Behind the Uniform Art Exhibition: A Salute to Capitol Hill Art Veterans
by Rindy O’Brien
New Self-Care Options on Capitol Hill
by Pattie Cinelli
A
on the cover:
“I hate the sun (Morning Assembly)” Amity Chan 2025. Acrylic and sand on canvas. 30 x 40” – $1,250
Available froM Studio Gallery • studiogallerydc.com 2108 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 1pm-6pm Saturday – 11am-6pm.
This month at Studio: Don’t miss your chance to experience the powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions on view this May at Studio Gallery through May 17th. In our solo show Writ On Water, Micheline Klagsbrun presents layered mixed-media works that explore memory, identity, and the human body. On the lower level, Conceal Reveal by Robert Cwiok reimagines security envelope patterns into striking collages that unveil hidden meaning in the everyday. Also downstairs, Iza Thomas’s DIRECTOR’S CUT channels the cinematic worlds of iconic directors into expressive paintings that re ect on love, pain, and human resilience. And don’t miss Fragments of Memories, a compelling joint exhibition by Amity Chan and Lynda Andrews-Barry, where paintings, sculptures, and installations explore how memory, identity, and politics shape our internal and external landscapes.
To HILL with the Suburbs!
When things get broken, you need to get them fixed. And Spring is a good time to do it; Nice weather, nice environment. Grass is growing, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming. And boy, doesn’t the old place look a bit run-down? Maybe a change of place is in order?
Space is important, time moreso. Condos are often a great alternative to spending your time and money on cutting grass and fixing roofs. Of course, its important to find a well-run association. Like a government, its important to find one with an eye to the future, but not neglecting the present. Not being “penny wise” and “pound foolish”. Not throwing any babies out with the bathwater.
Regardless, home ownership is still the best, and fastest route to financial security. You have questions? We have answers. Give us a call, and let us help!
3945 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Unit A Condos are the ideal hone for busy DC professionals, you take care of the inside, and the association deals with the rest! This two level Townhouse condo in Fairfax I has two full bedrooms, a new Stone and Stainless tiled kitchen, sep Dining Room, CAC, floored living room facing South and East for morning sun. Pennsylvania Avenue is a shady tree-lined street, near the MD border, providing a lovely view from the Front Bedroom.
$180K
Capitol. A big carpeted bedroom has designer closet systems, and a big mirrored tiled tub bath. A stacked en-suite w/d is ergonomically located nr. bath and BR. The kitchen is stone and stainless and lit by overhead lights. A big storage wall lines the entrance hall. Low fees cover building maintenance. water, and Gas! On 8th St, near MD avenue, Library, Stanton Pk and Coffee shop! $400K
Next Issue: June 7
Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of:
Capital Community News, Inc. PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.hillrag.com
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.
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
Anacostia River Festival
On Saturday, May 17, 1 to 6 p.m., the 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the 11th annual Anacostia River Festival. Set along the Anacostia River in the heart of Anacostia Park, festivalgoers will experience the vibrant spirit and cultural depth of Black Washingtonians. Through live musical performances, a curated marketplace, and historical exhibitions, they aim to honor and uplift the many cultures that shape the Black experience. Activities include chess, rock climbing, games, arts and crafts, science experiments, weaving, canoe rides, fishing and more. All activities are free. buildingbridgesdc.org/arf.
Essex Hemphill at the Phillips
Essex Hemphill (1957–1995) was a prominent Washington DC, poet, performer, editor, and activist whose work engaged themes of race, gender, sexuality, love, and community during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Take care of your blessings explores the interdisciplinary relationship between Hemphill’s writing—raw, politically charged, and deeply personal—and contemporary visual art. The exhibition presents the work of artists who knew or collaborated with Hemphill during his lifetime, alongside those who found inspiration in his artistic and political vision decades later. The result is in an intergenerational dialogue that spans time, media, and place. Admission is $20 with discounts for seniors, students and military (18 and under are free). Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings is at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from May 17 to Aug. 31. phillipscollection.org.
Eva Curtis (Iñupiaq) and Sadie Vestal (Iñupiaq) picking wildflowers, Kotzebue, Alaska, June 23, 1951. Lindell and Ethel Bagley Alaska collection.
Insight: Photos and Stories from the Archives at American Indian Museum
Opening on May 23, InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives features photos that were selected from more than a half million images stewarded by the museum. They give an intimate view of Indigenous lives across the Western Hemisphere and across time. They show everyday moments of joy and quiet reflection. In these images, people attend social gatherings, pose for family photos, and learn from relatives. Each photo has a story to tell. It is the rich insight shared by Native people that brings these stories to life. americanindian.si.edu.
Joyce Wellman, Someone Different, 1989, Oil paint stick on paper drawing, 50x38in., Courtesy of the artist.
Frankenstein at Shakespeare
Emily Burns (adaptor of STC’s Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing), reimagines Mary Shelley’s romantic gothic science fiction masterpiece as a chilling exploration of what it means to create a new life. Visceral and provocative, this production reveals the inner lives of Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein in bold new ways. Riding the edge of cinematic thriller and intense drama, Frankenstein redefines the legend we know, the name we fear, and the monstrous act at the heart of the story. STC’s Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from May 27 to June 22. Tickets start at $35. shakespearetheatre.org.
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World at the NGA
From May 18 to Nov. 2, experience the wonder of nature through the eyes of artists. Look closely at art depicting insects and other animals alongside real specimens. A delight for all ages, this exhibition features nearly 75 of these paintings, prints, and drawings in a unique presentation alongside specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. First-of-its-kind collaboration between the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History brings specimens into conversation with art. Learn about the rich exchange between artists and naturalists that sparked a fascination with earth’s living creatures, big and small. nga.gov.
Jan van Kessel the Elder, Insects and a Sprig of Rosemary, 1653 oil on panel, overall: 11.5 x 14 cm (4 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.) National Gallery of Art.
Exposed DC Photography Collection at MLK Library
On Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all are invited to this celebration of local photography with more than 300 stunning images captured over nearly two decades. The work will be showcased throughout the day on the MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, fifth floor and its roof deck. Documenting nearly two decades of the city’s culture, history, and communities, the Exposed DC Photography Collection offers a perspective on the District’s transformation, with contributions from local photographers who have documented the region’s story. The collection’s new home at the DC Public Library will help preserve it and make it accessible for future generations. exposeddc.com.
Eric Whitaker, photographer
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
No/Bodies: Tattoos and the World of Felix Gonzalez-Torres
On Saturday, May 31, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., join the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, for a panel exploring the relationship audiences have with Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s work through tattooing. Co-curators
Charlotte Ickes and Josh T. Franco will be in conversation with art historian Julia Bryan-Wilson and curator Meg Onli, both of whom have chosen to express their appreciation for GonzalezTorres and his work by getting tattoos. They look forward to a fantastic conversation about art, the body, memory and the unexpected. Free; registration required. npg.si.edu.
Falsettos at Keegan
Hilarious, heartbreaking, and utterly unique, Falsettos is a contemporary musical about family, relationships, bar mitvahs, baseball and AIDS. When Marvin leaves his wife Trina and son Jason to be with his lover Whizzer, tempers flare, problems escalate and everyone learns to grow up. Keegan Theatre, 742 Church St. NW, from May 10 to June 15. $59 to $69. keegantheatre.com.
WNO’s Porgy and Bess at the KC
Gershwin’s Great American Opera marries jazz, blues, and gospel. It’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge. As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her. Themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave through this poignant story, ultimately asking if even the most unwavering love can drive out darkness. Kennedy Center Opera House from May 23 to 31. Tickets are $45 to $299. kennedy-center.org.
Tacos and Tequila at Nat’s Park
On Saturday, May 17, 4 to 7 p.m., join Tacos & Tequila for the ultimate tasting experience. Your ticket includes 12 tequila and cocktail tastings plus a free taco sample from some of the best in the game, including in-park favorite and reigning Tacos & Tequila champion Los Cincos Tacos. Sip on Cincoro Tequila, Casamigos Tequila, Tapatio Tequila, Arette Tequila, La Medida and Macurichos, and more while savoring tacos from DC favorites like El Bebe, Taqueria Habanero, El Techo, and Taqueria Xochi. Plus, enjoy music from dueling DJs—DJ Rise and Mr. Styles. General admission is $80; notasting ticket is $33. Must be 21+. mlb.com/nationals/tickets/events/tacosand-tequila.
Ain’t Too Proud at the National
Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. Tickets start at $46. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW from June 17 to 22. thenationaldc.com.
Photo: Todd Rosenberg
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
SATURDAYS IN MAY
FRIDAYS IN MAY 3rd, 10th, 17th 24th & 31st 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 10 AM 5PM–6PM
District Flow Yoga and Barracks Row Main Street have partnered once again to offer yoga. Each class is 60 minutes in length and open to all levels of yoga experience. Please bring your yoga mat, towel, water, and anything else you may need.
EASTERN MARKET METRO PARK & BARRACKS ROW DC WALKING TOUR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION PERFORMANCES
SAT. MAY 10th · 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM SATURDAY MAY 10 th
CHESS TOURNAMENTS FOR GRADES 2–8
Join the U.S. Chess Center and Barracks Row Main Street for a free chess tournament for students in grades 2–8 who know the rules and tournament etiquette. Play one or more games and win awards for top players, including top girl and top DC school. Space is limited — register in advance!
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals at the Lincoln
Ben Harper is one of the premiere songwriters of his generation. He is also one of the most versatile and brave songwriters, fearlessly working in a cross-section of genres, ranging from pop, reggae and soul, to blues, rock, funk and folk. He has amassed a worldwide following having sold over 16 million records worldwide and three Grammy Awards. Harper adds his unique modern day cultural awareness brining music with social conscience into the now, reflected in the 2023 nomination for the newly minted Grammy Special Merit Award for “Best Song For Social Change.” Ben Harper is at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW, on Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $75. thelincolndc.com.
World Ocean Day at Natural History
On Thursday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., celebrate World Ocean Day with the National Museum of Natural History. Join ocean scientists, researchers, and educators in the Sant Ocean Hall, on the first floor, for an exciting series of interactive experiences celebrating our blue planet and exploring all the ways science and community action can connect us to our waterways. naturalhistory.si.edu/ events/world-ocean-day.
Mosaic’s Andy Warhol in Iran at the Atlas
It’s 1976, and less than three years before her exile, the Empress Farah beckons Andy Warhol to begin pop-art portraits of the royals in Tehran. When a university student takes Warhol hostage to publicize his group’s demands, a life-or-death struggle ensues over revolution, responsibility and the arts. Based on a true story, Andy Warhol in Iran hums with intelligence and humor. Award-winning playwright Brent Askari affirms the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect across cultures and time. Tickets start at $61.50 (plus fees). Andy Warhol in Iran is at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, from May 29 to June 29. atlasarts.org.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Since its inception in 2010, the Gaithersburg Book Festival has become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its beautiful park setting. Features author talks and signings, writing workshops, a children’s village and book sales. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. MD.
Cathedral Choral Society and Twelve-voice Chanticleer at National Cathedral
On Sunday, May 18, 4 p.m., immerse yourself in a vivid a cappella soundscape with the exquisite 12-voice Chanticleer and the formidable 120-voice Cathedral Choral Society, side by side for an afternoon of unparalleled musical beauty. Tickets are $25 to $99. cathedralchoralsociety.org/concerts/2024-25.
Andy Warhol in Isfahan, Iran, 1970s.
Congressman Jamie Raskin at a prior year’s Festival.
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
The
Berlin Diaries at Theater J
Oregon Book Award-winning playwright Andrea Stolowitz opens the pages of her great-grandfather’s journal to discover a previously unknown genealogy. How do you find home when a family history is scattered like the torn pages of a journal entry released to the wind? Two performers become generations of characters in an attempt to stitch together clues and restore memories formerly lost to time. In a breathtaking journey around the world, what will remain lost and what will be found at the intersection of national history and private lives? Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from June 4 to 22. Ticket prices start at $69. PWYC on June 4 and 5. edcjcc.org/theater-j.
Point Counterpoint Concert at the Dupont Underground
On Friday, May 16, 7 p.m. (doors at 6:15 p.m.), Counterpoint Concert closes its season with a performance in the vibrant and historic Dupont Underground. This concert features acclaimed cellist, Gabriel Cabezas, and award-winning percussionist, Jeff Stern. Founder and pianist, Natalia Kazaryan, will join them in this diverse and exciting program, celebrating the history and communicative power of counterpoint from the Baroque period to the 21st century. $15 to $25. Enter Dupont Underground at 19 Dupont Circle NW. dupontunderground.org.
Out/Spoken: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride at the Howard
For 15 years, Story District has been bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the stage—real, personal, and unforgettable. This year, as World Pride 2025 comes to DC, they’re making it even bigger. On Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW, eight storytellers will share moments that shaped them, like falling in love and facing their fears. Some stories will make you laugh, others will make you think, but every one of them will highlight the power of a well-told story. $39.50. storydistrict.org/tickets/worldpride2025.
Pride on the Pier (boat parade and fireworks)
The Washington Blade in partnership with The Wharf have announced the sixth annual Pride on the Pier celebration on Friday, June 6, 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 7, noon to 10 p.m., at the Wharf on the District and Transit piers. The District Pier offers a DJ, dancing and other entertainment. The boat parade is on Friday at 7 p.m. The fireworks are on Saturday at 9 p.m. Free admission. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. prideonthepierdc.com.
Shakira: Las Mujeres
Ya No Lloran World Tour at Nat’s Park
Shakira: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is at Nat’s Park on Saturday, May 31, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), rain or shine. The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is the seventh ongoing concert tour by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira. The stadium tour began in February at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is currently scheduled to end at Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru. It is her first tour in seven years. Tickets are $105 to $615.
Natalia Kazaryan
Courtesy of The Wharf, Washington DC.
COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS
Thai Flavors with Marianne Tshihamba
Thursday May 8, 6:00pm
Pan-African Flavors
Sunday May 11, 11:00am
Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James
Tuesday May 13, 6:00pm
On Noodle Road with Jen Lin-Liu: Chinese Dumplings & Scallion
Pancakes
Saturday May 17, 11:00am
Mixology Lab Featuring Cocktail
Ace Britt Fox: Spring Cheer!
Sunday May 18, 2:00pm
Moroccan Cuisine with Marianne Tshihamba
Thursday May 22, 6:00pm CONCERTS
King Bullfrog Hoppy Hour
Friday May 9, 5:00pm
Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Singer/Songwriter Amber Rubarth
Sunday May 11, 5:00pm
American Roots Concert Series: Duende Camarón
Sunday May 18, 4:30pm
Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Brazilian Singer/Songwriter Luciane Dom
Tuesday May 20, 7:00pm
STUDIO ARTS
Contemporary Watercolors Course
Monday May 5, 6:30pm
Basic Drawing Techniques: Drawing from an Image
Tuesday May 6, 6:30pm
Local Makers Workshop: Polymer Clay
Earrings with Fresh Pear Jewelry
Saturday May 31, 1:00pm
Introduction to Linocut Printmaking Workshop
Saturday May 31, 2:30pm LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS
At Issue: The Assault on America’s Cultural Institutions Featuring The Washington Post’s Philip Kennicott
Wednesday May 14, 7:00pm GALLERIES
Hill Center Galleries 2025 CHAL
Juried Exhibition
Wednesday May 21, 6:30pm
Programmatic support provided by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue at The Anthem Rhiannon Giddens has made a singular, iconic career out of stretching her brand of folk music, with its miles-deep historical roots and contemporary sensibilities, into just about every field imaginable. A two-time GRAMMY Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning singer and instrumentalist, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, and composer of opera, ballet, and film, Giddens has centered her work around the mission of lifting up people whose contributions to American musical history have previously been overlooked or erased. Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Sunday, May 11, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $45 to $95. theanthemdc.com.
DC/DOX Film Festival
The third DC/DOX Film Festival, taking place June 12 to 15, showcases 100 films, celebrating the best in documentary storytelling. Featuring both features and shorts, the lineup highlights a diverse range of topics and aesthetic approaches from filmmakers around the world. Complementing the screenings, the Reality Check Forum offers an inspiring space for filmmakers to engage in dialogue and collaboration through a lineup of panels, workshops, and masterclasses. Venues are: Center for American Progress, 1333 H St. NW; Eaton Cinema, 1201 K St. NW; Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. National Gallery of Art East Building, Fourth St. and Constitution Ave. NW; NMAAHC, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW; US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW; and Regal Gallery Place, 701 Seventh St. NW. Tickets are $15. All films include a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers. dcdoxfest.com.
Enough Is Enuf with Gabe Henry at Planet Word
On May 28, 6:30 p.m., just in time for spelling bee season comes a hilarious journey through the centuries-long movement to simplify spelling in the English language. Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW, welcomes best-selling author Gabe Henry for a lively presentation and audience Q&A surrounding his new book “Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell.” In the comic annals of linguistic history, legions of rebel wordsmiths have died on the hill of spelling reform, risking their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. Enough Is Enuf is about them: Noah Webster, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Ben Franklin and many more who, for a time in their life, became fanatically occupied with writing thru instead of through, tho for though, laf for laugh and so on. $10. planetwordmuseum.org.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare at the Folger Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. A playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Twelfth Night is at the Folger, 201 East Capitol St. SE, from May 13 to June 22. Tickets are $20 to $84. folger.edu.
Alina Collins Maldonado (Olivia), Lilli Hokama (Viola/Cesario), and Alyssa Keegan (Orsino) in Folger Theatre’s Twelfth Night. Photo: Joseph D. Tran Photography.
Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival
On Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (rain or shine), celebrate Catonsville’s 12-acre outdoor music and event venue, The Vortex at CAA Park, 202 Ingleside Ave., Catonsville MD. Here’s the lineup: Dan Tyminski Band, Sicard Hollow, East Nash Grass, Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Dirty Grass Players, Geraldine, By & By, High and Wides, Dawg & Dell, Seneca Creek, and Rock Creek Revival. The festival features food trucks, adult beverages, art vendors and more. General admission tickets are $30 ($40 day-of). Kids 12 and under, free. The festival site is located six miles from BWI Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Baltimore. musiccitymd.org/ event/music-city-bluegrass-roots-festival.
Sturgill Simpson presents Who the F**k is Johnny Blue Skies?
Throughout his singular career, Simpson has pushed against expectations, earning widespread acclaim and countless accolades including a Grammy Award in 2017 for Best Country Album and six Grammy nominations across four genres: country, rock, bluegrass and americana. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia MD, on Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (gates at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $59.50 to $149.50. merriweathermusic.com.
The Capital Community News
Charles Allen & Wendell Felder
Invite Neighbors to:
Monday, June 2, 2025 @ The Strand DC
131 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE
EVENT SPONSORS:
The Hill Rag & The East of the River Newspapers
The Ward 6 Democrats
The Ward 7 Democrats
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LOCAL CALENDAR
Brought to You by Schneider's of Capitol Hill
Canal Park’s May Music Series. Fridays, May 2, Crush Funk Brass Band; May 9, Tobago Bay Calypso Group; May 16, J’TA; and May 30, DJ Brenden Bazilio; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free live performances from local groups are in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 M St. SW. capitolriverfront.org/canal-park.
American Roots Concerts at Hill Center. May 4, Prends Courage; May 18, Duende Camarón; June 1, I Draw Slow. All concerts are from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and free. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
American Roots Concert Series: I Draw Slow. June 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Irish Times…it’s how the band weaves the sound into something original that really impresses. On stage, their instruments and vocals blend organically – giving audiences a sense of intimacy and connection to the performance. Free. Hill Center is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
King Bullfrog Happy Hour at Hill Center. May 9, 5 to 7 p.m. These concerts are outdoors, perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. $7 for adults, $14 for kids. Beer, wine and pizza for sale. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
Foraged Mixology: Drinks, music, and trivia at the Folger. May 9, 6 p.m.; music and drinks in the Great Hall; 7 p.m., Trivia in the Reading Room. Enjoy a free Mixology cocktail or mocktail, included with your ticket. $25. The Folger, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
Pride Run 5k at Congressional Cemetery. June 1, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is $65 and includes a commemorative T-shirt, medal, after party with a live DJ, drag performances, and beer/hard seltzer provided by DC Brau. 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.
