Nw 12 21 2016

Page 1

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SPORTS

HOLIDAYS

GETTING AROUND

INDEX

Statement victory

Winning lights

Ward Circle

Calendar/20 Classifieds/29 District Digest/2 Getting Around/26 In Your Neighborhood/14 Opinion/6

St. John’s boys basketball aims to set tone for season with its rout of WCAC rival / Page 9

Transportation Department seeks feedback on reconfiguration ideas for troubled intersection / Page 26

Burleith Citizens Association awards residents for year’s best holiday decorations / Page 16

Police Report/4 Real Estate/13 School Dispatches/12 Service Directory/27 Sports/9 Week Ahead/3

Tips? Contact us at newsdesk@currentnewspapers.com

The Northwest Current

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

D.C. Council passes ANC reform bill

WE THREE KINGS

Meeting on shelter design revisits procedural dispute ■ Homelessness: City seeks

input about building’s details

By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

A divisive bill that alters procedures for the city’s advisory neighborhood commissions earned final approval from the D.C. Council Tuesday, despite concerns from local commissioners over the extra burden the measure could place on them. Ward 6 member Charles Allen registered the lone dissenting voice in the council’s initial 12-1 vote, arguing beforehand that the vast majority of commissioners aren’t happy with the bill as currently written. Later in the meeting, Ward 2 D.C. Council member Jack Evans successfully requested a vote to reconsider the bill. He then proposed that the council table the legislation until the new year, but the effort failed, despite a vote of support from Ward 3 member Mary Cheh. In a second vote on the bill itself, Evans and Allen opposed the bill, which passed See ANCs/Page 15

Vol. XLIX, No. 51

Serving Communities in Northwest Washington Since 1967

By KATE MAGILL Current Correspondent

Brian Kapur/The Current

Icy conditions didn’t stop Washington National Cathedral from hosting its annual Christmas pageant on Saturday. The event featured carols, a living Nativity scene and children acting out the roles of angels, shepherds and animals.

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The Current Newspapers would like to thank our readers and advertisers for yet another successful year bringing community news to your doorstep!

Please enjoy this last issue of 2016. We look forward to working with you all in providing the best local news coverage in 2017 and the years to come.

A largely frustrated crowd called for greater communication and details on the city’s planned Ward 3 homeless shelter at a community meeting on the project last week. The Dec. 13 meeting attracted more than 100 residents, who came to hear more information about the plan to construct the short-term family housing facility on a part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s 2nd District headquarters property, 3320 Idaho Ave. NW. The project is part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan to close the massive D.C. General homeless shelter and replace it with smaller facilities in every ward of the District. Ward 3’s facility is slated to open in summer 2019, according to project leader Laura Zeilinger, who directs the D.C. Department of Human Services. While the stated goal of the

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

The planned shelter would set behind the police building.

evening was for Zeilinger and the site’s architects to share details about the building’s design and offer residents a chance to give feedback, the neighbors spent much of the evening demanding more information on how the facility will impact their area. Their concerns included public safety, the scale of the planned six-story building and the project’s traffic impact. The meeting’s attendees expressed particular concern with how the facility’s location on the police station property and the increased number of residents would impede officers’ abilities to See Shelter/Page 30

Improvements discussed for Rock Creek buildings By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

The National Park Service is in the early stages of planning a long-term rehabilitation and development project at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Horse Center complex. The project also includes the center’s planetarium, along with picnic areas and a maintenance area on the site, located on Glover Road NW just south of Military Road. More than $8 million in capital needs are forecasted for the site, in addition to a $4 million maintenance backlog, according to a Park Service planning document. Plans list several concept options for renovation, with improvements to accessibility and aesthetics on the site consistent among all options. An option called “Fix It” calls for repairing existing features, while another one called “Escape from the City” proposes transforming the site into “a bustling refuge

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

The agency is looking at the area around the Rock Creek Nature Center and Horse Center complex.

from the bustling District of Columbia.” A third option, “Green Campus,” focuses on sustainability and education efforts, with features including an amphitheater for community gatherings and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification for the buildings, some of which would need to be reconstructed. See Park/Page 25

2 Digest

2

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

District Digest Washington Home closes amid sale

The Washington Home & Community Hospices closed its nursing services facility last Thursday after completing the sale of its building and land to adjacent Sidwell Friends School, according to a news release from the nonprofit. Washington Home, at 3720 Upton St. NW, faced criticism after announcing in September 2015 that the facility would close as part of a sale to Sidwell Friends School. “All nursing

home patients have been transferred to other nursing homes or, in several cases, to their families outside of the Washington area,� the release states. The Washington Home will continue its hospice care services, mostly in patients’ homes or in other nursing homes, the release said. In addition, its in-patient hospice will continue for up to a year in a wing of the building leased back from Sidwell. “This will enable a transition of the inpatient unit to another location within the next year,� the release said. “Several potential

sites are being evaluated for location, suitability and cost of buildout.� Earlier this year, family members, a group of housing advocates and a housing clinic at the University of District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law fought unsuccessfully to halt the sale from going through. The release said the Washington Home is considering other ways to fulfill its mission, dating back to 1888, of primarily serving elderly, chronically and terminally ill residents in the area. Officials had concluded that the long-

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standing inpatient facility wasn’t financially viable.

Police expand use of body-worn cameras

The Metropolitan Police Department last week marked its deployment of body-worn cameras to all patrol officers in the city. The D.C. police force now leads the nation with the highest number of officers — more than 2,600 — equipped with body cameras, according to a release from Mayor Muriel Bowser. Bowser joined interim Police Chief Peter Newsham on Dec. 15 to highlight what she described as “one of the many steps we’ve taken over the past two years� to increase public safety. According to The Washington Post, D.C. police have recorded more than 500,000 videos with 100,000 hours of footage during the first two years of body camera usage, which the report says started modestly but grew into “a signature program� for Bowser. In the release, Newsham said that “the use of body-worn cameras will benefit our community and the Department by improving police services, increasing accountability for individual interactions, and strengthening police-community relations.�

Holidays alter trash pickup, parking rules

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The D.C. Department of Public Works will suspend most of its services, including trash collection and parking enforcement, on the District government’s designated holidays of Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2. During the two holiday weeks, the agency will shift its normal trash and recycling collections to the next day in the schedule. This change applies to both once-a-

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Holiday schedule This is The Current’s last issue of 2016. The Current will resume its weekly publication schedule on Jan. 4.

week and twice-a-week collections, the agency says in a release. The Fort Totten Transfer Station in Northeast will be closed for both holiday Mondays as well, with household hazardous waste and e-cycling drop-off services on Dec. 24 and 31 unaffected by the holiday schedule. Leaf collection will also be suspended on both holidays. The agency refers residents to the updated collection schedule at leaf.dcgis.dc.gov. The department will not be enforcing parking meters, residential parking restrictions or rush-hour lane restrictions on Dec. 26 and Jan 2, nor will it tow abandoned vehicles on those days. However, the agency will enforce parking restrictions associated with the H Street/Benning Road NE streetcar on both holiday Mondays, with hours reflecting the streetcar’s schedule at dcstreetcar.com/riding/schedule. Streetcar service itself will be suspended on Christmas Day, when related parking restrictions will not be in effect.

Historical Society set to return to Carnegie

The Historical Society of Washington D.C. will reopen to the public on Jan. 17 in its home at the Carnegie Library, the organization announced last week. The building at 801 K St. NW was closed temporarily in September to treat mold found in two areas and to conduct further environmental testing. Property manager Events DC -- the official convention and sports authority for the District -- announced that the Carnegie Library is now set to reopen following successful completion of the remediation work. The Historical Society in 1999 signed a 99-year lease for its space in the historic Mount Vernon Square building, where it hosts exhibitions and programs on local history throughout the year and operates its Kiplinger Research Library. During the temporary closure, the Historical Society relocated its offices to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and rescheduled one of its exhibits to open at the National Building Museum, according to the release.

Corrections

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

3

n ch The Current W ednesday, December 21, 2016

Preservation board rejects WIS addition at Tregaron By CUNEYT DIL

Current Correspondent

Washington International School’s latest proposal for a new science building on its Cleveland Park campus failed to win approval last week from the Historic Preservation Review Board. The project, which would sit on a hill facing Macomb Street NW at the historic Tregaron Conservancy, has gone through numerous revisions that have all failed to secure support from the local advisory neighborhood commission or the Historic Preservation Office. The board voted 7-1 last Thursday to adopt a staff report from the agency concluding that the “size and placement of the proposed building is incompatible with the character of this unique country house property and its carefully balanced landscape.”

Tenley project still draws height objections By ELLIE HARTLEB Current Correspondent

The two-story, 34,000-squarefoot classroom building would have a “very prominent visibility” outside the property, Steve Callcott, the staff report’s author, said at Thursday’s meeting. Clayton Lewis, the head of the private school at 3100 Macomb Street NW, hinted before the vote that if the board opposed the plans, the school would appeal the case to the Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation. Callcott said he suggested this option, which weighs preservation concerns against a project’s broader public interest. Notable cases decided under this process include a permit to expand arched doorways at historic firehouses to fit modern vehicles, and the demolition of the deteriorating Third Church of Christ, Scientist, building to allow the congregation to have a modern worship facility. See Tregaron/Page 11

Neighbors of a planned residential and retail building in Tenleytown responded favorably to developers’ proposed community benefits at a recent meeting, but some remain convinced that the project is too large for the area. At the Dec. 8 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3E (Friendship Heights, Tenleytown), Urban Investment Partners presented a revised community benefits package for the project at 4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which repurposes and significantly expands an office building there. The firm promised to lower the ceiling height of its underground parking garage to allow higher ceilings for the retail space; to subsidize half of the mandated affordable housing units to a greater degree than otherwise required; to build out an outdoor space next to the building; and to renovate a park building nearby, among other amenities. The proposed mixed-use project, which would replace two existing commercial buildings with 135 apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail space, has drawn criticism from neighbors for its

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

The project would replace low-rise commercial buildings next to the new Tenley View (at left).

height relative to its surroundings. Developers removed 21 units from the plans in October after failing to successfully purchase a third small building at 4626 Wisconsin, but the height remains just over 100 feet, including the building’s penthouse and mechanical screen wall. Urban Investment is developing the site through the city’s planned unit development process, which allows for additional density rights in exchange for public amenities. The developers revised the benefits package, last presented in See Project/Page 25

Commission dials back PUD lot-size reform By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer

Plans to redevelop a gas station at Georgetown’s eastern gateway can move forward after the Zoning Commission gave its approval to the complicated application on Monday. EastBanc’s proposal for the Valero service station at 2715 Pennsylvania Ave. NW is relatively modest: seven apartments above ground-floor commercial space, envisioned as a restaurant with outdoor seating. The developer’s angular brick design already won conceptual design approval from the Old Georgetown Board. But complications arose in the

zoning case. The EastBanc property is irregularly shaped, wedged in the triangle between Pennsylvania Avenue, M Street and Rock Creek Park, and fairly small at just under 7,500 square feet. Part of the lot had never received a zoning designation. Then EastBanc’s effort to go through the planned unit development process — in which a developer offers community amenities to offset the impact of waiving zoning restrictions — was held up as the Zoning Commission debated whether to allow such PUDs on properties this small. On Monday, commissioners first approved their long-debated change to the zoning regulations that allows a PUD on lots as small

as 5,000 square feet in certain zones that are designated for dense development. But they accepted a compromise measure advanced by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C (Adams Morgan) and dropped plans to reduce the minimum lot size in zones that cover certain blocks of row houses or small commercial buildings. ANC 1C, the Committee of 100 for the Federal City and some other community organizations had raised concerns that allowing a PUD to have a small lot size would encourage speculators to snap up a couple of adjacent homes or other small properties — and then use the PUD rules to build a tall building that would be See Zoning/Page 11

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The week ahead Friday, Dec. 22

The Chevy Chase Citizens Association will hold its annual holiday event, featuring cookie decorating and craft-making. The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW. (The event was rescheduled from the original date because of icy conditions on Saturday, Dec. 17.)

Sunday, Jan. 1

Mayor Muriel Bowser will host her annual “Fit DC Fresh Start” 5K Walk/Run at 9 a.m. at East Potomac Park on Ohio Drive SW. Registration is free; visit fitdcfreshstart5k. eventbrite.com.

Monday, Jan. 2

The D.C. Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for new and re-elected members at 10 a.m. in the West Salon, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. ■ At-large D.C. Council member Anita Bonds will host her 2016 Community Cornerstones Awards & Office Open House from noon to 2 p.m. in Suite 404, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Reservations are requested at 202-724-8064. ■ Ward 4 D.C. Council member Brandon Todd will host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. in Suite 105, John A. Wil-

son Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. To RSVP, call 202-724-8052 or email jcarnes@dccouncil.us.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Events DC, the city’s convention and sports authority, will host a citywide community meeting to provide updates on the planned redevelopment of the RFK Stadium-Armory campus. The agenda will include discussion of initial shortterm activations for the 190-acre site and a report on financial feasibility and environmental issues. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 146 ABC, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. To RSVP, visit rfkcitywidemeeting2.splashthat.com. ■ The Ward 3-Wilson Feeder Education Network will meet at 7 p.m. at the Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The meeting will focus on revised education specifications for school renovation and building projects.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

The University of the District of Columbia CommunityCampus Task Force will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Room A-03 of Building 44 on the university’s campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. Preliminary agenda items include 2018 budget scenarios and upcoming university events. For details, contact Thomas E. Redmond at 202-247-5622 or tredmond@udc.edu.

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3

4 Police

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

n

Police Report This is a listing of incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department from Dec. 12 through 18 in local police service areas, sorted by their report dates.

p.m. Dec. 12. â– 900-999 block, 13th St.; 5:11 a.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 102

â– GALLERY PLACE PSA 102

PENN QUARTER

PSA PSA 101 101 â– DOWNTOWN

Motor vehicle theft â– 1200-1299 block, New York Ave.; 7:34 p.m. Dec. 12. Theft â– 1306-1399 block, H St.; 1:44 a.m. Dec. 12. â– 1200-1299 block, G St.; 3:02 p.m. Dec. 12. â– 1000-1099 block, F St.; 9:33 p.m. Dec. 12. â– 1000-1099 block, F St.; 3:06 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 1200-1299 block, New York Ave.; 8:09 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 1200-1299 block, New York Ave.; 8:34 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 800-901 block, I St.; 9:28 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 500-599 block, 12th St.; 8:09 p.m. Dec. 15. â– 900-999 block, E St.; 11:26 a.m. Dec. 17. â– 1100-1199 block, F St.; 4:54 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 1000-1099 block, F St.; 5:10 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 500-599 block, 12th St.; 7:48 p.m. Dec. 18. Theft from auto â– 900-999 block, F St.; 4:27

Robbery â– 400-457 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 9:14 p.m. Dec. 12. Motor vehicle theft â– 444-499 block, K St.; 12:48 a.m. Dec. 14. Theft â– 600-699 block, 7th St.; 1:02 a.m. Dec. 12. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 12:48 p.m. Dec. 13. â– 700-799 block, 7th St.; 10:24 p.m. Dec. 13. â– 600-699 block, F St.; 5:09 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 400-457 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 7:45 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 700-799 block, 6th St.; 11:24 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 700-799 block, 7th St.; 2:16 a.m. Dec. 16. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 5:13 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 400-457 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 9:05 p.m. Dec. 17. â– 800-899 block, 7th St.; 12:30 a.m. Dec. 18. Theft from auto â– 400-448 block, I St.; 7:11 a.m. Dec. 13.

â– 400-443 block, K St.; 8:10 a.m. Dec. 16. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 3:10 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 400-443 block, K St.; 10:34 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 12:04 a.m. Dec. 17. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 10:26 p.m. Dec. 17. â– 400-497 block, L St.; 3:11 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 800-899 block, 7th St.; 4:13 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 400-443 block, K St.; 4:19 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 400-443 block, K St.; 6:35 p.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 202

â– FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS

PSA 202

TENLEYTOWN / AU PARK

Theft â– 5300-5399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 12:58 p.m. Dec. 12. â– 4500-4537 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 11:26 a.m. Dec. 13. â– 4530-4599 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 8:32 a.m. Dec. 14. â– 5300-5399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 9:46 a.m. Dec. 15. â– 5254-5299 block, Western Ave.; 2:17 a.m. Dec. 17. â– 5300-5399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 1:14 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 5300-5399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 4:35 p.m. Dec. 18. Theft from auto â– 4540-4599 block, 42nd St.; 1:40 p.m. Dec. 16.

PSA 203

â– FOREST HILLS / VAN NESS PSA 203

CLEVELAND PARK

Robbery â– 3000-3399 block, Porter St.; 1:08 a.m. Dec. 14. Theft â– 2300-2391 block, Porter St.; 4:27 p.m. Dec. 17. â– 3100-3399 block, Rodman St.; 4:58 p.m. Dec. 17. Theft from auto â– 2300-2391 block, Porter St.; 11:29 p.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 204

â– MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE

HEIGHTS / CLEVELAND PARK WOODLEY PARK / GLOVER PARK PSA 204 CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS

Assault with a dangerous weapon â– 2301-2499 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 4:36 p.m. Dec. 18. Motor vehicle theft â– 2700-2799 block, 29th St.; 9:13 p.m. Dec. 12. Theft â– 2241-2318 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 9:28 p.m. Dec. 13. â– 2241-2318 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 10:05 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 4200-4349 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 8:36 p.m. Dec. 15. â– 2800-2899 block, Woodland Drive; 6:49 a.m. Dec. 17.

â– 2900-2999 block, Woodland Drive; 4:40 p.m. Dec. 17. â– 2600-2699 block, 36th St.; 8:05 p.m. Dec. 18. â– 3900-3979 block, Fulton St.; 8:44 p.m. Dec. 18. Theft from auto â– 2600-2699 block, 31st St.; 3:51 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 2400-2499 block, 39th Place; 8:44 p.m. Dec. 14.

PSA 205

â– PALISADES / SPRING VALLEY PSA 205

WESLEY HEIGHTS / FOXHALL

Theft â– 3200-3299 block, New Mexico Ave.; 4:01 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 4100-4199 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 3:07 a.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 208

â– SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

PSA 208CIRCLE DUPONT

Assault with a dangerous weapon â– 1700-1799 block, 21st St.; 2:32 a.m. Dec. 17 (with knife). â– 1800-1899 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 5:12 a.m. Dec. 18 (with knife). Burglary â– 1200-1225 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 6:43 a.m. Dec. 15. Theft â– 1400-1499 block, P St.; 6:54

a.m. Dec. 15. â– 1200-1217 block, 18th St.; 2:19 p.m. Dec. 15. â– 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 5:56 p.m. Dec. 15. â– 1200-1249 block, 22nd St.; 11:45 p.m. Dec. 16. Theft from auto â– 1800-1819 block, 18th St.; 3:26 a.m. Dec. 13. â– 1900-1999 block, N St.; 2:22 p.m. Dec. 15. â– 1200-1399 block, 16th St.; 12:57 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 1300-1321 block, 15th St.; 3:34 p.m. Dec. 16. â– 1900-1923 block, 18th St.; 12:52 a.m. Dec. 18.

PSA PSA 303 303

â– ADAMS MORGAN

Robbery â– 2200-2299 block, 18th St.; 7:19 p.m. Dec. 14. Burglary â– 2200-2299 block, 19th St.; 1:42 p.m. Dec. 15. Theft â– 2412-2499 block, 20th St.; 1:40 p.m. Dec. 14. â– 1900-1999 block, Connecticut Ave.; 6:36 p.m. Dec. 18. Theft from auto â– 2800-2999 block, Adams Mill Road; 7:04 a.m. Dec. 13. â– 1646-1699 block, Columbia Road; 5:04 p.m. Dec. 16.

