NOVEMBER 2021
CONTENTS
NEXT ISSUE: December 11th
NOVEMBER 2021
10
04 what’s on washington out and about 10 Insatiable • Celeste McCall
ON THE COVER:
14 At the Movies • Michael Canning
your neighborhood
22
Photo: Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K
16 Draft Redistricting Maps Released • Andrew Lightman 22 Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann 24 ANC 6E • Pleasant Mann 26 Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner
at home 33 Changing Hands • Don Denton
kids and family 34 Notebook • Kathleen Donner
38 classifieds
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KRS-ONE Old-school Hip-Hop artist KRS-One performs in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. With 20 published albums to his credit and his numerous appearances with other artists, KRS-One is believed to have written the most rhymes in Hip Hop’s history. KRS-One openly rejects such cultural exploitation and materialism grounding Hip Hop in its original principles of peace, love, unity and safely having fun. Tickets are $104 to $304. kennedy-center.org.
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON NEW GLASS NOW AT THE RENWICK New Glass Now documents the innovation and dexterity of artists, designers and architects from around the world working in the challenging material of glass. This global survey is designed to highlight the breadth and depth of contemporary glass making. New Glass Now is at the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street NW, through March 6, 2022. The Renwick is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. americanart. si.edu/visit/renwick.
Andrea da Ponte, Globalized, blown glass, transferred image, 30 x 30 x 30 cm. The Corning Museum of Glass, gift of Andrea da Ponte, 2021 5.1. Photo: Courtesy of The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, copyright Rosana Silvera.
Chef Peter Chang of Nihao Thomas Moran, A View of Venice, 1891, oil of canvas, 35 1/8 x 25 ¼ in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1968. Sargent, Whistler and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the
MAGIC OF MURANO Sargent, Whistler and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano brings to life the Venetian glass revival of the late 19th century and the artistic experimentation the city inspired for visiting artists. It is the first comprehensive examination of American tourism, art making and art collecting in Venice, revealing the glass furnaces and their new creative boom as a vibrant facet of the city’s allure. This exhibition is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G Streets NW, through May 8, 2022. SAAM is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. americanart.si.edu.
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FIRST ANNUAL REDEYE NIGHT MARKET Inspired by the bustling open-air night markets of East and Southeast Asia, DC’s first annual REDEYE Night Market is on Nov. 6, 4 to 11 p.m. on four blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue from Third through Seventh Streets NW. This familyfriendly market brings together 50 local vendors to showcase an array of food and beverages that one might find at an Asian night market including Filipino pastries, Taiwanese shaved ice, bao and Korean fried chicken. In addition to sampling signature dishes from celebrated local restaurants including Incheon, Tiger Fork, Maketto, China Chilcano, Thip Khao, Nihao, enjoy cultural and musical performances throughout the evening. Admission is free. theredeye. nokingscollective.com.
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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
PAT METHENY SIDE-EYE As a teenager, Pat Metheny regularly jammed with Kansas City’s best jazz musicians. It was this experience of sitting in with more mature players that lead to the acclaimed jazz guitarist’s latest project, “Side-Eye.” This edition features pianist James Francies, equally at home in the worlds of jazz and R&B, and drummer Joe Dyson, a New Orleans native who has performed with everyone from Ellis Marsalis to Esperanza Spalding. Pat Metheny Side-Eye with James Francies and Joe Dyson is at the Strathmore, 5303 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, on Nov. 13, 8 p.m. $49 to 89. strathmore.org.
PRIOR TO BROADWAY: A STRANGE LOOP Usher is a Black queer writer working a job he hates while writing his original musical about a Black queer writer working a job he hates while writing his original musical. A Strange Loop is at Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW, from Nov. 22 to Jan. 2. woollymammoth.net.
Image: Designed by Justine Swindell
KATIA & MARIELLE LABEQUE PLAY DESSNER’S CONCERTO FOR TWO PIANOS
FUEGO FLAMENCO XVII From Nov. 5 through 14, Fuego Flamenco XVII explores traditional flamenco and its breadth and diversity through contemporary expressions. This year’s program includes the return of Salvador, an autobiographical piece by Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company that traces DC-beloved choreographer and dancer Edwin Aparicio’s journey from war-torn El Salvador to his discovery of flamenco in the United States. Tickets are $35 to $55. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.
Edwin Aparicio in Salvador. Photo: Steve Johnson
FOLGER CONSORT’ MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS For its annual holiday concert of cherished early music, Folger Consort presents an intimate program revisiting its beloved album, A Medieval Christmas. Carols in English from the Middle Ages as well as Medieval Latin carols from throughout Europe will be performed in unique arrangements for historical instruments. From Dec. 10 to 18, the nave of St. Mark’s on Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE, provides the ideal acoustical backdrop for harmonious and joyful early music for the Yuletide season. folger.edu.
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On Nov. 11, 7 p.m.; Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.; and Nov. 13, 8 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, renowned sibling pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, who are credited with having transformed the piano duo, perform a piece composed especially for them: Bryce Dessner’s Concerto for Two Pianos. Juanjo Mena conducts the program which also includes Schumann’s Manfred and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. $19 to $99. kennedy-center.org.
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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
RENT At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggle with gentrification, love, loss and legacies amidst the HIV/AIDS crisis. Through songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “One Song Glory,” “I’ll Cover You,” “Out Tonight” and more, they embrace hope, find strength and survive. Winner of the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking phenomenon defined a generation as it redefined the American musical. RENT is at Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, from Nov. 2 to Jan 2. $40 to $108. sigtheatre.org.
Photo of Pussy Noir by Christopher Mueller
FUTURES AT THE REOPENED ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING The historic Arts and Industries Building, America’s first National Museum, opens FUTURES on Nov. 20. On view through July 6, 2022, the exhibition is the Smithsonian’s first major building-wide exploration of the future and will reopen its oldest museum for the first time in nearly two decades. The part-exhibition, part-festival will celebrate the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary with more than 150 awe-inspiring objects, ideas, prototypes and installations that fuse art, technology, design and history to help visitors imagine many possible futures on the horizon. Visit FUTURES on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information and to plan a visit, go to aib.si.edu.
Bell Nexus courtesy of Bell Textron, Inc.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS: THE HOLIDAY SHOW Tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree, snow and much more return to the Lincoln Theatre the Gay Men’s Chorus, always popular, The Holiday Show. The festive program includes songs like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and features performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all their ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. $25 to $65. The Holiday Show is at Lincoln Theater, Dec. 4, 11 and 12. gmcw.org/the-holiday-show.
Photo: Michael Key
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AMERICAN AQUARIUM American Aquarium is an American alternative country band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Their first album, “Antique Hearts,” was released in 2006, followed by “The Bible and the Bottle” in 2008. The band has continued to tour extensively, playing around 250 shows a year. Their most critically acclaimed album to date is 2012’s “Burn. Flicker. Die.” American Aquarium is at The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE, on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $30. themiracletheatre.com.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Insatiable by Celeste McCall
In Mount Vernon Triangle, snazzy newcomer Bar Chinois showcases “Frenchified” cocktails along with innovative dim sum. Photo: Celeste McCall
Bar Chinois Est Arrivee
East meets West in Mount Vernon Triangle with the recent unveiling of Bar Chinois at 455 I St. NW. Created by co-owner Dean Mosones and chef Tim Ma, the snazzy newcomer showcases Frenchified cocktails and innovative dim sum. Foodies will remember chef Ma, co-founder of the Chinese-American Lucky Danger pop-up at the same address. Before that, the space housed Prather’s on the Alley. On a balmy fall evening, we dined there al fresco. The place was humming, and we were grateful for our 7:30 p.m. reservations. From general manager Margaux Donati’s French wine list, we sipped a lovely Cotes du Rhone. There’s also pinot blanc
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and pinot noir from Alsace and lots of champagne. Snazzy cocktails include a Chinois mule (vodka, creme de cassis and more), and a Martinez made with gin and Dolin Rouge (French vermouth). Plus a brief beer listing. Complementing these potent potables are dim sum offerings including gossamer-light Beijing pork dumplings; you may also opt for ginger chicken or “beyond” (vegan). Shrimp ‒ or veggie ‒ spring rolls are not shaped like cylinders. Instead, they are fashioned into square packets presented in a Chinese carryout carton. A holdover from predecessor Lucky Danger? Served in a similar container is the duck bao ‒ moist, melt-in-yourmouth duck confit snuggled with pickled ginger
and cabbage slaw. “Crispy” chopped chicken is not crisp, but the generous white meat chunks are delicately perfumed with five-spice powder. Service, provided by Rami and Emily, was pleasant and professional. For hours and more information, visit www.barchinoisdc.com.
