hillrag.com • December 2013
Est. 1981
ON G SO N I COM
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ON G SO N I COM
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Fern Pannill 240-508-4856
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
JENKINS ROW 1391 Pennsylvania Ave., SE #242 Fabulous light-filled studio w/ semi-private terrace & walk-in closet! $258,500 PETWORTH
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Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
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Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 THE BISSEY TEAM
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HillRag | December 2013 H 3
COLDWELL BANKER
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Your Strong Local Brokerage With Deep National & International Roots
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Thank you Capitol Hill for your trust. We sold over 40 properties on the Hill & beyond in 2013. Community Built!!
HillRag | December 2013 H 9
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
IS A DID YOU KNOW? If you knowingly collect benefits by intentionally providing false or inaccurate information when you filed your claim, you are committing FRAUD. Examples include: • An individual returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits. • An individual works a part-time job but does not report his or her earnings to the state, thereby collecting more benefits than he or she is allowed.
UI Fraud is punishable by law! PENALTIES Can Include: • Criminal prosecution • Penalties and fines • Forfeiting future income tax refunds • Ineligibility to collect UI benefits in the future Don’t make your unemployment problem worse. If you think you may have committed UI Fraud, let us help you address the issue.
• An individual performs temporary work while collecting UI benefits, but does not report the earnings when filing his or her weekly claim. • An individual holds back information or gives false information to the state UI agency.
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1.877.372.8360 Call us today or visit does.dc.gov to read more about UI Fraud.
HillRag | December 2013 H 11
December
What’s Inside
ineveryissue 18 20 60 162 170 174
What’s on Washington Washington’s Best Calendar Hill Rag Crossword Classified Ads Last Word The Nose
HolidayGiftGuide2013 77 98 102
Roadmap to Holiday Giving / Megan Markey Holiday Food Shopping / Megan Markey Jazz Project: For the Music Lover / Jean-Keith Fagon
capitolstreets 35 36 44 46 48 50
77
52 53 56 57 58
E On DC / E. Ethelbert Miller The Bulletin Board Tunnel of Controversy / Catherine Plume Darrel Thompson: Candidate Ward 6 City Council / Andrew Lighman The Southeast Boulevard Project / Charnice A. Milton Ben’s Chili Bowl Changes Preservation / Jonathan Neeley ANC 6A Re port / Maggie Baccinelli ANC 6B Report / Jonathan Neeley ANC 6C Report / Jonathan Neeley ANC 6D Report / Roberta Weiner ANC 6E Report / Steve Holton
communitylife 61 62 64 66 68 70 72
Tribute to Margaret Roles / Pattie Cinelli South By West / Will Rich H Street Life: / Elise Bernard Barracks Row / Sharon Bosworth Freedom Atop the Capitol Dome / John Lockwood @ Your Service / Ellen Boomer City Living Today / Andrew Lightman
r
ARTSdiningentertainment 107 109 110 112 114 116 117 118
Dining Notes / Celeste McCall The Wine Guys / Jon Genderson Rappahannock Oyster Bar / Celeste McCall Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner / Barbara Wells At the Movies / Mike Canning The Literary Hill / Karen Lyon The Poetic Hill / Christopher Datta Art and The City / Jim Magner
realestate 121 124
The Little Tavern / Robert S. Pohl Changing Hands: Home Sales / Don Denton
beautyhealthfitness 131 134 136
Choosing How to Heal An Injury / Pattie Cinelli Well Nourished: Books for Cooks / Annette Nielsen The Yellow Dog Project / Heather Morris
kidsandfamily 139 144
Kids & Family Notebook / Kathleen Donner School Notes / Susan Braun Johnson
homesandgardens 153 156 160
Seasons Greetings from USBG / Annette Nielsen Holiday Garden Books / Derek Thomas Dear Garden Lady / by Anonymous
Cover Info: Monet, Claude. French, 1840 - 1926 The Cradle - Camille with the Artist’s Son Jean 1867, oil on canvas. overall: 116.2 x 88.8 cm (45 3/4 x 34 15/16 in.) framed: 150.5 x 122.6 cm (59 1/4 x 48 1/4 in.). Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon 1983.1.25 on View at the National Gallery of Art. www.NGA.org.
Hill Rag Mid City DC East Of The River Fagon Community Guides
LOOK FOR YOUR NEXT HILLRAG ISSUE ON: January 4th, 2014
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Editorial Staff Managing Editor: CFO & Associate Editor: School Notes Editor: Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Food Editor:
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Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Marissa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com The Last Word • editorial@hilllrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Account Executive: Account Executive: Classified Advertising:
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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com. 14 H hillrag.com
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HillRag | December 2013 H 15
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a month-by-month guide to events
“Seven Nights of Light” at the Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild invites you to cherish the holidays in a very special way. Hundreds of glowing luminaria candles will line Brookland’s Franciscan Monastery, symbolizing a welcoming pathway into our homes and hearts for peace and joy this season. The luminarias will be lit at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will continue twinkling for seven days and nights until New Year’s Eve. All are welcome to observe, to assist in the lighting of the candles or to just stroll the portico anytime. A Rosary will be prayed daily at 11:45 a.m. with a Friar (indoors or weather permitting, along the luminaria). Light refreshments served afterwards. Call 202-2444833 for more information. The Franciscan Monastery is at 1400 Quincy St. NE. myfranciscan.org luminaria along rosary Portico. Photo: Courtesy of the franciscan monastery garden guild
Kennedy Center Messiah Sing-Along
Be part of Washington’s most popular free holiday event, the Kennedy Center’s Messiah Sing-Along. Back by popular demand, the evening concert on December 23 at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall features conductor Barry Hemphill as he leads members of the Opera House Orchestra, professional soloists, and a very enthusiastic audience in Handel’s masterpiece. A family and community tradition since 1971, tickets will be distributed beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the performance in the Hall of Nations. Two tickets will be distributed to each per person in line (arrive early). kennedy-center.org Barry Hemphill conducts the Kennedy Center’s messiah Sing-along in the Concert Hall. Photo: Carol Pratt 16 H hillrag.com
Celebration of Mexico at Library of Congress
Presented in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in the United States of America, the unique two-day, Dec. 12 and 13, event will feature music, film, sound recordings and presentations by eminent Mexican and MexicanAmerican writers, artists and scholars. “The History of the Mexican Revolution” is a one-of-a-kind film made over the course of 30 years. It is the oldest existing Mexican documentary and the only surviving example of a compilation film made during the silent-movie era. The Library holds the only existing copy and is preserving the five black-and-white nitrate reels. The film premieres with live piano accompaniment by Andrew Simpson Dec 13 at 11 a.m. All events are free and open to the public in the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. Tickets are not required, but anyone wishing to attend must register at loc.gov/celebration-of-mexico. Central Mexican Highlands, Mixtec, 1200-1500 AD. These matching monumental incense burners were found together at the entrance to a tomb. Photo: Courtesy of the Library of Congress
“Anchorman: The Exhibit” at Newseum (#stayclassynewseum)
The Newseum, in partnership with Paramount Pictures, has opened “Anchorman: The Exhibit,” featuring props, costumes and footage from the 2004 hit comedy “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” The exhibit has opened prior to the Dec. 20, release of the sequel, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Included will be costumes worn by the Channel 4 Evening News team and a number of original props from the movie, including Burgundy’s jazz flute and the whip used by rival anchorman Arturo Mendez during the film’s memorable fight scene between rival news teams. The exhibit also includes a re-creation of the KVWN-TV anchor desk and news set where visitors can pose for photo ops. Visitors will also have an opportunity to step in front of the camera and participate in an Anchorman-themed TV spot at one of the Newseum’s Be a TV Reporter stations. With lead anchor Burgundy providing a snappy introduction, budding reporters can find out if they have what it takes to become a member of the Channel 4 News team. Clips from the movie and special commentary by star Will Ferrell, who portrays Burgundy, will be part of the exhibit. “Anchorman: The Exhibit” will be on display through Aug 31, 2014. newseum.org
Will Ferrell is Ron Burgundy and Christina Applegate is Veronica Corningstone in ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES to be released by Paramount Pictures. Photo: Gemma LaMana
Water Skiing Santa at National Harbor
For years, the Dec 24th water skiing Santa launched out of Columbia Island Marina in front of the Pentagon. Along with the “The Awakening,” it’s moved to National Harbor and become a bit more slick. There’s a snowman in a boat, a Grinch on skis and various other Christmas characters fooling around on the water. Depending on the weather, there will be a large crowd on the piers enjoying the antics. The festivities start at 1 p.m. at National Harbor, 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD. nationalharbor.com Santa on water skis is the finale. Photo: Courtesy of National Harbor
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DECEMBER
HillRag CALENDAR
Step Afrika! artists Jordan Spry, Assata Barton, Reginald Barrington, Joe Murchison and Shannan Johnson. Photo: Jati Lindsay
Step Africa! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. Dec 11-22. Bring in the festive season with a bang with the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman. $15-$35.50. Family Fun Pack available for $88: see Kids and Family Notebook. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org
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CHRISTMAS Brent Christmas Tree & Holiday Sale. Dec 7 and 6, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Brent Elementary School, 301 N. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-698-3363. brentelementary.org A Christmas Carol at Ford’s. Through Jan 1. (no performance Thanksgiving Day). Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. $35-$75. 202-3474833. fordstheatre.org (The Ford’s Theatre Society company of the 2013 production of “A Christmas Carol” is partnering with Covenant House Washington to create a donation drive inspired by the themes of charity in Dickens’s holiday classic. During the curtain calls for
performances of “A Christmas Carol,” the company will collect monetary donations on behalf of the Washington-based non-profit Covenant House Washington. All donation checks should be made payable to “Covenant House Washington.” “A Christmas Carol” plays at Ford’s Theatre through Jan 1.) A Christmas Carol at Little Theater of Alexandria. Through Dec 22. LTA rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol is a must for the entire family. $15. LTA, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA. thelittletheatre.com
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Downtown DC Holiday Market. Through Dec 23, noon-8:00 PM. The annual Downtown DC Holiday Market offers seasonal outdoor shopping with a festive atmosphere. It features nearly 180 rotating exhibitors and artisans with approximately 50 each week, offering distinctive gifts for sale including fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, photography, clothing and specialty foods. Centered at Eighth and F sts. NW. downtownholidaymarket.com
The Capitol Hill Chorale presents
REVELING IN WINTER Frederick Binkholder, Artistic Director
This holiday program will include traditional songs from across the globe that celebrate finding joy in the darkness of winter. The Chorale will be joined by Tina Chancey and the celebrated multicultural ensemble HESPERUS.
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church 4th Street and Independence Avenue, SE
Saturday, December 7, at 7:30 Sunday, December 8, at 4:00 Tickets: $25 preferred, $20 general $15 under 30, Free 12 & under
www.capitolhillchorale.org
Alexandria-Mount Vernon Holiday Trolley. Every hour on the hour 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec 30. The Mount Vernon Holiday Trolley will board near the Alexandria Visitors Center and Market Square at the corner of King and N. Fairfax sts. Tickets include a round-trip trolley ride and admission to Mount Vernon at $25 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Purchase tickets at Alexandria Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria VA. 202832-9800. trustedtours.com Zoolights. Through Jan 1, 5:00-9:00 PM nightly except Dec 24, 25 and 31. Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment. Free. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu Christmas at Mount Vernon. Through Jan 6, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Holiday visitors will enjoy themed decorations, chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th century dancing, plus a rare opportunity to tour the third floor of the Mansion. George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $17/adult, $8/child, 5 and under free. 703-780-2000. mountvernon.org Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Through Dec 22 (Saturdays and Sundays), 5:00-8:00 PM. Join “Mrs. Washington” as she hosts an enchanting evening of candlelight tours, fireside caroling, and festive treats. Timed tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under. George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. 703-780-2000. mountvernon.org A Commedia Christmas Carol at Gallaudet University. Through Dec 22. A Commedia Christmas Carol, presented by Faction of Fools Theatre Company, is a modern retelling of the Dickens holiday classic with masks, acrobatics, humbug, and holiday cheer. $25. Elstad Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave. NE. factionoffools.org Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dec 7, 4:00 PM. Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Alexandria’s Historic Waterfront at the foot of Cameron St., Alexandria, VA. Boats arrive at The 7th Street Landing in SW at about 7 :00 PM. CHAW Holiday Fête Arts Showcase and Sale. Dec 7, noon and throughout the day. Items not sold remain in the gallery for purchase until Dec 20. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE 202-547-6839. chaw.org National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Dec 7-8, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM. The NMAI Art Market offers one-of-a-
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kind, handmade, traditional and contemporary items directly from the artisans. More than 35 Native artists from North and South America will participate in this annual weekend market featuring a wide selection of items for purchase including handmade jewelry, beadwork, pottery, prints and sculpture. Free. Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-1000. nmai.si.edu The Christmas Revels. Dec 7-15. Celebrate the winter solstice and start your holidays with this fully staged performance at Lisner Auditorium. revelsdc.org Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. Dec 8, 1:00-5:00 PM. Ticket pick-up at 12:30 PM at the Studio Theatre. Wassail reception, at Studio 3:00-5:30 PM. $30. LoganCircle.org Atlas Annual Holiday Sing. Dec 8, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The annual free Holiday Concert at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Capital City Symphony the Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus, and the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be gone but there is a wait line. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-3997993. atlasarts.org Holiday Wreath Making at Arboretum. Dec 8, 9:00 AM-noon. Create a long-lasting wreath from an extensive variety of fresh, fragrant plant materials, including many unusual types gathered from the Arboretum collections. Expert instruction in construction and design and all tools and supplies are provided. $59. Registration required. To register, visit usna.usda.gov or call 202245-4521. US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE. usna.usda.gov The Christmas Story in Art. Dec 9, 11, 13, 17, 18, 21 and 22 at 1:00 PM. The gallery talk is a 50-minute discussion about paintings in the permanent collection that depict the birth of Jesus. Led by Gallery lecturer David Gariff, this tour meets in the West Building Rotunda. National Gallery of Art, on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th sts. NW along Constitution Ave. NW. nga.gov Wasn’t that a Mighty Day? A Christmas Miracle. Dec 11-Jan 5. Don’t miss the musical celebration that explores this timeless nativity story with relevance of today and a musical score that will sing its way into your hearts for years to come. $35; $25 East of the River residents and businesses; $20 seniors, students. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE (under five minutes from Capitol Hill). 202-290-2328. anacostiaplayhouse.com Christmas in New Spain: Early Music of Mexico and Peru. Dec 13-22. Exuberant music by 16th- and 17th-century Latin American and Spanish composers for the Christmas season and lively rhythms of early baroque dances with vocal ensemble, guitar, harp, violin, viol, and bassoon. $50. Folger shakespeare Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu Marine Big Band Holiday Concert. Dec 15, 2:00 PM. The Marine Big Band will feature big band standards, an unconventional setting of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, the popular holiday duet
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All Credit Cards Accepted HillRag | December 2013 H 23
“Baby, it’s Cold Outside,” and a special dance presentation in a free performance at the John Philip Sousa Band Hall, 7th and K sts. SE. The program is free and tickets are not required. Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O at the Atlas. Dec 19, 8:00 PM. Grammy nominee, drummer, Matt Wilson, livens up the holiday season with his one-of-akind Christmas Tree-O! As one of today’s most celebrated jazz artists, he is recognized for his melodic drumming style as well as his strength as a composer and bandleader. With Jeff Lederer and Paul Sikivie, the fun and delightful Wilson offers up all of our Holiday favorites without letting go his jazzy, snazzy flow. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org Gay Men’s Chorus “Sparkle, Jingle, Joy.” Dec 20, 8:00 PM and Dec 21, 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. $54. Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. gmcw.org PVTC Christmas Caper 5K & 10K. Dec 21, 7:50 AM. East Potomac Park, Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr. 301-292-1441. pvtc.org Christmas at Washington National Cathedral. Dec 24, Lessons and Carols, 6:00 PM, Midnight Eucharist, 10:00 PM. (Both services require free tickets but there will be a stand-by line that usually gets in.). Dec 25, Festive Eucharist (televised), 9:00 AM; Festive Eucharist, noon; Christmas vespers (Evensong). 4:00 PM; Christmas organ concert, 5:00 PM. Intersection of Wisconsin and Massachusetts aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org Celebration of Christmas at the National Shrine. Dec 24, Children’s Mass with Gospel Pageant, 5:00 PM; Musical Meditations on the Nativity, 10:00 PM; Solemn Vigil Mass, 10:30 PM. Dec 25, Masses, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM; Solemn Mass, noon; Spanish Mass, 2:30 PM. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Christmas Dinner For Those Who Are Alone or In Need. Dec 25, 12:15-2:00 PM. Dining Room of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This is a walk-in meal. Just show up. To volunteer, call 202-526-8300. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.com
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Christmas Day Jazz Jam. Dec 25, 6:00 PM. Dec 25 always brings this popular annual event. Free. Kennedy Center. 202416-8340. kennedy-center.org Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree. org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts. “Season’s Greenings” at the US Botanic Garden. Through Jan 1, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free-the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and
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DECEMBER CALENDAR
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New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center. Dec 31. Starting at 11:00 PM, enjoy live music, dancing and a balloon drop at the New Year’s Eve celebration in the Grand Foyer, free with your Dec. 31 evening performance (6:00 PM or later) ticket or receipt from the Roof Terrace Restaurant that evening. 8:30 PM, Ray Motown and Beyond in the Concert Hall; 8:00 PM, Elf-The Musical in the Opera House; 7:30 and 8:30 PM, Straighten Up and Fly Right-The Nat King Cole Tribute with Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli; 7:30 PM, Flashdance-The Musical in the Eisenhower Theater; 6:00 and 9:00 PM, Shear Madness in the Theater Lab. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202416-8000. kennedy-center.org Ring in the New Year at President Lincoln’s Cottage. Dec 31, 9:30 PM-12:30 AM. President Lincoln’s Cottage hosts Freedom’s Eve, a New Year’s Eve party, to celebrate the 151st anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. At the stroke of midnight, Jan 1, 1863, thousands of men, women and children celebrated as the Emancipation Proclamation finally took effect. To celebrate the 151st anniversary of that electric moment, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the Cradle of the Emancipation Proclamation, invites the public to Freedom’s Eve-a party with meaning. $100 for under 40; $150 per person. For ticket sales or more information, contact Hilary Malson at 202-829-0436 x31228 or HMalson savingplaces.org. Entrance is at the intersection of Upshur St. and Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. Event features live music, a dessert buffet, and an open bar. Admission to Freedom’s Eve is by advanced ticket purchase only. lincolncottage.org
View of the West Building Rotunda decorated with poinsettia plants and holiday wgreenery. Photo: Dennis Brack/Black Star © National Gallery of Art, Washington
Holiday Caroling at the National Gallery of Art With its festive decorations, this has become a favorite family holiday activity. Visitors are invited to sing along with guest choirs and ensembles at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22. Performances last 45 minutes. West Building’s East Sculpture Hall. Free. Sixth St. and Constitution Ave. NW. nga.gov the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov Chinatown Restaurants are Open Christmas Day.
NEW YEAR’S New Year’s Eve with The PJ Men at Woolly. Dec 31. Woolly’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza is back! Start your night with a stand-up/sketch comedy/improv mash-up by comedic duo The Pajama Men. Following the 10:00pm performance of their newest show, Just the Two of Each of Us, the PJs will join you for a “Glow in the Dark” party with an open bar all night, a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and a live DJ spinning into the wee hours. $100. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net
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First Night Alexandria. Dec 31, 2:00 PM-midnight. Fireworks on river at midnight. First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the new year through the performing arts. Local shops, restaurants and buildings turn into performance venues to showcase local talent. It’s fun, affordable, safe and venues are alcohol free. $15 ($20 Dec 17-31). Kids 12 and under, free. firstnightalexandria.org
MUSIC CHAW and Univ of Maryland Collaborative Chorus Orientation. Dec 10, 7:30 PM. See Bulletin Board for more details. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE. 202-547-6839. chaw.org “Bad Luck & Trouble” Dance Party at Corner Store. Dec 13, 8:00 PM. Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. cornerstorearts.org Carolyn Crysdale and Allie Farris at Ebenezers. Dec 13, 7:30-10:00 PM. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-5586900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com
Stories and Songwriters at Ebenezers. Dec 14, 7:00-8:45 PM. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Ocean Quartet Concert (Winter Light-A Celtic Solstice Celebration at Corner Store. Dec 20, 8:00 PM. Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. cornerstorearts.org Twelfth Night Concert at St Marks. Jan 4, 7:30 PM. Armonia Nova, led by artistic director and harpist Constance Whiteside, will offer seasonal instrumental and vocal music from the 12th through 17th centuries. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. 202-543-0053. stmarks.net Gospel Choir Brunch at Union Market. First Saturday of every month, 10:00 AM. Experience Gospel Choir Brunch on the first Saturday of every month with a dynamic performance featuring the Israel Baptist Church. Brunch specials are available from vendors. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. unionmarketdc.com
HR 57 Weekly Jam Sessions. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 PM-midnight. Since 1993 HR-57 has provided a place where aspiring musicians gather to learn the history and cultures of the genres of jazz and blues. It’s a venue for the exchange of ideas and information between aspiring and professional musicians, students, aficionados and the general public. $8. 1007 H St. NE. 202-253-0044. hr57.org Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org Jazz Night (and fish fry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Every Friday night. Expect a large, fun and friendly crowd. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/jazz Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/blues Here to Stay-The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin. Ongoing exhibition. Experience the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s in this permanent tribute to the brothers who helped provide a musical background to the period. The exhibition contains a wealth of materials that provide insight into their careers and personalities, including manuscript and printed music, lyric sheets and librettos, personal and business correspondence, photographs, paintings, and drawings, all from the Gershwin Collection in the Music Division of the Library of Congress, the world’s preeminent resource for materials about the Gershwins. Gershwin Gallery, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov
THEATER Woodey Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie at Theater J. Through Dec 14. A special encore presentation of the HelenHayes award winner (Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production). “Bound for Glory!” raved The Washington Post of last season’s sold out production. This boisterous musical celebrates America’s troubadour, the man behind ‘This Land is Your Land,’ ‘The Ballad of Tom Joad’ and more, with musical numbers, ample humor and heart-break from Woody’s rich life. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800 494-8497. washingtondcjcc.org Maurice Hines is Tappin Thru Life at Arena. Through Dec 29. Broadway legend Maurice Hines tells the story of his life in show biz through song and dance with the help of his cohorts from Sophisticated Ladies, the unforgettable Manzari Brothers. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner at Arena. Through Jan 5. TV star Malcolm-Jamal Warner make his Arena debut in a new adaptation of the beloved Sidney Poitier film aboutfamily and culture and knowing which of them has the greater hold on our hearts. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Shakespeare. Through Jan 5. Directed by STC Associate Director Alan Paul, this hysterical Tony Award-winning musical features a beloved score by Stephen Sondheim and an uproarious book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. This bawdy and wild production is a gift from the gods for anyone’s holiday season. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org “Here is a Play Fitted” Exhibition at the Folger. Through Jan 12, 2014. Discover how staging Shakespeare’s plays has changed over the past 400 years. More than 100 items-scripts and promptbooks, designs for sets, lights, and costumes, props, models, production photographs, playbills, letters, and reviews-highlight broad shifts over the centuries in the
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MCLEAN/Potomac Hills $2,975,000 6 BEDROOM/7.5 BATH/3 CAR GARAGE
FOR SALE FANTASTIC FIND! This magnificent, custom, contemporary take on French country was recently featured as Channel 7 WJLA’s “Home of Dis-
THE 12-WEEK BODY TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE
tinction.” At just over 9200 finished sq. ft., this home offers 6 bedrooms (masters on both the main and upper levels) and 7.5 baths. Situated on over half an acre, the driveway is on Cottonwood and the threecar garage home is gently screened from Kirby Rd. by trees and shrubs. Spectacular finishes, main and catering kitchens, 100” television and projector, and builtin Savant system make this home a rare find. Chesterbrook / Longfellow / McLean
WIN a FREE IPAD!
schools. MLS#FX8196292. Please call for
“Will You Be Our Next Greatest Transformation?”
a private showing.
John Mentis, Realtor
703-522-0500 / 202-549-0081
Long & Foster Real Estate, Arlington, VA
Your Life is Changing. I Can Help! ® 28 H hillrag.com
www.fitnesstogether.com/capitolhill 408 H Street, NE 4 blocks from Union Station 202.558.6486
performances of Othello, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the sometimes surprising changes made to the plays. Folger shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu
LITERARY EVENTS Conversation with the Poet Laureate and Rosanne Cash. Dec 7, 7:00 PM. Singer, songwriter, and author Rosanne Cash premieres her newest album, The River and the Thread, with a conversation with the Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. Whittall Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson Building. 202-707-5394. loc.gov Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute at the Folger. Dec 9, 7:30 PM. Poet Peter Gizzi talks about Dickinson’s poetic legacy and reads from his own work. Wine reception follows with black cake from Dickinson’s own recipe. Conversation moderated by Alice Quinn, Executive Director of the Poetry Society of America. $15. Folger shakespeare Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu Southeast Library Book Sale. Dec 14 (monthly on the 2nd Saturday), 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. 403 Seventh St. SE. 202698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast Rosedale Library Afternoon Book Club. Book discussions are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM. Please bring suggestions for future meetings or related titles you wish to share. Rosedale Neighborhood Library, 1701 Gales St. NE. 202-727-5012. dclibrary.org/rosedale Southeast Library Adult Book Club. Book discussions are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. 202-698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast
EXHIBITIONS Pieces of You: Portraits by Chanel Compton @ The Fridge. Dec 7-Jan 7. Opening Dec 7, 7:00 PM. The Fridge, 516 1/2 8th St. SE. thefridgedc.com Hill Center Galleries Fine Art Exhibition. Through Jan 5. The artists are Ahmed Alkarkhi, Alan Braley, Betsy Glassie, Christina Batipps, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Eric Celarier, Kimberley Bursic and Rindy OBrien. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. hillcenterdc.org EMULSION at Gallery O on H. Through Jan 18. An emulsion combines two seemingly incompatible ingredients to produce a third yet entirely new substance. In this spirit, East City Art’s EMULSION seeks to a wide array of art forms and mediums from two-dimensional work to performance based work to create a unified ensemble. Gallery O on H, 1354 H St. NE. eastcityart.com
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Moms On The Hill
Green Door
2013 School Information Night
helps men and women with mental illness achieve the highest level of personal success and independence in our community.
[ SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH ] [ 2:00–5:00 PM ]
[ CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL ] [ 210 SOUTH CAROLINA AVENUE SE ] The closest Metro stop is Capitol South on the blue and orange lines Green Door Values:
• Respect, Dignity and Empathy • Collaboration • Focus on Individual Strengths • Quality Services • Welcoming and Safe Environment
1221 Taylor Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 202-464-9200
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Preschool, Public, Charter, Private, Catholic/Parochial, Middle Schools and other programs. Come see all of your options! More Info:
[DOWNEYSCHOOLCONULTING@GMAIL.COM] ALL PARENTS (including non-members) OF THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME Organized by MoTH (Moms on the Hill)
“Records of Rights” at National Archives. Opens Dec 10. The new permanent exhibition in the Rubenstein Gallery, “Records of Rights,” uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents and how they have debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. Magna Carta is featured in this exhibition. National Archives, Constitution Ave. at 9th St. NW. archives.gov
Celebrate our Sesquicentennial, Christmas and the New Year!
GAMES Game Days with The Capitol Hill Village. On the first and third Thursdays of every month. 2:00-4:00 PM, join members of the Capitol Hill Village for a fun afternoon of board and card games. The Capitol Hill Village is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Capitol Hill’s senior residents. Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-544-1059. labyrinthgameshop.com
OPENING ON DECEMBER 7th!
Thursday Game Night at Labyrinth. Every Thursday, 6:00-10 PM. Come learn new games or play your favorites. Free. Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-544-1059. labyrinthgameshop.com St. Augustine’s Game Night. Jan 3, 6:30 PM, potluck; 7:00 PM, games. Bring a dish to share. Board and card games provided, but feel free to bring your own. All ages welcome. St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 600 M St. SW. 202-5543222. staugustinesdc.org
SPORTS & PHYSICAL FITNESS DC Baseball History Book Talk. Dec 10, 6:30 PM. Author Frederic J. Frommer in Conversation with Former Washington Senators’ Announcer Phil Hochberg. In this history of the sport in Washington, he covers home teams such as the Nationals of 1859, The Senators, The Homestead Grays of the Negro Leagues and the present-day Nationals through their 2012 win of the National League East Championship. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202727-1213 DC Rollergirls. Dec 14, 4:00 PM. (Doors open at 3:00 p.m.) Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for children 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance at ticketmaster.com or at the door on bout day. Individuals with a valid military ID can purchase tickets for $10 at the door. Bouts are at DC Armory. dcrollergirls.com Canal Park Ice Rink. Won’t open until Dec this year due to a ruptured pipe in the rink’s pump room. Date of reopening is uncertain. Check their website for more information. canalparkdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open through
The NSO Brass Quintet performs at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church 201 4th Street, SE Sunday, January 12, 2014 • 3:30pm NSO in the Neighborhood, Free Concert and Reception
Tickets are available at: www.capitolhillpreschurch150.org or 202/547-8676 Please bring a donation of canned goods
Advent & Christmas Calendar December 8, 11:00 a.m. Worship December 15, 11:00 a.m. Lessons & Carols Worship with Orchestra December 22, 11:00 a.m. Children and Youth Pageant Worship
Skin Care, Massage, Nutrition, Acupuncture
Christmas Eve - December 24, 6:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Services
Gift Cards Available
December 29, 11:00 a.m. Worship An Old Fashion Christmas Carol Sing
Come and Meet Us! 1236 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 450-2329 www.lavender-retreat.com HillRag | December 2013 H 31
mid-Mar (weather permitting). MondayThursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating Public Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon-1:50 PM and Saturdays 11:45 AM-12:45 PM. Children (12 and under) and seniors are $4, adults (13 and older) are $5. Skate rental is $3. For more information, call 202-584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org Rumsey Pool. Public swim, Monday-Friday, 6:30-9:00 AM; noon-5:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. Public swim, Saturday, 1:00-5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 635 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202-724-4495. dpr.dc.gov
CIVIC LIFE Reeves Center Disposition Meeting. Dec 17, 6:00 PM. The District of Columbia proposes to dispose of the Reeves Center in connection with the assemblage of land to construct a soccer stadium at Buzzard Point in SW. As part of this process, DGS is undertaking a process to analyze potential impacts related to the proposed disposition and redevelopment of the Reeves Center site. The process will also identify mitigation strategies to minimize these impacts. Meeting is at the Reeves Municipal Center 2000 14th St. NW, 1st Floor. Community Office Hours with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. Dec 19, 8:00-9:30 AM, Batter Bowl Bakery, 403 H St. NE. Councilmember Wells can be reached at 202-724-8072 or tommywells.org. Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. First Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Pound the Hill, 621 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible. Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-423-8868. anc6a.org
St. Vincent
de
Paul catholic church South Capitol and M Streets, SE
Sunday 8 am and 6:30 pm | M-F 12:10 pm www.stvincentdepauldc.org Closest Church to Nationals Park! StVincentDePaul
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ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-543-3344. anc6b.org ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-5477168. anc6c.org ANC 6D. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at 1100 4th St. SW, DCRA meeting room, 2nd floor. 202-554-1795. anc6d.org H
DC/Trinidad $505,000 3 Bedroom + Den/3.5 Bath/Parking
FOR SALE GORGEOUS RENOVATION! * HOT Trinidad neighborhood adjacent to H Street Corridor * Open main level with beautiful wood floors * Granite & stainless kitchen w/espresso finish cabinets, gas range * Rare 1/2 bath on main level * Sliding glass doors to rear deck * Three real bedrooms upstairs w/master & 2nd bath * Fin LL with rec room, den, and full bath * Auto garage door opener * Neighbors say they love living here! * MLS#DC8225675 * Please call for a private showing.
John Mentis, Realtor
703-522-0500 / 202-549-0081
Long & Foster Real Estate, Arlington, VA
Your Life is Changing. I Can Help! ®
Holy Comforter – Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church A welcoming, embracing and joyful faith family Rev. Msgr. Charles Pope, Pastor
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 257th U.S. Army Band Holiday Concert Monday, Dec. 9 at 7:00PM – FREE
Anointing of the Sick Mass
Saturday Dec. 14th – 12noon (Penance offered in Church beginning at 10:30am)
Christmas Family Mass & Youth Pageant Tuesday, Dec. 24 – 6:00PM
Midnight Mass (Choral Praise begins at 11PM) Tuesday, Dec. 24 - Midnight
Mass on Christmas Day
Wednesday, Dec. 25 – 10:00AM
New Year’s Eve (Watch Night) Mass Tuesday, Dec. 31 – 11:00PM
New Year’s Day Mass
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 – 10:00AM
NEW SUNDAY EVENING MASS AT 7:00PM The Last Mass on Capitol Hill on Sundays Weekend & Daily Mass Schedule Saturday 8:00 am & 4:30 pm Sunday 8:00am, 11:00am and 7pm Weekdays: Monday- Friday 7:00am (chapel)
1357 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 www.hcscchurch.org • 202-546-1885 HillRag | December 2013 H 33
Capitol Hill Retail Transformed into Modern Townhome 1331 Constitution Avenue NE
Gourmet Cream Style Sweet Corn The Perfect Christmas Dish!
Open House: Sunday, December 8th from 1-4pm
DC
based developer Ditto Residential collaborated with McGraw Bagnoli Architects to transform a former retail property on Capitol Hill into a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath contemporary townhome awash with light and filled with custom features. A third floor skylight runs along the west side of the house, bringing natural light to all three floors. There are two interior
balconies on the second level, and two of the bedrooms have eightfoot windows. Outdoor spaces include a backyard with two-car parking, and a roof deck, which, together with the home’s first floor, are wired to a central sound system. There are white oak floors and open tread stairs throughout, as well as top-of-the-line appliances from Bosch and Fisher & Paykel. Offered for: $1,395,000.
For questions or to arrange a private tour, please contact: Pamela Wye 202.320.4169 Pwye@ttrsir.com www.PamWye.com
“Better Tasting than Corn on the Cob!” 100% NATURAL No Added Sugar, Coloring or Preservatives
Available @ The Silver Spork 303 7th St., SE Questions? Email us at info@larrysweetcorn.com
www.larrysweetcorn.com
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Capitol Streets
Life Behind the Veil at Howard University
S
ometimes I sit behind my desk at Howard waiting for Harriet Tubman to return. Would she risk her life one more time for me? In an old PBS documentary, “Color Us Black” the novelist Claude Brown (author of Manchild in the Promised Land) challenged the values and existence of what was once the Capstone of Negro Education. Brown said if Howard didn’t turn around (whatever that meant), the place should be burnt to the ground and cotton planted for its economic value. I often thought Brown was crazy funny in that irreverent way Chris Rock can be at times. Lately however, Howard University has been in the news and much of the news has been negative. This is sad because the institution means so much to people all around the world. Howard is the place someone nicknamed the Mecca, and maybe now is the time for the call to prayer. I arrived on the campus of Howard in 1968. It was after King’s death and right before the “Towards A Black University Conference” was held. Students and radical faculty members debated the purpose and direction of Howard. I felt blackness “calling” around my sophomore year and decided to change my major to African American Studies. How else could I shed my “Negro” ways and become a black person? I
by E. Ethelbert Miller started writing poetry and soon found myself having one on one conversations with Sterling A. Brown, Leon Damas, Stephen Henderson, Haki Madhubuti, John Oliver Killens, Owen Dodson, and C.L.R. James. What makes Howard University unique and special can be as moving and as mysterious as the inside of John Coltrane’s horn. Long before a Yardfest, a student could hear some beautiful music coming from the classrooms in Douglass Hall. How many times did I enter the School of Social Work auditorium and listen to Walter Rodney or Amiri Baraka? Much of my “real” education took place at these special events. Howard became home. After graduating in 1972, I decided not to become a refugee. I stayed at Howard and worked closely with people who had a vision. At the center of that vision was Howard University not just on a hill, but in the center of the universe. Some of us were Pan Africanist in dress, but our minds were reaching, seeking, dancing and attempting to discover something more. Now, at this period in my life that DuBois called “dusk of dawn,” I wonder where my beloved institution is going. Are we preparing students for the 21st century? What equipment do we need for living?
What do we now hold sacred? Like Rip Van Winkle, has Howard been asleep the last few years? And, as Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us back in 1959, it’s wasn’t just that Rip slept for twenty years, it was the fact that he had slept through a revolution. As Howard awakes from its sleep and a nightmare of fiscal problems, it must join the global community of first-rate educational institutions. The new world is no longer simply black and white. The problems of our century are gumbo complex. A university like Howard is needed now more than ever. We must become Margaret Walker believers and Sterling Brown strong men. At the center of Howard’s re-emergence must be a major commitment to such units as the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and the African and African American Studies Departments. These units represent the heart of blackness. It’s what will give Howard University its glow (or brand) encouraging people from all around the world to come and visit and learn. Each day I sit at my desk corresponding with numerous scholars and artists. They often ask me, how are things at Howard? I laugh and tell them Tubman just left my office. She said, “Ethelbert, you are either a fool or free.” H HillRag | December 2013 H 35
Hilly Award Winners
bulletin board
Congratulations, 2013 Hilly Winners! Bar/Tavern of the Year winner was Beuchert’s Saloon and runner-up, The Pug; Restaurant of the Year, Acqua al 2 and runner-up, Belga Cafe; Retailer of the Year, Frager’s Hardware and runner-up, Hill’s Kitchen; Health & Beauty Service of the Year, Michael Anthony Salon and runner-up, Bubbles; Fitness & Exercise Service of the Year, Biker Barre and runner-up, Results The Gym; Professional Service of the Year, DC Access and runner-up, National Capital Bank; Home & Garden Service of the Year, Frager’s and runner-up, Moody Landscape Architecture; Arts Organization/Venue of the Year, The Hill Center Old Naval Hospital and runner-up, Atlas Performing Arts Center; Nonprofit of the Year, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and runnerup, Rural Dog Rescue; Cafe/Coffee Shop of the Year, Peregrine Espresso and runner-up, Pound the Hill; Best New Business of the Year, District Taco and runner-up Beuchert’s Saloon; Best New Restaurant of the Year, Hank’s Oyster Bar Capitol Hill and runner-up, Beuchert’s Saloon.
Tickets Available for Capitol Hill Village Gala
Capitol Hill Village’s sixth annual Gala evening will circle the globe next year with the theme “The 2014 World Tour.” Scheduled for Saturday, Jan 25, 2014, 7:30-11:30 p.m., the Gala offers a chance to catch a virtual flight around the world in one night of music and entertainment. The Gala will be held throughout the program rooms of the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The evening’s around-the-world music will be provided by “Raggs and the All Stars.” There will be the “International Marketplace,” highlighting Italy, Brazil, Africa, and others with samples of food and drink. Incorporated into the marketplace will be a silent auction offering the Gala’s popular “salon dinners,” which will allow successful bidders to share a fine meal and good conversation in a Capitol Hill home with authors, diplomats, entertainers, and local celebrities. Bidding will also be underway for a number of US and across-thewater vacation homes as well as sign-up sheets for special services and skill sessions like pottery lessons, behind-the-scenes tours, and unique theater events. Discounted prices for Gala tickets will be available through Jan14. More details about the entire Gala program will be available at capitolhillvillage.org.
Hi-Rail Vehicle Operations Underway On H Street/Benning Road
This is a perfect family volunteer opportunity because kids can relate. Photo: Courtesy of DC Diaper Bank
DC Diaper Bank Volunteers Needed
Volunteering at the DC Diaper Bank is family-friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. They’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area). Volunteer dates are Saturday, Dec 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (DISTRIBUTION DAY); Saturday, Dec 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Monday, Dec 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. If you’d like to join them for one of these days, let them know that you’re coming, if you’re bringing anyone with you and ages for small ones (info@ dcdiaperbank.org). For other ways to help, from donating diapers your little one has outgrown to holding a diaper drive, monthly donations to Cocktails for a Cause, check their site at dcdiaperbank. org. The warehouse for sorting and packing is at 8858 Monard Dr., Silver Spring, MD.
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The District Department of Transportation has begun using a Hi-Rail Vehicle on H Street/Benning Road as part of the acceptance and safety testing phase of the system, another step in preparation for streetcar passenger service next year. The Hi-Rail is a service vehicle which can operate both on fixed rails and on a road. It is used to simulate streetcar activity and will start running on the tracks on H Street/ Benning Road to highlight tolerances for clearance of vehicles that may be outside the white lines or double parked. It will stop at various streetcar stops while simulating the maximum width and height of a streetcar and triggering streetcar exclusive traffic signals. The vehicle will also give motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists a sense of what it will be like to share the road when the actual streetcars arrive in the corridor in December.
Eastern Market METRO Plaza Park Community Meetings
For the past three months, a design team, led by architect Amy Weinstein (Esocoff & Associates) and landscape architect Lisa Delplace (Oehme van Sweden), has been hard at work developing two alternative Master Plan concepts for all of the publicly owned land along Pennsylvania Ave. SE between 7th and 9th sts. including the area around the Eastern Market Metro Station. The overall goal of the project is to renew and upgrade the public space in this two block area, both functionally and aesthetically. At two public meetings in early December at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, the design team will present its two concepts. The first meeting will be held on Sunday, Dec 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Arts Room. The second meeting will be on Wednesday, Dec 11, 7-9 p.m. in the Lincoln Room. The presentation and format of both meetings
will be identical. After the design plans are presented, there will be breakout sessions to get feedback. All are encouraged to attend one of the two meetings. Subsequent to the presentations, the drawings will be posted to the project website, easternmarketmetropark. com, comments can be submitted through the website until Friday, Jan 10.
Union Market Now Open Six Days a Week
Union Market is now open Tuesdays through Sundays. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors from up-and-coming entrepreneurs to well-known restaurateurs all creating a unique culinary experience. Union Market vendors include: Rappahannock Oysters Co.; CoCo Sala Chocolates, All Things Olive; Buffalo & Bergen created by well-known mixologist Gina Chersevani; Salt & Sundry, an Amanda McClements’ lifestyle boutique; Righteous Cheese; Peregrine Espresso; Lyon Bakery; Trickling Springs Creamery; Harvey’s Market; Almaala Farms; DC Empanadas and TaKorean, among many others. Union Market is at 1309 5th St. NE. For more information about Union Market, visit unionmarketdc.com.
