“Alley Neighbors,” inspired by the houses on Rumsey Court, SE, on Capitol Hill, is one of many truly local holiday cards designed by watercolor painter Mary Belcher. Mary spent more than 20 years selling her work at Eastern Market on weekends. She now sells on-line at marybelcher.com, where you can see and order her holiday cards, Washington streetscapes, and highly detailed neighborhood maps.
marybelcher.com maryjbelcher@comcast.net
Older. Smarter.
To HILL with this Year!
Approx 250 years ago, our country was founded on the concept that all men would be treated equal, regardless of race, creed, etc. And that our elected officials would try to find a synthesis, a compromise, a way for disparate people to live together peacefully, to enjoy life, free from institutionalized hate, institutionalized fear, institutional bigotry. They created a tri-partite form of government, to separate the power of the executive, from that of the legislative, and gave a veto power to the judicial, to prevent the abuse of power that has destroyed every other democracy that they knew of.
And now, here we are. A country that is defined and divided by our differences, with our officials trying to dismantle anything that promotes equality, or opportunity for all, or even the idea that different people can live together in peace and equality, as long as we all treat each other with respect. In fact, it seems like they want to turn our ideal of opportunity for all into privilege for some. A power bloc of special interests who have subverted the very institutions that they claim to uphold.
The damage that has been done to our country does not make me angry. It makes me want the president and his followers to walk across burning coals until their bones turn to ash , their skin boils, their hairs turn to flying embers & their screams of pain & anguish sounds like a rock concert. But who is angry?
So, at this time, and in this season, I just want to remind everyone that this is still a beautiful country, full of good people and that with a little effort, with a little compassion, with a little understanding, it could be a better country. IF we are willing to put in the work, to put ourselves in others places, to try to work together to build a better future, together.
Next Issue: January 3
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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.
“Water for Elephants” at the National
After losing what matters most, a young man finds a new home with the crew of a traveling circus, and a life and love beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. “Water for Elephants” is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Dec. 9 to 14. Tickets start at $89. www.thenationaldc.com
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
Winter Wonderfest at Nats Park
On Dec. 4 to 7, 11 to 14, 18 to 24 and 26 to 30 (rain or shine), from 4 to 10 p.m., except Sundays when hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park offers an array of activities for visitors of all ages. Guests can experience a tubing slide, take a ride on the winter train and explore the Polar Lights Experience. Not to mention LED seesaws, the ninehole Frosty Fairway putt-putt and curling lanes. A sculpture garden showcases local artists and a 21+ area includes a hidden speakeasy. General admission tickets are $29.50; kids three and younger do not need a ticket. www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/ Winterfest
First Night Alexandria
Ring in the New Year at First Night Alex- andria, a family-friendly festival of mu- sic, arts and community. Now in its 31st year, this celebration transforms Historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, into a hub of live performances and entertainment. There is a family-inspired fireworks dis- play at 6 p.m. and an encore display at midnight. Tickets are required. Read the schedule and get tickets at www.first- nightalexandria.org.
“Song of Solstice,” a Celtic Christmas Celebration at Hill Center
On Sunday, Dec. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, OCEAN Celtic Quartet will feature a program of time-honored carols, 19th-century broadside songs, traditional Celtic tunes, original seasonal compositions and an appearance by Father Christmas of the old mummers plays. OCEAN is known for marrying lighthearted exuberance with spiritual depth in a program for all faiths and wisdom traditions. You’ll be invited to sing along. $20. www. hillcenterdc.org
LEFT: OCEAN Celtic Quartet.
Helen Krushinski as Marlena. Photo: Matthew Murphy
peter campus, “blessingway” (2024). Videograph 6:37 minute loop. Image: Courtesy of the artist and Cristin Tierney Gallery
“From
A to DC: Transportation in Washington” at GWU Museum
As DC evolved, so did the ways people moved through it. “From A to DC: Transportation in Washington” follows this evolution, from the city’s establishment through the 20th century. Prints, engravings and ephemera reveal how each advance redefined daily life in the nation’s capital. The George Washington University Museum, at 701 21st St. NW, is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on university holidays. Free admission. www.museum.gwu.edu
Basil Kincaid, “Buttons in the Sky Bursting at the Seams” (2023). Kente, Ghanaian wax block fabric, cotton, wool, velour, polyester, sequins, embroidery floss, lace, batting, buttons, curtains, 144 x 204 x 12 inches (365.8 x 518.2 x 30.5 cm), acquired in 2023.
“Basil Kincaid: Spirit in the Gift” at the Rubell
Kincaid’s work pays homage to the long history of quilt-making while exploring the relationships between identity, ancestry and place. The labor-intensive process of creating these works is balanced by an improvisational, spontaneous and fluid quality that runs throughout them. “Basil Kincaid: Spirit in the Gift” is at the Rubell Museum DC, 65 I St. SW, through fall 2026. The Rubell is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission for DC residents with ID. www.rubellmuseum.org
“peter campus: there somewhere” at the Phillips
peter campus is a seminal figure in the history of new media and video art. This exhibition at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Jan. 17 to May 3, 2026, highlights an iconic video from the late 1970s, alongside his latest landscape video works, including premiers of “blessingway” and “no direction known.”
The Phillips is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission, $20; discounts for seniors, students and military; free for 18 and under. www.phillipscollection.org
Choir of the Basilica Christmas Concert
The Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE, performs a onehour Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., in the Great Upper Church. All are welcome to attend this free night of Christmas choral music. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis with no ticketing, advanced registration or reservations. There’s plenty of parking. www.nationalshrine.org
Improv Under Hypnosis at the Lincoln
“HYPROV: Improv under Hypnosis” is the comedy show where anything can happen, and you get a front-row seat to the madness. Watch as hypnotist Asad Mecci puts volunteers into a trance, then pairs them with improv legend Colin Mochrie to create a show that’s unscripted, unpredictable and unforgettable. “HYPROV: Improv under Hypnosis” is at the Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW, on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 8:00 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $56.www.thelincolndc.com
“J. S. Ondara: The Jet Stone Conspiracy” at Jammin Java
Every artist’s journey is a quiet revolution, writes J. S. Ondara. His new band, The Jet Stone Conspiracy, is the culmination of his rebirth, an invitation to explore new realms of sound, movement and poetry. This is his first time touring with a band.
“J. S. Ondara: The Jet Stone Conspiracy” is at Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave., E. Vienna, Virginia, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). General admission is $27. www. unionstagepresents.com/jammin-java
E-flat dominant seventh and E major triad chord from “Augurs of Spring” in Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.
Rite of Spring:
Trifonov plays Brahms at the KC
On Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 16 and 17, at 8 p.m., Gianandrea Noseda and NSO favorite Daniil Trifonov reunite in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The virtuoso performs Brahms’ First Piano Concerto, followed by Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Tickets start at $21. www. kennedy-center.org
“The Delta King’s Blues” at IN Series
The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, “The Delta King’s Blues,” culminates a multiyear project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson. A “blues opera” with score by Damien Geter tells the Faustian story of Johnson’s selling his soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. It mixes blues and classical musicians with a cast of leading artists and a juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs and mourns. “The Delta King’s Blues” is at the Pop-Up Theater, 340 Maple Dr. SW, on Dec. 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 and 14 at 2:30 p.m. Open-seating tickets are $57 for adults, $40 for students. www.inseries.org
Inspired by the historic Frost Fairs that took place when London’s Thames River froze solid during sporadic winters from the 1600s to 1800s, the Folger Frost Fair brings a sense of Shakespearean merriment and discovery to DC. Image: Gel Jamlang
Folger Frost Fair
Through Jan. 4, the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, presents a world of winter wonder during the holidays as the Folger Frost Fair returns for a second season. Decked in seasonal splendor, the Folger offers holiday programming and activities that bring Shakespeare, the arts and poetry to life, including the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute, Folger Consorts Resplendent Joy holiday concerts, printing press demonstrations, building tours, craft stations and special events. The Folger is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended Friday hours until 9 p.m. It closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Find the full schedule with details and ticket pricing at www.folger.edu/frostfair.
Asad Mecci and Colin Mochrie.
KanKouran West African Dance Company at Dance Place
On Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m., at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE, the KanKouran West African Dance Company celebrates 42 years of preserving and promoting West African culture. This enduring company enriches American heritage through authentic African dance and drumming, honoring ancestors and seeking protection and guidance for a brighter future. General admission tickets are $33.50, with discounts for seniors, students and kids. www.danceplace.org
“Paranormal Activity” at STC
In a new play set in the terrifying world of the Paranormal Activity film franchise, James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past. The Shakespeare Theater Company can’t say anything else, except there will be loud noises, sudden darkness, blood and gore and references to mental health. “Paranormal Activity” is at Shakespeare Theater Company’s Harmon Hall, 610 F St. NW, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 7. Tickets start at $39. www.shakespearetheatre.org
VOCES8: Winter Tales at the National Cathedral
On Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 29, at 7:30 p.m., both days, the Grammy-nominated ensemble VOCES8 makes its Cathedral debut with a winter program of carols, contemporary choral works and festive favorites. Spanning centuries of seasonal music, this concert celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Tickets start at $32. www.cathedral.org
The Flaming Lips on NYE at The Anthem
The Flaming Lips, an American psychedelic rock band, combine catchy melodies with synthetic strings, hypnotic beats, booming cymbals and oddball but philosophical lyrics. The Flaming Lips are at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Dec. 31 at 9:30 p.m. (doors at 8:00 p.m.). Tickets start at $90. www.theanthemdc.com
The Flaming Lips performing at Jodrell Bank Live at Jodrell Bank Observatory.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Thievery Corporation at the 9:30 Club
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
Jamila
Rahimi and Jesse Binder: “Equinox” at Art Enables
The title of this exhibition of work by Art Enables artist Jamila Rahimi and visiting artist Jessi Binder gives a nod to the ways in which their works seem to be opposite sides of the same, energetic coin. Especially when viewed together, the works offer a conversation of dualities and inversions that cannot be contained within simple parameters. “Equinox” is at Art Enables, 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE, through Jan. 24, 2026. Gallery hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.art-enables.org
Twenty-five years into their genre-defying electronic music career, Thievery Corporation’s founding principles of DIY and inclusion have become key themes in mainstream social conversation. After a dozen acclaimed albums, remix LPs, concert recordings and decades of live performances, Thievery Corporation’s music and message are more relevant than ever. Thievery Corporation is at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Dec. 20 to 22; doors at 7 p.m. $68.40. www.930.com
“In Clay” at Signature
On the eve of a visit from her estranged childhood friend, now an acclaimed painter, Parisian ceramist Marie-Berthe Cazin recounts her life. From her early days as a gifted pro- tegee discovering the art of pottery, to watching her hus- band rise to fame partly by claiming her work as his own, through the upheaval of World War I, Marie’s unwavering spirit reveals the beauty in the broken. “In Clay” is at Sig- nature Theater ARK, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, from Dec. 9 to Feb. 1. Tickets start at $47. www.sigtheatre.org
Rebirth Brass Band at the Hamilton
For almost four decades, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been entertaining fans with fiery live shows and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound weaves a tapestry combining elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Rebirth Brass Band is at the Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $37.37. www.live.thehamiltondc.com
“Stories from the Brink”: Near-Death Adventures at Theater J
From acclaimed performer Iris Bahr comes her newest award-winning show, “Stories from the Brink,” a poignant journey through near-death adventures. This unfiltered show traverses war zones and a whitewater fiasco and introduces bumbling Scottish docs and a Bronx childhood that blended Yeshiva by day and bacon and the Guggenheim by night. “Stories from the Brink” is at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $39. www.edcjcc. org/theater-j
The Dance Institute of Washington: The Spirit of Kwanzaa. Dec. 19, 6 p.m.; Dec. 20, 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3 p.m. This is the Dance Institute of Washington’s most beloved and longest-running cultural arts production, the Spirit of Kwanzaa, as they celebrate 30 years of legacy. Tickets are $40.75. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Half Street Central Farm Market. Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Dec. 20. 1250 Half St. SE. centralfarmmarkets.com/half-street.
Printing Press Demonstrations at the Folger. Through Jan. 3, on select days at 1:30 and 3 p.m., in the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall, you can see a printing press similar to the one that printed the First Folio. To learn more about this press and to see it in action, join the Folger for printing press demonstrations. folger.edu/whats-on/ printing-press-demonstrations.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage. Dec. 5 to 21. Leap into
the holiday spirit with the joyful return of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. Tickets start at $49. arenastage.org.
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park. Open Dec. 11 to 13 and 18 to 24; 4 to 10 p.m., each day. Activities include: 100’ tubing slide, northern lights experience, train ride, LED SeeSaws; puttputt curling lanes, snowball throws, sculpture garden and 21+ hidden speakeasy. General admission tickets are $29.50. nationals.com/event.
Canal Park Holiday Tree Lighting at Ice Rink. Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. Lighting features photobooth, live holiday music, hot chocolate and mulled wine. First 100 receive a Capitol Riverfront mug and hot cocoa. 200 M St. SW. capitolriverfront.org.
Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying at Congressional Cemetery. Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To help honor and remember, you are invited to join Congressional Cemetery and their community partners for the annual Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony and event. 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.
Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf. Dec. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. Parade features Corona Cheer Garden, s’mores, ornament decorating, live music by DC bands, visits with Santa; 7 p.m., boats arrive; 8 p.m., fireworks. wharfdc.com.
Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An array of vendors offer distinctive gifts, artisanal crafts, and delicious holiday treats against the enchanting backdrop of the historic cemetery grounds. 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.
Hill Center Concerts. Make the Yuletide Gay Featuring Crys Matthews, Heather Mae, and Flamy Grant, Dec. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.; Joe Troop’s Whirlwind, Dec. 12, 7 to 9 p.m.; “Song of Solstice”
A Celtic Christmas Celebration Featuring: OCEAN Celtic Quartet, Dec. 21, 5 to 7 p.m.; Jan. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., Qais Essar & Sonny Singh in Concert: SANGAT. Concerts are $20. 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
Talk of the Hill with Bill Press Featuring Journalists Peter Baker and
Folger Consort’s “Resplendent Joy”. Dec. 5 to 14. The performance will showcase the lush, many-voiced motets of 16thcentury Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano and lively 16thand 17th-century villançicos (early Spanish Christmas carols). $20 to $65. folger.edu.
Susan Glasser. Dec. 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Veteran journalist Bill Press sits down with New York Times chief White House correspondent, Peter Baker and The New Yorker staff writer, Susan Glasser, for a candid assessment of President Trump’s first year in office as well as breaking news of the day at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. $10. hillcenterdc.org.
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park. Open Dec. 11 to 13 and 18 to 24; 4 to 10 p.m., each day. Activities include: 100’ tubing slide, northern lights experience, train ride, LED SeeSaws; putt-putt curling lanes, snowball throws, sculpture garden and 21+ hidden speakeasy. General admission tickets are $29.50. nationals.com/event.
The Muslims are Coming! A Night of Standup Comedy. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. This is a standup show that features Muslim-American comedians (and their non-Muz friends) who battle our national division one fart joke at a time. $24.75. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Jolly Jog 5K Run at Yards Park. Dec. 13. Runners must check-in by 9 a.m. to receive post-5K breakfast
and giveaways. Participants will be led along the scenic Anacostia Riverfront by Pacers Running guides so that, no matter your level, a jolly jogging elf will be there to help you finish the route. All ages are welcome and at all levels. Free registration. capitolriverfront.org.
DC Rawhides Country Dancing. Dec. 13 and 28; 5 to 11 p.m. After Instructions, open dancing begins at 8 p.m. Same-sex country western dancing is a long-standing tradition in the DC area--and the DC Rawhides are committed to ensuring that tradition lives on. $10 suggested donation at the door at Eastern Market North Hall. dcrawhides.com.
The Jury Experience: An Immersive Courtroom Case. Dec. 13, 6 p.m. (doors at 5 p.m.) and 8:30 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.). In this live theatre show, you are the jury. The power to deliver justice is in your hands. You’ll examine every piece of the puzzle, from witness testimonies to forensic data, and ultimately decide: guilty or innocent? $45 to $65. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com.
Used Book Sale at NE Library. Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop a
wide range of donated titles, most $1 to $2. 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.
DC Puzzle Fest at NE Library. Dec. 14, 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your jigsaw puzzles to swap them with your neighbors. Rules: Just be kind! No need to bring a puzzle and the swap is not a one-to-one swap. Leave some, take some, meet puzzlers, and have fun. No selling. 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.
Sunday Book Sale by Turning the Page. Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. barracksrow.org.
Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting. Dec. 15, 6 p.m. The annual Menorah Lighting, co-hosted by the Capitol Hill BID and Hill Havurah, celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation, 212 E. Capitol St. NE. This year’s celebration takes place on the second night of Hanukkah. capitolhillbid.org.
Sing Out Piano Bar and Open Mic with Gay Man’s Chorus. Dec. 17 and Jan. 21, 8 to 11 p.m. Come out to sing with live piano accompaniment or just enjoy the music. Free admission. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Guy Branum: Be Fruitful at Union Stage. Dec. 18, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) A middleaged, clinically obese homosexual confronts science and God to determine if there’s any actual purpose to his existence. 740 Water St. SW. $40. unionstagepresents.com.
6 Speed & Church on Sunday NYE at Transmission. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. An incredibly special and truly singular NYE experience. Ticket includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. General admission, $33.20. 1353 H St. NE. transmissiondc.com. ◆
2025 GiftHoliday Guide
It’s time to make that list, and check it twice. The 2025 holiday season is upon us. This year’s Christmas trends call for a mix of nature, bold colors, and nostalgia. After a year like no other, we all could use some old-fashioned warmth and time with family and friends. The merchants of Capitol Hill are ready to welcome you into their magical spaces to share the spirit. They are eager help you find the perfect, unique, creative, and well-made gift for everyone on your list.
Local Ideas for Your Holiday List
photos and article by
Rindy O’Brien
Shop local is more than a slogan–it’ss your ticket to making your holiday shopping a winwin for you and your Capitol Hill community. Finding treasures right in our neighborhood saves you anxious moments of concern whether your UPS packages are safe on the front porch. Many of the shops are in walking distance of one another leaving you free from traffic and parking headaches. With the time and money you save, you can enjoy a bite to eat or grab a drink with a friend at the many of the Hill’s amazing restaurants.
Holiday Markets
Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE, easternmarket-dc. org) boasts not only a great food emporium inside the more than 150 year-old brick building in the heart of the Hill, but the many talented artisans and vendors outside the Market. As well as the outdoor weekend market vendors, you’ll find the Flea Market at Eastern Market (easternmarket.net) operating on C Street. Vendors bring great vintage finds on Saturday and Sundays, as well as local artists, like Erin Thompson who specializes in charming drawings of iconic Hill fixtures such s Tune Inn, ornaments and more.