Notes from the Crypt Concert. May 10, noon to 1 p.m. Join Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, for classical music in the chapel. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome. congressionalcemetery.org.
Say hello to May with the perfect case of wine for the season! Our May Mixed Case Special features a handpicked selection of 5 vibrant whites and 7 springtime reds—ideal for picnics, porch sipping, and casual dinners alike.
Movies in Union Market District. May 5, Breakfast at Tiffany’s; May 7, Parasite; May 14, Burning; May 19, The Magnificent Amberson’s; May 21, In Our Day; May 26, On the Town; June 2, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; June 8, The Deer Hunter. Tickets are $15.19. Angelika, 550 Penn St. NE. angelikafilmcenter.com/dc.
DC Moth StorySLAM. May 12, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) Prepare a five-minute story. $15. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com.
Spanish Conversation Circle: Hablemos Espanol at NE Library. May 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Beginner, Intermediate, and Fluent Speakers of Spanish are welcome to drop in to improve and practice their Spanish. NE Library is at 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.
Sing Out Piano Bar and Open Mic with Gay Man’s Chorus. May 14 and June 11; 7:30 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.
Bike to Work Day at Wunder Garten. May 15, 8 to 10 a.m. The morning features bicycle safety checks, food and wellness resources. Wunder Garten is at 1101 First St. NE. wundergartendc.com.
SW Night Market. May 16 and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8 and 22; and Sept. 5 and 19; 4 to 10 p.m. Southwest DC’s eclectic night market, at Fourth and M, returns with a mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. Additionally, specialty food businesses, a beer
garden, cigar lounge and food trucks add to the programming mix. Family and pet friendly. marketswdc.com.
Hero Dog Memorial 5k at Congressional Cemetery. May 17, 8 a.m. to noon. Registration continues through race day but T-shirts cannot be guaranteed. $40. Registration for Pups is $10 (new this year) and includes a Hero Dogs Bandana. Only Hero Dogs will be permitted at the in-person event (service dogs, therapy dogs, skilled home companions and service dogs in training). congressionalcemetery.org.
NE Library Concert featuring The Gliders. May 18, 2 to 3:30 p.m. A longtime fixture in the neighborhood, The Gliders specialize in acoustic roots and rhythm & blues with a big dollop of soul. Free. The concert takes place in the outdoor garden or, if it rains, in the lower-level meeting room. 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.
Global Sounds on the Hill Concert. May 20, 7 to 9 p.m. Brazilian Singer/Songwriter Luciane Dom. $20. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
An Evening with the Residents at Congressional Cemetery. May 24, 7:30 to 9 p.m. An Evening with the Residents features some of DC’s top comedians bringing their best thematic
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is screening on May 5, 4 and 7 p.m.
Angelika
material to the stage. $20. congressionalcemetery.org.
Kitchen Garden Tasting Table at the Botanic Garden. May 28, 10 a.m. to noon. Come and explore a diversity of flavors currently in season. Learn about the history and cultivation of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers from around the world. Drop-in at the Bartholdi Fountain. usbg.gov.
Queer Dramaturgy with Alexa Alice Joubin at the Folger. May 30, 6:30 p.m. Are Cesario and Viola “cross-dressed” or trans characters? Does Duke Orsino marry Cesario or Viola, and is the un-staged wedding a heterosexual or queer one? In what ways does Twelfth Night depict trans and queer trauma? Free but registration required (but they will take walk-ins). The Folger, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
Decolonized Beatz Indigenous World Pride 2025. June 1, 5 p.m. (lobby doors at 4 p.m.). DBIWP takes center stage at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, as part of Washington, DC’s hosting of World Pride. DBIWP unites artists and performers from across mediums, providing a powerful platform for self-determination and storytelling. Free but reservations required. atlasarts.org.
Sunset Sounds at Alethia Tanner Park. Tuesdays, June 3 to July 1, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a diverse mix of artists and music ranging from go-go and funk to rock and indie, with pop-up food truck vendors offering food, drinks, and snacks. Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. nomabid.org.
Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery. June 5 and July 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Congressional Cemetery welcomes you to join them at one of their monthly Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery. Suggested donation, $5. 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. u
CAPITOL STREETS NEWS ROU N PU-D
Strike Your Fancy at All-Purpose:
Vintage Shop Opens in Hill East
Catty-corner from the Capital Candy Jar on 15th, Chantel Grandison has the door to All-Purpose Vintage (1445 Constitution Ave. NE) open, letting the music spill onto the sidewalk like welcoming fingertips.
Inside, she greets each visitor with a glass of champagne and a warm, knowing compliment (“Oh! I love your purse — vintage Coach! I have one myself.”). Nearby, the velvet fitting room curtains part, and a woman steps out, radiant in a fully sequined black blazer. Twirling slightly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and back again, she announces to Grandison, “This is coming home with me.”
“It should. It’s classic. Did you see the buttons?” Grandison asks, pointing out the pearls, obviously familiar with the piece. “And the nipped waist!”
Grandison opened her little corner vintage shop, All-Purpose, on March 15. It features black-and-white checkerboard floors, upholstered footstools, and a chandelier.
Here you’ll find carefully curated selection of vintage clothing, shoes, streetwear, bags, a few records —really, anything that strikes her fancy that shows exceptional craftsmanship and high quality.
A Love for The Hunt
Grandison grew up in the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast DC, graduating from Dunbar before she went to college in North Carolina and then University of DC. She became an educator, first in DC Public Schools and then AppleTree Public Charter, most recently working at Center City.
At the same time, started to think about what she really wanted to do with her life. “What would I do for free? I would rummage estate sales and thrift stores for free seven days a week,” she said. She decided to see if she could make a business out of it. In 2024, she started bringing smaller selections of vintage items to East-
ern Market and Georgetown Flea, trying to determine if people would buy what she already loved.
She credits her grandparents with her interest in vintage, the style of her Nana and her godmother in particular. She would go shopping, she said, “and nothing looks like this stuff in my head.” She asked her older sister to take her
Grandison with the rose-colored ‘ballerina’ teacup and saucer.
to the thrift store and they fell in love with the hunt.
In 2023, Grandison started working her way through estate sales and thrift shops up and down the East Coast. These days, she also has a vendor in Japan and connections in Florida. Altogether, she opened her brick and mortar with about $100,000 of inventory in hand. It would fill the store about five times over.
Second-hand shopping has become a hot business, growing seven times as fast as retail overall. It’s especially popular among millennials who like to hunt for treasure, dedicating hours of time to finding a perfectly worn t-shirt or a deal on a brandname bag in the name of unique style and sustainability.
Vintage costs a more than thrift, Grandison acknowledges. But for good reason.
For starters, shoppers at All-Purpose Vintage don’t have to dig through racks of discarded fast fashion to find unique, highquality, or brand-name items. “The benefit of vintage shops is that vendors — myself included — have already done the work of selecting the best pieces,” Grandison explained. “We curate items that represent the highest quality and craftsmanship from
a range of eras and designers, pieces created by immensely creative figures. We’ve pulled them out for you.” Grandison travels several times a year, selecting pieces that have maintained their original quality, pricing them to remain accessible. For example, while a 100 percent silk designer blouse might cost over $300 new, she said, you can find a pristine 1990s Orvis silk blouse in her shop for between $80 and $100.
Come forthe Objects,Stay For Their Stories
All-Purpose is filled with interesting and fabulous things. A vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy Duffle in the famous white leather check. 1930s diamond bezel gold-filled Jules Jurgensen watch, never worn, still in the box with its manual. A double-sided photo pendant that will rotate in its frame; on one side of the convex central piece is a photo of Robert F. Kennedy; on the other, Martin Luther King, Jr. While you might come for the items, you’ll stay for their stories. Grandison loves to share the history behind each piece — “what that blouse did and where that vase was, and where that purse has been, and who has said cheers with those glasses over there.”
She touches the sleeve of a pristine gold Escada bomber jacket. “So thick and crazy good,” she says, pointing out the gold leather, silk lining, and especially the detailed buttons and closures. The jacket, she says, is proof that Escada was “really, really killing it in the 80s and 90s.”
Community at the Heart
But for Grandison, the biggest reason to shop —and sell— vintage is community. The minute she walked into the space that is now All-Purpose, she said, “I could see myself having conversations with interesting people and being able to build a sense of community that just welcomes everyone and hopefully invites people to say something to someone that they wouldn’t otherwise,” she said.
Grandison welcomes other vendors to sell out of the space; right now, you can find items from Salmar Studio. On Saturdays, she’ll host vendor tables on the plaza on her corner, a chance for people to sip and shop and grow together. “Let’s keep lifting each other up because that how we do best,” she said.
All-Purpose Vintage, 1445 Constitution Ave. NE, Open Studio Thursday 1 to 6 p.m., Fri to Sat 12 to “7ish” p.m. allprpcos. co. Follow on Insta: @all.prps u
What’s Happening With DC’s Budget
As we went to press, the District’s budget is still in limbo, even as the DC Council prepares to begin the process anew for next year. The Mayor is expected to present her budget the week of April 27. The US House of Representatives has not passed Senate legislation restoring $1.1 billion to the FY2025 budget and it is not on the calendar for either April or May. DC is seven months into spending according to that plan.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has reportedly found a little-known law that permits DC to increase spending by up to six percent of the total budget providing the funds are available and will not effect the longterm financial health. But that still leaves about $414 million in cuts.
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations (MOCR) liaison Noah Glasgow said that Mayor Bowser has been working to get allies in the House to bring legislation to a vote. He noted that President Trump has supported the bill and said that “we’re certainly optimistic that we’ll get a vote.”
How This Started
In March, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) allowing the federal government to spend according to FY2024 levels until the body can pass a FY2025 budget package. For the past ten years, similar legislation has exempted the District, from its terms. But this legislation did not.
That happened even though DC already passed—and Congress affirmed—a FY 2025 budget last June. Forcing DC to spend at 2024 levels has the effect of cutting $1.1 billion from the city’s operating budget in six months.
The same day as they passed the CR, the Senate added a standalone bill that would restore the District’s budget, but it must also pass in the House to become law. “That kicked it back to the very people who created the problem first place,” Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen told a public meeting.
The funds are locally-generated District dollars, meaning preventing the District from spending them does not lead to federal savings. They simply languish in an account somewhere because it is illegal for DC to spend them.
Grandison holds a rotating pendant, turned to show a portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert F. Kennedy is pictured on the reverse.
Cuts to Metro,Public Safety Furloughs,Short School Week
That could lead to big cuts impacting public safety, education and public transportation throughout the region, Allen said. “The only way to achieve that will be looking at furloughs, at personnel, at core city service operations.”
Last year, WMATA reported a budget shortage. The District added $217 million for WMATA in the FY 2025 budget to avoid reductions in Metrorail and Metrobus service. That’s on top of the $500 million budgeted in 2024.
But if DC has to go back to FY2024 spending, WMATA could lose that $217 million and more, Allen said. That’s because there is a clause in laws outlining regional funding for the system. DC will only allow Metro access to the funds if Maryland and Virginia each pay in the same amounts. But both states have the same language in their budgets. So if DC has to claw back $217 million from Metro, Allen said, it could put more than $500 million of Metro funding at risk,
Cuts to the DC Budget could impact WMATA, including Metrobus. Image: Metrobus. Courtesy and Copyright: WMATA
when Virginia and Maryland comply with their own laws.
The only other place to make savings at this point is via personnel, Allen said. Firefighters and police would have to be cut back. Both DC Public Schools and DC Charter schools will face cuts as well, Allen said. School weeks could be cut to three or four days, with teachers furloughed for the other one or two.
“These are extreme examples,” Allen said, “but that’s the type of tough decisions we would get to.”
Cuts Begin
Bowser has already begun making cuts. In mid-April, she imposed freezes on spending, overtime, promotions, hiring and new contracts. There are plans underway in case furloughs and closures are necessary. Agencies can request exceptions to overtime freezes, key for departments such as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) which relies heavily on overtime. While school closures are expected to be avoided, libraries and recreation centers could be impacted.
It’s unclear when D.C. will reach the spending limit set by Congress, Allen said, noting that the CFO must approve all spending. Under the Anti-Deficiency Act, D.C. cannot legally spend money that hasn’t been outlined in a budget approved by Congress. Although no specific date has been identified for when the District might hit that limit, Allen warned that it must be avoided because “everything stops” at that point.
One option could be to shift money from the capital budget, which funds construction projects. However, doing so would not only delay new projects but also create a backlog of repairs, causing a maintenance bottleneck that would be hard to clear, Allen said. Lawyers are currently exploring options for creative legislation or litigation, but Allen said he couldn’t hazard a guess at what steps would be taken.
The uncertainty around the FY 2025 budget is affecting planning for FY 2026, already underway when the CR was passed in March. DC must submit a balanced budget by law. The District’s CFO would likely not approve a FY 2026 budget that did not account for the cuts currently implemented by Congress, Allen said. So the Mayor has not yet submitted a budget to DC Council, as she usually does by April for certification by the end of May. The District hasn’t even started the process, pushing it to late summer.
Allen said a budget that started out tough was only getting tougher. Even separate from what the House has done, after tens of thousands of federal employees lost their jobs, the District estimates a loss of $300 million in revenue in each of the next three years. “Of course, the cost of everything keeps going up, and wait till we find out how much tariffs increase the cost to everything,” Allen noted. “So we are headed into a very difficult budget season.”
The dire financial situation is souring deals that were once surefire winners for Bowser as well. For instance, in a bid to keep the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards in the District, the city committed $515 million to purchase and restore Capitol One Arena. Those funds come from the capital budget, allocated to purchases and costs of construction or new equipment, rather than the operational budget,
which pays for staffing and supplies. Speaking to ANC 6/8F in April, AtLarge Councilmember Christina Henderson said those funds were no longer in play, whichever budget umbrella they fell under. “We already gave them their money. We can’t take it back,” the council member said.
However, Henderson said that she expected the capital costs associated with development at RFK Campus to be included in the FY2026 whenever it comes up, adding that she “looks forward to a robust discussion” amongst DC councilmembers.
Next Steps?
When the Mayor does propose a FY2026 budget, Allen said, there would be things cut from the budget that everybody considers beneficial. Council will have to look for ways to raise lost revenue and spread the burden equitably, he said.
Allen was at the House April 7, visiting Representatives together with parents and students who used a day off school to ask Congress to restore the funds to DC. He said neither Republicans or Democrats seemed to understand how dire the situation was for the District.
But both Allen and Henderson
said they are confident the $1.1 billion crisis DC faces was an error. “These guys will take credit for the sun coming up,” he said. “They screwed up, and they just need to fix it.” u
First Phase of The Stacks Complete in Buzzard Point
On April 15, the first phase of The Stacks opened with two apartment buildings—Colette and Everly—offering 1,116 residential units, 40,000 square feet of retail, 11,000 of co-working space, and 22,000 of parkland. The first residents are expected by the end of the month. The Byron (101 V St. SW), the first completed building at The Stacks, welcomed residents in January.
Named for the three smokestacks from the nearby former Pepco plant, The Stacks is a new waterfront community in Buzzard Point, where the Anacostia, Potomac, and Washington Channel meet. It’s designed as a pedestrian-friendly urban neighborhood.
National Park Service land at the neighborhood’s southern end has been
The Stacks is envisioned as a pedestrian friendly urban neighborhood. Concept Design: Courtesy The Stacks
reimagined as a public park with water views, a pier with canoe and kayak launches, and a riverwalk trail expected to eventually connect directly to The Wharf via a planned extension past Ft. McNair.
Buzzard Point is already transforming, with new buildings like the Watermark (1900 Half St. SW), condo Peninsula 88 (88 V St. SW), and Riverpoint (2121 First St. SW), which houses The Point restaurant and DC Central Kitchen. Nearby are The Verge (1800 Half St. SW), the New Frederick Douglass Bridge, and a Cambria Hotel at 69 Q St. SW.
al housekeeping. It’s the largest fully furnished co-living space in D.C. “It’s pioneering a new era of urban living,” Hartley said.
The Colette also o ers a rooftop pool, penthouse tness center, and pet spa. Everly features oor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop lap pool, library lounge, serenity garden, and dog run. All residents can access a 10,000-square-foot gym with cold plunge, sauna, and virtual sports simulator.
The Stacks is envisioned as its own neighborhood, and the opening of Colette and Everly marks a major step.
“This is a momentous milestone,” said Adam Gooch, Managing Principal at Akridge, co-developer of The Stacks with National Real Estate Development and National Real Estate Advisors. “They o er some of the best water views in the region and easy access to The Wharf, Navy Yard, and downtown.”
Katie Hartley, Managing Director at National Real Estate Development, said the buildings re ect Buzzard Point’s past and future. The Colette (2099 First St. SW) includes 362 co-living spaces in 106 units, each with a private bedroom, shared kitchens and living areas, and option-
At the heart of the development is The Corso, a cobblestone, pedestrian-only street with public plazas and space for retail and restaurants. The Stacks is a block from Audi Field and a half mile from Nationals Park. However, it lacks immediate Metro access, sitting nearly a mile from Navy Yard and more than a mile from Waterfront stations, although the number 74 metro bus serves the community, albeit about every half hour on weekdays.
The second phase is expected to include additional multi-family units, larger o ce spaces and a hotel. When it is complete, the Stacks is expected to total 2 million square feet of mixeduse space.
A glimpse inside the model unit at The Colette. Courtesy: The Stacks
New & Noteworthy
by Andrew Lightman
CAPITOL HILL DENTAL ARTS
Dr. Ashish Rastogi, DDS, the owner of Capitol Hill Dental Arts at 27 Sixth St. NE is a conservationist at heart. At his practice, he teaches patients how to conserve their teeth. “The goal is for my clients to keep their teeth into their 90’s,” he said.
Taking a comprehensive approach, Rastogi believes in examining the whole mouth, rather than looking individual teeth. Is there a pattern? he asks. Is the bite stable? Fixing and evening the bite, he said, evens the impact of force, extending the life of a patient’s teeth. Rastogi uses very sophisticated computer imaging to explain this to his patients. Then, he employs Invisalign to correct matters. These two technologies have revolutionized the practice of dentistry, he said. His efforts aim to preserve tooth structure
and support the natural ability of the gums and teeth to regenerate. When done right, the patient can maintain their existing teeth well into their dotage, avoiding painful root canals and expensive implants.
In support of this goal Rastogi painstaking teaches patients how to keep their gums and teeth clean. He absolutely recommends twice a year visits to the dental hygienist. He also gives patients specific achievable goals in their oral care.
Path to Dentistry
Rastogi path to dentistry was not direct. Born in India, he emigrated with
his family in 1978 at age six, when his father, a talented computer scientist with a doctorate in physics secured a NASA fellowship. Rastogi grew up in nearby Prince George’s County. He was an artistic child, filling notebooks with sketches and automobile designs. Attending Eleanor Roosevelt High School, a STEM institution, he dreamed of being an architect.
However, as Rastogi observed ironically, most Indian immigrant families value only two careers, med-
Dr. Ashish Rastogi demonstrates his digital imaging computer. Photo: Andrew Lightman
icine or engineering. So, he took the premed track at the University of Virginia (UVA), spending the summers doing medical research at the National Institutes for Health and botany research at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. There, he developed a love for working in labs. The work was very precise, he said, involving designing, creating and manipulating physical objects.
