Dp 12 23 2015

Serving Dupont Circle, Kalorama, Adams Morgan & Logan Circle

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Dupont Current

catch a le p recha u n

Vol. XIV, No. 30

Agency backs 16th Street bus lanes ■ Transit: Parking would be

restricted during rush hours

By NATHANIEL KRESH Current Correspondent

Rush-hour bus lanes and offboard bus fare payment were among possible transit improvements along 16th Street NW that the D.C. Department of Transportation presented in a meeting last

week.

The agency was sharing its preliminary preferences for addressing issues with reliability, overcrowding and overall performance along the busy corridor.

This “draft preferred alternative” outlines which elements of previous proposals the Transportation Department is now favoring.

Perhaps most notable would be reserving a lane exclusively for bus traffic during rush hours. The

proposal calls for creating dedicated southbound lanes from 7 to 10 a.m., and then northbound lanes from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The city estimates this change could save riders up to 2.7 minutes of travel time.

Additionally, off-board payments would be available for all 16th Street bus stops, buses would receive traffic signal priority at 20 intersections, automated enforceSee Buses/Page 12

Panel to hear Lanier Heights zoning case

By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer

Brian Kapur/The Current

The Keegan Theatre presented its interactive family show “How To Catch a Leprechaun” last weekend. The story follows the comical adventures of a wistful minstrel looking to find a leprechaun in order to get enough gold to buy a fiddle.

Stricter development restrictions went into place in Lanier Heights last week, with the Zoning Commission temporarily imposing the city’s “R-4” standards as it considers a community request to make the change permanent.

Yet some commissioners expressed concerns about how the change would impact property values and the city’s housing supply.

Lanier Heights is currently designated for moderate-density development, with building heights of up to 50 feet tall and no cap on the number of housing units per property. Because of these R-5-B rules, the neighborhood has been a popular target for “pop-up” projects that convert single-family row houses into apartment buildings, which some residents say threaten the character and aesthetics of their neighborhood.

Accordingly, a group of residents and the Adams

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

A group of Lanier Heights residents worry current zoning rules encourage apartment conversions.

Morgan advisory neighborhood commission are asking that much of the neighborhood — row houses and See Zoning/Page 5

Carolers set to serenade Chevy Chase passersby

Preservation board requests adjustment to library design

By MARK LIEBERMAN

■ Cleveland Park: Proposed

Current Staff Writer

Marelise Voss was born with a significant hearing impairment. Over the years, it’s improved somewhat, but she continues to communicate partly by lipreading.

She’s also a trained musician with a strong grasp of pitch and a deep knowledge of choral traditions.

“I quite literally function in the whole world through rhythm,” she said.

Voss will be demonstrating her skills as a choral group singer — and also as a neighborhood leader — on Thursday morning, when she gathers a group of carolers to spread holiday cheer up and down the Chevy Chase commercial strip.

Carolers, ideally clad in festive attire and silly

NEWS

entrance faulted as uninviting

By MARK LIEBERMAN Brian Kapur/The Current

Marelise Voss and her family are bringing a musical Christmas Eve tradition from Capitol Hill to their new neighborhood of Chevy Chase.

hats, will meet up at the Chevy Chase Starbucks, 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW, around 11 a.m. this Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome, whether from Chevy Chase or elsewhere, knowledgeable about singing or a total amateur, young or old.

See Carols/Page 22

EVENTS

Current Staff Writer

Cleveland Park residents and community leaders remain conflicted about the revised design plans for the new neighborhood library, following a unanimous vote from the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board calling for further revisions.

Critics say the designs for the Cleveland Park Library, located at

SHERWOOD

D.C. Council weighs measure authorizing Walter Reed step

Air and Space hosts exhibit on ‘art of the airport tower’

FreshPAC, you say, and return of Gray: Our politics in rhyme

— Page 3

— Page 17

— Page 6

the convergence of the neighborhood’s residential and commercial districts, will disrupt the area’s historic character. Specific points of contention include a large, elevated porch entryway on Newark Street, and an overall feeling that the materials and modern appearance of the new building will clash with surrounding storefronts.

The existing 1950s library building is slated to close to the public this winter. As proposed, the new $18 million building would be comprised mainly of wood, limestone and brick. While See Library/Page 5

INDEX Calendar/16 Classifieds/21 District Digest/2 Dupont Circle Citizen/9 Exhibits/17 In Your Neighborhood/14

Opinion/6 Police Report/4 Real Estate/15 School Dispatches/8 Service Directory/19 Week Ahead/2

Tips? Contact us at newsdesk@currentnewspapers.com

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Current

District Digest Budget bill calls for input on flight paths

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton secured language in the 2016 omnibus appropriations bill approved last week regarding flight path changes, including those for Reagan National Airport.

The amendment requires the Federal Aviation Administration to “take a more proactive role in engaging communities that are impacted by the new departure and arrival procedures that have been made to accommodate FAA’s NextGen initiative,” according to Norton’s office.

Many residents of neighborhoods along the Potomac River have complained of increased airplane noise due to changed flight paths at the airport, and Norton has been pushing the issue in Congress.

“Many communities across the country, like those here in the District, are suffering from new and outrageous airplane noise

during sleeping hours as a result of the FAA’s new NextGen flight paths,” Norton says in a news release.

The delegate also has requested a congressional hearing on airplane noise.

Metrobus implements route adjustments As of Dec. 13, a number of bus routes in D.C. saw changes to schedules and stops.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority says it made the adjustments to provide faster travel times and improved on-time performance. In Northwest, the modifications include: ■ elimination of the northbound bus stop for the 64 route on Missouri Avenue at New Hampshire Avenue NW; ■ elimination of the southbound bus stop at 16th Street at Riggs Place NW (affecting the S1, S2 and S4 lines serving 16th Street NW); ■ addition of a bus stop at K

Street NW at 13th Street for the southbound S9 16th Street line; ■ new timetables for the 30N and 30S routes from Friendship Heights to Southeast and for the 31 and 33 routes along Wisconsin Avenue; ■ an earlier departure time of 3:25 p.m. at Coolidge High School for the 62 bus (changed from 3:40 p.m.); and ■ new timetables for the D32 Deal Middle School route.

In addition, for the 90, 92 and 93 buses serving Adams Morgan and U Street, southbound bus service will permanently reroute on Florida Avenue NW at North Capitol Street NW, on 1st Street NE at Florida Avenue NE, and on 1st Street NE at O Street NE before resuming its regular route to the Anacostia and Congress Heights Metro stations. The bus stop at North Capitol Street at P Street NW will also be eliminated.

More information about the route changes is available at tinyurl.com/wmata-bus-changes.

Office on Aging gets permanent director WHAT MATTERS MOST TO

“They’ve helped me feel alive again.”

The caring experts at Community Hospice have helped with what matters most to Ricardo at the end of his life – to feel better, about himself.

By controlling his pain and offering emotional and spiritual support, they’ve changed more than his outlook.

They changed his life.

How can we help you?

Laura Newland, who has been serving as interim executive director at the D.C. Office on Aging since early November, will now take over the position in a long-term capacity, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last week.

Newland previously served as the agency’s interim general counsel and as a special assistant in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.

“In her short time in District government, Laura has proven herself to be an innovative and forward-thinking leader,” Bowser says in a news release. “Her experience and skills will ensure

The Current

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, with Dr. McDonald,

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Advertising published in The Current Newspapers is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services as offered are accurately described and are available to customers at the advertised price. Advertising that does not conform to these standards, or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any Current Newspapers reader encounters non-compliance with these standards, we ask that you inform us.

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The week ahead Friday, Jan. 1

Mayor Muriel Bowser will host her second annual “Fresh Start” 5K Run/ Walk at 9 a.m. at the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station, 192 19th St. SE. Registration is free; visit fitdc.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

The Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation will hold a public hearing on an application to combine five assessment and taxation lots into a single, buildable lot of record in a private alley in Square 1230, located between N, O, 33rd and Potomac streets NW in the Georgetown Historic District. The applicant claims that the failure to approve the requested subdivision would cause unreasonable economic hardship. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Suite E650, D.C. Office of Planning, 1100 4th St. SW.

Thursday, Jan. 7

The National Capital Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Suite 500 North, 401 9th St. NW. Tentative agenda items include the proposed modernization of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library downtown.

Tuesday, Jan. 12

American University President Neil Kerwin will hold a town hall meeting for neighbors at 7 p.m. in Room 201 of the Katzen Arts Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. A New Year’s reception will follow at 8 p.m. in the building’s second-floor rotunda. that District seniors and their caregivers are connected to government resources, and that older residents are able to age independently and comfortably in their communities.”

Newland, who has also worked for AARP and various other nonprofits, has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College.

15 firefighter/EMT recruits graduate

Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke at a recent ceremony for 15 dualrole firefighter/emergency medical technician cadets graduating from D.C.’s nearly yearlong training academy.

During her remarks, Bowser also announced the results of a new fire department entrance exam, which about 4,000 people took in June, 3,774 of them passing. The department will consider other factors as well in accepting recruits, and officials expect that 30 will start training early next year. In recent years, cadet school — available to D.C. high school graduates — has been essentially the only way to join the force; the entrance exam provides a new path.

“We changed the system and created the entrance exam so that even more District residents can participate,” Bowser says in a news release. “I applaud the graduates of Cadet Class 18 for their courage and compassion to help others, and I look forward to welcoming another group of first responders to our team.”

World War I-era debris from Spring Valley in February, upon moving a protective tent at 4825 Glenbrook Road NW to its third and final location.

The tent will be moved at the Glenbrook site above the former basement of the home that once stood there. The Army previously demolished that home after the site was found to be contaminated by the munitions testing station formerly located on the land of present-day American University.

The Army has suspended its “shelter in place” emergency response program until the tent is moved, but the program will be tested about 30 days before the work resumes.

WIS student receives Eco-Hero recognition

Washington International School student Mikaela MateraVatnick recently won an honorable mention in the nonprofit Action for Nature’s 2015 International Young Eco-Hero Awards.

Matera-Vatnick, 15, submitted a film project titled “Are we unconsciously destroying our environment? A vision from two hemispheres.” It documents the scientific collaboration between two labs in different countries that are both testing how the crop herbicide Atrazine affects commercially important crayfish. Her project will be honored this week at a reception in San Francisco.

Since 2003, Action For Nature has recognized young people who are “taking important steps to solve tough environmental problems,” according to a release.

Glenbrook cleanup to Corrections As a matter of policy, The Curresume in February rent corrects all errors of substance.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to resume removing

To report an error, call the managing editor at 202-567-2011.

The Current

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Delays push back reopening Washington Home closure concerns linger of sidewalk at Park Van Ness

By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer

By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

The Park Van Ness project will open in April at 4455 Connecticut Ave. NW after several months of delays, representatives from the developer told community members at the area’s advisory neighborhood commission meeting last week.

The new timetable means a longer wait for the reopening of the heavily traversed Connecticut Avenue sidewalk.

Construction crews broke ground for the mixed-use project in 2013, razing the former Van Ness Square and Chevy Chase Ice Palace building to make way for 271 residential units and groundfloor retail, including a Soapstone Market deli and Italian restaurant Sfoglina. The new building will stand 65 feet tall, with six stories facing Connecticut Avenue and 11 levels at the rear looking out over Soapstone Valley Park.

The project was generally supported by the community, but many residents have chafed at the impact of the extended sidewalk closure required by the construc-

Brian Kapur/The Current

The Park Van Ness project is slated for completion in April.

tion — particularly coming in tandem with the nearby closure of a Van Ness Metro station entrance.

The Connecticut Avenue sidewalk will reopen in front of the project site around Feb. 26, project officials said at last week’s meeting, though a portion near Yuma Street will intermittently close to allow construction crews to move across it.

Park Van Ness was originally slated to open in January. “We underestimated the amount of time, energy and resources that are necessary, so we’ve fallen behind schedule,” developer B.F. Saul senior vice president of construcSee Van Ness/Page 22

Now just under a year from its planned closure date, the Washington Home & Community Hospices is facing continued concerns that some of its elderly residents will be forced into an inferior facility.

With some stakeholders questioning the availability of other adequate housing for seniors, Washington Home officials said they will work with D.C. government agencies to ensure that the facility can close on schedule Dec. 15, 2016.

The nonprofit announced in September that it will shut down its nursing home at 37th and Upton streets NW and shift resources toward providing in-home care, which officials said has proved to be more cost-effective and economically viable. Sidwell Friends School will pay $32.5 million for the property — adjacent to its existing middle and high school campus — and convert it into a new lower school.

At the time of the closure announcement, the Washington Home had 126 long-term residents — many of whom had expected to stay there for the rest of their lives. Even three months later, relatives who attended a meeting of the home’s family council last Wednesday said some of them are still reeling from the news and struggling to find alternative placements, citing long waiting lists at desirable facilities.

Many called for the Washington Home to exercise a six-month leaseback option, which would

Council hearing looks at Walter Reed plans

By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

A pivotal step in the Walter Reed redevelopment project has reached the D.C. Council, with final approval of the city’s land acquisition scheduled for the new year.

The legislation under consideration, proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in early November, would authorize the transfer of 67 acres of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus from the U.S. Army to the District. The law would also establish a redevelopment fund for collecting tax revenue, and would grant the developer a nearly 30-year lease.

“I don’t know that I want to say this is the final act the council would be taking, but this is clearly a significant step in completing what the city needs to do in order to ensure that the redevelopment of the Walter Reed site can proceed,” Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said at a Committee of the Whole hearing Thursday.

A team of developers seeks to transform the site into “The Parks at Walter Reed,” a vibrant mixeduse community with residences, retail and office space, public buildings and parks. The team has already received zoning approval for the plans and hopes to begin construction by the end of 2016.

Passing this legislation would be one of the last hurdles for the project before the more conventional redevelopment process can

Rendering courtesy of Hines-Urban Atlantic-Triden

Much of the former Walter Reed campus will become a mixed-use community with new construction and adaptive reuse. begin, Mendelson said.

