Dp 12 13 17

The Dupont Current

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Vol. XVI, No. 27

Serving Dupont Circle, Kalorama, Adams Morgan & Logan Circle

Palisades landmark bid stirs debate

LIGHT SHOW

■ Preservation: ANC votes unanimously to

oppose designation of 1940 modernist house

By KIRK KRAMER Current Staff Writer

The DC Preservation League thinks the house at 3125 Chain Bridge Road NW is a landmark of modernist architecture and belongs on the National Register of Historic Places. Alma Gates doesn’t buy it.

“This house is not [architecturally] influential or important,” said Gates, a member of the local advisory neighborhood commission, ANC 3D. “It is not associated with people who are significant to our past.”

Gates and her colleagues heard from the DC Preservation League at ANC 3D’s meeting last Wednesday, but they voted unanimously to oppose the landmark application. The case will go before the Historic Preservation Review Board on Dec. 21. (ANC 3D includes Foxhall, the Palisades, Spring Valley and

Photo by D.P. Sefton

A raze application for this Chain Bridge Road home is on hold pending a decision on the landmarking.

Wesley Heights.)

The residence on Chain Bridge Road, referred to as the Raymond and Olive Clapper House in the landmark application, was built in 1940. The architect was See Preservation/Page 3

Franklin museum wins planners’ praise

By KIRK KRAMER Current Staff Writer

Hannah Lynn Wagner/The Current

Victoria Majano, 3, walks across “Aqueous,” one of Georgetown’s newly installed GLOW art installations.

Hosted by the neighborhood’s business improvement district, the light displays will continue into early January.

The old Franklin School on 13th Street NW is a bit closer to fulfilling a new educational mission as an experiential museum of linguistics, having won positive comments from the National Capital Planning Commission.

While the federal design-review panel hasn’t yet signed off on the plans, members praised the idea of opening the “Planet Word” museum in the vacant 1869 building.

“The programming at the museum will lift up the school,” commissioner Eric Shaw, the head of the D.C. Office of Planning, said at the panel’s hearing on the proposal last Thursday. “That building is so beautiful. I’m awestruck by it.”

“This is just about as compatible with the original use as you can get,” added fellow commissioner Peter May. The interior of the building, last used as a homeless shelter in the 2000s, has suffered from a decade of disuse. Evan Cash, the D.C.

Council’s representative on the commission, spoke of the “fits and starts” it has taken to find a use for the building, and expressed relief that the deterioration will not grow worse. “The city has been guilty of demolition by neglect,” Cash said.

The building is owned by the District government, and the city submitted the project application on behalf of the Franklin School development team. The District has given a long-term lease to the developer but will retain ownerSee Franklin/Page 4

As design work progresses, Stead Park project team weighs program options

By GRACE BIRD Current Staff Writer

As the District prepares to renovate and expand the Stead Recreation Center starting next fall, officials recently released the latest designs for the project, focusing on new programs the Dupont Circle site could accommodate.

Located at 1625 P St. NW, the center has faced criticisms about its size and condition, prompting the D.C. Council to allocate $10 million for a comprehensive overhaul.

This fall, the project team for the Stead center conducted a survey about possible uses for the facility, collecting 147 responses as of Nov. 28. Respondents called for an arts and crafts program; afternoon access for

kids ages 6 to 12; a garden-oriented fall festival; classes on guitar, yoga, youth dance, digital photography, and drawing and painting; after-school tutoring; and a children’s story hour.

Officials plan to start up four working groups tasked with different aspects of the project: adult programming, artwork and photography, rat mitigation strategies and the overall site.

Some neighbors questioned the project’s focus on children, given that the Dupont area has many young single adults. But many organizers, including Friends of Stead Park president Kari Cunningham, said that’s part of the center’s original mission — as outlined by Robert Stead, who founded a trust that created the park in 1953.

Rendering courtesy of D.C. government

A proposed design for Stead features a steel roof over the basketball court and a three-story addition with a green roof.

“Our core vision is to serve the children of the District of Columbia,” said Cunningham, also an advisory neighborhood commissioner. “That’s our mandate by the trust.”

Planners have also proposed to start an early childhood program through the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Cooperative Play Program, consisting of play-time sessions in the mornings for babies and young children.

While there is some debate about programming, there’s broad support for the idea of updating the outdated recreation center, a prized public amenity in crowded Dupont.

“Right now, it is really not a very usable space,” Cunningham said, describing the center — originally built as a small carriage house in 1888 — as small, outdated, and inaccessible to those with disabilities.

Overall plans to redo the recreation center include restoring the existing carriage See Stead/Page 16

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As D.C. officials vow to follow up on Ballou graduation data, reactions differ / Page 6

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Police Report/5 Real Estate/15 School Dispatches/10 Service Directory/21 Week Ahead/3

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The Current Wednesday, December 13, 2017

MODERNIST: Landmark debated From Page 1

Alfred Kastner, best known as a designer of public housing.

David Jameson — an architect representing the property’s current owners, Luis Riesgo and Teresa Modrono — also spoke out against its landmark status.

“This is not a mature work of architecture,” said Jameson. “It does not rise to the level of being a landmark. You drive by and you’re potentially intrigued. But you look more closely and it disappoints.”

The new owners purchased the property for $3.5 million in September, shortly after the seller, Carla Hills, filed for a raze permit on their behalf. The DC Preservation League filed its landmark application on Oct. 19, halting any raze permit until the preservation board can rule on the matter. Jameson said that since then, his clients have spent $30,000 to oppose landmark designation.

Jacqueline Drayer of the DC Preservation League presented a statement explaining her group’s nomination.

“The Clapper House is eligible for listing because it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, style and method of construction,” Drayer said. “The Clapper House is among the earliest, and may indeed be the first, modernist house in the District of Columbia. For years this pioneering work of architecture served as a conspicuous emblem of the modernist movement. It is a superb example of an early modernist house in its own right.”

Drayer also said the house is important for its association with figures notable in the development of the nation and the city. “Raymond Clapper, who commissioned the house with his wife Olive, was a national opinion leader and pioneering broadcaster in the tumultuous years of the Great Depression and World War II,” she said.

Clapper wrote for The Washington Post, with his daily column distributed to 176 newspapers.

The house was more recently, and for 40 years, the home of Carla Hills, a cabinet secretary under President Gerald Ford and U.S. trade representative in the administration of George H.W. Bush.

Hills was known as “the velvet crowbar” for her negotiating style.

Famously, Hills and her husband Roderick both held top government posts in the 1970s — she as secretary of housing and urban development, he as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to Roderick Hills’ 2014 obituary in The Washington Post, “When he was approved for the SEC job in October 1975, Mr. Hills and his wife became a prominent power couple, described by Time magazine as ‘Washington’s most formidably titled husbandwife team ever.’”

But Carla Hills herself challenges the merits of her former

home’s landmark nomination.

“The basis for this proposed landmark status strikes me as close to frivolous,” she wrote in a letter to the preservation board. “I was surprised to see the application invoke my professional accomplishments as justification for landmark designation. The National Register for Historic Places actively discourages historic designation based on association with

❝You drive by and you’re potentially intrigued. But you look more closely and it disappoints.❞ — Architect David Jameson living persons. It surely cannot be reasonable to designate as a landmark every structure in Washington, DC, purchased by a cabinet member, yet this application seems to list nothing more as the basis for its proposed designation.”

Jameson added that Hills was in fact offended by her inclusion in the landmark application. “She said her work is not done,” Jameson said.

Gates and others from the neighborhood toured the house on Nov. 22, and she subsequently wrote an analysis of the landmark application for her colleagues.

“While Kastner may have adopted Modernist Movement principles in general, the Clapper House is not a stellar example of implementation of the principles,” she wrote. “Kastner, while known for his award-winning planning and design efforts related to important and timely housing projects, does not demonstrate mature award-winning familiarity in the design and construction of the Clapper House, primarily because he did not adhere to basic principles of Modernist residential architecture in his choice and the use of construction material.”

Troy Kravitz, another member of ANC 3D, expressed concerns about the landmarking process.

“The practical reality is that once a raze application is filed, groups from outside our community often file a historic designation application on the home,” he wrote in an email to The Current.

“As the application for 3125 Chain Bridge Road shows, the case for historic designation may be entirely unconvincing, at best, yet it still entails a $30,000 outlay (or $35,000 in another case that came before us).”

At last week’s meeting, commissioner Michael Sriqui said he hopes the Preservation League does not return to ANC 3D with another landmark application that he regards as without merit. “It’s a big deal to take away homeowners’ rights,” he said.

A spokesperson for the DC Preservation League did not respond to requests for comment.

The week ahead Thursday, Dec. 14

■ Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G (Chevy Chase) will hold a public meeting to discuss funding issues related to the renovation of the Chevy Chase Community Center. The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the center, located at Connecticut Avenue and McKinley Street NW.

Saturday, Dec. 16

■ Ward 3 D.C. Council member Mary Cheh will hold a “Chat With Cheh” event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. ■ Ward 4 D.C. Council member Brandon Todd will hold a Ward 4 Holiday Party from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lafayette Elementary School, 5701 Broad Branch Road NW. Attendees are asked to donate a new winter coat for a child. To RSVP, contact Dolly Turner at 202-654-6406 or dturner@dccouncil.us.

Monday, Dec. 18

■ The National Capital Planning Commission will hold a public meet-

ing on the draft environmental impact statement for the Smithsonian South Mall Campus Master Plan. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the commission’s offices in Suite 500, 401 9th St. NW. ■ The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and the D.C. Department of General Services will hold the first community engagement meeting regarding the scheduled Hardy Park and Recreation Center modernization project. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Hardy Recreation Center, 4500 Q St. NW.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

■ The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles will host its first quarterly community forum, which will focus on the agency’s 2017-2022 strategic plan and initiatives. A Q&A will follow.

The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Service Center, 95 M St. SW. To RSVP, contact gwendolyn.chambers@dc.gov.

Thursday, Dec. 21

■ The D.C. Historic Preservation

Review Board will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 220 South, One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St. NW.

Friday, Dec. 29

■ The Chevy Chase Citizens Association will hold its fourth annual holiday cookie-decorating event from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Monday, Jan. 1

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will host her fourth annual “Fit DC Fresh Start” 5K Walk/Run at 10 a.m. at Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE. Registration is free; visit bit.ly/2C4SLip.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

■ The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and the D.C. Department of General Services will hold the first community engagement meeting regarding the scheduled Carolina Park and Playground modernization project. The meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Palisades Community Church, 5200 Cathedral Ave. NW.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

currentnewspapers.com

District Digest Agency set to revisit Chestnut timetable

With a consensus forming that Chevy Chase’s Chestnut Street NW should have a sidewalk, the D.C. Department of Transportation is working to construct one prior to its previously stated projection of 2020.

The project in the neighborhood’s northeastern Hawthorne section affects Chestnut between Oregon and Western avenues NW. After strong objections from some residents, the Transportation Department revised its plans — making room for a sidewalk by narrowing the street instead of building on adjacent green space.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G recently offered its unanimous endorsement to the latest proposal. “The District has worked closely with residents and community stakeholders to arrive at a

compromise on the Chestnut Street sidewalk project,� Transportation Department spokesperson Terry Owens wrote Monday in an email to The Current. “The procurement process is now underway to move the project into final design. The design work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018, and take six to nine months to complete. While there is no firm date for construction to begin, we are committed to start work at the earliest possible opportunity. Original projections called for construction to begin in 2020, but DDOT will do everything it can to advance that timeline.�

D.C. cites progress on World AIDS Day

The District marked World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 with a Red Carnation Affair event, featuring information about D.C.-based

resources and volunteer opportunities to fight HIV/AIDS, informational workshops, and an activity to assemble health kits and care packages for residents affected by the epidemic.

The event took place at the Reeves Center at 14th and U streets NW and was co-hosted two District agencies — Serve DC and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs — as well as the LoveLife Foundation and DC Center, two local nonprofits. Mayor Muriel Bowser was among the speakers at the event. “For nine consecutive years, we have been able to decrease the number of new HIV cases in the District, and when residents are diagnosed with HIV, they are getting care faster and they are starting — and staying on — treatments that we know are effective,� Bowser said in a release.

On last year’s World AIDS Day, Bowser released the District’s 90/90/90/50 plan, which sets four main goals for the District to achieve by 2020: that 90 percent of residents with HIV

know their status, 90 percent of residents diagnosed with HIV are in treatment, 90 percent of residents in treatment achieve viral load suppression and the number of new HIV cases in the District declines by 50 percent.

In 2016, 347 people were newly diagnosed with HIV, a decrease of 52 percent from 720 in 2011 and a 73 percent decline from 2007 levels, according to the release. The number of newly diagnosed cases attributable to injection drug use fell by 95 percent from 2007 to 2016. About 13,000 District residents currently live with HIV, representing 1.9 percent of the population.

Correction

A Dec. 6 article on proposed sidewalks on Chestnut Street NW incorrectly quoted Abraham Clayman of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G (Chevy Chase) regarding the project’s timeline.

The D.C. Department of Transportation’s current plans call for sidewalks to be built only after nearby reconstruction projects on

Holiday schedule

The Current will publish its last issue of 2017 on Dec. 20. The Current will resume its weekly publication schedule on Jan. 10. Between those two issues, updates and calendar listings will be available on our website at currentnewspapers.com.

Oregon Avenue and Beach Drive are complete, which would be in two to three years. However, according to Clayman, Transportation Department director Jeff Marootian has told ANC 3/4G that he will see if the sidewalk project can begin sooner, and said that early next year he will provide an update on efforts to speed up the work.

The Current regrets the error.

As a matter of policy, The Current corrects all errors of substance. To report an error, call the managing editor at 202-567-2011.

FRANKLIN: Museum wins support From Page 1

ship of the building. In addition to the Planet Word museum, the old school building is slated to house event space and a restaurant.

The proposed design doesn’t alter the ornate front of the building facing 13th Street NW, which is notable for its two primary entries — one for boys and one for girls. “It’s a grand building without

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a grand entrance,� said one attendee of the Dec. 7 hearing.

In early meetings with developers, commission staff members opposed plans to close those two entrances. Commissioners agreed, saying one of the two historic main entrances should remain in use as the ground-floor entrance to the proposed restaurant.

A new entrance will be located on the building’s K Street NW side after a brick wall connecting the old school to the adjacent office building on the east is removed.

The wall is not original to the building, but was added after it ceased to function as a school in 1926.

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Susann Shin/Current file photo

Planet Word plans to move into the historic Franklin School.

After the wall is demolished, a courtyard will be created at the back of the building, with a new entrance created by removing masonry between three windows in the rear facade. This change will allow access to a new entrance vestibule and the restaurant.

The Franklin School was designed by Adolf Cluss and was one of eight modern D.C. schoolhouses built between 1862 and 1875, according to Lee Webb, a member of the commission’s staff.

Webb quoted Cluss as describing the school’s architecture as Renaissance Revival, with elements of Romanesque and Gothic detail.

Webb said that Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, conducted experiments in the building in 1880. Commission vice chair Arrington Dixon noted that the building is historic for another reason. “The first elected school board met at Franklin, and that was the first elected body in the city� in the modern era, Dixon said.

The National Planning Capital Commission review process for the Franklin School project includes at least two more steps, preliminary approval and final approval. The project has already won support from the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board.

5 Police

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d f The Current W ednesday, December 13, 2017

5

Police Report This is a listing of incidents reported from Dec. 4 through 10 in local police service areas, sorted by their report dates.

PSA PSA 206 206

â– GEORGETOWN / BURLEITH

Robbery â– 3300-3399 block, Q St.; 7:28 p.m. Dec. 4.

Burglary â– 1300-1335 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 3:22 a.m. Dec. 7.

Theft â– 3200-3275 block, M St.; 7:09 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 2800-2899 block, M St.; 7:50 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 3200-3275 block, M St.; 7:12 p.m. Dec. 9. â– 3000-3029 block, K St.; 10:40 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft from auto â– 3100-3199 block, K St.; 10:51 a.m. Dec. 5. â– 3300-3399 block, Reservoir Road; 9:08 a.m. Dec. 6. â– 1200-1299 block, 31st St.; 8:14 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 2700-2799 block, Olive St.; 1:03 a.m. Dec. 9.