CHAW Receives DC Commission on Arts and Humanities Grants
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is the recipient of two grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for its 2014 fiscal year. The DCCAH has awarded CHAW a Grants-in-Aid grant in support of general operations and a Cultural Facilities grant to assist in upgrading building lighting. DCCAH provides grants, professional opportunities, education enrichment, and other programs and services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in all communities within the District of Columbia. DCCAH is supported primarily by District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. HillRag | December 2013 H 37
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Jazz group Project Natale appears on Dec 10. Photo: Courtesy of USBG
Evenings in the Conservatory are magical! Get into the holiday spirit with live seasonal music in the Garden Court during the following extended viewing hours until 8 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. Here’s the lineup: Tuesday, Dec 10, Project Natale, jazz; Thursday, Dec 12, Capital Accord Chorus, choral; Tuesday, Dec 17, Laissez Foure, New Orleans jazz; Thursday, Dec 19, The Capital Hearings, a cappella; Tuesday, Dec 24, Tony Craddock, Jr. and Cold Front, jazz, Thursday, Dec 26, 40 Thieves, Irish rock. The USBG will have an additional holiday performance by the Russian folk group Samovar on Friday, Jan 3 from 1-3 p.m. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov
Atlas Fitness Strength Training Program for Endurance Athletes
Atlas Fitness is offering free strength training classes specifically tailored to endurance athletes on Sundays from 9-10:30 a.m. Learn the fundamentals of core power lifts and program design that promotes strength gains in the off season. The program will aim to improve biomechanical efficiency, performance, body composition, and reduce the risk of injury in the linear movements of running, cycling and swimming. The class is taught by Powerlifting Coach, Robert Munn, and Triathlon Coach, Eric Casper. Sign up through AtlasFitnessDC.com or contact Team@AtlasFitnessDC.com for more information.
Delayed Opening for Canal Park Ice Rink
Due to a flooding incident caused by a ruptured pipe in the rink’s pump room, opening day will
be pushed out to mid-December. After only one season of operation, Canal Park’s skating rink has become a much enjoyed destination for residents and visitors to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Canal Park Inc. is working to ensure that it will be operational for as much of the skating season as possible. Visit canalparkdc.org./ice-rink for more information.
H Street’s Stay-Within-the-Lines Parking Campaign
In Nov, The District Department of Transportation engaged in a month-long education campaign designed to remind motorists to be safe and smart when parking along the H St./Benning Rd. corridor. The goal of the campaign was to educate motorists and to prepare them to interact with DC Streetcar vehicles, which are scheduled to be delivered to the corridor to begin safety testing in Dec. Throughout November, DDOT and
the Department of Public Works teams were visible along the H St. corridor issuing “warning” tickets to vehicles that are improperly parked. Cars parked outside of the white lines, including illegally double-parked vehicles, impede streetcars and delay service along the line. In December, these actions could result in vehicles being ticketed and/or towed. Once testing begins, DDOT and DPW will begin issuing real tickets to improperly parked vehicles. Be safe and smart when parking, and remember: PLEASE STAY WITHIN THE LINES. For more information, call 855-4132954 or visit dcstreetcar.com.
Whole Foods Coming to the Capitol Riverfront
Whole Foods Market will be the anchor retail tenant at 800 New Jersey Ave. SE. The 36,000 sq. ft. store will be on the ground floor. There will be two levels of parking above the store, which will provide parking for both the store and the 336 apartments planned for the building. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2014 with a 2017 opening for Whole Foods Market. Phase I of Square 737, known as Park Chelsea, is currently under construction. Park Chelsea is scheduled to open in late 2014 and will include 433 luxury apartments and 1,500 square feet of ground floor retail. Whole Foods will be the second grocery store in the Capitol Riverfront. A 50,000 sq. ft. Harris Teeter, part of Forest City’s Twelve12 project, is currently under construction and open in summer 2014.
CHAW and Univ. of Maryland Chorus Orientation
In early 2014, the University of Maryland and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop will collaborate to present Lukas Foss’ 1944 cantata “The Prairie,” the prize-winning setting of Carl Sandburg’s poem “Cornhuskers.” This piece put Foss on the map as one of the preeminent American com-
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posers of the twentieth century. The 53-minute work features soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a full (SATB) chorus, and orchestra. The Prairie will be performed twice: on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, 8 p.m., at the University of Maryland’s Memorial Chapel; and Monday, Mar. 3, 2014, 8 p.m., at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church at 4th St. and Independence Ave. SE. The chorus is open to all adult singers of high school age and above. The cost to participate is $25, which covers the cost of the score rental and contributes toward production costs. To register as a singer, contact Brian Washington, bwashington@chaw. org, or call 202-547-6839. Questions about participating, contact Paul Heins at CPHeins@aol.com.
Request for Proposals: New Public Art Project in DC
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The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and DC Department of Transportation are currently seeking submissions for the Capitol Hill Alphabet Animal Art Project (CHAAAP), a community-based public art project. CHAAAP will commission ten artists to produce sculptures to be permanently installed on selected street signs in SE. All levels of experience will be considered. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2013. More information and instructions on applying are available at http://bit.ly/ CHAAAP.
AWI Transportation Master Plan Update Informational Meeting
DDOT will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, Dec 12. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 “I” St. SW, regarding updates to the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) Transportation Master Plan. The Master Plan organizes transportation studies and projects within the AWI study area into a comprehensive program based on benefits to the community, cost, duration of construction, environmental impacts, and funding. The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is a 30-year, $10 billion series of transportation, environmental, economic, community and recreation projects that are transforming the shores of the Anacostia River into a world-class wa-
terfront. For more information, go to anacostiawaterfront.org. To ask questions, comment or be added to the AWI community contact list, email ddot.awi@dc.gov or call 202-741-8528.
DC Health Link (Obamacare) Opens Enrollment Centers at Two Local Libraries
DC Health Link, in partnership with DC Public Library, has opened two new health insurance enrollment centers, one in downtown DC and the other in Ward 7. At each enrollment center, trained experts and licensed health insurance brokers will be on-hand to answer questions and guide people through the process of obtaining health insurance. DC Health Link Enrollment Center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, will operate Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. DC Health Link Enrollment Center at Deanwood Library and Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE, will operate Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 2-8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Enrollment Centers at both libraries will be open until Mar 31, 2014.
CHGM’s Street Outreach Hypothermia Season Efforts Begin
Colder temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia, especially for those without adequate shelter. Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s Street Outreach program and the Shirley’s Place Day Center provide a warm daytime shelter, hot cups of noodles, access to cold weather clothing, and trained staff looking for the early warning signs of hypothermia. If you would like to join CHGM’s hypothermia efforts, take a look at the seasonal wishlist below or consider joining our staff through one of their many available volunteer opportunities. If you see anyone in need of shelter or assistance don’t hesitate to contact the DC Shelter Hotline at 1-800-535-7252. CHGM Hypothermia Wish List includes blankets, coats, socks, long johns, hats, scarves, coffee and hot chocolate. All donations and drop-offs are graciously accepted at our “Shirley’s Place” Day Center at 1338 G St. SE. Office hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday. 202-544-3150. chgm.net
EMULSION Winners Announced
An emulsion combines two seemingly incompatible ingredients to produce a third yet entirely new substance. In this spirit, East City Art’s EMULSION features a wide array of art
forms and mediums from two-dimensional work to performance based work to create a unified ensemble. An open call for entry to all artists residing in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area yielded a total of 135 artists submissions. First Place went to Adam Davies of Washington, DC for the piece “Dune Road” archival ink jet print - 40x50; Second Place to Charles Sessoms of Brentwood, MD for the piece “Chase” pigment print - 16x22; Third Place to Ben Tolman for “Apartments” mixed media sculpture 40x24x10. EMULSION is on view through Jan 18, 2014 at Gallery O on H, 1354 H St. NE. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday. noon-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. eastcityart.com
Hayes Senior Wellness Center Open
The Hayes Senior Wellness Center is the latest of the District of Columbia’s six senior wellness centers. Located in Ward 6, the center is housed in the renovated Hayes Elementary School, a landmark structure. Membership is opened to senior residents of the District of Columbia age 60 years and older. Hayes Senior Wellness Center offers aerobics exercise, weight lifting, yoga, line dancing, hand dancing, daily lunch, dental screening, memory screening, blood pressure screening, cataract and glaucoma screenings, medication brown bag, computer classes, massage therapy, crochet lessons and jewelry making, trips and more. Hayes Senior Wellness Center, open Minday-Friday 8:304:30 p.m., is at 500 K ST. NE. 202-727-0357. huhealthcare.com
Kwanzaa Celebrations at the Anacostia Community Museum
On Thursday, Dec 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Kwanzaa Kwanzaa! with Maria Broom. Although nationally known as an actress for her recurring roles in HBO’s The Wire and The Corner, Maria Broom is also a storyteller and dancer with over 40 years of performing and teaching in the U.S. and across the globe. Join them as “Miss Maria . . . the Story Dancer” offers a non-traditional, entertaining, and interactive introduction to the celebration of Kwanzaa. With call-and-response singing, stories, and dancing, she brings alive the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba to families of all cultures. On Friday, Dec 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Kwanzaa with Coyaba Dance Theater. Coyaba Dance Theater is a contemporary West African dance and drumming company consisting of 10 dancers, drummers, and singers. Specializing in traditional dance and rhythms from the Mali Empire (Guinea, Senegal, and Mali), the company presents the technique, history, and nuance of traditional West African dance. HillRag | December 2013 H 41
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On Saturday, Dec 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts. Join artists Deidre Bell and Tamara Thomas as they activate the creative imagination in this workshop for families. All materials are provided. All programs are free, but space is limited; for reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
New Stormwater Fee Discount Program
DDOE has launched the RiverSmart Rewards program, which provides District property owners and tenants who install systems that retain stormwater runoff, with discounts of up to 55% on its stormwater fee. The financial incentive is to encourage installation and maintenance of stormwater retention best management practices (BMPs) that prevent stormwater pollution from entering the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and their tributaries. Eligible BMPs include green roofs, bioretention, rainwater harvesting, and permeable pavement. Discounts are calculated based on the total volume of stormwater that a BMP, or combination of BMPs, retains on site. For application forms and more information on RiverSmart Rewards, visit ddoe. dc.gov/riversmartrewards.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
From Dec 14-Jan 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations for over 100 years. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission often before dawn. Sign-up for the 114th Christmas Bird Count is now open! It is free to participate! Sign up at birds.audubon.org/christmasbird-count. H HillRag | December 2013 H 43
capitolstreets news
Tunnel of Controversy
Capitol Hill Residents Rally Against CSX Renovation of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel
R
ecent revelations and incidents have reignited concerns about the proposed renovation of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel (VAT) that runs through Capitol Hill from 2nd Street and Virginia Avenue to 11th and M Streets SE. While long suspected, CSX recently confirmed that oil (but not in unit trains) is among materials transported through the tunnel. Heightening the anxiety of residents, on Sunday, November 17, the DC Fire Department was called to extinguish flames emanating from a freight car of creosotesoaked railway ties on a train that had just exited the tunnel. Smoke engulfed Garfield Park which was quickly vacated. The cause of the fire is unknown, and no injuries were reported. To address community concerns, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton convened an emotionally charged two hour meeting with CSX, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) and some 125 neighbors at the Capper Senior Center on Saturday, November 23rd. During the meeting, one neighbor characterized the project as “environmental racism” while a FHWA representative urged people not to get in a “tizzy” thinking the worst is going to happen. For many residents, the November 17 fire was proof that something very bad could happen. Meanwhile, Representative Norton described neighborhood concerns as “justified” and stated that she was “not going to stand by to see the neighborhood torn up, now that it’s built up.” As the ranking minority Member for the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, she said she would be requesting a Congressional Hearing on the VAT.
Background
The first part of the CSX-owned Virginia Avenue Tunnel was constructed around 1872 and ran from 11th to 7th Street, SE. In the early 1900s, the tunnel was extended to 2nd Street SE. CSX claims that the tunnel is now a bottleneck because it is too low for double-stacked container railcars and has only a single track (reduced from its original two due to earlier modernizations of train 44 H hillrag.com
by Catherine Plume equipment). CSX hopes to expand the VAT so that it contains two tracks and double-stacked railcars can travel through it. The project will cost up to $208 million.
Impacts, Concerns and Pay Offs
As you take the I-695 6th Street SE exit, the front yards of the homes to your right would be ground zero for the project. Construction would occur over a 30 to 66 month timeframe (depending on the option selected and using the most optimistic projection for the minimum). It would include a temporary open trench and a track for double-stacked railcars. Sections of Virginia Avenue would be closed, and a portion of Virginia Avenue Park would become a construction staging area. While residents would retain access to their homes, over 100 on-street parking spaces would be lost during construction and some 160 trees felled along Virginia Avenue. Hundreds of trees would be lost nearby. Cross streets and the I-695 6th Street exit would undergo temporary closures. Post construction, Virginia Avenue would be streetscaped, and a bikeway to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail might be established along Virginia Avenue, connecting with Garfield Park with Virginia Avenue Park “if desired by stakeholders.” At minimum, sidewalks would be fully restored to pre-construction conditions. The old growth trees would be replaced by saplings. The July 2013 derailment of a train near LacMegantic, Quebec coupled with the November 17th fire has residents worried about the transport of hazardous materials, especially through the open trench. CSX has a voluntary agreement with DC government whereby “high hazmats” (ammonia, chlorine, and explosive materials) are not at this time transported through the District. Other hazardous materials including oil are not covered under this agreement. CSX notes, “The voluntary agreement isn’t related to the tunnel or its condition, and the reconstruction of the tunnel will not change it.” CSX says that it works with local authorities so they understand what is
being shipped through communities and provide specific information about products when asked. “For security reasons, we do not publicly disclose this information”. Monte Edwards, a neighborhood resident and a member of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City (C100) notes, “The possible occurrence of human error together with future congestion on the Washington tracks and greater speed of the CSX trains create a volatile mix that has resulted in derailments that resulted in explosions, fires, deaths, and extensive damage to people and property in recent derailments in other locations.” Accidents are not unknown to the tunnel. In addition to the November 17th fire, a derailment occurred in November 2009 with a train pulling 18 hazmat cars. CSX maintains that the aging tunnel requires increasing inspection and preventive maintenance and that rebuilding the tunnel – removing the asbestos and building a floor (which it currently lacks) - will improve safety. They also note that a renovated VAT will help reduce rail congestion, reducing the time any train spends in the District by two minutes. However, the DEIS says the tunnel is safe: “Despite the signs of distress noted above, the tunnel is in no danger of collapsing in part due to tunnel reinforcements and reconstruction made in late 1985 and early 1986.”
Status
Over the past three years, DDOT and the FHWA have undertaken a “National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Study” on the VAT. A 1600 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released in July 2013 as a part of this study presents four options, including a “no build” option. With the exception of the no build” option, all include a temporary open trench of varying lengths for trains during construction. Some would be appeased if rail traffic could be rerouted during the project, versus having trains run – possibly on temporary tracks and while carrying hazmats– through an active construction site. Choruses of “REROUTE” (permanent, as well as temporary) peppered the November 23rd
meeting. According to CSX, temporary rerouting was ruled out due to operational, functional and infrastructure constraints on other tracks, and the temporary trench provides the cheapest option to CSX. Chris French, President of the recently established Navy Yard Neighborhood Association notes, “CSX hasn’t given any straight answers. When we moved here there were 10 or 11 different concepts on the table, many of which might have reduced or even eliminated the risk to the neighborhood. But they narrowed the selection to three different versions of the same concept: an open trench construction with trains travelling 25 MPH. That’s not a choice, that’s CSX picking the one solution that they want and packaging it three different ways to give the impression that they’re evaluating options. We’re getting railroaded”.
ing an enlarged freight tunnel at the current Virginia Avenue location”. They also note that the DEIS doesn’t consider the need to expand passenger/commuter service over time or the inability of passenger/commuter rail to use electric (versus diesel) locomotives to mitigate environmental impacts because of CSX restrictions. The DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) notes, “there are significant utility conflicts that are as yet unresolved and may prove infeasible and/ or unacceptable.”
“broader safety and environmental concerns that NEPA contemplates for such level of review, including specific plans for mitigation of the negative effects on ... the (impacted) community.” They also question CSX’s authority to expand the VAT and its right of way. The November 23rd meeting revealed that this project cannot go forward without various approvals, including permits from DDOT. Maureen Cohen Harrington, a neighborhood resident notes “we
ANC6B unanimously supports a hybrid of the three options that minimizes the duration of the work as well as noise and vibrations, enables trains to run along a covered temporary track, and has a minimal impact on Virginia Avenue Park. Meanwhile, some members of ANC6D note that the DEIS “contains factual inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and questionable statements that undermine its credibility” and that the document doesn’t address
believe this (project) is properly described an expansion, not as a reconstruction. The latter term implies that CSX is renovating the tunnel within its current right of way. In fact, not only are they making it bigger, but they are also shifting its location considerably. One alternative results in a new permanent tunnel completely beyond the boundaries of the current tunnel -- and much closer to nearby homes, the Capper Senior Center, and historic buildings”.
Next Steps
The public comment period on the DEIS concluded in September 2013. Next steps include: • addressing comments; • selecting a preferred option and developing mitigation measures; • releasing a final EIS (FEIS) which will include the FHWA and DDOT preferred alternative; and • issuing the Record of Decision per NEPA requirements. While no one has a definite
Reactions to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The DEIS has also been widely criticized by several groups. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the document has “deficiencies and areas of concern, including environmental justice, children’s environmental health, cumulative impacts, and community impacts, especially vibration, parks, visual, and utility disruptions”. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) notes that the DEIS underestimates the vibrations of a new tunnel (single-track estimates were used versus estimates associated with double-stacked trains). They also note that the DEIS uses outdated data and fails to address the impacts of increased emissions associated with diesel trains that CSX operates. C100 finds the DEIS to be “excessively narrow and (a document) that fails to develop a legitimate range of alternatives and to comprehensively analyze the implications of rebuild-
timetable for these deliverables, according to DDOT, the FEIS could be released by year’s end. Once the NEPA process is complete, final design can start and approvals and permits from FHWA and DDOT will be requested. Once the NEPA process is complete, construction can begin. What is clear is that at least for the near-term, the VAT will remain a topic of controversy. H
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capitolstreets news
Darrel L. Thompson, Ward 6 Candidate for Council From the Halls of Congress to the Streets of Capitol Hill
“H
by Andrew Lightman
elp us be part of the answer instead of being part of the problem.” These were the words, recalled Darrel L. Thompson, with which his grandfather typically ended his sermons at Baltimore’s Progressive First Baptist Church. Thompson cites them as the touchstone for his twenty-year career in national politics. Now they have inspired him to enter the race to replace Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells who relinquished his seat to run for mayor.
A Childhood in Church
“I grew up in church,” said Thompson, Ward 6 Council Candidate Darrel L. Thompson dressed in his Halloween whose father, Eddy, was a small businessman finest, talks to a potential voter. Photo: Andrew Lightman and associate minister at Progressive First competitive as anyone,” said Thompson. Baptist. Along with his four sisters, Thompson During his senior year in high school, Thompspent many weekends and weeknights tending to son became serious about his studies. Bringing to the needs of neighbors and parishioners. “Sister Johnson has a busted hot water heater... them the competitive drive learned in sports, he and you are out on a Friday night taking care of earned himself a place on the Dean’s List. Choosthose things when you really just wanted to be play- ing to forgo collegiate baseball, Thompson attended ing ball,” said Thompson of his childhood spent in Morgan State University, which had no team. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts in the Baltimore suburbs. Thompson’s mother, Deborah, taught in in- Political Science in 1992. ner city Baltimore. Thompson spent summers days helping her prep her classroom for the fall. When A Political Life she was not in church or at school, his mother was After briefly sampling the worlds of retail and shepherding him to baseball games, the epitome of banking, Thompson plunged into politics as the the little league mom. manager of Dwight Jones’ 1993 campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates ( Jones is now Mayor of Richmond). He drafted speeches, organized events Life Lessons from Sports “I was never a great student in high school. Base- and served as spokesperson. Enjoying the rough and tumble of political elecball was my thing,” said Thompson. He attributes his tions, Thompson worked briefly for the Democratic success in politics to lessons learned in sports. “When you get beat, you don’t stop,” Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) as a Field Representative in 1994 before heading back said Thompson. “I was three for twenty against this kid. He could out to manage another congressional bid in Illinois throw a curve ball and I couldn’t touch it. We were in in 1995. Returning to Washington in 1996, he rethe championship game. “They had walked the guy joined the DCCC spending time first as Director of in front of me to pitch to me. That’s no respect. The Financial Strategy and Planning, and later serving as guy puts the fast ball over the center of the plate and Financial Services Director. In this position, he was I tagged it. I hit it 390 feet for a base clearing triple,” responsible for fund-raising operations in more than 60 campaigns involving funds totaling more than he recalled. “When I put on my spikes and lace up, I am as $60 million. 46 H hillrag.com
In 1999, Thompson left DCCC to work in Congress serving briefly as Deputy Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus. Becoming Democratic Majority Leader Richard A. Gephardt’s (D-Mo.) Senior Policy Adviser & Director of Member Services, Thompson was responsible for managing relationships with fellow members and counting Democratic votes on the floor. “One of the best staff members I ever had. Thompson) was effective, intelligent and worked harder than anyone I have ever met,” said Gephardt. While working in Congress, Thompson earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from The John F. Kennedy School of Government graduating in 2002. In 2003, Thompson left Congress to work for Gephardt as the National Finance Chief of Staff and National Political Adviser of his presidential bid. He managed finances and media relations for the campaign. “He ran my fund-raising and voter relationships, and people relationships when I ran in 2004,” Gephardt said. “I was always amazed at how good he was with people.” After Gephardt’s presidential hopes collapsed in early 2004, Thompson signed on to the Obama for Illinois campaign as Chief of Staff. He supervised statewide campaign operations involving a 52-person staff. With the end of campaign season, Thompson returned to Congress in winter of 2005. Moving to the other side of the Capitol, he took a position as Deputy Chief of Staff for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) overseeing Intergovernmental and External Affairs. Thompson job was to handle economic development in Reid’s home state. He worked closely to facilitate activities between developers, unions and Nevada’s major industries. He was also very active in Reid’s campaigns providing advice on messaging and working with donors. “Darrel is and was a stellar political leader. He was highly capable of listening to and reaching out to very diverse communities with very different views
on policy matters,” stated Aaron Schuham, who lobbied Thompson on issues of religious liberties. “Darrel possesses a unique combination of policy expertise and passion for social justice. In the decade he spent with my office, I relied heavily on Darrel for advice on issues like creating middle-class jobs and ensuring justice for workers at home and abroad. My loss is the District’s gain,” said Reid. “Darrel possesses the skill sets and broad network that will help him be an effective advocate for District residents.”
From Nation to Neighborhood
“Why here? Why this race? I can clearly remember, there was a facility (in Nevada) that had been closed by one of the banks. This was a blighted property that no one wanted, crime ridden. We used the power of the office to get the property pulled back and deeded to the city. The city is now in the process of putting it out for bid to find the highest and best use,” Thompson recalled. “Here I am sitting out there in the middle of the desert, sun beaming down on my head, asking myself why I am two thousand miles away from home doing what I could be doing in my own backyard,” Thompson said. Thompson moved to Capitol Hill in 1996 settling in the Car Barn. Today he lives in the 1200 block C St. NE with his wife, Dr. Britt Weinstock. “Darrel was the first person we met when we moved in,” recalled Julie Stewart, the couple’s immediate neighbor. “Britt loves to cook, and she is always handing dishes over the fence. They are friendly and connected to the community. If Darrel beats out us out the door when it’s snowing, he will shovel the entire block,” Steward added wryly. “I think Darrel is extremely competent and committed. He has lived here for a long time and really cares about the neighborhood. He has seen it change in a positive way and wants to help move that along,” said Steward, who plans to vote for him. Thompson combines his neighborliness with his long love affair with baseball. Playing local hardball since 1997, he spent two years coaching adults; and most recently became an Assistant Coach for the Capitol Hill Little League. “Darrel has a huge amount of energy and a lot of patience. He really motivated our kids to build their skills, engage in good sportsmanship and thoroughly enjoy the sport. He is a catalyst and strong motivator,” said parent Aaron Schuham, whose son plays on Thompson’s team. “He is an absolute inspiration to our son.”
Framing a Platform
“Playing adult ball and coaching Little
League, I got a chance to see that we don’t have enough fields,” Thompson said. “In Vegas, you can drive down one of the highways and for miles there are illuminated fields. There are parks with unbelievable facilities. They’re lining the fields at 9 o’clock at night!” he stated. “I want to make this priority as a councilmember,” he continued, pledging to support the creation of the Capitol Riverside Sports Park. Thompson’s concern for youth informs his agenda on economic development, which he sees as the key to reducing crime by putting atrisk youth to work. “We start by using the developments that are taking place here in Ward 6 to create a real career for some of those young people,” he said. Adequate education is the key. While sharing concerns about Capitol Hill’s middle schools, Thompson plans a more comprehensive approach if elected. He is concerned about the current students at Eastern and also those in elementary schools. “I want to make sure that when we talk about PreK that all the schools in the neighborhood are equivalent to the flagship schools,” he said. In order to get to school, children have to cross streets and alleys. Their condition and sanitation are a major concern to Thompson. “When you walk out your back door, it should be as pleasant as walking out your front door.” Fixing potholes and eliminating rats are top priorities. Thompson would like to fill Capitol Hill’s commercial streets with neighborhood retail. “I like to go out to eat as much as the next guy, but we have lost Trovers and some of the furniture shops,” he said. He wants to expand the range of retail in the ward by reforming the property tax system to encourage retail usage. Thompson believes tax incentives can also be employed to maintain neighborhood diversity. “We need to come up with legislation that protects seniors and those who have been in their residences for a long time,” he said stating that the current bill before the council sponsored by Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large) does not go far enough. In addition, Thompson believes even more must be done to expand affordable housing for those who need it. He wants to increase the funding for the Housing Trust Fund. It is not sufficient, in his opinion, to simply create affordable units in market rate facilities. The city should be “actually building units that are designed to be affordable to start with,” Thompson said. Pursuing public office for Thompson is in many ways a return to his familial roots. He recalls his grandfather often telling him to “be a missionary at heart,” which he points out is another way of saying, “Help your brother and sister.” H HillRag | December 2013 H 47
capitolstreets news
The Southeast Boulevard Project Transformative Project Still in Flux by Charnice A. Milton
O
n November 21 at Payne Elementary School, a standing-room only crowd attended the second meeting on the Barney Circle and Southeast Boulevard Transportation Study. Held by the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), community members reviewed and commented on updated design concepts for the Southeast Boulevard, which is intended to replace the now-closed portion of the SE-SW Expressway between 11th Street and Barney Circle. “Hopefully, we have addressed all your comments; if not, please let us know...” said Sanjay Kumar, who serves as project manager. “But we have to balance your comments against the project’s needs.”
Anacostia Waterfront Initiative
The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is a 30-year plan intended to improve areas surrounding the Anacostia River located in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8. There are five principles guiding AWI: providing waterfront access to pedestrians and cy-
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ABOBE: Southeast Boulevard and Barney Circle incorporating L Street. Courtesy DDOT BELOW: A map of the Barney Circle and Southeast Boulevard Transportation Study area. Community members met with representatives from the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) to review and comment on proposed design concepts for the area. Photo: AWI
clists; promoting a modal shift to public transit; creating urban boulevards with mixed use, landscaping, and civic spaces; redesigning highways and freeways to reduce boundaries between neighborhoods and waterfront parks; and reconnecting the street grid to waterfront parks.
Barney Circle/Southeast Boulevard Transportation Study
The study focuses on four goals. First, it will look at transforming a portion of the Southeast Freeway (between 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue) “...into a boulevard that is integrated with adjacent neighborhoods...” Second, it plans to reconstruct Barney Circle to accommodate turning vehicles. Third, the study would help plans was to “...improve pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity to the Anacostia River Waterfront....” Finally, it will evaluate design options for “multi-modal transportation uses,” meaning that the concepts should work with cars, buses, streetcars, and other vehicles. On February 21, the initiative held its first community meeting, introducing the project and giving residents a chance to comment. Those concerns include adding pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Waterfront, including Kentucky Avenue in the study area (to cut down on potential cut-through traffic), and creating an underground parking structure. These items were later addressed during the design process, which also included a traffic analysis.
Southeast Boulevard
While a no-build option, meaning no changes, was considered for Southeast Boulevard, the presenters offered five other concepts. The first option would align the boulevard between L Street and the CSX railroad tracks. It also offers a green space buffer between L Street and Southeast Boulevard, as well as underground parking. The next two concepts suggest a design located closer to L Street with surface parking and adjacent green space; however, one places them on the same level as L Street, while the other places them below it. The last two concepts place the boulevard closer to the tracks, with surface parking and green space located either below or on the same level as L Street.
Barney Circle
Located near the west end of John Philip Sousa Bridge, Barney Circle gives direct access to the Southeast Freeway, Pennsylvania Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, and 17th Street. With Southeast Boulevard’s construction, DDOT offered two designs to improve access to those roads. The first makes nearby K Street oneway and accessible only through Pennsylva-
nia Avenue. Kentucky Avenue would become one-way northbound with direct access to the Circle and two-way southbound of the Freedom Way alley. The second design gives more connectivity options to K Street, while limiting access to Kentucky Avenue; it would be oneway southbound into Barney Circle, making a portion of H Street (between 16th and 17th Streets) two-way.
Community Comments
One major concern the audience raised involved potential cut-through traffic through neighborhoods. Current designs for Southeast Boulevard attempt to alleviate the issue by maintaining a four-lane roadway and eliminating potential connections to 13th, 14th, and 15th Streets. However, as one resident pointed out, this could mean a traffic increase on 17th Street. According to Otto Clemente, a senior project planner with AWI partner CH2M HILL, the traffic analysis showed that even if they went with a no-build option, traffic will indeed increase on 17th Street. The audience was also concerned about safety. One resident talked about Southeast Boulevard’s potential underground parking area. “It will be covered. It will invite crime,” she stated. “There has been an increase of crime in our neighborhoods, with cars being broken into...I’m asking you to look carefully at where the lots are located.” Another audience member, who identified herself as Payne Elementary’s track coach, discussed issues with speeding commuters in the area. “We need some security around this neighborhood or speed bumps for the senior citizens and children because they are getting hurt,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what bridges you build, they don’t want that; they still want to take shortcuts.”
Next Steps
Between now and January, the initiative is encouraging residents to continue commenting on the designs. The sooner AWI receive responses, the sooner they can evaluate and use them to finalize the concepts and move forward with their environment assessment (EA). According to the presentation, the project team will present the EA in another public meeting this spring and make a final project decision by summer. To find out more about the study, visit www. anacostiawaterfront.org/BarneyCircle. Send your comments on the study to Sanjay Kumar, P.E. at barneycircle@prrbiz.com. Former ANC Commissioner and Hill activist Norman Metzger has a very cogent discussion of this issue and information about boulevard transformation in other cities on page 165 of the November Hill Rag. The commentary can also be accessed on our website at http://www.capitalcommunitynews.com/content/southeast-boulevard-learninghistory or by searching Southeast Boulevard. H
HillRag | December 2013 H 49
capitolstreets news
Ben’s Chili Bowl Changes Preservation Plan for New H Street Location
I
n exchange for an extra .5% Floor Area Ratio allowance at its upcoming 1001 H Street NE location, Ben’s Chili Bowl agreed to maintain the historic façade on the larger of the property’s two buildings. The extra space would allow Ben’s to operate a second establishment on the property, and the preservation of the façade would guarantee DCRA that the buildings—which used to be home to George’s Place, a men’s clothing store that was an H Street institution— kept with the neighborhood’s historic look and feel. But on October 18, what had been a twostory brick corner store with a smaller addition behind it had been reduced to a pile of rubble. On October 22, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A chair David Holmes sent a letter to Matt LeGrant, the DCRA zoning administrator, asking why the buildings were no longer standing. While Holmes had expected partial deconstruction, it appeared to him as though the buildings had been razed, which was illegal without a permit. “Why was razing not presented to the ANC?” he asked LeGrant. “I was outraged,” said Holmes. “If you want the benefits that come from preserving an existing historic façade, you cannot demolish that façade.” LeGrant replied the next day, assuring Holmes that his office had not issued a raze permit. LeGrant said that he would send building inspector Rabbiah Sabbakhan to check out the property as well as ask Ben’s Chili Bowl— owners Sage, Kamal, and Nizam Ali, lead developer Frank White, RAM Contracting Services and FORM Architects— for an explanation. Once the matter had been reviewed thoroughly, LeGrant would determine whether or not Ben’s had done anything illegal.
A change of plans, but not a violation
On November 19, LeGrant informed Holmes and the rest of the ANC that Ben’s had not violated its agreement with DCRA to preserve the facade; it had simply changed its plan for doing so. Instead of bracing the brick and building around it, Ben’s had disassembled it with the intent to store and reconstruct it using both what could be salvaged and “in-kind” brick; the façade would be part of the final construction product. Ben’s made the adjustment because the build50 H hillrag.com
by Jonathan Neeley
The site of Ben’s Chili Bowl shows the building demolished. The facade of the old George’s Place (Photo: Google Maps) will be reconstructed according to the Ben’s Chili Bowl owners, using as much of the old materials as possible.
ings were found to be in worse condition than anticipated, with corroded and crumbling brick on the outside and rotted wood, deteriorated grout, and water damage on the inside. Anwar Saleem, who owns the neighboring 1005 H St. NE, said that 1001 was in awful shape: there was water up to his waist in the basement, some of which had started leaking into his property. “If they hadn’t taken it down it was going to fall down, no question about it,” said Saleem. “Deconstruction is different from tearing it down.”
Communication between Ben’s and ANC 6A
Ben’s Chili Bowl’s mistake was in its failure to communicate with ANC 6A about the changes to its construction plan. Midway through LeGrant’s investigation, Ben’s sent a letter of apology to all of the ANC 6A commissioners that included a detailed explanation of the safety issues they encountered in the buildings, the new plans, and a statement of continued commitment to a strong relationship with the H Street community. In the letter, Ben’s reported that the preservation aspect of the project has cost over $124,000. “It was our goal from day one to maintain as many of the architectural features of the existing building as possible,” he said. Holmes is still disgruntled. “I’m not convinced that they had no other option,” he said. “They should have informed the ANC. It’s clear that the alternatives are not good, [but] I really hate the fact that
George’s was torn down.” On the whole, however, Holmes said that he is both ready to move forward and excited to have Ben’s in the area. “[LeGrant’s decision] was the best that we can do in the circumstances,” said Holmes. “The ANC is excited to have [Ben’s Chili Bowl] on H Street. They’ve been very open and helpful. We’re happy with them.”
The finished product
When the project is complete, the bottom floor of 1001 H St. NE will be the second stand-alone Ben’s Chili Bowl location in DC— there are also outposts at Nationals Stadium and FedEx field, as well as a coming location in Rosslyn. “It’ll be a little taller, and it’ll look like a better building,” said Nizam Ali. “Same features, but with strong integrity.” In efforts to ease entry into the neighborhood, Ben’s adjusted its plans for outdoor dining along 10th Street NE to enclose seats and trash cans and move them closer to the building. Ben’s also purchased 729 10th St., the house directly behind the coming establishment, to serve as buffer for neighbors during construction and to help shield noise once the restaurant opens. “You want to fit in wherever you go,” said Ali. “You don’t want to be a sore thumb.” Ali expects the project to be completed in late May or early June. “But there are always challenges,” he said. “It’s never easy.” H
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capitolstreets ANC reports
NEWS ANC 6A
by Maggy Baccinelli
Resident Services and Issues of Interest Highlighted
The Real Property Tax Appeals Commission Chairperson Greg Syphax explained District residents’ right to appeal their taxes, and handed out brochures that detailed how to file an appeal and prepare a written petition. He explained that residents should seek out the Appeals Commission after visiting their assessors. When appealing, residents will make their cases to a three-member panel. The Commission is new, Syphax explained, as expertise requirements for the board were recently instated. Hasim Dawkins of DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) explained that under the Clean and Affordable Energy Act, DCSEU provides energy efficiency and renewable energy services to D.C. residents, businesses and institutions, including incentives and rebates. DCSEU provides upgrades to residents of all income levels, which guarantee significant energy savings and decreases in utility bills. Upgrades include insulation and furnace replacements. DCSEU also provides workforce development training, and employs only District residents. Former Chair of ANC6A Kelvin Robinson, who is now business de52 H hillrag.com
velopment director of DC Health Link, explained the District’s new health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act. D.C.’s health care enrollment date opened Oct. 1 at DCHealthLink.com and will run until March 31. For health insurance to be effective starting Jan. 1, 2014, residents must register by Dec. 15. Subsidies from the federal government are available to help small businesses cover insurance for employees. Robinson explained that the first step residents would take when visiting DCHealthLink.com is determining eligibility for the District’s expanded Medicaid program. If residents are ineligible, other subsidy eligibilities will be determined. There are 267 plans available from Etna, CareFirst, Kaiser and United. There are 34 HMO, PPO and POS plans available in the individuals and families market. Robinson explained that large families fair well on premiums, because after three children, additional children are covered without expense. Residents up to age 26 can be covered by parents’ insurance. D.C. Health Link contact centers are open from 8 a.m. through midnight, Monday through Saturday, and can be reached at 855-532-5465. All help from DC Health Link is free of charge. Chairperson Holmes announced that Pepco is in the process of removing the energy facilities at the Benning Road power plant, including towers, buildings, tanks and
coolers. The company is also assessing the river and land for pollutants. They are abating the vast amount of asbestos that surrounds the heating areas of the plant, as well as the led paint on the 1906 structure, before they destroy it.
Advertising Funds Expanded And Approved
In a 6-1 vote, the Commission accepted the quote from Capital Community News for advertising in both the Hill Rag and the Fagon Community Guide. The vote was taken after the commission passed the 2014 Budget with an amendment to increase total advertisement funds with $3,500 from the projected surplus, in a separate 6-0-1 vote. The additional money will be used to pursue advertising in other publications. The votes prompted long discussion about how to reach a wider breadth of constituents through community outreach. Community Outreach Chair Elizabeth Nelson reported that at the next COC meeting, they will discuss advertising in The Washington Informer.
Variance Reconsidered And Approved
After commissioners voted not to support a variance requested by Toddlers on the Hill which would allow the group to become a licensed Child Development Center without the required two parking spaces, Commissioner Calvin Ward requested the motion be reconsidered. After TotH representatives answered a series of questions on their expectations for the pick-up and drop-off process at the Douglas Memorial Methodist Church, where they are located, the Commission supported the variance in a 6-1 vote.
Bylaws Bind
In a 2-3-2 vote, the Commission did not support Commissioner Phillips-Gilbert’s motion to strike a section of the minutes from 6A’s special meeting on Oct. 24. The section documented Chairperson Holmes’ announcement that he will propose a change to the 6A Bylaws at the December meeting. Gilbert argued that the announcement was not part
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A DAVID HOLMES, CHAIR, 202-251-7079 Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and Stanton Park communities
★ ★ ★
ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.
www.anc6a.org
Next ANC 6A is 2nd Thursday, December 12
of the Agenda, and that under the Bylaws, all special meeting items must be listed on the agenda to be talked about. The Chairman’s proposed change to the Bylaws, which he again announced at the November meeting as an item for commissioners to expect on the December agenda, will state that the chair and vice chair in addition to anyone else who may be named, shall have the authority to represent the Commission in any matters pursuant to motions adopted by the Commission. Holmes is required to give one month’s notice before the Commission can deal with that question.
In Other Motions: •
• •
•
•
Commissioners unanimously supported the variance requests for 903-907 Florida Avenue NE, where applicants seek to divide three existing lots into two record lots, each with one two-unit flat. The commission voted unanimously to purchase web services for the ANC. The commission voted unanimously to protest the following licenses for failure to maintain peace, order and quiet, and that the Chair be authorized to send letters conveying the protest to the ABC Board: Atlas Room, Biergarten Haus, The Elroy, Little Miss Whiskey’s, Star and Shamrock, Vendetta, HR57, Avery’s The Pug, and Toki Underground. The commission voted unanimously to request that the Office of Zoning extend by 120 days, the public comment period for the rewrite of the District’s zoning regulations In new business, Commissioner Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07) moved that the Com-
munity Outreach Committee alternate its monthly meeting place between Rosedale Neighborhood Library and Maury Elementary School, beginning in January. The Commission voted the motion down, 3-4. The ANC6A Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Miner Elementary School. The 6A committees meet at the following times: Alcohol Beverage Licensing: 7 PM on the third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center. Community Outreach: 7 PM on the third Monday of each month, Maury Elementary School Economic Development & Zoning: 7 PM on the third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center Transportation & Public Space: 7 PM on the third Monday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center H
Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee 3rd Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Jay Williams, 906-0657
Community meeting to discuss bar/restaurant patio and rooftop deck hours Transportation & Public Space Committee 3rd Monday, Dec. 16, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th and G Sts. NE • Chair, Omar Mahmud, 546-1520 Economic Development & Zoning Committee 3rd Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th and G Streets, NE • Chair, Andrew Hysell, 203 570-7560 Community Outreach Committee 3rd Monday, Dec. 16, 7pm • Maury Elementary School - 13th Street & Constitution Avenue, NE • Chair, Elizabeth Nelson, 543-3512
Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue.
ANC 6B by Jonathan Neeley
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission 6B held its monthly open meeting on Tuesday, November 11th at the Hill Center.
Board of Elections to Realign Voting Precincts
The Board of Elections is amending voting precinct boundaries in the city. Currently, many Single Member District voters are
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spread out among multiple precincts while many precincts host voters from multiple SMDs. Long lines and errors with ballot distribution in recent elections have been a result of the congestion. The ANC voted unanimously to send a letter to the Board of Elections supporting its effort. The letter also urged the BOE to move implement the changes quickly so that kinks can be worked out before the 2016 presidential election, and encouraged frequent reminders of the locations of new polling places and logistical preparation for a likely spike in early and absentee voting. “I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback from voters [in 6B] about what they perceive as too far [to have to travel to vote] as well as some help in selecting additional polling places that might be more efficient,” said Renee Christensen, a Board of Elections representative. “We expect to make some significant changes based on the feedback we’ve received.”
Report on Public Safety in ANC 6B
After six months of production, the Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force released its Report on Public Safety. The report outlines a number of crime-related issues, from resident safety to how DC’s criminal justice system works to what to do when your bike is stolen. It finds that while crime rates in the neighborhood have fluctuated over the past two and a half years, there is a definite spike in the late spring and summer. The ANC voted unanimously to adopt the report as an official document, meaning that it will be posted on the website and used in discussions with residents, law enforcement, Mayor Gray’s office, and City Counsel. Though the report is not a policy document, the Commission views it as
a worthwhile addition to the ongoing discussion on crime prevention. “We’ve highlighted a number of areas that are worth asking some hard questions about,” said Commissioner Brian Pate (6B05), who chairs Outreach and Constituent Services. “We need to work on comprehensive strategies for dealing with non-violent crimes [as well as] that seasonal spike.” Pate credited Commissioner Phil Peisch (6B03), the task force vice chair, for leading the report’s preparation, and noted that the Metro Police are in the process of proposing a few amendments.