Egging Us On
We had been hearing good things about the deviled eggs at Etabli, 84 T St. NW (Bloomingdale), where Tyber Creek Wine Bar used to be. Husband Peter and I love this southern delicacy. So, on a recent Sunday, we decided to check out the eggs. Problem: the highly touted appetizer is not on the brunch menu. But we begged chef Anto-
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OUT AND ABOUT
In Bloomingdale, Etabli’s highly touted deviled eggs are laced with pork belly morsels and bleu cheese. Photo: Celeste McCall
That’s where the 31-year-old Oaxacan native showcases Maiz64’s namesake ingredient: corn masa, and lots of it, prepared in amazing ways. Maiz64’s a la carte menu transforms Midatlantic produce into traditional and innovative dishes. But corn is king here, hence the restaurant’s moniker: Maiz64. The number refers to the number of Mexican corn varieties. A six-seat bar surrounding the comal serves as a theater for seven- to eight-course tasting menus. Chef Mendez Florian taps four different colors of corn, grinding whole kernels into masa with an enormous molino (mortar and pestle). The resulting tortillas form the base of beautifully presented tacos filled with terrine of pressed suckling pig, charred broccoli with cashews, chicken breast with potatoes and fennel and mint marinated fish. Also emerging from the kitchen are quesadillas, tostadas and oven-roasted octopus al pastor with eggplant and pineapple. Lobster and mussels are seared in butter and draped over a mussel tamal. Mixologist Arturo Rojas does marvelous things with spirits, incorporating them into margaritas, mojitos, pandas (gin, lychees, coconut water) and something called Kentucky Punch. Maiz64 is open six nights a week, closed Mondays. For more information, visit www.maiz64.com.
nio Alfaro to provide it anyway, which he did. We were not disappointed; the eggy quartet was richly Not far away, the Bloomingdale Farmers Market, 100 enhanced with pork belly morsels and bleu cheese R St. NW next to the Big Bear Cafe, will operate and sprinkled with dainty little radish sprouts. Sundays through Dec. 19. Hours are 9 a.m. ‘til 1 p.m. After considering the smoked salmon bagel and shrimp-and-grits, we proceeded to the shakshuka. Presented in a cast iron vessel, the Israeli-inspired concoction of onions and bell pepper strips was Maiz64, a high-end Mexican restaurant, has arrived topped with a runny poached egg and feta cheese. at 1324 14th St. NW. The handsome Logan newThe accompanying baguette was ideal for sopping comer is richly appointed with glass cubes, goldup the yummy juices. My breakfast burrito was a encrusted corn complete with husks and a wooden generous tortilla wrap crammed with scrambled table that weighs more than a ton, we’re told. Chef eggs, sausage, salsa and home-fried potatoes. The Alam Mendez Florian’s charcoal-burning Spanish last also appeared as a side dish, along with herbed oven is visible from the dining area. Tucked behind sour cream. a small bar is the squat white chimney of a gasThis time in Shaw. Mexican-born Alfredo Solis Among innovative cocktails, my lip-tingling fired comal, the flat-top stove used to cook tortillas. has unveiled Mariscos1133 Bloody Mary was laced with at – where else? ‒ 1133 horseradish and crowned 11th St. NW. Foodies might with an olive, pickled pepper remember Solis’ other loand dill pickle. You can also cal culinary enterprises: El find beaucoup kinds of beer Sol (nearby), Mezcalero and wine, including flights. and Anafre (both on 14th Etabli’s dinner menu St. NW ). His newest resshowcases whole branzino, taurant focuses on coastal pork loin chops, duck concooking from California to fit, wood-fired veggies and South America. The menu sourdough pizza with asincludes Brazilian moqueca sorted toppings. If you save (fish stew), several kinds of room for dessert, try the ceviche, crab cakes and other challah bread pudding or dishes that will likely call peanut butter cheesecake. back to Solis’s days cooking Operated by Kathleen for Passion Food Group’s Davis and Thomas Boiswert, now-defunct Ceiba. Etabli (French for “established”) is open daily, including weekend brunch. Prices are moderate, but there’s a An elegant rooftop bar, Lady 20% service charge. For exBird, has arrived at 1315 act hours and more informa16th St. NW, near Scott tion, visit www.etablidc.com. Presented in a cast iron vessel, Israeli-inspired shakshuka is made with onions, bell peppers Circle. Named after a former and feta and topped with a poached egg. Photo: Celeste McCall
More in Bloomies
Logan Lowdown
More Dressy Mexican …
Food with a View
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At Bar Chinois, shrimp (or veggie) spring rolls are fashioned into square packets. Photo: Celeste McCall
First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, the newcomer sits atop the new Kimpton Banneker Hotel. While gazing at the Washington Monument and the White House, guests nibble on chef Laurent Hollaender’s “rooftop bites,” like heirloom tomato tartine, goat cheese and cornmeal beignets, cheese and charcuterie plates with chicken truffle pate, soppressata (Italian dry salami) and lingonberry jam, as well as baba ganoush, grilled lamb sausage on naan and boneless chicken thigh “bites” with crushed olives. Hollaender, a native of Strasbourg, France, also presides over the Le Sel kitchen, downstairs in the Banneker’s lobby level. For hours and more information, visit www.thebanneker.com.