Ward 4 Council member Brandon Todd spoke passionately about the Walter Reed project at the hearing, noting that he was a staffer for Bowser — then the Ward 4 council member — when the process began. He called it “the greatest economic development opportunity that our city will see for many years” and said he hopes the council will “move swiftly” to enact the key legislation.

The project, expected to yield more than 2,000 housing units, is seen as a catalyst for re-energizing the Georgia Avenue corridor.

Many of the new residences will offer support for low-income residents, seniors and the city’s homeless population.

“This development will hope-

fully honor the site by providing much-needed benefits to the Ward 4 community and the entire city,” Todd said.

Victoria Davis, president of the Urban Atlantic development firm, testified that the Army is prepared to sign off on the land but requires D.C. Council approval to proceed.

The earlier the legislation passes, the better, Davis said, in order to maximize tax credits for homeless services that will expire by next fall.

“Time is of the essence,” Davis said. “We would like to be able to be in a position to close the acquisition and transfer on the property this spring.”

Once the transfer is complete, the developer will carve out parSee Council/Page 22

keep the facility open until mid-May 2017, but officials from the home said that shouldn’t be necessary.

“We’ve given the residents and the families 15 months,” nursing home administrator Janine Finck-Boyle said in an interview. “We can’t make the decision for them, and we understand that families feel that some of the facilities are not comparable or accessible to them. … We have pretty much an idea of families or residents that might not be accepting.”

Mary Mason, co-chair of the family council, said she’s worried that other nursing homes will be selective in accepting patients from the Washington Home — and that those with the most difficult needs, such as her own mother, will still have nowhere else to go next December. She also alleged that the home staff already hasn’t been providing the promised assistance to help residents move out. “The people left at the end will be the hardest to place,” she said.

Added another relative: “We cannot control who the other nursing homes select, ultimately, but we can control what is the drop-dead date that the resident has to move out of the Washington Home.”

In an interview, Finck-Boyle and Washington Home executive director Tim Cox fired back against most of the criticisms levied at the home at last Wednesday’s meeting, saying the attendees were not necessarily representative of the general attitude.

See Closing/Page 12

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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The Current

Police Report This is a listing of reports taken from Dec. 14 through 20 in local police service areas.

â&#x2013; 900-923 block, 26th St.; 2:21 p.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1600-1699 block, L St.; 8:07 p.m. Dec. 20.

psa 205

psa 208

â&#x2013; palisades / spring valley PSA 205

â&#x2013; sheridan-kalorama PSA 208

Motor vehicle theft â&#x2013; 2222-2398 block, 48th St.; 9:29 a.m. Dec. 14.

Burglary â&#x2013; 1600-1639 block, 20th St.; 2:25 p.m. Dec. 15.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 1500-1543 block, 44th St.; 3:31 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 2900-2999 block, 45th St.; 9:19 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 5032-5135 block, Tilden St.; 10:10 a.m. Dec. 18.

Motor vehicle theft â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, S St.; 9:53 a.m. Dec. 20.

Wesley Heights / Foxhall

psa PSA 207 207

â&#x2013; foggy bottom / west end

Burglary â&#x2013; 1-199 block, Washington Circle; 1:46 p.m. Dec. 15.

Theft â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, Connecticut Ave.; 5:02 p.m.

Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1100-1199 block, 15th St.; 6:58 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 2100-2199 block, L St.; 9:06 a.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, 19th St.; 5:36 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, 19th St.; 6:42 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 2000-2099 block, K St.; 7:14 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1900-1999 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 5:10 p.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1200-1299 block, 24th St.; 1:02 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 800-899 block, 17th St.; 1:14 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 2200-2299 block, I St.; 1:42 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 2200-2299 block, I St.; 2:49 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, L St.; 6:42 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 2500-2699 block, Virginia Ave.; 9:52 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1100-1199 block, 15th St.; 11:37 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 2200-2299 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 1:11 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 900-999 block, 14th St.; 5:49 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, I St.; 6:25 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, Connecticut Ave.; 7:54 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1130-1199 block, Connecticut Ave.; 9:08 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1400-1433 block, K St.; 10:52 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, Connecticut Ave.; 5:27 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1000-1099 block, Connecticut Ave.; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 900-999 block, 17th St.; 1:22 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1600-1699 block, M St.; 4 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 9:27 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1400-1433 block, K St.; 8:31 p.m. Dec. 15.

dupont circle

Theft â&#x2013; 2200-2299 block, M St.; 10:01 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Church St.; 2:08 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1900-1999 block, N St.; 5:39 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, P St.; 5:15 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1309-1399 block, 19th St.; 6:26 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 8:07 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1-7 block, Dupont Circle; 10:20 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 9:44 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, Swann St.; 12:39 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1-7 block, Dupont Circle; 2:15 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 2146-2191 block, Florida Ave.; 5:06 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1200-1219 block, Connecticut Ave.; 5:55 p.m. Dec. 19.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 1200-1221 block, 17th St.; 12:42 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1300-1499 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 9:47 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 2100-2199 block, N St.; 12:39 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Q St.; 1:42 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, N St.; 2:34 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, N St.; 2:58 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 3:47 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 2100-2199 block, California St.; 3:54 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 4:16 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1500-1523 block, 15th St.; 6:48 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, Church St.; 1:11 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 2000-2099 block, Q St.; 1:45 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 2:44 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1200-1399 block, 16th St.; 3:13 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 4:35 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1500-1519 block, 16th St.; 6:02 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, O St.; 12:32 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, Church St.; 5:53 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1320-1399 block, 22nd St.; 11:40 p.m. Dec. 19.

â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, Church St.; 2:19 a.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, Church St.; 4:24 a.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, Riggs Place; 5:04 a.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1300-1499 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 2:03 p.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 2100-2199 block, O St.; 4:35 p.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1200-1219 block, 15th St.; 4:52 p.m. Dec. 20.

psa PSA 301 301

â&#x2013; Dupont circle

Robbery â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Swann St.; 11:31 p.m. Dec. 14.

Motor vehicle theft â&#x2013; 1700-1780 block, U St.; 5:03 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1600-1699 block, U St.; 2:47 p.m. Dec. 16.

Theft â&#x2013; 1900-1999 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 12:28 p.m.

Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1700-1789 block, Corcoran St.; 1:36 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, T St.; 7:55 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, U St.; 2:55 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, Florida Ave.; 10:37 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, W St.; 2:05 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1800-1823 block, 14th St.; 3:18 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1921-1999 block, 14th St.; 2:04 a.m. Dec. 20.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 1707-1799 block, S St.; 9:47 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, T St.; 8:59 a.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, V St.; 2:42 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, V St.; 6:14 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1820-1899 block, 14th St.; 7:56 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, U St.; 7:21 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Johnson Ave.; 9:04 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, V St.; 11:03 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, W St.; 1:07 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1800-1828 block, 16th St.; 3:39 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1821-1899 block, 16th St.; 4:16 a.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1618-1699 block, 14th St.; 9:17 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, V St.; 5:39 a.m. Dec. 20.

psa PSA 303 303

â&#x2013; adams morgan

Burglary â&#x2013; 2100-2199 block, 18th St.; 1:26 p.m. Dec. 18.

Motor vehicle theft â&#x2013; 1811-1852 block, Columbia Road; 1:29 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft â&#x2013; 2400-2499 block, 18th St.;

12:54 a.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1626-1699 block, Fuller St.; 2:14 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 2120-2323 block, Ontario Road; 7:03 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1800-1881 block, Kalorama Road; 7:37 a.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, Mintwood Place; 9:25 p.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1730-1797 block, Lanier Place; 10:16 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 2300-2399 block, 18th St.; 12:46 a.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 2300-2399 block, 18th St.; 12:06 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 2400-2499 block, 17th St.; 10:08 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1737-1776 block, Columbia Road; 4:51 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, Mintwood Place; 11:04 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 1800-1899 block, Vernon St.; 1:29 p.m. Dec. 20.

psa PSA 307 307

â&#x2013; logan circle

Robbery â&#x2013; 900-999 block, M St.; 2:01 p.m. Dec. 16.

Burglary â&#x2013; 1100-1199 block, 14th St.; 11:58 a.m. Dec. 17.

Theft â&#x2013; 1200-1299 block, 12th St.; 8:52 a.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 923-999 block, O St.; 12:22 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1100-1127 block, 13th St.; 2:40 a.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1300-1329 block, Q St.; 1:14 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 900-937 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 8:08 p.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1300-1399 block, M St.; 1:51 p.m. Dec. 17.

Theft from auto â&#x2013; 1300-1399 block, 12th St.; 3:36 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, 9th St.; 6:13 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1500-1599 block, 10th St.; 8:45 p.m. Dec. 14. â&#x2013; 1200-1299 block, 9th St.; 10:44 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, 9th St.; 11 p.m. Dec. 15. â&#x2013; 1400-1499 block, 9th St.; 10:36 a.m. Dec. 16. â&#x2013; 1700-1799 block, Vermont Ave.; 8:11 a.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1100-1199 block, 10th St.; 10:03 a.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1300-1399 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 4:41 p.m. Dec. 17. â&#x2013; 1300-1399 block, Corcoran St.; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1300-1399 block, Corcoran St.; 6:04 p.m. Dec. 18. â&#x2013; 1100-1127 block, 13th St.; 1:15 p.m. Dec. 19. â&#x2013; 923-999 block, P St.; 12:12 a.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1100-1127 block, 13th St.; 4:02 a.m. Dec. 20. â&#x2013; 1200-1299 block, 9th St.; 2:16 p.m. Dec. 20.

The Current

d

f

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

5

ZONING: Hearing coming in 2016 LIBRARY: ANC wary of proposed modern design From Page 1

row house-style apartment buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; be shifted into the R-4 zone instead. This change would cap building heights at 35 feet, limit buildings to two units and require a larger rear yard than the current rules do. (Existing larger apartment buildings would be excluded from the change.)

On Dec. 14, the Zoning Commission unanimously voted to hold public hearings on the proposal, which will take place sometime next year. The proposal has already been floated for more than a year, and the neighborhood commission unanimously supported it last December â&#x20AC;&#x201D; over the opposition of vocal critics who see the proposal as taking away property rights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all for higher density and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all for growth,â&#x20AC;? Adams Morgan commissioner Elham Dehbozorgi said at the time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not for growth in the wrong places, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think row houses are the place for three, four, five units.â&#x20AC;?

Several zoning commissioners were uncertain, though, at last Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting.

Commissioner Marcie Cohen acknowledged that the community had provided examples of â&#x20AC;&#x153;horrible, egregious things that were done on the backs of houses,â&#x20AC;? but worried that changing the development rules would reduce property values as investors lose interest in Lanier Heights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we have to look at this very carefully and we have to be very cautious,â&#x20AC;? said Cohen.

Commissioner Robert Miller said the upcoming public hearing should also air the possibility of introducing design rules that would control, rather than prevent, dense development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we have a housing supply issue in the city and a housing demand issue, I do have a concern about taking action to take away

the matter-of-right ability to have apartments, which has existed in this neighborhood for decades,â&#x20AC;?

Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I see the egregious cases and the photos in the [communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] application. No one would want that in their neighborhood.â&#x20AC;?

The commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rules for such â&#x20AC;&#x153;downzoningâ&#x20AC;? cases state that once a case is â&#x20AC;&#x153;set downâ&#x20AC;? for a public hearing, the proposed change goes into effect immediately for projects that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already received building permits.

Miller suggested that the commission forgo its usual rules and allow projects to proceed under the previous, less-strict zoning rules during deliberations on this case.

Otherwise, he said, residents and investors would lose their property rights before having a chance to publicly raise their concerns.

Commissioner Peter May argued successfully against that path. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It could cause a number of rushed applications to be filed before we can take action, and exactly the sort of circumstance that many of the neighbors are trying prevent would come to pass â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it would come to pass in a much worse way than if we did nothing at all,â&#x20AC;? said May. May added that the decision is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for now â&#x20AC;&#x201D; only temporary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I appreciate that by acting now this might put someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans on hold, but ... if we hear a groundswell of support for keeping things as they are, we might decide the case that way,â&#x20AC;? he said.

And if downzoning were to go into effect permanently, the commission would likely exempt projects that were already in the works before last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision, based on precedent from previous cases.

The Zoning Commission will schedule a hearing on the Lanier Heights downzoning once the applicants in the case â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Residents of Lanier Heights group and the neighborhood commission â&#x20AC;&#x201D; submit a pre-hearing statement.

From Page 1

the entryway on Newark would be more pronounced, the main entrance is designed as a large, flat rectangular archway on Connecticut Avenue, with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cleveland Parkâ&#x20AC;? sign above the door.

Preservation board chair Gretchen Pfaehler noted that the new plans, revised from the initial concept design in October, seem to reflect several goals that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite gel together. She urged the project team to return to her board in the future with a plan incorporating feedback from the Historic Preservation Office.

That agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff report (available at tinyurl.com/ CPLibraryReport) suggests the possibility of reducing the height of an upward-sloping portion of the new building, perhaps shifting that elevation to match neighboring buildings along Connecticut Avenue.

Perkins-Eastman architect Matt Bell explained at Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preservation board hearing that placing a large porch entranceway on Newark Street was a strategic decision to avoid building atop several large metal grates associated with the Cleveland Park Metro station on Connecticut Avenue. But board member Nancy Metzger criticized the dissonance between the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance on Connecticut versus its Newark Street side. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought the entrance [on Connecticut] was pretty grim. Part of it was because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all flat,â&#x20AC;?

Metzger said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an inviting spot to me, whereas the Newark Street [entrance] is very inviting.â&#x20AC;?

Cleveland Park advisory neighborhood commissioner Nancy MacWood testified at the hearing that several residents have complained that the overall building design doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look like it belongs in Cleveland Park. The neighborhood commission voted last week to encourage a warm, welcoming exterior design for the library, and a project that maintains the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s established scale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think there is nowhere in the city that has retained the village quality thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Cleveland Park,â&#x20AC;?

MacWood testified. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think that is difficult to achieve if the design does not emulate the scale and form of the existing area.â&#x20AC;?