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n ch g The Current W ednesday, December 21, 2016

5

Adams Morgan ANC requests statue upgrade in renovated Unity Park By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

Developers of The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan plan to renovate the triangle park in front of the building, while the status of an existing fountain and statue in the park remains up in the air. Residents expressed support for the overall plans for Unity Park — which is bounded by Champlain and Euclid streets

NW and Columbia Road NW — at this month’s meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C (Adams Morgan), and commissioners unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the designs. But ANC 1C also asked the developer to coordinate with design review agencies on the possibility of replacing the plate on which the fountain and statue sit. “It’s a bit tragic,” commissioner Alan Gambrell said of the base. “It isn’t even

Wilson pledges to prioritize equity as schools chancellor Current Staff Report Antwan Wilson, the mayor’s pick for D.C. schools chancellor, said in an interview with reporters this month that he believes the District’s better-performing schools are competitive with those in Montgomery and Fairfax counties. But he said the major problem is raising education quality in poorly performing D.C. schools. “Equity is a priority,” said Wilson, who was confirmed unanimously for the top school system post by the D.C. Council on Tuesday. Wilson was most recently superinten- Wilson dent of the Oakland, Calif., school district, where 70 percent of students get free and reduced lunches and about half are from families whose native language is not English. Pinpointing his major accomplishments in Oakland, Wilson said that by 2020 all high school freshmen and sophomores will be on a career pathway thanks to their education. Students on a career track, he added, have a much higher graduation rate. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser nominated Wilson to the chancellor post in November and praised him in a statement following Tuesday’s council confirmation. “After years of reform, we are keenly aware of the challenges our schools and students still face and Antwan Wilson has the passion, determination and ideas for tackling those challenges,” Bowser wrote in the statement. “I look forward to working with Chancellor Wilson to ensure that families

in every ward feel like they have high-quality school options.” Wilson — who joined the Oakland system in July 2014 and still has a year left on his contract — said in the recent interview that moving to the District would be “a unique opportunity.” When asked for his opinion on highly selective programs for qualified students, Wilson said he has pushed for college-level courses in high schools. However, he said it’s essential to ensure the selection process for those courses is fair. Wilson said he looked forward to learning about local programs the District could emulate, including a Montgomery County science initiative that pairs seniors with government officials on research. Before Oakland, Wilson was deputy superintendent for postsecondary readiness of the Denver school system. His online biography cites his achievements there as improving graduation rates, doubling Advanced Placement courses, and increasing the numbers of students entering college. Wilson said that he’s had experience in both Denver and Oakland working outside traditional public schools — dealing with a large number of charter schools and supporting adult education efforts, for example. Wilson attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he majored in history and social science education. He has an advanced degree in school leadership from Friends University. He previously served as a principal at public schools in Denver and Wichita, Kan. Wilson and his wife, who is also an educator, have three children, all of whom attend public schools.

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square; it isn’t even round. It looks like a grand piano. It makes no sense. I think it’s an opportunity to make a more substantial fountain for that statue.” The Sydell Group, a New York-based developer, secured approval from the Zoning Commission for the hotel project in 2014 through the city’s planned unit development process, which allows greater density and other zoning flexibility in exchange for public amenities — in this case, renovat-

Northwest Business Apple plans Mount Vernon Square store

Apple is currently in negotiations to open a flagship store within the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square, according to an announcement from Events DC, the city’s official convention and sports authority. Events DC, which manages the Carnegie Library, recently entered into a letter of intent to lease portions of the 801 K St. NW building to Apple. If negotiations are successful, the development would “help to breathe new life into a popular historic site and to reimagine the original intent for the building,” Events DC said in a news release. The proposal calls for Apple to pay market-rate rent and operating expenses. Under a 10-year lease, with two five-year options to renew, the company would take over the library’s ground floor and basement levels, according to the release. Apple would share the building with the existing tenant, the Historical Society of Washington, DC, which signed a 99-year lease for its space in 1999. Events DC would continue to have rights to use non-retail areas of the library for special events. “Not only can this new partnership cement the Shaw neighborhood as a convention and entertainment district in the city, but it can also drive economic impact with substantial revenue opportunities,” Gregory O’Dell, president and CEO of Events DC, said in the release. The Washington Business Journal reported this month that Apple plans to renovate the historic building to design its 63,000-square-foot space.

ing Unity Park, in addition to adding other community spaces inside the hotel. Aside from the statue and fountain plans, Sydell’s park project will consist of adding benches around all the existing trees; replacing existing paving with permeable pavement; constructing a path designed to symbolize unity by looking like intertwining roots from above; and replacing two existing light posts with string lights raised 15 to See Unity/Page 25

Officials from the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District responded positively to the news, predicting the flagship Apple store would “serve as an important anchor and retail catalyst for many of the existing 835 retailers” in the area around Mount Vernon Triangle, and support the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and its 1 million-plus annual visitors. The Carnegie Library, which first opened in 1903, ceased functioning as a library in the 1970s. In 2014 plans fells through to move the International Spy Museum into the historic landmark.

Celebrity chef eyes Georgetown location

An upscale Virginia restaurant from José Andrés is moving across the river to a yet-to-be-announced location in Georgetown in 2017, according to media reports. The farm-to-table concept, which specializes in comfort food and a refined wine menu, first opened in 2012 as a pop-up associated with the National Museum of American History. Since 2014, it’s operated as the America Eats Tavern out of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in McLean. The Virginia location will close on Dec. 23, according to a Washington City Paper story. “Georgetown is such a beautiful, historic part of D.C. and will make an amazing new home for America Eats Tavern,” Andrés told the City Paper in a statement. The menu includes among its patriotic specialties country ham, steak tartare American, creamy tomato soup and Nashville hot chicken.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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The Northwest

Current

Davis Kennedy/Publisher & Editor Chris Kain/Managing Editor

A welcome exception

This New Year’s Eve brings competing safety priorities for local transportation. First, there’s the ongoing need to restrict Metro service hours so workers have adequate time to maintain rail lines. But on a night full of festivities designed around alcohol and midnight, shutting down subway service at 12 a.m. would have been dangerously rigid — encouraging people to travel by car rather than public transportation. Fortunately, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced this month that it would make a rare exception to its “SafeTrack” operating schedule and keep trains running until 3 a.m. in the early hours of the new year. Better yet, revelers will travel free, thanks to MillerCoors’ “responsible commuting” campaign. The program will cover Metrobus and Metrorail trips between midnight and 3 a.m. This service will complement the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s annual Holiday SoberRide program, which began offering free taxi rides every night over the past weekend. The program runs through Jan. 1, covering rides up to $30 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day for people who’ve imbibed. Call 1-800-200-TAXI to request a free cab. We’re fortunate to have both services, which will go a long way toward reducing drunk driving during a potentially dangerous night. And moving forward, we hope Metro will continue to be flexible about subway hours — especially when a sponsor agrees to help keep the system open late. Metrorail is critical for the efficient, affordable mass movement of revelers, concertgoers or sports fans, along with the employees who serve them, and we hope that Metro can allow modest reductions in maintenance hours to accommodate them on special occasions.

Holiday cheer

The Current

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As we listened to Christmas tunes echo through the Washington National Cathedral last week, we were reminded of the many individuals and groups who have worked so hard to bring a happy holiday season to countless Washingtonians. From festive music to cheery decorations, the spirit of the season has been on full display throughout Northwest. In last week’s concert, the Cathedral Choral Society lent its voices to one of the region’s premier holiday performances. The group was joined by the impressive Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School Choir — and by an enthusiastic audience of over 2,700 who sang along with numerous carols. We were quite impressed by Joseph Flummerfelt, the event’s guest conductor, who did a superb job of bringing the holiday spirit to the audience and performers alike. But you don’t need to travel to the Cathedral for holiday music. Carolers of all ages have added their voices to events across the city, or have simply continued the centuries-old tradition of spreading their songs in smaller groups. A Chevy Chase resident has started a new caroling tradition in her neighborhood, seeking any volunteer who will bring enthusiasm and festive attire. Now in its second year, the Christmas Eve event will start at noon in front of the 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW Starbucks — and will now feature Hanukkah songs in addition to Christmas melodies. Another notable event took place this past Sunday at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW: a “flash mob carol sing” sponsored by various Georgetown churches. If your paths didn’t cross with a caroler’s, you’ve still seen the fruits of someone’s labor as you pass lavishly decorated shop windows — particularly in neighborhoods where business improvement districts or Main Street groups organized competitions — or displays like the Georgetown GLOW and the National Zoo’s ZooLights. Residents are also in on the action: Not only are many Washingtonians bedecking their houses individually, but the Burleith Citizens Association is encouraging its members further with an organized competition. Meanwhile, neighborhoods ranging from traditional retail hubs to up-andcoming destinations including Petworth and Van Ness held holiday markets to make the shopping experience more festive. And the holidays aren’t merely about merriment. For instance, this year the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its December 25th Day of Service — organizing a projected 1,000 volunteers to fill in for social services providers who hope to celebrate the holiday with their own families. We don’t have room to thank everyone who helped make holidays in Washington special. But we’re confident, based on our joyful experience at the Cathedral, that your labors brought warmth to this season for many of your neighbors.

In Santa’s sack …

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ime for the corny Christmas column. Your Notebook awards the following gifts and acknowledgments with good humor, grace and a bit of satire as we look toward the 2018 mayoral race that actually starts in 2017. ■ Mayor Muriel Bowser: five golden rings. Come the new D.C. Council period on Jan. 2, the mayor at her midterm will have only one reliable, sure vote on the 13-member body. It will be Ward 4’s Brandon Todd, who was handpicked by Bowser to succeed her in that seat. Although he has since won re-election to a full term of his own, Todd alone remains fully in Bowser’s court. Her other go-to allies — LaRuby May in Ward 8, Yvette Alexander in Ward 7 and Vincent Orange at-large — all lost their re-election bids. So Mayor Bowser is in search of four potential votes that along with Todd — the five golden rings — will sustain any of her vetoes (like possibly family leave legislation). Given the shifting majorities on the council depending on the issue, the five golden rings won’t necessarily always be the same council members — except most likely Todd. ■ Attorney General Karl Racine: 10 lords a-leaping. As Mayor Bowser prepares to run for re-election in 2018, it will be 2017 when she actually starts fundraising and securing commitments for a second term. It’s no secret that Bowser sees Racine as a potentially serious challenger. Racine has been nothing short of an activist attorney general. He’s focused on consumer-friendly lawsuits, campaign ethics and other issues that also would look good outlined on campaign mailers. If he decides to run, his gift of 10 lords a-leaping will be the community and business leaders who will leap out front and endorse him early to set the stage for his campaign. Does he want to run? Those close to him say he can see himself as mayor. Within the Bowser camp, there had been hope that a Hillary Clinton presidency would result in an offer to Racine of a job or judgeship he could not refuse. That’s not going to happen with a President Trump. According to a summer financial report, Racine still has hefty campaign debts from his 2014 victory. In addition to $27,000 he owes consulting firm Apollo Political of Silver Spring, Racine still lists campaign debts to himself of $451,000. Those loans to his own campaign included $200,000 in August 2014, $225,000 in October that year, and $26,000 in November. The 10 leaping lords would have to leap a lot to retire that sum. But, technically, Racine can create a new campaign committee for mayor and deal with the old attorney general debt as he can. After all, he owes it to himself. ■ Kenyan McDuffie: a fire-starter kit. The Ward 5 council member routinely is mentioned as someone who may run for mayor. The chair of the Judiciary Committee started with a

strong buzz that has muted in recent months. No one doubts that McDuffie is thoughtful and conscientious as he grapples with law enforcement issues, but there’s rumbling criticism about his lack of passion or fire to make bold moves even as the crime rate offers an opportunity. McDuffie did leap into the Ward 5 homeless shelter flap, but that was more a misstep by Bowser than a rescue mission by McDuffie. His fire-starter kit includes matches that — if lit — will make him stand above the crowd on the city’s most volatile issue, crime. ■ Vincent Gray: a balancing bear. You’ve all seen the circus bear balancing act. Everything has to be just right. The same applies to the former mayor who in his heart of hearts feels wounded by the campaign scandal that scuttled his 2014 re-election bid. The scandal ended with no charges against Gray — and a return to the mayor’s office would be the sweetest vindication. Enter the balancing bear. Gray wasn’t charged, but he was hurt politically among voters who turned against him even though many thought highly of his performance as mayor. Gray Bowser is back in politics as of Jan. 2, again elected to the Ward 7 council seat where he got his political career started. Gray has to balance his advocacy for Ward 7 with any temptations to whack Bowser politically. He told us he would repreRacine sent Ward 7 and its issues, not become a common scold for whatever Bowser does. But if he is going to run for mayor in 2018, he’ll have to balance whether a one-on-one rematch against Bowser would be successful. Maybe it would be better for Gray in a split field with Racine and/or McDuffie in the race? Gray will balance all of these possibilities, including one more: He may find that serving on the council is enough to restore his political reputation. But that balancing bear still feels the tug of the mayor’s office. ■ A final word. This one has nothing to do with politics. The winter solstice is upon us, and we can look forward to gradually longer days of actual daylight. Wednesday is the “shortest” day of the year with only about nine hours and eight minutes of “daylight.” The days will lengthen until the summer solstice on June 21, 2017, the longest day of the year. The absence of sun is blamed for moodiness, sleep disruption, vitamin D deficiencies and assorted other maladies. If you prefer the sun, here’s a summer solstice countdown clock to keep you up to the second: tinyurl.com/solstice-counter. Tom Sherwood, a Southwest resident, is a political reporter for News 4.

TOM SHERWOOD’S

NOTEBOOK

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR City deserves better than digital signage

Regarding the D.C. Council’s recent vote in support of allowing electronic billboards around Nationals Park, I would like to commend at-large member Elissa Silverman, the only legislator to vote against this bill at first

reading on Dec. 6. Everyone else seems to want to prance around the issue, tweaking it here, amending it there — trying to appease everyone, particularly those with the money behind this type of legislation. We need to put an end to this environmentally unhealthy, visually unappealing assault on our senses and once and for all ban outdoor advertising in our city. It is first our city, but it is

also the nation’s capital. I believe that most Americans and those concerned about the beauty and stateliness of our hometown would support any effort in ending this. From the members and directors of the District of Columbia’s oldest civic association, we applaud Council member Silverman for her stance. William N. Brown President, Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of D.C.

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The Current

Pool at Hearst presents myriad complications VIEWPOINT HENRY MARTIN

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n light of The Current’s recent coverage of the controversy about D.C. adding a pool to Hearst Park at 37th and Quebec streets NW, here are eight reasons the city should choose a different location: 1. The park, with only 4.2 acres, is too small to accommodate a pool — which would be used a maximum of three months per year — without displacing popular multi-month uses of the park. These include soccer, softball, sledding, tennis and general relief from the commotion of urban life. Moreover, the pool would be too small to accommodate Ward 3’s population of 77,000. The pool shown on the Department of General Services’ website would be smaller than a single tennis court. 2. The pool plans involve introducing approximately 12,000 square feet of hardscape in the park, fencing off the remaining field and installing security lights and a pool house. This will forever change the character of the park, which for the past 85 years has been a natural open space enjoyed in all seasons. 3. The city admits it has not considered any alternate sites. 4. Neither local residents nor our advisory neighborhood commission received any advance notice of the pool plan. Most of us found out about the project when we were invited last spring to a Department of General Services planning meeting to provide input as to where on the Hearst fields a pool should be placed. We were told then, to our horror, that no alternative sites would be considered. 5. The city has conducted no environmental studies or traffic studies on the impact of placing a pool in the park, but is proceeding with its plans anyway. 6. The pool plan in inconsistent with the Depart-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Agency should not shirk responsibilities

Concerning the National Park Service nixing the Glover Archbold field behind 4000 Wisconsin Ave. NW for a Ward 3 outdoor pool, as reported in an article in The Current’s Nov. 23 issue, there’s much more to the story — and it doesn’t reflect well on the National Park Service or D.C. agencies. The Park Service gives various reasons: the extensive review required, the field’s habitat for plants and animals, utilities crossing the site, and an outdoor pool being not compatible with its plans. The Park Service shouldn’t base its decisions on what takes the least effort. Glover Archbold and Hearst are both Park Service land and deserve the agency’s best efforts, not its least efforts. Site evaluation procedures are well established. If “extensive review� is required to ensure this gets done right, the Park Service

ment of Parks and Recreation’s recently adopted PlayDC master plan in two respects: PlayDC provides for (a) putting a Ward 3 outdoor pool in far Northwest, closer to the Maryland line; and (b) leaving Hearst as an undisturbed green space. 7. The park sits on up to 30 feet of fill dirt and acts as a sponge for water flowing down from the Wisconsin Avenue area, causing ponding on the field and flooding along Springland Lane below. Our professionally prepared hydrology report indicates that the addition of new hardscape will exacerbate these water problems and complicate and dramatically increase the cost of construction of a pool at the site. The Department of General Services advised us at a planning meeting in September that hydrology would not be studied at this time. 8. The interior perimeter of the park is lined with 17 massive oak trees, many of which are threatened by one or more of the three pool plans being advanced by the city. Our 120-member nonprofit corporation, Neighbors for Hearst Park, has taken this message to all five at-large D.C. Council members, including Chairman Phil Mendelson, and to Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh. We have met with senior staff at the Department of Parks and Recreation. In our meetings we have asked that the search for a pool site be broadened beyond Hearst and have identified 13 possible alternatives, all on public land. Already we have received letters of support from the Cleveland Park Historical Society and Stoddert Soccer, and we are hoping to enlist other civic groups in our campaign. Anyone interested in participating in our effort to save Hearst can find information on our website at neighborsforhearst.org. Fencing off the Hearst field and putting in security lights and a pool house will do irreparable harm to this small and precious green space. Harry Martin is vice president and a board member of Neighbors for Hearst Park.

should welcome the effort. Park Service officials fail to mention that the field is used only as a right-of-way for stormwater drainage lines that have exceeded their useful life; that its water discharge at the field’s end causes significant environmental destruction downstream; and that it has plans to construct a new pumping station at the north end of the field next to the Van Ness Pepco building (see Park Service diagram at tinyurl.com/GAExcerpt). The field has numerous positive attributes for a pool location: It’s flat and sunny; it has straightforward construction conditions, nearby non-residential parking, restaurants and other services; and it is in a predominantly commercial area. A pool would not harm the Park Service’s objectives. On the contrary, it would help achieve park goals by rescuing the site from being solely a utility rightof-way; enhance the park entrance to the wooded trails of Glover Archbold, coincide with water drain and pump station construction; and avoid the recreation use trade-offs required by a Hearst Park pool.