New Plant Life
MITA has popped up inside La Cosecha market at 1280 Fourth St. NE, near Union Market. Heading the plant-based Latino kitchen are acclaimed chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora. For more information, visit www.mitaplantbased.com. ◆
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OUT AND ABOUT
At The Movies
Two Major Directors’ Latest: Wes Anderson Wallows in Whimsy; Ridley Scott Crafts a “Woke” Epic by Mike Canning
From “The French Dispatch”: facade of the publishing house of the expatriate journal. Photo: Searchlight Pictures
“The French Dispatch”
From director Wes Anderson comes his 10th feature, “The French Dispatch,” which he has described as “a love letter to journalists set at an outpost of an American newspaper in the fictional 20th-century French city of Ennui-sur-Blase.” The film is inspired by Anderson’s love of The New Yorker with characters and events based on real-life equivalents from the magazine. It is also a “portmanteau” film, an anthology of three distinct stories that appeared in the Dispatch, written by its idiosyncratic expatriate staff. (Rated R, the film runs 103 minutes.) Bill Murray, a long-time favorite of Anderson’s (he has appeared in all of the director’s films), plays the Dispatch’s editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr., a softspoken curmudgeon, whose eclectic staff includes travel writer Herbert Sazerac (Owen Wilson), copyeditor Alumna (Elizabeth Moss) and magazine cartoonist Hermes Jones ( Jason Schwartzman). The first of the three stories (“The Concrete Masterpiece”) centers on Julien Cadazio (Adrien Brody), a fervent art dealer interested in the work of a violent prison inmate, Moses Rosenthaler (Benicio del Toro) housed in the section for the criminally insane. This piece is based on a New
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ric), Wright and others learn that his son Gigi has Yorker series covering the real-life been kidnapped, and Lt. Nescaffier (a noted chef as art dealer Lord Duveen and is narwell as a police officer) is on the case. Edward Norrated by Dispatch writer J.K.L. Beton (a chauffeur) and Saorise Ronan (a showgirl) rensen (Tilda Swinton). French star are part of the kidnapping gang who are chased by Lea Seydoux plays Rosenthaler’s the police and eventually succumb in a shootout. prison guard, Simone, who serves Let it be known that “French Dispatch” could be as his muse, posing for him nude, none other than a Wes Anderson film. All the elewhich he envisions as an abstract ments of his style are there. The highly stylized jewel impressionistic jumble, an image box scenes, the deadpan dialogue, the occasional anithat captures Cadazio. The convict mation, the ever-present whimsy and preciousness ‒ follows up with an expansive series all on full display for this mellow comedy (the film is of similar frescos. especially reminiscent of “Grand Hotel Budapest”). The second tale takes off from However, for this observer, they miss the mark. They the May 1968 student occupation seem like Wes gone amok. protests and was inspired by New The best of the tales is “Masterpiece,” principally Yorker articles originally written by because the setup is distinctive and unexpected, and Mavis Gallant. Called “Revisions to a Manifesto” in the deadpan delivery works best (del Toro and Brody the film, it is written by staffer Lucinda Krementz seem comfortable in their stilted dialogue). It is the (Frances McDormand), a no-nonsense journalleast cloying of the three, with a semi-clever take ist profiling student revolutionaries, who include on contemporary art. The “Manifesto” sequence is a chess-playing Zeffirelli (Timothee Chalamet) and his obdurate girlfriend Juliette (Lyna Khoudri). Zeffirelli is the poetic voice of the “revolution,” while his Juliette is the enforcer. The third article, “The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner,” is written by Roebuck Wright ( Jeffery Wright), a food journalist at the Dispatch. At a dinner with the poMatt Damon (left) as Jean de Carrouges and Adam Driver as lice commissioner Jacques Le Gris in “The Last Duel.” Photo: Patrick Redmond. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved (Mathieu Amal-
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narrative mess, the objective journalist ill-contrasting with half-committed, willful youth aching for a vague revolution. It aims to mock clueless insurgents (Chalamet seems particularly ill-cast), which renders little but confusion. The “Dining Room” is a complete farrago, with too many oddball characters doing too many weird things, all ending in a mindless and confusing police chase. If these assessments seem harsh, consider them disappointing outcomes from a director this reviewer has often enjoyed. Here he has combined the ingredients of his now familiar schtick but left them too long on the stove.
“The Last Duel”
With “The Last Duel,” Ridley Scott steps back into history, as he so memorably did with “Gladiator” from 2000. His focus is again on an historic tale of betrayal and vengeance, but this time set against the brutality of medieval France in 14th-century Normandy during the reign of Charles VI, rather than ancient Rome. (Rated R for mediaeval violence and nudity, the film runs 2 hours and 32 minutes.) “The Last Duel” begins and ends with France’s last sanctioned duel in 1386 between Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), two long-time friends and warrior-knights-of-theking turned bitter rivals. Carrouges is a ferocious knight, long engaged in fighting the rival English, and also a stolid, unlettered man with a gift for rampage but none for wit or deceit. Le Gris is his opposite, a poor but clever man who has educated himself in numbers and letters and adopted libertine ways, thereby ingratiating himself to a high prince of the domain, Pierre d’Alencon (Ben Affleck), a right hand of the King. It is Jean, however, who wins the heart of the most desirable Marguerite ( Jodie Comer). However, Le Gris, lusty that he is, also has eyes for Marguerite and,
with her husband away on a Scottish campaign, breaks into Carrouges’ castle and viciously assaults her. When she becomes pregnant, suspicion falls on Jacques as the father. He denies a rape charge, but Marguerite refuses to stay silent and forcefully accuses him as her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. A trial by combat is then authorized by Charles (Alex Lawther), a grueling duel to the death, shown in a grim sequence that opens and closes the picture (Scott displayed a parallel version of this brutal culminating fight in “Gladiator”). At more than two and one-half hours, “Duel” does grind on, perhaps because Scott wallows in period detail: pervasive mud, grim stone and endless candlelight, all bathed in a gray-blue cast and a clattering soundtrack. It may make for a convincing 1386, but it doesn’t always keep the action moving. The film can’t help being repetitive either, since the story is set in three chapters, the first two covering similar events, first from Jean’s perspective, then Jacques’ and lastly Marguerite’s. The three-way screenplay ‒ by Nicole Holofcener (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” “Enough Said”), Affleck and Damon ‒ may explain why the movie is part macho mania (from Affleck and Damon?) and part a sort of primitive #MeToo movement in Old France (crafted likely by Holofcener). The latter’s all-too-contemporary vessel is the young Comer, here comely for sure but also principled and a staunch seeker of the truth, unlike the tired and cynical women around her. Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. ◆
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Draft Redistricting Maps Released
Council Subcommittee Seeks Public Comment by Andrew Lightman
T
he DC Council’s Redistricting Subcommittee Committee released three draft maps on Nov. 1 in advance of its Nov. 3, Ward 6 hearing. The subcommittee selected the three “discussion” maps from the more than 130 proposals received through the District’s online redistricting mapping tool. “I’ve committed to making this process transparent, accessible, and centered on community input,” said Redistricting Subcommittee Chair, At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I). “Our unprecedented 11 hearings on redistricting, the online redistricting mapping tool, and the release of these three “discussion” maps are designed to give our residents the most opportunity possible to understand the law, the choices we need to make to make sure political representation is equal and fair, and to make their voices and opinions heard,” Silverman stated. Here are the three draft maps examined in detail.
Map 1
The first draft map moves the border of Ward 8 across the river to encompass the Navy Yard neighborhood bounded on the west by South Capitol St., on the north by I-695 and the Southeast Blvd. ending at the Sousa Bridge and on the south by the Anacostia River. It also extends Ward 7 east of the river with a northern border that follows Benning Rd. NE to 15th St. NE, turns south to Pennsylvania Ave. SE and then heads back east over the Sousa Bridge. Map 1 shifts the border between Wards 7 and 8 slightly to the northwest. From the Sousa Bridge, it traces a path along Pennsylvania Ave. SE, turns down Fairlawn Ave. SE, takes a south
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turn on 18th St. SE, heads east on S St. SE, turns south on 22nd St. SE, heads east again on Retta Gilliam Court SE, extends east in a straight line to Fort Circle Park, before turns south again on Good Hope Rd. SE and finally follows Naylor Rd. SE to the District Line. Map 1 retracts the western borders of Ward 6 in Shaw ceding them to Ward 2. The new line snakes along P St. NW to Ninth St. NW, then heads west briefly along N St. NW, before turn-
ing south again to M St. NW, then heading east to Seventh St. NW where it turns south to follow Massachusetts Ave. NW to Independence Ave. NW. The map makes an additional adjustment on Ward 5’s western border retracting to North Capitol St. and Harewood Rd. NW. This places Washington Hospital Center and the US Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home squarely in Ward 1. The borders of Wards 3 and 4 remain unchanged.
HELP DECIDE D.C.’S NEW WARD BOUNDARIES!
It’s time for redistricting! By law, D.C.’s 8 wards need to be roughly equal in population. According to the 2020 Census, Ward 6 needs to shrink while Wards 7 and 8 need to grow!
