when the liquor store closed in a building she owned across from the Marine Barracks, Kelly was approached by a man wanting to open a bookstore. A bookstore on 8th Street! Fancy that, she thought. She instantly leased him the space and fantasized, in six month’s time, adding a winding staircase to the second floor “for a tea room where people could sit and read.” “I don’t intend to have that kind of bookstore,” he said, red-faced. With the lease already signed, she insisted he paper over the windows. The store quickly closed. “He was a nice young man,” she remembers.
Foul Fowl and Happy Hookers Hanging in Kelly’s kitchen is a cartoon of the street created by a Marine at the beginning of this century with plushly upholstered prostitutes hanging out of upper windows, street people leaning against storefronts, and pedes-
trians gaily tossing trash. It’s amusing to those of us that have lived on the Hill for more than say five years to overhear conversations -- let’s go to 8th Street for brunch, lunch, dinner, a drink. Kelly was there before Lola’s and Ted’s. Before many folks dared cross the Berlin Wall that was the Eastern Market Metro Plaza. She was there when the Shakespeare Theater Rehearsal Studio was a seedy movie house where vile stuff clutched stickily to your sandals and there were ominous rustlings beneath the rickety seats; when their main offices across the way--that grand Victorian with the mansard roof--was a grocery with rotting chickens on top of the freezer, pigeons cooing in the roof beams, and an owner sneering about gentrification and how he was serving the poor. Kelly grew up in Berlin and came to the U.S. in 1950, as a secretary at the German Diplomatic Mission--later, the Embassy. By the early 1950s she’d married and divorced. Realtor Millicent Chatel sold her a little house in Northwest and talked her into selling real estate. She joined Chatel’s Georgetown office. “We were all divorcees. It was marvelous,” which comes out mawvelous. Her German accent is still buffed and shiny. Chatel also urged her to buy real estate, advice she seized on: renovating and renting out several houses in that part of town, but rarely selling. “When you’ve got something good, you hold on to it,” she says. Answering phones one day, as new agents often do, she took a call from a man with a house for sale on East Capitol Street. “A coming neighborhood,” pronounced Chatel, who led her gaggle of agents on tour. Kelly got the listing; Chatel opened an office on Pennsylvania Avenue. Along with a friend, Kelly bought a house at 504 7th Street, SE. “$11-12,000 with $2,500 down,” she remembers. “A dump.” They let it to a woman for $100
Margot Kelly at work; a younger Margot Kelly profiled in the Hill Rag’s business section in 1985
a month, collecting the rent for months before for their executive offices. “something broke and I went to see -- and saw “It was a pretty dreadful movie theater,” Mithe red light bulb in an upstairs window. I almost chael Kahn chuckles. As for the office building, the cried,” she says. company’s artistic director likens it to Hitchcock’s That dump, with a stellar view of a neighbor’s Psycho: “A miniature version of the place where chickens and the rats that scurried around the Anthony Perkins’ mother lived,” he says. The staff, metal feed bowls, became her first home on the he adds, “was nervous about the neighborhood.” Hill. The rehearsal hall became the arena for monthIt was around the corner from Barracks Row. ly meetings with council members, officials from In Washington’s early years, this corridor was a bustling main street, lined with shops serving the Navy Yard and the residential community; it remained so through World War II, when abruptly and with few exceptions, “it was boarded up. Dead,” she says. When Kelly arrived, real estate on 8th street was a bargain. Though close to Pennsylvania Avenue, it retained a little small town charm. “It looked like hell across from the immaculate Marine Barracks,” she says. And that block was “the most architecturally interesting. It needed and deserved to be put back into shape.” A photo of the boarded up and dilapidated 729 8th In 1965, she bought the red brick buildStreet, SE when Margot ing at 8th and G Street, with windows Kelly purchased it and the overlooking the Marine Commandant’s same building after her renovations. residence. Built in 1900 as the first luxury apartment house on Capitol Hill, it was a shambles. “My God,” she says, “It looked like hell, the fire department, the police, and the Navy Yard. with the retirees from the Navy Yard drinking their Pepco said “no problem” to Kelly’s idea of installpensions. Guys sleeping everywhere. The stench!” ing electricity in the tree boxes for strings of white The Ship’s Cafe, the bar next door, was par- lights. Donuts were served. ticularly offensive, “Drunks sprawled on the sidewalks,” she says. When the existing DC old boys Main Street Redux wouldn’t revoke the bar’s liquor license she bought It was at one of these meetings that a representhat building too; then the building next door, and tative from the National Trust for Historic Presthe one after that.... ervation spoke of the Main Street Program, which was successfully revitalizing blighted historic arArms Against a Sea of Troubles eas around the country. Hiring the Trust to run a Others joined her in reclaiming the block, formal program was too costly for the bare-bones hanging in through recessions, riots, and housing budget of the BBA, but ideas could be borrowed. crises, along with the loitering, drunkenness, and Using their guidelines, the BBA continued prostitution. But then The Broker restaurant began to beautify and popularize the street. Meanwhile offering limo service to members of congress and Kelly was luring in retail, taking a fingers-crossed Innervisions started selling office and art supplies. leap with some promising shops, carrying some for In 1988, the old City Bank building at 8th and I many months hoping they’d hang on as the street was renovated by landscape architects, Oehme and improved. Alvear Studio was one of them. van Sweden as their offices. “Margot is as tough as nails--but without nails In the early 1990’s, Kelly established the Bar- you’d have no foundation,” says Chris Alvear, who racks Row Business Alliance, collecting dues from for a decade owned Alvear Studio -- the retail hub businesses to support street cleaning and fancified of the street -- with his partner Francisco Pliego. tree boxes. The Community Action Group worked “She started the BBA and Barracks Row Main with the homeless. The Marines cleaned-up. Street Street! That was all Margot.” festivals were attempted. The People’s Church “I remember having a drinkie and a sigawetstarted piping classical music into the street, Rev- te,” he says, spoofing her patois. “And she said, erend Hall had heard it discouraged loitering. ‘Why should I rent this spot to you and your It did. Mexican imports?’ Look what she did for us. Oh Momentum built as the Shakespeare Theatre my God!” took over the movie theater on the west side of the As the street improved, Alvear’s rent rose and street for rehearsal space and then, most promi- the store struggled. Kelly was lenient, but “Mexinently, restored the grand Victorian across the way can imports in a recession?” he shrugged. “I love
her. The woman gave me the best years of my life. I wish I had my store back,” he sighed, more-or-less to himself. Meanwhile, community interest was growing. In 1997, fund-raising for a full-scale Main Street program was launched and in one year’s time, $60,000 had been raised and a separate organization created to manage the project. Kelly made the announcement in a BBA newsletter, explaining that the new non-profit would “build on the area’s diverse roots, provide a spectrum of services for the residents of the area, create new jobs and business opportunities and make the area more visually attractive.” In 1999, Kelly received a Capitol Hill Community Achievement Award for her years of service to Capitol Hill--and establishing the Main Street program. The change in the neighborhood is “incredible. Hard to believe,” says Michael Kahn. When Kelly turned 75 in October of 2000, in characteristically decisive fashion, she dialed back her involvement though not her interest in Barracks Row; she remains on the Main Street Board of Directors. She still has unfulfilled wishes: “We should have respectable retail,” she says. “We approve of the wonderful restaurants...but we need a happy combination of shopping and dining.” And she’d really like to see those tree lights twinkling along the street. Margot Kelly still lives on the Hill in a white columned house with the wisteria-draped patio paved with bricks from the site of the old Griffith Stadium. “It was a complete gut job,” she says. “They told me I was out of my mind,” she adds, blue eyes twinkling. ★
Margot Kelly on Barracks Row capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 59
communitylife
h street streetlife life by Elise Bernard
T
he summer heat hasn’t slowed down the pace of development on H Street NE. Tru Orleans (400 H Street NE, http://www.truorleans.com) appears ready to open quite soon, and that’s only one of four new restaurants in the pipeline for the west end of the Corridor.
ing the objections mere speculation, and pointing out that there are only five other ABC licensed businesses with 1,200 feet of the Rail Station Lounge. The Lounge did enter into a voluntary agreement with ANC 7D which restricts the hours and manner of operation. Rail Station Lounge has a capacity of 200 patrons, and plans to offer jazz and neo-soul music. It is located at 2100 Benning Road NE.
The Big Board Brings Gourmet Burgers and Salads to H Street NE A new burger and salad joint will open late this summer at 421 H Street NE (formerly Toyland). The Big Board (421 H Street NE, http:// www.thebigboarddc.com) will offer a variety of burgers, including two veggie burgers (one of which will be a vegan bean-based burger). Initially the Big Board will operate only in the evenings, but they hope to add lunch service in early fall (and brunch not long after that). They will take advantage of their liquor license by continuing to offer a full bar. They expect to have at least four beers on tap, and others in bottles. As you may have guessed, the Big Board is a reference to Wall Street, and there is a little bit of market play in the Big Board. Beer prices (and only beer prices) will fall according to what people are ordering (i.e. demand determines the nightly beer specials). Prices will never rise above what’s printed on the menu, but if everyone’s ordering the Pork Slap the price of that beer will fall. The four partners in the business go back a long way. Three are brothers, and the fourth is a childhood friend. They’ve been searching for a space on H Street NE for about a year now. It was only after looking on both ends that they finally settled on 421 H Street NE. They are happy with their choice, reasoning that the west end of the H Street NE Corridor is primed 60 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Don’t Fret Over H Street Trees Taking care of street trees along H Street NE
An artist’s rendering of Tru Orleans
for development and new businesses. Its proximity to Union Station and the SEC offers the possibility of a strong lunch crowd. While scouting for locations the partners talked to all kinds of business owners all along the Corridor. They said the level of support and the willingness to offer good advice far exceeded their expectations. They are eager to join the H Street family and offer up the best burgers they can.
ABRA Approves License for Rail Station Lounge The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration dismissed protests from two groups and approved the tavern (“CT”) license for the Rail Station Lounge. The groups had complained that granting the license would lead to the over concentration of liquor licenses along Benning Road. ABRA disagreed, call-
A number of people have voiced concerns about the new trees along H Street NE, and how they’ll handle what looks to be a very hot summer. The good news is that the tree planting contractor, F & F Landscaping has been giving the trees extra attention in the form of extended watering sessions. The angled stones in the treeboxes also help safeguard the young trees by directing the water during particularly heavy rainstorms. An additional benefit of the stones is that they deter people from walking in the treeboxes, which can cause soil compaction. When the soil becomes compacted the rootball can’t do its job properly and you wind up with stunted trees that are vulnerable during storms. It is still possible, of course that some of the young trees will die in the heat. The contractor guarantees the trees for a year, so they will replace any trees that fall victim to the high summer temperatures. You may
have noticed that not all of the treeboxes have trees right now. This is because we have passed the optimum tree planting time, and won’t reach another one until October, so planting will resume at that time.
Celebrate American Independence at Smith Commons Smith Commons (1245 H Street NE, http://www. smithcommonsdc.com) hosts a ten day ( July 1st-10th) celebration of independence from common food and beer. The DMV Brewers Bar-B-Q menu is fixed price. For $20 patrons can choose a main dish, a side, and a dessert. The dishes are varied and feature creative choices like the 64-hour short ribs with kimchi sauce and barb-q sauce yolk. The celebration features eight local breweries from the District, Maryland, and Virginia.
H Street Festival Planning is Underway Organizers are hard at work planning the 2011 H Street Festival, which is set for the end of September. Last year’s festival drew a record crowd (between 30,000-35,000 visitors). That’s all the more mindblowing when you consider that the 2008 festival attracted only about 5,000 people, and the number was 20,000 in 2009. For reference, Adams Morgan Day brings out about 40,000. It’s still early for concrete details on the festival, but you can expect to see the return of popular attractions, and lots of new stuff as well. For more on what’s abuzz on the H Street Corridor you check out my blog at http://frozentropics.blogspot.com. ★
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 61
communitylife
Barracks Row July July on Barracks Row: Tree Level Petunias, Business Openings, The Parade by Sharon Bosworth
I
n gardening books growing petunias is Gardening 101. Hardy and reliable, they practically grow themselves, right? But move those petunias up in the air ten feet, hanging in baskets above 8th Street, SE, where they are whipped by river winds and baked in hundred-degree sun and the gardening becomes more complex. Enter the team from the Capitol Hill BID. After several years of experimenting with promising strains of petunias and other plants, BID President Patty Brosmer and Barracks Row Main Street Executive Director Martin Smith have come up with the winning combination. The deepest pink petunias are hardiest and the lighter pink ones make the blooms visually pop from the deep
Mark Underwood, owner of 32 below.
green tree canopy. This year the baskets are phenomenally lush, the result of daily watering by the BID’s Men in Blue each dawn.
More Dessert Options Arrive
Hardy petunias decorate Barracks Row. 62 ★ HillRag | July 2011
July reliably delivers the hottest temperatures of the year to Capitol Hill, a challenge to both petunias and people. But that is exactly what Mark Underwood, owner of 32 Below, 705 8th Street, SE, has in mind as ideal weather for the opening of his flagship frozen yogurt emporium. The décor, featuring glittering arctic blue tile, is now complete and equipment was installed in late June. The exact grand opening date depends on final inspection by the city. 32 Below will be a self-serve operation: you choose the basic yogurt flavor: pull the handle and fill your cup. Then you decide what toppings to add. The final step is weighing your creation to determine price. Then you move on to the delicious demolition phase. Another new dessert spot joined
Barracks Row recently. After months of renovations, Sweet Lobby, 404 8th Street, SE, quietly opened on June 18. This glowing jewel box is brimming with French macarons, shortbread cookies, cupcakes and Sweet Lobby’s brand of tea, Steep. The owners are a local sister-brother team, Winnette and Tim McIntosh. Both MIT graduates, Winnette met macarons during student years in Paris. When the macaron craze swept Europe recently, the pair decided to apply their smarts to this stylish niche business. Both owners are at their new shop daily where they bake their exotic concoctions. Cappuccino and rose flavored macarons are top sellers so far, but you’ll establish your personal favorite only by taste testing.
The Children’s Playseum Features Barracks Row Businesses
al 8th street restaurants, including Lavagna Italian Cuisine, 539 8th Street, opening in July at the former Starfish Café, right next door to The Playseum. Play chefs, waiters and customers can pretend to be dining or working at 8th Street’s famous eateries. Should you want to do actual cooking or baking those experiences are also available at The Playseum as well as more advanced arts and crafts projects.
The Glorious Fourth on Capitol Hill Though Playseum won’t quite be open yet, a parade of potential customers will pass in front of the store on the Fourth of July. The parade is organized every year by Naval Lodge No 4, Masonic Lodge. The organizational planning is done by a team
The Children’s Playseum, 545 8th Street SE, also opening in July, soon will be a favorite destination when kids visit or for your own family. The Playseum is a play space that includes fun for grownups. The Barracks Row Playseum is owner Gina Seebachan’s second location. After opening her original play space in Bethesda, Seebachan noticed an unusual number of customers from the Capitol Hill area so expanding here was natural. Children and their adult companions decide upon entering the Playseum what the play experience du jour will include and the entrance fee is based on that decision. Play spaces will include replicas of many 8th Street businesses. The play farm is sponsored by State Farm at 522 8th Street, SE. Want to play restaurant? The Playseum Winnette and Tim McIntosh, brother and sister will feature small versions of sever- owners of Sweet Lobby
HEADLINES SALON led by Sharon Boesen of Tiber Creek Associates, 330 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Thanks to Boesen’s efforts, Capitol Hill kids will have Fourth of July memories of dogs in costumes, the Princess Patrol and Model T’s parading to Sousa tunes. The Honorable Tommy Wells is Grand Master. This is the ninth year for the parade which begins for spectators at 11 a.m. and runs north from I Street, SE, along 8th Street to the Eastern Market Metro Plaza at Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Hill’s Kitchen, 713 D Street, SE, overlooking the Metro Plaza will be open until early afternoon on the Fourth to accommodate parents who may need to buy last minute barbecue gear for later in the day. For the kids in the parade, the day starts very early. Actually it starts several days before as the floats and costumes are designed and constructed at home. The kids dressed in their costumes with decorated wagons, bikes and carts (some pulled by parent’s cars) begin to form up at 9:30 a.m. at the 295 underpass at 8th and I Streets, SE. Barracks Row Main Street, 731 8th Street, SE, will be on hand to supply free coffee to parents and juice to kids. By 11 a.m. the street closing will be complete with police monitoring all intersections to keep vehicles out. Then the 2011 Capitol Hill Fourth of July Parade begins as Sharon Boesen blows the whistle signaling one group after the next to step off with just the right space between groups. The Barracks Row restaurants get into the patriotic spirit, too. Many patios are decorated with bunting and all outdoor dining areas along 8th Street afford excellent views of the parade. Hello Cupcake, 705 8th Street, SE, is serving patriotic cupcakes on the Fourth. And, maybe just maybe, the new neighbor up the block at 32 Below will surprise us all with samples of something very, very cold! See you at the parade! ★
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 63
communitylife
BYwest
SOUTH Plans Move Forward at The Wharf by William Rich
O
ver 300 people attended seating. The middle 20-foot seca community workshop tion will be a new roadway called at the Mandarin OrienWharf Street, SW with limited tal Hotel on June 7 organized by vehicular access and possibly a the Southwest Neighborhood streetcar line that will run northAssembly and Advisory Neighwest-bound. The 20-foot section borhood Commission 6D to closest to the shoreline will be for discuss the Stage One Planned pedestrians. All of the parking for Unit Development (PUD) for the development will be located The Wharf, which is the $2 below-grade, which is unique for billion redevelopment of the waterfront developments and all Southwest Waterfront by the of the buildings are designed to Hoffman-Madison Waterfront not cast a shadow on the water’s team. At the meeting, five main edge. The blocks at The Wharf themes were discussed: design are designed to be 250 feet long & public realm; transportation, compared to the typical length of traffic & parking; maritime plan; building blocks along other corsustainability & environment; ridors of the city such as K Street, and retail & amenities. NW, which is 600 feet. Eckstut The waterfront promenade along The Wharf will have space for pedestrians, sidewalk cafés, and a streetcar line. Courtesy of Hoffman-Madison Waterfront In its current form, the also noted that the buildings are Southwest Waterfront is an un500 marina slips (including space of the Southwest derutilized area of the city with little open space, acres of surface for the live-aboard houseboats at Waterfront is not parking lots, and low slung build- Gangplank). Jason Kopp, President an interpretation ings with single uses. Water Street, of the Gangplank Slipholders As- of other cities’ SW runs parallel to Maine Avenue, sociation, is mostly pleased with waterfronts, but SW and is used as a service road the plan. “We are excited that the is uniquely Washto access local businesses. In addi- development team is committed ington. More of commercial tion, there are cruise ship operators to preserving the Gangplank live- the aboard community during the tranactivity will ocand the largest live-aboard comsition and in the new marina. As cur in the northmunity on the East Coast of nearly our homes will be directly aff ectwest portion of 100 live-aboard houseboats at the ed, we are a built-in and engaged the development Gangplank Marina. The Wharf PUD calls for a com- stakeholder,” said Kopp. However, with less active plete overhaul of the 26-acre site Kopp is waiting for the Hoffman- uses closer to the The redesigned Maine Avenue, SW will feature a protected bike lane, separated from the road by a row of street trees. Courtesy of Hoffmanwest of Maine Avenue, SW from Madison Waterfront team to pro- existing residen- Madison Waterfront vide a transition plan that will avoid tial neighborhood. the fish market to the Metropolitan Police Department pier. There disruption of utilities and limit the Water Street, SW will be a total of 1,500 multifam- shuffling of houseboats during the will be removed and the promenade designed so there is no back side to will be widened to 60 feet, broken the buildings along Maine Avenue ily units, three hotels with a total of redevelopment. Stan Eckstut from EE&K Arinto three equal sections and in and as much attention is being paid 625 keys, 400,000 square feet of ofchitects gave an overview of the masmost places will be at “elevation 13” to the water side of the developfice, 300,000 square feet of ground ter plan for Th e Wharf at the comor 13 feet above the surface of the ment as the land side. floor retail wrapped around most munity workshop. In his remarks, channel. The 20-foot section closbuildings, a music hall, 2,500 parkPublic spaces will be focal Eckstut mentioned that the design est to buildings will be for outdoor points of the development, such as ing spaces in five garages, and 40064 ★ HillRag | July 2011
M Street Landing, which will serve as the “front yard” for Arena Stage and feature family-oriented retail and perhaps an ice skating rink in the winter. The City Pier will be located at the terminus of 9th Street from Maine Avenue and will jut out into the Washington Channel. This will be the main civic space of the waterfront, where tall ships can dock, a band shell may be located at the end of the pier, and a landmark light tower may be located adjacent to the pier. This will also be the area that will have the most programmed activity. 7th Street Park will be at the terminus of 7th Street, SW and will be more formal in nature. It will be a grassy area with lots of trees and the retail space adjacent to the park will be reserved for higher-end restaurants. There will be a pedestrian pier with perhaps a gazebo and kayak rental facilities. Maine Avenue, SW will become a neighborhood street, with ground floor convenience goods retail running along its length, such as dry cleaners, bakery, pharmacy, etc. Each side of Maine Avenue, SW will have a travel lane on the left, a second travel lane that shares space with a streetcar line, and a parking/loading lane. A row of street trees will separate the road from a 10-foot wide bike lane and a 15-foot sidewalk, so buildings will be 25 feet away from the street. Tour buses will be moved to Maine Avenue, SW near M Street Landing so dinner cruise ship patrons have easy access to the commercial pier. Another unique feature of the development is the amount of affordable
housing that will be available. 30% of the first 500 residential units will be set aside as affordable housing - half of the affordable units will be for those earning up to 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) and the other half for those earning up to 60% of AMI. 20% of units over 500 will be reserved as workforce housing for those making 100% and 120% of AMI. The affordable units will blend in with marketrate housing, but two of the planned condominium buildings will be fully market-rate. There will be a mix of housing types besides the houseboats currently at the waterfront, including apartments, condos, hotel-served condos, and townhouses. Due to the amount of density planned at The Wharf, about 55% of the site area will be public space. A consequence of the planned density at the project is taller buildings than what currently exist on the waterfront, which is of great concern to nearby residents. Harbour Square residents worry their views toward the Washington Channel will be marred by housing planned at Pier 4, currently used by the Spirit Cruises. Meanwhile, residents of Town Center Towers expressed concern at the community workshop that views from their condos would be blocked by tall buildings near 7th Street, SW. About half of the buildings will rise to 130 feet, but will be stepped and angled to reduce the appearance of a wall of buildings along Maine Avenue, SW. The average height of the other buildings will be 60-70 feet. Both residential and commercial buildings
will have ground floor retail with a height of 20 feet; the residential buildings will be 10 feet per floor above the base level and commercial buildings will be 12 feet per floor. So, for a building 130 feet high, that translates to a 12-story residential building or a 10-story office building. According to zoning, an additional 18foot mechanical penthouse is allowed on up to 33% of the surface area on top of the 130-foot buildings for a total of 148 feet. The taller buildings are concentrated in the middle of the development with shorter buildings closer to Arena Stage and the fish market. At the community workshop, there were concerns raised by each of the five major themes. Concerns brought by the Design & Public Realm group include: too many 130-foot buildings; Pier 4; and vistas and views. The Traffic & Transportation group had concerns regarding: shared pedestrian safety/crossing esplanade zone; bike path/parking (valet service); resident parking; streetcars; bus parking; accommodations for those with disabilities; rush hour impact and traffic during Nationals games; and a traffic study. In the Maritime Plan group, there are concerns about a transition plan for the Gangplank community; holding regular meetings with people who live along the waterfront; and what the community wants at the end of 7th Street Pier. The Sustainability & Environment group wants public access to green roofs & community gardens (integrating design into sustainability); more storm water retention and capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 65
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$525,000
1512 E St SE One of the Hill’s most serene tree-lined streetscapes showcases an expanded Victorian bay-front with a one-of-a-kind renovation! Classic original features and custom carpentry blend seamlessly from the front entrance to the truly STUNNING eat-in kitchen! Historic heart-pine floors, open staircase and tall ceilings meet WOW modern touches throughout. A pristine patio, roomy workshop/ studio plus off-street parking complete the package! Don’t miss it! (2br+den/1.5ba)
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650 G St NE Victorian bay-front w/classic character & countless updates! This large home includes a renovated kitchen, master suite, updated electric & plumbing plus original pine floors, custom built-ins, exposed brick & more! Lower level rental option offers additional income potential, back yard w/ parking option. (4br/3.5ba)
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66 ★ HillRag | July 2011
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1736 Bay St SE QUEST Home Builders delivers AMAZING dimensions in their newest porchfront product! Wide foyer, HUGE double-parlor, open kitchen-dining, spacious rear den. Giant master suite w/skylight over soaking tub, plus 2 more bedrooms, hall bath, & upper laundry. Custom built-ins, rear deck, garden, & 2-car pkg! All NEW just a block from Metro! (3br/2.5ba))
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gray water; and demonstration sustainability externally by turning it “inside out”. Finally, the Retail & Amenities group wants “being a local” to mean something with regard to parking, affordability, jobs, and opening a business; they want unique experiences at the music hall, food, shopping, etc.; and they want proprietors and facility managers to keep locals, their kids, and visitors safe. Will any elements of the current Southwest Waterfront remain? There will be space for the Gangplank Marina and Capitol Yacht Club, which will both receive new clubhouse facilities. The fish market will remain, but will be cleaned up and enhanced with a new farmers market to replace the head house market that existed in the area back in the 1930s. Monty Hoffman, the lead developer of the Hoffman-Madison Waterfront team, stated they are hoping Cantina Marina and Jenny’s Asian Fusion return once the redevelopment is complete, and Phillips may reappear in a smaller format restaurant. The next step in the process is the ANC will vote on the Stage One PUD at their July 11 meeting and the Zoning Commission meeting will take place on July 18. Multiple Stage Two PUDs will be submitted closer to the start of construction that will give more details about building design. Construction is slated to begin by the end of 2012 and deliver in phases over the next eight to ten years. “We welcome the rest of the District and our visitors, and we are devoted to bringing new life to the Southwest Waterfront,” said Kopp. “This is going to be the neighborhood you want to visit, live in, and support.” ★
RealEstate 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. 1508 W ST SE 1605 FAIRLAWN AVE SE 2262 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1354 MAPLE VIEW PL SE 1742 W ST SE
$285,000 $210,000 $159,000 $106,000 $80,000
4 3 4 3 3
$165,114 $100,000
3 3
$1,250,000
4
$365,000
4
$260,000 $142,000
3 3
$720,000 $565,000 $530,000 $445,000 $390,000 $375,000 $335,000 $330,000 $280,000 $278,000 $267,700 $204,250
5 5 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
$486,500 $475,000 $470,000 $405,000 $405,000 $399,999 $390,000 $305,000 $297,000 $265,000 $240,000 $240,000 $199,000 $180,200 $180,000 $144,200 $125,000
3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
$2,800,000 $730,000
5 2
$1,411,350 $1,210,000 $1,020,000 $1,000,000 $869,500 $840,000 $825,000 $792,000
6 5 3 4 4 4 3 3
BARRY FARMS 3136 15TH PL SE 1527 MORRIS RD SE
BERKLEY 1709 HOBAN RD NW
BLOOMINGDALE 66 T ST NW
BRENTWOOD 1331 DOWNING ST NE 1310 W ST NE
BRIGHTWOOD
Neighborhood
Close Price
BR
$571,500 $519,000 $475,000 $390,000 $370,000 $350,000 $320,000
3 4 4 4 4 4 4
$740,000 $572,000
3 2
$816,000 $1,304,000 $1,175,000 $1,125,000 $1,099,000 $1,020,000 $860,000 $846,219 $842,000 $782,000 $782,000 $775,000 $639,900
3 4 5 4 4 5 4 3 5 3 3 3 2
$385,000 $330,000
3 3
FEE SIMPLE
BROOKLAND
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1440 WHITTIER ST NW 1308 DECATUR ST NW 1511 WEBSTER ST NW 1341 MADISON ST NW 1209 KENNEDY ST NW 1331 INGRAHAM ST NW 1211 GALLATIN ST NW
ADAMS MORGAN 2358 CHAMPLAIN ST NW 2219 ONTARIO RD NW
AMERICAN UNIV PARK 4512 ALTON PL NW 4703 WINDOM PLACE PL NW 4329 WARREN ST NW 4323 WARREN ST NW 4246 WARREN ST NW 4618 WARREN ST NW 4301 45TH ST NW 4821 45TH ST NW 4431 DAVENPORT ST NW 4441 FARADAY PL NW 4102 46TH ST NW 4642 WARREN ST NW 4416 CHESAPEAKE ST NW
ANACOSTIA 2215 RETTA GILLIAM CT SE 1982 RETTA GILLIAM CT SE
6310 16TH ST NW 908 SHERIDAN ST NW 1365 SHERIDAN ST NW 1314 TEWKESBURY PL NW 7408 7TH ST NW 6316 5TH ST NW 863 VAN BUREN ST NW 317 LONGFELLOW ST NW 830 MADISON ST NW 6316 9TH ST NW 804 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 6316 8TH ST NW 1231 IRVING ST NE 1307 KEARNEY ST NE 1441 KEARNEY ST NE 1616 MICHIGAN AVE NE 2601 3RD ST NE 2913 12TH ST NE 3128 10TH ST NE 4906 8TH ST NE 2718 10TH ST NE 2927 TENTH ST NE 53 BUCHANAN ST NE 2411 OTIS ST NE 56 GIRARD ST NE 702 DECATUR ST NE 4831 7TH ST NE 643 FARRAGUT PL NE 731 FARADAY PL NE
BURLEITH 4165 PARKGLEN CT NW 1959 39TH ST NW
CAP HILL 604 5TH ST NE 214 4TH ST SE 323 A ST NE 1200 C ST NE 923 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE 1016 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 422 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 228 9TH ST NE
720 7TH ST NE 1214 C ST SE 647 8TH NE 231 8TH ST NE 102 7TH ST SE 407 11TH ST NE 920 6TH ST NE 801 EAST CAPITOL ST SE 625 L ST NE 117 3RD ST NE 327 11TH ST NE 23 5TH ST SE 28 8TH NE 532 14TH ST SE 526 10TH ST SE 502 D ST SE 622 8TH ST NE 910 G ST NE 723 4TH ST NE 903 9TH ST NE 1325 F ST NE 509 KENTUCKY AVE SE 314 17TH ST NE 422 15TH ST NE 719 KENTUCKY AVE SE 1326 E ST SE 714 E ST NE 323 17TH ST NE 1104 8TH ST NE 1009 15 ST SE 1441 G ST NE 558 OKLAHOMA AVE NE 334 14TH ST NE 505 17TH ST SE 1427 IVES PL SE 1624 F ST NE 606 14TH PL NE 1706 D ST NE
$790,000 $780,000 $779,900 $767,000 $735,000 $729,555 $715,000 $710,000 $701,000 $700,000 $695,000 $680,000 $654,990 $639,500 $630,000 $615,000 $610,000 $580,000 $570,000 $565,000 $555,000 $550,000 $538,000 $525,000 $523,750 $512,777 $475,000 $467,500 $451,000 $439,000 $435,000 $396,000 $395,000 $377,500 $375,000 $350,000 $348,000 $270,000
4 3 4 3 2 4 4 4 4 3 4 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 4 3 4 4 4 2 2 2 3 2 3
$1,285,000 $1,150,000 $1,075,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,049,000 $1,018,000 $1,015,000 $985,000 $925,000 $875,000 $859,000 $850,000 $820,000 $819,000 $815,175 $815,000 $805,000 $770,000 $730,000 $699,000 $585,000 $583,275 $575,000 $567,000 $503,000
5 4 4 4 5 5 4 4 3 4 5 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 2 3 2 3
CHEVY CHASE 3820 HUNTINGTON ST NW 3831 GARRISON ST NW 3361 RUNNYMEDE PL NW 5121 42ND ST NW 3324 RUNNYMEDE PL NW 3911 LEGATION ST NW 3309 RUNNYMEDE PL NW 3501 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 5429 41ST ST NW 5010 RENO RD NW 5222 41ST ST NW 6129 31ST ST NW 6343 UTAH AVE NW 3633 JOCELYN ST NW 5307 42ND ST NW 3400 MORRISON ST NW 5604 29TH ST NW 3505 RUNNYMEDE PL NW 6625 31ST PL NW 3414 MORRISON ST NW 2943 TENNYSON ST NW 5103 CONNECTICUT AVE NW 5235 NEBRASKA AVE NW 3243 CHESTNUT ST NW 5403 NEBRASKA AVE NW 3239 MILITARY RD NW
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 67
Kitty Kaupp & Tati Kaupp Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-255-0952 202-255-6913 kkaupp@cbmove.com
www.kittykaupp.com
CHILLUM 5508 KANSAS AVE NW 5521 KANSAS AVE NW
ECKINGTON $232,000 $230,590
4 4
$2,900,000 $1,950,000 $1,700,000 $1,575,000 $1,195,000 $790,000
7 6 5 7 5 3
$720,000 $550,000
5 3
$675,000 $652,000 $640,000 $585,000 $562,000 $562,000 $539,000 $520,000 $494,500 $432,650 $410,000 $336,500 $330,000 $330,000 $301,800 $301,000 $279,000 $275,000 $255,000 $205,000 $180,000
5 3 3 4 0 4 3 3 3 3 5 3 2 3 5 3 5 3 4 3 2
$197,000 $178,000 $169,000 $86,100 $71,000 $70,000 $65,000
5 3 3 3 4 4 3
CLEVELAND PARK 2941 NEWARK ST NW 3605 LOWELL ST NW 3432 NEWARK ST NW 3305 MACOMB ST NW 3705 PORTER ST NW 3512 36TH ST NW
COLONIAL VILLAGE 1680 TAMARACK ST NW 1711 TAMARACK ST NW
635 Pennsylvania Ave SE LEASED $3,000 / Month Commercial Lease. 2nd Floor office space, 1200 Square Feet with street front entry. Renovated with open layout, glass block, light-filled windows, roof deck. Located between 6th & 7th and Pa Ave SE at the Eastern Market & Metro, retail & commercial corridor. Barracks Row-8th Street & Navy Yard just blocks away. Walk to US Capitol, House side, Library of Congress.