In contrast, the Cleveland Park Historical Society is less opposed to the modern design, executive director Carin Ruff told The Current yesterday. The societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Architectural Review Committee expressed minor concerns about the Newark Street entrance, but

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Of Of The The Largest Largest â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Carwashes in Americaâ&#x20AC;?

Carwashes in Americaâ&#x20AC;?

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the group opted not to testify before the preservation board because its objections werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that strong. Ruff said her group is â&#x20AC;&#x153;much happier with the design as a contemporary statement that reflects the Connecticut Avenue existing buildings than the ANC.â&#x20AC;?

The library will be the first new building along Connecticut in the Cleveland Park Historic District â&#x20AC;&#x153;in a long time,â&#x20AC;? MacWood said at the hearing. Zoning regulations in effect at the site restrict building heights from topping 40 feet and strictly cap the nonresidential density.

Architect Bell pointed to a number of deficiencies in the existing library building, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t match with all of the historic district regulations that took effect well after its construction. The nature of the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior space doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lend itself to the vibrant range of activities that will be possible in the new building. And on the outside, the 1950s architecture fades into the background, Bell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The current building does not assert much of a presence. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very simple, and there are some things about it to appreciate, but its presence is not one of them,â&#x20AC;? Bell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It certainly has the potential to be more in that location.â&#x20AC;?

The old library building offers 15,000 square feet of interior space, while the new facility will boast 5,000 square feet of meeting space in addition to 20,000 square feet of library space. In contrast to the recently built Tenleytown library, which Bell criticized several times, he said the Cleveland Park building will feature large windows, natural light and an inviting appearance that will attract passersby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If they can see something going on inside, they may be more inclined to go in there, even if they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inclined to do that in the first place,â&#x20AC;? Bell said.

Going forward, library officials plan to continue negotiating with neighborhood groups with the goal of arriving at a design that pleases the largest number of stakeholders, according to D.C. Public Library spokesperson George Williams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take all of that feedback and look at it to see what the sentiment of the community [is] and how that can be expressed in the library design,â&#x20AC;? Williams said.

As planned, a temporary library site would serve the neighborhood until the new library opens, likely in fall 2017. The location for that interim space has not been determined, Williams said.

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year

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6

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Dupont

Current

Davis Kennedy/Publisher & Editor Chris Kain/Managing Editor

Envisioning safer streets

As part of the city’s “Vision Zero” plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2024, officials recently rolled out a slate of increased fines for drivers. Unsurprisingly, many motorists are protesting the proposals. We support the big-picture effort to reduce injurious traffic incidents, and some changes in penalties seem like a reasonable approach for increasing safety.

People have been balking in particular at the new $1,000 fine for driving in excess of 25 mph over the speed limit. We wonder if those objecting are looking simply at the dollar amount and not thinking hard about the violation. On most District roads, speeding to that degree is patently dangerous. Research shows that a pedestrian’s chance of surviving being hit by a car increases from 25 percent at 50 mph to 94 percent at 20, and many of our roads don’t warrant speeds much above that. Our answer to those complaining about the stiff fine for egregious speeds would be simple: Don’t drive like that.

The plan also significantly boosts the fine for turning right on red without first coming to a full stop, from $50 to $200. Some Upper Northwest residents have complained that this rule isn’t always properly enforced. They point in particular to receiving automated tickets when stopping over the crosswalk line — but not actually turning — during a red light at Nebraska Avenue and Fessenden Street NW. Enforcement ought to focus on the right infraction, but we do agree that crosswalks should be sacrosanct, and thus fully able to protect pedestrians from incursions by vehicles.

We also appreciate the increased focus on drivers who overtake another car stopped at a crosswalk or intersection for a pedestrian (the penalty increases from $250 to $500). That sort of behavior is extremely hazardous to people crossing the street.

The risks cars pose to pedestrians are something to keep in mind when we consider criticisms — such as those raised by the motorist organization AAA — that the new penalties should have a more diffuse focus, to include stricter rules for pedestrians and cyclists as well. We agree that officials should better enforce rules on jaywalking and biker misbehavior, considering heightened fines for both. But the primary fault in most traffic incidents lies with drivers. There’s no absolute right to drive, and people in cars should be aware of the power they wield.

We do think some concerns about some of these fines warrant more consideration. For instance, stopping or parking in a bike lane would yield a $200 ticket for regular drivers. The rule seems fair for parking, but a brief stop to drop someone off? What if it’s an elderly or disabled passenger, and there’s nowhere else to stop? This one is too strict.

Overall, we hope officials will take a careful look at the feedback they receive over the next month during the public comment period. We wonder if there isn’t some way to bring drivers on board with the plan without abandoning the city’s important safety goals. “If we can accomplish the safety benefits at a lower dollar value, I’m fine with that,” D.C. Department of Transportation director Leif Dormsjo told The Post.

The question is whether we can.

The right call

The Current

d

We’re pleased that a federal appeals court recently sided with the District on the city’s concealed-carry law, which requires individuals applying for permits to state a “good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property” or another reason for carrying a concealed weapon.

New York Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. had rejected the local law.

But the District argued that Judge Scullin did not have jurisdiction to hear the case, and the higher court agreed. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts had assigned Judge Scullin to hear only an earlier gun case in D.C. Both D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton cheered the news.

Mr. Racine said the decision “increases the likelihood that the case will be heard before a judge from our community — something that we have argued is crucial to understanding the public-safety issues at stake.” He also noted that the law is comparable to those of Maryland, New Jersey and New York, all upheld by federal appeals courts.

Del. Norton said the city — or at least its courts — should get to make decisions on D.C. gun laws. The case will now go back to the lower court, where it will be assigned to a new judge.

We agree with both Mr. Racine and Ms. Norton, and we hope this decision will end challenges to a reasonable and important law.

A holiday ‘poem’ …

T

he Notebook wishes everyone a happy and hopeful new year.

Before we take a holiday break, we offer a few doggerel thoughts.

A ReFresh Button. For Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The mayor’s first year was good overall, Though the homicide spike cast a big pall.

One big stumble, a money-grab attack.

Her “friends,” they labeled their new scheme FreshPAC. For anyone else, it only fell flat.

pooped.

Now the once mayor eyes a council victory tour, Around town at-large, or at least Ward 7 for sure.

And out of that legal “shadow,” and back on the trail, Maybe it’ll be time for Mr. Gray to detail, How his closest supporters, wanting him to win, Cheated and schemed and, somehow, it was news to him.

TOM SHERWOOD’s

Notebook

At minimum, it was done with her consent, Developer friends chasing dollars and cents.

FreshPAC was to be her million-dollar shield, Against all who, ’fore Bowser, declined to kneel.

Her too-soon anxious eye fixed on re-election, Should have left some time for a bit more reflection.

By year’s end, even Post editorial friends, Were asking quite seriously where it would end.

Pepco and Exelon, merger already suspect, Got caught up in the odd doings of dear ol’ FreshPAC.

A ReBoot. For Everybody.

Soon all the tinsel we strung will be down, Gone in the trash with barely a frown.

And the glow of all the New Year’s Eve bling Will be just a memory starting ’16.

The issues and problems and hopes won’t go away, We’re just getting started, heading every which way.

Income disparity, between the haves and havenots, A problem to solve; in D.C. we’ll give it a shot.

The voters might vote, if given the chance, For $15 an hour, the wage to enhance.

The mayor did finally say, the PAC most foul would go away.

No, not a bad-idea retraction, Just that it became a big distraction.

FreshPAC, it smelled bad right from the start, In ending it, at least Bowser looked smart.

And babies, yes they are all cute without compare, But many new parents struggle with unpaid care.

So maybe 16 weeks’ paid leave for mom or pop, Could become the new standard unless it is stopped.

It’s an old lesson, one ever relearned.

In politics, it’s friends who get you burned.

Some folks see Bowser as the route to riches untold.

It’ll be up to her to keep them out of the fold.

Her promise to bring prosperity to all eight wards, Holds headaches galore, if she won’t slam that sleazy door.

And for potheads in town (you know who you are) Who wish for pot parties in clubs with a bar, You’ll have to wait till the council no longer fears Interference from Congress coming down severe.

A Restart Button. For Vincent Gray.

Yes, surely it’s even a cliche to say, But Christmas came early for dear Vincent Gray.

Years in the sights of prosecutors who snooped, Came word in December, their probe was just

Letters to the Editor Vandal won’t stop local Little Library

This past spring we installed a Little Library in front of our home on Yuma Street NW in Tenleytown.

Peter assembled it, Rhoda painted it and Peter figured out how to set its base permanently into the ground. Rhoda then stocked the Little Library initially with a supply of our old children’s and adult books of likely interest to others.

Over the past months our Little Library has become popular not only with the neighborhood children and their parents but with the workers who walk by on their way to and from the

And before we leave you, our bad rhyming all done, We must mention tickets, bane of everyone.

New ways to ding you, to flatten your wallet, Are just straight ahead, no matter what you call it.

Even sweet Santa, who is now on his way, Had better watch out or they’ll ticket his sleigh.

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

American University law school construction site, with contractors assisting in nearby homes and with students and others who happen to be passing by.

Some take books — fiction and nonfiction; some leave for others books that they have read.

We are told that some in the neighborhood have begun to refer to our house as “the one with the red Little Library in the front.”

On late Sunday afternoon, Dec. 20, someone took the books that Rhoda recently added to the library. Then either those borrowers or someone else vandalized the library. They ripped off the front door of the structure and pulled out its hinges. And they pulled from the ground the nearby nightlight.

Why would anyone engage

in such an antisocial act? We will repair the Little Library quickly and promise that it will again be fully functional. There are, to be frank, few precautions that we can take to prevent a recurrence of the vandalism. We will ask the neighbors to watch with us.

If you damaged our Little Library and read this letter, we ask that you think about the children and many others who benefit from using it. We forgive you for what you did.

Please consider making amends by leaving a few good books for a neighbor. And feel free to take one or more books for yourself.

We want you to appreciate why our Little Library deserves to be left alone to carry out its modest mission.

Peter and Rhoda Trooboff Tenleytown

The Current

Award-winning nonprofit has D.C. roots VIEWPOINT mittie quinn

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

t all started right here in Sunday Schoolâ&#x20AC;? at Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dumbarton United Methodist Church. So says Justin Eldridge Otero, cofounder of the Organization for Youth Empowerment, a nonprofit that helps the youth of Honduras overcome poverty and violence.

Last month, the group received the International Spotlight Award from the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the only international organization to be so honored this year. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth leaders accepted the award at a White House ceremony hosted by first lady Michelle Obama.

In the 10 years since its birth, the Organization for Youth Empowerment has expanded from a scholarship program to an organization that provides safe space, mentors, job training, peer group discussions, recreational activities, a radio station and a wide range of life skills training to over 100 young people. In Honduras, the organization is known as OYE, which means â&#x20AC;&#x153;Listen up.â&#x20AC;?

Justin and Ana Luisa Ahern were just teens and attending the Georgetown church when they first visited Honduras on a mission trip, going to the city of El Progreso. Honduras has been identified as one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world, and El Progreso, just 30 minutes from San Pedro Sula, is currently identified as the most violent city. With a population of around 300,000, El Progreso is located along the northern border where Mexican drug cartels routinely ply their wares and target youths as both workers and victims.

As volunteers in mission, Justin and Ana supported the work of the Copprome Orphanage, where they lived among the children they served, heard their stories and shared stories of their own lives.

They discovered that when the children reached the age of majority (16 years), they were turned out on their own, usually without any training for what

Letters to the Editor Initial PARCC scores show D.C. inquality

Yes, we should be concerned that only 25 percent of D.C. students scored proficient on reading tests they took last spring, as Robert L. York argues [â&#x20AC;&#x153;Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor English scores require action,â&#x20AC;? Letters to the Editor, Dec. 2]. That figure applies not only to the high school tests Mr. York wrote about, but also, as we now know, to tests given in lower grades as well [â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lower grades struggle on PARCC,â&#x20AC;? Dec. 2].

But Mr. Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter betrays some fundamental misunderstandings of what the new PARCC tests measure and how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re administered.

He suggests, for example, that students did poorly because some material on the tests was â&#x20AC;&#x153;unfamiliar.â&#x20AC;? But these arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tests of material students actually study in school; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re standardized reading comprehension tests. That

they would encounter in the real world. Many of the girls ended up on the streets, easy targets for drug warlords.

Returning to the U.S., the young teens were haunted by the stories and memories. They began to think about ways to make a change for the children they met. They decided to ask their church family for help. One Sunday morning during sharing they asked for donations to fund scholarships that would allow five young women to go on to school rather than to the streets. They easily raised the modest sum, but pulled by their yearning to make a difference, and encouraged by Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachings of helping the poor and seeking justice for the marginalized, they returned to El Progreso after college to spend a year volunteering.

Ana and Justin continued to collect information, interview students and find out more about Honduran life. They realized that access to education was one of the biggest roadblocks to overcoming the cycles of poverty and violence. But more than scholarships, they knew that the youth needed training in basic life skills, leadership, public speaking and managing money. They envisioned a program that would empower the young people to help themselves. They thought that a nonprofit group might be the way to carry out that dream. OYE was born.

Over the years, the organization has changed the lives of hundreds of young people. This year the group awarded 75 scholarships that allowed more students to go to college. Moving into the future, OYE is working to engage businesses and the government to support its mission and hopes to award 95 scholarships next year. Its latest campaign, #Reason2Stay, encourages young Hondurans to plan a future in Honduras rather than head north, working to turn the negative cycles around. You can find out more about the group at oyehonduras.org, including what a contribution of $600 can do to change the life of a young Honduran student.

Mittie Quinn is a member of Dumbarton United Methodist Church.

means students are given reading passages on a random variety of subjects, designed to test their general reading ability, not their grasp of any specific material.

Mr. York also wonders â&#x20AC;&#x153;how D.C. students were recruited to take the test.â&#x20AC;? But students werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recruited. Federal law requires D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional public and charter schools to administer the tests to all students in grades 3 through 8, and once in high school.