NEW THIS YEAR, REDISTRICTING DIY! You can draw your own map and submit it to the D.C. Council for consideration! Go to DCredistricting.esriemcs.com with training tool links available at elissasilverman.com/redistricting.
SUBMIT TESTIMONY BY NOVEMBER 12:
Email your thoughts to redistricting@dccouncil.us or call us at 202-350-1521
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Map 2
The second draft map moves the western border of Ward 7 west across the river in the same manner as in Map 1. The ward’s southern border with Ward 8 then follows Pennsylvania Ave. SE before taking a turn south on 25th St. SE and finally following Naylor Rd. SE to the District line.
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Map 2 also moves a substantial chunk of the Navy Yard to Ward 8. The section is bordered by South Capitol St. on the west. On the north, the demarcation follows I-695 to Third St. SE, heading south to M St. SE and then east to 11th St. SE. This leaves the townhouse communities in Ward 6, while moving the neighborhood’s high-rise apart-
ments to Ward 8. Map 2 retracts the western boundaries of Ward 6 along Florida Ave. NW and Seventh St. NW. This transfers a tiny census tract bounded by Florida Ave. NW, New Jersey Ave. NW, M St. NW and Kirby St. NW to Ward 5. The remainder moves to Ward 2.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Map 3
Map 3 moves Southwest to Ward 8. The new Ward 8 borders Ward 2 along 14th St. NW and Independence Ave. SW. The border with Ward 6 begins at Seventh St. SW, follows Independence Ave. SW to Washington Ave. SW, where it heads south along South Capitol St. to the Douglass Bridge. There, it
extends north along the Anacostia River to the Sousa Bridge, where it meets Ward 7. Ward 8’s border with the new Ward 7 snakes from the bridge east along Pennsylvania Ave. SE. It turns south along 25th St. SE and Naylor Rd., then heads west along Alabama Ave. SE. Here, it cuts a jagged line along the edges of Fort Dupont Park
and Bruce Ave. SE, until turning east along Suitland Parkway SE to the District Line. The change transfers Skyland, Woodland, Garfield Heights and Knox Hill Dwellings back into Ward 7. Map 3 also extends Ward 7 further into the current Ward 6. Their new border extends from Benning Rd. NE south along 19th St. SE and west along Po-
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tomac Ave. SE. After that it heads south along 17th St. SE to Barney Circle and Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Map 3 pulls the western border of Ward 6 to New York Ave. NW and Seventh St. NW. It then snakes it along Constitution Ave. NW before heading south on Washington Ave., moving The US Capitol completely into the ward. Ward 5 gains a few census tracts along border with Ward 6 near the intersection of New York and New Jersey Ave’s NW. Wards 1, 3 and 4 would remain unchanged.
Comparing The Alternatives
The District’s Charter fixes the number of wards at eight. The DC Code dictates that the city’s population must be apportioned equally (one person, one vote) among the wards, with no more than a 5% deviation permitted. Dividing the city’s 2020 population (689,545) by eight yields 86,193. To be legal, a redistricting plan must limit the population of each ward to between 81,883 and 90,504. All three draft maps keep the ward populations with the legal 5% percent deviation. However, that is all they have in common. Map 1 has a 7,924 difference between the populations of its largest and smallest. Map 2 has a similar 6,915 difference. Map 3 has the lowest difference in ward populations at 2,816; and therefore is closest to the ideal of one-person-one-vote.
Three Alternatives
Draft Map 1 reduces Ward 6’s population 23.84% to 82,409; 25.25% Black (20,806). The plan increases the Ward 8’s population 8.67% to 85,965; 12.97% white (11,146). The population of the new Ward 7 grows 15.31% to 90,039 with no change in racial demographics. The new Ward 2 grows by .43% to 82,261; 9.84% Black (8,096). Ward 5’s population falls slightly to 88,725. Ward 1’s increases 5.4% to 90,185. Wards 3 and 4 remain unchanged. Draft Map 2 reduces Ward 6 population 23.57% to 82,702; 23.77% Black (19,661). Ward 2 grows 5.05% to 86,267; 11.56% Black (9,974). Ward 8 expands 10.73% to 87,947, 11.97% white (10,516). Ward 7 grows 11.55% to 86,220, 8.65% white (7,455). Wards 3 and 4 are not impacted. Draft Map 3 reduces Ward 6’s population 21.09% to 85,378; 22.51% Black (19,220). Ward 2 grows 5.2% to 86,397; 11.45% Black (9,891). Ward 8 increases 9.84% to 87,079; 13.07% white (11,383). Ward 7 grows 9.66% to 84,412 with no impact on its racial composition. Ward 5 shrinks
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slightly to 87,228. Wards 3 and 4 are not impacted. All three drafts maps decrease the share of Blacks in the new Ward 6: Map 1 by 1.2%; Map 2 by 2.69% and Map 3 by 5.37%. The new Ward 2 would be home to a Black population of between 10 to 12%. However, the largest impact on DC politics would be the racial composition of the new Ward 8.
Winning the New Ward 8
All the three draft maps create a substantial white population in Ward 8 of between 12 to 13%. This could have implications in future contests for that ward’s council seat. In the 2020 Democratic primary, voters in Ward 8 cast 8,977 ballots, while those in Ward 6 cast 18,873. The four voting precincts in Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D collectively accounted for 4,392 votes. The highest two were King Greenleaf (#127) at 1,478 and Arthur Capper Community Center (#131) at 1,353. The average voter participation was 29.27%, 11 points over Ward 8’s average. Ward 8 has historically had the lowest voter turnout in the city, 18.13% in the 2020 Democratic primary, a national contest. In an off-cycle election with the ward’s DC Council seat not at issue, such as the 2018 Democratic primary, turnout can fall as low as 8.31%. Contrast this with Ward 6, whose percentages were 21.91 and 28.29 respectively. In the 2020 Democratic primary, Councilmember Trayon White (D) coasted to victory
with 5,062 votes, while his challengers collectively garnered a mere 3,032. Adding several thousand highly motivated voters, many of them white, to Ward 8’s electorate would certainly alter the election dynamics. In the end, any redistricting plan has to earn a majority on the three-member committee and then on the 13-member DC Council. Silverman has stated her intention to forge a solution worthy of support from a majority of her colleagues. It remains to be seen what part of Ward 6 will be voted off the island. The draft redistricting maps are available on the DC Office of Planning’s redistricting application (https://dcredistricting.esriemcs.com/redistricting/) as starting templates or at At Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman’s (I) website (https://elissasilverman.com/redistricting). u
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Shaw Streets by Pleasant Mann
Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander Padro and Tina Scott Boyd unveil plaque commemorating Cecelia Scott, owner of Cecelia’s Restaurant. Photo: Pleasant Mann
Shaw Community Dedicates Plaque for Cecelia’s Restaurant Owner
More than a hundred people gathered on the morning of Oct. 14 to dedicate a bronze plaque to Cecelia Penny Scott, legendary host of Cecelia’s restaurant on Wiltberger Street. The plaque memorialized Scott’s contributions to the life of the neighborhood. After opening her eponymous restaurant, catering to the black entertainment community, at 12th and U streets NW in 1953, Scott bought a restaurant on Wiltberger Street across from the Howard Theater in 1958. The new Cecelia’s restaurant, now with a rooming house on the upper floors, became legendary as a watering hole and rest stop for the best of the nation’s black entertainers. Patrons included James Brown, Cab Calloway, Sam Cooke, Red Foxx, Billie Holiday, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Dinah Washington and Jackie Wilson. The DC Council gave a ceremonial designation to the street, naming it Cecelia’s Way to commemorate her contributions to the District’s culture. The restaurant’s facade was preserved when the building was incorporated into new apartment development, The Shaw. Friends and family thought that it would be appropriate to name the building in her honor but settled for a plaque describing Scott’s role in strengthening the community. The plaque was paid for by Monument Realty, the builders of
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the apartment building, with the development and production of the plaque managed by Shaw Main Streets. The dedication saw greetings from Naomi Mitchell, representing Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, and Tania Jackson from the office of Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Jackson recounted the charities that Scott set up, including Hospitality House, which supported the homeless, and School Shoes, Scott’s annual drive to get shoes for neighborhood kids starting the school year. Daughter Tina Scott Boyd regaled the audience with her experiences living at Cecelia’s and the excitement of residing across from the Howard Theater in an era when every Motown act stopped there to perform in DC. Finally, the image of the plaque was unveiled and its planned location on The Shaw apartment building was pointed out to the crowd. Then the attendees went to lunch at Right Proper Brewing Company next door.