707 Massachusetts Ave NE $839,000 Beautifully maintained historic Victorian Bay Front 2BR 2BA + 1BR 1BA In Law, sep metered. Sunny rear deck, flagstone patio and 2 car parking. 9'10" ceilings, LR w/ gas FP and built in book cases. DR area w/ exposed brick wall opens to kitchen w/ granite counters, pressed tin ceiling, SS stove. 2nd floor offers Master BR w/ cathedral ceiling, exposed brick, skylight, custom spacious walk in closet +W/D. 2nd BR w/ exp. beams & brick walls. A quick walk to Eastern Market/Stanton Pk/Union Station.
316 F Street NE Commercial Lease Strategic location on Historic Capitol Hill at US Capitol and Union Station,Senate side, SEC building,& Mass Ave retail corridor. 6402 Square Feet available in increments from 165 SF up, on 1st & 2nd levels. Lower level available 2000 SF. Beautifully renovated building with high ceilings, large windows, marble lobby. Grand presence.
1400-1404 K Street SE Land 3 Buildable Lots SOLD 6000 SF Land Area, 3 Buildable lots, 6 Grand units 2000sf each or 3 2-Unit Town houses, 13,000 GBA, Blueprints available. Traditional Capitol Hill design. 1.5 blocks to Pennsylvania Ave, Jenkins Row Condos & Harris Teeter grocery. Potomac Avenue metro steps away. Walk to Eastern Market & Barracks Row retail.
68 ★ HillRag | July 2011
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3519 10TH ST NW 1351 PARKWOOD PL NW 1352 SPRING RD NW 3902 KANSAS AVE NW 1341 IRVING ST NW 744 PRINCETON PL NW 1216 QUINCY ST NW 1419 SPRING RD NW 512 IRVING ST NW 601 COLUMBIA RD NW 3609 13TH ST NW 1365 QUINCY ST NW 426 NEWTON PL NW 732 KENYON ST NW 1008 FAIRMONT ST NW 623 IRVING ST NW 521 IRVING ST NW 605 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 632 LAMONT ST NW 512 LAMONT ST NW 615 COLUMBIA RD NW
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 619 BRANDYWINE ST SE 909 BARNABY ST SE 1058 BARNABY TER SE 3315 BROTHERS PL SE 241 VALLEY AVE SE 2978 2ND ST SE 133 WILMINGTON PL SE
$924,500 $560,000
6 4
$265,000 $260,000 $190,000 $169,000 $167,000 $165,900 $155,900 $145,000 $125,000 $125,000 $122,500 $110,000 $108,150 $100,000 $100,000 $95,000 $95,000 $90,000 $85,000 $70,000 $69,000 $65,000 $65,000 $60,000 $45,000 $43,000
3 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 4 3 6 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 2 4
$2,530,000 $1,495,000 $1,112,500 $853,750 $670,000 $670,000 $1,325,000 $769,900
4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3
DEANWOOD 5328 GAY ST NE 842 48TH ST NE 718 56TH PL NE 807 52ND ST NE 5004 JAY ST NE 808 52ND ST NE 3804 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 4913 BROOKS ST NE 814 44TH ST NE 4126 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 245 56TH ST NE 5214 BANKS PL NE 27 55TH ST SE 4231 EADS ST NE 4802 SHERIFF RD NE 4209 BENNING RD NE 3980 AMES ST NE 4835 MEADE ST NE 1412 EASTERN AVE NE 138 35TH ST NE 406 DIVISION AVE NE 5919 CLAY ST NE 511 47TH ST NE 1004 48TH ST NE 4223 CLAY ST NE 500 EASTERN AVE NE
DUPONT 1715 Q ST NW 1400 21ST ST NW 2022 N ST NW 1725 SEATON ST NW 1614 V ST NW 1719 SEATON ST NW 1721 SWANN ST NW 2132 NEWPORT PL NW
$620,000 $570,000 $435,000 $315,500 $305,000 $300,000 $195,000
5 3 3 3 4 3 3
$780,000 $670,000
3 2
$1,355,000 $1,252,000 $1,141,000
4 5 4
$212,000 $199,700 $189,900 $173,000 $115,000
4 3 3 3 3
$7,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,300,000 $1,795,000 $1,250,000 $1,175,000 $1,160,000 $1,095,000 $750,000 $740,000 $655,000 $645,000 $590,000
1 4 4 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
$1,175,000 $795,000 $749,000 $655,000
3 4 3 3
$930,000
4
$329,000 $325,000 $190,000
3 3 3
$3,500,000 $3,350,000 $1,510,000 $1,400,000
5 6 5 5
$3,250,000 $847,000 $750,000
5 2 3
FOGGY BOTTOM 2314 L ST NW 806 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW
FOREST HILLS 2944 DAVENPORT ST NW 4806 32ND ST NW 2951 ALBEMARLE ST NW
FORT DUPONT PARK 4026 SOUTHERN AVE SE 733 ADRIAN ST SE 4038 D ST SE 5005 BENNING RD SE 3960 S ST SE
GEORGETOWN 1700 WISCONSIN AVE NW 3332 O ST NW 2726 N ST NW 2913 P ST NW 1316 33RD ST NW 1318 33RD ST NW 1657 32ND ST NW 2814 DUMBARTON ST NW 1710 34TH ST NW 1601 CATON PL NW 1243 30TH ST NW 3428 RESERVOIR RD NW 1345 28TH ST NW
GLOVER PARK 2250 HALL PL NW 3741 W ST NW 2424 OBSERVATORY PL NW 2210 TUNLAW RD NW
HAWTHORNE 7000 WYNDALE ST NW
CRESTWOOD 1615 DECATUR ST NW 4507 ARGYLE TER NW
1840 3RD ST NE 73 SEATON PL NW 105 R ST NE 30 QUINCY PL NE 2020 SUMMIT PL NE 5 S ST NW 305 V ST NE
HILL CREST 3469 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 3544 TEXAS AVE SE 3030 M PL SE
KALORAMA 2330 BANCROFT PL NW 2123 LEROY PL NW 1949 BILTMORE ST NW 1922 BILTMORE ST NW
KENT 2730 CHAIN BRIDGE RD NW 5220 KLINGLE ST NW 5015 CATHEDRAL AVE NW
LEDROIT PARK 120 V ST NW 1922 3RD ST NW 524 U ST NW 1927 2ND ST NW 340 U ST NW 149 ADAMS ST NW
$771,000 $750,000 $630,000 $629,900 $500,000 $399,000
5 11 4 4 3 3
LOGAN 1227 O ST NW 1700 11TH ST NW 1531 VERMONT AVE NW 1921 13TH ST NW 913 S ST NW 923 S ST NW
$1,060,000 $655,000 $1,505,000 $1,075,000 $1,055,000 $909,000
5 3 7 5 5 5
$255,000 $75,000 $60,000
4 2 2
$749,950 $637,000 $545,000
4 3 3
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5202 BASS PL SE 5044 HANNA PL SE 5200 DRAKE PL SE
MOUNT PLEASANT 1873 MONROE ST NW 1730 IRVING ST NW 1899 INGLESIDE TER NW
HAPPY CLIENTS Here, There and Everywhere Call us today to find out why
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 65 OBSERVATORY CIR NW 2810 36TH PL NW
$1,658,000 $1,525,000
5 6
$344,000 $1,070,000 $765,800 $699,900 $565,000 $555,000 $500,000 $487,500 $470,278 $470,000 $465,000 $465,000 $456,600 $435,000 $421,000 $399,900 $396,500 $382,000 $375,000 $350,000 $325,000 $305,000 $302,000 $255,000 $251,737 $250,000 $240,000 $225,000 $206,000 $98,000 $600,000 $447,000 $985,000 $813,000 $414,000 $330,000 $824,000
3 4 4 2 3 3 4 4 2 3 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 4 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 4 4 5 3 3 3 4
$1,385,000 $1,145,000 $1,065,000 $729,000
5 4 3 3
$620,000 $607,500 $579,000 $510,000 $505,000 $467,000 $460,000 $445,000 $410,000 $380,000 $375,000 $365,000 $355,000 $350,000 $320,000 $309,900 $305,000 $300,000 $291,000 $250,000 $247,000 $243,000 $235,000 $210,000 $205,000
6 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 5 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 4 3
$220,000 $200,000 $180,000 $179,000
3 3 3 3
$750,000 $735,000 $589,000 $430,000
5 3 5 4
$1,230,000 $679,000
4 4
OLD CITY 343 TENNESSEE AVE NE 132 12TH ST NE 1622 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 214 11TH ST SE 1811 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 150 11TH ST NE 911 10TH ST NE 337 K ST NE 627 3RD ST NE 1203 6TH ST NE 1534 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 1703 D ST SE 626 9TH ST NE 911 L ST NE 604 TENNESSEE AVE NE 1625 A ST SE 1348 D ST NE 1413 POTOMAC AVE SE 1121 ABBEY PL NE 815 8TH ST NE 1730 D ST NE 921 12TH ST SE 1137 3RD ST NE 2005 GALES ST NE 2019 ROSEDALE ST NE 1658 KRAMER ST NE 504 21ST ST NE 122 18TH ST SE 1254 CARROLLSBURG PL SW 1608 ROSEDALE ST NE 1830 BAY ST SE 810 11TH ST NE 1309 Q ST NW 1741 SEATON ST NW 1829 6TH ST NW 37 HANOVER PL NW 645 8TH ST NE
PALISADES 4635 CLARK PL NW 5315 MACOMB ST NW 2306 CHAIN BRIDGE RD NW 4482 SALEM LN NW
Cathedral Heights Dog Lover’s Paradise
Considering moving to apartment style living? Look no further! And bring your dogs... no size restrictions here! Light and bright two bedroom, two bath ground level (no stairs!) unit with copious closets and wonderful wood floors. Approximately 5 acres of beautiful grounds, ample free outdoor parking and garage parking available at a low monthly cost. Convenience store and restaurant located in adjacent building. Brand new fitness room located one floor below. 3900 Watson Pl, NW $239,900 Call Pam Kristof 202-253-2550
PETWORTH 821 RANDOLPH ST NW 435 QUINCY ST NW 617 VARNUM ST NW 724 UPSHUR ST NW 4806 ILLINOIS AVE NW 703 QUINCY ST NW 505 ALLISON ST NW 5019 8TH ST NW 4847 ILLINOIS AVE NW 720 DECATUR ST NW 5409 8TH ST NW 3927 GEORGIA AVE NW 4203 4TH ST NW 5310 1ST ST NW 54 FARRAGUT PL NW 5417 5TH ST NW 5221 5TH ST NW 837 SHEPHERD ST NW 525 CRITTENDEN ST NW 125 INGRAHAM ST NW 4901 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 217 FARRAGUT ST NW 614 JEFFERSON ST NW 115 VARNUM ST NW 5304 5TH ST NW
RIGGS PARK 543 INGRAHAM ST NE 5807 8TH ST NE 580 NICHOLSON ST NE 4927 SARGENT RD NE N
SHAW 307 M ST NW 904 O ST NW 1510 6TH ST NW 1641 4TH ST NW
SHEPHERD PARK 7209 16TH ST NW 1355 JONQUIL ST NW
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 69
CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERFRONT Deale, Md. Just 35 minutes to DC 2BR, 1.5 BA w/ pvt pier & lift or 3BR, 2.5 BA w/ pvt pier on the Bay -- where life is gentle, the breezes cool and the views spectacular. Boat, swim, fish or just sit by the water and relax. Waterfront and waterview homes from the $300,000’s.
1325 IRIS ST NW 1400 ROXANNA RD NW 1218 HEMLOCK ST NW
$575,000 $565,000 $465,000
4 4 3
400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #902 1314 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #108 1330 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #420 1330 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #605
$526,000 $865,000 $510,000 $250,000 $240,000 $207,000
3 5 4 3 3 3
CLEVELAND PARK
$385,000 $283,900 $250,000 $249,900 $216,800 $200,000 $180,000 $161,900 $105,000 $95,000 $83,000
3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 2 3
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
$1,135,000 $747,000 $1,690,500 $1,295,000 $910,000 $850,000
4 3 5 5 3 3
$430,000 $349,900 $293,597 $225,000 $160,000 $115,000
4 3 3 4 3 2
TAKOMA 525 VAN BUREN ST NW 6808 6TH ST NW 6601 6TH ST NW 6525 NORTH CAPITOL ST NE 56 SHERIDAN ST NE 6024 SLIGO MILL RD NE
TRINIDAD
Schwartz Realty 301-261-9700
Contact Julie Beal 443-254-0531
see more at www.homesdatabase.com “We are part of Capitol Hill, We don’t just work here... We live here, too. Let our neighborhood experience work for you...”
1415 TRINIDAD AVE NE 1264 PENN ST NE 1234 TRINIDAD AVE NE 1712 M ST NE 1221 HOLBROOK ST NE 1223 18TH ST NE 762 18TH ST NE 1138 MORSE ST NE 1935 BENNETT PL NE 1608 LEVIS ST NE 1259 OWEN PL NE
WOODLEY 2218 CATHEDRAL AVE NW 2220 CATHEDRAL AVE NW 3006 32ND ST NW 2632 WOODLEY PL NW 3232 KLINGLE RD NW 2751 WOODLEY PL NW
WOODRIDGE
202.546.3100 210 7th Street, SE. #100. WDC 20003 www.monarchtitle.net
3005 25TH ST NE 2832 FRANKLIN ST NE 3708 24TH ST NE 3151 MONROE ST NE 3104 CHESTNUT ST NE 3124 CHESTNUT ST NE
CONDOS
Our website just got a whole lot better!! www.capitalcommunitynews.com
Office Space for Lease in a Brand New Building Overlooking Stanton Park
1 1 1 1
$577,000 $505,000 $505,000
2 1 2
2141 P ST NW #1006 1900 S ST NW #104 2001 16TH ST NW #702 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #616
$434,000
1
ECKINGTON
$20,000
2
$99,900 $99,100
1 1
$270,000
2
$158,000 $136,400
2 1
509 C Street, NE Office 107 Office 205 Office 206 Open Office
163 sq. ft 197 sq. ft 135 sq. ft 354 sq. ft.
$505,000 $495,000 $419,000 $285,000 $238,000
2 2 2 1 2
Please contact for layout. Ready for immediate occupancy.
$346,000
1
Annie Swingen 571-236-5376 swingen@afpc.org
$580,000 $514,000 $480,000 $430,000 $425,000 $410,000 $376,500
1 1 1 1 1 2 1
70 ★ HillRag | July 2011
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #642
ANACOSTIA 2100 FENDALL ST SE #2
BRENTWOOD 1386 BRYANT ST NE #104 1386 BRYANT ST NE #301
3211 8TH ST SE #5 3423 5TH ST SE #21 4721 1ST ST SW #103 3429 5TH ST SE #41
$242,000 $200,000 $191,000 $107,150
ADAMS MORGAN 2456 ONTARIO RD NW #1 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #207 1708 SUMMIT PL NW #1708
1207 GIRARD ST NW #2 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #1 3039 16TH ST NW #202 1328 PARK RD NW #G 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #2 1435 EUCLID ST NW #2 3517 13TH ST NW #202 1465 COLUMBIA RD NW #301 3517 13TH ST NW #101 1451 BELMONT ST NW #414 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #7004 1441 CLIFTON ST NW #3 2914 11TH ST NW #1-A 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #202 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #304 1439 CHAPIN ST NW #104 1461 HARVARD ST NW #5 1348 EUCLID ST NW #201 3577 WARDER ST NW #101 3577 WARDER ST NW #102 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #216 2656 15TH ST NW #203 1466 HARVARD ST NW #B-1 1441 EUCLID ST NW #201 526 KENYON ST NW #303 529 LAMONT ST NW #305 1441 EUCLID ST NW #207
0 0 1 1
$540,000 $447,000 $395,000 $359,999 $336,000 $287,000
3 2 2 2 2 1
$720,000 $600,000 $554,500 $525,000 $510,000 $489,000 $475,000 $450,000 $444,900 $430,000 $429,000 $419,000 $415,000 $412,000 $399,000 $397,000 $395,000 $383,000 $367,700 $349,900 $344,900 $325,000 $285,000 $275,000 $265,000 $188,000 $93,900 $257,500
2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1
$90,000 $36,000 $26,000 $20,849
2 2 2 2
$400,000 $383,000 $340,000 $272,000
1 2 1 1
$444,900 $424,900 $424,000 $305,000
2 2 2 2
$690,000 $551,500
2 1
$760,000 $475,000 $445,000
3 2 2
$42,500
1
$970,000 $722,500 $685,000 $665,000 $640,000 $551,300 $550,000 $465,000 $464,000 $399,000 $385,000 $326,500 $299,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1
CONGRESS HEIGHTS
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1352 LONGFELLOW ST NW #205 4306 ARKANSAS AVE NW #201 1352 LONGFELLOW ST NW #201 1301 LONGFELLOW ST NW #307
2730 ORDWAY ST NW #2 3010 WISCONSIN AVE NW #102 3641 39TH ST NW #F-312 4301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #6014 2902 PORTER ST NW #B-1A 3217 WISCONSIN AVE NW #3C
$250,000 $205,000 $47,753 $67,500
DUPONT
239 R ST NE #B 233 R ST NE #UNIT A 239 R ST NE #A 2 S ST NE #2
FOGGY BOTTOM 800 25TH ST NW #901 2555 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1001
BRIGHTWOOD 6425 14TH ST NW #301
BROOKLAND RENT INCLUDES • Internet • Cleaning service • Security System • Utilities • Video Conference Room • Plus use of common and break-areas (roof-top deck, kitchen, etc,) and business machines. • 5 blocks to the Union Station Metro (Red Line) and parking garage • Easy 5 minute walk to Capitol Building, Eastern Market, and vibrant 8th Street SE
66 HAWTHORNE CT NE #66 1031 MICHIGAN AVE NE #102
CAR BARN 6 15TH ST NE #6
CENTRAL 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1102 400 MASSACHUSETTS NW #707 912 F ST NW #303 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #501 631 D ST NW #1227 777 7TH ST NW #414 777 7TH ST NW #530
3018 R ST NW #1/2 2500 Q ST NW #205 3020 DENT PL NW #20W
HILL CREST
CAPITOL HILL 612 EAST CAPITOL ST NE #4 653 A ST SE 1200 EAST CAPITOL ST NE #8 401 13TH ST NE #112 1815 A ST SE #101
GEORGETOWN
2006 FORT DAVIS ST SE #301
KALORAMA 2230 CALIFORNIA ST NW #3AW 2127 CALIFORNIA ST NW #305 2123 CALIFORNIA ST NW #F2 2407 20TH ST NW #1099 2359 ASHMEAD PL NW #3 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #712 1935 BELMONT RD NW #1123 1822 VERNON ST NW #306 1858 CALIFORNIA ST NW #40 1810 CALIFORNIA ST NW #302 2127 CALIFORNIA ST NW #403 2032-2040 BELMONT RD NW #516 2009 BELMONT RD NW #102
LEDROIT PARK 161 RANDOLPH PL NW #03 35 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #A 2020 FLAGLER PL NW #F304 6 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #2
$380,000 $335,000 $290,000 $140,000
2 2 1 1
$470,000 $453,800 $340,000 $305,000 $465,000 $565,000 $675,000 $475,000 $875,000 $750,000 $737,500
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3
$710,000 $535,000 $510,000 $475,000 $469,500
3 2 3 2 2
$501,000 $860,000 $335,000
2 2 1
$275,000 $193,000 $57,500 $924,000 $715,000 $645,000 $629,000
1 2 2 2 2 2 2
$332,500 $290,000
1 0
$289,900 $289,900 $271,500 $269,900 $249,900 $248,000 $227,500 $119,175 $99,000 $289,500
2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 2
$480,000 $467,000 $399,999 $385,000
2 2 2 2
Moving?
$424,500 $392,000 $120,000 $274,500 $359,000
2 2 1 1 2
$124,000 $85,000
2 2
We take the stress out of leaving your real estate. We take over. Find qualified tenants. Transfer utilities. Get the House/ Apartment ready. Manage it. And, send you reports & money regularly.