Transportation Committee Report
All but one of the ANC’s nonautomotive projects for the 2013 fiscal year was competed before the year ended. The Transportation Committee is negotiating the details for funding the final project—landscaping around the Eastern Market Metro Plaza, whose recently added information kiosk was a 2013 project—with the DC Department of Transportation. The Transportation Committee also discussed DDOT’s use of Flexi-Pave, a sidewalk material made of rubber that is porous enough to let water and oxygen travel to and from tree roots and malleable so that trees can grow without the risk of brick coming loose. Flexi-Pave has been used in cities around the country for over a decade, and DDOT first used it about a year ago; it was recently installed it around two tree boxes on 7th Street SE. The big issue with Flexi-Pave is its use in historic districts, where brick is highly valued. The Transportation Committee is continuing to work with DDOT on regulations for how it will be used in 6B, but DDOT has said that it will not use it without first consulting the ANC.
Issues at Tune Inn, Tortilla Coast, and Phase 1
In October, the ANC voted to
support the Tune Inn’s (331 Pennsylvania Avenue SE) liquor license renewal because the Tune Inn had indicated that it would sign its settlement agreement. However, the Tune Inn did not sign before the renewal’s petition date, meaning that the ANC had voted to support the renewal without the bar holding up its end of the bargain. Surprised, the ANC sent a letter to the Tune Inn asking that the bar sign the agreement as an act of amity with the neighborhood. Tortilla Coast (400 1st Street SE) continued its standoffish relationship with the ANC. Though the bar is seeking a live music endorsement, it has never signed a settlement agreement with the ANC, and Commissioner Dave Garrison (6B01) reported an email from the bar saying that it would not sign one that was recently proposed. Tortilla Coast also sent no representative to the ANC meeting. “Tortilla Coast is the only establishment in 6B that has completely refused to work with the neighborhood or the Commission on their liquor license,” said Commissioner Sara Loveland (6B07), chair of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee. Tortilla Coast has recently been caught serving alcohol to minors and operating without a manager in the bar, and has been cited with three Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration violations in the last two years. The ANC voted unanimously to protest the renewal of Tortilla Coast’s liquor license on the basis of peace, order, and quiet. The ANC did vote to endorse a liquor license for Phase 1 (528 8th Street SE), which recently signed its first settlement agreement. At the meeting, the agreement was updated to include a paragraph saying that the bar will not store grease, liquids, or dumpsters in its back alley. While a neighbor attended the meeting to ask the ANC to delay its endorsement so that Phase 1 could demonstrate an ability to keep its alley clean, which she did not believe it was doing, delaying HillRag | December 2013 H 55
a decision based on a contingency is not a procedural option; all the ANC does is vote on whether or not an alcohol license should be renewed. Phase 1’s owner claimed that he has never stored dumpsters behind the property, that the dumpsters that have been seen there are not his, and that if he finds them there he will simply drag them to another area away from his bar.
mixed residential and office space. An Edens representative said that on top of the benches and bike racks, Gateway Market Center will have outdoor dining areas and flower planters. He also mentioned a potential movie theater venture with Angelika Film Center, which is also opening a location at Union Market.
ANC 6B’s December meeting is on Tuesday, December 10th at 7 p.m. at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE). H
The property owners at 325 Maryland Ave NE asked the ANC to support its application for a variance that would zone the property for commercial use. They stressed that the building would be used only for their own small lobbying and photography businesses, but also noted that the option to lease the house out to businesses would yield a higher return than renting it to residents. Should the owners sell the property, the variance would carry over to whoever purchased it. A number of nearby residents attended the meeting to urge the ANC to side with the Planning and Zoning Committee, which had already voted against the variance. The residents’ opposition stood on the grounds that bringing businesses onto what is largely a residential street would change their neighborhood dynamic and drive their property values down. The Commission voted unanimously to oppose the variance because there was no compelling reason to allow for commercial use. “A variance is supposed to be a nontrivial test,” said Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04). “There needs to be an economic hardship. If you grant a variance in this case, it’s very hard to see where it stops.”
ANC 6C by Jonathan Neeley
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission 6C held its monthly open meeting on Wednesday, November 12th at the Heritage Foundation.
Gateway Market Center
The Commission voted unanimously to update their recommendation for a Planned Unit Development for the construction of the Gateway Market Center at 340 Florida Ave. NE. The Center is a joint venture between Edens and the Choi Corporation, and the PUD— different from a normal building agreement—allows for special building provisions in exchange for help with community efforts beyond the project at hand. In this case, Gateway Market Center will receive extra density allotment in exchange for extra benches, exterior bike racks, and clean up on surrounding blocks. Gateway Market Center will have retail on bottom, apartments on top, and parking space. A different developer proposed an earlier plan for the currently vacant lot, but it never got any financial backing because of an unusual design that 56 H hillrag.com
Maryland Avenue
Finishing Touches for Heritage Foundation and Uline Arena Construction
The Heritage Foundation was given final approval for its construction project along Massachusetts Avenue NE and 3rd Street NE, where it currently owns a parking lot and set of apartment buildings. Construction will include moving
the curb on 3rd Street while salvaging the Bluestone it is made of, removing an oak tree and planting a new one farther down the block, and building a retaining wall that will yield more landscape and patio space. Contractors also noted that the entrance of the garage they are building is set back from the curb so that there is ample space for drivers and pedestrians to see one another. A representative from Douglas Development attended the meeting to discuss final plans for the Uline Arena (3rd Street NE and M Street NE), where the ANC’s major concerns were pedestrian safety and street parking modification surrounding the building’s loading docks. A number of signs and sensors, which can feel when someone is on the sidewalk, will operate at all hours to inform pedestrians of when trucks are pulling in or backing out. Formerly known as the Washington Coliseum, the Uline Arena is one of DC’s most historic nonfederal buildings: the Beetles played their first US concert there, and it was once host to DC’s first professional basketball team. Demolition work for the project started the week of November 18th.
ing a few select routes.” Diane Thomas, a Rock ‘n’ Roll USA representative, said that she hoped to communicate with commissioners and neighborhood listservs early to facilitate early planning, and she noted that the race is an international destination with over 29,000 participants and a great economic boost to the area. Still Commissioner Scott Price (6B03) was dubious about just how much money the race brings to the neighborhood, and was frustrated by his residents being surrounded by the route. “There’s always questions about the cost/benefit of [the marathon], how much of the funds they raise are going back into the community, and how many people in the community are racing,” said Goodman. “It’s all a balance. There’s a chance that if it’s discussed more next month, we would support it.”
Other Business •
New Capital Bikeshare Stations
The Commission voted unanimously to send a letter to DDOT recommending that they consider three locations in 6C for new Capital Bike Share docs: On K Street NE between 5th and 6th Streets NE, at 1st Street NE and K Street NE, and at the intersection of 7th Street NE, Constitution Avenue NE, and Massachusetts Avenue NE.
Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon
The Commission voted unanimously to table its vote on approving the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon route. Scheduled for March 15th, 2014, the marathon forces road closures in many of 6C’s Single Member Districts on race day. “It’s a hugely disruptive effect for some areas of the neighborhood,” said Goodman. “For some period of time, you can’t easily get out without tak-
•
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The ANC voted unanimously to protest liquor license renewals for The 201 Bar (201 Massachusetts Avenue NE) and Ibiza (1222 1st Street NE). According to the ANC, constituents around 201 have seen patrons leaving the bar with alcohol bottles in hand, and they want the bar’s closing time moved back to 11pm. The ANC also said that the 500-foot radius around Ibiza is the location of most crime in NoMA and 25% of crime in 6C. The National Parks Service is holding a meeting on December 5th to discuss maintenance at Lincoln Park. The University of Georgia has purchased a property on Massachusetts Avenue that will be used as a dormitory for student interns in DC. The neighborhood worked out a deal with the University that prohibits cars and alcohol consumption on the premises and doubles adult supervision in the building.
ANC 6B’s December meeting is on Tuesday, December 10th. H
ANC 6D by Roberta Weiner
Two New Commissioners to be Elected in December
ANC Chairman Andy Litsky announced that an election will be held at the next ANC meeting on Monday, December 9th at 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Conference Room, to replace Ron McBee (6D03) and Donna Hopkins (6D01). All residents of those Single Member Districts (SMD) are urged to come to cast their votes (Proof of residence in the SMD is required. If there is only a single candidate, there will not be a vote, and the candidate will be certified by the Board of Elections.
Pepco to Build New Substation at Buzzard Point
At last month’s ANC 6D meeting, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development made a detailed presentation on plans to build a soccer stadium at Buzzard Point in Southwest. It was comprehensive, except for proposed plans to move a Pepco substation located at the site. This month, it was Pepco’s turn present its plans, as Chris Taylor, the project’s director and his team of five engineers, explained their plans to the ANC and the community. The substation is currently located between S and U Streets SW and between Half and 1st Streets SW, and it will be relocated a block away at Q and 2nd Streets SW. This is being done, according to Pepco, because the new substation is needed to “meet current customer demand and plan for projected growth in the Capitol Riverfront and Southwest area…and that is centrally located in the community and near the existing substation.” The purpose of the substation is to lower the higher transmission volt-
age that is sent to the station to a lower voltage for distribution. A rendering of the new building shows a red brick building with, according to Taylor, “faux” windows so that the structure will “seamlessly” fit into its neighborhood setting. Construction is scheduled to begin at the start of 2014 and be completed by December 2016. He said that Pepco will work closely with the community to ensure there is minimal disruption during the construction, and that neighbors will be kept informed with construction update, well in advance of any possible disruption. The presentation released a firestorm in response. Commissioner Rhonda Hamilton, whose single member district borders the site, represents the residents of the Syphax Garden public housing project, which is located directly across the street, along with its daycare center. She asked why the substation was being built in a residential area and pointed out that the residents are already being exposed to industrial waste and cancer risks. There was a heated reaction from many Commissioners concerned about the risks during construction and worker safety. There was discussion about the fate of underground tanks, of environmental mitigation and reinforcement of concerns about local residents. Pepco responded that risks were minimal, that environmental concerns were of prime concern to the utility, and there were several other similar projects that had been completed in higher density urban areas. It was suggested that Pepco provide the Commission with information on those projects and that more detailed information be provided to the ANC on the risks and processes involved in the project. There will be more to come.
Randall School Project Ready to Move Forward
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C ANC 6C serves Capitol Hill, Union Station, NoMa as far east as 8th Street N.E. The community is invited to attend/participate. Monthly meetings are generally the second Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue N.E. Call for information: (202) 547-7168. www.anc6c.org Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee Grants Committee Contact 6C05@anc.dc.gov First Tuesday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 997-6662 Transportation and Public Space Committee Planning, Zoning, and First Thursday, 7 pm. Environment Committee Contact (202) 641-4264 First Wednesday, 7 pm. Contact zoning@eckenwiler.org
HillRag | December 2013 H 57
will convert the Randall School into a museum, apartments, a restaurant, and other community amenities is finally ready for approval by both the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and the Zoning Commission. With a revised design concept and a new look, Telesis, the developer of the project, came to the ANC seeking its support. The school building will remain as it is and will house the museum, with its entry remaining where it is to provide direct access to the street. The main floor will be home to a library, gift shop and café, welcoming community use as well as visitors to the Rubell Collection. As mentioned previously, the former gym will house an upscale restaurant, and a 130’ building surrounding the original building will house apartments and retail. The project, designed by Arena Stage architect Bing Thom, will have affordable housing units. Chairman Andy Litsky thanked Bing Thom, the Rubell family, and Telesis for the depth of their listening to the community, and their incorporation of suggestions that have improved the project. However, the Commission unanimously passed a resolution temporarily providing qualified support for the development. This was a project that the late Ron McBee had been most closely involved with, and there are a number of issues that still need to be addressed before the ANC can provide unqualified support: presentation and agreement on a formal construction agreement; an updated list of community benefits; a review of the employment and community hiring guidelines; and a clear understanding of any changes that may result from the HPRB meeting. The resolution passed unanimously.
In Other Actions… •
•
Announced the election of Commissioner Roger Moffatt to replace Ron McBee as ANC Treasurer and Commissioner David Garber as Secretary to replace Donna Hopkins. Approved the plans for the an-
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nual Rock and Roll Marathon which will be held on Saturday, March 16. The route this year will be the same as last year, with disruption to the community at a minimum. The community will be informed with flyers, door hangers and other means in advance of the date, and the race route will be cleaned after the runners leave the area. The Commission also okayed the Jingle All the Way 8K Race on Sunday, December 8 and 26 Annual St. Patrick’s Day 8K Race on Sunday, March 9. H
ANC 6E by Steve Holton
Model Project
Elizabeth Everhart, Senior Development Manager of Mission First Housing Development Corporation, presented plans for a new community housing development at 4th and K Street, NW and asked the board for a letter of support. The plan calls for 200 mixed income units and 50 units for “grand family” development which are reserved for grandparents (62 and older) raising grandchildren. If the plan is approved by the city it will take a year to get a shovel in the ground and construction is estimated at two years. The building is a $70 million project and the city is willing to contribute $11 million toward it if approved. The structure will be highly visible from I-395 and will provide one level of parking. The project models a New York project in the Bronx which was featured on the TV show, 60 Minutes, where the units are specifically designed for older grandparents who have had to raise kids in smaller units. The new design provides a larger space to raise kids
as well as an open space courtyard and a green roof top space. A motion of support passed before the board to encourage the city to approve the project.
Skating Rink Proposal
A motion passed to support an enclosed Sidewalk Café Permit (DDOT) and an Outdoor Seating Permit (ABRA) for Mandalay Restaurant located at 1501 9th Street, NW. Vince Bradley spoke on behalf of Mandalay Restaurant and said the permits will allow food to be served outside of the restaurant next spring on a 26 seat patio. They already have approval to serve alcohol.
Lee Granados gave a presentation for a Temporary Lake Shaw Ice Skating Rink at 925 Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Granados said the target date to open would be December 6th and is looking for $150,000 in funding to run the project. Granados noted that small sponsors have to come to her and she would like to work with the YMCA and afterschool programs for kids to come over and skate for free. “This will also add security and presence to the area”, said Granados. The board passed a motion of support for the project to the City Director of General Services and to the DC Park Service.
Dacha Beer Garden Addition
Shaw Crime Report
Enclosure Support
A motion passed to support new construction for Dacha Beer Garden located at 1600 7th Street, NW. The addition will accommodate outdoor needs such as building structures to house a kitchen, bathrooms and enclose the bar area. The restaurant aims to be a unique community asset for families by serving German style food, coffee in the morning and beer in the evening. The letter of support will go before the Historic Preservation Review Board.
New Visitor Parking Pass
A representative from DDOT dropped by to discuss parking zones and a new Visitor Parking Pass for 2014. The current passes are good through December and the city is in the process of delivering new passes. Patronage of Howard Theatre has changed visitor parking and Councilman Tommy Wells has issued a letter of support to relieve the problem. The board expressed to DDOT that constituents would rather be issued a Zone 2 sticker than a Zone 6 and asked that DDOT make the board aware when this happens. “Absolutely, this will be a partnership of other agencies and we are fielding calls for comments at (202) 673-6813”, said the DDOT Representative.
Since November of 2012 overall crime in the area is down six percent with a 12 percent reduction in property crime. The DCPD representatives on hand for the meeting asked everyone to be extra careful walking around with smart phones and iPads during the holiday season. “There is a huge market overseas for these items and they can be reused”, said the DCPD Representative.
Liquor License Renewals: •
Bar 7: There were no complaints or violations made against the establishment and the board supported the renewal but asked that the they make modifications for smaller lines during special events. • Cloakroom: Renewal supported. • DC Eagle: Renewal supported. • Lux Lounge: The board expressed concerns of trash along the sidewalks and long lines to enter the establishment. The board protested the renewal and asked to negotiate an agreement with Lux Lounge Management to work on the trash issue. • Hampton Inn: Renewal supported. • Shaw Tavern: Renewal supported.
•
Tel’Veh Café: Renewal supported.
Other Topics Of Note: •
•
•
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Motion passed for a letter of support to the Historic Preservation Board for a three-story condo with a basement to built at 445 M Street, NW. Units will each be 1700 square feet. A motion passed for a letter of support to DDOT for an ADA curb ramp at 1100 New Jersey Avenue, NW. Letter of Support motion passed for Gottlieb Simon to be nominated for the Cafritz Award. Simon has served as an ANC Liaison to the DC Government. A motion passed for a Letter of Congratulations to the Shiloh Baptist Church for its 150th Anniversary. The board discussed the possibility of having future meetings at a new location to touch more members and provide better parking. A change, if any, wouldn’t occur for another year and board members are only hashing details at the current time.
The next ANC 6E meeting occurs on Wednesday, December 4th, 6:30 p.m., at the Shaw Library located at 1630 7th Street NW. Visit www.anc6e.org to view the ANC 6E newsletter. Follow on Twitter, @ANC6E, and Facebook by searching ANC6E. H
In Loving Memory Robert L. Von Schlegel June 25, 1933 - Dec. 31, 1990 “I beg of you do not forget me when the phenomenon of death comes to visit me. Oh keep my memory alive … for if you forget me only then will I have surely died …” HillRag | December 2013 H 59
“Mix-ups on TV”
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:
1. Examines a case 6. Room at the top 11. Give away 15. Secures 19. Membranous sacs 20. Uniform fabric 21. Mother ___ 22. Rage violently 23. “Kenya on a NY Studio Couch” 27. Most impertinent 28. Black Sea peninsula 29. Robert Burns’s “Whistle ___ the Lave O’t” 30. Zoom and fisheye 31. Young oyster 33. Goldbrick 35. Regard 36. ___-guided 39. Old watering hole 43. No-show in court 47. Early priest 48. “Can Type Terrible Epic” 53. Ancient debarkation point 55. Rumpus 56. Note 57. “Platoon” setting 58. Arrowroot, e.g. 60. Bivouac 63. Word with check or pay 64. “Doc Plays Up Intolerance” 69. Fire 70. Fulminated 71. Gathered 72. North Sea feeder 73. Fortune 74. Gull 77. Three czars 78. “We See Supervised Oath” 85. Fatuous 86. Denounces 87. Big insurance company 91. Cleans up, in a way 92. Tough wood 95. Part of LEM 96. Voice mail prompt 98. Parchment or paper 101. Part of a joule 102. Mohandas Karamchand ___ 106. Corruption 109. “Envoy Served Bloody Mary” 113. Actual 114. List shortener
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115. Bench site 116. Oil supporter 117. “___ quam videri” (North Carolina’s motto) 118. Pastures 119. Off-color 120. Dorm annoyance
Down:
1. Headache 2. Digital cash 3. Tom, Dick or Harry 4. Laughfests 5. Brown 6. Feel pity 7. “Get ___!” 8. TV knob 9. Sign 10. Not forthright 11. Says impulsively 12. Points 13. Seth’s father 14. The “B” of N.B. 15. Roth ___ 16. Kind of oil 17. Hosts 18. Gyrocompass inventor 24. McCourt memoir 25. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 26. Japanese radish 31. Scrape 32. Sandford title word, often 34. Bad impression? 36. Rat’s place 37. Air 38. Tried to get home, maybe 40. New Guinea native 41. Trophy for a matador 42. Don’t just seem 43. Wreck 44. Spiral-horned grazer 45. Tie 46. Wet 48. Remains 49. Somewhat, to Salieri 50. Chants 51. One to blame? 52. Fixes 53. In shock 54. Flower part 59. Baptist leader?
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com
60. Age 61. It’s higher on the hwy. 62. Ambo 63. Floods 65. Oblique 66. Succulent 67. River in Hades 68. Chaucer pilgrim 74. Shoe material 75. Fungal spore sacs 76. Forward 79. Falafel bread 80. Zip
81. Undisguised 82. Singer DiFranco 83. Big bovines 84. Used to be 87. Record holder 88. Greenswards, Brit. 89. Provokes 90. Organic radicals 92. Operatic passage 93. Lapidator 94. Manage 97. Salad topper 98. Clancy subj.
99. Garfield’s predecessor 100. Soul, in Hinduism 103. Genesis shepherd 104. Score unit 105. Time to act 106. Saltimbocca ingredient 107. George Harrison’s “___ It a Pity” 108. Kind of weight 110. White alternative 111. Saturn’s wife 112. Itinerary word
Community Life A Tribute to Margaret Roles
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argaret Roles was my good friend, my Spanish teacher, my client and my dog-walking buddy. I got used to Margaret living around the corner. We moved into our homes around the same time in the ‘80s. Her one-story yellow house at the corner of Independence and 13th St. had once been a sledge-hammer factory. I would run into her most days as she walked Charlie, her sweet little fourlegged companion. Last month after going to exercise class and having lunch with her friends in the Red Hat Society, Margaret’s heart stopped and she died. Her passing was a shock to those of us who knew her well. She was vibrant and enjoyed her life. “She had all kinds of plans for the future. She was looking forward to so much,” said Astri Kleivdal, who, with her husband, Vince Norelli, Mel Goldberg and myself were Margaret’s dinner guests the night before she died. Margaret invited all of us to her favorite restaurant to show her appreciation to us for helping her with some health issues during the summer. “She would always do something like that to acknowledge and repay you,” remembered Mel. “She insisted on it.” Margaret was born in Union, WV in 1944. Family was very important to her. She doted on her nieces and their children and spent her winters in Florida to be close to her family. She has a brother, Forrest in West Virginia and a cousin Kenton who lives in DC. Margaret spent her career teaching Spanish and French in the Fairfax County public schools. Margaret was passionate about language and loved traveling. After she retired she spent six months in Florence to perfect her Italian. While she thoroughly enjoyed her
by Pattie Cinelli
Margaret Roles with her beloved Charlie.
teaching career, she loved her retirement. Margaret seemed more busy not working than when she was teaching. She was one of the original founders of the Red Hats on Capitol Hill 10 years ago. The group grew from a few women over 50 years of age to 30 women who meet once a month for lunch and to visit cultural/environmental venues. She used her language proficiency in her volunteer work by making calls around the country to solicit votes from Spanish-speaking supporters during the 2008 Obama presidential campaign. Margaret enjoyed conversation about most any topic including politics and religion. She had a way of broaching delicate subjects with finesse and kindness. As an avid participant in her book club and a savvy bridge player, Margaret drew the best out of those with whom she came into contact. “She was one of the cohesive members of our neighborhood,” said Mel. “She knew everyone and people gto to know one another
through her. Margaret was always willing to lend a hand and get involved.” Margaret was a generous and independent woman. Not only were her friends recipients of her generosity, but also strangers and acquaintances as well. When a member of the cleaning staff from Washington Sports Club where Margaret worked out was about to be let go, she hired her as her cleaning lady and then persuaded her friends to hire her as well. Margaret paid the woman to clean her home continuously even though she was gone all winter. She told me, “She needs the money.” Margaret also volunteered at Food and Friends in northeast DC. For the past 12 years, she rose at dawn on Thursdays to prepare meals. Mel recalled a funny story about Margaret. “One morning the Obama children came to volunteer. They were accompanied by secret service men. When Margaret saw them standing around doing nothing, she recruited them to help her cut the fruit.” Margaret was also a diplomat. “She was always bringing people together. She was comfortable with people from all walks of life. She was a fine southern lady,” said long-time friend Gail Giufridda. “Margaret was so beautiful and so alive. She had enough of an edge and enough of sweetness to be interesting. Margaret was always curious and interested and I loved that about her,” said Astri. There is a big hole left from her passing. We will miss her.” Margaret’s family is planning a spring celebration and memorial service. Donations may be made in her name to Food and Friends at 219 Riggs Rd., NE, Washington, DC 20011. H HillRag | December 2013 H 61
communitylife
BYwest
SOUTH A Deluxe Apartment in the Sky House by William Rich
A
head of its grand opening on December 2nd, the folks over at Sky House gave a media tour of the east tower building. Sky House is the adaptive reuse of the former EPA towers at Waterfront Station, with the east tower having the address of 1150 4th Street, SW. Construction of the east tower began in February 2012 with the west tower beginning a few months later. The JBG Companies is also a partner in the development and will manage the property once it opens. There are a total of 530 units in both buildings, with the east tower having 266 units and the remaining 264 units in the west tower. Twenty
percent of the units (106 units in both buildings) will be affordable for households earning up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), which ranges from $37,600 for a single-person household to $53,650 for a family of four. Each building will have seven studio units, 32 one bedroom units and 14 two bedroom units that are set aside as affordable. Both buildings will be at least LEED-Silver, with energy-saving LED lighting and recycled materials among some of the green features. Some of the unit features include hardwood floors in the living areas, granite countertops, movable islands, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, walk-
in closets, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Most of the units have 9’6” ceiling heights, but units on the third and 12th floors have 12’ ceilings. The common areas have been designed by RD Jones to give a “clubby” feel and Davis calls some of the building amenities “trendsetting for the area, but also a harbinger of things to come for the DC market.” One of those innovations is the parking, which will be shared with the office building next door. There are 140 spaces licensed to the residential units, resulting in a parking ratio of approximately 0.5 per unit, double the minimum amount allowed by zoning. The theory behind the park-
ing solution is office workers will use the parking spaces during the day and residents will use the same spaces in the evenings. Sky House will be one of the first buildings in DC to utilize a shared parking solution. The building amenities include a Wi-Fi lounge; fitness center with personal trainer on staff; 24-hour concierge service; an entertainment kitchen; game room; and an elevated deck with water features, garden area, seating, and BBQ grills. A pet grooming area will be located in the basement, along with bike racks. The rooftop features a small swimming pool and observation deck with unobstructed 360 degree views of Southwest and
LEFT: View of the Southwest Waterfront from the rooftop of the east tower of Sky House. Photo: William Rich RIGHT: The exterior of Sky House was completely redone from when the building was used as the headquarters of the EPA. Photo: William Rich
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beyond. Safeway is just steps away next door at 1100 4th Street, SW and so is the Waterfront Metro. The target tenant demographic that the project was designed for is professionals, but especially those aged 25-40. Rents will range from the $1,600s for studios to the low $2,000s for 1BRs and up to $3,000 and above for the largest 2BR units. The unit mix includes 13% studios, 59% 1BRs, and 28% 2BR units. A new website will soon launch for Sky House (www.skyhousedc. com) with leasing of both market-rate and affordable units and move-ins on the lower floors of the east tower beginning on Monday, December 2nd.
Pepco Purchases Bakery, Plans New Substation
electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by a substation and its health effects are negligible. They will provide the ANC with a list and photos of substations throughout the city that are located adjacent to residential buildings, including the Ritz Residences Georgetown. In addressing the proposed location of the substation, Chris Taylor from Pepco stated that the northern portion of the land owned by Pepco near the Buzzard Point Plant will be used for construction of the proposed DC United stadium. Other portions of the property are still in use and cannot be moved to build a new substation. While the generation portion of the Buzzard Point Plant has
Pepco closed on the sale of the Lyon Bakery, across the street from the proposed DC United stadium site at 2nd and R streets, SW, on October 31. Now Pepco owns the entire block bounded by 1st Street, SW, R Street, SW, Q Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW, which includes the James C. Dent House and Ana Towing. The utility company has plans to build The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly recently submitted the Buzzard a new substation on the site, Point Plant for designation as a historic landmark. Photo: William Rich which will be able to handle the increased demand for power in the Southwest Waterfront, Navy been decommissioned, the top two levels are Yard, and a portion of Capitol Hill. The va- still in use as a substation. Those two upper cant, but historic James C. Dent House on floors will be decommissioned once the new Q Street will not be part of the substation Waterfront Substation is complete in 2016. and will remain intact, but its intended use The plant’s future is uncertain, although the is still being determined by Pepco. The new Southwest Neighborhood Assembly recently Waterfront Substation has been designed to submitted an application for historic desiglook like an office building and the bricks nation of the art deco building. used will resemble the architecture of buildThe Waterfront Substation will be built ings at Fort McNair. in two phases, with the first phase coverNeighbors of the proposed substation site, ing the northern portion of the site. Instalmany of whom are public housing residents, lation of underground duct banks to carry are concerned about the potential health transmission lines will begin in 2014, while risks associated with living near a substation. construction of the substation will begin by At the November Advisory Neighborhood May 2015 with completion by the end of Commission (ANC) 6D meeting, commis2016. Although an exact start date on the sioner Rhonda Hamilton brought up those second phase has not been determined, it’s concerns to representatives from Pepco and anticipated that construction would begin on inquired why the substation has to be built the addition 5-10 years after the first phase at that site and not on other property owned is built. As Pepco goes through the approval by Pepco in the neighborhood. A substation’s process, there will be a community meeting role is to step down high voltage power that to give updates. comes from a power plant down to levels that can be distributed to homes. Pepco represen- William Rich is a blogger at Southwest…The Little tatives stated that there are several studies by Quadrant that Could (www.southwestquadrant. the World Health Organization about the blogspot.com). H
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ovember was a huge month for development news on, and around, the H Street NE Corridor. Announcements came one right after the other, and ran the gamut from a high-end organic grocer, to two art house cinemas, to mixed-use luxury residential/retail projects.
Whole Foods Headed to H Street NE Corridor
by Elise Bernard Center (http://angelikafilmcenter.com) coming to a space in the Florida Avenue Market, located immediately behind the artisan food attraction Union Market (1309 5th Street NE. The new multi-screen theater will show a wide variety of independent and foreign films. In keeping with the culinary spirit of neighboring Union Market, the
Unquestionably, the biggest news to hit H Street NE in a while is the announcement that we’re getting a Whole Foods as part of a larger mixed-use development called the Apollo, 600 H Street NE). Once complete, the Apollo will boast 430 residential units, and 75,000 square feet of retail space. The Whole Foods will occupy 38,000 of those square feet. The target opening date is late 2016. A Whole Foods will open as part of the mixed-use Apollo development Many local residents in the 600 block of H Street NE. have long expressed hope for a Whole Foods. It’s a store that seems to hold a Angelika Film Center will serve great deal of symbolic value to many people. This a food and drink menu designed is, at least somewhat, due to the so-called “Whole by Food Network/Cooking Foods effect.” It’s the idea that a Whole Foods store Channel veterans, Bruce Seidel plops down in a neighborhood right before devel- and Chef Santos Loo. Delivery is opment in the area really takes off. It happened in scheduled for sometime in 2015. DC’s Logan Circle, in Boson’s Jamaica Plain, and Union Market has previin other places around the country. ously drawn crowds for their DC Whether Whole Foods seriously accelerates Drive-In events, during which development of an area, or is more the canary in a they invite visitors to drive, walk, mine, is an open question. What is certain is that or bike, to outdoor movies prothe Whole Foods brings two things: high quality jected on the side of Union Margrocery offerings, and decent jobs. Both of those ket. During these events, visitors are great news for the H Street NE Corridor. could enjoy food and drink from Union Market vendors, some of which could be purchased from A Film Theater Revival in the Area? November brought news of an Angelika Film carhops. No doubt an art house 64 H hillrag.com
cinema will prove a further draw for the area, and likely lead to later night hours for Union Market. This news follows just on the heels of an announcement that Landmark Theatres (http:// www.landmarktheatres.com) intends to open a ten screen cinema at N Street & North Capitol NE in the NoMa neighborhood. Like Angelika, Landmark specializes in independent & foreign films.
Emulsion Draws a Crowd at Gallery O/H
The first annual Emulsion (http://www.eastcityart.com/emulsion) exhibition opened to a lively crowd November 9th at Gallery OonH (1354 H Street NE). The show features 30 artists from the DC/Baltimore region. Works in various media, from a mix of professionals and amateurs, make for an eclectic show. It runs through January 18th.
Lock7 Development Coming to Florida Avenue NE
Local developer Lock7 recently acquired much of the north side of the 1300 block of Florida Avenue NE. Their property begins at the north-
Visitors snap photos of the giant sugar skull outside of Emulsion. Photo: Greg Staley. Courtesy East City Art.
H &Pizza hopes to offer a gluten free option soon.
west corner, and ends just before CONNERSMITH Gallery, 1358 Florida Avenue NE). The plan calls for 49 residential units, and commercial space, in a four-story building. Four of those will be studios, 29 will be one bedrooms, and the remaining 16 units will have two bedrooms. The developer is not yet sure whether these will be condos, or apartments. They will make that decision mid-way through the development. At a recent community meeting the developers sought input from neighbors regarding a tenant for the commercial space. The developers mentioned a bakery as a possibility, but said they are open to other options. The presentation hit a bit of a snag when it reached the topic of parking. The developers hope to provide eight parking spaces…for 49 units. Predictably, the crowd was less than enthusiastic upon hearing this news. Parking is frequently a hot button issue in the District, and our neighborhood is no exception. I expect to see continued discussion on this point far into the future.
Chupacabra Rolls Out Winter Hours
Local Latin kitchen Chupacabra 822 H Street NE) just announced that they will abide by new cold weather hours. The new hours run from November to March. Thursdays they are open 11 A.M.
to 11 P.M. Friday and Saturday it’s 11 A.M. to midnight. Sundays they will serve from 11 A.M. 10 P.M.
H &Pizza Courting the Gluten Free Crowd?
H &Pizza recently indicated that they are making progress on a high quality gluten free pizza dough. Introducing a gluten free dough option has been part of the plan from the beginning, but it sounds like they might be getting close to a launch. This would make H &Pizza a best bet along the H Street Corridor for anyone with special dietary concerns (vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free, ect).
Progress at Po Boy Jim
Recent weeks brought impressive changes to the space at 709 H Street NE. The space is slated to open as a “rustic Cajun” restaurant called Po Boy Jim. As the name suggests, the owners plan to focus primarily on the signature sandwich of New Orleans. Diners can, however, also expect to find a selection of other Cajun and Creole dishes. The owners recently received a $175,000 loan from the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, so we should see more movement there soon. For more on what’s abuzz on and around H Street you can visit my blog http://frozentropics.blogspot.com. You can send me tips, or questions at elise.bernard@gmail.com. H
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Planning for the Eastern Market Plaza Moves Forward by Sharon Bosworth are encouraged to attend one of the two meetings. Subsequent to the December presentations, the drawings will be posted to the project website – www. easternmarketmetropark.com – and comments can be submitted through the website until Friday, January 10th.
Winner of “Most Ransacked Booth” Arrives on Row
District Doughnut, the metro area’s retro doughnut bakery-caterer has signed a lease with Douglas Greg Menna, District Doughnuts: “We’re returning doughnuts and coffee to their Development for the space at 749 handmade, artisan roots.” 8th Street, SE, formerly Sneed’s Barbershop. The new shop, situated or the past three months, a design team, led across the street from the gates of Marine Barby architect Amy Weinstein (Esocoff & Asracks Washington is scheduled to open in April, sociates) and landscape architect Lisa Del2014. It is the fi rst bricks and mortar outlet for place (Oehme van Sweden), has been hard at work District Doughnut which began selling baked developing two alternative Master Plan concepts goods online in 2012. District Doughnut was for all of the publicly owned land along Pennsyldiscovered simultaneously by hundreds of atvania Avenue, SE between 7th and 9th Streets, intendees at the Metro Cooking and Entertaining cluding the area around the Eastern Market Metro Show in 2012 where they earned the title “most station. The overall goal of the project is to renew ransacked booth” by CityEats blog. District and upgrade the public space in this two block area, Doughnut’s ownership team includes Le Cordon both functionally and aesthetically. Bleu trained chef, Christine Schaefer and CFO, At two public meetings in early December at Greg Menna. the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE), the The new doughnut destination has aspirations design team will present to the community its two beyond food, explains Menna. Along with the alternative Master Plan concepts. The first meet“re-invention of the classic pairing, doughnuts ing will be held on Sunday afternoon, December and coff ee,” District Doughnuts will also strive to 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Arts Room. “bring back the feel of proper service and hospiThe second meeting will be on Wednesday evening, tality…our intent is to invite each customer into December 11th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the an experience that frames quality and a personal Lincoln Room. The presentation and format of touch no matter how brief their interaction with both the December 8th and December 11th sesus.” Along with a rotating assortment of classic sions will be identical. After the design plans are and cosmopolitan doughnuts, the owners plan to presented, there will be breakout sessions to get serve coff ees from Caff e Amouri, one of the only feedback from the community. Both meetings are a small batch coff ee roasters in the DC area. open to the entire Capitol Hill community and all
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Molly Malone’s, Scene of White House lunch
Barracks Row’s sports bar, Molly Malone’s, 713 8th Street, SE, had its loftiest aspirations fulfilled on November 12 when President Obama hosted lunch there for visitors from the United States military in town to celebrate Veterans Day. At 11 a.m. we witnessed the Presidential motorcade arriving on Barracks Row. Soon the west sidewalk was sealed off by Secret Service as distinguished guests arrived and were whisked upstairs. A long time admirer of the United States Marine Corps, owner Xavier Cervera named the upstairs dining area of Molly Malone’s for General Chesty Puller, one of the most decorated Marines in military history. On the way upstairs diners viewed a handsome case displaying the brave deeds of Chesty Puller in his 37 years in the Corps. Surrounded by team jerseys mounted as art work, the White House group then settled in for a relaxed, casual lunch of sandwiches and drinks at a high top table overlooking Marine Barracks Washington, the oldest post in the Corps.
Community Meeting:
Eastern Market METRO Plaza / Park Sunday, 12/8 - 1:30 PM-3:30 PM Wednesday 12/11 - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
Culinary Crawl Holiday Style & Santa Arrives Dec. 14
1003 8th Street, SE, built circa 1805.
Restoration of Barracks Row’s Oldest Building
On Saturday, December 14th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Santa will visit Barracks Row to listen to local kids (and dogs) tell him what’s on their wish lists. Barracks Row Main Street, with help from landscape architects, Oehme van Sweden, 536 8th Street, SE, will erect a “workshop” for Santa at the corner of 8th and G Street, right beside the Old City Bank building (now home to Oehme van Sweden). Photographers will be on hand and parents can download the shots from BRMS’ website. There is no charge for the photos, but BRMS requests that kids bring one unopened new toy for Toys for Tots. After Santa departs for the North Pole, Barracks Row delivers the collected toys to Marine Barracks Washington. The Unites States Marine Corps sponsors Toys for Tots. The Culinary Education Crawl - Holiday 2013 took place on November 16th and 17th, taught by 15 area chefs. The Hol-
The historic buildings on Barracks Row have witnessed many presidential visits--every president since Thomas Jefferson has traveled to 8th Street to attend meetings and ceremonies at Marine Barracks Washington or the Washington Navy Yard. The oldest surviving building on Barracks Row is located at 1003 8th Street, SE. It was built in 1805 (as Jefferson’s second term began) just two short blocks from the Navy Yard’s historic Latrobe Gate which came along later in 1815. Owners of Al’s Famous Delicatessen lease the building deemed by the preservation community to be in dire need of repair and restoration. Chef Antonio, Agua301, 301 Water Street, SE, teaches Modern \This fall 1003 8th Street was Mexican Appetizers. purchased by National Community Church, which also owns the circa 1906 iday Crawl was designed to give students movie theater located at 535 8th Street, fresh recipes for entertaining friends and SE—recently renamed the “Miracle The- family. Reflecting the international mix atre.” Earlier this year National Community of Barracks Row restaurants, the classes Church announced plans to renovate and re- included how to create modern Mexican store the theater and to rebuild the original appetizers held at Zest Bistro, 735 8th glass ticket booth which was located on the Street, SE. Owners of Zest will soon open sidewalk in front of the theater. Work will Agua301 in the Lumber Shed near the begin in 2014. ball park. Chef/owner Bart Vandaele and NCC’s Pastor Mark Batterson recently Chef Thijs Clinckemaillie of Belga Café, confirmed the church’s plans to also restore 514 8th Street, SE, instructed students and renovate 1003 8th St., SE. NCC also in how to become a Belgian Gourmand owns the adjoining site, formerly Miles Glass, with beer pairings to go with each recipe 733 Virginia Avenue, SE, which was recently taught. Banana Café owner George Zarazed. The renovation of 1003 8th Street will marano coached his class in the secrets of be included in the overall design plan of the Cuban picadillo and Chat’s Liquors held a NCC properties nearby. No timeline for the France-California Champagne Compararenovation and build-out has been decided. tive. Happy New Year!!! H
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“Freedom” Atop the U.S. Capitol Dome The 150th Anniversary of its Placement is Dec. 2 by John Lockwood.