Yet, while he pursued a career in medicine, Rastogi’s heart was still in architecture. The form and function of buildings at the UNESCO World Heritage campus at UVA fascinated him. He became a campus tour guide, introducing visitors to the wonders of the Academic Village and Rotunda. He graduated in 1994.
In his senior year, a career counselor suggested Rastogi consider dentistry. Intrigued, Rastogi applied to the University of Maryland (UMD), and was accepted with and o er to put him on the waitlist or give him a seat in the following year’s class.
Rastogi choose to defer admission. He spent the next year at a dental research lab at the University of North Carolina Dental School, assisting in a national, groundbreaking study, which linked periodontal disease in pregnant women and low birthweight babies. He worked in the lab, caring for rats and making models. Dental diseases e ect the whole body, he discovered, a lesson he still applies in his practice.
After graduation in 1999, he bought an existing practice in Upper Marlboro, close to Andrew’s Airforce Base, which he still owns. Unusually for the times, that o ce was heavily computerized including digitized x-rays. There he honed his philosophic approach to his craft.
Dentistry is at its core a customer-based industry, Rastogi said,
which its practitioners often do not understand. Dentists, he said, have to learn to talk to their patients. Bedside manner is everything. An e ective dentist makes the patient comfortable by translating the medical idiom into e ective explanation for the layperson. Unfortunately, this is something not often covered in dental schools.
Why Capitol Hill?
The answer is football. After moving the family moved to Falls Church, Rastogi’s son developed a love of football, playing outside in the streets with friends during the pandemic. He asked to join a local youth football team – The Spartans, a group of seven to eight teams that spans Northern Virginia. Rastogi volunteered to help out, largely out of a concern for the possibility of injury. Four days after his son joined, he became a coach, a position he has held for four years. Football helped his son be part of a community after the pandemic, he said.
Coaching is a four-day a week second job, Rastogi said. This commitment on top of the daily trek to his practice in Upper Marlboro, became a burden. When he heard of a practice for sale on Capitol Hill, he jumped at the opportunity, despite knowing little about the neighborhood. He has since fallen in love with the historic architecture, particularly with his rst oor, lightfilled office, which features two operatories, extensive computer equipment and a well-stocked lab.
For more information on Capitol Hill Dental Arts, visit www.capitolhilldentalarts.com or call 202543-2020.
(See more “New” on next spread.)
TANGO PASTRY
Tango Pastry at 408 H St. NE is the latest venture of talented entrepreneur, 36-year-old Katriel Menendez, known as “The Argentine Chef,” (www. argentinechef.com). Patrons to the comfortable cafe can enjoy sweet pastries, savory treats such as beef empanadas and a variety of Argentinian sandwich options.
Menendez, a culinary school graduate who has worked all over the world, comes from a culinary family. One grandmother hailed from Italy while the other was born in Spain. As a child, he spent his summers at both their homes. He learned how to prepare steak Milanese style, the ins and outs of hand-cut pasta and wonders of cannelloni from one. From the other, he absorbed the mysteries of flan and bread pudding. At ten years old, he baked his first pie, a pastafrola, a sweet, succulent, short crust pastry filled with jam.
tend culinary school in Mendoza. After graduation, he moved to Patagonia to work as a sous chef in a hotel, where he learned the intricacies of the traditional regional cuisine. In 2007, he won a national competition as a chef. The victory inspired him to travel internationally.
In 2010, Menendez travelled to the United States to study English, joining his brother in Minnesota. He then spent two years as a chef in Santo Domingo, before moving to Dubai. There he worked at the restaurant Atmosphere in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
that tugged at his heart. In 2016, he and his wife moved to DC, attracted to the area because Michelin travel guides had begun to rate DC restaurants and he wanted to be eligible.
An evangelist for his homeland’s cuisine, Menendez became “The Argentine Chef,” launching a website and a blog. He created a new business as a visiting chef, cooking both in homes and at events. He launched Nativo Spices (www. nativospices.com) to help simplify preparation for home chefs. Yet, he still longed for the simple daily pleasures of his homeland, particularly the ambience of its lively cafes.
Menendez’s parents were “a disaster in the kitchen,” he said. From age 14, he was tasked preparing the family dinner for his parents and two siblings. His love of cooking let him to at -
In 2013, Menendez returned to Minnesota to helm a fusion restaurant. The establishment often rented its kitchen to other vendors. One day, Menendez walked in on an ice cream company hard at work. One of the workers was a pretty woman named Devyn. She was struck by Menendez’s kitchen antics. He has a habit of singing and dancing in the kitchen he said. The two started dating and married three years later.
Menendez continued his culinary career in Minnesota, yet, while he could create many great dishes, it was the food of his homeland
When he was a child, Menendez’s grandmother would take him to her favorite local café in Córdoba. The smells were amazing, he recalled. She would sit down at a table and drink espresso and eat pastries for hours at a time, while friends and acquaintances paid court. Menendez missed the intimate ambiance and, of course, the amazing pastries.
When an iconic Argentine bakery was put up for sale in Alexandria, VA in 2022, Menendez purchased it, later opening a location in Vienna in 2023. Early this year, he moved the original business to H Street NE. Now, Capitol Hill residents can sample his grandmother’s pastafrola and his beef empanadas have become a major hit.
Catch Menendez singing the songs of his homeland in the kitchen as he prepares the daily pastries. For more information on Tango Pastry, visit www.tangopastry.com. u
This is basically our job now,” Mary told me, “protecting the Republic.”
I had just asked her why it was important for her and her partner, Josh, to attend the April 5 “Hands Off” protest at the Washington Monument. Mary carried a sign that said “GOP cowards complicit” on one side and got more explicit on the other. Josh’s sign showed a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin walking down a snowy street, holding a leash; at the other end was President Donald Trump, on his belly in the snow. “Owned,” it said. Their dog wore a vest that read “Reject Autocracy.” They’d put some time into it.
Mary and Josh live near Garfield Park on Capitol Hill. They had been teaching abroad for years, in Brazil, Japan and Ke-
nya. before retiring and returning home just before the November 2024 Election. “We’ve been upset ever since,” Josh said.
“This is a tough time for everyone in the country, and DC—with the GOP holding up the [DC] budget, it’s something to really be worried about,” Mary said. Both cited their concerns about the welfare of the city and the federal workers they know.
Mary and Josh were two of an estimated 100,000 people who converged on the Washington Monument that day, including numerous residents of the Hill. But although it was the largest visual demonstration of opposition to the policies of the Trump Administration in his second term, it was not the only way that residents have shown up to demonstrate dissatisfaction with action taken by the administration, or to work for the good of the District and the nation.
Defending Democracy
One group that attended Hands Off DC the same day as Mary and Josh was Defending Democracy. Defending Democracy is organized as an affinity group out of Capitol Hill Village (CHV), the local organization that supports seniors aging in place on the Hill with cultural and support services. The group of older adults was created to protect DC home rule, support federal workers and defend democracy and felt compelled to be among the crowd voicing dissatisfaction on April 5. Largely composed of individuals over 60, the group brings many talents and skills to the work. Many are retired Federal workers themselves or have children who are in the federal workforce. “We’ve got a big group of seniors who are motivated and can provide specific expertise and perspective, and many of us have decades and decades and decades of demonstrating and political organizing under our belts,” said Barbara Fox, who agreed to spearhead the group after a CHV-sponsored discussion on defending DC democracy in February.
Fox says Defending Democracy is made up of a very organized, thoughtful, passionate group of peo-
ple. Members have “a unique perspective for being our age, really,” Fox noted, “because we have arguably less political exposure than people who may be here on visas, or are protecting current job positions, or are custodial parents.” While members may be worried about issues that directly affect them, such as the fate of Social Security, they also feel a sense of duty. “We have the ability — and I think, the sense of obligation — to take a leading role in doing whatever we can to help save democracy,” Fox said.
Defend Democracy meets every two weeks to plan and work, and collaborates with other organizations to participate in protests and actions, such as the April 22 demonstration outside the Supreme Court in support of LGBTQ characters in classroom literature.
While the group is still formulating precise actions and goals, Fox says that they aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re tapping into the organizations already doing the work. Many member of Defending Democracy are also members of Free DC. Email CapitolHillDD@gmail.com for information or to get involved with Defending Democracy at CHV.
Free DC
Free DC is a movement to win residents of the District of Columbia the right to full self-governance. The group works to protect DC Home Rule and towards a future where DC is a state. Free DC works with other, long-
Mary, Josh and their puppy at the April 5 Hands Off protest. Photo: E. O’Gorek
Students wait in the office to speak with a US Senator during Recess at the Capitol. Photo: Phillip Yabut.
standing organizations such as Harriet’s Dreams and the East of the River Family Collective, drawing on the strengths of each.
In March, Free DC showed up at the o ces of Representatives every day for a week to pressure them to restore the District’s budget. Founded in 2023 after Congress overturned DC’s revised Criminal Code, the organization has regular meetings, including campaign orientations for new members held twice a month. Free DC has working groups that focus on areas of interest, such as labor or youth. They also have teams in each of the eight wards, which meet once a month.
Jamie attended Free DC’s Ward 6 Community KickO . She asked not to use her real name, unsure how it would a ect her employment. “I’m just frustrated with the chaos that I can see happening in the District and afraid of what the President could do,” she said. “I was so afraid, I just decided: I need to get out and do something.”
She needs to earn a living, but outside of that, she wanted to direct her energy in a positive way. She is really afraid the nation is headed towards an autocracy, and that the District could be the rst casualty. She sees Free DC as part of the vanguard in that ght. “This is a time to focus our energies,” she said. Join Free DC at freedcproject.org.
Fighting under the Radar
Some Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) have been movers behind recent protest e orts. But they are not announcing this work online or at meetings, because many of the local parent leaders on the Hill are themselves federal workers, or employees of non-pro ts whose income streams have been imperiled by federal cuts. Still, they work. In response
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to recent cuts to the budget, parent leaders drafted a sign-on letter and organized families to attend actions the April 7 Recess at the Capitol where hundreds visited the o ces of lawmakers to ask them to restore the District’s budget to avoid cuts to schools and summer programming. That was organized by a coalition including Free DC and Empower DC. But many families answered the call of their parent groups.
They are just one of several loosely connected groups that come together—across schools, churches, and street corners— to plan actions that often appear spontaneous. Other activities are coordinated through social media posts and listservs.
In February, many Hill residents joined “clap outs” to show appreciation for federal workers, including those at USAID and the Department of Education, who were brie y allowed to enter their o ces to collect personal belongings. Some participants brought boxes and packing supplies— since none were provided—while others o ered snacks, drinks, or held signs with messages like “The World Thanks You.”
Volunteers have also gathered at metro stations such as Federal Triangle, where federal employees commonly commute. With signs of appreciation, they hand out postcards bearing simple messages like “Thank you for your service” and “We love federal workers.”
The impact of these gestures was deeply felt. “You absolutely made my day—and probably hundreds of others’,” one employee wrote in a thank-you message posted to social media. “I walked into my o ce with happy tears in my eyes. Thank you.” ◆
Keller and Franzén Grants 2025 Bringing Great Ideas to Life on Capitol Hill
by Barbara Wells
Through two major grants, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation is helping three well-established organizations cultivate new ways to enrich our neighborhood’s educational and cultural life. “We really appreciate the opportunity to work with a foundation that gives you complete flexibility to explore a new idea and spend the funding as you need to,” said Jennifer Barnes Eliot, An Open Book Foundation’s development director. “This grant is enabling us to take a risk and see where it leads.”
The Arnold F. Keller Jr. Grant, created to fuel new initiatives or expand existing programs,
is being awarded to An Open Book Foundation and Live It Learn It to support a groundbreaking joint literacy project. As the Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s Grants Committee Chair Mark Weinheimer explained, “We chose these two recipients because of the power of their collaboration to produce outstanding experiences for both students and their teachers. Our hope is that this project becomes a template for their ongoing work together.”
The Folger Shakespeare Library will receive the Foundation’s Franzén Award for the Arts to support programs that benefit all facets of the Capitol Hill community. “The library’s renovation created more than a stellar arts and exhibition space for the District of Columbia,” said Foundation President Nicky Cymrot. “It has established a home for amenities tailored to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods,” which perfectly aligns with the grant’s mission of making our neighborhood a cultural hub.
Joining Forces To Create Learning With Lasting Impact
An Open Book Foundation and Live It Learn It both instill a love of learning among Capitol Hill students in novel ways. Since 2010, An Open Book Foundation has enhanced
learning by offering DC area students the opportunity to meet and interact with authors and illustrators and then receive a signed copy of their books. These personal connections and contributions to students’ personal libraries encourage them to see themselves as readers and help inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Founded in 2005, Live It Learn It has developed 25 programs that augment classroom learning with excursions to more than 20 treasured museums and historic sites across the Washington area, including many that some students might otherwise never see. But more than just field trips, these programs involve rigorous, interdisciplinary activities—aligned to Common Core standards—that breathe life into the regular curriculum.
With the support of the Keller grant, these organizations are launching a pilot that blends their program offerings to achieve even greater impact. Their collaboration offers the perfect combination to further students’ understanding: An Open Book Foundation’s connection between
Author Ofosu Jones-Quartey shares “Love Your Amazing Self” with young readers. Photo: An Open Book Foundation
Student explores the Jefferson Memorial. Photo: Live It Learn It
students and authors boosts reading comprehension and enthusiasm, while Live It Learn It’s content-rich, experience-based approach builds important contextual knowledge for students from one lesson to the next.
For students attending Capitol Hill’s Title I schools, these experiences open doors to places and opportunities they might not otherwise experience. More than 60% of students participating in An Open Book Foundation event have never before met an author or illustrator. Similarly, nearly two-thirds of students attending a Live It Learn It trip report that it was their first time visiting that museum or cultural institution—even though many of these destinations are free and open to the public.
The Keller grant will fund an immersive learning experience for about 40 fifth-grade students that seamlessly integrates history, literature, and civic engagement in a hands-on, immediate way, giving students a chance to relate their learning to real-world issues and become agents of change in their communities. While the focus and plans for the joint program will be determined in the coming months, one possibility is an exploration of the Civil Rights Movement.
“I love the idea of doing a project based on history because it shows the students that nothing happens in isolation,” said Elaine Pirozzi, the grants manager for Live It Learn It. For exam-
ple, the project’s interwoven components could include a pre-lesson using interactive discussions to introduce the key concepts of the Civil Rights Movement; a field experience at the Lockkeeper’s House near the Lincoln Memorial—the original starting point for the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; and a meeting with authors such as Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy, who co-wrote “A Promise of Change”—Boyce’s personal account of pioneering school desegregation as a Tennessee highschooler.
Then the students would work in groups to identify social or environmental issues and develop action-oriented projects, deepening their understanding of how they can become agents of change. The program would culminate in an event where students presented their civic action projects to the school community, fostering dialogue and engagement.
“Usually grants fund our existing work, but in this case the Keller grant is creating an opportunity to undertake something we could not otherwise do,” said Pirozzi. “We saw a lot of overlap between our organizations’ programs and ways to integrate them, but planning is the hard part: There’s a major outlay of time and funding at the beginning to figure out how our collaboration will work.” Using this program as a model, the two organizations aim to replicate their collaboration at other schools, creating lasting impact for Capitol Hill.
Opening the Folger’s Doors to Capitol Hill Neighbors
The Folger Shakespeare Library’s newly transformed and expanded facility is just the beginning of its gifts to the nation, our city, and particularly the surrounding neighborhood. The Franzén Award for the Arts will help fund the Folger’s array of inviting programs and events that continually bring fresh opportunities to residents of Capitol Hill and beyond.
“Since my arrival last October, I’ve been immersed in expanding the public’s understanding that this institution is for them,” said Folger Di-
rector Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper. “The Folger’s community engagement work recognizes that Shakespeare alone doesn’t bring people in the door. People come when they are welcome.”
The Folger has put a premium on removing barriers and creating a sense of welcome through free admission and dramatically different approaches to programming alongside its traditional offerings. That’s reflected in the Folger’s creative place-making and its salons, exhibitions, and new Quill & Crumb Café. One of the most popular new programs, “Folger Fridays,” features local artists and performers throughout the renovated spaces. Other popular events include the return of Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration (on April 19 this year), DIY events for families, Folger Salons where Institute Fellows present their current research, and the new Folger Frost Fair—a monthlong winter festival featuring seasonal décor and a variety of events and activities.
Many events, like the Folger Fridays and DIY events, often amplify the performance season and exhibitions schedule, fostering deeper connections with the Folger through family-friendly pop-up experiences in various parts of the building. Within this framework, programs and events are tailored to specific segments of D.C. residents—with an emphasis on attracting communities that have historically felt unwelcome in cultural centers.
“We’re so grateful for the Foundation’s support in extending and repositioning the Folger’s role,” Karim-Cooper said. While that role is rooted in a history of preserving and providing access— primarily for academics—to the library’s vast collection, now the collection is being activated to spark critical thinking among many audiences.
“Shakespeare used to be something you had to work up to,” Karim-Cooper said, “but today we can use it to meet people where they are, moving audiences beyond passive engagement to active engagement.” By creating opportunities for the community to come together and enjoy its unique experiences, the Folger promises to forge connections that lead to positive social change.
To learn more about the grantees, visit anopenbookfound.org, liveitlearnit.org, and folger.edu. For information on the Foundation, visit capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org u
Caroline Duroselle Melish, the Folger’s Associate Librarian for Collection Care and Development, gives a lesson in printing to Clarence Michael Payne. Photo: Lloyd Wolf
CHRS 2025 Photo Contest Winners
by Marci Hilt
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society is pleased to announce the winners of their 2025 Photo Contest.
First Place: Gary Mintz for Wednesday Night at Mr. Henry’s.
Second Place: Elisa Walker for Capitol Hill Sunset.
Third Place: Heather Bien for Autumn Perspectives.
Fourth Place: Regina Reynolds for Puddle Wonderful.
Fifth place: A tie–Karlan Jankowski for Spring Seasonal and Steve Morris for Serene Market Scene.
The winning photos will be on display in the windows at Coldwell Bankers at 350 7th Street, SE. after May 1.
CHRS had 131 submissions from 39 photographers. Ten photos were selected to be judged by a panel of experts that included: Frank Thorp, producer at NBC News; Amy Moore, executive director of CHAW; Austin Graff, digital marketing expert; and Jenn Nordstrom, profes-
sional photographer, who is also this year’s cover artist for the CHRS House and Garden Tour booklet.
10 finalists. www.chrs.org u
1st 3rd 5th (tie)
Proper Exotic Moves to Reinstate Application
ANC 6A REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Coutside of the proposed premises, attempting to gather signatures for a petition in support of the new application. “Nothing has changed since ANC6A voted on January 9 to protest the application,” Kolb wrote in an email to his constituents shortly after he learned of the situation. There was no vote on the matter.
Chicken and Hamburgers At Avec?
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on April 10. Commissioners Paul Spires (6A01, Vice-Chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03, treasurer), Amber Gove (6A04, Vice Chair/Parliamentarian), Dave Wethington (6A05, Chair), Je Giertz (6A06, Secretary) and Steven Kolb (6A07) were in attendance.
ommissioner Velasquez updated attendees on the status of an application for a medical cannabis dispensary license proposed near Northeast Library. In January, Proper Exotic applied for a medical cannabis license for 313 Eighth Street NE, next to Hunny Bunny boutique.
ANC 6A reportedly received three dozen letters of concern from neighbors. Among other concerns, they pointed out that the dispensary would have been located within two blocks of Petit Scholars daycare (342 Eighth St. NE), iGen Educational Academy child enrichment center (400 Eighth St. NE), Music on the Hill (400 801 D St. NE) and close to the Northeast Library.