PSA PSA 207 207

â– FOGGY BOTTOM / WEST END

Theft â– 2200-2299 block, I St.; 11:52 p.m. Dec. 4.

â– 1100-1199 block, Vermont Ave.; 3:54 p.m. Dec. 5. â– 900-999 block, 17th St.; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. â– 1100-1199 block, 19th St.; 2:47 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 2600-2799 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 3:46 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 1900-1999 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 1:58 a.m. Dec. 7. â– 1900-1999 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 5:51 p.m. Dec. 7. â– 1420-1499 block, L St.; 10:28 a.m. Dec. 8. â– 2400-2499 block, I St.; 1:17 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 2100-2199 block, L St.; 6:49 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 1800-1899 block, L St.; 5:07 p.m. Dec. 9. â– 1700-1709 block, K St.; 5:08 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft from auto â– 2300-2399 block, N St.; 7:45 a.m. Dec. 4. â– 2200-2299 block, I St.; 8:38 p.m. Dec. 4. â– 1100-1199 block, 25th St.; 6:09 p.m. Dec. 5. â– 2200-2299 block, I St.; 3:19 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 1100-1199 block, 15th St.; 4:31 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 800-899 block, 23rd St.; 11:05 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 2300-2399 block, N St.; 1:56 p.m. Dec. 9. â– 1100-1199 block, 25th St.; 3:12 p.m. Dec. 9. â– 1600-1699 block, L St.; 12:41 p.m. Dec. 10.

â– 1434-1499 block, K St.; 1:10 p.m. Dec. 10.

PSA 208

â– SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

PSA 208CIRCLE DUPONT

Robbery â– 1700-1799 block, Q St.; 3:10 a.m. Dec. 9 (with knife).

Motor vehicle theft â– 1721-1799 block, 18th St.; 10:53 a.m. Dec. 6.

Theft â– 1615-1699 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 9:53 a.m. Dec. 8. â– 1400-1499 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 8:48 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 1700-1799 block, Connecticut Ave.; 10:57 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 1200-1219 block, 19th St.; 4:37 a.m. Dec. 9.

Theft from auto â– 1700-1799 block, Church St.; 10:43 a.m. Dec. 5. â– 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 8:56 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 1400-1499 block, 20th St.; 2:12 a.m. Dec. 9. â– 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 2:56 a.m. Dec. 9. â– 1300-1499 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 2:16 p.m. Dec. 10.

PSA 301

PSA 301 â– DUPONT CIRCLE Assault with a dangerous weapon

â– 2100-2199 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 10:43 p.m. Dec. 5.

Theft â– 1900-1926 block, 16th St.; 1:31 p.m. Dec. 4. â– 1424-1499 block, R St.; 2:36 p.m. Dec. 4. â– 1600-1620 block, T St.; 12:25 a.m. Dec. 7. â– 1500-1599 block, Corcoran St.; 4:50 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 1500-1599 block, R St.; 9:01 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 2100-2199 block, 15th St.; 8:10 p.m. Dec. 10.

Theft from auto â– 1600-1619 block, 16th St.; 6:17 p.m. Dec. 6. â– 1700-1780 block, U St.; 2:43 p.m. Dec. 9.

PSA 303

PSA 303 â– ADAMS MORGAN Motor vehicle theft â– 1866-1880 block, Columbia Road; 9:34 p.m. Dec. 6.

Theft â– 2000-2099 block, Kalorama Road; 9:54 a.m. Dec. 4. â– 1730-1797 block, Lanier Place; 11:32 a.m. Dec. 5. â– 2400-2479 block, 16th St.; 5:19 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 1800-1899 block, California St.; 6:44 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft from auto â– 2400-2479 block, 16th St.;

MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER’S

4TH ANNUAL FIT DC FRESH START

Fatal shooting on Walter Reed campus

A shuttle bus driver fatally shot a coworker on the Walter Reed campus Friday morning as a workplace dispute turned violent, according to the Metropolitan Police Department and media reports.

Police responded to an area of the campus in the 6900 block of Georgia Avenue NW at about 8:03 a.m.

Dec. 8 to reports of gunshots. They found a Northwest man, 45-year-old Brian Andre Gibson, with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead a few minutes later.

Police charged Koonce Wright, 59, of Silver Spring, with second-degree murder while armed.

WTOP reported that he was hospitalized for injuries sustained during the scuffle.

According to WTOP, the two men worked for G & M Limo Service, which transports construction workers from Walter Reed parking lots to the Ingleside at Rock Creek development underway at 3050 Military Road NW. 10:33 a.m. Dec. 5. â– 2000-2039 block, Belmont Road; 6:21 p.m. Dec. 5. â– 1601-1699 block, Argonne Place; 7:53 a.m. Dec. 7. â– 2500-2599 block, Mozart Place; 3:10 p.m. Dec. 8. â– 2400-2499 block, 17th St.; 6 p.m. Dec. 8.

PSA 307

PSA 307 â– LOGAN CIRCLE Burglary â– 1618-1699 block, 14th St.; 10:54 a.m. Dec. 9.

Motor vehicle theft

N

â– 900-999 block, M St.; 3:24 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft â– 1618-1699 block, 14th St.; 2:24 p.m. Dec. 7. â– 1300-1399 block, Corcoran St.; 6:38 a.m. Dec. 9. â– 900-999 block, M St.; 2:09 p.m. Dec. 9. â– 1100-1199 block, 10th St.; 4:10 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft from auto â– 1300-1399 block, 13th St.; 3:06 p.m. Dec. 4. â– 1200-1299 block, S St.; 11:43 a.m. Dec. 5.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current Davis Kennedy/Publisher & Editor Chris Kain/Managing Editor

Devaluing diplomas

A high school diploma is an invaluable achievement for a student coming from a struggling background. It’s official documentation that the graduate has met established standards, both by succeeding academically and by committing to an education with reliable school attendance.

Except when it’s not.

Such has been the case at Ballou High School in Southeast, as we’ve learned from the tenacious reporting of WAMU and NPR. There, administrators sought desperately to achieve a glowing statistic: a graduation rate of 100 percent. In doing so, the radio stations revealed, Ballou sent too many of its students into the world with only a piece of paper — not the preparation for higher education or the workforce that the diploma is supposed to represent.

The District has worthwhile graduation requirements. Students must pass courses in an array of subjects, and a passing grade depends on both academic performance and class attendance. Under D.C. Public Schools policy, students fail a course if they’re absent over 30 times.

At Ballou, enforcement of these requirements was tossed aside.

Administrators circumvented graduation requirements by pressuring teachers to provide makeup assignments for a semester of missed work, by funneling students into “credit recovery” courses and, in some cases, by simply ignoring the reality in front of them. Students didn’t even have to attend the credit recovery sessions to receive their diploma.

According to the radio investigation, just 57 of Ballou’s 164 graduates in 2016-17 were on track to graduate by the spring. While some students may have managed legitimate turnarounds, every indication suggests that many did not. Teachers reported that some graduates could barely read or write, and 20 percent had skipped more days than they attended.

To be clear, we don’t fault the students. Even those with academic interest and potential were thwarted by a system at Ballou that disconnected effort from results. Rather, the fault lies with Ballou administrators who apparently perpetrated this shameful fraud, and with D.C. education officials who never questioned it. They deprived Ballou’s students of an education, and left the reputation of a Ballou diploma in tatters.

We accept that educating struggling youths is a challenge. Educators not only need to impart academic lessons, but also to nurture students at risk of dropping out. But while a degree of flexibility is appropriate, administrators at Ballou evidently focused on the graduation rate they desired — not on how best to serve the people entrusted to their care.

We would like to see District education officials formally review graduation data at all public D.C. high schools to protect against any similar malfeasance, particularly in cases of sudden improvements such as Ballou’s. Furthermore, although “teaching to the test” is already rightly lambasted, some form of a proficiency exam — along with stricter enforcement of existing standards, such as attendance requirements — might also prove part of the solution. Lastly, praise and penalties for teachers and administrators must be based on more factors than on-paper performance, to lessen the temptation to game the system at students’ expense.

Tax changes require look

Almost four years have passed since the District’s Tax Revision Commission came out with a proposal that suggested relief for both businesses and moderate-income residents. The D.C. Council adopted many of the proposals, with a staggered schedule for implementation.

Now, assuming that Congress approves the drastic federal tax changes that seem likely, we think it’s time for Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council to reconstitute the commission to conduct a review of where the District stands now — and what looms ahead.

With congressional negotiators working to iron out differences between the bills approved by the House and Senate, it remains unclear what might end up on the president’s desk for his signature. There’s even the possibility that the measure could hit a roadblock on the way.

But if a bill is signed with provisions that the mayor and other local leaders have lambasted — such as elimination of the federal deduction for state income taxes, or strict limits on deductions for local property taxes and mortgages — the District will need to re-examine its policies.

The D.C. Policy Center notes that elimination of the State and Local Tax deduction, particularly given the disparate tax rates in Virginia and D.C., could jeopardize projected population growth, harming the city’s economy. That requires study. The District should also consider whether local measures could help offset any loss of provisions that help developers build affordable housing for seniors and low-income residents.

The Current

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More than just Ballou, of course …

W

hat are we to make of Ballou?

Radio partners WAMU and NPR delivered a devastating look at the backstory behind Ballou High School’s most recent, glowing graduation statistics.

Simply stated, too many students at the Southeast school graduated with suspect grades and many, many weeks of absences.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chancellor Antwan Wilson immediately vowed at a news conference to review the Ballou situation and take steps to ensure that system-wide graduation policies were being followed.

For the Notebook, though, the news conference suffered from a bureaucratic cool that diluted the significance of the moment. It was only as she headed to an elevator that Mayor Bowser quietly said one word that captured the disappointing situation: “heartbreaking.”

The mayor at that moment was thinking of the students, both the ones who may have faulty graduation credentials and, maybe worse, the student who did work hard, succeeded and now may have a cloud over their own real achievements.

Three different tracks of reaction have arisen in the wake of the Ballou story.

The first is the least constructive. Some promptly said the news report proved that public school reforms are more public relations than results.

Two, how could this happen? Did a sloppy school front office allow this, and did it maybe purposefully do so to make the school look better?

A third response: Why pick on Ballou? There are attendance problems across D.C. Public Schools, so why pick on a high school in the poorest part of the city? Everyone knows or should know that there are intense socioeconomic pressures that affect attendance and achievement.

On the WAMU Politics Hour last Friday, D.C. Council Education Committee chair David Grosso said some Ballou students feel picked on. He said finding the truth at Ballou is important, but he said he agreed with the sentiment that the school was singled out.

“There are nuances here that are very important,” he said. “I also think it is important for us to note that the District of Columbia has had issues with attendance across the board. It is not a Ballou High School situation.” Grosso said a citywide task force of educators and city officials meets “on a monthly basis” to talk about attendance.

Grosso is holding a hearing this Friday on the issues. “I think it’s unfair to just focus on Ballou High School in this situation,” he said.

Producers for host Kojo Nnamdi said the phones lit up with callers worried that Grosso was minimizing the detailed reporting of irregularities among both administrators and students. Many students surely have difficult family and home situations that keep them from school. For some other students, they simply don’t go to class because there’s no consequence if they don’t.

We asked Grosso whether there’s a danger that focusing on a broad review of citywide school problems might miss the issues detailed by the report at Ballou specifically. While his committee plans to look at the broader picture, the council member responded, “I do believe that there is going to be a deep dive into the Ballou questions” by education officials.

It may turn out that the system’s “credit recovery” policies — which allow students to make up for lost time and weeks of absences — need revisions. The review also may point out that pupilbased funding formulas shortchange schools with high poverty needs.

■ More Grosso. Council member Grosso’s appearance on the Politics Hour was notable for another reason. He flatly shot down suggestions (we’re looking at you, Harry Jaffe of the Washingtonian) that he should or would run for mayor.

“I actually think Mayor Bowser is doing a good job,” Grosso declared, “and I have no intention of running against her.” The Notebook responded, “You just endorsed her for re-election.” Grosso repeated, “I think she’s doing a good job.”

But what about former Mayor Vincent Gray?

The current Ward 7 council member is weighing whether to challenge Bowser in 2018 to reclaim the office he believes prosecutors effectively stole from him in 2014.

Grosso said he thought Gray — who has held a few elective positions — should remain on the council where he, too, is doing a good job.

“I also believe that Chairman Gray, Vincent Gray, Council member Gray, Mayor Gray is doing a great job right now as the head of the Committee on Health,” said Grosso. “And I really love working with him.”

Tom Sherwood, a Southwest resident, is a political reporter for News 4.

TOM SHERWOOD’S

NOTEBOOK

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Old Hardy School is needed for public

D.C. Council Bill B22-0153, “The Hardy School Disposition and Lease Agreement Act of 2017,” is a naked attempt by the mayor and D.C. Council to bestow a public asset (the old Hardy School at 4470 Q St. NW) upon a wealthy private interest (the Lab School), notwithstanding the public’s need for the facility to address serious D.C. Public Schools overcrowding and/or provide special needs education in Ward 3.

Expect council members to try to ram the legislation through — with no public input — in the chaos of the session’s final days, much as they did last year,

when Education Committee chair David Grosso introduced “emergency” legislation to benefit Lab in the 11th hour of the 2016 session.

Fifth-graders at Key Elementary have now been taking their classes in two double-wide construction trailers for seven years. Similar overcrowding problems exist at Stoddert, Mann and other Ward 3 schools.

Why would our elected leaders express a preference for Lab’s wealthy suburban students — their overwhelming core constituency — to the detriment of Ward 3’s D.C. Public Schools students and families for the next 50 years, which is the term of the proposed lease?

While it would be easy to view this attempt as yet another example of public wealth and assets spiraling upward to the well-heeled, it also appears to

signal that the city is giving up on solving the school system’s overcrowding and special education issues. And there is certainly no indication that the overcrowding will abate — the District’s population is in constant growth. By the time Lab’s current lease expires in 2023, Ward 3 families will be even more desperate for this facility. What is the plan of those who would regale Lab with old Hardy? Buy land at a premium and construct a new school? Perhaps another $180 million debacle like the recent Duke Ellington School of the Arts renovation?

Elected leaders need to refrain from their preference for monied interests above those of our D.C. Public Schools students if they truly want to improve public education in the District.

Peter Watkins The Palisades

Water bills require D.C. government action VIEWPOINT RANDY SPECK

T

he Current’s Dec. 6 editorial “Water bills warrant action� highlights an emerging concern that affects every D.C. Water and Sewer Authority customer, not just nonprofits like Rock Creek Cemetery.

The Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (often called CRIAC) on your water bill pays for the $2.6 billion infrastructure that DC Water must install to remedy its acknowledged violations of the Clean Water Act. Like most older cities, DC Water’s combined stormwater and sanitary sewer system allowed polluted stormwater to run into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. That had to be fixed.

Through the impervious area charge, DC Water attempts to have those who are most responsible for stormwater runoff pay for their contributions to the problem. The amount that must be paid is fixed, however, so if one group of customers pays less, other customers must pay more. DC Water recognizes that future generations will benefit from this clean infrastructure, so they have also spread out the costs by issuing innovative 100-year bonds to finance the construction, which lowers the amount that current customers must pay.

Nevertheless, the impervious area charge has escalated dramatically — from $1.24 per Equivalent Residential Unit (a measure of the amount of a customer’s impervious area) in 2009 to $25.18 in 2018.

Those charges are likely to at least double before they reach their peak, now projected for 2026. That will mean that many residential customers will pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, regardless of how much water they use. The burden of that fee will fall heavily on everyone but will be particularly onerous on lower- and middle-income families, seniors with fixed incomes, and nonprofit groups.

DC Water does assess the impervious area charge for the federal government’s facilities in the District.

For instance, the National Park Service pays based on the amount of impervious area in Rock Creek Park, including roads and trails. Federal and District office buildings, universities, hospitals and religious institutions pay the fees as well.

In one conspicuous exception, however, the Dis-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Cheh should support neighbors’ concerns

I was among about a dozen residents from Citizens for Responsible Development who met on Dec. 4 with Ward 3 D.C. Council member Mary Cheh to ask her to join us against Valor Development’s current proposal for the former SuperFresh site at 48th and Yuma streets NW. We are for a responsible development at the site — one that fits in with the neighborhood, including a locally focused grocery store.