The Downtown DC Holiday Market runs this year from November 21 through December 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day, November 27), on two blocks of F Street NW,
from 7th to 9th Streets NW. (downtownholidaymarket.com) The original holiday downtown market features something for everyone, and Hill merchants like Relume will be there.
Delray Artisans 30th Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market is on Fridays-Sundays Dec. 5-21. Find handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood, and more. delrayartisans.org.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle (Dupont Circle on New Hampshire Avenue, NW) features 35 plus small businesses with world artisans, boutique brands, and local artists (such as jewelry artist Eastern Market’s Turtle Webb). In its second year, the market is open November 24 through December 23rd. Hours are 11 am to 8 pm on the weekends, and open Monday through Friday during the week.
Congressional Cemetery’s Third Annual Holiday Market (1801 E Street SE) will be Sunday, December 7th from 11 am to 4 pm (https://
New this year, The Folger Shop is a delightful new gift shop on the hill where every purchase helps support the Shakespeare Library.
The Folger Shop at the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street, SE) has books, apparel, games, stationary, toys for kids, amazing jewelry you won’t find anywhere Check website for hours – shop.folger.edu.
congressionalcemetery.org) and features a curated selection of talented local artisans, bakers, and small businesses. Holiday market vendors include, Amethyst Alchemist Art, D. Prince Designs, Spoil Me Rotten, and Capitol Gift Baskets. Dogs are welcome on leash and find the perfect handcrafted gift.
New This Year
The Folger Shop at the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street, SE) is new on Capitol Hill and is a delightful gift shop. All purchases support the library, and membership at the library also gives you a discount. The shop has books, apparel, games, stationary, toys for kids amazing jewelry and lovely gifts you won’t find anywhere else in DC. Check website for hours of operation – shop.folger.edu.
Gifts and More
Groovy DC Cards and Gifts (321 7th St. SE, groovydc.com) is celebrating close to two decades in business. Find holiday cards, balloons and gifts including wrapping paper and all the ribbons and bows. Holiday cocktail napkins and fun Christmas crackers add a festive air to the holiday table. A short stroll across the street from Eastern Market on C Street you find, Relume (760 C St. SE, relume. co). They carry a wide selection of new, re-purposed, upcycled and vintage candles, ornaments, earrings and artistic clothing. A new craft space just opened to give DIYers more opportunities to create your own holiday gift. Relume will also be downtown at the holiday market. At Woven History & Silk Road (315 Seventh St. SE, wovenhistory.com) with around 5,000 rugs on display with over 200 gift items from along the Silk Road, including hats, intricately embroidered boots, tiles and bowls in beautiful Turkish patterns. Don’t miss the camels of various sizes, loved by Hill children of all ages!
Frager’s (1115 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, acehardware.com) is more than a hardware store, paint store, or garden center. The shop was founded in 1920 and became employee-owned in 2017, and a member of the Ace hardware store chain. The selection of holiday lights, trees, ornaments, gift wrap, including the must needed battery supplies, is unsurpassed on the Hill. Small household goods, kids’ art supplies, dog toys are just a few of Frager’s must haves for any household holiday survival. And don’t forget the extra key, made while you wait. At the Wharf, you can stop at Shop Made in DC (10 District Sq. SW, shopmadeindc.com) with over 500 makers represented on their shelves featuring great food items like mambo sauce, cocktail sauces, specialty canvas bags featuring riffs on the DC Flag and more.
At Frame of Mine (545 8th St. SE, www. frameofminedc.com) bring in that favorite movie poster, kid art or treasured object and present to someone special. For any special orders of frames or materials, there’s a December 10th deadline – or give a gift certificate to use in the upcoming year. For the cyclist in the family, stop by Daily Rider (600 H St NE, thedailyriderdc.com) for accessories, tune up gift certificate or even a new ride like the Tern models you may be eyeing ridden by parents transporting their kids to school on the Hill.
Kids
There’s hardly a better gift than a class to spark a young one’s creativity whether art, dance, music or drama. CHAW’s (Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE, chaw. org) very popular after-school programs can
Wrap up your Christmas at Groovy on 7th NE. The store is packed with colorful wrapping papers, ribbons, bags, and all kinds of gifts for that special one on your list. Spread the cheer by sending a holiday greeting with their fun and delightful greeting cards. Give a salute to Groovy’s fun Nutcracker.
Glittery holiday trees, vintage clothing, and so much more to choose from at Relume on C Street, SE.
Woven History and Silk Road brings a touch of elegance to the hill with rich colors, objects, lamps and of course, Persian rugs.
Find handmade and internaional gifts at the Eastern Market artisan and art markets on weekends.
Winter Lights Contest
Barracks Row businesses have transformed their storefronts and interiors into magical holiday displays—twinkling lights, sparkling windows, festive scenes, and incredible creativity.
Now it’s your turn to help choose the winners in categories such as:
• Best Exterior
• Best Interior
• Best Overall
• Most Holiday Spirit
Stroll down 8th Street SE and look for the Winter Lights QR signs at participating businesses, including:
• DCanter
• Frame of Mine
• Miracle Theater
• Sherwin-Williams
• Ambar
• Matchbox
• I Egg You
• Jab We Met Indian Kitchen
• Ted’s Bulletin
• Chat’s
• Up N Smoke
• Union Kitchen
• As You Are DC
• Trattoria Alberto
• Belga Cafe
• Awakening Bar & Grill
Scan the QR code in this ad— or any QR sign at participating shops and restaurants—and choose your favorites. It takes less than a minute, and your vote directly supports local businesses and holiday cheer on Capitol Hill
• More to come! SCAN TO VOTE
be booked for one day or more each week, with special offerings during spring and summer breaks taught by a friendly and talented staff – what could be better? (And a nice side note: Dep. Dir. Brian Washington says that no child is ever turned away for inability to pay.)
Labyrinth (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, labyrinthdc.com) is a community-focused, family-friendly store featuring a wide selection of non-electronic, specialty games, puzzles, and mazes for kids of every age. You’ll find expert staff ready to offer personal recommendations or go online using the Labyrinth Personal Shopper, to see lists of top-sellers, stocking stuffers or local designers – as well as events like game nights and tournaments.
For over 60 years, youth have gathered to meet new friends and have fun learning creative movement, ballet, pointe, jazz and more at St. Mark’s Dance Studio (301 A St. SE, stmarksdance.org) with beginning to advanced classes for all ages. Music on the Hill (801 D St. NE, musiconthehilldc.com) is the perfect place to find that right-sized guitar for your budding rocker or a digital piano to encourage the next Mozart. Sheet music, lessons and a wide range of instruments will set you up for a musical 2025. Private and group lessons, as well as music camps found here, too.
Books
East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, www.eastcitybookshop.com) is the perfect place for a gift for absolutely everyone on your list. They have you covered from fiction to cookbooks, board books and noted DC authors. The shop carries a large selection of toys, gifts, art supplies for kids, and staff says it puts out its holiday children’s books early in the season to inspire all.
A literary treasure, Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE, capitolhillbooks-dc.com) serves up everything from popular paperbacks to first editions. The store has three floors of quality used books along with a selection of new titles and rare and collectable books. If you are looking for some sassy political books, this is the place for you.
New location for Little District Books (631 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, littledistrictbooks.com) which sells books representing the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities and independent publishers, curated subscription boxes, as well as fun pins and buttons for stocking stuffers.
Solid State Books (600 H Street, NE, solidstatebooksdc.com) is a Black-owned independent bookstore that hosts weekly events like children’s storytime, craft circles, and a variety of book clubs held in the store. The store features newly released books
H HILLRAG.COM
Labyrinth is a must stop for all fun shoppers, and especially if you are looking for the latest and greatest board games, puzzles, Legos, crossword puzzles, and everything in-between.
What’s new and interesting to read is always easy to find at East City books. Staff is ready to help you find your next great read.
Solid State Books is a black owned independent bookstore on H Street, and has an excellent inventory of new best sellers, along with great attention to black authors and poets.
Looking for the perfect book for all your political friends? Capitol Hill Books has you covered.
Music on the Hill – inventory
to curated editions of cultural favorites. Its Black poetry section rivals no others in the city.
Treats
Any experienced cook will agree, Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE., www.hillskitchen.com) is about the best culinary emporium around. Under new ownership since June, the kitchen shop is full of exciting new inventory. Whether you are baking, serving cocktails, or making that great motherin-law recipe, Hill’s Kitchen has you covered.
Spirits are merry and bright at these local shops and delivery options are available at all. Classy Corks (801 Virginia Ave. SE, classycorksdc. com) has a wide selection of Japanese rice wines and you will find an extensive selection of spirits, wines, mixers and beer from all over the world. Exotic Wines and Spirits (801 Maryland Ave. NE, exoticwinespirits.com) for a wide array of wines, beers, bubbles, liquors
LEFT: Sarah Needles, new owner of Hill’s Kitchen, says the holidays is a great time to bake, and create new dishes in your kitchen, and the store has all you need for any dish you may dream of. They plan to be open for at least a half day on Christmas eve, for that last minute pot you may need.
Below: Jingle, Merry, Jolly spatulas will put you in the holiday baking spirit at Hill’s kitchen, along with hundreds of other kitchen related gifts.
and bitters. They offer seasonal sales and discounts by the case. exoticwinespirits.com. The well-known beverage consultants at Schneiders of Capitol Hill (300 Massachusetts Ave. NE, cellar.com) draw on 70 years of experience to help you find the perfect bottle for meal, stocking or under the tree. Paste & Rind Cheese Co. (904 H St. NE, pasteandrind. com) offers up a tasting bar (with wine) in-house, as well as curated cheese boards as the perfect gift to take to a gathering. Cheese please, open Wednesday through Saturday 3 pm to 9 pm and Sunday 11am to 5 pm.
Fashion
Have a person on your gift list that has a great fashion sense and also appreciates being environmentally friendly? Clothes Encounters (202 Seventh St. SE, clothesencountersdc.com) carries resale high-end store brands
and haute couture from labels like Chanel and Prada, giving beautifully cared for items a second life. A Ma Maniere (1214 H St. NE, a-mamaniere.com) offers luxury men’s street style. French for “my way,” the boutique is designed to represent and inspire a fashion forward clientele with thoughtful collabs with brands like Jordan and great gift items like a Balenciaga passport case for the world traveler on your list.
Head to the attic atelier, Paris Bleu (321 Seventh St. SE, 2nd Fl. – above Groovy DC, parisbleudc@ gmail.com) you’ll find stunning gloves, silk scarves and jewelry as well as gifts appropriate for hosts such as candles, fine soaps and tree ornaments. Most of the pieces, like the proprietor, come from France. She will even gift wrap your purchases.
Diament Gifts and Accessories , 51 District Square SW, www.diamentjewelry.com) sells a wide range of handmade jewelry, gifts, accessories, clothing, home decor, and more. It is known for its unique, locally sourced products.
Cheers and toasts abound this season with many different champagnes to choose from at many of the local spirit stores, including Exotic Wine and Spirits at 801 Maryland Avenue, NE. Ring in the holidays in style.
Gifts from Paris make everyone say oo-la-la. Travel upstairs at Groovy to a world of French elegance whether you are looking for jewelry, beautiful leather handbags, scarfs, or charming holiday decorations.
Fashion advice is plentiful at Clothes Encounters on 7th Street, along with great prices on high-end resale brands that would even turn Anna Wintour’s head.
The Hill Rag proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of Woven History & Silk Road. For three decades, Mehmet has shared his passion for handcrafted rugs, global textiles, and cultural artistry with our community—making his shop a true Capitol Hill treasure.
Today, the legacy continues with Rabia, who brings fresh energy while honoring the traditions that have defined Woven History as a beloved neighborhood destination.
Thank you for enriching our community with beauty, craftsmanship, and heart. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone—and here’s to many more years of Woven History on the Hill.
—The Hill Rag
Beauty
What better present than a gift card for a more beautiful you in 2026. Peel Haus offers a range of pro-aging treatments designed to help achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance. Whether wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), or PDO threads, their team has the expertise to tailor these treatments specifically for your loved one. (1105 Pennsylvania Ave SE, peelhaus.com)
Sephora is a big chain but isn’t it convenient that we have one right in the heart of Eastern Market. Perfume, skin products or a gift card will be appreciated by almost anyone.
Furry Friends
At Howl to the Chief (719 Eighth St. SE, howltothechief. com) there is great selection of supplies for pets – from natural food, toys, beds and coats to leashes and collars that match. Check out the array of dog treats and birthday party kits for the pooch! If you are going out of town for the holiday you can give your dog a holiday. u
Ho Ho Ho, Howl to the Chief, pet store at 719 8th Street, SE is a must stop for your doggy and kitty toys and treats for the holiday season.
A “Magic Moment”
Hundreds Enjoy the Hill Holiday Tree Lighting
article and photos by Elizabeth O’Gorek
“And now for the magic moment,” said Kathy Didden, just before she and her daughter Amanda Didden Edwards flipped the switch to light up the Capitol Hill Holiday Tree during the 19th annual ceremony Nov. 22 on Eastern Market Metro Plaza at Seventh Street SE. Hot chocolate, donuts and candy canes were served up by the Capitol Hill BID’s Men and Women in Blue as Joyous Voices began the evening with carols, also their 19th performance before the Hill Holiday Tree.
Capitol Hill BID President Patty Brosmer told the crowd how she helped plant the tree in the spring of 2007 to honor the late George Didden III, president of National Capital Bank, for his many contributions to Capitol Hill. It is called “Sonny” in his honor, the name by which he was known to family and friends. Before the count down, the Diddens danced to the Marvin Gaye hit “Sunny” together with the Men and Women in Blue. Didden thanked the BID for keeping her husband’s memory alive. “I know if he could see this, he would be so proud,” she said.
“This is fabulous.”
Capitol Hill BID President Patti Brosmer welcomed Kojo Nnamdi, host of The Politics Hour on WAMU, and Tom Sherwood, resident Political Analyst at WAMU 88.5 FM Politics Hour. The two served as joint Masters of Ceremonies for a fourth year.
In addition to Joyous Voices, the evening featured performances from the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Suzuki Strings, the Capitol Hill Chorale and
Capitol Hill BID Director of Marketing MacKenna Boyland, BID President Patty Brosmer and Barracks Row Main Street (BRMS) Executive Director Brian Ready prior to the ceremony.
Brosmer addresses the crowd.
Scott Tucker, Artistic Director of The Washington Men’s Camerata, speaks during the performance.
ABOVE: Tom Sherwood photographs members of his family after the ceremony.
BELOW: Kathy Didden and her daughter, Amanda, laugh as they dance with the Men and Women in Blue.
Kathy Didden, Tom Sherwood, Kojo Nnamdi and the Men and Women in Blue celebrate as the Hill Holiday tree is lit.
BASEBALL IN PARADISE
the Washington Men’s Camerata.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for the area David Sobelsohn said that the event “starts o the season with a lovely, light- lled experience,” which Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) said was one of his favorite small-town community events.
When Didden flipped the switch, the tree lit up dramatically from the base to top, rst the twinkle lights, then the globes andnally, the star. “It works!”
All are welcome to attend the Community’s 12th Annual Menorah Lighting, co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah. It takes place on the front steps of Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE), 6 p.m. on Dec. 12, the second night of Hanukkah. The Men and Women in Blue will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa for the Festival of Light. ◆
The violinists of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Suzuki Strings perform.
HOLIDAYCALENDAR
Folger Consort’s “Resplendent Joy.”
Through Dec. 14. The performance showcases the motets of 16th-century Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano and lively 16thand 17th-century villancicos (early Spanish Christmas carols). $20 to $65. www.folger.edu
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage. Through Dec. 21. Leap into the holiday spirit with the return of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. Tickets start at $49. www.arenastage.org
Brent School Xmas Tree Sale Dec. 4–7
The Brent Elementary School PTA will hold its 15th annual Holiday Sale December 4–7 at Canal Park, Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale through Dec. 3 at www. brentholidaysale.org
Wreaths, garland, poinsettias, and winterberry, with optional delivery and set-up. Brent is partnering with Van Ness Elementary on poinsettia sales, with proceeds going to their PTO.
“Chanukah in the Dark” at Theater J. Through Dec. 21 at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW; perfect for ages five, up. Tickets are $24.69. www.edcjcc.org/theater-j DowntownDC Holiday Market. Through Dec. 23. Monday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market is on F Street NW between Seventh and Ninth. www. downtowndcholidaymarket.com
Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple. Through Jan. 1, from 4:30 to 8:45 p.m. The Festival of Lights, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington, Maryland, features over 500,000 Christmas lights, an international creche display and decorated Christmas trees. Timed parking passes required for every car. Free admission. www.dctemplevisitorscenter. org/festival-of-lights
NSO’s “A Holiday Pops!” with Melinda Doolittle at the KC. Dec. 12 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. Sing along and embrace the magic of the season with sparkling holiday classics, pop showstoppers and more. $39 to $132. www.kennedy-center.org
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC Holiday Show. Dec. 13 and 20 at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. This year’s holiday extravaganza at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW, is bigger than ever. The reindeer will be high-kicking and the snowflakes will sparkle. Tickets start at $26. www.gmcw.org
Season’s Greenings: Dino-mite! at the Botanic Garden. Through Jan. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Model trains chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts,
ZooLights. Through Jan. 3: Mondays to Saturdays, 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for rides and attractions are available for purchase onsite. General admission is $9. Parking is $30. www.nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/ events/zoolights
An Irish Carol at the Keegan. Dec. 11 to 28. Set in a Dublin pub, the play follows one evening in the life of David, who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. Tickets are $65 for adults; $54 for seniors, students and under 25. 1742 Church St. NW. www.keegantheatre.com
including T-Rex, Triceratops, and more. Open late on Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and Jan. 1; closed Dec. 25. www.usbg.gov
Family Holiday Festival at MLK Library. Dec. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Join MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, for a magical afternoon of holiday fun. www.dclibrary.org
Coyaba Dance Theater: Kwanzaa Celebration. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at noon. Celebrate Kwanzaa at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. General admission, $33.50, and discounts for seniors, artists, college students and kids. www.danceplace.org
Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Open House. Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to the annual DAR Christmas Open House at 1776 D St. NW to view holiday decorations and historic rooms and enjoy a visit from Santa. (Visit the National Christmas Tree across the street at the Ellipse before joining for refreshments, cookies and a taste of history.) www.dar.org
Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas. Dec. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Ring in the holidays at the Washington National Cathedral with brilliant brass, jubilant organ and soaring choral music. Tickets start at $39. www.cathedralchoralsociety.org/events/joy-of-christmas-2025
Free Photos with Santa at Arena Stage. Dec. 13 from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. Free photos are open to all, not just theater patrons, at Arena stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. www.arenastage.org
National Menorah Lighting. Dec. 14 at 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, across from the White House. Free tickets at www.nationalmenorah.org.