The National Park Service should not shirk its responsibility to get the optimal result for the park system as a whole. Dan White North Cleveland Park

City needs stronger rules on tree removal

A beautiful cedar tree was cut down recently on our street (5514 Sherier Place NW) by the builder, Chryssa Wolfe Hanlon Design. It is an abomination that this was allowed to occur. The tree was directly adjacent to the sidewalk and had no effect on the marketability of this new house. The city must act to stop the destruction of our neighborhood trees. As for the builder, you should be ashamed of yourself for this action. You may have the legal right to do what you did, but aesthetically and philosophically you have completely struck out. Peter Larkin The Palisades

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR City should address issues with LED lights

The Current even light-blocking shades can keep this LED light out of her bedroom, and she has to wear a sleep mask every night. Another says she hasn’t slept well since the LEDs near her home were installed — despite the new shades she bought. This isn’t surprising. The American Medical Association issued a cautionary report last June about the harm to people of

One evening last summer I walked across Dupont Circle’s Park and was surprised and delighted to see a few fireflies lazily blinking and winking in their mating ritual. We are lucky to have them to charm us right here in the heart of the city. But we could lose them if the D.C. Department of Transportation continues to replace our current streetlights with the Photo courtesy of DDOT intensely bright, blue-white LEDs that The District has installed LED lights in alleys have sprouted up in recent years. along some streets the blue light (which appears and alleys. white to the naked eye) emitted A study conducted the past by these LEDs. They suppress three summers at the University melatonin and “have five times of Virginia suggests that “the greater impact on circadian sleep courtship behavior of fireflies is rhythms than conventional street getting disrupted by the LED floodlights.” The flashing activity lamps.” They also worsen nightin the plots lit by LEDs decreased time glare and thus decrease visuor stopped altogether compared to al acuity and safety, creating road hazards. the flashing in the dark plots. City residents in Davis, Calif., People, too, are disturbed by and Phoenix, are among those this overly bright white light coming into their homes. One res- who have objected to the intensity and the blue-white color of the ident in D.C. has found that not

new LEDs. In Davis, city officials had to retrofit the entire LED installation to soften the lights, an expensive mistake to correct. In Phoenix, a planned installation of LED streetlights in the blue-white color (4000K) drew protests, a petition, and the city council’s involvement to ensure the new LED installation employ a warmer yellow color (2700K). Here in our city, the D.C. Department of Transportation has been installing the 4000K variety that is the subject of these protests. City officials need to consider the lessons of Davis and Phoenix and get the installation right the first time. Until agency officials can meet with residents to address these safety and health concerns, all installations of new LEDs should halt. If we get LED lighting done well, we will save money and energy, protect people’s health and safety, and help preserve our natural world. Wouldn’t it be great to sit in our city’s parks in the soft twilight of evening and watch even more fireflies enchant us with their magical light show? Bonnie Garrity Dupont Circle

New elder abuse law marks step forward

The District of Columbia, following 16 other states including Maryland, finally has criminal-

ized elder financial exploitation by use of undue influence. The new D.C. law is 21-166, “Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and the Elderly Amendment Act of 2016.” At-large D.C. Council member Anita Bonds introduced this legislation in 2015 for me because she knew that criminalization of elder financial exploitation by use of undue influence had become my mission in life since the death of my mother and her husband. Former at-large D.C. Council member Hilda H.M. Mason and Charles N. Mason Jr. were financially exploited by use of undue influence for at least seven years, but the perpetrators never were prosecuted and punished because until now this was not a crime in D.C. Specifically, the new legislation — which was approved in July and took effect Nov. 23 after clearing congressional review — makes it a crime to financially exploit “a vulnerable adult or elderly person if the person intentionally and knowingly: (1) uses deception, intimidation, or undue influence to obtain the property, including money, of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, with the intent to deprive the vulnerable adult or elderly person of the property or use it for the advantage of anyone other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person; (2) uses deception, intimidation,

or undue influence to cause the vulnerable adult or elderly person to assume a legal obligation on behalf of, or for the benefit of, anyone other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person; or (3) violates any provision of law proscribing theft, extortion, forgery, fraud, or identity theft against the vulnerable adult or elderly person, so long as the offense was undertaken to obtain the property, including money, of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, or to cause the vulnerable adult or elderly person to assume a legal obligation on behalf of, or for the benefit of anyone, other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person.” Of course, just having a law on the books is meaningless without adequate enforcement, and the next challenge for all D.C. residents is to show that we take these types of crimes seriously. In the words of retired Lt. Vincent Tucci, who testified in support of the bill: “While I believe this bill signals a change in how we view the financial exploitation of the elderly, I think there is still more work that needs to be done. Unless we dedicate other assets to enforce the changes in statutes like this, it will only be a token put forth to act like we are protecting a valuable resource.” Carolyn Dungee Nicholas President, Hilda and Charles Mason Charitable Foundation Inc.

Northwest Sports The Current

Athletics in Northwest Washington

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December 21, 2016 ■ Page 9

Cadets pummel PVI for statement win

By BRIAN KAPUR Current Staff Writer

In the opening minutes of the St. John’s boys basketball game against Paul VI on Saturday, the Cadets quickly found themselves in an 11-1 hole after a slew of costly turnovers. Last season, St. John’s would have looked to Anthony Cowan to dig the team out. But he now suits up for the University of Maryland, leaving his alma mater without its star player. On Friday, the Cadets responded by showing their new identity this winter — a collective team effort — and turned a 10-point deficit into a 77-48 rout. “We just needed to stay composed,” said senior guard Emanuel Hylton. “We were a little rattled at the start. We just needed to get on a run. We just collectively capitalized on their turnovers.” The Cadets’ stat sheet reflected their collective effort as three players scored in double figures — sophomore guard Casey Morsell with 18 points, junior guard Tre Wood with 17 points and junior forward Qwanzi Samuels with 11. In addition, Hylton added eight and freshman guard Ishmael Leggett chipped in seven. “Anybody can have a breakout night,” Hylton said. “You never know who it is. Our starting lineup can average eight points per game, and that’s hard to defend.” Despite starting the game in a 10-point hole, St. John’s never blinked and pointed to its own mistakes for its early predicament. “We just stopped giving them layups,” said fifth-year Cadets coach Sean McAloon. “It was 11-1, and it was just layups based on us.” The Cadets swung the momen-

tum when Morsell forced a pair of turnovers and got some easy transition buckets as St. John’s closed the first quarter on a 14-4 run to tie the game at 15 by the end of the period. “He’s a sophomore; nobody really knows a lot about him,” McAloon said. “He was on varsity last year and took his lumps at practice every day. Those guys really prepared him. We expect him to take shots and make plays and he did that.” Morsell’s teammates have also taken notice and aren’t afraid to feed him the ball. “Casey is a great player,” said Reese. “He’s really young and stepping into his role. When he gets it going we just start looking for him.” Once St. John’s evened the game, the Cadets ran away with it and outscored the Panthers 22-7 in the second period. “We’re a really fast team,” said senior forward Reese Mona. “We were also getting back and stopping their speed. Once we got turnovers, from there we were able to really push our lead.” St. John’s entered the season as the reigning Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champions, and Saturday’s rout was a chance to put the local basketball scene on notice after the Cadets were omitted from The Washington Post’s hoops rankings and overlooked by other publications. “It was definitely a statement,” said Hylton. “In the second half we turned it up and held them to 48 points. They’re supposed to be a fast break, high tempo team. It was an early statement and will wake people up.” Their slight in the rankings has given the defending WCAC champions a chip on their shoulders but

also removed the target from their backs. “It’s fuel to the fire. The kids weren’t ranked, and they saw that,” said McAloon. “There was a lot of talk about other people, and they’ve got pride and they played like it tonight.” To get back to the top of the league, the team will be relying on the collective effort of the team rather than a solo star, but that doesn’t mean the squad doesn’t have talented individuals who can take over the game at any moment. “We miss him,” McAloon said of Cowan. “But we have five kids that play as one and move the ball really well. A lot of guys took the opportunity to score. Nothing has really changed. We just don’t have that big name.” The Cadets will rely on Mona for big plays, McAloon said. “Reese is unbelievable. He’s been on varsity for three years and does everything right,” said McAloon. “He knocks down shots and make plays. He is just a tough kid and knows how to play.” The team also relies on Wood from the point guard position to put the team in optimal offensive sets. “When we turned the game around and got back into it, Tre Wood did a hell of a job getting us back into it,” McAloon said. Wood will be joined in the backcourt by Leggett, who McAloon said is “a tough kid that has a lot of pride and plays really hard.” That backcourt duo gives McAloon hope for this season and beyond. “We have always had good point guards, and that’s not changing,” the coach said. “It’s just people don’t know them as well, and it’s their job to make people See Cadets/Page 10

Brian Kapur/The Current

St. John’s is proving once again to be a dominant team despite a retooled roster in which several players — such as sophomore guard Casey Morsell, center — are stepping into bigger roles.

Sidwell hoops enters year with championship aspirations By BRIAN KAPUR Current Staff Writer

Brian Kapur/The Current

Sidwell’s boys basketball team boasts a deep and talented roster that includes players like guard Ashton Jones, above.

Following a devastating loss in the MidAtlantic Conference championship game last winter, the Sidwell boys basketball team didn’t waste time sulking. The team took a few days to recover from the grind of the season, but then went right back to work. “After losing that game, it was heartbreaking for everybody,” said Sidwell senior Jelani Williams. “After the season was over, we met as a team. Everybody got back into the gym, and we had an incredible offseason. It really built momentum.” Their offseason work started to pay dividends, and the Quakers had a strong showing in summer league play. “We had a great summer. We beat DeMatha a couple of times, and that raises eyebrows,” said

Sidwell coach Eric Singletary. Williams, who has committed to suit up for the University of Pennsylvania next year, is considered one of the best players in the area. His position on the team, along with its strong showing this summer, has raised the profile of the Quakers, who are considered a top contender in the MidAtlantic Conference and D.C. State Athletic Association. “We have more of a target on our back,” Singletary said. “We haven’t accomplished [anything], but it’s amazing that we have a target.” For the Quakers, getting to where they are has been a long journey. When Williams was a freshman, the team had just lost the services of recently graduated seniors Josh Hart and Jamal Lewis, who led the school to multiple MAC titles and were two of the school’s best-ever players. Williams’ fresh-

man year didn’t go as planned as the Quakers stumbled to an 0-12 mark in conference play. That disappointment laid the foundation for this year’s squad. Core players stayed with the team, and Sidwell never took a shortcut by bringing in a highly touted transfer. The players simply worked. “They have been at the lowest of the low,” said Singletary. “To see it emerge back is a testament to everybody that wears the uniform.” Those lean years also created a bond and a mentally tough team. “This is probably the closest team I have played on — just how much we love each other,” said Williams. “We’re a band of brothers, and we will fight through any adversity together. It speaks to us because we like each other that much.” See Quakers/Page 10

10 Sports Jump

10 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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Sports Desk DCSAA nets ‘monumental’ partner

Monumental Sports Network has announced a new partnership with the D.C. State Athletic Association that will provide on-demand games, live streaming of several regular-season basketball games and exclusive coverage of the state championship games. “Washington has the most dynamic high school sports community of any city in the country, and Monumental Sports Network is thrilled to showcase and elevate D.C.’s superlative schools and student-athletes,� Monumental Sports Network vice president and general manager Zach Leonsis said in a news release. The partnership — which covers all public, charter and private schools that compete within the District under the city-run DCSAA — also excites the association’s executive director Clark Ray, according to the release. “The DCSAA’s mission is to make scholastic athletics across the city the best experience possible for our student-athletes, school communities and the proud fan bases from the region and around the country,� Ray said in the release. “This partnership with Monumental Sports Network will make the efforts of D.C.’s student-athletes that much more available for our larger civic community to embrace.� Since the announcement, the network has livestreamed the Dec. 12 boys basketball showdown between Roosevelt and H.D. Woodson. The deal will include a variety of boys and girls

basketball games, as well as other sports. Games will be announced and added to the network’s live schedule throughout the rest of the school year, and select games will be archived through the District Knowledge Network for on-demand viewing. The partnership will also allow Monumental to sponsor the DCSAA playoff honors for All-Tournament Team and Most Outstanding Player. The network will also assist student-athletes with organized professional development opportunities for D.C. students and schools, particularly in sports and media industries. To watch live DCSAA games on the network, go to monumentalsportsnetwork.com/dcsaa. The website offers two viewing options — an annual plan for $7.13 per month or a month-to-month plan for $12.99 per month.

High school sports for the holidays

While many local teams will be traveling or taking time off during the holiday season, there will be plenty of action in the District. The annual Title IX D.C. Classic will take place from Dec. 27 to 30 at the D.C. Armory. Northwest teams — Visitation, Wilson and Roosevelt — will all play in the three-day tournament against both local and national competition. Gonzaga will also host the 24th annual National Capital Hockey Tournament — better known as the Purple Puck Class — from Dec. 26 to 30 at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena. At the event, Gonzaga will compete in the boys bracket. Meanwhile, fellow Northwest squad Visitation will battle Holy Cross on Dec. 30 in the event’s lone girls game.

QUAKERS: Sidwell hopes to end title drought From Page 9

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Williams is the team’s unquestioned leader, and it’s a role that Singletary has worked to help him refine as a senior. “I’m trying to get him to pick out the pulse of the game and what’s needed from him,� Singletary said. The coach added that Williams doesn’t have to try to be the best on the floor — rather, he has to already believe he’s the best when he steps on the court, and then work to “be the most intelligent player on the court and figure out what we need.� With Williams as the team’s centerpiece, Singletary has worked to develop a game plan that takes advantage of his skills while also maximizing the rest of the Sidwell’s talented players. “[Williams] can’t guard all five guys, and he can’t make shots over all five guys,� said Singletary. “He has learned to trust these guys to do their jobs. He has become more of a facilitator and making early passes.�

While Williams is the star, Sidwell boasts a deep roster with talent all over the floor — which shows on the stat sheet. Williams leads the team with 15.3 points per game, but the Quakers also have four other players averaging double figures — sophomore Jason Gibson, junior Saddiq Bey, and seniors Ross Young and Abass Sallah. The team will look to senior guard Ashton Jones in the backcourt, who said the team is focusing on “finishing close games. We have to stay mentally ready and locked in for the whole game.� The team is also expecting big things from Bey, a guard whom Williams considered the team’s most improved player coming into this season. “He has been great for us,� Williams said. “He’s a big guard who can really score the ball. He was seen as a spot up shooter, but now he’s one of our primary scorers.� Sidwell will also look to Sallah, another guard, for key contribu-

tions this season. “He’s a really big key to our team,� said Singletary. “He sets the tone defensively. He’s another point guard on the floor. He is an unbelievably smart basketball player.� In addition, Sidwell has talent in the post with Young, a forward. “Ross Young gives us a great athletic presence on the inside and on the perimeter,� Singletary said. “Defensively he can guard the one through the five on the high school level — that’s an unbelievable skill to have.� So far the Quakers have lived up to their preseason hype, going 9-3 despite dealing with some injuries earlier in the season, and Singletary said the team is now healthy with everyone back in the lineup. “I want to be the best team in the area, I want to win a MAC championship, and I want to win the D.C. championship,� said Williams. “We’re a special group. We have all bought in and if we keep working we will get there.�

CADETS: New-look team hopes for same results From Page 9

know who they are.� In the post, the team looks to junior forward Richard Njoku for explosive plays. “He is really, really athletic and plays above the rim,� said McAloon. With their big win over Paul VI and a showdown at McNamara tonight at 7:30, the Cadets hope to

continue to build toward another title. “We aren’t defending anything — we’re just trying to win something,� McAloon said. “This group is hungry. They aren’t talked about like everybody else. They see that, and they’re smart. Our job is just to put ourselves in the conversation at that time. This is a win in December. We are happy with it, but our job is to get there.�

11

n ch The Current W ednesday, December 21, 2016

11

TREGARON: Preservation board denies revised application for new WIS science building

From Page 3

Washington International School aims to expand its science and technology classroom space with construction of the new building. At the hearing, Lewis said the addition “is a critically important project to the viability and competitiveness of the school.� Lewis said the proposed addition fits with the current buildings on campus, disagreeing with the Historic Preservation Office’s assessment that the project is out

of character. He also argued that the staff report “gave inappropriate weight to the project’s visibility from outside the property, specifically Macomb Street.� The location of the proposed building, which would also contain a one-story underground garage, has faced the most resistance from neighbors since the school first unveiled the project. Despite several recent design changes, ANC 3C (Cleveland Park, Massachusetts Avenue Heights, Woodley Park) voted Dec. 12 to oppose the project

as proposed. The current iteration of the project — designed by Douglas Bothner of the Ziger/Snead firm — breaks up the massing of the building that faces Macomb Street “into a series of cube-like pavilions with connecting hyphens,� according to the preservation staff report. While most board members commended the design revisions, they thought more tweaks were necessary for the building to fit in at the Tregaron Estate, a historically landmarked property.

The lone review board member to support the proposed building, Graham Davidson, argued that it would actually enhance the site. “I think that this building, in the way that it’s configured, would help hide the mishmash of buildings that are currently up on top,� he said. Other project goals include repaving and improving pedestrian access up the main school entrance at Macomb Street, along with landscaping work to remove and replant trees, create garden spaces on the campus and install

permeable pavement in places. Washington International owns about six acres of the 21-acre historic Tregaron Estate, built in 1912 by Ohio financier James Parmelee, the Historic Preservation Office staff report notes. “The uniformity of the [building] is not consistent with the woodland,� preservation board chair Gretchen Pfaehler said at the hearing, later adding: “I think there could be a building on this edge of the hill, but much smaller in length.�

ZONING: Panel maintains PUD restrictions in three more zones

From Page 3

an affront to a community’s low-density character. Responding to such concerns, the Zoning Commission earlier this fall rejected a broader proposal regarding PUDs — retaining existing minimums for low-density zones. Monday’s decision protected three additional zones where critics pointed to threats of big projects replacing small buildings on nearby streets. The Committee of 100 cited examples of potentially vulnerable areas around the city where they feared such PUDs were possibilities, including low-rise commercial strips in parts of Adams Morgan and the 5100 block of MacArthur Boulevard NW in the Palisades. Zoning commissioners agreed to retain existing minimum lot sizes in the three

additional zones. “I honestly found the comments we received for the record to be a little bit troubling,� commissioner Peter May said on Monday. The idea of changing the District’s PUD regulations stemmed directly from the EastBanc project, which is located in a zone where properties had to be at least 7,500 square feet to qualify for a PUD. The Valero site is 7,413. The Zoning Commission’s Monday decision did reduce that minimum to 5,000 square feet, followed by a speedy 3-1 approval of the project itself with little discussion. But the approval had been held up for months as commissioners grappled with how to establish a citywide precedent — a process that left some wishing they’d just made a one-time exemption for EastBanc. “We want to thank this applicant for

patience as we went through this exercise,� commission chair Anthony Hood said after the vote. “Sometimes it’s good to be patient and figure out how we’re doing things.� EastBanc president Anthony Lanier said in an interview yesterday that his firm hopes to break ground on the Pennsylvania Avenue project in mid-2017, with the Valero station remaining in operation until the last possible day. Once underway, he’d expect construction to take about 18 months — wrapping up in late 2018 or early 2019. Lanier added that he’s pleased to be largely through the approval process. It will require a second Zoning Commission vote — typically a formality unless there are outstanding issues with an application — and final approval of details like the facade materials from the Old Georgetown Board. Lanier added that he’s particularly enthu-

Rendering courtesy of EastBanc

Shown from the southwest, the project would sit at 2715 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

siastic about the idea of a ground-floor restaurant at the prominent location. For pedestrians coming west on Pennsylvania Avenue or M Street, he said, “this will be the first chair for someone to sit down when they come to Georgetown.�

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12 Dispatches

12 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

Spotlight on Schools Blessed Sacrament School

The Greg Gannon Food Drive was a huge success for not only our parish but also for our school. Many neighborhoods and people from our parish collected a total of 55,520 cans, and a record 3,500 cans were collected by Blessed Sacrament School. There were hundreds of volunteers who spent Saturday morning Dec. 3 collecting food donated by residents in designated areas of Upper Northwest. Students and their parents collected from many donors from the Broad Branch area, in addition to donors from other neighborhoods such as Rittenhouse and McKinley streets NW. It was a wonderful way for families in the community to spend time together and help those in need! — Jack Bukowski, seventh-grader

Eaton Elementary School

Ranger Nate Johnson from the National Park Service visited fifth grade. Ranger Nate works at the Frederick Douglass House in Washington. He talked about Douglass’ life, beginning with his childhood. Did you know that Frederick Douglass’ mother lived 12 miles

School DISPATCHES

away and left her Maryland plantation to visit him? Did you know that he learned to read from the mistress of his plantation? When Douglass was 8 he was sent to Baltimore and worked there on another plantation and seaside docks. He earned enough money to buy his first book and he continued to teach himself how to read. Also while in Baltimore, he met a free woman named Anna. She wanted to help Douglass so she sold her mattress and gave him money he later used to escape. He borrowed “free� papers from a sailor named Stanley, dressed like him and bought a train ticket to New York to escape slavery. Douglass stayed in New York long enough to marry Anna and they moved to Massachusetts. There he became an abolitionist, someone who fights against slavery and for equal rights. He gave speeches, started his own newspaper called the North Star and wrote books. He moved to Washington to continue his work fighting for many causes. Frederick Douglass was great because he fought for others and

helped people believe that slavery was wrong. He had five children and many descendants are alive today. — Kennedy Caldwell, Kelsie George and Isabella Pavlo, fifth-graders

Hearst Elementary School

Our class ends each week with a “Fun Friday� cooking activity. Last week, we made chocolatecovered pretzels. First we learned vocabulary for all of the ingredients and tools. We used parchment paper, bowls, spoons, and the microwave. The ingredients in our recipe were pretzels, milk chocolate and white chocolate. We each got 10 pretzels sticks and counted them one by one. Next, we learned how to push the correct buttons on the microwave and followed directions to dip the pretzels and lay them on the parchment paper. It was difficult for us not to eat them right away! When they were cool, we enjoyed our yummy snack! We love participating in our “Fun Friday� activities; such a great end to the week! — The Perfect Parrots: Ms. Marber, Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Montgomery’s K-1 CES class

Lafayette Elementary School (U ,HYS` ,K\JH[PVU 7YVNYHT ZLY]PUN JOPSKYLU TVU[OZ [OYV\NO ;OPYK .YHKL

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Progressive, Student-Centered, Rigorous, and Joyful Come learn the story of Sheridan—and how it can inspire your child to develop the intellectual and social skills required to excel in our diverse and complex world. Join us at an Open House:

Jan. 9, 8:45am–11:00am Drop-ins welcome, or register online at SheridanSchool.org.