We presented her with our petition with 582 handwritten signatures so far, all from her Ward 3, opposed to Valor’s massive, two-building, five- to seven-story, 219-unit project that would be

trict government pays nothing for the largest contributors to stormwater runoff — streets, sidewalks and alleys. These impervious surfaces contribute about a quarter of all stormwater runoff, but the D.C. government pays nothing for the pollution it creates.

DC Water recognizes the hardship that the impervious area charge imposes, but it is constrained in the kinds of relief it can provide to customers. Some low-income water customers do have their impervious area charges reduced by half since they would be unable to pay the full charge, and the alternative — terminating water service — would be unacceptable. Any significant exceptions would, however, have adverse ramifications. For instance, if DC Water gave exceptions for nonprofits or any other worthy customer category, the federal government — which the District cannot tax — could successfully refuse to pay the impervious area charge because it would be deemed a tax, not a fee based on service. Moreover, if DC Water reduces any customers’ impervious area charges, other customers will have to pick up the slack.

It is clear that DC Water cannot solve the problem of unbearable impervious area fees alone. Water customers cannot and will not tolerate the kind of fee increases that are inevitable over the next decade. We could seek assistance from the federal government, which imposed this obligation through the Clean Water Act, but those prospects are virtually nonexistent in the current political environment.

We could seek assistance from Maryland and Virginia since they are significant beneficiaries of clean rivers, but those jurisdictions are already chafing at paying their share for Metro. We should examine the experience in other cities, but there are no panaceas.

The mayor and the D.C. Council will have to address this dilemma, and the sooner the better. The District currently shirks its responsibility for the runoff caused by streets, sidewalks and alleys, and it needs to start contributing to clean water costs. It should effectively pay down the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge for all customers, with particular attention to those who can least afford it. That will require identification of a revenue source — no simple task — but spreading the costs broadly over all District taxpayers is the only tenable solution.

Randy Speck is chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G (Chevy Chase).

totally out of character with the existing two- to three-story singlefamily community. These signatures were gathered by volunteers who canvassed the neighborhood.

We explained that the Valor proposal will adversely affect American University Park and Spring Valley in many ways, including by overloading our streets with traffic and stressing our local schools and infrastructure. Valor’s plan is inconsistent with the D.C. Comprehensive Plan and has serious legal issues.

The petition is part of a two-year effort to exercise the principle of participatory government to engage with residents as well as with our local representatives.

Council member Cheh’s reaction was dismaying, to say the least. She told a story of another petition and said dismissively, “Anybody can sign a petition.� In effect, she refused to act on her

constituents’ behalf, beyond offering to arrange a long-sought meeting between Citizens for Responsible Development and Valor. Council member Cheh also refused to ask the D.C. Department of Transportation — which she oversees as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment — to respond to the comments of our group’s expert on Valor’s transportation study.

This study has numerous technical issues and includes the addition of 28 unnecessary street parking spaces.

As noted in its very name, Citizens for Responsible Development favors responsible development. The group does want this site redeveloped, and we look to our council member for support rather than hands-off indifference to her constituents’ position.

Richard Tatum American University Park

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Current publishes letters and Viewpoint submissions representing various points of view. Because of space limitations, letters should be no more than 400 words and are subject to editing. Letters and Viewpoint submissions intended for publication may be sent to newsdesk@currentnewspapers.com. The mailing address is Letters to the Editor, The Current, Post Office Box 40400, Washington, D.C. 20016-0400.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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In Your Neighborhood ■presentation by John Harvey, a local resident, regarding the proposed Dupont Little Flea Market. ■update regarding the ANC’s signing of a settlement agreement The commission will meet at with Safeway at 1701 Corcoran 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at St. NW. the D.C. Housing Finance Agen- ■consideration of a stipulated cy, 815 Florida Ave. NW. Alcoholic Beverage Control For details, visit anc1b.org. license request by Capitale in conjunction with the applicant’s appliANC 1C cation for a new Retailer’s Class C ANCMorgan 1C Adams nightclub license at 1730 M St. ■ADAMS MORGAN NW. The commission will meet at ■consideration of a public space 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at application by Ted’s Bulletin for a Mary’s Center, 2355 Ontario new, unenclosed sidewalk cafe Road NW. with eight tables and 22 seats at For details, call 202-332-2630 1818 14th St. NW. or visit anc1c.org. ■consideration of a public space application by MPTCC 888 PropANC 2A erty LLC for streetscape work, ANCBottom 2A Foggy including reduction of existing ■FOGGY BOTTOM / WEST END curb cut, new steps, updates to The commission will meet at existing globe lights and Ameri7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. The cans with Disabilities Act improvelocation has not been deter- ments at 888 16th St. NW. mined. ■consideration of a public space For details, visit anc2a.org. application by the U.S. General Services Administration for the ANC 2B installation of security bollards at ANCCircle 2B Dupont 717 Madison Place NW and 1520 ■DUPONT CIRCLE H St. NW. The commission will meet at ■consideration of a resolution regarding

7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the 2018 season of the the Brookings Institution, 1775 FreshFarm !!' %&$ ( *$& ' Dupont Circle Market.

Massachusetts Ave. NW. â– consideration of a resolution $!! ( $# " (( &' # $#(& ( '%)( ' Agenda items include: regarding D.C. Council Bill B22â– commissioner $#* # #(!, !$ ( # $& ($+# announcements.

0234, the Leaf Blower Regulation â– recognition of the Brookings Amendment Act of 2017. ! +$& Institution for & # & # %&$ '' $# ! # % &'$# ! + , its donation of â– presentation by the Scottish Rite meeting space for ANC 2B over Temple regarding vacant property & ( # ' #

the past eight years. on Lot 108. â– public announcements and genâ– consideration of a resolution

eral comments. regarding tax abatements as a pub (($&# , â– closeout of the Dupont Circle lic policy tool. ( (& ( ' # ($#

Resource Center renovation proj- For details, visit dupontcirect. cleanc.net.

ANC 1B ANCColumbia 1B Lower Heights â– LOWER COLUMBIA HEIGHTS / SHAW Pleasant Plains PLEASANT PLAINS / U STREET Shaw/U StreetAVENUE LOWER GEORGIA

ANC 2C ANC 2C Quarter Downtown/Penn

â– DOWNTOWN / PENN QUARTER

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, in Room G-9, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. For details, visit anc2c.us or contact 2C@anc.dc.gov.

ANC 2D ANC 2D Sheridan-Kalorama

â– SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, California Street and Phelps Place NW. For details, visit anc2d.org or contact 2D01@anc.dc.gov.

ANC 2E ANC 2E Georgetown â– GEORGETOWN / CLOISTERS Cloisters BURLEITH / HILLANDALE The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, in the second-floor Heritage Room at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th St. NW. For details, call 202-724-7098 or visit anc2e.com.

ANC 2F ANCCircle 2F Logan

â– LOGAN CIRCLE

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW. For details, call 202-667-0052 or visit anc2f.org.

ANC 3B ANCPark 3B Glover

â– GLOVER PARK / CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS

The commission will meet at

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Stoddert Elementary School and Glover Park Community Center, 4001 Calvert St. NW. Agenda items include: ■discussion regarding concerns about gas-powered leaf blowers, including a presentation by Grif Johnson of Quiet Clean DC on legislation proposed by Ward 3 D.C. Council member Mary Cheh. ■discussion of a proposed name change for the block of Wisconsin Avenue NW in front of the Russian Embassy. ■discussion of the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority’s lead pipe replacement program. ■presentation by the D.C. Office of the People’s Counsel on its opposition to the purchase of Washington Gas by AltaGas. ■update regarding D.C. Department of Transportation action on the commission’s resolution on parking at Wisconsin Avenue and Fulton Street NW. ■open forum.

For details, email info@anc3b. org or visit anc3b.org.

ANC 3C ANC 3CPark Cleveland ■CLEVELAND PARK / WOODLEY PARK Woodley Park MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS Massachusetts Avenue Heights CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the 2nd District Police Headquarters, 3320 Idaho Ave. NW. Agenda items include: ■community forum. ■consent calendar review of a motion of no objection to an Alcoholic Beverage Control license renewal application for Firehook Bakery. ■consideration of a Historic Preservation Review Board application for a third-floor addition at 2803 28th St. NW. ■consideration of a resolution regarding the “Public Restroom Facilities Task Force Establishment Act of 2017,� which would authorize a task force to research

and prepare recommendations for installing public restrooms in the District.

For details, visit anc3c.org.

ANC 3D ANCValley 3D Spring â– SPRING VALLEY / WESLEY HEIGHTS Wesley Heights PALISADES / KENT / FOXHALL The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Room K-106, Kresge Building, Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave. NW. For details, visit anc3d.org.

ANC 3E ANC 3E Tenleytown â– AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK American Park FRIENDSHIPUniversity HEIGHTS / TENLEYTOWN The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Tenleytown Room I at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW. Agenda items include: â– announcements/open forum. â– police report. â– update from Washington Gas on pipeline work in the neighborhood. â– discussion of and possible vote on a resolution regarding an application to occupy public space for the purpose of a driveway and sidewalk paving at 5001 38th St. NW. â– presentation of updated plans by Sunrise Senior Living to build an assisted-living facility next to the Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church in conjunction with the renovation of the church. â– discussion of and possible vote on a resolution regarding a D.C. Zoning Commission application

by Valor Development for design review of mixed-use redevelopment of the former Superfresh site. â– presentation of plans for mixeduse redevelopment of the Dancing Crab/Tenley Bar & Grill lots on 41st Street NW. For details, visit anc3e.org.

DC HOUSING ENTERPRISES

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: DCHE 2018-1 NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS (NMTC) APPLICATION ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES DC Housing Enterprises (DCHE) a wholly owned subsidiary of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Application, Administration and Support Services.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 4, 2017 and on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, January 08, 2018 at 11:00 AM.

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Contact Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at (202) 535-1212 or by email at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017 9

The Current

monthly speakers: Q&A with DC officials green space schools historic preservation noise issues rodents

Special $10 intro membership.

What a deal! It’s easy—sign up at www.dupont-circle.org and be heard.

10 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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Spotlight on Schools

Ed British International School of Washington This week the Year 12 class has been making the final preparations for its long-awaited winter festival. This occasion is a unique opportunity that brings together students of all ages. The event will include a bake sale, refreshments, arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games and a raffle (the prize includes Wizards Tickets, restaurant coupons, a $50 Amazon gift card, a massive stuffed giraffe, a remote control car that holds two children and various other items).

However, the event’s purpose is to not only to boost school spirit, but also to fundraise for the impending Tanzania expedition.

Each Year 12 student will embark on a 10-day trip in February to northern Tanzania, on the outskirts of Arusha. There, they take part in a series of service activates, including installing solar panels, constructing houses for teachers and building goat sheds. However, students need lessons in construc-

School DISPATCHES

tion, as well as the materials and equipment to build. It is for this reason that the Year 12 students have the hefty task of raising $10,000. This money will be given directly to Seeway Charity in Tanzania, which will use it to provide the necessities for construction, as well as keeping the remaining sum of money to help vulnerable children in the area.

The festival offers the perfect opportunity not only to raise money, but to raise awareness about Tanzania, its culture and the aid our students will be providing.

— Sofia Hollowell, Year 12 (11thgrader)

Deal Middle School

A diplomat from the Embassy of Mozambique, Mr. Adriano, came this week to talk to Team Rio about the culture and history of Mozambique. He talked about the culture and music, and why Mozambique was a country.

How Joint Assets and Beneficiary Designations Can Derail Your Estate Plan

By Elizabeth Kearns This is a sponsored column by Furey Doolan & Abell, LLP, a law firm in Bethesda, Maryland.

A common misconception about estate planning is that the process begins and ends with a last will and testament. But did you know that many assets are not governed by your will at all? Assets that pass by mechanisms other than a will do not go through the probate process and are creatively referred to as “non-probate” assets. Two common examples of non-probate assets are assets with beneficiary (or pay-on-death) designations and jointly-owned assets.

Non-probate transfers are often touted an easy way to avoid probate but, because they override your will, without careful planning, a large share of your estate could be distributed contrary to your estate plan.

Assets with beneficiary or pay-on-death designations most commonly consist of retirement accounts and life insurance policies. When done properly and in coordination with your estate plan, they are an efficient way to pass assets to your beneficiaries after your death. Problems arise, however, when designation forms are completed hastily, or when they are not updated after major life events such as the birth of a child, marriage or divorce, or the death of a beneficiary.

Ill-advised or outdated beneficiary designations can result in disinheriting a loved one or inadvertently leaving assets to a person for whom a trust should have been created, such as a minor or a beneficiary who is disabled or has creditor problems. Because these assets often comprise a significant portion a person’s wealth, these designations must be given careful thought, with the advice of your estate planning attorney, and should be reviewed regularly.

The second category of non-probate assets, assets owned jointly with right of survivorship (or “JTWROS”) pass automatically to the surviving joint owner upon the first owner’s death. This is both convenient and efficient when,

for example, a married couple establishes a joint account or purchases a home together. When one spouse dies, the other becomes the immediate owner of the asset.

But what if you add your daughter to your bank account so she can help you with bill-paying and money management?

Adding a name to an account sounds simple enough but by doing so, you have actually made a gift of half of the account to your daughter and established her as a joint owner. Not only does such a gift have potential gift tax consequences, but your daughter is now authorized to use the funds for her own benefit and the funds could be reached by her creditors. Furthermore, when you die, she will become the immediate owner of the account. If you have other children or other intended beneficiaries in your will, they are out of luck. Even if your daughter wants to “do the right thing” after your death and redistribute the account according to your will, there are potential gift tax consequences for her. Similarly, adding someone to the deed to your house in order to avoid probate of the house after your death creates joint ownership in the house with the same consequences. These changes in ownership, particularly of an asset as significant as a home, should be done only with a full understanding of what joint ownership entails.

While each of these non-probate mechanisms are frequently recommended by well-meaning bank tellers or friends and neighbors who praises their simplicity and convenience, without careful thought, they also are a simple way to derail your estate plan.

Elizabeth Kearns is an estates and trusts attorney at Furey Doolan & Abell, LLP in Bethesda, Maryland. She is licensed to practice in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

She is a native Washingtonian and lives in Northwest D.C.

He talked about the war that Mozambique fought to gain independence. The war was really sad but the people gained their freedom. To this day Mozambicans are free and living their lives.

There are also more schools.

I liked the talk because it reminded me of my memories of living in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. When I first arrived in Maputo, I was 7 years old. I was so scared because I lived in America and it was so different.

When I walked around, I saw amazing things like culture, food, music, fashion and history. What I did and saw was amazing and unforgettable.

— Paloma Helms, sixth-grader

Eaton Elementary School

The Eagle Time Extra reporters came up with a question to ask people and it was “what is your favorite book and why?” Here are some of the responses.

Fifth-grader Rhys responded “‘Murder on the Orient Express’ because it’s a mystery.” Katya from fifth grade said “‘The Book with no Pictures’ because of its originality.” Second-grader Alex said “‘Matilda’ because it ends happily.” Harper from fifth grade responded “‘When You Reach Me’ because it made me think a whole new way.” Fifth-grader Alison chose “‘S.C.A.T.’ because of its morals.” Mr. Reid, after-school program teacher, replied “‘Moby Dick’ because of the adventures.”

Gabriel from fourth grade said “Percy Jackson’ because it’s really good and there is so much action.” After-school program teacher Ms. Elise replied “‘Harry Potter’ because I never get bored reading it over and over.” Fifthgrader Samara chose “When the Sea Turned to Silver” because “the main character Pinmie is very brave.” Rowan from fifth grade replied “‘The Uncommoners’ because it is magical.”

— The Eaton Extra reporters

Emerson Preparatory School

Since its founding in 1852, Emerson Preparatory School has changed location multiple times.

Since 1937, however, the school had occupied a traditional townhouse in Dupont Circle. That is, until the 2017-18 school year. The oldest non-denominational prep school in D.C. has moved to the historic Thurgood Marshall Center on 12th Street NW. The center is primarily distinguished for being the first African-American YMCA, an association with which Marshall himself was regularly involved.