Jingle 5k. Dec. 14 from 8 to 11 a.m. This flat 5k course takes runners along the streets of downtown DC. $50. The start/finish line is on Ohio Dr. SW, next to the West Potomac Park
The Washington Chorus Presents “A Candlelight Christmas” at the KC. Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with festive favorites and interactive carols for the whole family. $15 to $99. www. kennedy-center.org
Blue Christmas Service at the National Cathedral. Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. This service of prayer, music and reflection invites us into hope and healing. No passes required. www. cathedral.org
NSO’s Handel’s Messiah at the KC. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. Messiah is as magnificent today as it was more than 280 years ago. Tickets are $21 to $118. www.kennedy-center. org
Choir of the Basilica Christmas Concert. Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. The Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400
Amanda’s story
After bouncing between fast-talking offices, one patient arrived expecting pain, pressure, and a long recovery.
“I expected weeks of discomfort and to feel like just another case. I got none of that. What I got was Dr. Noohi.”
At a time when dentistry can feel rushed or impersonal, Dr. Babak Noohi brings something different to Capitol Hill: clear communication,
Dr. Babak Noohi. My practice is built around conservative, evidencebased care that respects your story, your biology, and your future.
“He explained every step, never rushed, and I finally felt heard. The plan was about my health—not profits.” thoughtful care, and evidence-based treatment—always focused on your needs.
Gospel Christmas Service at the National Cathedral. Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Passes are required. www. cathedral.org
Christmas Eve and Day Holy Eucharist at the National Cathedral. Dec. 24 at 10:00 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 11:15 a.m. cathedral.org
Christmas Eve at the National Shrine. Dec. 24, vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m.; musical meditations at 9:00 p.m.; choral meditations at 10:00 p.m.; solemn Mass at 10:30 p.m. www.nationalshrine.org
Christmas Day at the National Shrine. Dec. 25, Mass at 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m.; Spanish language Mass at 2:30 p.m. www.nationalshrine.org
Kwanzaa at the Anacostia Community Museum. Dec. 26, 27, 28, 30 and 31; Jan.1. Noon to 2 p.m. (all dates). Dec. 26, Storytelling & Drumming; Dec. 27, Let Your Story Be Told; Dec. 28, Culture Queen’s Kwanzaa Extravaganza; Dec. 30, Celebrating Purpose through Aromatherapy; Dec. 31, Scrapbooking Workshop; and Jan 1, Creating Mkeka Mats. 1901 Fort Pl. SE. www.anacostia.si.edu
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the National. Dec. 30 to Jan. 4. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www.thenationaldc.com
First Night Alexandria. Dec. 31, fireworks at 6 p.m. and midnight. Ring in the New Year at the region’s family-friendly festival of music, arts and community. Get tickets at www. firstnightalexandria.org.
La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA. Jan. 3 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, for the annual Three Kings Day celebration. www.galatheatre.org u
CAPITOL STREETS
The Band Plays On for Sousa, Despite Federal Shutdown
Every year, the President’s Own US Marine Band honors the birthday of its first leader, March King John Philip Sousa, with a performance and a wreath-laying. But not this year. The event, held annually at Congressional Cemetery, was canceled due to the federal government shutdown. The community, however, banded together to celebrate a local hero. More than 50 residents showed up to honor the man who grew up in their neighborhood and redefined march music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The March King
John Philip Sousa (Nov. 6, 1854-March 6, 1932) was born in a house near Sixth and G streets SE. After an attempt to run away with the circus as a musician, Sousa was enrolled in the Marine Corps as a musician apprentice.
Beginning in 1880, Sousa led the Marine Band, also known as The President’s Own Band, through five presidents before retiring in 1892 to lead his civilian ensemble, the Sousa Band. He became internationally known as the March King and composed such renowned pieces as “Semper Fidelis,” the official march of the United States Marine Corps, “The Washington Post” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the national march of the United States.
The Band Plays On
Despite this year’s federal government shutdown, the band ‒ or a band ‒ played on, “with the cemetery’s kind permission and a little neighborhood grassroots organizing,” said Kerry Lupher, who helped with that organizing. A decade before, in a small high school in Idaho, she had received a John Philip Sousa Band Award.
Lupher knew the event had meaning for many in the community. When she learned it was canceled, she thought, “We must be able to figure out an alternative.” A former federal employee herself, Lupher was ready to keep people together. “There have been
NEWS ROUND UP
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
so many things shut down, canceled, ripped apart this year, she said. “This little joyful community event didn’t need to be one of them.”
The Band Plays Despite
Six members of the Capital City Symphony arrayed themselves in the pathway near Sousa’s grave. They played “Stars and Stripes Forever” and duet renditions of other Sousa works.
The musicians were brought together when Lupher reached out Tuesday to her community. They included Fridays We Prance, a group of women she exercises with, to see if a gathering could be arranged. Ashley Smith, spokesperson for the Prancers, said when they heard about the cancellation they knew they had to act. Sarah Hanks, the leader of the Prancers, is a violinist with the Capital City Symphony. She
Charles M. Free outside Congressional Cemetery. Photo: Jeanne Harrison
Holden Lemon-Gugat straightens flowers on Sousa’s grave as the Capital City Symphony Orchestra plays.
Members of the Capital City Symphony pitched in the continue the Sousa birthday tradition.
messaged to recruit for each part of the event. “Despite the government shutdown,” Hanks declared, “we will make sure that music and art, joy and celebration continue, even in these hard times.”
The musicians arrived at the cemetery by 2:15 p.m. to practice. Members of Fridays We Prance provided flowers, prominently red and gold, the Marine Band colors, to lay on his grave as the band played.
Charles M. Free is a relative of Sousa, the last of his family still living on Capitol Hill, only a block from the Marine Barracks and not far from where Sousa was raised. He said he had spoken to members of the US Marines, who were sad they were unable to lead the celebration. He was touched that the community remembered Sousa and, by extension, his family. “I’m certainly glad it happened, and I think those musicians were terrific,” Free said.
The Expression of the Soul of a Nation
Seven-year-old Holden Lemon-Gugat was brought to the event by his mother. Afterward, he heartily agreed with Free. “It was pretty cool that the government got shut down and then these random guys that like music just got together,” Gugat said, “and thought to build this thing back up, so it wouldn’t just be like, ‘Oh, it’s Sousa’s birthday? Walk on by.’”
Two other attendees said they attend the event every year. One told the Hill Rag that she heard the event was not happening but intended to walk past Sousa’s grave anyway. That’s when she heard there would be a service. Her friend was honoring Sousa for the first time. “It was interesting to have it be very different as a first-time experience,” she said. “But we’ll come next year and compare. Hopefully, no shutdown.”
As she opened the ceremony, Lupher invoked the March King. “Sousa once said, music is the expression of the soul of a nation,” Lupher said. “Standing here with friends, neighbors and fellow music lovers, we carry that spirit forward. We’re celebrating not only a great composer and conductor but the community. That music creates something many of us may now need more than ever.”
Yes, Free agreed when asked, it is good to be loved. u
Elmore-Friendship Court Honors Family and Friendships
When Linda Elmore stands in the alley her family has called home since 1956, she does not see the paved courtyard or the new sign the city unveiled in mid-November. She sees the barn.
“We called it the barn because it was a barn,” she said, remembering the carriage house behind her parents’ home. “When we were here earlier on, this was just all dirt and gravel.” Behind the family home, horses once slept where her father later stored fabric and tools for his upholstery business. “We played horseshoes right where that car is now,” Elmore recalled. “We played dodgeball and kickball — so many memories here and a real
sense of community.”
That sense of community continues in the alley behind East Capitol and A Street, bordered by 16th and 17th streets NE. It is what the District officially recognized this weekend when residents gathered to unveil a new street sign naming the alley Elmore-Friendship Court.
Friends, family and neighbors gather on Oct. 4 for an anniversary party in what is now Elmore-Friendship Court. Photo: Sandra Hanson
Linda Elmore, center, with Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder (D) on the left and her nephew Dante Jennings (son of Teresa), on the right. ANC 7D08 Commissioner Brian Alcorn and Monarch underwriter Janet McIntosh (far left) stand with members of the Elmore family at the sign unveiling, Oct. 14.
Naming Needed
Developer Keil Construction is building a carriage house in the interior court, but the project could not be independently connected to utilities without a street address. That launched a nearly two-year naming process led by Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D and Commissioner Brian Alcorn (7D01), through the Transportation and Public Space Committee. The DC Council passed the ElmoreFriendship Court Designation Act of 2025 in July; it became law Oct. 1.
The name chosen honors both the Elmore family — Morgan and Eva, who bought their home Aug. 21, 1956 — and generations of friendships formed in the tightknit space.
Elmore’s parents raised their children here, but many more passed through. “Under the Elmore banner are the kids of my mother’s brothers and sisters who all lived in that house,” she said. “The Clarkes, the McRae family, the Bellingers — and then we flowed over to the building next door. That’s family.”
Her father ran his upholstery business from the alley, giving cousins and neighborhood kids their first glimpse of Black entrepreneurship. “Everybody worked for my father,” Elmore said. “He walked the neighborhood with his sample bags and probably reupholstered in many homes here.”
The alley drew birthday parties, block parties, games and reunions. Sister Teresa, who passed away this year, was “the biggest cheerleader,” Elmore said. “We even have our own Facebook group. She did a block party. It’s
overwhelming to be appreciated in such a small but meaningful way.”
Connection
At Friday’s ceremony, Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Fielder called the moment a highlight of his early legislative work. “It is truly my pleasure to unveil the newly named Elmore-Friendship Court,” he said, noting that the naming also enables utility connections for new development.
“This is meaningful for me,” he added, explaining the ANC advanced the proposal when he was its chair. “Now, as a councilmember, it’s a full-circle moment.”
Fielder said “Friendship Court” was proposed by residents to honor relationships forged in the alley, especially during the pandemic, when outdoor spaces became lifelines. Neighbors connected safely, checked on one another and created play space for children.
Legacy
As the tarp lifted from the sign, Linda Elmore spoke of her parents’ legacy — the home they bought, the children they raised and the neighborhood they helped weave together. “I just wish they were here to see this,” she said.
Monarch Title underwriter Janet McIntosh, who helped guide the renaming for the developer, said the Elmores “achieved the dream of homeownership. Their family standing the test of time means so much,” she said.
Though Elmore now lives elsewhere, the connection endures. With her sister’s passing, the last Elmore no longer lives on the court, but the name roots the family in place.
Friendship, Courtship
One October Saturday, string lights crown the alley as nearly a hundred people move between yards and dance in the court. It is a 10th wedding anniversary celebration hosted by two families. Guests include relatives from across the country and neighbors who step direct-
ly from their back doors into the party.
“This alley has become a place of friendship and community,” said Emily Jackson, one of the celebrants. “I’m proud it says so right on the sign.”
Sarah Buffaloe, who celebrated alongside the Jacksons, said spaces like Elmore-Friendship Court are essential. “The alley is more than a street between houses,” she said. “It’s where kids play and adults connect. We value it so much.”
That togetherness, Elmore said, is what her parents modeled — and what the alley still offers to all who live and gather on Elmore-Friendship Court. u
DC Implements E-Bike Speed and Zone Restrictions
The District government and dockless ebike rideshare companies like Lime and Veo have been working on changes to improve safety in response to issues of misuse.
Lime and Veo have agreed to lower the maximum electric motor speed on their bikes to 18 mph and 15 mph respectively. Heavier Capital Bikeshare vehicles already tend to top at 15
mph or less, officials said at a press conference on Nov. 12. In certain zones, including Navy Yard, U Street and The Wharf, those speeds will be reduced to 8 mph. No-ride zones may be introduced. Electric standing scooters are already limited to 10 mph.
The move comes after the Metropolitan Police Department raised concerns that the vehicles were being used to commit and escape from robberies and assaults, often by youth. It is also in response to complaints from pedestrians about speeding bicycles on sidewalks.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) said it heard complaints about congestion, as well as dangerously high speeds, from users of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. DDOT initiated a pilot program that measures the speed of users, giving them positive feedback if they travel at speeds below 15 mph and negative reactions (“Slow Down!”) If the vehicle is faster.
The 15 and 18 mph restriction is a limit on motor-assisted rentable e-bikes. It is not an overall speed limit for cyclists.
Lime has increased the price of the Lime Access program, which offered low-income users unlimited rides. The monthly price was increased from $5 to $30 before councilmembers reached a compromise to make the program accessible at $15 per month. Bikeshare companies say that safety is a consideration, but the popularity of the bikes has led to rising costs. Changing prices will help offset that, they said.
In the interest of safety, some companies are introducing enhanced age verification, starting at 6 p.m. daily across operators. Lime requires users to upload a copy of identification and is starting to ask riders to take a selfie as well, a process that could prevent the use of fake IDs. u
Casino Development Proposed for Reservation 13
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
The race for development around the nascent Commanders stadium has begun–and the first proposal is a big gamble.
Chatman Holdings LLC, a minority- and woman-owned Pittsburgh real estate firm, outlined a proposal for a riverfront casino and hotel on one of the last available Reservation 13 parcels at the Nov. 18 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7F (ANC 7F).
The proposal includes a full-service grocery store, restaurants, walkable retail, housing, jobs, and year-round amenities. Landscape architect Rebecca Mizikar of PVEDI presented the layout.
The casino and hotel would serve as the “revenue engine” for the broader mixed-use development, said CEO Robin L. Young, joined by CFO Andrew L. Young and COO Justin L. Young. The concept reflects Ward 7 community feedback, they said. Chatman Holdings incor-
porated in May 2025, according to DC corporation records.
There is no sign the Bowser administration supports a casino on Reservation 13. The Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has not met with Chatman or reviewed plans, a source said, and has no immediate plans to solicit Hill East Phase III proposals.
A Casino at RFK
Surrounded by up to 1,400 units in mixed-use buildings, a 1,000 key hotel, a 75,000 square foot convention center, and 900,000 square feet of office space, the casino would rise up to ten stories at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue SE and Water Street, stated Chatman’s executives. It also would include a movie theater, bowling alley, civic uses, and a grocery store located near Stadium-Armory Metro. The waterfront would
be re-imagined with an amphitheater, an ice rink, plazas and pedestrian connections, Mixkar said.
“Our design allows us to deliver great benefits to the community,” CEO Robin Young told commissioners. But without high-revenue uses, “the numbers didn’t work.”
The Ask: Support Gaming Legislation
Reservation 13 is owned by the District of Columbia. The Office of the Dep-
A rendering of the casino, proposed anchor for development on Phase III of the Hill East parcel. Image: Chatman Holdings/PVEDI
A map of Hill East, showing Phase III near the DC Water swirl plant. Phases I and II have already been awarded through DMPED RFP Processes. Image: DMPED
uty Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has not issued requests for proposals (RFPs) for parcel in question consisting of Lots D, I, J and M. These lie along the Anacostia River, between the DC Water “Swirl” Facility and the Park Kennedy apartments.
The rst two phases of Reservation 13 development were competitively bid. In Hill East Phase I, Blue Skye Construction and Development built the Kennedy and Ethel. In 2021, Blue Skye also won the right to build on part of Phase II along with R13 Community Partners, a consortium of eight di erent developers. This phase includes parcels C, E and H. However, their plans have been held up by infrastructure work, DMPED said at a recent public meeting. DMPED has yet to start the Phase III RFP process.
At the meeting, ANC 7F Chair Tyrell M. Holcomb (7F01) acknowledged the earlier phases were competitively awarded by DMPED. However, the sole source awarding of the land to Chatman, he argued, would speed development.
“Instead of us waiting on DMPED another 5, 10, 15 years to come to us and say, “We want to put the rest of these parcels out,” we’re saying to DMPED, “Hey, as a matter of fact, we want you to award these parcels to this group now,” Holcomb said.
After the meeting, Holcomb said that the ANC recognizes that the District is in an important moment. The Washington Commanders returning to RFK unlocks opportunities for Hill East/Reservation 13,” Holcomb said. The ANC is supporting the Chatman Holdings proposal be-
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cause they believe it will bring bene ts that position Ward 7 for longterm growith, he said. “This is about Ward 7 getting its opportunity at economic viability,” Holcomb nished.
Chatman has contacted Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder (D) about the project, the developer said.
Are other developers competing for Phase III of the Hill East project, commissioners asked. The commission, one said, had not yet heard from DMPED. “Nobody has engaged them beyond this particular team, is what I understand,” Holcomb said.
Chatman executives requested ANC 7F send a resolution to Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder (D) asking him to introduce legislation “making this project viable,” including permitting table gambling in the District. They asked the commission to contribute a resolution supporting transfer of site control of the Phase 3 parcel to Chatman Holdings.
A spokesperson for Felder said his o ce has received no o cial materials and had no opportunity to review the concept. Felder remains focused on “community-driven development” delivering amenities, housing, recreation, and economic opportunity.
Community Benefits
They also promised investment in Kingman Park through tax revenue and a municipal bond tied to the gaming license.
However, they o ered no speci c transit or public-service commitments beyond working with the District and WMATA. The project would be phased, but the casino and related components would be built concurrently, they said.
Commissioners Push Back
Commissioners said community demand centers on grocery stores, jobs, and everyday retail—not a casino.
Commissioner Chanettia Nelson (7F04) questioned whether the casino’s economic model would rely on nearby residents who earn $40,000–$50,000 annually. “Pulling money from individuals to fund a casino… is not the way to fund a casino,” she said. She also questioned whether housing would be a ordable to local incomes.
Other commissioners doubted job promises, raised concerns about gambling harms, and cited past failures to deliver community bene ts in DC projects.
Chatman executives said benefits would accompany any gaming legislation. Plans include workforce training partnerships, labor agreements, and up to 5,000 permanent and 5,000 construction jobs.
They pledged $10 million to the DC O ce of Lottery and Gambling for programs addressing gambling harms. Two-and-a-half percent of casino adjusted gross receipts would support a local nonpro t focused on social equity, with four more nonpro ts selected for revenue-sharing.
Commissioner Shirley Thomson-Wright (7F07), whose district borders the site, supported the casino as a driver for surrounding amenities. Ward 7 wants entertainment, walkable spaces, and more than one grocery store, she said. She acknowledged the model is imperfect, but few alternatives have been proposed.
