Hill Rag Magazine – November 2022

Today

Capital Community News, Inc. PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.hillrag.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com

PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com • Copyright © 2022 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

Editorial Staff

M������� E�����: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com C���� F�������� O������: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com E����� � R�������: Elizabeth O’Gorek • liz@hillrag.com

K��� � F����� E�����: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Intern: Sarah Payne • sarah@hillrag.com

Arts, Dining & Entertainment

A��: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Phil Hutinet • phutinet@yahoo.com

D�����: Celeste McCall • cmccall20003@gmail.com

L���������: Karen Lyon • klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org

M�����: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net

M����: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com

T������: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com

W��� G���: Elyse Genderson • elyse@cellar.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board

C������� E�����: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

General Assignment

Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com

Tom Daniel • tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com

Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com

Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com

Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com

Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com

William Matuszeski • bmatsedc@gmail.com

Elizabeth O’Gorek • Liz@hillrag.com

Kids & Family

Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson

Virginia Avniel Spatz

virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens

Peter Waldron

michael@capitolriverfront.org

peter218@prodigy.net

Beauty, Health & Fitness

Patricia Cinelli

fitmiss44@aol.com

Candace Y.A. Montague

Real Estate

Don Denton

Heather Schoell

writeoncm@gmail.com

DDenton@cbmove.com

heathersdo@gmail.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

STEP AFRIKA’S HOLIDAY STEP SHOW AT ARENA STAGE

As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom—Popper the Pen guin and Polo the Polar Bear—along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and excit ing experience for the entire family. Step Afrika’s Holiday Step Show is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 9 to 18. Tickets are $56 to $95. Arena Stage also offers their Family Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. arenastage.org.

ANNAPOLIS CHOCOLATE BINGE FESTIVAL (THIS ONE’S ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE!)

On Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Inner West Street Association brings the popular Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival to downtown Annap olis for the holidays. The annual festival features family-friendly entertain ment, chocolate, holiday shopping, and the festive West Street Holi day Light Canopy. Take a chocolate tour along West Street with choc olate vendors sell ing various choc olate specialties, including chocolate truffles, caramels, bars, fudge, cook ies, cakes, French macarons, cup cakes, pies, brown ies, and more. Live music and en tertainment starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. as the West Street Holi day Light Canopy lights up. General admission tickets are $5; kids under 12, free; 12, tastings, $10; 24 tastings, $20. The festival is at West Street Cal vert and West Street, Annapolis. annapolischocolatebingefestival.com.

HOLIDAY MARKETS

Downtown Holiday Market. Nov. 18 to Dec. 23, noon to 8 p.m. This market’s footprint, F Street NW, from Seventh to Ninth, allows for wide aisles for shopping, browsing and enjoying food and live entertainment. downtownholidaymar ket.com. White House Historical Association Hol iday Book Festival. Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, noon to 2 p.m. Festival will feature book signings, a raf fle, and pre-signed books available for purchase. 1610 H St. NW. whitehousehistory.org. Heurich Christmas Market. Dec 2 to 4. 1307 New Hamp shire Ave. NW. $10 entrance. heurichhouse.org. Native Art Market. Dec. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s annual Native Art Market fea tures works by more than 35 award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from the Western Hemisphere. americanindian.si.edu.

ABOVE: Downtown Holiday Market operates from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23 – closed Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 5.

Photo: Courtesy of Downtown Holiday Market

Photo: Anne Weathersby

THE WAR & TREATY AT SIXTH & I

Since their start in 2014, The War & Treaty have amassed a following as eclectic as their sound—a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll. The husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter continue their journey to the top of the music scene following their latest widely acclaimed release, Hearts Town. The War & Treaty are at Sixth & I, 600 I St. NW, on Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). $26 in advance; $29 dayof. sixth&i.org.

THANKSGIVING DAY TROT FOR HUNGER 5K

This Thanksgiving be part of a time-honored DC tradi tion at SOME’s (So Others Might Eat) annual Thanks giving Day Trot for Hunger 5k on Freedom Plaza. This year, join the in-person race on Thanksgiving morning. Race morning check-in is at 8 a.m.; Little Turkey OneMiler is at 9:15 a.m.; 5k waves begin at 9:40 a.m. The race-finisher family-friendly festival with music, activities, tastings and live entertainment is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. trotforhunger.org. Funds raised from the Trot for Hunger help benefit thousands of our DC neighbors in need, including families and the elder ly, by providing much-needed food, housing, ac cess to healthcare, employment training, and long-term comprehensive addiction treat ment programs. some.org.

Courtesy of SOME (So Others Might Eat)

A SPLENDID LAND: PAINTINGS

FROM ROYAL UDAIPUR

Around 1700, artists in Udaipur (a court in northwest India) began creating immersive paintings that conveyed the mood of the city’s palaces, lakes, and mountains. These large paintings and their emphasis on lived experience have never been the focus of an exhibition. With dazzling paintings on paper and cloth--many on public view for the first time--A Splendid Land reveals how artists conveyed emotions, depicted places, celebrated water resources, and fostered personal bonds over some two hundred years in the rapidly changing political and cultural landscapes of early modern South Asia. A Splendid Land: Paintings from Royal Udaipur is on exhibition in the Sackler Gallery of the National Museum of Asian Art from Nov. 19 to May 14. asia.si.edu.

WASHINGTON HARBOUR ICE RINK OPENS FOR SEASON

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink on the Georgetown waterfront opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 11. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday hours vary.) Prices are $10 for adults; under 12, seniors and military, $9; skate rental, $7; penguin rental, $10. thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating

“Sunrise in Udaipur,” ca. 1722–23, The City Palace Museum - Udaipur, Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur, 2012.20.0015, detail

Courtesy Danielle E. Thomas/Washington National Cathedral.

Photo: Pam English

“PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS”

AT STUDIO

Emma is an actress. She is also living with an addiction, and it’s trying to kill her. In rehab, but not ready for recovery, Emma just wants to escape-through drugs, through performing, through anything that lets her make her own reality. David Muse directs his first production in the new Victor Shargai Theatre, a theatrical tour-de-force that evokes the vivid and dis orienting world of intoxication and lies as Emma decides whether to fight for her recovery and the people, places, and things she’ll face there. $65 to $95. People, Places and Things is at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, from Nov. 9 to Dec. 11. studiotheatre.org.

POTTERY ON THE HILL SHOW & SALE

On Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., see the work of 18 of the best ceramic artists in America at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Pottery on the Hill features functional pottery, all meant to be used in everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday or wedding gift, want to decorate your home with one-of-a-kind items like platters, vases, serving bowls or dinnerware, or even just want to upgrade your coffee cup or beer stein, you’ll find an impressive collection of handmade pots at Pottery on the Hill. On Friday, Nov. 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., get a first chance to see and purchase the works of their artists. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer included in the ticket price of $35, advance; $40, day of. First 100 people at the door receive a free handmade cup by potter Dan Finnegan. From Nov. 3 to 13, browse the virtual silent auction to benefit Hill Center. hillcenterdc.org.

THE DISTRICT’S HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade is on Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 to 9 p.m., for the 30th time. Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over sixty beau tifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Get into the spirit with holiday ornament dec orating, family photos with Santa, a fire pit and live mu sic under their 40 ft. lighted Christmas Tree. Here’s the schedule: 7 p.m., boats arrive; 8 p.m., fireworks; 8:15 to 9 p.m., live music on District Pier stage. Best enjoyed from the District Pier. wharfdc.com.

VITTORE CARPACCIO: MASTER STORYTELLER OF RENAISSANCE VENICE AT THE NGA

A leading figure in the art of Re naissance Venice, Vittore Carpaccio (c. 1460/1466–1525/1526) is best known for his large, spectacular nar rative paintings that brought sacred history to life. Although for centuries he has been loved and celebrated in his native city for his observant eye, fertile imagination, and storytelling prowess, this exhibition marks the first retrospective of the artist ever held outside Italy. In a focused selection of 45 paintings and 30 draw ings, large-scale canvases paint ed for charitable societies are seen alongside smaller works that origi nally decorated the homes of pros perous Venetians. National Gallery of Art West Building from Nov. 20 to Feb. 12. nga.gov.

Photo: Courtesy of The Wharf, Washington DC

Vittore Carpaccio, Two Women on a Balcony, c. 1492/1494 oil on panel, overall: 94.5 x 63.5 cm (37 3/16 x 25 in.) Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, Museo Correr, Venice

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

THE RAINMAKER AT 1ST STAGE

Not only is the Curry family farm being devastated by drought, but Lizzie Curry, to the chagrin of her father and brothers, is unmarried with no viable prospects. A charm ing, confident trickster named Starbuck comes to town and promises to bring rain in exchange for $100, setting off a series of events that enable Lizzie to see herself in a new light. Tickets are $50; $47 for seniors; $15 for students, teachers and military. The Rainmaker is at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons, VA, from Nov. 17 to Dec. 11. 1ststage.org.

HARRY CONNICK, JR.: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AT THE KC

On Monday, Nov. 21, Harry Connick, Jr. invites you the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to celebrate the holidays with him and his band as 2022 draws to a close. One of the most beloved artists performing holiday music, Harry has been thrilling audiences around the world for decades with his definitive take on Christmas classics, as well as his own originals and fan favorites like “(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus” and “When My Heart Finds Christmas.” $69 to $229. kennedy-center.org.

VERMEER’S SECRETS AT THE NGA

The National Gallery of Art shares groundbreaking new findings about Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) that are explored in the exhibition Vermeer’s Secrets, which opened on Oct. 8 and clos es on Jan. 8. These findings led an interdisciplinary team of cura tors, conservators, and scientists to determine that the painting Girl with a Flute was made by an associate of Vermeer--not by the Dutch artist himself, as was previously believed. This fascinating exhibition with a lot of scientific detail is in the NGA West Build ing main floor, near the west end entrance. nga.gov.

INTO THE WOODS AT SIGNATURE

Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score including the songs “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone,” and “Children Will Listen” with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Tickets are $40, up. Into the Woods is at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Nov. 8 to Jan. 29. sigtheatre.org.

Studio of Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Flute, c. 1669/1675, oil on panel, painted surface: 20 x 17.8 cm (7 7/8 x 7 in.), framed: 39.7 x 37.5 x 5.1 cm (15 5/8 x 14 3/4 x 2 in.) National Gallery of Art, Washington, Widener Collection

AN EVENING WITH MORRISSEY AT THE ANTHEM

Steven Patrick Morrissey, known profes sionally as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He came to prominence as the front man and lyricist of rock band the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. Since then, he has pursued a successful solo career. His music is characterized by his bari tone voice and distinctive lyrics with themes of emotional isolation, sexual longing, selfdeprecating and dark humor, and anti-es tablishment stances. Highly influential, Mor rissey has been credited as a seminal figure in the emergence of indie rock and Britpop. $55 to $95. Morrissey is at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Monday. Nov. 28, 8:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). theanthemdc.com.

Photo: Nalinee Darmrong

AN ITALIAN IMPRESSIONIST IN PARIS: GIUSEPPE DE NITTIS

The Phillips Collection, in collaboration with the Pinacoteca Giuseppe De Nittis, the City of Barletta, Italy, and the Puglia Region, has organized the first exhibition in the US devoted to the work of Giuseppe De Nittis (18461884), an Italian painter whose career flourished in Impressionist Paris in the 1870s and 1880s. Although not well known outside of Italy, De Nittis is a central figure to the aesthetic and institutional upheavals of 1870s Par is. His urban scenes of Paris feature innovative arrangements and plein air subjects painted with a detailed realism that depicts a sophisticated and economically booming city. New research is presented in the exhibition about De Nittis’s friendships with Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet. Work from all periods of De Nittis’s career will be featured along with select works by his most important artist friends in Paris. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Nov. 12 to Feb. 12. phillipscollection.org.

Giuseppe De Nittis, Breakfast in the Garden, 1884, Oil on canvas, 81 x 117 cm, Pinacoteca Giuseppe De Nittis, Barletta

HANDEL’S MESSIAH AT THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

On Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, noon and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m., join Washington National Cathe dral for Handel’s Messiah and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other in Washington to experience this work. (On Saturday, Dec. 3, at noon, the concert is an abbrevi ated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young chil dren.) Tickets are $20, up. cathedral.org.

LIMINALITY: A STORY OF REMEMBRANCE

On Nov. 6 through Jan. 28, the Nicholson Project presents Liminality: A Story of Remembrance, a solo exhibition by Phylicia Ghee. An immersive installation creat ed during Ghee’s time in residence at The Nicholson Project, Liminality: A Story of Remembrance is an ode to the self-taught herbalists, midwives, and root women whose stories are shrouded in the mysteries of Ghee’s personal family histo ry and the history of this country. In corporating sound, texture, and an apothecary cabinet that feels like walk ing into the living space of a family ma triarch, Ghee transforms gallery into a place that feels sacred, where herbs are hanging and herbal remedies are cultivated, and found objects are inter woven with family stories. The Nichol son Project’s gallery, 2310 Nicholson St. SE, is open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Visitors can meet the artist at the public opening on Nov. 6, 4 to 6 p.m. thenicholsonpro ject.org/2022-phylicia

Frias

(202)

tiberrealtygroup.com Michael@tiberrealtygroup.com

LLOYD BANKS AT THE HOWARD

Christopher Charles Lloyd, better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper. He began his career as a member of East Coast hip hop group G-Unit, alongside childhood friends 50 Cent and Tony Yayo. After the group’s 2003 release of their debut album, Beg for Mercy, Banks released his rst solo album—The Hunger for More, in 2004, featuring the top ten hit single “On Fire.” His second studio album, Rotten Apple, was released in 2006. His third studio album, The Hunger for More 2, was released in 2010. Lloyd Banks is at The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW, on Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). $40 to $80. thehowardtheatre.com.

SOCCER MOMMY AT THE 9:30 CLUB

Sometimes, Forever cements Sophie Allison’s status as one of the most gifted songwriters making rock music right now. Packed with clever nods to synth- lled subgenres like new wave and goth, the album nds Sophie broadening the borders of her aesthetic without abandoning the unsparing lyricism and addictive melodies that make Soccer Mommy songs so easy to obsess over. Sometimes, Forever is the 24-year-old’s boldest and most aesthetically adventurous work. It’s a fresh peek into the mind of an artist who synthesizes everything--retro sounds, personal tumult, the relatable disorder of modern life--into original music that feels built to last a long time. $30. Soccer Mom Sophie Allison’s is at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Sunday, Nov. 13, doors at 7 p.m. 930.com.

PATTI SMITH: SONGS & STORIES AT SIXTH & I

In 2018, without any plan for what might happen next, visionary writer and performer Patti Smith posted her rst Instagram photo: her hand with the simple message: “Hello Everybody!” Known for shooting with a lm camera, Smith started posting images from her phone including portraits of her kids, her radiator, her boots, and her cat. Followers felt an immediate af nity with these miniature windows into the world of the National Book Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. With over 365 photographs taking you through a single year, A Book of Days is a new way to experience Smith’s expansive mind. She shares vintage photographs, previously unpublished photos from life on and off the road, and, in intimate daily notations, dispatches from her travels around the world. During this event, Smith will speak about the book and perform a few songs. Patti Smith: Songs & Stories is at Sixth & I on Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). sixthandi.org.

AN EVENING WITH PATTERSON HOOD AT CITY WINERY

City Winery Washington DC presents An Evening with Patterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers) live in concert on Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). Patterson Hood is a proli c writer and performer whose character-driven stories are packed with political subtext. He is best known as front man, singer, songwriter and guitar player for the critically acclaimed rock and roll band Drive-By Truckers, but is also a writer of essays, columns and short stories as well as a solo performer and producer. In addition to his work with Drive-By Truckers, Patterson has three solo albums and co-produced or played on additional albums by Jerry Joseph, Bettye LaVette, Booker T. Jones and The Dexateens. $35 to $45. City Winery is at 1350 Okie St. NE. citywinery.com/ washingtondc.

THE SONGS OF BURT BACHARACH & HAL DAVID AT WOLF TRAP

Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s distinctive and riveting take on pop music brought us timeless hits like “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Do You Know The Way to San José,” “Always Something There To Remind Me,” “What The World Needs Now,” and many more. This special evening features an all-star 12-piece band including horns, strings, and some of the DC area’s nest singers including Nikko Atiim Nixon, Anita King, Steve Washington, Lynn Verronneau, Desson Thomson, Deeme Katson, Margot MacDonald, and more recreating the magic and arrangement ourishes found on Bacharach and David’s original records. $27. The Songs of Burt Bacharach & Hal David is at Wolf Trap’s The Barns on Saturday. Nov. 26, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). wolftrap.org.