In fact, not all students did equally poorly: White students scored far better (about 80 percent proficient) than minority and low-income students. One major reason is that reading comprehension exams are essentially tests of general knowledge and vocabulary. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough background knowledge to understand the reading passages â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the PARCC tests contain sophisticated passages â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t answer questions about them.

White and affluent students generally enter school with larger vocabularies and a broader base of knowledge than low-income

and minority students do, and they continue to acquire more vocabulary and knowledge both at home and at school. For decades, elementary schools serving poor children have focused on improving studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; general reading comprehension skills rather than on building their knowledge and vocabulary: Students practice â&#x20AC;&#x153;finding the main ideaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;making inferencesâ&#x20AC;? on a random variety of books, when what they need is immersion in a single topic for weeks in order to absorb it and acquire related vocabulary.

By the time these students get to high school, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so far behind in acquiring background knowledge that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re often unable to understand high-school-level texts.

If we want to boost reading scores for poor and minority children, we need to ensure that elementary schools start building their knowledge systematically, beginning in the earliest years.

Natalie Wexler

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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Education blogger, dceduphile.com Education editor, Greater Greater Washington

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 letters@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 23, 2015

The Current

Spotlight on Schools Annunciation Catholic School

Last Thursday, Dec. 10, our school hosted this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas pageant and eighth-graders, including me, were assigned to demonstrate the Nativity scene to the whole school. All the classes performed great music and it related to the whole story. One performance was when the pre-K class sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knocking at Your Doorâ&#x20AC;? after the scene where Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. The way everyone performed their songs was definitely awesome. Our costumes were about 30 years old, yet they still look brand new.

Those old yet new costumes make the Christmas pageant feel like a tradition for a long time.

Overall, performing in the Christmas pageant felt like we were in the timeline itself. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bettina Henares, eighth-grader

Eaton Elementary

There was a great boys basketball game between the Eaton Eagles and the Murch Mustangs last week. The game was at Eaton Elementary and there were a lot of fans there for both sides. People were cheering and Eaton had its Eagle mascot for good luck.

The Eaton boys had an excellent start by scoring quickly and taking the lead in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Murch started to score some points and the Eaton boys turned on their defense. They had extraordinary blocking, which kept Murch from scoring a lot. Also, the Eaton boys stole the ball many times. In the second half, Eaton continued

School DISPATCHES

to play well by passing quickly and making fast breaks where the boys moved the ball really quickly down the court to shoot baskets. During the fourth quarter, Eaton held the lead and kept up the pressure. In the end, Eaton got the win. What a great start of the season. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Katheryn Carline, Lilly McCarthy and Alice Newnham, fifth-graders

Hearst Elementary

This past week we participated in many activities to celebrate the change in season from fall to winter and also learned about different traditions practiced and holidays celebrated in the month of December. We cooked latkes and learned about the Hanukkah menorah; they were so yummy!

Most of us ate ours with applesauce. Some of us were even brave enough to taste them with sour cream like our teachers. We also played with â&#x20AC;&#x153;snowâ&#x20AC;? that was actually shaving cream. It was a great sensory activity! Yesenia said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love shaving cream. I like to play with it.â&#x20AC;? Jonatan loved it too; he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soft. I touched it with my hands.â&#x20AC;?

On another day, we also made applesauce and cinnamon ornaments. We loved cutting out gingerbread men and candy canes from the squishy mixture. It smelled wonderful! Jason picked out a special cookie cutter and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I made a snowman.â&#x20AC;? Lastly, we made snowmen from rice krispy treats. We learned to measure and follow a recipe. We

counted how many eyes, arms, noses and scarves to put on each snowman. It was sticky and squishy, but lots of fun! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ms. Marber, Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K-2 CES (Communication and Education Support) class

l ight o n e ca n d l e

Lafayette Elementary

Happy holidays from Lafayette! How do you celebrate the holidays? Do you have any traditions? Lafayette does! Every year we throw a holiday party for each class. So each kid is excited for sweet treats, games and whatever fun teachers and room parents have planned. Every class is expecting a visit from our very own Lafayette carolers. Lafayette carolers are a group of teachers who come around and sing holiday songs and jingles. Some teachers have â&#x20AC;&#x153;White Elephantâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Secret Santaâ&#x20AC;? planned. Not to mention everyone is giddy for winter break, even the teachers!

Last week we had our winter concert in which our bands, drum line and ensembles performed.

The title was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Warm Beginnings,â&#x20AC;? because of the warm weather we have been having. We even won both our basketball games, a Christmas miracle!

Many kids are already parading around in Santa hats and holiday sweaters.

To wrap things up, we wish you will be as jolly, giddy and in the spirit as we are, and we wish you happy holidays, Lafayette style! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Addy Darnell, fifth-grader

Maret School

In third grade, we have many

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Photo by Ben Zweig

Rabbi Aaron Alexander, associate rabbi of Adas Israel Congregation, lights the Hanukkah menorah this month as kids from the synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gan Hayeled preschool look on. different activities. Recently, our class studied Japan. On the first day, our class thought about different topics to research. Then we started studying. The class got facts on the computers and in books. Every one of us had to have at least 10 facts about our topic. The next step is putting some of the facts on posters, so that it is colorful and has the facts. Finally, our class will have Japan Day! We will do all the Japanese traditions, for example, taking off our shoes in school!

Then we present our projects to the grade. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned so much, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to learn more! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Loretta Talbott, third-grader PE this year is awesome! On Monday through Thursday, we do a physical education unit, and then on Friday it is Game Day! On Game Day, we sometimes play dodgeball, and pin dodge is one of my favorite games. One unit we did was a fitness unit to get those abs going. Another one was the jump rope unit. One time we did Frisbee golf, and believe it or not I got three holes-in-one!

Now we are doing a volleyball unit on setting and serving, but no spiking. I just wanted to give you a peek on the inside stuff of Maret PE. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Asante Jenkins, third-grader

Murch Elementary

Do you like riding bikes? Do you like the feeling of the breeze in your hair and the sound of your bike wheels turning? Well, D.C. Public School second-graders are experiencing that right now.

A! B! C! Air! Brakes! Chains!

The 2015 second-graders are the first to take part in the D.C. program â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to Ride a Bike.â&#x20AC;? In certain parts of the city, fewer kids are learning how to ride, but now they can learn at school as part of the second-grade physical education curriculum. The idea is that the skill will have a lasting impact, for fun and for the future.

When they are adults, there may

be more bike lanes so they might be able to bike to work and cut down on pollution. Camille Jackson, a Murch second-grader, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like biking because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting. We get to learn signals like putting your hand out to the left, which means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re turning left.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun thing to learn at an early age,â&#x20AC;? says Tim Johnson, PE teacher at Murch. And Andrew Bennett also says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love riding bikes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun going long distances and knowing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting muscles.â&#x20AC;? Elizabeth Schafer, second-grade teacher, is also excited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible watching kids grow and learn the skills. When they come to me and say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ms. Schafer, I just learned how to ride a bike!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just amazing.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Naomi Rea and Yohanna Murawiec, fifth-graders

Our Lady of Victory School

On Monday evening, Dec. 14, Our Lady of Victory School held its annual Christmas program. All of the students from pre-K to eighth grade participated. The program included performances by the school bands and two choirs and a play, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Jury.â&#x20AC;?

The beginner band started the program off with four songs, including the holiday favorite â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bells.â&#x20AC;? They have only been playing for a few months, but they played well. Next, the advanced band played. We played three songs, including the very timely â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Warsâ&#x20AC;? theme. My friend Adelaide and I played a duet of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let It Snowâ&#x20AC;? on our flutes. Then both choirs, the Cherubs and the advanced choir, sang. The Cherubs are in grades one through three. They sang very enthusiastically! The advanced choir sang a beautiful rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hail, Holy Queenâ&#x20AC;? from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sister Act.â&#x20AC;? Finally, the eighth-graders performed their play, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Jury.â&#x20AC;? The whole school was involved in the play.

After each scene, a grade would See Dispatches/Page 13

D

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 9

The Current

The Dupont Circle Citizen The weekly newsletter of the Dupont Circle Citizens Association

JOAN HISAOKA HEALING ARTS GALLERY AT SMITH CENTER FOR HEALING AND THE ARTS ARTS FOR THE AGING (AFTA): DREAMSHIP December 11, 2015 – January 6, 2016 Don’t miss this exhibition of multi-media works created by frail and vulnerable older adults in the D.C. metro region. All artwork is created at underserved senior centers during AFTA’s free arts workshops led by a dedicated faculty of teaching artists trained in our nationallyrecognized best practices. AFTA’s mission combats isolation and spreads joy to seniors who need it most. Curated by Jarvis DuBois.

Located at 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM – 5 PM and Saturday from 11 AM – 3 PM. For further information go to: http:// www.smithcenter.org/ Support for this exhibition is made possible by the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC and the Philip L. Graham Fund.

MAY THEY

JOY FIND A

LOVE PLACE IN

PEACE OUR HEARTS!

As a DCCA member, you are an integral part of neighborhood history. Join or Renew Online at DupontCircle.org. Show your Membership Card and Receive Discounts of 10%+ at DCCA Preferred Merchants: Teaism| The Mediterranean Way|G-Star Raw|Beadazzled |Chocolate House (formerly CoCoVa)|Trappro |FIT Personal Training|Quantum Pilates| Just That Simple|Keegan Theatre|Total Party! |Washington Studio School|Carlyle Suites| Comfort One Shoes Thursday | December 24 | 8:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Opera Star ALESSANDRA MARC

P

lease join Universalist National Memorial Church (UNMC) on the evening of Thursday, December 24, 2015 when world renowned and celebrated soprano Alessandra Marc will couple her extraordinary voice with the magical acoustics of the UNMC in a holiday service and concert titled, Christmas Eve By Candlelight.

Ms. Marc, hailed by the Washington Post as “the most beautiful voice in the world,” has performed in every major opera house in the world. She has been the featured artist in more than 40 recordings.

Accompanied by the UNMC choir and led by Maestro Darryl Winston, Ms. Marc will share her gift during an evening of readings, classical music, carols and holiday reflections. The event will be followed by a reception where light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Tickets for this event are FREE, but we expect to fill the venue to capacity, so please visit our website today for further information and to obtain your tickets: www.universalist.org/opera/.

A freewill offering will be collected to defray the cost of presenting this program to the community.

Universalist National Memorial Church 1810 16th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009 Please email your inquiries about this event to crystal@universalist.org.

Registration for Winter 2016 Classes and Workshops WASHINGTON STUDIO SCHOOL DON’T WAIT, classes are already filling quickly!

WSS is offering many excellent new workshops!

DRAWING: SCALE AND FORMAT taught by Katie Pumphrey; MIXED WATERMEDIA taught by Brian Kelley is now offered on Friday mornings; OPEN PRINTMAKING with Jenny Walton for those who want monitored time with the press; OPEN CRITIQUES with Jo Weiss; and due to extraordinary demand, a second session is being offered of: ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY workshop with master artist Maggie Siner.

For more information, please visit: www.washingtonstudioschool.org.

DUPONT CIRCLE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION | WWW.DUPONT-CIRCLE.ORG | LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Fanny, 2006 22” x 28” Oil on Linen © Maggie Siner

10 Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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The Current

Georgetown nears accord on moratorium

By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

After an earlier accord fell through last month, Georgetown community leaders are drawing closer to a shared agreement that suggests terms for how to end the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moratorium on liquor licenses for restaurants.

The Citizens Association of Georgetown voted Monday night to support a slightly revised version of a plan to allow new restaurants while establishing strict standards for new businesses applying for such licenses. The proposal would maintain a cap on taverns and nightclubs.

The Georgetown advisory neighborhood commission is expected to support the new plan at its January meeting. The third group involved â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Georgetown Business Improvement District â&#x20AC;&#x201D; declined to comment on the status of the moratorium negotiations, but representatives from the other two groups say all three parties are on board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went back to the drawing board,â&#x20AC;? citizens association president Bob vom Eigen told The Current. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the new agreement isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fundamentally different.â&#x20AC;?

The most substantial updates to the proposal compared to the previous version considered last month involve enforcement of stricter standards for liquor license applications. Under the new plan, applicants looking to fill spaces adjacent to residential areas would have to apply for shorter operating hours and face more limitations on noise than new restaurants in the noisier commercial district. The new agreement offers more room for flexibility on a case-by-case basis, vom Eigen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re insisting absolutely on the template,â&#x20AC;? vom Eigen said of a proposed general agreement restaurants would have to accept. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are certain circumstances that could make us more receptive to restrictions.â&#x20AC;?

Established in 1989, the moratorium is currently scheduled to expire on Feb. 3, pending the neighborhood commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for a two-month extension. Representatives from the Georgetown Business Improvement District, the neighborhood commission and the Citizens Association of Georgetown have been collaborating in meetings for months on proposing an end to the moratorium, which currently pre-

vents new restaurants, taverns and nightclubs from securing liquor licenses and maintains a cap on restaurant-class licenses at 67.

Now that all three parties have reached a tentative agreement, Georgetown neighborhood commissioner Bill Starrels said, he thinks each groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compromises made the effort stronger overall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We listened to each other, we took some points to each other â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everybody conceded something somewhere,â&#x20AC;? he said Assuming the neighborhood commission votes to support the new agreement as Starrels expects, the next step will be to submit the proposal to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for review and edits. Starrels thinks that part of the process will be easy because the parties have already been in touch with city alcohol regulators regarding specific language thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necessary.

After that, the board will hold hearings to debate the minutiae of the proposal. Starrels said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confident the board will accept the current plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a signal that will be received from the restaurant community that Georgetown is definitely open for business,â&#x20AC;? he said.

City eyes four options for Murch swing space

By CUNEYT DIL

Current Correspondent

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A late proposal to house Murch Elementary School students at Lafayette Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailers during the modernization of the former has drummed enough controversy for one city agency to publicly shy away from the option.

D.C. Public Schools, which will decide by Jan. 12 where to house Murch students for the following two school years during construction, is weighing four options. The one that now seems most popular with parents is to build new trailers for Murch classrooms on fields at the University of the District of Columbia in Van Ness.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the proposal endorsed by the D.C. Department of General Services, which manages the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio of government buildings. Others include installing trailers on the Murch campus during construction, installing trailers at a Forest Hills church and â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most controversial â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to use trailers already in place on Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field.