$412,000 $300,000 $699,000 $429,000 $425,000
1 1 2 2 1
LOGAN 1001 L ST NW #803 1445 CHURCH ST NW #11 1320 R ST NW #2 1300 N ST NW #209 1117 10TH ST NW #1008 1645 13TH ST NW #A 2125 14TH ST NW #528 2125 14TH ST NW #506 1621 12TH ST NW #1 1425 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #61 1501 SWANN ST NW
MOUNT PLEASANT 2713 ONTARIO RD NW #5 1724 PARK RD NW #2 1692 OAK ST NW #24 3423 BROWN ST NW #202 3309 19TH ST NW #A5
MT VERNON 910 M ST NW #312 910 M ST NW #716 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #508
OLD CITY 51 14TH ST NE #51 1036 6TH ST NE #102 1621 E ST NE #3 1629 16TH ST NW #3 1425 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #12 1444 CHURCH ST NW #202 936 N ST NW #7
PENN QUARTER 809 6TH ST NW #23 616 E ST NW #1006
PETWORTH 804 TAYLOR ST NW #204 804 TAYLOR ST NW #403 4114 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1 804 TAYLOR ST NW #302 804 TAYLOR ST NW #306 804 TAYLOR ST NW #406 922 MADISON ST NW #302 604 LONGFELLOW ST NW #302 723 LONGFELLOW ST NW #303 1352 LONGFELLOW ST NW #202
Specializing in all aspects of Real Estate Settlements
Signature Properties...Signature Service. SM
We Guarnatee Attention to Detail & Personalized Service 650 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite 170 Washington, DC 20003-4318 202-544-0800
Karen Voellm
Wes Grooms
(202) 262 - 5242
(202) 549 - 1779
kvoellm@cbmove.com www.kvrealtyteam.com
wgrooms@cbmove.com www.pennqtr.com
SHAW 636 Q NW #3 636 Q NW #2 636 Q NW #1 1626 5TH ST NW #1
SOUTHWEST 825 DELAWARE AVE SW #223 322 M ST SW #20 1425 4TH ST SW #A201 1101 3RD ST SW #116 1435 4TH ST SW #B211
TRINIDAD 1246 QUEEN ST NE #1 1241 18TH ST NE #3
:PVS /FJHICPS 0O 5IF )JMM “The road to success is not always straight; let me help you through the real estate maze to a happy and successful destination”
U ST CORRIDOR 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #6001 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #503 1425 EUCLID ST NW #13 2004 11TH ST NW #322 2020 12TH ST NW #701
COOPS SOUTHWEST 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S544 429 N ST SW #S506 1301 DELAWARE AVE AVE SW #N522 550 N SW #S302 520 N ST SW #S315 ★
$109,000 $380,000 $126,900 $467,500 $120,000
1 2 1 3 0
Deborah Charlton JOEL TRUITT MANAGEMENT, INC. 734 SEVENTH STREET, SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003 (202) 547-2707 FAX: (202) 547-1977
Realtor - Long & Foster
(202) 415-2117 (202) 944-8400 DC.DC@LongandFoster.com www.yourneighboronthehill.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 71
72 ★ HillRag | July 2011
2011
Hill Pets Special Much thanks to everyone who sent in photos this year. We hope you enjoy this annual celebration of our special friends. This delightful summer scene is our Overall Winner this year. “Dog Days of Summer” by Bob McDevitt
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 73
Hill Pets and People Pets are an important part of life on Capitol Hill and you see them everywhere. Dogs sitting with their owners at restaurant patios, or playing in the many parks that dot the Hill. Cats peering from the windows of their Victorian homes or sunning themselves in the garden...our animal friends are everywhere. Photos by Andrew Lightman unless otherwise noted.
74 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Treeing Walker Coonhounds Ernest & Carolina with Atley. by Lyndsey Medsker
Zizi. by Aline Mota Brito
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 75
Best photos WIN Tonka and Nicolas. by John Nammack
PLACE Alice in the window at 3 months old. by Emily Summers
HONORABLE MENTION Falco (dog) and Ace (Cat). by Danielle Sigmon
SHOW Lucy’s first visit to Dogma. by Amanda Welling 76 ★ HillRag | July 2011
New Location! New Name! New Sign! Same Caring, Personal Practice
Capitol Hill Animal Clinic 1240 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
202-546-1972 Monday-Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday 8 AM to Noon
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 77
Top Dog
WIN “Nero the Pug”. by Peter Del Toro
SHOW Mizu enjoying the weather. by Jeff and Betty Myers
HONORABLE MENTION
PLACE Falco. by John Sigmon
Henry. by Xavier Cervera
WIN Fiona. by Beverly Pringle
PLACE Pondering the mysteries of the world. by David B. Lott
SHOW Pile o’ cats. by Matthew Welling
HONORABLE MENTION Kermit. by Jen Kern
78 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Top Cat
Metro Mutts & Spot On Training Working together to offer LOCAL convenience for ALL your pet needs
✔ E^X` je Yd\ XVi [ddY ✔ =^gZ 9d\ LVa`Zg ✔ :cgdaa ^c 9d\ IgV^c^c\ 8aVhh ✔ HX]ZYjaZ V 8Vi H^ii^c\ GZhZgkVi^dc ✔ 7jn i^X`Zih [dg Bjii Bdk^Z C^\]i ✔ HVkZ i]Z YViZ [dg Ejeen EaVn I^bZ
508 H Street NE
www.metromuttsdc.com • 202.450.5661 www.spotondogtrainingdc.com • 202.629.2967
9d\ LVa`^c\! IgV^c^c\ EZi H^ii^c\
All of your pet needs can be found at Pet Needs 4455 Connecticut Ave NW | Washington, DC 20008 (Only 2 blocks from Van Ness/UDC Metro)
202.363.6644
Got a pup that can’t seem to get enough of the outdoors? What better way to make sure your pup gets all the exercise they need than a mid-day walk? It’s an excellent opportunity for them to socialize with other dogs, stretch their legs and work off some of that pent up energy. AnytimeK9 offers packages that are just right.
IgV^c^c\ 8aVhhZh
Fun with Agility: This fun filled class is approximately 60 minutes in length with time dedicated to both basic training and agility training. Your dog will be introduced to agility equipment and practice negotiating obstacles.
Delivery Available | Free parking We also offer Puppy Preschool and Never Too Late classes
'%'"'(+"%,-( www.petneedswashingtondc.com
www.anytimek9.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 79
Loveliest SHOW Tristan relaxing in the living room. by Margo Eastlund
WIN Harry. by Sally W. Stoecker
PLACE JIA. by Kimberly Scott
WIN Trader Joe. by Matt Latham
HONORABLE MENTION Sitting for my portrait (Ellen Cornet, artist). by Joseph Purdy and Anthony Pontorno
PLACE Jelly. by Sid & Anne Iyer
SHOW
Cutest
Charlie braces for Snowpocalypse. by Michael Perry
HONORABLE MENTION Summit. by Peter Benedetto & Anastasia Dolph 80 ★ HillRag | July 2011
7330 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912 • • • • • •
Veterinary Housecalls Dogs & Cats Hospice In-Home Euthanasia Vaccinations Wellness Care and more
Joanne Carey, D.V.M. Patricia A. Kriemelmeyer, D.V.M. D’wayne Hines, D.V.M Call Clinic for Appointments
301-270-4700 Serving DC, Montgomery, Prince George’s & Charles Counties since 1985 capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 81
Funniest
SHOW Wellington, ready for the beach in Marthas Vineyard. by Natasha I. Osborne
WIN Tessie; Mud Puddle Glee. by Elisabeth T. Kidder
PLACE Joey, enjoying his first watermellon. by Meisha Goodhue
HONORABLE MENTION Gilbert graduates from Anytime K9 puppy pre-school. by Anne Mattson Gauss
WIN Miles, Waiting for Godot. by Pamela Schmidle
SHOW Puff Daddy at Rock Creek. He got all wet when his foot slipped off the rock, which didnít please him at all. Rolling in the leaves made it all better. by Andi Kisiner
Cleverest Caption 82 ★ HillRag | July 2011
PLACE “Old Big Blue Eyes”; Playa, by CeeCEE and J Yates
HONORABLE MENTION And You Think You Had A Tough Day. By Helen Haislmaier
Hi Grace and Jana, Saving Grace Dogwalkers has really been great for our family. It's wonderful to know that our two dogs are getting exercise and quality care during the weekday walks Our dogwalker really does a great job of making sure that they get plenty of care and attention and they really enjoy the social time with other dogs. -- The Berry Family
Capitol Hill's largest and most trusted dog walking and pet sitting service. Mid-Day Dogs Walks | Dog & Cat Sitting | Dog & Cat Boarding
Give your pets the royal treatment: they deserve it.
202-365-4803 • petcare@savinggraceservices.com
www.savinggraceservices.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 83
Best Buddies (human) PLACE
WIN
Lucinda (ready for anything in her life jacket, wind breaker, pajamas, mittens and cowboy boots) with her trusted associate, Penny by Amy Jones
Mookie & Nick by Marilyn Barrette
HONORABLE MENTION “Can you see? Stand on your tippy toes” Sophie the schnoodle. by Megan Rosenbusch
SHOW Frida at Congressional Cemetery, by Zen Husky
WIN Wylie and Marley Strimbu – The Dynamic Duo. by Sybil Anne Strimbu
PLACE Brothers Doc and Chico. by Jeff Fletcher
SHOW Charlie (the one with the rather long tongue) and his best friend, Cooper (another Capitol Hill dog) They are happy dogs when they are together! by Gary Phillips
HONORABLE MENTION “Watching the world go by.” Franklin and Allie. by Heather and Jason Miller
84 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Best Buddies (pets)
Pet Grooming & Boarding 20th Anniversary of Serving Capitol Hill If your pet is unbecoming to you, Then you should be coming to us.
New Renovations!
The Pet Resort Where Your Pets Will Want to Check Themselves In! New Inground Heated Swimming Pool Barbecue Parties • Night Walks Playgroups Activity Packages • Flat Screen TVs New Premium Suites With Toddler Beds
737 8th Street SE Washington, DC
202.547.PUPS www.valariesanimalden.com
Family owned and operated pick up and delivery service Monday thru Saturday for all of the Washington metro, Suburban MD and Northern VA areas. See our website at www.countrysidekennels.com for pricing for boarding and extra activities.
301-855-8308 410-741-5011 9214 Boyds Turn Road in Owings,MD 20736
Is your dog ederly, arthritic, recovering from orthopedic surgery or just looking for a new way to exercise?
Bring him to Gunny’s for: • • • •
personalized hands-on attention a customized swim session/swim program reiki energy to aide and promote healing an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and your dog
Visit www.gunnysrainbow.com Call: 202-460-5377 or 301-530-2992 Conveniently located right off of River Rd. Swimming & Reiki by appointment only
pets on the hill Personally Serving our Neighbors since 1999
Mid-day Dog Walking AM, PM, Weekends Walks • Women Owned and operated • Expert Cat Care - All Areas of the Hill • Medications, Plant Watering, Mail and Paper • Residents of the Hill
Kerith Grandelli
bonded & insured
202.546.6785 capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 85
Most Laid Back
HONORABLE MENTION Kuma. by Jeremy Bailey
PLACE “Does this make me look fat?” Caesar. by C & C Simonton
SHOW
WIN
Long Day at the Office.” Sawyer. by Matt Mills
Peche. by Dave Mosick
WIN Neighbors (Doctor Fever and Jake) by Tim Minelli
SHOW Cooper at the National Arboretum. by Todd Lard
PLACE “Fuzzy Bear and Momma Bear with Santa Claws, Christmas, 2010.” by Pat Leitner
HONORABLE MENTION “Cookie” by Diana Embrey.
HONORABLE MENTION Millie and Chica Guarding America’s Heroes at Congressional Cemetery. by Pamela Detrow
86 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Where we Live
Personality Plus
WIN PLACE
Cassy. by Michele Young
SHOW
Stella. by Jorge Velaquez
by Anne Willis
HONORABLE MENTION Diddit. by Marcia Auberger
Best of the Rest Lexi. by Adam Clampitt
“Triple Crown Winner, Secreterrier”; Pounce. by Jack Stein
Kirby. by Ann Quarzo
Liston and Savannah. by Anne Russell Thompson
Peaches & Sugar Bear. by Jackie Von Schlegel
Rick Lawson. by David Eskola
Duka. by Glenn E. Crenshaw
Marilyn. by Charlotte Fox
Albert. by Kitty Kaupp
Becky and Bob. by Melynda Majors
Gnocchi. by Roberto Rangel
Sunny & Evelyn. by Robin Maier
Lincoln. by Tracy Russo
Tiger. by marianne meadows
Casey. by Alan Braley
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 87
Hill Pets Special @ Your Service by Heather Schoell
S
urely you know by now that the July issue is all about pets! You may also know these businesses, but times (and addresses), they are a’changing. It’s a good idea to have a vet at the ready for routine exams, after-hours panicked calls to a person you can trust when Scratch eats your sock, and needs in between, such as boarding. And maybe the perfect picture.
before. What’s new is a digital x-ray machine and a lovely sign. It’s not up quite yet, but look for their redesigned website, coming soon.
Dr. Murphy with his new sign at the new location. 88 ★ HillRag | July 2011
the store is Wellness natural cat food, made in the USA, offering 5 flavors 3 ways – minced, flaked, and sliced. Also new are Thundershirts, antianxiety dog wraps in pink or blue, XXS to XXL.
Chateau-Animaux Dennis Bourgault and Mike Suddath 733 8th St. SE 202-544-8710 chateau-animaux.com
Capitol Hill Animal Clinic Dr. Dan Murphy 1240 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-1972 www.capitolhillvetclinic.com Capitol Hill Animal Clinic has moved from the old digs on Barracks Row to their new pad on Penn. Open Mon. to Wed. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. and Fri. from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sat. from 8 a.m. to noon. Doctors Murphy and Muhlbacher, Kiki, Carolyn and the rest are pleased to offer the same services as they did
Kennel, a woody area with a swimming pond (like a sleep-away camp!) in Woodbine, MD, which also grooms and maintains pets.
Union Vet’s Dr. Gross holds Mow, the office cat. Photo courtesy Union Vet.
Union Veterinary Clinic Bruce Herwald, Owner 609 2nd St. NE 202-544-2500 www.unionvetclinic.com Union Vet is adding on! Dr. Amiee Hunt is joining the Union Vet team of doctors already there: Drs. Gross, Katz, and Cartlidge. Dr. Hunt is a graduate of Louisiana State, and recently completed an internship in Connecticut. Union Vet is also adding onto their hours; they’re now open an hour earlier on Fridays. Open Mon. to Thurs. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cat boarding is available. Union Vet is also a drop-off location for Herwald’s Shady Spring
Chateau-Animaux has a new address, directly across from those muscular Marines! They still offer a dizzying array of goods for your pets, but did you know that they have home delivery on those many, many goods?! They do! Same day delivery (if they have the products in stock), $5 charge, $30 minimum order, any day but Sunday to anyplace in a 10mile radius. There are still grooming services, as well as a self-serve dog wash (just bring shampoo and the dog – towels are provided). New at
Porter Watkins’ photo of Kia the Husky. Photo courtesy Porter Watkins.
Porter Watkins Photography info@porterwatkins.com www.epwatkins.com Porter Watkins is part of ARTventures on H, and her work will be featured in Metro Mutts. Porter does portraits and event photography, but in college, she got into photographing the dogs that she walked as a side job while in school. Her favorites are the relaxed moments, just the owner and the beloved pet, interacting naturally in “the real moments,” as she calls them. “@ Your Service” is a compendium of what’s happening in the service and consumer industry on the Hill (food and drink excluded). Know something really cool and new for sale or for service? Let us know!
Chateau’s manager Josh á la petite Tour Eiffel.
Heather Schoell is a regular contributor to Capital Community News and can be reached at hschoell@verizon.net. ★
Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)
2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900 American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 89
Hill Pets Special The Cat’s Meow Improving Our Feline Relationships by Understanding Communication & Body Language by Jackie Cook
M
ost people who add a dog to the family make it a priority to teach the rules of the house and to reinforce certain behaviors so their pup will have nice manners both inside and outside the home. We need our dogs to be good canine citizens when accompanying us out in the neighborhood on walks, or when we take them places such as a friend’s house, to the park or hiking. During this training and socialization process we build a relationship with our dogs and in order for everyone to be happy and safe we are forced, often through a process of trial and error, to learn what they are communicating to us by reading their expressions and Tammy,19, owner Don Perrin. body language. Understanding Photo: Jennifer Ashabranner what a dog is feeling helps us to recognize and react appropriateunderstood by even their most well ly when they are feeling confident, meaning human companions. Here nervous, anxious, or sick. So instead is a handy guide to help you better of assuming a dog that doesn’t want understand the felines in your life so to walk is challenging our authority you can build a stronger bond with or being stubborn, we have the skills them directly, and then can assist in to carefully assess the situation by facilitating healthier relationships looking for stress signals, tension in between them and unfamiliar peothe face and body, and noting the ex- ple, other cats and dogs. pression of the eyes, ears and tail. • Happy Himalayan (Green Unfortunately most of us don’t Light) – A cat who is feeling work nearly as hard to help our cats comfortable with the environbecome comfortable with the world ment will look visibly loose around them, and as a result we don’t in the body and soft in their tend to be as fluent in the language eyes and ears. The tail carriage of cat communication. Maybe this should be curved with the tip is because we don’t take our cats on going upward. This kitty will many social outings, or accept more approach head on and may rub easily then we would with a dog that on you or other objects. Cats they run and hide when company who are lounging with their comes over or have a break down belly exposed or back turned every time they go to the vet. Like are usually communicating dogs, cats are experts at subtly comthat they are relaxed and may municating information with their be soliciting affection. Where own species, but often can be misa cat chooses to rest is often a 90 ★ HillRag | July 2011
•
reflection of their confidence level and social status within a group, so you may see this cat in various “high” places in your home such as window sills and the top of a kitty condo. Another expression of comfort for a cat is when they go through a kneading ritual before lying down. Those of us with feline family members know this process well since it often occurs on our lap—the cat will put their rear end up in the air (similar to a play bow in a dog) and do an exaggerated motion of pressing down their front paws, often with claws out. Purring or other low level vocalizations are other common behaviors meant to communicate a sense of happiness. In general this is a cat that can be approached and handled safely, although it is always a good idea to move slowly and initially avoid petting the often sensitive stomach area or touching paws. Stressed Siamese (Yellow Light) - Cats have a number of clear stress indicators, and you will often see these when you push interaction outside of their comfort zone. The ears and tail on an anxious cat tend to really help communicate their growing agitation. A clipped switching motion of the tail is common and the ears will either be flicking back and forth or noticeably pointing out to the side. If a kitty is trying to avoid contact they tend to hold their body in a way that makes them look smaller and keeps them low to the ground (picture a crouch position). They may choose to hide and will typically choose to
•
go under things rather then up high. Cats in this state of mind tend to have alert eyes and are very watchful. Many relaxed cats will shift to start showing stress signals when getting medication, nails clipped or subjected to prolonged petting and brushing. If approached by a human or another animal while already stressed, many cats will start to escalate to red light behaviors since it is obvious to them that the more subtle yellow light signals are not working. Generally this is a cat that needs space and should not be handled unless absolutely necessary. Over The Top Tabby (Red Light) – Just like a growling and snarling dog, the red light body language of a cat is pretty hard to miss. By the time a cat is displaying these behaviors, their stress level is extremely high and they are simply reacting to any perceived threat. This kitty may still initially be showing some of the yellow light signs, but if pushed will often flatten their ears, squint the eyes and fluff out the fur of the body and tail in an attempt to look bigger and more threatening. Vocalizations are common from a cat in this state, and you may hear both hissing and a low guttural growling noise. These are meant to be very clear warnings to stay away and you should remove whatever it is in the environment that is causing the cat to behave this way; such as a curious toddler or an overly enthusiastic puppy that now has poor kitty pushed into a corner. This cat will absolutely scratch or bite if there is no way to flee so you
FOER’S PHARMACY Excellent Professional Prescription Service 8218 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-3500 • fax: 301-718-9634
COMPOUNDING SPECIALISTS FOR PET DRUG THERAPY must take a lot of precaution in your approach and allow plenty of time and space for it to calm down.
Local Resources: Do you have a cat that needs some confidence building? Maybe you have a cat that is having a hard time accepting another cat or dog in the household? Is your cat comfortable with you but avoids everyone else? It is always a good idea to have a regular check up at the vet just to rule out any health reasons for a behavior, and then you can also explore some of the different training options out there and find one that works well for you. • Washington Humane Society (www.washhumane. org) – Offers private sessions for cat behavioral issues both by phone and in person. They also hold a “Frazzled Feline” workshop series that help you to learn to identify and manage your kitty’s stress more effectively. • Spot On Training (www. spotondogtrainingdc. com) - This is a Capitol Hill based training business that offers both group classes and in home private sessions. Owner Heather Morris has helped many clients to better manage the relationships between the dogs and cats in a family so people can achieve a more Zen inter-species household.
We work with veterinarians and animal care specialists to improve drug therapy outcomes for your pet. Consultation available to solve medication or dosage problems.
• Dogs & Cats • Exotic animals
Citywide delivery When the need arises.... Insist on
Think Globally, Shop Locally.
Hill Pets Deserve the Best
www.heavenlydays.com www.capitalcommunitynews.com
toll free 1-877-699-0034 • 240-699-0034 3051 B Thurston Rd • Urbana, Md 21704
Jackie Cook is the Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service Manager at Metro Mutts (www.metromuttsdc.com) and a long time Hill resident who shares a home with her husband Maurice, their dog Hank and Grandido the cat. ★ capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 91
Hill Pets Special
City Sidewalks and Dog 101 by Gary Weitzman, DVM denying the true nature of their beasts, they put both dogs in grave peril. We get dogs from the most complicated situations in the world at the Washington Animal Rescue League. From puppy mills, hoarders, other shelter fires, from foreclosures and natural disasters. Or just from people surrendering them because they no longer want to put in the work to make their dog a success. Yes, it can be a lot of work. But it’s tragic nonetheless. Dogs need training. Not to do parlor tricks. That’s frosting on the cake. They have to be worked with by trainers just to live in a house, never mind learning to drop a chicken bone from the gutter, or come when we call them. Of course it’s a lot of work to train dogs, to modify some of those natural behaviors that just don’t work in a human environment. This is especially true in the city where we’re all living on top of each other. But some common sense goes a long way.
Living Successfully with Your Dog 101
Terfe Abera of Saving Grace Pet Services. Photo: Andrew Lightman
I
was walking my two dogs on East Capital Street last week when a jogger, large Labrador in hand, ran right in between me and the person I was talking to. Literally. I was astonished. Not that it makes any difference, but I don’t have small dogs. Or unintimidating dogs. One is a 110-pound German shepherd, and the other a small-ish, but still substantial, pit bull. Nothing transpired, except my chin dropping nearly to the sidewalk in surprise. Clearly both dogs combined had more intelligence than this jogger. We hear many tragic cases of dog
92 ★ HillRag | July 2011
interactions going badly. The truth is though, it’s not always, or even usually, the dogs’ fault. Dogs are dogs. We are humans. We’re supposed to know better. A few months ago, we all heard the terrible story of the pit bull who grabbed another small dog at Lincoln Park—to the horror of both dogs’ owners, and to the tune of probably $1,000 of dog repair bills. It could have been so much worse. Again, not the dogs’ fault. They were just being dogs. It’s their people who dropped the ball. Maybe literally, but at least figuratively, to be sure. By
In five easy steps. 1. The first is to believe in reality. Some dogs just don’t like other dogs. Or people. And some are, as we like to say “reactive,” which means their buttons get pushed whenever they see another dog, or person, or squirrel, or falling leaf. Or whatever. It’s their nature. And we’ve got all of those triggers on our streets. 2. The second rule is that some dogs don’t do very well at the dog park, whether it’s one of our new official dog parks, or Congressional Cemetery, or Stanton Park’s race-around-the-horse-statue dog play area. These are built with the best of intentions, but are the least manageable places to secure your dog from anything other
than cars. I’m talking about the official dog parks. You’re on your own with the traffic at our lovely people parks. To many dogs, a dog park is a big, bad cocktail party, where everyone is drunk and trying to grab the last tray of pigs-in-a-blanket. It’s not pretty. 3. Rule number 3 is that yes, you do have to do some training. All dogs benefit from this. And they enjoy it. Dogs, like all of us, need boundaries to be successful in our world. So train them and don’t give in to every one of their whims. Would you do that with your human kids? Of course not. But we’re talking positive training. By all means go to a positive, Certified Pet Dog Trainer. And bribe, bribe, bribe. That’s why probably three-quarters of a dog’s brain is devoted to smell and taste! Food is magic. And it works for training. You should take every aversive training tool, prong collar, electric collar (the worst!), and choke chain, and place them under your right rear car wheel and drive over them. Twice. For reactive dogs, these only make things worse. For other dogs, they’re just cruel. 4. Get control of yourself, and your dog. If you have trouble exercising control, by all means keep your dog on a leash. And not those retractable leashes. Put those under your back wheel, too. They do the opposite of what a leash is supposed to do. If you want to let your dog roam into every bush, driveway, neighbor’s petunia garden, other dog, and mud puddle, go right ahead. But when your neighbor gets mad at you, or you need to get your pup back in a hurry, you’re just kid-
ding yourself if you think you can do this with the magic touch of a button. And for heaven’s sake, get a harness or gentle leader if your dog becomes a whirling dervish in a neck collar. They make all the difference in the world. 5. And finally, be a human. Control what you can control in life. We can’t control the recession, the price of gas, or Congress, but we can, and have an obligation to control our dogs. That means don’t rush across the street to meet the fluffy schnauzers living two blocks away from you. Or the pit bull (they are absolute gems of dogs, but ask first before approaching any dog). In other words, don’t run smilingly to meet the neighbor’s dogs if you’re not sure what the neighbors dogs are like. Ok, better than that, assume that no dog is a bombproof, safe hound in a city. And for heaven’s sake, don’t run your dogs through a group of other dogs on leash, or kids chalking in a hop scotch course on the sidewalk. Cross to the other side if you can. We’ll take turns. Keep control of your dog. Just because your dog lives to meet other dogs, that doesn’t mean other dogs want to meet yours. Be safe. And keep your dog safe. That means good parenting, some common sense, boundaries, and a plastic bag. We’re lucky to have our wonderful cherry-blossomed, maple-covered city streets in our neighborhoods to walk our best friends. Just be aware of your surroundings, set some boundaries, and ask first before approaching a human and his dog. We’re all just trying to get our pups safely walked and home before dinner, too. Gary Weitzman, DVM, is the CEO of the Washington Animal Rescue League, where there are dozens of positive training classes, reactive dog classes, and even free behavior advice. You can also hear Dr. Weitzman give advice to the animal-exasperated every Saturday at noon on WAMU FM 88.5 The Animal House . To reach the author, email him at gweitzman@warl. org. ★
Thank You C apitol Hill The Cole family extends heartfelt thanks to the many Capitol Hill cat-loving neighbors who helped locate and rescue Sammy, lost for over two weeks. Sammy is safe at home, happy, healthy and gorging on steamed shrimp.
UNION VETERINARY CLINIC High Quality General Practice • Full Time Staff Doctor On Site • Complete Veterinary Services • Science Diet & Prescription Diet Foods
• Cat Boarding • Totally New Facility • International Health Certificates • Microchip Identification
www.unionvetclinic.com
202-544-2500 ALLISON GROSS, DVM • LARISSA KATS, DVM • BRITTANY CARTLIDGE, DVM BRITTANY CARTLIDGE, DVM • AIMEE HUNT, DVM
609 2nd St., NE near UNION STATION
CAPITAL CATS
Enrich Your Life and Adopt a Cat!