Anita King

Sophie Allison

calendar community

Live (happy hour) at the Library. On Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m., LOC’s Thomas Jeffer son Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours. Visitors can enjoy happy hour drinks and food available for purchase while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. loc.gov/live.

We Happy Few’s La LLaorona. Through Nov. 19. This ghost story takes us on a horri fying journey back in time to meet La Llorona in the flesh and to watch as the tragic young woman becomes a thing of nightmares. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. wehap pyfewdc.com/lallorona.

Brought to You By Schneider's of Capitol Hill

John Philip Sousa Birthday Concert. Nov. 6, 10:30 to 11:50 a.m. Concert will be followed by a brief lecture by a John Philip Sousa impersonator. Congressional Cem etery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

Mosaic’s “The Till Trilogy” (in rotating repertory). Through Nov. 20. The Till Trilo gy is a series of plays by noted playwright Ifa Bayeza that reflect on the life, death, and lega cy of Emmett Till, whose murder in 1955 remains one of the most pivotal moments in American history. $50 to $64. Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. mosaictheater.org.

Sanctuary City at Arena. Through Nov. 27, Pu litzer Prize winner Martyna Majok brings us the pow erful story of two young DREAMers who fight to es tablish a place for themselves in America, the only country they know as home. $56 to $94. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Chiarina Chamber Players Concert. Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. Form, Shape, Groove. Dec. 4, Winter Jour ney. $25; free for 18 and under. St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. chiarina.org.

CHAL Gallery Exhibit “What Brings Me Joy”. Nov. 7 to Dec. 10. Gallery reception, Nov. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE. chaw.org.

LOC Fall Concerts. Nov. 8, 8 p.m., Rachel Podger, violin; Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Smetana Trio; Nov. 14, 8 p.m., Emmanuel Pahud, flute & Alessio Bax, piano; Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Margaret Leng Tan, piano; Dec. 1, noon, Benjamin Alard: The Clavichord Experience; Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Benjamin Alard, harpsichord; Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Free. All concerts are in the Thomas Jefferson Build ing, Coolidge Auditorium. loc.gov.

SE Library Book Sale. Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop a range of titles with prices starting at $1. Proceeds supplement library programs. Sale is most second Saturdays. 403 Seventh St. SE. dcli brary.org/southeast.

Carpe Librum Book Sale at Canal Park. Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Inclement weather cancels.) Browse through thousands of books under $6 in an outdoor setting. 200 M St. SW. turningthepage.org.

Global Sounds on the Hill: Ethiopian Ensem ble Qwanqwa. Nov. 14, 7 p.m. $18. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Secret Washington, DC Author Talk with JoAnn Hill. Nov. 17, 6:30. Discover our na tion’s capital’s hidden history, untold stories, and shocking secrets. Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

A model of the Jefferson Memorial made from natural materials. Photo: Courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol

Seasons Greenings at the Botanic Garden. Open daily, Thanksgiving Day through Jan. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Despite the cold winter outside, the US Botanic Gar den Conservatory boasts a tropical paradise, one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, DC, a poin settia showcase, a model train display, DC’s landmark buildings, all made from natural materials. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.

US Capitol Christmas Tree to be delivered to the Capitol West Lawn on Friday, Nov. 18. The tree’s journey from the Pisgah National Forest to the West Lawn of the US Capitol build ing will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 5, and, over the course of two weeks, make 14 stops in local com munities from the mountains to the sea across North Carolina, plus two stops in Virginia. Follow the tree on its journey at capitoltreetracker.com.

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade. Dec. 3. 6 to 9 p.m. Over sixty beautifully decorat ed boats parade along the Washington Channel. Get into the spirit with holiday ornament decorat ing, family photos with Santa, and live music un der their lighted Christmas Tree. Boat parade is at District Wharf. wharfdc.com. u

by Celeste McCall

What? Turkey AGAIN? A week had passed since Thanksgiving 2021, and husband Peter and I were still facing turkey soup, sandwiches, chili, tacos. “Next year,” we vowed, “we’re NOT do ing turkey.” We decided on duck after consider ing lobster, salmon or a vegetarian entrée.

Making It Festive

Groovy DC (321 7th St. SE) carries taper candles, napkins and paper pop-up harvest wreathes and pop-up flowers, including sunflowers, the Ukrainian national bloom. Plus decorative pumpkins with glit tery stems. Blue Iris (Eastern Market) offers lovely pumpkin/floral arrangements. Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St SE) provides roasting pans, potato mashers, tablecloths, napkins and fun hostess gifts like cara mel-filled Chouquette chocolates depicting celebrities. Patrick’s Fine Linens & Home Decor (District Wharf) sells china, glassware and barware. To sharpen your carving: Union Meat Company (Eastern Market) and Frager’s Hardware (1115 Penn. Ave. SE). If necessary, rent chairs and other essentials from Frager’s.

Delicious Food and Drink

Before dinner, sip McBride Sisters sparkling brut rose from Chat’s (Barracks Row, 508 8th St. SE), Graham Beck Brut (South Africa), or sparkling apple-cranberry cider. Nibble cranberry smoked salm on from Neopol Savory Smokery (Union Market) or pates and dips from Eastern Market Grocery. Or splurge on caviar from Bowers Fan cy Dairy Products (Eastern Market). Bowers has a great selection of specialty artisan cheeses such as Gourmino Surchoix Gruyere (Swit zerland), cave-aged Saint Agur Blue (France), and Mt. Tam Cowgirl Creamery, and organic triple crème. There’s also fresh butter, mus tards, chutneys, pates and crackers.

Once seated, light candles and launch your feast with curried pumpkin soup. Here’s a recipe from the long-gone Yellow Brick Bank restaurant in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. We often buy our pumpkin and other produce from Thomas Calomiris & Sons in Eastern Market or Dan Dona hue’s Agora Farms (farmers line). Head for Mason & Greens on Barracks Row for or ganic veggies. For olive oil, check out Devo Imports/Dimitrios Giannakos (farmers line), who also sells Kalamata olives, vin egars, tapenades, spices.

CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP

1½ pounds pumpkin or 1 (27-ounce) can unseasoned pumpkin Olive oil as needed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken stock

2 to 3 TBLs curry powder

½ pint half-and-half (or coconut milk) Salt and pepper to taste

Dash of paprika and turmeric (for added color) Fresh parsley or chives, snipped (for garnish), optional

If using fresh pumpkin, cut in half and scoop out seeds and insides. Cut into small chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Sim mer about 15 minutes until pumpkin is soft. (Or

microwave until pumpkin is soft.) When pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove skin. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and saute onions and gar lic until soft; do not allow to burn. Add curry pow der and other seasonings. Transfer to a soup pot and add chicken stock; simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Add half-and-half. Pour mixture into blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust season ings. Pour into individual bowls and sprinkle with chives or parsley if desired. Serves about 6 as a first course.

The Main Event

Now for the duck! A whole Culver duck or Gri mard Farms Muscovy duck breasts are avail able at Capitol Hill Poultry (Eastern Mar ket). Harvey’s Market (Union Market) carries D’Artagan whole ducks or sections thereof.

Following is a recipe provided by friend Dale Birdoff:

DUCK BREAST WITH DRIED CHERRY CONFIT

2 Muscovy duck breasts

1 teaspoon duck fat, rendered from the pan-fried breasts

Cooking oil, as needed, divided

1 medium shallot, minced 8 ounces dried cherries

2 cups Marsala or Madeira wine

¼ teaspoon thyme leaves, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Squirt of lemon juice (optional)

THANKSGIVING MENU

In Eastern Market, Thomas Calomiris offers an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Pumpkin Soup

On Barracks Row, Chat’s Burnie Williams displays his extensive wine selection.

With a sharp knife, make several slashes in the skin of each duck breast. Brush the skin side of the duck with about 2 tablespoons of the oil, salt and pepper.

In a large skillet over medi um-high heat, heat the remaining oil. Add the duck and cook, turn ing once, until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Trans fer the duck to a cutting board; set aside to cool slightly.

Heat duck fat in a skillet over medium heat. When duck breasts have finished cooking and have been transferred to a plate, drain all but 1 teaspoon of fat in the pan and add the shal lot, cook 2 minutes over medi um-low heat, stirring until trans lucent. Add dried cherries and wine and increase heat to me dium to bring to a low boil. Cook about 20 minutes, or un til cherries are soft and glazed and the liquid has almost evap orated. Add thyme, pepper and salt to taste. Remove from heat; add a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Slice each duck breast on the diagonal into 4 to 6 slices. Ar range them on individual plates, add cherry mixture and serve im mediately. Serves about 6.

Sides Make the Meal

We love cornbread, especially the jalapeno/cheddar at Raven Hook Bakehouse, available Sat urdays and Tuesdays at the farmers line and in Union Mar ket. RavenHook also sells sour dough, rosemary bread, stuffing and pies.

Capitol Hill is blessed with a plethora of fresh produce. Be sides Thomas Calomiris & Sons and Eastern Market Grocery in side Eastern Market, there’s the

weekend farmers row. At 400 8th St. SE is the recently opened Mason & Greens (organic grains, dried beans, rice and fresh vegetables including huge sweet potatoes) and at 1300 H St. NE on weekends find your local produce at FreshFarms Farmers Market.

Here’s an idea: Sister-inlaw Mary Mastin roasts 4 cups Brussels sprouts (split) in olive oil, 2/3 cups pecan halves, ¾ cups dried cranberries and 4 strips shredded bacon, with a splash of balsamic vinegar. (Vegetarians can skip the bacon.)

Serves 4 to 6.

Wines

Chat’s carries poultry-friendly wines including Oregon Pinot Noir and Garnache (red) from Spain’s Catalan region. Nearby, DCanter Wine Boutique offers a dry Riesling, Egri Bikaver (red) from Hungary, plus nonalcoholic options. Classy Wine Corks Wine & Spirits (801 Virginia Ave. SE) has experts who can help you make the best selection for your meal. Schneider’s (300 Mass. Ave NE) has Weinbach Riesling (Alsace), Albarino (Spain). Ask about their Mixed Case Special.

Dessert

A farmers line mainstay is Ma Brown’s Southern Gourmet. She makes mean pecan, sweet potato and pumpkin pies, as well as pineapple upside cakes. Inside the Market, Fine Sweet Shoppe carries pecan, apple and cherry pies, red velvet cupcakes, carrot cakes. These confections go well with Ruby (or Tawny) port, available at most wine shops. ◆

SUPPORT POURS IN FOR EASTERN MARCHING BAN D

Donated in Response to WaPo Article

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Christine Mullins knows fall has arrived when she hears the sounds of the Eastern High School Blue and White Marching Machine practicing on the streets outside her Hill home.

“It’s hard to explain, but I get emotional every time I hear them and always have to drop everything and come outside to watch,” Mullins said. “I hope they know how much we appreciate them!”

Bandmembers might have a sense of the scale of that appreciation now. On the heels of a Washington Post story published Oct. 8, during Eastern’s Home coming Weekend, the Capitol Hill Community Foun dation (CHCF) received more than $190,000 in do nations earmarked for Eastern’s marching band.

Band Director James Perry said he was over whelmed by the support. “I feel extremely blessed. I’m ecstatic,” said Perry. “It’s all about the kids, it ben efits them. Whatever can help put a smile on their face, I’m just overwhelmed with the level of support that we’ve received.”

Telling Their Story

Lizzie Johnson is the Washington Post reporter who wrote the story. She moved to the Hill in 2021 from San Francisco. One of the first things she noticed about her new neighborhood was the band music that started outside every afternoon around 4 p.m. Inves tigating, she discovered Eastern’s marching band at practice. She started watching them as they passed.

“They’re just incredible … they just ripple with energy and passion and are so good,” she said. “And I just kept thinking about how unique it was that the neighborhood loves the band and the band loves pa rading through the neighborhood and how sweet that was.”

She said an important part of the story was how the band had done so much with so little. She discov ered that the program only gets $6,000 a year from the school system—enough to fund about two bus rides to competitions. In trying to figure out their funding situ ation she discovered the CHCF, which had given the band a grant in 2019 and start ed the Campaign for Pride to raise another $90,000

to replace the band’s uniforms. That campaign moved to the margins as CHCF turned to meeting needs gen erated by the COVID pandemic.

But Johnson’s article put it front and center when she put a link to the Campaign for Pride in the story, not expecting this kind of response.

“I knew they were special just because I’ve been lucky enough to hear them so often, but it was crazy to see how that story resonated with so many people,” she said of the response it generated. “I just could nev er have imagined.”

Capitol Hill Community Foundation

CHCF President Nicky Cymrot was gardening when her phone started pinging wildly, alerting her to do nations. Amazed at the sudden cascade, she sent out queries and found out about the article when a foun dation board member sent her the link.

Cymrot said the outpouring of support was in credible. “It’s all down to Lizzie Johnson,” she said. “This was beyond belief for me, the power of words and the power of the story.”

CHCF Treasurer Stephen Daniels said about half the 2000+ donations came from residents in the District, Maryland or Virginia, but donations came in

from almost all the other states. International contributions came in from as far away as Australia.

Cymrot said the foundation will help the band create a plan and budget for the money, helping with distribution and disbursement of the funds.

Founded in 1989, CHCF is a community organization that is usually funded entirely by contributions from Capitol Hill residents and businesses. The foundation uses funds to support activities, projects and groups that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history and beauty of the community. Since its founding, CHCF has donated more than $13 million to a broad range of local organizations and projects, giving money to schools, art festivals, non-profit organizations and individual teachers.

Capable of responding to needs in real time, CHCF has stepped in to help after emergencies, channeling community support to those most a ected by the 2007 re at Eastern Market and the re that destroyed Frager’s Hardware in 2013, and funding grants to organizations supporting those impacted by the pandemic in 2020.

CHCF has given nearly $95,000 to Eastern High School over the past 11 years, said Daniels. A majority of those funds have gone to support the band, including a 2019 Arnold F. Keller Grant intended to repair instruments, but other grants have helped expand the International Baccalaureate program, fund the e-sports team and pay for theater equipment, educational programming and eld trips.

Eastern High School celebrates the 100th anniversary of the school building in 2023. CHCF contributed $25,000 to Story of Our Schools (SOOS) which will help students celebrate the anniversary by creating a museum-quality exhibit that tells the school’s story, including a timeline and artifacts. The full cost of the project is $85,000, so Eastern still needs to fundraise to cover the remaining costs of the exhibit, which will be a permanent installation at the school.

About The Eastern Band

Eastern’s Blue and White Marching Machine is grateful for the support of CHCF, Perry said. “They’ve always been a great supporter of the [band],” said band director Perry. “And when this story came out they really jumped on the ball and kept us informed of what we needed to do and how we needed to move—so we’re forever grateful for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.”

The band means a lot to the community, the school and its students, Perry said. “This is my family away from my family,” he said. “We share a bond amongst one another that is unmatched. The things that we discuss here go beyond just music; we talk about mental health, we talk about team building skills, academics,” Perry said. “We’re just really trying to approach this and ensure that we create a fostering environment for these students.”

As a testament to the band’s impact, more than 90 percent of its graduating members go on to college.

Perry said the funds will open up endless opportunities for the marching band and the students. They can nally get new uniforms and replace broken instruments, some of which are more than twenty years old—far older than the students playing them.

The band is one of the most requested in the city, performing from August to July 4th, sometimes four times a week, including at the White House, the National Football Hall of Fame parade, the Teach for America convention, the opening of the Southwest Waterfront Wharf, Washington Capitals Championship Parade and the Hill’s own Fourth of July parade.

It’s a lot to take on, Perry said, getting students to the various performances and making sure they have uniforms and instruments in good order —and making sure they eat. Running a band on that scale is costly. With 65 students and support sta , they need two buses for transport, so it costs $2,800-$3,000 to transport the band just within the District.

Perry also sold his car in 2019 to help with some of the costs. “The money had to come from somewhere,” he said.

A GoFundMe campaign was started to help him replace the vehicle. He said the show of support blew him away. It never occurred to him that someone would start a campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/eastern-highs-band-director-mr-perrycar-fund) to help get him another. “I’m extremely humbled and appreciative that people thought enough of me to even go that far,” he said.

In addition to grants from organizations like CHCF, the band earns money through paid bookings and fundraising, selling popcorn and a lot of donuts.

“I have been up early some mornings loading Krispy cremes into U-Hauls,” Perry said, laughing.

The Post story set o a cavalcade of donations, but also an in ux of performance requests. “I can’t even keep up with the amount of requests that are coming in,” Perry said. An alumni stepped in to function as his administrative aide, helping to respond to the inquiries.