taurant. In the reader’s poll, Beau Thai won again for Best Thai Restaurant, while Shouk was declared the Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant and Cava got the nod for Best Fast Casual Dining. In terms of drinking, readers chose Right Proper Brewing Company as Best Brew Pub, Compass Coffee as Best Coffee Shop, and Ivy and Coney won the titles of Best Dive Bar, Best Rooftop Bar and Best Sports Bar. The famous Fauci Pouchy cocktail from Capo Deli won the pandemic poll categories of Best Local Lockdown Product and Best Prepared Cocktail To-Go. The Shop at Shaw was the editors’ pick for Best Salon for Rock Star – or Dream Pop-up Hair. “Craving a cut – or dye job – that screams ‘I don’t work on the Hill?’ Then look no further than the Shop at Shaw.” The 9:30 Club retained its position as Best Music Venue in the Reader’s Poll, and readers also cited Lee’s Flower and Card Shop as DC’s Best Flower Shop. Warby Parker is still the Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses, UBREAKIFIX the Best Place to Get Your Cracked Phone Screen Fixed and District Pilates is Best Pilates Studio.
DC Water Drain Art
While Shaw has seen some big murals completed lately, DC Water sponsored other additions to the neighborhood’s aesthetics. Two of the winners of the second Cool Art & Cleaner Rivers stormdrain mural contest painted their murals atop drains located near the Northeast Boundary Tun-
Shaw Businesses Come Out on Top in the Best of DC List
The Washington City Paper’s annual reader’s poll and editorial picks for the Best of DC came out at the end of October, with Shaw businesses gaining top positions on the list, as well as a number of runner-up designations. The editors named Oyster Oyster, Chef Rob Rubba’s commitment to high-end plant-based eating, as the city’s Best New Res-
Friends and family of Cecelia Scott witness the dedication of a new plaque to her memory. Photo: Pleasant Mann
Artist Marley Kinkead completes DC Water mural on Sixth Street NW. Photo: DC Water
nel’s R Street NW construction site. Artist Marley Kinkead painted the mural near the northwest corner of Sixth Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW in front of the AIM auto repair shop. A mural by Carly Rounds is at the northeast corner of Sixth and R streets NW.
Disco Mary Pop-up Opens in Blagden Alley.
The Columbia Room in Blagden Alley has announced a new pop-up establishment, Disco Mary. Located on the deck of the building, Disco Mary greets visitors with a mirrored altar to the Virgin and marks a departure from the high-test cocktail list that the Columbia Room is known for. The pop-up specializes in a series of apothecary (that is, healthy) cocktails using herbal ingredients, with alcohol added only at the patron’s request. The cocktails are accompanied by a menu of plantbased, Latin-oriented dishes crafted by chef Elena Venegas. The pop-up at 124 Blagden Alley NW hopes to develop sustainable methods of providing food and drink. Visit www. DiscoMary.com for details. u
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ANC 6E by Pleasant Mann Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E held its monthly meeting for October 2021 virtually on October 5. Commission Chair Rachelle Nigro (6E04) called the meeting to order with Michael Eichler (6E01, Vice Chair), Alex Lopez (6E02, Secretary), Frank Wiggins (6E03, Treasurer), Patrick Parlej (6E05), Denise Blackson (6E06) and Kevin Rogers (6E07) in attendance. There was a quorum to conduct official business.
Police Service Area (PSA) Reports
Lieutenant Donigian of the First Police District reported that overall crime had gone down 27 percent from last year, although there were five violent incidents the previous month. Among them was a stabbing in the Walmart parking garage, an incident where a gun was brandished during an altercation, a shooting on First Place, which led to non-life threating injuries but required several surgeries, a knife brandished during a shoplifting and a stabbing in a personal argument. Captain Small of the Third Police District said that crime increased by nine percent in 3D. Robberies were down as well as thefts from autos. Most violent crimes had been domestic incidents. There had been some success in reducing auto thefts. The availability of home video camera footage had helped the police in apprehending and holding criminals.
Councilmember Charles Allen
Naomi Mitchell of the office of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen reported that the first building
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in the redevelopment of the Sursum Corda has been topped off. The developer has now named the project Banner Lane. The other big issue for Ward 6 is the ward redistricting process. Ward 6 is now the District’s largest ward and must lose people in order to meet the population limits of DC’s redistricting law. The first Council vote on ward boundaries will be on December 7. The boundaries of advisory neighborhood commissions will not be established until June 2022.
Encampment Pilot Program
The Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage, along with senior members of the Department of Human Services, attended to explain their new program to move the homeless out of tented encampments throughout the city into stable housing. The program was controversial and there had been a death at the encampment at the park on O Street and New Jersey Avenue the night before the meeting. Jamal Waldon, the program manager for the encampment program, started by noting that the pilot will begin at encampments at NOMA, E Street and the New Jersey and O Street park. They made contact with the people at New Jersey and O in September and there are currently 32 people on their list. There are also 16 additional people not on the list who moved to the park after the program started. The program tries to match people to rapid rehousing or permanent housing. Commissioner Nigro noted that the park is in her single member district and asked if the people not on the name list were aware of the program. Waldon said that they are in
constant contact with everyone in the park. Nigro said that she wanted to be informed of any issues. She told the audience that there had been a horrible death the previous night at the encampment caused by a fire. Waldon mentioned that after the fire occurred, a team from Fire and Emergency Medical Service was dispatched to instruct the residents on fire safety. Commissioner Lopez asked if the planned closure of the park on November 4 was still going ahead. The response was that the date was still tentative, depending on when everyone living in the park had services established. Lopez also asked how the effort could avoid a repeat of the violent incident at NOMA where heavy equipment hit a resident that was still in a tent. The Deputy Mayor objected to the characterization of the incident as a violent one, the implication being that it was deliberate. While the resident was taken to the hospital, he was not seriously hurt, and was provided housing after his release. Commissioner Rogers revealed that he became homeless in 1988 and was out on the streets for two years. One problem he noted that the programs that they had for the homeless back then were not available today.
years, starting in an era when things were much rougher than today. They have renovated approximately 500 homes for sale to low-income families in Shaw, 2000 citywide. Now they are redeveloping their earliest projects on S Street, including New Community Church, to expand and keep neighborhood families from being pushed out. The map amendment will allow more density for the project. There will be a new office building, restoration of the church and residential units on the upper four floors of the seven-story building. There will be 80 units of housing, all affordable. The hearing date before the Zoning Commission should be at end of the year. Brown said the committee supported the project, but recommended restrictions on residential parking. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to support the map amendment request. The motion passed unanimously. 1251 Fourth Street NW (Hoagie House). Tony Brown explained that there were three different parts of the project. After a long presentation, Commissioner Nigro made a motion to support the design concept being presented to the Historic Preservation Review Board. The motion passed.