Concerns about traffic, parking, limited river crossings, and local shopper access were raised repeatedly. Commissioners pushed for binding commitments ensuring the grocery store and retail open before or alongside the casino.
Commissioner Ashley Renee Ru (7F02) warned about past de-
veloper promises: “I don’t want to give you my yes… and then we don’t get what we asked for.”
Other Unresolved Questions
Commissioners questioned whether the land is “shovelready.” Would the District need to spend millions on infrastructure upgrades? they asked. Chatman executives were not able to provide any numbers.
Had any other proposals been presented to the ANC? asked State Board of Education Representative Eboni Rose Thomson, who was present at the meeting. Commissioners said they had not.
The ANC voted 3-2 with Commissioner Orendo (7F03) and Commissioner Cunningham (7F08) abstaining, to support a resolution asking Councilmember Felder to introduce legislation including that awards HE-3, parcels D, I, J and M to Chatman Holdings for development. They also supported a resolution 5-3 to support legislation permitting gaming on the site.
On Oct. 1, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson introduced legislation from Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) that would legalize betting on black jack and poker games at certain locations in the District. That legislation is in committee.
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) represents the neighborhoods to the west. “It’s a bad idea. DC doesn’t need a casino,” he stated.
Chatman Holdings did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. ◆
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IN MEMORIAM
Jennifer Ashabranner
1952–2025
by Melissa Ashabranner
Jennifer Ashabranner, age 73, passed away on November 19, 2025 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). She had been a resident of The Seasons condominiums in Alexandria, VA for over 40 years.
She was born in Stillwater, OK in 1952 to Brent and Martha Ashabranner. When she was three years old, her father, an English professor at Oklahoma State University, accepted an offer to participate in a project to create reading materials for primary and secondary schools in Ethiopia. Thus began an adventure that would take her and her sister Melissa, all over the world. Over the next 12 years, they lived in Ethiopia, Libya, Nigeria, India and the Philippines while Brent worked with USAID, the Peace Corps and the Ford Foundation. They embraced every culture they lived in, enjoying new cuisines and travelling widely. Her parents felt that what the girls might have missed growing up in the US was offset by a wealth of expe-
riences in other countries—meeting new people, absorbing new cultures, discovering new ways of looking at the world.
In 1983, Jennifer’s parents retired and her father began a second career, writing over 30 non-fiction books for junior readers (age 12+) on US immigrants and other cross-cultural topics. Jennifer had developed an interest in photography, studying at NVCC and the Smithsonian, and she took pictures for several of his books including Always to Remember, a book about the Vietnam Veterans memorial. Always a lover of pets, after high school at Walter Johnson High in Bethesda, Jennifer began a career in pet grooming which eventually included pet sitting. She cared for multiple generations of pets for longtime clients and became friends to many over the years. She loved to take pictures of the pets, often using them in greeting cards to their owners on holidays. She learned to treat animals with medical needs and was in demand to care for aging or ill pets. She often said her life’s work had been caring for animals—a role she felt honored to fulfill.
Jennifer’s presence was central to her family’s life. She doted on her nieces, nephew, and grand-nephew, Neo, taking special joy in creating elaborate Easter baskets for each of them year after year. She also loved making beautifully handcrafted birthday and holiday cards for family and friends. She was a giving and caring friend, sister and aunt.
A few weeks ago, when she was moved to hospice at Virginia Hospital
Center, she wrote on Facebook to tell her friends of her declining health. She thanked them all for the years of friendship, of sharing news and photos (especially of family and pets) over the years and wished all a good and happy life. The outpouring of love, appreciation and admiration for her bravery was so meaningful to her in her last days, and she was grateful that she could express her thanks for the many friends, clients and neighbors who stepped up to help her in the past few months.
Jennifer is survived by her sister Melissa Ashabranner and brother-in-law Jean-Keith Fagon (DC), nephew Damian Fagon-Karraker (New York), nieces Naomi Fagon (Washington DC), Olivia-Jené Fagon (New York), greatnephew Neo Fagon (England), her son Shawn Malone (Georgia) and her dear friend Ellen Elliot of The Seasons.
To make a donation in her memory, she has chosen Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (luckydoganimalrescue.org) u
The Ashabranner family leaves for Ethiopia in 1954, the first of many countries they would live in over the next 12 years.
Sherwood Rec Survey Shows Low Use,
Big Concerns
ANC 6A REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
using the data in testimony at DPR’s performance oversight hearing and a Dec. 3 DC Council hearing on Allen’s bill to expand rec center hours, potentially including Sundays. There was no vote on the matter.
Tnance and cleanliness from 25%.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A met via Zoom on Nov. 13 with Dave Wethington (6A05) presiding. Commissioners Amber Gove (6A04, vice chair), Roberta Shapiro (6A03, treasurer), Je Giertz (6A06, secretary), Paul Spires (6A01) and Stephen Kolb (6A07) were in attendance. The 6A02 seat remains vacant; former Commissioner Mike Velasquez participated as chair of the ANC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee.
ABC Committee: Proper Exotic Protest Updated
he commission spent much of the meeting discussing results of a survey conducted by Shapiro on Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th St. NE), a topic that Shapiro said generates more constituent email than almost any other.
According to Shapiro, the ANC received 289 household responses representing 988 people, 98% of whom live within a mile of Sherwood and 71% within a half-mile ‒ “people who really have an opportunity to use the facility,” she noted. Yet roughly two-thirds said they either never use or do not use the indoor facilities. When asked why, respondents cited lack of awareness of programs, lack of o erings that interest them and concerns about cleanliness, maintenance and safety. Those concerns were echoed across dozens of narrative comments.
Outdoor amenities such as the playground, track, eld, basketball and tennis courts are used more broadly. But more than half of respondents said they receive no communication from DPR about programming at Sherwood.
Ratings of the center’s performance were largely negative. Only 14% rated programming as “good,” Shapiro said. Equipment earned a “good” rating from 23% of respondents, mainte-
While programming was the worst rated aspect, residents expressed strong interest in having more of it, including preschool activities, adult exercise classes and school-aged sports, among others.
The survey also asked how to spend roughly $4 million set aside in the FY26 DC capital budget for Sherwood improvements. Half of respondents said they’d like to see a kids’ splash park similar to the water feature at Eastern Market Metro Plaza; about a quarter expressed interest in community gardens.
Shapiro shared the survey with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen’s o ce, Sherwood site director Robert Robinson, DPR sta and the Department of General Services (DGS). She emphasized the need for “real e ort to engage the community” before capital dollars are spent, adding that DPR sta have promised community engagement but are “behind schedule.”
There are some early signs of change. Sherwood sta are taking training to o er a Tiny Tots preschool program starting as early as January, Shapiro reported. Commissioners discussed next steps, including
ANC 6A Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Committee chair Mike Velasquez presented an update to the October ANC letter to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), protesting a medical cannabis dispensary license application from Proper Exotic at 313 Eighth St. NE.
ABCA adopted new rulemaking on medical cannabis licenses as of Oct. 22, Velasquez said. The new rules expand “appropriateness standards” for cannabis facilities, including factors such as good order and safety. They also note the e ect of proximity to preschools, libraries and similar facilities.
Given Proper Exotic’s proposed location near Petit Scholars and other childserving uses on Eighth Street NE, Velasquez proposed the ANC revise its letter to “take advantage of the new appropriateness standards,” before the Dec. 19 protest hearing. ANC 6A has long argued that public comment on cannabis licenses should be treated similarly to alcohol cases, he noted. While the law was not changed, “the rules were” in ways that align with the
ANC’s earlier letters to ABCA and to Councilmember Charles Allen (DWard 6).
The commission approved the revised protest letter unanimously on the consent calendar. Allen’s staffer Erik Salmi thanked ANC 6A for “trying to bring some order” to medical dispensary siting and said the councilmember is drafting legislation to address loopholes, though he cautioned that new limits may face challenges on council.
On consent, the commission voted to:
• support a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application one-year order extension for Salvation Arts LLC’s six-story, 30-unit, mixed-use project at 1371-1375 H St. NE;
• support a BZA application including special exceptions for rear-yard and lot-occupancy relief at 1332 Corbin Place NE. The applicant wants to construct a third story and a threestory-with-basement rear addition to an attached two-story with basement;
• r equest the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and WMATA to replace the H Street streetcar, set to end service in March 2026, earlier than expected;
• write to DDOT requesting priority for “easy win” protected bike lanes in and around ANC 6A under the Strategic Bikeways Plan.
In other business, the ANC formally appointed Lorena Gill as a new member of the Community Outreach Committee.
ANC 6A generally meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11. Find agendas, minutes and login information at www.anc6a.org. u
Trying to Come to Terms With Spotify
ANC 6B REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B held a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person on Tues., Nov. 12, at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. On the dais: Tyler Wolanin (6B01), Gerald “Jerry” Sroufe (6B02), David Sobelsohn (6B03, secretary), Brian Gorman (6B04), Samuel Pastore (6B05), Anna Krebs (6B06, treasurer), Vince Mareino (6B07, chair), Edward Ryder (6B08, vice chair) and Karen Hughes (6B09).
Sobelsohn, chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, presented a Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) application for renovations to 440 New Jersey Ave. SE, a large residential building recently purchased by Spotify. While the proposed exterior changes conform to historic district standards and drew no objections, commissioners said the broader issue was the purchase itself.
Sobelsohn explained that Spotify intends to use the house as a “home base” for visiting employees, with a live-in caretaker. Commissioners questioned whether allowing corporations to buy rowhouses in RF-1 zones for quasi-commercial lodging undermines the purpose of residential zoning and further constrains DC’s housing supply. But, they noted, the District has not been inclined to investigate the conformity to zoning laws around corporate ownership of residential property.
Commissioners acknowledged that the purchase of residential homes by corporations or lobbying groups was a long-standing prob
ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom.
ALL ARE WELCOME
**The next meeting is 2nd Thursday, December 11, 7:00 p.m.**
Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting 3rd Monday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Economic Development & Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Community Outreach Committee meeting 4th Monday, December 22, 7:00 p.m.
We seek community-minded 6A residents interested in joining ANC 6A committees. Visit anc6a.org or email 6A06@anc.dc.gov for more information.
have been posted under Hot Topics at anc6a.org. Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be able to enter the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start time.
Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82241 895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1 rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d
Brian Alcorn, Chairperson 7D08 – Capitol Hill 7d08@anc.dc.gov
Dev Myers, Secretary 7D10 – Hill East 7d10@anc.dc.gov
Artilie Wright 7D03 – Parkside 7d03@anc.dc.gov
Katie Murphy 7D04 – River Terace 7d04@anc.dc.gov
Ebony Payne 7D05 – Kingman Park 7d05@anc.dc.gov
Ashley Schapitl 7D09 – Hill East 7d09@anc.dc.gov
Vacant SMD 7D02 – Mayfair 7d@anc.dc.gov
Vacant SMD 7D06 – Rosedale 7d@anc.dc.gov
lem in Capitol Hill neighborhoods. They noted that ANC 6C faces similar issues with corporate or political “crash pads” near the Senate side of the Capitol and is developing an interactive map to document them. ANC 6B is coordinating with the office of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) on possible legislative solutions.
The ANC voted unanimously to authorize negotiations toward a settlement agreement (SA) with Spotify, aiming to protect neighborhood stability while the broader zoning and regulatory issues are addressed by the city.
Request for Council Hearing on MPD-Federal Cooperation
Sobelsohn introduced a resolution requesting the DC Council hold a hearing on Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interactions with federal immigration authorities. Sobelsohn noted that during the meeting when MPD First District Captain Adam Crist was asked to describe the relationship, he referred the question to MPD public information officers.
In discussing the letter, commissioners voiced concerns about the chilling effect such cooperation could have on crime reporting among immigrant communities.
Others asked for clarification about limited circumstances when MPD may exchange information in serious criminal investigations. Commissioners agreed that the DC Council must determine the scope of MPD authority, but urged transparency in decision-marking. The ANC voted to send a letter urging the DC Council to convene a hearing.
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing: Kaiju Ramen
Pastor reported that most ABC matters had cleared the consent agenda, but Kaiju Ramen’s renewal required action because the licensee did not attend either the committee or full ANC meeting. Pastor noted the restaurant has no outstanding problems and has an active settlement agreement.
Sobelsohn objected to supporting renewals when applicants do not appear before the ANC, arguing that businesses should at minimum attend a meeting and answer questions. After discussion, the ANC voted to take no position on the renewal, allowing ABCA to decide without ANC input.
Cannabis Hours and Roundtable Formation
Pastor reported a request from High Demand at 511 11th St. SE, a cannabis dispensary seeking permission to extend sales closing from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Commissioners noted that this would exceed hours established in all existing settlement agreements. They agreed the request should be handled through the ABC Committee, not the full ANC.
Commissioners expressed interest in a broader review of cannabis business operations during next year’s renewal cycle, including consistent hours and security standards. No vote was taken in regard to the request from High Demand. The ANC voted unanimously to form a subcommittee to organize a neighborhood roundtable on cannabis regulation, including discussion of a potential moratorium on issuance of additional licenses for cannabis dispensaries in the area.
New Congressional Cemetery Director
The new executive director at Congressional Cemetery, Mark Hudson, introduced himself to commissioners. Formerly the director at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Georgetown, Hudson came to Congressional in September. He said he was impressed with the cemetery’s engagement with the community through outreach, programming and notably the dog-walking program. Hudson said that Congressional seeks to enhance its ability to serve as an active cemetery while caring for the resources on site and becoming an even more sustainable organization. It also wants to enhance the experience for the thousands of visitors, from dog-walkers to program participants, tourists and those honoring their loved ones. Hudson said when the process is complete a representative will share the results. He invited attendees to events, including the Holiday market, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the cemetery, and Wreathes across America, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.
In Other Business
The ANC voted to:
• take no position on the application from Kaiju Ramen (525 Eighth St. SE) to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) for renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with sidewalk cafe and summer garden endorsements, in light of the fact that no rep-
resentative of the applicant appeared before the ANC;
• send a letter to the Department of Public Works (DPW) documenting chronic trash and recycling delays across multiple SMDs, including skipped routes and repeated reliance on emergency 311 requests. The letter proposes that DPW create a public-facing service tracker, similar to the city’s snowplow map, allowing residents to see real-time progress on trash collection.
ANC 6B generally meets the second Tuesday of each month. The next regular meeting will be held on Tues., Dec. 9. Find details at www.anc6b.org. u
DDOT Finds Dangerous Bike Trail Speeds
ANC 6C REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on Nov 12, 2025 via Webex. The following were on the virtual dais: Jeremiah Foxwell (6C01), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair); Jay Adelstein (6C03, treasurer); Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, vice-chair); Daniela McInerney (6C05); Andrew Hayes (6C06, secretary) and Tony Goodman (6C07).
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Civic Design Researcher Rachel Clad briefed the commission on the agency’s Metropolitan Bike Trail (MBT) Speed and Safety Study (www.trails.ddot.dc.gov/pages/8e1acf6e1a 3744edac5e7567765fea2e).
The combination of electric vehicles and mechanical bikes is increasing the risk of injury on the MBT, Clad said. DDOT is addressing this by making design changes to decrease speeds at high density points on the trail.
Clad first appeared before the ANC in June to describe Phase I of the project. In July DDOT conducted engagement sessions with trail users on speed and safety. Speeding micro mobility drivers and congestion at merging points that could lead to accidents, users informed the agency.
Now, in Phase II of the study, DDOT has in-
stalled speed signs at high congestion connection points such as Althea Tanner Park and Rhode Island. The signs provide feedback to trail users. For instance, it projects a happy face or the words, “Stay safe, thanks” if the person passing is traveling at speeds of 15 mph or less. If the user is going faster, the sign displays a sad face or the words, “Go slower,” said Clad.
The signs, which also collect data on vehicles to see if the messages impact speeds, will remain in place till December, Clad said. After that team members will return to solicit MBT users for more feedback.
DDOT is not collecting data on individuals, said Clad. All data is anonymous and collected via radar. There will be no enforcement and no tickets and there is no permanent speed enforcement on the trail, she added.
Collected over the previous two weeks, preliminary data indicates 5,000 people a day use the MBT. June 2025 data indicated 2,700 daily users. The highest speeds are during morning commutes, especially Mondays to Wednesdays. Vehicles can reach up to 45 mph, which Claud characterized as “bananas.” 21% of users go faster than 15 mph. 5% exceed 20 mph, she said.
The commission held no vote on the matter.
Trash in Public Space
ANC 6C Transportation Public Space (TPS) Committee Chair Michael Upright presented a public space permit application to DDOT from the Telephone Company Condominium Association. The association wants to put a trash transfer receptacle in the alley behind the building on the 600 block of Constitution Avenue NE.
When the building was converted to condos, the trash room was located in the basement, Upright said. However, numerous vendors refuse service, causing unreliable trash pickup. The design calls for covered trash receptacles in the 29foot back alley, he said. There has been no objection from nearby residents. The commission voted to support the application.
Other Matters
The commission should write to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requesting the implementation of digital driver licenses, TPS Chair Upright suggested. The DC Council passed a law in 2021 supporting Digital IDs. However, only the digital car registration aspect of that bill was funded, Upright reported based on a discussion with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.
Upright’s letter asks Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District DMV to implement the law. It also requests the DC Council to make any legislative tweaks necessary to get it in motion. Commissioners unanimously supported the letter.
The commission supported a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for a special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to a home at 617 Massachusetts Ave. NE.
A developer requested support for a Board of Zoning (BZA) application for a zoning variance to permit office space use at 1106 Third St. NE. The property is zoned for by-right industrial uses and office use. The office use requires a 25-foot setback from abutting buildings, which is impractical given the row house lots. The commission supported the application, due to the developer’s plans for affordable units.
Commissioners discussed construction at the Aria on L at 300 L St. NE. A fourth-floor balcony on that building collapsed in July 2023. Crews have been replacing the existing full balconies with Juliet balconettes. However, they began work before a permit was issued, said Commissioner Goodman. The District Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued eight Stop Work Orders, Goodman said. Neighbors are frustrated at the lack of penalty for continuing to work without permit, as well as bulky construction materials blocking public space. Goodman vowed to pursue the matter with DDOT and DOB. The ANC took no vote on the matter.
ANC 6C generally meets via Webex on the second Wednesday of every month with the exception of August. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec 10. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join at anc6c.org. u
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
ANC 6D REPORT
by Andrew Lightman
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Nov. 17 in person. Commissioners Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, vice chair) Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were in attendance. Marquell Washington (6DO1) was absent.