That expansive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and expensive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; setup was constructed to accommodate Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own renovation, which is set to be completed this coming August. But many Chevy Chase community members said co-locating two large elementary schools in a quiet residential area would be dangerous and disruptive, and it would also deprive students and residents of open space for another two years.

Proximity of any temporary site to Murch is another key consideration. Swing space at UDC would be roughly 0.7 miles away from Murch and closer to a Metro station and bus lines than Lafayette, which is about 1.3 miles from Murch. Murch is located at 4810 36th St. NW, Lafayette is located at 5701 Broad Branch Road NW, and the UDC athletic field is located near the corner of Van Ness Street and International Court NW. Many parents have warned that adding roughly 600 additional students from Murch to Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus would bring the traffic, infrastructure and logistical issues that come with effectively merging

two schools at one site.

That the option is even on the table incensed Lafayette parents after the city assured them less than two years ago, when their renovation began, that the trailers would be removed from the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field by the 2016 school year.

Last week Ward 4 D.C. Council member Brandon Todd called the proposal to use Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailers â&#x20AC;&#x153;unacceptable.â&#x20AC;? And in an online community survey in Chevy Chase, 649 respondents, 89 percent, said they strongly oppose using that option. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We find the safety risks are terrifying for both [groups of] kids,â&#x20AC;? one Lafayette parent said at a meeting last Thursday on the Murch project, emphasizing the potential increase in car traffic at the school.

The $68.3 million project at Murch is slated to begin this summer and last roughly two years.

Through multiple phases, the modernization will renovate the existing main building and construct an addition with a cafeteria and gym for 700 students.

In the interim, the top choice for the General Services Department â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and many Murch parents â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is building trailers over two soccer fields at the UDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Van Ness campus.

The two other options under consideration are keeping students on the Murch site in trailers, next to an active construction zone, or combining trailers with a shift of the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms to Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church at 3150 Chesapeake St. NW. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of options under consideration, DGS suggests to DCPS that UDC would be the best option in terms of location, student drop-off [and pickup], space available for play/field use,â&#x20AC;? Diggs wrote in an email to The Current. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the [estimated] cost is an issue with respect to Murchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall project budget.â&#x20AC;?

That estimate for the UDC plan is $6 million, the highest among all four options and $1.5 million more than using Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailers. Another obstacle for the city would be the proximity of the swing space to several embassies in Van Ness. Diggs said conversations would need to be held with the U.S. State Department before moving forward.

The Current

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 11

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12 Wednesday, December 23, 2015

d

f

The Current

CLOSING: Families, residents urge Washington Home officials to set longer deadline

From Page 3

For instance, Finck-Boyle said that the home’s social work staff has attempted to reach every family affected by the closure, and was successful except for those who “didn’t want to receive that message.”

She also said there are many beds available at other area nursing homes and noted that the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance — which is responsible for residents on Medicaid — will allow Washington Home residents to move to select Maryland and Virginia facilities, rather than requiring them to stay within the District to continue their D.C. coverage.

During the three months since the sale was announced, 22 residents have already moved out and six have died, leaving a population of 98 as of Monday, she said. The facility hasn’t been accepting new residents since March.

In the final days before Washington Home closes, any residents who remain would be the subject of daily meetings with family members and D.C. government agencies to find a suitable replacement site, Cox said. He’s confident each resident will match up with a suitable facility in time, and that the half-year delay won’t be necessary.

“The leaseback [option] was for us as an organization if we

couldn’t get everyone placed, not for everyone to stay for another six months as a luxury,” Cox told The Current.

In fact, the Washington Home hopes that everyone will have already moved out by Oct. 2, pro-

❝It just doesn’t appear as though there is a plan even in the absence of an approved plan … .❞ — Lynne Person viding about two months for the facility to remove furniture and records without disturbing any elderly residents, Cox said at the meeting.

That new date prompted an outcry from attendees, who had never heard it before; a D.C. Department of Health official at the meeting, Sharon Lewis, said it was not enforceable.

“We cannot be surprised by new dates, and the date that we have in the original letter that was sent was December,” Lewis said at the meeting. “This facility will have to stay functional until December.”

The Health Department is responsible for approving the closure plan for Washington Home, which is now in the process of

responding to the agency’s requests for further information.

In the interview, Finck-Boyle said the Washington Home board arrived at the October date in response to previous family council concerns about patients remaining there in the final days. At the meeting, relatives suggested that the board hasn’t been properly engaged on this issue.

“As these decisions are made, how involved are the board members with the residents that are being put out? … Do they visit, do they know these people?” asked one woman, to a chorus of no’s.

Lynne Person, the D.C. longterm care ombudsman in the AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly, said in an interview that what she saw at last week’s meeting pointed to systemic flaws in the Washington Home’s communication and planning.

“The clock really started ticking once the Washington Home gave the written notification about the closure, and it just doesn’t seem that they were prepared to follow through from that day forward to ensure that it could be a seamless transition,” Person said.

“It just doesn’t appear as though there is a plan even in the absence of an approved plan — there is no systematic way of doing business.”

Finck-Boyle did concede that Washington Home’s communica-

Brian Kapur/The Current

The Washington Home is selling its Upton Street NW nursing home and hospice to transition primarily to in-home care. Sidwell Friends School will convert the building into a new lower school. tion efforts could improve, and said outreach in the new year will include monthly updates via mail and email and a more detailed website. The home has also hired an additional social worker and a director of nursing with closure experience, which Person lauded.

There is precedent in D.C. for the closure of a nursing home, with the Washington Home’s decision coming just eight years after Beverly Living Center announced it would shut down in Cleveland

Park just a few blocks away.

Located at 3333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Beverly was then the District’s largest nursing home, with more than 300 residents.

Person said that facility placed its residents efficiently and with less of the turmoil that last week’s Washington Home meeting revealed. Many were relocated outside of D.C., however, and Person expects the same will occur again despite some families’ opposition.

BUSES: Agency pitches variety of solutions for congestion, overcrowding along 16th Street

From Page 1

ment measures would combat driving and parking in bus lanes, and some routes and stops would be modified or relocated.

The Transportation Department is not currently backing various previously considered options, including replacing parking with a bus lane all day, providing dedicated towing service to remove illegally parked cars, and removing midday parking.

Residents and community leaders at the meeting had a generally favorable response to the agency’s proposal, though some raised concerns about specifics.

Kishan Putta, a former Dupont Circle advisory neighborhood commissioner who has advocated for bus lanes for years, praised the city’s consideration of dedicated bus space during peak periods.

“It’s always weighing pros and cons,” said Putta. “During rush hour, it seems clear to me pros outweigh cons. During the middle of the day, I don’t know that the pros outweigh the cons, because it would impact parking.”

Parking is a particular concern for residents and businesses along 16th Street. Gale Black, a Crestwood neighborhood commissioner, praised the “good news” that midday parking wouldn’t be affected under the current proposal.

Even so, Putta expressed worry about the bus lane’s proposed evening hours.

“While I’m glad morning rush-hour parking restrictions are being expanded until 10 a.m., I am not sure we need to extend evening parking restrictions until 7:30 p.m.,” Putta said. “That’s a long time

to wait for people who drive home around 6:30 p.m. and can’t afford to pay for their own parking space.”

Some proposals have attracted little controversy, such as allowing riders to pay for their rides before boarding rather than queuing to pay the driver, and allowing them to board the bus at any door. The city estimates that all-door boarding could save riders almost one minute, depending on the bus line.

“I think that will speed things up quite a bit,” agreed Michael Upright, a Dupont Circle neighborhood commissioner involved since the first public meeting.

Putta also supported those improvements.

“I think it’s worked in a lot of places. It’s worked really well in New York, and I’m looking forward to implementation in D.C.,” Putta said. “It will take work and technology, but it’s worked elsewhere, and it’s long overdue for D.C.” Some of the service improvements proposed were noted for both their positive and negative impacts. One of these is truncation of the S2 and S4 lines, which would no longer run past McPherson Square. Transit planners say that change would improve reliability and reduce bus bunching due the greater predictability of a shorter route.

“It’s a route that residents do use to get to the Mall area, the museums and so on,” Upright said. “I hate to see it being made more difficult in ways, for people to have to switch bus lines or follow an alternative route.”

Another contentious change was the removal and consolidation of bus stops to

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

Buses would get a dedicated lane during rush hour under the current proposal.

speed up service.

Evelyn Brewster, who lives near 16th and Lamont streets NW, said seniors may have difficulty walking to the bus if the stop there is eliminated, as is currently proposed.

“Don’t think the effort is not appreciated or understood, but we’re not just a city of young people,” Brewster said. “Old people like me are paying taxes, raising money, and we feel like we’re being left out. When I was 25, shoot, I’d walk 40 blocks. Now, I don’t want to walk an extra block and a half.

Sometimes I can’t.”

Black, the Crestwood neighborhood commissioner, echoed Brewster after the meeting.

“It may not seem like much to have to

walk three blocks to get to your stop,” Black said. “But if you’re on crutches, or have a walker, it’s huge.”

Upright agreed that certain stop removals should be re-examined to make sure seniors or others aren’t being too greatly inconvenienced. But he added that with any plan like this, there will be trade-offs — and in the case of 16th Street, the tradeoffs are justified.

“I think we need to try it, just because things have gotten so congested on that line.

If we don’t try something, it’s just going to get worse,” said Upright. “There are going to be adjustments for people, but I also think they are adjustments we can all make without a relatively great deal of pain.”

Upright encouraged residents to make their voices heard to the Transportation Department as its plan moves forward.

The agency will hold its final public meeting from 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW, an open house-style event that will allow further community comment. At 4 and 7 p.m., transportation planners will provide an overview of the project, present the draft of optimal improvements and discuss a timeline for how their proposed changes would be implemented.

Putta said residents can be optimistic that the city will value their feedback.

“The study process has been extensive, comprehensive and thorough. It’s involved a lot of transparency, and a lot of public meetings and public input,” Putta said. “I have to say, I saw that the public input mattered to them.”

The Current

DISPATCHES From Page 8 come out and sing a song. My favorite was the pre-K and kindergarten kids who were dressed in star costumes and sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Away in the Manger.â&#x20AC;? The play was about a boy named Jim Dandy who has lost the holiday spirit and how he gets it back. The play ended with Santa coming down the church aisle and surprising everyone.

The Christmas program is always very special and puts me in the holiday spirit. It is one of my favorite events at OLV! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kate L., eighth-grader

Oyster-Adams Bilingual School

Every year before winter break, we have a Peace Concert for students and teachers to perform and show off their talents.

The Peace Concert this year was amazing. Talents included students playing the violin, students singing, students playing the saxophone and teachers dancing! It was also a great opportunity to support our friends and to congratulate them for their courage to perform.

This week was also Spirit Week to help close out the year.

On Monday, we had Pajama Day. Students came in wearing their comfiest pajamas and onesies. On Tuesday we had Thankful Twin Day, where pairs dressed up together. On Wednesday, we had Sport Day. There were lots of soccer fans present that day! On Thursday, we had Spanish Character Day. Some costumes included Salvador DalĂ­, Sonia Sotomayor, Mafalda and Selena. On Friday we had Tiger Pride Day, where we show our school spirit.

This is been an amazing way to end 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jennifer Quispe-Lopez and Blanca Morales, seventh-graders

St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Day School

Every year at St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the whole school participates in the Christmas pageant. Second-graders play the roles of the three kings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who sing solos during the song â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Three Kingsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and Mary and Joseph (we use a baby doll to play Jesus). Firstgraders back them up, playing sheep and angels. Third-grade students dance and sing, and students in fourth through seventh grades make up the choir. Leading up to the pageant, our chapel slowly becomes decorated, starting simply with an advent wreath and then gradually transforming into a whole new setup of chairs and bleachers.

As a sixth-grader, I am part of the choir. Choir members sit on both sides of the Nave, and our job is to support the fourth- and fifth-grade choir members. We sing every single song throughout

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

13

Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flashes back to the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s Hippies: the members of a subculture who made a significant revolution in the United States during the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s. These flower children, as demonstrated then and now, donned their long hair and beads and brought their bohemian lifestyle into the world, fighting for peace, and freedom, while using hallucinogenic drugs. In November, Wilson High School delivered a timeless performance of this subculture through the revolutionary rock musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hair.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,â&#x20AC;? abbreviated to simply â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hair,â&#x20AC;? is a rock musical with a book and lyrics authored by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music composed by Galt MacDermot.

The musical tells the story of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tribe,â&#x20AC;? a group of hippies living in New York City fighting against being drafted into the Vietnam War. It follows Claude and his fellow hippie friends, including Berger and Sheila, as they balance growing up and taking part in the revolutions of the world around them.

Claudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s introspection about his life becomes wrenching as he must decide whether to follow the Tribe and resist the draft or to follow the conservative society set before him and serve in Vietnam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hairâ&#x20AC;? is a defining musical in the genre of rock musical, as it uses an integrated cast and deals with many controversial issues in its time, like profanity, use of illegal substances and disregard for the American flag. It is still considered one of the most daring and phenomenal shows in musical theater history.

the pageant, and lead the younger kids throughout. We have performed in this event year after year, and it is still amazing that we all come together to create this magical performance. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kate Chamberlin, sixth-grader

Sheridan School

Every year Sheridan School has one of the best and one of the most musical winter assemblies in the D.C. area. We call it the Winter Assembly because it encompasses all cultures. We always start the assembly with a kindergarten and first grade performance, and then move up to 8th grade. Every year every class does something new and different. This year the seventh- and eighth-graders are combining â&#x20AC;&#x153;While My Guitar Gently Weeps,â&#x20AC;? a popular song by the Beatles, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carol of the Bells,â&#x20AC;? a holiday song by Mykola Leontovych. We are doing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carol of the Bellsâ&#x20AC;? because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a holiday song, plus itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of festive. We are playing â&#x20AC;&#x153;While My Guitar Gently Weeps,â&#x20AC;? because it represents giving back, as well as some deep thinking. It makes you think about who you are, your identity and your privileges.