However, we are not the only inhabitants, as Emerson only occupies the fourth floor of the building. Other members of the building include religious, government, and business resources for the D.C. community as well as educational programs for D.C.

Photo courtesy of Neeraj Prahbu

British International School Year 12 students are fundraising for their yearly trip to Tanzania with a winter festival.

Public Schools students. Each of Emerson’s locations in the past century has been historic and culturally rich, and the Thurgood Marshall Center is no exception.

Our head of school, Mr. Shickler expressed sincerely that the relocation “was a great investment for all of us because the students really are enjoying the brighter space, and that we’re all together on the same level in every sense, I think both physically and emotionally.” The move has come with new exceptional faculty and has garnered a visibly positive response from students. The facilities and classrooms bring a fresh, stimulating atmosphere in which to learn.

From the middle of the 19th century to the present, Emerson has developed into a more accepting and inclusive institution, equipping its students for higher education and life beyond high school.

— Isabel Fajardo, 11th-grader

Hearst Elementary School

In my class, we held a Christopher Columbus trial. The trial was about who was guilty for the death and enslavement of many Taino. The characters were Christopher Columbus, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (the king and queen of Spain at the time), the Taino Native Americans and Christopher Columbus’ men. Each table group had to defend one of the characters, and then we had the jury! The jurors were one person from each table group. They listened to each group’s defense and asked them questions.

My table group defended Christopher Columbus himself.

The main bad guy! It was really fun, though. The jury asked a few hard questions, but my group came up with pretty good comebacks. There was also a few easy questions too. I think we defended Columbus pretty well!

When the results came back, it was Columbus who was blamed. I mean, yeah, he deserved it — even if we did defend him. I think if we did another trial, it could be the death and imprisonment of Mahatma Gandhi! The characters could be Gandhi, the protesters

and the people that put him in prison. That would be a fun trial! ​ — Reva Kelly, fourth-grader

Holy Trinity School

On Nov. 8, my seventh-grade class went on a field trip to the Billy Goat Trail. It is a tradition at Holy Trinity School for the seventh-graders to hike the trail each year. The hike was so beautiful.

The Billy Goat Trail is a 4.7-mile hike that is located in Potomac, Md. It borders the Potomac River, so almost the entire hike has a view of the raging river or waterfalls. The hike is very challenging in some places. There is one part where we had to climb down a rock formation that was about three or four stories high. A number of rock scrambles made parts of the trail exciting.

Our class learned that there are much better healthy ways to spend time, rather than sitting watching TV or playing on an electronic device. Instead, we could go on a beautiful hike or go outside and do something good for the world.

During this hike, my classmates were very supportive of one another, and it was really nice to see that the boys and girls were having fun together, instead of the boys hanging out with the boys and the girls hanging out with the girls. I loved the hike and would certainly do it again. It was amazing and so much fun to do it as a class.

— Tate Buchwald, seventh-grader

Maret School

In third grade in my class, four times a year, we have a raffle. We do the raffle by earning tickets.

We have to do Mad Minutes, which are 50 addition problems and 50 subtraction problems on the other side. Mr. Stone gives us a maximum of tickets to get, and we all try to reach that number of raffle tickets. The more tickets you have, the easier it gets to win a prize!

Now that you know how a raffle works, let me tell you some of the best prizes. The best prize is to get Private Dinage, which is when you and two other people get to See Dispatches/Page 22

Wednesday, december 13, 2017 11

The currenT

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING NEWS

Spotlight on Community Living Wednesday, Wednesday, December May 10, 2017 13, 2017 Serving Serving D.C. D.C. residents residents who who areare age age 18+ 18+ with with a disability a disability oror age age 60+ 60+ and and their their caregivers caregivers Vol Vol6,6,No No512 allocated in our baseline budget.

Through this program, we are serving nearly 600 residents, installing preventative adaptations such as bathtub cuts, chair lifts, and And it’s not just the looking displaying some of these quilts at Senior Symposium andkids the Mayor’s furniture risers, enabling them to our Holiday Celebration this month out for our olderCelebration. residents. Our Annual Holiday continue living safely in their own before they are donated. seniors are vital to building these Promoting Wellness – Thanks to homes as they age. In addition, Last month, Mayor Bowser strong communities and instilling the Mayor’s $350 thousand invest- $300 thousand will be committed launched “Home for the Holiinment all of us what it means to be a towards senior wellness, we to senior villages. We will be lookdays,” a city-wide effort to secure Washingtonian.

We’ve seen more will be supporting additional senior ing for input from the community permanent homes for 400 of the enthusiasm for volunteer opportuactivities in Department of Parks on how we can best support the District’s most vulnerable housenities and more residents coming and Recreation (DPR) sites through senior village model as an effective holds. This is an enormous comto our office to complete Ambassathe Senior Fit & Well program. We and sustainable community-driven munity effort requiring landlords, dor training to learn how to serve will also be piloting a Virtual Senior solution for aging in place. residents, and stakeholders to as a resource for isolated seniors Wellness Center in wards that do Investing wisely – We will work together to identify safe, innot their own neighborhoods. currently house brick-andcontinue to make smart spending stable, and affordable housing for Seniors areWe also theirforward cremortar sites. areusing looking decisions and ensure that our local families and individuals, many of ativity to help a great cause.

Sevto working with our community dollars are invested effectively, our whom are seniors. eral of our Senior Wellness Center partners, advocates, and providers programs are meeting the changing If you’d like to help, we’re acparticipants are currently hard at to develop this model and hope to needs of our community, and that cepting donations of new or gently work creating unique handmade expand it in all eight wards, after we are accountable and transparquilts andwhat blankets for children used kitchenware, toys, houselearning works. ent with our funds. This means that wares, and professional clothing andSupporting babies transitioning out of Aging in Place – We when we make decisions, no matter that will help families transform homeless shelters and into longwill continue the successful Safe how small, our decisions are driven these houses into a home. You term housing.

We’ll be proudly at Home program with $3 million by the answer to one question:

What’s best for the community we serve?

Listening – Our most important value is listening to the community—not just when decisions need can bring items to the Adams to be made, but every day. How Place Day Center at 2210 Adams else can we answer the question of Place, NE. For more information on what’s best for the community we contributing, contact homeforthserve, if we don’t listen? We need eholidays@dc.gov. seniors and people with disabilities So this year’s Holiday Celebrato drive the conversation on what it tion is an opportunity to celebrate means to age well in this city. And what we have done together as a we need to be adaptable and open community, and what we continue to change, when necessary. We will to do every day for ourselves, continue advocating on behalf of and for each other. Thank you for our community, working closely with looking out for each other. Thank our sister agencies to ensure that you for being an example of your voices are amplified and you Washingtonians coming together needs are appropriately addressed. to accomplish extraordinary things.

These are our D.C. values and Remember, the holidays can be a these are the values that make D.C. lonely time for many. Reach out to the best city in the world to age! your neighbors, spread kindness, We’re proud of the work we’ve and continue to show up for one done and we’re especially proud of another. Wishing you a peaceful what we can accomplish together and happy holiday season. with these shared values.

Also during the pageant activities, the MC Steppers performed during each day of the three day long pageant performing a different number each day. The first two days the MC Steppers performed tributes to Prince. For the final pageant, the group wowed the crowd with a mix of Uptown Funk and 24k Karat Magic by Bruno Mars.

Also participating during the events, Toni Jackson, Ms. Senior D.C. 2014 and Billie LaVerne Smith, Ms. Senior D.C. 2016 joined queens from several states as part of the National Queens Choir.

The National Senior America Alumni Club held elections during the week and Ann Thomas, Ms.

(Below) Mayor MuThe District of Columbia was riel Bowserduring greeted 31 definitely represented centenarians and their this year’s Ms. Senior America Pagfamily members and eant. Congratulations again friends at the 31st Anto all participants. nual Salute to District of

Executive Director’s Message Laura Newland IHappy hope Older everyone had a great American’s Month!

Thanksgiving!

We’ve hard We at the D.C. Office onbeen Aging are at work planning the Mayor’s proud to celebrate how our older Annual Senior Holiday residents are redefining aging every Celebration on December day. You’re proving that aging13th does at D.C.getting Armory.

Theit theme notthe mean old, means livthis year,best Together We Thrive, ing your life every day! Take a celebrates community and the for look at our community calendar vital role all of us play making Older American’s Monthincelebrasure D.C. is a place where tions happening throughoutpeople the of all ages and abilities can thrive.

District.

And what better time there to Last month, I had theispleasure celebrate the power of community to present Mayor Muriel Bowser’s than the budget, holidays? fiscal during year 2018 “DC Values I hope you’ll join I hope in Action, a Roadmapus,toand Inclusive you’ll walk away feeling more Prosperity,” and the investmentsconnected everseniors, to the thousands made tothan support people of residents, hundreds of commuwith disabilities, and caregivers.

To nity volunteers, govvieworganizations, the full testimony, visit: www. ernment agencies, and businesses dcoa.dc.gov. who are all comingoftogether to With an increase nearly 11

celebrate justthis that—togetherness. percent over fiscal year, DCOA’s But community doesn’t just proposed budget will enable theexist when it’s time to celebrate.

Here in agency to continue to combat D.C. our community shows up for isolation, promote wellness, support each every day.wisely, I’ve always agingother in place, invest and said that the District is big, small listen to the community.aThese are town—a placeand where neighbors our DC values I’m proud to say look out Mayor’s for neighbors, are that the budgetcitizens exemplifies engaged, and government is truly these values in action. of the people Isolation and by the people.

Combating - The FY This past year, we’ve seen 18 budget will ensure seniorsstuand dents Public Schools peoplefrom withD.C. disabilities most attake risk aofbreak fromhave theiraccess studies create isolation toto social, thousands handmade Valentine’s health, andofwellness activities Day cards for homebound and with an additional $459 thousand isolated seniors.

Notes of kindness, invested to expand transportation love, andtosupport students services Senior from Wellness Centers. ranging in age from 4 – 12 years The budget will also enable us to old were delivered acrosstothe city, continue to host events celebrate and some were even hand-delivDistrict seniors, including the Cenered by the Mayor tenarian Salute, Ms.herself!

Senior DC, the

D.C. TAKES ON ATLANTIC CITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR – MAY 67.5 FM and shared her gift of Ms. Senior D.C. FrancisEVENTS Curtis

Johnson competed for the title of impressionism as she took calls from R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 10th • 7 to 9 p.m. two senior women in a comedic skit.

Ms. Senior America in Atlantic City Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE. It The D.C. Office on Aging will proShe also presented her philosophy of this past October, accompanied by is supported by the D.C. Office on vide information on its resources life, displaying elegance, grace and two busloads of supporters from Aging. To learn more, contact Dr. and services at the Human Rights the District. Ms. Curtis Johnson was poise in her grey sequined evening Katrina Polk at 202-885-9575.

Campaign Equality Center, 1460 gown. Ms. Senior D.C. is 68 years one of 37 women from across the Rhode Island Ave. NW. For more young is still employed an country competing in this annual 18th •and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30asp.m. information, call Alice A. Thompson assistant in the private sector and event held at the Resorts Hotel.

The D.C. Office on Aging will at 202-535-1321. also served two termsRobert duringL.the During the week of activities Ms. support thefor first annual Clinton White House.

Senior talent Walker House Older Americans 11th •D.C. 10presented a.m. to 2her p.m.

Carolyn Harden from where portrayed aSenior disc jockey Month “Age Slade Out Loud” celebration.

Enjoy ashe “Community Day New Jersey was crowned Ms. Sefor a senior radio programPark, WFRJ1333 It will be held at 2201 Savannah St. Out” at North Michigan America.

The 73 year call old Alice is a SE. For more information, Emerson St. NE. The event is free for nior singer and former business execuWard 5 residents age 60 and older. A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

NE. For more information, call Tinya tive who has worked with Whitney 18th • 5 to 9 p.m.

Lacey, community planner/outreach Houston, Cissy Houston and Dionne Take a whirl around the dance Warwick and other professionals coordinator at 202-529-8701. floor at the annual Ward 7 Prom over the years as a recording artist. for Seniors. This year’s theme is 11th • 10:30 a.m.

“Sparkling Night — the Roaring Visit the Amish Market on Brown ‘20s.” There will be dinner, dancing Station Road in Upper Marlboro, and a special guest. The event is Md., with the congregate meal program of the Washington Senior held in celebration of Older Americans Month by the East River Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE. To learn more, call 202-581- Family Strengthening Collaborative.

Music will be played by WPFW DJ 9355 Nate D. Skate. For more information, 12th • 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. call Robin Gantt at 202-534-4880 The 5th Annual CPDC and Emmaus ext. 110 or Chicquita Bryant Aging in Community Health and ext. 125 Wellness Fair will be held at the

Senior D.C. 2006 was reappointed as a member of the Board of Directors and Shirley Rivens Smith, Ms Senior D.C. 2009 was reappointed as Parliamentarian.

”GET INVOLVED” – FRIDAY, DEC. 1 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

World Aid’s Day & Luncheon Presented by the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs Reeves Center 2001 14th Street, NW - Ward 1 Contact: Isha Lee (202) 215-1176

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Catholic Church will hold its First 19th • 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Resource Fair Annual Resource Fair, sponsored by Terrific, Inc. holds its Older AmeriIn Collaboration with D.C. Office on Aging. The fair will cans Month celebration with the DC Office on Aging be at 3630 Quesda St. NW. Contact theme “Age Out Loud.” It will be Capitol Hill Towers Pat Kavanaugh at 202-449-3987 to at the Nineteenth Street Baptist 900 G Street, N E - Ward 6 Church, 4606 16th St. NW. For more learn more. information, call Alice A. Thompson 26th MONDAY, DEC.p.m.

11 • 2 to 3:45 at 202-535-1321.

10:30 am 2:30 Chevy Chase Housepm presents its

DCAnnual Office on Aging will First Resource Fairprovide at 5420an 20th • 1 to 3:30 p.m. information table on DC Office The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament Connecticut Ave. NW. Learn moreon

GOVERN M E N T O F T H E D I S T R I C T O F C O L U M B I A — M U R I E L B O W S E R , M AY O R

Columbia Centenarians.

According to the Social Security Administration, there are EVENTS more than 300 DECEMBER residents of the District Aging Resources and100 Services who are years of age and older. -The oldPhysician’s Office Building est in attendance was Samet Atrium 106 year oldNAda 106 Irving Street Street, W -Clark, a longtime resident of Ward 5 ward 7. The oldest centenarian with WEDNESDAY, DEC.registered 13 the D.C. Office on Aging 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. is 113 years old but was Mayor’s 2017 Senior Holiday Celnot able to attend this ebration year’s event.

DC Armory 2001 East Capitol Street, SE -Ward 6 by calling Morgan or Vicki at Contact: 202-535-1395 202-686- 5504.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 31st • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

11 a.m.

2 p.m.

Model Cities Senior Wellness The Southwest Center holds its Waterfront Older Americans AARP Chapter Month celebration with the theme SilverOut 25th Anniversary Luncheon “Age Loud.”

It will be at Washington Navy Yard Catering & 1901 Evarts St. NE. For more inforConference Center mation, call Alice A. Thompson at 1411 Parsons Avenue, SE 202-535-1321.

12 Holidays

12 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

currentnewspapers.com

Holidays in Washington

Holiday markets offer firsthand look at vendors

By GRACE BIRD Current Staff Writer

S

ometimes, holiday shopping can feel like a trip to the dentist: boring, tiresome and unreasonably expensive.

But fear not — the District has a festive antidote to any such seasonal gift fatigue: holiday markets with vendors offering quirky, locally made wares. Not only can these markets yield unique presents, but they can also be ideal ways to spend December weekends.

Downtown D.C. hosts one of the city’s flagship holiday markets, running daily from noon to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23. The 13th annual downtown fair, situated at

8th and F streets NW on the sidewalk in front of the National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum, offers a vast array of warm homemade treats and colorful, “giftable� wares that include candles, knits, prints, paintings, homewares, jewelry and more.