Kindergarten–8 Coed, 226 students 6:1 Student/Teacher Ratio Established 1927 4400 36th Street NW Washington, DC 20008 202.362.7900

Application deadline: Friday, January 13, 2017

On Dec. 7, the five fifth-grade classes at Lafayette took a field trip to Deal Middle School to see how the middle school kids change classes and get around the building. We were paired with our buddies in the auditorium during their fifth period. My buddy’s name was Jonathan and his fifthperiod class was geography. I was surprised at how small the geography classroom was. There weren’t as many kids as I expected. The geography class was not very hard. We studied maps that showed income in Indonesia. During sixth period, my buddy had advanced health class so he took me down to the basement. We had to hustle because you only have four minutes to get to your next class. Jonathan showed me the way and we got there one minute before the bell rang. In the health class, we studied about the human body and how you can get some diseases. Overall, I think Deal was very cool. Fifth-grader Leo Espuelas said that he liked Deal, too. Before his visit, one of his concerns was that there was “going to be a lot of homework.� Also, he was worried about getting lost in the very big school. After going to Deal he admitted, “None of my worries were true.� Ian Nicholson, another fifth grader at Lafayette, agreed. “I was very surprised that there was not a lot of homework.� — Finn Boyle, fifth-grader

Lowell School

I have been at Lowell for nine

years and have observed many different and interesting teaching methods, but eighth grade has been very unique. In the humanities class, the students express themselves using the Harkness method: a style of teaching that is much like a discussion where students don’t have to raise their hands and the teachers don’t interfere. For instance we are studying ancient Egypt and discussing articles written about Egypt using the Harkness method. In science, students have a range of hands-on activities with different units like robotics and chemistry. For example, in robotics students build their robots and program them using a coding website, and then they test their robots to see if they were successful or not. Math mainly focuses on getting the student ready for high school where they learn Algebra I and geometry. Algebra I teaches students the basics of algebra and what they need to know for high school Algebra 2. For example, students learn how to graph and chart equations by using a graphing calculator. Lowell has a way of inspiring students to become better learns and people with its way of teaching. The middle school includes the last three years a student attends Lowell and they are some of the hardest but most interesting and fun years here. Eighth grade is the last year, but gives the student one of the greatest experiences at Lowell. — Sam Marks, eighth-grader

Mann Elementary School

No PokĂŠmon or Yu-gi-oh! In the news that shocked the nation — well, Mann Elementary — PokĂŠmon and Yu-gi-oh have been banned from many classes! Wray K. said, “I’m disgraced! PokĂŠmon is, like, my thing!â€? The cards have been banned because of kids not listening, fighting over them, and bragging about the cards. Will they come back? Principal Whisnant said: “The cards are able to be confiscated if they are being played with at the wrong time after being told more than one time or if they are being sold for money.â€? So, don’t take the cards out when you’re not supposed to and only trade cards with equal value. Then you will have a school with PokĂŠmon and Yu-gi-oh! — Christopher M., Filippo I. and Robin S., third-graders

Murch Elementary School

Murch students are busy preparing for a winter show, “The Festival of Lights.� It is being held on Dec. 21 at the University of the District of Columbia’s theater. All are welcome. The holidays are a time for people of all cultures to come together. The show will include a welcome by the principal and songs and per-

formances honoring the many holiday celebrations. Songs include “Santa Lucia,� “The Hanukkah Menorah,� “The Child of Kwanzaa,� “Ramadan,� Aeyaya Balano Sakkad� and others. Music teacher Eugene Branch says, “Music is a language that builds from culture to culture.� Another Murch teacher, Alicia Garfinkel, says, “It shows that we are including everyone. This is the focal point of what we are singing about.� D.C. has a special sense of community, where people from all over the world come together and celebrate. “I feel excited about people celebrating together,� says Haven, a first grader. Here at Murch, we are working towards having a multi-cultural, unbiased, caring community. No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, we always strive to achieve this. We hope that people from all over the world, no matter their background, faith or skin color, follow our example. Xavier, a third-grader, really epitomizes our wish for the holidays and our future for all cultures, by saying, “It is all about the magic of light.� — Finn Fischer and Devan Tatlow, fifth-graders

National Presbyterian School

In fifth grade, we just finished up a month-long social studies project that was done mainly in school. It is called the travel brochure project. What the fifth grade did is, first we chose an old-world Mesopotamian civilization, out of the choices of: Babylonia, Assyria, Sumer, Israel and Phoenicia. I chose Babylonia. Then, we took geography, culture and history notes on our civilization and chose five notes that we thought were important or interesting to use in our brochure. We used Microsoft Publisher to format, type and print our brochures, and then we hand-illustrated the pictures and added a jingle, fun facts and some persuasive language. Finally, we passed them in to our teacher to get them approved. — Parker Boyles, fifth-grader

Our Lady of Victory School

Every year, Our Lady of Victory School celebrates Christmas with a holiday-themed play. This year, the play was on Monday, Dec. 19, in OLV’s church. At the end of November, the eighth grade received the script and had about two weeks to memorize lines. We begin by practicing our lines from our tables but then start practicing in the church, which was truly lots of fun. There was a lot of teamwork involved in this production; often when there was a joke tucked within the lines, we would all laugh loudly to help the actor See Dispatches/Page 30

Real Estate 13

Northwest Real Estate

A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington

The Current

December 21, 2016 â– Page 13

Sheridan Garage offers a contemporary pied-a-terre

R

enovations and conversions are nothing new in Washington, and when artfully done they can satisfy the

ON THE MARKET SUSAN BODIKER

aesthetic of architectural preservationists and today’s homeowners alike. Take, for example, the Sheridan Garage at 2516 Q St. NW — a 1920s-era commercial building that now houses 34 contemporary condos with very ofthe-moment finishes and floor plans. Unit Q303 is one of four penthouses in the complex — and the largest apartment overall, with 2,500 square feet of open and airy space that includes three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, four terraces, a private roof garden and two underground parking spaces. It is on the market for $2,399,900, with a monthly condo fee of $1,460.68. The Q Street building’s brick exterior with landscaped entry and distinctive Georgetown pavers is true to its vintage beginnings.

Historic photos of the city line the walls on every floor. Unit Q303 is on the top floor — the third — and accessible by elevator. A small entry hall gives way to the hub of the house: a spacious living and dining area set off by a wall of windows on the right. Facing southwest, this space boasts a stunning view of Rosslyn high above the neighboring trees and rooftops. The living room has a gas fireplace with a sleek granite hearth and mantel. Wide-planked oak flooring runs throughout the home. On the way to the master suite, you pass the first of the four terraces — accessed from the hall — and a small sunroom/ office, surrounded by windows on all three sides. (Louvers, frosted glass and electronic shades allow you to regulate the light.) The master bedroom is graced with its own terrace, along with a deep walk-in closet and a spa retreat of a bathroom, which has marble flooring and tile, a floating teak vanity with double sink, a honed granite countertop, and Grohe and Kohler fixtures. There’s a deep soaking tub with a

Photos courtesy of HomeVisit

The open, airy 2,500-square-foot penthouse unit at the Sheridan Garage includes four terraces and three bedrooms, and is priced at $2,399,900. tile surround, and a walk-in shower with a bench. Down the hall on the other side of the apartment lies the sunny eat-in gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar and the third of the unit’s terraces. Flanking the windowed wall is a line of custom soft-close cabinets, granite counters and backsplash, a Bosch dishwasher and a Liebherr wine fridge. The opposite wall serves up more granite and wood storage and prep space; a Wolf six-burner gas range, oven and microwave; and a Sub-Zero French door fridge and freezer. Adjacent to the living room is the second bedroom, which has its own walk-out terrace, deep walk-in closet and three-piece bath with marble tile, granite countertop and light wood singlesink vanity. Also on this main level is the hall closet, two-piece powder

room and enclosed laundry area with LG washer and dryer. An open modern stairway leads upstairs to the family room with three walls of windows, a cathedral ceiling and wraparound roof deck, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its monuments along with plenty of room for entertaining and outdoor cooking. (This would be the perfect place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.) Although there is no bath or closet here, the space could easily be reconfigured as a guest room or other third bedroom. With a walk score of 85 and a bike score of 83, the Sheridan Garage building sits near the confluence of the Georgetown, Dupont Circle and West End

neighborhoods and their many amenities — from food (including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s) to fitness (Pure Barre, Equinox Sports Club, Georgetown Yoga and SoulCycle) and recreation (Rose Park, Rock Creek Park, Francis Playground and Pool and Dumbarton Oaks Park). It is also convenient to the Dupont Circle Metro station, Zipcar and Bikeshare locations, and various bus lines. The three-bedroom, two-anda-half-bath condominium at 2516 Q St. NW in Georgetown is listed for $2,399,900 with Washington Fine Properties. For details, contact P. Richard Newton at 202669-4467 or richard.newton@ wfp.com. For a virtual tour, visit tour.homevisit.com/mls/182718.

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14 Real Estate/Hood

14 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

n

Northwest Real Estate ANC 2A ANCBottom 2A Foggy

â– FOGGY BOTTOM / WEST END

At the commission’s Nov. 16 meeting: ■commissioner John Williams announced that it was his last meeting as a member of ANC 2A, and introduced his newly elected successor, Marco Guzman. ■a Metropolitan Police Department representative discussed crime in the neighborhood, saying that while overall rates were down in the last 30 days, there were several violent crimes including a home-invasion robbery, in which the victim was followed home and pistol-whipped. ■a representative of the West End Interim Library discussed an upcoming outreach program called Coffee and Conversations, which will provide company and a hot beverage for the homeless patrons who frequent the library. ■commissioners discussed their request to Akridge that its office building on the Stevens School campus should include more prominent gallery space to ensure that the gallery fulfills its purpose as a community resource, rather than just an amenity space for commercial tenants. The D.C. Council recently passed Akridge’s reauthorization to build on the property, in a project that also includes renovating the historic school building to serve an autism program. Commissioners held off on submitting their concerns about the gallery, as they did not want to jeopardize the bill’s signing. ■commissioners voted 5-0, with Rebecca Coder and William Smith absent, to oppose any change to existing restrictions on helipads, as proposed by Ward 7 D.C. Council member Yvette Alexander. Their concern is that a change could bring noisy helicopters to the neighborhood serving George

Washington University Hospital. ■Melanie Mason of the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority discussed how residents can protect themselves from drinking leadtainted water. She suggested coordinating with DC Water to replace service lines — the pipes running between the main water pipe and a particular property. DC Water is responsible for the costs in public space, while homeowners pay roughly $100 per foot of pipe replaced within their own property, she said. ■Doreen Hope of Washington Gas discussed her company’s efforts to avoid aesthetically unappealing work within the Foggy Bottom Historic District, including additional training of contractors and supervision of the work. ■representatives of the D.C. Department of General Services discussed ongoing renovations at Francis Field in the 1200 block of 25th Street NW, affecting the dog park and playground. The work includes redesigning some aspects of the playground to meet safety requirements; power-washing the playground equipment; excavating and replacing wood chips; and upgrading fencing. Commissioners asked the project team to relocate a trash can and sign, and to consider removing part of a brick wall. ■commissioner Florence Harmon said summertime renovations at School Without Walls at FrancisStevens sometimes haven’t been ready to begin as soon as school lets out in the spring. She requested an update from the project team in the near future to ensure that the city will be ready in 2017. ■commissioners voted 5-0 to oppose an application from Hilton Garden Inn, 2201 M St. NW, to retain an internally lit sign near its roof. The hotel owners installed the sign after receiving an opinion

from the city that they had received zoning approval to do so, but community opponents won subsequent appeals of the permit. ANC 2A opposes the sign both on principle and due to intrusive light pollution for nearby residents. ■commissioners voted 5-0 to ask the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to inspect local food trucks for code compliance, following a recent food truck fire that injured three people in the 2100 block of H Street NW. ■commissioners took no action on a proposal to modify the Washington Monument and Grounds Historic District, which would provide updates to the district’s description to incorporate new research and modified terminology. ■commissioners took no action on an alcohol license renewal application for Bayou, 2519 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, having heard no complaints from residents. ■commissioners voted 5-0 to ask the D.C. Department of Transportation to relocate a multi-space parking meter slightly to the east from its current location at 2017 I St. NW, where they said it blocks views of President James Monroe’s former home. The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18. The location has not been announced. For details, visit anc2a.org.

6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 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 2B ANC Circle 2B Dupont

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, in the second-floor Heritage Room at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th St. NW. For details, call 202-724-7098 or visit anc2e.com.

â– DUPONT CIRCLE

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW. For details, visit dupontcircleanc.net. ANC 2C ANC 2C Quarter Downtown/Penn

â– DOWNTOWN / PENN QUARTER

The commission will meet at

ANC 2D ANC 2D Sheridan-Kalorama

â– SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, California Street and Phelps Place NW. Agenda items include: â– election of officers. â– administrative and financial matters. â– police report. â– reports from the offices of Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 2 D.C. Council member Jack Evans. â– discussion of 2017 community grant applications. â– announcement of the SheridanKalorama Combined Neighborhood Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW. â– open comments. For details, visit anc2d.org or contact 2D01@anc.dc.gov. ANC 2E ANC 2E Georgetown â– GEORGETOWN / CLOISTERS Cloisters BURLEITH / HILLANDALE

ANC 3B ANCPark 3B Glover

â– GLOVER PARK / CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Stoddert Elementary School and Glover Park Community Center, 4001 Calvert St. NW. For details, email info@anc3b. org or visit anc3b.org. ANC 3C ANC 3CPark Cleveland â– CLEVELAND PARK / WOODLEY PARK Woodley Park MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS Massachusetts Avenue Heights CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS

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At the commission’s Dec. 12 meeting: ■a representative from the Massachusetts Avenue Heights Citizens Association recognized the service of outgoing commissioner Catherine May, saying she has done an “outstanding job,� and also singled out Nancy MacWood, who won another two-year term, for her continued service. ■Roadside Development’s Richard Lake announced that his firm co-purchased the Fannie Mae headquarters property at 3900 Wisconsin Ave. NW and promised to provide updates at future meetings. ■commissioners unanimously voted, through their consent agenda, to support a liquor license

renewal application for Heritage India DC, 3238 Wisconsin Ave. NW. ■commissioners unanimously voted, through their consent agenda, to support a Historic Preservation Review Board application for a basement, a two-story addition and a new garage at 3529 Ordway St. NW. ■commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of a resolution that expresses appreciation for design changes to a Washington International School project but still opposes the proposed mass and scale of planned additional classrooms on the 3100 Macomb St. NW campus. The new look for the proposal breaks up the classroom space into smaller buildings and represents an overall smaller project. ■commissioners voted 7-0 to oppose the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Omnibus Amendment Act of 2016 pending before the D.C. Council. Commissioners said they also opposed any last-minute amendments to the bill prior to the council’s second vote on the measure. The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the 2nd District Police Headquarters, 3320 Idaho Ave. NW. For details, visit anc3c.org. ANC 3D ANCValley 3D Spring ■SPRING VALLEY / WESLEY HEIGHTS Wesley Heights PALISADES / KENT / FOXHALL

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Conference Room 1 at the Sibley Memorial Hospital Medical Building, 5215 Loughboro Road NW. For details, call 908-246-8931 or visit anc3d.org. ANC 3E ANC 3E Tenleytown ■AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK American Park FRIENDSHIPUniversity HEIGHTS / TENLEYTOWN The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW. For details, visit anc3e.org. ANC 3F ANCHills 3F Forest ■FOREST HILLS / NORTH CLEVELAND PARK The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in Room A-03, Building 44, University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. For details, call 202-670-7262 or visit anc3f.com. ANC 3/4G ANCChase 3/4G Chevy ■CHEVY CHASE The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the Chevy Chase Community Center, Connecticut Avenue and McKinley Street NW. For details, call 202-363-5803, email chevychaseanc3@verizon. net or visit anc3g.org.