Between performances, two students from each class, and sometimes teachers, talk about their holiday traditions, and why they do what they do. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great because you get insight into other

Filling the theater hall with his astounding portrayal of Claude, Ben Topa led the show spectacularly. Harnessing stunning vocals and constantly staying in the moment, Topa connected with his character in a way not many actors can do. He grew with his character, feeling Claudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotions and demonstrating an introspection that the audience could feel. Zac NachbarSeckel, depicting the role of Berger, stole the show with his smooth idiosyncrasies, dedication to his character and overall hippie persona. Topa and Nachbar-Seckel synchronized with one another as Claude and Berger; their relationship felt real and inthe-moment, as both actors grew off of one another and created an indescribable bond.

As Sheila, one of the many flower children, Joey Schulman brought an engaged personality and was dedicated to her role as the hippie fighting for change. Playing the role of Jeanie, Eva Schulman had consistent pregnant mannerisms and clear-cut vocals that brought out the soft, kind character all could sympathize with.

Kellik Dawson portrayed Hud, the proud African-American, and gave the audience an entertaining yet thought-provoking experience. His defining words and personality made him a standout revolutionary. Lorin Kayla Holland, playing the role of Dionne, truly hit the hearts of the audience with her gorgeous voice that spread throughout the auditorium.

While the principals were breathtaking, what brought together the entire show was the Tribe. Each member was in the moment

peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday traditions. Some people have some quite interesting traditions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun to learn about them.

Every year every class does a different song or performance

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

Wilson Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production transported audiences to an age of rebellion.

as their characters, and not one person seemed out of place or undedicated to their role of the group.

From vibrant flashing lights, flowery clothes and a psychedelically designed set, each facet of the show meshed and interweaved to capture the true 1960s aesthetic.

The orchestra, otherwise known as The Hair Band, consisted of only five members who together became a powerhouse that harmonized with the actors and the mood of the show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hairâ&#x20AC;? is, in complete candor, an eminently intricate and difficult show to perform. But Wilson High School went above and beyond in touching the audience on a personal level and leaving each member with a feeling of admiration and wonder. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lucy Dolcich, South Lakes High School This review was prepared as part of the Cappies program through which high school students are trained as critics and attend shows at other area schools.

than they did last year. But there are always two songs that stick around: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Candle Lights the Wayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encircle the Earth With Peace.â&#x20AC;? The chorus that sings those two songs includes

third- through eighth-graders.

Even though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optional, there are always a lot of people who want to sing. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Benjamin Adomaitis, seventh-grader

Everyday moments " DPNNVOJUZ JT NPSF UIBO KVTU B QMBDF UP MJWF *U T B TQFDJBM QMBDF XIFSF OFX GSJFOET BSF GPVOE BOE DIFSJTIFE NPNFOUT BSF LFQU *OHMFTJEF BU 3PDL $SFFL USVMZ JT B TQFDJBM DPNNVOJUZ NBEF VQ PG SFNBSLBCMF BOE JOUFSFTUJOH GSJFOET BOE OFJHICPST XIP TVQQPSU BO FOHBHFE BOE BDUJWF MJGFTUZMF )FSF DPNNVOJUZ JT OPU KVTU B XPSEÂ&#x2030; JU T B XBZ PG MJGF %JTDPWFS BO FYUSBPSEJOBSZ SFUJSFNFOU MJGFTUZMF XJUI UIF TFDVSJUZ BOE QFBDF PG NJOE UIBU DPNFT XJUI B GVMM DPOUJOVVN PG DBSF

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14 Real Estate-Hood

14 Wednesday, december 23, 2015

D

The currenT

F

Northwest Real Estate ANC 1C ANCMorgan 1C Adams

■ adams morGan

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Mary’s Center, 2355 Ontario Road NW. Agenda items include: ■ organizational matters, including the election of officers, committee assignments and determination of meeting dates.

■ consideration of an Alcoholic Beverage Control application by the Adams Morgan Coffee Shop, 2204 18th St. NW, for a restaurant-class license.

■ consideration of an Alcoholic Beverage Control application by Villa Toscana, 1723 Columbia Road NW, for a new restaurantclass license.

■ consideration of a committee recommendation of support for a proposal by Joseph’s House, 1730 Lanier Place NW, to install a wheelchair ramp and garden.

■ consideration of a committee recommendation to oppose a proposal before the Zoning Commission to reduce the square footage requirements necessary to qualify for a planned-unit development.

■ consideration of a committee recommendation to oppose the Coalition for Smart Growth’s proposal to revise the inclusionary zoning regulations.

■ possible consideration of an application by the new owner of the former Italian Embassy site at 2700 16th St. NW to extend the deadline to start construction of

the Il Palazzo project, particularly in light of concerns regarding property upkeep and security.

For details, call 202-332-2630 or visit anc1c.org.

ANC 2A ANCBottom 2A Foggy

■ foGGy bottom / west end

At the commission’s Dec. 16 meeting: ■ commissioners unanimously agreed to continue opposing a merger between Pepco and Exelon, after listening to a presentation by PowerDC’s Tim Judson, who said 27 advisory neighborhood commissions had passed resolutions opposing the merger and none had supported it.

On possible rate increases, he said Exelon submitted four such requests after buying Baltimore Gas & Electric and that they can catch up here in 2019 under the arrangement the firm made with Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Judson said Exelon receives 60 percent of its revenue from old nuclear power plants and that Wall Street has advised it to buy electric distribution companies to build up its bottom line.

Commission chair Patrick Kennedy said his father worked for a Florida power company and “I have never seen one of these mergers work for the public.”

■ commissioners voted 5-2, with John Williams and Philip Schrefer opposed, to support members of the local Muslim community who feel besieged.

Commissioner Eve Zhurbinskiy, a George Washington University student, said there had been complaints of a discriminatory action at the university.

Williams said the resolution expressed worthy sentiments but that the commission cannot give its “great weight” to any party.

Commissioner William Smith responded that the commission should support the community in all its aspects and that Muslims are subject to discrimination.

Williams said the commission has taken no action about discrimination against Native Americans or opined on the Black Lives Matter movement. He asked whom the commission is advising.

Smith replied the commission has offered official congratulations to people in the past and said, “This is an important message at the local level.”

■ commissioners voted 4-1, with Philip Schrefer opposed and Florence Harmon recusing herself as she works for the federal government, to support a ban on the purchase of firearms by those on the federal terror watch list.

■ commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a protest of the planned Nobu restaurant in the bottom floor of a condominium at 2501 M St. NW, unless a settlement agreement is reached.

Though they welcomed the restaurant, several commissioners expressed noise concerns, in particular related to planned outdoor seating.

There will be live entertainment indoors when the entire restaurant has been leased for special events such as weddings. Interior background music is so low it does not interfere with conversation, Hiro Tohara of Nobu said.

Commissioner Rebecca Coder said she had eaten at Nobu restaurants in London and elsewhere and

is “thrilled” it chose Foggy Bottom for its Washington location.

Nobu’s attorney, Steve O’Brien, said there are now 32 Nobu restaurants around the world. The typical guest check is for over $100 per individual, 75 percent for food and 25 percent for alcoholic beverages. The closing time would be 12:30 a.m. seven days a week.

Small parties take about two hours to complete a meal and larger ones about three hours. There will be 150 employees and the sales tax will exceed $1 million annually.

■ commissioners decided to take no action about vehicles overwhelming a sidewalk and parking in no-parking areas as well as excessive trash at the Rock Creek Valero gas station at 2708 Virginia Ave. NW after the owner, Eddie Hanson, said he would take care of the problems. The commission plans to put the matter on its February agenda.

■ Brian Husting, an architect for the Washington Marriott Georgetown at 1221 22nd St. NW, discussed the hotel’s plans to renovate the guest rooms and public areas.

Commissioner Florence Harmon said there needs to be more conversation about the plans before the commission takes any action. As yet, the hotel has not submitted any applications.

■ commissioners voted unanimously to support the seventh annual “Cupid’s Undie Run” to be held on Saturday, Feb. 13. Bobby Gill, the group’s chief operations officer, said it will be one mile in length up and down 18th Street NW between I Street and Constitution Avenue.

Previously, the runs were held

Swim and Entertain All Year Round with Heated, Indoor Pool

on Capitol Hill. All the proceeds will go to the nonprofit Children’s Tumor Foundation to support families whose children have a very rare genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis.

■ commissioners voted unanimously to oppose the Condominium Owner Bill of Rights Amendment Act of 2015, saying it would “have a chilling effect” on people’s willingness to serve as unpaid members of condominium’s boards.

The commission was most concerned that the act would “create mandatory mediation in condominium lien foreclosures,” which it said would “create another level of bureaucratic requirements to prevent condominium associations from securing payment of the assessments.” When a unit owner does not pay a fee, fellow owners must make up the difference, the resolution states. Nonjudicial foreclosures typically cost between $5,000 and $7,000, the resolution says, and “adding a mandatory mediation process could make the non-judicial foreclosure process cost-prohibitive and is more likely to cause associations to seek judicial foreclosure.”

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Room 108, Funger Hall, George Washington University, 2201 G St. NW. For details, visit anc2a.org.

ANC 2B ANCCircle 2B Dupont ■ duPont circle The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW. For details, visit dupontcircleanc.net.

ANC 2C ANC 2C Quarter Downtown/Penn

■ downtown / Penn quarter

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, in Room A-3, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. For details, visit anc2c.us or contact 2C@anc.dc.gov.

ANC 2D ANC 2D Sheridan-Kalorama

■ sheridan-kalorama

Perfect for active families. Gracious Forest Hills home with huge great room (1,325 sq ft), full size pool, 4/5 bedrooms, 3 baths + 2 half baths + 2 pool shower rooms. Walk to Metro, restaurants, Politics & Prose bookstore and Rock Creek Park. Only minutes to the Kennedy Center and Reagan National Airport. $2,150,000 By appointment

2842 Chesterfield Pl, NW Washington, DC 20008

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, California Street and Phelps Place NW. For details, visit anc2d.org or contact davidanc2d01@aol.com.

ANC 2F ANCCircle 2F Logan ■ loGan circle

1506 19th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036

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The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW. For details, call 202-667-0052 or visit anc2f.org.

A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington

December 23, 2015 â&#x2013; Page 15

Extensively renovated row house fits neatly in Petworth

F

or a row house renovated from top to bottom, check out the listing at 404 Emerson St. NW in Petworth. Over the

ON THE MARKET betH coPe

past few months, the property has been gutted and completely replaced with a contemporary space geared toward modern living.

The four-bedroom, three-anda-half-bath house is on the market for $749,900.

The updates extend behind the walls, with new plumbing and wiring, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also visible from the sidewalk. The company VTR LLC redid the whole front of the house, creating a legal basement in the bottom level and a new cement front porch with new railings.

Inside the decorative front door, the first floor is an open space containing a front living area, a kitchen in the middle and a den in the rear, all topped by a coffered ceiling.

The first eye-catching feature here is an 11-foot slab of gray-

swirled granite, which tops an island and runs down either side.

It demarcates the kitchen and provides both prep and eating space, with a sink in its middle and room for at least four or five stools.

The cool granite contrasts with the new cherry on the floors here and upstairs. White cabinetry and stainless LG appliances fill out the kitchen space, and a metallic backsplash adds further detail, as do distinctive lights hanging over the island.

The second standout feature of this level is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and entertainment center on the rear wall. Covered in custom ceramic tiles, it encases both an electric fireplace with different light effects and a 65-inch, curved-screen TV above. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to imagine friends lounging around the screen while others chat over the kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island, and still more entertaining goes on in the front living space.

Across from the kitchen are a powder room and two closets with room for pantry goods, coats and electronic equipment. The latter includes a system of surveillance cameras that feed onto a

Photos courtesy of Avery-Hess Realtors

This four-bedroom row house in Petworth is priced at $749,900. built-in screen above the closets.

There are also speakers installed in the ceiling here and out back, in a small patio area located just outside glass doors next to the fireplace. Behind this is a two-car garage.

Up a flight of stairs near the front door, the master bedroom sits in the front of the house, offering three windows overlooking the street as well as a skylight and high ceilings. Three closets provide plenty of storage space, and an en suite bathroom features

a glass-topped double vanity and a dual shower with glass door.

Two more bedrooms offer windows toward the rear, and a hall bath has a glass-enclosed stall shower. A closet contains an LG washer and dryer.

Two levels down, the bottom floor could be a rental apartment or simply an extension of the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space. The main room is a kitchen/living space, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bedroom with its own bath.

Materials are similar to above, though the floors are wood-style tiles. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a full-size fridge and dishwasher, and a stacked washer-dryer. As well as the front entrance, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an exit to the garage out back.

This four-bedroom, three-anda-half-bath house at 404 Emerson St. NW is listed for $749,900. For details contact Iris Aponte of Avery-Hess Realtors at 202-3783850 or iaponte@averyhess.com.

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16 Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Wednesday, Dec. 23

Wednesday december 23 Class ■ The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center will host a weekly class on meditation. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $6 to $12. Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, 1787 Columbia Road NW. 202-986-2257.

Concerts ■ The Encore Chorale, a dynamic ensemble formed by first-time or returning musicians over the age of 55, will perform crowd-pleasing holiday music. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The Kennedy Center will present its annual “Messiah” singalong, led by conductor Barry Hemphill and featuring members of the Opera House Orchestra, professional soloists, a chorus of 200 and enthusiastic audience members. 8 p.m. Free; tickets distributed in the Hall of Nations beginning at 6 p.m. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ French violinist Julien Chauvin and soprano Rosa Lamoreaux will join the Folger Consort to present “The Season Bids Us: Christmas Music Featuring Guido’s ‘Four Seasons.’” 8 p.m. $40 to $50. Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

■ The Gypsy Sally’s Holiday Grass Show will feature the Woodshedders, the Plate Scrapers and Brandy Station Company. 8 p.m. $10. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

■ Jazz musician Elijah Cole will perform. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ Herb Scott will host a weekly Capitol Hill Jazz Jam. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

Performances ■ Pointless Theatre will present “A Very Pointless Holiday Spectacular: The North Pole’s 239th Annual Talent Show,” an irreverent winter cabaret featuring puppetry, improv and a reindeer band. 8 p.m. $17 to $22. Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. pointlesstheatre.com/holiday. Performances will continue through Jan. 2.