Pedestrian Safety Taskforce member J.T. Hunt presented a report. The group organized community surveys as well as reviewing DC formal service requests and Traffic Safety Inputs provided by the DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT), Hunt stated. The taskforce also solicited feedback from local organizations. More than 126 residents responded to the taskforce survey, he said.
Taskforce members conducted field observations during a walking tour with DDOT engineers. The group examined intersections throughout Southwest. DDOT provided the taskforce with a written set of suggested improvements based on the walk. The following are the findings:
At Fourth and M Streets SW, the taskforce found vehicular near misses of pedestrians due to illegal left turns, distracted driving and speeding. Crosswalks adjacent to Safeway are often blocked. E-bikes and scooters ignore signals. The taskforce recommended adding left turn signals, eliminating U turns, improving signage and installing red light cameras.
At Sixth and M Streets SW, the taskforce observed vehicular near misses of pedestrians caused by left turns, speeding and distracted driving. It recommends the pedestrian crossing time be increased to 37 seconds, a left turn signal be added and all U-turns prohibited.
At Seventh and M Streets SW, the taskforce observed vehicular near misses of pedestrians caused by speeding, running red lights and inattentive driving. In addition, multiple turning directions at the intersection increase the risks to pedestrians. The taskforce recommended adding a left hand turn signal and prohibiting U-turns.
At Ninth Street and Maine Avenue SW, the taskforce found particularly heavy traffic and congestion combined with speeding, distracted driving and illegal U-turns to render the intersection a particular pedestrian hazard. In particular, the pedestrian crossing times are insufficient. The taskforce recommended adding a left turn signal, eliminating U turns and increasing pedestrian crossing times.
At 12th Street and Maine Avenue SW, the taskforce observed speeding vehicles, significant congestion and an unsafe bus stop.
The taskforce found poor visibility and obscured signage along Fourth Street SW below M Street. The taskforce recommended installing flashing yellow lights, illuminated stop signs and improved lighting along the entire corridor. Members also called for increased police presence during games days at Audi Field as well as the prohibition of E-bikes and scooters riding on sidewalks.
The taskforce should conduct further outreach to residential complexes on Fourth Street SW especially those impacted by Audi congestion, suggested Commissioner Kramer. She also called for e-bike and scooter speed controls in SW as well as dedicated stop lights for cyclists.
Fast suggested distributing the taskforce survey more widely. The commission took no action on the report.
ABC Matters
Vice Chair of the ANC 6D Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee (ABC Committee) Laura DiAngelo briefed the commission on license matters.
On the committee’s recommendation, the commission took no action on license renewals for Kirwins, Live K, Whitlows, Boardwalk, East Company, Jinia and the Residence Inn at the Capitol. All these establishments have settlement agreements with the commission and have received no community complaints.
At the behest of Commissioner Washington, the commission had protested the license of 12 Stories at 75 District Square SW on the grounds
of peace, order and quiet. Washington failed to appear at the protest, reported Chair Simon, who was present. The establishment did have an existing agreement with the commission.
Commissioner Kramer objected to withdrawing the protest, arguing the full commission had not had time to review the agreement.
“What lacks a basis is the protest,” said Chair Simon. Comm Chair Michael King pointed out that there is an existing community settlement agreement. This is a renewal request and there have been no community concerns, he pointed out. “There are no grounds for this baseless protest,” Simon.
The commission voted to withdraw its protest.
Development
Jair Lynch Development has asked the commission to support their request to the DC Zoning Commission (DCZC) for a one-year extension of their Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 801 Maine Ave. SW. The future address of the project will be 899 Maine Ave. SW.
Commissioner Fast moved that the commission support the renewal. Fast had met with the adjacent townhouse HOA and Lynch, she said. She cautioned against letting the PUD expire lest something worse be brought forward. The commission voted to support the extension.
The management of the Wharf has asked for a DCZC hearing to approve the construction of the Merchant Marina Bar at 635 Wharf St. SW. Commissioner Levine is in favor and has submitted a letter representing that position as representative. He asked the commission also to endorse the letter so as to give it “great weight.”
Commissioners Fast and Kramer asked Levine to incorporate concerns about pedestrian safety and sightlines on Pearl Street SW. He accepted these friendly amendments. The commission formally endorsed his letter with those adjustments.
Public Safety
Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) First District Captain Adam Crist briefed the commission on public safety. Violent crime is down across the board in Southwest, particularly car theft, he stated. However, theft from vehicles
remains higher than last year.
There were two violent incidents on The Wharf during the past month, Crist said. One involved the snatching of a security guard’s phone by an angry visitor, who was later apprehended. Another individual on The Wharf had their headphones snatched by teens. That case is ongoing, he said. Lastly, there was a shooting on the 700 block of Third St. SW. One individual was injured. The case remains under investigation, he said.
Other Matters
Treasurer Kramer moved the approval of the FY26 budget. Commissioner Fast offered an amendment to insert a line item in for $10,000 in community grants. Her motion failed. The commission also voted down a motion for further postponement. Instead, the commission approved both its FY26 budget and Annual Report.
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Dec. 8 via Zoom. For more information visit www.anc6d.org. u
Community
Remains Concerned As Crime Drops
ANC 7D REPORT
by Sarah Payne
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Nov. 11 via Zoom. Commissioners Katie Murphy (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair) and Ashley Schapitl (7D09) were in attendance. Commissioners Joshua Taborn (7D01, vice chair), Artilie Wright (7D03) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were absent. Single Member Districts (SMDs) 7D02 and 7D06 remain vacant.
Police Report
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Sector 3 Captain Filip Simic and Captain Kathleen Monahan briefed commissioners and community members on recent crime statis-
tics and neighborhood safety.
Last month’s 46% decrease in overall crime demonstrates a “big improvement” according to Simic. “I would like to thank all the citizens that have been helping us out as well as our federal partners who have done a great job working alongside us,” he added. Violent crime, however, jumped 5% and included one homicide, which Simic referred to as an “isolated incident.” Monahan identified Starburst Plaza and Benning Courts Apartments as areas where violent crime has persisted.
Commissioners sought clarity on the trends behind the numbers. Of particular interest were the effects of the juvenile curfew enacted by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) on Nov. 1 and the presence of federal law enforcement officials in the city. The curfew mandated that juveniles under the age of 18 be off the streets from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
How had curfew enforcement influenced case counts and did specific neighborhoods have additional enforcement measures in place? asked Payne. NoMa and Union Market were the “areas of most concern” for the department according to Simic, who explained that the cluster of Metro stations allows juveniles to congregate in these neighborhoods from different parts of the city. The curfew likely contributed to the overall decrease in robbery trends, according to Simic. “Our numbers went down big time,” he said. “A lot of our suspects are juveniles.”
Commissioners reiterated concerns about the presence of federal agents in the neighborhood and the lack of visible identification. In September, the commissioners approved a resolution, originally drafted by ANC 1B, to request that federal agents working in the District adhere to identification laws, including a mandate to display badge numbers and names, and discontinue use of masks and balaclavas, with the exception of covert operations.
“That is still not happening,” Murphy said, emphasizing the concerns of residents who have reported seeing MPD officers “cooperating” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other “unidentified” federal agents. Murphy signed a letter from the Home Rule Caucus calling the DC Council to hold a hearing on MPD’s cooperation with ICE. “It’s still scaring a bunch of folks, and not something we’re really thrilled to see,” she added.
The commission took no vote on this matter.
Other Matters
An election to fill the vacancy in SMD 7D06 left by Commissioner Marc Friend’s departure in September will take place on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE. The election will be inperson, with no opportunities to vote early, absentee or by mail. According to the DC Board of Elections, two candidates, Dominic A. Pacheco and Stephanie DeLuca, have qualified to run. Ward 7 State Board of Education (SBOE) representative Ebony Rose Thompson briefed commissioners on the October launch of the High School Graduation Task Force. The group of residents, students, teachers and employers is reviewing and amending graduation requirements for DC schools. Thompson hopes the task force will create clearer pathways for students to access trade and career education, “lift the voices of residents” across the city and ensure that students at the River Terrace Education Campus have the opportunity to graduate.
The commission voted to send a letter to District agencies recommending the re-designation of an unnamed alley behind the 1600 Block of Gales Street NE as Graceland Court NE.
ANC 7D will meet next on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u
Support for Permanent Juvenile Curfew in Navy Yard
ANC 6/8F REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met in person and online on Nov. 19 at 250 M St. SE. Commissioners present were Nic Wilson (6/8F01, treasurer), Markita Bryant (6/8F02, vice chair), Brian Strege (6/8F03, chair), Edward Daniels (6/8F04, secretary) and newly sworn Dan Reynolds (6/8F05).
Strege introduced a resolution requesting that the DC Council make the Emergency Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act permanent within the boundaries of ANC 6/8F. The legislation, which allows curfew hours to begin as early as 8 p.m. for those 17 and under, as well as for targeted “extended curfew zones,” was reinstated on an emergency basis in early November after expiring Oct. 5.
The chair noted that ANC 6/8F had “the most extended zones” in the city during the summer pilot and was the only ANC to formally request one. Commissioners pointed to repeated juvenile melees in Navy Yard, including incidents immediately after the October lapse and again on Halloween. Although the legislation is active until Feb. 5, Strege said the ANC was concerned about losing the tool when warmer months return.
Commissioners described the measure as a practical, rather than a punitive, public safety tool. Bryant emphasized the curfew’s role in preventing harm, saying she had personally broken up fights involving youths whose shoes and jackets were taken and were beaten on the ground. “I don’t want to see anyone hurt, and someone is going to get hurt really bad if there’s a next time,” she said. Bryant argued that adults could both support youth and hold them accountable.
Daniels said while he was “exhausted” by the recurring incidents, the ANC had few options beyond supporting temporary control measures until long-term fixes materialize. Wilson said the curfew is necessary to fulfill the commission’s “number one job,” which he defined as keeping residents safe.
Newly seated commissioner Reynolds supported the request but proposed an amendment asking the DC Council to revisit the authority af-
ter one year, which was accepted. The curfew, he said, should be only one part of a broader set of solutions needed for youth support and crime reduction.
Bryant also announced a series of youth engagement initiatives she will launch over the coming year, including monthly youth outings for Navy Yard teens, a recognition program for academic and extracurricular achievements and that ANCs citywide provide coordinated youth nights across commissions. The ANC unanimously supported the resolution.
Welcome to 6/8F05
Commissioner Reynolds
Commissioner Dan Reynolds (6/8F05) has lled the vacancy since Liam Goodwin stepped down from the role on Sept. 15. Reynolds represents the far northwest single member district (SMD) in Navy Yard, including the Novel, the Capital Yards complex and the Illume and 909 DC.
Reynolds told neighbors he is a transplanted Midwesterner who is now a proud resident of the neighborhood. For three years he worked as a USAID contractor promoting democracy and grassroots community-building in Eastern Europe. After “the events of this past year, especially what’s happened to Washington, DC,” he said, he felt motivated to direct that experience toward local service. “I decided now is the opportunity to do some of that change here at home,” he said. Commissioners o ered brief welcomes, with Wilson adding appreciation for Reynolds “stepping up” to serve.
Safety Report: Robberies Involving Youth
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First District Captain Adam Crist delivered the monthly public safety update. Robberies are up 8% year-over-year in the area, with recent incidents involving both juvenile victims and suspects. Property crime is down 22%.
Two robberies occurred in the last 30 days, both involving juveniles. On Nov. 18, two youths were assaulted by a group of 10 to 12 juveniles who stole coats and shoes. Earlier in the month, a juvenile was threatened and robbed in an alley o Half Street SE. MPD continues monitoring social media for large
meet-up activity, Crist added. He said youth generally had good voluntary compliance during the recent extended curfew weekends.
Finally, the captain pointed out that National Guard members stationed in Navy Yard have occasionally assisted in incidents requiring immediate intervention, including detaining suspects in an unrelated stabbing in October just outside Green Turtle (1237 First St. SE) until MPD arrived.
Repairs Planned for Diamond Teague Boardwalk
Capitol Riverfront BID president Emeka Moneme briefed the ANC on deteriorating conditions along the boardwalk from Yards Park to Diamond Teague Park. Built about 15 years ago, the structure is showing age-related failures: loose screws, broken planks, damaged wiring and uneven surfaces.
The BID is coordinating with the Department of General Services (DGS) on nearterm repairs and developing a capital request for long-term rehabilitation. The BID will complete short-term xes within Yards Park before Dec. 1; DGS is responsible for repairs on the Diamond Teague end.
Jurisdiction over the area is complex, Moneme said. Some segments belong to DGS, others to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Commissioners noted that issues with artwork and kayak storage pads fall within DPR territory, and older property-line misalignments with nearby businesses also need clari cation.
Residents raised concerns about perceived instability in areas connecting the boardwalk to concrete sections. DGS has installed a temporary grate over one hole and performed repairs, commissioners said. A full structural assessment is being planned.
Worth Noting
The $106,000 in Crossing DC community bene ts funds approved in October has been disbursed: $100,000 to the Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation and approximately $6,200 to Van Ness Elementary PTO.
Bulletin Board
Roast S’mores at The Wharf
On Thursdays and Fridays, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30 to 11:00 p.m., and Sundays, 4:30 to 10:00 p.m., visit the themed pop-up Camp Wharf, 101 District Square, SW, for everything you need for the perfect s’more, even a wood-burning fire. S’mores are $5 each or four for $17; seasonal beverage, $4.75; water, $2. Camp Wharf does not accept cash; credit and debit cards only. A portion of the proceeds benefit charities in Southwest DC. www.wharfdc.com
RFK Farmers & Flea Market
On Saturdays (weather permitting), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit the RFK Farmers & Flea Market in Lot 6 at the RFK Campus. The market features produce, food, clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, household items and more.
DC Streetcar Service to End
According to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), DC Streetcar service will end on
Tingey Plaza Holiday Market
The Wharf Ice Rink Opens
Through February, come to Transit Pier, right outside The Anthem, and lace up your skates. The Wharf Ice Rink is DC’s only over-water ice-skating rink. Public hours are Wednesdays to Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 8 p.m. Rink admission is $20 for 12+; 12 and under, $15; senior, military, $17. Skate rental is $5. No cash accepted. The Wharf Ice Rink operates on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations accepted. www.wharfdc. com/wharf-ice-rink
Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, 101 Tingey St. SE, brings together local makers, artists and food vendors for a festive weekend in the heart of Navy Yard. It is on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore the neighborhood, enjoy music and food and find gifts for everyone on your list. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local businesses. www.riverfrontfoundation.org/tingey-plaza-holiday-market
March 31, 2026. Alternative travel options include WMATA’s D20 bus. Information and travel guides outlining the options, as well as access to Capital Bikeshare and other DDOTmanaged modes of transportation, is available
on the DDOT website. Effective Jan. 4, 2026: elimination of Sunday service; revised operating hours with 20-minute headways, Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.ddot.dc.gov
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource
Resource in the District.
DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust
DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors
homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia
DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust
homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia
HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.
DC4ME
HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.
HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.
years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District governmentbased instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to
years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to
DC4ME VA Loan Product
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
The DC4ME VA Loan Product is a VA mortgage product offered by the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
COVID-19
COVID-19
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.
COVID-19
DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.
In addition to the traditional VA benefits, like no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, this product includes 3% assistance, funded by DCHFA, that can be used toward eligible closing costs or prepaid items. This makes the DC4ME VA Loan Product one of the most affordable and accessible loan options for qualified military-connected borrowers.
DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.
www.DCHFA.org
Christmas Movies on the Big Screen at Miracle Theatre
Here’s the lineup: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. “The Shop around the Corner,” Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. “The Polar Express,” Dec. 13 at 11:00 a.m. and Dec. 28 at 2:00 p.m. “Elf,” Dec. 14 at 2:00 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2:00 p.m.; and Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. “Home Alone,” Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m.; and Dec. 27 at 2:00 p.m. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. “White Christmas,” Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Before 5:00 p.m., all tickets are $6. After 5:00 p.m. adult tickets are $13, kids, seniors and military, $6. The Miracle Theater is at 535 Eighth St. SE. www.themiracletheatre.com
DC Fire & EMT Services Through the Decades: Focus on Capitol Hill Fires
The Civil War marked DC’s shift from volunteer fire brigades to a citywide department of trained, paid firefighters. Amy Mauro, Esq., executive director of the DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services Foundation, will trace key advances in the “Nation’s Fire Department” at the Overbeck Capitol Hill history lecture on December 8, 7 pm, at Hill Center, Old Naval Hospital. The program will cover the department’s history, including the integration of African Americans and women and the development of EMS, highlighted through major Capitol Hill fires using stories, photos, oral histories, and video. Q&A by Vito Maggiolo, the department’s public information officer. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, on Monday, December 8, at 7 pm. Admission is free; reservations are requested due to limited seating. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m.
Main Hall Holiday Market @ Union Station
From Dec. 17 to 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be over 35 vendors in the Union Market Main Hall. Additionally, every day there will be performances with musical genres ranging from classical, to electronic rock, a kids youth choir, the McKinley High School Jazz Band, a series of DJ sets and of course, the iconic playlist for the in-between. And it’s done in one of the most beautiful rooms in the city (which also means there’s heat). unionstationdc.com.
Mayor Bowser Announces RFK Project Lead
Mayor Bowser has announced that Brian Hanlon will serve as the RFK project executive and lead the RFK process for the planning and delivery of the new stadium and associated infrastructure. Lindsey Parker, the chief of staff, will become senior advisor to the mayor for wholeof-government coordination behind the RFK campus delivery. In September, the DC Council passed the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025, which brought the Commanders home to RFK and activated 180 acres of opportunity on the banks of the Anacostia River. The first phase of development, to include the new stadium, is on track to deliver in 2030.
An Evening with “Lab Dog” Author
Melanie D.G. Kaplan
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at NE Library, 330 Seventh St. NE, join a book talk with journalist
National Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Hailed as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world,” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, across from the White House, helps launch the celebration of Chanukah, Festival of Lights, in all 50 states and over 100 countries. This year’s ceremony takes place on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Free tickets are available now at www.nationalmenorah.org.