Real Estate 15

The Current Wednesday, December 21, 2016

15

Northwest Real Estate COUNCIL: Bill to revise, update ANC procedures draws local criticism but passes 11-2 From Page 1

11-2. Among its provisions, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Omnibus Amendment Act of 2016 aims to clarify existing laws about ANC procedures; places the city’s Office of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in charge of ANC financial oversight, rather than the current alignment under the D.C. Auditor; authorizes compensation for commissioners who incur child care and travel expenses while conducting ANC business; and seeks to enhance communication among ANC members through use of an online portal. The overall goal of the bill is to strengthen connections between residents and their respective ANCs, according to legislative staff who helped craft the measure. An ANC is made up of unpaid commissioners who are each elected to represent about 2,000 residents apiece, casting votes on matters that include alcoholic beverage license applications, zoning cases and council legislation. Though ANCs can’t enact policy, their opinions are legally afforded “great weight� in relevant D.C. agency deliberations. But various details of the bill have drawn criticism from commissioners, including a provision requiring ANCs to provide advance notice to businesses and residents directly affected by upcoming agenda items. The bill’s supporters say the provision ensures that entities involved in ANC business stay in the loop, but commissioners are concerned that the notice requirement will be difficult to carry out, given that commissioners are volunteers who already have time-consuming responsibilities. Other disputed elements include removing the D.C. Council from the list of D.C. government bodies required to provide notice to ANCs before setting meetings and taking action; requiring each ANC to submit a comprehensive annual report detailing its actions; and requiring all commissioners, not just a designated treasurer, to attend mandatory training sessions on proper use of ANC funds for community grants. At-large Council member Anita Bonds introduced an ANC reform bill in April in the hopes of streamlining operations and potentially providing monetary compensation to ANC members. The bill changed substantially after several contentious public hearings, and the proposed compensatory stipend for ANC members was removed. But numerous ANC members in Northwest, interviewed by The Current before the final council approval came down, say that the bill will make their jobs more dif-

ficult and that they should have had more opportunity to weigh in on late-breaking amendments. Jackie Blumenthal, chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B (Glover Park, Cathedral

â??It strikes me as antidemocratic and not good public policy ‌ .â?ž — ANC 3E chair Jon Bender Heights), told The Current she and other chairs met with Bonds and her staff numerous times before the original bill was introduced. Now she’s not sure that Bonds took their advice into account. “What we all want is the great weight standard to be strengthened and clarified, along with the requirement that agencies give us notice on when our great weight would make a difference,â€? Blumenthal said. “Neither of those are in the bill at any level that it should. It may even be weaker than the old bill.â€? Blumenthal also shares numerous commissioners’ concerns about the new requirement for providing notice to affected businesses and residents, part of an amendment added earlier this month by at-large Council member David Grosso. Failure to give adequate notice could cost ANCs their “great weightâ€? rights in agency deliberations, according to the bill. John Fanning, chair of ANC 2F (Logan Circle), thinks the new notice provision would also allow lawyers representing alcohol-serving establishments to dismiss ANC protests of license applications “as a procedural technicality,â€? he wrote in an email. If those dismissals occurred, residents’ opinions on the matter at hand would be moot, Fanning suggested. Randy Speck, chair of ANC 3/4G (Chevy Chase), was worried the provision would extend to issues that affect an unknown number of residents or businesses, such as a stop sign on a busy road, though aides to Bonds said the requirement applies only to specific directly affected stakeholders. They also said the approved bill has an “opt-inâ€? structure: New businesses and residents who enter the neighborhood would be given options for whether and how they want the commission to notify them. Overall, Bonds staffers said the provision ensures that affected parties aren’t left out of the loop. Ted Guthrie, chair of ANC 1C (Adams Morgan), thinks the required annual report will further squeeze commissioners’ limited free time. In an interview, he called it “a wonderfully busyworky sort of thing to impose on people who are doing things on a volunteer basis. It’s just annoying

to the extreme.� Guthrie also thinks the commission’s designated treasurer should be able to convey the findings from a meeting on ANC grant funding to his or her colleagues rather than requiring every commissioner to attend. As for the D.C. Council providing notice to ANCs, Jon Bender — chair of ANC 3E (Friendship Heights, Tenleytown) — thinks the law should stay as is, even though the council rarely adheres to it right now. “It strikes me as anti-democratic and not good public policy to be making such a big change,� Bender said of the provision, introduced by D.C. Council

Chairman Phil Mendelson. Mendelson wasn’t available for comment in time for publication, but Bonds spokesperson David Meadows defended the chairman’s decision to include that provision. “He has the right to call legislative meetings without advance notice,� Meadows said. “And he’d like to keep that.� Criticisms of the bill aren’t limited to commissioners themselves. At a meeting of ANC 2B (Dupont Circle) last Wednesday, Dupont Circle Citizens Association president Robin Diener called the bill “garbage.� ANC 2B voted unanimously to oppose the recent amendments.

Meadows said Bonds appreciates the hard work ANC members do because she used to do it herself, for 10 years as chair in Ward 5’s Woodridge. He hopes commissioners will give the bill a chance before rejecting it out of hand, but he’s not surprised it’s been controversial, given the number of elected officials it affects citywide. “If you can get 304 politicians in a room to agree on something, God bless America. That is not going to happen,� Meadows said. “I can only highlight again that we’ve done our damnedest to listen to every concern from every commissioner throughout this year-and-a-half-long process.�

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16 Holidays

16 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

Holidays in Washington

Burleith decorating contest spreads holiday cheer By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

K

ay Twomey and Edie Cecil drove up and down the streets of Burleith in Cecil’s Subaru SUV on Saturday evening, in search of holiday magic. Each time they saw a string of lights or an elegant wreath, they whooped in delight. This wasn’t just an evening jaunt, though. Twomey and Cecil got deep into the process of judging their neighbors’ outdoor holiday decorations — not for their own satisfaction, but for a Burleith Citizens Association contest they’ve hosted for the last few years. The winners get gift certificates and bragging rights, while Twomey and Cecil get a tour of their home

neighborhood and a chance to indulge in seasonal cheer. “We strive to make it very fun and low-key,� Twomey said. The contest began in 2012, when Twomey and Cecil wanted to find a way to celebrate Burleith residents who spent considerable time and effort on their displays. They’ve done it every year since, sometimes with an additional judge and a photographer. Each December, they announce that year’s judging date in the local newsletter, the Burleith Bell. In general, they’re looking to be dazzled by spectacle or moved by elegance. This year’s grand-prize winner is the decked-out home of Dan Herlihy and Dan Miller at 1704 35th St. NW. As Twomey and

Brian Kapur/The Current

The house at 3623 S St. NW, above, earned second place for its mix of colored and white lights. The Abominable Snowman at 3819 S St. NW, left, charmed judge Edie Cecil, who remembers the character from her childhood. The grand prize went to 1704 35th St. NW, far left. Cecil wrote in their announcement: “Soft white and green lights shimmer delicately across the entire facade ‌ and the glow of the beautiful tree through the windows embellished with classic wreaths make this home a spectacular sight for the holidays.â€? Herlihy told The Current that he and his partner spent six hours over several weeks putting up the lights. The most challenging part was hanging several high wreaths by leaning out of an upstairs window, Herlihy said. “It’s a good year when we don’t kill each other doing that,â€? Herlihy said. Herlihy and Miller have been decking out their home each holiday season for the past four years, after a major renovation that included adding extra outlets specifically for Christmas lights. “It’s kind of a yearly tradition,â€? Herlihy said. Twomey and Cecil also offered

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first-, second-, third- and fourthplace prizes, as well as three honorable mentions. Twomey has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years, and Cecil for 30. It shows — the pair spent much of Saturday evening’s judging session remarking on their neighbors’ homes by name, complimenting decor or even uncovering hidden aspects of the neighborhood, like a quaint shed in a rear alleyway. At times, Cecil and Twomey appeared to be on a two-woman quest to jolt everyone they encountered into the holiday spirit. When a car honked at them from behind during one of their stops, Cecil muttered with good nature, “Get in the spirit, people!� When she got a phone call a few minutes later, she dismissed it, telling Twomey with a wink, “We’re in the middle of something very important here!� Later, a family emerging from their house prompted a stop, during which Twomey and Cecil praised their decorations and four children. In return, the father jokingly offered the judges cookies in exchange for placing in the contest. They politely declined. This year the judges opted to drive for the tour rather than endure the cold weather on their usual lengthy walk. The judging itself was thorough. Each time Cecil pulled up to a house with decorations, Twomey whipped out a notepad and jotted down some notes under the house num-

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ber — when it was easily visible. Sometimes Cecil had to get out to verify a tiny number on a mailbox or a door frame. After an hour or so of navigating narrow residential streets, Cecil and Twomey decided to fulfill their promise of due diligence and check the alleys for rear decorations, of which they found only a handful. Then they stopped the car at a stop sign on a quiet street to sit and deliberate. For the most part, they were in agreement, but parsing out the lower prizes took some time. Personal preferences inevitably played a role at times. Cecil’s favorite Christmas character from childhood, the Abominable Snowman, was prominently featured on the lawn of 3819 S St. NW, and she was hard-pressed to pass over that one. It earned first place. The goal of the contest, though, is not to indulge the whims of the judges, but to celebrate the neighbors who went above and beyond. “We thought it would be a wonderful way for the community to come together,� Twomey said. “We wanted to showcase the homes that looked nice.� The house at 3623 S St. NW earned second place for its mixture of colored and white lights, while third place went to 1720 37th St. NW for its bedecked spiral staircase, and fourth place went to 3527 T St. NW, which Twomey and Cecil describe as Burleith’s “best-kept secret.�

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17 Holidays

The Current

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

17

Holidays in Washington

Jewish center celebrates 30th year of ‘D25’ Current Correspondent

T

his Sunday, while families across the area settle in for a cozy day of celebration and time together, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center will be leading a dedicated group of volunteers out into the community to help those in need. The “December 25th Day of Service,� or D25, has been a local tradition for three decades, connecting Jewish families, and those of other faiths, to organizations or individuals in need of support over the holidays. This year marks the center’s 30th D25 event, and they hope to make it the biggest of their long history. The service day was established by a small group of Jews looking for a way to make a difference on Christmas Day. The

Jewish Community Center was asked to help, and years later it’s now their largest annual event, gathering tens of thousands of volunteers over the event’s history. Organized through the institution’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service, it’s one of many service days held throughout the year to promote outreach. “Volunteering and helping those in need is a deeply embedded Jewish value, showing up throughout Jewish text, liturgy, philosophy, and etc. — so it is inherently part of the EDCJCC’s mission to provide these opportunities,� Sonya Weisburd, the center’s social justice and service projects manager, wrote via email. The event provides a variety of options for those who want to contribute, Weisburd said: “preparing meals, serving meals, singing carols, visiting home-bound

seniors, throwing holiday parties, making food deliveries, sorting donations, cleaning living spaces, and many more.� The community center partners with organizations like Central Union Mission, Community of Hope, A Wider Circle and Martha’s Table, among numerous others. Holding the event on Christmas Day each year (except when Christmas falls on the Sabbath) provides an opportunity to connect different faiths and to help organizations on a day that can be difficult to fully staff. “The reason is both to give Jews a meaningful way to spend their day off, as well as provide relief to several social service agencies that are short-staffed on the holiday,� Weisburd wrote. “They deeply appreciate the groups of Jewish carolers, Santas, elves, and general helping hands that are offered to them on that day.� Over the years, the community center has seen more non-Jewish volunteers take part. The event is open to the public with pre-registration. “While the majority of volunteers who participate in D25 are Jewish, a growing number of non-Jews have made volunteering through this program a part of their Christmas family tradition,�

Photos courtesy of Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center

This will be the 30th year that the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center has connected families of all faiths to groups and individuals in need of support on Christmas. Weisburd said. In addition to the diverse range of volunteer activities, a blood drive will be held at the Jewish

Community Center’s Dupont Circle location, at 1529 16th St. NW. Information for volunteering for D25 is available at edcjcc.org.

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18 Holidays

18 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Current

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Brian Kapur/The Current

Washington National Cathedral hosted its annual Christmas pageant on Saturday. The event featured caroling and a live Nativity scene.

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Christmas Eve 6:30 PM - Kid Friendly!

There will be music performances by the children, interactive storytelling and glow sticks for all the children.

8:00 PM - Lessons, Carols & Candlelight Join us for a rich tradition of celebrating with beautiful music, singing Christmas Carols, scripture readings, and a Christmas Eve homily.

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10:00 AM Carols & Communion

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Chevy Chase caroling returns for second year By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

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he sounds of the season will ring out along the Chevy Chase commercial corridor around lunchtime on Christmas Eve, as residents gather for the second annual community caroling event. Neighborhood resident Marelise Voss organized the event last year, inspired by a similar effort she and her family organized in their previous neighborhood, Capitol Hill. Residents of all ages are encouraged to come in their most festive attire ready to perform material from songbooks prepared by Voss herself. This year brings an additional feature — in a nod to the fortuitous timing of the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 24, Voss’ songbook will feature a few Hanukkah standards in addition to Christmas tunes. The addition also marks Voss’ effort to show symbolic support for the Jewish community in light of a recent surge in neo-Nazi propaganda during the presidential campaign and since the election of Donald Trump. The restaurant Maggiano’s in nearby Friendship Heights recently served as unwitting host to a neo-Nazi conference, sparking a media back-

lash. “I’m hoping it’s a statement that people will join me in wanting to make,� Voss said. Approximately 40 carolers participated last year, and Voss hopes to see a similar turnout this time. No professional choral or musical experience is necessary, though Voss said she was surprised last year at how many participants brought deep knowledge of specific choral traditions like the descant, a treble melody usually sung above a base melody. “That’s a pretty good giveaway of some choral training,� Voss said. Voss plans to bring an array of shakers, bells and drums, and she expects that others will bring their own instruments, which can be a simple as one of last year’s contributions: a Quaker Oats container serving as percussion. “People are very much encouraged to bring anything that is a noisemaker and wear anything that is festive, and whatever that means to them,� Voss said. “We’re just trying to make a joyful noise, maybe a little more symbolically than usual this year.� Interested participants can meet at the Chevy Chase Starbucks, 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW, at noon Saturday.

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20 Events

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Events Entertainment A Listing of What to Do in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Dec. 21

Wednesday DECEMBER 21 Performances ■The Washington Chorus will present “A Candlelight Christmas,� featuring Christmas classics, singalongs, the 200voice chorus and a candlelight processional. 7 p.m. $18 to $72. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The performance will repeat Thursday at 7 p.m. ■The Kinsey Sicks — “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet� — will present “Oy Vey in a Manger,� a raunchy show filled with secrets and JewishGentile humor. 7:30 p.m. $17 to $47. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington DC, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. Performances will continue through Dec. 28. Special events ■The Downtown Holiday Market will feature exhibitors, local food and music. Noon to 8 p.m. Free admission. Sidewalk of F Street between 7th and 9th streets NW, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. downtownholidaymarket. com. The market will continue Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. ■The Washington Harbour ice rink will offer public skating. Noon to 9 p.m. $9 to $10. Washington Harbour, 3000 K St. NW. 202-706-7666. Regular hours are Monday and Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; special holiday hours are Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Christmas Day from noon to 10 p.m., New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and New Year’s Day from noon to 10 p.m. ■“ZooLights� will feature environmentally friendly LED displays, a light show set to music, 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. 202-633-4470. The event

will repeat daily through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24 and 25). Thursday, Dec. 22

Thursday DECEMBER 22 Children’s program ■Friends of the Cleveland Park Library will present weekly chess instruction for kids of all ages, temporarily relocated to the Chevy Chase Library. 5 p.m. Free. Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-282-0021. Concerts ■The “Holiday Lobbying� concert series will feature the Children’s Chorus of Washington. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-6289100. ■The Peace Ringers and Carol Ringers will present an evening of holiday music performed on traditional hand bells. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. ■“Season’s Greenings: Evenings in the Conservatory� will feature the band 40 Thieves performing Irish rock. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Conservatory Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. ■Singer-songwriter Mindy Miller will perform a blend of country and rock. 7:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■“Thursday Night Bluegrass� will feature Justin Trawick. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; $12 minimum. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412. ■The Funk Ark (shown) will perform its last D.C. show on a double bill with Three Man Soul Machine. 8:30 p.m. $12 to $14. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. Discussions and lectures ■“Thursdays at Noon: Portrait Signs� will feature a lively tour in American Sign Language and English led by a deaf gallery educator. Noon. Free. Meet in the G Street lobby, National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. 202-6331000. ■National Gallery of Art lecturer

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December 21 – January 6, 2016 ■Page 20

Diane Arkin will discuss “Pop Art.� 2 p.m. Free. East Building Atrium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. The lecture will repeat on Dec. 24, 27, 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. Film ■The Korean Cultural Center’s K-Cinema series will present Kang Hyung-chul’s 2008 film “Scandal Makers,� about a radio DJ and former teen idol enjoying the single life in his 30s until he suddenly learns he may be a grandfather. Appetizer social at 6 p.m.; film at 6:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Korean Cultural Center, 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW. KoreaCultureDC.org. Performances ■The Word Beats & Life Inc. Holiday Spinning Tour will feature Kenny Carroll III, the new D.C. youth poet laureate. 6 to 8 p.m. Free; reservations requested. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets 5th & K, 1025 5th St. NW. wblinc.org/ givegetgo-events. ■D.C.’s internationally known percussive dance company Step Afrika! will present “Magical Musical Holiday Step Show 2016.� 7:30 p.m. $18 to $40. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. The performance will repeat Dec. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 28 at 11:30 a.m. ■Washington Improv Theater will present “Seasonal Disorder,� its annual tribute to the chaos of the holidays. 7:30 p.m. $12 to $30. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org. Performances will continue through Dec. 30. Friday,DECEMBER Dec. 23 Friday 23 Children’s program ■Mr. Lilo will present an interactive, bilingual musical performance on his guitar. 11 a.m. Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-6713122. Concerts ■The “Holiday Lobbying� concert series will feature Sound Advice, a barbershop quartet from the Vienna-Falls Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Lobby, The Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100. ■The Kennedy Center will present its annual “Messiah� singalong, led by conductor Nancia D’Alimonte and featuring members of the Opera House Orchestra, professional soloists, a chorus of 200 and enthusiastic audience members. 6 p.m. Free; tickets distributed in the Hall of Nations beginning at 4:30 p.m. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. ■Singer-songwriter Brandon Walker — author of 2007’s viral internet hit “Chinese Food on Christmas� — will perform. 8 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■“Jazz on the Hill� will feature Nina

Thursday, DECEMBER 22 ■Concert: Grammy Award-winning jazz recording artist Ben Williams, a D.C. native and a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, will present “A Holiday Musical Extravaganza.� 7:30 p.m. $20 to $45. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. thehamiltondc.com. Casey. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; $15 minimum. Downstairs, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202546-8412. ■“Miracle on 34th Street� will feature performances by the Woodshedders, By & By, and Janet Emma & Seven West. 8:30 p.m. $10 to $12. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. Performance ■The Word Beats & Life Inc. Holiday Spinning Tour will feature Kenny Carroll III, the new D.C. youth poet laureate. 6 to 8 p.m. Free; reservations requested. Busboys and Poets 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. wblinc.org/givegetgo-events. Special event ■The 26th annual “BZB Holiday Gift & Art Show� will feature holiday items, home accessories, clothes, jewelry and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission. Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 9th St. NW. 202-555-7060. Sporting event ■The Washington Capitals will play the Tampa Bay Lightning. 7 p.m. $42 to $650. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. Tour ■“Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden� will feature a tour led by horticulturist Bill Johnson. 11 to 11:30 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 Dec. 24, 27 and 30 at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24 Saturday DECEMBER 24 Concerts ■The Beltway Brass Quintet will perform jazzy and cheerful arrangements of holiday favorites. Noon. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■The Choral Arts Society of Washington will present “A Choral Arts Christmas,� featuring seasonal classics, popular Christmas standards, and gospel arrangements of “Go Tell It on the Mountain� and more with guest artist Ralph Alan Herndon. 1 p.m. $15 to $69. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600. ■The Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ will present the 19th annual Christmas Eve Jazz Vespers, featuring vocalist Gregory Watkins singing Nat King Cole for Christmas with the Davey Yarborough Ensemble and Esther Williams. A reception will follow. 5 p.m. Free. Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. NW. 202-829-5511. ■Church of the Holy City will host a Christmas Eve concert with seasonal music, reflection, prayer and a candlelight procession. 5 to 6 p.m. Free. Church of the Holy City, 1611 16th St. NW. 202-462-6734. ■Soprano Marje Palmieri, the Universalist National Memorial Church Choir and the Maytime Symphonette will present “Music From Baroque to Gospel,� featuring joyful and inspirational holiday music. 8 to 10 p.m. Free; reservations required. Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th St. NW. unmc.org/concert. Films ■National Geographic will present a 3D screening of the groundbreaking natural history film “Pandas: The Journey Home,� a look at the highly endangered giant pandas living in Wolong National Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China. Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $7. Grosvenor Auditorium, National Geographic, 1600 M St. NW. 202-8577700. The film will be shown again at the same times Dec. 31. ■“Barbara Kruger Selects� will feature Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman’s 1975 tour de force “Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles,� an examination of a woman’s ritualized behavior inside her bourgeois Brussels flat, recorded as a sequence of domestic tableaux in real time. 1 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-842-6799. 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, at 9:15 p.m.; 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. 202-347-3215. ■St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, will present Carols and Anthems, at 4:30, 7 and 10:30 p.m.; Pageant and Choral Holy Eucharist with choir, at 5 p.m.; and the Festival Choral Eucharist with orchestra, at 7:30 and 11 p.m. Free. 16th and H streets NW. 202347-8766. ■St. Paul’s Parish will host a ChristSee Events/Page 21

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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Events Entertainment Continued From Page 20 mas Eve service with a Procession and Sung Mass, at 4:30 p.m.; and a Procession and Solemn Mass, featuring 1860s music and decor in honor of the church’s 150th anniversary and reflecting a tradition of a midnight mass that goes back to at least 1870, at 11 p.m. Free. St. Paul’s Parish, 2430 K St. NW. stpauls-kst.com/150th/schedule-events. ■ 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, 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-0800. ■ 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 Christophe Pierre, 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. Sunday,DECEMBER Dec. 25 Sunday 25 Concerts ■ Organists Benjamin Straley and George Fergus will perform a Christmas Day recital. 1:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200. ■ The 18th All-Star Christmas Day Jam will feature host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson, pianist Robert Redd, trumpeter Tom Williams, bassist James King and vocalist Delores Williams. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Services ■ The Washington National Cathedral will celebrate Christmas with a Festival Holy Eucharist service. 11:15 a.m. Free. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200. ■ The Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church will present a Service of Lessons and Carols. 10 a.m. Free. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202363-4900. ■ 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 30th annual Day of Service, featuring events at dozens of sites throughout the area. Various

times. $20 fee; registration required. washingtondcjcc.org/d25. Monday, Dec. 26

Monday DECEMBER 26 Children’s programs ■ Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith 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. 202-726-0856. ■ “Arts on the Horizon: Adventures With Mr. Bear” will feature a young girl and her favorite stuffed animal playing a game of hide-and-seek that evolves into a series of exciting adventures (for ages 2 through 5). 10:30 a.m. $10. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202399-7993. The performance will repeat daily through Dec. 30 at 10:30 a.m. Performance ■ “Holiday Vaudeville” will feature Cajun cellist Sean Grissom, juggler Cindy Marvell and klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The performance will repeat Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Milwaukee Bucks. 7 p.m. $19 to $679. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Portrait honors astronaut

The National Portrait Gallery recently put a portrait of John Glenn on view following the death of the astronaut who became the first American to orbit the Earth. The watercolor-and-graphite portrait was made by Henry C.