The application had been withdrawn Jan. 29, as one of the two partners had ended his participation in the business. However, the sole remaining applicant applied to reinstate the application under sole ownership. ANC 6A Alcohol Cannabis Committee Chair Mike Velasquez sent a letter opposing the motion to reinstate.
The Alcoholic Beverage and Canabis (ABC) Board has decided to have an oral hearing, but as of April 10 that had not yet been scheduled.
Kolb said that the applicant had been seen
Commissioners voted 6-0 to send a letter in support of a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for a modi cation to an approved PUD at 901 H St. NE to allow fast food usage on the main oor to permit the opening of “Nash and Smashed,” a chicken and hamburger restaurant that originated in Manassas, VA. The site is the Avec building which includes the Veterinarian Emergency Group (VEG) and is slated to include a new Aldi.
Motion on Vacant Storefronts
The ANC unanimously supported a letter to DC Council, the O ce of Tax Revenue (OTR) and to the District Department of Buildings (DOB), asking that there be a proportional determination of the vacancy status of empty storefronts.
Shapiro said that there are around 80 empty storefronts along H Street between Third and 14th Streets NE. She said that these are not vacant by statutory de nition even though they are actually empty.
According to law, if there were one stretch of H Street with ve adjacent storefronts on the same tax lot, only one would have to be occupied —or one apartment above the five storefronts— for the entire stretch to be ruled as occupied. That means they cannot be taxed at higher rates applied to vacant properties.
The letter proposes that if there are
The white building at 313 Eighth St. NE is the proposed location for Proper Exotic. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN
five storefronts of the same size on a single tax lot and four of them are empty but one is occupied 80% of the property would be taxed at the higher rate and 20% would not. The idea is that landlords would be incentivized to fill vacant properties, lowering rent if needed.
Allen on Budget
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) came to the meeting and discussed the District budget, noting that the House of Representatives was on vacation for the two weeks starting April 11. Allen said since a Senate bill had not been passed by the House, the city will have to propose a budget that will cut the $1.1 billion in spending from the rest of the 2025 fiscal year, which concludes at the end of September. Those cuts will impact public safety, education and core city services, Allen said. “Every aspect of the way the city works will be impacted by this,” Allen said.
The Mayor has also not yet proposed a FY2026 budget because such a budget would have to incorporate the House-imposed cuts. The process is usually concluded in May, but will likely now take place over June.
Even aside from the Congressional problems, it will be a difficult budget, Allen added. He said approximately 40,000 DMV residents are projected to lose their federal jobs. That’s about $5 billion of economic activity, which has caused the Chief Financial Officer to revise projections over the next three years even as costs keep going up.
Allen noted that he had worked in DC politics for more than 20 years, but said this will likely be the toughest budget that he’s ever faced. “There will be things in it that I know that I don’t like,” he said, noting that
the goal was to spread the cuts so that the impact does not fall on one particular part of the community.
Allen said the city is tracking unemployment on a weekly basis and the numbers are similar to the beginning of the pandemic. However, he noted many workers are on administrative leave and won’t be able to file for unemployment insurance until they are no longer drawing a paycheck. Others await court decisions. An increase is expected, he said, but the local unemployment insurance is fully funded and federal workers are also covered by a separate source of federal funds. “We feel confident, on the funding side of it, but I mean the sheer amount of pain out there is steep,” he said, noting that at most there was likely to be one degree of separation between any Hill resident and a recently unemployed federal employee.
ANC 6A generally meets on the second Thursday of every month except August. They will meet next virtually via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Get details on committee meetings and how to join online at anc6a.org. u
Allen Discusses Budget Concerns at ANC
6B
ANC 6B REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B held a meeting via Zoom and in-person at 700 Penn (700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) on April 8. On the dais: Tyler Wolanin (6B01); Gerald “Jerry” Sroufe (6B02); David Sobelsohn (6B03, Secretary); Brian Gorman (6B04); Samuel Pastore (6B05); Anna Krebs (6B06, Treasur-
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A
DAVE WETHINGTON, CHAIR, 6A05@ANC.DC.GOV
Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, and H Street communities
ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom. www.anc6a.org
ARE WELCOME
**The next meeting is 2nd Thursday, May 8, 7:00 p.m.**
Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting 3rd Monday, May 19, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Economic Development & Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, May 21, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Community Outreach Committee meeting TBA, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual meeting via Zoom
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Licensing Committee meeting 4th Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
We seek community-minded 6A residents interested in joining ANC 6A committees. Visit anc6a.org or email 6A06@anc.dc.gov for more information. Instructions for accessing the meeting via Zoom 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.
Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/822418957 70?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1rYieSe.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
Ebony Payne 7D05 – Kingman Park 7d05@anc.dc.gov
Marc Friend 7D06 – Rosedale 7d06@anc.dc.gov
Ashley Schapitl 7D09 – Hill East 7d09@anc.dc.gov
Josh Taborn 7D01 7d01@anc.dc.gov
Vacant 7D02 7d02@anc.dc.gov
er); Vince Mareino (6B07, Chair); Edward Ryder (6B08, Vice Chair) and Karen Hughes (6B09).
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) appeared before ANC 6B as part of his annual spring visits to all of the Ward 6 commissions. He largely focused his discussion on the District budget and the consequences to city services if the US House of Representatives does not pass a senate bill restoring a $1.1 billion reduction to the District budget. That reduction was imposed by the adoption of a Congressional bill that set federal spending to FY2024 levels but did not make the usual exception for approved District FY2025 spending. See separate article in this issue.
That question, augmented by mass federal firings and the potential for a recession triggered by tariffs imposed in March and early April, could have a domino effect on the city’s FY2026 budget, Allen said. The budget process has already been delayed, the Councilmember added, and residents could see steep and difficult cuts.
Allen also outlined legislation he has advanced in council, including the recently passed STEER Act allows the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to take individual drivers with high outstanding fines to court. DC OAG has already brought at least three suits. The Plaza Act helps to streamline the process for block parties and asks DDOT to look at ways to create and activate pedestrian plazas. Additionally, Allen introduced a bill, the RESALE Act, that will put a price cap on resold concert tickets at face value plus 10 percent, forbidding “speculative ticket sales,” or sale of a ticket not yet acquired by the seller, and requiring any person or business selling more than 50 tickets annually to register with the District. Finally, his Fair Swipe Bill would prevent credit card companies from including taxes and tips when they calculate fees, usually as a percentage of a total bill paid by a customer.
There was no vote related to Allen’s visit.
Gas Pipe Replacement Could Delay SE Library Reno
The ANC voted unanimously in favor of a resolution introduced by Sobelsohn asking Washington Gas to replace and relocate old gas lines that will interfere with the Southeast Library’s
new sewer connection.
The library does not require a gas connection and Washington Gas said prior to construction their drawings indicated that the pipes would not be a problem, the commissioner said. After construction began, the gas company indicated that the line actually lacks separation from the storm sewer mainline and must be moved but the utility will not do the work unless DC Public Library (DCPL) pays for it, a cost of $428,476, Sobelsohn said. The lines must be moved by early May 2025 or the renovation will be delayed.
The resolution calls on Washington Gas to “do the right thing, and itself pay to relocate and replace its old gas pipes,” urging Mayor Bowser and Council to work with DCPL, Washington Gas and the Public Service Commission to facilitate the project.
Open Streets Coming to Capitol Hill
For the first time in Open Streets DC history, the 2025 event will take place on Capitol Hill, on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed to vehicles from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be North Carolina Avenue SE from Sixth Street SE to Lincoln Park and Massachusetts Avenue from the park to 17th Street. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is trying to permit Lincoln Park for programming, neighborhood planner Paige Leddy told commissioners.
The purpose of Open Streets is to focus on community building and transportation safety. So popular activations often include free fitness classes, live music, safety demonstrations, bike giveaways or bike maintenance, Leddy said, although the specifics are now in development. The team will not have street vendors but will prioritize businesses within Ward six that focus on health and
transportation. There will be bathrooms and water stations. There is no cost to attend.
Leddy said the team will work with the local community, the Main Street organizations and businesses and vendors at Eastern Market to ensure the event showcases priorities in the neighborhood. The final program schedule will be posted on the website two weeks prior to the event. Residents in the area should pay attention to that site and street signage as vehicles will need to be removed from the route at midnight the night before. Volunteers are welcome. openstreets.dc.gov/pages/spring-2025
In Other Business
The ANC also voted to:
• establish an ANC working group to determine what to do with the $79,000 that the ANC holds in its bank accounts, including the restrictions around providing community grants.
• request that the commission’s Planning, Zoning and Economic (PZE) and Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Committees discuss ways to maintain diversity of businesses along Barracks Row at their next meetings. Commissioners said the idea is to ensure that businesses like cannabis dispensaries or fast food restaurants do not dominate the retail ecosystem.
Map showing streets that will be closed to vehicular traffic for the June 28 Open Streets event to be held on Capitol Hill. Image: DDOT/ANC 6B
The committees would provide a proposal on what the ANC could do to encourage diversity. An attendee raised a concern about the use of the word “diversity” and noted that it is a period of economic challenge for business and customers alike. Commissioners clari ed that they were interested in commercial variety, and that the goal was not antibusiness but rather to support a multiple types of o erings.
ANC 6B generally meets the second Tuesday of each month except August. The next regular meeting of the full ANC will be a hybrid online and in-person meeting held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. See calendar and get information on how to join at anc6b.org ◆
Renovation, Construction Planned at St. Joseph’s ANC 6C REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met April 9, 2025 via Webex. The following were on the 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).
The ANC voted on consent to support a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) from St Joseph’s Catholic Church (313 Second St. NE) for the rst phase of what the church
Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 6C Next meeting Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
6C COMMISSIONERS
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: drew.courtney@gmail.com
Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants
ANC 6C usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm via Webex video conference. Please check our website for dates.
6C COMMITTEES
Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.tps@gmail.com
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov
says will be a multi-phase renovation and construction project.
The plan is to raze two existing structures behind the church, including a garage and the current parish center, the latter a concrete masonry building located between the Rectory and the Thomas More Center nearer to Third Street NE. An existing carriage house would get an addition to create a new parish center with gated courtyard, about 2,400 square feet total.
The new parish center will include a 150-person gathering space, three classrooms, a choir room, a fully-equipped kitchen and the outdoor space. The building would be constructed in red and brown Roman brick, with high “storefront” windows along the north and south elevations, giving it an appearance similar to Eastern Market from north and west.
Plans for the project include renewal of the existing Thomas More Center, located to the east of the new parish center, as well as improvements to the hardscape. The project would also include some minor changes to the exterior of Madonna House and a reduction in the size of the house’s private garden.
Phase II of the renovation will include a new residential building and phase III a new educational center. Those plans have not yet been filed but could make use of the space that is currently parking lots north of the church.
Coffee Coming to L Street Corner
Commissioner Goodman announced that the for-
mer L Street Market (1100 Fourth Street NE) is slated to become the future site of Lost Sock Roasters (lostsockroasters.com), a coffee shop and roastery. It will be the second location for the establishment, which roasts coffee in Brightwood Park.
Lost Sock supplies wholesale coffee beans around the District to shops like Baked and Wired and retail for sale at shops like Shop Made in DC. Goodman said that he expected the owners to appear before the ANC a few times in the coming months, first in an application to approve outdoor seating and in another to change zoning regulations to permit indoor seating at the shop.
Plea for Enforcement at 1165 Third St. NE
The ANC supported a letter to the District Department of Buildings (DOB) regarding a house at 1165 Third St. NE, copying a letter first sent in July 2023. That townhouse has been under construction for close to two decades, Commissioner Goodman said. The owner has undertaken multiple projects, both permitted and unpermitted, including a pop-up addition, a fence with a gate that swings into the public alley and projects that have damaged adjacent lots. In 2023, ANC 6C sent a letter to DOB noting the issues and asking DOB to enforce the requirement for building permits and that construction linked to said permits begins in a timely manner. Goodman said that the ANC simply wanted to see the agency respond to the situation and enforce the law. The letter notes that improvements associated with building permits for the property have not been made, that the fence with alley gate is a hazard to residents and requests that the DOB respond with actions they will take to ensure compliance with the law.
Minor Changes to Press House Final Phase
The ANC unanimously supported a letter to the
DC Zoning Commission (ZC) supporting a waiver to a 45-day waiting period so the ZC can have a hearing on proposed changes to the final phase of construction at the Press House (301 N St. NE). In 2019, as part of a planned unit development (PUD) Foulger Pratt renovated the former warehouse and adjacent building into a mixed-use development including office space and apartments. Just south of the project is a vacant lot, slated in the PUD as site of either a condominium or hotel. The plans were supported by ANC 6C in 2017. Preparing for construction, the applicant has asked for changes to the building appearance to account for a different tenant. The letter from the ANC means the developer can request the ZC to schedule a hearing on the case sooner than 45 days from the date the commission was first given notice of the changes.
Support for The Greeks Den
The ANC voted to send a letter of support to the Deputy Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (DMPED) for an application from The Greeks Den (thegreeksden.com, 609 H St. NE) for an emerging retail initiative (ERI) grant. The Greeks Den is a family-owned business that makes Greek paraphernalia for sororities and fraternities. Coowner Tanisha Holmes said the business is community-rooted, partnering with nonprofits in the District for projects such as the March donation of 200 hygiene kits to women’s shelters in the District. The business opened in 2021 and moved to H Street in February 2024.
ANC 6C generally meets via Webex on the second Wednesday of every month with the exception of August. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join at anc6c.org. u
Security on the Wharf
ANC 6D REPORT
by Andrew Lightman
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on April 21 via Zoom. Commissioners Marquell Washington (6DO1), Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Fredrica
A concept design of the proposed new Parish Center at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, as seen from what would be a newly built hardscape courtyard. Image: Michael Graves/St. Joseph’s, via HPRB/ANC 6C
(Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were in attendance. Chearie Phelps-El (6D05) and Bruce Levine (6D06) were absent.
Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Captain Adam Crist briefed the commission on overall crime and particularly on an incident on April 18, when a crowd of approximately 300 juveniles created mayhem on The Wharf. There was a robbery and an incident of gunshots. O cers made six arrests, Crist stated.
Led by DC Police Chief Pamela A. Smith with the aid of Wharf security, officers drove the crowd down Maine Avenue and M Street SW into the Navy Yard. There, the crowd nally dispersed at around 10 p.m. Was the crowd organized through social media? asked Commissioner Fast. We think so, stated Crist.
The pedestrian fatality on April 16th at Sixth and M Street SW is being investigated by the Major Crash Unit, said Crist. He could provide no additional information.
Crime is down YTD 21 percent, stated Crist with 35 percent drop in violent crime. There has been a 12 percent reduction in property crime. No burglaries have occurred this year. Police are confronting thefts of unsupervised idling vehicles, he said. However, there also has been a major drop in carjacking. Crist recommends residents use steering wheel locks.
14th St. Approach
Bridges Repair
The DC Dept. of Transporta-
Sheila Samaddar, DDS, FACD, FPFA, FICD
tion (DDOT) Deputy Project Manager Ashenafi Worku briefed the commission on the agency’s plans for structural repairs to the six approaches to 14th Street Bridge. These include reconstruction of their concrete joints and decks.
The project will have an enormous impact on traffic, Worku said. The agency plans lane shifts on I-695 and on the 14th Street Bridge, whose lanes will be reduced from six to four. There are over 20 overnight closures of roughly half an hour duration planned. Construction anticipated to begin in the spring of 2027 and continue into the following winter.
Treasurer Kramer requested a schedule of specific closures. The agency cannot provide that until the contract is awarded, said Worku.
ABC Matters
ABC Committee Vice Chair Laura DiAngelo briefed the commission on the committee’s recommendations regarding alcohol licenses. The commission should take no action on 17 license renewals, the committee advised. These establishments included: Arena Stage, Art Tech House, Boomerang Boats, Canopy, Capitol Yacht Club, Del Mar, Hanks Oyster Bar, Hell’s Kitchen, the Hilton Hotel National Mall, Hyatt House, La Vie, Audi Field Food Service, Little Chicken, Momo, The Nightingale, Station 4, Surfside Tacos and The Anthem.
At the suggestion of Commissioner Pawley, the commission voted to protest the renewal of Station 4’s license in order to maintain standing while a revised Community Agreement (CA) is reached with the establishment on the grounds of peace, order and quiet.
Commissioner Washington objected to supporting a renewal of The Anthem’s license, citing security concerns and double parking on Maine Avenue SW. However, this motion to protest the license failed.
On the committee’s recommendation, the commission voted to protest the license renewals of several restaurants lacking CAs on the grounds of peace, order and quiet. The establishments included: Gordon Ramsey Fish & Chips, Naraya, the Pendry Hotel, The Point and ilili.
The committee recommended opposing Philipe Chow / Merchant Marina’s request for an entertainment endorsement allowing dancing and
cover charges. The commission agreed, voting to protest on the grounds of peace, order and quiet.
The commission also voted to support Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls’ stipulated license. However, to preserve standing, it also voted to protest their permanent application on the grounds of peace, order and quiet while a CA is negotiated by the committee.
Zoning
DC Central Kitchen Chief Executive Director Mike Curtain briefed the commission on the organization’s request to the Zoning Commission to add a produce market to the B Street SW side of their building. They want to enclose an existing exterior vestibule to add 380 square feet to the first floor for the market and a 5,000 square foot mezzanine for office use above. This square footage increase in space requires a modification approved by the Zoning Commission, he stated. The commission unanimously to support the project.
Holland & Knight Attorney Kyrus Lamont Freeman requested the commission to support a two year extension on the existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) for 807 Maine Ave. Approved in 2023, the PUD calls for the construction of an 895-unit apartment building on the northwest corner of Maine Avenue and Seventh Street SW. The current zoning requires construction to commence in 2026. Due to market conditions, his client is unable to meet this deadline, stated Freeman. The project has lost its development partner, as well. The extension would provide time for his client to either sell the property with the zoning intact or find another partner. The extension would require the commencement of construction in 2028. The commission took no action on the matter.
Other Matters
The commission approved the treasurer’s second quarter financial report. It also approved renting St. Augustine Church for its May 19 in person meeting.
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is May 19 and will be held in person at St. Augustine’s Church at 555 Water St. SW. For more information visit www.anc6d.org. u
Extended Construction Hours at the Kenilworth Swing Space
ANC 7D REPORT
by Sarah Payne
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met April 8 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06, vice chair), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Single Member Districts (SMD) 7D01, 7D02 and 7D04 are currently vacant.
In an effort to minimize delays in opening the Kenilworth Elementary swing space at 1300 44th St. NE, DC Public Schools Project Specialist Mars Eagleson urged the commission to support an after-hours construction permit. Eagleson briefed commissioners on development and construction at the site and detailed the steps necessary to facilitate a timely completion of the project.
According to Eagleson, “bureaucratic delays” with the Department of Buildings (DOB) have created a “tight timeline” for construction, which began in 2021. Despite the delay, DCPS is “still pushing to try and finish this project as soon as possible,” Eagleson said, noting the goal of completion prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
The project is currently operating under a standard permit from DOB which allows work to take place Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The project is seeking an extension of these hours to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and to add working hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The extension would add one additional work hour, to 8 p.m. followed by two hours of “quiet work” until 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. “Quiet work” hours would also be implemented on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. with normal work resuming from 12 to 5 p.m. According to Eagleson, “no heavy machinery will be used” during the quiet hours which will include cleaning, maintenance and hand-held tool tasks. These
hours “would not have a great impact on the community in terms of noise and activity,” she added.