■ Theater Alliance will present “Black Nativity,” Langston Hughes’ soulful musical of faith, endurance and the birth of blackness. 8 p.m. $25 to $35.

Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE. theateralliance.com. Performances will continue through Jan. 3.

■ Dwayne Lawson-Brown will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5.

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Events Entertainment 5th St. NW. 202-789-2227.

Service ■ “Carols by Candlelight” will feature holiday music. 6 p.m. Free; passes required. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200. The event will repeat Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Special events ■ The 11th 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.

■ “ZooLights” will feature environmentally friendly LED displays, a light show set to music, a model train exhibit, three 150-foot-long “snow tubing” tracks, the Conservation Carousel and live entertainment. 5 to 9 p.m.

Free admission.

National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu. The event will repeat daily through Jan. 2 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31).

Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Memphis Grizzlies. 7 p.m. $18 to $899. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Support ■ Widowed Persons Outreach — a community program sponsored by Sibley Memorial Hospital, Iona Senior Services, Capital Caring, the William Wendt Center for Loss & Healing and Joseph Gawler’s Sons — will host a meeting of its Bereavement Ongoing Support Group. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free; reservations requested. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-4942.

■ Widowed Persons Outreach will host a twice-monthly meeting of its Younger Widows Support Group (for ages 69 and younger). 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Free. Second-floor Conference Room 5, Sibley Medical Building, 5215 Loughboro Road NW. 202-364-7602.

Thursday, Dec. 24

Thursday december 24 Children’s program ■ Upshur Street Books will host a singalong for children with John Ray. 11 a.m. Free. Upshur Street Books, 827 Upshur St. NW. upshurstreetbooks.com.

The event will repeat Sunday at 11 a.m.

Concerts ■ The Beltway Brass Quintet will perform jazzy and cheerful arrangements of holiday favorites. Noon. Free. Millennium

Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “An Evening at the Garden” will feature Tony Craddock Jr. and Cold Front performing jazz. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

■ The Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ will present the 18th annual Christmas Eve Jazz Vespers, led

by Peoples Jazz Society artistic director Davey S. Yarborough and featuring special guest artists Tre Mezzi. 7 p.m. Free.

Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. NW. 202-8295511.

■ Opera star Alessandra Marc, the Universalist National Memorial Church Choir and the Maytime Symphonette will perform joyful and inspirational holiday music. 8 to 10 p.m. Free; reservations required. Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th St. NW. universalist.org/opera.

Discussion ■ National Gallery of Art lecturer David Gariff will discuss “The Christmas Story in Art.” 1 p.m. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Film ■ The Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market will present Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart. 5 p.m. $7. Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market, 550 Penn St. NE. angelikafilmcenter.com.

Services ■ The Contemporary Choir will perform a Christmas Prelude, at 4 p.m.; the Rev. W. Ronald Jameson will celebrate the Vigil Mass of Christmas, at 4:30 p.m.; the Rev. Rafael Barbieri will celebrate a Spanish-language Mass of Christmas, at 6:30 p.m.; the Schola Cantorum and Festival Singers will perform a Christmas prelude; and Cardinal Donald Wuerl will celebrate the Solemn Mass of Christmas, at 10 p.m. Free.

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW. 202-3473215.

■ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, will present Carols and Anthems, at 4:30, 7 and 10:30 p.m.; a Pageant and Choral Eucharist with choir, at 5 p.m.; and the Festival Choral Eucharist, at 7:30 and 11 p.m. Free. 16th and H streets NW. 202-347-8766.

■ The National Presbyterian Church will host a Family Nativity Service with a narrated re-enactment of the Nativity story with music, at 5 p.m.; and Candlelight Services with carols, at 8 and 10 p.m. Free. National Presbyterian Church,

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Family Service 5 P.M. Family Service 5 P.M. Candlelight Services 8 & 10 P.M. Candlelight Services 8 & 10 P.M. THE NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4101 Nebraska Ave.PRESBYTERIAN NW Washington, DC 20016 THE NATIONAL CHURCH 202.537.0800 www.nationalpres.org 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 202.537.0800 www.nationalpres.org

trumpeter Tom Williams, bassist James King and vocalist Delores Williams. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

Wednesday, december 24 ■ Concert: The Washington DC Jewish Community Center will present “Stars of David: Story to Song,” a concert musical celebrating the lives of favorite Jewish public figures and featuring Joshua Dick, Sherri L. Edelen, Emily Levey and Aaron Serotsky (shown). 7:30 p.m. $27 to $52. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org.

The performance will repeat Thursday at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-5370800.

■ The Choir of the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart will perform a choral prelude, and the Rev. Walter Rossi will lead a Children’s Mass with pageant, at 5 p.m.; a choir will offer Choral Meditations on the Nativity, at 10 p.m.; and Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, will lead the Solemn Vigil Mass of Christmas Eve, at 10:30 p.m.

Free. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300.

■ The Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church will host a Family Christmas Eve Service with a live Nativity and carols, at 5 p.m.; a Candlelight Communion Service, at 7:30 p.m.; and a Candlelight Service with musical prelude, at 10:30 p.m. Free. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-3634900.

■ The Washington National Cathedral will celebrate Christmas Eve with a Festival Holy Eucharist service. 10 p.m.

Free; passes required. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-2228.

Special event ■ A Chevy Chase Christmas Caroling event will organize local residents to spread holiday cheer through song. 11 a.m. to noon. Meet outside Starbucks, Connecticut Avenue and Livingston Street NW. Friday, Dec. 25

Friday december 25 Concerts ■ Washington National Cathedral organist Benjamin Straley will perform a Christmas Day recital. 4:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200.

■ The 17th All-Star Christmas Day Jam will feature host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson,

Services ■ The Washington National Cathedral will celebrate Christmas with a Festival Holy Eucharist service, at 11 a.m.; and the Blessing of the Crib: A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols, at 3 p.m. Free. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200.

■ Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, will lead the Solemn Christmas Day Mass, at noon; and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, will lead the Spanish-language Christmas Day Mass, at 2:30 p.m. Free. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300.

Special event ■ The Washington DC Jewish Community Center will hold its 29th annual Day of Service, featuring events at dozens of sites throughout the area. Various times. $10 to $20 fee; registration required. washingtondcjcc.org/d25.

Saturday, Dec. 26 Saturday december 26 Book signing ■ Sandra O’Connell will sign copies of her book “An American Family in World War II.” Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Mall Store, National Museum of American History, Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th streets NW. 202-6331000.

Children’s programs ■ Keegan Theatre will present “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” its new children’s musical based on an Irish folk tale (for ages 3 and older).

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $15. Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202-265-3767. The performance will repeat Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetarium program about the season’s brightest stars, planets and constellations (for ages 5 and older). 1 to 1:45 p.m. Free.

Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070. The program will repeat Sunday at 1 p.m.

■ The Kennedy Center will present “Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!,” a vaudevillian romp of a musical based on Mo Willems’ children’s book (for ages 3 and older). 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $20 to $25. Family Theater, Kennedy Center.

202-467-4600. Performances will continue through Jan. 3.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetarium program about distant galaxies, nebulas 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.

Class ■ The Mount Pleasant Library will present “Saturday Morning Yoga.” 10 a.m. Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-671-3122.

Concerts ■ Family of Praise, a RichmondSee Events/Page 17

Continued From Page 16 based gospel music group, will perform gospel and holiday music. 6 p.m. Free.

Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600.

■ The Yeonas Brothers Band will perform. 8 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys. com.

■ The Rick Alberico Jazz Project will perform. 8 and 10 p.m. $15. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ Katita and the Fajitas, Projected Man and West Main will perform. 8:30 p.m. $10. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Films ■ National Geographic Museum will present “Jerusalem 3D,” featuring the first-ever large format aerial footage of the Old City. Noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. $7.

Grosvenor Auditorium, National Geographic Museum, 1600 M St. NW. 202857-7700. The film will also be shown Sunday through Thursday at the same times.

■ “Twenty-Five Years of Milestone Film” will feature Philip Haas’ 1988 film “A Day on the Grand Canal With the Emperor of China,” about two tableaux of antique bustling streets and waterways. 12:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present the Washington premiere of Randall Wright’s 2014 film “Hockney,” about British artist David Hockney. 2 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Performance ■ The “Chinese Menu” comedy show will feature an all-star mash-up with local improvisers performing with D.C. ex-pats. 7:30 and 10 p.m. $10 to $12.

DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. decmenu.bpt.me.

■ Stand-up comedian Erin Jackson will perform. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $20; two item minimum. DC Improv Comedy Club, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202296-7008. The performance will repeat Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Special event ■ The Washington Harbour ice skating rink will hold a weekly “Cartoon Skate” event, from 10 a.m. to noon; and a weekly “Rock n Skate” event, from 8 to 10 p.m. $9 to $10. Washington Harbour, 3000 K St. NW. 202-706-7666.

Sporting event ■ The Washington Capitals will play the Montreal Canadiens. 7 p.m. $71 to $398. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Tours and walks ■ “Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden” will feature a tour led by Hillwood horticulturist Bill Johnson. 11 a.m. $15 to $18; tickets distributed at the Visitor Center upon opening each day. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-6865807. The tour will repeat Tuesday at 11 a.m.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present a “Picture This! Audio-Described Art Tour” for individuals with impaired sight or who wish to enhance their art

&

The Current

Events Entertainment experience with verbal descriptions. 1 to 2 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-842-6905.

Sunday, Dec. 27

Sunday december 27 Children’s program ■ A park ranger will use the story of Goldilocks to explain what exoplanets are and discuss the search for another Earth. 4 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-8956227.

Class ■ Dumbarton House will host an “English Country Dance” workshop.

12:30 to 2:45 p.m. $5. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW. 202-337-2288.

Concert ■ Brothers Todd and Shawn Simon will perform a holiday concert. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

Discussion ■ National Gallery of Art lecturer Dianne Stephens will discuss “The Kaufman Collection of American Furniture.” 1 p.m. Free. Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Films ■ The National Gallery of Art will present the Washington premiere of Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s 2015 film “Wondrous Boccaccio,” about a circle of young friends who flee plague-ravaged Florence for a private villa. 2 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira’s 2001 film “I’m Going Home,” about a Parisian actor in his late 70s who has to care for a young grandson when his wife and daughter are killed. 4 p.m. Free.

East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Performances ■ “Holiday Vaudeville” will feature Cajun cellist Sean Grissom, magician Mark Mitton and klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600. The performance will repeat Monday at 6 p.m.

■ Petworth Citizen will host a comedy showcase. 8 to 11 p.m. Free. Reading Room, Petworth Citizen, 829 Upshur St. NW. petworthcitizen.com.

Walk ■ Park rangers will lead a “Winter at Fort DeRussy” hike to the Civil War installation and explain how soldiers passed the cold winter months in the forts surrounding Washington (for ages 10 and older). 2 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

17

Exhibit highlights airport towers “Art of the Airport Tower,” featuring 50 photographs of air traffic control towers by Smithsonian photographer Carolyn Russo, opened recently

On exhibit

at the National Air and Space Museum and will continue through November 2016.

Located at 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

202-633-1000.

■ “Louise Bourgeois: No Exit,” presenting 21 works by Bourgeois that explore her grounding in surrealism and ties to existentialism, opened recently at the National Gallery of Art and will continue through May 15.

Located at 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 202-895-6070.

Monday, Dec. 28

Monday december 28 Children’s program ■ D.C.-based singer-songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood will present “Rise + Rhyme,” 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.

Classes and workshops ■ Yoga Activist will present a weekly yoga class geared toward beginners. 7 p.m. Free. Second-floor meeting room, Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-282-3080. The class will also be offered Tuesday at 7 p.m.

■ Poets on the Fringe will host a weekly poetry workshop. 7 to 8 p.m.

Free. Stoddert Recreation Center, 4001 Calvert St. NW. passapamela@aol.com.

Concert ■ The Philadelphia-based septet Live at the Fillmore, a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, will perform. 7:30 p.m. $15 to $23. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. thehamiltondc.com.

Discussion ■ National Gallery of Art lecturer Eric Denker will discuss “The Golden Legend Illustrated: Saint Nicholas.” Noon. Free.

Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

The talk will repeat Tuesday through Thursday at noon.

Film ■ The Music and Poetry Club will screen the 1985 film “That’s Dancing,” starring Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli and Gene Kelly. A performance by the Blues Muse ensemble will follow. 7:30 p.m. Free. St. Mary’s Court, 725 24th St. NW. 202-393-1511.

Performances ■ The Anacostia Community Museum’s Kwanzaa celebration will feature a performance by the mime and perfor-

a.m. to 6 p.m. 202-737-4215.

■ “Age of Lawyers: The Roots of American Law in Shakespeare’s Britain,” offering a close-up look at the rapid increase of lawyers and legal actions during the time of William Shakespeare, opened recently at the Folger Shakespeare Library, where it will continue through Jan. 3.

Located at 201 East Capitol St. SE, the library is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

202-544-4600.

■ “Photo Ark,” a multiyear project by National Geographic to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear, is featured in an exhibit that opened recently at the National Geographic Museum.

Continuing through April, the exhibit highlights the work of photographer, speaker, author, teacher and National Geographic fellow Joel Sartore.

Located at 1145 17th St. NW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to

mance group Crazee Praize Nation based on the seven guiding Kwanzaa principles. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; reservations required. Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. 202-6334844.

■ Busboys and Poets will present an open mic poetry night hosted by Drew Law. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. 202-636-7230.

Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Los Angeles Clippers. 7 p.m. $27 to $899. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Tuesday december 29 Children’s program ■ A Kwanzaa program for children and families will feature arts and crafts workshops. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Free; reservations required. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE. 202-633-4844.