On EXHIBIT

Casselli Jr. from life in 1998, when Glenn was 77 and about to enter the space shuttle Discovery for another historic mission, during which he became the oldest person to ever fly in space. It will be displayed through Jan. 9. Located at 8th and F streets NW, the gallery is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 202-633-1000. ■ “Things Get Lost,” featuring photography, collage and installation artworks by Michaela Pilar Brown that examine the building of identity through the collecting of heirloom artifacts, opened recently at Honfleur Gallery, where it will continue through Jan. 28. Michaela Pilar Brown’s Located at 1241 Good “Weeping Moon” is Hope Road SE, the gallery is open Wednesday through part of an exhibit at Saturday from noon to 7 Honfleur Gallery. p.m. 202-580-5972. ■ “Emulsion 2017,” the fourth annual East City Region-

A 1998 portrait of astronaut John Glenn is on display at the National Portrait Gallery. al Juried Show, is seeking submissions, which must be made by Jan. 9. The competition features cash prizes and an exhibition at Pepco Edison Gallery from March 3 through March 16. For more information, visit eastcityart. com. ■ The National Museum of African American History and Culture has introduced new ways of obtaining admission passes. Same-day passes will no longer be distributed in person at 9:15 a.m. Same-day timed passes are now available through the museum’s website beginning at 6:30 a.m. A limited number of walk-up passes will be available starting at 1 p.m. on weekdays. Located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From Dec. 26 through Dec. 30, the museum will be open until 7:30 p.m. to accommodate high holiday demand. nmaahc.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Tuesday DECEMBER 27 Children’s programs ■ The Children’s Art Studio will present a four-day Winter Art Camp focused on printmaking and the silkscreen process. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $275. Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3150 Chesapeake St. NW. childrensartstudio@gmail.com. ■ “Museum ABCs” — a drop-in program for ages 3 through 6 and their adult companions — will introduce early learners to the National Museum of American History’s collection through a new letter, new object and new interactive experience every month, with December’s program focusing on clocks and telling time. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Free. Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. americanhistory.si.edu. ■ “Get a Clue — A Winter Scavenger Hunt!” will feature physical challenges and a series of clues, with participants having 70 minutes to finish for a chance at the final prize (for ages 8 through 12). 2:30 p.m. Free. Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. 202-243-1188. ■ The Georgetown Library will present a weekly Lego Playtime and Engineering Challenge Program (for ages 4 and older). 4 p.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232. Classes and workshops ■ Instructor Diana Abdul will present a hatha yoga class. 7 p.m. Free. TenleyFriendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-727-1488. ■ Yoga Activist will present a class. 7:30 p.m. Free. Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. 202-243-1188. Concerts ■ “Season’s Greenings: Evenings in the Conservatory” will feature the band Dial 251 for Jazz performing contemporary jazz. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Conservatory

Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. ■ 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 Diane Arkin will discuss “Jesus Saves” by Robert Indiana. Noon. Free. East Building Atrium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. The lecture will repeat on Dec. 28 at noon. Performances and readings ■ The Washington Improv Theater’s “Harold Night” will feature long-form improv performances by various ensembles. 8 and 9 p.m. By donation. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org. ■ 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 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638. ■ Busboys and Poets will host the Beltway Poetry Slam. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. 202-636-7230. Special event ■ The Anacostia Community Museum’s Kwanzaa celebration will feature a Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith using music, interactive movement and storytelling to bring to life the Kwanzaa principle of “kujichagulia,” which means self-determination. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free; reservations required. Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. 202-633-4844. Wednesday, Dec. 28

Wednesday DECEMBER 28 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 ■ Zan McLeod and Friends will present a Celtic holiday program of traditional Irish music with step dancing by the Teelin School of Irish Dance featuring Maureen

Berry,and Joe Duffey. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600. ■ Singer, songwriter and banjo artist Jacob Panic will perform. 7:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ Politics and Prose will host an Acoustic Open Mic for local musicians and others of all ages, hosted by John Trupp and featuring special guest sets by local and visiting musicians, with all styles of music, poetry and performance welcome. 8 to 10 p.m.; sign up at 7:30 p.m. Free. The Den, Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-3641919. ■ The Fat Catz and Albino Rhino will perform. 8:30 p.m. $8. Gypsy Sally’s, See Events/Page 22

The Current’s Pet of the Week From the Human Rescue Alliance Meet Rocket, a charming 2-year-old dog hoping for a home for the holidays — and the rest of his life! Rocket is a Shiba Inu, the smallest of the six original spitz breeds from Japan. He’s a sweet but shy little guy who can take a little while to feel comfortable with new people. Once he does, he will give you his whole heart and be your devoted companion forever. In return for this devotion and adoration, all Rocket asks for is a home where he can be someone’s beloved one and only. Could that be yours? Stop by the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Oglethorpe Adoption Center soon to meet Rocket and find out. You just might be a match made in heaven.

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3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

the Indiana Pacers. 7 p.m. $18 to $679. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000.

Film ■ The National Gallery of Art’s “Ipersignificato: Umberto Eco and Film” series will feature Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1960 film “L’Avventura” and John Ford’s 1939 film “Stagecoach.” 12:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-8426799.

Tour ■ The National Gallery of Art will present a “Picture This” tour focusing on “An Explosion of Color! Matisse and Bonnard” for people who are blind or have low vision, featuring intensive verbal description. 1 to 2 p.m. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-842-6905.

Performance ■ Dwayne Lawson-Brown will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets 5th & K, 1025 5th St. NW. 202-789-2227.

Thursday DECEMBER 29

Continued From Page 21

Special events ■ The Washington National Cathedral will present a ceremonial wreathlaying on President Woodrow Wilson’s tomb with representatives of the U.S. military services on the anniversary of Wilson’s birth. 10 a.m. Free. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200. ■ The Anacostia Community Museum’s Kwanzaa celebration will feature Taratibu Youth Association performing Afro-inspired dances. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; reservations required. Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. 202-633-4844. ■ A holiday sale will offer discounts on select books, jewelry, textiles, accessories and wearables. 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free admission. George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum, 701 21st St. NW. 202994-5200. ■ “Community Chanukah Lighting” will feature a menorah lighting followed by latkes, doughnuts, dreidel games, music, crafts and more. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Kay Community Hall, Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington DC, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. ■ The National Museum of American Jewish Military History will host its annual Hanukkah party with latkes, jelly doughnuts and song, as well as a look at ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees. 6:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. National Museum of American Jewish Military History, 1811 R St. NW. 202-265-6280. Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play

Thursday, Dec. 29

Concerts ■ “Season’s Greenings: Evenings in the Conservatory” will feature the folk music ensemble Samovar performing a mix of Russian, Ukrainian and Romani songs. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Conservatory Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. ■ The Secondhand Pickles will perform. 7:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ “Thursday Night Bluegrass” will feature Moose Jaw. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; $12 minimum. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202546-8412. ■ People’s Blues of Richmond (shown) and the Shack Band will perform. 9 p.m. $13. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ Singersongwriter Tom Mackell will perform. 10 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. Discussion ■ National Gallery of Art lecturer Eric Denker will discuss “Interior” by Horace Pippin. Noon. Free. East Building Atrium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-7374215. The lecture will repeat on Dec. 30 at noon. Film ■ The National Gallery of Art will present James Crump’s 2015 film “Troublemakers: The Story of Land Art,” which highlights the work of the rebel

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727-0321.

land artists Robert Smithson, Walter De Maria, Michael Heizer and others who in the late 1960s began to appropriate vast and remote American topographies to use as their sculptural material. 12:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-8426799. The film will be shown again Dec. 30 at 12:30 p.m. Performances ■ The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Happenings Happy Hour” series will feature local authors of young adult fiction reading short scenes from childhood favorites and from their own work. 6 to 7 p.m. Free; reservations suggested. Forum, Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-5688. ■ Comedian Nick Guerra, an audience favorite on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” known for skewering relationships, family and everyday life, will perform with opening act Kasha Patel. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Special events ■ 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. ■ The Palisades Library will present a coloring event for adults and teens. 7 p.m. Free. Palisades Library, 4901 V St. NW. 202-2823139. Sporting event ■ The Washington Capitals will play the New Jersey Devils. 7 p.m. $40 to $613. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. Friday,DECEMBER Dec. 30 Friday 30 Concerts ■ Grammy Awardnominated vocalist, songwriter and hit maker Carolyn Malachi will perform music from her new album, “RISE: Story 1.” 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. ■ “Jazz on the Hill” will feature Di Daly. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; $15 mini7+( :25/' )$0286

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Saturday, DECEMBER 31 ■ Concert: A New Year’s Eve concert will feature local musicians Rosa Lamoreaux (shown), J. Reilly Lewis, Ann Colgrove, John Hurd, Diane Heath and Justus Parrotta performing a world premiere as well as works by Bach, Handel and Gershwin. 6 to 7:30 p.m. $20 donation suggested; free for students. St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle St. NW. 202-363-4199.

mum. Downstairs, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202546-8412. ■ Singer-songwriter Skribe will perform garage folk. 9 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ A pre-New Year’s Eve celebration will feature Everyone Orchestra (with Cris Jacobs of the Bridge, Jay Starling of Love Canon and Hash and Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation) and opening act the Ron Holloway Band. 9 p.m. $25 to $50. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Brooklyn Nets, followed by entertainment by four-time Grammy nominee Tank, DJ Quicksilva and Johnny Gill of New Edition as part of the Friday Night Concert Series. 7 p.m. $19 to $679. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-7453000. Saturday, Dec. 31 Saturday DECEMBER 31 Children’s programs ■ A New Year’s Eve Party will feature crafts, board games and books about New Year’s celebrations around the world. 11 a.m. Free. Children’s Room, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. ■ Children will hear a story about Chuck Close and then create a special piece of art. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. Classes and workshops ■ The Mount Pleasant Library will present “Saturday Morning Yoga.” 10 a.m. Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-671-3122. ■ Yoga Activist will present a class for beginners. 11 a.m. Free. Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. 202243-1188. ■ Bahman Aryana of Rendezvous Tango will present “Library Tango Practica.” 2:30 p.m. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-

Concerts ■ Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes, D.C.’s only allwomen big band, will present a New Year’s Eve concert. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600. ■ Vocalist Aaron Myers II will perform a New Year’s Eve jazz concert with an open bar, seafood and raw bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a midnight toast. 7:30 p.m. to midnight; reservations required. $130 for one person; $240.50 per couple. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412. ■ The Apollo Theater and the Kennedy Center will present the final U.S. performances of influential hip-hop artist yasiin bey (formerly known as Mos Def) with surprise special guests each night. 8:30 p.m. $35 to $159. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The concert will repeat Jan. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. ■ The Dirty Grass Players will perform original bluegrass and newgrass tunes. 9 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys. com. ■ A New Year’s Eve celebration will feature Everyone Orchestra (with Ryan Montbleau and Steve Molitz of Particle, Cris Jacobs of the Bridge, Hash and Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation, Ron Holloway of the Warren Haynes Band, Durga McBroom of Pink Floyd and Jans Ingber of the Motet) and opening act the Trongone Band. 9 p.m. $50 to $75. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ “Downtown Countdown” will feature an open bar, dinner buffets and performances by comedians, DJs, balloon drops, amenities and live entertainment by Bowling for Soup (shown), the EC Twins and the Rockets. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $119 to $159. Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW. downtowncountdown.net/ washington-dc. Films ■ National Geographic will present a 3D screening of the groundbreaking natural history film “Pandas: The Journey Home,” a look at the highly endangered giant pandas living in Wolong National Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China. Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $7. Grosvenor Auditorium, National Geographic, 1600 M St. NW. 202-8577700. ■ “Barbara Kruger Selects” will feature the 1973 breakneck action thriller “Duel,” Steven Spielberg’s first featurelength film, produced for television and shot in a scant 13 days. 2:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-842-6799. Special events ■ “Noon Yards Eve,” a family-friendly See Events/Page 23

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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Events Entertainment Continued From Page 22 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. ■The Arts Club of Washington will ring in the new year with “The Bal Boheme 2016 Encore,� a gala centennial-year fundraiser with cocktails, dinner, dancing to the Glenn Pearson Orchestra, a costume parade, a midnight toast, prizes and surprises. 8 p.m. $250; reservations required. Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. 202-331-7282, ext. 3. ■The Silent Dance Society will present a New Year’s Eve Silent Disco Dance Party using wireless headset technology with three different music channels and three different DJs. 8 p.m. to midnight. $40 to $50. Embassy Row Hotel, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW. silentdancesociety.com. ■The Kennedy Center will host its 2017 New Year’s Eve Grand Foyer Party with music, dancing and celebration leading up to a midnight countdown and big balloon drop. 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Free with a ticket to a Dec. 31 paid evening performance at the Kennedy Center or a receipt from a Dec. 31 dinner at the Roof Terrace Restaurant. Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Sunday, Jan. 1

Sunday JANUARY 1 Concert ■D.C. musician and WPFW-FM programmer Jamal Gray will curate a tribute performance in honor of lyrical artist yasiin bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and his retirement from the music business. Featured performers will include Nag Champa Art Ensemble, Oshun, the Cornel West Theory and DJ Underdog. 5:30 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Special event ■A Kwanzaa service with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers will celebrate the principle of “kujichagulia,� or self-determination. 11 a.m. Free. Wesley United Methodist Church, 5312 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalchurch.org. Sporting event ■The Washington Capitals will play the Ottawa Senators. 7:30 p.m. $36 to $557. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. Monday, Jan. 2 Monday JANUARY 2 Class ■Embrace Yoga DC will present “Mindful Monday Yoga.� 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Free; reservations required. Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Road NW. pottershousedc.org. Concert ■D.C. hip-hop artists Wes Felton and Asheru will perform a show in honor of lyrical artist yasiin bey upon his retirement from the music business. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Tuesday, Jan. 3 Tuesday JANUARY 3 Children’s program ■The Georgetown Library will present a weekly Lego Playtime and Engi-

neering Challenge Program (for ages 4 and older). 4 p.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232. Classes and workshops ■A certified yoga instructor will lead a walk-in gentle yoga class targeted to ages 55 and older. 10 a.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232. ■The Georgetown Library will present a walk-in yoga class practicing introductory viniyasa techniques. 11:30 a.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232. ■Lindsey Crawford of Yoga District will present a yoga class for beginners. 1 p.m. Free. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202-7271288. ■Joan Sherman, a career coach with over 30 years of experience in the business sector and a former career counselor at George Washington University, will lead a job search workshop on “What I’m Doing Isn’t Working.� 2 p.m. Free; reservations required. Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. joan@networkshops.net. ■Joy of Motion Dance Center will present a Zumba dance fitness class led by Tanya Nichols. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600. ■Instructor Diana Abdul will present a hatha yoga class. 7 p.m. Free. TenleyFriendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-727-1488. Concert ■As part of the Tuesday Concert Series, trumpeters Jeff Silberschlag and Zachary Silberschlag (shown) and organist Jeremy Filsell will present heroic music for brass and organ by John Gardner, Handel and Bach. 12:10 p.m. Free. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 202-3472635. Discussion ■Jonathan A. Knee (shown), professor of professional practice and co-director of the media and technology program at Columbia Business School, will discuss his book “Class Clowns: How the Smartest Investors Lost Billions in Education� in conversation with Katherine Bradley. 7 p.m. Free. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-3641919. Sporting event ■The Washington Capitals will play the Toronto Maple Leafs. 7 p.m. $35 to $650. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. Wednesday, Jan. 4

Wednesday JANUARY 4 Classes and workshops â– Joan Sherman, a career coach with over 30 years of experience in the business sector and a former career counselor at George Washington University, will lead a career and job search workshop. 2 p.m. Free; reservations required. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

percussionist Joseph Connell and pianist Tony Nalker. 7:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Kogod Cradle, Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. 202-4674600.