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
Sunday Adoption events Noon to 3 PM At Chateau-Animaux 733 8th St, SE Visit our Web site to view pictures and become acquainted with their engaging personalities at:
www.capitalcats.petfinder.com or www.homealone.petfinder.com We accepts tax-deductible contributions. Donations may be mailed to:
Capital Cats, PO Box, 15426, Washington, DC 20003
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 93
Senart’s New Summer Menu!
Weekend Brunch Saturdays and Sundays – 10 AM to 3 PM
Daily Raw Bar Happy Hour 3 to 6 PM & 11 PM to 1 AM
Senart’s Oyster & Chop House • 520 8th St. SE (202) 544-1168 • www.SenartsDC.com 94 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Arts & Dining Acqua Al 2 Italian Fare features Beef – Seafood Too by Celeste McCall
A
ri Gejdenson just can’t get Capitol Hill out of his system. Happily for us, he has returned from an extensive Italian sojourn to bring good Tuscan cooking to his old neighborhood. Ari’s first East Coast restaurant, Acqua Al 2, debuted last year across from Eastern Market. The son of former Rep. Sam Gejdenson (DConn.), Ari, 28, was born and raised in Washington (he now lives on Capitol Hill). He had two passions--soccer and food, and he has been able to pursue both. He spent many years in Italy, where he played soccer before launching his first restaurant, Acqua Al 2, in Firenze (Florence) more Steak on a bed of arugula. Photo Andrew Lightman.
Owner/chef Ari Gejdenson in front of white plates. Photo Andrew Lightman.
than a decade ago. That original ristorante, located at via dell’Acqua Ni2, had moved around the corner, hence the moniker, Al due (“the second”). In addition, he operates a diner (also in Florence), especially popular with tourists and ex-pats. He also operates a third restaurant in San Diego called the Florentine. Acqua al 2’s exterior is painted a welcoming yellow, and the rustic interior reflects Gejdenson’s political background and love for Capitol Hill. Acqua’s walls are plastered with white china plates, autographed and decorated by happy customers including ordinary folks as well as Congressional celebs such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif ), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill), former U.S. Senator (and Hill dweller) Chris Dodd (D-Conn), Chicago mayor and former White House chief-of-staff Rahm Emanuel. Hollywood gets a nod with actress Anna Paquin. The restaurant’s front window is practically overflowing with wine corks. On a busy Saturday night, we held 9 p.m. reservations. After a short wait at the jam-packed bar, Peter and I were seated by the open kitchen at a cozy table for two. As we observed the hard working chefs, our waiter promptly brought us crusty bread nestled in a rolled down brown paper bag–now THAT is going “green.” The bread is ready to be dipped in extra virgin olive oil with a swirl of balsamic vinegar. We began with a divine Tuscan-style bean and veggie soup, capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 95
ARTS& Dining
Tuscan antipasto displayed on a wooden board, with a glass of Chianti. Photo: Andrew Lightman.
which reminded me of the robust zuppa I savored at Castelo Banfi in Montalcino. Insalata finocchio–fennel salad–is tangy and refreshing, with bright bits of radicchio and pine nuts interspersed with the fennel, with a roof of paper thin sheets of parmesan cheese. While early summer is not yet tomato season, Acqua Al 2’s insalata caprezze boasted almost-ripe tomatoes crowned with fresh mozzarella with shreds of basil. In spite of its fishy-sounding name, Acqua Al 2 specializes in steak.
Assaggio di secondi (literally “assorted second courses”), is a beefy sampler enhanced with various sauces. As that appeared rather daunting, I settled for Tagliata all Robespierre– sliced New York strip. Fanned atop a thatch of peppery arugula, the fork-tender beef was superbly grilled (medium rare) and anointed with olive oil, fresh rosemary and peppercorns. The steak went beautifully with the side dish of rosemary-roasted potatoes. Other steak sauces include zippy green peppercorn/Dijon mustard and balsamic
glaze/blueberry, which we have yet to sample. Crying for more seasoning was Peter’s petto di pollo a carciofi, billed as chicken breast prepared with artichokes and garlic. Alas, the chicken was bland, tasting little of garlic, but our server quickly supplied salt and pepper shakers, which helped somewhat. While bistecca might be the kitchen’s forte, Acqua also serves skillfully prepared seafood. A frequent evening special is branzino, a mild, Mediterranean fish, moist and perfectly cooked. One night it might be poised atop a mound of risotto; another time the fish arrives on a bed of spinach and fennel. A delight for the eyes and the palate is farfalline pesce spada–bowtie pasta tossed with diced swordfish, green peppercorns and fresh tomato. Another menu special was vongole con linguine–one of my favorite dishes. In Acqua’s version, the al dente pasta is flecked with red pepper bits and ringed with numerous tiny, tender clams. An ideal accompaniment for dinner is a robust Coltibuono, and pleasant Pinot Grigio, both priced at a reasonable $9 for a generous glass. There’s also an interesting selection by the bottle, mostly with Italian labels.
Lunch was a different, but equally pleasant experience. Seated at one of the sidewalk patio’s tables fashioned from a glass-topped antique Singer sewing machine, we began our repast with blood orange mimosas ($5), tangy and refreshing for a warm day. Then we attacked our shared Tuscan antipasto--artfully presented on a wooden board with greens were proscuitto wrapped around shreds of crunchy arugula; paper thin slices of Italian salami; two spears of cheese; and a pair of crostini -- one crunchy bread slice was spread with hearty beef ragu; the other was topped with chunky tomato salsa cruda. We felt we had to try the Assaggio di Primi, a vegetarian pasta sampler. The pasta parade was served in succession. First to arrive was gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese, followed by bowtie pasta with porcini mushrooms tossed in a light tomato sauce; penne ala vodka, also with tomatoes; rigatoni laced with eggplant (our favorite), and corkscrew pasta in a lip-tingling tomato sauce. While flavorful, we found some of the pastas somewhat starchy, and too heavy for such a warm day. We would have welcomed a light anointing of pesto or maybe olive oil and garlic. Desserts at Acqua Al 2 are surprisingly light, welcome after such hearty meals. Cheesecake is almost airy. The trick is whipping the batter several times, making it almost fluffy, we are told. Equally appealing is the vanilla bean panna cotta, which arrived with complimentary glasses of Moscato, an Italian dessert wine that went beautifully with the dessert. We are glad that Ari Gejdenson has returned to his home turf, and Acqua Al 2 is a welcome addition to our neighborhood.
Acqua Al - Seventh St. SE -- www.acquaaldc.com
Panna Cotta. Photo: Andrew Lightman. 96 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, dinner goes until 11:30 p.m. Closed Monday. ★
Beer! Beer! Beer! More Than 50 Brews on Tap Selected by Our Beer Guru Jay Davis
Try Our Beer Flights, Join Our Beer Club, Dine on Chef Brendan Tharp’s Delicious Summer Menu Molly Malone’s 713 8th Street SE • (202) 547-1222 www.mollysdc.com
Grand Opening This July
A Northern Italian Restaurant 202-546-5006 | www.lavagnadc.com | 539 8th Street, SE capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 97
ARTS& Dining
D I N I N G
N O T E S
article by Celeste McCall | photos by Andrew Lightman Clifford Harrison. Here in the Washington area, Cordes has worked at Jeff and Sallie Buben’s Vidalia (downtown), the Market Street Bar and Grill Hyatt Regency at Reston Town Center, where he cooked with Scottish-born executive chef Richard McCreadie. Cordes’ current venture, The Atlas Room, opened last year and has been a smashing success.
Prime Powerhouse
Atlas Room owner and Executive Chef Matt Cordes. Photo: Andrew Lightman
Meet Matt Cordes Atlas owner and executive Matt Cordes brings a lot of experience and expertise to the Atlas Room, 1015 H St. NE, which we reviewed last month. Cordes, who has wielded his whisk in top U.S. restaurants, creates most of the Atlas menu items, including the highly-touted lamb fritters and beef appetizer. “Bobby Beard is our co-chef de cuisine, and we work together,” explains Cordes, 36. Cordes also prepares most of the Atlas desserts, although Wendy Sanchez makes the delicious tres leches cake. After attending college at George Mason University, Matt launched his culinary career as a prep cook at the now-closed Evans Farm Inn in Mclean. He further honed his skills at Chanterelle restaurant, which reigned in New York for 30 years before closing recently. In Atlanta, he cooked at Seeger’s restaurant with chef Guenter Seeger., and served as a sous chef at the celebrated Bacchanalia with chefs Anne Quatrano and 98 ★ HillRag | July 2011
The Prime Rib restaurant was a glittering sea of silver and sizzling steaks last month, as Prime Rib owner/founder Buzz Beler celebrated his prestigious Silver Plate Award. Beler was among only nine food professionals receiving the honor. The presentation had taken place May 23 at the 2011 National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Hotel/Motel Show in Chicago. Selected by editors from the restaurant trade press, The Silver Plate honors restaurant executives for achievements and innovation; Beler’s category was Independent Restaurants. To celebrate Beler’s Silver Plate– proudly on display–Prime Rib bartender Jim Ross rolled out an assortment of silver-themed cocktails: the
Silver Margarita, made with Patron Silver; Silver Bullet (a Beler original, made with Russian vodka and shaken, not stirred). Wines came from Silver Oak Cellars in Napa Valley. The silvery cocktails will be available through Labor Day. “Winning the Silver Plate was a wonderful experience,” Beler said. “I met all the former winners, and they wined and dined us all over Chicago!” Buzz especially praised his bartender, who had concocted our drinks. Peter and I have always liked the Prime Rib, which has held court at 2020 K St. NW, since 1976. Not only is the prime rib delicious and the live music soothing, the Rib is one of the few places outside New York City which requires gentlemen to don jackets at dinner. We find that refreshing.
Belga Celebrates On Barracks Row, the Belgians are busy, as Belga Café, 514 Eighth St. SE, plans an action-packed summer: Coming up July 21: Belgian National Day, launching a week of special events and menus for Belgian Restaurant Week; on July 19, an exclusive dinner at the Belgian ambassador’s residence; July 16: Mussels “throw down” at Eastern Market; July 26: Beer tasting with Belgian fruity ales. For details and updates, call 202544-0100 or www.belgacafe.com.
Sweets Tweets and Other Notes
Prime Rib owner Buzz Beler with his Silver Plate Award which honors restaurant executives for achievements and innovation.
Joining the Barracks Row cookie wars is The Sweet Lobby, which arrived June 9 at 404 Eighth St. SE. Founded by Winnette and Timothy McIntosh, a brother-sister duo who live on the Hill, Sweet Lobby is a “boutique bakery” specializing in Parisian macarons, madeleines, shortbread cookies, and chocolate mendiants. To drink: hot chocolate and Steep, a private label line of
aromatic loose-leaf teas. For more information, call 202-544-2404.... Feliz cumpleanos–happy birthday–to Mi Vecindad (“my neighborhood”), which turns one year old this month. Located at 1129 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (202-546-4760), the popular Cuban/Salvadorean/Mexican restaurant is the spinoff of Henry Mendoza’s La Plaza, down the street at 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Bountiful Produce With summer’s bounty arriving, farmers markets are going full steam. Organized by the NoMa Business Improvement District and managed by Metro Green Markets, NoMa’s farmers market operates Wednesdays through October 26. Located at 1200 First St. NE (First and M), stalls are open from 3 to 7 p.m. Besides produce, baked goods and pastas (all produced by local farmers and artisans), NoMa’s market hosts chef demos. For updates visit www.nomabid.org/farmersmarket. In the Atlas District at 625 H St. NE, FRESHFARM Markets operates Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Vendors offer fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, pasture-raised meats, herbs, eggs, pasta, preserves, crab cakes, empanadas, barbecue, flowers soaps, even wool, plus cooking demos. Call 202-362 8889.
Beef No More For years, we have complained about the dearth of decent corned beef or pastrami around here. Perhaps we have been spoiled by frequent trips to New York, where we chow down on pastrami and corned beef at the Carnegie Deli and other Big Apple culinary institutions. We can gripe no more, while saving on gas and avoiding the Lincoln Tunnel. Why? The other day at an old neighborhood favorite, Mr. Henry’s,
we discovered just about the best corned-beef-on-rye we’ve had in Washington. Offered hot or cold (it tastes better hot), the sandwich is priced at a modest $8.95. The beef is Block and Barrel first cut. The savory meat also goes into Mr. Henry’s Reuben, another top seller. Henry’s also serves a mean pastrami-on-rye. Open daily, Mr. Henry’s is at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; call 202-546-8412 or visit www.mrhenrysrestaurant. com.
More Brunch Did you know Fusion Grill serves dim sum Sunday brunch? From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., folks enjoy sticky rice cakes (aka eight treasures, rice and assorted goodies tucked in a lotus leaf ), several kinds of steamed dumplings, and a dim sum combo. We also added an order of hot garlic broccoli, which comes with rice. Whatever you do, do not order bloody Marys–which are all right, but overpriced at $10 a pop. Fusion Grill is at 515 8th Street SE; call 202-546-5303.
Crab Fest
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Eat Local!
Things got quite crabby last month at the Monocle. The venerable restaurant, which turned 50 last December, hosted a blue crab tasting to kick off the Memorial Day weekend. Accompanied by a choice of $8 wines-by-the-glass (I loved Mount Beautiful New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc), samplings included crab crostinis; crab with mushrooms, red pepper puree and pancetta topped with crab Imperial; crabcake sliders and salmon topped with curried crab. Delicious, all for just $25. Some of these dishes appear on the Monocle’s regular menu. The Monocle is located at 107 D St. NE; call 202-546-4488 or visit www.themonocle.com. ★
Correction In our review of the Atlas Room, which appeared last month, we named Wendy Sanchez as the restaurant’s pastry chef. Although Wendy does make the delicious tres leches cake, most dessert duties are shared by the other chefs. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 99
ARTS& Dining
Wines for the grill by Josh Genderson
W
ell, I just received my Pepco bill from last month and judging by the surge in price, I can officially tell you that summer is here! I know my favorite summer activity, and judging by the smells coming from nearby Hill houses, many people’s favorite activity, is grilling up some delicious food with a glass of wine in hand. From burgers and brats to grilled chicken and veggies there are so many options for pairing wines with grilled foods. So I am dedicating this edition of the Wine Guys column to those of you who are wondering just which wine will go with which grilled dish this summer. I will certainly cater to all eating styles in this column, however I must apologize upfront to the vegetarians. For me, there is nothing like a nice juicy piece of steak sizzling on the grill. The sounds and smells alone make my mouth water. Here are some wines I recommend for those red meat lovers out there to enjoy with their grilled fare. When thinking about barbeque, Zinfandel is the first grape that comes to mind. These wines will be able to handle a wide variety of red meats. This bold red wine bellies up to meaty, smokey flavors allowing the varietal’s black pepper spice, acidity and ripe tannins to carry the meat’s fats and texture to a new dimension. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with almost any grilled meat, especially those with a higher fat content. This is true because the fat from the meat softens up the big tannic structure of cabernet. Things like beef, lamb, pork, duck, game meats and cheeses thrive with a nice glass of cab. Shiraz/Syrah is a varietal that also makes the grill-friendly wine list. This grape is delicious with just about any red meat. Offering dynamic, somewhat aggressive fruit flavors, balanced with more mellow tannins and a softer-fuller body – this wine’s place to shine is definitely at a barbecue gathering! Rhone Syrahs tend to have a smokier flavor characteristic and lend themselves 100 ★ HillRag | July 2011
extremely well to smoked brisket. Though it’s taken some abuse in the wake of films like “Sideways” and “Bottle Shock,” Merlot remains a classic grape that produces delicious, fruit forward wines. The soft tannins will pair perfectly with lighter foods like pork chops, chicken and even heavy grilled fish. Veggies, chicken, fish and other light white meats are an outstanding option for any summertime barbeque. As tastes shift toward lighter, less alcoholic whites, especially for summertime, refreshing wines from places like Spain’s Basque country and Australia’s Claire Valley are becoming harder and harder to keep on the shelves. Here are some of my favorite grill friendly white varietals: Let’s start with an all time classic, Chardonnay. This grape (whether aged in oak or steel) will work wonderfully with grilled fish (including shellfish), chicken with creamy sauces, and grilled corn on the cob. My favorite and perhaps the most diverse of the bunch would have to be Sauvignon Blanc. This varietal has a number of identities ranging from a clean, slightly grassy white wine to an herbaceous, full-bodied wine backed up with oak aging. Pair this wine with a grilled chicken that has been doused in Italian dressing. You can also match this grape with roasted peppers, veggies in fresh herbs or a grilled fish with dill and lemon. Another white varietal, Torrontes, is a great summer white and possibly Argentina’s most interesting white grape. These wines tend to have melon and citrus notes and a flamboyant aroma. Most wineries don’t use oak with Torrontes, which helps keep its flavors bright and lively. Similarly, Vinho Verde, a pale Portuguese wine named for its youth rather than its color—should be crisp, tingly and full of lemon and seashell nuances. Both of these varietals will pair beautifully with a light fish or some grilled veggies. Another classic summer white wine to be enjoyed by the grill would have to be Muscadet from the western part of France’s Loire Valley.
Its citrusy character pairs ideally with seafood, particularly raw oysters and goes great with a light salad before the meal. So, in short, there are so many wonderful wines to pair with grilled food or to just enjoy on the deck or in the backyard on a nice summer night. I know all this talk is making me hungry (and thirsty). I think its time to light up the grill. Adios… Josh Genderson works for Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, 301 Massachusetts Ave. NE. ★
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” two years in a row by the City Paper
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Artist Portrait: Teddie Hathaway
A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at ArtandtheCity05@aol.com
T
he glass sculpture is translucent, but it hides its history well—you don’t know what it was before. Does that matter? Teddie Hathaway uses old glass—window panes, shower doors—and introduces them to a higher calling: the beauty of being looked at, not through. The reused glass also gives the pieces an organic quality, solid yet delicate, seemingly ancient and new at the same time. Teddie recycles window glass because almost no one else does—it isn’t easy. It has to do with molecule incompatibility that results from mixing glass made at different times or by different manufacturers. There are other problems to overcome and that is what makes the art more compelling. She is now experimenting with color—pigments that can be incorporated in the finished work. However, when the process is complete, and the piece is removed from the kiln, it has to live in its new space as a work of art. She believes artistry is ultimately in the creation, not just what materials or process you use to create it. Teddie spent most of her life recycling numbers in a business and finance career. Many of those years were as a business manager for congressional offices, where creativity can mean real trouble. In preparing for her retirement, she analytically chose art, and eventually recycled glass. She went about learning everything she could by taking classes in every technique and technology, and by working with the best practitioners in the region. It is this whole new world of art that has Teddie Hathaway excited. She is looking at the world differently now… “using the right side of my brain.” And she is just getting started. She wants to travel and see all forms of art and incorporate them into her work. She is finding her own voice and “having a wonderful time.” For more on her and her work see www.teddiehathaway.com. 102 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art “I would like to make art, but I can’t draw a straight line.” Or, “I used to be good at art, but it has been so many years.” I hear this sort of thing all the time. What people are saying is that they don’t want to try to create art because they may not be “good” at it. They are afraid to fail. It’s as if there are tests to be passed. Well…there is no entrance exam. There are no midterms. There are no grades. (The elementary school experience of getting a “C” on an art project has apparently left many with deep traumatic scars.) Forget about not being good at it. You don’t have to be Picasso, Monet or Michelangelo to reach for the outer currents of creativity through art. The purpose of art is not to make masters or masterpieces. That is going to happen occasionally, but the real purpose is to connect with others. Yes, there are things to learn, but zzthe more you learn, the more you will know about art, and the more understanding and enjoyment you will have
artandthecity
BY JIM MAGNER
At the Galleries John Morrell Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th Street SE July 2 – Aug. 3
Living Embodiments Parrish Gallery 1054 31st St. NW -- July 12, “Living Embodiments: Artistic Expressions of Being” is more than a group show, it is an emotional tribute by gallery owner, Norman Parrish, to the artists, alive and deceased, who have been showcased over the past 20 years. While they have represented over 25 countries and all forms of visual arts, it is the consistent quality of the work, not the diversity of art forms that creates the central theme. In pursuing its
Marsha Stein Fusion Grill 515 8th St. SE --July 30 Painters Marsha Stein and Don Larson have been extended through July at the Fusion Grill on 8th St’s Barracks Row. This is a good opportunity to see their more recent works.
“Impression From Uzbekistan” Studio H 408 H St NE, 2nd Fl. - Aug. 5 Also called, “Paintings from the Silk Road,” the striking oil paintings of Ronald Kleijer take you deep into that exotic and strangely mysterious region of the world. www.studiohdc.com.
“Historic Washington” American Painting Fine Art 5118 MacArthur Blvd., NW -- Sept. 10 The Washington Society of Landscape Painters pays homage to the historic features of the nation’s capitol with works in oils, watercolors, acrylics pastel and mixed media. www.classicamericanpainting.com.
Preston Sampson International Visions – The Gallery 2629 Connecticut Ave. NW -- July 23rd The colorful, high-energy mixedmedia compositions of Preston Sampson are featured in this oneperson show, Common Threads. The theme refers both to the inclusion of textiles, and the bonds that unite families and communities. www.inter-visions.com. ★
E R B LI é f a
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In this one-person exhibit, entitled Urban Nature, oil painter John Morrell explores the psychological and inspirational effects of nature. Morrell is an Associate Professor of Painting, and the Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at Georgetown University. He has painted and taught in the Washington, DC area for over 30 years. The opening is Sat., July 2, 5-7. The exhibit is curated by Bruce McKaig. www.chaw.org.
principle goal of presenting contemporary visual artists of significance from Africa and the African Diaspora, the Georgetown gallery brings all of these selected talents together in a very happy celebration. Go see it. www.parishgallery.com.
C
of the disciplines. Teddie Hathaway (see Artist Profile) made a deliberate decision to begin her second career in art and undertook a course of learning and inquiry. After only two years, she is creating glass sculpture that has been juried into gallery shows. She is now teaching glass techniques to others at the Washington Glass School studios. Skills can be learned, but not unless you want to learn. So forget about not being good enough. We all have a drive to create. Give in to it. It’s what makes us human. “Good” will come. Art is the liberator. Have fun.
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ARTS& Dining
ATTHE MOVIES
New Documentary Asks: What Future for The New York Times? by Mike Canning
Page One: Inside the New York Times
spondent’s position in Baghdad, and Brian Stelter, a smart and perceptive young (now 25) ex-blogger who covers the television industry for the Times. Bill Keller, Executive Editor of the paper since 2003, is also interviewed, presenting considered comments on the state of journalism and the future of the Times. Keller, who just announced his resignation from the job, addresses media speculators who see the paper’s demise as a failing model that cannot be sustained in the news business. He admitted, though, that during his time the Times has had to move “from a transition to a revolution” in communications. Its position, the film makes clear, has changed radically in the last decade or so, though most observers still would nominate the Times as our national paper of record. The film presents some highlights and lowlights of the paper’s recent history, from the Pentagon Papers and Watergate through Jayson Blair’s journalistic inventions to Judith Miller’s misbegotten background pieces on Iraq. Such events are brought right up to date with the WikiLeaks exposure of 2010, in which the Times was one of the outlets selected to
purvey the classified material for publication. That episode, however, also indicates to Keller how drastically the communications landscape has changed. Comparing the Pentagon Papers episode with the latest revelations, Keller notes: “WikiLeaks doesn’t need us. Daniel Ellsberg did.” The film’s title is personified in the “page one” sessions shown in the film, the mid-morning and afternoon meetings of all the top editors to decide what will make the front page, that daily definition of the newsworthy. These are very businesslike, intriguing snapshots of professional journalists sorting out what matters. While its scandals highlight the periodic vulnerability of the once vaunted Times, its resilience still comes through when it breaks a big story. While Rossi and Novack focus significantly on the New York Times story in “Page One,” they also raise larger questions about the future of print media generally. A collection of knowledgeable talking heads grapple with these media issues, among them David Remnick (editor of The New Yorker), Katrina vanden Heuvel (editor of The Nation), Paul Steiger (of the non-profit, investigative group ProPublica ), and Nick Denton (of the blog collective service “Gawker”). The movie, likes the Times’ future, is open-ended. At its end, the prospect (since begun) is raised of garnering new revenue by charging regular online readers of the Times site. Only the “Times” will tell if our national paper of record will survive in its current form. (The film is rated “R” and runs 91 mins.)