Melanie D.G. Kaplan, author of “Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research.” Kaplan will be in conversation with Mary Hollingsworth of Harvard’s Animal Law & Policy Clinic and former lead counsel for the Department of Justice on animal welfare enforcement matters. www.dclibrary.org
Spanish Conversation Circle at NE Library
On every second and fourth Monday, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., beginner, intermediate and fluent Spanish speakers are welcome to practice their Spanish at NE Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. All levels are welcome. www.dclibrary.org
Coffee & Conversation at SW Library
On the second Thursday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m., at SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, library goers are invited to join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee is provided. www.dclibrary.org
Washington Harbor Ice Rink Opens for Season
Washington Harbor Ice Rink, between 3000 and 3050 K St. NW, has opened for the season through March 1, weather
New Metro Entrance on Third Street Coming to NoMa-Gallaudet Station
The NoMa Business Improvement District has revealed renderings of the proposed Metro entrance at the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station. The NoMa BID has been advocating for a new entrance on Third Street NE to enhance accessibility to popular destinations, reduce walking times, provide a safer and more convenient route for Metro riders, alleviate congestion and promote pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin in 2028. www.nomabid. org/about-noma-bid/whats-next/#metro
National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates Announced
The 2026 National Cherry Blossom dates are March 20 to April 12. Here are a few other important dates (so far): Blossom Kite Festival, March 28 (rain date, March 29), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront, April 4, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
New DC Animal Shelter Opens
All public services, including lost & found pets, animal care and control and fostering, as well as wellness, spay/neuter and community cat services at DC’s low-cost Animal Health Center have been transitioned to the new DC Village campus. Located at 4 DC Village Lane SW, the facility replaces the District’s facility on New York Avenue NE. The adoption center is open Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visits and surgeries at the Animal Health Center are by appointment and can be scheduled by calling 202-888-VETS. www.bvspca.org/dc
permitting. Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
There are special hours for winter school break and January and February holidays. Prices are: $11 for adults; $9 for 12 and under, seniors and military. Skate rental, $7; penguin rental, $10. www.thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating
Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5k
Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation invite residents to kick off the New Year strong by registering for the annual FITDC Fresh Start 5k on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 11 a.m. at Freedom Plaza. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and abilities and includes a Kids Dash plus a pre-race festival with refreshments, music, and vendors. Participants can register at fitdcfreshstart5k2026. splashthat.com to receive a commemorative T-shirt, timed bib, and medal while supplies last. Same-day registration begins at 9 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 10:15 a.m. Volunteers are also needed for race-day support, including registration and refreshments; sign up at fitdcfreshstart5k26.splashthat. com.
Aspiring Writer’s Circle
Join a group of creative writers who meet virtually to share, critique and write together. They meet every first and third Thursday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. On the first Thursday, an open floor enables writers to share their work and request feedback. On the third Thursday, a writing exercise workshop talks through conventions and takes on a writing prompt. Creative writers of all genres are welcome. Email Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s Adult Services department at adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov to inquire about meetings and be placed on the Listserv. www.dclibrary.org
Crafts of Cairo at St. Mark’s
Join Hands along the Nile at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE, on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., for the annual DC Crafts of Cairo Sale, a joyful and meaningful way to begin your holiday shopping. Handmade gifts crafted from recycled materials by women in Cairo’s trash-recycling community who are in a job-skills training program. Each purchase provides education and training for women working for a brighter future. www.handsalongthenile.org
Compost Your Pumpkins
If your jack-o-lantern goes past its prime it should be composted instead of trashed. The Department of Public Works makes it easy to drop o pumpkins for composting at any of its 43 food waste dropoff options citywide. Make the pumpkins compost-ready by removing all candles, stickers, paint and glue, and cut large pumpkins into three-inch chunks. www.zerowastedc.gov/holiday
Beginning-Level Braille Classes at MLK Library
On Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, a beginning level braille class introduces all of the braille alphabet. Learn to work with a slate and stylus and how to use a Perkins brailler. Call 202-7272142 or email DCPLaccess@ dc.gov to register.
Local Chorus in Concert
Celebrate American musical theater with Second Wind in performance at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. The concert will feature Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Away, Away! My Heart’s on Fire!” from “The Pirates of Penzance,” a haunting ballad from “Les Mis,” and a medley of favorites by Rodgers and Hammerstein. www.chaw.org
The Hill Rag Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. Do you have a notice for the Bulletin Board? Send it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. ◆
The Hill Gardener Gardener Tech and Techniques
by article and photos Annette Nielsen
Walk into a Hill-based store that has plants, gardening supplies or yard tools and you will inevitably discover something new or have an opportunity to learn about advances in the growing space. While Capitol Hill may not be an agrihood (a planned community built around a garden or small farm), we see plenty of agrarian initiatives undertaken by our neighbors. Most of us don’t have a farming background, but we can get expert advice and maybe learn about tech or innovations in growing ornamental or edible plants, whether on a windowsill, balcony or lawn.
For information on the perfect plant for a growing environment, accessories, tools
and books, you really don’t have to venture far. Visit neighborhood shops and chat with plant enthusiasts.
Lawn Tech
I started thinking about writing this piece on a trip overseas. At the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, I saw what looked like a lawn Roomba providing an efficient (and quiet) way to keep the grounds perfectly coiffed. Mike, at W.S. Jenks & Son hardware store on Bladensburg Road NE, says that this type of equipment is best used for larger lawns and golf courses. He adds that the Husqvarna Auto Mower 315X is a popular choice.
Some robotic mowers respond to voice commands, working through platforms like Alexa and Google Home, and you might find versions outfitted with weather sensors that bring the robot home to dock during rain or bad weather.
While the robotic mower doesn’t replace humans, it allows for repurposing tasks to other aspects of tending the green space, or more time to relax and enjoy an iced tea on a warm summer day. Prices for robotic mowers start around $699 for home use; check for holiday promotions.
Tools to the Max
Head over to Frager’s Hardware on Pennsylvania Avenue SE and check out a multitude of options for garden tools. Louise, an associate in the garden department, points to the Ego brand as a versatile way to grow the garden toolbox. Every tool and machine in this multiverse can be used with every battery and charger (although some batteries may be more suited to specific tools due to size and run time). You
Michael at W.S. Jenks & Son hardware store’s rooftop greenhouse. Jenks will re-pot a plant that has outgrown its potted home.
A robot lawnmower cuts the greenery in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
Murphy at Ginkgo Gardens displays a set of soil testers, important for outdoor growing to detect soil contaminants.
can buy an initial tool with a battery and charger and then buy a tool only, with supplemental batteries if desired. Or you can purchase a specific Power Head system with a power shaft and separate attachments.
“This flexibility provides the ability to interchange an edger, saw, pruner, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, cultivator, weed whacker and more,” explains Louise, “which could be bought as standalone tools or as changeable heads to the power shaft system.”
There are many combinations of tools, with and without batteries, but you might choose to buy the Power Head with battery/charger and string trimmer attachment as a kit, on sale now for $379 or discounted for Ace Rewards members. Most attachments range from $179 to upwards of $300. There are also larger machines such as riding mowers.
The portable Stihl chainsaw, though not a multi-tool, makes light work of trimming jobs or taking down smaller trees. W.S. Jenks & Son offers the Stihl chainsaw (starting around $250). Remember to include safety gear like leg chaps and gloves.
Good Soil, Water and Lighting
Murphy, the manager at Ginkgo Gardens on 11th Street SE, emphasizes that plants need good soil, water and light to thrive. He recommends a set of soil testers ($25) that will give quick feedback on PH levels and soil nutrients, and a guide to check it against requirements for about 400 types of plants without having to send the sample away and wait for results.
For indoor growing, Murphy recommends either clip-on ($40) or staked ($20) lighting fixtures for optimum light to encourage seedlings. “You can also look to light bulbs that fit into an existing lamp,” he notes, “with full-spectrum white light or blue best for vegetative growth or red to promote fruiting and flowering” ($15 to $25).
At Frager’s Hardware, Louise points to decorative lighting options for outdoor use ‒ some solar-powered ‒ garden lights and lights on a string, as well as others that can be hung from a tree or post. There’s even a globe (a foot across) that can be programmed to cycle through a range of vibrant colors (starting around $25). It sounds perfect for your spring garden dance party. If you’re away from home for a few days, there are smart ways to stay on top of watering with an automatic wa-
ter-drip line, particularly good for container gardens or hanging planters, or a one- or two-zone programmable water timer ($50 to $65) that easily attaches to a faucet.
Indoor Planting Systems
As I don’t have outdoor growing space, and my mom knows how much I like to have an herb garden close to the kitchen, she got me a Click-and-Grow windowsill system last year ($120 and up including seed pods). Assembly is truly intuitive.
I’ve been most successful with basil, now on my third cutting with this round, and have also planted dill, tomatoes and mini strawberries with pretty good success. It’s nice to walk by the basil and get a whiff of what could be a complement to the evening’s dinner.
Re-Potting Services
Michael at W.S. Jenks & Son describes how to care for a plant that has outgrown its potted home. Have it expertly transplanted with the appropriately-sized pot and soil, allowing for further growth in the new year. This thoughtful service starts at $5.
And Always, a Book
You can’t go wrong with a book. East City Bookshop’s many offerings include a notebook for garden planning and tracking, a book for the beginning grower and a book by Joan Dye Gussow, whom the New York Times called the “matriarch of the eat-locally-think-globally food movement.” Learning about growing your own food in a sustainable fashion has become more attractive, particularly when weekly grocery bills continues to climb. It’s also a wonderful way to have time with the favorite people in your life.
Where to Go
East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, www. eastcitybookshop.com)
Frager’s Hardware (1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, www. acehardwaredc.com). You can reference the website to check stock levels, order and arrange in-store pickup. Ginkgo Gardens (911 11th St. SE, www.ginkgogardens.com)
W.S. Jenks & Son (910 Bladensburg Rd. NE, www.wsjenks.com)
Writer, and food and agricultural-systems advisor Annette Nielsen
returned to Capitol Hill after her tenure as executive director of the Hunter College Food Policy Center in New York City. u
The intuitive Click-and-Grow System provides the right amount of water and light for seeds to germinate and thrive. It is particularly nice on a kitchen window for easy access to culinary herbs.
Louise at Frager’s shows off a battery-powered (no cords!) multipurpose platform that accepts up to 80 attachments, from pole saw to edgers to brush cutters, leaf blowers, brooms and cultivators.
In the Weeds
by Capitol Hill Garden Club
I am unsure about this Leave the Leaves movement for an urban environment. What are the basic bene ts, and can you o er a few tips on how to practice this when the homes on The Hill have such small yards?
After much science-based information, the Xerces Society has played a key role in educating the public about the importance of leaving the leaves. Leaves provide essential cover for overwintering insects, in addition to decomposing over the winter, releasing nutrients back into the soil. Even if you have a small lawn, it is safe to leave at least 15% of the leaves in place without inviting diseases to damage the lawn. Here are a few ways to include meaningful actions in a small space:
1. Create small piles of sticks and leaves in an inconspicuous place in the garden. Behind an evergreen border or in a corner at the back of your property.
My garden seems so bleak with minimal interest or color during the winter months. What do you suggest to jazz up my smaller urban garden?
The winter garden is often misunderstood. Pots with violas and pansies are always welcome for winter color. Utilizing an evergreen in the garden can enhance space. Consider using evergreens with architectural interest, such as Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra). This slim easycare shrub is perfect for the urban garden. Growing only 4 – 6 feet tall and averaging 2-3 feet wide. Perfect for that special focal point in the ground or even in a pot, for a more formal look. It is a male holly with no berries; however, it is the pollinator for Gem Box (Ilex glabra). Under planted with seasonal pops of color, these are great to use instead of the common boxwood. Both are resistant to disease, winter burn, and deer. Alternatively look for evergreens with variegated foliage that will t your needs,
2. Place fallen leaves in existing garden beds to provide a layer of mulch. Be sure to leave the crowns of perennial plants uncovered to avoid rotting. Oak leaves take a little longer to decompose than other ner smaller leaves. Consider using them in an out of the way compost pile or behind taller plants.
3. Use the leaves as a mulch for existing shrubs. Be sure to leave a 1- 1.5-inch space around the trunk to avoid inviting decay or disease.
4. Remember to discard any leaves which show signs of disease.
Here is their website to nd out more: https://xerces.org/leave-theleaves
such as Daisy White Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca)
What is a dependable bulb other than the normal tulips and da odils that I can plant now, and provides color to the garden next year?
Consider using alliums. Alliums come in so many di erent heights, colors, and bloom ranges. They are the perfect accent that will stand out in next season’s garden. They attract pollinators, many have a pleasant fragrance, and deer resistant. Whether fresh or dried, alliums can also be used in arrangements. Planting alliums in pots or in the garden will attract early bees, as well as other pollinators while they are in bloom. Make certain your site drains well. Another bene t of growing alliums is that squirrels are not interested in them and usually will not dig them up. Try Allium ‘Mount Everest’ or ‘Schubertii’ for a statement planting – you will not be disappointed.
Alliums in package
Changing Hands
Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
401 16th Street SE 4BR/3BA/Corner
21 Overbeck Alley NE 4BR/3.5BA/GARAGE
IN WASHINGTON
& WASHINGTONIAN
in
4BR/3.5BA
+ BLDUS.
of the
3,000
by
w/
+ marble kitchen, open living/dining, double balconies, 850 SF south-facing patio/garden, and oversized garage. Custom design, state-of-the-art build—steps to Lincoln Park.
COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS
Kitchen 101: Knife Skills w/ Chef Wendi James
Monday, December 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Mark Haskell Presents…Worldwide ‘Creperie’ Lunch Class: Asian Crispy Rice, Mediterranean Socca, and Classic French Varieties, Savory & Sweetheart
Friday, December 12 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Scott Movens of the Sake District Presents…Seasonal Sake: Fall and Winter Sakes
Friday, December 12 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Marianne Tshihamba Presents… Salt Cod Sophistication: Soufflé & Smoky Salad
Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Marianne Tshihamba Presents…
Tea & Mimosas with a Twist: A Bridgerton-Inspired Culinary Experience
Saturday, December 13 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Duck Bootcamp for the Holidays with Chef Mark Haskell
Wednesday, December 17 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Leslie Frelow of the Wine Concierge Presents…Confidently Curating Holiday Wine & Food Pairings
Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center: Make the Yuletide Gay Featuring Crys Matthews, Heather Mae, and Flamy Grant
Sunday, December 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Joe Troop’s Whirlwind
Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
King Bullfrog End of Year Holiday
‘Hoppy’ Hour
Friday, December 12 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
“SONG OF SOLSTICE” A Celtic Christmas Celebration Featuring: OCEAN Celtic Quartet
Sunday, December 21 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
STUDIO ARTS
Contemporary Watercolors Workshop
Saturday, December 13 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Introduction to Linocut Printmaking
Workshop
Saturday, December 13 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The Paper Architect Hack® 010
Wednesday, December 17 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
CHILDREN & TEENS
EAST WORKSHOP: COMIC BOOK
CREATION WORKSHOP RESIDENCY
Sunday, December 7 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
King Bullfrog End of Year Holiday
‘Hoppy’ Hour
Sunday, December 14 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS
Talk of the Hill with Bill Press Featuring Journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser
Tuesday, December 9 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Programmatic support provided by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.
Exhibition Dates:
Saturday, December 6 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday-Wednesday December 8-10 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, December 11 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bid online, by phone or by absentee bid. No in-person bidding. For more information, please call 202-628-1281
Theater Night A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV
by Matthew McClure
If you’re ending this year feeling like you’ve been through an intense washer and dryer cycle, you’re not alone. The good news is you’ve made it through, so sit back, take a deep breath and indulge in some restorative, feel-good treats for the body and soul. We’ve put a few recommendations together for this month’s column, so read on for our curated selection.
On Right Now
“Rules for Living,” Round House Theatre Showing Dec. 3-Jan. 4 www.roundhousetheatre.org
Back in 2020, researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany placed rats into a maze to study how they navigated their way out. Rats, it turns out, are highly social creatures that follow rules to navigate their environment. The researchers learned that these rules are contingent on interaction with fellow rats, flexing and adapting to each new social interaction.
Humans, of course, are more complicated than rodents, but British playwright Sam Holcroft’s “Rules for Living” draws an uncanny par-
allel with the Max Planck Institute’s rat maze. The play follows Deborah (Naomi Jacobson) as she plans the perfect holiday feast for Francis (John Lescault), Carrie, Nicole, Matthew, Adam and Emma, while family politics, marriage disputes and arguments threaten to derail her carefully laid plans. What sets Holcroft’s work aside from the usual litany of year-end Christmas farces, however, is that each character must adhere to a shifting set of rules that determine how they navigate the maze of Christmas dinner and each other.
Round House Theatre artistic director Ryan Rilette is directing this American adaptation of Holcroft’s play, set to debut to US audiences this month. “In some ways, it’s a standard dysfunctional family holiday show,” he says. “What makes it different is that we’re telling the audience what to look at.”
Rilette is referring to instructions cleverly incorporated into the set that, like a puppet’s strings, direct the action of every member of the family during the play. They range from banal (eating, sitting, drinking) to unorthodox (feigning an accent, dancing, teasing).
Holcroft was driven to write “Rules for Living” based on her personal experience with cognitive be-
havioral therapy, a discipline of psychotherapy that aims to identify and break repetitive and potentially harmful behaviors or rules that develop as coping mechanisms over time. “What we watch in the play are people who are very avoidant, Rilette explains. “It’s a household where people have been trying to hold things in. We all have those things in our family. But everyone trying to avoid problems just causes more problems.”
Watch “Rules for Living” if you’re in the mood for hilarity and chaos. Head home with perhaps a deeper appreciation, and tolerance, for your family’s idiosyncrasies.
In the Spotlight
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, “Jingle All the Way,” Strathmore Showing Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. www.strathmore.org
Shake up your playlist for the holidays and head up to Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, for a jazzy remix of your favorite Christmas clas-
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (left to right): Howard Levy, Bela Fleck, Future Man and Victor Wooten. Photo: Courtesy Gemhouse Media
A rendering of the set for “Rules for Living.”
Photo: Round House Theatre
sics. Emmy Award-winning Bela Fleck and the Flecktones will perform songs from their celebrated album “Jingle All the Way” as a quintet for the first time in 15 years. We grabbed a few minutes with Bela between rehearsals.
Q: What’s been the biggest change to jazz music since you released this album in 2008?
BF: When I started playing music, jazz seemed like a really big genre and bluegrass a much smaller one. Now it seems like bluegrass has exploded while jazz may have stayed the same or even contracted a little bit.
Q: What makes the banjo and its history unique?
BF: The banjo’s story is so interesting. There is no other instrument like it. Its African origins, its place in Irish music and old-time jazz and bluegrass music. The history of banjo orchestras playing pop and classical music in the early 1900s makes for an incredibly rich story.
Q: Have you given any of the songs on the album a different treatment for this tour?
BF: We will have Howard Levy and Jeff Coffin in the band. We have never had this five-piece lineup, so
we need to arrange the pieces for five musicians rather than four. This is the fun part, figuring out how to make something different work! We’re also relearning some of our old repertoire with some deep cuts, so that’s gonna be a lot of fun too.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the holiday season?