Johnson said while she is happy with the response to the story, the real credit goes to the kids in the band. “I think my job is to hold a mirror up to things so people can see them better,” Johnson said. “I just showed what the band was already doing, and it was those kids being so incredible and so passionate about what they did that struck people — I was just the mirror to help them see it.”

Donate to the Story of Our Schools 100th Anniversary of Eastern High here: https://www.storyofourschools.org/donate/ You can still donate to the Campaign for Pride, for the school’s marching band, at www. capitolhillcommunityfoundation. com/eastern-high-school ◆

by Pattie Cinelli

Be thankful. Be grateful. Appreciate what you have. These were just words to me for a big part of my life.

Growing up I was forced to say grace at the dinner table. Yet, no one ever seemed as if they really felt thankful for the food about to be eaten. The words were recited quickly, with no expression and no eye contact. I felt as if we were going through the motions in order to uphold the ritual.

It took me several decades to grasp what it means to be truly thankful. Now when I write in my journal of appreciations I’m often brought to tears by the overwhelming feeling of joy I experience from acknowledgment of all I am and all I have.

Maybe if someone had told me years ago that being thankful could improve my relationships, improve my physical health and improve my mental health then I might have focused on the concept sooner.

Why Being Thankful Is Important

It’s easy to focus on the negatives in life. We are bombarded with them. Even though there are far

more positive events that occur around the world, the news chooses to focus on disasters. Doctors are required these days to tell a patient the worst possible outcome from their diagnosis. It’s much easier to correct a mistake than to praise a good job. We are not negative by nature. Our environment, our culture and our upbringing in uence how we view our world.

Feeling thankful helps you feel more satis ed with your life and less anxious. Shifting your attention from what can go wrong to what is going right helps you feel better.

How to Feel Thankful

I always had a hard time with expressions like, “Be thankful you woke up this morning, be thankful that you have a roof over your head and be thankful you have food to eat.”

Dr. Kimberly Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and yoga teacher who practices on the Hill, said I am not alone. She, too, has a hard time with thankful statements without some actionable follow-up. “What does that look like in action? If I say I’m thankful I woke up today to do great things,

I want to make sure that I do some great things that day. What am I going to do with that feeling of thankfulness? How am I contributing to my wellbeing and the well-being of others?”

Incredibly, according to research conducted by the national science foundation around 80% of our thoughts are negative. The average person entertains somewhere between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts daily, 95% of which are repetitive. Breaking the habit of negative thinking is formidable but not impossible.

Dr. Martin nds it easier to feel thankful at the end of the day. “It’s helpful to look at and recognize things that went well. It can help you remember what your purpose and goals are.”

Being thankful is all about perspective. When you are thankful for what you have it can open up a new way of looking at how good you actually do have things. It helps to see that there are always things in your life that you can value and appreciate, no matter what is going on.

It also makes others feel good. When you show that you appreciate them, you help to strengthen your bond and relationship. When you take the

Quality Of Your Life Depends On

time to make others feel good, it will make you feel good too.

Being thankful for the simple things in life can help boost your self-esteem (I wish I realized this decades ago). This means that you will be more condent and less worried about how you measure up to others.

Ways to Be Thankful

One of the best ways that you can be grateful is by practicing meditation. Meditation gives an opportunity to clear your mind and get in touch with your thoughts. It becomes easier to recognize unbridled negative thinking. If you are trying to nd things to be grateful for, meditating will help your mind to see what is there.

Another way to feel more thankful is to list the things that made your day better. This can help you because when you go back and look at the things you wrote down, it can remind you of what went well for you in the past. When tough times come along, instead of focusing on the negatives you can re-read the things for which you are thankful. It will be easier to get through the rough spot. Once I got into the habit of writing my list of appreciations (I write 10 daily) the process became easier. Eventually I noticed things during my day that made me thankful as they were happening.

During this holiday season, it’s a good time to notice what you may be taking for granted. Living a life of gratitude brings positive chang-

es and helps you notice little wins –it’s easier for me now to smile when I look at the clouds as I’m driving instead of getting angry at crazy drivers.

Instead of focusing on the alone part, I focus on the peaceful and fun part of spending an evening home with my dogs.

Even though I aspire to change, Dr. Martin said that nding peace with acceptance of where I am allows me to take the next step on the path to change. Being thankful gives me an opportunity to feel joy in everything that happens. It takes work, but it’s worth the e ort.

Pattie Cinelli is a health and tness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She focuses on holistic ways to stay healthy, get well and connect with your true self. Please email her at: tmiss44@aol.com.

Dr. Kimberly Martin, licensed clinical psychologist

capitolstreets

A LITTLE LOVE FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL EXXON

In 1935, US Vice President Weighed in On Plans for Gas Station

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

These days the little gas station between Union Station and the Supreme Court is mostly known because Wolf Blitzer referenced it in a November 2021 tweet about high gas prices in the District. Congressional Exxon (200 Massachusetts Ave. NE) is known to have one of the highest costs per gallon in the city.

But the idiosyncratic little white

structure with cupola and columns is interesting on its own —though it is often overshadowed by its fancy cousin, the station located at P and 22nd Streets NW. That building, known as the Embassy Gulf Station (2200 P St. NW), was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

But the Congressional station de-

serves some credit. It shares many features with the celebrated Embassy station—and the Congressional Exxon was actually built rst. And it must be about the only gas station designed in America after feedback from the Vice President of the United States.

Let us explore the history and artistic legacy of the Congressional Service Station, a little-known treasure on the Hill.

Congressional Exxon (200 Massachusetts Ave. NE) is one of the oldest gas stations in the city. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN

Consulting the Vice President

Initially, the Gulf Refining Company applied to enlarge a smaller service station that had been on the site at 200 Massachusetts Avenue NE as early as 1924.

The Commission on Fine Arts (CFA), a federal agency empowered by Congress to review designs that could affect the dignity of the nation’s capital, reviewed the improvement plans at a March 1935 meeting. Archi tect of the Capitol David Lynn told the meeting he had talked with then-US Vice President John Nance Gar ner and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jo seph Wellington Byrns about the project. “They said that as long as the station is already there it would not be right not to let them improve the station,” Lynn relayed.

But while Gulf had the go-ahead from the nation’s second highest official, the CFA wanted more than an improvement, calling the design submitted for the im provement “unsatisfactory.”

“It was thereupon decided that the Gulf Refining Company should be requested to secure an architect to design a satisfactory building,” the CFA minutes note.

Service Station as Civic Asset

Both service stations were built by Gulf Refining, which opened the first service station in Pittsburgh in 1913. The petroleum company led the way among oil com panies in attempting to construct gas stations that were architecturally pleasing. In 1933, Per Richard Leonhard Hogner (known as P.R.L.) became the Chief Architect for the Gulf Oil Corporation. He is credited with the design of the Embassy Exxon, which was built in 1936.

The Massachusetts Avenue building, the secondoldest still operating in the District, is credited to archi

tect J.P. Balaze, but Hogner was by then chief of Gulf Oil’s architectural department.

The move to build more aesthetically pleasing buildings was part of an effort to get cities to welcome gas stations as automobile use rose in the 1930s. Realiz ing that attractive buildings were more welcome in cities, both Gulf and Hogner were focused on designs that re flected the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The buildings were intended to be considered “civic as sets” rather than urban blight.

That this was a concern in the District can be seen in the minutes of that March 1935 meeting of the Com mission on Fine Arts (CFA), a federal agency empow ered by Congress to review designs that could affect the dignity of the nation’s capital. During the meeting, mem bers reviewing the plans registered concern “as to the great number of gas stations in all parts of the city (be tween 600 and 700 in number).” The minutes report that “the commission would like to see them [stations] segregated to particular areas.”

Monumental Difference

The two Gulf stations are generally thought of as ex amples of different architectural styles—the Embassy building usually described as classical or monumen tal, where the Congressional building has Colonial Revival or Georgian characteristics—but they share many features.

The basis of the design for both stations seems to have been similar: two small, monumental temples as entrance ways, crowned with cupola and with a three-door garage.

The three-car garage at the Embassy Station is located at a right angle to the pedimented facade, whereas the Congressional station has facade and garage on a single line. E.O’Gorek/CCN

The Embassy Exxon. The door frames were painted green for the latest iteration. Library of Congress, Historic American Buildings Survey, HABS DC,WASH,600–2.

The Embassy station was built out of Alabama limestone to match the Church of the Pilgrims, located across P Street NW. E.O’Gorek/CCN

Still, the existing di erences are monumental.

The Embassy Gulf Service Station was built out of Alabama Limestone to match the Church of the Pilgrims across the street. The station has a slate roof, Doric columns and a pediment that once housed a clock. The three-car garage is located at a right angle to the facade, lying along 22nd Street rather than built to face the boulevard along P Street NW.

The Congressional Gas Station was constructed primarily in brick with a pitch and copper roof and is a smaller, quaint original version. The columns are shorter, mere reliefs. The gable only suggests a pediment. At the top sits a cupola, evoking Williamsburg. The station’s three-car garage sits in line with the facade along Massachusetts Avenue NE.

A signi cant di erence is the price tag for construction: at 980 square feet, the original Embassy Station building cost $17,500 in 1936 —that is about $380,000 today. It is also more than three times the cost of the Congressional station. The 630 square foot station cost a mere $5,530 or about $120,000 in 2022 dollars. Of course, costs would be far more today, if permits for gas station construction could be obtained.

Cost of Doing Business

But why a three-fold di erence in price? Representatives for the CFA say the Embassy Row Station site was tied up with concern about the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.

on the parkway had only begun a few years prior and only after decades of legal and administrative wrangling.

the station to be located on the edge of the parkland (but just outside the boundaries of the Shipstead Luce Act) people felt

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that something more monumental was required than just another dirty little gas station.

Meanwhile, over on Massachusetts Avenue NE, Gulf was replacing a gas station that existed “by right.” Once the Vice President of the United States had given consent, who was going to object? In the 1930s, the Capitol Hill neighborhood was home to many government workers, for the most part a less tony crowd than the residents of the area between Dupont Circle and Georgetown.

In 1992, the Embassy Service Station was designated a National Historic Landmark. The process was initiated by community members as developers threatened to raze the site for apartments; in 2005, the Dupont Circle Historic District was expanded to surround it.

District representatives hypothesize that the Congressional Service Station was the subject of less individual attention because it has been within the Capitol Historic District since 1972. That means that important original features and characteristics of the property must be retained, protecting it from being razed. Just as in 1935, changes would be subject to CFA review.

Still Operating

However disparate, the historical architecture of these two service stations has stood the test of time and economic tides. Both still operate as gas stations. Gulf Oil merged with Standard Oil in 1985, when the Massachusetts Avenue Gulf Station became a Chevron. It was sold to Exxon in 1993 and subsequently to a private interest. The P Street NW Gulf Station became a Sunoco in the 1980s and currently operates as a 24-hour Shell Station.

Both stations are part of the Joe Mamo-owned Capitol Petroleum Group and are operated by independent dealers. ◆

WHAT

ABOUT VOTING IN

GENERAL ELECTION

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

DC Election Day

is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Here’s what you need to know.

On the Ballot

Voters will elect the Delegate to the House of Representatives, the DC Shadow Representative, DC Mayor, Attorney Gener al for DC, Chairman of the DC Council, two At-Large Councilmembers, the Ward 6 Councilmember, Ward 6 State Member of the State Board of Education and the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in their Sin-gle Member District.

Your ANC and SMDs may have changed due to redistricting. Check your current SMD and ANC here: anc.dc.gov/ page/anc-2023-anc-and-smd-boundaries

Initiative 82 is also on the ballot. If passed, the measure would gradually in crease base wage to tipped workers from current $5.05/hour to minimum wage by 2027.

The special recall election for ANC 6A04 took place on Oct. 23.

Important Dates

• Ballots Mailed Out: Oct. 3

• Drop Boxes: Oct. 14 until Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.

• In-Person Early Voting: Oct. 31 to Nov. 6, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Election Day Voting: Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How to Vote In Person or By Mail

You can vote early and in person from any voting center no matter where you live. They are open Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the Hill,

early voting hap-pens at Rosedale Recreation Center (Gymnasium, 1701 Gales St. NE), King Green-leaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW) and Sherwood Recreation Center (640 Tenth St. NE). See the full list at earlyvoting.dcboe.org.

Vote Centers are open Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the Ear

ly Vote Centers, which remain open, Hill residents can vote at Eastern Mar-ket (225 Seventh St. SE, North Hall), Jefferson Middle School Academy (801 Seventh St. SW, Gymnasium); J.O. Wilson Elementa ry School (660 K St. NE, Multi-Purpose Room); Lutheran Church of the Refor mation (212 East Capitol St. NE, Church Hall); Payne Elementary School (1445 C St. SE, Multi-Purpose Room); StuartHobson Midd-le School (410 E St. NE, Gymnasium); Watkins Elementary School (420 12 St. SE, Mul-ti-Purpose Room); Miner Elementary School (601 15 St. NE, Gymnasium). See all vot-ing centers at dc boe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/ElectionDay-Vote-Locations

To vote by mail, you can deposit com pleted mail ballots in one of 55 drop boxes from Friday, Oct. 14, until 8 p.m. on Elec tion Day. Find a box near you: https://dc boe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/Mail-Bal lot-Drop-Boxes.

You can mail in your vote via the Unit ed States Postal Service (USPS) but it has to be postmarked no later than Nov. 8. Even so, DCBOE will not count mail-in ballots re-ceived after Nov. 15.

When Are Results Available?

Unofficial

totals will include

mail and at ballot boxes by Nov. 7 as well as the ballots cast at Vote Centers. Mail-in ballots will be counted un-til Nov. 15, and totals will be updated on the dcboe.org web site. DCBOE does an audit and is expected to certi fy the results of the election by Nov. 30.

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Opinion /

THE SUPREME COURT’S LEGITIMACY IS IN PERIL

by Walter Smith

The Supreme Court recently issued several decisions that are against the interests of District of Columbia residents, as well as the interests of residents across the country. And it appears that the Court may issue more such decisions in its coming term that started in October. Those of us who live in the Nation’s Capital have an additional concern about these decisions: because we lack voting representation in the Congress, we must rely more on the Court to protect our rights.

The Court stands at its lowest approval rating ever and it is likely due largely to three of its recent deci sions: the Court’s 5-4 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overruling Roe v Wade; its 6-3 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Assn, Inc. v Bruen, striking down the ability of State and lo cal jurisdictions to set limits on the concealed carrying of guns in public; and its 6-3 decision in West Virginia v. EPA, blocking the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency to address climate change. For several rea sons these decisions are undermining confidence in the Court.

First, these decisions are opposed by a clear majority of the country. Numerous recent polls show that ap proximately two-thirds of the country disapproves of the Court’s overruling of Roe v Wade, two-thirds support more restrictive gun laws not less, and two-thirds think the Government should be doing more to address climate

change. Further substantiating that the Court is out of step with the country on these fundamental issues is that the divided Congress has recently passed legisla tion addressing climate change and earlier passed the first legislation in decades limiting access to guns. It is jarring that two-thirds of the Court’s Justices are out of step with two-thirds of the country.

Second, these Court decisions are plainly harm ful to the public interest. The overruling of Roe v Wade will likely lead to women dying; the Court’s au thorization of more guns on our streets will likely lead to more gun deaths; and the Court’s blockage of ac tion on climate change may contribute to more death and destruction–as evidenced by the continued dai ly carnage brought by hurricanes, fires, heat, drought and floods. All three of these harmful decisions are furthermore directly contrary to long held policies of the District government and threaten to undermine those policies.

Third, these decisions appear contrary to the Framers’ intent concerning the role of the Court. Al exander Hamilton wrote of the Judiciary’s role in Fed eralist No. 78, noting that “liberty can have nothing to fear from the judiciary.” He labelled the judiciary “the least dangerous” branch of government because, un like the legislative and executive branches, the judicia ry “can take no active resolution whatever.”

It would be hard to describe the Court’s recent decisions as other than “active resolution” – resolu tion that is at odds with the direction being taken by the Congress and the President–and also at odds with the will of a clear majority of the people.

Finally, it also seems likely that the Framers would not have intended the Court to completely ignore the will of the people in reaching its decisions or to ig nore the harmful impact of its decisions. And yet, that is what the Court appears to be doing.

In the decision overruling Roe v Wade, Justice Alito’s opinion for five Members of the Court said “we cannot allow our decisions to be affected by any extra neous influences such as concern about the public’s reaction to our work.” And in Justice Thomas’s opin ion for the Court in the recent 6-3-gun decision, the majority held that current public safety considerations could not be taken into account either by local legis latures or by the courts; all that mattered was “history and tradition” and through that lens the right to con cealed carry was absolute, no matter the consequenc es. According to Justice Thomas, the Second Amend ment right is “elevate[d] above all other interests.”