Zoning and Development Committee
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
614 S Street NW (S Street Village). Request from Manna, Inc. for support for a zoning map amendment. Committee Chair Tony Brown explained that Manna had first come to the ANC in 2017 to make a change in the District’s Comprehensive Plan. Manna and the New Community Church have been in Shaw for 40
The TAC brought the following issues to the commission: • A request to create a curbside loading zone at 838 Second Street NW (Capital Vista), to improve waste pickup. The request for support was approved. • A request to convert a temporary permit for an enclosed
sidewalk cafe into a permanent sidewalk cafe at 640 L Street NW (Rumi’s Kitchen). The request was approved by the commission. • A letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) pointing out traffic problems on K Street since the installation of protected bicycle lanes, largely due to the misuse of new pickupdrop off zones that had been established. The commission passed a motion to send the letter to DDOT.
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Retraction of Grant Approval
The commission retracted a grant it gave to the Judah Project at its previous meeting. The Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) rejected the grant, questioning the number of people in the community that would benefit from it. Commissioner Lopez asked if there was some way of appealing the decision. Commissioner Nigro noted that this was not the first time the commission had to retract a grant due to a OANC ruling. The commission also saw presentations from: • The DDOT H Street Bus Priority Program, where options for improving the X2 Metro Bus route were offered. • Chris Dyer, who introduced himself as the new Department of Parks and Recreation liaison to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. • PEPCO, which gave a presentation on the Mount Vernon Connected Communities Program. ANC 6E will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc6e.org ◆ for more information.◆
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BULLETIN BOARD National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse
Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world,” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, celebrates Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally. Tens of millions across the nation and around the world view the lighting of the world’s largest menorah via news broadcasts and other media. This year’s event takes place on Nov. 28, 5 p.m. Request free tickets at www. nationalmenorah.org/tickets
“My Children! My Africa!” by Athol Fugard
Mr. M seeks to provide a future for his prize pupil Thami by forming a debate team with Isabel, a bright student from the local white school. But Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and the political violence brewing outside the classroom. “My Children! My Africa!” is at Washington Stage Guild, Nov. 11 to Dec. 5. $50 to $60 at the Undercroft Theatre of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. www.stageguild.org
New Torti Gallas+Partners Headquarters at Historic School
On Oct. 14, Mayor Bowser, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, the Office of the Deputy Mayor
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for Planning and Economic Development and the Torti Gallas team celebrated the official ribbon cutting at the firm’s new offices in the historic Grimke School. After 70 years in Maryland, Torti Gallas+Partners has relocated its corporate headquarters to the District, bringing 100 daytime jobs. Redevelopment of the Grimke Elementary School and the parking lot at 912 U St. NW, led by Community Three Development, will also include 68 residences ‒ 21 of them affordable units ‒ and create a permanent home for the African American Civil War Museum.
Friday Morning Music at MLK Library
To celebrate its 135th anniversary, the Friday Morning Music Club is performing chamber music on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s
new auditorium. Masks must be worn at this free musical event. The MLK Library is at 901 G St. NW. www. dclibrary.org/mlk
“An Irish Carol” at Keegan
An original work by Keegan Theatre company member Matthew J. Keenan, “An Irish Carol” offers homage to the Dickens classic. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve, he is challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present and faced with the reality of a lonely future. From Dec. 10 to 31, at Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. $41 to $51. www.keegantheatre.com
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fresh by gourmet bakery Whisked and picked up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at conveniently located sites. Choose from apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and a sea-salt chocolate chess pie. Each sale provides a full day’s worth of nutritious meals for a neighbor in need. Place orders by Friday, Nov. 19. www.sliceoflifedc.org
Washington Harbour Ice Rink Opens
“Umbrella” Art Show
From Nov. 12 to 14, the DC creative agency No Kings Collective and Events DC are bringing together more than 100 artists and independent curators for the second Umbrella art show. This free event will spread across 25,000 square feet of retail space in the new Collection 14, at 1400 W St. NW. Umbrella is on Friday, Nov. 12, from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Nov. 13, noon to midnight; Sunday, Nov. 14, noon to 8 p.m. A ticket is required for entry. For free tickets, visit the Eventbrite link.
“Tuesdays with Morrie”
Based on a best-selling memoir, “Tuesdays with Morrie” tells the story of Mitch Albom, a harddriving sportswriter, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Directed by Jenna Place, the play recounts how the two men reunited when Morrie faced his own mortality as an ALS patient. What started as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a lesson in humanity, compassion and friendship. On stage at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5. $65 to $75. www.theaterj.org
Designing the Gilded Age
The DAR’s symposium this year, Designing the Gilded Age, will explore the relationship among architects, decorators and owners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a complement to the museum’s current exhibit. Listen to a full day of speakers and tour the exhibit with Patrick Sheary, curator of
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Washington Harbour Ice Rink, 3000 K St. NW, begins its public skating season on Nov. 12. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7 for skate rental. www.thewashingtonharbour. com/ice-skating-rink
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
On Nov. 26 and 27, Dec. 3 and 4, Dec. 10 and 11 and Dec. 19, take a candlelit guided tour about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Visit with Mrs. Washington and other residents in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the Mount Vernon estate, followed by a reception. Learn about holiday traditions and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed character actors portraying Washington’s family, friends and enslaved or hired staff. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. www. mountvernon.org
“A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s
Experience Charles Dickens’ Yuletide story of transformation
“Illuminating Design: The Decoration and Technology of E.F. Caldwell and Co., 1895-1959.” The symposium is on Friday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the DAR Museum, 1776 D St. NW. $85; lunch and snacks included. www.dar.org
Disability Justice Virtual Forum at Dance Place
As an extension of Dance Place’s ongoing equity and inclusion work for people with disabilities, this free virtual event on Dec. 18 will spotlight artists with disabilities. www. danceplace.org/livestream
Food & Friends’ Slice of Life Thanksgiving Pie Sale
Now in its 15th year, Slice of Life has become a metro-area tradition. Pie sellers and pie teams come together to raise money, ensuring that neighbors facing serious illness can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal complete with two delicious pies. Pies are baked
Downtown Holiday Market Opens
The Downtown Holiday Market at F Street, between Seventh and Ninth streets NW, is open daily from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 6), noon to 8 p.m. This year’s retail lineup of more than 70 exhibitors includes black-owned and minority-owned businesses from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Made in DC program. Six food vendors will provide tasty treats and hot beverages. New features include a live stage of regional performers. www. downtownholidaymarket.com
and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming Jose Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s radio play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who encounters the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future on a memorable journey. “A Christmas Carol” is on stage at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, from Nov. 24 to Dec. 27. Recommended for ages five and up. www.fords.org
Holiday Boat Parade
More than 60 decorated boats will cruise the Washington Channel in the District’s Holiday Boat Parade, at The Wharf, on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Landside holiday activities include ornament decorating, live music under a lighted Christmas tree and family photos with Santa. The parade is part of a holiday tradition with the Alexandria Parade of Lights earlier in the evening. Boaters participating in both events have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes, but captains must sign up for the DC and Alexandria parades separately. Attendance is free and open to the public, no registration required to view the parade and enjoy the live music and activities. www.wharfdc.com
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees
To find cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, visit www. pickyourownchristmastree.org, then follow the prompts.