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ne of the 150th anniversary events of Civil War Washington will be coming up soon—the placing of the statue on top of the U.S. Capitol dome on December 2, 1863. For such a prominent landmark, its very name is often in dispute, but the correct on is Freedom. Freedom had her origin during the replacement of the Capitol dome, beginning in 1855. Up until then, the U.S. Capitol had been a much smaller building, with two short wings, north for the Senate and south for the House, and a dome of copper-plated wood, with nothing on top. As new states entered the Union, however, it became necessary to en-
large the structure. New, much larger wings were added by 1859. But the old dome had to go. It would be too small for the new Capitol. The new dome was designed by an architect named Thomas U. Walter. An engineer, Charles F. Thomas, was chosen sometime in 1855 as the superintendent of construction, to put in the new dome, to be made of cast-iron. During the war Abraham Lincoln said that the construction of the dome would go on until completion, as the work of restoring the Union would also go on. Freedom herself was designed by an American sculptor, Thomas Crawford, living in Rome. He cast a full-size model in plaster. When Sec-
The plaster model on which the statue is based. 68 H hillrag.com
retary of War Jefferson Davis learned of Crawford’s design, he demanded some changes. This was the same Jefferson Davis who later became president of the Confederacy. Freedom was originally to wear a liberty cap, of the sort used by freed slaves in ancient Rome. Davis felt the design wrongly suggested that any Americans had ever been slaves….. Also, a liberty cap might encourage abolition in the United States. So, Crawford substituted a circlet of nine five-pointed stars and a headdress of feathers. Davis also insisted on another, less well-known change. Freedom was supposed to hold a bundle of rods strapped together, the bundle known as fasces, a symbol of the ancient Roman Republic. Instead, Freedom’s right hand was to hold a sword, and her left hand a wreath, plus a shield imprinted with 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies. The changes were duly made, but Crawford died in 1857 before the model could be sent to America. In 1858, it was put on a ship, the Emily Taylor, which experienced rough Atlantic weather. The ship put in at Bermuda, in such damaged condition that it was condemned. Finally, however, the plaster model reached the shop of sculptor Clark Mills, in Bladensburg, Maryland. Mr. Mills had also produced the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square, across from the White House. As it happened, Mills himself didn’t like the plaster model’s
nose, a Roman nose. Fortunately, Mills had a close friend, Brigadier General William Hickey, whose youngest daughter, Carrie Jenkins Hickey, had a classical Grecian nose. Mills took a mold of the young lady’s nose, and the rest is history. Presumably, if the plaster and bronze statues were stood side by side, a sharp observer might notice the difference. After this and many other delays, the plaster model was finally used to cast the final statue in five bronze sections, with the actual casting work done by Mills’ slaves, including Philip Reid. The exact alloy used was one ounce of tin and ½ ounce of zinc, for every pound of copper, with the statue weighing in at 14,985 pounds. According to the Alleghenian newspaper of December 17, 1863, the bronze statue was also treated “…with an acid which causes a slight oxidation, thus producing a rich and uniform bronze tint, which will never change.” Not so. Freedom over the years did acquire a typical green patina. The December 2 dedication ceremony took place, with the fifth and last statue section added at noon. As Freedom settled into her new home, 35 artillery east of the Capitol fired a salute, one for each of the then 35 states, Union and Confederacy. The forts around Washington at that time then did the same. Thomas Crawford’s design of the statue actually changed the final shape of the U.S. Capitol dome. Mr. Walter had originally envisioned a narrower, sharper, “semiellipsoidal” dome, but the sheer size of Freedom compelled him to change it to the
wider, semispherical dome we have now. Sometime after the ceremony, Charles Thomas climbed up to the statue on the remaining scaffolding, and engraved a few names on the topmost feather-Abraham Lincoln, of course; his own name; Thomas U. Walter; and the commissioner of public buildings, Benjamin B. French. In an interview in the October 21, 1883 Washington Post, Mr. Thomas gave an incorrect prediction, “…I believe the statue will never need repairs.” Not so, again. Freedom has had several restorations over the years, including on-site work in 1917, 1939, 1959, and 1995. On May 9, 1993, however, Freedom was taken down to the ground, for the first time, placed in the Capitol parking lot, and given her most thorough restoration ever. It lasted until October 23, 1993, when she was re-installed on the dome. There was some talk during the 1993 restoration of turning Freedom about and having her face west for a change, instead of east, as before. Nothing came of it, though. After all, the Capitol and its front entrance face east. Early in Washington, D.C.’s history, it was thought the city would expand east along Capitol Hill, but the land prices were so high that the city kept expanding mostly to the west back then, into the swampy lowlands. Until recently, there was a tradition that no statue in Washington, D.C. could be taller than Freedom, at 19 ½ feet. The bronze Thomas Jefferson Memorial statue, for instance, stands at 19 feet. The marble Lincoln Memorial statue is 19 feet sitting down, although it would be 28 feet standing up. But now, the new record-holder is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial granite statue, at 30 feet. As for the plaster model, it is now on display in the Capitol’s new visitor center, nose and all. H
10 th Street Auto repAirS
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Tae Kwon Do with Master Gutman
AGES 4 and UP | Small Classes
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222 8th Street NE | mastergutman@gmail.com | 202.546.6275 HillRag | December 2013 H 69
communitylife
@ Your Service by Ellen Boomer
Caring For the Capitol Hill Community
Grace Steckler, owner of Saving Grace Pet Care, is allergic to dogs. “It’s the great irony of my life,” Steckler said. Still, she hasn’t let this potential roadblock stop her from creating the largest dog-walking service on Capitol Hill. A former nun and high school biology teacher, Steckler wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she left the convent, but she knew she wanted to create a business on the Hill that supports people and helps them to enjoy their lives. With 13 years of Grace Steckler experience and 700 current clients, Steckler offers Hill residents peace of mind by offering both pet care and home repair services. “We do all we can to offer the best possible experience for our clients,” Steckler said. In addition to dog walking services, Saving Grace offers boarding, cat sitting and home checks for clients. “Saving Grace started out with sneakers and a leash,” Bonny King-Taylor said. King-Taylor is an animal behaviorist who works with Steckler to clients with behavioral issues with their canine companions. “We have tremendous respect for that relationship.” “Grace is sincerely concerned with customer service,” according to Naomi Barry-Perez, who’s been a client for 10 years. “Our dog walkers did not just fulfill their jobs, but became members of the family.” “Saving Grace earned my affection, not just my business,” Hill resident Sarah Pheasant said. “Were it not for Saving Grace, I couldn’t have my beloved pooch; her business makes it easier to maintain a clean, functioning, pet-friendly home despite business and a budget.” This business model is so successful that two of Saving Grace’s dog walkers will open franchises in a couple of other DC neighborhoods. “These walkers will spread the same ethos and work ethic to their neighborhoods,” Steckler said. Contact Saving Grace Services 224 9th St NE, 70 H hillrag.com
Washington DC 20002 at www.savinggracepets.com, by emailing info@savinggraceservices.com or by calling 202-544-9247
Won’t Crack Under Pressure
From broken Smartphone screens to waterlogged iPads, electronic gadgets will be brought back to virtual life by the talented team at uBreakiFix. Led by franchise owner and Hill resident Adam Nations, the tech-savvy crew can handle just about any repair issue. uBreakiFix offers a 90-day warranty on repairs. “I never want anyone to leave unhappy,” said Nations, who started working for uBreakiFix three years ago. He opened a branch of the business in Cleveland Park in April 2012 and the Eastern Market location last year. In addition to Nations, the team at the Hill location includes Nick “the computer wizard,” and Howard “the Android phone guru.” While Nations loves the challenge of repairing computers, he has a few recommendations to help you properly care for your gadgets. To prolong a computer’s life, deplete the battery once a month, install virus protection and don’t fill up the hard drive. Nations also cautions against leaving a water-damaged Smartphone in a bowl of rice, which will not completely remove the moisture as is commonly believed. So the next time your toddler drops your phone in the toilet, trust the team at uBreakiFix to return your phone to you in good, clean working order. Contact uBreakiFix at 409 8th St SE #200 Washington, DC 20003, by emailing: easternmarket@ ubreakifix.com or by calling 202-621-2491
The guys at ubreakifix from left to right: Adam Nations, Howard Batiste, and Nick Youngstrom
Pampering Your Princess
Bravado Kids Hair Salon and Spa is taking play dates to a new level. With a range of salon treatments and party options, owners Kay and Darien Rahmoune offer children an unforgettable afternoon of pampering, play and Owner Kay Rahmoune curls great memories. Silvia’s hair. In opening a second salon, the owners drew on Kay’s experience as a stylist and the needs of the neighborhood. When Kay and Darien sat at The Silver Spork one afternoon, they noticed the number of families with strollers and decided to turn the second floor of their building into a salon for kids. Opened in September above Bravado Hair Design, the children’s salon features an inviting seating area with books and puzzles, several salon chairs including one that looks like a racecar and a separate lounge area. The result is a child-friendly, peaceful, welcoming space. Elizabeth Festa took her seven-year-old daughter, Silvia, and a friend to Bravado for a pre-birthday treat. “It was [Silvia’s] first experience getting pampered, and the girls were cared for in the most lovely way by all of the staff. They made both girls feel very special.” In addition to standard spa fare such as pedicures, manicures and hair styling, kids can get henna tattoos and make beaded necklaces. The staff can provide juice, snacks and cupcakes and will ensure everything meets the children’s needs and dietary restrictions. From the child-sized pink chair to the giraffe mural on the wall, Bravado Kids Hair Salon and Spa is a made for children and the perfect place to get their first haircut or to celebrate their birthday. Contact Bravado Kids Hair Salon and Spa at 655 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003 or by calling 202-543-6118 H
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The Anacostia Riverfront is now part of our neighborhood recreation resources. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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Fun at the H Street Festival, a new urban dining and entertainment mecca. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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Shopping on Seventh Street SE. Photo: Andrew Lightman.
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Movies, shopping and dining near the Chinatown Entrance. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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Library of Congress Shop 101 Independence Avenue, SE Jefferson Bldg. Room LJG62 202.707.3895 / www.loc.gov/shop {use code LVLOC10 and receive 10% OFF your online order} offer expires 12/21/13 76 H hillrag.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
ROADMAP TO HOLIDAY GIVING! The 2013 Capitol Hill Gift Guide BY
MEGHAN MARKEY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREW LIGHTMAN
Each December, frenzied crowds bombard the malls, ready to fight to the death for any buy-one-get-one-free 95% off deal on electronics and poorly made sweaters. But you won’t be one of them, because Capitol Hill is home to so many fantastic local businesses that offer so much more. And this gift guide will help you navigate some of the best. Because who wants a ho-hum big-box store gift when you could get something local and one of a kind? Shopping locally not only ensures you will impress your loved ones with a thoughtful gift. You can’t speak to the owner of Macy’s, but odds are the owner of any these businesses will be on hand to personally help you select something special. Which leads me to my favorite part of shopping in your backyard – interacting with your neighbors (and they won’t attack you with cloying perfumes as you walk by). From fashionable clothes, books, antique furniture, cycling gear, jewelry, pet accessories, art supplies, home goods, artwork, international wares, and more, make a day (or days!) of it and see all that Capitol Hill has to offer for your holiday gift needs.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
786 JEWELRY AND WATCH Surprise the man in your life with one of these cool Kenneth Cole skeleton watches ($185 and $195). It’s the perfect gift to help him keep track of time… especially when he’s counting down the seconds beside you on New Year’s Eve. 786 Jewelry and Watch also carries a wide range of sparkly, festive jewelry so you and your partner can both inspire envy from party goers everywhere.
1017 E St. SE. 202-506-3242
CAPITOL H ILL SPORTING GOODS Our football team may need a holiday miracle to salvage its season, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need one to find the perfect gift for that die-hard fan of yours. Keep ‘em warm at the stadium with this Redskins Full-Zip Jacket. And if you have any DC transplants missing their hometown team, Capitol Hill Sporting Goods has them covered, too.
727 Eighth St. SE 202-546-8078
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BOUTIQUE ON THE H ILL Let’s face it, the warmth of the fireside is nice, as is your embrace, but if you really want to see a rosy glow on her face--scoop up this amazing Aztec motif wrap cardigan ($124.99). Boutique on the Hill has enough fashion finds for every occasion, from singing carols outside to swanky holiday parties.
225 Pennsylvania Ave. SE www.theboutiqueonthehill.com/
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013 CLOTHES ENCOUNTERS Clothes Encounters offers a plethora of high end consignment fashion. We’ve seen everything from a Christian Lacroix tweed coat to Kate Spade wallets to DKNY blazers, all at jaw-dropping prices. For the spendthrift clothes horse you know, the shop is ideal. And yet, what fabulous outfit can be complete without a little bling? These geometric, colorful American Indian earrings ($20- $85) will add that extra pop, and make the recipient of this gift grin ear to fashionable ear.
202 Seventh St. SE 202-546-4004
CAPITOL H ILL BOOKS DAWN PRICE BABY In search of a gift for a budding, pint-sized astronomer? The Twilight Turtle or Twilight Ladybug ($34.00) is just the ticket. These adorable creatures project actual constellations, and come with a star guide. Dawn Price Baby carries an array of toys, as well as chic children’s clothes that will have you asking, “Does this come in my size?”
325 Seventh St. SE www.dawnpricebaby.com
The swirl of multi-colored leaves in an empty street, the stark glow of the moon on a chilly winter’s night. Sometimes there is nothing better than curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and diving into a good detective story. Get the mystery-loving bookworm in your family a copy of Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone ($7.50), a rollicking yarn published in 1868. A gem of a used bookstore, Capitol Hill Books has enough titles to satisfy every reader’s tastes.
657 C St. SE www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/ chbooksdc/
EASTERN MARKET POTTERY Eastern Market Pottery has been offering pottery classes in Capitol Hill since 1968. Gift someone a piece from one of the resident potters here, and you gift them a piece of the neighborhood itself. We recommend these delightful tiles ($15 each) made by Ellen Jaffe. Used decoratively or as trivets, they will add rustic charm to any city-dweller’s kitchen.
227 Seventh St. SE www.easternmarketpottery.com 80 H HillRag.com
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
FCAIRY ’GBODMOTHER &T HILDREN S
OOKS
OYS
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what does that make a children’s book filled with gorgeous pop-up illustrations? The answer: the look on the face of a very happy child. Robert Sabuda’s newest popup creation and adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” ($29.99), will dominate story requests for children of all ages.
319 Seventh St. SE 202-547-5474
FORECAST Something luxe and functional - sold. These Lampe Berger room diffusers, made in Paris, will only enhance the delightful wintry scents of a Christmas tree or the cinnamon from simmering cider in the lucky recipient’s abode. Except these will last well past the holiday season.
218 Seventh St. SE www.forecaststore.com
FRAGER’S HARDWARE Capitol Hill is very much an international community, so why not import a British tradition into the holiday fun? Pick up some Christmas Crackers ($1.99 - $26.99), decorative tubes resembling a large candy wrapper, that “pop” when pulled to reveal a small gift. Frager’s is also your one-stop shop for Christmas lights, ornaments, poinsettias and wreaths, in addition to trees, of course.
The Pad at Eastern Market 306 Seventh St. SE 82 H HillRag.com
www.fragersdc.com
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www.howltothechief.com 733 8th Street SE • 202-544-8710 HillRag | December 2013 H 83
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
FRAME OF MINE A simple frame may be great for the modernist on your list, but for someone with an eye for color and a taste for pizzazz, head to Frame of Mine and select a Prisma frame to preserve a favorite memory or photo. Made of acrylic and available in a variety of colors and designs, these graphic frames will wow the creatively inclined.
G INKGO GARDENS For the nature lover that wants to attract winter’s avian friends, pick up these ChapelWood Seed Feeders in “Flight” or “Flare” ($58.95 and $52.95). Sleek and futuristic, these feeders are not only stylish – they are designed to prevent those darned squirrels from demolishing them, ensuring the backyard is filled with crimson cardinals and chirpy chickadees.
911 11th St. SE
522 Eighth St. SE www.frame-of-mine.com
www.ginkgogardens.com
H ILL’S KITCHEN
GROOVY DC
The Capitol symbolizes many things. Pillars of government, the venerable Senate, esteemed House of Representatives, political power and… secret meetings at Tortilla Coast; the darkening of the beloved Panda Cam. This Capitol cut and serve board from Epicurean ($27.50) may prove its most effective use yet. Pair it with a Swissmar cheese knife set and any of the wide selection of gourmet jams and tapenades available at Hill’s Kitchen.
Reduce the number of phone calls to your Human Resources department by distributing the book “Stop Tweeting Boring Sh*t: The New Rules of Work” ($14.95) at your office holiday party. The perfect not-so-subtle gift for coworkers, sage advice includes “Nothing good comes from hitting Reply All” and “If it is funny, it’s usually harassment.”
713 D St. SE
www.hillskitchen.com
323 Seventh St. SE 84 H HillRag.com
www.groovydc.com
“Oh, what fun it is to ride...”
Gift Cards, Kids’ Bikes, Clothing and Accessories! We have everything for the cyclist in your life. If that is you, we are offering a December drive-train cleaning with our full tuneup for $50 off. Visit our store for details.
719 8th Street, SE • Washington, DC 20003 (202) 544-4234 • www.capitolhillbikes.com
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Jewelry Retail & Repair Sizing, Battery Change, Watch Band Replacement. We offer Prepaid Simcards for T-mobile and Gosmart Also, Bill Pay (for most carriers)
DEC. SPECIAL
Beautiful Fashion Jewelry Buy 1 at reg get second one 50% off Change 1 watch battery at regular get second one 50% off
1017 E ST SE WDC 20003 • 202.506.3242
HillRag | December 2013 H 85
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
HOMEBODY
HOWL TO THE CHIEF
THE KNITTING LOFT
Do you have a friend with the same Ikea pillows from college, unimpressively gracing the furniture of their home in all of their mundane, lumpy glory? Head over to Homebody and pick up these graphic, colorful Cartoloji map pillows ($69.50), available for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Couches across the land will thank you, as well as their owners.
Your feline friends are just as much in need of some holiday love as their human companions. Pick up the perfect stocking stuffer for your catnip obsessed family member: the Deluxe Purrfect Gift Kit ($15.99). Complete with catnip essential oil spray, a few catnip-filled mice, and cork ball, your cat may reciprocate the gesture with the gift of not tearing up your curtains and upholstery.
Giving your crafty friend some yarn may get you a great scarf or hat in return. But let’s face it; that is boring. Giving your crafty friend this precious Knit Sweater Mug Gift Kit ($24.99) packed with all things knitting, will be much more impressive. And… you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while your friend is busy making some mittens for you.
715 Eighth St. SE www.homebodydc.com
733 Eighth St. SE www.howltothechief.com
1227 Pennsylvania Ave. SE www.theknittingloftdc.com
HUNTED HOUSE Tis the season for entertaining and bringing good cheer. And by “cheer,” we mean champagne, hot toddies, and mulled wine. What better way to wheel all that cheer out than this vintage glass and chrome two tier bar cart ($355)? To top it off, Hunted House always has a selection of 1950’s-70s era glassware to make any old-school cocktail aficionado tremble with glee.
510 H St. NE 86 ★ HillRag.com
www.huntedhousedc.com
Scan to visit DCanter’s website
Happy Holidays from Your Neighborhood Wine Boutique! 545 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003 Tuesday-Saturday (11:00am-9:00pm) Closed Monday Sunday (12:00pm-6:00pm)
Sign Up Now for Upcoming Classes! www.dcanterwines.com (202) 817-3803
Providing CaPitol Hill WitH... • Flavorful Artisan Wines and Craft Beers • Enjoyable Tasting Events • Fun and Informative Classes
hello@dcanterwines.com Follow us @dcanterwines Like us /dcanterwines #findsomethingdelicious
HillRag | December 2013 ★ 87
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Before iPads, Nooks and e-readers, craftsmen had to bind books with twine and homemade paste made with flour and water. Bibliophiles of all ages will appreciate this Bookbinding Kit ($29.00) and the opportunity to craft their own journal. The Library of Congress carries an assortment of book and historical themed items, from clothing to prints and jewelry.
101 Independence Ave. SE www.loc.gov
LITTLE LOFT If you have boxes of finger paintings, stick people drawings, macaroni art, and dioramas crammed in a drawer somewhere… looks like you may have a young artist on your gift list. Develop your child’s creativity (and be prepared to find more storage space) with the Big Book of Things to Draw ($24.95). Pick up markers and colored pencils here as well, and your young Picasso will be filling up your fridge doors in no time. Little Loft also offers art classes and workshops for kids.
511 11th St. SE
www.littleloftdc.com
METRO MUTTS If your dog has to patiently sit through holiday dinners, the air filled with scrumptious aromas, the least you could do to reward your pet for not slobbering too much on your floor (or your guests), is to purchase this Nina Ottoson Dog Magic interactive game. Metro Mutts carries a variety of dog and cat toys, in addition to adorable pet attire and holidaythemed chew toys, perfect for stocking stuffers.
508 H St. NE and 407 Eighth St. SE www.metromuttsdc.com
LABYRINTH GAMES & PUZZLES A mecca for gaming enthusiasts, Labyrinth Games & Puzzles has everything from card games to mazes to role playing games and everything in between. Why not introduce a gaming newbie to one of the most popular board-games of all time: Settlers of Catan. An addictive game where you build settlements through trading resources, there are also many expansions and special editions available that would make a Settlers fanatic exuberant as well. Be prepared to lose weekends to this game!
645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
88 ★ HillRag.com
www.labyrinthgameshop.com
Fine Handcrafted Pottery for Everyday & Giving
EASTERN MARKET POTTERY
Vases Mugs Bowls Casseroles Pitchers THE GIFT CHOICES ARE PLENTIFUL! Visit our Showroom & Studio! Open Saturdays & Sundays 10 am-5pm On Weekdays when the gate is open or by appointment
225 7th St. SE* (*Beneath the SE corner of the Eastern Market Building)
202.544.6669 www.easternmarketpottery.com Ask about our evening and daytime pottery classes! HillRag | December 2013 ★ 89
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
NEWMAN GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMES These beautiful pieces of colorful fused glassware will brighten up any countertop or table. Pieces of art, the recipient of one of these may not want to obscure them with crudités or cheeses. Does it get any better? Yes – they are made by local Capitol Hill resident Elizabeth Eby. While you are there, check out some of the handful of artists that Newman’s Gallery features, or take advantage of their framing services.
513 11th St. SE www.newmangallery.com
RIVERBY BOOKS There is something nostalgic and comforting about having an old, academic series sitting on a bookshelf. The weighty binding and slightly frayed pages speak to another era. Get the romantic intellectual on your list the Classics: Greek and Latin series, Parnassus edition. Published in 1909, this is the 63rd copy of 750 and is signed by the editor.
417 East Capitol St. SE www.riverbybooks.com
90 ★ HillRag.com
CAPITOL HILL FRAME & PHOTO Preserve some favorite memories in these Lawrence double or triple frames ($41.99 and $64.99). Because you don’t need a fancy frame competing with that lovely face of yours! This year, Capitol Hill Frame also has a large selection of wrapping paper and gift bags, in addition to holiday cards.
645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE www.chframe.com
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Children’s Books & Toys EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS
MON. - FRI. 10:00a-6:30p SAT. 10:00a-5:00p SUN. 10:30a-5:00p
Fashion is what we do!
• Babies Books & Toys • Toddler - Teen: Books and CD’s • Corolle Dolls • Playmobil • Lego • Wooden Toys • Puzzles & Games Spanish Available
ACCESSORIES
319 7th Street, SE •
202-547-5474
HANDBAGS TOPS BOTTOMS “Many of our brands are made in the USA” DRESSES OUTERWEAR JEWELRY
705 N. Carolina Ave., SE www.pinktini.com (202) 546-1234
Like us on PinktiniBoutique
NEWMAN GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMES Serving Capitol Hill since 1984
“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises Rotating exhibits of local artists 513 11th St., SE (Eastern Market Metro) • Tue.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 202.544.7577
www.newmangallery.com
A N ATO L I A N A RT I S A N S TURKISH ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY
SALE! g
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th 10am-4pm One of a kind hand-made gifts. Your purchase supports low income artisans and keep traditions alive!
CHEVY CHASE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH One Chevy Chase Circle, NW Washington, DC 20015 501c3 non-profit organization
anatolianartisans.org HillRag | December 2013 ★ 91
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
TWO LIONS ANTIQUES & INTERIORS Imagine how happy the recipient of this beautiful American oak rocking chair ($865) will be, because you’ve found the perfect piece to fill that empty spot next to their fireplace. Incredibly well-made, this piece dates to the 1880s but has been updated by delightfully colorful, modern upholstery that complements the original design and naturalist motif perfectly.
507 11th St. SE
WIRELESS ZONE We all know someone whose phone is always dying a low-battery death. Prevent important texts such as “Did you remember to pick Grandma up from the airport?” from going unanswered by gifting your phone-charging challenged friend a power case. These ingenious phone cases deliver a boost of power when not near an outlet. Models such as the Ventev Powercase 2000 ($74.99), Mophie Juice Pack ($99.99), or Uma Power Case ($59.99) should do just the trick.
507 11th St. SE www.wirelesszone.com/washington
THE DAILY R IDER For the cyclist that wants to cruise the streets of DC without a clunky (re: nerdy) bicycle helmet, the Sahn model ($129) is just the thing. Hip and functional, these modern looking helmets are influenced by industrial design and come in a selection of understated colors.
1108 H St. NE www.thedailyriderdc.com
WOVEN HISTORY & SILK ROAD Does anyone really need a camel figure in their house? You may not think so, but you’ll change your mind when you see these intricate, festive camels ($10 - $150). Adorned with ribbons and sequins, they are handmade in Egypt and are available in a variety of sizes, so you can get a whole family of these charming conversation starters.
315 Seventh St. SE www.wovenhistory.com 92 ★ HillRag.com
Boutique on the Hill
rve nd prese Frame aerished your ch , photographs, artwork psakes for a and keelt holiday gift heartfe
Trends Fade but ! Style is Eternal
Our staff helps with selections, expertly cuts all components, AND assists you with the assembly!
GREAT GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
10% OFF
Custom Framing, Dry Mounting, Conservation Framing, Calligraphy Also Available
We specialize in Do-It-Yourself picture framing
*mention this ad.
Designer Clothing & Accessories/Alterations by Appointment
225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 1st Floor [formerly Art & Soul location]
202-491-4406
www.theboutiqueonthehill.com
Frame of Mine All Major Credit Cards Accepted Celebrating 30 Years on the Hill!
202-543-3030
522 8th Street, S.E. / www.frame-of-mine.com
J. Chocolatier
Small Batch Chocolates * Handmade on the Hill Contact Info
December Pop-Up Shop
jane@jchocolatier.com www.jchocolatier.com
Sat. 12/14 - Fri. 12/20 @Downtown Holiday Market Thurs. 12/05 - Fri. 12/06 & Mon. 12/23 @Tabula Rasa 731 8th St. SE
HillRag | December 2013 ★ 93
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
WATERFORD WEDGWOOD ROYAL DOULTON This store is located in the Tanger Midway Outlet Mall in Rehoboth Beach, DE. We are the world leader and maker of fine crystal, china and collectables. Our store offers in stock a large selection of Waterford, Marquis by Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert with everyday savings of up to 60% off. Join us on December 18, 2013 from noon to 4pm for our annual Waterford Ambassador Event. Gerard Tracy will be here from Waterford, Ireland to sign and date all your Waterford items in time for the holidays. Phone orders are always welcome and shipping is available. Call for details.
35986 Midway Outlet Suite 127 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302-645-5304
THE FOLGER SHAKESPEARE L IBRARY Do you know someone who is graduating soon, or otherwise embarking on a new journey? This subtle yet stunning sterling silver necklace has “We are such stuff that dreams are made on” from The Tempest engraved on its twist-helix pendant ($54). Pick up a Shakespeare, Elizabeth I, or Burford Jester ornament for your tree while you are at it. Due to ongoing renovations, the physical store is unavailable--but take a look at the Folger’s online shop; a lot of items are still available for purchase on site if you inquire.
201 East Capitol St. SE www.folger.edu
WAGTIME TOO What do sports fans and canine companions have in common? Both are intensely loyal to a fault. Get your furry football fanatic a sports-themed dog coat, available in a variety of sizes ($44 - $57). Here’s the adorable pitbull-mix Katie, modeling her favorite team with daycare manager Beth Aldrich. Not only can you stop by to check out the dog coats, you can bring home the dog it’s keeping warm! That’s right – Katie is from Lucky Dog Rescue and is in need of a home. Loveable and sweet, we feel warm and fuzzy just thinking about the lucky family that takes her home this holiday season. Because what’s better than a puppy for Christmas? Nothing.
900 M St. SE www.wagtimedc.com
CAPITOL H ILL B IKES Ah, the children are at the age where they want to be extra mobile. Between hanging from garland-wrapped banisters and bouncing off the walls from sugar and spice, what’s a parent to do to let the little ones expel some of that energy…outside? Why, get Santa to drop off a Strider No-Pedal Balance Bike ($119.99) of course. The staff will help you pick up a beautiful set of wheels and bike accoutrements for yourself, so you can supervise in style.
719 Eighth St. SE www.capitolhillbikes.com 94 ★ HillRag.com
Rated One of the Best Wine Shops by Washingtonian Magazine July “Best & Worst” Issue Listed in the Wall Street journal as one of the most enjoyable places to shop for wines nationwide. “Best Website Award”, 2008 by the Wine Spectator’s Market Watch
Voted “Best Liquor Store” and “Best Wine Selection” four years in a row by the City Paper
TThe SchneiderCoupon is our monthly mixed case of hand selected wines from across the world that change according to the seasons and are priced up to 50% off the regular retail price. Purchase as many assorted cases as you like and get additional wines as the listed sale prices. This month’s selection features seven reds, four whites and a Prosecco at 42% off the regular retail price. Wines included in this special are listed below. Purchase additional wines at the listed sale prices. The case will be available until Sunday, January 5th, 2014 Regular Price: $258.88 | At Sale Prices: $203.88 | SchneiderCoupon Price: $149.99……Save 42%! wine
2009 NV 2011 2010 2011 2011 2008 NV 2010 2012 2010 2012
di Arie Interlude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Patrick Red Blend Lot 3 . . . . . . . . Cave les Coteaux Cotes du Rhone . . . . . . . Lancyre Aleyrac 750ml . . . . . . . . . . . . Cascina Adelaide Barbera Mie Donne . . . . . . RyZin Zinfandel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plenilunio Cabernet Sauvignon . . . . . . . . . La Tordera Alnè Millesimato Prosecco Extra Dry . . Jean-Marc Gilet Vouvray Demi Sec . . . . . . . Nicolas Perrin Viognier . . . . . . . . . . . . IL Cuore Chardonnay . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boniface Apremont Vin de Savoie Vieilles Vignes .
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$29.99 $14.99 $14.99 $24.99 $23.99 $18.99 $29.99 $22.99 $18.99 $22.99 $12.99 $22.99
sale.
$24.99 $9.99 $11.99 $19.99 $19.99 $14.99 $24.99 $14.99 $14.99 $19.99 $10.99 $15.99
T H I S M O N T H! “One of the Best Wine Stores in the Country is Right Here on Capitol Hill” SELECTION The country’s most complete range of spirits, beer & wine. Our old and rare wine list is the most extensive anywhere, and it’s in your neighborhood. PRICING We will not be undersold. Come see for yourself. SERVICE Second to none, with seven full time wine specialists to assist you. Come in and be treated like family!
View descriptions of the wines at www.cellar.com
300 Massachusetts Ave., NE • www.cellar.com 1-800-377-1461 • 202-543-9300 • fax: 202-546-6289
Sidamo Coffee and Tea
Single Origin Coffee Freshly Roasted on Site! Holiday Gourmet Gift Baskets and Gift Cards Organic & Specialty Coffees from Around the World 25 Types of Loose Teas Bagels, Salads, Sandwiches & Desserts • Catering Ethiopian Coffee Ritual Sundays @ 2pm
FREE
202-548-0081 Mon.-Fri. 7-7 Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-5 sidamocoffeeandtea.com 417 H Street, NE
HillRag | December 2013 ★ 95
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
EASTERN MARKET VENDORS Does the thought of shopping make you shake with loathing? Do you wake up in a panic, mere days before the holidays, sweaty at the prospect of tackling your gift list? Well, my hopeless procrastinator, you are in luck. If you can’t find something for everyone on your holiday gift list with a single day perusing the vendors at Eastern Market, then you seriously need to practice your shopping skills. From a selection of maps that span the globe and travel photography for your worldly acquaintances, to shea butter soaps infused with essential oils for the beauty obsessed, to vintage leather bags and boots for the style-conscious, and solid wood furnishings to lend a country-chic touch to a good friend’s home – the huge assortment of wares at Eastern Market will alleviate any shopping anxiety you may have.
225 Seventh St. SE www.easternmarket-dc.org
96 ★ HillRag.com
Give A Unique Gift This Season!!!! Since 1995 on Capitol Hill
Gifts and arts from every country along the Silk Road, including jewelry, clothing, antique furniture, musical instruments and more. View Our Entire Selection On Our Web Site
www.wovenhistory.com
We also offer: • Cleaning • Repairing • Restoring • Appraising • Acquiring
311-315 7th St. SE • 202.543.1705 Open 7 days a week - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm HillRag | December 2013 ★ 97
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
At Sapore, Pam Benson displays a gift pack of premium olive oils. Photo: Andrew Lightman
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Capitol Hill Food and Drink Edition BY
Peregrine barista Dave Bise pours a cup of coffee perfect for fortifying you on your holiday shopping trip. Photo: Andrew Lightman
98 H HillRag.com
M
ae West famously said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” And one of the most wonderful parts of the holiday season is indulging in delicious meals and sipping delicious drinks. Whether you have family in town and need to stock up on grandma’s favorite whiskey, are hosting a holiday party and need an appetizer option that isn’t chips and salsa from 7-11, or need a fail-proof gift for the culinary inclined, Capitol Hill is home to an abundance of shops that will provide all of the above and more. Here’s a game plan to help you navigate all things drool worthy in the neighborhood. As much fun as the holidays are, they can also be exhausting. You are going to need some extra strong, extra satisfying coffee in the morning to survive all the shopping, and all those parties, and all that family. To start off your day, I recommend
MEGHAN MARKEY
swinging by Peregrine Espresso (www.peregrineespresso.com, 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE) and ordering one of their single-origin micro-brew coffees; they offer layered, complex flavors that will have you ditching Starbucks before the last drop hits the cup. Stock up on bags of Counter Culture beans to serve to houseguests. Now that you have coffee in hand, head around the corner to Sapore Oil & Vinegar (www.saporeoilandvinegar.com, 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE). Holiday dinners are special events where details count. What could be better than starting off with crusty bread dipped in lemony, grassy olive oil, or ending one with vanilla ice cream drizzled with a luscious pomegranate balsamic vinegar? Sapore has amazing olive oils, vinegars and salts and they sell gift sets that will set your foodie friend’s heart aflutter with gratitude. Now, if only there was a place near-
HillRag | December 2013 H 99
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013 Eastern Market - the place to go for all your holiday food fixings. Photo: Andrew Lightman
by to get this scrumptious crusty bread. Enter Spring Mill Bread Company (www.springmillbread.com, 701 Eighth St SE). Toast some slices of their baked-daily baguettes or peasant white bread, and you’ve got a bread basket worthy of the holidays. Their whole grain loaves would make a lovely french toast for Christmas morning, dusted with cinnamon and smeared with any one of their preserves (I’m looking at you, Black Raspberry!). They also have gift boxes of bread, cookies and preserves–a box of fresh baked heaven. Head down the street to Chat’s Liquors (www.chatsliquors.com, 503 Eighth St SE), and count the number of holiday parties that you have been invited to. Now buy the same amount in bottles of wine and never worry about scrambling after work to pick up a bottle to bring to the host. In the same block is DCanter (www.dcanterwines.com, 545 Eighth St SE), a wine boutique with a nicely curated selection of artisanal wines. The staff will help you find the perfect pairings for your holiday spread that will impress even the most discerning of oenophiles at your table (there’s always one!). At this point, you are clutching your nearly empty Peregrine coffee, carrying a bag filled with olive oil, vinegar, breads, jams, and quite possibly pulling your child’s Radio Flyer wagon (do they still make these anymore?), clinking with wines. You need a break to recharge. Head to the Silver Spork (303 Seventh St SE) and Michael Warner, owner of DCanter on 8th St. SE can recommend a great bottle of wine. Photo: Andrew Lightman
100 H HillRag.com
J. Chocolatier Fleur de Sel Caramels, a little salty, a little creamy and a little sweet. 12 Per box $29.00
grab any of their freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps or snacks and if it’s not too cold, sit outside on their patio and ready yourself for the remainder of your holiday food journey. Head across the street to Eastern Market and work your way from beginning to end, taking advantage of all the food vendors for your table. Fresh oysters from Southern Maryland Seafood, Sausages and meats, salads and BBQ from Canales Deli, to-die-for fresh pastas from Eastern Market Grocery, and loads of one of my obsessions: creamy, smoky, salty, savory cheeses from Bower’s Dairy. You can’t have too much cheese on the table when your family and friends arrive! And if a big hunk of Manchego ended up in my stocking, I would not complain… and I’m sure many people that you know wouldn’t complain either if it ended up in theirs. Rustle up the kids and take a stroll over to Schneider’s (www.cellar.com, 300 Massachusetts Ave NE), because Grandma still needs her favorite whiskey. Pick up a bottle of Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon, made especially for Schneider’s from the best barrels. Grandma will be sure to tell great embarrassing stories about your parents all night. Take a walk further north, and treat the kiddies to delicious cups of hot chocolate and grilled cheeses at Sidamo Coffee and Tea (www.sidamocoffeeandtea.com, 417 H St NE); it’s only fair, you did just take them to a liquor store. Go a little further down the street and
choose some savory and sweet pies from DC’s favorite pie shop, Dangerously Delicious Pies (www.dangerouspiesdc. com, 1339 H St NE), where savory pies like sausage tomato fennel pie and sweet ones like roasted apple cinnamon pie will round out your meal. Gift one to your boss, at the risk of making your coworkers curse themselves for not thinking of it themselves. Then drive on over to Union Market (www.unionmarketdc. com, 1309 Fifth St NE), where tons of great culinary and entertaining related gifts reside. Pick up festive birch tree motif straws, printed paper placemats, cookbooks, and for someone you really, really like – a 24k goldplated cocktail shaker, all available at Salt and Sundry. Select an array of exotic seasonings from Bazaar Spices for marinades and rubs. DC Sharp has a great selection of professional Japanese cooking knives for the serious chef. You will have trouble paring back your purchases! Finally, J. Chocolatier has built their reputation on their Fleur de Sel Caramels. They’re creamy and liquid in texture. Customers love them so much because you get the trifecta of flavor -- a little salty, a little creamy and a little sweet. 12 Per box $29.00. Available online at www.jchocolatier.com or at one of our local pop-up shops: Tabula Rasa DC, 731 8th St. SE on 12/05-12/06, and on 12/23; Downtown Holiday Market, 9th St. & F St. NW, 12/14-12/20. So by now, you should have your pantry stocked for holiday dinners, and an abundance of foodie gifts for everyone, all courtesy of the great epicurean and libation oriented shops of Capitol Hill. So put your feet up, and maybe have a nip of Grandma’s bourbon – you deserve it! H
Escape to your countryside oasis just 35 min south of DC and located in community with Patuxent River access!
$449,990
Yarn • Classes • Community
Patti Stueckler Realtor, Re/Max One 301.908.2540 www.TeamStueckler.com
1227 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, DC 20003
202.544.0702 • www.theknittingloftdc.com HillRag | December 2013 H 101
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
Concert In Athens •••••
Kim Kashkashian, Jan Garbarek, and Vangelis Christopoulos, Greek composer Eleni Karaindrou always touches an emotional chord, here propelled by moving performances from violist Kim Kashkashian and tenor saxophonist Jan Garbarek. This is a beautiful album, alternately wistful, charming, and just simply glorious. This music never judges; it doesn’t ask who you are or where you came from or what you do. It simply connects you to the rest of humanity. Highlights include “Requium For Willy Loman (Death of a Salesman),” “Invocation: Who Is Afraid Of Virginia Woolf,” “Laura’s Waltz: The Glass Menagerie,” “Farewell Theme: The Beekeeper,” and “Waltz of the Rain: Number Ten.”
Dreamweaver ••••
G e o r g e Duke, Concord Records
A legendary keyboardist and pioneer in the jazz, funk and R&B genres, George Duke, who died on August 5 at the age of 67, has left us with a farewell album brought to life by the plethora of music for celebration, dancing, romancing, lost-and-found-love, memories of yesterday, and the breathtaking journey of jazz explorations. In experiencing the world between living and dreaming, Mr. Duke has erected his own ecclesiastical monument in the pantheon of our eternal world of 102 H HillRag.com
music. On Dreamweaver, the colorful flags blow in the winds of songs like “Stones of Orion,” “Trippin’,” “Ashtray,” “Missing You,” “Happy Trails,” and “Jazzmatazz.”
The Sirens ••• Chris Potter, ECM
On Chris Potter’s latest album, inspired by The Odyssey, the saxophone on the title track, “The Sirens,” is like the watery roar of the deep sea, a kind of cautionary warning of an impending storm. Melodic, introspective, vital, organic, transcendental, and colorfully translucent, the music comes swirling in wave after wave from its vast oceanic landscape. Hark to the drifting, tempestuous sounds of the “Dark Wine Sea”; the rich, caressing, and beguiling “Dawn (With Her Rosy Fingers)”; the mysterious, alluring, and provocative “Penelope”; and the ever-forgiving, adorable, and embraceable “Nauikaa.”
True Drew ••• Drew Davidsen Producers: Eric Copeland, Preston Glass and Norman Connors
Veteran jazz man, Drew Davidsen, an award-winning guitarist from Towson, Maryland, has released his fifth album, featuring a collection of contemporary jazz, R&B, rock and gospel riffs. Standouts include “My Guitar,” “95 South,” “Hi5,” “Double or Nothin,” “All Night and Forever,” and “Sweet Spot.”
Tango Caliente ••• The Jay D’Amico Quintet
Although the title of this album is Tango Caliente, the music heard here is pure jazz. Featured pieces include the title track “Tango Caliente,” “Etruscan Call,” “Maura’s Chant,” and “Balland in E Minor.” Best jazz performances include “Alfreda,” and “Song for Maria.”
Wislawa •••• Tomasz Stanko New York Quartet, ECM
Trumpeter Tomasz Stanko latest album, Wislawa, is a brilliant collection; each piece has the embodiment of a journey from the opening title track, “Wislawa,” to the beautiful, quixotic “Oni” and then down to the extraordinary minutiae of the piano in “Tutaj-Here.” The whole album flows with the sheer power of a big, majestic river flowing towards the swirling waves of a sun-lit ocean of unending space and metaphysical harmony. Take note of “Metafizyka,” “Song for H,” and “April Story.”
Live2Love ••• Theresa Grayson, L2L Records
Saxophonist Theresa Grayson’s Live2Love reminds us that memories that celebrate the joys of love do tell the story of who we are, what makes us happy, and what’s next to come. The album also showcases five soul-jazz originals, four of which were written by Ms. Grayson including “Af-
terthoughts,” an urbane track featuring soprano sax, scat-like vocalization and live instrumentation typically heard throughout most of the performances.
Hagar’s Song•••• Charles Lloyd and Jason Moran, ECM
The release of Hagar’s Song comes in time to help mark saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s 75th birthday. The album features compositions by Billy Strayhorn (“Pretty Girl” a/k/a “Star-Crossed Lovers”), Duke Ellington (“Mood Indigo”) and George Gershwin (“Bess, You Is My Woman Now”) to a standard strongly associated with Billie Holiday (“You’ve Changed”). Other highlights include Brian Wilson’s most famous Beach Boys ballad (“God Only Knows”) and a Bob Dylan song (“I Shall Be Released”). The centerpiece of the album is the title suite composed by Mr. Lloyd and dedicated to his great-greatgrandmother, who was taken from her home in south Mississippi at age 10 and sold to another slave-owner in Tennessee. Music is the untouched soul of our humanity and it can change us forever.
Seems Like I Know You ••• Peggy Duquesnel
Peggy Duquesnel’s new album, Seems Like I Know You, features prominent fusion keyboard pioneer Jeff Lorber and bassist Jimmy Haslip from Yellowjackets. “When I Think of You,”
Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time! an urbane R&B groove, gets a jolt from Rick Braun’s trumpet and flugelhorn. A fresh perspective on the Carpenters’ classic “Rainy Days and Mondays” provides an opportunity for Ms. Duquesnel to display her prowess on the piano. A song by vocalist-songwriter Dee Dee McNeil, allows Mr. Braun’s muted trumpet to coo on the admonishing “Bird on a Leash.”