Monday, JANUARY 2 ■Reading: Chris Smith, a contributing editor at New York, will discuss “The Daily Show (the Book): An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, the Correspondents, Staff and Guests,� a complete history of Stewart’s tenure as host of his Comedy Central show that redefined the borders between television comedy, political satire and opinionated news coverage. 7 p.m. Free. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-364-1919. mcgan.mcnitt@dc.gov. A second workshop will be held Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. ■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. ■Guy Mason Recreation Center will offer a weekly “Gentle Gyrokinesis� class to improve posture, balance and agility. 2:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St. NW. 202-727-7736. ■Poets on the Fringe will host a weekly poetry workshop, with attendees asked to bring one of their own poems with sufficient copies to share with the group for positive critique. 7 to 9 p.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. passapamela@aol.com. ■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 ■Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project will join some of North America’s most distinctive and creative roots musicians to present songs collected by folklorist and field recording pioneer Alan Lomax — a repertoire ranging from Bahamian sea chants and ancient Appalachian ballads to fiddle tunes and work songs. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. ■Singer-songwriter Dan Barry will perform a blend of rock, jazz, folk and soul. 7:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■The National Symphony Orchestra’s “In Your Neighborhood� visit to Southeast and Southwest will feature a kickoff chamber concert with violinist Nurit Bar-Josef, bassist Charles Niles,

Discussions and lectures ■National Museum of Women in the Arts associate educator Adrienne L. Gayoso will discuss several works in the exhibition “No Man’s Land: Women Artists From the Rubell Family Collection.� Noon to 12:30 p.m. Free. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000. ■Cerphe Colwell and Stephen Moore will discuss their book “Cerphe’s Up: A Musical Life With Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, CSNY, and Many More,� a memoir of Colwell’s life as a renowned rock radio broadcaster for more than 45 years in D.C. at WHFS, WAVA, DC101 and WJFK. 7 p.m. Free. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202364-1919. Performance ■Imani Cezanne will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets 5th & K, 1025 5th St. NW. 202-789-2227. Tour ■A U.S. Botanic Garden volunteer docent will lead a tour on “Highlights From the Conservatory Collection,� connecting the exotic plant world to everyday life. Noon and 2 p.m. Free. Meet in the Conservatory Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. The tour will repeat Jan. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Thursday, Jan. 5

Thursday JANUARY 5 Children’s program ■The Tenley-Friendship Library’s monthly “Manga Madness� program will feature the newest streaming anime from Crunchyroll and a chance to learn about a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture (for ages 11 through 19). 4 p.m. Free. Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-727-1488. Class ■The Humane Rescue Alliance will

begin a six-week “Basic Manners� class for nonaggressive dogs over 16 weeks old. 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. $175; reservations required. Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe St. NW. humanerescuealliance.org. Concerts ■The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will host its monthly Brown Bag Chamber Recital. Noon. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-1291. ■The Ladybugs, a traditional jazz vocal group known for intricate harmonies and experimental arrangements, will perform favorites from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s infused with swing, country, blues and Latin music. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202467-4600. ■Twisted Pine will perform. 7:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■Ten Feet Tall and the Mary-eL Band will perform. 8:30 p.m. $8. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. Discussions and lectures ■The Textiles at Twelve series will present “Consultations: Ask a Curator, Ask a Conservator.� Noon. Free. George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum, 701 21st St. NW. 202994-5200. ■National Gallery of Art lecturer Eric Denker will discuss “The Brush Stops Here: Portraits of Presidents.� Noon. Free. East Building Atrium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. The lecture will repeat on Jan. 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 at noon. ■The DC Victim Assistance Network and AHA Moment will host a panel discussion on “Let’s Talk About Sex: The Impact of Sexual Violence on the Sex Lives of Survivors.� 6 to 9 p.m. LangsSee Events/Page 24

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24 Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Continued From Page 23 ton Room, Busboys and Poets 14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638. ■ Art historian and psychoanalyst Laurie Wilson will discuss her biography, “Louise Nevelson: Light and Shadow,” about the life and art of one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. 6:30 p.m. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G streets NW. 202-633-1000. ■ Biochemist Sylvia Tara, a former healthcare management consultant with McKinsey & Company and author of “The Secret Life of Fat,” will discuss “How Fat Works: The Inside Story.” A book signing will follow. 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. $20 to $30. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-3030. ■ Alex Beam, a columnist for The Boston Globe, will discuss his book “The Feud: Vladimir Nabokov, Edmund Wilson, and the End of a Beautiful Friendship,” the ironic and sad tale of how two literary giants destroyed their friendship in a fit of mutual pique and egomania. 7 p.m. Free. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-364-1919. Performances and readings ■ “First Thursday Evening Poetry Reading” will feature local poets reading from their original works, with an open mic afterward. 7 p.m. Free. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232. ■ Scientist-turnedcomedian Tim Lee will perform. 7:30 p.m. $10 to $40. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. The performance will repeat Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 7 at 6 and 8 p.m. Special events ■ The Woman’s National Democratic Club will host “Inspire Your Healthiest, Happiest 2017,” a wellness event featuring club member Farahnaz Isphani and yoga and nutrition expert Dahlia Shaaban (shown) with tips on cultivating physical, emotional and spiritual health from within oneself. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free; reservations required. Woman’s National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-232-7363. ■ This month’s “Phillips After 5” installment — “And the Migrants Kept Coming,” related by the exhibition “People on the Move: Beauty and Struggle in Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series” — will feature a chance to hear the sultry sounds of rising artist Saba Abraha with producer Mikeyy; add to a large world map to show where you’re from; share your migration story in an activity with President Lincoln’s Cottage; and create your own 61st panel inspired by Lawrence’s masterwork. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $10 to $12; reservations suggested. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org/events. Sporting event ■ The Washington Capitals will play the Columbus Blue Jackets. 7 p.m. $31

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Events Entertainment to $501. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. Friday,JANUARY Jan. 6 Friday 6 Classes and workshops ■ Artist Will Fleishell will present a drop-in figure drawing class. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $15. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE. 202-547-6839. ■ Capitol Hill Arts Workshop will host “Mind, Magic, and Merlot,” a monthly workshop presented by mentalist Alain Nu — part performance and part instruction in the mystic arts, with complimentary Merlot wine available until supplies run out. 7:30 to 9 p.m. $35 to $45. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE. 202547-6839. Concerts ■ The Friday Morning Music Club will present a performance of works by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Noon. Free. Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th St. NW. 202-333-2075. ■ Eclectic artist Pedro Coquenão, known on stage as Batida, will combine African rhythms and electronic dance music with choreography and video projections. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. ■ London’s Orlando Consort (shown) will join the Folger Consort and instrumentalists Mary Springfels and Daniel Meyers in a concert of English medieval music drawn from the 15th-century Old Hall Manuscript. Pre-concert discussion with Robert Aubry Davis and the performers at 6:30 p.m.; performance at 8 p.m. $30 to $60. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-544-7077. The concert will repeat Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. ■ The National Symphony Orchestra’s “In Your Neighborhood” visit to Southeast and Southwest will feature a kickoff orchestra concert with conductor Jacomo Bairos and special guest artists Black Violin, a pair of classically trained string musicians from Florida whose unique style combines classical and hiphop sensibilities. 7 p.m. Free; reservations suggested. Ballou High School, 3401 4th St. SE. 202-467-4600. ■ Run Come See — a new project of area musicians Lauren Calve, John Figura and Tom Liddle — will perform a distillation of soulful blues, rock and country. 8 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ The In Series will present “Irving Berlin: A Simple Melody,” a cabaretrevue evening of hit songs by the man who told America’s story in song for nearly a century. 8 p.m. $22 to $42. Source, 1834 14th St. NW. 202-204-

King’s Singers charm audience at National Cathedral By MARGARET OLSON Current Correspondent

Sunday evening’s audience at Washington National Cathedral enjoyed a varied and entertaining program of holiday classics by the elegantly polished King’s Singers. The ensemble of

On STAGE

six included two countertenors, one tenor, two baritones and one bass, and covered all vocal parts, high to low, easily and with great musical skill. Dressed in matching navy blue suits with red ties, the charmingly unpretentious group appeared genuinely awed to be in the space of the National Cathedral. They took the stage with quiet confidence and proceeded to present a twohour program of Christmas favorites encompassing composers from Orlandus Lassus to Irving Berlin. The group navigated compositions and styles from different time periods with equal ease. Deft musicians, tuning, rhythm and foreign languages were not impediments but delivery devices for unified tone. The musical selections were grouped by three and interspersed with various readings that reflected different perspectives on the holiday season. The readings included words by John Betjeman, Christina Rossetti, Ogden Nash and an unknown soldier in 1914. The performance was the last of the Londonbased group’s North American tour, and the evening reflected a comfort level that can only come from experience. It was refreshing to see that the majority of the program was memorized — even though they had music in front of them, the singers’ eyes were rarely on the page. The King’s Singers are not really a choral group or a group of solo singers, but a sextet presenting itself as one voice. When a member sings a solo, his voice is good — but definitely tempered and reigned-in. When they sing together, they do not “blend” so much as “meld” into one. They do it perfectly. There were a few moments that were magical. Toward the beginning of the program, the group 7763. The performance will repeat Jan. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 8, 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. ■ “Happy Birthday Ziggy Stardust” will feature the David Bowie tribute band Life on Mars on a double bill with electro-funk-pop jam band Box Era. 9 p.m. $10 to $12. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com. ■ Musician Betty Ladas will perform. 10:30 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys. com. Discussion ■ Omar Saif Ghobash, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Russia, will discuss his book “Letters to a Young Muslim,” about what it means to be a Muslim in the 21st century. 7 p.m. Free. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-364-1919. Performance ■ Gesel Mason Performance Projects

The King’s Singers performed Sunday at the Washington National Cathedral. sang a version of “There Is No Rose of Such Virtue.” The two countertenors, Patrick Dunachie and Timothy Wayne-Wright, sang a duet for much of the piece that was perfectly tuned and haunting in the vast Cathedral. A new arrangement of Gustav Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Alexander L’Estrange was similarly stunning. The innovative arrangement featured alternating solos and duets among the singers, while the others provided a sung rhythmic effect that was mesmerizing and not exactly identifiable. The piece had several layers of textures going at once that made it one of the more complex and satisfying pieces of the evening. The audience was so eager to show their appreciation that applause cut off the echo of the last chord. The King’s Singers’ brilliantly planned and executed holiday program showed why the group has been in existence since 1968, and the Washington National Cathedral was a worthy performance space for it. The King’s Singers, a two-time Grammy-winner, is made up of Patrick Dunachie, countertenor; Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor; Julian Gregory, tenor; Christopher Bruerton, baritone; Christopher Gabbitas, baritone; and Jonathan Howard, bass. The British group regularly tours Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information, visit kingssingers.com.

will present “antithesis,” which uses the bodies and cultures of postmodern and erotic dance to challenge how female sexuality is perceived, performed and presented. 8 p.m. $15 to $30. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE. 202-269-1600. The performance will repeat Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. Special events ■ Progressive International Motorcycle Shows will visit D.C. with new motorcycle models and displays by leading manufacturers such as BMW, HarleyDavidson and Kawasaki. 4 to 8 p.m. $16; free for ages 11 and younger with a paying adult. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. 800-331-5706. The expo will continue Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ■ “Soirée Galette des Rois” will feature a presentation by French boulanger Fresh Baguette on the cultural significance of the traditional French celebration of Epiphany with a King Cake, as well as how to make one. A glass of cider will be offered with the Galette des Rois. 7 p.m. $7 to 12. Alliance Française

de Washington, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. francedc.org. Sporting event ■ The Washington Wizards will play the Minnesota Timberwolves, followed by a go-go night with entertainment by local artists Backyard Band, Team Familiar and DJ Rico as part of the Friday Night Concert Series. 7 p.m. $18 to $561. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000. The Current welcomes submissions for the Events & Entertainment calendar, although space constraints limit the number of items we can include. Items should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event and include a summary of the event and its date, time, location with complete address, and cost to attend (indicate “free” if there is no charge). Also, please list a phone number for publication and a phone number for an editor to reach a contact person. Entries may be sent to calendar@currentnewspapers.com or The Current, P.O. Box 40400, Washington, D.C. 20016-0400.

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n ch g The Current W ednesday, December 21, 2016

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PROJECT: Developers of Tenleytown building propose wide array of community benefits

From Page 3

June, after community members asked for stricter parking enforcement precautions and clarity on whether the building’s outdoor spaces would be publicly accessible. Developers plan to designate 16 parking spaces in an existing underground garage between Wisconsin Avenue and 42nd Street for the building’s retail use and 58 spaces to residents of the building’s rental units at an additional cost, according to Brook Katzen, vice president of development at Urban Investment. Drivers would access the gated garage via an alleyway, Katzen said. The parking plan includes a traffic study — conducted by the consulting firm Wells and Associates — that examined six intersections near Wisconsin Avenue and 42nd Street NW. The study concluded that there will be fewer trips in and out of the garage during peak hours than there are now. Several community members at the meeting said they still expect parking in the area for longtime residents to become more difficult as renters may try to avoid the building’s garage fees by parking in the neighborhood. Traffic consultant Amelia Martin said the building’s proximity to eight Metrobus routes and the Tenleytown-AU

Metro station reduces the likelihood that tenants will own cars. Developers also plan to lower the garage’s ceiling from 18 to 14 feet to give more height to the 12,000 square feet of retail space on the building’s ground floor, where the ceilings are currently only 10 feet tall. “Ten-foot ceiling heights is something that makes it very difficult to attract quality retailers,� Katzen said. The company has not yet sought any retailers to fill the space but Katzen said its interests are likely “in line� with neighbors and ANC 3E members who want locally owned businesses and restaurants. Developers won favor from residents for their plan to offer half of the building’s affordable housing units to residents making less than 50 percent of the area median income. Under inclusionary zoning laws, developers are required to designate at least 8 percent of the building’s units for those who make less than 80 percent of area median income; the proposal affects half of those, or 4 percent of the building’s total. ANC 3E chair Jonathan Bender suggested that developers make an even stronger commitment to affordable housing, with all affordable units available to people who make less than 60 percent of the area medi-

an income. The company is open to Bender’s idea and will “happily consider� it if the community is interested, Katzen said in an interview after the meeting. Meanwhile, a 3,000-square-foot green space between the planned development and the recently opened Tenley View building could be used as either a public area or as outdoor space for a retailer, Katzen said. Some community members said they would like to see the space rented to a restaurant in the building, and commissioner Tom Quinn suggested it could be a beer garden. Others, however, said that given its location between two apartment complexes, the space would be inhospitable for such amenities. Unrelated to the building itself but still presented as a community benefit, Katzen said his company is pledging to clean up the decrepit Chesapeake House at Chesapeake Street and Belt Road NW so that the National Park Service can turn the building into “some sort of community asset.� “We’re not interested in deciding what it’s going to be used for, but we’re interested in renovating it and letting someone else figure out what to do with it,� he said. The planned renovation of the Chesapeake House earned the most positive feedback from community members at the meet-

UNITY: ANC 1C calls for new statue base in park From Page 5

20 feet above the ground. The Commission of Fine Arts, a federal design review board that has jurisdiction over this parcel of land, previously told the Sydell team that it should preserve the statue and fountain for their neighborhood role as a public art piece, project manager Seth Dubner said at ANC 1C’s Dec. 7 meeting. Dubner appeared skeptical that the Commission of Fine Arts would change its mind on those aspects

quickly enough for the project to proceed on schedule and on budget. “We don’t want you to blow the budget fighting the CFA on this,� commissioner Billy Simpson said. “If they reject what we say, so be it.� The fine arts panel approved the project in November but could alter the plans, according to its secretary, Tom Luebke. “Conceptually it’s certainly possible to switch out the base. It’s a question of whether the base is

important to the structure,� Luebke said. “They can always come back to us if they want to change something that they got approved.� From 2008 to 2011, Unity Park hosted a market comprised of Latino food vendors, but the market shut down following disputes over the vendors’ right to sell food on the land. Since then, the triangle has lain largely dormant, with the impermeable pavement cracking and raising, killing tree roots in the process. The fountain also hasn’t functioned in years.

PARK: Upgrades mulled for Rock Creek Nature Center From Page 1

No matter which combination of proposals wins out, the Park Service is convinced the site needs an upgrade, despite a fourth no-action option that would keep the site the way it is. “The current configuration of the Nature Center, a contributing resource to the historic district, does not make optimal use of its existing square footage and limits its use for community gatherings and potential revenue generation,� the document reads, adding that the Horse Center doesn’t have enough space for horses and visitors, and that the site in general has fallen into disrepair. Overall goals for the project include expanding cultural resources, streamlining park operations, protecting natural resources and enhancing environmental sustainability, according to the document. The process would proceed in phases over the next two decades, according to Park Service spokesperson Emily Linroth. The Rock Creek Conservancy, an organization dedicated to improving the park, plans to submit comments before the deadline and looks forward to engaging in further iterations of the plans, according to spokesperson Anne Baker. The conservancy generally supports the concept plans aside from the noaction option, Baker said. The biggest priority for the conservancy at this point is making the park accessible for all, according

to Baker. “We want to ensure that people in this area are able to access the nature center and all that it has to offer,� she said. The conservancy also hopes to help visitors understand available park resources more easily and clearly. Several city agencies are engaging with the Park Service on the plans, including the Office of Planning, Historic Preservation Office, Department of Transportation and Department of Energy & Environment, as well as the federal Commission of Fine Arts and National Capital Planning Commission review boards. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3F (Forest Hills, North Cleveland Park, Van Ness) will also advise on the plans. ANC 3F member Mary Beth Ray told The Current that she has been encouraged by the wide range of agencies involved in the process. “It sounded like things were still very much up in the air as far as which of the designs they’re going to push for,� said Ray, who attended a recent stakeholder meeting where plans were discussed. “Even the proposed designs sound like they’re not finalized yet.� The public can comment on the proposed changes at the Park Service website via tinyurl.com/naturecenterfeedback until Jan. 31. After that, the Park Service will expand on its preliminary concepts and develop alternatives to consider in an environmental assessment, according to Linroth.

ing, who said the building has gone unused for too long and deserves attention. Despite the benefits package, though, most neighbors at the meeting still think the building, expected to be 20 feet taller than Tenley View next door, should be lowered. “[The building] backs up to a longestablished residential community,� said one neighbor. “It’s too much. You’re pushing the envelope too far.� Not everyone is opposed to the height, though. Aaron Berman, a representative from Revive 3E — a community group of about 40 people who support new construction in the area — said Tenleytown needs developments like this to become attractive to young couples and families. “I do want to encourage the commissioners not to fall into the trap of seeking to reduce the height of the building by a significant degree,� Berman said. “We think this project and projects like it are really what’s going to be able to attract the retail and restaurants we want.� The company filed its zoning application for the building on Nov. 21, Katzen said. The developers also recently launched a website, broadcastdc.com, which currently includes the full traffic study, shade studies, a height comparison and other documents.

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26 Getting Around

Getting Around in D.C.

A Look at Transportation in Northwest Washington

The Current

December 21, 2016 â– Page 26

Lexus GS offers luxury without much flashiness

Ward Circle proposals draw little support from residents

In today’s luxury landscape, the Lexus GS is easy to overlook. The current model dates to 2013 and wasn’t really styled to excite even back then.

By ELLIE HARTLEB

ON AUTOS

Current Correspondent

Brady Holt/The Current

BRADY HOLT

The Lexus GS 200t and GS 450h (shown) are luxury sedans that are well-suited to urban conditions.

For 2016, Lexus gave the front end some additional design flourishes, but it’s still relatively plain. However, if you don’t mind the looks, plain isn’t necessarily so bad. The GS’s boxy shape yields big windows for an easy view out and ample rear headroom. A smooth ride, creamy leather trim and comfortable seats ensure a pleasant luxury experience. The most significant reason not to overlook the GS is the price, which significantly undercuts competing midsize luxury sedans like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, whose prices all soar quickly due to pricey optional features. The GS is offered with a choice of four engines, but two — both tested for this review — are particularly city-friendly. One is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, new for 2016. It improves fuel economy and reduces the GS’s price tag compared to the previously standard V6, and it still has respectable pep and refinement. If you were to floor the accelerator, you’d notice some advantages to the V6-powered GS 350 model, but with a base price of $47,285, the GS 200t does quite nicely around town for more than $4,000 less. EPA fuel economy ratings are 26 mpg in mixed driving with the four-cylinder, compared to just 22 mpg with the V6. One downside is that only a rear-wheel-drive GS 200t is offered, whereas the GS 350 has optional all-wheel-drive. If you do want more power, though, the best GS option for D.C. is the GS 450h — a hybrid that mates electric motors to the V6 engine, improving both acceleration and fuel economy. It can travel in slow congested areas in electric-only mode, using no gas, but also has plenty of reserve power to zoom into a gap in traffic if needed. It’s rated for an outstanding 31 mpg in mixed driving. The only downside to the GS 450h is the price, starting at $64,610 — though it’s still a relative bargain compared to similarly quick (non-hybrid) competitors.

The GS would benefit from more rear legroom and simpler dashboard controls. Lexus should also be embarrassed with its basic plastic keyfob that’s outclassed by today’s economy cars. And some buyers will wish for sportier handling. But overall, the GS is a comfortable, classy luxury sedan that delivers relatively respectable value and fuel economy.