This revised permit proposal follows feedback from a recent community survey. The original proposition extended normal work hours to midnight Monday through Saturday with additional hours Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on federal holidays as needed. The revised proposal reduces the extension of hours, denotes some morning and evening hours as “quiet work” hours and eliminates the possibility of work on federal holidays.
Alcorn acknowledged DCPS’s compromises, but also noted concern about the extension from some members of the community. One neighbor, Eastland Gardens Civic Association Member Peter Clare, attended the meeting and voiced his opposition to the after-hours work in the neighborhood.
“We’ve generally sought to be as supportive as we can while taking into account community input and concerns,” Alcorn said of the commission’s perspective. “We all live in an urban space, so a thoughtful and negotiated plan is certainly called for.”
Commissioner Wright questioned the impact on students if the project falls behind schedule this summer. Eagleson noted that the current “bubble” utilized by students will remain functional until the new space is nished.
When completed, students and parents can expect an expanded and renovated space. In addition to providing additional multi-purpose spaces for students, the project will also improve accessibility through the addition of a new stop to the elevator, create an outdoor classroom, update the lobby and create a welcome center, implement stormwa-
ter retention measures and more, Eagleson reported. “We’re creating a really welcoming and beautiful swing space for all of our Ward 7 students that we’re really excited about,” she said.
The commission voted to send a letter of support to DOB for extended “quiet work” hours Monday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. noting that no additional hours may be added on federal holidays. The project will return to the commission’s agenda in May, Alcorn said, in order to give the Eastland Gardens Civic Association an opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback.
Other Matters
Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04, vice chair) stepped down as the commissioner for 7D04 on April 1. Commissioner Marc Friend (7D06) was unanimously elected to serve as the new vice chair.
Commissioner-elect for 7D01, Josh Taborn, was in attendance. He will represent Kenilworth and Eastland Gardens after his victory over opponent Charles Boston in a special election on April 5. According to Alcorn, the delay in his o cial swearing in ceremony relates to the publishing date in the DC Register.
The commission voted to:
• support a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application to construct a third story with roof deck and a three-story rear addition to an existing, attached, three story principal dwelling unit with a special exception from lot occupancy requirements at 1513 D St. SE;
• update the settlement agreement (SA) associated with the
PET PHOTO
CATEGORIES:
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• Darling Dogs
• Finest Felines
• Cleverest Caption
• Best Buddies
• Human & Pet Best Buddies
• Hill Haunts
• Cutest
Send us your favorite photo for a chance at fame! Remember, the best photos tell a story — of love, companionship, and enjoyment of our Hill neighborhood. Winning entries will be published in our July Hill Rag special pet issue and posted on our website at hillrag.com.
TO ENTER:
• Email photo to pets@hillrag.com
• Hi-res photos, 300 dpi+
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PUBLICATION DATE: 7/5/25
Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) class “B” beer and wine store license for Economy Market (411 18th St. NE) to reflect their change in address as they relocate from their D Street NE location. If a revised SA is not finalized prior to May 5, the commission will issue a letter of protest.
• update the settlement agreement (SA) associated with the ABCA application for Langston Bar and Grille (1831 Benning Rd. NE) to reflect the establishment’s request for a substantial change in their hours of operation and alcohol consumption. The proposed new hours of operation, and alcohol beverage sales and consumption, are: Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. If a revised SA is not finalized prior to May 5, the commission will issue a letter of protest.
ANC 7D will meet next on May 13 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. u
Commissioner Henderson on Anticipated Budget Cuts
ANC 6/8F REPORT
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met both in-person at 250 M St. SE and online via Zoom April 22. On the dias were Commissioners Nic Wilson (8F01), Markita Bryant (8F02), Brian Strege (8F03) and Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Liam Goodwin (6/8F05).
Councilmember Christina Henderson (DAt Large) said DC Council is preparing for “a very ruckus time over the next few months.” As the DC Council discusses the District’s FY2026 budget, she said Congress will be putting together a recession package to make cuts to the federal FY2025 budget and starting the budget reconciliation process for FY2026,
which, Henderson noted, is likely to impact the District. She said as a result, the DC budget discussion will likely take longer than the usual 70 days. That work is likely to include supplementary budget work in the fall to address whatever emerges from the Congressional reconciliation process, expected to conclude in August.
Asked about a Friday situation where youth overwhelmed The Wharf and then Navy Yard, Henderson said that her parents were not likely to have allowed her to be out on a Friday at an unknown location. But, she said, that was a privilege not all DC kids have. She said that the situation was illustrative of the consequences of cuts to the budget, noting that the Mayor is poised to cut about $630 million in funds allocated for the year. That money, Henderson said, will have to come from places where it has not yet been spent —including summer camps and programs, libraries and recreation centers.
As Chair of the DC Council Health Committee, Henderson said a big priority for her is ensuring people maintain their health insurance coverage. The District has near universal coverage —97 percent of residents have insurance of some type— and she hopes to maintain that. The District will also need to repair the situation that will be created when and if the federal government makes cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and TANF. There are unlikely to be newly-funded programs, she said.
Henderson said that it was not clear if there is a majority of support for I-83, the Ranked Choice Voting initiative, on DC Council. The Mayor is very unlikely to fund the initiative in her budget, likely to be introduced in early May. If it is going to be funded, Henderson said, council must do it. “So I’m encouraging people,” Henderson said, “if Initiative 83 is really important to you, you’ve got to talk to some of my Democratic colleagues.”
Out of Control Youth
Captain Adam Crist said MPD estimates more than 300 juveniles descended into The Wharf and Navy Yard late Friday, April 18, resulting in a significant police presence. He said the group of youth initially met at National Harbor, then, coordinating via social media, moved to The Wharf. While officers were expecting some sort
of youth convergence, the numbers were higher than anticipated. Officers were pulled from other districts and areas of the department for the response, which cleared the crowds from the area, pushing them into Navy Yard.
Some kids found their way into residential buildings, having parties in those private spaces and discouraging residents from reporting them. Crist said that when one person gains unpermitted access to private spaces, a resident might alert a concierge. When it is 20 or 30 kids, there is a possibility of retaliation. Crist said buildings would need to tailor security solutions to their resident’s needs.
Crist said there was a reported youth-onyouth robbery and an unlawful discharge of firearm, both in Southwest. The latter was not associated with injury or property damage. Six arrests were made, four in Southwest and two near the Navy Yard metro. The group was largely dispersed by about 9:30 to 10 p.m., he said. The Captain acknowledged that while many of the crimes committed might be misdemeanors if the youth were charged, the overall effect is to make the neighborhood feel less safe, although overall crime is down in the neighborhood and the city.
Commissioners expressed bafflement and dismay at the event. Chair Daniels said that a lack of youth programming was no excuse for this type of behavior and encouraged parents to be aware of their children’s activities. Bryant spoke directly to the youth: “I want our young people to know one thing. I’m a big advocate of you, but I’m disappointed. I want you to do better, because you can do better.”
Speaking separately, Ward 8 Mayor’s Office of Community Relations MOCR Eugene Kinlow said DC now has a Juvenile Investigative Response Unit (JIRU), an initiative dedicated to preventing youth crime and fostering community partnerships. JIRU addresses serious offenses but prioritizes intervention using targeted data driven processes. It is designed to provide at-risk youth with alternatives to crime while at the same time holding repeat offenders accountable, partnering with schools, youth organizations and service providers and collaborating with the agencies that serve youth.
The Mayor also recently introduced the My
Out of School Time (MOST) DC Portal, which will show events happening all over the city, including after school, summer and spring break programs opening to Kindergarten through 12th Grade. https:// most.dc.gov/en-US/
The ANC voted to:
• protest the renewal of an alcohol license for The Cove (25 Potomac Ave. SE) citing concerns with crowds and noise. A separate group of residents is also protesting the license.
• send a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in support of the Saturday, May 3, March of Dimes Walk route to Nationals Stadium through Navy Yard
• Support the renewal of the Class C liquor license for Osteria Marini (301 Water St. SE) and Silver Diner (1250 Water St. SE).
The Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRs) has an o ce in the Washington Gas building on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. You can meet with MOCR Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. until the building is closed.
ANC 6/8F meets on the 3d Tuesday of the month. Anc8F.org ◆
Bulletin Board
Capitol Hill Art Walk: Call to Artists
The Capitol Hill Art League invites artists and crafters to register for the Capitol Hill Art Walk which takes place on Sept. 13 and 14. Artists will show their work in Capitol Hill home studios, on porches or in yards. The event is free for both artists and visitors. The registration deadline is Aug. 11. For details and an evolving list of participants, visit HillRag.com/Art-Walk-2025.
Gateway Open Studios Tour
Four Towns, One Community, 250 Artists. Join us Saturday, May 10, from noon to 5 p.m., for the Gateway Open Studios Tour. Explore the vibrant art scene across four towns—Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Hyattsville—that make up Maryland’s Gateway Arts District. For one special day, local artists will open their studios to the public, offering a unique chance to experience the creativity and diversity of this two-mile arts corridor along Route 1/Rhode Island Avenue. Whether you walk or ride, free shuttles will be available to help you cover more ground. Street parking is also available in Hyattsville at Lots 1, 3, and 4. After the tour, head to 3698 Wells Ave. in Mount Rainier for the outdoor after-party from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring live music, skateboarding, and a food truck. More info: gatewaycdc.org/ost2025
Jun Lee from Washington Glass School in Mt Rainier.
Phillip Kennicott at Hill Center’s At Issue
Hill Center’s new public a airs series, At Issue, continues with a talk by Philip Kennicott, Pulitzer Prizewinning art and architecture critic for The Washington Post, on the Future of U.S. Cultural Institutions, Wednesday, May 14, 7–9 p.m. Kennicott will explore the mounting threats to museums, performing arts centers, libraries, arts funding, and public broadcasting. In a recent Post article, he warned of the potential politicization of places like the Kennedy Center, writing: “Until a week ago, it was unthinkable that the president... would take direct control... re board members... and install a widely disliked political operative... But now the thought has been thought.” Can Donald Trump destroy the Kennedy Center? Or will he use it in the usual way that authoritarians have used the arts in the past, as a vehicle for Trumpian propaganda? Admission is $10. 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.
Pet Adoptions at Wunder Garten
On the Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 4 p.m., Wunder Garten, 1101 First St. NE and City Dogs and City Kitties Rescue (citydogsrescuedc.org) team up to help their adorable furry friends nd a forever home. Guests can meet adoptable dogs, enjoy drink specials, and support a great cause—with proceeds bene ting the rescue organization. wundergartendc.com.
DC Outdoor Public Pools Open for Season
DC DPR outdoor pools open on Memorial Day weekend. They are open weekends only before June 22. Starting Monday, June 23, all outdoor pools will operate on individual summer schedules, six days a week. All outdoor pools will be open on Friday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. DPR pools remain open if it rains, as long as lifeguards are able to see the bottom of the pool. Pools close immediately at the rst sign of lighting. Admission is free for DC residents. Have ID. See the pool scheduling and read the rules at dpr.dc.gov/ page/outdoor-pools.
Nat’s Baseball District Tickets Start at $5
The Nationals have an exclusive ticket o er for DC residents to help them save on tickets all season long in sections 401 & 402. District Tickets are available for all home games on a rst come, rst served basis and must be purchased through nats.com/boxo ce or at the Nationals Park Box O ce. Each fan can purchase District Tickets for up to four games. District Tickets will be available on game day if they do not sell out in advance. Fans holding a District Ticket are eligible for all fans giveaways, and kids 12 & under using District Tickets are eligible for kid’s giveaways. District Ticket holders are also eligible to participate in Happy Hour, Signature Sundays and Kids Run the Bases. nats.com/ boxo ce.
Arena Stage Announces Milestone 75th Season
Celebrating 75 years of captivating, compelling, and immersive storytelling in the nation’s capital, the Arena Stage 2025/26 Season lineup ignites the path ahead. Here’s the
lineup: Damn Yankees, Sept. 9 to Nov. 9; Fremont Ave., Oct. 9 to Nov. 23; Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, Dec. 5 to 21; Pal Joey, Jan. 30 to March 15; Inherit the Wind, Feb. 27 to April 5; A Good Day To Me Not To You, March 27 to May 3; The Motion, May 6 to June 14; Crazysexycool, June 12 to Aug. 9; My Joy Is Heavy, Summer 2026. Arena Stage is at 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.
NoMa BID CiNoMatic Movies Announced
Join NoMa BID for the spring CiNoMatic season, Wednesday nights at sunset from May 7 to June 11. You bring the blankets, and they’ll provide the laughs and showstoppers for their season of musicals, comedies, and feel-good movies under the stars at Alethia Tanner Park. Sitting just north of New York Avenue in Eckington, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, this 2.5acre space features an expansive green lawn, a children’s playground, a dedicated dog park, and other amenities. Here’s the lineup: May 7, Wicked; May 14, Momma Mia!; May 21, Barbie; May 28, Coco; June 4, Inside Out; and
June 11, The Greatest Showman. nomabid.org.
WorldPride Street Festival and Concerts
The WorldPride Street Festival and Concerts stretches across two days, Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between Third and Ninth. The festival will feature hundreds of exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens. With multiple stages showcasing an array of multicultural and multilingual performances, the streets will come alive for an unforgettable WorldPride experience. Free admission. downtowndc.org.
DC Margarita Rumble at Union Market
On Saturday, May 10, noon to 6:30 p.m., this event brings together the top, specially curated bars and restaurants, each sending their best mixologists to compete for the coveted title of Best-In-Town Margarita. Margarita tastings are included in your ticket. Session one is noon to 3 p.m.; Session two is 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. $39; $55, for early admittance. Union Market Dock 5. unionmarketdc.com.
The Capitol Riverfront Summer Concert Series Returns
The free Capitol Riverfront Summer Concert Series is back at the Yards Park boardwalk. On July 11, 18 and 25 and Aug. 1, 7 to 9 p.m., come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river views, the bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes’ walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this
Memorial Day Weekend Rolling to Remember
On Friday, May 23, 5 p.m., there is a Blessing of the Bikes at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Also on May 23 at 9 p.m., there is a Candlelight Vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On Sunday, May 25 (ride day), Rolling to Remember, a massive motorcycle demonstration ride, is demanding full accounting for America’s POWs and MIAs and to raise awareness of the mental health crisis stealing thousands of veterans’ lives a year. The Pentagon’s North Lot is slated to once again serve as the staging area. The parking lot opens at 7 a.m., the National Anthem is at 11:30 a.m., and the ride begins at noon. rollingtoremember.com/itinerary.
Swamp Dogg to Headline Bourbon & Bluegrass
President Lincoln’s Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW) hosts Bourbon & Bluegrass on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 5 p.m., celebrating Lincoln’s Kentucky roots. Headlining is Swamp Dogg, the original D-O-Double-G, performing unique sets each day. Known for his soulful sound since the 1950s, his latest album Blackgrass was praised by NPR as a top 2024 country release. A documentary on his life, Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, premieres next month. Arrive early for the Log Cabin Jam Session, hosted by Will Sears of Goldbug Revival. Enjoy food trucks, lawn games, preservation tours, and more. Bourbon from Schneider’s of Capitol Hill and Prestige Ledroit will be featured in cocktails by RSVP Catering, with alcohol-free options available. Tickets: free to $115. More info: lincolncottage.org/event/bourbon-and-bluegrass-2025
an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. capitolriverfront.org.
Yards Park Canal Basin Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep the Yards Park Canal Basin, 355 Water St. SE, clean and safe throughout the summer, the water features will be closed for up to 72 hours from Monday to Wednesday on a weekly basis for routine cleaning and maintenance. capitolriverfront.org/yards-park.
MLK Library Bargain Basement Books Sale
On Saturdays, through June 28; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., browse used books at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, on the A Level. All proceeds go directly to MLK Library Friends. Cash and credit accepted. The Friends are also accepting up to two bags of books per person. Please no textbooks, law books, book with missing dust jackets, or books with writing or damage. dclibrary.org.
Job Seekers Help at SW Library
On Mondays, 1 to 2 p.m., stop by the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, for this one-hour clinic, where they answer your questions and provide guidance and assistance to job seekers in their search. dclibrary.org.
The Great Brookland Yard Sale
The annual Great Brookland Yard Sale is Saturday,May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sales are all over the neighborhood, in individual seller’s yards, businesses, and churches. If it rains, the yard sales will be held on May 17. Check back closer to the date for an interactive map at brooklandcivic.org/gbys.
Basketball Referee Training Academy Opens
Exodus Officiating now offers a six-week basketball referee training program led by NCAA Division I official Eddie Fontno. The program is designed to prepare individuals for paid officiating work at youth, high school, and collegiate levels. Participants receive hands-on training, mentorship, and guidance on certification. No prior experience is required. Read more and register at ExodusOfficiating.com.
MLK Library Spring Plant Swap
On Sunday, May 18, 1:15 to 2:45 p.m., give away a houseplant or a cutting or pick up some new greenery for your home or office. This swap, at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, is free and open to the public, and all plants
Memorial Day Concert and Dress Rehearsal
The Annual Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol is on Sunday, May 25, at 8 p.m. The grounds open at 5 p.m. Checkpoints are set up, and all bags and parcels checked. Guests will be required to enter through a metal detector. The gates are located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. There are viewing areas for the use of guests with disabilities. The dress rehearsal on the Saturday before the concert is open to the public. Gates also open at 5 p.m. pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert.
are welcome, however common or rare. Make sure all plants are pestfree and in a clean container. Plants and cuttings can be in water or soil, as long as they’re transportable. Sign up to get an email reminder before the event. dclibrary.org.
Bike to Work Day Bike
to Work Day in the DC region is Friday, May 15. Join thousands of area commuters for the free 24th annual event celebrating bicycling as a fun, low-cost, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around. The rst 16,000 to register and attend one of the pit stops will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-shirt. Start your day, from 7 to 9 a.m., by pedaling to The Wharf’s bicycle pit stop at 7th Street Park, at the corner of 7th Street and
Maine Avenue SW, for a quick snack. If you work from home, you can still ride to The Wharf for your morning co ee. wharfdc.com.
Family-Friendly Skate at Anacostia Park
Skate anytime at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion--the one and only roller-skating rink in the National Park Service. Skate rental is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.) Rentals are free with a government issued ID. Socks required to rent skates. On May 31, June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25, you can skate until 10 pm and enjoy the featured DJ. Events include double dutch, lawn games, job fairs, boat trips and more. ◆
PET PHOTO
ENTER THE ANNUAL CONTEST!
CATEGORIES:
• Best Overall Photos
• Darling Dogs
• Finest Felines
• Cleverest Caption
• Best Buddies
• Human & Pet Best Buddies
• Hill Haunts
• Cutest
Send us your favorite photo for a chance at fame! Remember, the best photos tell a story — of love, companionship, and enjoyment of our Hill neighborhood. Winning entries will be published in our July Hill Rag special pet issue and posted on our website at hillrag.com.
TO ENTER:
• Email photo to pets@hillrag.com
• Hi-res photos, 300 dpi+
• Maximum of two photos per entry.
• Include your name, a phone number, the name of your pet, a caption and category for the photo.
DEADLINE: 6/11/25
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/5/25
HOMES & GARDENS
2025 CHRS House & Garden Tour
by Marci Hilt
Join the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) for this year’s House and Garden Tour on Mother’s Day weekend –Saturday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. This year, the tour will include 11 homes never before featured on the House Tour, including several semi-public buildings and rest stops. All but one of the tour stops are located in Northeast Capitol Hill, including the historic Swampoodle district, which is the corner of Capitol Hill immediately to the east of Union Station.
Most of the houses on this year’s tour were built in the late 1800’s – only a few years after the end of the Civil War. Their early history offers a fascinating reflection of what life on Capitol Hill was like in the late 19th century.