Much ink—and much cybertime—has been spent describing the imminent demise of US newspapers as print media’s audience and their advertising revenues have been lost to Internet sources, especially the “citizen journalist” and the news aggregators (like The Huffington Post). The facts are bad enough, even for the most prestigious journals like the “Great Gray Lady,” The New York Times. A new documentary offers a comprehensive and illuminating look at what has befallen the mythic Times and speculates on what the future may bring. (The film opens July 1 at the E Street Cinema.) “Page One: Inside The New York Times” was directed by Andrew Rossi and co-scripted by him and Karen Novack, who spent 14 months embedding themselves in the paper’s own Media Desk and examining the state of the paper principally through the lens of that desk. Thus, the Times staffers who follow the media are seen assessing their own journal. It’s not navel-gazing because the reporters/commentators are worthy, serious observers trained to call ‘em the way they see ‘em. Featured among the media reporters is David Carr, a crusty truth-teller with a reprobate past (he is known for his memoir, “Night of the Gun,” about his early cocaine addiction). He writes a Monday media column for the paper’s business section and turns out to be a staunch defender of the paper’s integrity and journalistic ethics. Coming from a guy with a scruffy appearance and a distinctive rasp for a voice, his words seem to take on added weight, perhaps because, as he himself sardonically says, “I’ve led a textured life.” Among other Times dramatis personae, Carr is nicely seconded by his own boss, Bruce Headlam, chief of the Media Desk, who offers a level-headed look at his paper’s state and its current position in the national journalism spectrum. Also featured are Tim Arango, a thoughtful media reporter who, at Top To Bottom: Reporter David Carr in “Page One: Inside the New York Times.” the time of filming, takes on a correEditorial conference at The New York Times from PAGE ONE. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. 104 ★ HillRag | July 2011
The Tree of Life Now in release, Terrence Malik’s “The Tree of Life” has already gained a reputation as one of the films of the year, occupying, to my eyes, a position attained last year by “Inception,” i.e., an enormously ambitious, spectacularly mounted film by a noted auteur who aims for profundity. It is the kind of megafilm that strikes the eye and beguiles
critics who admire its ambition. For this film reviewer, “The Tree of Life” (rated PG-13) has a commendable family saga at its core, but it is sadly burdened with a tri-part structure it cannot comfortably bear. The core story concerns the O’Brien family, living in 1950’s Texas, with three sons torn between their disaffected, disciplinarian father (Brad Pitt) and their sweet, ineffectual mother ( Jessica Chastain). Filmed lovingly on a classic suburban block (not a set), this part of the movie works mostly as a poignant elegy for a lost time that any sensitive person over 50 can identify with. The varied rhythms of family life, the spot-on portrayal of adolescence (especially by young Hunter McCracken as son Jack), the elements of furtive tension in a marriage—mostly ring true. What this family saga has to contend with, however, are two other elements. One, a grandiose creation story—complete with galaxies twirling, cells reproducing, volcanoes erupting, and dinosaurs roaming the earth—bursts out of nowhere for some 20 minutes, accompanied by a portentous sound track. Also interspersed through the film, somewhat randomly, is a flash forward narrative, featuring an adult Jack (Sean Penn) who’s wrestling with some undefined angst. This third element, never fully coherent, goes off the rails into a fantasy desert landscape as the son’s torment grows to an uncertain conclusion. Malik is one of filmdom’s revered figures, an artistic loner, who is known to take enormous pains with his films and, for that reason, has produced only five in the last 38 years (“Badlands” was his first in 1973!). Perfectionist he may be, and master he certainly is of imagery and tone, but feature films work best when they have a coherent, plausible structure, and here he fails. The overall effect of this rich yet vagrant film—running 138 minutes—is of a patchwork which succumbs to pretentiousness more than it achieves profundity. Long-time 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. His reviews can be found at www.mikesflix.com ★
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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 105
ARTS& Dining
The Pleasures of North Beach The History of A Lovely Beach Town Thirty-three Miles From Capitol Hill by Peter Davis
L
ocated at the northern tip of Calvert County, North Beach, with its beaches, kayak and bicycle rentals, bench-lined board walk, fishing pier, fine dining and array of shops, has become the ‘must’ day trip and destination point for Capitol Hill and D.C. residents seeking a change of pace. Add to all that seasonal events such as the House & Garden Tour, concerts, movies and campfires on the beach, Fourth of July fireworks, this year’s Wine Festival, expanded Friday night Farmer’s Market & Classic Car Cruise ins, Bay Harvest Fest, Halloween on the board walk and Christmas Parade, and there is not a month that goes by when you can’t find a good reason to visit. My wife and I discovered this lovely town by accident in 2006. We bought a house (one of a handful built in 1920 with terra cotta block from the original Willard Hotel) and began the arduous but fun task of restoring it. Never taking the Chesapeake Bay’s beauty for granted, we, as do many weekend residents from the Hill, continue to discover and appreciate new facets of this intriguing little beach town. There is no better way to depict the history of North Beach than to recite in part the definitive statement prepared by the North Beach Historic Commission for this ‘Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay’: “Native American Indians lived in this area along the
106 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Chesapeake Bay for 10,000 years, but their occupation came to an end by 1500 AD under pressure from raids into the area by Indian tribes from the North. In the summer of 1608, John Smith noted the absence of Indian settlements from the Calvert Cliffs north to the Gunpowder River. Indian nations may have gathered here during the spring and summer months to take advantage of the Chesapeake Bay’s abundant fish and shell fish and to gather wild plant foods such as corn, hickory, walnuts and chestnuts………. The development of North Beach…. a quick thirty-three miles east of Eastern Market, via Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4)… has been dependent on four factors: its location on the water front; proximity to urban areas; inter-modal accesses; and entrepreneurship. Until the 1890s, what is now the Town of North Beach was undeveloped. Although the land was located strategically on the Chesapeake Bay and in close proximity to both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, it was nearly inaccessible. The community shares a border to the south with land that had been developed a few years earlier by the Chesapeake Beach Railway Company which by 1899 ran a rail line between Seat Pleasant, Maryland at the District of Columbia line and Chesapeake Beach. It was promoted as being a high class seashore resort within sixty minutes ride from
Washington. Hotels, rooming houses and restaurants were built for vacationers. Many summer cottages were constructed in North Beach responding to the quality of life of seashore living. North Chesapeake Beach, as North Beach was originally known, was plated in 1900 and developed by the North Chesapeake Beach Land and Improvement Company of Calvert County. Many of the surviving dwellings in North Beach were built between 1920 and 1940. In 1910, North Beach had grown and prospered sufficiently to be granted a corporate charter by the State of Maryland to be a selfgoverning municipality and remains today as one of only two municipalities in Calvert County. In the 1920s & 30s, along with the onset of economic depression, two events occurred that impacted the future of the Town; the hurricane of 1933 and the Chesapeake Beach Railway closing in 1935. The storm destroyed the pier at the end of Fifth Street and Captain Oscar’s Crab House located on the beach. The pier and restaurant were rebuilt as Uncle Billie’s but business was never as brisk as it had been previously. In the winter of 1945, fire destroyed all the businesses in one block of the commercial area on Chesapeake Avenue between Second and Third streets which included a hardware store, lumber yard, restaurant, dry goods store, drug store, several apartments and doctors and lawyers offices. North Beach continued to grow at a slow and steady pace. Fishing and the demand for water related facilities have maintained the traditional importance of North Beach’s proximity to the Bay as its most significant asset and income resource. Cottages, built for summer homes, have been
converted to year round residences. Commuters and retirees have settled as permanent residents, not just summer visitors. New construction of homes, ranging from single family to townhouses, condominiums, and apartments has flourished increasing the population base. People from surrounding communities….including Capitol Hill…as well as residents have “rediscovered” the Town’s greatest asset: the Chesapeake Bay…. The Bayside History Museum was established in August 2003. New structures for the Twin Beach Community Health Center and the North Beach Senior Center were built. The Town constructed a building dedicated in October 2008 for use by the Boys and Girls Club and completed and dedicated its well designed and very accommodating new Town Hall.” Preliminary Development plans for waterfront upscale traditional porch-front townhomes and a boutique Hotel with shops and restaurants offering open air-waterfront dining have recently been approved by the Town’s Planning Commission, and once approved by the Town’s Council and developed, will close a chapter started decades ago of making and reviving North Beach as not just the destination point but the easily reachable ‘Go to Resort Town’ for Capitol Hill and D.C. Residents. So, if you are planning your first visit to North Beach, the ‘Jewel of the Bay’, come early and stay late. There are lots of things to do and shops and restaurants to visit. Parking is free. For more information about events, beach fees, and beach related rentals, visit the Town’s website ‘www.northbeachmd.org’. Peter Davis is a member of The Smith Team, Prudential Carruthers Realtors on Capitol Hill. ★
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JULY CALENDAR
★ ★ ★ the LITERARY HILL A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events
by Karen Lyon
Pull Up a Chair Imagine sitting down with your most literate friend and asking, “Have you read anything good lately?” Now imagine that your friend is Jonathan Yardley, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book critic for the “Washington Post.” In his new book, “Second Reading: Notable and Neglected Books Revisited,” Yardley shares his thoughts on 60 books that he’s reading for the second – or in some cases, the fourth or fifth – time around. Based on his popular column, “Second Reading” presents a wide and eclectic array of topics and authors. There are some surprising choices – the gothic “Rebecca,” a 1949 biography of W.C. Fields, the Pogo cartoons of Walt Kelly – as well as classics by Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, and Twain. In some cases, he chooses a worthy but overlooked book -- such as “The Reivers” by William Faulkner -- by an author better known for other works. Rereading his tattered old paperbacks, he finds many to be better than he remembered. Most at least do not disappoint, some he continues to enjoy with reservations, and a few he loathes. “The Catcher in the Rye” for example, comes in for a special dose of venom
for its “puerile attitudinizing,” cheap sentimentality, and maladroit writing. After quoting a particularly mawkish passage, Yardley takes on Holden Caulfield’s “adolescent” voice to comment, “Me, I damn near puked.” For the most part, though, he adores these books and is eager to get them into readers’ hands. “I hope to persuade you to have a go at it,” he says of Fielding’s “Tom Jones.” He wants you to cherish Anita Brookner’s novels, be entertained by C.S. Forester’s “Horatio Hornblower” series, discover Washington through the eyes of Margaret Leach, and be enriched and enlightened by James Baldwin. His piece on John D. MacDonald, which I first read in the “Post” several years ago, inspired me to spend a whole summer in the company of Travis McGee -- “one of the great characters in contemporary American fiction” – and I loved every colorful minute. So if you’re looking to expand your reading list, you can’t do any better than following the recommendations of one of the most devoted readers around. “A lifetime of reading for a living has made me difficult to satisfy,” he writes, “easy to displease, reluctant to give my heart to any old book or any old author.” So when he tells you, of reading Kingsley Amis’s “Lucky Jim,” for example, that “If you haven’t yet done so, you must,” you’d be well advised to run out and get a copy. But first, get “Second Reading,” not only to see what you might have missed, but also to revel in Yardley’s beautifully written reviews, which are almost as much fun to read as the books themselves.
The Buzz on Beekeepers
Jonathan Yardley reviews some of his favorite (and not so favorite) books in “Second Reading.”
108 July 2011 2011 108 ★ ★ HillRag HillRag || July
Most of us have heard by now that bees are in trouble: whole colonies mysteriously disappearing, hives devastated by illnesses. In the face of more pressing news, however, it’s easy to shunt bees to the bottom of the worry list. In “The Beekeeper’s La-
Reporter Hannah Nordhaus considers the fate of the nation’s bees and their keepers in “The Beekeeper’s Lament.”
ment: How One Man and Half a Billion Honey Bees Help Feed America,” journalist Hannah Nordhaus sounds an alarm that’s hard to ignore. Beekeeping is “the glue that holds much our agricultural system together,” she writes. Without it, “many of our nation’s crops would produce only a small fraction of the harvest they generate with the help of honey bees.” Nordhaus, who grew up on Capitol Hill, hangs her tale on the fate of John Miller, a third-generation beekeeper from California. Since 2004, she has been corresponding with and visiting the eccentric Mormon to learn more about the beekeeping business. She tells the story of a vanishing subculture that is prey to natural disasters, politics, crime, and economic collapse. “Bees have been on life support for decades now,” she writes, “kept aloft by the efforts of determined – perhaps imprudent – men like John Miller.” Nordhaus is especially intrigued by why any sensible person would bank his livelihood on “something that can’t love you back, that is just as happy to hurt you, that lives without concern for its keeper or his profit margins or his pride, and that dies with astonishing indiscretion.” Her research leads her to conclude that beekeepers “are heroic characters, tragic characters,
anomalous characters. They do the hard thing. I could appreciate that. I had alit on a profession that’s even less commonsensical, even more economically obtuse, even lonelier than being a writer. Beekeepers deserve a little credit for that.” “The Beekeeper’s Lament” is, in effect, a paean to two dying breeds: honey bees and their keepers. But don’t give up your taste for honey just yet. Nordhaus offers a glimmer of hope in the new advocacy organizations that beekeepers have formed “to push for better research and to educate Americans about the importance of bees and bee habitats.” Miller, however, fears that it’s too late, that beekeepers “have squandered their fifteen minutes of fame.” “Folks have moved on,” he emails her. “We are so yesterday.” Thanks to Hannah Nordhaus’s graceful, informative, and engaging book – and her willingness to endure all those bee stings – the beekeepers may have another chance and, with a little luck, so will their bees. To learn more, visit www.hannahnordhaus. com.
You Gotta Have Friends With many 20- to 30-somethings delaying marriage in favor of ca-
Psychologist Andrea Bonior tells readers how to choose, lose, and keep their friends in “The Friendship Fix.”
reers, “more and more people are relying on their friends,” writes psychologist Andrea Bonior in her new book, “The Friendship Fix: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Losing, and Keeping Up with Your Friends.” But she notes a disturbing trend. Many people have fallen into relationships with “a roommate, a cubemate, or an aerobics mate,” and find themselves “willing to spend their entire twenties and thirties with a group of confidantes who are no more compatible with them than a bad toenail fungus.” “That’s where my therapy experience comes in,” writes Bonior, author of the “Baggage Check” column in the “Washington Post Express.” In a style as bright and chirpy as the bubblegum-pink cover, Bonior advises readers on what kinds of friends to look for, “how to keep friendships going without having to buy stock in an airline, watch people make out, or dine only at restaurants with animatronic gorillas,” and what do to when friendships sour. She addresses the role of technology in friendship, pointing out that there is a difference between “friending” and befriending, and discusses how sex, work, and psychological problems can challenge a friendship. Sprinkled with case studies, personality assessments, and questionnaires to help readers evaluate their relationships, “The Friendship Fix” is a do-it-yourself guide to finding and being a better friend. Andrea Bonior, whose sister is coowner of “Zest American Bistro” on 8th St. SE, is at www. drandreabonior.com. ★
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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. tery,” “Captain Marvel,” “Crescent,” “After The Cosmic Rain,” and “500 Miles High.” But the real magic is to hear Chaka Khan on “I Love You, Porgy” and “High Wire.” This is simply beautiful jazz music. You’re gonna love it.
by Jean-Keith Fagon
Masterworks Live !!! ••• Tito Puente, Jazzheads This album features the Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra with Conductor Bobby Sanabria. Standouts include “Picadillo,” “Allegre Cha-Cha-Cha,” and “Me Acuerdo de Ti.”
Live At Birdland ••••
Summer Picks 2011 All the albums listed below are all worth listening to and should be added to your collection of music during these lazy summer days. Pick your songs and buy accordingly. Enjoy your summer.
Forever •••• Corea, Clarke & White, Concord Here is a priceless collection (2 CDs) for all die-hards jazz fans from three great masters: Chick Corea (piano/ keyboards), Stanley Clarke (electric/ acoustic bass), Lenny White (drums), along with special guest stars Bill Conners (guitar), Jean-Luc Ponty (violin), and Chaka Khan. This is quintessential jazz music and you can follow your heart with such superb performances of “Waltz for Debby,” “La Cancion de Sofia,” “No Mys110 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden & Paul Motian, ECM A beautiful jazz album from three of the best contemporary musicians performing standards like “I Fall In Love Too Easily,” “Lover Man,” “Oleo” and “You Stepped Out Of A Dream.”
Troubadour Live ••• Eric Bibb, Telarc This Eric Bibb’s latest album and features guitarist Staffan Astner with standouts like “Connected,” “For You,” and “If You Were Not My Woman.”
and Eric Harland (drums).
Light My Fire ••• Eliane Elias, Concord Brazilian jazz pianist and singer Eliane Elias is exquisitely exceptional on her latest. You are going to love her soft, incandescent voice on such pieces like the title track, “Light My Fire,” “Aquele Abraco,” “Made In Moonlight,” and “Take Five.”
Cordoba ••• Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra, Zoho Music Award-winning Argentinian bassist/composer Pedro Giraudo’s latest album offers some gems that include a three-part “Pueblo (Village),” “Sol Naciente (Sun Rising)” and “Latente (Dormant).”
Voice ••• Hiromi, Telarc Although all the songs heard here are written and composed by Hiromi (piano, keyboards) the album was a joint project with Anthony Jackson (contrabass guitar) and Simon Phillips (drums). The most appealing and voice-like renditions include “Temptation,” “Desire,” and “Haze.” The most soothing, of course, is “Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8, Pathetique.”
Destination Uuknown ••• Alex Sipiagin, Criss Cross Jazz Here is an album with some fine musicians dishing out excellent music on performances like “Next Stop – Tsukiji,” “Tempest In A Tea Cup,” and “Fermata Scandola.” Performers include Alex Sipiagin (trumpet, flugelhorn), Chris Potter (tenor sax), David Binney (alto sax), Craig Taborn (piano), Boris Kozlov (bass),
Barefooted Town ••• David Binney, Criss Cross Jazz 1335 Saxophonist David Binney manages to be both masterful and adorable on some fine performances like “The Edge Of Seasons” and “Once, When She Was Here.” This is moody and poignant music especially with “A Night Every Day,” where you can feel the raw emotions of musicians tell-
ing their life’s stories. Appearing on this album are Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Mark Turner (tenor sax), David Virelles (piano), Elvind Opsvik (bass), and Dan Weiss (drums).
Just A Dream ••• Aaron Moreland & Dustn Arbuckle, Telarc Guitarist Aaron Moreland and vocalist/harpist Dustin Arbuckle is one of this summer’s hottest duos with their urban blues and hard-charging rock music. Get your summer heat in the shade with such pieces like “Just A Dream,” “Heartattack & Vine,” “Good Love,” and “So Low.”
Embraceable ••• Nicole Henry, AstistShare Vocalist Nicole Henry’s latest album offers a glimpse of the soul and elegance of this young, vibrant and contemporary jazz singer. Grammy nominated producer Matt Pierson) produced the album in exquisite detail, showcasing such winners like “A Little Time Alone,” “Even While You’re Gone,” “Waiting In Vain,” and “Embraceable You.” Recorded in New York city, performers include Kirk Whalum (sax), guitarists Julian Lage, Jef Lee Johnson and Larry Campbell, Gerald Clayton (piano), Shedrick Mitchell (organ), Gregoire Maret (harmonica), Larry Grenadier (bass), Eric Harland (drums), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Gil Goldstein (piano. All CDs and DVDS reviewed in this article are heard through Bowers & Wilkens 802D Speakers and ASW 4000 subwoofer, and Rotel Preamp 1070, amplifier 1092 and CD player 1072. CDs are available for purchase through amazon.com. For more information about this column, please email your questions to fagon@ hillrag.com. ★
Health & Fitness Summer + Fun = Sunscreen Why You Should Lather It On by Dr. John Jones
C
apitol Hill parents know the drill: Whether your favorite park is Marion, Folger, or Lincoln, when taking your kids outside to enjoy a sunny summer day, you need to practically bathe them in sunscreen. As a parent of two sets of twins, 4 and 6 years old, I know it’s not always fun, or easy, to get them to stand still while you coat them in the white stuff. But it’s worth it. Not only do they have fun running around in the fresh air and burning off all of that little-kid energy, it’s good for their health. This daily dose of vitamin D from the sun aids the body in absorbing nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which ensure strong bones and a strong immune system, regulate blood pressure, and reduce stress and tension, and more. Unfortunately, the risks associated with excessive sun exposure can have lasting effects, especially on young, sensitive skin. Dermatologists tell us that it takes just one severe sunburn to potentially double your child’s chances of getting melanoma later in life. The good news is that the regular use of sunscreen during the first 18 years of life can reduce the lifetime incidence of skin cancer by 78 percent, according to recent studies. That’s critical because skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than two million people are diagnosed annually—more than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast,
prostate, lung, and colon. These findings led the Skin Cancer Foundation to implement new standards for sunscreens in its Seal of Recommendation program. These include rigorous ultraviolet A (UVA) protection requirements, and sunscreens are now divided into two categories based on their intended use: daily use and active use. More than 80 brands and more than 1,000 products have currently earned the Seal of Recommendation. So grab that bottle of sunscreen, and apply it liberally. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 1. When: The sun is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out during these hours. 2. Where: Cover all of your skin that will be exposed to the sun. Think “BEENS”: Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck, and Scalp. 3. Which SPF: Opt for a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Make sure it’s labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it blocks both UVA and UVB sunlight. UVA rays cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main cause of wrinkles. 4. How much: While the standard recommendation is to use about 35 mL (or 1 ounce) of sunscreen (the same amount that would fill up a shot glass), we recommend you really lather it on. 5. Shake it up: Remember to shake the bottle to mix all the par-
ticles so they are distributed evenly in the container. 6. Kids: Starting at 6 months of age, begin applying sunscreen. If your kids fuss about it, as mine often do, teach them to spell BEENS with the cream. 7. About those bugs: If you are using insect repellent, it can reduce a sunscreen’s SPF by up to one third. So use a higher SPF, and reapply more often.
About Simplicity Urgent Care Simplicity Urgent Care is a neighborhood center that is open evenings and weekends, and never requires an appointment. Located at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, the goal is to provide a medical center where you can see a doctor any day of the week — whether or not you have insurance. From treating sore throats and coldand-flu symptoms to cuts and abrasions, strains and sprains, and urinary tract infections, the doctors on our staff provide fast, friendly care, as well as immunizations, X-rays, drug screenings, travel medicine, and more. As ER doctors who have specialized in pediatrics at some of the largest hospitals in the country, we have learned from our patients that the best way to provide good medical care is to keep things as simple as possible for the patient. Making healthcare easier is our goal, and it applies to everything we do. For more information, visit www.simplicityurgentcare.com. ★ capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 111
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by Maggie Hall
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on’t say you’re not fedup with them already.... those summer visitors that descend in swarms. I’m covered in scars inflicted by them. But that is the price paid for living in mosquito-central. And, as this is the Rag’s Pet Issue, it has to be stressed that dogs, and cats to a lesser extent, are under extreme threat from mosquitoes. Just one bite can give them heartworm. Thus preventive treatment is imperative. When I first came to CapiThe blight of a DC summer: an Asian Tiger mosquito. tol Hill, in the early ‘80s, DC was much more “mozzie-free.” I there are signs, literally, of a popular uprising thought the city sprayed to keep the biting beasties at bay. But the DC Health against the mosquito menace. Small posters are going up in front of homes announcing Department has “no historical record” of it. How much things have changed was that the Mosquito Squad is doing what the rammed home when a British friend, who city won’t. Every three weeks, from the end of spent time in DC decades ago, visited. As she April through September, the mosquito-killleft for a July day of sight-seeing I cautioned ers come and spray around your property. At her to use repellant. She declined. “You forget, $400 for the season, it’s a pricey way of enjoyI lived here. I was never bothered by mosqui- ing your yard and deck, but worth every dime. toes.” And away she went. She returned with And if you and four neighbors join forces, the price tumbles, by $100 each per house. The legs and arms covered in itchy, red weals. But the inability to enjoy the outdoors, Mosquito Squad uses pyrethroid, a pesticide without being slathered in DEET is not the approved by the Environmental Protection main reason to lobby the city to spray. The Agency. The information on the website is unthreat of disease – malaria, dengue fever and equivocal: “Pesticides that can be used for mosquito West Nile virus – is high. On Capitol Hill control have been judged by the EPA not to pose an unreasonable risk to human health. “ The biggest Capitol Hill advocate for spraying is “Mr Malaria” himself. Dr. David Smith, an internationally renowned malaria specialist, lives on Independence Avenue, with his lawyer wife and three young daughters. He is an advocate of spraying. “Spraying works better than repellants because it knocks the mosquito populations right down,” he said. “As a result, the health and quality of life of people who live in, and visit, DC would be improved.” He emphasized: “Mosquitoes pose a much More and more Capitol Hill residents are buying proteclarger risk to health than pyrethroid pestition. Photo: Maggie Hall
Claire P. Cargill, DDS Capitol Hill family Dentist
We offer complete Dental Care for adults and children. cides.” And he pointed out that West Nile virus – already in the city – is the biggest danger and while he is concerned that malaria could make a comeback, an outbreak of dengue fever is a real threat. “What an embarrassment for the United States in the face of the world, that would be. There is no reason for the government of DC, which is charged with many of the functions that shape the image of the USA, to allow the mosquito populations to thrive and to create the kinds of conditions that would allow dengue to strike.” His stance is supported by the American Mosquito Control Association. Spokesman Joe Conlon said: “Spraying is a costly, complex, operation but it does reduce the mosquito population. The problem cities like Washington have are the environmental groups, the individuals, who are going to oppose spraying just on principal.” In a statement the DC Department of Health said: “Studies show that spraying only kills adult mosquitoes which are airborne. In addition, spraying often harms and kills beneficial species such as bees and spiders. Also spraying is not conducted for health reasons because there is a population with respiratory concerns, such as asthma. “Instead the Department addresses control by suppressing larva growth at catch basins during the summer, using an organic and environmentally friendly compound. However, residents are responsible for most mosquito control.” Which, despite the populace at large ensuring there’s no standing water around, and keeping gutters clear, is a losing battle. But Joe Conlon believes one development would force Washington to take action. “What would change DC’s mind is a case of chikungunya,” he said. Chikungunya? “It’s nasty, vicious and gives you three weeks of whole body cramps.” It’s not going to kill but by all reports victims wish themselves dead. It’s carried - as is West Nile and Dengue - by the Asian Tiger mosquito, which is now alive, well and sucking on your (well, certainly on my) blood in DC! ★
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beautyhealthfitness “...the inactive, receptive posture is likely to have a better purchase on what ultimately matters than concerted activity.”
The Beauty of Idleness Looking with Curiosity at the World Around Us by Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW them to lessons and organizing their summer days, we might want to consider the virtues of idleness. Having some opportunity for unstructured time to be able to enjoy the pleasures of loitering, to watch the clouds drift by or the grass grow, giving the imagination a chance to develop - this may be the gift of a child’s summer.
Summertime lends Itself to an easy pace This is the perfect time, as we move into the dog days of summer, to consider the joys of idleness. Not laziness - rather idleness - which can be defined as “the soul’s first habitat... before it has been stirred to make a plan to direct itself toward something” (as beautifully defined by Sven Birkerts). When we take time from being productive or rushing around, and allow ourselves to be idle, we can stop and look with curiosity at the world around us. Being idle gives us the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings - it can spark memories or inspire daydreams. Being idle can also ignite our imagination or stir our creativity. While we may not be active and purposeful, we may be energetic in our thinking. In fact, idleness - whether it is the time after waking but before arising, or when we go for an amble along the city streets - can bring with it insight, and even at times epiphany.
For the adults
Playfulness and lightheartedness Idleness can allow us to drop our seriousness and our urge to plan. When we are idle we can cultivate a more playful view of the day - relaxing and enjoying a more lighthearted attitude towards the moment. We might have brief periods of idleness - lingering over our morning coffee or sitting in the garden at the close of a day - but we might also consider cultivating idleness. Allowing ourselves to take more time to enjoy what is around us, breathing and letting ourselves slow down and relax. 114 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Creativity and inspiration Vacation is one of those times when idleness is seen as acceptable. However, if idleness is one’s access to inspiration and creativity, might we not want to consider a more regular practice of tarrying? Sven Birkerts in his article, “The Mother of Possibility,” a lengthy discussion of philosophy and art, notes that “the inactive, receptive posture is likely to have a better purchase on what ultimately matters than concerted activity.” In other words, insight cannot
be produced on command, but we can make ourselves receptive to it. Perhaps, Birkerts muses, the objection to idleness is due to the fact that the creative insight it can produce can involve a questioning of the status quo. Idleness, Birkerts also says, is the mother of possibility. It is the development of the inner life - the mind alert but not focused on producing a result.
Childhood in summer Thinking about our efforts to plan play dates for our children, taking
Our lives have become more purposeful and serious than ever before, especially in our nation’s capital. How can we justify idleness? The temptation is to see idleness as laziness, but laziness is a desire not to be productive. Idleness is our state of mind before we have begun to make a plan. It has no agenda and enjoys the moment for what it is. It is in fact a rich and fertile state. Most of us have some moments of idleness - a chance to dream and a respite from our busy schedule. And dreaming can be a highly creative state - filled with innovation and flashes of new connections. Though most of us have a limited time to be idle, it is perhaps more than an indulgence - rather it can feed the soul and stir the mind. So, this summer consider tarrying for just a little while longer. “It is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the submerged truth sometimes comes to the top.” Virginia Woolf Ronda Bresnick Hauss is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of the Quiet Waters Center for Trauma, Stress and Resilience, on Capitol Hill. She uses an integrative & holistic approach to psychotherapy – addressing the connection between the mind, body and spirit through the use of traditional talk therapy, meditation, visualization, and creative, non-verbal techniques. She can be reached at: 202-544-5050 and is on the web at: HYPERLINK “http://www.quietwaterscenter.com” ★
Kids & Family notebook
Youth Arts Program drawing class Photo: Bruce McKaig
CHAW Fall 2011 After School Arts Program Registration Opens The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) opens registration for its popular after school Youth Arts Program on Monday, July 18. This innovative arts program, which runs in the fall from Aug. 29-Dec. 16, provides students ages 5-12 with a high-quality arts education in a unique, multidisciplinary environment. Classes include Ceramics, Guitar, Movie Making, Musical Theater, Sculpture, Drawing, Watercolor, Mural Painting, Tap, Art History, the Capitol Hill Youth Choir, Mixed Martial Arts (in partnership with Capitol Hill Martial Arts), and more. New classes include Pop Art, Performance Art, Installation Art, Curating, and a Creative Writing class focusing on Capitol Hill stories in partnership with the organization Lifting Voices. Van pick-up is available from local schools to CHAW. Tuition assistance and payment plans are also available. CHAW offers a discount for registrations before Aug. 19. CHAW also presents “Ask Leslie,” a free service featuring CHAW’s Youth Education Coordinator Leslie Andrus who provides guidance in determining appropriate
classes for each child. Contact Leslie at 202-547-6839 or landrus@chaw.org. CHAW also offers Private Music Instruction in a variety of instruments for students of all ages. For a complete list of workshops, classes or registration information, please visit CHAW’s website at www.chaw.org or call 202547-6839.