Amina Ahmad’s Handmade Habitat traded at the downtown market Monday, offering “consciously crafted� beauty products and candles infused with scents of lavender, spearmint, orange and vanilla, among others, “for the skin and soul.� Marylandnative Ahmad makes all products at her studio in Brookland.

Self-identified “soul brother�

Alan Covert, who had a stall

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An annual holiday market runs at 8th and F streets in downtown D.C. daily through Dec. 23. Local vendors are also featured at the Van Ness “pop up� holiday market.

Monday afternoon, discovered a talent for jewelry-making as a missionary in Africa in 1985.

Covert started up his business 16 years later. While Covert has neither a brick-and-mortar shop nor an online presence, his unique beads and disarming charm (his company tagline is “all beads, no crap�) has spurred business for nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, Van Ness held its second “pop up� holiday market last weekend, offering art, crafts, jewelry and coffee beans from local vendors. It will operate again this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A vibrant cohort of female makers sold handmade wares at the Van Ness fair, located in the University of the District of

Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law. Soyini George’s seven-year-old company, Yinibini Baby, offered a mix of baby clothes including bibs, T-shirts, bandanas and onesies decorated with unique prints of animals, among other designs.

George worked at a different market Sunday, while her daughter Zarina Farmer-George manned the Van Ness stall. “It’s just my mom and I,�

Farmer-George told The Current. “I like to help.�

Meanwhile, to pay homage to her Ethiopian heritage, Ebise Bayisa started MarĂŠ Naturals, a company selling body and bath products as well as scented candles made with beeswax and honey from Ethiopian farms.

Bayisa says using these natural ingredients is beneficial because most candles are made with paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum. “When you burn a regular old candle, you are putting toxins and chemicals into the house,� Bayisa writes on her website.

Another vendor, Aclure — founded a few years ago by Michelle Muri-Sloane — offers a variety of experimental art, prints and baby onesies. Muri-Sloane is now a full-time artist, and she says she is enjoying building her brand, appearing regularly at markets and art shows across the region. “I’m trying new things at the moment, seeing what works,�

Muri-Sloane told The Current. “It is still new to me.�

13 Holidays

currentnewspapers.com

The Current

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

13

Holidays in Washington

Decorators’ holiday creations aid Children’s National

By HARRIET EDLESON Current Correspondent

W

hen interior designer Susan Nelson created a holiday display for the Light Up The Season benefit for Children’s National Health System, she worked with a teen patient whose favorite animal was a cheetah and who dreamed of visiting Africa. “We’ll make this a Christmas village� in Africa, Nelson said. “I had been to Africa and was aware of the bright colors and the patterns.�

They went online and found balsa wood animals — cheetahs, giraffes, lions and baboons. They painted them in bright blues, oranges, reds, yellows, purples and greens, and then they placed them on the 60-by-20-inch tablescape. Named “Safari Santa,� it is a mantel or console table decoration for the holidays.

In fact, the display’s St. Nick — a troll doll in a Santa outfit — drives up in a bright orange Jeep. “It’s an African Christmas village instead of an Alpine Christmas village,� Nelson said.

She and her business partner Todd Martz of Home on Cameron in Old Town Alexandria were among 20 designers who teamed up with patients at Children’s

National Medical Center as part of a Dec. 3 benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel. “Santa Safari� is among the holiday displays on view at the hotel until Dec. 20, with each available for purchase as part of a silent auction during the gala and through Dec. 20. They are valued at $1,000 to $4,000.

Four hundred adults and children attended the inaugural benefit, sampling cupcakes, cookies and other snacks from local restaurants and caterers. While a live Santa greeted guests and music filled the air, gala-goers decorated cookies, made ornaments, wrote holiday cards to patients at Children’s National and bid on items in the silent auction.

Performances included a cappella groups and dance ensembles from the area. Among them were the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber Singers, the Georgetown Saxatones, Capital Blend, the Blessed Sacrament Angel Choir, the British International School of Washington choir, cellist Benjamin Gates, harpist Victoria Paytonwebber, and the Metropolitan School of the Arts and its “Frosty Follies.�

Other entertainers were sketch artist Cris Logan, ballerina Tina Pereira and Reggie Rice the Magician.

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Christi Perez and Margarita Arroyave-Wessel cochaired the benefit for Children’s National. The Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National paired designers with patients through the Children’s Health Board.

Decorations on view include wreaths, mantels and a menorah, in addition to trees.

Holiday tree designers included Allie Mann and Alexandria Hubbard of Case Design/Remodeling Inc.; Annie Elliott and Christy Maguire of Annie Elliott Interiors; Camille Saum of Camille Saum Interiors; Charles Almonte of Charles Almonte Architecture/Interior Design; Caryn Cramer of Caryn Cramer Interiors + Textiles; Christopher Nutter of Christopher Nutter Designs and Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors; Julia Walter of Boffi Georgetown and Brian Fell of B&B Italia; Lena Kroupnik of Lena Kroupnik Interiors; Nadia Subaran, Megan

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Photos by Jessica Yurinko

Holiday decorations included the “Safari Santa� mantel by Susan Nelson and Todd Martz of Home on Cameron (above) and “A Colorful Family Christmas�

by Annie Elliott Interiors (left).

Padilla and Kelly Emerson of Aidan Design; Quintece HillMattauszek of Studio Q Designs; Sarah Wessel of Sarah Wessel Designs; Skip Sroka of Sroka Design; and Victoria Sanchez of Victoria at Home.

Mantel designers included Eleanor Niermann and Claire Niermann of Niermann Weeks; Josh Hildreth and Tara Price of Josh Hildreth Interiors and Lisa

Tureson of Studio Artistica; and Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Proxmire Inc. Wreath designers included Laura Dowling, former White House florist, and Ashley Greer of Atelier Ashley Flowers; and Nicholas Beck of Nicholas Beck Interiors.

The menorah designer was Samantha Friedman of Samantha Friedman Interior Design.

14 Holidays

14 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

currentnewspapers.com

Holidays in Washington

Historic local homes showcase seasonal exhibits

By ROBIN EBERHARDT Current Staff Writer

H

istoric houses around the District are lighting up their Christmas trees, putting out poinsettias and proudly displaying their seasonal exhibits as December brings in the holidays this year.

In several local properties showcasing more than 100 years of history, the curators welcome visitors with breathtaking holiday displays that accompany a history lesson about the holiday traditions of the historic families that lived in the homes a century ago.

One of D.C.’s oldest historic houses — Georgetown’s Tudor Place, at 1644 31st St. NW —

debuted its annual holiday installation earlier this month. This year’s display features furniture, decorations and household items laid out how they were in December 1914, when the Peter family had recently modernized the home with electricity and a gas line and was preparing to celebrate the holidays.

Grant Quertermous, the curator for Tudor Place, said people should be excited to visit the house and experience Christmas traditions from more than 100 years ago.

“I really like all our holiday installations to reflect a significant time period in the life of the house and the family,” he said, adding that the different themes

Come Home for Christmas!

Saint Ann's Catholic Church Tenley Circle Wisconsin Avenue & Nebraska Avenue, Northwest

Christmas Eve Mass at 5pm with brass and choir Children's Christmas Pageant Mass at 8pm with brass and choir Christmas Day Masses at 9am (cantor) & 11 am (choir) Reverend Monsignor James D. Watkins Pastor

stanndc.org

allow visitors to see something distinctive every year.

This year’s theme — the period when the family was returning home after completing major renovations two weeks before Christmas — represents a turning point for the house and the family.

The servants would have had to adjust to the new appliances that had just been installed, such as electric lights, a telephone and a Duparquet gas and coal stove.

The holiday decorations in Tudor Place also reflect the preferences of the Peter family, which traces its ancestry to Martha Washington. The owner at the time, Armistead Peter Jr., was interested in filling the house with the latest technology, some of which was state-of-the-art at the time. But he was also a traditionalist and decorated his Christmas tree with candles instead of electric lights.

Quertermous said the Peter family kept meticulous records, which assists the curators in presenting the house in different time periods. They kept their grocery receipts and other notes, with an “eye for the future” and a desire to share their lives with their future generations and the public, he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to see holiday traditions from this time period,” said Quertermous. “People like that it looks at a Christmas from 103 years ago.”

At Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Forest Hills, the former home of D.C. style icon Marjorie Merriweather Post is the site of an annual holiday celebration, including themed Christmas trees and and a family-friendly annual Russian Winter Festival.

At this year’s winter festival — which took place Dec. 9 and 10 — fortunetellers and mummers roamed the estate to entertain the kids and families traveling around the estate. In addition to exploring the mansion, families could visit the “Spectacular Gems and Jewelry” exhibit and witness authentic Russian dancers and folk music. The luxurious china, jeweled Fabergé eggs, priceless Russian chalices, artwork and elaborate decor that regularly fills

Photos by Mike Landsman

Georgetown’s historic Tudor Place unveiled its annual holiday exhibit this month. It shows how the house was decorated in December 1914. the 4155 Linnean Ave. NW property is also on display to visitors.

Meanwhile, five Christmas trees displayed around the mansion and estate are adorned with decorations inspired by the diamonds, rubies, pearls and other

❝It’s a great opportunity to see holiday traditions from this time period.❞ — Grant Quertermous of Tudor Place gems owned by Post. Live orchids, icicle ornaments and themed decorations also hang from the trees.

“This year, we have a jewelry exhibition,” said Lynn Rossotti, the director of marketing, communications and visitor services at Hillwood, standing in the visitor’s center at the estate. “We just have some dazzling jewels, blinged-out trees both here and in the mansion.”

The annual Russian Winter Festival has also included a children’s show “Grandfather Frost & the Snow Maiden” for the past 18 years, according to Rebecca Singer, the youth audiences manager for Hillwood. The show takes families in the audience to a Russian village and engages children in the audience by speaking to them directly and involving them in a snowball fight among the actors. It leads up to an arm-wrestling competition between Grandfather Frost and Santa Claus.

Singer added that the fortunetellers and the actors who dress up as a circus master and a bear, the national animal of Russia, add another fun and family-friendly element to the festivities.

“That is one of my favorite things actually, just to sort of catch them out there in costume, bringing the estate to life,” Singer said.

One of the main holiday events

for three historic houses in D.C. is the Holidays Through History open house, which took place on Dec. 2 and allowed members of the public to tour Anderson House, Dumbarton House and the Woodrow Wilson House in one evening. The event included tours of the houses, which were decorated for the holiday season, plus signature cocktails relating to the drinks the historic families would have had at the time.

Anderson House, the current headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati and the former home of Larz and Isabel Anderson, is located at 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. For the open house, organizers served milk punch — a staple at the family’s New Year’s parties, according to Kelsey Atwood, the weekend supervisor at Anderson House. The drink had milk, cream, vanilla, rum and brandy, she said.

The house is decorated with multiple Christmas trees, greenery, red ribbons, mistletoe and poinsettias added to the everyday furnishings of the home.

Dan Devlin, a docent at Anderson House, said visitors enjoy learning about the Anderson family.

“I think what people love to hear about is the lifestyle, how they entertained, who they entertained, the formality of it,” Devlin said. “The level of the people who came through here, the way they worked in a diplomatic spirit, it’s just really unique.”

Anderson House offers free public tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Dumbarton House and Woodrow Wilson House, located at 2715 Q St. NW and 2340 S St. NW, respectively, offer tours costing $10 for general admission tickets, with cheaper or free options for students, children and senior citizens.

15 Real Estate

Northwest Real Estate The Current

A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington

December 13, 2017 â– Page 15

Boutique condos rise from former commercial space

D

.C.’s changing landscape has brought a new vibe (and some gentrification controversy) to long-established

ON THE MARKET SUSAN BODIKER

neighborhoods, as well as a whole new purpose to older structures whose original use is long past the sell-by date.

Such is the case with 11Park at 1628 11th St. NW. Nestled between the hip-and-happening neighborhoods of Logan Circle and Shaw, this former commercial building has now been converted to a chic condominium complex, featuring eight ultramodern two-level town houses and 24 flats.

Located on a quiet and historic stretch of 11th Street and across the street from a church and dog park, 11Park offers a variety of thoughtful amenities: a quietly elegant two-story lobby with wood paneling and slate tile floors; an elevator that goes from the garage to the penthouse-level club room, fully equipped fitness center and terrace with lounge and grilling stations; 19 garage spaces (separately deeded and ranging from $40,000 for a compact car to $50,000 for full-sized); storage units ($3,000 to $7,500); and bike storage. With the dog park so close by, it goes without saying that the building is pet-friendly.

Unit 106 is typical of the duplex town houses, which are located on the first and second floors of the building. (Flats are on the third and fourth stories.) It offers approximately 1,650 square feet of living space with two bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and two very private outdoor areas: a terrace above and a courtyard below. It is on the market for $1,339,900 with a monthly condo fee $653.78.

The unit’s main entrance is from an interior hallway of the 11Park building on the home’s upper level, and it opens into a large living and entertaining space comprising the kitchen, dining area and living room.

(To the right of the entry hall is a half-bath and hall closets.)

At the far end is a wall of floor-to-ceiling west-facing windows and a glass door leading to a spacious L-shaped terrace with IPE wood decking and raised planter beds for privacy.

The kitchen features an appetizing blend of functionality and aesthetics. It includes soft-close Porcelanosa cabinetry; a white Caesarstone backsplash and countertop; integrated Bosch appliances (gas cooktop, convection oven, refrigerator, dishwasher); and a deep Kraus sink with Grohe fau-

Photos by Studio Trejo/Rendering by Spine

A duplex available at 11Park offers an open living space next to the kitchen, with a family room/den a floor below. cet.

Off the dining area is an open staircase with a wire, wood and metal railing that leads to the lower level, which holds the two carpeted bedrooms, two full baths and a family room/den. Sliding doors open into the courtyard.

There is also a laundry closet with stacked Whirlpool washer/ dryer.

Both the full and half-baths are fitted with Waterworks fixtures, Kohler commodes and soaking tubs, Porcelanosa millwork and tile backsplash/flooring, and Caesarstone vanity counters.

At 750 square feet, Unit 402 is less than half the size of the town house — but it’s no less sleek or high end. The one-bedroom, onebath home is listed for $639,000 with condo fee of $287.10 per month. It too features outdoor space: a sizable balcony, facing east, off the living room. Materials and finishings are identical except for the refrigerator (Blomberg instead of Bosch). Other notable features are the sliding barn door with frosted glass that closes off the bedroom and the tall glass panel that provides a

view into the living room and park beyond.

Overall, there are a variety of apartment sizes and layouts to choose from, starting with onebedroom, one-bath units at 675 to 750 square feet and ranging in price from $524,900 to $644,900 with monthly condo fees of $248.85 to $287.10. Two-bed, two bath residences range from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet and are priced from $824,900 to $1,199,900 with $400.18 to $457.97 in monthly condo fees.

The duplex townhouses with 1,650 to 1,750 square feet are listed at $1,314,900 to $1,384,900, with monthly condo fees of $637.98 to $702.42.

11Park combines convenient proximity to the vibrant corridors of U and 14th streets NW with the peacefulness of protected views — a benefit of neighborhood height restrictions — and plenty of on-street parking. It also gets great walking, biking and Metro scores. The building is just blocks away from Whole Foods, Le Diplomate, Room & Board and a host of other retail and dining attractions.

The new 11Park building at 1628 11 St. NW is listed with CondoNest. For details, contact Timur Loynab at 571-215-6554 or tloynab@mcwilliamsballard. com. For a virtual tour, visit liveat11park.com.

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16 Real Estate

16 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

currentnewspapers.com

Northwest Real Estate STEAD: Expansion project planners weigh programs DISPATCHES From Page 1

house, constructing a three-level rear addition with a green roof, and renovating on-site play areas. The rear addition is expected to measure two stories above-ground â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the same height as the existing building â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and will feature multiple activity rooms with flexible partitions.

Plans also include a new outdoor playground with sculptural

â&#x20AC;&#x153;solar treesâ&#x20AC;? and shade. The propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor basketball court is set to receive a new steel roof fitted with solar panels.

The project is slated to improve accessibility so that the center adheres to Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The existing ramp at the east side of the property along P Street will provide access from the sidewalk into the site, while playground surfaces will be covered with surfacing

suitable for wheelchair travel. The center itself will be fitted with an elevator.