Tour tickets are on sale now at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2025-house-garden-tour-tickets-1286417733069?aff=ebdssbdestsearch They are $40 each before the event and $50 each the weekend of the event. Tickets sold out last year.
Highlights
The house at 8th and Massachusetts Ave., NE, recently underwent a meticulous renovation to preserve original details, including doors and transom windows, pocket doors, the staircase, mantels and beautiful wood paneling. The owners added Lincrusta, a luxurious, embossed Victorian wall covering made of linseed oil and wood flour in the parlor. Lincrusta was installed on the Titanic, as well as in the White House.
The house at 620 Massachusetts Ave., NE, was built by a German immigrant who ran a business that bottled soda, porter, sarsaparilla, cider and Capitol Ginger ale right next door. The current owners fell in love with the home the moment they saw it because it offered the perfect blend of space, location and historic charm.
The owners of the house on 4th Street, NE, had a surprise when they were renovating it in 2014 – the entire back brick wall fell down. Unbeknownst to the contractor or the current owners, a nondescript brick near the ceiling functioned as a keystone. When it was removed the entire wall collapsed.
The three-in-a-row homes on 6th Street, NE, with metal oriel bay windows, stand out on the block and are an unusual Capitol Hill sight. The owners worked with a paint consultant to find vibrant colors that would coordinate to create the “painted lady” effect you see today. The Queen Anne Victorian architecture is richly varied, lending itself to the three or four colors used on each home.
These three 1895 Queen Anne Victorians are all different inside: one has exposed brick and an open
floor plan, another has a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen separated from the garden by a wall of glass, and the third one has historic mantels and mirrors to give it a New York brownstone vibe.
The artwork on this year’s catalogue and poster was created and donated by professional photographer – and former Hill resident – Jenny Nordstrom.
The tour is the year’s biggest annual event for CHRS. It’s the 68th year the organization has offered a Mother’s Day tour. CHRS is a nonprofit organization whose mission for 70 years has been to promote, preserve and enhance the history and character of our neighborhood. www.chrs.org u
8th St SE
620 Massachusetts Ave NE
a kitchen in one of the houses on this year's CHRS House Tour
The Hill Gardener
Tools of the Trade
by Annette Nielsen
Whether you’re just pulling together a first-time garden arsenal or are looking to upgrade some tired tools, check in to get recommendations from long-time gardeners and plant experts in the field. Most will agree there are basic tools important for most gardening chores – and you have options to find these essentials on Capitol Hill. And remember, Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Gardening tools, plants and flowers can make the perfect gift.
Says Constance Cleveland, Advanced Gardener with the United States Botanic Garden, “A tool I can’t live without is my hori hori knife. If I forgot all other tools, I can still get the job done with a hori hori knife.” This Japanese knife has a
serrated edge, suited to cutting through roots or woody stems. Constance touts its versatility, “I can plant things, divide things, weed, open soil or mulch bags, even do rudimentary cuttings. If you’d have told me 20 years ago that I was going to need a soil knife, I would have said I would never need that. But it turns out, having a tool that can do the jobs of multiple other tools is extremely useful.”
There probably isn’t a serious gardener who doesn’t reach for the pruner on the regular, says Rindy O’Brien, longtime Capitol Hill resident and garden expert of her must-have garden tool, “My pruners cut ivy trailers as well as flowers and shrubs – and you can sharpen them,” keeping them in prime shape throughout the season.
White Dawes, a project manager for Guerilla Gardeners has a favorite go-to tool, too. He has grown to love using a hand weeder, “It almost looks like a long fork with a leverage loop that makes pulling weeds easier and it’s less disruptive than a trowel.”
Think about the tools as an investment and
adhere to the “Buy Nice or Buy Twice” rule – you can skimp on the quality and pay less, but you may need to replace those workhorses sooner. Like purchasing a good chef’s knife, it’s important the tool is a good fit for your hand or even your height. Make a trip to the local garden store – check out the tools and ask for advice to be sure it’s comfortable or sized appropriately for your personal use.
Foliage Fashionistas
Over at Frager’s you’ll always find great advice – either from long-time staff or other customers willing to talk plants. Louise, a garden associate there emphasizes the basics – particularly with a watering can. “One of my favorites is the Ace Hardware version where the spout end twists off – so you have the option of watering with either a sprinkle or a steady stream.”
Louise spoke to me, too about how people are paying more attention to protecting themselves while outside. Don garden gloves to protect your hands, a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from too much sun or wear a rubber-based shoe to protect
Louise at Frager’s Garden Center is ready with the perfect watering can with a spout that sprinkles or pours. Photo: Annette Nielsen
A gardener at Ginko Gardens finds the perfect tools to get started on a new gardening project. Photo: Annette Nielsen
Christina at Plants and What Not at her Eastern Market stand shows off her popular and much-used tool, the Vintage Plant Mister. Photo: Annette Nielsen
your feet from water (they can be easily rinsed off after garden chores are complete).
Gloves are important to protect your hands from scrapes, dirt and even bug bites – and providing a wee one with their own pair may give inspiration for a budding garden assistant to help with planting, weeding and harvesting. What better way to spend time together than to marvel at nature—the perfect outdoor classroom.
Garden Innovation
You’ll find creative options in tools and supplies at Gingko Gardens. Gingko manager Murphy, says, “The watering wands and light flexible hoses, make a sometime arduous task easier. The bright colors are fun, too – and don’t forget the farm yarn or twine in vibrant colors.” At Gingko you’ll also find garden adornments and features that will encourage more time spent in your garden – from fountains to garden furniture.
I’ll weigh in with my personal favorite tool. While this isn’t so much an innovation, I appreciate those tools that do double duty. My Joyce Chen scissors are a testament to the adage, tools are tools. Think of the rasp in a woodworking
shop used to shape wood and smooth rough surfaces, where the culinary version, the microplane rasp, can zest your lemon or finely grate your garlic clove. My Joyce Chen scissors work between my growing and cooking space – trimming stems, flowers and snipping herbs in the garden while serving again in the kitchen cutting parchment paper, making slits in pie crust, preparing strips of dried fruit or creating a chiffonade of my basil for a bruschetta garnish.
Plants Out of Thin Air?
Maybe you’re thinking of easing into gardening with an indoor plant that doesn’t require a lot of effort or expertise. Christina of Plants and What Knot, (you can find her at Eastern Market with a popup some weekends), offers tips for her varieties of air plants, some suspended in macrame-based holders, planted on cork bark or nestled into Japanese moss balls. Her creations stay vibrant with help from her go-to vintage plant misters, “They are a beautiful reminder to give your plants a little spritz a couple of times a week. Because they’re colorful, you’ll notice the mister sitting on a shelf or counter near your plants.”
If gardening isn’t in the cards – either because of a lack of outdoor space or a green thumb, you can still enjoy plants and flowers by taking a trip to Angie Brunson’s Blue Iris Flowers inside Eastern Market. Here you’ll be able to select a thoughtfully curated bouquet or choose your favorites from her extensive selection of blooms – everything from bright tulips and roses to pussy willows, hydrangeas and elegant calla lilies.
Annette Nielsen, a writer and food systems advisor, returned to Capitol Hill from New York where she served as the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. u
Bridget Murphy at Ginko Gardens recommends an array of colorful watering wands or a refresh on fashionable garden gloves. Photo: Annette Nielsen
Even those without a green thumb can bring the beautiful abundance inside by picking a favorite floral arrangement at Blue Iris Flowers. Photo: Annette Nielsen
White Dawes, the project manager for Guerrilla Gardeners with his favorite gardening tool that takes care of weeds. Photo courtesy Guerrilla Gardeners
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In The Weeds
Manage Mosquitos and Pests With Plants
How can I mitigate summer pests in my yard ithout using harsh synthetic chemicals?
Summers in the District mean unwanted visits from pests–particularly mosquitoes–but smart gardening provides natural remedies. Forget reaching for synthetic chemicals and instead increase plant diversity, select insect-deterring owers and herbs, adopt simple maintenance habits, and adhere to integrated pest management (IPM) to build a natural defense system in your own green space.
attracted to Asters, Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed), Eutrochium stulosum (joe pye weed), and much more.
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Send us your favorite photo for a chance at fame! Remember, the best photos tell a story — of love, companionship, and enjoyment of our Hill neighborhood. Winning entries will be published in our July Hill Rag special pet issue and posted on our website at hillrag.com.
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Second, select insect-repelling annual owers and use companion planting for your vegetable and herb gardens. Calendula and marigolds repel various pests, including nematodes and certain ying insects. Nasturtiums act as a decoy for pests by luring aphids away from your precious plants. Basil and garlic can also deter some ying pests with their strong aroma. And nally, consider planting some dill which attracts bene cial wasps and ladybugs. Third, adopt anti-pest habits. Water your plants deeply but less often, focusing on the base, and avoid overwatering and standing water, as it creates damp conditions that lead to fungal issues, a weakening of your plants and greater vulnerability to pests. Good air circulation is key, especially in our often-compact townhouse gardens. Prune your plants to avoid overcrowding and give them a little breathing room when you plant them. Maintaining a clean space and clean planters matters as well, ensur-
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First, plant a diverse selection of native perennials that attract bene cial bugs and birds or deter pests. Enhancing biodiversity in your garden can make it less hospitable to pests, thanks to the birds and good bugs you’ve attracted. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a magnet for ladybugs and lacewings, both of which feast on soft-bodied pests, including aphids. Another option is Coreopsis verticillata, which attracts bene cial wasps that eat caterpillars and other garden troublemakers. Monarda stulosa (wild bergamot) is a beautiful addition to any garden that also draws in helpful predatory wasps. Echinacea purpurea (purple cone ower) and Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan) provide seeds that attract pest-eating birds to your garden. Lonicera sempervirens (coral honeysuckle) is loved by hummingbirds, which eat hundreds of bugs, including mosquitos, throughout a single day. Mosquito-hungry dragon ies are
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The Capitol Hill Garden Club
ing no unsavory landscape debris can provide nesting grounds to pests. In contrast, however, bird and bat houses and insect hotels can bring pesteating wildlife and bene cial insects to your yard, bolstering your natural defense against unwanted pests.
Finally, take the IPM approach. Get in the habit of regularly checking your plants by flipping over leaves and peeking at stems–catching small pest problems early is way easier than dealing with a full-scale invasion. You can also consider bringing in reinforcements by purchasing ladybug larvae or lacewing eggs for release in your garden. Steer clear of broad-spectrum pesticides, as they don’t discriminate and will wipe out the good bugs right along with the bad, messing up the natural balance you’re trying to create.
Your garden can absolutely be a thriving, bug-managed oasis. By choosing the right plants and adopting these simple, natural strategies, you can create a little ecosystem where the good bugs thrive and the unwanted ones decide to look elsewhere for a snack. Embrace nature’s wisdom, and get ready to enjoy a summer in your garden that’s more about blooms and less about bug bites.
Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to capitolhillgardenclub@gmail.com.
Want to learn more about gardening or spend time with people who like plants? Join the Capitol Hill Garden Club, more information on the club website at capitolhillgardenclub.org. ◆
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.
CONDO
ARTS& DINING
Theater Night A curated review of theater in the DMV
by Matthew McClure
Our theater column for May is all about the transformational power and strength of community as told through stories from playwrights at the top of their game.
On Right Now
Paradise Blue, Studio Theatre
Showing May 1 - June 8 www.studiotheatre.org
Detroit, 1949: Albert Cobo has just won the mayoral chains and plans to wield the blunt axe that’s the newly legislated Federal Housing Act to destroy what he considers unsightly blights on the
city like the Black Bottom neighborhood and its entertainment hub Paradise Valley. Blue’s a talented but haunted trumpet player whose popular music venue, Paradise Club, is directly in line for Cobo’s wrecking ball. Pumpkin’s devoted to Blue but torn between her loyalty to him and her love for her community, which would be eradicated if Paradise Club is wiped off the map to make space for yet another whites-only neighborhood. Enter Silver, a mysteriously seductive widow who threatens to upend Blue’s plans to sell his club and finally bid farewell to the ghosts of his past. This is the scene set by Dominique Morisseau in Paradise Blue. Written in the same year as Morisseau’s Sunset Baby, the playwright once again effortlessly conjures into life an effervescent community where jazz, bebop, blues and poetry are as much central characters in the play as are Blue (Amari Cheatom), Pumpkin (Kalen Robinson), Silver (Anji White), Corn (Marty Austin Lamar) and P-Sam (Ro Boddie). Raymond O. Caldwell returns to DC as Director after leaving for LA where he’s Artistic Director at The Fountain Theatre. Morisseau’s play is his love letter to the city he called home for 18 years. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the erasure and rewriting of history, and I think about Black history and the way it’s often forgotten, particularly our lived community spaces. This play is a beautiful exploration of that.”
Studio’s Victor Shargai Theatre will become a recreation of Blue’s Paradise Club, says Caldwell. “I wanted to make the bar, seat the audience at the bar so that the audience must grapple with a history that is no more. In that moment, we ostensibly become
ghosts. We are the ghosts of the future lingering in that space as we watch the ghosts of the past grapple with the history that’s inevitable.” Caldwell has experimented with chronology as he’s injected snippets of contemporary jazz into Blue’s onstage repertoire. He explains how he’s relished the technical and conceptual challenges of directing a play where the audience is both present (Blue occasionally acknowledges our presence with a fleeting glance, for example) and absent. “I love to watch Black characters grapple with what the advancement of their community looks like. It’s interesting to watch capitalism slowly begin to weave its way into this world. What is the role of community in the face of capitalism? It inspires a conversation that’s uncomfortable at moments.”
In the Spotlight
We Are Gathered, Arena Stage Showing May 16 – June 15 www.arenastage.org
If you loved Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Academy Award-winning cinematic masterpiece Moonlight, then you’ll love We Are Gathered. The Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble member from Florida once again knits together a richly embroidered community inhabited by characters that love, laugh, lie and learn valuable lessons about themselves and each other. The concept of community plays an outsized role in much of McCraney’s work. His writing – for stage, TV and film – often touches on the intersection of individual and collective choice and responsibility in communities of color. We Are Gathered tells
Show art for Paradise Blue at Studio Theatre. Image courtesy Studio Theatre.
Nicholas Ashe plays Free in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s We Are Gathered. Photo courtesy Arena Stage.
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Send us your favorite photo for a chance at fame! Remember, the best photos tell a story — of love, companionship, and enjoyment of our Hill neighborhood. Winning entries will be published in our July Hill Rag special pet issue and posted on our website at hillrag.com.
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the story of romantic partners Free (played by Nicholas L. Ashe) and W. Tre (Kyle Beltran) who must make an important decision as they wander into a shadowy woodland that evokes the kingdom of Theseus and Hippolyta in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play is being directed by Kent Gash (Director of the New Studio on Broadway at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama), who’s collaborated with McCraney before on Choir Boy in 2015 and Wig Out! in 2017.
Gash is excited to be bringing his considerable talents to a play that’s “…full of joy and a rmation of what it is to be alive. Tarell is a brilliant writer. It’s a powerfulpiece.” Like August Wilson, Gash says, McCraney’s work illuminates lives that might otherwise live only in shadow. “If you’re a Black artist, what you confront in art making is that often your story is not occupying the center of the space.” We Are Gathered will be produced on Arena’s Fichandler Stage in the round, with audience members being able to a rm their love for each other during select performances as part of Arena Stage’s Love Takes Center Stage initiative.
We Are Gathered asks an important question: What does contemporary Queer commitment look like? “We hope to blur the line between the audience and the company on stage so that we create a sense of community the way that great weddings often do. When you witness two souls committing to express their love for each other for the rest of their lives, that’s a powerful act.” Gash explains. It won’t be lost on DMV audiences that this play takes to the stage at the same time as several states prepare legal challenges to Obergefell v. Hodges. While not framed as a political play, Gash acknowledges that “…the fact that you survive is political. I feel compelled to make the work to celebrate all the ancestors whose shoulders we stand on.”
Sign up to have your love story proled during a performance at arenastage. org/lovestory.
Catch before Closing
Choke, Sucede hasta en las mejores familias, GALA Hispanic Theatre
Showing April 24 – May 18
www.galatheatre.org
Los Angeles based playwright Emilio T. Infante’s story about a feuding Hispanic family overshadowed by a toxic threat so entranced Gustavo Ott that he brought it with him from Teatro Dallas when he joined GALA Hispanic Theatre as their Artistic Director in early 2024.
It’s community and family – in this case Esperanza and Gonzalo Guerrero, their adult daughter Cassandra and her wife Zulema –that are the apertures through which the audience confronts weighty issues like environmental justice and the politics of immigration, assimilation, tradition and belonging. “What happens to a community also happens to the family and the country.” declares Ott, who is taking up the Director’s chair for this production. “The ideas that we love and the ideas we hate, they all start with the family.”
Ott views this funny, fraught and insightful play in the same genre as Arthur Miller, Edward Albee and Tennessee Williams in its framing of contemporary political debate through community and family relationships.
“His (Infante’s) militant approach to society goes into the theater he writes but he does it through metaphor that goes beyond theater, to tradition. I think he has a bright future as a playwright.” High praise indeed, and more than enough reason to watch it. ◆
Gerardo Ortiz plays Gonzalo Guerrero in GALA Hispanic Theatre’s Choke, Sucede hasta en las mejores familias. Image courtesy GALA Hispanic Theatre.
Capitol Cuisine
by Celeste McCall
It had been quite some time since I had visited Bombay Street Food 2, at 524 Eighth St. SE. The zesty Barracks Row standby has been a neighborhood favorite for almost six years. After attending an art opening at nearby CHAW (Capitol Hill Arts Workship), our party of four ambled over to Bombay for dinner. We’re glad we did.
Since it was a balmy spring evening, we yearned for al fresco dining, but Bombay had a half hour wait for an outdoor table, so inside we went.
We have always admired the colorful interior, festooned with images of Indian and American celebrities, including the late Anthony Bourdain. Bombay Street Food has an extensive menu, to say the least. Where to begin?
We launched our repast with Tandoori wings. Escorted by bell pepper strips and onions, the limbs arrived on a sizzling platter. The wings were delicious, delivering just enough repower without scorching our palates. A mixture of minced lamb and chicken, seekh kebabs were served in a similar manner.
A cooler, less incendiary option is palak chat, crispy spinach dappled with yogurt and chutney. I opted for my favorite, a house specialty, Bombay biryani, basmati rice, layered with choice of shrimp. chicken, lamb, or goat. I chose goat. The chunks of meat were moist and tender. But—unfortunately-goat is very bony, so diners should pick carefully. The rice was enveloped with pastry, which our server dramatically uncovered tableside. Food presentation is important. We also considered ordering butter chicken, ery vindaloo (choice of chicken, lamb or goat), lamb rogan josh, or choosing from assorted tandoori dishes.
A vegan option is Kolhapuri, which is mixed vegetables enlivened with coconut-scented yellow curry. Other plant-based choices are chana masala (chickpeas), aloo gobi (potatoes and cauli ower) and tadka dal (yellow lentils). Raita, concocted with yogurt and (usually) cucumbers and mint), cooled our smoldering palates somewhat.
We also nibbled on a basket of assorted Indian breads; we especially liked the onion- lled kulcha and garlic naan.
You can also nd Indo-Chinese dishes including chili chicken, cooked in sweet/spicy tomato sauce, gobi or chicken Manchurian, avored with ginger and garlic paste. Beverages include mango lassi, tea, juices and sodas. Among potent potables (full bar) are Indian beer (including the popular King sher Indian brewski) cocktails and wine. For hours and more information visit www.bombaystreetfooddc.com.
Persian
on the Row
Maman Joon Kitchen has arrived at 404 Eighth St. SE. The latest o shoot of a local Persian restaurant group, our Barracks Row newcomer showcases wonderfully exotic Middle Eastern cuisine. We were eager to explore the menu. Maman Joon is a tiny place--carryout only with no seating. Therefore, we ordered dinner to take home and share with our neighbor Aiden.