DC Sail Camps and Sailing Opportunities Kids Set Sail is a weekly camp for children aged 7-14 where teamwork is established through hands on experience sailing the Potomac. Throughout the week, campers are taught boating through a multitude of exciting and invigorating lessons. They will learn water safety, navigational skills, assorted sciences, and most importantly sailing! Kids Set Sail is 8, one-week sessions through Aug. 12. Schooner Camp takes place on their 65 ft. Schooner, the American Spirit. This camp is intended for preteens up to high school students. For one week, campers assume control and learn how to sail, crew and maintain a large boat. Along with boating skills, children are taught navigational skills, ecology, and other assorted math and
science lessons. Schooner Camp runs in 4, one-week sessions from July 11Aug. 5. When Schooner Camp is not in session, the American Spirit is used for recreational and private charters. DC Sail hosts several events that take place on the American Spirit such as Sunset Sails, Boating and Baseball and their annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise. DC Sail targets local youth who do not typically have the opportunity to get on the water. Scholarships are available for both Schooner Camp and Kids Set Sail. These are filling up quickly so apply now at dcsail.org/scholarships. For the last ten years, DC Sail has been providing DC area people with a place to develop sailing and boating safety skills. For more information visit dcsail.org or call 202-547-1250.
DC United Kids’ Day at RFK Saturday, July 2, 5:30 PM. DC United vs Philadelphia Union, 7:00 PM, kickoff. Join DC United for a series of matchday events created exclusively for their younger fans. The day features Kids’ Day Passports (The first 500 kids that bring their completed Kids’ Day Passports to the prize table will receive a special goody bag.); video game truck; DC United tattoos; Train Like the Pros activity station; speed kick; bean bag toss. dcunited.com
Mark Heckler Named 2011 Echoing Green Fellow Echoing Green, a leading network for next-generation social innovators, proudly announces its selection of Mark Hecker of Reach Incorporated as a 2011 Echoing Green Fellow – one of 22 named today’s boldest social change visionaries in the fields of human rights, health, and education, among others. Reach Incorporated is capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 115
kidsfamily notebook a highly innovative literacy program that recruits and trains struggling adolescent readers to tutor DC elementary school students in need of additional support. The program launched this year at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School and will add a second site at Eastern Senior High School in the fall. reachincorporated.org
(4) If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. (5) Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity. (6) If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault. Don’t whine about your mistakes. Learn from them. (7)
abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to anything in real life. (9) Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that
Summer Skating Saturdays at Fort Dupont This summer instead of structured Learn to Skate classes the Kids on Ice program will offer 4 open practice sessions exclusively for KOI skaters, past, present and future! All children ages 5-17 are welcome to participate, both those new to skating and those who have been in the KOI programs for years. These sessions will be open to all skaters registered in KOI program (Learn to Skate, Hockey, Speed and Synchro) in the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 sessions, as well as firsttime learn-to-skaters. Skilled instructors will be on the ice to lend a hand and work on basic skating skills, but unlike in years past there will not be structured 25-minute lessons. Instead all skaters will have to opportunity to skate for 90 minutes--a great way to have fun and get out of the summer heat, and more time spent skating is the best way to improve! Free except for $3 skate rental. Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, noon-1:30 PM. 202584-5007. fdia.org
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Are you a teen or college student? Take part in the Taking Action for Animals Student Summit and join a national network of young people who are speaking up for animals. The Student Summit is restricted to those ages 13-22. To register, call 888-259-5088 or email info@takingactionforanimals.org. The $25 cost of registration includes classes/activities that collectively make the Student Summit, vegan pizza lunch, and private Lobby Day training. Parents do not have to (but can) sit in the room with children, but need to be on the premises. They will also need to fill out a Parental Release Form. Sunday, July 17, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, 2100 L St. NW. 888-259-5088. If you have questions, email jkrish@ humanesociety.org.
Mars Day! is an annual event at the Museum that celebrates the Red Planet with a variety of educational and fun family activities. Visitors will be able to interact one-on-one with National Air and Space Museum scientists, as well as scientists from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and NASA, who are active in Mars research and mission planning. Visitors can see a real meteorite that came from Mars, learn about Mars missions, see amazingly detailed images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, view the surface of Mars in 3-D, learn about the geology of Mars, and more. Friday, July 22, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Free. Independence Ave. at Sixth St. SW. 202-633-2214. nasm.si.edu
Stuart-Hobson Chess team shown with 3rd place team trophy following the May 21 Chess Challenge tournament held at Columbia Heights Education Campus. From left, Truth Hall, chess coach, Rudy Schreiber, Terrell Branch, James Pointdexter, Christopher Tate. Photo: Sarah Hubbard
Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you think you are. (8) Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools, they have
Taking Action for Animals Student Summit
Mars Family Day at Air and Space
Young sailors Photo: Courtesy of DC sail
Bill Gates’ 11 Things You Won’t Learn in School Bill Gates recently gave a speech at high school about and spoke about 11 things the students did not and will not learn in school. He talked about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this can set them up for failure in the real world. (1) Life is not fair--get used to it. (2) The world doesn’t care about your selfesteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself. (3) You will not make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
this to Kids and Family Notebook.
on your own time. (10) Television is not real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. (11) Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one. Thank you, Lendia Sue Johnson, MPD Community Outreach Coordinator Seventh District, for sending
“Sweet Tweets” Movies at National Gallery of Art On July 16 and 20, 10:30 AM and July 17, 11:30 AM, in the East Building Concourse Auditorium, for ages 4 and up. Join them for a hilarious and gentle program dedicated to our feathered friends in their infinite variety. Some sing, most fly, and in this collection of animated films from around the world the avian protago-
nists have big personalities guaranteed to make you smile. Films include Canary Beat (Germany, 2006), Maestro (Hungary, 2005), Birds of a Feather (U.S., 2010), Pingu Goes Fishing (Switzerland, 1986), Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (U.S., 2009), The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin (Canada, 1986), and Philadelphia Chickens (U.S., 2010). Free. Fourth and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-737-4215. nga. gov
Roller Skating at Anacostia Park Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. From Penn. Ave., just before the bridge, south on Fairlawn Ave. and right onto Nicholson and then into the park. Skates may be borrowed for use. Some sizes are limited. 202-472-3873.
See the New Lion Cubs at the Zoo On Aug. 31 and Sept. 22, 2010, the Zoo’s two lionesses each gave birth to a litter of cubs. Shera’s four cubs were born earlier; Naba’s three cubs were born later. The Zoo’s lion pride, including the seven cubs, are on exhibit most days from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The schedule may change without notice depending on animal management or staffing needs. 202-633-4888. nationalzoo.si.edu
Nationals Baseball Family Day On Saturday, July 9, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM. Take me out to the museum! The American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are pleased to welcome all to their fifth annual Baseball Family Day with the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. Come take your picture with ball players from noon-1:00 PM and enjoy lots of fun activities, crafts, and musical performances. Free. American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery, Kogod Courtyard, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-6337970. americanart.si.edu ★ capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 117
kidsfamily school notes and children.” To celebrate, Jenkins Hill hosted a party at Pound coffee shop last month. If you were not able to make it and would like to make a donation, you can go to www.jenkinshillcdc.org.
school notes Compiled by Susan Braun Johnson
Two Rivers PCS News Secretary Of Education Declares Two Rivers A “ Great, Great School” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan toured Two Rivers Public Charter School yesterday as part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative called “Champions for Change” and in partnership with the organization WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students).
Mr. Eric Snow, National Director, WATCH D.O.G.S., visited Two Rivers to observe the WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteer program in action. Close to 20 fathers with students in the elementary school were on hand to demonstrate their commitment to both Two Rivers and their students. Two Rivers is a long-standing school partner of WATCH D.O.G.S. and was selected based on its innovative, academic model as well as the school’s strong belief in the importance of parental involvement in each student’s education. 1227 4th St. NE, www.tworiverspcs.org.
Jenkins Hill Child Development Center News Thirty years ago, Linda Cromartie had a dream and a purpose. She believed that “very Two Rivers 3rd grader explains their math lesson to Secretary Duncan young children Secretary Duncan showed his need time to learn without pressure support for innovative education by and they learn best through play and spending an hour visiting classrooms. exploration.” Linda founded Jenkins He listened to a kindergartener read Hill Child Development Center and a book he’d written, chatted with first opened its doors to the families with graders about the books they were young children on Capitol Hill on reading, heard from third graders April 1, 1981. Now living in North Carolina, how to play math games, and observed fifth graders launch a creative Linda recalls a number of people writing project. The Secretary praised that were instrumental in the success the school, noting that the “students of Jenkins Hill throughout the years. feel so supported.” He made a point Nancy Martin, a civic activist who to personally thank teachers, school passed away last year, was Jenkins founders, and parent volunteers for Hill’s “first whole-hearted supporter” and the mother of the school’s first their hard work. Secretary Duncan, along with student. Ruth Money was the center’s first director and helped to develop a 118 ★ HillRag | July 2011
River Park Nursery School News
Jenkins Hill Development Center celebrated 30 years recently.
RPNS students recently enjoyed a field trip to the Carousel on the National Mall. Braving the 90+ degree heat, everyone took a cool ride on the Metro, explored the Smithsonian gardens and stirred up a breeze on the Carousel. Parents and children also attended a barbecue to thank school director, Miss Bernardette and assistant teacher Ms. Ana for their extraordinary work this year. For more information about RPNS visit the school’s website at www.riverparknurseryschool.org or call 202 546-7767. 212 East Capitol St, NE. -Suzanne Nelson.
child-centered environment on a shoestring budget. Then there was director Mary Rush who brought “spirit and joyfulness” to the center. It is impossible to forget the dynamic teaching team of Jemaell Lyles and Carla Dean who warmly coddled just as many parents as they did babies. And then there’s Susan Nowak, the center’s director for the past eleven years who Linda describes as someone “who possesses the commitment and staying power to maintain and River Park Nursery School students enjoy the shade in the lead the school.” Susan Smithsonian’s Moongate Garden. too recalls a number of people such as Linda Rotunno, Ellen MacGarrigle, Denise Diggs, and Joe and Amy Weedon, whose children all attended Jenkins Hill and who Often the world is brought to all contributed greatly to the center’s Brent Museum Magnet Elementary continued success. Susan states, “PaSchool through activities such as Chirental involvement is a requirement nese classes and International Night, at Jenkins Hill. We would not exist but this summer Brent will be visitwithout the support of the parents ing the world! Well, that is five of its currently at the center, their continued teachers will be visiting China as part support after they leave us, and the of an educational leadership study tour. support of a community like Capitol Th e teachers will spend twelve days in Hill which values highly its families China where they will have the op-
Brent Elementary News
portunity to interact with Chinese educators and learn about Chinese culture and education. This is a wonderful follow-on to the 3rd-grade’s partnership with the Washington National Opera this year in which they learned about Chinese opera, geography and culture. The students performed a dance, poems, and skits at both Brent and at the WNO’s studio. On June 5, Brent families and neighbors enjoyed their first community event with Sonoma Restaurant - a pig roast! Sonoma’s Chef Bonk (honorary resident chef at Brent) and his staff served up delicious food while kids played, got their faces painted, and enjoyed this kick-off to summer. Speaking of summer, Coach David Hidalgo will keep the kids running with his soccer camp. Students in grades K-5 can sign up for any of six oneweek sessions from June 27 to August 12. The camp runs from 9 - noon and will meet at Folger Park Field or in the Brent Gym. At just $100/week, this camp is a bargain! For more information contact: david.a.hidalgo@gmail. com. Brent Museum Magnet Elementary School is located at 301 N. Carolina Ave, SE. 202698-3363. www.brentelementary.org. -E.V. Downey.
Capitol Hill Cluster School News Best of 2010-11 When asked about this year’s high points, Cluster School assistant principals responded enthusiastically: Suriya Douglas Williams, Peabody Early Childhood Center: “My favorite moments? Watching students experience the joys of planting, harvesting, cooking, sharing, and eating the fruits of their labor; enjoying the Black History showcase, with kindergarteners conducting research and giving written, 3-D, and oral presentations; seeing capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 119
kidsfamily school notes
Capitol Hill Cluster School students and parents enjoy a Watkins third-grade Civil War dance demonstration, led by a PTA-funded visiting dancer.
students successfully transition into an increasingly inclusive setting.” Dr. Joan Jackson, Watkins Elementary: “For me, this year’s greatest moment was MLK Day, when the entire school went to support the fourthgraders’ recitation of King’s speech at Lincoln Memorial. We received emails from people all over the country stating how impressed they were not only with the students’ recitation, but also with how their rendition epitomized Dr. King’s dream. Another big moment was the awesome Move Your Body dance, with nearly 80 students enjoying themselves and sharing in the health movement. The dance, by a diverse group of students, represented all that the world can be.” Olutayo O. Ayodeji, StuartHobson Middle School: “Here’s a list of glows: 15 students placing first or second in the citywide National History Day competition; $6000 in Capitol Hill Community Foundation grants for instrumental music and SMART technology; DCIAA middle school track and ski championships; the Geoplunge championship; third place in the citywide Civic Education Mock Hearings; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s visit; and President Barack Obama and his family’s presence at our MLK day of service.”
PTA Supports Visiting Artists and More At an end-of-the-year celebration, the PTA demonstrated the innovative ways Cluster School parents are mak120 ★ HillRag | July 2011
ing an impact. The event showcased student performances, enhanced by visiting artists, dancers, and actors, and other student projects, all funded by the PTA. “I am smart. I am beautiful. I can do anything if I try!” Watkins first-graders shouted during a hip hop performance they had created with visiting artists. Second-graders, coached by Arena Stage actors, performed a skit, and third-graders, studying the Civil War, performed a period folk dance, taught to them by a professional dancer. Stuart-Hobson football players demonstrated a play (good-naturedly tackling beloved outgoing Principal Brandon Eatman). Students from Peabody displayed their vibrantly painted clay bowls (“safe to eat from,” they proudly chirped) and served up pasta with pesto.
Exercise Equipment Needed Stuart-Hobson is seeking used exercise equipment, including exercise bicycles, work or weight benches, an incline rack, weight sets that include bars and lock mechanisms, home gyms, and working treadmills. Molly Dewsnap Meinhardt and Julie Somers. www.capitolhillclusterschool. org. Campuses: Peabody Early Childhood Center and School Within a School, 425 C St. NE; Watkins Elementary and Montessori, 420 12th St. SE; Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 410 E St. NE
St. Peter School News Third Grade Finds the Lost Parts of Speech
With the help of some top notch detectives, the third graders were able to solve the case. BRAVO!
Moving On Up! On June 4, St. Peter School graduates donned caps and gowns and processed in St. Peter’s Church for Mass and the graduation ceremony. Honors awarded included the St. Peter School Award for embodying the spirit of St. Peter School, solid academic achievement, leadership, respect and spiritual development to Amanda Caroline Peranich; the Presidential Award for Academic Achievement for significant academic growth and achievement in the arts to Summer Batterson and Bradley Credit; the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence for maintaining a grade point average of 90 percent or higher to Ben Hulse, Maura Reilly, Julia Schillo, and Emma Williams; and the Distinguished Student Award for excelling academically and displaying exemplary character to Maura Reilly. Also, the newest members of the O’Sullivan Society were recognized for attending St. Peter School from Pre-K through eighth grade, including Summer Batterson, Bradley Credit, Josie Fitzpatrick, Ben Hulse, Frances King, Caroline Peranich, Maura Reilly, and Eric Romero. Following the conferring of diplomas, a reception was held in the Church Hall hosted by the seventh grade class. Congratulations to the St. Peter’s Class of 2011! Enjoy your summer!
Seventh Grade Tours Mall by Bike! St. Peter School’s seventh grade rounded out the school year touring the National Mall - this time by bike. On the tour, students visited
As a final third grade project, talented class performed the musical Tracers of the Lost Parts of Speech for students and parents. The performance, during which students act out different parts of speech to help solve the case of the missing word, is a St. Peter School tradition dating back over twenty years! Third-Graders Perform the Lost Parts of Speech. Photo: Sheila Walter.
and gave reports on many the Mall’s historic sites including the Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument. The tour was skillfully guided by Ms. Lea Marmora, seventh grade homeroom teacher; veteran cyclist and parent David Hrdy; and DC Metropolitan Police Officer and parent Vincent Turner. Highlights of the tour included lunch at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial; a spin on the Smithsonian Castle carousel AND, a wave from President Obama from his motorcade! Many thanks to the neighborhood businesses that graciously supported the effort, including James Martin of Capitol Hill Bikes and Ernest Clark of City Bikes who volunteered to check over the bikes and give students safe biking tips! Sally Aman. St. Peter School, 422 Third St, SE; 202-544-1618, www. stpetersinterparish.org.
Payne Elementary News Visiting Heifer’s Global Village Did you know that that there is a global village less than 70 miles outside of DC? Well, if not, ask one of Payne’s 4th or 5th grade students to tell you all about it. During a daylong field trip to the village located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, students learned how people live around the world, discussed environmental sustainability, and practiced building skills in cooperation, critical thinking and teamwork. They worked together to plan and cook a full meal in their village, visited and learned about how domesticated animals support healthy lifestyles in their focus country, and compared life in their village country to life in Washington DC. The global village currently has houses modeled after villages in Guatemala, Mozambique, Kenya, and are planning on completing Thailand and Tibet in the next year. We look forward to seeing the global village expand and next year we hope to send Payne’s fifth graders on an overnight to the village. Stay tuned! Kyle Evans, World Cultures Catalyst Coordinator, kyle. evans@dc.gov, Vielka Scott-Marcus, Principal, vielka.scott@dc.gov; Juanita
Payne students learn about the world through experiential learning at Heifer’s Global Village.
Stokes, Preschool Teacher, Juanita. stokes@dc.gov. 1445 C Street, S.E.
Capitol Hill Day School News Transitions
Last month, CHDS celebrated the Class of 2011 with songs, speeches, musical performances, and roses and diplomas. As they recessed, each eighth grader was escorted by his or her siblings, as well as a proud kindergartener, no doubt imagining his or her own graduation. This year, they look forward with added excitement as the school has just begun a major renovation of their 100 year old schoolhouse, as well as preparations to move into nearby temporary space. When they return to the Dent building in January 2012, they will enjoy a new science lab, music room, and reception foyer, larger classrooms, flexible gathering spaces, and an elevator. Check out CHDS’ summer reading lists at www.chds.org and visit them in September at 1000
At Capitol Hill Day School, we know that the end of the school year brings mixed emotions – sadness at saying good-bye and excitement about summer plans and moving up a grade. Older students meet with and reassure younger students, who ask questions about classroom routines and expectations. This year’s kindergarteners asked first-graders what they studied (frogs), if they have homework (no), and if first grade is fun (yes!). Sixth-graders explained the middle school structure of moving among classrooms to study each subject with different teachers, and left fifth-graders eagerly anticipating the arts and extracurricular choices they will enjoy next year, as well as new leadership opportunities. CHDS KG & 8th grade buddies. Photo: Venuta Carulli The culminating event is the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, attended by Fifth Street, SE! –Jane Angarola. all members of the community 210 South Carolina Avenue, SE; – students, teachers, and families. www.chds.org. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 121
Robert Pohl runs his monuments tour shtick past the 3rd grade.
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Maury Elementary News Last but Not Least! Maury students are cramming everything they can into the last leg of the school year! There have been musical performances (including Don’t Stop Believing – yep, Glee), our problem-solving Think Tank challenges that promote higher-order thinking (How would YOU balance 5 heavy nails on one teetering nail? Ask a Maury student!), spelling bees, and field trips (educational and fun). One lucky class got a White House tour (and popped into the W Hotel for a swanky bathroom stop and some fresh W apples). Maury parent Robert Pohl of Walking Shtick Tours twice braved the heat to take 5th and 3rd graders on a day-long tour of the monuments. (They now know exactly where Kilroy has been at the WW2 Memorial.)
Budding Playwrights Ms. Scott’s first-graders had a burst of creativity with several students creating a series of books centered on “Kaya”, the main character whom we see as a baby, as a little girl, a woman getting married, and a few moments in between. It is a great reflection on the class culture and climate that these students were encouraged to write and illustrate the books, and were then allowed to perform them for the class. Books were adapted to plays, costumes and props were brought from home, and one student had her camera to film it. This performance spurred others to create and perform their stories, too!
Thank You! On behalf of Maury Elementary, thank 122 ★ HillRag | July 2011
you! We appreciate how much the community has supported Maury and its causes over the school year. All the people who bought our notecards (and the businesses that sold them!), everyone who came to our events, who tutored our students, and who granted us funds, thank you so much for your support and for your role in our success. Have a wonderful summer!-Heather Schoell. Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE. 202-863-3698 or www.mauryelementary.com.
Tyler Elementary News Arts Celebrations May was a busy month at Tyler for both the language and visual arts. Recital de Poesia was held to celebrate poetry and Spanish. Ms. Bustios’ class performed “Dame La Mano” and Ms. Corona’s class performed “Magia de Primavera.” Several students and classrooms were subsequently invited to participate in DCPS’ first ever Festival de Poesia sponsored by the Office of Bilingual Education. In May, the DC Public Education Fund’s Young Professional Committee hosted Art Night: A Celebration of Student Artists at the Mandarin Oriental DC. Tyler is an Arts Integration Catalyst School, and selected pieces of art done by the students were chosen to be displayed at the hotel’s gallery. The art work was bought by many of those attending Art Night; one man offered $1,500 for three pieces of art from Ms. Krystopowicz’s class. Over $10,000 was raised that evening, and the money will be used to support arts integration activities in the schools and to give savings bonds to the student artists. The art will be on display
Now ng Enrolli s Grade 6-12
It’s cooking time on the Hill this summer… and look who’s in the kitchen! Littlest Chefs Camp (3-5 years) Camp Sessions: July 18-22 • July 25-29 • Aug. 15-19 • Aug. 22-26 Camp Time: 9am – 1:30 pm, M - F Little Chefs Camp (6-9 years) Camp Sessions: Aug. 1-5 • Aug. 8-12 Camp Time: 9am – 1:30 pm, M - F
C.I.T. Chefs-in-Training Camp (10-12 years) Camp Sessions: July 25-29 • Aug. 8-12 Camp Time: 2:30-5:30 pm, M - F
Drop Off: Eastern Market - the corner of 7th & N. Carolina NE (across from Port City Java) Pick Up: Ebenezer’s UMC Annex (420 D Street SE)
Registration at: www.cookingthyme.org Contact: rachel.moore@cookingthyme.org or Rachel Moore 985.705.0378
“Exceptional Education for Exceptional Students!” • • • •
5:1 Student to Adult Ratio State-of-the-Art Computer Technology Therapeutic Special Education Program Vocational Program that offers Culinary Arts, Cosmetology • JROTC • Outstanding Athletics
Call 202-547-1028 today! to schedule an interview and tour of the school. 1375 E Street NE Washington DC 20002 www.optionsschool.org capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 123
kidsfamily school notes Your Life”. The Keynote Speaker, DC youth Mayor, David Williams, was introduced by Natori White. Awards for academics and extracurricular activities were presented along with the Certificates of Promotion to the Class of 2011 amid cheers of proud parents and family members. Meg Brinckman. 401 Eye St. SW; 202-7244867.
LaShante’ Knight, Principal ABES greets families and students. The 5th Grade Royal Learners Ensemble prepare to sing
in the hotel’s gallery (1330 Maryland Avenue, SW) through July 1.
Amidon-Bowen News 5th Graders Cap off a Year of Learning On June 10, the Royal Learners – the name adopted by the 5th grade class- participated in a promotional ceremony to mark their transition into Middle School. Aliya Soloman, Natori White, and Jada Williams shared mistresses of Ceremony duties. Principal LaShante’ Knight greeted parents and community members who gathered to celebrate this step forward for the students. The class read their essays on “One Step Closer to a Career,” and Malick Sebo, Mylan Barnes, Sean Palmer, Vinquisha Smith and Tyree Taylor led the class pledge. The pledge developed by the class last fall states; “Education is our number one priority,” and celebrates the need to try “tomorrow and in future years to come.” It ends with a promise; “When I get to the top of the mountain, I will help someone else to make the climb…” The Royal Learners Ensemble presented musical selections, “Sing America Sing”, “A Gift to Share”, and the favorite “Put a Little Love in 124 ★ HillRag | July 2011
St. Anselm’s News
St. Anselm’s Abbey School held its sixty-sixth Vespers of Graduation on May 28. The Class of 2011 is made up of 35 young men, 22 of whom were honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and the College Board in their annual scholarship competitions this year. The young men of the Class of 2011 have been accepted to over 150 colleges and universities around the country and have received over $4.5 million in college scholarship awards and grants. As St. Anselm’s does not calculate class rank, the student speakers are chosen by the faculty and staff for their academic and community achievements. The student speakers were Farrell Sheehan, winner of the St. Anselm of Canterbury Award for service to the school community, and Joseph Downs, winner of the Austin Scholar Award for academic excellence. Abbey Adventures, the St. Anselm’s summer camp, is up and running and promises a lot of activity, learning, and fun for kids from across the metropolitan area. Offerings include sports such as basketball, lacrosse, and tennis, and academics such as study skills, English, Latin, and math. Limited spaces may still be available -- check the website at www.saintanselms.org for more information. St. Anselm’s Abbey School is an
independent Roman Catholic day school for academically gifted boys in grades 6-12. Located on a 43-acre campus in the North Michigan Park neighborhood of NE Washington, St. Anselm’s offers its 232 boys a rigorous, college-preparatory, classical education. Limited spaces may be available for fall 2011. Contact admissions@ saintanselms.org to inquire. by E.V. Downey. 4501 South Dakota Avenue, NE, 202-269-2379,
Eliot Hine School News Eliot-Hine had a very exciting month! A group of sixth, seventh and eighth grade-students participated in a special trip to the White House to participate in a basketball clinic with the University of Connecticut, the NCAA championship team! The students and staff got a private tour of the White House and front row seats to President Obama’s awards ceremony. The eighth graders have been busy this month working hard on projects for math and science, and enjoying numerous end-of-the year activities. In June, the eighth graders and their teachers headed out to Busch Gardens for a day of fun and also boarded the Spirit of Washington and enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing. The eighth grade promotion on June 13 was a wonderful culminating activity for the students, as family and friends watched them mark a special time in their lives. Also, everyone is extremely proud
of students who participated in the Art Experience 101 at the Corcoran Gallery. For four weeks students focused on the themes of identity and symbolism in portraiture. After discussing works from the Corcoran’s collection including Joshua Johnson’s, Grace Allison McCurdy, Mary and Letitia Grace and Gordon Parks’ American Gothic, students composed their own identity maps. Eliot Hine is still enrolling students for SY 2011-2012! Stop by the main office over the summer to enroll: 1830 Constitution Ave; www.eliothinemiddleschool.org; 202-939-5380.