Kia compact is improved but no standout In recent years, Kia has been a media darling, winning praise for its dramatic transition from laughingstock to respectable automaker. Various Kias are standouts in their class for their stereotypedefying style and luxury. But the Forte, Kia’s competitor to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, is a fairly basic economy car, 2017 Kia Forte S sedan even after an update for 2017 that brought revised styling and some new features. That’s not to say it’s bad. Hardly; it’s quiet and comfortable, decently roomy and respectably finished. And prices are reasonable: $17,340 base, and $21,540 for the tested mid-level S sedan. At the same time, the Forte doesn’t have any particularly notable strength. It’s generally competitive, checking the right boxes, but there’s no standout quality you can associate with it. Even Kia’s stereotypically low price is absent; it costs about the same as a Civic, Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. Consider the Forte for pleasant user-friendly transportation — but consider those competitors, too. The Forte is also offered as a coupe and fivedoor hatchback.

The Current Newspapers special Coverage of

THE WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW January 27th-February 5th, 2017 The Auto Show is around the corner and The Current is planning to provide its readers with information and insight to this much-anticipated event through a curtain raiser, followed by a detailed section devoted to the show.

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This is an excellent opportunity for those in the auto industry to showcase their products and also invite our readers to visit their booths at The Auto Show.

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Some residents and community leaders near Ward Circle are concerned that the D.C. Department of Transportation’s proposals to restructure the intersection are based on outdated traffic data and will not ease the traffic flow in the congested area. The agency presented four possible ways to redesign the busy intersection of Nebraska and Massachusetts avenues NW at a community meeting last month at Mann Elementary School, where neighbors responded with some criticisms. The simplest concept would fully signalize the circle in an effort to improve pedestrian safety in the now unsignalized crosswalks on Massachusetts. The most complicated projects would either make the circle a more traditional intersection or a true traffic circle. With any of the four designs, critics worried the changes could further back up traffic. The neighbors’ concerns echoed sentiments made by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D when it originally saw the plans in February 2014 and questioned whether any would bring any improvements to Ward Circle. In evaluating options, the Transportation Department considered three key goals: preserving the green space in the center of the circle, which the National Park Service owns; promoting orderly traffic flow; and improving pedestrian safety. The four design alternatives — none of which promise to reduce traffic congestion —

Agency’s new app provides Chinatown parking information

A new smartphone application from the D.C. Department of Transportation provides real-time parking availability and meter rates for the Penn Quarter-Chinatown area. The parkDC app is available via iTunes or Google Play and indicates the approximate level of on-street parking availability on each block, along with information about off-street garages. It covers the area bounded by 3rd, 11th, E and H streets NW — which is part of a pilot project that adjusts parking meter rates to reflect different levels of demand throughout the day. In a news release, the Transportation Department reminded users of the app that it’s illegal in D.C. to operate a handheld electronic device while driving.

Motorcycle, auto shows coming to convention center in January A pair of annual motor vehicle exhibitions

Rendering courtesy of DDOT

One of the city’s four possible designs eliminates part of the “outer circle.�

include: ■converting Ward Circle into a conventional roundabout with signals at the Nebraska and Massachusetts approaches, and without today’s “inner circle� for through traffic on Nebraska. ■a “bi-furcated intersection� option, which would eliminate the “outer circle� in favor of new left turn lanes from Nebraska onto Massachusetts. This option would also include new signals at the Massachusetts crosswalks. The department concluded that either this option or the previous one would improve safety but harm traffic flow. ■a “four-legged intersection� option, which would eliminate the circle, some of its crosswalks and all of its stoplights, in favor of a conventional intersection with multiple right-turn options. While traffic flow wouldn’t suffer compared to today’s conditions, this option would reduce green space and increase safety hazards. ■an option to fully signalize Ward Circle, meaning the addition of stoplights to Massachusetts’ crossSee Circle/Page 30

will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center next month. First up is the D.C. stop of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, which will take place from Jan. 6 through 9. It will feature displays of new models from leading motorcycle manufacturers, along with other attractions such as vintage and custom motorcycles, artwork and live performances. Tickets cost $16; children ages 11 and younger can enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Later in the month, the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association will host the annual Washington Auto Show. The exhibition will open to the public Jan. 27 and run daily through Feb. 5. Organizers promise more than 600 new models from some three dozen manufacturers, including concept cars and other vehicles not yet on the market. The event will also feature test drives of vehicles from automakers ranging from Kia to BMW; appearances by celebrities; VIP tours; an art car display; and more. Tickets typically cost $12 for adults and $5 for ages 6 through 12; admission is free for ages 5 and younger.

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onstage learn to wait to speak until after the laughter has subsided. This year’s play was “Camel Lot.” It is a story about a young girl who falls asleep after calling her father, who sadly cannot come to her Christmas play due to work. During her dream, her father’s auto lot becomes a camel lot set during the time of Jesus’ birth. Her father runs into the shepherds and wise man who had visited Jesus. He learns that his daughter — and celebrating Christ’s birthday — is much more

The Current important than working. Between the scenes, students from different grades sang songs, which often were twists on classic holiday music. I was absolutely anxious to perform this year, after waiting for so long to be an actor on Our Lady of Victory’s stage! — Helena W., eighth-grader

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School

Each year, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School holds an alternative holiday gifts fair called Gifts for Good, where kids from fifth through eighth grades represent charitable organizations from around the world. The kids

research their organizations, set up booths to talk about them and raise money for them. I am in the Grade 6 Community Service Club. There are 18 of us who meet for an hour almost every week. We did four booths at Gifts for Good. My group of four represented Soccer Without Borders, which works around the world teaching kids to play soccer and offering tutoring programs. We had a month and a half to prepare. We all made slide shows and posters and researched takeaways: items or mementos that anyone who donates to a charity at Gifts for Good gets to take away. Why soccer? It helps kids

learn leadership skills and teamwork skills and helps kids focus on something other than stressful financial problems, and we thought the combination of soccer and tutoring was a really good idea to help kids learn and have fun at the same time. On the day of the fair, a representative from Soccer Without Borders joined our group to help explain why we were raising money for it. We raised $300 for the organization. We hope this money goes to helping — especially with the teaching part of the program, not just the soccer part. I definitely had fun at Gifts for Good. — Charlie Kaye, sixth-grader

CIRCLE: Agency seeks feedback on designs

From Page 26

walks without making any other changes to the circle. The Transportation Department projects that this option would improve safety without harming traffic flow. The department has yet to formally make a recommendation on any of the plans. Agency transportation planner Ted Van Houten said in November that it would take about 18 months to signalize the Massachusetts crosswalks. ANC 3D — which includes Foxhall, the Palisades, Spring Valley and Wesley Heights — again criticized the Transportation Department’s process at its most recent meeting on Dec. 7. Commissioners contended that the agency is basing its designs on years-old traffic data that don’t reflect current conditions or take into account the soon-to-open American University East Campus near the circle. In a resolution adopted 6-1, ANC 3D asked the agency to conduct new traffic counts and also to evaluate cut-through traffic on nearby side streets, and then to update its designs and their projected impacts accordingly. At its Nov. 17 community meeting, the Transportation Department cited previous studies including the Rock Creek West II Livability Study (2011), the Nebraska Avenue Complex Master Plan (2009), the American University Campus Plan (2011) and the Ward Circle Traffic Operations and Safety Analysis Study

(2014). “DDOT has studied the circle,” agency spokesperson Terry Owens wrote in an email to The Current, encouraging residents to visit ddot.dc.gov/page/ward-circle to view the city’s data and the design alternatives. Commissioners on Dec. 7 also said past tweaks to the circle have done little to improve its issues. “One of the problems that we’ve had with Ward Circle is every time you turn around, they make a change — they change a sign or add more striping and say it’s going to solve things, and actually makes it worse,” ANC 3D chair Tom Smith said at the meeting. Neighbors at the November community meeting said they worry about pedestrianinvolved crashes in the circle, which sees an average of 51,000 vehicles along with hundreds of pedestrians every day. “We’ve seen dozens and dozens of accidents, and dozens and dozens of near-misses,” said Jane Humpstone, who lives in the area and drives through the circle multiple times a day. The city logged 60 crashes in the intersection between 2013 and 2015, though the number is likely higher since minor accidents typically go unreported, Van Houten said at the meeting. One collision involved a bicycle and one involved a pedestrian, with the bicyclist being the only reported injury in that timespan. Several residents criticized American University students for crossing Massachusetts

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

The National Park Service controls the land at the center of Ward Circle.

Avenue without looking or while using their phones. Some were particularly worried about pedestrian safety during the spring semester, when the school opens its three new residence halls on East Campus. Other attendees wondered about how forthcoming residential and retail developments in Spring Valley and American University Park would put additional traffic pressure on the circle. Van Houten replied that the proposals account for projected growth in the area. The Transportation Department is accepting public comments on the possible Ward Circle changes at theodore.vanhouten@dc.gov through mid-January. The National Park Service and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will also weigh in. The Transportation Department will determine its next steps and then hold another public meeting in the spring, Owens said.

SHELTER: Meeting on design airs neighbors’ concerns about procedures

From Page 1

fulfill their duties, especially during an emergency. Chris Geldart, director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, attempted to calm these concerns, saying that based on his agency’s research, the facility would not degrade emergency response teams’ abilities in any way. However, some residents seemed unconvinced, and wished to see the research in greater detail in writing. Meanwhile, architects from the Ayers Saint Gross firm unveiled design plans for the six-story building, which would include room for 10 families per residence floor. One of the architects, Joe McNamara, offered specific details on issues such as the number of bathrooms per floor, and

asked for residents’ feedback on whether brick, terra-cotta or metal panes should be used on the building’s exterior. But residents at the meeting were largely uninterested in these details, and instead wanted to focus on issues like traffic and security. They also questioned why they had not been consulted earlier in the project on the facility’s chosen location. “I feel as if I have been very left out of any kind of real decision-making in regard to this project, and I think it’s fine to talk about transparency now and input from residents now, but so much has already been decided,” said resident Nancy Sullivan. Over a dozen “facilitators” from the city were present throughout the room to answer residents’ questions about the designs and the programs the facility would

offer. The plan for the evening was to have attendees break into groups and talk among themselves. However, after a resident spoke out in frustration about the lack of

❝I feel as if I have been very left out of any kind of real decision-making … .❞ — Resident Nancy Sullivan communication from city officials on the project, a noticeably frazzled Zeilinger allowed the majority of the meeting to be spent in a general Q&A with residents. “One thing that I find missing in this site plan and this discussion is traffic and a traffic study,” said McLean Gardens resident Shane Gerson. “That’s something that really needs to be addressed before

you can talk about the color of the brick or if there should be terra cotta or aluminum. It’s a series of very basic issues that are not being addressed by the city.” Despite the expressions of frustration, several attendees spoke in support for the project, and the need to welcome more D.C. residents to the area. Some residents during the meeting asked what they could do to help expedite construction on the building. Many of these residents wore pins saying “Ward 3 for All” to show their support, including Newark Street resident Jeff Davis, who is also a member of the project’s community advisory committee. Davis said that though many neighbors oppose the project, he is in favor of opening up the area to those in need. “I’m glad to see people energized in favor,” Davis said.

The CurrenT

KALORAMA $5,750,000

BERKLEY $4,700,000

MICHAEL RANKIN +1 202 271 3344

MICHAEL RANKIN +1 202 271 3344

This prominent and elegant residence features gracious living and dining rooms, master suite with sitting area and dual hisand-hers bathrooms, family room, and an incredible viewing deck with 360 degree views of DC. It is sited on large lot with private gardens, terraces, detached 4-car garage, and elevator.

Built in 2016 and boasting over 7,000 square feet, this residence is inspired by traditional Tuscan Architecture. The cementitious stucco, brick veneer, Cedar lumber, travertine pavers, and the clay tile roofs are examples of the authentic Tuscan materials.

Wednesday, deCember 21, 2016 31

KALORAMA $3,095,000

Grand Kalorama townhouse with large scale public rooms with soaring ceilings. 6,055 interior sq ft includes a proper receiving foyer and stairway leading up to the living and dining rooms. Features include spacious sunlit eat-in gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry, 5 BR, 4 BA on upper 2 levels, au pair suite on entry level. 2-car garage plus 1 off street driveway parking space.

JONATHAN TAYLOR +1 202 276 3344

H A P PY H O L I DAYS FROM SPRING VALLEY $2,990,000 Fantastic 7 bedroom, 5.5 bath light filled home in Spring Valley. Over 5,000 sq ft est. Open kitchen with granite counters, cathedral ceiling and skylights. Incredible backyard with large pool, lawn and outdoor dining/entertaining area. Master suite floor with new marble master bathroom, walk-in closet and separate office/den. Outstanding large, wide, and flat .410 acre lot.

GEORGETOWN $1,995,000

Expansive semi-detached Victorian features a modern, open main floor plan with distinct dining, kitchen and living areas, oak and pine floors, 3 fireplaces, 4 BR, and 3 full BA on the upper 2 levels. Washington Monument views from upper level rear terrace. Finished lower level has front and rear access, a family room/den, and 1 BR with half BA.

JONATHAN TAYLOR +1 202 276 3344 MAXWELL RABIN +1 202 669 7406

RUSSELL A. FIRESTONE +1 202 271 1701

GEORGETOWN $1,795,000

The Church Residences at Alexander Hall are now available. All three units have been finished to the highest grade, including Wolf appliances, Duravit fixtures, smart home technology, and custom details throughout. Each sale conveys with three years of garage parking and fitness and spa membership at the Four Seasons Hotel.

MICHAEL BRENNAN JR. +1 202 330 7808

CHEVY CHASE $1,399,000

UNDER CONTRACT: Nonpareil residential offering: an exquisite rehabilitation by architect and designer owners, with extensively landscaped grounds surrounding this modernized home. Includes a living room with wood burning fireplace, separate dining room, Bulthaup kitchen with Carrara marble island, charming screened porch, 3 BR/ 2BA on the 2nd floor, a walk-up finished attic with 4 bedrooms, lower level family room, 3rd full bath, garage.

GEORGETOWN $1,349,000

Fantastic semi-detached Federal on a cobblestone street in Georgetown. Three bedrooms with three renovated baths featuring marble tile and glass doors. Two fireplaces and hardwood floors throughout. Private garden perfect for entertaining.

RUSSELL A. FIRESTONE III +1 202 271 1701

SHERYL BARNES +1 202 262 3542 GEORGETOWN, DC BROKERAGE | +1 202 333 1212 DOWNTOWN, DC BROKERAGE | +1 202 234 3344 MARYLAND BROKERAGE | +1 301 967 3344 McLEAN, VIRGINIA BROKERAGE | +1 703 319 3344 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA BROKERAGE | +1 703 310 6800

ttrsir.com

©2016 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change.

32 Wednesday, december 21, 2016

The currenT

Selling The Area’s Finest Properties

Sheer Elegance

Design Your Dream

Sleek & Stylish

Kent. Exceptional opportunity to select finishes for this

Town of Ch Ch. Glorious new home available for semi-

Bethesda. Exceptional offering for a dramatically expanded &

beautiful new porch front & back home. Scenic views &

customization from award-winning Chase Builders nestled on a

renovated home. Quality craftsmanship & high-end finishes

expansive grounds. 5 BRs, 5.5 BAs, Finished LL, garage. Deck

charming block. 3 levels with 5 BRs, 5.5 BAs, garage & finished

throughout. 4 BRs, 4.5 BAs, newly built det. 2 car garage,

& Balcony. Elevator option! $2,700,000

LL. Elevator option! $2,300,000

finished LL. $1,875,000

Eric Murtagh 301-652-8971

Picture Perfect

Chevy Chase. Dramatic offering on a picturesque lane near Downtown Bethesda, on a premium lot w/panoramic golf course views of Columbia CC. 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, designer finishes, finished LL, garage. $1,749,000

Eric Murtagh 301-652-8971 Karen Kuchins 301-275-2255

Eric Murtagh 301-652-8971

Irresistible

Marina Krapiva 301-792-5681

Craftsman Gem

Modern Mode

Timeless Beauty

Town of Chevy Chase. Contemporary masterpiece with

Bethesda, MD. Exceptional Colonial in popular Kenwood.

built home; four finished levels, 6 BRs, 4.5 BAs. Open floor plan

stunning renovated kitchen and master bath, impressive open

Well proportioned rooms. 1st flr family rm & library. 6 BRs,5.5

and sunlit lower level rec rm + in-law suite with separate entry;

spaces and soaring ceilings; exquisite finishes throughout. 4 BRs,

BAs. Huge TS kitchen. Redone LL. Gorgeous rear yard. Near

front porch with balcony. $1,595,000

4 BAs, with 1st flr bedroom and rec room. $1,500,000

Whitman. $1,295,000

Nancy & David Hammond 202-262-5374

Eric Murtagh 301-652-8971

Old World Charm

Serene & Spacious

Drama & Space

Potomac. Renovate or build on this private 1 acre lot near the

Fort Washington. Take your private driveway to this elegant

modern amenities. 4 levels w/ 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, LL in-law suite

Village. 3 BRs, 2.5 BAs. Also on property is a 2nd house w/ 1

treasure nestled on more than 2 acres w/ 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, finished

w/2 entries, 2 flr family room, TS kit w/SS. Patio, garden & 2

BR, 1 BA & laundry - Live in the guest house while you build!

LL & garage; sitting on the 16th hole of the Tantallon National

car parking. $1,249,000

Private Grounds. $1,100,000

Golf Club. $610,000

Warm Welcome

Takoma Park. Classic Colonial w/ 3 BRs, 1.5 BAs, central A/C, beautiful wood floors & sun room addition. Large yard, full LL, walk to RideOn/1 mile to DT Takoma Park/Metro. Great neighborhood! $445,000

Andrea Evers 202-550-8934 Melissa Chen 202-744-1235

Catarina Bannier 202-487-7177 Marcie Sandalow 301-758-4894

Palisades. So many custom features in this sunny spacious 2003

Forest Hills. Classic Victorian end-unit w/period details &

Lynn Bulmer 202-257-2410

Battery Park. Welcoming and sophisticated 2001 front porch colonial w/ 4 levels and treetop views. 6BRs, 5FBs, 2HBs & 2fpls. Bright, open spaces and many updates. Walk to Downtown Bethesda. $1,750,000

Patricia Lore 301-908-1242

Period Charm Capitol Heights. Pretty 6-pillared front porch Colonial w/ 3 BRs, 3.5 BAs. Large family room w/built-in bar on finished LL. Solar Paneled rear roof. Garage to the rear. Wheel chair access. $395,000

John Nemeyer 202-276-6351

Linda Green 301-467-2732

Urban Living

Trinidad. Fully renovated condo w/ 2 BRs & 2 BAs. Fresh & light with great spaces & big kitchen w/granite counter tops. W/D in unit. Wood floors throughout. Onsite parking also available for an extra fee. $339,000

Denny Horner 703-629-8455 Leyla Phelan 202-415-3845

Linda Chaletzky 301-938-2630

International Style Colonnade. Spacious renovated condo w/1 BR, 1.5 BAs, garage parking & storage. Wood floors throughout, private view, balcony, & full of light. Pets allowed. Full service building. $509,000

Patricia Lore 301-908-1242

Peace & Privacy Cleveland Park. Freshly painted offering with high ceilings, an updated kitchen w/granite counter tops & washer/dryer in unit. Situated on the quiet, private side of the building. FHA & VA approved. $250,000

Bren Lizzio 202-669-4999

Uptown 202-364-1700 Dupont 202-464-8400

Learn More At:

www.EversCo.com

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