I rarely gives a carryout an “A.” Maman Joon is an exception. We began with kashk o bademjan, an eggplant dip. Other starters include dolmeh (stu ed grape leaves) and falafel; they were out of hummus.
On to kabobs: salmon was moist and avorful; likewise, the chicken breast. Koobideh (ground beef) was crunchy on the outside with a succulent interior. The menu also lists combos and family platters, all served with rice and pita bread. Desserts: baklava, shole zard (rosewater and cinnamon scented rice pudding). Dinner for three came to $70 before tip.
Maman Joon means “Dear Mom.” There’s a nearby Maman Joon at L’Enfant Plaza. For hours (open daily) and more information visit mamanjoonkitchen.com.
Wine About it
Also on Barracks Row: Union Kitchen, on the corner at 430 Eighth St. SE, hosts a wine tasting every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. A combination deli and upscale grocery, Union Kitchen boasts an extensive
On Barracks Row, Bombay Street Food 2 offers sizzling wings along with other zesty dishes.
Presentation is important with Bombay biryani, basmati rice laced with meat and enveloped in pastry.
Assorted kabobs sizzle on the grill at Maman Joon, Barracks Row’s new Persian eatery.
wine and beer selection. Open daily; for exact hours visit www.unionkitchen.com.
Speaking of wine: across the street 503 Eighth St. SE, Chat’s Liquors hosts lively wine tastings most Saturday afternoons. Hours may vary. For more information visit www. ChatsDC.com.
Soup’s On
Long-time residents claim: “if you don’t like Washington weather, wait a minute.” A few days ago, we were enjoying balmy spring temperatures. But then we were hit with an abrupt cold snap. So, Peter and I bundled up and sought culinary solace: a bowl of tummy warming soup at Los Caballeros, 308 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
While munching tortilla chips with yummy tomato salsa, we ordered a rather potent margarita. Then we shared a bowl of tortilla soup, a savory broth laced with shredded white meat chicken, crunchy corn kernels and velvety chunks of ripe avocado. The potage was sprinkled with cheese and sprigs of cilantro.
Peter also ordered chicken enchiladas, two soft corn tortillas lled with tender chicken and smothered with house-made green tomatillo sauce and melt-
ed cheese. The generous platter was escorted by pico de gallo, guacamole, rice and refried beans. Guests can also opt for pork, ground beef, shrimp or cheese enchiladas.
Among other temptations are quesadillas (with choice of protein), fajitas, tacos and autas. About two years old, Los Caballeros is open daily, including weekend brunch. For more information visit loscaballerosdc.com.
Pizza and More
In the Navy Yard, Emmy Squared Pizza, 1300 Fourth St. SE, has launched a spring/summer menu. Among seasonal o erings are watermelon burrata salad, the “le bleu” burger made with a half pound of black Angus beef and crowned with bleu cheese, and three pizza varieties. The popular restaurant chain, with 20 locations nationwide, Emmy Squared has also expanded its lunch options, cocktails and happy hour. For more information visit www.emmysquaredpizza.com. ◆
Tummy-warming chicken tortilla soup is a favorite at Los Caballeros, on Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Behind the Uniform Art Exhibition
A Salute to Capitol Hill Art Veterans
article and photos by Rindy O’Brien
This May, there is a remarkable art show at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities gallery at 200 I (EYE) Street SE in the Navy Yard. The exhibition features the artwork of 125 artists including several Capitol Hill veterans. The art powerfully expresses the vision and personal stories of the participating artists.
Many of the artists tell the story of their wartime experiences. Some use art as a way to heal from trauma experienced while serving our country. The passion and depth of their work leaves one with a profound sense of gratitude for their service. But, even independent of this special dimension, the exhibition stands on its own as a compelling display of artistic talent.
“Behind the Uniform” is curated by Kasse Andrews-Weller, a longtime resident of Capitol Hill, and an Army and Air Force veteran. It is co-curated by Moira McGuire, Public Health Service, and daughter of a World War II and Korean veteran. The DC Veterans Administration Medical Center’s Community Living Center and the Armed Forces Retirement Home also have been involved in the exhibition.
Spotlight on Three Hill Artists:
Anne Crouch, Quilts of Valor
When you walk into the exhibit, your eye immediately goes to a large quilt covering the entire wall at the end of the gallery space. The dark red piece is 80 inches by 97 inches and was created by 11 area women in a quilting group called the Treasured Piece Makers. The group is led by 6th Street, NE resident, Anne Crouch. She and her husband have lived on the Hill for over two decades.
Anne is a representative of Quilts of Valor, a national foundation that provides service members and veterans touched by war with comfort-
ing and healing quilts honoring their valor. “Our quilts are not nearly as large as the special one we made for this exhibit,” Anne says. “They are usually more lap size.” Veterans are nominated to receive the special quilts and they are hand delivered. “I have probably made 50 of them over the last 30 years,” says Anne. “I am not a veteran myself but really enjoy working on these quilts.” The piece in the exhibit is machine quilted and the fabric in each star is from a uniform worn by someone in each of the different service branches. Glued on top of the stars are mission logos. The effect is mesmerizing and a great interpretation of the art show’s theme. Anne says when the exhibit is over the quilt will go to the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.
Jeremiah Foxwell, Painter
Jeremiah lives on 6th Street and is currently serving as ANC Commissioner for 6C01. When the twin towers fell
Anne Crouch is a quilter and was honored to work with 11 area quilters to produce this amazing quilt, that features actual pieces of uniforms worn by our country’s service personnel.
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities provided the space and a grant for the Behind the Uniform Art Exhibition. Kasse AndrewsWeller, long time Hill resident, curated the exhibition.
in 2001, Jermiah left art school to enlist in the Navy. “I sometimes feel like I am part of the lost creative generation,” Jeremiah says. He sought out a path of service focused on defusing explosive devices, a highly stressful and dangerous operation. Jeremiah estimates that he carried out 372 missions to defuse bombs in Iraq. “You become quite close to your two-person team partner, and for me that was Kevin Powell.” Jeremiah’s painting in the show honors his team partner.
Like many other veterans, once out of the service Powell suffered from the effects of his war experience. Even after care in a VA hospital, Jeremiah says Kevin eventually didn’t “choose life.” Jeremiah’s painting in the exhibition tells his partner’s story and depicts Kevin in his bomb diffusion suit. The piece also includes a QR code visitors can use to hear a ten-minute story honoring Kevin. “I often paint calming top -
Upcoming Art Events
Firsthand experience: Hula Hoop with Queen of Hoops, Erin Jeannier. May 10, 2025, 11:00 to 3:00 pm, National Museum of Women in the Arts, 4th Floor. Inspired by “Uncanny” exhibition, learn to spin and hula hoop. education@nmwa.org.
Solo exhibition, Amy Schissel. May 10 to June 21,2025, Hemphill Gallery, Amy’s work captures terrestrial and celestial spaces, producing large topographical pieces using acrylic, graphite, pen and charcoal on paper. gallery@hemphillartworks.com.
The Hill Center Gallery’s opening for the 2025 CHAL Art exhibition and Alan Braley exhibition. May 21, 2005, 6:30 to 8:30 pm., The Capitol Hill Art League member show highlights new work by members and is available for viewing, May 5 to September 6, 2025, during business hours.
ics, like phlox and flowers, or Capitol Hill homes,” says Jeremiah. “But I have been encouraged to paint my emotions more, and this painting is the first time I actually did it, and it is a really powerful piece for me.”
He starts with a base of acrylic paint, then uses oil pastels to layer on contrasting colors. Next he uses a knife to scrap some of the paint off. The strong use of color throughout the piece creates tension. The writing along the outside of the piece acknowledges that 22 veterans a day die from suicide. Jeremiah says he prefers to think of suicide as not choosing life and wanted to include the phrase in the piece.
The medals awarded to Kevin Powell also are part of the painting, and the first time Jeremiah has used collage elements in his work. “I am
Jeremiah Foxwell points out the medals of his former Navy colleague, Kevin Powell, that he incorporated into his painting. Powell was one of many suicide victims in the post Iraq and Afghanistan years.
Poetic Hill
Patricia Gray
by Sandra Beasley
Patricia Gray was born in DC, but grew up in Virginia, and didn’t return to live in historic Capitol Hill until 1987, four years after getting an MFA in creative writing from the University of Virginia. Her most recent publications include three poems in The Mid-Atlantic Review and three others in The Raven’s Perch. She has won several Artist Fellowships from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and was a finalist for the 55th Millennium Writing Award in poetry. Gray formerly directed the Poetry and Literature Center at the Library of Congress. She occasionally teaches workshops for The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Sandra Beasley is the curator of “Poetic Hill,” a resident of Southwest, and the author of four poetry collections. If you live in D.C. and you’re interested in being featured, you can reach her at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net for questions and submissions (1-5 poems). u
Everyday Hazards
Sometimes when you find beauty, it feels like you’ve come in from the cold, warm and grateful that wonder startled you back into life.
And now, almost dancing, you show a friend the phone photo of the new painting you love— and he nods. “Ho-hum.”
So you tell your sister about the gorgeous movie that brought you to tears—the one that stayed with you for days, and she says, “Didn’t like it.”
Sometimes when you come to beauty, it enters the blood stream to your heart— the heart you hold in a handkerchief and and carefully unfold to another,
but what remains is the beautiful thing that burned through the distance between you and it, having cut into your evening like a handsome partner at the cotillion, asking to take you home.
honored that his family let the medals be part of the art.”
Nan Raphael – Ink and Photographs
Many Hill residents may know Nan, who moved to Capitol Hill in 1979, as a musician. She served as the only piccolo player in the US Army Field Band from 1977 until 2003. Just five days after graduating from college with a music education degree, Nan was at basic training. Her piece in the Uniform exhibition uses a background photo that is lightened and layered several times. Nan then uses an app, Snapseed, to draw the circles and elements of her design. Next, she finishes the design using colored ink. Her art pieces are in the form of mandalas, which means circle in Sanskrit. Traditionally a mandala symbolizes unity, harmony and an interconnectedness of all things. Nan’s art for this show is titled Dazed and Confused.
signs and then color or paint them changed the direction of her art.
Nan often uses current events to influence her work. The precision of her work is what makes the pieces so exquisite and relatable.
These veterans all say that living on Capitol Hill
“I have always doodled with the arts,” says Nan. Her first art exhibit was at Eastern Market and for years she worked with polymer clay and making jewelry. “Ideas come to me while I am swimming my laps,” says Nan, and in 2015 the idea of using architectural templates to make de-
provides them with a sense of community and with opportunities to find, as Jeremiah says, “a creative spark to produce art.” Behind the Uniform is a chance for art lovers and history buffs to view personal stories of our service members. The show runs through May 23rd. It is an art show not to miss.
The gallery is open Monday through Fridays from 9:00 to 5:30 pm.
Rindy O’Brien explores local art and artists. Contact her at rindyobrien@gmail.com u
Nan Raphael is a thirty-year veteran of the US Army Field Band. She is also a multi-talented artist, using architectural templates to create designs.
PET PHOTO
CATEGORIES:
• Best Overall Photos
• Darling Dogs
• Finest Felines
• Cleverest Caption
• Best Buddies
• Human & Pet Best Buddies
• Hill Haunts
• Cutest
Send us your favorite photo for a chance at fame! Remember, the best photos tell a story — of love, companionship, and enjoyment of our Hill neighborhood. Winning entries will be published in our July Hill Rag special pet issue and posted on our website at hillrag.com.
TO ENTER:
• Email photo to pets@hillrag.com
• Hi-res photos, 300 dpi+
• Maximum of two photos per entry.
• Include your name, a phone number, the name of your pet, a caption and category for the photo.
DEADLINE: 6/11/25
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/5/25
FAMILY LIFE
New Self-Care Options on Capitol Hill
by Pattie Cinelli
When the earth moves closer to the sun and temperatures rise it’s time to shed clothes, slather with sunscreen, get outside and move. We are planning graduations, vacations, outdoor sports participation and barbeques – all events that require socializing and stamina. We want to look good, feel good and not get injured. Peel Haus and Jade Fitness offer Hill residents innovative methods to look and feel good both inside and out. Jade Fitness has new programs and instructors to help strengthen and stretch your muscles, strengthen your core and give you the strength and flexibility you need to stay fit and injury-free
doing activities you love.
Personal trainer and golf enthusiast Harvey John son, who has been at Jade since the end of the pandemic, has inaugurated a Golf Fitness Academy at Jade. Johnson, who has been both a personal trainer and golfer for about 30 years, said, “The Academy is for experienced golfers, novice golfers and non-golfers. Because each session is individually designed, it can meet the needs of every level.”
The program was born when Jade owner Jesser Heier overheard Johnson telling one of his clients that spending lots of money on golf clubs is not the key to playing well. The key is in biomechanics: you need to be more functionally fit and more sports specific. “Getting fitted for clubs based on a golf swing range of motion gives you clubs that adjust to your body’s compensations,” he said. “(After playing with the new clubs) they come to me because their back aches or knees hurt.” After training with him, Johnson said clients are moving better and their movement is no longer reinforcing faulty movement patterns. “My program addresses movement in all ranges of motion.” In addition to private sessions, Johnson holds small group training sessions for four people. “I prepare clients for the playing field and for everyday life. “You want to be in tune with your body,” he
said. “Listen to it. Ask, ‘How do I feel today?’ Then adjust.” The philosophy that inspires Johnson’s program: You want to be able to play golf well without getting injured. You want to live your life in the same manner.
Lisa Oskala and Coleen Gallopin have incorporated a complete Pilates program through Jade. Gallopin started mat Pilates classes there this spring. “The class is classically based and Gallopin is responsive to everyone in the room,” said Oskala. “She brings so much joy to the class. You feel good when you are done and it’s fun.”
Oskala, who has been doing Pilates for about 20 years, offers private Pilates sessions on the apparatus. She has all the equipment (reformer, chair, springboard, magic circle) in her home in Northeast where she sees clients. She works with those with injuries, and beginning and advanced Pilates practitioners. “Pilates invites us to move with focus and concentration. It invites us to get stronger in ways we can’t anticipate. You get to know your body very well,” she said.
Peel Haus For Great Skin
Another Hill business has introduced new techniques to help your skin look better. Peel Haus welcomes Alma Harmony into their practice. No, it’s not a woman but a multi-platform laser that
Harvey Johnson, creator of the Golf Fitness Academy at Jade Fitness.
“Where we see the greatest benefit and improvement is from IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Clearlift,” said Sorelle Jones Cooper, co-owner and CEO of Peel Haus.
IPL, for lighter skin tones, uses different wavelengths of light to target red and brown pigment. Usually, three to six treatments are needed, then just two times a year to clean up any new pigment showing up on the skin.
“We can work on hands, neck, face and arms,” said Jones Cooper. “Treatments take from 15 to 30 minutes. They can be anti-aging and can stimulate some collagen production as well.”
Clearlift uses a laser different from light to target the pigment in the skin. It addresses sun damage, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sunspots. “It’s good for all skin types,” said Jones Cooper. “It’s great for people who have stubborn pigment that has been around for a long time and did
not respond to topical solutions.” She said Alma improves the tone of skin and its elasticity through different settings.
Peel Haus has introduced two more new treatments into their offerings. Trusculpt ID is a body contouring treatment that can treat small to large areas of the body that have fat deposits. “We can use Trusculpt to reduce fat deposits in the lower abdomen, love handles, under the chin and around the bra,” said Jones Cooper. “It’s amazing. If we can pinch it, we can sinch it.”
Radio frequency microneedling is also new to Peel Haus. According to their website, it is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that addresses wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, uneven texture, stretch marks, skin pigmentation problems or rosacea. It has a quick recovery period and minimal down time and delivers considerable and long-lasting skin changes.
Peel Haus is offering special pricing on laser treatment during the month of May. Taking care of yourself is a great way to kick off the summer.
To contact Peel Haus: www.peelhaus.com or, 202-891-4287.
For private lessons with Lisa Oskala: lisa@lkopilates.com.
To contact Harvey Johnson or Coleen Gallopin: www.jadefitnessdc.com.
Pattie Cinelli is a journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. Please contact her at: fitmiss44@aol.com. u
Peel Haus co-owners Sonya Lowery-Young, LE (medial aesthetician &VP of Marketing); Wendy Pittman (VP of Business Development) and Sorelle Jones Cooper FNP-BC (nurse practitioner and CEO) with Alma Harmony.
Kelly Rheel, laser specialist and newest addition to Peel Haus family.
Photo by Elizabeth Dranitzke
The District Vet Dog Bite Prevention Safety
by Dan Teich, DVM
When I look at a German shepherd, malamute, golden retriever, and then a pug and toy poodle, I am reminded of one not-so-insignificant fact; dogs are descended from wolves. Yes, that dachshund is basically a wolf. Chihuahua, too. Although with us for ten thousand years or more, our house wolves have teeth, and in certain situations, they use them in a non-desirable manner. The American Veterinary medical Association estimates more than 4.5 million people are bitten each year, with children receiving nearly half of all bites. Most dog bites are preventable.
All dogs can bite, and in the veterinary profession, this is considered when examining each patient. The client may not notice, but each and every time we veterinarians enter a room, we assess the surroundings for clues as to the behavior of our patients. Many of our subtle observations can be used by members of the public, too.
Understanding what makes a dog bite is key
to prevention. Fear or sensing a threat is a definite prompt for biting. A happy comfortable dog that rolls over is unlikely to bite, but a dog that is suddenly startled may have an instant moment of fear and react with what they have: teeth. Small children are frequently bitten when they startle a sleeping dog; such as when a toddler crawls up to the dog.
Guarding and territorial behaviors may also result in an altercation. Food or a certain toy may be a precious resource to a dog, and some will guard these items. Canines are naturally territorial and may defend their domain. Think of the postal worker who comes to your door, the dog barks— out of defense of the house and possibly fear, too. So caution should be exhibited when someone is uncertain of a particular dog’s temperament.
Underappreciated is the role pain plays in behavior. Dogs with joint disease, injuries, or other maladies which cause discomfort which may lead to grumpiness and bites. It’s not unreasonable to presume that a dog in pain may react negatively to certain situations.
Alway take care around an injured dog, even one known for its friendliness.
While there may be prejudices in the media regarding certain breeds that are more likely to bite, there is little evidence to support such claims. All dogs should be treated with the same respect and training, miniature pinscher up to Rottweiler, though a bite from a powerful dog will be more damaging than a Chihuahua.
As a dog owner, it is imperative to choose a dog that works with your lifestyle - size and energy-wise! This will help the dog be more com -
fortable overall. Socialization to other people and dogs in a controlled manner will help them build confidence, reducing stressful situations which may escalate into a biting situation. Reinforce simple training, such as “sit,” “stay,” “drop it,” “come.” The more a dog listens to commands, the more relaxed they are and the less likely to escalate a concerning situation.
Children and Dogs
Always supervise young children around dogs and never leave them unattended together. We adults frequently set up stressful situations for our canines: while many dog/child photographs are cute, quite often the dog is stressed and uncomfortable. When a dog’s ears are tucked back, they are stressed and alert, not relaxed!
If you have children, teach them about basic dog safety. They should not approach a strange dog or try petting them through a fence. Asking an owner in advance if they can say hello is essential as not every dog is friendly or wants attention. When greeting don’t reach out a hand to pet them, instead extend a hand palm-up low down and allow the dog to approach. This technique should also be used when giving dogs treats: never hold it in your fingers, place it on your palm, if safe, and allow the dog to lick it off. Many dogs will inadvertently grab fingers when being given a treat.