This suggests that the Court has become uncar ing concerning both the will of the people and the

impact on them from the Court’s decisions. This ignores that our government–as the Declaration of Independence says–is premised on “the consent of the governed.” Of course, the Court should not rule based on the latest poll; but neither should it ignore that what it is doing is strongly against the people’s will and will cause great harm to them. As Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson once said: “The Bill of Rights is not a suicide pact.”

District residents and the millions of other Americans who will be harmed by the Court’s decisions live in the real world and must su er the real-world consequences of those decisions, even if the Justices themselves are not personally a ected. The Justices should be humble enough to acknowledge this. They should also acknowledge that in the end they, like the members of the legislative and executive branches, are public servants. If they continue to issue decisions that are opposed by and harmful to the public, they will lose the public support that is indispensable to their legitimacy and the e cacy of their decisions. As Abraham Lincoln said: “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.” If the Court refuses to acknowledge this, it puts the Court’s legitimacy in peril.

Walter Smith just stepped down after 20 years as Executive Director of DC Appleseed, a DC-based nonpro t that advocates for the interests of people living and working in the District of Columbia. Before that, he served as the Special Deputy Attorney General for the District, and before that as a partner at the DC law rm Hogan Lovells, where for several years he was the full-time director of the rm’s pro bono practice. The Legal Times named him one of the “90 Greatest Washington Lawyers of the Last 30 Years” and the DC Bar gave him the Brennan Award for service in the public interest, an award named for Supreme Court Justice William Brennan. ◆

OUR RIVER: THE ANACOSTIA Beautiful Autumn Walks Along Our River

article and photos by Bill Matuszeski

ly, The Point. The area between these north ern and southern boundaries is a wasteland under conversion to a modern community of apartments, condos, restaurants and stores. But there is a lot of history here, not all of it glorious. This part of the city has had a long time coming along – from the early farms of freed slaves (of which there is little left to see), to a major coal powerplant (remnants of which are to be made into part of a com plex of new apartments). On the north end, on the outer walls of the powerplant storage area next to the stadium are magnificent new painted murals celebrating the citizens from both sides of the bridge. The experience leaves you wanting to search for more before it gets covered over by new construction. And the trees along the water are breaking out in beau tiful colors as autumn progresses.

Poplar Point

In July I suggested a series of summer walks that got me a lot of thanks. So this month I decided to set out a similar set of hikes and walks along the Anacostia River; they take advantage of the changing colors of the foliage and the opening up of vistas. Below are five suggested walks along sections of the River in DC. They start near where the Anacostia joins the Potomac and move up stream almost to the Maryland line.

Buzzards Point

We start with a part along the River you are least likely to have hiked, in part because it is by no means beautiful from one end to the other. But it is undergoing change at an historic rate, and that is why it should be seen and parts appreci ated. This is Buzzard Point, an area that starts at the Capitol Hill end of the rebuilt Frederick Douglas Bridge and the new soccer stadium in the north and runs between Fort McNair and the River to a point with a marina, new high-rise apartments with fabulous views of the rivers, and an award-winning restaurant called, appropriate

This hike is on the Anacostia side of the Riv er and begins at Poplar Point just north of the Douglass/South Capitol Street bridge. This is a walkway along the River about 100 feet back from the water and along Anacostia Drive, SE, which car ries very little traffic, so it is peaceful. What makes it really special is that the Park Service has let the natural vegetation return to the area between you

and the River. While there are a few trees, nearly all the rest is natural native plants spreading among themselves and producing a range of flowers, seed pods and leaves that is stunning, especially at this time of the year, when all is going from blossoms to seeds to leaves of many colors. After a quarter mile or so the display is less dramatic, but it comes and goes all the way to the 11th Street Bridge.

Anacostia Park

Up-river on the same side, Anacostia Drive passes under Pennsylvania Avenue and ends in a parking lot at the Skating Pavilion and River Museum. This hike boasts vibrant autumn colors, and the magnifi cent pedestrian and bicycle bridge that starts there and heads up and over the railroad tracks that have just crossed the River, allowing you to look down on these nearby trees along the water like nowhere else in the area. Once over the bridge there is a short walk in the woods near the water, but not so close that you can’t get away from any one else on the trail and slip down to be alone with the River. The trail eventually passes under East Capitol Street and enters the next walk below.

River Terrace Park

If you are planning a trip with youngsters and want to excite them, River Terrace Park is the place to go! It is on the Anacostia side of the River and begins just south of Benning Road. Or, as noted above, you can add it to a trip over the railroad from the Skating Pavilion. This is

Garden at The Point, a restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating from which to admire the river located at the end of Buzzard Point.

Spectacular hiking and biking bridge over the railroad above the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, a roller skat ing venue at 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE.

a neighborhood park kept in excellent condition with picnic tables, a pavilion and terri c playground with new and interesting equipment. It has a number of colorful trees and vistas over the River and nearshore grasses as well as the open water to the north, which includes the Metro bridge over the River in the distance. It is a place that reminds you of what neighborhood parks and playgrounds used to be like.

Kingman and

River Terrace Park South of Benning Road in Anacostia

of the River due to access from either the Benning Road bridge or the RFK Stadium parking lot. But both islands are undergoing change as their invasive species are being replaced by a range of native plants. It is an experiment to see if it is possible to retain a natural native landscape in the midst of a large city and surrounding suburbs. The result is a reduction in the mass of vegetation and the emergence of a range of plants with interesting forms and colors. Heritage Island is the rst stop on the trail from the RFK parking lot and is less traveled and more intimate. Kingman Island is much larger and more traveled; and only it extends below the East Capitol Street bridge. Both are worthy of periodic check-ins as they change over time with increasing dominance of native plants.

National Arboretum

Finally,

is over 400 acres of nature lled with trees and other plants from around the world. It is focused on improving species of all types and making them feel at home in a broader set of climate conditions and change.

Trees Changing Color at the National Arboretum

There are many places to visit in the Arboretum that are especial ly beautiful in autumn. River ac cess and a broad range of trees and plants in autumn colors are best in the Asian Gardens; if coming by boat there is a dock on the river and gate access during open hours. Beyond the Asian Gardens is a set of River overlooks from the dog wood gardens, with vistas opening up and colors appearing as leaves drop and autumn progresses. Other places to look for color and/ or emerging vistas include Spring house Run, a recently restored nat ural stream taking the storm sew er emerging from under New York Avenue and using nature to treat it. The new stream is so convincing that is has drawn beavers to build dams at points along it.

Other Arboretum sites for fall visits include the demonstration gardens between the main office building and the open fields, the fields from there to the columns, the Youth Garden (where a high tree walk is being designed for in stallation behind, providing access to all manner of colored leaves in the fall), and the trail above the azaleas (where you can see from the top the Capitol and beyond once the leaves start to fall and open up the vista).

So many places to go and en joy the autumn are yours along our river, the Anacostia. Let me know of other places you have discov ered for fall walks; send to bmat sedc@gmail.com.

Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of Friends of the National Arbo retum and on Citizen Advisory Com mittees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia. u

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ANC 6A REPORT

by Nick Alberti

Chair Amber Gove (6A04) convened the October 13, 2022 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A via Zoom with Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01), Mike Soderman (6A03), Laura Gentile (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06), Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07) and Brian Alcorn (6A08) in attendance. Commissioner Phil Toomajian (6A02) was absent.

Solar Energy and Job Training for Underserved Communities

Grid Alternatives is a nonpro t organization working to bring the bene ts of clean energy to underserved communities through hands-on solar workforce training through Solar Works DC, no cost solar installations to qualifying home-

owners and advocacy e orts for renewable energy at all levels of government. The goal of Grids Alternative is a rapid and equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy.

All of the following actions were passed unanimously by the Commissioners. Working with DC government agencies and Solar for All, Grid Alternatives aims to have solar installed on 100,000 qualifying homes within the next decade. Funding for this e ort comes through thirdparty nancing, private donations and government grants so there is no cost to the homeowners. Other than income limits, homeowners should consider additional factors such as whether their roof gets enough sunlight to justify solar panels, if there is adequate space on their roof for the panels, or if the roof needs repair or replacement. To learn more about having solar panels installed on your roof or to get details about workforce training visit www. gridalternatives.org/midatlantic.

The following items were approved by Commissioners with unanimous consent:

Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL)

• ANC 6A will send a letter of support to the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) for the Class C Tavern license renewal of The Pursuit Wine Bar and Kitchen at 1025 H Street NE (ABRA-113810).]

• ANC 6A will send a letter of support to ABRA for the Class C Tavern license renewal of Vibez on H at 1378 H Street NE (ABRA-117753).

• ANC 6A will send a letter of opposition to ABRA regarding the Class C Tavern license renewal of Bar Bullfrog/Bullfrog Bagels at 1341 H Street NE (ABRA- 112890) unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date, and that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the ANC, the Co-Chairs of the ABL Committee, and ABL Committee member Krisch, represent the ANC in this matter.

• ANC 6A will send a letter of opposition to ABRA regarding the Class C Tavern license renewal of The Queen Vic at 1206 H Street NE (ABRA083930) unless an updated settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date, and that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the ANC and the CoChairs of the ABL Committee represent the ANC in this matter.

• ANC 6A will send a letter of support to ABRA for the Class C Tavern license renewal of Mythology, Lore, & Dirty Water/Beetle House DC at 816 H

Street NE (ABRA-095033).

• ANC 6A will take no action with respect to the substantial change request of Ocean Lounge at 1220 H Street NE (ABRA-114106) to add a Summer Garden to their ex isting license.

Transportation and Public Space (TPS)

• ANC 6A will send a letter to the District Department of Trans portation (DDOT) requesting that School Parking Zone per mits cover a radius that does not extend to neighboring ANCs should any permit be issued to Capitol Hill Montessori or oth er schools that are more than a few blocks away from the adja cent ANC.

• ANC 6A will send a letter of sup port for DDOT’s request to con solidate the B2 bus stops on 14th Street NE from three to two stops, with a preference for retaining the stops at 14th and D Streets NE and 14th Street and North Car olina Avenue NE in their cur rent locations. The request was made as part of the traffic calm ing proposal for the 1100-1500 blocks of C Street NE, which in cludes moving bus stops to pre vent drivers from using the bus bays to jump the red light.

Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)

• ANC6A will send a letter of sup port to the Board of Zoning Ad justment (BZA) for Special Ex ception zoning relief pursuant from the rear addition require ments to construct a third story addition, and a two-story with cellar rear addition, and con vert to a flat, an existing, semidetached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit at 726

11th Street NE (BZA 20814) in the RF-1 zone on condition that the owner make best efforts to get a letter of support from the neigh bor at 724 11th Street.

• ANC6A will send a letter of sup port to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) for histor ic relief to construct a third-floor partial addition and roof deck at 813 Massachusetts Avenue NE (HPA 22-439) on condition that the owner make best efforts to get letters of support from 807 and 811 A Street and 811 and 815 Massachusetts Avenue, and the owner do a site line survey from A Street, similar to the one done from Massachusetts Avenue.

Alcohol and Beverage Licensing Committee (ABL)

• ANC 6A appointed current ABL member Erin Sullivan as CoChair of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee.

Additional items considered by the Commissioners:

Transportation and Public Space

• ANC6A will send a letter to DDOT in support of an Open Streets event on 8th Street from Florida Avenue NE to M Street SE. The vote was 6 in favor with Commissioner So derman abstaining.

• ANC6A send a letter to DDOT expressing concern about need to provide ANCs with adequate opportunity to review and pro vide comment on school appli cations for street parking permits under the School Parking Zone program for SWS at Goding and other future applications and that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting that signage for south

side of G Street NE (adjacent to Sherwood Rec reation Center), which is currently not RPP parking, but adjusted to permit holders of the School Parking Zone permits for School-With in-School to park there. The vote was 6 in favor with Commissioner Dooling in opposition.

Visit www.anc6a.org for a calendar of meeting times, meeting agendas and other information u

ANC 6B Discusses New Two-Story Building for 12th Street

ANC 6B RepoRt

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6B) met virtually via WebEx Oct. 11. Commissioners Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02), Brian Ready (6B03), Kristen Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06), Edward Ryder (6B07), Peter Wright (6B08), Alison Horn (6B09) and Denise Krepp (6B10) were all in attendance.

Advisory Neighborhood Commis sion (ANC) 6B spent much of their meeting Oct. 11 discussing plans for a new two-story residential building at 117 12th Street SE.

After significant deliberation and discussion, commissioners voted unanimously to support both the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) applications. But they included some conditions in their letter.

The project, a concept design for the construc tion of a new two-story residential building on the alley, requires review for historic preservation and several special exceptions related to zoning. Those include a special exception to raze an existing shed and construct a new, detached, two-story principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.

In zoning, the applicant is seeking two and a half feet of zoning relief in the alley for garage park ing. Marty Sullivan, an attorney representing the ap plicant, said he was not concerned about the alley as

the BZA’s main concerns center around “privacy, character, scale and pat tern” of the structure.

Sullivan said the use of the entire 15-foot al ley to get into the garage “does not substantially negatively affect the use of any neighboring prop erty.” Five feet is part of Sladen’s Park and so property of the District, he pointed out. “It was obviously intentionally dedicated to the use as an alley, because it’s finished in brick by the city, and it’s curbed at the park, so it wasn’t an accident that this five-foot setback was provided,” Sullivan said.

“It seems to me it was planned and intentional in order to make the alley wider. The fact that they never changed the offi cial ownership from Dis trict of Columbia owned park to District of Colum bia owned alley doesn’t change the actual situation.”

Commissioner Corey Holman (6B06) acknowl edged the current utility of the alley by its users, but emphasized that, as far as zoning is concerned, the alley is still only 10 feet.

“It’s a 10-foot alley that functions as a 15-foot alley,” Holman said. “I understand we’re parsing, we’re being semantic here, but feet matter (in) zon ing and everything. Permits have been denied be cause [something is] one foot over a line.”

The representatives for the applicant empha sized their goal of providing housing where hous ing has not been available previously and empha sized the letters of support received from community members. Margaret Mook, a community member, said that while she was supportive of parts of the project, she had concerns about the windows in the proposed new unit.

“For me, the larger windows don’t comple ment the historic district and it gives kind of a fish

bowl feeling,” Mook said. “I believe, when you look at your renderings of the three-dimensional model, you can see quite a bit of the apartment, and I think that with a solar gain from south and west windows, and we have those on our house, it can be brutal. Pri vacy issues at all times, day and night.”

Acknowledging the many concerns from indi viduals and commissioners, Holtzman underscored his support for the project calling it a “very positive thing for the neighborhood.” He made the motion to support both the HPRB and BZA applications with the conditions that the applicant keep neighbors in formed regarding the possibility of a buried oil tank on the property and what steps the applicant is go ing to take if one is actually found. Additionally, sup port is contingent upon the five feet of the 15-foot al ley remaining part of the title of the park belonging to the District of Columbia.

Commissioner Allison Horn (6B09) echoed Holtzman and emphasized her appreciation for the changes the applicant has already made in the proj ect. “It was nice to see kind of the spirit of compro

Plans for the 12th Street alley building show the garage entrance. Screenshot: Webex/ANC 6B

mise in terms of the concessions that they made in their design,” Horn said.

The commission voted unanimously to:

• Adopt the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Committee recommendation to withdraw protest and support, with a signed Settlement Agreement, for Emilie’s LLC at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

• Adopt the ABC Committee recommendation to support an amendment to the current settlement agreement for a class C restaurant license for Rose’s at Home at 721 Eighth St. SE.

• Approve the renewal and with the existing settlement agreement for a class C tavern license for Barrel at 613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

• Approve the class C tavern license renewal with a sidewalk endorsement for The Eastern at 360 Seventh St. SE.

• Approve the scal year 2022 Fourth Quarter and scal year 2023 budgets for ANC 6B.

• Appoint Whitney Smith to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Committee.

Other Matters:

• Commissioner Denise Krepp (6B10) spoke about public safety concerns related to an uptick in the District’s crime. Krepp expressed frustration with the DC Council’s inaction on violence in the streets saying “we have city council members that aren’t holding hearings, we have city council members that aren’t doing anything. We’re now left on our own as the bullets are ying. I’m frustrated.” Krepp

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emphasized a need to “look for solutions” saying crime continues to be “out of control” in her single member District and in the District more generally.

• Commissioner Steve Holtzman (6B05) provided an update on the Eastern Market Metro Park rodent control work. Holtzman said that while rodent control had been onsite and spread a large amount of tracing powder, he found about half a dozen areas that were not covered. He plans to reach out to them regarding getting coverage for these areas.

Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

H Street Safety Concerns

ANC 6C REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met Wednesday Oct. 12 via WebEx. Commissioners Christine Healey (6C01), Karen Wirt, Chair (6C02), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), Joel Kelty (6C05) and Drew Courtney (6C06) attended the meeting.

Public safety concerns surrounding the H Street NE corridor were discussed at length by ANC 6C commissioners and community members in the October meeting. Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and the DC Council expressing concern about public safety and requesting action on the crime spillover on H Street NE. Commissioner Joel Kelty (6C05) and community member Joe McCann, who resides about two blocks north of H Street NE, lead the discussion.

“It just seems like things are spiraling in a bad way,” McCann said of the recent uptick in

crime. “If there are this many incidents on my block, which I can’t say is very di erent from others, we have a problem,” McCann said.

Kelty echoed McCann’s concerns about neighborhood safety and said the crime spillover has made the area “no longer a pleasant place to participate in public life.”

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood since 2000 and I think this year has probably been the worst year for deterioration of quality of life,” Kelty said. He also underscored the “over concentration of establishments that are gifting cannabis” along H Street. These storefronts, often called Initiative 71 (I-71) compliant businesses, give cannabis in exchange for the purchase of a small item such as a sticker or piece of digital art.

“The DC government has determined that this activity is illegal and yet hasn’t really taken adequate measures to address it,” Kelty said of the I-71 businesses. “We don’t have just one or two weed shops, we have at least 15… and it’s bringing in people from Maryland and Virginia and other places.”

Another community member spoke about the rise in violence near his family’s home and said one of the most di cult results of the crime spillover was the impact on his son.

“I got him a cell phone literally like a week ago and it is disheartening to me and really, I feel terrible, because one of the rst uses of his phone was to call 911 to report a shooting [outside] his window,” the community member said. “It was across the street from our property. “

Commissioner Jay Adelstein (6C03) emphasized that the District’s uptick in crime is “a problem bigger than H Street” but agreed with other commissioners that a focus on making H Street safer, within their ANC, would be bene cial.

In talk of possible amelioration to the problem, Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) spoke about the camera rebate program that allows DC residents and business owners to be reimbursed up to $500 for the purchase and installation of security cameras on their property.

Kelty said he was an “early adopter” of the camera rebate program and said he thinks he’s gotten 18 arrests using information from his cameras, but said he believes that the total

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number of prosecutions remains at zero.

McCann echoed Kelty’s concerns about police follow up after reports of concerns such as gunshots.

“I just don’t know if there’s any sort of appetite to even investigate and that’s what really concerns me,” McCann said.

The commission voted unanimously to:

• Adopt the ANC’s Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) Committee recommendation to protest a new class C tavern applications for Sweet Sweet Kitchen (500 H St. NE) and Vision Lounge (707 H St. NE) and to appoint Graham Grossman to negotiate settlement agreements with the businesses.

• Adopt the ABL committee recommendation to take no action on the licensing renewals for Wundergarten (131 M St. NE), The Little Grand (808 Seventh St. NE), Laos In Town (250 K St. NE), Scissors and Scotch (331 N St. NE), UNO Chicago Grill (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE) and Columbus Club in Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE).

• Send a letter of support to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), at the recommendation of the ANC Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee, in support of an Open Streets along Eighth St NE from Florida Ave to M St SE from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a Saturday. A date has not been nalized for the open streets event at this time.

• Send a letter of support to DC

4th

4th

Council in support of a proposed reduction of residential parking permit (RPP) zones but to strongly recommend against the use of ANC single member districts (SMD) as the new boundaries, suggesting that the Dis trict Department of Transportation (DDOT) conduct a study about how to best implement a reduction of these zones.

• Adopt the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZE) com mittee recommendation to oppose a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) application for a rear and attic addition to 616 Lexington Pl. NE due to a lack of information on the scope of the project.

• Adopt the PZE committee recommendation to oppose a special excep tion application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for remov al of a cornice “after the fact” at 401 K St NE. The cornice has already been removed, but commissioners argued this is a protected architectur al element, and opposed the application due to the “extremely modern design” overall. The commissioners also voted unanimously that Com missioner Eckenwiler be authorized to testify on behalf of the ANC in the hearing on December 7.

• Adopt the Environment, Parks and Events (EPE) committee recommen dation to send a letter regarding Reservation 315 and plans for a park at Fifth and I Streets NE. The letter would support the transition of the park’s ownership from the National Park Service (NPS) into the portfo lio of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) in the District.

Other Matters:

• Commissioner Eckenwiler provided an update on a historic preserva tion application that initially planned to convert a one-story dry clean er into a three-story residential building. Plans have now changed; the applicant now wants to raze the current structure in order to construct an entirely new building at (601 Massachusetts Ave NE). However, the ANC has not seen any documents relative to the new plans. Eckenwiler reported that the applicant indicated to the committee that they would seek postponement, which does not appear to have happened yet. “If the applicant does not timely seek such an adjournment, and ANC re quests to postpone this, we go on record as opposing this because the applicant did not come to us to present,” Eckenwiler said. This propos al was unanimously approved by the commission.

• Commissioner Drew Courtney (6C06) provided an update on NoMa parks projects and future plans. The $50 million granted to the parks, as well as additional funds donated, has been spent and they are wrap ping up their work. The NoMa business improvement district (BID) will handle ongoing maintenance at the parks, and DPR will be taking care of structural maintenance going forward.

ANC 6C will meet next on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. You can register to at tend the meeting and read more about the commission here.

Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

BULLETIN BOARD

NGA Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opens for Season

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink reopens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 26 and remains open through March 5, weather permitting. The ice rink is located on the National Mall between Seventh and Ninth Streets along Con stitution Avenue NW. The rink is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, leaving a 15-minute break for ice maintenance. Two consecutive ses sions cost $12 for adults and children 13 and over or $9 for adults 60 and over, chil dren 12 and under, military servicemembers, and students with a valid school ID. Skate rentals are $6. Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $1. The ice rink will be closed when it rains or in extreme temperatures. nga.gov/skating.

Audi Field Opens Sensory Room

Audi Field, home of DC United, has partnered with KultureCity to make the venue and all of the programs and events that the stadium hosts sensory inclusive. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory sensitivities that visit. The KultureCity Sensory Room is locat ed at the top of Heineken Tower at Audi Field and will be open for all events taking place at the stadium, including all DC United home matches. The dedicated space is designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. The sensory room is outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, the visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, Sparkle Interactive Light (by NunoErin--a therapeutically fun furniture em bedded with soft glowing lights that respond to motion), bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist. Download the free KultureCity App and view what senso ry features are available. KultureCity is a nonprofit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. audifield.com.

Before the Bulldozers: Historic Southwest DC Exposed Before the Bulldozers: Historic Southwest DC Exposed is an audio and augmented reality jour ney exploring the history of the redevelopment of the Southwest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Using GPS, this Walking Cinema app guides you from site to site through DC’s Southwest Neigh borhood, telling the story of the country’s first large-scale urban renewal project—a project that uprooted 23,000 people and knocked down near ly 5,000 buildings to create an entirely new neighborhood. This short walk presents two worlds that were co-existing in the 1950s Southwest: A close-knit Black neighborhood on its way out and a highly modern, mostly white neighborhood on its way in. These neighborhoods are being cap tured, shaped, and fought for by two massive cre ative minds: the old neighborhood by the ama teur photographer Joseph Owen Curtis, and the new neighborhood by architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith. As you walk, you alternate viewpoints and see how vastly different concepts of social benefit are still reflected in the visual landscape. The “Before the Bull dozers” app is available for download on iPhone and Android devices. Users should bring a pair of headphones for the best experience and start the tour at the Waterfront Metro Station, as the app is GPS activat ed at the site. A 45-minute video version of the tour is available on anacostia.si.edu/walkingtour for people to join the experience remotely. Guided tours are available for school groups and adults. To join a tour, the public can go to anacostia.si.edu/walkingtour for schedules. Registration is required two weeks in advance.

On January 1, 1924, boys pose in front of a car behind Randall Grade School in Washington, DC. Several are shoeless and one holds a baseball bat. Writing on the photograph includes information about some of the boys’ activities in World War II. Photograph is attrib uted to an unknown Mr. Randolph. Photo: From the Joseph Owen Curtis Photo-graph Collection

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, National Gallery of Art, Washington

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DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages. You are not required to be a firsttime homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down

serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $202,000 combined. DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

to

of

homeownership programs.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

www.DCHFA.org

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Alley Gallery (a.k.a., “Art Allery”) in the Atlas Neighborhood

DPW and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities are closing out the 15-year anniversary of the MuralsDC program with 15 unique art installations across four wards, to include an alley gallery (a.k.a., “Art Allery”) in the Atlas neighborhood of Ward 6. muralsdcproject.com.

and March 21; Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approach es, April 4 and 22; Exclusion, May 13 and 25. arenastage.org/tickets/ savings-programs.

November AARP Meeting

The Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter extends an open invitation to their meeting on Nov.16 at noon. Guest speaker is Victoria Christopher Murray—best-selling author of more than 30 novels. Lunch is $5. Meeting is at River Park-South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. Vac cination and mask required. Contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjean tolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202554-0901 with questions.

Ward 6 Electronics Recycling

5k run or walk on the idyllic grounds of the National Arboretum. Strollers and dogs are allowed but must stay on a 5’ non-retractable leash. Children 12 and under are free but must be registered. $50. fona.org.

Native Veterans Procession and Dedication

Southwest Nights at Arena Stage

People who live or work in South west DC can buy discounted tickets for specially designated Southwest Night performances of each produc tion. Tickets are $36 for musicals and $26 for non-musicals, plus fees.

Proof of Southwest DC residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of pick-up. Tickets are based on availability. Upcoming Southwest Nights are: Sanctuary City, Nov. 17 and 27; Ride the Cyclone, Jan. 15 and 25; The High Ground, Feb. 25

On Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine), drop off electronic equipment for recycling free of charge. A collection vehicle will be at the corner of D and Third St. SE (east of Folger Park), revlog.com/ DCecycling.

Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5k

On Saturday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m., join Friends of the National Arboretum for a

All are welcome to join as the National Museum of the American Indian hon ors the military service of Native Amer ican, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Na tive veterans, Friday, Nov. 11. The Native veterans’ procession and ded ication ceremony will take place be ginning at 2 p.m. on the National Mall as part of a three-day celebration fea turing handson activities, films, per formances, and a veteran’s hospitality suite. The procession and dedication will be livestreamed. For more informa tion visit AmericanIndian.si.edu/visit/ washington/nnavm-dedication.

The Wharf Construction Complete

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

On Nov. 25 and 26; Dec. 2 and 3; Dec. 9 and 10; and Dec. 18, take a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Visit with Mrs. Washington and other 18th-century residents of Mount Vernon in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the Mount Vernon estate, followed by a reception. Learn about holiday traditions of 18th century Vir ginia and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed character actors portraying Washington’s family, friends, and enslaved or hired staff. Tour times are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. mountvernon.org.

RIGHT: Join Mount Vernon as they celebrate the build-up to the 250th An niversary of American Independence. Hear how a young Colonel Washing ton and his family celebrated Christmas in a year of growing tensions and uncertainty.

On Oct. 12, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Plan ning and Economic Development and teams at Hoffman Associates, and Madison Marquette celebrated the of ficial completion of The Wharf. The second phase of the mile-long water front neighborhood on the Potomac River delivers nearly 3,000 addition al jobs, more than 350 new homes, and an addition al 1.15 million square feet of mixeduse space, includ ing new restaurants, hotels, parks, a marina, and office, residential, and retail spac es. wharfdc.com.

National Arboretum Winter Festival

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop from lo cal vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery,

“H Street Ecosphere”, 1336 H St. NE, by Tracy Stum pays tribute to endangered species as a way to bring awareness to our need for stewardship, not only in our beautiful natural world, but also in our own diverse communities.

Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination

Antietam National Battlefield will present the Annual Memorial Illumination on Sat urday, Dec. 3 to honor the 23,000 casualties from the Battle of Antietam on Septem ber 17, 1862. The event is a driving tour open to the public starting at 6 p.m. Cars en ter the park by traveling west on Route 34 and lining up on the shoulder of the road. Cars are allowed to enter the event until midnight. Walking is not allowed. The Vis itor Center address is 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg, MD—70 miles from DC. nps/gov/anti.

Brent Elementary’s Annual Holiday Tree Sale

The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association holds its an nual Holiday Tree Sale from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 4 and its online sale from Nov. 8 to 29 at brentholidaysale.org. Proceeds are used to provide additional resources to students. In addition to trees, the sale includes wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, winterberry and Ha nukkah items. Customers also have the options to have their trees de livered on the day of purchase and for in-home setup. The outdoor, on-lot sale is open Dec. 1 and 2, 4 to 7 p.m.; and Dec. 3 and 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 301 N. Carolina Ave. SE. For more information, email br entholidaystore@gmail.com.

William Costin’s Remarkable Story at Hill Center

William Costin, an African-American residing on Capitol Hill during the early years of Washington City, was honored at his sudden death in 1842 by a large funeral procession and the commissioning of a portrait—a tribute to his worth by his friends. His death was reported by the Baltimore and Washington newspapers and a tribute to him was included in a speech by John Quincy Adams during a debate in the House of Representatives. Costin owned and lived with his family in one of the houses built right next to the Capitol. But despite his con tributions and popularity, there are no records of his birth and only a contradictory oral history of his background. On Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE., Public Historian and Chief Guide at the US Capitol Historical Society Steve Livengood will high light William Costin’s life in early Washington. This is a story from Creating Capitol Hill: Place, Proprietors, and People, developed and published by the USCHS. The book will be available for sale. Free but registration required at hill-centerdc.org or 202-549-4172.

and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities in the New York Avenue park ing lot, 3501 New York Ave. NE. Onleash dogs are allowed. While you are there, the Friends of the National Ar boretum invite you to enjoy the Arbo retum’s winter splendor and explore gardens and collections like the Go telli Conifer Collection, Camellia Col lection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. fona.org.

Monday Night Football at Wunder Garten

During the 2022-2023 season, Wun der Garten hosts games all of Sunday and Monday Night Football. Beer Specials all day on Sundays and a late night happy hour for Monday Night Football. Wear your favorite jersey to

get a discount off your final tab. Wun der Garten, 1101 First St. NE. wun dergartendc.com.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk/Run 10k

The annual Bay Bridge Run is on Sunday, Nov. 13. To ensure the safe ty of the participants, the Bay Bridge Run begins in waves of approximate ly 2,000 participants each on a stag gered timeline every 15 minutes be ginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m. Start times for the Bay Bridge Run will be selected by the partici pant during registration. Walkers, who have 2.5 hours to complete the course, are welcome and stay in the right-hand lane. Registration is $95. thebaybridgerun.com.

DC Hunger Lifeline (Get help finding food today.)

Call 202-644-9807. When you call the Hunger Lifeline, they can help you find local pantries, kitchens serving free meals, and other organizations that can assist you with emergency food help today.

Audition Notice: Synetic Casting for War of the Worlds

Calling all actors, athletes, gymnasts, and others with unique physical skills. Synetic Theater invites you to audition to join its company ranks. Auditions will take place the evening of Saturday, Nov. 12 at Synetic’s Crystal City stu dio. In addition to an open call for company members, Synetic’s artistic team will be casting for the upcoming world premiere production of War of the Worlds. Those auditioning should be 18 years of age or older, with no maximum age limit. Synetic is particularly interested in artists with move ment skills in acrobatics, stunts, stilt walking, clowning, dance, and mime. Synetic welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities to audition. Regis ter at synetictheater.org/auditions. Email auditions@synetictheater.org with questions.

Swampoodle Terrace features plenty of seating including chess area set-ups. Photo: Courtesy of NoMA Business Improvement District

Swampoodle Terrace Opens

Swampoodle Terrace, a small park at the corner of Third and L streets NE, opened on Oct. 19. This new park includes community gathering spaces, storage for park equipment in a specially designed shipping container, exible play and performance space, plenty of seating, games, a shade pergola and beautiful plantings. When seen and used together with Swampoodle Park, its awardwinning sister park directly across the street, the parks address a wider range of play needs for both kids and dogs and even more seating options. With the opening of Swampoodle Terrace, NoMa Parks Foundation has created a unique and lovely green interlude for this once parkstarved ar-ea. nomabid.org.