Friendship Public Charter School News The Arts Come Alive on Capitol Hill Friendship Public Charter School celebrated its Sixth Annual Arts Festival on June 4 at its Chamberlain campus located at 1345 Potomac Ave., SE. The crowd of close to 400 parents, neighbors, students and teachers were entertained by student visual and performing arts presentations. Highlights included the Chamberlain and Collegiate Marching Bands, the Step Team from the Kappa Leadership League and scenes from Romeo and Juliet by the Tech Prep Players. There was also a Friendship Idol Competition. School Notes will take a break for the month of August but will be back in September. If you have a submission, please email it to me at schools@hillrag.com. ~SBJ ★
The St. Anselm’s Abbey School Class of 2011.
Homes & Gardens the hill gardener
Summer’s Pink Blush Roses Keep the Hill in Color photos and article by Rindy O’Brien
Roses can add massive amounts of color to your summer garden, like this one on 6th Street, SE.
T
he summer of 2011 is already a hot one. Flowers that tend to bloom in June and spill over to July already have popped and we are rushing out to water morning and night to keep those other summer plants alive. Yet, there seems to be an endless supply of pinks and reds on every block. Sometimes there is a whole wave of pink color sticking up in the public median of Pennsylvania Avenue. The rose is officially the nation’s flower, and the Hill’s source of summer color.
The Margaret Hagedorn Rose Garden In 2006, the Margaret Hagedorn Rose Garden was dedicated as a formal garden space in the United States Botanic Garden’s National Garden. Margaret Hagedorn was the mother of the President of Scott’s Company and died in 1984. We know Scott’s Company as the creator of Miracle Gro. The company donated the money for the rose garden. “The garden is dedicated to grow-
ing the rose without the use of fungicides or insecticides,” said Sharon Hanes, a rose garden horticulturist volunteer leading a tour one early summer evening at the Botanic Garden. “The garden does the best we can to demonstrate what an organic rose garden can do. But the hot and humid DC summers can really challenge even the best rose gardener,” Sharon added. Sharon is originally from Portland, Oregon where roses enjoy cooler and damper weather, not unlike the weather conditions in England. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 125
Sharon Hanes is a volunteer at the US Botanic Garden and a rose expert. She leads tours of the Hagedorn Rose Garden.
One of the 20 participants at the May Rose Garden tour stopped to check out the fragrance of a David Austin Rose.
And there is a whole division of volunteers at the Botanic Garden that handpick black spotted leaves off the bushes to keep them disease free. Back at home, your garden corps is made up of you and your children pledging to help, and the young ones usually disappear at the sign of real work and heat. All that said, the Hagedorn Rose garden is a great place to go to get a sense of your rosegrowing possibilities. The roses are also planted with other interesting combinations of annual and perennial flowers so it is easy to see what makes an engaging grouping of roses and flowers. Roses can grow to many different heights, and Knockout roses bloom spring through fall and are pretty some can spread out quicker much maintenance free, which is why they are found in public spaces such as the Congressional Cemetery. than one might imagine. Some roses are climbers. Others seem to hug the ground. Knowing a With the summer heat having little something of the history of the come early, there were not a lot of rose and the many advances in rose roses in full bloom for the tour. The evolution will help you appreciate the motto of the Botanic Garden rose ever blooming and colorful plant. specialists is “Right Plant, Right Place.” The botanic garden staff is not afraid to rotate and move the rose Remember this year - 1867 As Sharon Hanes gathered the 20 bushes if they are not doing well in or so interested people who had come one spot of the garden. 126 ★ HillRag | July 2011
for the rose garden tour, she began her talk with a question: Why is 1867 such an important date for the rose? The answer is that, in that year, roses were divided into two important classifications, the “old roses” and “modern roses.” This is where a lot of us yawn and wish we had gone to the free summer jazz concert at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. But, just like in the world of tomatoes where we have gone from planting the new improved Big Boys to seeking out the seeds of heirloom tomatoes, the same trend is returning to roses. The Old Garden Rose is making a comeback. According to the American Rose Society, there are 15 major classes of the Old Garden Roses that include the albas, bourbons, centifolias, chinas, damasks, gallicas, moss roses, noisettes, and portlands. One of the biggest differences between these roses and our more action packed modern roses is that they flower only once a summer. And the roses, for the most part, have either a single petal or are very full with multipetals. Napoleon’s wife, Josphine, loved roses. She was determined to grow all of the then-known varieties of roses, some 250 of them, in her La Malmaison estate near Paris. In the process of looking for these different roses,
the modern rose was discovered. The Botanic Garden has planted both old and modern roses so you can get a real sense of the difference.
The New Breed The two rose gurus of our times are guys named Bill and David, actually that is Sir David and Mr. Knockout, two very fine rose breeders who have received accolades across the world for their hybrid tea roses and shrub rose bushes. One is American and the other British, but the two have cornered the market in rose sales and records. William Radler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin developed the disease resistant hardy rose that he called the Knock Out rose. Bill’s Knock Out rose, released in 2005, has outsold all other roses and this year he was awarded the prestigious Jane Righter Rose Medal by The Garden Club of America. Bill says he was looking for a hardy rose that would be pretty much maintenance free when he began his work on the Knock Out rose. The family of roses that now has 20 some varieties has a never-ending cycle of blooming and growth and survives in heat as well as winter almost anywhere in the US. If unpruned, the rose bushes can easily grow to be
START HAVING THE YARD OF YOUR DREAMS more than 3 to 4 feet wide, and 3 to 4 feet tall. The pink roses along Pennsylvania Avenue and in many of the other public spaces are most likely Knock Out roses. A couple of tips in caring for the Knock Out rose are to remove the faded blooms by deadheading (just gently snap the old flower off ) to encourage new growth and it should bloom well into the fall. Also, water the Knock Out rose bush at the bottom of the shrub. This is good advice, according to Sharon Hanes, for any rose bush. Reducing a roses exposure to overhead watering prevents leaf spot and disease. Meanwhile, across the pond, David Austin of Wolverhampton, England, has spent 60 years combining the “old roses” that have lush forms and sensual fragrances with the colors and repeat flowering of the modern roses. The David Austin roses are most often thornless shrubs and some are even climbers. He really started his work and business because he wanted to bring to the world a greater choice of cut roses, those are used in flower arrangements, especially for weddings. His 2011 retail catalogue contains 900 different varieties, covering English Roses, Old Roses, species and climbing roses. At age 78, Sir David is still very active in his breeding program and spreading the word around the world about the world of roses. Sharon Hanes has chosen two David Austin English Rose Shrubs as her favorite roses in the Botanic Garden’s collection. She has named the Pat Austin and the Gertrude Jekyll as simply the most beautiful. If you don’t have color in your garden today, then look into the maintenance free roses, because obviously they are well suited for our Hill life.
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Rindy O’Brien is moving soon and with her goes her treasured tea rose, the GaryKarr Rose. If you have questions or ideas contact rindyob@mac.com with your thoughts. ★
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 127
homesgardens
?
Ask Judith
Exploding Toilets, Part II by Judith Capen, RA
P
erhaps you remember last month’s detailed discussion about 19th c. toilets, their tendency to explode, or if not blow up at least smell really bad. My fan, who, besides telling me she loves my column, asked about exploding toilets (thoroughly answered) also asked: Q. If my house had that outdoor toilet, did it also have indoor plumbing in 1886? What were the kitchen and bathroom like? A. I think your house had indoor plumbing even if the toilet was on the back porch. Older houses didn’t have plumbing, but by the late 1870s they were probably built with it. The Christian Heurich Mansion, 1892-94, the most intact late-Victorian house in the country and a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places here in Washington, has an astonishingly intact 19th c. bathroom which you should visit. www. brewmasterscastle.com You can see another wonderfully intact bathroom in the 1879 Emlen Physick house in Cape May, New Jersey by combining a trip to the east coast’s best seashore town with a visit to a historic bathroom. www.capemaymac.org
The bathroom in the Physick house, for another rich guy, was floored and surfaced floor-to-ceiling with that not very attractive grey marble that federal buildings of the ‘30s have for toilet partitions and wainscoating. Helene Au’s description of two houses built for her grandfather helps us tease out clues about kitchens and bathrooms for regular people in 1885: “…kitchen to have a No 8 Portable Improved Range with water back of…” Many 19th c. kitchen ranges were fully demountable appliances made of cast iron plates bolted together, thus, presumably, the “portable.” In their portable form they went west in the wagons of settlers peopling the Great Plains. The stoves were known by number of plates: a six-plate stove was just a firebox with a cooking surface; a ten-plate stove had two compartments with hinged doors, one for the fire, the other an oven. These stoves were made at every local foundry, possibly explaining why the specified stove had no brand name. The “water back” probably referred to a water reservoir that was part of the stove for hot water. The range was likely coal-fueled as coal is a more en-
ergy dense fuel than wood meaning less bulk to handle and store in the city. The C and O Canal was bringing tons of coal to Washington, both to foundries along Maine Avenue and for heating and cooking throughout the city. “…partitions adjoining bath tubs…to be made of well seasoned tongued and grooved partition stuff not over 3 in. wide - yellow pine...” The second floor house plans show the walls separating and defining the bathroom are very thin: exactly as they
ABOVE: A Scary Toilet LEFT AND RIGHT: Fancy bathrooms from 1888 Mott Iron Works catalog, not likely found in OUR houses.
128 ★ HillRag | July 2011
would be if a single layer of tongue and groove boards. This kind of board partition still separates the run of stairs to the basement from the first floor hall in many of our houses. If our houses originally had such wispy walls, probably little evidence of them is left, over a hundred years later. “Wainscot the kitchens all around 3 ft 3 in high with 3 center reed wainscoting Va pine and white pine capping.” Beaded-board wainscot was common in late-Victorian houses, often used in kitchens and bathrooms for a durable and easily cleaned surface, capped with a robust molding. “Sink and bathtub to have hot and cold water supply.” Only two fixtures in the houses had both hot and cold water: the second floor bathtub and the first floor kitchen sink. “A 30 gall [sic] galv. boiler on iron stand, with sediment cock, brass couplings and well connected to stove range for each kitchen...” This “boiler” appears as a circle in the kitchen between the sink and the range and must have provided hot water in addition to that from the stove “water back.” As the 19th century progressed,
No Hassle Composting If you’ve been interested in composting your food wastes but aren’t ready to do it in the backyard on account of the pavilion, fire pit, lawn furniture, Pimm’s Cup drinking, cigar smoking, or your spouse muttering “Rats. Over my dead body,” I have found the perfect alternative: compostcab.com. These folks provide you with a bin for organic wastes: veggie trimmings, apple cores, plate scrapings. Then they pick it up once a week, take it away, and turn it into lovely compost. They will give the compost back to you for your garden or donate to a community garden. AND they pick up on Capitol Hill! The rub is the $8 a week charge…but I’m wondering if I can enlist some neighbors into a compost cab collective. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about my current problem which is more compost than I can eat…I mean spread on my garden…
laundry became somewhat less of a back-breaking chore with plumbing and boilers although apparently toilets were not the only exploding fixture in the lateVictorian era as gas-piped water heaters also tended to explode. “Blue Monday” was an entire day devoted to laundry with Tuesday being ironing, a second blue day in a row, in my opinion. Indoor plumbing was a huge labor saver, eliminating fetching and carrying gallons of water. A boiler providing hot water eliminated heating water on open fires although not the building and tending of fires, schlepping coal, managing ashes… You can see some good pictures and illustrations of late 19th c. bathrooms and kitchens at http://www.vintageplumbing. com/victoriandesigns.html. Q. We’re renovating the kitchen this year including changing the back door to a more sensible location and making the window above, currently door-shaped, a reg-
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ular window. This will substantially change the house’s back wall. Right now, it has a fairly complete outline of the absent two-story porch, along with the original kitchen window and transom above the door. While I am excited to have a better kitchen space and joists that don’t sag, I purposely have never painted the back of the house so the porch outline would be visible. Alas, the changes from my renovation will necessitate painting to make the impending violence we are doing to that brick wall a little less, um, violent-looking. I did think about painting the porch shape onto the new paint, but that seemed a little too weird to me. Any thoughts? A. My advice is to go with the simplest approach: leave the brick unpainted including the changes you’re making to the masonry. It will be a visual record of a couple of generations of change-archeology on the wall. Although I don’t know your house, I wonder if you might consider rebuilding the two story porch? Every summer, slapping mosquitoes, I lust anew for a screened porch; maybe you do, too. If you rebuilt the porch the historic second floor door opening would have a use. Even if you are not ready to reconstruct the porch, maybe you could consider keeping the existing, albeit inconveniently located, first floor door to the back as a door: glazed to maximize light and there for the future when you have the porch. It can also provide circulation flexibility to the deck you maybe already have or are putting on. P.S. A deck doesn’t count as lot coverage if it is at the first floor level AND is no more than three feet above grade. If you do have a lot coverage problem, so can’t restore the back porch without going to the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment you can, I believe, install a retractable awning without a permit (be sure to check on this). This way, you could have three of the six planes making a porch. More questions about exploding toilets? Ask Judith at Judith.capen@architravepc. com. ★
130 ★ HillRag | July 2011
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homesgardens gardenspot
Ten High Performance Plants To Beat the Summer Heat Plants That Bring Beauty to Harshest of Summers photos and article by Derek Thomas
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his spring the gossip around the plant sellers of Eastern Market has been how wonderful everyone’s gardens were doing. The perfect temperatures and above average rainfall made for an explosive display of green splendor. Daffodils crashed with tulips and hyacinth in late April only to be replaced with firestorms of azaleas and rhododendrons in early May. The late spring roses and early lilies formed an intersection of floral colors and textures that were beyond magnificent. Then suddenly temperatures lost track of which season they were in and the glorious colors of spring faded into a bronzy reminder of how autumn often looks on Capitol Hill. If the past few weeks are any indication of what summer holds, get ready for sizzling summer. This type of summer can wreak havoc on many moderate weather plants that Hill gardeners love and enjoy. In fact you don’t have to look very far to see the signs that plants have been having a very tough transition from spring to summer. The Hostas
have fried, the Columbines have been reduced to a clump of parched leaves, and the lawns so beautiful just a few weeks ago are now brown. All is not lost. There are plants that do love the heat, in fact thrive in it. The following list is my top eight picks for color and showiness in the heat of the summer.
their showy red, yellow, pink and stripped flowers. Cannas are not reliably cold hardy in our region yet digging and storing in a cool basement is worth the effort when you experience these show stoppers in your border garden. Give Cannas a sunny spot with well-drained soil and water freely in dry spells.
acus, is a small tree, 12-14 feet max size, that when mature, produces hundreds of flowers from July to August. They enjoy being planted in a fertile, well-drained location. Be sure to work in plenty of compost when planting this tree and add an organic top dressing every spring to ensure a plentiful bloom season in mid summer.
Brugmansia, Angel’s trumpets
Hardy Hibiscus
Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle
These shrubs are native to scrub areas and along streamside from south US to South America. Although they are not cold hardy in our region the show that they give in the middle to end of summer make them a worthy investment. Their flowers are large, usually scented, and are pendant tubular or trumpet-shaped. Provide them with welldrained, fertile, moist soil and you will enjoy flowers up to first frost.
There are more than 200 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals, and herbaceous perennials. The hardy hibiscus is perhaps one of the best summer showstoppers you can choose for the summer border. This upright, bushy, woody-based perennial produces long stalks with large deeply lobed, maple like leaves, and large dinner plate sized, crape paper textured flowers in red, white, and pink. Grow in moist well-drained soil and give full sun and plenty of heat to enjoy the best flowers possible.
With over 50 species in this Genus, and a range from Asia to Australia it should come as no surprise that these small to large trees are one of the most popular in the summer landscape. There are many hybrids that have been developed by the Arboretum that are reliably hardy in Washington gardens. Their real attraction comes from their conical shaped flowers. This quick growing, drought tolerant, tree is a show stopping specimen in any garden. Given moderately fertile, well-drained soil and a full sun location. During more humid summers treat with a fungicide to prevent powdery mildew.
Canna With over 50 species cannas, these natives of Asia and tropical North and South America, Cannas are grown for their large, paddle shaped leaves, and
Rose of Sharon, This Hibiscus, Hibiscus syri-
Pampas grass For many years this was the most popular ornamental grass. It is a bold,
Hardy Hibiscus is showy and adds a great splash of color to the hottest of summers gardens Portulaca is the star of a sun filled annual border Pampas Grass is Hardy and does best in the heat of summer 132 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Cannas are showy and exotic
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Zinnia This star of the Aster family, has many types, sizes, shapes, and color flowers, their ovate to elliptic green leaves, and rounded stems can come in bushy to tall varieties. Zinnias can be added to the flower border for a splash of color and charm in the annual bed or perennial garden. Grow in fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil. Deadhead plants to prolong blooming. So don’t sweat it. You can have a great garden even in the worst of summers. Now go forth with a broad rimmed cap, sunglasses, garden trowel, and a tall glass of something cool on ice. Enjoy. Derek Thomas is principal of Thomas Landscapes. His weekly garden segment can be seen on WTTG/Fox 5 in Washington. He can be reached at www.thomaslandscapes. com or 301.642.5182 ★
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Two words are mixed up in my mind – bollard and pollard. One of them has to do with gardens. A friend told me I should apply one of them to my crape myrtle – which is the right one to apply? A bollard is short vertical post, used as a boat mooring, perhaps, or a traffic barrier. Pollarding in horticulture involves severely cutting tree branches back to the same point each year, during dormancy, usually on a large tree, to force the tree to a lower height. The cut branches sprout, forming pom-pom growths on the ends of thick branches. Ultimately, the leaves form a low canopy that can be attractive in a small garden. Vigorous, broadleaved trees such as beech, oak, maple, hornbeam, linden, redbud and willow are best to survive such harsh pruning for long periods.
Our Hansa rose, a hardy rugosa type rose, has for two years had all of its blooms torn to shreds by rose chafers. Last year I tried spraying an insecticide, but the harm was done – these beetles seem
to arrive out of nowhere and act very fast. How can I win this battle? Use your knowledge of the life cycle of the rose-chafer beetle. After feasting on your roses for several weeks, it lays its eggs in the ground and dies. Several weeks later the eggs hatch into small, white grublike larvae, which feed on the roots of grasses, weeds and flowers. They burrow below the frost line for the winter, and pupate the following spring, emerging as adults again. The very best way of getting rid of rose chafers is to treat the soil with a systemic insecticide, such as imidacloprid, to be absorbed by plant tissue before those beetles hatch. There is a new vine in our yard – sturdy, twining, dark green – covering our very ugly chain link fence most pleasingly. A nosy neighbor tells me I should get rid of it because it is highly invasive and will spread to his property. It looks like ivy, but the leaves are more heart shaped. It is not bindweed – I already got rid of that. The leaves have white veins. I never noticed the flowers, but it does have handsome seedpods that hang down. What should I do? Get rid of it at once. This is milkweed vine. Your neighbor is correct – each seedpod will send out thousands of seeds. This vine can strangle trees. Save up and buy a fence that provides the privacy you wish – or find something else to climb on your fence – such as pyracantha or roses and clematis. Get a book from the library on vines. The one you choose depends on whether your fence is in sun or shade. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@ hillrag.com. Your problems might even prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. The next meeting of the CHGC is on Tuesday, September 14. For details call 202-543-7539. ★
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202-281-6767 • 703-248-0808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured - References Available
Keith Roofing EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202-486-7359 All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 135
CLASSIFIEDS HOME SERVICES ADDRESS NUMBERS
OTHER SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Service, repairs, installations, replacement on furnaces, a/c, water, heaters. Residential Boiler Specialist. 40years experience. Free estimates. Call John Fulcher at 202258-6158.
Ana Julia Viera
202-251-7980 www.monumentalgraphics.net
Call us for your free estimate
AIR & HEATING
BASEMENT EXCAVATION
AIR CONDITIONING
R . W. E N T E R P R I Z E BASEMENT EXCAVATION Capitol Hill Specialists Come and see the work we have done!!!!!
www.polar-bear-hvac.com
Get ready for a new basement apartment also new kitchen, new bath, new bedroom and more • Basement Dig-Out • Up to 8 Foot Ceiling • All New Groundwork Plumbing • All New Underpinned DC HIC 6477-6478
LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES
136 ★ HillRag | May 2011
STANDARD CLEANING SERVICE INC. Commercial & Residential
a clean house... a clean mind...
• Complete residential cleaning, including laundry & ironing • Eco Friendly Clean • Customized services to fit your needs • Pet Friendly • Commercial & janitorial special rates
MONUMENTAL GRAPHICS
202-333-1310
CLEANING SERVICES
MISCELLANEOUS
Cares about the environment in which you live
Traditional 23 Carat Gold Transom Address Numbers with black drop shadow installed at your home.
Polar Bear
PET SERVICES
A Cleaning Service, Inc.
The Affordable finishing touch to your home restoration.
AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
To place a classified in HILL RAG, please call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 or email: Carolina@hillrag.com.
Call 202-674-0300 • 301-929-0664
703.892.8648 www.acleaningserviceinc.com satisfaction guaranteed serving DC, MD & VA since 1985 licensed, bonded & insured
703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request 15% Discount New Customers
CONTRACTORS
CLEANING SERVICE, INC.
Agmar Raymundo R e s i d e n t ia l & Co m m e r ci a l Customized cleaning according to your needs and budget References Available • Free Estimates Licensed, Bonded & Insured
ELECTRICWORKS
703-864-7634 info@palomascleaningservice.com www.palomascleaningservice.com
Rapid Response & Expertise
H
ODGSON DESIGN/ BUILD, LLC
Cleaning Services, Inc 7 Days a Week One call to DO IT ALL • Basic/Detail Cleaning • Laundry & Ironing • Dry Cleaners/Pick Up-Drop Off • Bulk Trash Removal CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE TODAY! www.doitallcleaningservices.com
Award - winning Quality
Walls & Ceilings
New Work • Rewiring Lighting Design • Repairs
Drywall- PlasteringPainting- Attic Insulation
Residential & Commercial Licensed & Insured
202-299-8187 30 Years Experience
301-254-0153 ce f servi 25 years o
a on C
pit
Residential & Commercial Accredited Business since 2008
Larry Hodgson H0kilian@aol.com
240-582-6439 gpatterson@doitallcleaningservices.com
electricworks1@aol.com
ill ol H
Distinctive Kitchens Historic Restoration Additions Master Suites
202.236.5800
ERRANDS
To Do.... Done! Personal and Business Task Management Errands, Projects, Research, Appointments, Special Occasions, Purchases, Travel Arrangements... and More
Maid for a Day Cleaning Services • • • • •
One-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Move in – Move out Residential and Offices Work Guaranteed Supplies & Equipment Provided
• • • • • • • •
Home Improvement Kitchens & Baths Flooring & Tile Plumbing • Electrical Carpentry • Renovations Landscaping • Painting Windows & Doors And Much More
ELECTRICIAN THE HILL’S ELECTRICIAN
Louise Miller 202.544.7206 • 202.531.6246 lmiller@dcaccess.net www.todo-done.com
Since 1990 Insured & Bonded
www.wilcox-electric.com
202-546-1010
FLOORS
Bonded & Insured For Free Estimates
202-543-0087 Residential & Commercial
CLEANING – CARPET 15 % DISCOUNT AT WOVEN HISTORY We wash carpets in the traditional manner- by hand, using no chemicals or machinery. No preheated room for drying. We dry in the sun and the wind. Free pick up an delivery for Capitol Hill Residents. Call 202-543-1705. More info at info@wovenhistory.com or www.wovenhistory.com. Located at 311-315 7th St, SE. Your neighborhood carpet store on Capitol Hill since 1995.
New Work • Rewiring • Repairs Interior/Exterior Lighting
Awarded the Super Service Award from Angie's List in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Stephen D. Wilcox Master Electrician References Available Licensed - Insured - Bonded
Residential Floors Dedicated to Perfection • Sanding and Refinishing • Installation • Repairs • Cleaning & Waxing
7 days a week - Free Estimates Reasonable Rates Residential & Commercial
(301) 990-7775 Family owned and operated 3 Generations of Experience
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 137
E D D I E Home Improvement
Heritage Wood Floors, Inc. Installation • Sanding • Refinishing • Hardwood Mouldings Free Estimates • MHIC #120190
301-855-3006 888-227-2882
GLASS
• Kitchens, Baths & Basement • All Home Repairs • Interior/Exterior Painting • Fixer Uppers SERVING CAPITOL HILL SINCE 1985
SMALL JOBS SPECIALISTS
licensed, bonded, insured
• • • •
Windows and Transoms Oak Framed Pet Portraits Fused Glass Bowls, Plates, Gifts Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday, Shower and Baby Gifts
For an in-home consultation or more information, please call
Sallie Derr Owner/Artist 703.660.6565
Kitchen, Cabinetry and CounterTops Flooring: ceramic, vinyl tile, linoleum, marble and quarry tile
N
Door and Window Repair and Replacement
N
Locks and Emergency Repairs
N
Plaster, Drywall and Painting
Please call to discuss your needs
301-277-9292 (f)301-209-8248 138 ★ HillRag | May 2011
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER IRON WORK
Handyman Masters 20 years experience working in fine homes like yours
Bathrooms • Kitchens Masonry • Handyman • Roofing A+ Rating
Installation of Electrical Fixtures and Appliances • Window Treatments & Furniture Assembling • Fix Plumbing & Change Locks • Hang Pictures & Repair Cabinets • Painting
202-370-7902 www.jimzinn.com • Free estimates • No job is too small Affordable rates • Licensed, insured and bonded
HANDYMAN EXPRESS
jkhuynh@cox.net
• • • • • • • • •
“I have worked with Masters over the years and have been extremely happy with the workmanship. They are very professional”. - Georgetown Resident
202.528.0621
Painting Plumbing Drain Service Kitchen Disposal Carpentry Ceiling Fan Electrical Caulking General Repairs
HandymanMastersllc.com
Suburban Welding Company
INTERIOR DESIGN
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
No job is too small!
703-765-9344 www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
Call Ty • 703.615.7122
F&C
Home Improvement, LLC Kitchens, Bath and Interior & Exterior Painting Expert
202.492.9513 Renovations and Remodeling including Plumbing & Electrical
No Job too Small! 12 years experience licensed • bonded •
insured
•
references
®
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Reasonable Rates • Free Estimates
10% off any job over $1,000
N N
202-247-0104
Too busy to do it yourself?
HANDYMAN
GENERAL CONTRACTORS & HANDYMEN Since 1971
Cell
Jim's Handyman Service, LLC
10% off with this ad
N W M C O M PA N Y
Free Estimates 15% off all jobs over $1000
202-618-7072 capitolhillsh@gmail.com
Specializing in Customized Stained Glass
· Painting Interior & Exterior · Carpentry · Drywall · Moulding · Floors · Hardwood · Kitchen & Bath Remodel · Plumbing · Doors & Windows · Brick Pointing · Patios
Open a Window of Possibilities Create a home that nurtures you With the assistance of
Kathleen Soloway Interior Designer/Psychotherapist
Design for Change 202 543-7040 ksoloway@designforchange.net www.designforchange.net
JACKS
KITCHEN
START HAVING THE YARD OF YOUR DREAMS · Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Services · Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features · Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work · Restoration and Enhancement
Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time
301.642.5182 www.thomaslandscapes.com
THOMAS LANDSCAPES
Specializing in urban landscapes since 1989
LANDSCAPING
W.F. Bowman Landscaping 202-234-6282 Yard Clean Up • Sodding
Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
REGINALD’S LANDSCAPING Specializing in perennial gardens, landscape design, yard maintenance, seasonal contracts-free estimates for major cleanups, spring/fall cleanups, mulching, pruning, trimming, weeding, debris removal, leaf removal, light hauling, planting and much, Call today! 301-420-7027, 301-908-8331.