Project organizers also aim to hit various environmental goals.

Officials hope to secure LEED Platinum certification as well as Net Zero status, meaning the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy consumption wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exceed the amount of renewable energy generated on site.

A fourth meeting on the Stead project is set for Jan. 8.

From Page 16

have lunch with Mr. Stone in the classroom! Another good one is that you can have Mr. Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk for a day, and there is another one that allows you to get Mr. Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rocking chair for a day!

The third-best prize is when you get to put a bonus 15-minute recess on the schedule, and you get to pick the game that Mr. Stone and everyone plays.

I love the raffle, and I bet if you ever have a raffle like that, it would be great! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Maya Swanson, third-grader

National Presbyterian School

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At National Presbyterian School, we have an all-school assembly every month. We just had our December assembly on the 5th. We started off with the opening prayer and the National Anthem.

Then second grade shared a video about its field trip to the National Building Museum, where students used scraps like cardboard, plastic, tape and more to build industrial and commercial building models to create a city/ community. Two fifth-graders told the school about the ancient civilization travel brochures they had just done in Social Studies. After that, pre-K showed a video on feelings and it was very cute.

Then Mrs. Woods, the educational technology specialist, talked to us about the November and December Makers Mats, which have activities on them that you can do, and shared some of the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creations. Then our very own Cardinal News Network showed us a video on playground rules.

After that, some sixth-graders acknowledged some people that went above and beyond by showing our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values, which are respect, love, honesty, safety and responsibility.

After that, we had the best â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bellsâ&#x20AC;? performance ever!

Mrs. Rusan, our upper division director; Ms. Primrose, the lower division director; and Mr. Lester, head of school, all danced and rang bells as we sang.

Once that was done, we acknowledged honesty as the core value of the month. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Walter Hicks, fifth-grader

Sheridan School

Last week, Alex Myers talked to parents and fifth- through eighth-grade students. Myers was the first openly transgender student at Harvard and at his high school, Phillips Exeter. He talked to us about his book and the struggles heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone through.

First he spoke to the parents and explained how to support transgender students in our com-

munity. The next day he talked with seventh and eighth graders about his book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Revolutionaryâ&#x20AC;? and his experiences being a transgender man.

He told the story of one of his ancestors, Deborah Sampson. She was a woman who was sold as an indentured servant. When it was time for her to get married, she decided she wanted to fight in the Army so she dressed up as a man.

When he learned this story, Sampson became the person who he could relate to when he did not feel comfortable in his own skin.

He went on to tell us about transitioning from a woman to a man and some of the struggles he had to go through. When he first came out to his parents, they were supportive but very unsure for him. As a high schooler, he lost many friends. When he came out to his grandparents, one was excited while the other disowned him.

For many people, his talk gave them a different perspective on the experiences of being transgender. For others, it gave them a person and experience to relate to. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gwyn Field and Ruby Luzzatto, seventh-graders

Washington International School

Grade 5 students have just finished their unit on persuasion, learning the necessary skills to convince an audience about their ideas. In English class, we were asked to write a speech on a topic that was relevant to all classmates, either connected to school life or to the world. Then, we had to do research to have enough information to support our argument. Finally, we wrote a first draft and edited it until it was ready to be presented to our class.

Some of us decided to display a slideshow to accompany our speeches. We had the chance to hear about fascinating issues, from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Renovating the Playgroundâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increasing Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Salariesâ&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smokingâ&#x20AC;? and my topic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Fashion.â&#x20AC;?

In French and Spanish class, students in groups of four had to create an item from scratch, advertise it, and finally present the advertisement and object to the class. Then, each student was given Monopoly money to buy the items that they had been persuaded to purchase. In preparation, every day we had debates on different subjects. Two students were randomly picked to support the two sides of the question.

This unit was useful, because in everyday life we have to make smart decisions and be able to distinguish false advertising from reliable information. Now we are more aware of the repercussions our language choices can have on people around us. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ilaria Luna, fifth-grader

17 Events

&

Events Entertainment A Listing of What to Do in Washington, D.C. Visit currentnewspapers.com to find an even more extensive list of area events taking place in the next week.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Thursday DECEMBER 14 Performances ■ Ovations Studios will present Tchaikovsky’s ballet classic “The Nutcracker.”

6 p.m. $25. Greenberg Theatre, American University, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-885-2587. The performance will repeat Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

■ The National Symphony Orchestra will present Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring conductor Jeannette Sorrell, the University of Maryland Concert Choir and soloists Sophie Daneman (shown), Ann McMahon Quintero, Karim Sulayman and Christian Immler. 7 p.m. $15 to $89.

Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600. The concert will repeat Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

■ Washington National Opera will present “The Little Prince,” a holiday family opera based on Antoine de SaintExupéry’s classic illustrated storybook.

7:30 p.m. $45 to $65. Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The performance will repeat Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

■ ThePianoGuys — who became YouTube stars by way of their immensely successful series of strikingly original self-made music videos — will perform their new live show “Christmas Together.” 7:30 p.m. $60.75 to $103.75. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org/events. The performance will repeat Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m.

■ Washington Improv Theater will present “Seasonal Disorder,” its annual tribute to the chaos of the holidays. 7:30 p.m. $12 to $30. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org. Performances will continue through Dec. 31.

Sales ■ Aid to Artisans will hold its 2017 Holiday Craft Sale, featuring handmade artisan crafts from Egypt, Guatemala, Colombia, India and other countries. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Creative Learning, Suite 104, 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW. aidtoartisans.org. The sale will continue daily through Monday.

■ The 13th annual Downtown Holiday Market will feature exhibitors, local food and live music. Noon to 8 p.m. Free admission. Sidewalk of F Street between 7th and 9th streets NW, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. downtownholidaymarket.com. The market will continue through Dec. 23 from noon to 8 p.m. daily.

Special events ■ The Washington Harbour ice rink will offer public skating. Noon to 9 p.m. $9 to $10. Washington Harbour, 3000 K St. NW. 202-706-7666. Regular hours

are Monday and Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

■ “ZooLights” will feature environmentally friendly LED displays, a light show set to music, 150-foot-long “snow tubing” tracks, the Conservation Carousel, live entertainment, and a glow-inthe-dark play zone for children. 5 to 9 p.m.

Free admission. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4470. The event will repeat daily through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31).

Friday, Dec. 15 Friday DECEMBER 15 Children’s programs ■ Discovery Theater will present “Seasons of Light,” an interactive program about the history and customs of Ramadan, Diwali, Sankta Lucia, Hanukkah, Los Posados, Kwanzaa, Christmas and the First Nations’ tradition of the winter solstice (for ages 5 through 10).

10:15 and 11:30 a.m. $3 to $8. Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-8700. Performances will continue Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 21.

■ Discovery Theater will present a screening of the animated film “The Snowy Day,” with a singalong of holiday songs (for ages 3 through 7). 10:30 a.m. and noon. $3 to $8. Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-8700. The film will also be shown Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and noon.

■ The Tenley-Friendship Library will host “Tots and Toys Playdate,” during which children can play with toys, browse books, visit with friends and toddle (for ages 3 and younger, with parent or caregiver). 11 a.m. Free. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202727-1488.

Concerts ■ The Friday Morning Music Club will present a composer concert featuring works by Steven Schwarz, Emmanuel Dubois, Mark Simon, Jonathan Newmark and Leslie Bennett. A holiday reception will follow. Noon. Free. Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th St. NW. 202-333-2075.

■ Neil Weston, director of music at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church, will present an organ recital featuring “Christmas Dance of the Little Animals,” “Christmas in Sicily” and other holiday selections. 12:15 p.m. Free. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW. 202-797-0103.

■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature the Georgetown Visitation Madrigals. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-6289100. The performance series will continue through Dec. 23.

■ Diana Gameros — a nationally recognized Mexican singersongwriter, guitarist and composer based in the San Francisco

The Current

Bay area — will perform songs from her new album, “Arrullo,” a love letter to her homeland made up of 13 renditions of classic Mexican songs. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600.

■ The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Jazz Nights” series will feature D.C. jazz trio Epsilon, with Mike Okusami on bass, Paul Jung on drums and Matt Henderson on keyboard. 6 to 7:45 p.m. Free.

Mezzanine, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-5688.

■ The Italian Cultural Institute will present “Alfabeto Falso,” a concert by Simone Vallerotonda (shown) and I Bassifondi mirroring a typical instrumental session in 17th-century Italy. 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Free; reservations required. Auditorium, Embassy of Italy, 3000 Whitehaven St. NW. www.iicwashington.esteri.it.

■ Folger Consort will hold a concert named after the Christmas carol “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” featuring German Advent and holiday music performed by the vocal ensemble Cathedra, viol consort Arcadia Viols, organist Adam Pearl and artistic co-director Robert Eisenstein. 8 p.m. $50. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077.

The performance will repeat Dec. 16 at 4 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 2 and 5 p.m.; Dec. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 23 at 4 and 8 p.m.

Discussions and lectures ■ The National Museum of Women in the Arts will host “CreativeMornings,” a monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; reservations required. Great Hall, National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. creativemornings. com.

■ Villanova University professor Victor Brooks will discuss his book “1967: The Year of Fire and Ice,” which features the dramatic events that occurred that year, ranging from the first Super Bowl to the start of the 1968 presidential campaign to the “Summer of Love.” Noon to 1 p.m.

Free. McGowan Theater, National Archives Building, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-357-5000.

Film ■ The Potter’s House will screen “Homelessly in Love,” a feature-length documentary about the romantic lives of five men and women experiencing housing instability in the District. A Q&A will follow. 6:30 to 8 p.m. $10. The Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Road NW. pottershousedc.org Performances ■ The Dance Institute of Washington will present “The Spirit of Kwanzaa,” featuring dance, music and spoken word. 7 p.m. $12 to $25; free for ages 3 and younger. Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. thearcdc.org. The performance will repeat Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

December 14 – 21, 2017 ■ Page 17 States. The show will be performed in Spanish with English subtitles. 8 p.m.

Free. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. 202-234-7174.

Friday, DECEMBER 15 ■ Concert: The Friday Noon Concert series will feature pianist Audrey Andrist. Noon. Free. Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. 202-331-7282, ext. 3.

■ “The Christmas Revels: A FrenchCanadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice” will feature holiday carols, acting, folk dancing and music in line with the theme of a winter solstice celebration in a Quebec village. 7:30 p.m. $12 to $60. Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 731 21st St. NW. revelsdc.org. The performance will repeat Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m.

■ Step Afrika! will present “Magical Musical Holiday Step Show 2017,” a family-friendly performance by the internationally renowned percussive dance company. 7:30 p.m. $18 to $40.

Sprenger Theatre, Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993.

The performance will repeat Dec. 16 at 2 and 7:30 p.m; Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.; Dec. 21, 22 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.; and Dec. 27 and 29 at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

■ Paso Nuevo, the youth arts program of GALA Hispanic Theatre, will present “Through My Eyes/Desde Mis Ojos,” a performance exploring a teenager’s journey from El Salvador to the United

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Special events ■ The United Methodist Church will present “The True Meaning of Christmas Tour,” with a bedecked tour truck offering hot cocoa and collecting canned goods and coats for local people in need. 2 to 6 p.m. Free. 7th and H streets NW. UnwrapChristmas.org.

■ In conjunction with the “ZooLights” festival, the National Zoo will host the GRUMP Holiday Market with arts and crafts made by local artisans. 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission. Near the main entrance to the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4470. The event will continue Saturday and Sunday with different vendors.

■ As part of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Family Week, a backstage tour will follow the daily path of actors.

5:15 p.m. Free; reservations required.

Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202547-5688.

■ The Heurich House Museum’s “Mini Markt: Wrap the Children’s Gifts” will feature children’s toys and clothing from D For Dolls and Outta Our Minds.

The event will include a self-guided tour of the mansion decorated for the holidays. 5 to 8 p.m. $10; $2 for ages 2 through 12. Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. heurichchristmas.org/mini-markts.

■ Alliance Française de Washington will host a tasting of the macaron, the most beloved cookie of France. 7 p.m. $25 to $30; reservations required. Alliance Française de Washington, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. francedc.org.

■ “The Underground After Hours” will feature music by DJ Amen Ra, illuminated art by local artist Brian Dailey and craft cocktails by Firefly bartender Brendan Ambrose. 7 to 10 p.m. $18 to $20.

Dupont Underground, 1500 19th St. NW. dupontunderground.org.

Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Los Angeles Clippers. 7 p.m. $12 to See Events/Page 18

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18 Events

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18 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

currentnewspapers.com

Events Entertainment Continued From Page 17 $177. Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Tour ■ “Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Decor” will feature a tour led by Hillwood floral and event decor designer Ami Wilber highlighting Christmas trees inspired by Marjorie Post’s spectacular gems and jewelry. 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. $15 to $18; tickets distributed at the Visitor Center upon opening each day. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807.

Saturday,DECEMBER Dec. 16 Saturday 16 Book sale ■ The Chevy Chase DC Friends of the Library group’s used bookstore FOLio will offer “Super Sale Saturdays” in December with hardcover books for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Second floor, Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-282-0021.

Children’s programs ■ “Saturday Morning at the National” will feature “Holiday Songs: Music Around the World” by Bright Star Theatre. 9:30 and 11 a.m. Free; reservations suggested. Helen Hayes Gallery, National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org/winter-2017.

■ “First Studio: Story + Workshop” will feature a gallery tour of paintings, sculpture and architecture, as well as a story and a hands-on art-making experience (for ages 3 to 5). 10 to 11 a.m. $10 per child; registration required. Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Road NW. 202338-3552.

■ “Parents’ Day Out” will offer a chance to leave children ages 3 and older to do seasonal crafts, play games, make cookies and have fun. 10 a.m. to 1

p.m. Suggested donation of $15 per child; reservations required. Palisades Community Church, 5200 Cathedral Ave. NW. paliscomch@verizon.net.

■ “Children’s Christmas Party” will feature a craft activity, a snack and stories. 10:30 a.m. to noon. $8 to $10. Alliance Française de Washington, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. francedc.org.

■ “Tea With Santa” will offer families a chance to visit with Santa, hear a special holiday story and enjoy a holiday tea with hot apple cider, sandwiches, desserts and special tea blends. Afterward, children will have a chance to decorate gingerbread cookies to take home. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 to $30. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW. 202-337-2288.

■ Keegan Theatre will stage “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” a children’s musical based on an Irish folk tale (for ages 3 and older). 11 a.m. $15. Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202-2653767. The performance will repeat Dec. 17, 23, 26, 30 and 31 at 11 a.m.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetarium program about the season’s brightest stars, planets and constellations (for ages 5 and older). 1 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070. The program will repeat Sunday at 1 p.m.

■ “From Our Happy Home” will explore ways people of the past and today create feelings of comfort and warmth in the cold winter months through a variety of art activities focused on author Louisa May Alcott. 1 to 4 p.m.

Free. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetarium program about the solar system, the Milky Way and other deep space objects (for ages 7 and older). 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070. The program will repeat Sunday at 4 p.m.

Classes and workshops ■ The Mount Pleasant Library will

Saturday, DECEMBER 16 ■ Special event: The Washington Nationals 2017 Winterfest will feature clinics with players and coaches as well as opportunities to make a snow fort, take batting practice, participate in a “steal home challenge” and listen to winter- and baseball-themed stories read by players. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25 to $35. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. nationals.com/winterfest. The event will continue Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. present “Saturday Morning Yoga.” 10 a.m. Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-671-3122.

■ The Kennedy Center will host an all-levels vinyasa yoga class led by Cory Miller. 10 a.m. Free; reservations suggested. Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Concerts ■ The Choral Arts Society of Washington will present “A Family Christmas,” featuring songs about Santa, Rudolph

and Frosty (for ages 5 and older). 1 p.m. $20 to $45. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The Centennial High School Madrigals will perform holiday carols. 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

■ The Cathedral Choral Society’s 41st annual “Joy of Christmas” concert will feature a newly commissioned carol

by British composer Paul Mealor as well as Christmas favorites and a festive carol singalong. Led by guest conductor Betsy Burleigh (shown), the concert will include performances by the Lyric Brass Quintet and the Washington Latin Public Charter School Honors Choir. 2 and 7 p.m. $15 to $25. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-2228. The performance will repeat Sunday at 4 p.m.