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

This year on Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon, see larger than life in atable turkeys and penguins, glittering oats, marching bands, dancing groups, and Santa and his elves at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the parade traditionally heralds the start of the hol-

Food & Friends’ Slice of Life Thanksgiving Pie Sales

Slice of Life has become a tradition in the Washington Metropolitan Ar-ea. Pie Sellers and Pie Teams come together to raise mon ey, ensuring that neighbors facing serious illnesses can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal complete with two delicious pies. Each pie is baked fresh and picked up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at conve niently located pickup sites. Select from ap ple crumble, classic pumpkin, nutty pecan, sea salt chocolate chess and sweet potato. Each pie sale provides a full days’ worth of meals for a neighbor in need. There’s no easier way to give back during the holidays. Pie sales have started at sliceoflifedc.org.

iday season. It steps off from Ells worth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. sil verspringdowntown.com/montgom ery-county-thanksgiving-parade.

MPD Now Offers a $20k Hiring Bonus

MPD is now offering a $20,000 hir ing bonus. Start earning a full po lice salary of $60,199 ($65,863 after 18 months) when you begin train

ing in their academy which is also non-residential, which means you can go home every day. In addition, they also of fer $6000 in rental assistance, covering both a 14-day initial hotel stay--to ease the transi tion for those relocating from beyond 50 miles--and ongo ing DC rental assistance for the remainder of the benefit for those who choose to re side in DC. To learn more and to apply, visit joinmpd.dc.gov.

Fair Housing Help

The Fair Housing Act pro hibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, nation al origin, source of income, personal appearance, marital status, disability and religion in all aspects of the housing market. If you believe a land lord or management company is discriminating against you or giving you different treat ment because of any of these factors, speak up! Contact Housing Counseling Servic es at 202-667-7706 to report discrimination and to learn more about your fair housing rights. housingetc.org.

Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine

On Thursday, Nov. 24, you are invited to attend Holy Mass at the National Shrine at 8 a.m. and noon. There are no confessions and the Shrine Shops will be closed. The church will close at 1 p.m. na tion-alshrine.org.

Village Voices

With Mai Pham

On Monday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Hong mai (Mai) Pham will talk about her early life in Vietnam, food and mem ory, and her experiences writing a

memoir as a journey of self-explo ration and discovery. Village Voices presentations are sponsored by Cap itol Hill Village. They are free and open to the public. Register and join the online discussion at capitolhill. helpfulvillage.com/events/9134-vil lage-voices-with-mai-pham.

National Christmas Tree Lottery Opens

Join the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation this holiday season to celebrate the 100th lighting of the Nation al (White House) Christmas Tree on Nov. 30. The National Christ mas Tree Lighting ticket lottery will open on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. and close on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. After the lighting, the tree area opens to the public on Friday, Dec. 2. On Sunday, Dec. 11, CBS will broad cast the National Christmas Tree Lighting special at 8 p.m. To enter the lottery, visit recreation.gov and click “TICKET LOTTERY.” You may also call 877-444-6777 to enter the lottery. Lottery applicants will be notified about their status on Nov. 8. thenationaltree.org.

Hill Center Galleries Call for Entries

Open only to artists residing in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Orig inal hanging work, in any medium, will be considered. Entry deadline is Nov. 18. Exhibition dates are Jan. 11 to April 16. Entry fee is $40 for up to five works; $10 for each addition al piece. hillcenterdc.org/galleries.

CHRS Guided Walking Tours

The Capitol Hill Restoration Soci ety is offering guided walking tours of locations of interest on Capitol Hill on Saturday, Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m. (architecture) and Sunday, Nov. 13, 1:30 (SE alleys) and 2 p.m. (fami ly-friendly history tour). For more

details and to register, visit chrs. org/guided-walking-tours-novem ber-2022/.

CHRS (virtual)

Ghosts of Capitol Hill Preservation Cafe

Join the Capitol Hill Restoration So ciety for a free, virtual presentation by Justine Bello, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. This Preservation Cafe will focus on architectural “ghosts”-physical evidence of buildings that are now gone. See details at chrs.org/ architectural-ghosts-pc/.

Army Band American Holiday Festival

Planning is underway for an in-per son army band concert series at DAR Constitution Hall, on Dec. 2, 3 and 4. Free tickets are available online only starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. usarmyband.com/americanholiday-festival.

Fall Leaf Collection Program Begins

DPW will begin collecting leaves from neighborhoods on Monday, Nov. 7. The collection schedule has been adjusted to allow leaf collec tion crews do collections when most leaves have fallen, with residents still receiving two leaf collection pick ups. The first pass for leaf collec tion will occur when leaf accumula tion is lighter, for one week in each section. The second pass will be for two weeks in each section when leaf accumulation is heavier. Residents are asked to rake their leaves for col lection to the curb or into the tree box at the front of their residence— paper bags are not required. To help facilitate the collection pro cess, residents are asked to keep ve hicles away from the curb lanes on scheduled collection days. Check dpw.dc.gov/service/leaf-collection to confirm your area’s leaf collec tion dates. u

homegardenand

DC NATIVES

Planting a Pathway for Pollinators

article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

Gardening is a chance to create beauty for yourself and your DC community. There are not many other activities that let you help our global ecosystem, get exercise, im-prove the curb appeal of your home and neighborhood and take spaces from ugly to beautiful with your own vision.

What you may not realize is you can also help create pollinator habitats. Five years ago, two women launched a new nonpro t to create a pollinator pathway through DC. Thorne Rankin, a native Washingtonian and professional landscaper, joined Sally Shea, an urban planner and nonpro t professional, to launch the DC Natives organi-zation.

Thorne envisions gardens big and small on private and public spaces across DC that let pollinators, like bees, moths, butter ies, and other insects move across the city. She sees the effort larger than just gardens. “I like to think we are bridging communities through the gardens and teaching the importance of collaboration.”

A pollinator is de ned by the National Park Service as “anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the ower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another ower (stigma). The movement of pollen must occur for a plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants.” The pollen is a source of food for the in-sect and sometimes provides a secure place for the insect to rest and lay eggs as in the milkweed plant.

Planting A Garden One Step At A Time

To date, 175 gardens have been planted by DC Natives. The rst gardens were plant-ed in the spring of 2017 with Anne Miller and Almeta Dorsey in Ward 7.

Thorne says these two women continue to maintain their gardens and have been great ambassa-dors in their community to encourage others to get involved. The Eckington neighbor-hood secured a grant for planting new gardens and is now reaping great results.

Capitol Hill is just getting started and Hill resident Ti any Davidson is the rst block captain for the group. With Thorne’s help, her front yard at 1009 Massachusetts Ave, NE, was recently transformed with pollinator plants.

Co-Founder of DC Natives, Thorne Rankin, envisions a pathway for pollinators across DC. A professional landscaper, she shares her knowledge by teaching residents how to successful plant a pollinator garden primarily with native plants.

Tiffany Davidson is a newly appointed Block Captain for DC Natives. She en-listed Thorne Rankin to help her plan and plant her pollinator garden this fall in her front yard at 1009 Massachusetts Avenue NE near Lincoln Park.

Bluish Purple Asters (native to Va.) help brighten up the newly planted garden. Small gardens can be as successful as large ones in hosting bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Tiffany moved to Capitol Hill from Con necticut three years ago with her husband. She has always been interest ed in plants and with ef forts to better our ecosys tems. “I was randomly searching online,” says Tiffany, “and ran across DC Natives. I was re ally in-terested in their mission of connecting neighborhoods through the pollinators.” She be gan her involvement with a phone call to Thorne who came out and as sessed her current front yard garden. “I originally thought I might pull out the very formal garden of boxwoods and roses,” Tiffany noted, “but then I realized that I liked the formal structure more than I thought.” Together they conceived a plan to both keep the formal garden and add pollinators to the front of the garden.

The second step of the process is to design and select the plants to use. Thorne says polli nator gardens can involve anything from plants in a few pots on your balcony to planting the full garden to attract pollinators. Even a few plants can help the pollinators a lot. So, in the case of the Davidson garden, a compromise was struck. While main-taining the more formal elements, the front of the garden was used to bring new polli-nator plants and more color into the space.

Native and Pollinating Plants

As a professional landscaper, Thorne can pro cure the plants she uses through a well-estab lished nursery just north of Baltimore. “I like to introduce a variety of flowering plants to the gardener and work with them to create an in teresting visual effect.” She loves to put in new gardens in the fall. “Spring is overrated,” says Thorne. In the fall, there is more moisture, still plenty of sun, and the cooler air makes plants take to the soil more easily. On the October Sat urday when she worked with Tiffany, the day was warm but not hot and recent rains left the soil easy enough to dig in.

The soil is improved by using some com

post mixture before dig ging the hole to drop the plants into. She uses newspapers to stop weeds from spreading. All new gardens need 1-2 inches of topsoil and/or compost mixed into the soil.

Despite the name of the organization, Thorne uses a combination of na tive plants as well as oth er plants like zinnias, cos mos, and sunflowers. She is also a big fan of an-nual herbs like dill, parsley, ci lantro, and cat nip. Polli nators are drawn to these plants especially when they are flowering. Thorne recommends keep ing non-native species to 15% or less of your pol linator garden.

Native plants often used in the pollinator gardens include goldenrod, swamp milkweed or other species of milkweed, anise hyssop, iron weed, and asters. A full list of native plants good for our region can be found on the DC Natives website, https://dcnatives.com. You will see a surprising number of beautiful native plants available and remember to select tall to short ones for visual variety.

Organizing Block by Block

Success for DC Natives is not only hundreds of beautiful gardens across the city, but also the collaboration and partnerships that are formed along the way. Thorne and Sally Shea are inter ested in the growth of blocks of pollinator gar dens and have de-veloped a system of block captains. Their role is to serve as outreach coor dinators in the wards and neighborhoods where they live, helping develop the pathway.

Tiffany here on Capitol Hill is happy to talk to you about creating your own pollinator garden and will help guide you through the DC Natives program. She can be reached at Tiffanybdavid son@gmail.com. If you are near Lincoln Park, stroll down Massachu-setts Avenue towards the Capitol and check out her garden. Fall is a great time to get started.

If you have questions or ideas for a column, contact Rindy at rindyobrien@gmail.com. u

DC Natives helps organize through volunteer block captains and have planted at least 175 gardens in the past five years.

The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents Dear Garden Problem Lady,

by Wendy Blair

Where might I nd bulbs for Bluebells this late?

Try googling “Mertensia” or “Bluebells” or “Virginia Bluebells” or “Spanish Bluebells”. You can plant the small white bulbs up until frost arrives.

How do I plant and care for a Foxtail Lily?

Foxtail Lily—Latin name Eremurus— at 9 feet tall and decidedly phallic in shape—can be literally stunning in the right place. They come in white and a beautiful apricot pink. Late fall is the right time to plant their eshy, ngerlike bulbs, which should be spread out like a hand, in a circle, with the crown part only a few inches beneath the soil, in the middle. The soil beneath the bulb should be about 8 inches deep of rich compost mixed with manure and a bit of bone meal.

My wife says Alliums smell like onions. True?

No. Their owers do not smell

Robustus Pink Foxtail Lily

like onions (although the foliage and bulbs may). The odor of Allium flow ers, which is undetectable to humans, repels not humans, but aphids. For this reason, rose lovers plant Alliums close to their roses. Alliums also deter under ground pests such as slugs, as well as the grubs that become Japanese beetles. So, their large round purple and pink and white blooms make Alliums triply prized in the garden. In addition, Alli ums attract butterflies.

Our beautiful Honeysuckle vines are a tangled mess. Only two years old, they reach above the fence, close to utili ty wires. Worse, the stems below are all bare. How should I approach pruning them, and when?

The good news is your vine is vig orous and happy. But the time to prune after first blooms fade has long passed. The best way to prune -- but not un til winter when the entire plant will be dormant -- is to cut all the stems back to about a foot from the ground. They will grow back quickly in 2023, but will not bloom until 2024! All next`year you can keep them in check. Another way— less tidy, and probably less good for the plant, again, wait until winter to do it— would be to cut back many stems inside the tangled mess. Next spring, some of those lower bare stems might sprout new leaves, but that’s a gamble. From July on, after blooms begin to fade keep the vines well cut back. Remember to keep vines thinned so sun and air can reach the stems below.

Capitol Hill Garden Club meetings are free and open to all. The Wednesday, No vember 9 meeting is at 6 pm at the NE Public Library. Kristin Sampson, the Won derful Plantswoman at Frager’s Hardware, will describe A Day in the Life of a Garden Center Manager.

Feeling beset by gardening problems?

them to the Problem Lady c/o the Editor, Hill Garden News. Your problems might even prove instructive to others and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured.

CHANGING HANDS

NEIGHBORHOOD PRICE BR

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA

2303 1/2 Elvans Rd SE $ 650,000 4 1910 1/2 Naylor Rd SE $ 649,900 4 1900 Q St SE $ 610,000 3

BENNING HEIGHTS 3904 Ames St NE $ 550,000 5

BLOOMINGDALE

2021 Flagler Pl NW $ 1,260,000 4 46 W St NW $ 1,180,000 4 150 Bryant St NW $ 1,170,000 4 54 Randolph Pl NW $ 1,010,000 3

CAPITOL HILL 212 A St NE $ 4,995,000 5

641 Lexington Pl NE $ 1,700,000 5 238 10th St SE $ 1,584,000 3

629 7th St NE $ 1,531,000 6 139 12th St NE $ 1,450,000 3 307 Kentucky Ave SE $ 1,450,000 4 624 C St NE $ 1,425,000 3 709 7th St SE $ 1,400,000 4 1008 Independence Ave SE $ 1,395,000 4 233 12th St SE $ 1,310,000 3 1532 A St NE $ 1,248,500 4

523 F St NE $ 1,200,000 4

506 G St SE $ 1,150,000 3 260 15th St SE $ 1,089,000 3

611 G St SE $ 1,075,000 3 211 13th St NE $ 1,070,000 3

1219 Massachusetts Ave SE $ 1,050,000 3

517 F St NE $ 995,000 2

10th St SE $ 990,000 2

532 14th St SE $ 949,750 3

1835 Independence Ave SE $ 900,000 3

312 N Carolina Ave SE $ 895,000 3

614 Tennessee Ave NE $ 895,000 4

535 10th St SE $ 875,000 3

1319 D St NE $ 848,000 4

251 Warren St NE $ 760,000 2 451 15th St NE $ 705,000 3 1505 A St SE $

74

St

DEANWOOD

$ 429,000

$ 290,000

5500 Eads St NE $ 600,000 4

49th Pl NE $ 590,000 4

4929 Blaine St NE $ 540,000 4

504 58th St NE $ 510,000 4

206 58th St NE $ 505,000 3

5757 E Capitol St SE $ 430,000 3

216 63rd St NE $ 426,450 2

5036 Nash St NE $ 397,999 3

4908 Meade St NE $ 310,000 2

5079 Sheriff Rd NE $ 235,000 2

5207 Clay St NE $ 200,000 3

DUPONT

1746 S St NW $ 1,800,000 5

1737 Swann St NW $ 1,515,000 3

1530 T St NW $ 1,720,000 3

1908 15th St NW $ 1,900,000 5

ECKINGTON 315 Seaton Pl NE $ 850,000 4

73 R St NW $ 799,900 4

7 Rhode Island Ave NE $ 725,000 4

EDGEWOOD

2729 4th St NE $ 765,000 3

FORT DUPONT PARK

1551 41st St SE $ 475,000 4

3930 C St SE $ 439,000 3

1622 Fort Davis Pl SE $ 366,500 3

H STREET CORRIDOR

910 8th St NE $ 1,645,000 5

HILL CREST 2404 SE 32nd St SE $ 890,000 4 3651 Alabama Ave SE $ 500,000 3

HILL EAST 1430 C St SE $ 1,260,000 4

KALORAMA 2315 S St NW $ 4,250,000 5

KINGMAN PARK 613 21st St NE $ 799,000 4 430 24th St NE $ 550,000 2

LEDROIT PARK 407 Richardson Pl NW $ 674,900 2

LILY PONDS 4215 Meade St NE $ 550,000 3 232 33rd St NE $ 514,800 2

LOGAN CIRCLE 1516 Kingman Pl NW $ 2,385,000 3

MARSHALL

OLD

575,000

508 Constitution Ave NE

5BR/4BA

CLASSY CONSTITUTION AVE VICTORIAN WITH CARRIAGE HOME! Savor historic elements - plaster crown molding, tall ceilings, and extra wide bay front - blended with beautifully updated kitchen and baths! Uniquely flexible layouts to suit your lifestyle, with three separate living zones; spacious main and upper level with 2 full baths and laundry, lower level with kitchen/laundry and separate front/rear entry; 1-bed 1-bath carriage home with separate alley access. So many options for convenient Capitol Hill living and possible short-term rental, steps to Capitol grounds and endless amenities.