“Ice and Lights” at Cameron Run
The “Ice and Lights” holiday show at Winter Village features ice skating, an
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on the bucolic grounds of President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. $10 ticket includes Lincoln’s Wild Home app, headphones, map and grounds pass. The kids’ (6-12) ticket is $5. www. lincoln’scottage.org
Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine
The National Shrine invites all to attend Holy Mass at 8 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Nov. 25. Confession will not be heard, and the Shrine’s shops will be closed. The church will close at 1 p.m. www.nationalshrine.org
Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opens
Free Capital Bikeshare Membership
Mayor Bowser and Lyft have announced that to ease travel disruptions caused by reduced Metrorail service, Capital Bikeshare is offering a free 30-day membership to all DC residents. To participate, riders should go to the “Ride Plans” section of the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft Mobile app, or the “Pricing” section, capitalbikeshare.com, and select a 30-day membership for $0. Registered residents may take free, unlimited 45-minute rides on the red Capital Bikeshare bikes, with no unlocking or travel fee. Rides longer than 45 minutes will cost five cents a minute for a pedal bike. E-bike rides will cost 10 cents a minute from the first minute, a 33% discount from the normal rate. Taxes and out-of-hub fees will be charged separately. Participants will need a credit card and phone number.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens on Nov. 19 (free hot chocolate on opening weekend). Located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue NW between Seventh and Ninth streets, the rink will operate through March 6, weather permitting. It will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Two 45-minute skating sessions cost $10 for adults and children 13 and over; $9 for adults 60+, children 12 and under, military and students with ID. Skate rentals are $5, and lockers are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. www.nga.gov interactive orb field, starland display, a 100-foot tunnel arch, a walk-through tree, food concessions and light displays. It is open daily, Nov. 19 to Jan. 2, from 5:30 to 10 p.m.; ice skating only on weekends and holidays, from Jan. 8 to Feb. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Village admission is $9 per person (under two, free) and $22 which includes skating. Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, Virginia. www.novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
On Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, see larger-thanlife turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching bands and Santa and his elves at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. The DC metro area’s only Thanksgiving parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.
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It is televised live on News Channel 8 and rerun on Thanksgiving Day.
Veterans Day Observance at The Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Day Observance at The Wall is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11, 1 to 2 p.m. On this day, prominent Americans will come to the memorial to deliver thoughtful and patriotic speeches. To RSVP for this ceremony, visit www.vvmf.org/2021-veteransday. A broadcast of the event will be available on this page and VVMF’s Facebook page. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at Constitution Avenue and 21st St. NW. www.vvmf.org
Lincoln’s Wild Home Landscape Tour
President Lincoln’s Cottage offers a landscape tour, Lincoln’s Wild Home. The self-guided, appbased tour encourages connection with the past and reflection on the present during nine stops
Solar for All
On Oct. 27, Mayor Bowser launched a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs and the Department of Energy & Environment to encourage participation in the Solar for All and Solar Works DC programs. Not just for people who own homes or who have solar panels, the effort enables participants to lower their energy bills by
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receiving solar power, either directly on the roof or through community solar, if their household income meets the required threshold. www. doee.dc.gov/service/solar-works-dc
Donate A/C Units to Community Forklift
Residents who are removing airconditioning units in preparation for cooler weather and thinking about discarding them should consider donating to Community Forklift. Every year Community Forklift provides dozens of free air-conditioners to households with limited incomes. Bring unneeded window or in-room air conditioning units (under 10 years of age and including all their pieces) to the reuse warehouse at 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston, Maryland. Open daily, noon to 5 p.m. www.communityforklift.org
Change of Drop-Off Hours at Fort Totten
Fort Totten transfer station, 4900 John McCormack Rd. NE, has new residential drop-off hours. Drop-off is now available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, the station will no longer accept household hazardous waste and electronics. Residents should instead bring household hazardous waste and electronics recyclables to the Benning Road station, 3200 Benning Rd. NE, on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Benning Road Transfer Station will also offer document shredding on the first Saturday of every month, beginning Nov. 6.
Annual DPW Leaf Collection
Beginning in November, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will make two one-week
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K
SOME (So Others Might Eat) sponsors a time-honored DC tradition, the Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K, on Freedom Plaza. The in-person race, timed or untimed, runs on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, along with the Little Turkey One-Miler and a family-friendly festival. The schedule begins with registration at 7 a.m., followed by the Little Turkey One-Miler at 8:30 a.m. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. The family-friendly festival returns this year with games, the Kids’ One Mile Little Turkey Fun Run and live entertainment. Funds from the event benefit neighbors in need by providing food, housing, access to healthcare, employment training and long-term comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Create a team, join a team or register as an individual for $40. Kids 10 and under can register as Little Turkeys for a one-mile run. See the Kids & Family section in the back of this paper. www.some.org leaf-collection passes in every neighborhood. Residents should rake leaves into the tree box in front of the home or at the curb on the Sunday before a scheduled collection week. Leaves collected from DPW-services households will be composted. DPW-serviced households that miss leaf collection can bring leaves to the Fort Totten or Benning Road transfer stations. Call 311 to place a Leaf Season Collection service request, but place this request at the end of the scheduled week. Bad weather may disrupt the collection schedule. A brochure sent in the mail will detail the collection program and scheduled collection week. www.dpw.dc.gov/es/service/leaf-collection
Ticket Amnesty Extended
The District has extended its Ticket Amnesty
3 2 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
Program deadline to Dec. 31, 2021. Until the end of the year, District and non-District drivers have the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement and minor moving violations without the doubling penalty. www. ticketamnesty.dc.gov
Hypothermia Alerts
Hypothermia alerts activate when the National Weather Service forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32 F or below; or when the temperature is forecasted to be 40 F or below and the chance of precipitation is 50% or greater. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To report a person outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an
immediate risk to safety call 911. When calling, include the time, address or location of the sighting and a description of the person’s appearance.
Find a Vaccination
Enter a Zip Code and get vaccination sites within one, five or 10 miles and farther from home, anywhere in the nation. Get information on incentives, childcare and free rides. Call 1-800232-0233 or visit www.vaccines.gov.
DC’s COVID-19 Hotline
Residents who are homebound due to COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items. Call 1-888-349-8323 or visit www.coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp. u
REAL ESTATE
changing hands Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
Neighborhood BLOOMINGDALE 2210 1st St NW 1923 1st St NW 13 Adams St NW
CENTRAL 603 I St NW
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3013 13th St NW 1209 Girard St NW 918 Spring Rd NW 2516 13th St NW 1360 Meridian Pl NW 737 Otis Pl NW 655 Columbia Rd NW
DUPONT CIRCLE 2141 N St NW 1744 Q St NW
FORT DUPONT PARK 1231 45th Pl SE 4337 Gorman Ter SE 4224 Nash St SE 4617 Hillside Rd SE 1537 Fort Dupont St SE
KALORAMA
1933 19th St NW
LEDROIT PARK 2023 Flagler Pl NW MT VERNON SQUARE 429 NW M St NW
SHAW
805 T St NW
SOUTH WEST 4034 1st St SW
TRUXTON CIRCLE 215 P St NW
Condo 14TH STREET CORRIDOR
2125 14th St NW #802 1323 Clifton St NW #3
ADAMS MORGAN 2422 17th St NW #205
BLOOMINGDALE 52 Quincy Pl NW #403
CENTRAL
400 Massachusetts Ave NW #705 631 D St NW #536 1150 K St NW #310
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2615 University Pl NW #4 1121 Fairmont St NW #2 770 Girard St NW #3E 909 Quincy St NW #1 1430 Newton St NW #301
Price
BR
$990,000 $985,000 $949,000
5 4 4
$1,275,000
3
$1,599,000 $1,490,000 $1,360,000 $1,260,000 $875,000 $680,000 $621,550
5 6 4 5 4 4 5
$1,810,000 $2,200,000
5 5
$575,000 $440,000 $347,000 $308,000 $385,000
4 2 2 3 3
$2,300,000
5
$1,062,000
4
$1,000,002
2
$1,000,000
4
$230,000
2
$830,000
3
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1214 Fairmont St NW #1 1248 Fairmont St NW #2 3511 13th St NW #405 3933 14th St NW #7 1307 Clifton St NW #34 1108 Columbia Rd NW #106 2639 15th St NW #301 3101 Sherman Ave NW #403 1318 Kenyon St NW #1
DUPONT CIRCLE
1301 20th St NW #507 1545 18th St NW #608 1830 Jefferson Pl NW #11 1725 Q St NW #101 1731 Willard St NW #403 1280 21st St NW #302 1711 Massachusetts Ave NW #724 1727 Massachusetts Ave NW #205
LEDROIT PARK
$799,000 $525,000
2 2
$274,220
0
1312 Massachusetts Ave NW #604
$399,900
2
1112 5th Street NW #5
$455,000 $447,000 $615,000
1 1 2
631 D St NW #731
$825,000 $785,000 $777,500 $690,000 $572,000
2 2 2 2 2
U STREET CORRIDOR
2201 2nd St NW #41
LOGAN CIRCLE
MOUNT VERNON PENN QUARTER SHAW
1102 R St NW #2 539 Florida Ave NW #3 1451 Belmont St NW #414 1469 Florida Ave NW #7 2125 14th St NW #309
◆
$562,750 $519,000 $485,000 $444,900 $415,000 $399,999 $395,000 $365,000 $349,900
2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1
$395,000 $310,000 $950,000 $850,000 $385,000 $375,000 $239,239 $225,000
1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0
$426,250
1
$510,000
2
$700,000
2
$460,000
1
$610,000 $350,000
2 1
$539,293 $499,000 $385,000
1 1 0
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“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on the National Theatre stage, Nov. 23 to Dec. 5. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Tickets are on sale now; $50 and $75. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www. thenationaldc.org
y l i m a f & kids
Philip Huffman as The Grinch.