5 ••• Paris Combo Quintet
This is the fifth album from the Paris Combo Quintet, a cultured collage of riveting rhythms and melodies from around the world, clever jazz components, playful cabaret, and spunky Europop. Chanteuse Belle du Berry’s voice aches mournfully on “Les Cailloux Blancs,” followed by the charmed story of instant love on “Chaque Fois.” The dreamy torch song “Morphée” finds Ma. du Berry’s breathy vocals dancing a lusty tango with Mr. Lewis’ loquacious trumpet. “Mediumisons” is a frisky jaunt about having faith in love, but “Ce Que J’aime C’est Le Début” bids farewell via an energetic romp.
I Thought About You (A Tribute To Chet Baker) ••• Eliane Elias, Concord Reords
Brazilian pianist-vocalist-arranger Eliane Elias has given us a fine tribute to the late trumpeter and singer Chet Baker. The name of this album from Ms. Elias is a confirmation of Mr. Baker’s gift for all of us: we were always on his mind. And one song that says it all is Ms. Elias sexy rendition of “Embraceable You.”
Summer Rain ••• Jeanette Harris, J&M Records
The soulful urban-jazz album written and produced by saxophonist Jeanette Harris showcases her songwriting finesse and sweet saxophone skills on a dozen R&B grooves. “Just Keep Holding On,” opens the album with a midtempo R&B joint with Darrell Crooks’ funky guitar riffs serv-
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ing as an ideal counterpoint to Ms. Harris’ amorous alto sax. The beats get funkier and the melody gets bigger on “Passing Time” and “Take Me There.” Other hits include “Muy Caliente,” “Chillin’” and “Here & Now.”
City Of Broken Dreams ••• Giovanni Guidi Trio, ECM
City of Broken Dreams is the debut album from the prodigiously gifted Italian pianist Giovanni Guidi. Joined by Thomas Morgan (bass) and João Lobo (drums), the album is breathtakingly orchestrated with free-flowing melodies on pieces like “The Way Some People Live,” “The Impossible Divorce,” “Late Blue,” and both versions of the title tracks “The City Of Broken Dreams.”
La Note ••• Ketil Bjornstad, ECM
This live album is from the Molde International Festival of July, 2010 in Norway. The eight-part set begins as a journey from “Part 1,” “Part 2,” “Part 4,” “Part 6, “ and ends with “Part 7.” Performers included Andy Sheppard (saxs), Anja Lechner (violoncello), Eivind Aarset (guitars), Arild Andersen (double bass), and Marilyn Mazur (percussion, drums).
Full Circle ••• Lawson Rollins
On this album Lawson Rollins plays classical, flamenco and electric guitars, keyboards and drum programming, featuring a multicultural mélange constructed of Afro-Cuban rumba, bossa nova, samba, Middle Eastern, Japanese folk, tango, reggae, rock, classical and jazz. To accomplished this, Mr. Rollins uses the same musicians that played on all three of his previous releases: Camardella (keyboards, piano), Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico, percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy.
Pulse ••• Steve Cole, Artistry Music
This is the classically-trained Steve Cole’s seventh solo album recorded within a lavish orchestral setting in a spacious, decorative room filled with the sounds of blues, funk, soul, gospel, R&B, and hip hop jams. Highlights include “Pulse,” “With You All The Way,” and “Ain’t No Love in The Heart Of The City.”
Renaissance •••• Marcus Miller, Concord Records 104 H HillRag.com
This is a good, solid album from guitarist Marcus Miller. On the back of the album, Mr. Miller is seen sitting down, humbly with his guitar, head lowered in a gentle prayerful position. Applause is so abundant here that one can hardly contained oneself to the shouts of “bravos” and “encores” with the final curtain call on “I’ll Be There.” That Mr. Marcus has given us a collector’s item with such memorable pieces like “Redemption,” “February,” “Setembro,” a Brazilian Wedding song, and “Gorée,” is no small feat to the legacy of jazz and its continued influences on our daily lives.
The Beat ••• Boney James,
Smooth jazz performer Boney James is back with a new album that is all about urban living. From “Missing You” to “Batucada (The Beat),” to the sexy “Maker Of Love,” you can feel the pulse and romantic passion of the urban hiphop dweller. Other standouts include “Mari’s Song,” “Powerhouse,” “Acalento,” and “You Can Count On Me.” The Beat is certainly one of this year’s best smooth jazz albums.
Christmas Releases
All I Ask For Christmas ••• Peggy Duquesnel
Jazz pianist-vocalist Peggy Duquesnel (www. peggyduquesnel.com ) has just released “All I Ask For Christmas,” a double CD comprised of 21 seasonal songs presented as acoustic jazz instrumentals and pop vocal selections.
Merry Christmas To You ••• Jonathan Butler, Artistry Music
Two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler is in full holiday spirit with the release of his first Christmas album, “Merry Christmas To You,” an intimate 10song set that showcases the singer with his acoustic guitar. The sparse production maintains focus on the spiritually-impassioned Mr. Butler belting out seven Christmas standards, one little known gem (“Sweet Little Jesus Boy”) and a pair of soulful originals authored by the artist, including the title cut and “Happy Holidays.” All CDs and DVDS reviewed in this article are heard through Bowers & Wilkens Nautilus 801 speakers and ASW 4000 subwoofer, and Rotel Preamp 1070, amplifier 1092 and CD player 1072. B&W speakers are now available at Magnolia, Best Buys (703.518.7951) and IQ Home Entertainment (703.218.9855). CDs are available for purchase through amazon.com For more information about this column, please email your questions to fagon@hillrag.com. H
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ARTS & Dining Dining Notes by Celeste McCall
Seeing red
It seems the restaurant world is seeing red these days. Last summer, the Atlas District welcomed RedRocks (mainly pizza), Bloomingdale showcases the red-hot Red Hen, while Union Market’s Red Apron Butchery hauls in customers with artisan meats and yummy sandwiches. So does Red Hook Lobster Pound DC, whose truck makes Hill rounds, dispensing classic lobster rolls. We’ve already written about RedRocks (we loved it) and the Red Hook truck. So that leaves the Red Apron and Red Hen. On a fairly quiet Wednesday we lunched at the Red Apron, tucked into the buzzing Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE. Patrons are greeted by the mouthwatering display of artisan meats, which are humanely raised on nearby farms. Red Apron is the first U.S. butcher shop to source all its pork from Animal Welfare approved farms and slaughterhouses. Seated at the barebones counter, we ordered chef Nathan Anda’s “porkstrami” ($8), cured pork piled onto a freshly-baked baguette slathered with mustard, aioli and delicious bacon-sauteed sauerkraut, not for the health conscious or fat phobic, but worth the caloric splurge. Likewise the $8 muffaletta, piled with salami, ham, olive spread and provolone, all snuggled between grilled foccacia slices. Anda’s rendition stacks up favorably with the New Orleans original (served at the Big Easy’s Central Grocery), even though Red Apron’s bread is different. Decent red and white Spanish wine flows from taps, only $6. OK, the wine’s not going to win any gold med-
Delicious Hamburger at Red Apron
Red Apron Butcher
als but it complemented the richness of the pork. Red Apron also concocts its own sodas. Red Apron has outlets in Merrifield’s Mosaic District, Reston and—coming soon--Penn Quarter. Red Apron is open WednesdaySunday. Call 202-524-6807 or www. redapronbutchery.com. Red Hen? Look for a writeup in the near future.
Tuscan tasting
Coming up December 10: DCanter, the stylish Barracks Row wine shop, is showcasing Brunello di Montalcino, a luscious red wine from Tuscany. From 6:30 to about 8 p.m., six Brunellos will be paired with compatible cheeses from Bowers Fancy Dairy Products (Eastern Market). Price for the tasting is $65 per person, far cheaper than round trip fare to Italy. Brunello di Montalcino, is a robust red wine squeezed from the Sangiovese grape grown near the idyllic Tuscan town of Montalcino. Limited to 16 participants, the Brunello sampling
is selling out fast. For tickets and more information call 202-817-3803.
Festive beer
A week later at Dcanter, Dec. 17, Beer Festivus will pour brews from around the world. Tickets are $25 each. HillRag | December 2013 H 107
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Speaking of brewing: DCanter has introduced Foggy Ridge Cider, made in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. The slightly fizzy beverage comes in “Serious Cider” (slightly sweet), and drier “First Fruit.” A 750 ml bottle (the same size as a wine bottle) is $18. Open daily except for Monday, DCanter is at 545 Eighth St. SE; for more information call 202-817-3803.
Krazed
Down the street, Kraze Burgers finally opened at 415 Eighth St. SE. It’s attractive, with soothing forest green walls, black flooring and snazzy black banquettes. About a half dozen stools line the sleek black counter. Sepia photos of happy people gobbling burgers line the wall. Servers are inexperienced but eager to please and are learning quickly. The Korean-accented bulgogi burger (Kraze is based in Seoul) was moist and spicy. A pair of sliders provided an “original” (signature sauce, tomato, onions, pickles, lettuce and mayo) and a BBQ burger with bacon plus the other goodies. While not necessarily cooked to order, burgers are juicy and extremely messy; fortunately we had plenty of paper napkins. Other menu options are veggie, tofu and turkey burgers, as well as chicken sandwiches, chicken salads and milkshakes. Sides like fries, onion wings, salads, etc. are extra. Lunch for two came to $16.25 before tip. Kraze Burger is open daily; call 202-290-3618 or www.kraze.us.
How sweet it is
Kelsey Pitta, who has been making pop tarts and donuts in the window of Ted’s Bulletin’s 14th street spinoff, has been promoted to pastry chef for all Ted’s restaurants: the Barracks Row original (505 Eighth St. SE), 14th St., and soon to-open locations in Merrifield’s Mosaic District and Reston Town Center.
Market watch
We keep hearing about mumbo sauce, often a mainstay in Chinese carryouts. Some say the tangy condiment originated in Chicago, but we know better; it comes straight from Washington DC. Even better: Eastern Market’s Market Poultry has the real thing: Capital City Mumbo Sauce, the Original Wing Sauce of Washington DC. Priced at $6 for a 12-ounce (heavy plastic) bottle, “it goes on everything but cereal,” Melvin Inman Jr. told me as he offered a tiny taste. It seems sweet before the subtle firepower kicks in. Besides hot peppers, ingredients include tomato concentrate, vinegar, sugar, corn syrup, onion and garlic powder. Mel suggests mumbo sauce for wings, fried foods and pork dishes. Ideal for a holiday stocking stuffer, Capital City Mumbo Sauce 108 H hillrag.com
is made right here in our nation’s capital. For more information call 202-543-7470 or visit www.capitalcitymumbosauce.com.
Coming soon
Sona Creamery and Wine Bar, owned and operated by Conan O’Sullivan, is set to open in mid-December at 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, where Moto Photo used to be; the popular card/frame/gift shop has moved across the street upstairs from Labyrinth game store. For updates call 360-870-3833 or www.sonacreamery.com. And…Greg Menna, co-owner of District Doughnut catering business, is opening his first retail outlet next spring at 749 Eighth St. SE, formerly Sneed’s Barber Shop....next door, at 751 Eighth St. SE, the aging Capitol City Subs has been sold and is being renovated. The new owners are basing the facelift on their successful Old Town sandwich shop. They also plan to add Korean dishes to their sandwich selection.
Gelato arrives
Robb Duncan, gelato artisan and co-owner of Dolcezza, is unveiling his state-of-the-art gelato factory + coffee lab at 550 Penn Street, NE, near Union Market. The 4,000 squarefoot warehouse—formerly a wholesale flower market--will include a 20-person tasting room and coffee lab for training. Dolcezza works with area farmers and producers to craft up to 300 flavors of gelato and sorbetto each year. The factory will offer daily tastings between noon and 7 p.m. Presented in porcelain, ceramic, and glass bowls with real silverware, gelato flavors include pumpkin, maple syrup, ginger cardamom and pecan praline; sorbets include pomegranate, honey crisp apple, and clementine. Dolcezza has four other locations scattered around the Washington area. For more information, visit http://dolcezzagelato.com.
And…
Curbside Café has opened at 257 15th St. SE, the spot formerly occupied by Crepes on the Corner. Serving breakfast and lunch, the charming newcomer—related to Curbside Cupcakes--specializes in pop tarts, croissants and—naturally—cupcakes. The pastries are baked in the downstairs kitchen. Upstairs, customers can munch on these goodies while sipping java, roasted in nearby Northeast by Vigilante Coffee. Designing the sandwich selection (the pulled pork gets rave reviews) is local chef/caterer Ben Lin. Curbside Café is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 8 to noon. Look for expanded hours and menu in the near future. H
The Gifts that Don’t Get Returned by Jon Genderson
I
t seems each December many of us struggle to find the perfect gifts for friends, family and co-workers. The choices are vast and confusing. An easy way to take care of the bulk of your holiday gifts is the one stop shopping offered at a fine wine and spirits shop. There are no worries about size or color (except red or white for wine) and very little chance your recipient will have to make a return. The choice of a fine bottle of wine or Champagne, Cognac, bourbon or a single malt scotch is sure to make almost anyone happy. Some special new releases and great old favorites are recommended below. Have fun shopping!
Spirits - Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados
The king of brandy, like all other good spirits today, has seen a fair amount of price increase, but there are still bargains to be had.
Fransac Rare Cognac 25 year old ($65)
The house of Roullet-Fransac is quite small compared to the gargantuan Hennessey and Courvoisier houses and has an amazing amount of aged Cognac in their cellars. All their “years old” line comes only from 100% Grande Champagne vineyards, the finest in Cognac. The 25 year old is very aromatic with excellent balance and finesse.
Comte de Lauvia Rare 27 Year Old Armagnac ($130)
The 27 year old is a very limited bottling of an extremely rare blend of three vintages with the oldest casks from a distillation in 1904. This delicious Armagnac offers up a very elegant nose with hints of apricot and yellow peach , complex flavors, a viscos mouthfeel and a finish that goes on and on.
Chateau de Breuil 15 Year Old Calvados ($90)
Calvados is a brandy distilled from apples in Normandy. This wellaged example still smells like fresh apple with complex notes of toffee and baked apple pie. The smooth finish is long and delightful!
Bourbon
This has been the year of bourbon as well as the year of no bourbon. I have never in my 35 years in this business seen anything like the crazy demand for high quality bourbon. Aged Bourbons don’t always make it onto the shelf as customers have placed orders for them long before they are released. It seems the phone rings every few minutes with someone else looking for the elusive “Pappy Van Winkle” which releases a bottle or two twice a year. But there are still some gems hiding on the shelves.
Jefferson Reserve ($60)
We chose this single barrel Jefferson’s Reserve for its softness and complexity. It offers up a delicate and honeyed bouquet of cinnamon, toffee, and dried fruit. Incredibly broad and smooth on the palate with almost no bite, this makes for the perfect pre-dinner bourbon. About 14 years old.
Noah’s Mill Bourbon ($55)
A high proof bourbon requiring ice or water, the full-bodied palate is surprisingly smooth and delightfully complex; flavors of toast, leather, coffee, dried fruit, brown sugar, and caramel linger through a long finish without any of the cloying sweetness of some lower-proof bourbon.
Scotch
Edradour 10 Year Old ($55)
Edradour is produced in Scotland’s smallest distillery and is still handmade today by just three men. The equipment used at the distillery has remained unchanged since the day the distillery opened and is only just capable of pro-
ducing commercial quantities. Only 12 casks of whisky are produced a week, making Edradour single malt a rare pleasure for a fortunate few. It possesses remarkable charm, mild smoke and a very smooth and creamy, nutty, honeyed finish.
Glengyle Kileran Sherry Cask ($70)
Owned by Springbank, and located next door, this complex Sherry cask aged malt is full of chocolate and orange on the nose, with honey and dates that carry on to the smooth and rich flavors. Very special!
lacy texture to this floral Champagne, with finely tuned acidity to focus the candied lemon zest, poached pear, nutmeg and ginger hints. A delicate and elegant style, it is seamless in its balance and finesse, with a subtle finish.
Great Wines
Champy Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2009 ($180)
Nothing speaks to me about the holidays like a great glass of Champagne. The bubbles scream “celebration” and certainly put me in a happy mood. Try these suggestions to make your holiday special.
Greek winemaker Dimitri Bazas makes delicious, classic wines with director Pierre Murgey at Maison Champy in Beaune. The Clos Vougeot Grand Cru has been a favorite of mine since my first tasting in their cellars in 2005. The 2009 is a massive Burgundy with layers and layers of complex red fruit nuances. Surprisingly expressive and rich, this will last for 30 years…or maybe not.
Jacquart Brut Mosaique ($30)
Chateau Pavie 2007 Grand Cru Classe St. Emilion ($240)
Champagne
This exceptional Champagne lists for $45 a bottle and represents the best value Champagne on the market. It is full bodied with mature flavors of brioche, smoke and roasted nut. Refined in texture and framed by well-knit acidity, with a lasting, mineral-tinged finish, this is sure to make your celebration special.
Jean Laurent Blanc de Blancs ($50)
Produced from 100% Premier Cru vineyards, this 100% Chardonnay delivers a mix of citrus, honey and vanilla flavors, with a refined mousse and terrific harmony. This is elegant and sleek, offering a gingery finish. It is a Champagne perfect for serving with a meal.
Salon Brut Blanc de Blancs Vintage Le Mesnil 1999 ($270)
There’s a streak of minerality and a
The rich color is accompanied by notes of creme de cassis, kirsch, graphite, and toast. A massive wine for the vintage, the 2007 Pavie is very full-bodied with extraordinary intensity, power, and richness. It is a joy to drink now, yet will improve for decades to come.
Macauley Vineyard BeckstofferToKalon Cabernet 2010 ($150)
Truly a beauty, this wine is inky black in the glass with a glorious nose of blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and a touch of acacia flowers. Rich with nicely integrated oak, plenty of structure and tannin, much of which is concealed by the extravagant fruit quality, this will continue to show well for 20 years. Jon Genderson, along with his brother Rick, own Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, Fine Wine and Spirits. H
HillRag | December 2013 H 109
ARTS& Dining
SHUCKING GOOD OYSTERS
Rappahannock Dazzles at Union Market and in Topping, VA
by Celeste McCall
Plate of raw oysters at Merroir Tasting Room, Topping VA Photo: Celeste McCall
I
Eli Nichols of Rappahannock Oyster Co. hauls in a cage of oysters. Photo: Celeste McCall
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t’s not always easy to score a seat at the popular Rappahannock Oyster Bar, which holds center court in the airy, light-suffused Union Market. Co-owners Travis Croxton and his cousin Ryan unveiled their Washington DC outpost in 2012. Although allegedly inspired by similar San Francisco eateries, Union Market’s Rappahannock is actually an offshoot of the Rappahannock Oyster Co. in Topping, Virginia, about a three-hour drive from Washington. The group has another outpost in Richmond. For more than a century, the Rappahannock Oyster Co. has been owned and operated by the Croxton family, whose bivalves prevail at topnotch restaurants nationwide including Tom Colicchio’s Craft in New York City and Picasso in Las Vegas. Known for their eco-consciousness, Ryan and Travis (great grandsons of founder J.A. Croxton) go beyond “sustainability,” employing cutting-edge tech-
niques to raise their oysters in a way that’s restorative to the environment. Besides their much touted oysters, Rappahannock’s vegetables, plus some of the beer and wine, is locally produced. Presiding over Union Market’s Rappahannock’s tiny but efficient and very visible kitchen is Kevin Kelly, late of DC’s Videlia. Perched at the 20-seat bar where we can watch the action, Peter and I usually start by choosing from the array of raw, steamed or broiled oysters or clams. The Virginiabred oysters are might extend to “buttery” Rappahannock River Oysters, (from Topping, which we’ve visited), briny Olde Salts from Chincoteaque, Stingray and Barcat both from Crassostrea. However, during winter’s chill, we are partial to the hearty Barcat oyster chowder, named for a small, nimble boat favored by watermen. The generous bowl is laced with plump oysters, potatoes, and Benton’s Country bacon, hickory smoked in
rural Tennessee. We always save room for chef Kelly’s meaty crab cake, chock full of lump crab, subtly seasoned, bound lightly with mayo and virtually free from breading. Enhanced with tangy celeric remoulade, the nicely-dressed crustacean concoction is artistically centered on a stark white plate. Meanwhile, there’s plenty to entertain us while we await our orders: watching the shuckers deftly pry open the oysters, while other workers bustle about the small space, mixing drinks, washing dishes and arranging food on plates and whisking them to eager diners. A couple of times I’ve ordered the stick-toyour ribs lambs-and-clams. Components can change seasonally; the latest version we tasted was jazzed up with spicy crumbles of merguez sausage, tiny pigeon peas, sofrito and aioli. The combo was delicious, even if the clams were a tad rubbery. Accompanying most entrees are wedges of crusty toasted bread (ideal for sopping up luscious juices), the handiwork of Lyon’s Bakery, conveniently situated just around the corner. We were pleased to discover a scattering of Virginia vintages on the brief but intriguing wine list, including a Tarara Viognier 2012. I also recommend the Xavier Frissant Sauvignon de Touraine 2012, from far-away France. Wines, by the way, are poured into attractive, stemmed glasses bearing the Rappahannock logo along with the clever slogan: “Swallow the Leader.” Among local beers, Peter has quaffed the Devil’s Backbone striped bass pale ale. Besides an innovative cocktail listing, non-alcoholic beverages include a house-made lemon lime Maine root soda, which tastes like a really good Sprite. Lunch for two with drinks comes to about $56 before tip, pricy for a midday repast, but worth it. Union Market has a huge parking lot and is a few blocks from the New York Avenue (Red Line) Metro stop. Located at 1309 Fifth St. NE, Rappahannock Oyster Bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 202-544-4702.
Topping, VA
Having savored several toothsome meals at Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Union Market, we decided to seek out the source. After a pleasant, scenic, three-hour drive from Washington, we arrived at Rappahannock Oyster Co. in Topping, Virginia, in time for a late lunch at their Merroir Tasting Room. Translated roughly as “Taste of the sea,” Merroir is actually a tapas restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, the latter facing the mouth of the Rappahannock River. Since the early November weather was unseasonably mild, we sat at a rough-hewn wooden picnic table right by
the water. Our attentive server, Jum, promptly brought us menus printed on paper bags tied to a clipboard with twine. From the wine list (more extensive than Union Market’s), I chose a Backstory Sauvignon Blanc (California), while designated driver Peter opted for the non-alcoholic Beck’s beer. But we were here primarily to taste oysters. We started with a pair of wonderfully fresh oysters on the half-shell, tasting of the sea, with piquant dipping sauces and lemon wedges. There was more to come: Angels on horseback—that retro standby— consisted of a half-dozen oysters baked with garlic herb butter and Edwards ham, the latter smoked in Surry, Virginia. Yet more treats: Smoked bluefish pate was presented in a pretty little glass jar, accompanied by sweet gherkins and water crackers. Happily satiated, we then embarked on a tour of Rappahannock’s facilities. Led by general manager Patrick Oliver, we traced the life of the humble bivalves from infancy to adulthood. The oysters begin their approximately 18-month lives in the hatchery, where the tiny creatures—the size of a grain of sand--thrive in saltwater filled containers. As many as 1,000 fit into the palm of your hand. At three to five months, they are transferred to wire cages. The two tiered, 50-pound cages are loaded onto a boat and lowered into the brackish Rappahannock river water, where they grow alongside their wild brethren. A few months later, the cages, full of adult oysters, are hauled up from the drink, ready to be inspected, cleaned, “trimmed” and placed into iced-down containers or loaded onto refrigerated trucks for next-day delivery. Ready-for-market oysters measure about three inches across. “In season, we go out every day around 7 a.m.” Oliver explained. “Oysters don’t grow in the winter, but we still have work yeararound.” Then he turned us over to the capable seafaring hands of Eli Nichols, who took us out in his little boat. Since his Carolina skiff was a working vessel, it lacked seats, so we had to stand. When we were a few hundred yards out in Rappahannock’s 150-acre “farm,” Eli pulled up a cage full of almost mature oysters from the shallow, four-footdeep water with a pulley attached to the boat. Full of oysters, the cage weighed about 200 to 300 pounds. Since this was just a demo, he lowered the cage back into the river. Back on terra firma, we thanked the Rappahannock Oyster staff and headed home, full of oysters and lots of new knowledge. Rappahannock Oyster Co. and Merroir Tasting Room is located at 784 Locklies Creek Road, Topping, VA. For directions and more information call 804-204-1709 or visit www.rroysters.com. H
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ARTS& Dining
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Arena Continues the Conversation by Barbara Wells
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n 1967, a groundbreaking movie called “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” held a mirror up to the final frontier of racism and asked white Americans, “Sure you believe in equality, but would you let your daughter marry a black man?” In the new production of a play based on that movie, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith invites us to continue the conversation. But is this material too dated to strike a chord with today’s audiences? In playwright Todd Kreidler’s poignant, witty update, the answer is a resounding “Hell no!” If there were any doubt, it’s erased by the expressions and laughter of the theatre’s strikingly diverse audience seated in the round—people of every color and age responding to a vivid snapshot of our shared history. In this adaptation, the basic situation hasn’t changed. Following a trip to Hawaii, an idealistic white woman of 23 returns to the home of her famously liberal parents in San Francisco, with an older, African-American doctor in tow. She announces their plans to marry in two weeks, after moving to Switzerland. The doctor adds that the marriage won’t happen without the parents’ blessing—which he needs before catching his plane, in about 10 hours. To make this story palatable to circa 1967 audiences, the original William Rose screenplay soft-pedaled the specter of America’s bigotry and racial violence in a lighthearted comedy. Then director Stanley Kramer united Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy—in the final months of his life, no less—as the affluent
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white parents, who in their ninth on-screen pairing overshadowed the rest of the cast. Even Sidney Poitier, a bona fide movie star cast as the black doctor, was reduced to a two-dimensional construct, rendered nobly superior in every way to make sure the only conceivable barrier to his marrying a white woman would have to be his race. Burdened with this coating of sugar, a staging of this entertaining movie—notwithstanding its 10 Academy Award nominations— would hardly get a rise out of audiences today. Enter Kreidler. The playwright has massaged the most disconcerting elements of the original screenplay that just never rang true: No longer does the marriage of a black man and white woman hinge on the blessing of an old, white patriarch. No longer is the black suitor a perfect paragon of virtue who has inexplicably chosen an intellectually vapid fiancée. No longer is that fiancée seemingly oblivious to the societal risks of her proposed interracial marriage with a man she met on vacation just 10 days ago. Most important, these characters don’t gloss over the true costs of marrying outside of your race at a time when it was still illegal in 17 states— and the memory of black men being beaten and worse for even looking at a white woman was all-too recent. Director David Esbjornson has brought this unflinchingly honest update to fruition with a brilliant cast. As a beautifully balanced ensemble, the actors showcase the experiences and perceptions of every character—with impeccable comic timing
that draws laughter even where you wouldn’t find humor in the script. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, in his Washington theatrical debut as Dr. John Prentice, has perhaps the tallest order: overcoming the memory of both Sidney Poitier in the role and himself— as Theo on TV’s Cosby Show 25 years ago. With warmth and playfulness he manages to humanize the hyper-successful Dr. Prentice and reveal a lonely, even vulnerable side that makes sense of the doctor’s attraction to the buoyantly unflappable Joanne Drayton. (L to R) Tess Malis Kincaid as Christina Drayton, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Bethany Warner as Dr. John Prentice and Tom Key as Matt Drayton in Guess Anne Lind as Joanne Who’s Coming to Dinner. Photo: Tony Powell. have the convincing (L to R) Bethany Anne Lind as Joanna Drayton and Malcolm-Jamal chemistry of a couple not Warner as Dr. John Prentice in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. just in love, but meant to Photo: Tony Powell. be together. Tess Malis Kincaid, who anchors the As Joanne’s father, Matt Drayton, Tom Key transforms entire cast) and housekeeper Tilly the patriarch into an everyman, fre- Banks—played by Lynda Gravátt in a quently knocked off balance and right- tour de force that brings comic relief ed by his wife Christina (the lovely without stealing her scenes.
When Matt tries to convince himself that he’s troubled only by concern for his daughter’s welfare, the endearing Michael Russotto as family friend Monsignor Ryan steps in. “You’re mad with yourself because in a single day, you’ve been thrown,” he says. “ … You don’t know who you are.” By contrast, Dr. Prentice’s father—played with gravitas by Eugene Lee—knows exactly who he is, sobered by the sometimes brutal racism he’s experienced for more than 60 years. Despite some veiled suggestions that he’s told his son to “know his place,” he genuinely wants to prevent Dr. Prentice from doing anything to risk a head bashing at the hands of racist thugs. As Dr. Prentice’s mother Mary, Andrea Frye does an admirable job with her famous speech about the power of true love, but every character knows the marriage requires much more than that. And this couple has no illusions about society; in fact, they are ready to take their place at the forefront of transforming it. All this takes place on an open stage where set designer Kat Conley has conjured a posh 60s-era apartment—complete with a balcony overlooking San Francisco. And the actors’ mod but subtly staid costumes by Paul Tazewell reflect the tension between the period’s new freedoms and its deference to convention. Just beyond the set you can watch the faces of the audience—young and old, black and white—processing the performance through their personal lenses of experience and understanding. What’s changed since 1967? Slowly racial lines have blurred, and hopefully we can look our residual prejudice square in the eye. As Molly Smith suggests, “Let’s talk about it….” Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater through Jan. 5, 2014. Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a social marketing communications firm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. H
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ARTS& Dining
ATTHE MOVIES
Live Begins at 70
Two Septuagenarians On the Road by Mike Canning Nebraska
Two years ago, director Alexander Payne won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for “The Descendants,”
small-town Nebraska but now living in Montana, believes that he is a millionaire “WINNER!” after receiving a sweepstakes mailing.
Director Alexander Payne (center) on the set of “Nebraska” with Bruce Dern and June Squibb. Photo by Merie Wallace, © MMXII Paramount Vantage.
shot in contemporary Hawaii. For his latest, “Nebraska,” he is back again in his home state with his sardonic portrait of a Midwestern curmudgeon. I happen to be a big Payne fan, but, for me, “Nebraska”—while very good—does not quite match his earlier achievements. Payne has used his home state in several movies (“Citizen Ruth,” “Election,” and “About Schmidt”). Here he has returned with a roughhewn story (from a script by Bob Nelson) about an addled Nebraskan (77-year-old Bruce Dern) on a fool’s errand-cum-road trip to procure a sweepstakes prize (the film is rated “R” and runs 115 min.). Woody Grant (Dern), from 114 H hillrag.com
To receive his prize, he must return to the Mega-Sweepstakes Marketing Company in Lincoln, Nebraska. His wife Kate ( June Squibb), a tart-tongued fireball, thinks he’s nuts, but his mild-mannered son, David (Will Forte) humors him and agrees to drive him to Woody’s tiny home town of Hawthorne. Once in Hawthorne, Woody runs up against his messy past, including a passel of taciturn relatives, nosy neighbors, and an old nemesis, Ed Pegram (Stacey Keach). Word of his status as a “millionaire” spreads and, along with sincere congratulations, hands are out (especially Ed’s) to claim a
piece of Woody’s bounty. Kate and David try to convince him that he is the victim of a scam, but he cannot let go of his prize form-letter and its promise of riches. David gently tries to dissuade him but eventually chauffeurs him all the way to Lincoln for his payoff. This shaggy dog story has a Don Quixote flavor, but we are not in La Mancha, but rather the low-slung, wind-swept contours of Nebraska, shot in a sometimes luminous, sometimes dingy black-and white (Phedon Papamichael’s cinematography is often radiant). Payne keeps the pace dogged, rather like Woody’s shambling, uncertain gait, while Nelson’s script spices up the naturalistic, laconic exchanges of the locals with occasional outbursts and comic set pieces. The cast, both principals and
walk-ons, is top drawer. Keach’s Ed is a wily bastard, and Forte’s David is kind and sensible, miles away from the comic turns he did on “Saturday Night Live.” Squibb’s bristling June gets all the best lines. And many of the character parts, including a pair of carobsessed cousins, are deftly played. But for this critic, Dern, while a dominant presence, is not an interesting one. A leaden alcoholic of few and crass words, he appears just this side of senile, and the fact that he can’t sense an obvious scam just seems unbelievable. His gullibility, though, produces a great line, when David tells a sweepstakes staffer: “He doesn’t have Alzheimer’s; he just believes what people tell him,” but he seems just too far gone. It is a showy performance, already winning critics’ accolades, but it is also an easy one.
Judi Dench and Steve Coogan star in “Philomena.” Photo by Alex Bailey © 2013 The Weinstein Company.
Not to carp too much, for “Nebraska” is still worthwhile and much of the reality of small-town Midwest life is nicely captured. The film, too, has a particularly lovely and gratifying ending.
Philomena
Dame Judi Dench will be 80 in 2014, but the strength and richness of her acting shows no diminishment in her delectable turn in “Philomena,” a poignant family chronicle based on the real story of one Philomena Lee. Lee was a pregnant teenager in Ireland in 1952 who was forced to have her baby in a convent, and then stay there as a “Magdalene Sister” working in the laundry to pay back what the nuns had spent on her upkeep. Lee and girls like her bonded with their children as babies, but then had to let them go when strangers showed up to adopt them (the film is rated “R” and runs 95 min.). Based on a book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (“The Lost Child of Philomena Lee”), the new film, directed by veteran British director Stephen Frears, traces Philomena and journalist Sixsmith’s (Steve Coogan) search to find her child. The film begins in 2003, the year of the 50th birthday of her lost son Anthony. It triggers in Lee, now a retired nurse with her own family, the desire to track down the child. She comes in contact with Sixsmith, sacked from his government job and saddled with finding a “human interest story,” a prospect he deplores, but he agrees to take on her search. Their “Odd Couple” odyssey begins. It takes them to Washington, DC after they learn that her son was adopted by an American family. With pluck and luck they track him down, and the revelations they learn about Anthony eventually lead them back to Ireland and, in fact, to the Roscrea Sacred Heart convent where the journey started, with surprising results. The role of Philomena is catnip for Dench, who imbues the character of an Irish everywom-
an with multiple layers and real substance. A committed Catholic, she is devout but not hidebound, respectful of the Church but forgiving of its zealots. She knows she has sinned but she accepts this rather than wallowing in it. She may not be attuned to high culture, but she shows commendable enthusiasm about her tastes. She is ever proper and well-spoken, yet she can toss out a cuss word. She is wide-eyed about America, yet instinctively recognizes some of its frailties. It is an intricate and nuanced performance, one ready to be recognized for year-end honors. She is nicely balanced by Coogan, a prominent comedian (“The Trip,” “Hot Fuzz”) who here has taken on a mostly straight role—rather like Will Forte does in “Nebraska.” Coogan’s Sixsmith is a worldweary, semi-cynic who’s seen it all, yet gets caught up in Philomena’s hunt. He comes to identify with this comfy “mum” who may be not of his “class” but who is wise in engaging people. It turns out that the fairly irrepressible Coogan can dial his wit back a bit and still come out on top. Stephen Frears, one of England’s most consistently sound directors (“The Queen,” “Dirty Pretty Things”) handles his stars and the rest of his cast beautifully in converting the script by Coogan himself and Jeff Pope. Also, the film offers locals some nice looks at DC locations, including intimate moments at the Lincoln Memorial as well as scenes on Capitol Hill (the Folger Library and the Washington Court Hotel). We’ve come to expect intelligent, thoughtful film drama out of Great Britain every year, and this year “Philomena” fills that bill.
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Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on f ilm can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. H
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LITERARY HILL
A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events
by Karen Lyon case of characters” that includes quadroons and mulattos, military officers and mistresses, free people of color and slave-holding blacks, Haitian exiles and Civil War resistance fighters, and a long line of prominent landowners and farmers in southwest In her new memoir, a local lawyer traces her Creole Louisiana. family history back seven But while Margenerations. guerite’s heroism saved Guillory’s Creole Family Values The subtitle of Lovey Marie family from slavery, she writes, “It did Guillory’s new memoir, “Born on the not save the family from the tragedy Kitchen Floor in Bois Mallet,” says it that was segregation.” Her parents all: “The Story of a Free Black Cre- helped to shelter her and her siblings ole Family from its Arrival in French from the worst of it by maintaining a Colonial Louisiana, to its Fight to Remain Free, and its Endurance Through the Civil War, Reconstruction, Exile, and Jim Crow.” Combining rich genealogical history with personal reminiscences, the author has created a remarkable saga of a proud and loving family. Guillory traces her family’s beginnings to a slave named Marguerite, born around 1740, who won freedom for herself and her children in a 1783 court case in Louisiana. Marguerite’s progeny acquired land in the Opelousas area, where they farmed and raised cattle, and eventually found their way to the Mallet Woods where Guillory was born. “It is Marguerite’s story,” she writes, “that explains our big extended family, our belief in the land and our commitment to freedom.” Thanks to her research and to the many storytellers who gave her insight into her family’s past, Guillory is able to reveal “an indomitable 116 H hillrag.com
nearly self-sufficient farm, where all the kids were expected to work when they weren’t in school. Her parents also passed along the spirit of Marguerite in lessons that guided their lives: “Hold your head up high. Hold onto the land. Don’t ever give up.” Guillory went on to attend college at a convent in Philadelphia and to graduate from Rutgers Law School. She recently retired as a telecommunications lawyer and decided to write a family memoir. The result is “Born on the Kitchen Floor in Bois Mallot,” an extraordinary book which author Louise Farmer Smith has called an “inspirational…addition to America’s story.” Join author Marie Guillory for a conversation and book signing at the Hill Center on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. For more on the book, visit www. facebook.com/BornontheKitchenFloor.
Twain Takes DC
Samuel Clemens’ first trip to Washington in 1854 was less than auspicious. Like any tourist, the 18-year-old He wasn’t here long but, according to a new book, the nation’s capital had a lasting influence on Mark Twain.
complained about the ankle-deep mud and slow buses, and admired the statues and fine buildings. His description of a visit to the Capitol, however, hinted at things to come: “In the House, nearly every man seemed to have something weighing on his mind on which the salvation of the Republic depended, and which he appeared very anxious to relieve himself of.” By the time he returned to the nation’s capital in November of 1867, Mark Twain had honed his wit to a sharp-tongued edge. In “Mark Twain in Washington, D.C.: The Adventures of a Capital Correspondent,” historian John Muller focuses on Twain’s brief tenure here, which included a stint as private secretary to Senator William Stewart, a job as correspondent to a dozen newspapers, and a short turn as a committee clerk. He even enjoyed a ‘momentary’ appointment as doorkeeper of the Senate until his attempts to join in the debate on the floor led to his being restrained by the Sergeant-at-Arms and “impeached.” Twain left DC in March of 1868, but his few months here were productive. He wrote more than two dozen articles and laid the groundwork for his first novel, “The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today,” co-authored with Charles Dudley Warner. He also collected a lifetime’s worth of material on politics and politicians. As Muller writes, Twain “was a literary powder keg ready to explode upon the world” and it was here in DC where “the match was lit to spark the fuse.” Using archival photographs, letters, newspaper articles, and scores of entertaining anecdotes, Muller lends both historical context and a heady flavor to the author’s time in the national capital. The story of him
THE POETIC HILL
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selling somebody else’s dog to a man outside the Ebbitt House is vintage Twain. And who couldn’t sympathize with the poor landlady who complained that he smoked cigars in bed all night and “ruined my best sheets”? Thanks to Muller, we can now take pride in Washington’s role in the development of an author who would become one of American’s most beloved novelists and its first global celebrity. John Muller is a librarian, journalist, and playwright whose first book, “Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia,” was selected as DC Public Library’s 2013 DC Reads. Join him for a book signing at the University Club of Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 5pm; and book talks and signings at the George Washington University Bookstore, Dec. 5, 10am, and at Politics & Prose, Jan. 4, 1pm.
Boli-ka-boli!
“Feet,” a new children’s book by local author Myrina D. McCullough, tells the story of a day in the life of a little boy from Mali, West Africa. Nothing of great import happens—Cheik follows his mother to the market, loses her when he gets distracted by a music man with a dancing money, and finds his way back home again—but young readers (and listeners) will be soothed and enchanted by the gentle pace of this charming tale. This is a book meant to be read aloud, full of wonderful sound effects that grown-ups will enjoy making as much as kids will delight in hearing them.
hristopher Datta is a Hill poet and the author of “Touched With Fire,” a Civil War novel inspired by the true story of Ellen Craft. He has always been interested in animal intelligence and followed the long career of Alex, an African Grey Parrot, who was the subject of a 30-year experiment by animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg into whether birds could reason and use words creatively. Alex’s last words to Dr. Pepperberg were “I love you.”
Elegy For Alex In all of infinite space Among all the sea of life and distance He was the unlikeliest of souls. Unexpected eyes on the traffic of human migration, A dream where no dreamer was known, Unlooked for and denied by the judges of shade Who see far but not long.
Spend a day with a little boy from Mali in a charming new book by a local children’s author.
‘Ghloump’ goes the ripe mango that Cheik bites into. His mother’s sandals make a ‘floop, floop, floop’ as she walks along the dirt path. And the running sound that Cheik makes as he barrels home, which mimics his native language of Bambara, will have parents and kids alike chanting ‘boli-ka, boli-ka, boli!’ The illustrations by artist Ty Schafrath, in soft shades of ochre, sky blue, and pumpkin, contain plenty of things for parents and children to point out and discuss. “Feet” is one of those books that will be read and enjoyed over and over again. Myrina McCullough is the author of many stories published in American children’s magazines. She spent a year in Mali and lives on Capitol Hill with her three children.
This Month on the Hill
The Hill Center presents an installment of “Talk of the Hill with Bill Press” featuring DC
He spoke in ancient tongues That told of green faces in anxious rainfalls, While wondering at the confusion of our solitude.
private eye Terry Lenzer, author of “The Investigator,” Dec. 4, 7pm; and a book signing and conversation with local author Lovey Marie Guillory, author of the memoir “Born on the Kitchen Floor in Bois Mallet,” Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Both are free. Register online at hillcenterdc.org or call 202-549-4172. The Folger Shakespeare Library presents the Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute with poet Peter Gizzi, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., and a reading with George Saunders, winner of this year’s PEN/ Malamud Award, Dec. 6, 7:30 . The Library of Congress welcomes local author David O. Stewart, who will discuss his first novel, “The Lincoln Deception,” Dec. 4, 12:30 p.m. For more, visit www.loc.gov or call 202-7071519. H
He spoke of forgetful separation until finally one heard him, Like thunder in the sun on a far sea. And hearing, she listened to the impossible stories Of the sky’s triumph over gravity. She taught him, and in learning he revealed The shapes of color and the textures of mind. Alex showed us that living is bigger than the weight of water Or the height of steel and glass. He showed us all a future of a million crystal wings Laced with the veins of a common blood. He showed us the roots of the ancient fire that burns Through all the outstretched arms of the past. And, at the last, he showed us that thought is an eye in the stars And love is the last thing you speak on Becoming the wind that brings you home, A pale grey feather on an eddy of balanced light That comes to rest on your aching hand So soft So quiet So divine Like the tear drop that does not let him go. If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org. (There is no remuneration.) H
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Artist Portrait: Jay Peterzell
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A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. Jim’s award-winning book, “A Haunting Beauty” can be acquired through www.ahauntingbeauty.com
ay Peterzell knows what he wants to express: “Boldness” in form and color and content. He’s searching, exploring…looking for that particular method of expression. He is “on a trajectory” to that place, that artist’s territory where he can feel comfortable—his own realm. That place doesn’t have to be exclusive or a narrow niche—it can be open to more than one approach. He is experimenting with realism through tradi-
subject, like “The Woman in the Window,” in different styles enables him to become comfortably familiar with the composition and the subject, which allows him experiment with form, color and style. He can then shift from representational images to more expressive styles, within the same context. He occasionally injects political or social messages, which change the context, and give you a different view of the same subject. His up coming show at the Foundry Gallery (see At the Galleries) will primarily feature his figurative work. www.jaypeterzell.com.
Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art
It is not unusual to find artists who started out in one direction in life—like Jay Peterzell (see Artist Profile)—and then discovered painting. A few go on to big art careers, but most are just quietly happy, doing what they love best. Of course, many continue to do both— one career to pay the bills, or run a nation, and the other to pay the soul. Dwight E i s e n h o w e r,
Winston Churchill, and yes, even Adolph Hitler, to name the three big personalities of WWII, loved art. Eisenhower and Churchill both found the time to paint landscapes and be proficient at it. Perhaps young Adolph’s dreams of being a great artist were crushed when he was rejected by the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, but he did continue on as a watercolor painter. Fascinating to me is the number of very successful show biz people who take up painting. Big names. People you would think were completely satisfied in their creative prime time careers: Tony Bennett, Lucy Liu, Johnny Depp, Joni Mitchell, Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, and others. Often the art is quite skillful and surprisingly deep. Books have been written about this, and there are ample websites to check out the work. It’s easier, maybe, to understand the stars, the ones who made it through intrinsic creativity. But how about Prince Charles, and George Bush, who like Churchill and Eisenhower, have had to thrive in the world of political restraint and the anti-creative straightjacket of self-censorship? What is their compulsion? It must be in the searching—reaching back to the beginnings of human experience for something more—to drift, to soar, to explore into that other undefined space. It calls to us. This is the time of year it calls the loudest. Happy Holidays.
Seated Woman. 25 x 21, pastel on paper
tional models studies and abstracting the subject field with loose figure-like qualities—and even trying minimalist works that can make a strong statement. Jay has been painting for less than three years after a successful career as a researcher and writer—including at Time Magazine. He is not in a big hurry to reach that signature style or final creative destination, but he is intently engaged in finding the balance between “expressive and skillful.” He is not afraid of being audacious, but is concerned with being too artistically scattered. He finds that painting the same 118 H hillrag.com
Seated Woman. 24 x 18, charcoal on paper
Woman in a Feathered Hat. 42 x 38, oil on canvas
artandthecity
by Jim Magner
At the Museums
Nat. Gallery of Art – West Bld. 7th and Constitution NW
Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections traces the Byzantine visual arts from the fourth to the 15th century— from the pagan world of the Roman Empire to the opulent, yet spiritual world of the Christian Byzantine Empire. Over 170 rare works bring you the exquisite splendor of the Byzantine Empire: sculptures, icons, mosaics, frescoes, manuscripts, metalwork, jewelry, glass, embroideries, and ceramics…it’s all there. Through March 2. Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris. About 100 photographs and three albums span the artist’s career of city scenes and landscape studies across Europe in the1850s including his photographs of Paris both before and after many of its medieval streets were razed. Through Jan 5. Tell It with Pride: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment and Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial honors one of the first regiments of African Americans formed during the Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts. The unit famously fought in the Battle of Fort Wagner and was the subject of the 1989 movie “Glory. The exhibit includes daguerreotype, tintype, and carte de visite portraits of the soldiers and the people who recruited, nursed, taught, and guided them. Through Jan 20. www.nga.gov.
“Workt by Hand” Nat. Mus. of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave, NW Dec. 20 – Apr. 27
“Workt by Hand: Hidden Labor and Historical Quilts,” is a comprehensive exhibition that places the 35 18th–20th-century quilts in an historical context “through a contemporary feminist lens.” Patterns in “Workt by Hand” (“workt” is an archaic spelling of worked) include the “Barn Raising” or “Log Cabin” style, the “Garden Basket” style, “Double Wedding Band” designs, the “Rose of Sharon” pattern, and the Amish “Sunshine and Shadow” style as well as album quilts and “crazy quilts.” www.nmwa.org.
At the Galleries
“Small Treasures” American Painting Fine Art 5118 MacArthur Blvd, NW Dec. 2 - Jan. 25 Recep. Sat. Dec. 7, 5-7 PM
This is the annual ‘Holiday Art Show and Sale’ by the Washington Society of Landscape Painters. More than 100 gift-sized paintings will be available for viewing and purchase. This is always a great opportunity to buy a smaller but still finely executed landscape that will be appreciated by anyone. classicamericanpainting.com.
Ahmed Alkarki Hill Center Galleries 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Nov. 7 – Jan. 5
Ahmed Alkarki is from Iraq. His personal story is a marvel of surviving the trials and tragedies of that country over the last 30 years. Whether the topic is landscape, a portrait or simply abstraction, his true subject is light. www.Alkarkhi.com.
James Hilleary The Heurich Gallery at Boston Properties 505 Ninth St. NW Dec. 11 – Mar 4 Recep. Wed. Dec. 11, 5:30 – 7
“Washington could use more places like Zest” Washingtonian Magazine
Maryland-based James Hilleary has been associated with the Washington Color School for many years, but you can’t put him in any particular box. His work is original and inventive. He explores color effects, both optical and emotional, and you become ensnared in a world of combined imaginations. www.jameshilleary.com.
“The Strange World of Cassie Taggart” Zenith Gallery 1429 Iris St. NW –Dec. 28
Cassie Taggart paintings are fun, fascinating and keep you guessing. She is “fascinated by the idea of multiple truths.” Her interior scenes float is that space between the real and unreal. “Reality is pliable, and for every perspective there is a different truth.” Great gift possibilities here. Check the website for viewing times. www.zenithgallery.com. H
Lobster Night: Every Wednesday 5pm till they’re gone! Enjoy a 1 1/4 lb steamed lobster for $16.95! Half Price Bottles of Wine: Every Tuesday from 5pm-close! Join Us for Weekend Brunch: Sat-Sun 10:30am-3pm
735 8th Street, SE. Washington, DC | 202.544.7171 | WWW.ZESTBISTRO.COM HillRag | December 2013 H 119
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Real Estate Hamburgers on the Hill
The Little Tavern on Pennsylvania Avenue
W
by Robert S. Pohl
affle Shop. Little Tavern. Hot Shoppe. Mention any of these three names to a long-time D.C. resident, and be prepared for misty eyes. Once ubiquitous in the city (and well past it, in many cases) they are now entirely gone, living on only in past customer’s memories.
A Chain is Born
The restaurant with the most locations locally was the Little Tavern. Founded in 1927 by Harry F. Duncan in Louisville, Kentucky, Duncan soon moved to the capital to expand his business. And expand it did. Within ten years of the opening of the first Little Tavern in DC, the chain had expanded to 19 in just the city, with far more in the area. In fact, 1937 was a particularly good year for Duncan, with him opening five restaurants in the city. One of these was at 655 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, joining three others in East Washington, two on H Street NE and one on Good Hope Road in Anacostia. The lot at 655 Penn. Ave. had been used for various purposes over the years, including a home, a barber shop, and, most recently, an outpost of Dikeman’s Stores, purveyors of juices and soft drinks. The building permit Duncan filed for his new outpost showed that the name was not just some marketing gimmick: It really was small. At under 500 square feet, it
The Li’l Pub today. (RSP) HillRag | December 2013 H 121
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took up only a small portion of its lot. The architecture was the mockTudor style Duncan had settled on after giving up on the castle shapes that some felt were a little too much like those used by White Castle. On the roofline a 14-foot wide sign proclaimed “Little Tavern,” while a slightly smaller sign below it summed up the offerings: “Hamburgers. 5c. Buy ‘Em By The Bag.
streak ended in 1950, when a wellknown boxer named Danny Petro (well-known not necessarily for his boxing, but for his frequent brushes with the law) was arrested there after getting into a fight, along with his brother, against persons unknown. In the process, a young soldier, who had attempted to break up the brawl, struck a police officer, and was arrested along with the broth-
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jackie@jackiev.com To All Our Past & Future Clients, Neighbors & Fellow Associates, Happy Holidays! Thanks for making 2013 a great year! Linda Pettie and Michael Tubbs
Let our Expertise and Proven Success work for you! www.pettietubbs.com
Detail of one of the building permits filed in 1937, showing the wording of the iconic sign. (Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library)
Good Coffee. Soft Drinks.” That White Castle – which predated the Little Tavern by six years – sold their hamburgers with the slogan “Buy ‘em by the Sack” seems not to have bothered Duncan much. The location on Pennsylvania Avenue ensured a steady stream of customers, both from the nearby movie theaters as well as the schools across the street. The Little Taverns soon became known as “Club LTs” by teenagers who frequented them during the day, and they were particularly favored by policemen due to the fact that they stayed open late. Its main business, however, was the carryout trade, with a steady stream of customers departing with “bags” of “‘em.”
ers. Petro, who spent most of his time when not boxing hanging out on Pennsylvania Avenue between 6th and 7th, had just that day been in court on an unrelated matter. Some twenty years later, the Little Tavern once again appeared in the news, this time over a robbery: At about 4:30 in the morning, an armed man demanded two hamburgers – and then the con-
Unpleasant Attention
main office:
202-741-1770 / 202-741-1786 / 202.547.3525 122 H hillrag.com
For the first twenty years of its existence, the Little Tavern managed to stay out of the news, which, given the clientele it attracted, was a good thing. This
Side view of the Li’l Pub, showing what remains of the wooden siding that helped give it that Tudor look (RSP)
tents of the till. Over the next years, stories like this became all too common, with one robber making his demands – and his escape – at 6:00 p.m. By the middle of the 1970s, several years before Duncan sold the remaining stores and retired, he had let go of this location.
A New Beginning
Taking over were two entrepreneurs, one from Syria and one from Australia, who turned the location into a Middle Eastern restaurant with the name Ali Baba. With only a few seats inside, the action mainly took place in the garden behind, where the property extends to D Street. Inside, they kept the chrome storage shelves and bar stools from its previous use, though the menu changed dramatically, now featuring such exotic specialties as kebabs, hummus and “tabbooleh.” Ali Baba did not last long enough to become a Hill institution, something that cannot be said about the little building’s next incarnation, that of a bar. The Li’l Pub has, over the last 30 years or so, become part of the fabric of the neighborhood, surviving even the horrific murder of its owner in 1992. When it appeared that the property might be sold to the CVS next door, the outcry was immediate and fierce, and thus it continues to serve cold beer to a wide cross-section of Hill residents to this day. And if you want to try a Little Tavern burger, there exists a web site dedicated to selling franchises for the chain, which has been defunct for over 20 years. Thus far, nobody seems to have taken them up on the offer, but with a little luck, it looks as if nostalgic burgerlovers might, once again, “buy ‘em by the bag.”
Thank you for an amazing 2013!
We’re ready to help make 2014 your success story!
Making Your Real Estate a Success Story!
The GranT, ryall, andrew real esTaTe Group Grant Griffith 202.741.1685 Ryall Smith 202.741.1781 Andrew Glasow 202.741.1654 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE • 202.547. 3525
Robert Pohl will be discussing his new book, Urban Legends and Historic Lore of Washington D.C. on November 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Southeast Library and on November 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the MLK Library. H
HillRag | December 2013 H 123
realestate
Changing Hands
Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. Neighborhood
Price BR
5219 CHEVY CHASE PKWY NW 5310 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #4
FEE SIMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 4607 16TH ST NW 1304 FARRAGUT ST NW 4909 14TH ST NW 1508 VARNUM ST NW 5310 13TH ST NW 1424 HAMILTON ST NW 1521 BUCHANAN ST NW 5503 13TH ST NW
$875,000 $800,000 $792,000 $772,000 $760,000 $750,000 $715,000 $510,000
ADAMS MORGAN 2323 17TH ST NW
$592,000
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4201 RIVER RD NW 4625 ASBURY PL NW 4312 YUMA ST NW 4453 SEDGWICK ST NW 4431 CHESAPEAKE ST NW 4456 SEDGWICK ST NW
$1,595,000 $1,095,000 $1,010,000 $997,500 $935,000 $934,998
ANACOSTIA 1353 RIDGE PL SE 2672 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE 1341 TALBERT TER SE 1432 HOWARD RD SE 1430 S ST SE 2245 14TH ST SE
$309,990 $299,900 $195,000 $160,000 $120,000 $105,000
BARRY FARMS 1465 MORRIS RD SE
$167,500 $1,972,500 $1,900,000
BLOOMINGDALE 120 BRYANT ST NW 114 S ST NW 469 FLORIDA AVE NW 33 W ST NW
$900,000 $846,000 $777,000 $605,000
BRENTWOOD 1340 W ST NE 2214 13TH ST NE 1346 ADAMS ST NE
$348,500 $295,000 $257,500
BRIGHTWOOD 1500 VAN BUREN ST NW 1441 ROCK CREEK FORD RD NW 6406 8TH ST NW 5812 5TH ST NW 513 WHITTIER ST NW 814 TEWKESBURY PL NW 6729 PINEY BRANCH RD NW
$720,000 $675,000 $525,000 $519,000 $430,000 $309,900 $285,000
BROOKLAND 36 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE 4411 19TH ST NE 1223 IRVING ST NE 4303 12TH ST NE 1815 JACKSON ST NE 1301 MICHIGAN AVE NE 49 GIRARD ST NE 323 CHANNING ST NE 121 HAWAII AVE NE 4827 10TH ST NE 4716 12TH ST NE 708 EMERSON ST NE 5012 8TH ST NE 806 BUCHANAN ST NE
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$600,000 $555,000 $550,000 $529,000 $485,000 $467,500 $450,000 $444,000 $380,000 $366,000 $353,500 $345,000 $339,900 $330,000
3 3
CHILLUM 110 LONGFELLOW ST NW 6427 2ND PL NW 5607 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NE
5 5 7 4 5 4 4 4
2957 NEWARK ST NW 3453 NEWARK ST NW 3313 ROSS PL NW 3320 36TH ST NW
1790 VERBENA ST NW
3 4 2 2 3 3 3 6 5
649 EMERSON ST NE
$236,000
4 4 6 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 2 2 4
2
BURLEITH 3962 GEORGETOWN CT NW
$1,187,500
CAPITOL HILL
4 4 3 4 4 3 3
$750,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
5 3 3 4 3 4
3 3 3
$1,800,000 $1,568,000 $1,300,000 $1,025,000
COLONIAL VILLAGE
2
5 4 4 3
$525,000 $495,000 $395,000
CLEVELAND PARK
BERKLEY 4727 BERKELEY TER NW 4602 KENMORE DR NW
$730,000 $715,000
317 6TH ST SE 423 4TH ST NE 641 LEXINGTON PL NE 424 7TH ST SE 124 7TH ST SE 205 3RD ST NE 1357 INDEPENDENCE CT SE 613 A ST SE 1008 C ST NE 330 13TH ST NE 647 8TH ST NE 314 11TH ST NE 613 LEXINGTON PL NE 932 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE 303 KENTUCKY AVE SE 529 14TH ST NE 705 A ST NE 314 6TH ST NE 632 L ST NE 1025 10TH ST NE 331 10TH ST NE 228 11TH ST SE 112 DUDDINGTON PL SE 407 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 921 G ST SE 311 9TH ST SE 1406 E ST SE 1141 4TH ST NE
$1,708,000 $1,186,450 $1,170,000 $1,108,000 $1,052,124 $1,014,700 $960,000 $925,000 $920,000 $881,000 $870,000 $870,000 $866,750 $850,000 $825,000 $814,000 $799,500 $779,000 $756,250 $744,500 $720,000 $715,000 $711,000 $710,000 $703,000 $652,000 $648,000 $645,000
4 6 4 5 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 5 3 3 4 4 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 3
921 9TH ST NE 624 15TH ST NE 1630 E ST SE 1651 C ST NE 1209 LINDEN PL NE 1243 LINDEN PL NE 1531 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE 325 D ST SE 1603 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 425 20TH ST NE 1208 D ST SE 832 5TH ST NE 704 K ST NE
$605,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $596,000 $590,000 $550,000 $525,000 $445,000 $407,000 $779,000 $451,089 $465,000
CHEVY CHASE 5812 CHEVY CHASE PKWY NW 2601 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 5536 30TH PL NW 3702 LIVINGSTON ST NW 3354 STUYVESANT PL NW 5406 41ST ST NW 6227 30TH ST NW 3216 MORRISON ST NW 3626 JOCELYN ST NW 3389 STEPHENSON PL NW 3101 LEGATION ST NW 5330 42ND ST NW 5441 32ND ST NW 5342 42ND PL NW 6100 NEBRASKA AVE NW 5437 CHEVY CHASE PKWY NW 3400 MCKINLEY ST NW 5429 30TH PL NW 3750 NORTHAMPTON ST NW
$1,399,000 $1,310,000 $1,300,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,215,000 $1,100,000 $975,000 $902,600 $900,000 $885,000 $885,000 $885,000 $849,000 $810,000 $805,000 $800,000 $798,000 $790,000
3 3 3 4 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 4 5 4 5 5 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 5 4 4 5
1248 FAIRMONT ST NW 1422 EUCLID ST NW 1450 NEWTON ST NW 1458 NEWTON ST NW 1513 OAK ST NW 1466 OGDEN ST NW 619 IRVING ST NW 1000 KENYON ST NW 624 LAMONT ST NW 918 EUCLID ST NW 503 COLUMBIA RD NW 3661 13TH ST NW 612 QUINCY ST NW 3209 WARDER ST NW 514 HOBART PL NW 730 GIRARD ST NW 3106 PARK PL NW 443 KENYON ST NW 3014 WARDER ST NW 511 KENYON ST NW 3217 WARDER ST NW 3612 10TH ST NW 449 LURAY PL NW 737 IRVING ST NW 3525 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 1307 TAYLOR ST NW 454 PARK RD NW
$990,000 $865,000 $732,470 $716,458 $680,000 $679,000 $660,000 $650,000 $650,000 $635,000 $632,500 $632,000 $599,000 $586,000 $554,900 $550,000 $546,000 $543,000 $539,900 $530,000 $500,000 $470,000 $469,000 $418,000 $399,999 $399,000 $390,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 415 BRANDYWINE ST SE 1132 BARNABY TER SE 3916 COLE BLVD SE 612 GALVESTON ST SE 776 CONGRESS ST SE 147 MISSISSIPPI AVE SE 1038 BARNABY TER SE
$199,000 $190,000 $187,750 $184,500 $170,000 $155,000 $115,000
CRESTWOOD 1629 VAN BUREN ST NW 1745 CRESTWOOD DR NW
$1,303,000 $850,000
DEANWOOD 4413 SHERIFF RD NE 18 ANACOSTIA RD NE 426 EASTERN AVE NE 333 63RD ST NE 4731 SHERIFF RD NE 4612 HAYES ST NE 5342 JAMES PL NE 6140 BANKS PL NE 3813 MINNESOTA AVE NE 6019 CLAY ST NE 223 42ND ST NE 238 56TH ST NE 819 52ND ST NE 826 46TH ST NE 250 56TH ST NE
$320,000 $235,000 $220,000 $215,000 $210,000 $205,000 $205,000 $153,000 $140,000 $137,000 $130,000 $115,100 $115,000 $105,000 $100,000
4 3 3 5 5 3 2 4 5 3 4 3 5 4 5 3 3 4 2 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3
2 3 3 3 3 4 3 6 3 4 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 2 0 2
5215 CLAY ST NE 277 56TH ST NE
$95,500 $80,000
5 2
DUPONT 1618 Q ST NW 1727 Q ST NW 1916 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 1619 V ST NW
$1,140,000 $1,870,000 $1,155,000 $890,000
ECKINGTON 58 Q ST NE 167 U ST NE 144 U ST NE 305 V ST NE 226 SEATON PL NE 1603 LINCOLN RD NE
$730,000 $610,000 $531,000 $465,000 $399,999 $285,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 4344 CHAPLIN ST SE 4360 DUBOIS PL SE 4220 SOUTHERN AVE SE 1234 45TH PL SE
$260,000 $250,000 $207,000 $155,000
FOXHALL VILLAGE 4413 VOLTA PL NW
$827,500
GEORGETOWN 1515 30TH ST NW 2809 DUMBARTON ST NW 3604 PROSPECT ST NW 3403 O ST NW 3043 WEST LANE KYS NW 3053 Q ST NW 1317 35TH ST NW 3310 N ST NW 3604 RESERVOIR RD NW 3414 O ST NW 1726 34TH ST NW 3415 Q ST NW 1521 33RD ST NW 1337 28TH ST NW 1072 30TH ST NW
$3,500,000 $2,030,000 $1,925,000 $1,815,000 $1,760,000 $1,670,000 $1,660,000 $1,519,300 $1,175,000 $1,150,000 $900,000 $885,000 $840,000 $800,000 $750,000
GLOVER PARK 2432 39TH ST NW 2036 37TH ST NW 3744 W ST NW
$901,000 $895,000 $818,000
H ST CORRIDOR 914 3RD ST NE 1243 I ST NE 1120 FLORIDA AVE NE 1654 GALES ST NE
$582,500 $635,000 $870,000 $539,900
HILL CREST 3381 DENVER ST SE 3206 G ST SE 3200 ALABAMA AVE SE 3126 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE 3421 CARPENTER ST SE
$399,990 $318,000 $275,000 $233,500 $21,300
KALORAMA 1859 CALIFORNIA ST NW 2117 BANCROFT PL NW 2332 19TH ST NW 2541 WATERSIDE DR NW
$1,885,000 $1,825,000 $1,207,555 $915,000
3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 5 3 5 4 4 5 4 4 3 4 3 2 4 2 3 2 2 4 4 3 2 3 6 2 3 3 3 3 2 6 7 5 3
KENT 5005 GLENBROOK TER NW 5200 WATSON ST NW 2950 ARIZONA AVE NW 5343 MACARTHUR BLVD NW 5007 FULTON ST NW
$1,665,000 $1,430,000 $1,200,000 $1,025,000 $745,000
LEDROIT PARK 2311 1ST ST NW 2026 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW 1825 4TH ST NW 2009 4TH ST NW 339 ELM ST NW
$750,000 $650,000 $580,000 $520,000 $414,950
LILY PONDS 300 35TH ST NE 3455 EADS ST NE
$259,000 $240,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5310 B SE 5311 BASS PL SE 5101 AYERS PL SE 4619 CAPITOL ST SE
$317,000 $310,000 $292,000 $225,000
MICHIGAN PARK 1616 MICHIGAN AVE NE 1732 WEBSTER ST NE
$500,000 $454,000
4 5 2 4 3 5 5 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 4 2 3 3
HillRag | December 2013 H 125
1516 GALLATIN PL NE
MOUNT PLEASANT 3104 18TH ST NW 3201 18TH ST NW 1715 HOBART ST NW 2004 KLINGLE RD NW 1755 HOBART ST NW 1815 IRVING ST NW 3107 17TH ST NW 1881 INGLESIDE TER NW
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3802 VEAZEY ST NW 3517 ALTON PL NW
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 3825 FULTON ST NW 3824 KLINGLE PL NW
OLD CITY #1
$2,995,000
400 G ST NE 313 12TH ST SE 725 G ST NE 632 I ST NE 1230 LINDEN PL NE 1345 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 1200 6TH ST NE 517 10TH ST NE 126 16TH ST SE 312 14TH ST NE 533 25TH PL NE 1604 A ST NE 1363 FLORIDA AVE NE 619 ORLEANS PL NE 932 9TH ST NE 1928 E ST NE 906 11TH ST NE 1922 C ST NE 1402 CARROLLSBURG PL SW
OLD CITY #2
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
1523 8TH ST NW 1211 T ST NW 420 RIDGE ST NW 1706 4TH ST NW 25 Q ST NW
PALISADES
5332 SHERIER PL NW 4733 MACARTHUR BLVD NW 4527 MACARTHUR BLVD NW
PETWORTH
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com
816 RANDOLPH ST NW 810 DECATUR ST NW 520 RANDOLPH ST NW 4222 4TH ST NW 904 CRITTENDEN ST NW 317 MADISON ST NW 4006 7TH ST NW 829 RANDOLPH ST NW 121 WEBSTER ST NW 5511 2ND ST NW 4901 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 5005 3RD ST NW 4808 7TH ST NW 113 INGRAHAM ST NW 5105 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 4616 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 5314 7TH ST NW 607 LONGFELLOW ST NW
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2324 SOUTHERN AVE SE 1800 VALLEY TER SE 2419 MINNESOTA AVE SE
RIGGS PARK
Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bcline8041@aol.com
5027 12TH ST NE 830 JEFFERSON ST NE 5314 CHILLUM PL NE 773 KENNEDY ST NE 5856 EASTERN AVE NE 5133 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 5727 2ND ST NE
for all you real estate needs
ROSEDALE
1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office #202-546-0055
SHAW
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1908 ROSEDALE ST NE 1513 4TH ST NW
$397,500
3
$1,100,000 $1,035,300 $954,000 $930,000 $890,000 $837,000 $825,000 $610,000
6 5 4 4 4 4 3 3
$1,003,802 $705,000
4 2
$1,350,000 $1,157,150
6 4
$927,500 $856,113 $849,000 $755,000 $693,500 $690,000 $640,000 $633,000 $500,500 $489,000 $485,000 $475,900 $465,000 $440,000 $435,623 $415,000 $390,000 $339,500 $323,000
4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 4 2 3 2 2 3 3 2
$1,375,000 $974,900 $875,000 $575,000 $500,000
4 3 3 4 4
$1,950,000 $815,000 $710,000
5 3 4
$730,000 $699,900 $675,000 $675,000 $675,000 $674,500 $647,000 $625,000 $526,000 $520,000 $515,000 $502,500 $445,000 $434,000 $430,000 $410,000 $365,000 $300,000
4 3 4 4 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
$249,900 $239,000 $160,000
3 3 3
$315,000 $306,000 $300,000 $293,228 $285,000 $250,000 $247,000
4 3 3 3 3 3 2
$439,000
4
$850,000
5
Location, Location, Location 1605 MARION ST NW 1523 3RD ST NW
SHEPHERD PARK 7325 16TH ST NW
SPRING VALLEY
4907 UPTON ST NW 4733 WOODWAY LN NW
SW WATERFRONT 8 N ST SW
TAKOMA PARK
106 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 311 WHITTIER ST NW 112 RITTENHOUSE ST NE 43 SHERIDAN ST NE 6305 KANSAS AVE NE
TRINIDAD
1301 MONTELLO AVE NE 1180 MORSE ST NE 1252 PENN ST NE 1271 PENN ST NE 1230 NEAL ST NE 1288 NEAL ST NE 1316 FLORIDA AVE NE 1106 OATES ST NE
WESLEY HEIGHTS 4505 DEXTER ST NW
WEST END
930 HUGHES MEWS CT NW
WOODLEY PARK
3017 CLEVELAND AVE NW 2936 28TH ST NW
WOODRIDGE
2503 BRENTWOOD RD NE 1717 EVARTS ST NE 1812 NEWTON ST NE 3000 FRANKLIN ST NE 2003 KEARNY ST NE 3007 CLINTON ST NE 2425 PERRY ST NE 3037 VISTA ST NE 2908 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 2677 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE
$591,088 $429,000
3 4
$960,000
5
$1,269,000 $1,130,000
4 4
$375,000
2
$375,000 $459,000 $415,000 $300,000 $216,500
3 3 3 2 3
$497,000 $460,000 $449,000 $429,900 $377,200 $321,000 $260,000 $255,000
2 4 2 2 3 3 3 3
$1,350,000
5
$1,356,000
3
$1,080,000 $1,280,000
3 3
$500,000 $500,000 $480,000 $414,900 $345,000 $339,000 $312,500 $275,000 $200,000 $525,000
4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 4
CONDO 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 5511 COLORADO AVE NW #202
ADAMS MORGAN
2410 17TH ST NW #301 2301 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #414 1745 KALORAMA RD NW #B1 2380 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #303 2450 ONTARIO RD NW #2 2363 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #28 2328 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #201 1654 EUCLID ST NW #104 1807 CALIFORNIA ST NW #102 1855 CALVERT ST NW #104 2426 ONTARIO RD NW #201
BLOOMINGDALE
2035 2ND ST NW #G102 150 V ST NW #VL01
BRENTWOOD
1386 BRYANT ST NE #204
BRIGHTWOOD
566 BRUMMEL CT NW #566 598 BRUMMEL CT NW #598 5414 1ST PL NW #304
BROOKLAND
3000 7TH ST NE #104
CAPITOL HILL
630 F ST NE #1 1 18TH ST SE #301 410 11TH ST NE #2 410 11TH ST NE #12
Your Neighbor On The Hill
“The road to success is not always straight; let me help you through the real estate maze to a happy and successful destination”
Deborah Charlton
Long and Foster Realtors Christie’s Great Estates
(202) 415-2117 (202) 944-8400 DC.DC@LongandFoster.com www.yourneighboronthehill.com
I look TO THE HILL for my buyers, sellers, friends and neighbors!
I live, work, serve and play ON THE HILL!
2
$849,000 $730,000 $720,000 $706,000 $629,000 $622,000 $599,000 $582,000 $405,000 $398,250 $377,500
2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
$550,000 $418,000
2 2
$196,500
1
$309,000 $295,000 $260,000
3 2 2
$167,000
1
$605,000 $422,000 $399,900 $375,000
2 2 2 2
Prestigious historic brick bay front office buildings of 3224 SF. Pennsylvania Ave location with US Capitol view & The Hill Center. 3224 square feet on 3 levels incl. 5+ parking spaces at rear. Spacious open floor plan and private offices & full kitchen. CAC. New carpet thru out, heart pine floors, and elegant window treatments. Located at Eastern Market and Metro Plaza, 7TH & 8TH STreets restaurants and retail.
703 D Street SE $995,000 Unique commercial property facing Eastern Market Metro Plaza at 7th & Pa Ave SE across from future Hine development (600,000 SF mixed used project). C2A townhouse with bay front, 6 office suites, historic renovation, gas fireplace, kitchenette, powder room, rear yard with deck, storage shed. On retail block with Kinkos, Starbucks, Hill's Kitchen & Radio shack. Great office and/or retail location
1514 Pennsylvania Ave SE $619,500 SOLD 1 Block to Potomac Avenue metro, Harris Teeter, shops, Jenkins Row condos. New construction built in 1979. Three level townhouse approximately 1970 SF main house with 2 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths, Open layout Dining Room & Living Room with hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace. Rear garden. Parking. First floor efficiency unit w/ fireplace. Zoned C2A. Good layout for small office users,retail business or live work combo. First floor efficiency unit w/ fireplace.
Kitty Kaupp & Tati Kaupp John Bratton Bratton Realty LLC 202-744-2642 (c) john@BrattonRealty www.brattonrealty.com
Steve Hagedorn $415,000
910-912 PA AVE SE For Lease: $10,000/month
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Search listings at cbmove.com/steve.hagedorn
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-255-0952 • 202-255-6913 kkaupp@cbmove.com
www.kittykaupp.com
Specializing in all aspects of Real Estate Settlements
We Guarantee Attention to Detail & Personalized Service
Licensed in DC & MD
Direct: Cell: Office: Fax: Email:
202-741-1707 202-841-1380 202-547-3525 202-547-8462 shagedorn@cbmove.com
New MilleNNiuM BUY • SELL • LEASE • MORTGAGE • TITLE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • RELOCATION
650 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite 170 Washington, DC 20003-4318 202-544-0800
CARTUS MASTERS CUP WINNER
www.c21nm.com
202-546-0055 HillRag | December 2013 H 127
DC/Shaw $949,000 5 Bedroom/5.5 Bath/English Basement
FAB-U-LOUS!
1127 C ST SE #4 284 15TH ST SE #301 414 SEWARD SQ SE #402 730 11TH ST NE #404 401 13TH ST NE #208 420 OKLAHOMA AVE NE #101 414 SEWARD SQ SE #105 644 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE #206 333 2ND ST NE #204B 412 19TH ST NE #202
* BRAND NEW contemporary TH in
CENTRAL
FOR SALE
$370,000 $342,500 $292,000 $284,000 $260,000 $245,000 $244,000 $238,000 $220,000 $215,000
2 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1
$907,000 $710,000 $695,000 $680,000 $640,000 $637,500 $590,000 $424,000 $415,000 $300,000 $252,000 $245,000 $235,500 $640,000
2 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
$390,000 $174,500 $165,000
1 0 0
$435,000
1
$500,000 $399,000 $379,000 $359,000 $353,500 $297,000 $395,000
2 1 1 1 1 1 1
2601 SHERMAN AVE NW #2 $965,000 2723 13TH ST NW #3 $865,000 1325 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 $779,000 1448 HARVARD ST NW #5 $711,616 1130 COLUMBIA RD NW #2 $545,000 622 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW ##1 $544,000 2723 13TH ST NW #1 $490,000 1200 EUCLID ST NW #2 $485,000 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #302 $465,000 3404 13TH ST NW #201 $460,000 1430 NEWTON ST NW #101 $444,000 3404 13TH ST NW #101 $435,500 3606 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW #103 $415,000 2608 SHERMAN AVE NW #201 $399,900 2910 GEORGIA AVE NW #4-02 $395,000 3328 SHERMAN AVE NW #1 $389,900 1323 CLIFTON ST NW #5 $387,400 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #313 $349,000 961 RANDOLPH ST NW #3 $345,000 4010 KANSAS AVE NW #102 - #2 $329,000 3500 13TH ST NW #304 $320,000 3318 SHERMAN AVE NW #T-2 $319,000 1030 FAIRMONT ST NW #101 $265,000 3606 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW #204 $249,900
2 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
and own heating/cooling, still bright
2425 L ST NW #606 616 E ST NW #856 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #213 2301 N ST NW #315 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #508 777 7TH ST NW #1124 631 D ST NW #1226 1150 K ST NW #807 777 7TH ST NW #1010 616 E ST NW #608 2130 N ST NW #507 2130 N ST NW #303 2130 N ST NW #502 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1108
and sunny
CHEVY CHASE
one of city’s hottest neighborhoods * Offers so much: Metro, restaurants, retail, history, Howard Univ., O Street market * 4 gorgeous bedrooms above grade, all w/ ensuite baths; separately metered English basement for 5th bedroom plus full bath, full kitchen,
5201 WISCONSIN AVE NW #410 5315 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #410 5406 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #208
* Bonus rooftop deck faces south. * MLS# DC8224446 * Please call for a private showing.
CHINATOWN
475 K ST NW #706
CLEVELAND PARK
John Mentis, Realtor
703-522-0500 / 202-549-0081
Long & Foster Real Estate, Arlington, VA
Your Life is Changing. I Can Help! ®
Looking to Buy or Sell on the Hill? I want to be Your Agent!
Let s get together to review the market and design a winning strategy!
Dee Dee Branand At
home on the Hill
605 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 Office: 202 547-3525 Cell: 202 369-7902 Email: dbranand@cbmove.com Web: www.deedeebranand.com
3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #809 3880 RODMAN ST NW #216 2719 ORDWAY ST NW #6 2722 ORDWAY ST NW #4 3701 39TH ST NW #183 3010 WISCONSIN AVE NW #403 3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #238
742 BRANDYWINE ST SE #101
DEANWOOD
940 EASTERN AVE NE #10 940 EASTERN AVE NE #4
DUPONT
1830 JEFFERSON PL NW #8 1758 U ST NW #3 2114 N ST NW #22 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #514 1401 17TH ST NW #314 1820 T ST NW #3 1545 18TH ST NW #311 2113 N ST NW #101 2001 16 ST NW #204 1 SCOTT CIR NW #813 1 SCOTT CIR NW #106 1 SCOTT CIR NW #713 1545 18TH ST NW #108 1825 T ST NW #701 1829 S ST NW #3
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ECKINGTON
215 R ST NE #A 217 R ST NE #A 150 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #203 301 SEATON PL NE #3
FOREST HILLS
2939 VAN NESS ST NW #321 3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #619 2939 VAN NESS ST NW #622 4007 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #310 2939 VAN NESS ST NW #110 2710 MACOMB ST NW #203
FORT LINCOLN
3308 BANNEKER DR NE #3308
GEORGETOWN 3052 R ST NW #203 3052 R ST NW #201 3052 R ST NW #102 2500 Q ST NW #431 2500 Q ST NW #139
GLOVER PARK
2725 39TH ST NW #516 4000 TUNLAW RD NW #1106
H STREET
1815 BENNING RD NE #4 1815 BENNING RD NE #2
HILL CREST
2109 FORT DAVIS ST SE #B 3812 W ST SE #101
HILLEAST
123 17TH ST SE #4
KALORAMA
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CONGRESS HEIGHTS
1933 S ST NW #D 1829 S ST NW #1 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #331
$69,000
2
$68,000 $45,000
2 1
$1,025,000 $599,000 $570,000 $468,776 $435,000 $399,000 $375,000 $350,000 $345,000 $275,000 $265,000 $258,200 $250,000 $235,000 $565,000
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 2
2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #707 1882 COLUMBIA RD NW #104 1930 BILTMORE ST NW #04 1840 VERNON ST NW #203 1902 KALORAMA PL NW #1054 1861 CALIFORNIA ST NW #4 24051/2 20TH ST NW #101 1816 KALORAMA RD NW #404 1858 CALIFORNIA ST NW #20 1811 VERNON ST NW #204 1900 BILTMORE ST NW #5 2456 20TH ST NW #B 1823 BILTMORE ST NW #15
LEDROIT PARK
539 FLORIDA AVE NW #4 539 FLORIDA AVE NW #3
LOGAN CIRCLE
1325 13TH ST NW #203 1822 15TH ST NW #101 1515 15TH ST NW #216 1324 14TH ST NW #3 1406 CORCORAN ST NW #E 1325 13TH ST NW #5 1423 R ST NW #105 1425 11TH ST NW #301 1300 N ST NW #110 1300 N ST NW #116 1300 N ST NW #308 1300 N ST NW #12
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4947 C ST SE #4947 4950 CALL PL SE #F-2
MOUNT PLEASANT
1700 KALORAMA RD NW #402 1915 CALVERT ST NW #201 3430 BROWN ST NW #6 2922 18TH ST NW #2 1717 LAMONT ST NW #C 2515 17TH ST NW #3 1937 CALVERT ST NW #C 3420 16TH ST NW #306S 1636 IRVING ST NW #5 1708 NEWTON ST NW #302 2611 ADAMS MILL RD NW #305
$524,900 $490,000 $239,000
1 1 0
$545,000 $545,000 $450,000 $255,000
3 3 2 2
$475,000 $346,000 $320,000 $312,000 $211,500 $205,000
2 1 1 1 0 0
$220,000
2
$2,182,000 $1,525,000 $969,000 $410,000 $290,000
3 2 2 1 1
$359,000 $287,500
1 1
$305,000 $239,000
1 1
$85,077 $67,000
2 2
$275,000
1
$1,525,000 $810,000 $803,000 $745,000 $629,500 $568,000 $530,000 $499,000 $498,000 $449,555 $380,000 $350,000 $348,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1
$339,900 $311,500
1 1
$460,000 $402,500 $995,000 $910,000 $826,170 $787,500 $600,000 $460,000 $415,000 $415,000 $310,000 $240,000
1 1 2 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 0 0
$237,000 $163,900
4 2
$899,000 $750,000 $715,000 $599,900 $561,000 $460,000 $439,000 $386,000 $385,000 $375,000 $315,000
2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1
1750 HARVARD ST NW #6D 3602 16TH ST NW #2 3602 16TH ST NW #1
MOUNT VERNON
910 M ST NW #512 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #1211 440 L ST NW #611
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE
2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #PH4 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #901 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #614
OLD CITY #1
607 14TH PL NE #2 1403 A ST NE #1403 401 13TH ST NE #310 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #331 607 14TH PL NE #1 132 18TH ST SE #2 401 13TH ST NE #312 47 14TH ST NE #47 608 14TH PL NE #3 423 18TH ST NE #6 2 17TH ST SE #208
OLD CITY #2
1515 15TH ST NW #704 1210 R ST NW #316 1211 13TH ST NW #803 1515 11TH ST NW #2-1 507 O ST NW #5 1400 CHURCH ST NW #408 1111 11TH ST NW #401 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #801 910 M ST NW #128 1543 6TH ST NW #201 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #705 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #112 440 L ST NW #1006 1401 17TH ST NW #207 1718 P ST NW #708 1740 18TH ST NW #302 1314 W ST NW #C 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #715 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #601 1245 13TH ST NW #1008 1512 MARION ST NW #202 80 NEW YORK AVE NW #205 1601 18TH ST NW #709
PALISADES
5112 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #209
PENN QUARTER 631 D ST NW #245
PETWORTH
5407 7TH ST NW #101 5041 1ST ST NW #6
RANDLE HEIGHTS 3074 30TH ST SE #103G
RLA (SW)
66 G ST. ST SW #119 800 4TH ST SW #S-515
SHAW
1407 5TH ST NW ##2
SW/WATERFRONT 700 7TH ST SW #629
U STREET CORRIDOR
2132 11TH ST NW #2 2250 11TH ST NW #206 2105 12TH ST NW #1 1312 FLORIDA AVE NW #TERRACE #1
VAN NESS
2939 VAN NESS ST NW #548 4740 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #506
WAKEFIELD
4700 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #400 4600 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #728
WATERFRONT
841 3RD ST SW #303 700 7TH ST SW #501
$301,555 $644,500 $519,000
1 2 2
$613,000 $329,000 $621,800
2 0 2
$1,207,500 $790,000 $285,000
2 2 1
$542,500 $540,000 $530,000 $447,500 $446,500 $439,000 $355,000 $324,500 $299,000 $295,000 $279,000
2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1
$1,150,000 $915,000 $754,240 $749,000 $710,000 $575,000 $550,000 $530,000 $515,000 $468,100 $438,000 $435,000 $411,000 $381,000 $381,000 $356,000 $336,500 $335,000 $320,000 $291,000 $274,000 $239,000 $230,000
1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
$260,000
1
$625,000
2
$469,800 $215,000
3 2
$17,500
2
$528,000 $237,000
2 0
$687,500
2
$265,000
1
$620,000 $435,000 $894,555 $465,000
2 1 3 2
$485,000 $400,000
2 2
$450,000 $262,500
2 1
$455,000 $390,000
2 2
WESLEY HEIGHTS
3293 SUTTON PL NW #3293C 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #514W 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #323W 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #908E 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #1211E
WEST END
1155 23RD ST NW #PH1D 2425 L ST NW #737 2501 M ST NW #705 1177 22ND ST NW #6-H 2311 M ST NW #1007 1140 23RD ST NW #204 2311 M ST NW #1003 1121 24TH ST NW #210
WOODLEY PARK
2725 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #609 2501 CALVERT ST NW #605 2737 DEVONSHIRE PL NW #414
$629,000 $525,000 $395,000 $285,000 $190,000
2 3 2 1 0
$1,370,000 $894,000 $889,000 $850,000 $687,500 $540,000 $450,000 $262,000
2 2 2 1 2 2 1 0
$533,000 $394,000 $589,000
2 1 2
$501,000 $339,000 $365,000
1 2 2
$152,500
2
$343,500
1
$599,000 $344,000 $295,000
2 2 1
$307,000 $424,900 $332,500 $315,000
1 2 1 1
CoOp ADAMS MORGAN
1661 CRESCENT PL NW #307 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #213 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #316
BROOKLAND
717 HAMLIN ST NE #2
CAPITOL HILL
1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #701
CLEVELAND PARK
3601 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #208 3024 PORTER ST NW #302 3020 PORTER ST NW ##201
DUPONT CIRCLE
1701 16TH ST NW #730 1701 16TH ST NW #124 1915 16TH ST NW #404 1526 17TH ST NW #304
FOGGY BOTTOM
2510 VIRGINIA NW #1012 700 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1009 730 24TH ST NW #409
KALORAMA
2220 20TH ST NW #23 1860 CALIFORNIA ST NW #401 1869 MINTWOOD PL NW #12
LOGAN CIRCLE
1300 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #406
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE
4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #101B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #434B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #526B 3900 WATSON PL NW #G1D 4101 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #1114 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #8-B
OLD CITY #2
1701 16TH ST NW #407
PETWORTH
235 EMERSON ST NW #206
RLA (SW)
560 N ST SW #N-514 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N607 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #S-745
TAKOMA PARK
7054 EASTERN AVE NW #202
WAKEFIELD
4514 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #301
WATERGATE
700 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1215
WEST END
1200 23RD ST NW #910 H
$575,000 $545,000 $267,000
2 1 1
$585,000 $334,900 $195,000
2 1 0
$375,000
1
$605,000 $330,000 $292,000 $253,200 $251,500 $169,000
2 1 1 2 1 1
$170,000
0
$68,000
1
$245,000 $145,000 $94,000
1 2 0
$180,000
2
$415,000
1
$315,000
1
$625,000
2
Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning
202-547-9004
316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20003
The Best of Both Worlds: City Loft Living On Country Waterfront!