BF: I like the eggnog! It’s very special to share cultural traditions with our kids and re-experience them from our side. I love playing Christmas carols in the airport when I’m waiting for flights around this time of year.
Marquee Attractions
“The Nutcracker,”
Washington Ballet Showing Nov. 29-Dec. 28 www.washingtonballet.org
Is there anything more quintessentially Christmas than “The Nutcracker”? Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892 with a libretto by Marius Petipa, and based on a short story by Alexandre Dumas, this “ballet-feerie” follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their journey through a Christmas landscape filled with fearsome or fantastical characters like the Rat
King and Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Washington Ballet’s version, choreographed by the legendary Septime Webre and performed each holiday season since 2004, has some unmistakable DC flavor thrown in: cherry blossoms heralding the start of spring, an Anacostian brave and his maiden and frolicking red cardinals. “In the US there are so many versions of ‘The Nutcracker,’ but this is a DC-based ‘Nutcracker,’” explains Edwaard Liang, choreographer and artistic director for the Washington Ballet since 2023. “It’s very identifiable and unique to this community. It’s become a tradition and a part of the cultural zeitgeist.”
Liang says that up to 400 local dancers participate in TWB’s adaptation across 35 performances. There’s also student representation from Wards 6, 7 and 8. “There’s such an incredible ownership of being a Washingtonian. I believe this ownership of a production is important,” Liang says. Start a new holiday tradition and book your tickets to “The Nutcracker.”
“Joy of Christmas,” Cathedral Choral Society Showing Dec. 13 (2 and 7 p.m.); Dec. 14 (6 p.m.)
www.cathedralchoralsociety.org
The Cathedral Choral Society’s “Joy of Christmas” performances at the National Cathedral are always on our itinerary for December. This year, music director Steven Fox’s holiday program includes the Eastern Senior High School’s Concert Choir, Mary La Blanc on percussion (she’s a staff sergeant for the United States Marine Band), the all-female Seraph Brass group, fresh off a recent tour with pop singer Adele, and Edward M. Nassor playing the cathedral’s Kibbey Carillon, which was installed in the 1960s, 150 feet above the nave. The program includes seasonal sing-along favorites like “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” plus J.S Bach’s “Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein,” “Brich an, O schoenes Morgenlich” and other joy-filled compositions. Just what’s needed to close out 2025. u
The Nutcracker Prince battling the Rat King in Washington Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” Photo: Courtesy Melissa Skinner for Washington Ballet
A past performance of “Joy of Christmas” by the Cathedral Choral Society at Washington National Cathedral. Photo: Courtesy Bucklesweet
Poetic Hill Malachi Byrd
by Sandra Beasley
Malachi Byrd is the 2025 winner of the DC Poet Project, a competition that identi es and supports exceptional poets. A full-time artist known as MalPractice, Byrd is a poet, teacher, battle rapper and songwriter from the District of Columbia. He is the former youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC, and a graduate of Princeton University. He has taught in over 100 schools in the DMV.
“Under the Scope” appears in “Before We Gone,” a collection published in fall 2025 by Day Eight, a DC-based press.
Sandra Beasley is the curator of Poetic Hill, a resident of Southwest and the author of four poetry collections. If you live in DC and you’re interested in being featured, you can reach her at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net for questions and submissions (1-5 poems). ◆
Under the Scope
And some days the classroom is surgery the rambunctious and the rowdy radiate just right and I feel like the best teacher in the world the ice-breakers beat the summer heat the curriculum coils like curls and the bell rings but the students want to stay and I pray they never know how hard it was for me to make it here
how intensive my searches been on LinkedIn or the amount of times I’ve questioned my calling let alone how I would pay my phone bill
The bad days make me forget how yesterday’s detention can be today’s delight and remember how the teacher’s lounge has really seen me break down
But I know that these moments make me worth it I don’t believe in bad kids but I do believe in loud days in the ways the mind maze can be louder than tra c the cold breakfast the unwarranted rant the missed bus and newborn thunderstorm
some days a smile is the tightest shirt I’ve ever worn some days feel way too long but today is not one of those the lesson was planned the peace was present and the plan was productive and these are the tattoos I want
the experiences that I would etch into my skin to remind me why I educate remind me why the home room is where my heart can heal
CAFE BERLIN BLANKETS, T-SHIRTS, STEINS, AND STIEFELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FOR YOUR FAVORITE GERMAN FOOD LOVER!
Gift cards can be purchased on our website or in person, at the restaurant. Details can be found by visting WWW.CAFEBERLIN-DC.COM
Courtesy Day Eight
Capitol Cuisine
by Celeste McCall
As holiday cheer wards off plummeting temperatures, our restaurant world is heating up. On Barracks Row, Awakening Bar & Grill has opened at 520 Eighth St. SE, where Extreme Pizza used to be. Created by Warren Ban eld Jr., his son Warren Ban eld III and Aaron L. Ratli , the 50-seat restaurant is named after the iconic sculpture “arising” at National Harbor. We poked our heads into the lively newcomer on opening night, when a lively party was in progress, complete with live music by Bryan Mills - great saxophonist!.
The decor is appealing, with blue walls punctuated with vintage photos of the late John Lewis, Barack Obama, Marion Barry, DC monuments, the longgone Senart’s Oyster and Chop House and the unique sculpture that inspired the restaurant’s moniker, “The Awakening.” The bar scene is convivial.
When we joined friends there for brunch,
orange juice. Despite its name, the drink was pale green. Lunch for two with two drinks came to about $65. Awakening is closed Monday. For hours, menu and other information visit www.awakeningdc.com.
New Winter Flavors
Queen, our savvy server, warned us that this was a shakedown cruise: the kitchen had just opened, and our food would take a half-hour to arrive. Not wanting us to go hungry, the kitchen plied us with complimentary parmesan/rosemary dusted fries, deviled eggs and rich bread pudding with bourbon sauce. By the time our orders arrived, we were almost too full! My shrimp and grits‒ a half-dozen nicely cooked crustaceans with a Creole-style gravy resting on smoky grits ‒ was delicious. Peter settled on chicken and wa es. The enormous wings, nicely battered and fried, were almost turkey size. Wa es were accompanied by a huge glob of butter and fresh fruit.
The Southern-leaning kitchen is headed by Johnson & Wales grad Brittany Davis, who learned cooking from her Louisiana-bred grandmother. Her menu showcases such beloved dishes as half-smokes, fried green tomatoes, avocado bruschetta, blackened salmon, lamb chops and the aforementioned bourbon bread pudding. The full bar pours assorted mimosas including the Georgetown sapphire, a mixture of sparkling wine, blue Curacao and 84 ★ HILLRAG.COM
Near Eastern Market, Lobby Bar, 224 Seventh St. SE, has launched a “playful” winter menu, while retaining fan favs like Lobby nuggets and spicy rigatoni. Among warming newcomers? Try a “dirty martini dip,” a cream cheese/salty and briny concoction supposedly tasting like the signature cocktail; the Lobby wagyu all-beef hot dog nestled in a buttered toasted bun and crowned with Ossetra caviar; tomahawk pork chops with cauliflower puree and Lobby O’s, a blend of veal, pork and beef smothered in house-made tomato sauce.
Complementing this festive lineup are whimsical drinks: bourbon-based cocktails with the likes of vanilla syrup, chocolate bitters and pumpkin spice; the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, a potent South of the Border twist on the retro drink combining anejo (aged) tequila, mezcal and dark chocolate bitters. Last but not least: the Pornstar Martini, a melange of vanilla vodka, passion fruit and simple syrup, escorted with a shot of sparkling wine. For Lobby Bar hours and more information visit www.lobbybardc.com.
On the Waterfront
While meandering along the District Wharf with
On opening night, Barracks Row’s Awakening Bar & Grill hosted a lively fete featuring awesome saxophonist Bryan Mills.
Heading Awakening’s Southernthemed kitchen is Johnson Wales grad Brittany Davis.
RIGHT: A favorite Awakening brunch dish is chicken and waffles, which might involve enormous wings.
friends, we checked out Whitlow’s Bar & Grill, 949 Wharf St. SW. Open since spring, the cozy sports bar/gathering place is an o shoot of the historic Whitlow’s, which held court downtown for a quarter-century before moving to Arlington. (There’s another Whitlow’s spino on U St. NW.)
Our group of four settled by the breezy window and scanned the menu. Sipping a Bloody Mary, I decided to go Hellenic and try the lamb gyros. I was not disappointed; the pita bread was packed with moist, tender lamb, lettuce, tomatoes and tzatziki. Peter ordered shand-chips, which he declared the best rendition he’s tasted recently. A beef smash burger was properly cooked and snuggled next to American cheese and grilled onions and accompanied by the usual fries.
Served in a convivial setting with multiple TVs, Whitlow’s casual menu also o ers wings with assorted sauces; Who Dat pasta with andouille sausage, shrimp and onions; half a roast chicken with potatoes and spinach; bountiful salads. For hours and more information visit www. whitlows.com.
More Tex-Mex
Back on “the Avenue,” Dos Toros Taqueria has nally arrived at 215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The latest spino of a nationwide chain, Dos Toros (“Two Bulls”) slings “mission style” burritos, quesadillas, salads, nachos and myriad tacos. Peter and I checked out the brightly lit eatery. After placing our order and paying, we settled in a booth. The quesadilla was stu ed withery chorizo, Mexican rice, black beans and corn chips. Surprisingly, the Tex-Mex staple did not contain cheese until I added it. Peter ordered a pair of tacos with choice of toppings. One was lled with “verde” chicken, the other with pork carnitas. Our tab for two, including a side of chunky guacamole and an orange drink, came to $30. There’s also beer and (canned) rose and pinot grigio. Dos Toros is open daily; for more information visit www.dostoros.com.
We’re still awaiting Mott’s Market, 233 12th St. SE, in the former Mott’s Corner Store site. Housing a neighborhood grocery for decades, the historic building dates from 1916. Local restaurateur/tenant Peyton Sherwood is creating a grocery/ deli sandwich shop in the renovated space. For updates visit www.mottsmarket.com.
Holiday Dining
As always, La Plaza Mexican Cuisine, 529 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will be open Christmas Day, Dec. 25, for carryout and dine-in. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed their Hispanic turkey and trimmings to go. Only problem, we ordered dinner for four but wound up with far too much food! We were eating turkey for a week afterwards. No problem! For hours, menu and reservations visit www. laplazatogo.com. ◆
Whitlow’s Bar & Grill, which held court downtown for a quarter-century, operates a spinoff at District Wharf.
Art on the Hill Artists Create for the Holidays
by Rindy O’Brien
The holiday season is upon us. Colored ribbons, twinkly lights, ornaments and wintery images are appearing everywhere. Holiday markets are springing up around town. Embassies are displaying crafts and art from their countries. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, when the creations of artists really shine.
For some artists, that means sharing their talent with friends and family, celebrating old traditions and creating new ones. For others, it is also a chance to sell their art to patrons and shoppers seeking gifts that are original, handcrafted and unavailable at big box stores.
Want to Build a Snowman?
One Capitol Hill artist uses the theme of snowmen, and sometimes snowwomen, as her holiday muse. Carolyn Rondthaler began sending holiday cards to friends and family in 2005. A native Californian, she didn’t grow up in snowy weather, but snow-
ARTS&DINING
men have always felt special to her, “shaped from the cold and by the warmth of the hands of their creators.” She has created over 30 cards and says she has friends who line them up every year on their mantles as Christmas decorations.
“Many years I use family events as the inspiration,” says Rondthaler, “like the year my daughter Louisa married, when the snow people were a bride and groom. This year they will be in cap and gown, celebrating the graduation of my grandchildren.” Other years feature familiar buildings or scenes, like plein air painting. Her cards are whimsical, brightly colored and always bring a smile.
Rondthaler spent her career with the Forest Service in Portland, Oregon. In 2013, she relocated to DC to be near her family following the passing of her husband. She works in several mediums, but her cards are watercolors, and she seeks out special papers to print them so that the colors are absorbed in the printing process. The original prints are 8 x10 inches, reduced to 4 x 6 for
December Art Openings
“10 x 10 Invitational,” Pyramid Atlantic Art Center Center, Nov. 22 through Jan. 4, 2026. Members’ pieces must be 10 inches by 10 inches and sell for $60.00. One of the most popular events at Pyramid Atlantic. Open Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gallery is at 4318 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, Maryland.
“Student Show and Holiday Sale,” Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and Capitol Hill Art League League, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free; great bargains on original artwork. Gallery at 545 Seventh St. SE.
“Variations in Landscapes,” Artseen Gallery Gallery, Nov. 15 through Dec. 20. Exhibition features artists Robert G. Fishman, Dennis Crayon, Dhamin Jassim and Donna Lomangino, who explore diverse interpretations of landscape art, including traditional and abstract styles. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery at 12115 Parklawn Dr., Suite G, Rockville, Maryland.
“The Birds of Shakespeare – Missy Dunaway,” at the Folger, Nov. 14 through Jan. 4, 2026. The exhibition catalogs 65 bird species mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poems. Work is in acrylic ink and was researched in consultation with an ornithologist. Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours on Friday extended to 9 p.m. The Folger Shakespeare Library is at 201 East Capitol Street SE.
the cards, which she prints herself. Rondthaler began her art journey encouraged by an aunt who lived in Easton, Maryland. She found a great beginning teacher, Dory Kantor, whose book, “Art Escapes,” is popular with beginners and established painters alike. “I was lucky to find Dory as I got started,” says Rondthaler. Her art has always helped her find great friends. When she moved east, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Wednesday painting group and the Capitol Hill Art League made her feel right at home. Rondthaler will be selling cards and other artworks on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the CHAW holiday sale. Her website shows her work, https://www.carolynrondthaler.com.
Hill-Inspired Ornaments and More
Many collectors and fans know Erin Thompson’s work featuring Capitol
Carolyn Rondthaler’s holiday cards delight collectors Each year she creates a new snowperson, often inspired by her own life events.
Rondthaler’s holiday snow card.
Rondthaler’s paintings are shown in galleries on the Hill, and her labyrinths have become a signature theme.
used Union Station and Eastern Market as her models. “My holiday collection is inspired by the beauty of our neighborhood, especially during the holidays,” she explains.
Thompson has enjoyed sketching and drawing since childhood. When her son began pre-kindergarten in 2019, she formally began her art business. She works primarily in ink, often adding watercolor. “I started out with pencil and charcoal in black and white,” Thompson remarks, “but once I started drawing little moments and children at play, I felt I needed color.”
dor maps at https://easternmarket. org/explore-the-market.
3,000 Ornaments and 35 Trees
If you love to be inspired by regional artists off the Hill, AnnMarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is worth the trip. You’ll find a wonderful array of handmade, fairtrade, ecofriendly and sustainable holiday ornaments. About an hour and 20 minutes’ drive to Solomon Island, Maryland, the garden center is decked out in whimsical displays, including 35 Christmas trees filled with thousands of ornaments, all for sale.
Hill local establishments and the neighborhood. Thompson starts sketching concepts in spring for the upcoming holiday season. Every year she features different holiday scenes. In 2024, she
Her holiday collection is featured on her website, https://erinthompsonstudio. com, which displays a wide variety of Hill-inspired work, including greeting cards, towels, framed prints and ornaments. The ornaments are made from wood, preferably sustainably sourced. Last year’s were maple, but she is using cherry this year. Not only are they local, they are beautiful and they are environmentally correct. “Another great option,” she adds, “is to purchase a gift card so that the person can choose the art that speaks to them.”
It takes her many months to prepare for the holiday season. “I sketch, test ideas, adjust, review samples and select the order. I try and be ready by September for Art All Night and the Capitol Hill Art Walk.” Her work is available online, and she will be at Eastern Market, weather permitting, one day during the upcoming weekends. To find her, check the ven -
Linda Bracey is the director of the year-round gift shop and curator of the ornament show. “We have been holding the holiday ornament show for about 14 years,” says Bracey, “and have developed a great relationship with local artists who participate each year.”
Some artists work year-round, like local Dorothy Van Ryswick, who hand paints and decoupages scallop-style shells. Another local artist, Jessica Owens, has created a bright red tree filled with whimsical characters. It even comes with a storybook. The creatures are a wonderful alternative to Santa. Christmas gnomes are also plentiful along with maritime themes.
In addition to the holiday trees, there are pottery, paintings and photographs by local artists for sale. A glittering holiday light show runs nightly from Nov. 28 through Jan. l, from 5 to 9 p.m. For the 2025 Annmarie Garden in Lights event, the cost is $12 per person for advance non-member tickets, with an additional $5 fee for those who purchase tickets at the gate. Children aged two and under receive free admission. It takes about one hour to
walk through the magical trails. For specifics, check www.annmariegarden.org.
Rindy O’Brien writes about Capitol Hill’s art and cultural scene and can be contacted at rindyobrien@gmail. com. u
ABOVE: Erin Thompson paints local neighborhood places and recreates them in towels, making the perfect Capitol Hill gift. She can be found at the weekend Eastern Market, or you can order online and pick up at her studio, just off Lincoln Park. Photo: Albert Ting, @pootie_ting
BELOW: Collecting ornaments for holiday trees and decorating is a great way to create special memories and traditions. Thompson’s locally inspired wood ornaments feature places like Union Station and Eastern Market. Photo: Erin Thompson
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center features over 3,000 ornaments made by regional artists and fair-trade artisans around the world. Some ornaments are hand-carried from Kenya to be part of the show.
Regional artist Dorothy Van Ryswick spends all year painting scallop-shell ornaments for the show.
The Best Workout is the One Built for You
by Pattie Cinelli
Plenty of options exist when choosing the best workout. You can hire a personal trainer, join a gym, do what your bestie enjoys, take a class or even search for something completely new on the internet. If you want to see results, feel good and avoid injury, create a workout that is balanced, challenging, but appropriate for your fitness level, and most of all, fun.
The best exercise program is not always the toughest or trendiest. Just because your best friend is a pro at playing pickleball, plays every day and loves it, doesn’t mean that pickleball would be a good fit for you. If you’ve never had good hand/eye coordination, enjoyed racket sports, or ever exercised consistently, competitive racquet sports would not be the safest or most beneficial way to begin moving your body. The best program is the one you will do consistently. “What do you enjoy that will keep you working out?” said Razonte Dunn, Explosive Performance Site Director at One Life Fitness. “It will create an overall foundation, a base, where you can see improvements and results.”
The benefits of daily movement are immense. A pooled analysis of 85 studies reported in Science Daily found that adopting a more active lifestyle at any point in adulthood is linked with a 20-25 percent lower risk of death, even if one becomes active later in life. Maintaining consistent activity throughout adulthood showed a
30-40 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality, especially for cardiovascular disease.