■ Encore Rocks Choruses from D.C., Virginia and Maryland will perform holiday favorites. 3 p.m. Free. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW. 301-261-5747.

■ The Washington Chorus will present “A Candlelight Christmas,” featuring brass, organ, singalongs and a candlelight processional. 4 p.m. $18 to $79.

Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600. The performance will repeat Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.

■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature the Capital Harmonia.

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100.

■ The Washington Symphonic Brass Quintet will present “Sounds of the Season,” featuring songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” 4 to 8 p.m. $39 to $42. Dumbarton United Methodist Church, 3133 Dumbarton St. NW. 202965-2000.

■ Sweet Heaven Kings, a 16-member gospel brass and percussion band based in Anacostia, will present its annual holiday program. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The KC Jazz Club will present a concert by the trio Harriet Tubman featuring a blend of jazz, electronic, rock and funk music. 7 and 9 p.m. $26 to $39. Terrace Gallery, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The Music With the Angels Concert Series will present awardwinning performers and composers Zulfugar Baghirov on saxophone and Ramin Amir Arjomand (shown) on piano. 7:30 p.m. $10 donation suggested. Church of the Holy City, 1611 16th St. NW. 202-462-6734.

■ Professional choir The Thirteen will present “Northern Lights,” exploring visions of the Christmas story from the far north and featuring music from over four cen-

turies. 7:30 p.m. $20 to $30. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW. TheThirteenChoir.org.

Discussions and lectures ■ Rock Creek Conservancy’s Scott Einberger will discuss “Eccentric Poet Joaquin Miller as Environmentalist and Civil Rights Activist,” about the man who in the 1880s lived in a log cabin that stands today in Rock Creek Park. 11 a.m. to noon. Free; reservations required. Auditorium, Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. rockcreekconservancy.org.

■ A representative from the nonprofit Carecen will discuss how to navigate the immigration process and the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen (in English and Spanish). 2:30 p.m. Free. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-727-1488.

Films ■ Peter Getzels and Harriet Gordon Getzels will present their 2016 film “Zuzana: Music Is Life,” about Czech harpsichordist Zuzana Ruzickova, the only musician to have recorded the complete keyboard works of Bach. Noon. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202737-4215.

■ The National Geographic Museum will screen “Jerusalem 3-D,” which features aerial footage of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $7. Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. 202-857-7700. The film will also be shown Dec. 17, 30 and 31.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present a “Ciné-Concert” screening of Ernst Lubitsch and John M. Stahl’s 1927 film “The Student Prince.” The screening will feature organist Dennis James in performance. 3:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Performances and readings ■ As part of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Family Week, “A Mini-Summer Night’s Dream” will offer a look at the world of Puck’s magical forest. Group activities and a discussion with the cast will follow the performance. 11 a.m.

Free; reservations required. Forum, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202547-5688.

■ Sweet Spot Aerial Productions will present “A Circus Carol,” about a high school where chaos reigns supreme as teachers, administrators and students try to put together their annual holiday pageant. 1 and 6 p.m. $15 to $25. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. The performance will repeat Sunday at 6 p.m.

■ The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC will present “The Holiday Show,” featuring new songs and traditional favorites. 3 and 8 p.m. $25 to $65. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 877-4359849. The performance will repeat Sunday at 3 p.m.

■ A benefit reading of playwright Justin Tanner’s “Happytime Xmas” — about a dysfunctional family whose problems may be finally be solved when the matriarch is scheduled to appear on an epiSee Events/Page 19

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Continued From Page 18 sode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wheel of Fortuneâ&#x20AC;? to be shown on Christmas Day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will feature Amanda Haddock, Jean Miller, Emily Morrison, James Radack and Yasmin Tuazon. 8 p.m. $20. Third Floor, 4200 9th St. NW. theklunch.com. â&#x2013; Dance Placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kwanzaa Celebrationâ&#x20AC;? will feature Coyaba Dance Theater performing dances depicting celebration, harvest and community. 8 p.m. $15 to $30. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE. 202-269-1600. The performance will repeat Sunday at 4 p.m.

Service â&#x2013; The Washington National Cathedralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual simulcast Christmas service with Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem will feature choirs, readings and carols in D.C. and Palestine via live satellite telecast. 9:30 a.m. Free. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202537-6200.

Special events â&#x2013; The Petworth Business Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12th annual Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair will feature 40-plus vendors selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods, as well as live music and craft workshops. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

800 block of Upshur Street NW. petwortharts@gmail.com. â&#x2013; The 27th annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;BZB Holiday Gift & Art Showâ&#x20AC;? will feature holiday items, home accessories, clothes, jewelry and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.

Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 9th St. NW. 202-550-7060. The sale will continue Dec. 22 and 23. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Book Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter Wonderlandâ&#x20AC;? will feature a meet and greet with Santa, music and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities in conjunction with holiday specials and festive bites at 20-plus shops and cafes along Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road NW. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free admission. Parking lot, TD Bank, 1611 Wisconsin Ave. NW. georgetowndc. com. â&#x2013; Friends of Rose Park will host a 2017 Holiday Party featuring music from the Georgetown Chimes, pictures with Santa, craft activities and hot chocolate.

3 to 5 p.m. Free admission; attendees are asked to bring new, unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots. Rose Park, 26th and O streets NW. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Festival of Mics: A Chanukah Celebrationâ&#x20AC;? will feature a karaoke holiday celebration with the live band HariKaraoke. The event will include festive drinks, a craft-your-own latke bar and a chance to put your dreidel skills to the test. 8 p.m. $18. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 877-987-6487.

Sporting event â&#x2013; The Washington Capitals will play the Anaheim Ducks. 8 p.m. $35 to $272. Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Tours and walks â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the Wheel Turnsâ&#x20AC;? will feature tours of Peirce Mill about the power of water and its connection to food. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Peirce Mill, Tilden Street and Beach Drive NW. 202-895-6070.

The tours will also be offered Sunday. â&#x2013; A park ranger will lead a walking tour of the area once known as Herring Hill, a historically African-American area

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Events Entertainment and menorahs (best for ages 3 to 10 and their families). 2 to 4 p.m. $15 per family. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington DC, 1529 16th St. NW. edcjcc.org. â&#x2013; Via Umbriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids Cookie Decorating Partyâ&#x20AC;? will feature expert instruction in adding frosting, sprinkles, colored sugar and other items to ornamentshaped cookies. 3 p.m. $20; reservations required. Via Umbria, 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW. viaumbria.com/events.

of Georgetown. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Free. Meet in front of the Old Stone House, 3051 M St. NW. 202-895-6070. â&#x2013; A park ranger will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour of Georgetown, with a focus on the port cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rough beginnings and its rise as a posh Washington neighborhood. 2 p.m. Free. Meet in front of the Old Stone House, 3051 M St. NW. 202895-6070.

Sunday,DECEMBER Dec. 17 Sunday 17 Book signing â&#x2013; Curtis Harris will sign copies of his book â&#x20AC;&#x153;High Hand.â&#x20AC;? 1 to 4 p.m. Free.

International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW. 202-393-7798.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;From Our Happy Homeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; about the ways people of the past and today create feelings of comfort and warmth in the cold winter months â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will feature a variety of art activities focused on author Louisa May Alcott. Attendees will investigate objects from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;House & Homeâ&#x20AC;? exhibition for examples of interior lighting, and will construct paper house lanterns and handmade books. 1 to 4 p.m.

Free. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hanukkah Crafts for Kidsâ&#x20AC;? will feature a chance to create dreidel decorations and get ideas for other crafts to make at home (for ages 2 and older). 3 p.m. Free. Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Library, 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-541-6100.

Concerts â&#x2013; The National United Methodist Church Singers and Ringers will perform holiday carols. 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Free.

West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. â&#x2013; Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform Jim Territoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;John Henry Vs. The Machine,â&#x20AC;? followed by a musical journey to Italy, Spain (via French composers) and England. 3 p.m. $20; free for ages 18 and younger.

Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. wmpamusic.org. â&#x2013; The Washington Saengerbund will present a traditional German Christmas concert. 3 p.m. Free. The United Church, 1920 G St. NW. 202-331-1495. â&#x2013; Turtle Island Quartet will join Irish fiddler and composer Liz Carroll for a concert evoking visions of a frosty winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eve and yearend celebrations from around the globe.

4 p.m. Free. West Garden Court, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. â&#x2013; Folger Consort musicians will lead audience members in singing holiday songs dating from the medieval to the baroque periods. 4 p.m. Free; reservations suggested. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. â&#x2013; The Phillips Collection will present a concert by the Chalaca Trio featuring traditional music from South America and the Caribbean performed on the harp, clarinet and percussion instru-

Monday, DECEMBER 18 â&#x2013; Discussion: Profs & Pints will present a discussion of Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved winter folktale about the Snow Maiden led by folklorist Philippa Rappoport of George Washington University. 6 p.m. $10.

The Bier Baron Tavern, 1523 22nd St. NW. profsandpints.com. ments. 4 p.m. $20 to $40; reservations suggested. Thomas T. Gaff House, 1520 20th St. NW. 202-387-2151. â&#x2013; The City Choir of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual holiday concert â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Holly and the Ivy: Music for Christmasâ&#x20AC;? will feature music by Vaughan Williams, DuruflĂŠ and Whitacre as well as a world-premiere setting of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sangâ&#x20AC;? by Robert Shafer. 4:30 p.m. $15 to $50. National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. citychoir.org. â&#x2013; The Choral Arts Society of Washington will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas With Choral Arts,â&#x20AC;? featuring holiday carols, seasonal classics and singalongs for the whole family. 5 p.m. $15 to $69. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The performance will repeat Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. â&#x2013; The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holiday Lobbyingâ&#x20AC;? concert series will feature the Heritage Signature Chorale. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100. â&#x2013; D.C.-based band The Harry Bells will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keeganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings,â&#x20AC;? a holiday concert featuring horn and percussion music inspired by the songs of Harry Belafonte. 5:30 p.m. $15. Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com.

Films â&#x2013; The National Gallery of Art will screen John Akomfrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2004 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Urban Soul,â&#x20AC;? about the phenomenon of R&B and how it relates to themes of corporate corruption and greed. 1:30 p.m.

Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. â&#x2013; The National Gallery of Art will screen Bertrand Tavernierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Journey Through French Cinema,â&#x20AC;? a wideranging and subjective roam through the history of French film. 4 p.m. Free.

East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. The film will be shown again Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Performances and readings â&#x2013; The Largo High School Performing Arts Department will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rejoice!,â&#x20AC;? during which students will retell a Christmas classic with a modern interactive presentation through dance, narration, instrumental and vocal music. 6 p.m.

Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center.

202-467-4600. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunday Kind of Loveâ&#x20AC;? will feature readings by emerging and established poets, followed by an open mic segment.

5 to 7 p.m. $5. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

Special events â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Call to Singâ&#x20AC;? will feature the Palisades Community Church Chancel Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night of the Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Loveâ&#x20AC;? by Pepper Choplin. The churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Christmas tea will fol-

19

low. 10 a.m. Free. Palisades Community Church, 5200 Cathedral Ave. NW. 202966-7929. â&#x2013; The National Gallery of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seventy-Fifth Birthday Tribute to Curtis Mayfieldâ&#x20AC;? will feature DJ Johsonic presenting music by the American singer, writer, producer and label owner, with remarks by music critic Aaron Cohen, author of the forthcoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power.â&#x20AC;? 11 a.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Service of Nine Lessons and Carolsâ&#x20AC;? will celebrate a 19th-century Anglican carol tradition with participation by staff members at the British Embassy.

5 p.m. Free. St. Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 5150 Macomb St. NW. stdavidsdc.org.

Sporting event â&#x2013; The Washington Wizards will play the Cleveland Cavaliers. 6 p.m. $79 to $676. Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Tours and walks â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winter at Fort DeRussyâ&#x20AC;? will feature a one-mile hike focusing on how soldiers passed the cold winter months in the forts surrounding Washington during the Civil War (for ages 10 and older). 11 a.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070. â&#x2013; Curator Robyn Asleson will lead a tour of the exhibition â&#x20AC;&#x153;Portraits of the World: Switzerland,â&#x20AC;? which features the loaned painting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Femme en Extase,â&#x20AC;? a portrait of Italian dancer Giulia Leonardi

by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler. 3 p.m.

Free. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000.

Monday, Dec. 18 Monday DECEMBER 18 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program â&#x2013; Frolic the Fox will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rise + Rhyme,â&#x20AC;? a storytelling and performance series for ages 5 and younger. 9:30 to 11 a.m. $5 per child. Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St. NW. 202-7260856.

Class â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sip & Paintâ&#x20AC;? attendees will have a See Events/Page 20

Family programs â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have a Little Dreidel: An LGBTQ Family Chanukah Celebrationâ&#x20AC;? will feature singing while decorating dreidels

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20 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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The Current

currentnewspapers.com

Events Entertainment Continued From Page 19 chance to grab some holiday cheer while they learn to paint the cover of “The Nutcracker” — with the first drink included in the ticket price. 6:30 p.m. $35. Kramerbooks & Afterwords, 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW. kramers.com.

Concerts ■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature the Children’s Chorus of Washington. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-6289100.

■ Pianist Christopher Schmitt (shown) and cellist Caroline Bean-Stute will perform works by Schumann, Beethoven and Chopin as part of the Embassy Series, meant to unite people through music diplomacy. 7 to 9:30 p.m. $30. International Student House, 1825 R St. NW. 202-625-2361.

Discussions and lectures ■ National Gallery of Art assistant curator Alexandra Libby will discuss “Time and Temporality in SeventeenthCentury Dutch Genre Painting.” 12:10 and 1:10 p.m. Free. West Building Lecture Hall, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202737-4215.

■ National Gallery of Art lecturer David Gariff will discuss “The Christmas Story in Art.” 2 p.m. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202737-4215. The talk will repeat Dec. 20, 21 and 22 at 2 p.m.

■ Lisbeth Strimple Fuisz, a lecturer in the English department at Georgetown University, will lead a discussion of Jessie Redmon Fauset’s “Plum Bun” as part of a class on “American Novels of the

’20s.” 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. $25 to $35. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-3030.

■ The Tenley-Friendship Library will host the Tenleytown Memoir & Essay Writing Club for all aspiring and amateur writers. 7 p.m. Free. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202727-1488.

■ “Feeder’s Advisory: A Book Club for Those Who Love Food” will discuss Chandra Moskowitz’s “The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook: Entertaining for Absolutely Every Occasion.” 7 p.m.

Free; reservations requested. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW. dclibrary.org/node/58852.

Films ■ The “Marvelous Movie Monday” series will present Ritesh Batra’s 2017 mystery drama “The Sense of an Ending,” based on the novel of the same name by Julian Barnes.

2 and 6:30 p.m. Free. Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202282-0021.

■ The National Academy of Medicine will present J. Stephen Morrison’s documentary “The New Barbarianism,” about health care and humanitarian workers who are in the crosshairs as hospitals and aid centers have become part of the battlefield in today’s wars. A discussion will follow. 4:30 to 6:20 p.m. Free.

National Academy of Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW. nas.edu.

Performances and readings ■ Everyman Theatre will present Lauren Gunderson’s hit play “The Revolutionists,” a new work about feminism, legacy and standing up for one’s beliefs, starring an all-female cast featuring Megan Anderson, Beth Hylton, Emily Kester and Dawn Ursula. 6 p.m. Free.

Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-

467-4600.

■ The DC Anti-Violence Project and host Rayceen Pendarvis will present “Taking the Stage, Taking a Stand: LGBTQ Voices Against Violence,” featuring spoken word, dance, poetry and visual art. 7 to 9 p.m. Free. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

■ EmpowerDC will present a performance of “On My Mind/In My Heart: The Voices of Women in Public Housing,” developed by playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings and set to a soundtrack by DC RBI. An audience discussion with the actors and EmpowerDC staff members will follow. 7:30 to 10 p.m. $10. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington DC, 1529 16th St. NW. edcjcc.org.

Special event ■ The West End Library will host its twice-weekly program “Between the Lines: Coloring Club for Adults.” 2 p.m.

Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707. The program will repeat Thursday at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Tuesday DECEMBER 19 Classes and workshops ■ The Georgetown Library will present a walk-in yoga class practicing introductory vinyasa techniques. 11:30 a.m.

Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232.

■ Facilitator Catharin Dalpino of the Washington English Center will lead an Evening English Conversation Group for members to talk about ideas and events and practice conversation skills. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232.

Concerts ■ The Tuesday Concert Series will feature the choir of the Church of the Epiphany with organist Christopher Betts performing seasonal readings and music. 12:10 p.m. Free. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-

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Tuesday, DECEMBER 19 ■ Discussion: Chris Matthews, political commentator and host of MSNBC’s “Hardball,” will discuss his book “Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit.” 7 p.m. $20 to $25. Woman’s National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-232-7363.

2635.

■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature Vox Pulchra. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100.

■ The U.S. Air Force Band’s Chamber Players will perform holiday chamber music. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Samovar will play Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy folk music as part of the “Holiday Music in the Garden” series. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Conservatory Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

■ Violinist Damien Escobar will perform as part of his “Heart & Soul Tour.” 8 p.m. $45 to $85. Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW. 202994-6800.

Discussions and lectures ■ The West End Library will host a weekly meeting of “People & Stories: Adult Short Story Discussion Group.” 1 p.m. Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707. Sessions will continue through Feb. 6.

■ National Gallery of Art senior lecturer Eric Denker will discuss “Pictures in Paintings.” 2 p.m. Free. West Building Lecture Hall, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202737-4215.

■ Phil Ziperman, director of the D.C. attorney general’s Office of Consumer Protection, will present a holiday consumer protection seminar for seniors, focusing on fraud, scams and other safety considerations. 3 p.m. Free. Assembly Hall, Forest Hills of DC, 4901 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-966-7623.

■ Author, educator and speaker Ivory A. Toldson will discuss “Male Educators of Color Impacting the Public Education System.” 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Free. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets 5th & K, 1025 5th St. NW. 202-789-2227.

■ The monthly “Bread and Roses”

labor series will feature a talk by Duke University history professor Nancy MacLean on her book “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth.” 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Nicolas Guillen Room, Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St. NW. 202-726-0856.

■ “Hasidism: Lifting the Veil of Obscurity” — about a mass religious movement among the Jews of Eastern Europe that transformed the Jewish religion in several significant ways — will feature David Assaf, professor of Jewish history at Tel Aviv University; David Biale, professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Davis; and Samuel Heilman, professor of sociology at Queens College and the City University of New York Graduate Center. A book signing of “Hasidism: A New History” will follow.

6:45 to 8:15 p.m. $30 to $45. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-3030.

Family program ■ A Winter Holiday Party will feature cookie decorating, festive crafts and holiday films (for children, teens and parents). 4:30 p.m. Free. Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Library, 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-541-6100.

Films ■ Bistro Bohem’s “Film and Beer” series — featuring Czech musicals and comedies — will present Jan Sverák’s 2014 film “Three Brothers,” about siblings who embark into the world and magically venture into famous fairy tales, encountering unexpected moments of love and adventure along the way. 6:45 to 9 p.m. Free; reservations required.

Bistro Bohem, 600 Florida Ave. NW. 202735-5895.

■ The Washington Jewish Film Festival will screen “Bang: The Bert Berns Story,” an English documentary about the filmmaker’s late father — a 1960s songwriter and producer who helped start the careers of Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. 7:30 p.m. $13.50. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington DC, 1529 16th St. NW. wjff.org Performances and readings ■ In honor of Hanukkah, Story District will present “My So-Called Jewish Life,” featuring funny, poignant, powerful and peculiar autobiographical stories from Cody Pomeranz, Heidi Maria Zansler, Rachael Strecher, Shai Fierst, Deborah Vishnevsky, Arianna Skibell and Irina Vayndiner. 7:30 p.m. $20 to $25.

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 877-987-6487.

■ The Washington Improv Theater’s “Harold Night” will feature long-form improv performances by various ensembles. 8 and 9 p.m. By donation. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org.

Special event ■ Terre Margaritelli winemaker Federico Bibi will lead a wine tasting and describe the visionary approach of his Umbrian winery. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $50; reservations required. Via Umbria, 1525 See Events/Page 22

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Ace Window Cleaning, Co. Family owned and operated for over 20 years using careful workmanship 301-656-9274 Chevy Chase, MD Licensed • Bonded • Insured • We also offer glass, screen, and sash cord repair service • Ask about our no damage, low pressure Powerwashing.

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H: 703-582-3709 • Cell: 703-863-1086 www.angeljunkremoval.com

For information about the licensing of any particular business in Washington, D.C., please call the District Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs at (202) 442-4311. The department's website is www.dcra.dc.gov.

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Always Something Inc.

Commercial and Residential Serving NW DC since 1987 Fast, friendly service.

Insured & Bonded

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We recycle and donate.

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Floor Services Masonry

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Our craftsmen, who for 30 years have done quality work, would work on your project. Our shop can build or duplicate almost anything. We are a design & build firm. We are kitchen and bath designers. We cam bid on your plans.

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Roofing We Take Pride in Our Quality Work!

Furniture Repair

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Floor Services Chevy Chase Floor Waxing Service

Polishing, buffing, waxing, cleaning, all types of floors, paste wax service for wood floors. Wall-to-wall carpet removal. Careful workmanship.

Licensed Bonded Insured 301-656-9274, Chevy Chase, MD

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THE CURRENT

22 .CURRENTNEWSPAPERS Wednesday, December .COM13, 2017 WWW

THE CURRENT

Service Directory Iron Work

Design & Installation Services

Cleaning SOLANGE CLEANING house cleaning service, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly.

Customer satisfaction 100%. ask about organic cleaning.

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References Available Annual Service Contracts available martinsgarden@msn.com

Tree Services

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Wisconsin Ave. NW. viaumbria.com/ events.

Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the New Orleans Pelicans. 7 p.m. $9 to $161. Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Tour ■ “Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden” will feature a tour led by Brian Barr, director of horticulture at the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

12:45 p.m. $15 to $18; tickets distributed at the Visitor Center upon opening each day. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202686-5807. The tour will repeat Dec. 21, 22, 26, 28 and 29 at 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Wednesday DECEMBER 20 Children’s programs ■ The Chevy Chase Library will host a “Toddler Dance Party,” with music and dancing for the entire family. 10:30 a.m.

Free; tickets required. Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202282-0021.

■ The West End Library will present the 2017 remake of the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast.” 4 p.m. Free.

Children’s Room, West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707.

Classes and workshops ■ Poets on the Fringe will host a weekly poetry workshop to critique participants’ poems. 7 to 9 p.m. Free.

Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232.

■ Instructor Tara Bishop will lead a

Concerts ■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature Philomela. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100.

■ The Embassy of Colombia will present a concert by Nalamala, a three-part harmony vocal group that performs a mix of jazz, gospel and pop. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600.

■ The Capital Encore Chorale will present a holiday choral concert. 7:30 p.m. Free. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 301-261-5747.

■ NSO Pops will present “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration,” commemorating the 25th anniversary of the award-winning gospel album that reinterpreted Handel’s famous oratorio. Performers will include Jennifer Holliday, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans (shown), Take 6, The Clark Sisters, Chanté Moore, Deitrick Haddon, Billy Porter, Kelly Price, Sheléa, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Nnenna Freelon and the Steven Ford Singers. 8 p.m. $29 to $149. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

Discussion ■ National Museum of Women in the Arts senior educator Adrienne L. Gayoso will discuss several works in the special

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301-589-6181 weekly “Yoga for All” restorative yoga practice. 7:30 p.m. Free. Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Library, 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-541-6100.

■ Chef Jennifer Mcllvaine will present an Umbrian cooking class and dinner.

7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $100; reservations required. Via Umbria, 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW. viaumbria.com/events.

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EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 23

Current THE CThe URRENT

exhibition “Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today.”

Noon to 12:30 p.m. Free. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000.

Films ■ The National Gallery of Art will present Jean-Pierre Cottet and Guillaume Cottet’s 2017 documentary “Vermeer, Beyond Time.” Noon. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202737-4215. The film will be shown again Dec. 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 at noon and Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.

■ The West End Library will present the 1983 comedy “A Christmas Story.”

6:30 p.m. Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707.

■ The Avalon Theatre’s French Cinémathèque series will feature the 2016 film “The Unknown Girl,” a searing saga of guilt and redemption. 8 p.m. $7.25 to $12.50. Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-966-6000.

Special event ■ The Palisades Community Church will host a Family Vespers Service, an informal time of singing, scripture and discussion of the week’s themes of peace, hope and joy. Dinner at 6 p.m.; service at 7 p.m. Free. Palisades Community Church, 5200 Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-966-7929.

Thursday,DECEMBER Dec. 21 Thursday 21 Children’s program ■ “Pajama Movie Night” will feature “Toy Story.” 6 p.m. Free. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-727-1488.

Class ■ A weekly class on “Basic Knitting: Casting On, Garter Stitch, Purl Stitch” will

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THE CURRENT offer instruction for beginners who want to learn the essential foundations of knitting. 5 p.m. Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707.

Book Club will discuss David Guterson’s novel “Snow Falling on Cedars.” 7 p.m.

Free. Takoma Park Library, 416 Cedar St NW. 202-576-7252.

Concerts ■ The Take 5! Jazz Series will feature saxophonist and composer Tim Green and his quartet in a tribute to Wayne Shorter, one of the most universally recognized composers and saxophonists. 5 to 7 p.m. Free. Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G streets NW. 202-633-1000.

■ The “Holiday Lobbying” concert series will feature The City Singers. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100.

■ Listen Local First D.C. and the 9 Songwriter Series will present Justin Trawick (shown), Daryl Davis, Emma Rowley and six other local musicians performing their favorite holiday tunes. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Dial 251 For Jazz will perform contemporary jazz. 6 p.m. Free. Conservatory Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

■ The Washington Master Chorale will present “New Joy!: Christmas With the Chorale,” featuring classic carols and classical masterpieces. 7:30 p.m. $10 to $50. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. washingtonmasterchorale.org.

Films ■ The West End Library’s Thursday Morning FIlm Series will feature “Iron Man 3.” 10:30 a.m. Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707.

■ The Mount Pleasant Library will screen film “American Assassin.” 6 p.m.

Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-671-3121.

■ The Korean Cultural Center’s K-Cinema series will present Lee Gae-byok’s 2016 comedy “Luck-Key.” Appetizer social at 6 p.m.; film at 6:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C, 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW. KoreaCultureDC.org.

■ The Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Short Film Center will present five short films from emerging talents of the Italian film scene. 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Free; reservations required. Auditorium, Embassy of Italy, 3000 Whitehaven St. NW. www.iicwashington.esteri.it.

Discussions and lectures ■ Documentary photographer Marisa Scheinfeld will discuss her book “The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland.” 6:30 to 8 p.m. $10 to $20. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448.

■ The Takoma Park Library’s Adult

Tour ■ The Heurich House Museum will host a “Holiday Brewmaster Tour,” featuring a guided tour through the mansion and a craft beer tasting in the conservatory. 6 to 7:30 p.m. $30. Heurich House Museum, New Hampshire Avenue and 20th Street NW. heurichhouse.org.

Special event ■ Via Umbria chef Liam LaCivita will present “Dinner at the Chef’s Table: Feast of the Seven Fishes,” featuring a menu of seafoods from different regions of Italy. 7 to 9 p.m. $100; reservations required. Via Umbria, 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW. viaumbria.com/events. The dinner will also be offered Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Current

202.944.5000

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 23

WFP.COM

WEST END, WASHINGTON, DC Extraordinary two-level penthouse at Ritz Carlton.

3BR, 5.5BA, meticulously renovated, luxurious and expansive master suite and 4,000+ SF of outdoor terrace space with spectacular views. $7,200,000 Mark McFadden 703-216-1333

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC Stunning renovation! Light and luminous rooms, elegant entertaining spaces, fabulous pool on .62 acre. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths. $6,495,000 Anne Hatfield Weir 202-243-1635 Heidi Hatfield 202-243-1634

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Stunning Harbourside 2-level Penthouse w/ 5,000+ SF views of luxury living + 2 terraces. Unprecedented views of Washington & Potomac River. 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 car garage parking. $5,900,000 Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762

OLD TOWN, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA Historic and significant detached brick residence.

Recently renovated & on a large lot with 6BR, 4.5BA, 2+ car parking and beautiful gardens. $4,995,000 Eileen McGrath 202-253-2226 Mark McFadden 703-216-1333

CLEVELAND PARK, WASHINGTON, DC Iconic & much-admired 7,000SF home on coveted St. w/Cathedral views. Bright & airy rooms, elegant floor plan, lrg garden, pool. Steps to schools, popular restaurants & shops! $4,995,000 Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC NEW PRICE! Incredible modern masterpiece with grand open floor plan, high ceilings, gorgeous finishes, LL apt, huge roof deck, 3-car prkg. $3,695,000 Robert Hryniewicki Christopher R. Leary 202-243-1620

MASS AVE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC Breathtaking views of National Cathedral! Stunning stone façade with a perfect combination of entertaining and comfortable living. Beautiful terrace and pool area. $3,500,000 Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762

KENT, WASHINGTON, DC Brand new construction that is now the best value for this size home in NW, DC! Showcases a thoughtful layout & attention to detail w/ 7,320SF over 4 lvls w/ elev. + roof deck w/ panoramic views. $3,190,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Stunning 4BR/3.5BA home w/ spacious main level featuring large kitchen & dining room with living room leading out to private patio and pool. Generous master BR & BA. Garage parking. $2,749,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

EAST VILLAGE, WASHINGTON, DC Stunning new 5BR/3.5BA renovation! Main level features a beautiful kitchen overlooking garden, dining room, 1/2 bath and living room. HWF, high ceilings, grand master suite and bathroom! $2,495,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Elegant, 2,500 square foot condo in private, exclusive Washington Harbour enclave on historic Georgetown waterfront with lively urban scene. $1,695,000 Anne Killeen 301-706-0067

EAST VILLAGE, WASHINGTON, DC Beautiful 3BR/2.5BA row house! Light-filled kitchen, great LR flows onto private rear garden, easy indoor/outdoor living! HWF, large windows, high ceilings, 1-car gar., max storage space in LL! $1,589,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

DELAPLANE, VIRGINIA 53+ acs. in Piedmont Hunt. 4BR, 5.5BA. Main floor MBR; 2 stall stable + frame structure could be converted to guest cottage. Open land w/stream & pond. Views of Bull Run & Cobbler MT’s! $1,399,000 Carole Miller 540-729-7896

AU PARK, WASHINGTON, DC Wonderful 3BR/2BA AU Park home w/ level, fenced lot. Lovingly & meticulously maintained. Location & community can’t be beat. Walk to Metro, shopping, parks. Porch, patio, & pkg. A perfect “10”. $899,900 Nate Guggenheim 202-333-5905

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC Gorgeous, newly configured and renovated 2BR, 2BA in luxury building with fabulous flow and open floor plan. Expansive balcony and beautiful pool. Pets welcome & parking available! $699,999 Jeanne Kersting 240-426-1929

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC NEW LISTING! Desirable 2BR, 2BA condo at Sutton Towers w/ 1,650+SF. High ceilings. 2 balconies. W/D. Concierge, security. Pool, garage, tennis! $615,000 Robert Hryniewicki Adam Rackliffe 202-243-1620

24 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Current

NEW LISTING

2705 Unicorn Lane NW

NEW LISTING

1740 18th Street NW, #T-6, Dupont Circle $525,000

Wonderful 5 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA townhouse in Chatsworth near Rock Creek Park.

Please call Keene at 202.321.3488 for price and additional information.

2BR, 2BA English basement condo with updated Kitchen/BAs plus low monthly fee. Close to Metro.

ACTIVE LISTING

ACTIVE LISTING

7004 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase MD $1,950,000

Gorgeous 6BR, 5.5BA recent construction home on 4 spacious levels.

4547 Nebraska Av NW, Cleveland Park/Tenley $1,215,000

Amazing price for spacious 4BR, 3.5BA Colonial near Tenleytown Metro.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and joyous new year.

- Taylor Agostino Group

Taylor Agostino Group 202.321.3488 tag@compass.com tayloragostino.com Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 300, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 | 301.298.1001