Breathtaking views of the Wicomico River on nearly 8 acres. Old-fashioned post and beam construction combined with contemporary interior open plan design, including a loft second story master suite. One of a kind weekend retreat or year-round home. Amenities include a gourmet kitchen and radiant floor heating. All less than an hour and a half from Capitol Hill without crossing the Bay Bridge!
Bonnie Baldus Grier Associate Broker bonniegrier@gmail.com
301.807.1400
HillRag | December 2013 H 129
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Health & Fitness Choosing How to Heal an Injury by Pattie Cinelli
I
njuries happen to everyone. Our bodies get out of balance from stress, repetitive movement, poor posture, over-exercise, a lack of sleep, poor nutrition and from just living our lives. How we handle these injuries can affect our pain level, the time it takes to heal and the residual effects after the initial injury has healed. We all have choices when it comes to fixing an injury. Sometimes our choices are restricted by what is covered by insurance. However, the most effective treatment modalities with the least side effects may be from medical professionals outside the parameters of insurance. Often a combination of treatments works best. If you have a serious injury such as a broken bone, a deep wound, a heart attack, severe swelling or extreme pain, the treatment is clear. But most injuries are not that serious, but are still annoying with intermittent pain or discomfort that restricts range of motion. Often we hope that if we ignore it, the injury will heal itself. We don’t modify our activities, we don’t rest and we don’t listen to our bodies. That’s what I did, and I was very wrong. Forty-five minutes into teaching a Barre class, I was demonstrating an exercise I do all the time when I felt a HillRag | December 2013 H 131
Claire P. Cargill, DDS Capitol Hill family Dentist
We offer complete Dental Care for adults and children. Eastern Market Metro Stop 1009 E Street, SE • Washington, DC
202-547-2491
clairecargilldds@verizon.net Free parking • Handicapped Accessible • Major Insurance Plan Accepted
Acupuncture
Massage
Meditation
Wholistic health care for adults, children and teens.
320 G Street, NE • 202.544.9389 www.healingartscapitolhill.com
Psychotherapy
Herbs & Nutrition
Ronda Bresnick Hauss Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supporting you in having a healthy & productive life.
Psychotherapy for adults using an integrative & holistic approach: traditional talk therapy, meditation, & creative, non-verbal techniques.
1308 Constitution Ave., N.E. 202.544.5050 www.quietwaterscenter.com “The Capitol Hill Psychiatrist”
on THE
Joseph Tarantolo, MD
Hill Sharon L. Bernier PhD, CNS, BC
Psychotherapy 236 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, D.C. 202-546-5311
BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIST CERTIFIED GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPIST HERBALIST, NUTRITION COUNSELOR
Specializing in: • Individual, Couples, and Group Psychotherapy • Patients with the Diagnosis of Cancer • Self Exploration without Psychotropic Drugs: “Talk Back to Prozac”
202-543-5290
Tracy & Company a unique salon
Give Yourself the Gift of Platinum This Holiday... Or Any Other Color Gem 428 8th Street SE • 202.546.4887
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Holiday Pet Sitting Puppy PreSchool (12wks-12mths) K9 Chorus Line Adult Dog Classes Adopt A Rescue Dog
huge “pop” in my left outer thigh. I froze. I never experienced anything like this before. I was frightened. A student near me said, “Was that you? Are you okay?” I didn’t know. Cautiously I took a step. Then another. I moved my leg slowly in different directions. It felt normal. I had no pain, only a sensation in the area where the “pop” occurred. Another student asked, “Do you know a good orthopedist?” I answered, “No, but I don’t think I need one.” I wasn’t sure what had happened, but I believed that it involved soft tissue. I was hoping that the leg would right itself and that all was well. Because I had no pain and movement seemed okay, I chose to ignore the not so subtle sign my body gave me – something was not right. For the next few days I stuck to my routine. I taught classes, trained clients and walked my dog. I even rode my bike to a Nationals game. My leg felt tight which I attributed to the uphill ride back home. I was wrong. The next day I was on the floor in my living room going though books on a bottom shelf. When I tried to get up I couldn’t stand on my leg. I couldn’t put any weight on it. It was frozen in a bent position and when I tried to straighten it, the muscle felt as if it would snap. I crawled up my stairs to my bed where I stayed for three days until the leg finally relaxed enough for me to be able to limp. Because the injury occurred on Labor Day weekend, no medical offices were open. I had time to think about what course of treatment I would choose. I had options. I mentally went through the list: an MD? Drugs? An MRI? Acupuncture? Massage? Reflexology? Chiropractic? My thinking
was, “Try the least invasive first with the highest probability of healing the fastest.” I followed my gut and chose Active Release Technique (ART) treatment given by Chiropractor Martin Skopp. ART is a hands-on treatment method to address problems in the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, ligaments, fascia and nerves. To my surprise, Dr. Skopp felt a tear in my hamstring during my first treatment. He taped the muscle. I couldn’t stretch, run or ride a bike. His instructions: rest, use heat and relax. For the next six weeks I walked slowly with a slight limp. I shortened my dog walks and talked through my yoga, Pilates and Barre classes. I also learned a lot about myself. I didn’t realize that I rarely relaxed or rested. Most of my social activities involved walking somewhere, riding my bike or doing some physical activity. I dusted off the unread mysteries on my shelf and took to reading. I went to movies and watched DVDs. I learned how to do nothing and be okay with that. I healed quickly. Friends told me their hamstring tears took at least three to six months to mend; my healing took just a few weeks. When the tear was healed and I no longer needed ART, my treatment was not over. Because of the limp, my body was misaligned. I resumed my reflexology and massage treatments and have begun to strengthen the leg muscles while keeping them flexible. Prevention is the best way to stay injury-free. I am determined that this hamstring tear was my last. Pattie Cinelli is a health/f itness writer and personal trainer who has been in th e f itness business for more than 25 years. Contact her at: f itness@pattiecinelli.com. H
Dr. Karen Y. Cooper
Comprehensive & CosmestiC Center, LLC Enhancing lives, one smile at a time 3801 Minnesota Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-399-2300
Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Oral cancer screening saves lives, set yours today!
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www.hstreetcare.com HillRag | December 2013 H 133
beautyhealthfitness
Well-Nourished
Books for Cooks by Annette Nielsen Yvonne Ruperti’s “One Bowl Baking: Simple, From Scratch Recipes for Delicious Desserts” (Running Press, $22) makes cleanup a snap whether you’re baking breakfast pastries or layer cakes. Eliminate the food processor and execute easy recipes from this recipe developer for Cook’s Illustrated. Who knew there were so many ways to love the macaroon? Dan Cohen, author of “The Macaroon Bible” (Houghton Miflin Harcourt, $18) and owner of Danny Macaroons, provides compelling reasons to start a coconut habit. Naturally gluten-free recipes for Dessert First: One Bowl Baking by Yvonne Ruperti flavors like chocolate-cherry or pina colada inspire you to leave the cupcake line. ith hundreds of titles Third generation pastry chef released each year, it’s a challenge to pick the François Payard’s “Payard Desserts” best cookbooks for holiday gift-giv- (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $40) ing. You’ll find some favorites below, takes you through two decades of insomething to keep everyone cooking novative artistry in a volume for the serious home baker or professional throughout the year. with sophisticated recipes like Banana Tart with White Chocolate Mousse Dessert First and Passion Fruit Sauce or CaraNot every meal starts with desmelized Pineapple-Pecan Tart with sert, but with these new releases, you’ll Brown Butter Ice Cream. be tempted to try. Brent Ridge and “Puddin’: Luscious and UnforJosh Kilmer-Purcell inspire nostalgia gettable Puddings Parfaits, Pudwith “The Beekman 1802 Heirloom ding Cakes, Pies, and Pops” by Clio Dessert Cookbook: 100 Delicious Goodman (Random House, $25) is a Heritage Recipes from the Farm tribute to classic comfort food. Buildand Garden” (Rodale, $32.50). This ing on chocolate, vanilla and butduo behind the Beekman 1802 brand terscotch, Goodman brings in new assembled stunning seasonal recipes favorites like malted milk or ginger inspired by their idyllic upstate New crunch – and ideas for parfaits and York farm. You’ll have a hard time repudding pops. sisting the Pancake Cake with Maple The national pie champion and Frosting, Yule Log or Lemon Lavenowner of Michele’s Pies in Connectider Squares.
W
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cut, Michele Stuart brings us “Perfect Pies & More” (Ballantine, $26). Crust, toppings, fruit or cream-filled, and with twenty-six blue ribbons to her name, both novice and expert bakers learn from Stuart’s accessible recipes, some learned at her grandmother’s apron strings.
Cooking Around the World
“Daniel: My French Cuisine” by Daniel Boulud (Grand Central Publishing, $60) identifies the essence of the art of French cooking. This book is part memoir, but includes top recipes from the eponymous New York restaurant. Boulud has won James Beard Foundation awards for ‘Outstanding Restaurateur’ and has received the ‘Culinary Humanitarian’ award, serving on the board of City-Meals-onWheels since 2000. This year’s “Eating Italy: A Chef ’s Culinary Adventure” by Jeff Michaud (Running Press, $35) includes
travel narrative and recipes, where exploring a village or town in northern Italy uncovers the uniqueness of the cuisine and culture. Kelly Campbell’s vivid photography accompanies the compelling text. You’re probably familiar with Pati Jinich and her Mexican home cooking seen on public television. A former Latin America policy expert, she’s also the official chef of the Mexican Cultural Institute. Jinich debuts “Pati’s Mexican Table” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30) with recipes imparting her love of this cuisine in dishes she prepares in her own kitchen. “The New Persian Kitchen” by Louisa Shafia (Ten Speed Press, $25), draws on Iranian ancestry while exploring Jewish, Muslim, and Zoroastrian contributions to vibrant Persian cooking. In recipes like Lamb Kebabs in Pomegranate-Walnut Marinade, her authoritative voice guides you in recipes blending the flavors of Iran and America. Noel McMeel’s “Irish Pantry: Traditional Breads, Preserves and Goodies to Feed the Ones you Love” (Running Press, $27.50) looks at what’s found in a real Irish kitchen. Nodding to tradition, you’ll find recipes for marmalade made with Irish whiskey, treacle bread, chutneys – with old-fashioned methods and wisdom dispensed along the way.
It’s Easy Eating Green
Cooking Around the World: Pati’s Mexican Table by Pati Jinich
Domenica Marchetti, one of the quartet of editors for the online community, ‘American Food Roots’ (with Bonny Wolf, Carol Guensburg and Michele Kayal), just released a new
Eating Well and Together
It’s Easy Eating Green: The Vegetables of Italy by Domenica Marchetti
cookbook, “The Glorious Vegetables of Italy” (Chronicle Books, $30) that will make you a true believer in plantinspired eating. Not strictly vegetarian, the recipes include hints of meat, poultry or fish in dishes like Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing or Braised Radicchio with Pancetta and Cream. More treasures mix tradition and innovation like Winter Squash Panna Cotta. Deborah Madison is known as one of America’s leading authorities on vegetarian cooking and “Vegetable Literacy” (Ten Speed Press, $40) continues with her authoritative voice. Madison’s new book is perfect for those who want to learn about the plant kingdom and cook their way through it. “Eat Your Vegetables: Bold Recipes for the Single Cook” (Ten Speed Press, $25) by award-winning Washington Post editor Joe Yonan inspires with sensible advice. His instruction for taste-teasing dishes like Oyster Mushroom and Corn Tart or Poblano Tapenade will lead you confidently into the vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian realm. Mollie Katzen (author of many cookbooks, including the iconic 1970s “Moosewood Cookbook”) has inspired a generation of cooks. Her latest, “The Heart of the Plate: Vegetarian Recipes for a New Generation” (see www.capitalcommunitynews.com/ content/well-nourished-mollie-katzen for a full review) provides ample opportunity to explore plant-forward cooking – her generous voice coaching you through over 250 recipes.
In “The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant Cookbook: Recipes and Tales from a Classic American Restaurant” (Stewart,Tabori & Chang, $35), Sandy Ingber brings to life the menus and recipes at the Beaux Arts masterpiece. The book celebrates the classic – whether in the deservedly famous Oyster Stew or the beautiful venue. For anyone who has worked in the restaurant business, the nicest part of the shift is eating with co-workers. In Michael Romano’s “Family Table: Favorite Staff Meals from Our Restaurants to Your Home” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $35) the collection of recipes comes from porters to classically trained chefs that work at Danny Meyer’s award-winning restaurants like Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern. “Chelsea Market Cookbook: 100 Recipes from New York’s Premier Indoor Food Hall” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $30) by Michael Phillips, marks the 15-year anniversary of the eclectic vendors and food personalities that reside in the former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory. Chelsea Market, which attracts 120,000 visitors a week and employs 3,500 people, is home to a variety of artisanal food businesses. Profits from book sales are being donated to Wellness in the Schools.
Clambake with Bacon Ginger Herb Broth, a Bacon Swizzle Stick, or in the sweet Chocolate-Peanut-Bacon Toffee. If you have a bacon lover on your list, this book is a match. “Culinary Birds: The Ultimate Poultry Cookbook” by James Beard Award-winning chef John Ash (Running Press, $30) is the book for the holidays and beyond. Chicken has a starring role with instruction on how to butterfly, truss, cut and make stocks. From chicken (or turkey, duck, quail or game hen) to egg – you’ll be inspired by expert advice in this essential poultry cookbook. Myron Mixon’s “Everyday Barbecue: At Home with America’s Favorite Pitmaster” (Ballantine, $24) covers tips for turning your backyard grill into a smoker, easy ribs and brisket, or how to make perfect barbecue sauce – and it isn’t only about meat. Swimmers (shrimp, catfish), sides and desserts make their way to the grill, whether in your backyard or kitchen.
Meat & Poultry
Peter Kaminsky and Marie Rama, the duo behind “Bacon Nation” (Workman, $15), showcase their mastery of this versatile ingredient – whether in savory Lake House
Meat & Poultry: Bacon Nation by Peter Kaminsky and Marie Rama
“Southern Fried: More than 150 recipes for Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Hush Puppies and More” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30) is James Villas’ reminder about beloved Southern cooking. Although not strictly meat focused, you’ll find recipes like the delightful Plantation Pheasant with Chanterelles and Sherry Sauce, and Mississippi Fried Chicken Turnovers to round out your repertoire.
Capitol Hill Cooks
Eating Well and Together: Family Table by Michael Romano
Those living around Capitol Hill know that there’s a bounty of cooking inspiration – walking through Eastern
Market, taking a class at the Hill Center or Hill’s Kitchen, or visiting many of the farmers’ markets. As a result, we have a few food books credited to our residents. Bonny Wolf of American Food Roots (the website dedicated to ‘why we eat what we eat’) and newly rereleased “Talking with My Mouth Full” (St. Martin’s Press, $19) offers a snapshot of American regional and family food traditions through recipes and compelling stories. Wolf is a com-
Capitol Hill Cooks: Jonathan Bardzik’s Simple Summer
mentator on NPR’s ‘Weekend Edition’ and we’re lucky to call her our own. If you wander Eastern Market on Saturday mornings, you’ve seen Jonathan Bardzik cooking up seasonal fare. In the beautifully designed and photographed “Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease” ( Jonathanbardzik. com, $25), recipes highlight fresh and local ingredients from this Hill Rag/Mid-City DC food writer. You’re already familiar with Celeste McCall’s extensive and informed food writing in the Hill Rag, you’ll enjoy her lively culinary memoir with recipes, “Peter, There’s a Bug on My Plate: A Love Story – 35 Years of Dining” as she recalls eating and traveling adventures with her husband. (email McCall: celeste@us.net, $25.00). The Hill Rag’s food editor, Annette Nielsen, edited two volumes for Adirondack Life magazine: “Northern Comfort” (Fall and Winter) and “Northern Bounty” (Spring and Summer) with recipes published in the magazine (Adirondack Life, $16 each) since 1970. Each book has over 100 recipes inspired by North Country flavors with tips for camp cookery, game and maple themes. H HillRag | December 2013 H 135
beautyhealthfitness
The Yellow Dog Project
Raising awareness of dogs who need to be left alone by Heather Morris, CPDT-KA While the majority of us would love for all of our dogs to get along both on-leash and off, that is often just not possible for a variety of reasons. Many dog owners with good intentions inadvertently put other dog owners in a difficult position not realizing some dogs just need their space. There are a couple of useful initiatives we would like to make you aware of. The Yellow Dog Project has become a global movement for owners of dogs that need space. The goal is to educate the public and dog owners to identify dogs needing space, and promote appropriate contact of dogs. The group promotes the use of yellow ribbons or collars to alert others that their dog needs space. Yellow Dogs are not necessarily aggressive dogs, but more often are dogs who have issues of fear; pain from recent surgery; are a rescue or shelter dog who has not yet had sufficient training or mastered obedience; are in training for work or service; are in service; or other reasons specific to the dog. The Yellow Dog Project focuses on educating people on the appropriate way to approach or make contact with a dog (dog owners should always obey leash laws and have the dog under control). First you should ask the permission to approach another dog owner, and then wait for the owner to respond before approaching. If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon, you already know in advance that a greeting isn’t in the cards. When out training reactive dogs on the Hill, I often hear the phrase, “my dog is friendly!” Of course we love that you have a friendly dog; unfortunately not everyone is in the same situation. Your friendly dog may trigger a strong reaction from another dog and put your dog in a dangerous situation. One dog owner who continued to have “friendly” dogs approach her dog that needed space created the group Dogs in Need of Space (DINOS) and the 136 H hillrag.com
corresponding blog (notesfromadogwalker.com). One of my favorite blogs is the My Dog is Friendly Public Service Announcement. While it is certainly tongue-in-cheek, the ultimate goal is quite commendable. That is, the intent is to spread
knowledge and create awareness of the space needed by our dogs who do not wish to interact with other dogs. An excerpt from the PSA states, “Dogs In Need Of Space are good dogs. They may not want to socialize with your dog, but they have the
right to walk with their owners, on leash, without harassment from strangers who insist on a forced greeting. Their owners do not want to cause a scene or yell, in a panic, at strangers. They don’t want their dog to act inappropriately, get hurt, backslide on their training, or frighten anyone. Please, dog lovers of the world, allow these dogs and their people some space and, if they are walking or turning away from you, keep your dog close by and pass them without comment.” For those who are lucky enough to have a dog who is not affected by on-leash reactivity, first – count your blessings! Second, if you see someone who darts in between cars or crosses the street after they see you, it likely means they are trying to keep their dog under threshold. If their dog has already gone over threshold and is lunging and barking, they are probably doing everything in their power to remove their dog from the situation. They will be forever grateful to you if you take a moment and step aside, or even cross the street yourself. More information on The Yellow Dog Project can be found at: theyellowdogproject.com. For more details on DINOS see dogsinneedofspace.com and notesfromadogwalker.com. Both groups also have pages on Facebook: search The Yellow Dog Project and Dogs in Need of Space. So now that that know what the color “yellow” signifies on a dog leash, collar, or even bandana, please respect that DINOS’s needs and give him or her space. All dogs and their owners should be able to enjoy a walk out and about in our neighborhood. Heather Morris, CPDT-KA, is the owner of Spot On Training and lives on Capitol Hill with her husband and dalmatian, Lottie (who is a DINO). Spot On Training • 508 H Street NE • 202 629 2967 • spotondogtrainingdc.com. Spot On Training is one of the founding members of hstreetpets.com, a collaboration of three businesses coming together to offer the very best for all your pet care needs. H
Allen A. Flood, M.D.
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Register for Spring Classes and Ensembles • All Orchestral Instruments • Beginning to Advanced Ages 4 ½ to 18 • Tuition Assistance Available • Saturday Classes and Rehearsals on Capitol Hill Eastern High School 1700 E. Capitol Street, NE • For more info: Call (202) 698-0123 Email info@dcyop.org or Visit dcyop.org
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Santa on Barracks Row
Santa Clause will be at 8th and G sts. SE on Saturday, Dec 14 1-3 p.m. This is also a collection point for Toys for Tots. Please bring an unwrapped, new toy. You may take your own photos but there will also be a professional photographer on site to take your child’s picture, for free. barracksrow.org
Yuletide Shakespeare at the Folger
On Dec 14, 10 a.m., families, get into the spirit of the holiday season with the poetry, games and crafts of Christmastide. Free and recommended for ages 6-12. Reserve your spot! Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-5444600. folger.edu
Step Africa! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show Family Fun Pack
From Dec 11-22, come ready to bring in the festive season with a bang featuring the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman. Tickets are $35.50 for adults; $22 for seniors, students and military; and $15 for kids, 17 and under. The Family Fun Pack is $88 and includes 4 tickets, snack and
drink; 2 adults and 2 children between ages 2 and 16. Call Atlas Box Office at 202-3997993 ext. 2 to purchase Family Fun Pack. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org
Brent Christmas Tree & Holiday Sale
The sale this year is on Saturday, Dec 7 and Sunday, Dec 8, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. both days. Brent Elementary School is at 301 N. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-698-3363. brentelementary.org
Music on the Hill “Ukulele and More”
Music on the Hill offers a unique early childhood class called “Ukulele and More”. Kids ages 3 1/2-5 get to choose from colorful Kala ukuleles and learn to play real chords and songs ranging from traditional children’s songs to Bob Marley and The Beatles. They also get to try out a variety of percussion instruments and learn basic musical concepts in a fun way. This is the answer if you have a young child who loves music but is still too young for private lessons. Music on the Hill, 1453 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-733-3158. facebook. com/musiconthehilldc
The fantasy train display in the East Gallery chugs along a track through imaginative structures created with plant materials. Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Botanic Garden
“Season’s Greenings” at the Botanic Garden
Holiday cheer abounds at the US Botanic Garden! Dewith one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, a poinsettia showcase and a grove of conifer trees. It wouldn’t be the winter holiday season without the fantasy train display in the East Gallery, which chugs along a track through imaginative structures created with plant materials. Explore the “World’s Fair” and see many familiar creations that resulted from a long history of public exhibitions. Many of the capital’s landmark buildings, all made from natural materials, will be on display in the Garden Court. Come in from the cold and enjoy the sights, scents and sounds of Season’s Greenings. Open daily, through Jan 1. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov
Mad Science Winter Day Camps at Hill Center
Have a kindergarten through 6th grade student with some time to kill over winter break? Join Mad
Science for the following day camps: Jr. Engineers (12/23), Machine Mania (12/24), Crazy Chemistry (12/26), The Birds & The Beasts (12/27), Shutterbugs! HillRag | December 2013 H 139
(12/30), Mad Messages (12/31), The Science of Sport (1/2), and Space Day (1/3). Descriptions of each camp are available at hillcenterdc. org/home/programs/1529. $70 per day for full day, $45 per day for half day (register early for a discount). Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202549-4172. hillcenterdc.org
Christmas Pageant at the Washington National Cathedral
On Saturday, Dec 21, 2 p.m., children of all ages come to the Cathedral to participate in this annual pageant celebrating the Nativity. Children dressed as shepherds, angels, and animals help tell the story of the Messiah’s birth. On the day of the event, families arrive in costume in the nave for a 1:30 pm brief rehearsal prior to the pageant. The pageant begins at 2 p.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Halos are available for herald angels in need of a little costume assistance. Bring family, friends, and cameras for this lively telling of the true meaning of Christmas. Washington National Cathedral is at the intersection of Wisconsin and Massachusetts aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org
Digital Learning Day 2014
The Library of Congress will collaborate with the Alliance for Excellent Education on Digital Learning Day, Feb. 5, 2014. This is a nationwide celebration of innovative teaching and common-sense, effective applications of digital learning in America’s schools. For more about Digital Learning Day, including profiles of cutting-edge school districts and schools, lessons, and videos of digital learning in practice, visit DigitalLearningDay.org.
Holiday Family Opera “The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me”
Most everyone knows the story of the nativity, but probably not from the donkey’s point of view! Author Jeanette Winterson’s award-winning children’s book comes to vibrant life in a heartwarming world premiere production by WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, conducted by Kimberly Grigsby with the 140 H hillrag.com
WNO Orchestra, and starring current and former Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. Artist Q&A follows the Dec. 14 evening performance, free with your ticket. Tickets, from $34. Performances are on Saturday, Dec 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Dec 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-416-8000. kennedy-center.org
Drumming with Dishes: Holiday Edition! at the Atlas
Arts on the Horizon’s inaugural production is back again, just in time for the holiday season! This gentle, playful adventure takes place in a special kitchen, where two friends cook up joyful music together. From a pasta-box Christmas tree to dreidels spinning on pots and pans, these friends (and their live guitar accompanist) bring many of your favorite holiday songs to life like you’ve never seen before! $8. Dec 11 and 12 at 10:30 a.m.; Dec 13 and 14 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and Dec 15 at 2:30 p.m. The Atlas is at 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org
Saturday Morning at the National Free Performances for Children
On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. there are free live performances for children in the Helen Hayes Gallery. Tickets are required and distributed first come-first seated. Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202783-3372. Dec 7: Christmas Dreams from The Nutcracker. The Virginia Ballet Company and School’s selections from Tchaikovsky’s glittering confection. Follow Clara into the land of sweets and holiday cheer as the Nutcracker Prince triumphs over the evil Rat King and visions of sugar plums and snowflakes dance through the air! Dec 14: Bright Star Theatre: Holidays from Around the World. Families will be delighted by Bright Star’s unique holiday production! From Kwanzaa and Christmas to the Festival of Lights, this show offers everyone a look into the global celebrations that occur during this most wonderful time of the year.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program
Information / Open House Sessions on the Following Thursdays*: • December 5 & 12 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • January 23 & 30 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • February 20 & 27 from 9:30 am-10:30 am *You must register to attend, limit of 20 people per session. Call (202) 545-0515 to register.
The First Hebrew Language Immersion Public Charter School in DC
Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org • Application deadline March 3, 2014.
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Voted Best Preschool in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013!
• Before & After Care • Small classroom size and well trained staff • Individual planning for each student • Hands-on and project-based curriculum Free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents.
www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 e: info@bridgespcs.org
Accepting Applications for SY14-15 Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2
y Tuesday r e v e ld e h es om Open HousThursday afternoon fr d morning an ecember-March D To apply visit: myschooldc.org
*With the new common application, families must rank order their school choices. Each child will only receive one offer of admission in the lottery. If Sela PCS is your family’s first choice, you should rank order Sela PCS FIRST. Application Deadline: March 3, 2014
FREE Before and After School Program Small Class Sizes with 2 teachers in each classroom Student Shuttle available with stops at: Eastern Market, 16th and Q, Ft. Totten Metro
Learn more: SelaPCS.org 6015-17 Chillum Place, NE Washington, DC 20011 202-670-SELA (7352) Follow us: @SelaPCS
Like us: SelaPCS HillRag | December 2013 H 141
kids&family Family enjoying last year’s First Night in Old Town
Freedom Summer National Youth Summit, Feb 5, 2014
Students across the country will join together for a virtual National Youth Summit on Freedom Summer and civic engagement. Civil rights activists and Freedom School internship participants will participate in a panel discussion about the 1964 youth-led effort to end the political disenfranchisement of African Americans in the Deep South, and discuss the role of young people in shaping America’s past and future. A live video link between the National Youth Summit panel and regional Town Hall sites will enable young people from across the country to participate in the Summit via webcast, allowing them to submit questions for the panel through webchat email, Facebook, and Twitter. Participating students will be encouraged to think of themselves as makers of history and asked to consider their ability to be active and engaged citizens. Pre-registration is now open at surveygizmo.com/s3/1288509/NYSpreregister.
Purple Puck Ice Hockey Tournament
The first Gonzaga National Capital Hockey Tournament, known as the Purple Puck, was contested in December 1993. Father Bernard J. Dooley, S.J., Gonzaga’s president at the time, described the Purple Puck as “...both the first Gonzaga sponsored hockey tournament and the first hockey tourna142 H hillrag.com
Kid-Friendly, Alcohol-Free First Night Alexandria
First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the new year through the performing arts. Coffee shops, retail stores, hotels, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. Recent performers at First Night Alexandria include clowns, face painters and magicians for children to a world-class Scottish fiddler, a Grammy-nominated rock and roll guitarist and a classical cellist for adults. For $20, adults (kids 12 and under and active military, free) have access to all the entertainment, more than 100 performances, all evening! Everything is within easy walking distances. It’s fun, affordable, safe and venues are alcohol-free. First Night Alexandria is extremely family-friendly. Jefferson Houston School on Cameron St. is all about kids with entertainment, model sail boat building and sailing, moon bounce and interactive carnival games (10 and under). New this year is the ThinkFun game room! Hooray for Books (1555 King St.) has storytelling for children. The Downtown Baptist Church also has face painting, a moon bounce and interactive carnival games for children 10 and younger. The George Washington Masonic Memorial, in addition to adult music will have face painting and clowns making balloon sculptures. Festivities begin at noon on Dec 31. Fireworks at the river are at midnight. firstnightalexandria.org ment for high school teams in the Washington, DC, area.” Nine teams competed in the first Purple Puck and the tournament has become a much anticipated part of Gonzaga’s season since. The 2013 tournament is Dec 26-31 at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. In additional to Gonzaga, 2013 confirmed teams are The Hun School (Princeton, NJ); St. Joseph’s Prep(Philadelphia, PA); Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA); Bullis (Potomac, MD); DeMatha H.S. (Hyattsville, MD); St. Albans School (Washington, DC); and St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, MD). Tournament is at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org
ImaginAsia for Ages 8-14 at the Sackler
On Dec 8, at 2 p.m., explore the exhibition Yoga: The Art of Transformation with an activity book. Learn how a person became a yogi, what was gained and lost in the process, and yogis’ influence on Indian rulers and villagers during the period in which the art in the exhibition was created. Then return to the classroom to paint yantras used to focus the mind. ImaginAsia programs are for eight to fourteenyear-olds and their adult companions. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs begin promptly at 2 p.m. with introductions and a question-and-answer session. Next, families use an activity book to explore an exhibition or theme at their own pace. They then return to
the classroom for an art project related to the works viewed in the galleries. Art supplies are provided, and families are invited to take home their creations. Event is at the Sackler, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-1000. asia.si.edu
Holiday Festival at the American Art Museum
On Saturday, Dec 14, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., come in from the cold and celebrate the holidays with them! Stop by their craft tables to make a wintry art project. They’ll also have themed scavenger hunts, hot apple cider, and festive music to get you into the holiday spirit. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. AmericanArt.si.edu
Christmas in Camp at the Fort Ward Museum
On Dec 14, noon to 4 p.m., experience the festive sights and sounds of Christmas during the Civil War at this popular family event that features living history, music of the period, decorations, refreshments and tours. Suggested donations are $2/adults and $1/children. 4401 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Virginia. Fort Ward Park is the home of the Fort Ward Museum and a 41.4 acre historic park located on the west end of Old Town Alexandria. The land was used as a union fort from 1861-1865 to defend Washington, DC during the Civil War. oha.alexandriava.gov/fortward
See the Zoo’s Sumatran Tiger Cubs
The male and female Sumatran tiger cubs born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Aug 5 made their media debut during their swim reliability test on Nov 18. During the test, the cubs proved that they were able to swim, navigate toward shore and climb from the moat onto dry land. This is the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs born at the Zoo since 2006. Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that between 400 and 500 exist in the wild. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu
“The Nutcracker” Puppet Show at Glen Echo
The Nutcracker is the festive story of ClaraMarie’s favorite toy and their adventures together in the land of the Sugarplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production. This is the 25th Anniversary of this wildly popular show. Shows are Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. through Dec 29. Tickets are $10. More information call 30-634-5380 or visit thepuppetco. org. The Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 301-634-2222. glenechopark.org. H
Accepting Only Online Applications for the 2014-2015 School Year Grades PS/PK-5th Grade Apply at www.ewstokes.org If applicants do not have internet access, they can come to the school to apply on-line. With a French and Spanish immersion program and a dual focus on academic excellence and community service, Stokes School prepares culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.
Friends Community School Progressive Quaker Education Kindergarten - Grade 8 Experience the Joy of an Extraordinary Education!
OPEN HOUSES
9:00 a.m. sharp - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11 Thursday, Jan. 16 Application Deadline -- Jan. 22, 2014 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Tel: 301.441.2100 www.friendscommunityschool.org
Upcoming Open House: January 30, 2014 from 9:30am – 11:00am RSVP to Ms. Jo-Anne Hurlston, Parent Coordinator, jo-anneh@ewstokes.org School tours on Wednesday from 9:00 am -10:00 a.m.
3700 Oakview Terrace, NE | Washington, DC 20017 | 202.265.7237
ADMISSIONS RECEPTION FOR HILL PARENTS Thursday, December 12, 2013 7:00-8:30 p.m. 1112 C Street, S.E.
R.S.V.P. – connie@friendscommunityschool.org Only 15-20 minutes up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway!
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kids&family
School Notes Susan Braun Johnson
Brent Elementary
Friends Community School
Christmas Tree & Holiday Sale Dec. 7 & 8
Capitol Hill Admissions Reception, Dec. 12
The Brent Elementary School PTA is holding its Third Annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Sale on December 7th and 8th. We will have a huge selection of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, poinsettias,
Happy family buying tree last year at Brent sale!
winterberry and other holiday decorating items. Brent has partnered with an award-winning Christmas tree grower who provides the highest quality trees, delivered within 2-3 days of being cut. A happy customer last year wrote to say: “Absolutely the most perfect tree we have ever had.” Online pre-orders of Christmas and Hanukkah items are now being accepted at www.brentstore.org. Please visit www.brentstore.org for more information and to place an order. And please be sure to visit the Brent Elementary School playground at 301 North Carolina Ave. SE on December 7-8 to shop our enormous sale. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Brent PTA and the students at Brent Elementary School. - Denise Diggs, Brent Elementary, denise. diggs@dc.gov. 144 H hillrag.com
Friends Community School, a kindergarten through 8th grade Quaker school that welcomes students of all beliefs, will host its annual Capitol Hill admissions reception Thursday, December 12, at the home of a school family. Friends also will host admissions open houses at the school January 11 and 16 at 9 a.m. sharp. All parents interested in considering Friends for their children are welcome to attend. The deadline for applications is January 22, 2014. FCS, located in College Park,
MD, educates 220 children including about 25 from Capitol Hill. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 12 in kindergarten and 15 in other grades. This fall, FCS expanded its LEED Silver Certified building to include a lower school science lab, an art studio, a performing arts space, additional classrooms, offices and student lockers. Anyone interested in attending the admissions reception or an open house can get further details by contacting Connie Belfiore, Director of Admissions and Outreach, at connie@friendscommunityschool. org or 301-441-2100 x129. Eric Rosenthal. 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD. www. friendscommunityschool.org.
the theme, Ms. Burke’s class also organized a food drive to gather nonperishable food for the Capitol Area Food Bank. Each day from November 12-20, students brought in different types of food, starting with “Tuna Tuesday.”
Open Houses
‘Tis the season for school open houses and SWS has several coming up. If you’d like to see our Reggio-inspired classrooms in action and talk to parents of current SWS students, please join us at the school on one of the following dates: Dec 9, 9-11 a.m.; Jan 15, 6-7:30 p.m.; Feb 8, 10-11:30 a.m., Feb 19, 9-11 a.m. - Hannah Schardt. SWS, 920 F St NE, Washington, DC, 202-727-7377, schoolwithinschool.org.
School-Within-School Folktale Day
On November 1, SWS celebrated a beloved school tradition: Folktale Day, during which the older students enact favorite folktales for the younger students. This year, kindergarten and first grade classes performed stories including “The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything” for preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners. The shows were a big hit!
Giving Thanks
This school year, SWS is starting monthly school-wide Junior ornithologist at Maury – dissecting an owl pellet community meetings, each hosted by a single classroom. November’s meeting was hosted by Sarah Burke’s first-grade class, which chose Ornithologists and Owl Pellets the theme of “Gratitude: Helping and Maury students have all become Sharing.” Along with the community Ornithologists and are owl pellet obdiscussion, students and parents were sessed! Did you know that owls swalencouraged to talk about gratitude low their prey whole? Or that they and sharing at home. In keeping with cannot digest the bones and fur of
Maury Elementary
The team from “The Boy Who Flies,” an award winning film about following your dreams set in Malawi, recently visited Friends Community School. Zengo Rosenthal and Elizabeth Petty, children from Capitol Hill who attend Friends, ride aboard the School of Dreams Bus. Friends will be hosting its annual Capitol Hill Admissions Reception December 12.
their prey and cast out a “pellet” of these items about 10 hours after they eat? Would you believe that these pellets can give many clues to food resources, the food web, and habitat of the owl and prey? Believe it! This month in Think Tank, students in all grades are using owl pellets to address grade-level specific science inquiry and content standards. From fine motor skill practice using tweezers in Early Childhood, to use of Dichotomous Keys to determine specific rodent species of prey at older grades, students are owl pellet obsessed. In addition, Ornithologist and Hill resident Dan Rauch from DC Department of Environment has shared his deep knowledge of raptors with our 3rd grade students, bringing in REAL specimens lent to him by the National Zoo. To learn more, visit http://maurythinktank.blogspot. Kudos to our teachers. Maury’s super-fantastic first grade teacher, Mrs. Asonja Dorsey, is one of six educators in the City to receive the DCPS 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award. And Ms. Vanessa Ford was honored with a Living Legends Award from Living Classrooms in recognition of her efforts to improve the quality of the Anacostia River and DC area Environment through outreach, education, and community engagement - her work with the Maury Think Tank. Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. 202-698-3838 or mauryelementary.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. - Elizabeth Nelson.
Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan School News
Thank you to D.C. Councilman David Catania for touring our school and participating in our monthly Parent Student Teacher Organization meeting in November. The school community was interested to hear about his education initiatives and excited to share news about CHML. We welcome visitors who would like to experience first-hand the unique, caring, and challenging learning experience in progress at CHML and engage with the our parent, educator and student community. Thank you to the community
for attending our annual Haunted Harvest Festival in late October and thanks to all of the volunteers who made it a great and scary success! And thank you to our corporate sponsors: Penn Hill Group, Fulcrum Properties Group, and Giant on H Street. We greatly appreciate their support. As you get organized for the 2014-15 DCPS lottery, learn more about CHML! In addition to our current PS-6 grade offerings, CHML will be adding a 7th grade in 2014-15 (and 8 th grade the following year). Learn about our expanding school community at our upcoming open houses on Dec. 9 from 9:3010:30 a.m. and Jan 21 from 6:307:30 p.m. –Sara Burns. CHML, 215 G St NE; communications@capitolhillmontessorischool.org
Eastern Senior HS News Eastern Selected for Hochman Writing Program
Through a competitive application process, Eastern Senior High School was one of only four DC Public Schools selected to implement the Hochman Writing Program. As a Hochman pilot school, Eastern continues to analyze students’ writing and critical reading needs to support writing instruction at all learning levels. The program is predicated on first addressing sentence construction and then moving to outlines, with the final goal of a multi-paragraph argumentative essay. Both teachers and students have met the rigors of the program with much success, as evidenced by words of praise from Dr. Judith Hochman. The objective of the program is two-fold: to raise linguistic complexity and clarity of sentences, and to improve organizational skills. Walking through Eastern classrooms, don’t be surprised to hear talk of “coordinating conjunctions,” “quick outlines,” and “appositive phrases.” As the only comprehensive (non-application) high school in DCPS to offer the International Baccalaureate World Diploma, upperclassmen are accustomed to writing informational and analytical essays of substantial length. While a new writing initiative might be expected in classes such HillRag | December 2013 H 145
kids&family as English and History, teachers across the curriculum at Eastern are working together to elevate student expression. One student wrote the following in a Chemistry lab report: “Element spectra are unique because you can see the wavelength split [as well as] the color.” A geometry teacher asked students to complete the following sentence to check their understanding: “These coordinates are called a simultaneous solution of the original system of equations because ________.” The Hochman Writing Program is one way that Eastern Senior High School continues to serve as a leader in supporting a high bar of excellence for students in all content areas. - Lauren Johnson, Instructional Coach, Eastern Senior High School. 1700 East Capitol St. NE, website: www.easternhighschooldc.org.