How well you know your own body, its physical strengths and limitations is important in crafting your own best workout. Dunn suggests hiring a professional to help you evaluate your fitness level and teach you proper form to become confident moving on your own. Dunn said he structures some form of functional training into every workout. “I get them to move their body more than what they are used to,” he explained. “I can evaluate their form and how they move and adjust for misalignments and overcompensations in one area of their body.” He recommends repeating the workout two to three times week with functional movements, one or two weight-lifting sessions on machine, then a group fitness class based on their likes and capability. “It’s all about them building confidence.”
Strength Training
Building muscle by lifting weights is one of the most powerful things you can do
for your body and your brain, said Dunn. It’s how you build muscle at any age. Your muscles naturally decline as you get older. “Developing a strong and flexible base for your body comes through strength training,” said Dunn. “It strengthens bones, it strengthens the immune system, reduces chances of injury and makes your joints more resilient.” Over time, cardio movements will wear on your joints without strength training.
Fitness class at Rumsey Aquatic Center Plaza on Mondays. The class is held in the North Hall on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Dega Schembri, fitness trainer, exercise instructor and owner, Foundation Fitness of Cleveland Park.
Len Kirsten was a true Capitol Hill pioneer. In 1965, the entrepreneurial Len opened the Emporium, the Hill’s first trendy gift and novelty shop, in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. For the next 10 years he sold posters, costume jewelry, political buttons and much more, items he said his customers had to travel to Georgetown to find before he opened his shop. Read about Len in his oral history at CapitolHillHistory.org. Keep Capitol Hill history alive by becoming a volunteer.
Dunn said lots of times people need to get moving and learn how to be comfortable moving their bodies. “I gauge where they are at and what they are currently doing,” he said. “Usually, I start them on machines and focus on creating a good base of strength that keeps them free of injury. I recommend them building their base for a few months.” He also recommends choosing some form of cardiovascular movement to do after strength training.
Convenient, fun and affordable
Convenient, fun and affordable are the three ingredients fitness trainer and instructor Dega Schembri suggested are necessary to stick to any exercise program. “If it’s too hard to get to, you won’t go. If you think it’s drudgery and uncomfortable you won’t stick with it and if you are struggling to pay for it, it’ll be the rst to be dropped,” she said. “The class I currently teach at Eastern Market has been going strong for years because it’s convenient (many can walk to it), it’s consistent (three days a week), fun and nancially feasible. The community aspect of the class is what helps everyone enjoy it and stay with it.”
consistent, which is what produces results. The research is strong. It’s never too late to increase your movement. Even small changes can have big e ects.
For more information: Razonte Dunn: razonte.dunn@onelife tness. com; Dega Schembri: dega@foundt.com.
The “correct” exercise program for you is one that supports your lifestyle instead of competing with it. It respects your time, your sleep, your work demands, your mental bandwidth and your obligations. When exercise ts into your life and is a priority, you are
Pattie Cinelli is a writer and tness consultant who is constantly tweaking her workouts to keep from getting bored. She currently is addicted to pickleball and classical Pilates matt. ◆
Razonte Dunn, Explosive Performance Site Director at OneLife Fitness on Capitol Hill.
Photo by Gayle Krughoff
The District Vet Understanding Coyotes
by Dan Teich, DVM
Late in the evening far in the distance, you may have seen a lone dog, or was it a wolf? In the District it wasn’t a wolf, and most likely not a dog, but a coyote! The mid-Atlantic isn’t the wild west, and with the decrease in apex predators such as mountain lions and wolves, the Eastern coyote has expanded its range, entering our area within the past decades.
First identified in Rock Creek Park in 2004, sightings have increased over time, but the population of coyotes in DC is not thought to be large. Eastern coyotes are not all coyote: they are descendants of coyotes in Canada that have some interbreeding with wolves and domestic dogs. That said, they are still mostly coyote and are certainly not domesticated!
Local coyotes aren’t large; they weigh between 25 and 45 pounds; appearing larger than similar-sized dogs due to sometimes bushy haircoats and long legs. The average golden retriever is about 70 pounds, so they are quite small in comparison. As for their diet, they aren’t picky and change their feeding with the season, trash aside, of course. Small birds and mammals, along with insects, roadkill, berries, persimmon, and other plants make up the bulk of their nutrition.
Their mating season is the winter, from December to March, and gestation is about the same as a dog: 60-65 days. Pups are born around March to May in a den, similar to foxes and bear. Home for a coyote here could be in a hollow log, cave in rocks, a crawl space of a building or under a garage.
Haven’t seen one? Most of us haven’t. They are generally shy and avoid people, but you may hear their howls. Living up to 20 years in captivity, and about six to eight in the wild, they learn their environment well, establishing routines within their territories. It’s not unusual to have familiar individuals in an area. Don’t panic if you are in Rock Creek Park and see a coyote during the day; they are diurnal and can be active at any time. The dense urban habitat of our city does put them into contact with people more than in rural areas, and over time, they may become less fearful, increasing interactions.
Coyotes are our neighbors and it’s important to respect their wild nature. They aren’t dogs and should not be approached as such. If out and about and you cross paths with one, wave your arms and make noise, letting them know you are present. Being naturally shy, the coyotes should remove themselves from the situation and walk away. Remember that they are wild animals; be cognizant of your trash and never purposely feed them. Giving them food may habituate them to humans, depriving them of a more wholesome diet and increasing human / coyote interactions.
Although nationally coyote interactions with people are rare, a coyote sees no difference between a small dog and a cat vs normal prey foods. It’s nothing personal, but a small animal is just that, a potential meal. Cats and dogs under 30 pounds should not be left unattended outside, even in a fenced yard. Always use a leash, especially in wooded areas or adjacent areas; this is of prime importance in the evening! If walking a small dog and a coyote is around, pick up your dog and make noise. This should be enough to deter the coyote.
Accidents and interactions do happen. If there’s an injured coyote, call the Brandywine SPCA, the contractor for DC’s animal control, at 202888-7387; they will help assess the situation and provide assistance or guidance. For more information and to report sightings, see The District Coyote Project at districtcoyotes.org.
Dan Teich, DVM, is the Founder of District Veterinary Hospitals u
S chool N otes
Brent Celebrates Students and Classroom Communities
Brent’s Banner Parade at Brent@Meyer was a beautiful celebration of every class and every student, with each classroom creating a unique, studentdesigned banner that ach child contributed to — paired with a class chant and a walk-up song that made the hallways come alive. Families and staff lined the route, cheering as students took pride in their creations and the community they’re building together. The joy, creativity and belonging on display reflected everything that makes Brent such a special place, even in a swing-space year. As always, the people are what make the school—and
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
this parade was a powerful reminder of that.
Brent Elementary @ Meyer, 2501 11th St NW, www.brentelementary.org
Donna Brazile Visits DCI
On November 19, students in District of Columbia International School’s (DCI) Civics Club hosted Donna Brazile, renowned political strategist and former chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), for a conversation with high school students. Brazile shared her personal journey in politics and encouraged students to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities. It was an inspiring opportunity for students to learn directly from a national leader in public service.
dcinternationalschool.org
Friends Community School Map Their World
As a component of their current unit on geography, 1st and 2nd graders used the FCS campus to help them understand mapping. The students first learned about fundamental map skills—they examined different types of maps, completed activi-
ties using cardinal directions, identified key tools like the compass rose and learned about scale and perspective. With these skills, they were ready to face the next part of their study… mapping their classroom and the front of FCS.
Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr, College Park, MD; www.friendscommunityschool.org
Jefferson Shares Triumphs
Jefferson Middle School Academy hosted its inaugural Caregiver Conversations evening. The event featured a panel that held a powerful discussion fo-
cused on empowering ourselves to break barriers in challenging times. Participants shared resources, strategies and personal stories of trials and triumphs that reminded us of the community’s collective strength and resilience. This event marked the first of many sessions in the Caregiver Conversations series. The best is yet to come.
Jefferson Middle School, 801 Seventh St. SW, www.jeffersonmsacademy.org
Brent Elementary
DC International
Friends Community School
Jefferson MS
St. Peter School Students Work for Community
Saint Peter School (SPS) students collected 193 boxes of food for the 38th Annual Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive! Donations were gathered from SPS families and neighbors as well as parishioners from Saint Peter’s and Saint
Maury
Joseph’s churches. Congratulations to Caroline Miller (First Grade) on being named October’s Student of the Month!
Caroline was nominated because teachers have noticed her willingness to lend a kind hand, offering support with schoolwork and smiles and including others
during playtime. Her caring attitude and positive spirit make her classroom a better, more welcoming place. Caroline is a wonderful role model, and she truly embodies the virtue of kindness. Pictured: Student Council President Teagan Hurley presents the award to Caroline.
St. Peter School Capitol Hill, 422 Third St. SE, www.stpeterschooldc.org
Ludlow-Taylor Students Stay Busy This Fall!
October kicked off with students joining Coach Smith for the annual Walk and Roll to School event, promoting health, safety and community, followed by families at LT’s first Golf Outing & After Par-Tee at Langston Golf Course. The month continued with a school-wide trip to Cox Farms, ECE & K Diwali celebrations, a community-attended Spirit soccer game. October wrapped up with the Halloween Parade, featuring costumes, creativity, and a fifth-grade “Thriller” flash mob led by Ms. Alexander.
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary, 659 G St. NE, www.ludlowtaylor.org
Maury Ventures Into Nature
As part of a biodiversity study, Kindergarten students ventured into the Maury School Garden. They searched for insects, flowers, treesand more - making lists and drawings of their exciting finds. The variety they found is amazing, even from their small urban space.
Mundo Verde students recently earned the Gilda Allen Best School Garden Award, distinguishing the Mundo Verde school garden as one of the best school gardens in Washington, DC. This prestigious recognition celebrates the impressive work and dedication of the Calle Ocho students, who continually demonstrate hands-on learning, develop new skills and strengthen their connection with nature.
J.F. Cook Campus • 30 P Street NW • Calle Ocho Campus • 4401 8th Street NE • www.mundoverdepcs.org
Payne Elementary Rocks
Payne Elementary’s Rock Band, “Something Radioactive” was the hottest show on the Hill one Thursday night in their exclusive co eehouse style exhibition! The aftercare alternative enrichment program was a dream made reality by an invested Payne parent and longtime music teacher at Payne’s Saturday Arts Academy and “Music on the Hill”, Mr. Steve Leroy.
The group meets weekly to jam out and explore music together in the Kings Court Alley studio. Also this month at Payne ES, students participated in a schoolwide campaign for Student Government Association o ces. Candidates shared creative platforms with their peers—from ensuring everyone has the supplies they need for learning to keeping the lunchroom stocked with sun butter and jelly. Throughout the year, these student leaders will continue to plan and lead activities that support their classmates and promote student voice at Payne.
Payne Elementary School, 1445 C St. SE, paynedc.org ◆
and information sessions to learn more about
Kids & Family
NORAD Tracks Santa
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks everything that flies in and around North America. On Dec. 24, they also have the mission of tracking Santa Claus. In 1955, a child dialed the phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center, NORAD’s predecessor command, believing she was calling Santa after seeing a promotion in a local newspaper. The commander on duty assured the caller that CONAD would guarantee Santa a safe journey from the North Pole. Each year, the website NORAD Tracks Santa receives nearly 15 million visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers answer more than 130,000 calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline. Children are also able to track Santa through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. www.noradsanta.org
Family Christmas Service at the National Cathedral
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to noon, enjoy a menagerie of live animals that brings the Nativity to life in this service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones of all ages in the festively decorated Cathedral nave. ASL interpretation is offered. Due to capacity concerns, in-person passes are required. www.cathedral.org/calendar/family-christmas-service
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” is a Broadway holiday production that features hit songs like “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations capture the true meaning of the holiday season. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4, 2026. www.thenationaldc.com
Free Photos with Santa at Arena Stage
There are free photos with Santa at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. Free photos are open to all, not just theater patrons. www.arenastage.org
Family Workshop “From Page to Pose” at the Folger
On Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., inspired by the Folger’s exhibition “Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era,” families will bring Shakespeare’s words and scenes to life through creative movement and acting. No acting experience required, just imagination and a willingness to play. Attendance is free with a recommended $3 donation. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages five to seven; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for ages eight to 11. www.folger.edu
More than 1,200 volunteers answer phone calls and emails from children around the globe asking about Santa.
King Bullfrog End-ofYear Holiday “Hoppy” Hour at Hill Center
On Sunday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy live music that is perfect for all ages at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. This is the perfect place for the little ones to run, dance, laugh and play to the beat of their favorite songs. King Bullfrog is a kindie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids and grownups alike. Beer, wine and cheese pizza will be for sale. Child’s ticket is $14; adults, $7. www.hillcenterdc.org
“Chanukah in the Dark” at Theater J
When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories and traditions, only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along. “Chanukah in the Dark” runs from Dec. 6 to 21 at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, and is perfect for ages five, up. Tickets are $24.69. www.edcjcc.org/theater-j
Sunday Storytime at Planet Word
On Sunday, Dec. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., join Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW, for Sunday Storytime, a monthly program for children and their grownups. Featuring songs and read-alouds presented by children’s librarians, the hour-long program is ideal for ages two to six. Afterwards, participants are invited to explore the museum or the pop-up DC Public Library wagon to check out children’s books. Free admission. www. planetwordmuseum.org
Saturday Morning Live! at the National
The R.E.M.I.X by SOLE Defined (www.soledefined.com) is an immer-
ELEMENTARY
PK3-5th
2021 13th St NW (202) 387-9830
MIDDLE
6th-8th
770 Kenyon St NW (202) 793-2667
• We prioritize a comprehensive education approach and redefine student achievement through our membership in the EL Education partnership.
• Our curriculum accommodates multilingual learners programs through a diverse range of interests and courses such as Visual Arts, Music, Spanish, Performing Arts, and Technology.
• Our Before Care, After School, Meridian Clubs and Athletics programs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and discover their path in life.
Apply today for School Year 2025-2026. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org.
#ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back! Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection
GRADES 5-12
• 2024 Bold Performance School recipient in the High School and 2022 Bold Performance School recipient for the Middle School
• Virtual instruction for all students on Fridays
• Guaranteed seat for Paul 8th grade families into 9th grade at Paul IHS
• Bilingual Family Engagement team to meet the needs of all families
• SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College Assistance
• Wraparound services, counseling, and student support resources for families with IEPs
• Free daily breakfast and lunch for all students Over 20 competitive middle school, junior varsity, and varsity athletic teams
• Extended day after school programs including tae kwon do, cooking club, dance, and tutoring
create a joyful learning environment where children and families flourish and can show up authentically as their true selves.
sive experience that creates a safe and inclusive space for students to become both dancers and musicians. The R.E.M.I.X experience is at the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., on the main stage. This season, Saturday Morning Live! at the National is all about broadening horizons, from space travel to time travel, international music to homegrown favorites. Saturday Morning Live! has shifted to one free performance, at 10:00 a.m., on the second Saturday of the month. Occasionally there will be an encore performance at 11:30 a.m. www.nationaltheatre.org
La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA
“A Family Christmas” at the KC
On Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 11 a.m., treat the whole family to “A Family Christmas” as the Choral Arts Chorus lls the concert hall with festive cheer, holiday classics, sing-alongs and a special visit from Santa to make spirits bright. This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages ve and up. Tickets are $20 to $59. www.Kennedy-center.org
Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show Family Fun Packs
As the rst holiday production highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous friends from the Arctic Kingdom along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 5 to 21. Tickets
On Saturday, Jan. 3, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., join GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, for the annual Three Kings Day celebration. This free, festive end to the holiday season features the story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street parade and a gift for every child. www.galatheatre.org
start at $49. Unique for Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, Arena Stage o ers a limited quantity of Family Four Packs consisting of four tickets for $179, while supplies last. Family Four Packs can be purchased only by phone at 202-4883300, Tuesdays to Sundays, noon to 8 p.m. www.arenastage.org
Accessible Movie
Screening of “Frozen” at MLK Library
On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., join Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, with Anna, Elsa, Kristo , Olaf and Sven, for a screening of “Frozen” (2013, rated PG). The lm will be shown with ASL and open captions. For reasonable accommodations, contact DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142.
Family Drop-in Programs at the Phillips Collection
On second Saturdays, Dec. 13 and Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring the family to the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, to investigate materials, methods and ideas in art. On Dec. 13, visit the exhibition “Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection.” Illustrate storybook pages based on your life or in response to the exhibition. On Jan. 10, immerse yourself in the landscapes of peter campus. Dream of a place, real or imagined, and build a 3-D landscape using tissue paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners and more. Families can enjoy the carpeted, creativeplay area with books, toys and games. The events are included with the cost of admission. Children must be accompanied by their adult. This is a dropin program suitable for children of all ages. www.phillipscollection.org
Family Holiday Festival at MLK Library
On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, presents Family Fun Day, featuring Mr. Rob, a performer and music educator who specializes in early childhood music education. The day includes interactive performances, crafting stations and other surprises. Admission is free and registration is encouraged but not required. www.atlasarts.org
On Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., visit Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, for an afternoon of free holiday fun. This family-friendly festival is packed with creative activities, entertainment and cheer for children of all ages. It features cookie decorating, story writing, art stations, color-your-own mug, a puppet show, face painting, photo booth, storytelling, a DJ and music and mascot characters. www.dclibrary.org
First Night Alexandia
Ring in the New Year at First Night Alexandria, a family-friendly festival of music, arts and community. Now in its 31st year, this celebration transforms Historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, into a hub of live performances and entertainment. First Night celebrations take place around the world as a meaningful alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. There is a family-inspired fireworks display at 6 p.m. and an encore display at midnight. Tickets are required. Read the schedule of events and get tickets at www.firstnightalexandria.org.
Blessing of the Bambinelli and Lighting of the National Shrine Christmas Tree
On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4:30 p.m., following the annual papal tradition in Saint Peter’s Square, the National Shrine, 400 Michigan Ave. NE, hosts its annual Blessing of the Bambinelli. The faithful are invited to bring the Baby Jesus from their Nativity scenes to the Hall of American Saints to be blessed on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, and to participate in the lighting of the Christmas tree. www. nationalshrine.org
Mr. Rob.
CROSSWORD Eats
by Myles Mellor
Across:
1. Rock’s Nugent
4. S.A country
8. Served up a whopper
12. Woman’s shoe
18. Goal makers
21. ___ point (never)
22. Goddess for whom a European capital is named
23. Celebratory meal, probably 25. Rye and pumpernickel