Little Turkey One-Miler This Thanksgiving be part of the 20th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K, a time-honored DC tradition sponsored by So Others Might Eat (SOME) on Freedom Plaza. Join the in-person race, timed or untimed, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, and the Little Turkey One-Miler and a family-friendly festival. www.some.org
Holiday Show by “Step Afrika!” The Magical Musical Holiday Step Show by “Step Afrika!” is one of the most vibrant holiday celebrations in town. This family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats. The Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is at the Atlas Theater, 1333 H St. NE, from Dec. 9 to 30. Warning: tickets sell out. Get tickets and updates at www.stepafrika.org.
“Cinderella” Just in time for the holidays, “Cinderella” joins Synetic Theater’s family series repertoire. Led by an all-female team of Syneticons, this innovative take on the classic fairytale is a perfect fit for audiences of all ages. $15 to $30. “Cinderella” is on stage at Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, Virginia, on select days from Nov. 29 to Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free parking. www.synetictheater.org
3 4 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
Photo: Derek Park
Maria Simpkins as the lead in Synetic Theater’s “Cinderella.” Photo: Johnny Shryock Photography
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KIDS AND FAMILY
Shaw Outdoor Family Story Time
On Saturday, Nov. 13 and 27, at 10:30 a.m., enjoy stories and songs with the little ones at family story time for ages birth through five. These 30-minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays and are a great way to introduce children to language skills in a positive and fun environment. Meet at the garden at Seaton Elementary School. Enter the garden behind the school via P Street between Ninth and 10th streets NW. Bring blankets or chairs. No advance signup is needed. Show up and find a socially distanced space on the grass by 10:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. www.dclibrary.org/watha
Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blum
New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books, “Acoustic Rooster” and “Indigo Blum,” to the stage in a world-premiere Kennedy Center commission. Alexander tells a story about being scared and being brave. With special guests like Duck Ellington and Ms. Dairy Parton, this musical adaptation will have children and families dancing in their seats.
Moomins Through Jan. 9, 2022, Moomins, the fairytale creatures living in Moominvalley and created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, are the subject of a visiting exhibition at the National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The exhibition, on loan from the world’s only Moomin museum, in Tampere, Finland, showcases the universal values of the Moomins such as equality, inclusion and respect for nature. The exhibition is hosted by the Embassy of Finland. On Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m., at the National Children’s Museum, join composers Samuli Kosminen and Jarmo Saar for a musical ride to the fantasy world of Moomins. Hear more about how the heart-warming music score of the awardwinning “Moominvalley” TV series was made. Discover the sounds different instruments make and learn more about the basics of composing. This 30-minute event takes place virtually and in-person. Admission to the museum is $15.95. www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org
3 6 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
Afterward, dive into a book to keep the fun going: Alexander’s new picture book of the same name is based on this musical. “Acoustic Rooster” and “Indigo Blume,” on stage at the Kennedy Center, Nov. 18 to 27, is most enjoyed by ages five and older. Following select performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists. $20. www.kennedy-center.org
Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk On Dec. 4 at 11 a.m., this family-oriented parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and concludes at Old Town’s Market Square with a massed band concert at 1 p.m. www.campagnacenter.org/ scottishwalkweekend
Girls on the Run 5K
The Girls on the Run 5K is on Nov. 21 at Anacostia Park. It is a 3.1-mile loop around the park. Registration will stay open until Monday, Nov. 15, at midnight for Community Buddy Runner registration and until Sunday, Nov. 20, at noon for families and community runners. Register before Oct. 17 to receive early-bird pricing. Read more at www. gotrdc.org.
FUTURES Family Day
The historic Arts and Industries Building, America’s first national museum, opens its new museum experience, FUTURES, on Saturday, Nov. 20. On view through July 6, 2022, FUTURES is the Smithsonian’s first major building-wide exploration of the future and will reopen the Smithsonian’s oldest museum for the first time in nearly two decades. FUTURES Family Day is Sunday, Nov. 21, all day. This day invites families of all types for pop-up guided activities and bite-size experiences. For more information and to plan a visit, go to www.aib.si.edu.
First REDEYE Night Market
Inspired by the bustling open-air night markets of East and Southeast Asia, DC’s first annual REDEYE Night Market is on Nov. 6, from 4 to 11 p.m., along four blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue from Third to Seventh streets NW. This family-friendly market brings together 50 local vendors to showcase foods and beverages like those at a night market abroad, including Filipino pastries, Taiwanese shaved ice, bao and Korean fried chicken. Enjoy cultural and musical performances throughout the evening. Admission is free with food and beverages available for purchase. www.theredeye. nokingscollective.com.
Adventure Theater’s Winterfest
Adventure Theater’s Winterfest is from Nov. 19 to Jan. 2. Get three shows for the price of one. Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Snowflakes, frost and fantasy abound in “Uri & Ora Light the Menorah” by Robyn Shrater Seemann, “Connection” by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen and “Cranky Penguin” by Keegan Patterson. General admission is $20.50. Adventure is at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Maryland. www. adventuretheatre-mtc.org
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
For a delightful family outing, use the website below to find cut-your-own and choose-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Discover pre-cut tree lots, wagon rides, sleigh rides, holiday recipes and other winter activities. Visit www.pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. The farms typically open right after Thanksgiving. u
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The Holiday Season Starts on
SHAW
BUSINESS SATURDAY,
November 27, 2021! Come celebrate the national Small Business Saturday event and Shop Small in Shaw!
Pick up a sheet of “Shawbucks” to use at participating Shaw Main Streets businesses just like cash! Their value will be deducted from the cost of your purchase.
ble Shawbucks availa st. while supplies la No minimum d. purchase require ly. on Valid 11/27/21
List of pickup locations and participating businesses available at www.ShawMainStreets.org on the day of the event. Follow @shawmainstreets on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates!