Turkey Trot Runners Give Meaning to Thanksgiving
For the third year in a row, St. Peter School and Parish fielded an impressive group of runners and walkers to participate in the Turkey Trot for Hunger to benefit SOME (So Others Might Eat). Over 30 members of the St. Peter’s community gathered on Thanksgiving morning for the 5k run and family walk to raise funds for food, clothing and medical services for the homeless and hungry in the District.
CYO Basketball Well Underway!
St. Peter School Fifth Graders visit Historic Mt. Vernon
Friendship PCS Chamberlain Campus Classed as High-Performing
Friendship Public Charter School’s Chamberlain elementary and middle school campus was classified in November as a Tier 1, high-performing public charter school by the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board. District charters educate 44 percent of all D.C. children enrolled in public school yet only 23 charter campuses were classified as Tier 1 schools. “This is a confirmation of the commitment made by the leadership, faculty and staff at our Chamberlain campus to reach their students and become one of the best public charter schools in the District,” said Donald L. Hense, chairman and founder of Friendship Public Charter School. A school’s tier—there are three—is determined by a mix of factors including students’ performance on standardized reading and math tests and the school’s re-enrollment and attendance rates. At Friendship’s Chamberlain campus students are prepared from an early age for the rigors of a college education. Many go on to attend Friendship’s flagship charter high school, Collegiate Academy, which has a 95-percent on-time graduation rate. (The average on-time graduation rate for D.C. Public Schools is 56 percent.) Fully 100 percent of Collegiate Academy’s graduating class is accepted to college. – Dan Cronin. The Chamberlain campus is located at 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE; www.friendship.org/ 146 H hillrag.com
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary
The coming months will be fun - filled for the Ludlow - Taylor community! We begin December with a Scholastic book fair. Come augment your libraries Dec. 3-10 by buying books for your children to support Ludlow. December also will feature the annual Winter Festival during which LTES students exercise their talents in a grand show that has been much lauded in years past. The event offers a glimpse of what Ludlow students learn through the arts integration program that is the focus of the school’s curriculum.
Save the date
Please mark your calendars for Ludlow’s third annual Pancake Supper and Literacy Night on Feb. 7, 2014. Last year was a feast of methods to encourage children and adults to read more. The pancakes were a hit as well. We had a great time last year and encourage you to join us in February as we celebrate reading and literacy. Rebekah Benson-Flannery. Ludlow Taylor, 659 G St. NE, 202-698-3244.
The St. Peter Panthers have hit the courts hard preparing for this year’s CYO basketball season. Fielding girls and boys Rookie, Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams, the Panthers are fortunate to be coached by a group of teacher, parent and parish volunteers – many of whom played college ball. A special thank you to National Capital Bank for the generous donation that is enabling the teams to practice twice a week in the St. Coletta gym.
Winter Open House
St. Peter School Winter Open Houses will be held on Jan 16 from 9–11 a.m. Prospective families are invited to tour the school and meet with faculty and parents. If you are interested in learning more about the school, please contact Mrs. Deirdre Schmutz at dschmutz@stpeterschooldc.org; 202-544-1618 or visit www.stpeterschooldc. org. –Sally Aman.
Capitol Hill Cluster School News Stuart-Hobson Middle School
To celebrate author James Patterson and his donation of books to DCPS schools, Stuart-Hobson Middle School hosted the author, mayoral candidate Jack Evans, and Mayor
St. Peter School News Mt. Vernon Visit Reveals Vibrant History
As part of their social studies unit, the St. Peter School fifth grade class took advantage of living and learning in our nation’s capital by visiting nearby historic Mt. Vernon. Students visited George and Martha Washington’s tomb, toured the homestead, and learned how the 8,000 acre farm operated over the course many generations. Student favorites included watching a blacksmith forge chains and craftsmen repair roofing.
Stuart-Hobson’s girls cross country team won 3rd place at the DCIAA city track championships. The boys’ team got 4th place. 6th grader Leah S. earned a medal for her 6th place finish. 8th grader Anthony A. also earned a medal. Pictured: Coach Pryor, Melady B., Gretchen H., Kayla L., Nina P., Leah S., Ms. Bonds.
Vincent Gray. Former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger separately visited Stuart-Hobson while lobbying Congress for afterschool funding. Twenty years ago, he founded After-School All-Stars, whose program at Stuart-Hobson started this August. Award-winning children’s author Sharon Draper visited both Stuart-Hobson and Watkins in November, treating the kids to stories from her popular books. The 3rd annual Wine Raffle and Game Night filled the StuartHobson gym with kids and parents enjoying games provided by Labyrinth. Thank you for a funfilled evening raising funds and raffling off wine. Special thanks to Labyrinth, Schneider’s, Chat’s, and Hill’s Kitchen.
Peabody Primary Campus
Peabody kindergartener Abigail H. won 4th place in her age group in DC’s Healthy Schools Art and Essay contest with her colorful drawing of children, plants, and insects. After completing planting activities in September, Peabody’s student chefs learned about fresh broccoli and cauliflower, drawing and cutting veggies, then making cauliflower soup and roasted garlic Parmesan broccoli.
Watkins Elementary School
The Watkins Safety Patrol sponsored a food drive to help needy families at the school before Thanksgiving, providing side dishes in coordination with another organization donating turkeys. Several Watkins students received awards for their art in DC’s Healthy Schools Art and Essay contest. Congratulations to Morgan P. (3rd grade); Anderson W. (4th grade); Ahmeen J. (1st grade;); and Colin C. (2nd grade). -Beth Dewhurst. Peabody Primary School, 425 C St NE; Watkins Elementary School, 420 12th St SE; Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 410 E St NE.
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kids&family
Payne students Enjoy New Books from United Reads
Payne Elementary
Reading is always an adventure at Payne Elementary School, but when DC United soccer stars or professional storytellers read, the experience is one that student won’t soon forget! This month, our students had the opportunity to grow their personal libraries with books given to them from United Reads and Everybody Wins! When Adults Read With Children. As the first elementary school to partner with DC United in 2002 for this community outreach effort, we look forward to this annual visit. United Reads provided a reader for each classroom from preschool through grade 2, and then hosted an interactive assembly for the third through fifth graders that emphasized the importance of reading and staying healthy. The event culminated with a book distribution and an impromptu autograph session for a few adoring elementary-aged fans. Everybody Wins! When Adults Read with Children promotes early literacy and the love of reading through storytelling that honors history, communicates feelings, uplifts students and encourages them to participate in the experience while learning about the world around them. Partnerships like these provide memorable literacy experiences that help us develop readers, one new “book lover” at a time! Rakecia Whitaker Hanna. 1445 C Street NE.
public school and public charter school peers on D.C.’s standardized tests. With a focus on academic excellence and community service, the school aims to educate its students in 21st century skills and to become compassionate members of their communities and global citizens. In partnership with four other bilingual public charter schools, Stokes has successfully secured a charter to open a new bilingual immersion middle and high school, to which its students will automatically be entitled to enroll. The new D.C. International School opens August 2014. –Dan Cronin. Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School, 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE; www.ewstokes.
St. Anselm’s Abbey School Shaping Tomorrow’s Diplomats
A post 9/11 world collaboration between government agencies, the private sector and universities turned into a long-standing and rigorous course offering at St. Anselm’s Abbey School. Here students are tasked with mastering the Arabic language on a “global competency” level – meaning it’s not just about conjugating verbs, but developing a deep understanding and appreciation of the culture. The program’s development more than eight years ago was very much a collective effort when several of the school’s teachers tapped former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Michael Lemmon, to lend his perspective to their knowledge and experience and create this unmatched program. The school was one of, if not the first, to main-
Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS Named High-Performing Again
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School has been named one of only 23 D.C. charter school campuses classified as a Tier 1, high-performing school. The Stokes school’s top classification, which the school also has earned previously, is determined by student performance on the city’s standardized reading and math tests, student re-enrollment and student attendance. The school believes that key to their students’ strong performance is their bilingual immersion program. One of a very limited number of such schools in the District, Stokes school teaches its preschool through sixth grade students to speak, write, read, think and learn in two languages, either French and English or Spanish and English. Stokes students significantly outperform their traditional 148 H hillrag.com
JO Wilson Students Celebrate Walk to School Day
stream Arabic – Catholic, private or otherwise. Further, earlier this year it expanded its courses and began offering classes beginning in the eighth grade. Helmed by teacher Virginia Vassar, students have accomplished some pretty impressive things. Most recently, they have committed to participating in the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Model Arab League program happening in the spring. St. Anselm’s has some other big goals for the Arabic program. Vassar envisions organizing travel opportunities (such as a Spring Break trip to Oman or Jordan); securing internships and government exchange programs; applying for grants to host an Arabic competition; and bringing a visiting teacher from Egypt. Many of the boys choose to take Arabic started because it’s an uncommon skill and gives them “an edge” in terms of academic and career opportunities. Now many of these young men are interested in the diplomatic life and are tracking to work for the State Department. -Amy Talley.
J.O. Wilson Elementary School
The J. O. Wilson community has had a wonderful fall thus far including an exciting Walk to School Day, a successful Taste of H auction fundraiser, and a thrilling neighborhood Halloween parade! The parade featured one of JO Wilson’s partners, the H Street Community Development Corporation, who provided treats and prizes for great costumes. Classrooms are brimming with focus and excitement in all subject areas, and for literacy, classes are participating in “Book your Door”
to decorate room doors with a The Giver and their History study book of their choice, and celebrat- of civilizations. ing Literacy Night with special Middle school students manage reading activities and a school expectations of multiple teachers, community book swap. deal with increasingly abstract conJO Wilson students are suc- cepts, and take growing responsibilceeding both in academics and out- ity for their own learning. Eighth side of the classroom through our graders also serve as Admissions powerful partnerships. The Wash- Guides and take a weekly SSAT ington Ballet completed a 6-week preparation course. At this year’s session with third graders and 12th Annual High School Forum, has begun the winter session with 25 CHDS alumni from 13 schools second graders. A new partner- answered questions from eighthship was established with Pizzeria grade families about high school apUno at Union Station for reading plications, academics, sports, clubs, and good citizenship incentives, and special activities. The FBI and EEOC tutoring and mentoring programs continue to work with our students in second through fifth grades; and the US Court of Appeals tutoring program in grades 3-5 and Scrabble club for 4th and 5th graders are off to an amazing start. Many thanks to all of our partners for their generosity, talent and commitment to our students! -Samantha Caruth, J. O. Wilson Elementary School, 660 K St. NE, 202698-4733, www.jowil- CHDS 7th Graders study fish adaptation at Ferguson sonelementary.org. Farms. Photo: Lisa Sommers.
Capitol Hill Day School Moving Up to Middle School
Capitol Hill Day School middle-schoolers had a busy fall. In addition to studying English, Math, Science, History, French, Spanish, PE, and the Arts, CHDS 6th through 8th graders went on 24 field trips, including overnight trips to Sheridan Mountain and the Chesapeake Bay. Sixth-graders are rehearsing the musical Oklahoma!, and 7th and 8th graders are finishing up first trimester Arts Choice classes in Song Writing, The Actor’s Journey, Environmental Art, and Digital Photography. As part of the integrated curriculum, sixth-graders are creating different visions of utopian societies based on their English study of
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and more. While the transition to middle school involves a number of adjustments and challenges, there are certain constants at CHDS: students in all grades learn actively and cooperatively, balance skills and concepts, use a problem-solving approach, and connect classroom learning to the real world through weekly field education experiences.
Open House
Applicants to grades 5-7 can learn more at the December 5 Open House. - Jane Angarola. Capitol Hill Day School, 210 South Carolina Ave, SE. chds.org.
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kids&family and text opinion). Eliot-Hine offers Tuesday Tours each week from 9 to 10:30am and 1 to 3pm. - Heather Schoell. EH Parent. Eliot-Hine Middle School, 1830 Constitution Ave., NE. 202939-5380 or eliothinemiddleschool.org. @ EliotHine, facebook. com/EliotHineMS.
Tyler Elementary
The Spanish Immersion program at Tyler Elementary is filled with fantastic Eliot-Hine received a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to fund Elizabeth Nelson’s Knitting Club. teachers from all over the world, and we are to play). After recess, they get lined thrilled to announce up by college (room), and it’s back that two additional international Capitol Hill Community Founda- to class, escorted by the teacher. teachers have joined us this year After class, they grab their back- from Spain, including Ms. Silvia tion Funds Eliot-Hine PTO Congratulations to Eliot- packs from their lockers and head Guevara, a new PreK-4 teacher Hine’s 6th Grade Special Ed to two specials (Technology, Span- who hails from Salamanca, Spain, teacher Cubby Brown and friend ish, Music, P.E.), then go home and Ms. Sylvia Paul, a first grade of the school/LSAT member (or to aftercare) and do homework teacher who joins us from CordoElizabeth Nelson. Mr. Brown ap- – every day. Sometimes there’s a ba, Spain. plied for and received a grant for lot of homework, and sometimes “One of the goals in coming math manipulatives and other aca- there’s not too much, but they must here is to strengthen the exchange demic tools and books for the suc- read at least 30 minutes every day of teaching ideas between the US cess of his students. “Aunt Lizzie” and do the reading log (summary, and Spain,” says Paul. “We’re founfamiliar words, text connection, requested funds to start her middle school students knitting during Friday recess. Thank you, Capitol Hill Community Foundation, for this and all that you do to make this neighborhood great!
Eliot-Hine School Notes
cused primarily on reading, but also on enriching student understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.” For Tyler, the addition of visiting teachers from around the world directly supports one of the primary goals of our bilingual education program, which is to offer a vision of our fabulously diverse world to children at a young age in order to improve their geographic, linguistic, and cultural intelligence. Ms. Guevara and Ms. Paul are two of 18 teachers chosen to work in DC schools through a partnership between the DCPS Office of Bilingual Education and the Spanish government. They will be with us for two years. Bienvenidas maestras! - Colleen Cancio; ccancio@ gmail.com.Tyler Elementary, 1001 G St, SE. TylerElementary.net.
Archbishop Carroll H.S. News Students Inducted into National Honor Society
Thirteen outstanding juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society at Archbishop Carroll High School, 4300 Harewood Rd. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017 on Wednesday, Octo-
A Day in the Life of an EliotHine Sixth-Grader
What’s a day look like for a kid in middle school? They meet in the cafeteria, then are escorted to their lockers outside of class. They go to homeroom, then to the next class, always supervised by the 6th grade Asst. Principal. (All regular 6th grade classes are in the same hallway.) After the next class, they go to lunch (boys sit on one side of the room, girls on the other), then on to recess (to the library for clubs if they signed up in homeroom, or out 150 H hillrag.com
Spanish Immersion Teacher Ms. Paul, working at Tyler Elementary through a partnership between DCPS and the Spanish government.
ber 30, 2013. The National Honor Society is a national organization of high school students who are dedicated to scholarship, leadership, character and service. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be invited to apply; to be selected, they need to be models of involvement, service and academic zeal. Together, the NHS members tutor other students and engage in extra service in the Carroll community. The inductees include Rage Bailey of S.E., Washington, D.C.
graduates being accepted to college, beginning with its first graduating class of 2012. CAPITAL CITY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL is an award-winning public school of choice for children PreK through 12th grade. The school serves a diverse population of 983 students in one consolidated facility in Ward 4. www. ccpcs.org.
Capital City Public Charter School
With more information and an easier to read format, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has redesigned and updated report cards students and parents rely on for information about student progress. The new report card includes more guidance and concrete steps for families to support their student’s learning at home. DCPS worked with families, principals and teachers to help transform the report card, which, among other key features, now summarizes student information on the front page of the report to give a clear picture of student progress at first glance. Data from a student’s DC-CAS exam, the end of the year state test taken by all 3-8th and 10th grade students, will appear on the first report card of the year and two years of CAS data will be printed, if available. Up to two years of PSAT or SAT data will be printed for students who have taken those tests. For students in elementary grades, the new report card will list student reading levels and a suggested list of books for families to read with their students. The report card also includes information about a student’s attendance, advising parents about new DC truancy regulations that apply directly to their child because of their age and number of absences. The report card will also include special recognition when a student has perfect attendance. For families of middle and high school students, the first page of the new student report card gives parents clear information about their student’s performance across a number of measures. The first page explains the three types of GPA, how many hours of community service their child still needs to complete and, if applicable, also tells parents which courses their student is failing. The course failure warnings get “louder” as the year progresses so that students who are failing courses in the third term are asked to explore summer school and credit recovery options with their school. H
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The high school program of Capital City Public Charter School, an Expeditionary Learning school in Washington, DC, was recognized as a Tier 1 high- performing school on the Performance Management Framework (PMF) in a public ceremony held by the DC Public Charter School Board on Nov 8. It was one of six public charter schools to receive such designation. The designation follows large gains in the high school’s DC-CAS scores. Capital City high school scores increased 26-percentage points in reading and 25-percentage points in math from 2012. “We are extremely proud of this award; it reflects the hard work of our teachers and administrators to increase academic rigor and improve instruction while staying true to our mission and model,” commented Karen Dresden, Head of School. For the 2012 – 2013 school year, the high school added an additional period to the schedule so that students needing extra support could take numeracy and literacy courses in addition to their regular math and English courses. There was also an increased focus on involving students in assessing their own learning. “I’m most proud of the team approach that the faculty took to make this happen,” said Belicia Reaves, High School Principal, “Each student felt empowered and part of the process.” “We are [also] proud of the increase in 9th grade on-track, which was supported by the new schedule, our orientation process, and our personalized approach to learning,” said Dresden. Ninth graders on-track to graduate is a key indicator that students will eventually graduate from high school and is one of the metrics on the high school PMF. The Tier 1 designation follows two successful years of 100 percent of the school’s
DCPS Launches New Report Card
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Homes & Gardens Seasons Greenings! From the US Botanic Garden
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e’re all aware that DC boasts some of the top museums in the nation, but we might not remember that it is also home to a rich plant resource, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG). Located adjacent to the Capitol at the corner of Independence Avenue and First Street SW, the USBG is part of George Washington’s vision put forth over 200 years ago, a place designed to demonstrate the value of plants to our fledgling nation. Congress established the USBG in 1820. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, it is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the US. Holly Shimizu has been the Executive Director of the US Botanic Garden since 2000, and has extensive experience working in public gardens internationally and in the US. She says it’s important for the garden to be a part of the community. “It’s meaningful and valuable that we get positive feedback, and how great to be located in a vibrant neighborhood where people who live or work nearby want to keep coming back – whether it’s because of classes, shows or exhibits. People gather for summer picnics, and others might take a seat outdoors in nice weather and conduct a business meeting. And we have fantastic volunteers here who give so much.” Running through January 5, 2014, you’ll find “Season’s Greenings” which includes a poinsettia showcase with over a dozen varieties (some heirloom), a grove of conifer trees, a fantastic model train display and one of the largest indoor decorated trees in the District.
by Annette Nielsen
A model of the US Capitol Building, built with natural materials will be on display in the US Botanic Garden Conservatory’s Garden Court November 28 through January 5, 2014. Photo: US Botanic Garden. HillRag | December 2013 H 153
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Laura Condeluci, USBG Public Programs Coordinator (left) and Holly Shimizu, USBG Executive Director stand in the middle of a tropical paradise (on permanent exhibit), flanked by seasonal amaryllis. Photo: Annette Nielsen
Laura Condeluci, Public Pro- and Klezmer band Lox & Vodka. grams Coordinator, says that atten- (Most performances start at 6:00 dance increases during the holiday p.m.; for a complete schedule with season, especially with people who start times visit USBG.gov). have a tradition of coming to see There’s more to see than the the train display. “Our ‘World Fairs’ theme this year will include iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower,” she said. The trains wind in and out of familiar architectural gems made from plant material. Many capital landmark buildings, including the US Capitol building, fashioned out of natural materials will also be on display in the Conservatory’s Garden Court. The USBG is open until 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, and will showcase groups like the jazzfocused Project Natale, a capella group The Capital HearThe annual train exhibit in the East Gallery includes the Eiffel ings, Irish folk rock Tower, part of the World’s Fair theme this year, where you’ll see familiar structures created with plant materials, November 28 band 40 Thieves, through January 5, 2014. Photo: US Botanic Garden.
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seasonal offerings. With about 65,000 plants, the permanent collections in the Conservatory take you around the world all year long and include medicinals, beautiful orchids, Jurassic and endangered plants. There are historic specimens, even several that date from the original 1842 founding collection. The National Garden (their newest outdoor space) features the Regional Garden of MidAtlantic native plants, the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden and the First Ladies Water Garden. Across the street from the Conservatory, you’ll find Bartholdi Park, known as the “secret” garden of Washingtonians, a place where a number of themed gardens and a variety of innovative plant combinations surrounding the historic Bartholdi Fountain. The USBG is open every day of the year and admission is always free. The Garden is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and receives funding from annual appropriations. Some USBG educational programs are supported by the National Fund for the US Botanic Garden. More information about the Fund can be found at nfusbg.org. Says Shimizu, “We look to find a balance between tradition and surprise, creativity and change. While our exhibits change each year, our collaborative work with people like Paul Busse (one of the designers of the annual train exhibit) is a perfect example of how to apply imagination to a botanical focus, all with integrity. It’s so awesome that this all comes together – bringing joy to the season.” Adds Condeluci, “This type of exhibition becomes a great tradition for families who like to visit this time of year. They have this experience that is part of their memory book.” The US Botanic Garden is located at 245 First St, SW; for further information on schedules and events, visit usbg.org or call 202.225.8333. H HillRag | December 2013 H 155
homesgardens gardenspot
Holiday Garden Books by Derek Thomas
D
ecember is a time for reflecting on our gardens which, with the exception of a stray fall blooming camellia or emerging Lenten rose, have gone to sleep. The holidays are in full swing and for many gardeners like myself the visions of sugarplums come connected to dreams of wave after wave of springtime plants each so eagerly anticipated. During this season of acorn squash and overflowing bowls of chili, holiday menorahs and stars atop trees, a great book can stoke creative ideas for your garden, or just give you the pleasure of enjoying some of the world’s garden masterpieces.
Green Roofs and Rooftop Gardens Brooklyn Botanic Gardens $12.95
Available through shop@ bbg.org Green roofs have been used for centuries and during the last decade have experienced a renaissance in the US. Many people are interested in green roofs due to their insulating effect and energy conservation potential. This book provides a practical introduction on how to care for these living rooftops which have to be cared for as any garden. This book is an important place to start before you commit to construction of one at your home.
Central Park NYC An Architectural View By Andrew Zegna and Bernd H. Dams Rizzoli, $75.00
Central Park is Americas most magnificent urban park. Nestled on 778 acres in the heart of the “city that never sleeps,” Central Park is a magnificent place where man made architecture and the architecture of the plant world collide in massive outdoor garden rooms, from the masterfully ornate yet skillfully restrained Bethesda Terrace and Fountain to the famously photographed “Mall,” The Conservatory Garden’s collections and the bridges and waterways. Central Park could be a weeklong vacation destination and not be ever fully explored or appreciated. This book gives the reader a good starting point. The authors mix historical data with historical sentiment to entice the reader to learn about and explore the “people’s park.”
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The Elegant Garden: Architecture And Landscape of the Worlds Finest Gardens By Johann Kraftner Rizzoli, $60.00
This book will lead you through the most magnificent, well designed, important gardens the world has to offer. From classical, medieval, and modern, from Chinese, English, and Japanese, the gardens in this book will give you a depth and appreciation of all gardens and garden techniques. This ambitious book illuminates gardens that are loved by the world for their important contributions to the craft of gardens. Through their structural, functional, and diverse use of negative and positive spaces, these gardens create sanctuaries and memorials that will be copied in part or whole in feeling or abstract representation for centuries to come. If you have ever loved a garden, if you have ever created one, if you have ever found solace and strength in the beauty of a garden’s ability to transform and add beauty, this book will be important and well-loved.
Derek Jarman’s Garden Derek Jarman with photographs by Howard Sooley Overlook, $17.57 through Amazon.com
The English resort area of Dungeness is a desolate resort of pop-up campers in the shadows of a nuclear power plant. The beach is a stony one with cold and dark waters. It was here that Derek Jarman built a home and garden. The house is painted black with a yellow poem written across the sunny side. The garden’s beauty comes form its starkness and its use of found objects that washed up on the shore where Derek Jarman chose to live and construct his abstract films and art during the final years of his life. In many ways the garden reflects his battle with HIV with its surprising beauty amidst constant chaos. He created one of the world’s most important gardens because of the way he put his heart and soul into his garden. Readers will beHillRag | December 2013 H 157
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come absorbed and enriched by how a garden is truly beautiful because of the gardener’s love for their garden creation and not the preconceived notions of what a great garden is.\
Bok Tower Gardens: America’s Taj Mahal Kenneth Treister & David Price Rizzoli, $50.00
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References Upon Request Bonded and Insured beautiful because you have lived in it” that guided Edward Bok through his life in the publishing industry. Or it could have been her words that motivated him to purchase 22 acres in central Florida to make a garden. Regardless of Mr. Bok’s motivation his creation of Bok gardens and tower is one of the most beautiful gifts left to America. The gardens now encompass more than six hundred acres and they were designated a historic landmark in 1993. Designed by Frederic Law Olmstead, the informal gardens are a perfect destination for a long leisurely day taking in the architecture of one man’s mission. Derek Thomas is principal of Thomas Landscapes. His garden designs have been featured on HGTV’s Curb Appeal, and Get It Sold. His weekly garden segment can be seen on WTTG/Fox 5 in Washington. He can be reached at www.thomaslandscapes.com or 301-642-5182. Facebook/Thomas Landscapes. Follow us on Twitter @ThomasGardenGuy For Great Garden Tips. H
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The tree in front of our house died two years ago. I missed the June deadline for requesting a new street tree. What should I do now – it is December -- and who owns the places between the sidewalk and the street and what is allowed in them? The District of Columbia owns those places. If you wish to plant another tree in your tree box, fill out a formal request with DDOT, the DC Department of Transportation before June 15, 2014. http:// dc.gov/DC/DDOT/Services/ Tree+Services/Request+a+St reet+Tree+Service+or+Planti ng. If you get a tree, mulch the entire box and plant nothing else there. If you do not want another tree, you can improve the soil there and plant shallowrooted flowers or shrubs that grow no higher than 18 inches. Fences must be 3-sided and no higher than 12 inches. Here is a map of all the places new trees will be planted in DC from October until March. http:// dc.gov/DC/DDOT/Services/ Tree+Services/Tree+Planting My Nandina is covered with bright red berries. What winter care, if any, does it need from me? None, really. If strong icy winds “burn” some of its leaves, cut them off after the berries fall off, in late winter. Heavenly bamboo grows well in all seasons and damage from cold is rare when grown in its USDA hardiness zones – 6 to 8. If the leaves wilt or look pale, water the plant. Nandina needs less water during winter, and does not require fertilization then ei-
ther. Apply a 3- to 5-inch layer of mulch around the shrubs, spreading the mulch beyond the plant’s canopy to protect the roots from cold. If pruning is necessary, do it after fruiting, generally in late winter.
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I read that giant white Trilliums are now available. I recall wild Trilliums as a child up north in the early spring woods – we were forbidden to pick them because they were rare. How can I get some for my decadent southern garden in DC, and how do I plant them? Trillium Grandiflorum (large-flower ‘wake robin’) is endangered in some states, partly because deer eat them. Trilliums are tricky to grow from seed, which must be planted in the autumn, so you are too late now anyway. However, you can buy bare-root seedlings to plant in April from native plant nurseries. Search online. Try Prairie Moon Nursery, for one. Trilliums need loamy, sandy soil and a bit of sun but not too much, and, around here, definitely afternoon shade. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the next free public meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club members discuss their own gardens. 7 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 4th Street door, corner North Carolina Avenue and 4th Street, SE. Membership details are at capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com/ or 202-544-4261. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o The Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@ hillrag.com. Your problems might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. H
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www.BikramYogaCapitolHill.com
www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
WIRING
Anchor Computers
645 Penn Ave., SE upstairs M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6
202-543-5632
zoolatry (zoo-ahl’-uh-tree) the worship of animals – especially a pet
Mid-Day Dog Walking Service Pet sitting – Medications Administered Crate Training Insured – Bonded Member of National Association of Professional Petsitters
(202) 547-WALK (9255) Meet Our Walkers Online at
www.zoolatry.com
Big dogs, puppies, hard to handle and older dogs. I love them all ….and I also love kitties.
Phillip DuBasky Dog Walking, Kitty Care & Pet Sitting
Serving Capitol Hill Since 1995
Never missed a walk in 10 years Experienced and Reliable Outstanding Hill References • Insured by PSA
202.889.0996 HillRag | December 2013 H 167
Over 20 years’ experience in all things cat
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• vacation/travel pet sitting for cats and other small animals
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• in-home training in medication or fluids administration
Conveniently Located Just Outside DC
• assistance with alley cats • cat behavior questions & behavior modification techniques
• Pickup or Delivery • Large or Small Amounts • Over 10 years Serving DC Open M-F 10am-4pm • Sat 10am-2pm
Charlotte Fox 202-341-9089
(202) 554-4100
Specializing in Cats with Medical Needs Serving Capitol Hill, near Northeast, Atlas District, Southwest & NoMA For cat adoptions www.capitalcats.petfinder.org
DOG TRAINING
firewdfac@yahoo.com 4521 Kenilworth Avenue, Bladensburg, MD - Rear Lot
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Relocation Assistance Available • Quick Settlement
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CAPITAL CATS
Adoption Event at Howl to the Chief
Sundays Noon to 3 PM 733 8th Street, S.E.
a five-minute walk from Eastern Market Metro.
Visit our Web site to view pictures and their engaging personalities at www.capitalcats.petfinder.com or www.homealone.petfinder.com Capital Cats is a non-profit cat rescue organization on the Hill that has many wonderful, personable cats and kittens available for adoption to good homes.
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Chinese
On the Hill Helen Zhu
Professional language instructor Visionary Practitioner (for children/adults)
New class starts Sep/Mar
Classes + Online lessons + Network
202.885.9406
www.chinesehorizon.net
Learn Chinese Communicate
at Soul Levels
WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS? C O NTA CT
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LOPEZ 202.543.8300
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Questions about Distribution? Email distribution@hillrag.com or call 202-400-3512 HillRag | December 2013 H 169
thelastword CSX Wants to Move Its Rails
CSX doesn’t want to just expand the Virginia Avenue Tunnel (VAT). It also wants to shift the center line of the permanent tunnel up to 25 feet to the south, with the total shift even greater. We have been asking CSX, FHWA, and DDOT for years about the right of way (ROW), including: • What are the exact boundaries of the existing tunnel? • What additional ROW will CSX need? • Who has the authority to grant it, under what process? The agencies have done little more than refer to behind-the-scenes negotiations, and they seem to confuse ROW (for permanent use) with permitting (for construction activities). The long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) mentions the 1869 and 1901 statutes authorizing the tracks and tunnel. DEIS at 1-3. It acknowledges that any new tunnel would be beyond the current alignment. DEIS at 5-3. It then says that because no private property would be taken, “no additional detail… is warranted.” DEIS at 3-5. The DEIS neglects a Supreme Court case about these very tracks, District of Columbia Commissioners v. Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Company, 114 U.S. 453 (1885). That case holds that if the railroad wants to move the Congressionally-authorized tracks, the railroad must get permission from Congress. Granted, that case was prior to the 1901 statute’s vague ROW. But that statute also says that all work must be completed by 1906. No authorization for later expansions or shifts. Subsequent cases limit vague ROWs to the space that a railroad has actually used. If CSX and the agencies are relying on contrary authorities, they should disclose those for public review. Moreover, the Virginia Avenue ROW, at 160 feet, is much wider than the street. The United States owns the Virginia Avenue ROW. The Home 170 H hillrag.com
Rule Act of 1973, allowing the city to maintain and control the streets, did not change that. So it looks like CSX must go to Congress, though it will still need approvals from DC. At Congresswoman Norton’s November 23 community meeting, CSX denied that it was lobbying Congress about the VAT. I then produced CSX’s two most recent quarterly lobbying disclosure reports -- prepared by CSX -- showing CSX lobbying specifically about the VAT. CSX lobbying expenses during those six months were $1,686,592. Norton wants transparency about the ROW and related issues, including what the city would get in return for the harms and risks imposed by CSX. She’s asking for a Congressional oversight hearing into FHWA’s handling of the VAT project. Many thanks to Norton for recognizing that these discussions need to be public. There’s a lot at stake here. Maureen Cohen Harrington cohenharrington@gmail.com
Smoked Out By CSX
I walked my dog this Sunday, November 17th, as I do every day, and watched Garfield Park fill with smoke that started billowing out of Virginia Avenue Tunnel, following a slow moving train heading south. I had no idea what was going on, but it made me very uneasy. Neighbors called the CSX emergency response number and CSX maintained everything was ‘normal’ in the tunnel. Turns out that an open freight car filled with wooden railroad ties had caught fire. Those ties contained creosote, which is a known carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Imagine something more dangerous burning, under ‘normal’ conditions, during spring and summer, when Garfield Park is full of families and children, including my own. And now increase the probability of an incident by a factor of 10. If you’re wondering what I’m talk-
ing about, CSX is proposing an expansion of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel, to increase its capacity from single track, single-stacked trains, into a double track, double-stacked trains. And while they are expanding the tunnel, they plan to turn Virginia Avenue into a trench and still have the trains running through the construction zone! If you’re not familiar with the project, please visit www.dcsaferail. org (here you can also find a link to the Washington Post’s coverage of the fire). Contrary to widespread belief—this project is NOT a ‘done deal’. Permitting and review process is still under way. We can affect the outcome, but we must speak up. We can’t assume CSX and the government agencies are doing due diligence and looking out for our safety and health. If you feel the same way, please contact Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and express your concerns, via her assistant at lauren.dudley@mail. house.gov, or join e-mail list at www. dcsaferail.org. Helena Smolich, 500 block of Second St. SE helena.smolich@gmail.com
Not Too Late to be Heard on The Virginia Avenue Tunnel
The recent fire in CSX’s Virginia Avenue Tunnel was a wake up call for this community. Thankfully, the fire didn’t involve any highly hazardous materials or spread to other cars, but considering CSX’s 221 accidents in 2012, that doesn’t offer much comfort. What might happen if CSX gets approval to move forward on an open-trench construction project, running more and double-stacked trains at higher speeds on temporary tracks, adjacent to Garfield Park and playground, the highway, numerous homes, a multi-story office building and a senior housing center? Though DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton says CSX has agreed not to carry “high hazmats” through our neighborhood, but that CSX
doesn’t disclose its cargo. We’re not worried about “orange juice and soybeans.” We worry about things like sodium chlorate, oil or diesel engine fuel, any of which would devastate our community in an accident. Too many questions remain. How much air and noise pollution and increased vibrations can we expect? How will CSX satisfactorily mitigate these health threats to the most vulnerable in our community? Are CSX and DC authorities prepared for a derailment, given the proximity to the U.S. capitol and other national treasures? What about the hundreds of irreplaceable majestic trees that will be lost? How long will cross streets like 3rd, 4th, 5th/6th, 8th and 11th Streets be inaccessible? These, along with the 6th street exit from 695 are critical to thousands of residents and commuters who already endure long traffic tie-ups, especially on Nationals home game days. It’s not too late for the residents of Capitol Hill and Navy Yard to speak out. Thankfully, ANC 6D Commissioner David Garber, and our Council Member, Tommy Wells, are listening and voicing our concerns. It’s time for DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Vincent Gray to join them. Jared Weaver j.benjamin.weaver88@gmail.com
The Navy Yard Neighborhood Opposes CSX
The Navy Yard Neighborhood Association (NYNA) is very concerned about the potential impacts of this closure on the community, including: • commuter traffic • emergency vehicle access • traffic to and from games and events at Nationals Stadium • evacuation in case of emergency • economic impact on Capitol Riverfront and Barracks Row business districts Project background: CSX proposes to undertake a major mile-long
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infrastructure project to demolish an existing single-track rail tunnel and replace it with a new, wider two-track tunnel capable of handling double-stack rail cars. They propose open-trench construction, and they propose to continue freight rail passage through the construction site for the duration of construction. CSX is currently in the process of completing an Environmental Impact Statement for the project, under the FHWA (lead agency) and the District Department of Transportation. NYNA will be looking for further clarification on this issue in advance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is due to be released any day. For more information, please feel free to contact us at NavyYardNA@gmail.com. Established in October 2013 as a DC non-profit corporation, Navy Yard Neighborhood Association (NYNA) exists to promote the general welfare and interests – including safety and security, education, quality of life, and economic development – of the community known as the Navy Yard, Capitol Riverfront, and Near Southeast neighborhoods in the District of Columbia.
Charles Allen Is Our Choice for Councilmember
As Ward 6’s elected education leaders, we are proud to endorse Charles Allen for Ward 6 member of the DC Council. Charles has been an integral part of the successes we have seen so far at our neighborhood elementary schools and he stands ready to work with residents to bring that same energy and urgency to improving our Ward 6 middle schools. As a parent himself, Charles knows that all parents want outstanding educational opportunities for their children. As a Coun-
cilmember, his focus will be on ensuring high quality options and supporting all families, whether they choose traditional public schools or public charter schools. Charles has a strong track record of success in helping support the dramatic expansion of high-quality early education options in Ward 6. And as a major contributor to the public education renaissance in our ward, he demonstrates incredible knowledge about our schools’ needs and challenges. In his years at the DC Council, Allen worked with parents and school leaders across the ward and knows that building strong neighborhood middle schools is a priority in every corner of Ward 6. Great neighborhoods have great schools from pre-K through high school. Ward 6 has a great story to tell and we are proud of our work with parent and school communities, as Ward 6 elementary schools have led the way for school reform. But our work is not done yet. We know and trust that Charles Allen will take the same energy – and urgency – to transform our middle schools. With a $98 million renovation, and one of the best principals on the East Coast, Eastern High School is on the right track to return as a school of choice. But as Charles has repeatedly said, it’s the bridge between elementary and high school that will determine our success at reforming the school system, preparing students to succeed, and instilling the confidence of our parents. The DC Council needs strong voices for public education in the District and we’re proud to support Charles Allen as our next Ward 6 Councilmember. Monica Warren-Jones, is the current Ward 6 Member of the DC Board of Education, and Lisa Raymond, is the former Ward 6 Member of the DC Board of Education. H
Capitol Hill Group Ministry Thanksgiving Baskets Photos courtesy of Sandra Nelson and Leyla Serafino!
A
heartfelt thanks to all those who donated towards the Thanksgiving Baskets this year! Once again, MOTHS surpassed their goal of 60 baskets which feeds 240 people. They totaled 63 family meals this year, and gave Capitol Hill Group Ministry a huge surplus of extra food as well! It is so wonderful to see our families come together year after year to help at the assembly, and parents teaching your kids the meaning of sharing what we are all so lucky to have - we can always count on you! And we hope the new folks enjoyed it and will come back next year! Many thanks to Alex, Nico, and Mitch for their hard work. We love having them help us - need those muscles! Also here is the link for Capitol Hill Group Ministry online donations if you want to pass it on, or give more thru the year... http://www.chgm.net/get-involved-nn/donations/ HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
HillRag | December 2013 H 171
This is a special home delivery of The Hill Rag, Capitol Hill’s own community newspaper for the past 37 years. In case you haven’t seen a copy in a while, the paper is full of news about everything going on on Capitol Hill, from real estate to school news, businesses opening to dining reviews, home and garden tips to movie reviews. Published the first week of every month, you can pick it up at any of the locations listed on the back of this flyer. During the month you can catch up on what’s going on by visiting our website at www.hillrag.com. And sign up for daily emails or tweets listing breaking news on the website.
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{Color Me!}
Hill Rag’s Coloring Contest Enter to win 4 tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town*. Decorate the Washington Monument for the Holidays. Go wild with crayons, markers, sequins, or glitter. Make this a creative masterpiece. Drop off completed artwork at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles by Sunday, December 15, 2013. Rules and Directions: 1. Contest is open to children ages 3-12. Entries will be divided into four age groups: a. 5 years and under b. 6-8 years c .9-12 years 2. Please, only one entry per child. Include parent’s name, a phone number, and the name of your child, and caption for the artwork. Artwork cannot be returned. Drop off completed artwork at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE by Sunday, December 15, 2013 3. Winners will be chosen on December 16 and will receive 4 tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town*. They will be notified by e-mail. Winning entries will also be published in the January Issue, and on our website: www.hillrag.com. For more information, please contact Sara at sara@hillrag.com * Tickets valid for 3 consecutive calendar days from date of first visit up until 12/31/13.
HillRag | December 2013 H 173
the NOSE Gray Joins the Fray by Anonymous
T
he race is on, Dear Readers. Undeterred by the secret machinations of a sitting grand jury led by Ronald “Give Me The Documents” Machen. Vince “The Undertaker” Gray has thrown his dented hat into the ring. The subsequent mayoral press conference resembled nothing so much as a bear-baiting match. In his attempt to in-artfully dodge questions posed by The Nose’s fellow scribblers concerning his knowledge of the shadowy realms of his last run, The Undertaker most resembled a verbal contortionist. Mr. Mayor, The Nose has a few words of advice about dealing with the fractious, members of his dwindling fraternity: • C hanging the subject of the conversation only encourages more inconvenient questions; • Losing one’s temper at a press conference is the equivalent of waving a red flag in front of crowd of very angry bulls; • Verbal prevarications make journalists bitter, and editorial writers froth at the mouth; • Truth is the only inoculation against a pack of rabid reporters. To regale the current incumbent, The Nose has purloined a tune from Gilbert and Sullivan. Here are the slightly altered lyrics to A Modern Major General: I am the very model of a modern Mayoral-Candidate, On the advice of my attorney, I do not intend to abdicate, I know the name of every Council member, and I can cite DC neighborhoods historical From Deanwood to Spring Valley, in order categorical; I’m very well acquainted, too, with matters hypothetical, I understand ethics, both the simple and parenthetical, With the grand jury sitting, I’m ducking my friends in the news, With many cheerful facts about a construction crane’s hypotenuse. I’m very good at electoral calculus; I can estimate my path to victory using my abacus In short, no matter what prosecutors fabricate, I am the very model of a modern Mayoral-Candidate. To paraphrase the famous words of former Senate Majority Leader Howard Henry Baker, Jr.: ‘What did the Mayor know and when did he know it?’ The District’s voters, Mr. Mayor, deserve a frank answer before casting their ballots. The Nose loves to hear from his Dear Readers. Email him at thenose@hillrag.com H
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