521 17th St SE 4BR/3.5BA $1,299,000

BEAUTIFUL CONVERSION WITH MODERN STYLING! Welcome home to another stunning transformation by local builder, offering 4-bedrooms and 3.5 baths on 3 levels with sleek European styling overlooking the hills of Congressional! Beautifully crafted casework, finishes and fixtures throughout with great bonuses: spacious elevated deck, rear parking, and separate entry lower level suiteperfect for Airrbnb or future long-term rental!

603 F St NE

3BR/1.5-BA

WALK TO EVERYTHING FROM FANTASTIC F STREET! Convenient Stanton Park home near Union Station, H Street and Union Market, hop in the bike lanes or walk to groceries, restaurants and cafés! Perfectly placed brick bay front home with private patio and off street parking offers 3 bedrooms, updated kitchen, baths, and interior doors, with bonus lower level storage!

Maryland Ave NE #1

HISTORIC RETAIL SPACE SOARS AS LUXURY CONDO! Condo conversion from a local builder provides a striking home on this sunny corner of Capitol Hill! Soaring 11-ft. ceilings and serious square footage on three levels, along new Maryland Ave streetscape with easy bike or walk access to the best of the Hill and H St / Atlas. Enjoy European styling in this modern interior inside an historic Capitol Hill storefront, with BEAUTIFUL & spacious roof deck bonus with 360 degree views from the Arboretum to Stanton Park!

412 East Capitol St NE

FASTIDIOUS

CAPITOL HILL EAST 420 16th St SE #B1 $ 362,000 2

CARVER LANGSTON 1014 1/2 17th Pl NE #6 $ 315,000 1

CENTRAL 1111 25th St NW #717 $ 889,500 2 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #916 $ 765,000 2 1010 Massachusetts Ave NW #807 $ 680,000 2 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #1201 $ 580,000 1 912 F St NW #208 $ 1,025,000 2

DUPONT

1280 21st St NW #905 $ 460,000 1

1280 21st St NW #503 $ 455,000 1 1615 Q St NW #901 $ 436,615 1 1919 16th St NW #5 $ 357,000 1

1775 Church St NW #PH8 $ 1,845,000 2 1736 18th St NW #303 $ 670,000 2 1735 Willard St NW #5 $ 631,000 2 1757 Q St NW #27 (UNIT C) $ 630,000 1 1425 Hopkins St NW #202 $ 520,000 2 1545 18th St NW #519 $ 430,000 1 1545 18th St NW #621 $ 399,000 1 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #725 $ 367,500 1 1301 20th St NW #407 $ 335,000 1 1725 New Hampshire Ave NW #704 $ 300,000 0 1711 Massachusetts Ave NW #304 $ 279,275 0 1322 15th St NW #B2 $ 259,000 1

ECKINGTON

4th St NE #2 $ 1,200,000 4

4th NE #2 $ 1,150,000 4

4th St NE #1 $ 1,118,250 4

Q St NE #UNIT 2 $ 900,000 3

Quincy Pl NE #2 $ 850,000 3

Quincy Pl NE #1 $ 515,000 2

2nd St NW #8 $ 419,900 1

FAIRFAX VILLAGE

Southern Ave SE #101 $ 170,000 1

FORT DUPONT PARK

Ridge Rd SE #201 $ 90,000

LINCOLN

Banneker Dr NE #3316 $ 439,500

Apple Rd NE #9 $ 380,000

H STREET CORRIDOR

G St NE #5 $ 689,000

Maryland Ave NE #310

St NE #402

St NE #301

7th St NE #2

HILL CREST

27th St

620,000

505,000

499,900

429,000

LOGAN

NW #3

Island Ave NW #5

1,350,000

830,000 2

1460 Rhode Island Ave NW #6 $ 799,900 2

1407 15th St NW #1 $ 739,900 2

1313 Vermont Ave NW #14 $ 700,000 2

1300 N St NW #305 $ 645,500 2

1300 13th St NW #909 $ 600,000 1

1212 M St NW #202 $ 595,000 2

1441 Rhode Island Ave NW #607 $ 515,000 1

1312 13th St NW #5 $ 505,000 1

1314 Massachusetts Ave NW #704 $ 399,999 1

1239 Vermont Ave NW #106 $ 376,500 1

1300 N St NW #121 $ 300,000 0

1115 12th St NW #503 $ 285,000 0

MT VERNON SQ

910 M St NW #522 $ 705,000 2

459 Massachusetts Ave NW #B1 $ 335,000 1

555 Massachusetts Ave NW #616 $ 465,000 1

NAVY YARD

37 L St SE #802 $ 900,000 2

70 N St SE #N816 $ 437,000 1

OLD CITY #1

153 Randolph Pl NW #1 $ 689,000 2

1018 13th St SE #2 $ 570,000 2

1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE #213 $ 425,000 1

901 D St NE #2 $ 412,500 0

OLD CITY #2

1451 N St NW #3 $ 775,000 2

1513 S St NW #1 $ 760,000 2

301 Massachusetts Ave NW #701 $ 680,000 2

1519 Church St NW #2 $ 664,341 2

1800 R St NW #209 $ 520,000 1

475 K St NW #420 $ 495,000 1

1 Scott Cir NW #808 $ 405,000 1

1115 12th St NW #303 $ 282,000 1

PENN QUARTER

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW #PH13 $ 530,000 1

701 Pennsylvania Ave NW #1003 $ 380,000 1

RANDLE HEIGHTS

1716 28th St SE #2 $ 525,000 3

1716 28th St SE #1 $ 475,000 3

3113 Naylor Rd SE #C $ 117,500 2

RLA (SW)

2828 Wisconsin Ave NW #106 $ 930,000 3

350 G St SW #N112 $ 408,000 1

700 7th St SW #131 $ 255,000 0

SHAW

810 O St NW #506 $ 1,049,900 2

1415 10th St NW #1 $ 840,000 2

910 M St NW #301 $ 765,000 2

456 M St NW #2 $ 739,000 2

451 Ridge St NW #B $ 690,000 2

440 Rhode Island Ave NW #301 $ 585,000 2

2030 8th St NW #413 $ 529,000 1

435 R St NW #406 $ 429,000 1

449 R St NW #12 $ 329,900 1

artsdining and

RUBELL MUSEUM DC OPENS

Changing How Contemporary Art is Viewed in the Region

By Phil Hutinet

If you’ve been really, really good in a past life, will you come back as something even better in the next? That is the question on everyone’s mind in DC as Southwest’s long-neglected Randall School is set to reincarnate, once again, into something new. Originally built in 1908 as a public school to educate Black children, since its closing in 1978, the building has housed a homeless shelter, artist studios and was last owned by the Corcoran School of Art + Design until it was nally sold to the Rubells. After more than ten years of planning and construction, Randall School will become the DC region’s newest museum of contemporary art—Rubell Museum DC.

Rebuilt to house the vast collection of contemporary art acquired over the course of a half-a-century by the Rubell family, the 32,000 square foot exhibition space, which preserves the layout of the original school, will open its doors to the public on Saturday, October 29, 2022. DC residents are admitted free of charge.

The inaugural exhibition titled “What’s Going On?”—borrowed from DC native and Randall School alumnus Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album—will include 190 works by 37 artists. The works in the exhibition are in dialog with the lyrics from the album’s tracks which thematically address social and environ-

Kehinde Wiley “Sleep”, 2008, Oil on canvas, 132 x 300 in. (335.3 x 762 cm). Acquired in 2009.

Rubell Museum DC Façade Rendering, courtesy of Buyer Blender Belle.

mental issues still relevant fifty years since the record’s release.

The Rubells Connection to Living Artists

Don and Mera Rubbell start ed collecting art in 1965 when Don was in medical school and Mera taught a Head Start program. Since then, the couple, along with their son Jason Rubell, have built one of the world’s most important and critically ac claimed art collections.

What sets the Rubells apart from many collectors is their hands-on approach to collecting. They don’t just buy art; they form life-long relationships with the artists whose work they collect. They are deeply connected to living artists, many of whom are emerging or mid-career which requires a certain amount of risk-taking on the Rubells’ part.

Rather than keeping all of the work tied up in a large private residence or storage vault, which many collectors are known for doing, the Rubells have made their collection available to the public. In 1993, the Rubells created a foundation for that purpose in Miami and opened their collec tion for public viewing. Rubell Museum DC is part of this ongoing com mitment by the family’s foundation to making the collection open to all.

Neighborhood Impact

The Randall School is not the Rubell’s first commercial real estate acquisi tion in DC. The couple purchased Capitol Skyline Hotel, located across I Street SW from Randall School, in the 2000s. Since the Rubells took over the property, the hotel hosted DC’s first art fair, (e)merge, in 2011-2014 which was organized by CONNERSMITH, one of DC’s largest commer cial galleries. The hotel was also the temporary headquarters of Washing ton Project for the Arts from February 2013 until the arts nonprofit moved to their permanent Shaw location in 2016.

Currently, Southwest is home to the some of the region’s most attend ed performing art venues including Arena Stage and The Anthem. Rubell Museum DC will provide the visual art anchor in the neighborhood’s al ready impressive cultural landscape.

Caitlin Berry Leads the Charge

At the helm of the new museum, Direc tor Caitlin Berry came into her new posi tion not unlike how the Rubells came in contact with their collection—through her passion for art and artists.

A rising star in the DC art scene, Ber ry worked at Hemphill Fine Arts, one of the city’s most prestigious commercial gal leries. She also directed Cody Gallery at Marymount University in Arlington and most recently, she ran her own art consul tancy practice.

One might expect that a high profile family foundation like the Rubell’s would use an executive search firm to find the next director for their DC museum. How ever, in true Rubell fashion, they turned to their artists for council. They asked Hank Willis Thomas, a nationally acclaimed art ist who once called DC home, if he had a short-list in mind of people who could lead the new DC museum. Having been away from DC for some time, Thomas re ferred the Rubells to DC-based Nekisha Durrett. Durrett in turn introduced the Rubells to Caitlin Berry who represented her. “I am so honored to come to them [the Rubells] via a recommendation from someone for whom I have the utmost re spect,” Berry explains.

Berry is equally excited about the im pact that the Rubells will have on contem porary art in DC, their long-term plans for the collection and how it will be presented.

She describes the couple as being “total ly intrepid in their vision” and explained that the family understands how art can create conversations around which social change can take place.

In addition to running operations for the museum before its inaugural opening, Berry has also been hard at work with community outreach—attending ANC meetings, connecting with the SW BID and other neighborhood groups to ensure the museum serves its neighbors long af ter the fanfare of opening day has receded.

“What’s Going On?”

The 190 works in the inaugural exhibi tion include art by Natalie Ball, Cecily Brown, Maurizio Cattelan, Jonathan Lyn don Chase, Leonardo Drew, Chase Hall, February James, Rashid Johnson, Josh Kline, Cady Noland, Richard Prince, Christina Quarles, Tschabalala Self, Syl via Snowden, Vaughn Spann, Hank Wil lis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, John Wa ters, Carrie Mae Weems, Kehinde Wiley, Kennedy Yanko, and Cajsa von Zeipel.

Keith Haring’s “Untitled (Against All Odds)”, 1989, is a series of 20 works he created while listening to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” They serve as a pre amble to the other works while simulta neously setting the overall tone of the ex hibition.

Long-term Impact For DC

One important difference between Rubell Museum DC and its counterparts in the

Keith Haring “Untitled (Against All Odds)”, 1989 Sumi ink and gouache on handmade linen paper 25 x 30 in. (63.5 x 76 cm). Acquired in 1989.

LEFT: Hank Willis Thomas “From the Unbranded Series BA Natural Exposion! Afro Sheen® Blowout Creme Relax er”, 1973/2007, 2007, Lambda photograph, ed. 2/530 x 36 in. (76.2 x 91.5 cm). Acquired in 2007.

Caitlin Berry. ©Sarah Marcella Creative.

roject

by Jean-Keith Fagon

A brief synopsis of various music for your listening pleasure.

Out of the Shadows & Into The Spotlight ••• Tim Gordon, saxophone; David Shoff, keyboards

Lovers of contemporary smooth jazz will enjoy these new performances from two acclaimed mu sicians, most notable on “Short Life,” and “Do You Want Me” that bris tle with robust melody as well as delicate scoring. This is clearly a high ly charged occasion that gives the set its durabil ity and its hold on one’s affections. The immedi acy and clarity of sound, plus the saxophone’s rhythmic grasp, ensures that the effect of the music is still as smooth a jazz as you are likely to hear. Also appearing on this album are Chris Allen (drums), and Brad Wilcox (flugelhorn).

Lush Life •••

Heather Ferguson, vocals

On her new album, Canadianbased Heather Ferguson is heard here in peak form awash in the el egant and mesmerizing sounds of saxophonist Barrie Sorensen and trumpeter Miquelito Valdes. Ms. Ferguson is a forceful vocalist, perfectly lovely in the middle register of her voice, invariably poised on a va riety of repertoire. Songs like “Body & Soul” and “At Last” are delivered beautifully with purity and into nation. It could not be more welcome when a record

ing transforms such popular songs, as this one does, setting it on a new plane. And as added bonus there is Barrie Sorensen (sax) and Miguelito Valdes (trum pet, flugelhorn) playing with subtle tonal shading that heightens the atmospheric evocation in the most en gaging mix of exuberance and gravitas. Every change in mood of Ms. Ferguson’s voice is superbly crafted and judged by these musicians. The result is that the per formance throughout the album is marvelously clean and the music itself can only be called luminous. Oth er standouts include the warm and tenderly moving “Stardust,” and “The Look of Love.”

Performers on Lush Life include Miguelito Val des (trumpet, flugelhorn, congas), Barrie Sorensen (saxophone), Dr. Tony Genge (organ, piano), Jan Stirling (piano), Joey Smith (guitar, bass), Damian Graham (drums), and Kelby MacNayr (drums). Lush Life will be released worldwide on November 18th. The release will be celebrated with a performance at Hermann’s Jazz Club in Victoria, British Columbia, on the evening of November 18th.

We Never Stop ••• Candy Dulfer

After three decades of collabo rations and world tours, plus chart-topping and high-sell ing solo career releases, Candy Dulfer is living proof of the title of her latest album, We Never Stop. The track “Con vergency,” featuring three-time Grammy Award-win ner Nile Rodgers (guitar), is richly imaginative and a truly heartfelt joy to listen to dance your summer away. This is smooth jazz with the music that is won derfully ethereal with great verve and panache. Others can simply accept this performance as a thoroughly en joyable romp. Also heard here on the album is Erich Cawalla (vocals and saxophone). u

region is the collectors’ emphasis on living artists and by extension, con temporaneity—that is, the Rubells understand artmaking in real time. They have a track record of recog nizing how the present connects to the future, in other words, they see trends before they happen. This could prove particularly beneficial for DC artists who have long strug gled to find recognition locally and in many cases, have had to go else where or worse, pass away, to find critical acclaim.

In that regard, Alma Thom as and Sam Gilliam come to mind. Thomas’ accolades came posthu mously. She was the first Black wom an to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. When Sam Gilliam moved to New York towards the end of his life, he started to receive the recognition he deserved. In his last days on earth (he passed away earlier this year), he had a long-overdue retrospective ex hibition at the Hirshhorn.

With a brick-and-mortar pres ence in DC, will the Rubells rec ognize the talent of emerging and mid-career Thomases and Gilliams regionally? If the answer is an affir mative one, this could signal a wel come new era for DC artists as local museums and collectors scramble to purchase work before the Rubells scoop it for their collection!

Rubell Museum DC is located at 65 I Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024. Contact the museum by phone at 202-964-8254 or via email infodc@ rubellmuseum.org. Free for DC Res idents. Hours of operation: Wed., Thu. & Fri.: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat. & Sun.: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Visit dc.rubellmuseum.org for more information.

Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, DC’s art journal. For more informa tion visit www.eastcityart.com. u

ART andthe CITY

by Jim Magner

FINAL ARTIST PROFILE:

JOHN MAGNER

My Paintings.

I didn’t become an art ist. Like most of us, I was born to it; it comes with the human pack age. Over the years, I learned to watch, not just look. I learned that every thing was living in a moment without knowing how many there would be. I want to be in that mo ment. I want to be inside the sub ject, whether it’s person, place or thing. As a result, I do not have a particular approach or technique: a “signature style.” My paintings all look different. It is the nature of the place that counts, not me the artist.

I got a BFA and an Army Infan try commission and a trip to Vietnam where I chalked up a few more emotion al shocks…along with the scars. So, I have PTSD—verified and certified by the Veterans Administration.