Carolyn Russo’s “Birmingham Airport, United Kingdom” is part of an exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum.

6 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, students and military personnel; and $10 for ages 5 through 12. 202-857-7588.

Classes and workshops ■ A certified yoga instructor will lead a class targeted to ages 55 and older.

10 a.m. Free; reservations required.

Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. geoyogarsvp@dc.gov.

■ The Georgetown Library will present a yoga class practicing introductory viniyasa techniques. 11:30 a.m. Free; reservations required. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. geoyogarsvp@ dc.gov.

Concerts ■ The Holocaust Survivor Band — a duo formed by drummer Saul Dreier and accordionist Reuwen (“Ruby”) Sosnowicz — will present “L’Chaim to Life, a Sentimental Journey of Music and Song.” 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “An Evening at the Garden” will feature Project Natale performing jazz. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

See Events/Page 18

Advent Mass Sunday, December 13, 2015 Part I at 9:30 AM & Part II at 11:00 AM

“Magnificat”

by Johann Sebastian Bach

Foundry choirs, soloists, and Baroque orchestra will celebrate this time honored Advent cantata. Lead by Stanely Thurston, Director of Music Ministries.

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■ A New Year’s Eve concert will feature Pimps of Joytime and the Ron Holloway Band. 9 p.m. $30 to $38. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Continued From Page 17 ■ Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge will host its weekly open mic show. 8 p.m. Free.

Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Discussion ■ National Gallery of Art lecturer Bela Demeter will discuss “Dragons in Art.” 1 p.m. Free. Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Films ■ “Tuesday Night Movies” will feature Billy Wilder’s 1960 romantic comedy “The Apartment,” starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray. 6 p.m. Free. Room A-5, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321.

■ The Washington DC Jewish Community Center will present Evgeny Ruman’s 2015 film “The Man in the Wall,” a psychological drama that unfolds over the course of a single evening in a Tel Aviv apartment. 7:30 p.m. $13. Goldman Theater, Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org.

Performances and readings ■ The Washington Improv Theater’s “Harold Night” will feature performances by the ensembles Blot and Richie, at 8 p.m.; and by Discoteca! and a second ensemble, at 9 p.m. By donation.

Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org.

■ The Beltway Poetry Slam will present a featured reading and open slam. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. 202636-7230.

■ Busboys and Poets will present an open mic poetry night hosted by Khadijah Moon. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

Special event ■ “WWE SmackDown Live” will feature stars such as Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler and Roman Reigns. 7 p.m. $20 to $110. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Wednesday, Dec. 30

Wednesday december 30 Classes and workshops ■ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek, will host a weekly tai chi class. 2 p.m. Free. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek, 201 Allison St. NW. 202726-2080.

■ The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center will host a weekly class on meditation. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $6 to $12. Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, 1787 Columbia Road NW. 202-986-2257.

Concerts ■ Herb Scott will host a weekly Capitol Hill Jazz Jam. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

■ Jazz guitarist Jack Waugh will perform. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ A pre-New Year’s Eve concert will

Performance ■ The DC Improv Comedy Club will present stand-up comedian Orny Adams.

7:30 and 10:15 p.m. $35 to $75. DC Improv Comedy Club, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008.

Thursday, December 31 ■ Concert: A New Year’s Eve concert will feature local musicians Rosa Lamoreaux (shown), J. Reilly Lewis, Ann Colgrove, John Hurd and Diane Heath performing “Bach Through Modern.” 6 p.m. $30 donation suggested; free for students. St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle St. NW. columba.org. feature the Brooklyn-based funk/soul/ dance pop band Pimps of Joytime and DC’s funky neo-soul group Aztec Sun. 8:30 p.m. $20 to $25. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Performances ■ “Comedy at the Kennedy Center” will feature Nate Bargatze performing stand-up.

6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600.

■ Busboys and Poets will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5.

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

Sporting event ■ The Washington Capitals will play the Buffalo Sabres. 7 p.m. $55 to $341.

Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Thursday, Dec. 31

Thursday december 31 Concerts ■ A New Year’s Eve Celebration will feature soul/funk artist Sir Joe Quarterman and FreeSoul, as well as the young soulful singers Michael Mwenso & the Shakes featuring Brianna Thomas. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “A Jazz New Year’s Eve” will celebrate the centenary of Frank Sinatra with a performance by pianist and vocalist Diane Schuur accompanied by a jazz quartet and a full complement of strings. 7 and 9 p.m. $90. Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center” will feature international music icon and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 8:30 p.m. $55 to $149. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Twins Jazz will present a New Year’s Eve dinner and concert with jazz artist Kelly Shepherd. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $85. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

Special events ■ “Noon Yards Eve,” a family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival, will feature music, dancing, balloon artists, inflatables, trackless trains, face painting, kids’ crafts and a balloon drop at noon.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. theyardsdc.com.

■ A Family Yoga NYE Party led by Geneva Moss will feature partner poses, shared laughter and breath, and meditation on goals for 2016 (geared to families with children ages 3 and older). 4 to 5 p.m. $25 per family; reservations required by Dec. 29. lil omm yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW. lilomm.com.

■ “Neo Year’s Eve at Woolly Mammoth!” will feature a performance of “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” by the Chicago Neo-Futurists, with a pre-show happy hour and a post-performance party with a Champagne toast, dessert by Milk Bar and unlimited beer and wine. 10 p.m. $115 to $150. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939.

■ ArtJamz will host its annual New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball, featuring art materials, a canvas, studio time, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight Champagne toast. 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $65 to $75; $95 to $105 per couple. ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave. NW. artjamzdc.com.

Friday, Jan. 1

Friday january 1 Class ■ “New Year Detox and Rejuvenation Workshop” will offer a chance to reset for 2016 with asanas and pranayama to detoxify body, mind and soul. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $30 per person or $50 per pair. lil omm yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW. lilomm.com.

Concerts ■ Balladeer Anthony Compton will perform jazz and blues. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum.

Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

■ Kelly Shepherd and NoMad Stories will perform jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. $15.

Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz. com. The performance will repeat Saturday at 9 and 11 p.m.

Performances ■ The Culkin School of Irish Dance will celebrate Irish culture with a performance of Irish music and dance. 6 p.m.

Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center.

202-467-4600.

■ Beny Blaq will host “Live! From Busboys” open mic and talent showcase. 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. $5. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Orlando Magic. 7 p.m. $19 to $899.

Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

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THE CURRENT VAN NESS: Mixed-use project delayed by weather, infrastructure issues

From Page 3

tion Don Hachey said at the meeting.

Hachey said the site’s steep drop-off from Connecticut Avenue proved more difficult to work around than initially anticipated. And more than 60 days of inclement weather, including “torrential downpours” and last winter’s frigid temperatures, exceeded the block of time the construction company had set aside in anticipation of weather delays.

The most recent setback for the project, Hachey said, came when the construction company tried to excavate within the public right of way on the northern portion of the site. Crews anticipated working around existing duct banks and manholes, but they were surprised to find the ducts deteriorated, the manholes collapsed and live electric cables sticking out.

B.F. Saul contacted Pepco in October to inquire about repairs. Pepco representatives told the firm the area could be completely fixed within four to six months, which would have set the Park Van Ness project back even further.

Instead, Hachey said, the developer took a

more proactive approach.

“We chose to beg and plead and grovel and agree to rebuild it at our expense,” Hachey said. The process took only two months.

D.C. Department of Transportation deputy associate director Matthew Marcou — who oversees the use of public space, such as the sidewalk closure — said at the meeting that nobody is harmed by these delays more than B.F. Saul, which is losing “tens of thousands of dollars.”

He assured residents that construction will continue and the stakeholders will do everything in their power to get back on track.

“This is not somebody that anybody’s taking lightly,” Marcou said. “Everybody’s moving as expeditiously as possible.”

Commission chair Adam Tope told The Current he doesn’t think the commission can do much to push the project forward, other than hold the developer accountable for finishing in the time allotted.

Fellow commissioner and Van Ness Main Streets president Mary Beth Ray takes a more optimistic view, particularly regarding the new

businesses.

“While we’re frustrated with the sidewalk delay, we appreciate BF Saul’s transparency and willingness to work with the community,” Ray wrote in an email. “As both an ANC Commissioner and President of the Board of Van Ness Main Street, I predict it won’t be long before other developers ask themselves ‘why aren’t we in Van Ness?’”

Sfoglina is the latest restaurant from Fabio and Maria Trabocchi, who also own Fiola at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Fiola Mare at 3100 K St. NW; and Casa Luca at 1099 New York Ave. NW. According to media reports, handmade pastas will be the focus for the new eatery, which gets its name from the Italian word for a woman who makes pasta.

Soapstone Market will have indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and several deli and meat counters, according to media reports. It comes from Tracy Stannard and John Fielding, also responsible for Broad Branch Market at 5608 Broad Branch Road NW in Chevy Chase.

Photos and renderings of the project are available at tinyurl.com/ParkVanNess.

CAROLS: Local woman launches new Chevy Chase holiday tradition From Page 1

Voss will hand out songbooks she curated and printed herself, and the group — or groups, depending on how many people show up — will set off along Connecticut Avenue to make merry through song. The carolers will also be encouraged to patronize Chevy Chase’s family-owned businesses after the singing.

Voss practiced this Christmas Eve tradition for several years on Capitol Hill, where she lived with her husband, James Soriano, and their son Jacob from 2010 to late 2013. Voss and Soriano wanted to move to Upper Northwest to take advantage of the well-regarded public elementary schools in the neighborhood, particularly Lafayette Elementary, which Jacob will enter as a kindergartner next fall.

“Chevy Chase is about as close to a warm, small-town village as you can get in the city,” Voss said.

“People are very gracious and neighborly here, which I particularly appreciate.”

On the Hill, the annual Christmas caroling was an outgrowth of a program Voss hosted at the Southeast Library called “Booliwah,” which helped young children gain basic learning skills

through sign language, movement and music. Jam sessions were a primary component of her classes, and Voss took great pleasure in designing lesson plans to maximize rhythm and melody. For the caroling event, the focus was on children and their parents, but all demographics were welcome.

Former Capitol Hill caroler Nicole Bartels was such a fan of the event that after she and her family moved to Bowie, Md., in 2013, they returned to the city on Christmas Eve to continue the tradition.

“It was great because it was this eclectic group of littler kids, all races, coming together to celebrate the holidays and trying to spread cheer to others,” she said.

Bartels has noticed her daughter has recently developed a strong interest in the tradition, and she points to Voss’ energy as a factor.

She noted that some carolers had never sung a note before, but Voss assured them that the point was to have fun, not to hit every note perfectly.

“Marelise is great at welcoming people and making people feel like they matter,” Bartels said.

Living and singing in Chevy Chase brings Voss full circle from her childhood. She grew up in

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

Carolers will meet at 11 a.m.

Christmas Eve at the Starbucks at 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Illinois, but often visited family friends in the D.C. neighborhood with her mother, who had attended Catholic University. In the ultimate example of fortuitousness, the backyard of her new home is adjacent to the former home of the friends Voss visited as a child.

“If you’d told me I was going to live in D.C., I would have been ecstatic, but I think I would have been very surprised,” Voss said.

This year, in another effort to give back to the community, Voss and her family have also been participating in the “12 Days of Kindness” concept, which began on Dec. 12 and will culminate with the caroling event on Christmas Eve. Each day, the family participates in an act of kindness, like delivering cookies across the neighborhood or participating in a Ward 4 coat drive.

In the future, Voss is interested in introducing a version of Booliwah to Chevy Chase, at a location yet to be determined. She’s also thought about hosting a Chevy Chase choral program where adults and children can simultaneously learn basic singing techniques and music theory.

But for 2015, her focus is the caroling. In her ideal vision of the event, people walking down the street will spontaneously join in on the singing, as they’ve done during her previous gatherings.

“What is more joyous than singing?” Voss said. “I’m hoping this will be the purest expression of a true holiday spirit these folks will have this season.”

cels on different regions of the property for demolition, remediation and new construction in phases. Each parcel will be sold to an individual component developer, according to Michael Jones, principal at Triden Development.

The development team, which also includes the Hines firm, is in talks with Wegmans for a new store in the designated spot for a grocer on the property. According to Jones, Wegmans is in the process of compiling a market study for the site, which it will complete by the end of January.

“The discussions that we’re having with them will be much more robust after the site analysis,” Jones said. “We believe there is strong interest in both parties to make that happen.”

In response to a question from Mendelson, Jones admitted that the timeline for the project means the grocery store likely won’t open until 2021 or 2022. The store would take over the former hospital facilities at Walter Reed Building 2, which requires a demolition process of three years. Then excavation would begin, taking up to another year before the retailer could move in.

Also moving into space at Walter Reed is the District of Columbia International School, a collaborative venture of five existing language immersion charters. The school could open doors to a new campus facility at the corner of 16th and Aspen streets in September 2017. Ultimately the venture hopes to expand its Walter Reed campus to offer an International Baccalaureate program from grades six through 12.

Current student Gabriel Madison testified that students at the program’s incubator space in Mount Pleasant now have to walk 20 minutes to a nearby church for gym class. The problem will only get more severe as the program grows from 400 to 1,200 students over the next five years, according to a D.C. International School trustee.

“This is terribly inconvenient, and it means that students lose instructional time,” Madison said.

“This will easily be resolved if we can retain our space on the Walter Reed campus.”

Jones said an earlier plan would have put the school in its new campus by next September, but various project delays affected the schedule.

Developers at the hearing also mentioned soliciting community feedback about the best use for the 20 available acres of green space.

Possibilities include a farmers market and outdoor movies.

The public record on this legislation will close on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. After that, the bill will go to committee for markup before heading to the full council for a vote.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 23

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WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

We have exciting new listings that will be coming on the market in the New Year.

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Please go to tayloragostino.com for more photos and links to MRIS for all of our featured the properties.

Steve Agostino 202.321.5506 Nancy Taylor 202.997.0081 Keene Taylor Jr. 202.321.3488 5506 Connecticut Avenue NW #28 Washington, DC 20015 Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

202.362.0300 or visit tayloragostino.com/walkthrough to schedule an appointment.