Learning to read dog body language will help with keeping everyone safe. Not all dogs display the same behaviors, though. In general fearful dogs will have ears tucked back, their tail between their legs, and hairs raised on their backs. Always be alert and communicate with a dog’s owner before approaching. Most dog bites can be prevented through observation of behavior, avoiding stressed dogs, and practicing safe habits.
Dr. Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hospitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more information. u
S chool N otes
Compiled by Elizabeth O’Gorek
Capitol Hill Cluster Schools
The three campuses of the Capitol Hill Cluster School are bracing for the event of the year: The National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic. This year marks the 44th running of the Classic, with proceeds benefiting the kids and classrooms of Peabody, Watkins, and Stuart-Hobson. This year, the 10K will feature a new USA Track & Field-certified route. Runners will still trek through the living history of Capitol Hill,
but the portion of the course near RFK will be streamlined to ensure a better experience. The 3K will enjoy a fresh new look, too. And the Fun Run around Stanton Park - aka the wildest two minutes in sportsis always a blast for our youngest runners. Be sure to register at capitolhillclassic.com and join us May 18!
Capitol Hill Cluster School, Peabody / Watkins / Stuart-Hobson. capitolhillclusterschool.org
Eliot-Hine MS
At Eliot Hine spring sports are in full swing, and students are enjoying field trips to the Smithsonian Museum, Princeton University, and more. Earlier this month, friends and families enjoyed watching the production of Alice In Wonderland. Eliot-Hine Middle School, 1830 Constitution Ave NE, eliothinemiddleschool.org
Friends Community School
Eighth graders have been immersed in a hands-on capstone project exploring projectile motion. In this multiphase project, students were first challenged with designing a functional mechanism that could launch small objects into the air. After creating their mechanisms, they spent a class period launching their objects and filming their parabolic path. They then used the recordings to collect the necessary data from each launch—such as height and time—to create
quadratic equations that represented the projectile motion.
Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr, College Park, MD; friendscommunityschool.org.
Maury ES
Maury students exhibited science fair projects and local organizations gave demonstrations at this year's STEAM EXPO. An ‘A’ was added into ‘STEM’ to highlight the role the arts can play in supporting environmental initiatives.
Cap Hill Cluster - Cap Hill Classic, kids start
Elliot-Hine MS
Friends Community School
Fifth-grade students rocked the runway in "Trashion Fashion" attire created from recycled materials. Booths included: International DarkSky Association; D. C. Beekeepers; Anacostia Watershed Society; Casey Trees; Sierra Club; Friends of Jug Bay; U.S. Forest Service; University of Maryland's Entomology Department; Space Telescope Science Institute; Women's International Shipping Association (WISTA); Labyrinth Puzzles and Games; and McKinley Technology HS. Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, MauryElementary.com
Mundo Verde
Mundo Verde celebrates Earth Month through creative, handson activities that nurture curiosity about the natural world. This year, students engaged in projects that connect sustainability, art, and environmental awareness in joyful, meaningful ways. These experiences help young learners build a deeper connection to the planet and their role in caring for it.
J.F. Cook Campus, 30 P Street NW; Calle Ocho Campus, 4401 8th Street NE, mundoverdepcs.org
Payne ES
to learn and grow from his actions if needed. He is pictured with February Student of the Month John Holifield.
St. Peter School, 422 Third St. SE, www. stpeterschooldc.org
Two Rivers PCS
At our 4th Street campus, every student—Preschool through 5th grade—went home before spring break with a book selected just for them by Principal McKenzie and their teachers. Student‘s interests and Lexile scores were at the forefront when choosing books to ensure every student feels valued for what they bring to our community while also encouraging them to read independently.
In March, 4th and 5th grade students had the opportunity to participate in a "Caps in School" field trip. After students watched part of Washington Capitals team practice, they engaged in interactive stations related to ice resurfacing, puck shooting, nutrition, sports broadcasting, equipment, and hockey trivia.
Payne Elementary School, 1445 C St SE,. paynedc.org
St. Peter School
Henrik Geboy (1st Grade) was named Student of the Month for March’s virtue of Honesty because he embodies the spirit of honesty, consistently does the right thing and is always willing
Two Rivers Public Charter School, PK3 to Grade 8. tworiverspcs.org
Van Ness Elementary
Miss Volunteer DC, Ella Rauer, celebrated Women's History Month at Van Ness Library, where fourth graders learned about Revolutionary spy Anna Strong and first graders discovered Eliza Hamilton's legacy of giving. The engaging sessions brought important historical figures to life for young students. Thanks to Everybody Wins DC, this enriching educational opportunity was made possible for the community.
Van Ness Elementary School, 1150 Fifth St. SE. vannesselementary.org
School Notes are contributed by one member of the school community monthly. Don’t see your Hill-serving school, but want it to be featured in School Notes? Email Liz@HillRag.com u
Maury ES
Mundo Verde
Payne ES
Two Rivers PCS
St. Peter School
Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park
Kids ages four to ¬twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game throughout the season. This year’s remaining dates are May 11 and 25; June 8 and 15; July 6 and 20; Aug. 3, 17 and 31; and Sept. 14 and 28. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Girls on the Run: DC Spring 2025 Community 5k
On Sunday, May 18, join Girls on the Run for their Spring 2025 Community 5K, a non-competitive event open to individuals of all ages at Anacostia Park, 894 Howard Rd. SE. Participants can choose to walk or run the course, celebrating the accomplishments of local girls who have completed a 10-week program focused on building confidence and essential life skills. The event begins with pre-race festivities at 7 a.m. featuring music, and family-friendly activities, followed by the 5k at 8 a.m. Registration is $45 in advance and $50 on the day of the event. Register at gotrdc.org/5k.
Build Day at the Hirshhorn
On Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Build Day is back at the Hirshhorn, and this year it’s so big that they’re cohosting it with their neighbor, the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building. Join them inside Enchanted City, a day of creativity and construction. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., fashion suspended LED sculptures; try a 3D printing demo with George Washington University’s FabLab; and discover their bricks and blocks zone. No registration required. hirshhorn.si.edu.
The Savannah Bananas at Nat’s Park
Banana Ball has become one of the fastest and most entertaining game in sports. With its fast-paced rules and emphasis on continuous play, Banana Ball strips away the often-criticized lulls and lengthy pauses typical of traditional baseball, delivering a high-octane and entertainment-packed game that keeps both players and fans on their toes. Banana Ball has 11 unique rules, one of which is that if a fan catches a foul ball, it counts as an out. The Savannah Bananas vs. The Firefighters are at Nat’s Park on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, 4:30 p.m. (both days, rain or shine). Tickets start at $35 (no hidden fees) and must be purchased at FansFirstTickets.com. Kids three and under do not need a ticket but may have to sit on someone’s lap. bananaball.com.
JUNE 30TH - AUGUST 1ST
Children ages 3-10 (PK3-5th Grade)
4
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE:
Full Day: 8:0 0 AM – 5:00 PM
Half Day: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Half Day: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
2025 SUMMER CAMP FEES
Full Day: $97 per Day $485 per week
Half Day: $67 per Day $335 per week
• Registration Fee: $150 per child (non-refundable)
DISCOUNTS:
• Sibling Discount: 15% off (after the first child)
Marine Corps Marathon Kids’ Run Registration Opens
The MCM Kids Run is held on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Arlington, VA. Children ages ve to twelve can participate in the one-mile fun run. Pre- and post-event hospitality, activities, entertainment, games and mascots make this an unforgettable event. The Kids Run o ers families eight start time options between 9:20 and 11:40 a.m. Registration for the MCM Kids Run is $27. marinemarathon. com/event/marine-corps-marathon/mcm-kids-run.
Saturday Morning Live! at the National
Saturday Morning Live! takes place at 9:30 and 11 a.m. on select Saturdays from September through June in the National Theatre Helen Hayes Gallery, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NE. Tickets are always free but donations are also welcome. On Saturday, June 14, experience a new children’s play, A New Work, created by returning favorites VOCA (Visionaries of the Creative Arts), which showcases culturally distinctive works by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HoH) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BlPOC) artists. nationaltheatre.org/ introducing-the-2024-25-saturdaymorning-live-season.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic Kids Bike Races
The 2025 Armed Forces Cycling Classic takes place on Saturday and
Sunday, May 31 and June 1 in Washington DC and Clarendon, VA. The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is the region’s premier cycling event, open to cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. Any child nine and under can participate in the kid’s race in Clarendon and/or DC. There will be heats for di erent age groups (consider placing your child in the heat that is appropriate to their age and ability). All children must provide their own bicycle (Big Wheels and training wheels are acceptable). Helmets must be worn by all participants, no exception. Registration is free and now open at cyclingclassic.org/kids-races.
Shakespeare for Kids (from the Folger)
It’s never too early to discover Shakespeare. Check out Folger resources for kids and for Shakespeare beginners. Find tips for taking your
kids to their first Shakespeare play; Shakespearean insults, compliments, and quotations; and a short Shakespeare play script for kids. Also something for teens, a Podcast episode about pop culture Shakespeare. Pop culture representations of Shakespeare’s plays aren’t just fun: they can help us take ownership of Shakespeare’s language, critically examine his plots, and connect to his themes. On this Shakespeare Unlimited podcast episode, a high school English teacher shares pop culture Shakespeare resources that are pop-
Placita Mágica at the National Children’s Museum
Explore Mexican cultural traditions in this enchanting plaza bursting with STEAM concepts and interactive play. The immersive setting includes decoration, architecture, and cityscape silhouettes of Mexican cities that expand the worldview and sense of place for young learners. In Mexico, plazas function as gathering spots where communities come together. Join them at Placita Mágica to gather, celebrate, and play. The National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $18.95 per person. Infants under one, free. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at Air and Space
On Thursdays and Sundays, 10:30 p.m., at the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from “Zhima Jie,” the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in our view of the sky. This program runs 25 minutes and is appropriate for families with young children. Tickets for this show are free and only available in person at the planetarium box office. Free timed-entry passes are required to enter the Museum. airandspace.si.edu.
ular in her classroom for deepening understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare. folger.edu/explore/ shakespeare-for-kids.
World Ocean Day at Natural History
On Thursday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., celebrate World Ocean Day with the National Museum of Natural History. Join ocean scientists, researchers, and educators in the Sant Ocean Hall for an exciting series of interactive experiences celebrating our blue planet and exploring all the ways science and community action can connect us to our waterways. naturalhistory.si.edu.
Story Time at the American Indian Museum
On Saturdays, through Aug. 30, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., at the American Indian Museum, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. Story Time is recommended for visitors ages three to nine accompanied by an adult caregiver. See staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3. americanindian.si.edu.
Weather Worlds at National Children’s Museum
Through greenscreen and video-capturing technology, every motion matters in Weather Worlds. Young learners see firsthand how their actions control the weather, playfully investigating how our bodies impact the Earth. Then, guests can develop this concept of impact in Climate Action Heroes, where through the imagery of superheroes, they learn real-world examples of how to fight climate change. Through a physical flow quiz, they discover their inner Climate Action Heroes persona and see how their specific superpower can positively impact their community and the world. Go to climate-heroes.org to take a digital version of the quiz now. The National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $18.95 per person. Infants under one, free. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
Sensory-Friendly Concert Hall Tour at Strathmore
On Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m., young people with autism or sensory sensitivities are invited backstage at the Strathmore Concert Hall for a small group tour. Play instruments on the stage, visit the artists’ dressing rooms, learn about how the lights and sound work, and more. All children and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Each person attending must have a free ticket. Due to the small-group nature of
this program, they recommend reserving tickets in advance, which also helps them plan. Tickets may be available at the door if space remains. strathmore.org.
Bounce Back
Photo Contest
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in conjunction with the District Dribble campaign
The Speedwell Conservation Carousel at the Zoo
Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, take a spin on the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel, a one-of-a-kind experience. Where else can you ride a naked mole rat, panda or armadillo? Located across from the Zoo’s Lemur Island, the carousel features dozens of custom-carved and hand-painted animals under a brightly colored, open-air pavilion. $4 tickets can be purchased at the carousel. Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds from the carousel support animal care and conservation science initiatives at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Wheelchair accessible. nationalzoo.si.edu.
Chiarina Chamber Players Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals
Saint-Saëns’s brilliant work Carnival of the Animals depicts the elephant, tortoise, swan, and more using the colors and contours of sound. Chiarina presents the composer’s original version for 11 instruments and features new narration performed by baritone Carl DuPont. This performance, on Sunday, May 18, 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE, lasts approximately 45 minutes and is recommended for children aged five and up, alongside adults who enjoy using their imaginations. Tickets are $23.18 for adults and are free for ages eighteen and under. chiarina.org.
delivered a new basketball to every pre-k to fifth grade student at 80 DC public schools, resulting in a total of 29,934 balls distributed across the District. MSE has now launched a companion citywide photo contest, Bounce Back, to capture the joy and continue the fun of District Dribble. Students and families are invited to submit photos of themselves using their District Dribble basketballs in action. Contestants have a chance to win one of eight basketballs autographed by the winner’s favorite Washington Wizards or Mystics player. The contest is open through 11:59 p.m. on May 28. Winners will be announced before May 31. Enter here: web.witcontests.com/wizards/artwall/district-dribble-bounce-back-p-250408
Be-LEAF it or Not: Unearthing Plant Truths (On-site Drop-in Family Program)
Play a game with children’s author Ann Staats to investigate the truth about how some of the most gigantic, toxic, and stunning species in the plant
kingdom survive and thrive. In this drop-in program, learn interesting facts about a variety of plants discussed in Ann’s latest book, “Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants.” Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, on Friday, May 30, 3 to 5 p.m. This is a drop-in experience and will be repeated several times over the course of the designated program time. Free admission. usbg.gov.
Charlotte’s Web at Adventure Theatre
Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder. General admission, $25. Charlotte’s Web is at Adventure Theater in Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, through May 25. adventuretheatre-mtc.org.
The Children’s Village at the Gaithersburg Book Festival
The Gaithersburg Book Festival returns Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg, MD. This free, family-friendly event features over 100 award-winning and best-selling authors across genres including fiction, nonfiction, mystery, poetry, chil-
dren’s, and young adult literature. The Children’s Village offers a full day of activities, talks with children’s and YA authors, and hands-on workshops to inspire young readers and writers. Books will be available for purchase through Politics and Prose. Free shuttles run from Shady Grove Metro and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. More info at gaithersburgbookfestival.org.
Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage
It’s tough being the youngest. Dory’s siblings won’t play with her and there are monsters to battle all over the house, like the hair-raising Mrs. Gobble Gracker. With the help of her fairy godfather, Mr. Nuggy, her monster-friend, Mary, and her mighty imagination, Dory sets out to win what she wants most: her family’s attention. Dory Fantasmagory is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md. from June 18 to Aug. 3. It is best for ages four, up. Tickets start at $12. imaginationstage.org. u
Monster Intelligence at Wolf Trap
Monster Intelligence is a fun-filled puppet musical that’s perfect for the whole family. Join Melvin—a monster desperate to get his screamer’s license—as he unlocks his full monster potential alongside his trusty sidekick Red the Rat. This celebration of friendship, growth, and the power of music promises to be monstrously fun. Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theater in the Woods, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA, on June 20, 21 and 22. All Theater in the Woods performances are at 10:30 a.m. (gates at 10 a.m.) and cost $12; under two, free. wolftrap.org.
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CROSSWORD
“Business as usual”
by Myles Mellor
Across:
1. Liquorish flavor
5. Deserving attention
11. For the full band, on a score
16. Small eating instrument, abbr.
19. Fountain beverage
20. Schwarzenegger’s “Total ___”
21. Father of well-known twins
22. Lady
23. Local business group
26. The Giants’ Manning
27. Joyful exclamation
28. Rocky peaks
29. “___ the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave”
30. Strives
31. “Tea for ___”
32. Road show grp.
33. Attempt
36. A saying, witty and concise
39. Completed
40. Fleece
41. Not poke into others’ affairs
51. Comment around a birthday cake
52. URL ending
53. ___ out a living
55. In the midst
56. Portable music device
58. Soap opera’s slot
61. Gradually decline
62. A.B.A. member, abbr.
64. Identical in all directions
66. 1983 Eddie Murphy movie
70. Mournful
74. Minnesota clinic
75. Garnet and ruby
79. Moved like Le Bron
80. Many Christmas presents
82. Written communications
85. Washer cycle
86. “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” science officer
87. Most indifferent
89. It’s not traded on the NYSE
95. Greet and seat
96. Acme
97. Responded to
100. Dweeb
102. Army rank, for short
105. Firms
108. “Do ___ others as...”
109. 5th century Chinese dynasty
110. Mani-___ (salon job)
111. Gibbon, for one
112. Encountered
113. One who gives you tips
120. Longtime record label
121. Hoops
122. Free from anxiety
123. Djokovic, e.g.
124. TriBeCa is part of it
125. Means of business expansion, abbr.
126. Hot water fountain
127. Nabokov heroine and others
Down:
1. Broad scarf
2. Never in any way
3. A rocky mountain state
4. Favorite uncle?
5. Dunkable snacks
6. Prefix with magnetic
7. Sgts., e.g.
8. Churlish sort
9. That special touch, briefly
10. 70s rock group, abbr.
11. Stopwatch
12. Exploitative type
13. Hot roofing material
14. Center X or O
15. Clinch
16. Those people’s 17. 1965 march site
18. Cut-glass work of art
24. A.C. stat
25. Dairy farm sound
30. O.K.
33. Golly gee!
34. Lennon’s Yoko
35. Elite group
36. Codgers’ replies
37. Canadian province with redsand, for short
38. Swimming gold medalist Thorpe
39. ___ Plaines
40. “The ___ of all fears”
41. Miss Cass
42. Disney was one
43. Aloha State bird
44. First name among U.N. leaders
45. Cries of pain
46. Something to pick
47. Barracks V.I.P.
48. Relating to the physical frame
49. Ditch school for the day
50. Tractor trailer
51. Stomach
54. End of the year month, for short
56. BBC rival
57. African tribesman
58. A dwarf
59. Wore away
60. Soph. and jr.
62. Dictionary abbr.
63. Haberdashery item
65. ___ Paulo
66. Building demolition material
67. Road with a no.
68. Helping hand
69. Swan Lake steps
70. Letter abbr.
71. Prefix with suction
72. Tel ___
73. “The Bald Soprano” playwright
75. Modify
76. Big cheese
77. Work furniture
78. Mach 1 breaker
81. Losing tic-tac-toe line, perhaps
82. Craggy peak
83. Overhead railways
84. English class, for short
86. Simba’s home
87. Measure
88. Cowboy’s moniker
90. __Admiral
91. Golfers starting point
92. Secreted
93. Emirates, for short
94. “Weekend Edition” airer
97. First stomach
98. Hostile force
99. Cobwebby area
100. Genius physicist and inventor
101. Jocularity
102. Call it a day
103. Stranger
104. Roman 54
105. Scoped out
106. “Carmen” or “Tosca”
107. Belgrade residents
109. Fuse
110. Grade-school orgs.
113. Technology giant
114. Basketball org.
115. It provides a moving experience
116. Vibe or Cosmo
117. Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’___”
118. Napoleonic marshal
119. Patience-virtue link
510 13th Street SE
Another slice of Capitol Hill history. Great location and details throughout.
ACTIVE: $850,000
Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353
153 E Street SE
Warm, wonderful space and the Brent school district!
SOLD: $1.363M
Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353
7 9th Street SE
Timeless 1865 residence offers rare opportunity to own a piece of
UNDER CONTRACT: Asking $950,000
Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353
308 5th Street SE
4000 SF of Victorian Grace
SOLD: $1.430M
Listing Agents: Don Denton (202) 256-1353 Chuck Burger (202) 258-5316