T.R. Sellheim Construction, Inc.
BULK TRASH PICK UP STARTING AT $60.00!!!
All Masonry Work
ROUTE TRASH PICK UP SPECIAL ON WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY.
New & Restoration Historic Pointing
$60.00 FIRST ITEM PICK UP , $20.00 EACH ADDITIONAL ITEM & $10.00 SMALL ITEM . 2 DAY NOTICE REQUIRED FOR DISCOUNT. SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Over 30 years of Experience Free Estimates • Work Guaranteed Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CALL BOYD F GRAY
202-561-0498 202-210-7439(C)
202-362-1700
HANDYMAN & HAULING CO
P. Mullins Concrete
Handyman Hauling
Specializing in Masonry & Concrete
Painting Blinds Lights Ceiling Fans Furniture Drywall Labor
• Concrete Steps • Flagstones, Pavers & Patios • Driveways & Walkways • Basement Excavation • Retaining Walls • Interior & Exterior Demolition • Tuck & Brick Pointing • Historical Restoration Specialists • Power Washing • Small Jobs
202.396.0105
202-270-8973
license # 1948 • MD DC VA
Bonded, Licensed & Insured
JUNK / BULK TRASH REMOVAL
MASONRY
Mulching • Trimming Shrubs Aeration • Dethatching Planting Leaf Removal Mowing Seeding & Fertilizing Hauling
Junk Removal Demolition Yard Cleanup Estate Cleanup Light Moving
MOVING & HAULING
20% TO 40% OFF SCHEDULED SATURDAY PICK UPS
Peach Moving Services
5% TO 10% OFF EVERYDAY PICKUP
When Trust Matters Most Residential, Office & Commercial
• • • •
Same Day Service Available We demo, load and haul concrete, brick, dirt, and trash. Handyman Services Bobcat Loader for Hire
WE ARE THE GOOD GUYS Little Peach in Training
Short Term Notice Moves Local & Up to 300 mile Radius Expert Packing & Unpacking Temporary Storage by the Day Hourly Rates
Michael Pietsch (aka Peach) Capitol Hill Resident
BOYD F. GRAY 202-561-0498 202-210-7439 (cell)
CONTINENTAL MOVERS FOR A STRESS FREE MOVE Owner Operated since 1982
202.368.7492 www.peachmoving.com
Tenly Bulk Trash Removal & Moving Junk Removal Handyman Service
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER
24 hour service Residential & Commercial
202-710-4089 DC, MD & VA • lic #2106
• Local Moving • Long Distance All East Coast cities from Florida to Maine
• Packing Services • Pianos and Big Objects
202-438-1489 • 301-340-0602 www.continentalmovers.net Cmora53607@msn.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 139
PAINTING
20% OFF
WITH THIS AD
PEST CONTROL
WHS PLUMBING & HEATING
F L K Termite, Pest &
Superior Service and Quick Response
We are Repiping & Drain Cleaning Specialists
Rodent Control
· Competitive On The Spot Pricing · Same Day, Nights, Weekends & Emergency Service · Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters · Underground Domestic Water and Sewer Line Leak Detection · Underground Pipe Locator
More than just killing bugs, we take care of your home • Babies, children, pets, no worries, customized treatments • Latest environmentally sound methods and products • One time, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, yearly
Ricardo Ramos
Hill Family Owned & Operated Call William at
LICENSED & INSURED
Free Estimates
301.273.5740 301.576.3286
Just Say I Need A Plumber
®
Serving DC Since 1927
20 years of experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured LSDBE Certified
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement
Inquire about our cleaning company RamosPainting1956@live.com
301-661-3515 301-680-2065
S
L
I C E N S E
202-965-1600 www.jfmeyer.com
140 ★ HillRag | May 2011
OSEPH C. BAUER, INC. Plumbing and Heating Licensed and Insured
DC 202.547.3477 MD 301.420.3200
Roofing & Gutters
EMERGENCY REPAIRS WE DO IT ALL
#707
Serving Capitol Hill for 50 Years
Interior & Exterior Custom Painting Restoration & Repair Services
ROOFING / GUTTERS
202-251-1479 ’
DANIEL PARKS “Stopping Leaks is Our Specialty”
Kenny
L U M M E R
Our Prices Won’t be Beat!
NO JOB TOO SMALL!!!
ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS
Licensed Bonded Insured
DC P
• Residential • Commercial • Insured • DC LIC 4748 • Established 1974
24 hour plumbing service. Master plumber. No job too small. DC license # 1164. Darrell White. 202-575-1885 or 202-812-7115 (tf)
Dial A Plumber, LLC®
Remodeling • Painting General Repairs
We Do it All! 202.637.8808
(202) 255-9231
WAIT NO MORE PLUMBING
Insured • Licensed
Flat • Rubber • Slate • Metal • Tiles & Shingles • Vinyl and Aluminum Siding • Skylights • Gutters & Downspouts • Chimneys • Waterproofing
www.whsplumbingandheating.com
PLUMBING Free Estimates
Stopping Leaks is our Specialty!
Star Roofing Company RELIABLE Specializing in Residential & Commercial Flat Roof Systems
202-543-6383 All work done by owner • Free Estimates Insured • Licensed • Bonded
RUBBER & FLAT ROOFS WATER PROOFING SLATE ROOFS LEAK REPAIRS METAL ROOFS GUTTER REPAIRS SHINGLE ROOFING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FACIAL/SOFFITS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING
202-489-1728 Licensed, Bonded & Insured Free Estimates Senior and Government Discount 10% SPECIALIZING IN SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Alex Williams Seamless Gutters
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.
• Box Gutters • Gutter Guards • Gutter Repairs • Gutter Cleaning • Flat Roof Repairs • Water Proofing Free Estimates
(202) 256 6981 (301) 858 6990
Stopping leaks has been our specialty since 1962!
ISAAC HOLDEN Roofing, Gutters & Painting OVER 30
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
DC Lic. 7610
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
• New Roofs & Maintenance • Seamless Gutters • Waterproofing • Chimney • Brick Pointing • Interior & Exterior Painting
Keith Roofing
202.486.7184
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES!
• 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 Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202-486-7359 All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
• New tin, copper & built-up roof systems • Inspections & repairs • Roof painting • Gutters, spouts & skylights
15% off with Ad LICENSED & INSURED
Residential/Commercial Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs Storm & Wind Damage Repair
We are a family-owned and operated business with three generations of expertise in Capitol Hill. Our customers have trusted us for more than 90 years with their roofing needs. You can too!
24 Hour Emergency
HORN&COMPANY ROOFING and GUTTERS ◆ New roofs ◆ Metal ◆ Rubber ◆ Copper ◆ Slate ◆ Shingle ◆ Roof repairs ◆ Roof coatings
◆ Roof decks ◆ Gutters ◆ Skylights ◆ Masonry work ◆ Tuck pointing ◆ Waterproofing ◆ Chimney repairs ◆ and more
◆ Free estimates ◆ Family owned & operated
202.696.3560 Call now mention this ad and save 20% Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Recommended roofer of Capitol Hill Village Licensed-Insured-Bonded
Call now for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION
Johnston & Johnston Roofing “Try a new coating vs. a roof replacement.” • FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST • WATERPROOFING • BASEMENT LEAKS • ALUMINUM ASPHALT COATING • SLATE REPAIRS • SHINGLE REPAIRS
• CHIMNEY REPAIR • BRICK POINTING • GUTTER REPAIR/GUTTER REPLACEMENT • INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SPECIALS • FREE ESTIMATES
FREE MAINTENANCE! Licensed • Bonded • Insured Family owned & operated 40 Years Experience
443.968.0311
tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com www.rthomasdanielroofing.com
20% OFF with this ad
GUTTERS
Seamless Gutters Experts Gutters & Downspouts Repairs & Cleaning All Types of Roofing
202.637.8808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured
202-607-4038
www.JohnstonandJohnstonRoofing.com
STORAGE
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. LIC. BONDED. INS
202
271 4377
75 years in service
WOOD & WHITACRE HISTORIC RENOVATIONS 20 years on the Hill Slate - Tile - Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks Free Estimates • Work Guaranteed
BBB Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
Licensed Bonded Insured
JEFFREY WOOD cell
301-674-1991 202-828-0713
www.wood-whitacre.com
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 141
Burn Over 700 Calories in one class
SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!
WE OFFER 40 CLASSES A WEEK!
 MAC ONLY  Take the puzzle out of operating your computer  Software Installation
INSTRUCTION Professional Tennis Instruction
 Troubleshooting  Upgrades
WELDING
 Reasonable Rates
Suburban Welding Company
ÂŽ
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
Introduction Offer $29 for 7 days of unlimited yoga! ALL LEVELS WELCOME! No reservations required! • Reduce stress • Increase Strength + Flexibility
Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill 410 H ST. NE 202-547-1208
24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates
www.BikramYogaCapitolHill.com
703-765-9344
Look better, feel better and change your body!
www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
fagon@hillrag.com 202-250-1217
COMPUTERS/SOFTWARE
Desktop & Laptop Repairs
4ZOP 1$ 8J[ • Troubleshooting & Upgrades • Virus Removal, Data Recovery & Back Up • New Computer Set Up • System Tune Up and Clean Up • Networks and Wireless Installation • Instruction
www.synopcwiz.webs.com synopcwiz@gmail.com
19 D Street, SE
1880 ON THE OUTSIDE 2010 ON THE INSIDE Replacement Window & Door Installation Group
LOGOS
Historically Accurate Replacement of Exterior Window Casings
COMPUTER SERVICE
The Best Installation Crew Wood, Fiberglass Framed & Vinyl Windows, Replacement & Full Tear Out Installation, Wide Range of Custom Moldings
Windows Craft, Inc. Specializing in historic buildings
202-288-6660
Licensed, Insured and Bonded DC Home Improvement License # 69006200
alex@windowscraft.com www.windowscraft.com
Computer Set-up • Computer Tune-up Email • Back Up Software Installation • Hardware Installation Technology Consultation Virus and Spyware Removal Security and Performance
OTHER SERVICES ALTERATIONS
Computer Weenies On-site Service for Homes and Businesses
ALTERATIONS “Losing weight� need new clothes just bring your old one’s to JAG collections and get them repaired 202-669-4021. By appointment only.
BEAUTY/HEALTH/FITNESS Living on & serving the Hill since 1986
Dr. David Walls-Kaufman
Larry Elpiner
• Troubleshooting, Repairs & Upgrades • Virus and Spyware Removal • New and Existing Computer Setup • Network and Wireless Installation • Data Recovery, Transfer and Back-up • Webpage Development
301.767.3355
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 Because Optimal Health is Impossible Without Optimal Posture!
142 ★ HillRag | May 2011
202.543.7055
www.computerweenies.com
202-415-2807
All Skill Levels $62 private $35 semi-private $26 group lesson Lessons on Capitol Hill Professional Tennis Registry
ORGANIZING JILL-OF-ALL-TRADES “Get your motor running....Get out on the highway...Looking for adventure...And whatever comes our way...� Summer means a getaway, right. But if you do this, you still have to come home to confusion and disorder in your rooms and closets, right? How about a summer stay-cation to take charge of the clutter this year? As you sort and decide, you’ll find that organizing your stuff gets easier and easier. Now your home is your spa vacation all year long! www. jillofalltradesdc.com. 202-544-5455.
SHOE REPAIR
Eastern Market Shoe Repair
On-site Service • Reasonable Rates
logos.comtech@gmail.com • 202-250-1215
Davis Cup Veteran bailoba2@verizon.net
4UFQIPO 4LJQQFS
WINDOWS
Bailo Ba
• Shoes • Boots • Purses • Luggage
JOB OFFERS
NOW HIRING A PART-TIME SPECIALIST THAT WILL SELL FINANCIAL PRODUCTS FOR TIM LaCASSE STATE FARM INSURANCE ON CAPITOL HILL. HOURS AND DAYS ARE FLEXIBLE. IDEAL FOR A STAY AT HOME PARENT THAT NEEDS EXTRA INCOME WHILE THE KIDS ARE AT SCHOOL OR SOMEONE NEW TO THE WORKFORCE. EMAIL RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO Tim@InsureMeTim.com
645 Penn Ave., SE upstairs M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6
202-543-5632
SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!
PET SERVICES
NEW ON THE HILL!
Personally Serving our Neighbors since 1999
pets on the hill Support your local Hill business "We live, work and play on the Hill"
Mid-day Dog Walking AM & PM, Weekend Walks, Petsitting • Women Owned and Operated • Expert Cat Care - All Areas of the Hill • Medications, Plant Watering, Mail and Paper • Trustworthy and Reliable
Full Grooming Services
We Pamper your Pooch While you Wait!
* Big or Small We Do Them All
K-9 Training
* Obedience On & Off leash * Family Protection * 8 weeks–8 years * Life Time Guarantee
Available at Metro Mutts!
zoolatry
423 13th Street, NE 202-717-2651
(zoo-ahl’-uh-tree) the worship of animals – especially a pet
Kerith Grandelli
Mid-Day Dog Walking Service
bonded & insured
202.546.6785
Pet sitting – Medications Administered Crate Training
H I L L P E T S @ YA H O O . C O M
Hilly Award Retailer of the Year Voted City’s Best Pet Culture
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking • Mid-day dog walks • AM/PM/Weekend Walks • House visits for kitties
Best of Yelp Award – 5 Star Rated
(202) 547-WALK (9255)
• Expanded retail section with over 20 brands of premium foods & many local products • Knowledgeable and friendly staff • Now Offering Dog Walking!
Meet Our Walkers Online at
“They have everything you could ever need for your dog—and your cat, too. It makes me really happy I don’t have to haul myself to Petco.” – Robin Givhan, The Washingtonian
Insured and Bonded Pet first aid certified
508 H Street NE
www.metromuttsdc.com
dogdotcatdc@yahoo.com www.dogdotcat.com
202.450.5661 (store) 202.450.9258 (dog walking)
202-388-8111
Insured – Bonded Member of National Association of Professional Petsitters
www.zoolatry.com
MISCELLANEOUS HELP WANTED PET WALKING AND PET SITTING We’re a professional pet sitting service on Capitol Hill. We are looking for someone who loves pets to join our team. This part-time position provides great supplemental income and we will pay for your bonding and insurance. Email barksandpurrscapitolhill@gmail.com
dot
PET ADOPTION
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
has hit The H ILLRAG TWITTER! D N A K O O B E FAC “Like” HILL RAG to stay on top of your local community news on FACEBOOK
And/Or follow us on TWITTER #capitalcommnews
Serving Capitol Hill Since 1995 Never missed a walk in 10 years Experienced and Reliable Outstanding Hill References • Insured by PSA
202.889.0996
www.capitalcommunitynews.com
CAPITAL CATS
Adoption Event at Chateau-Animaux
Sundays Noon to 3 PM
Our website just got a whole lot better!! capitalcommunitynews.com
733 8th Street, S.E. a five-minute walk from Eastern Market Metro.
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.
capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 143
thelastword CHRS Weighs in On Hine To Ms. Catherine Buell, Chair Historic Preservation Review Board Dear Ms. Buell: The Capitol Hill Restoration Society is pleased to offer comments again this month concerning the revised mixed-use redevelopment proposal of the Hine School site that connects Eastern Market, the Metro Plaza and Barracks Row. We believe that a successful development here is critical to the cohesiveness of the Capitol Hill Historic District as well as to the vitality of the entire Capitol Hill business community. As we noted in April, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has established a number of housing, retail, and office goals to be achieved on the site and many have also rightly emphasized the importance of the proposed plaza for weekend vending and the shared parking facility to support those goals.
Good Bye Capitol Hill Dear friends of Capitol Hill, As reluctant as we are to join the list of closing galleries and businesses around Washington, it has unfortunately come time to announce that the Village Gallery will close July 31, 2011. For a variety of reasons we will no longer be continuing to run our space at our building. While we will be closing the doors on the physical gallery space, we are looking forward to new projects and new ways to connect with artists. Running our gallery has been a wonderfully enriching experience for both of us, and we have worked hard over the last 14 years gathering numerous benefits personally and professionally. We hope to continue working, collaborating and connecting with people, expanding our horizons and channeling our energy into new projects in the near future. Of course we want to thank all of our friends over the years for their support, along with anyone in the press who took the time to write about and promote our venture. We would also like to thank everyone who has visited the gallery for an opening or during hours, shared kind words of encouragement and thanks, or recommended us to others. We will continue to maintain a web site for the art and you can still contact us at: alan@braletart.com Thanks again to all of our friends. – Claire, Alan, Winston, and Casey 144 ★ HillRag | July 2011
Eighth Street Residential: The architect has transformed this apartment building from a building inspired by a street of Capitol Hill houses to one inspired by 19th-century “terrace houses”, such as Capitol Hill’s Grant’s Row that was torn down in 1930 for the Folger Shakespeare Library. The building still retains the rhythm of a Capitol Hill streetscape. Three-story bays help to visually reduce the height of the building, rounded forms help reduce the angularity of the ensemble, and the set-back garden spaces provide some visual breaks along the street. The row is now unified by a palette of common materials and a base of rusticated stone. We are pleased that individual entrances to some units have been retained and hope the landscaping plan will show appropriate fencing to reinforce this pattern. CHRS supports this change and appreciates the architect’s efforts in completely redesigning this significant element of the project.
The Committee had a few concerns that we hope will be addressed as the design develops: 1. It appears that the entrances to the northern units may be below grade, which is an unusual condition on the Hill and seems out-of-place for such relatively formal buildings. Also at the northern end, the rusticated base of the units does not extend as high on the windows as it does on the southern units. Both of these conditions may be due to the slope of the street/ ground but these elements should be studied to see if there are better solutions. 2. The new design is fairly successful in articulating bays, balconies, and other projections to break up the façade and in suggesting a three-story height. The design also uses slate to suggest higher and lower rooflines but in spite of that effort it still retains a strong horizontal line across the facade with none of the ‘tower elements’ extending above the established front façade
line. This limitation is particularly striking at the 8th & C streets corner.
Eighth Street Residential Building at Pennsylvania Ave: While this portion of the apartment building did not receive such an extreme make-over as the rest of the row along Eighth Street, the “building” that turns the corner from Eighth to Pennsylvania has been refined in some very thoughtful ways: bays have been introduced to break the flatness; window and façade panels have been arranged in a more regular pattern; and, most importantly, the sixth floor has been pushed back on the front and side elevations. It still retains a completely different identity than the rest of the Eighth Street building in both materials and style. Consequently it does not serve as an emphatic ending to the row, except for the difference in height.
In spite of the welcome changes, a number of concerns remain, including: 1. Many have worried about this building as the materials, color and design do not seem to relate to the Capitol Hill Historic District and it will be a very large presence on this important square. While the building no longer seems representative of Southwest DC as it did in earlier iterations, we do not think it is yet compatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District. The views at the bottom of A12 certainly highlight some of these concerns and the fact that the wide street and open plaza make it very difficult to hide setbacks, penthouses and the like. The setback on the 6th floor has helped to mitigate the height of the building from some middle distances, if not long-range. 2. While the bays have helped relieve the flatness of the façade, the building still reads as a large block, particularly when viewed from a long distance across an essentially open plaza. Capitol Hill’s retail/office and some residential buildings, such as the Haines Department Store across Pennsylvania Avenue, have the traditional base/middle/cornice-cap pattern. The Committee thought that concept should be explored and felt the base needed to be more strongly differentiated from the middle section. 3. While the Guidelines for New Construction provides for flexibility in materials, the use of several forms of traditional pressed brick arranged in patterns of panels to provide texture to the building surface instead of simply decoration has been controversial – not only in design but also in color. It is not clear to us if the drawings exaggerate textural differences that might not be as apparent in real life as it is on the drawings but we feel certain that too many patterns in irregular placements may be visually confusing. Some regularity in the placement of the windows and the panels has been introduced, which is a welcome improvement, but we think this aspect should continue to be studied.
Introducing Our New Team Member Mark Spiker 4. The building seems caught between two potential uses – either retail/office on ground level or Shakespeare housing. If residential, the windows seem quite large, particularly for the ground floor. The largeness of the windows is also an aspect that could be very troubling in real life when tenants decorate their homes in different styles as opposed to the simple portrayal on the page where all the windows look the same. 5. We hope the landscaping of this portion of the site is carefully considered to help integrate it as a residential building and soften the boxy edges.
Pennsylvania and Seventh Street Building: This signature building continues to be the most problematic and controversial aspect of the buildings being considered at this time in terms of size and architecture. We do not find it compatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District and ask that this building not be given conceptual approval. 1. Size – CHRS has expressed its concerns about this building’s height in previous comments. While we agree that this is an appropriate location for a larger building, the question becomes what is the “right” height. Both the old and the present Hine Schools established a benchmark of sorts at 58’ – a height that is obviously tall for a neighborhood of buildings mostly in the 20’- 35’ range but a height that was still somewhat comfortable in this setting on a wide avenue. The Kresge building and Penn Theater buildings seem to be of similar heights. The new building, at 90’, would be 30’ taller than the already tall neighboring buildings – an increase of a third. Last month the staff suggested that a modest decrease in height, perhaps accomplished by a setback, might be sufficient for compatibility. Our assessment of the sketches presented this month is that the setback is not sufficient and that the seventh floor should be dropped and the sixth floor set back. 2. Architectural expression – We also find the architectural expression problematic in terms of the Capitol Hill neighborhood setting. It is a bold and confident building but also one that seems to build on a large-
scale monumental or industrial sensitivity as if it should be the main office in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. The first floor is almost 18’ tall (much taller than its neighboring buildings) and the floor heights are over 11’ tall (compared with 10’ on the east building). The “gigantic order” of two-floor boxes, framed in brick and stacked above one other, serves to highlight rather than diminish the scale difference with its neighboring buildings, which are essentially 19thcentury residential building stock. The columns on this building seem to compress and expand and appear to lean in different directions, totally confusing many viewers and negating the sense of firmness and apparent strength one expects from vertical columns.
Like many agents, Real Estate is a culmination of past experiences and that is EXACTLY how Mark’s life path brought him to work with The VonSchlegel Realty Team earlier this year. A commercial/resort/residential interior design professional for the past 28 years, he returns to Capitol Hill after leaving 23 years ago to manage the New England and Canadian markets for a national textile manufacturer and later to establish a Maine based design firm rooted in luxury hotels, ski and resort lodging and residential properties along the eastern seaboard featured in many local and national publications. “My two careers share similar interests and much in common: Problem solving, Creative design and housing solutions, CRISIS management and making people’s homes and lives better......both affordably and with a keen eye to detail.” “I am lucky to split my time between New England and DC at present servicing clients in both markets. Having true life experience in buying, renovating and selling multiple homes and condos in many markets and market conditions, I continually realize just how important and individual each buyer/seller relationship can become in the LONG TERM.....I just finished a home for the grandchildren of one of my first clients!” A native West Virginian with a southern accent to match, Mark now lives at The AXIS in Hill East with his husband Ed and two Scottish terriers Booker and Otis. He supports community development and works with Share our Strength, animal rescue and dedicates “The Smile Train” as his marked charity for this year. He LOVES to talk.
You can reach him direct at 202-341-9880 or markspikerodd@aol.com
7th Street Office Building: Seventh Street is a relatively narrow street so great care must be taken in introducing larger elements. It is one of the most heavily traveled streets in this area, especially by pedestrians, a number of whom are first-time visitors or tourists who are introduced to the historic district by walking down this street. The present configuration of bays and stepped back facades is often seen downtown and in other parts of the city, where they form a backdrop to historic buildings, amidst other large buildings. Even with the height of the main building reduced to six stories, the resulting height is far above the “historic standard” of 58’ so careful consideration must be given to effective ways to break down the mass.... The repeated emphasis and use of bays also breaks into the much-needed “green space” that is an integral part of today’s streetscape. The present design and configuration of the Seventh Street Office building is not nearly as successful in bridging the ‘demands’ of the new construction with the historic streetscape as is the “terrace housing” model on Eighth Street for the residential building. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Nancy Metzger Chair, Historic Preservation Committee ★ [CHRS letter slightly edited for space]
“WOW! 2 Blocks from Nationals Stadium! Walking distance to Metro and Waterfront!. Brand new top to bottom interior includes. Double Decks, Off-Street Parking, Chefs Kitchen, and much more. Well planned and smartly done. You will love this home.” $309,000 and 2br 1.5ba OPEN Sunday, July 3 from Noon to 2 PM Glen Thomas – Fairfax Realty 202.327.0196 quickcess@live.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 145
the NOSE
Ain’t Nobody’s Business If Do by Anonymous
T
he other day, The Nose opened his meager paycheck. Sighing, he wondered how he would be able to treat his fellow scribblers to drinks at the coming Hacks & Flaks. This happy hour, infamous throughout The District, is the time when members of The Nose’s declining fraternity (The Hacks) imbibe in the company of The District’s Public Information Officers (The Flaks). Would The Nose be forced to raid the coin jar next to his front door to eke out a few bucks? Pity The Nose, Dear Readers! In the absence of a medicinal bourbon, faced with a droning Flak intent on extolling some arcane mayoral initiative, The Nose might well contemplate a long walk off a short pier. Elbow deep in reading DC vs. Thomas, The Nose raised his head, awestruck. In the words of this very lawsuit lay the ideal solution to his dire predicament. Inspired, The Nose founded “Team Hack,” a charity devoted to the welfare of his aging journalistic brethren. No need to register as a 501(c)(3), or apply for District approval. One or two clicks of the Internet. Cut and paste. The Nose had a set of bylaws. After
a virtual trip to the Cayman Islands, the new entity was duly incorporated. A few calls to corporate Flaks hailing from developers and public utilities and Team Hack was up and running. After all, who would raise an eyebrow at a few hundred going to such a worthy cause? Now came the time to find real cash. Team Hack applied for a grant from a city trust fund. Ostensibly, the funds were to underwrite journalistic training for the District’s elementary students. The checks rolled in. Of course, Team Hack’s corporate bank account had to have a signatory. The Nose volunteered. A thousand for a trip to Vegas…Several hundred for beers with the boys at Secrets…A few rounds of golf at Langston…A VIP table at Love. The Nose’s expenses mounted. No worries. Team Hack graciously covered the lot. Suddenly, the engine of the Nose’s ancient Saab dropped onto his driveway. Team Hack to the rescue. The charity purchased him a spanking new Audi. Later, The Nose transferred the vehicle into his name; so much easier for insurance purposes. Team Hack even funded the publication of The Nose’s very own hagiography. To thank the Attorney General for his inspirational report, with apologies to Lady Day, The Nose composed a musical tribute to that tome’s central character… There ain’t nothing I can do, or nothing I can say, Some folks will criticize me So I’m gonna do just what I want to anyway, And don’t care if you all despise me. It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I should take a notion To oppose the Attorney General’s motion, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If my non-profit buys a car on Sunday And I retitle it on Monday, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. And if I ain’t got no money And a Developer says, “All right, take all of mine honey,” It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I lend myself the government’s nickel And it leaves me in a pickle, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. For the record, in The Nose’s humble opinion, an Audi is an overrated ride. ★
146 ★ HillRag | July 2011
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