Since then, like you and everyone else, I have been knocked off my feet a few times and have been rolled over by world-shaking tsunamis. It doesn’t kill art—it makes it more intense—purer.

So, What’s Next For Me?

PTSD and Art.

This is my final column for the Hill Rag. In these 20+ years, I have pro filed over 240 artists and covered hundreds of gallery openings and museum shows.

I love to write about art, and make art, but the sheer joy has come from talking to other artists: conversations, not interviews. These are dedicated people who follow their passions to create.

All the artists have been different, but they share some traits: they have been creators since childhood, even if they set out in other directions professionally. At some point, they all came back to art, even, if like me, they had to take long periods away to build a business or raise a family.

Take the Capitol: It is not a building. It is a set of ideas. It is people. Good people. Evil people. Mostly people just passing through. It is no color. It is every col or. It is the color of free dom, or the color of lost freedoms. It can welcome the people of the world or it can be barricaded; locked up and fenced off. Then it becomes a danger ous place. A very danger ous place.

Here are some paintings of Capitol Hill from happier times.

PTSD and Art Traumas begin to accumulate early. As a kid, I saw beauty and adventure everywhere and fled from boring reality. It was not appre ciated by teachers and I accumulated my share of emotional damage through grade school and high school. I majored in art in college and had a few more traumas: pro fessors demand their own form of non-con formity. Also, ROTC and studio art are not your normal dance partners.

I have written three books during these 20 years: My Vietnam memoir, “A Haunting Beauty,” and two historical fiction novels: ‘”John Dillinger and Geronimo,” and “The Dead Man on the Corner.” Fiction allows for fun stories, but my novels are re ally about time: how time changes us, and how we change time. That got me thinking about my time

Blue Cap, by Jim Magner

DC Sunrise, by Jim Magner

Jim Magner. Photo: Karen Whaley

and how to make use of what ‘s left.

Much of what I have written in the column has been about the magic of art and the mys teries of us. Like me, you have PTSD. Maybe there was no combat…no battle fatigue… but you’ve had surprise disasters and maybe you’ve also been rolled over by a tsunami or two. Especially in these past couple of years.

You look for a cure. You try various ways to deal with it. But trauma, like reli gion, opens us up to an awareness of what’s higher than our own reality. Each brings us closer to a fuller understanding of nature… of the mysteries of it all. PTSD gives us a stairway to the supernatural and there is no more powerful link than the arts.

PTSD and Art is an ongoing series of short conversations about how trauma can provide the insights that free us—give us the intellectual and emotional room to roam through the landscape of human creativity… and the “why?” of creativity.

It’s on Substack, an on-line platform. It’s free and you can subscribe for notices. You can join the conversation if you choose. PTSDart.substack.com.

Hill Rag

I could not have written this column without the support of the Hill Rag. It began in 2001 when I wrote a guest editorial, a plea to keep the Capitol open…not to hide behind barriers. I had worked on the Hill since 1977 and loved the open “people’s house” with all of its art and history.

After that exercise in futility, I suggested to the Executive Editor, Melissa Ashabranner, that the Hill Rag could use an art column. She said, “Write one. “ I did, and then another and another…

The Managing Editor, Andrew Lightman has made it easy, and Art Director, Jason Yen, has provided terrific layouts. And it hasn’t been just my column. The Hill Rag has provided more support for all the arts than any community publica tion that I know of. Every cover has a painting or other work of art. It has been wonderful. Thank you Melissa, Andrew, Jason and the whole staff.

A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com u

Dancing House, by Jim Magner

Self Portrait. by Jim Magne,

AT THE MOVIES

Second Look: An Annual Survey of Overlooked Films

With this column, I again high light several “Movies That Got Away,” feature films (from 2021) less noticed or hyped upon re lease. This selection avoids mainstream Hollywood fare for movies which offered something distinctive, discriminating, or novel.

As in all movie seasons, there are standout films that too few people saw and which were overlooked during awards season. I start with four worthy English-language productions which Os car mostly ignored:

Mass — Modest in scope but large in heart is “Mass,” a four-hander wherein two grieving couples meet to try to cope with unimaginable loss. One pair (Martha Plimpton and Jason Isaacs) had, six years ear lier, lost their teen-aged son in a school shooting, while the other couple, Reed Birney and Ann Dowd, are the parents of the teen-aged shooter who committed sui cide after the act. All four parents are splendid, utter ly natural in delivering director Fran Kranz’s incisive script. Plimpton stands out as a woman struggling to contain inner turmoil, while agonized Ann Dowd de livers a soliloquy describing her fraught last evening with her son, a devastating reveal.

by Mike Canning

Language Lessons — Perhaps the best movie of the COVID era, “Language Lessons” tells its sto ry wholly through Zoom and cell phone exchanges, as its two leads never meet. A California man (Mark Duplass) has lost his partner, who has left him the gift of Spanish language lessons for a year. His teacher is a young Puerto-Rican woman (Natalie Morales) who instructs him virtually from Central America. The les sons, seen solely through screens, might seem poten tially boring but are anything but, as the simpatico ac tors gain a touching sense of each other. Off Zoom, we see other dimensions of their lives acted out on sepa rate phone messages. Conceived, written, and direct ed—and acted—by the precocious Morales.

Worth — “Worth” follows the horrific 9/11 at tacks, after Congress has appointed mediator Kenneth Feinberg (Michael Keaton) to lead the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, aiming to allocate finan cial resources to the victims’ families, who had under gone unfathomable losses. A non-negotiable element of the settlements is that families will never file future suits against the airlines. Fund leaders have two years to come up with a viable plan. The film plays out this scenario in a no-nonsense manner, and Keaton and company are earnest and under-toned. Though the

context of 9/11 and its victims creates enough builtin tension to keep the drama compelling, It produces its own kind of mournful momentum.

Cyrano — This musical film version of the Ros tand play offers a major change from the original plot: Cyrano’s physical defect is not a massive nose but his stunted stature. Peter Dinklage carries off the lead role with a touching yet forceful performance, exuding the piquant intelligence the character deserves. Hal ey Bennett makes for a charming co-star, she of inno cent bearing yet real verve. English director Joe Wright has crafted lush period-pieces before and here he has the gorgeous backdrop of Sicily. Two prime locations are the southern Baroque town of Noto and the vol canic landscape around Mount Etna. The whole film resonates with exquisite settings, seconded by rich costuming bathed in glowing light.

Also worth catching up on were two (very different) foreign language gems:

Drive My Car — A quiet and complex tale of a renowned Japanese stage actor and director who gains a new lease on life after his wife, a serial adulteress, dies suddenly. He then receives a tempting offer to direct a new production of Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya” at a the ater festival in Hiroshima. Once established in the city, he reluctantly agrees to accept a car and a local woman driver, who becomes an intriguing, unpre dictable character in her own right. The produc tion is singular in that the play attracts actors from all over the region (revealed in fascinating auditions), all of whom will play in their own language (includ ing one deaf actor).

Parallel Mothers — Pedro Almodovar, the Spanish writer-director, scores again with “Parallel Mothers,” a brilliantly realized film that finds two women—one mature, one a teen—giving birth si multaneously and becoming entangled in each oth er’s lives. With a DNA test, the story takes a sharp turn, and relationships shift, though the rapport between the two women remains. Almodovar, long known for his lavish use of color, again uses vibrant hues, especially on the scarlet-to-carmine spectrum, shown in the costuming, furnishings, and interior details. It helps that the director again has Penel

Left to right: Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton as two aggrieved parents in drama “Mass.”

Photo: Bleecker Street Pictures

ope Cruz as his muse. She is as terrific as ever, playing a heartfelt, if practical, character who knows her own mind: a kind of natural, hard-headed feminist.

On the documentary front, I particularly like these three:

Writing with Fire — Bravery comes in the form of smiling women brandishing smartphones in the Indi an documentary “Writing with Fire.”

A group of female journalists maintain India’s only female-led news outlet, working in a social environment that marginalizes them based on caste. The women, all from the Dalit caste (“un touchables”), are shown changing the nature of their newspaper from print to digital. Chief Reporter Meera Devi and her team of investigative journal ists do serious work on the fly but with a wondrous spirit of collaboration and humor. Indian co-directors Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas worked on the film for five years and pulled off a casting coup in finding its three stars. If I wanted to characterize this docu mentary with one word, I would say “heartening.”

Summer of Soul — A wonder ful historic vision of New York City reveals itself in this video resuscita tion of long-forgotten music perfor mances at the 1969 Harlem Cultural

Festival. The summer festival, featur ing iconic Black performers from B.B. King to Sly and the Family Stone, last ed for six weeks and totaled an audi ence of 300,000. Now it can be joyful ly witnessed 50 years after tapes were discovered stored in a basement. It is a heartfelt time capsule into Black con sciousness in the late 1960’s, a peri od of burgeoning Black Power, flam boyant, African-inspired dress, and the opening of new avenues for Black ex pression. The crowd shots are vivid re minders of a high point in Black life, a whole people grooving to the rhythms of its diverse music.

Storm Lake — A paean to clas sic journalism, this film is a near obit uary for shoe leather journalism as it was practiced, especially in Amer ica’s small towns. It is also a chroni cle of a close-knit family, the Cullens, who don’t want their lives’ work to die along with small newspapers. Told in the no-nonsense tones of Storm Lake, Iowa, the film mixes a bit of Lake Woe begone with “All the President’s Men.”

Editor Art Cullen, with a mop of flyaway hair recalling the mature Mark Twain, is the unbidden star, the rea sonable voice for an enterprise in cri sis. He is also the voice of the Storm Lake Times, whose editorials, well-ar gued and amiable, won the 2017 Pu litzer Prize. u

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

POTTERY ON THE HILL 2022: THE ANNUAL SHOW & SALE NOVEMBER 11-13 Friday, November 11, 6:30pm - Ticketed Reception Saturday, November 12, 10:00am-5:00pmFree Show & Sale Sunday, November 13, 11:00am-4:00pm - Free Show & Sale

CONCERTS

NEW DATE: Family Happy Hour w/ King Bullfrog Friday, November 4, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Global Sounds on the Hill Ethiopian Ensemble Qwanqwa: Monday, November 14, 7:00pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Sausage Making

Tuesday, November 1, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Bitter is Beautiful: Amaro Tasting w/Italian Cookies Thursday, November 3, 5:30pm-7:00pm

Master Class w/ Chef Susan Barocas & Veteran Food Writer Bonnie Benwick: Two Roots + A Brassica! Sunday, November 6, 11:00am-2:00pm

Easy Vegetarian Indian Cooking: Spice Up Your Holidays! Thursday, November 10, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Falling into Fall Sugar Cookies Saturday, November 19, 11:00am-1:00pm

LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS

Overbeck Lecture: William Costin’s Life in Early Capitol Hill Monday, November 7, 7:30pm-9:00pm

STUDIO ARTS

Basic Drawing Techniques: Drawing From an Image Starting Tuesday, November 1, 6:30pm-8:00pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP)

Breathing Space Yoga

Busy Bees: Music & Art Playgroup

French Courses: All Levels

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR

Mr. Mike’s Music

Opera Starts with Oh! - Opera Lafayette

Piano Lessons with Gordon Tenney

Studio One Dance

Super Soccer Stars

Tai Chi Chuan

Tippi Toes Dance

Warrior Fusion Karate

Programmatic support provided by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

From right: Penelope Cruz and Milena Smit (back to camera) star in “Parallel Mothers” by Almodovar. Photo: Sony Classic Pictures

CAPITOL CUISINE

by Celeste McCall

The venerable Silver Diner chain, which boasts 19 suburban locations, has landed in the Navy Yard. You’ll nd the hip, two-level newcomer at 1250 Half St. SE, across from Nationals Park. “Chopped” winner Executive Chef Ype von Hengst melds classic American road food with con-temporary cooking. The 139-seat lower level is called Silver Diner; the dressier upstairs terrace—which opens later for dinner only—is Silver Social.

Peter and I went on opening day, which we don’t normally do. The place was hopping, with a high energy buzz. The gleaming, $9-million Art Deco space was designed by CORE Architects Inc. It’s gorgeous.

Catching my eye was the huge mural depicting DC’s long-gone Gri th Stadium, home of the old Washington Senators.

We settled at a spacious table and perused the menu, which included omelets, pancakes, sandwich-es, burgers, chicken pot pie and meatloaf. Executive Chef Ype von Hengst’s kitchen highlights lo-cal ingredients and caters to dietary restrictions with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Quinoa coconut pancakes are piled with fresh fruit and agave; meatloaf is made from local Black Angus beef. Some shakes are dairy-free.

I decided on the $10.99 “blue plate” special: A half junior turkey club was stacked with lots of white meat, bacon and cheese on sourdough. The generous “kickin” crab/corn chowder was tasty with just enough heat. But it was long on corn with little crabmeat.

Peter went for a diner classic: chicken pot pie, accompanied by soup or salad (Peter chose a side Caesar). Von Hengst’s beautifully presented rendition—chock full of breast meat— tasted of tarra-gon and sweet potatoes; the latter delivered a surprising sweetness.

Lunch for two with a glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc came to about $50. Service, delivered by Bree, was rst rate--pleasant and knowledgeable. Silver Diner is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, visit www.SilverDiner.com/ballpark.

Coming Soon

Duke’s Grocery, the British-style pub, is coming to 1201 Half St. SE, across the street from

Silver Diner. Other Duke’s outlets are located at Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom’s Western Market and Woodley Park. For updates, visit www.dukesgrocery.com.

Dim Sum Palace

The Capitol Hill restaurant scene is heating up. Joining Barracks Row’s Asian culinary family is Han Palace. Located at 522 Eighth St. SE, the 60seat Han showcases Cantonese-style dim sum and other traditional dishes. You’ll nd it at the former Frame of Mine space, which moved across the street. Han proprietor Chris Zhu also operates the original Han Palace in Tysons Corner, with a second location in Woodley Park, plus China Garden in Rockville.

In the Navy Yard near Nationals Park, the Silver Diner sports a handsome $9-million Art Deco interior.

A lunchtime Silver Diner special is the soup and half-sandwich. Seen here is a “junior” turkey club with spicy crab-andcorn chowder.

Specializing in dim sum, Barracks Row’s Han Palace is especially busy on week-ends.

At Han Palace, artful presentation is important, including this beautiful tea set.

Barracks Row’s Han Palace offers two unlimited dim sum menus—priced at $38 and $48-- which offers soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, steamed pork buns, Han style Pe king duck, and crispy beef. Tea is included, and bottomless mimosas are $18 extra per person. No Hong Kong-style pushcarts here; dim sum items are made to order by Chef David Xie. His menu also includes sev-eral kinds of con gee, the soothing gruel that Chinese often eat for breakfast. Congee choices are seafood, ab alone/chicken, lobster tail and plain.

Han Palace is hot! When we showed up for Saturday lunch, the small space was jampacked, with a three-hour wait. When we re turned on a rainy Monday, we were seated right away. Sure, we found glitches; management was unable to (temporarily) accept credit cards, and the bar had no sake, which would have been welcome on such a cold, dreary day. But Han was still new.

We decided to go ala carte rather than prix fixe. From the congee listing, I chose the med ley of scal-lops, octopus (rubbery, unfortunate ly), and Chinese clams. The tummy warming dish arrived in a handsome black pot with a lid, plus matching bowls and spoons.

From the dumpling lineup, Peter ordered pan-fried chicken with vegetables. The half doz en plump crescents were arranged on a tradi tional bamboo steamer, escorted by a variety of dipping sauces presented in lovely porcelain cruets. Other dumplings are filled with shrimp, lamb-and-carrots and pork. Presentation is big here. Flower tea—enough for three-- arrived in a handsome glass pot, along with a pair of beau tiful teacups.

Lunch for two with hot tea and a glass of Malbec came to $47.14 plus tip. Service was ex cellent, in spite of the snags. Han Palace is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more infor-mation visit www.hanpalacedc.com.

Yet More Pizza

Also due to open—if not already—is Della Bar ba Pizza, 1382 East Capitol. For the long-awaited pie palace, expect classic New York style (“light and airy”); thicker, richer Sicilian; Chicago deep dish; rectangular Detroit style. Among toppings are crushed tomato, pepperoni, sausage, meat balls, spinach ricotta, fresh mozzarella. Della Barba also operates a pop-up at 1369 New York

Ave. NE (Ivy City).

Long time Hill dwellers like us might re member Al’s Gourmet Pizza, which departed the East Cap-itol space years ago. Back then, Al’s was one of the few pizza options on the Hill. How things change. For Della Barba updates visit www.dellabarbapizza.com.

Eat Your Veggies

There was a fun and healthy promotion at East ern Market recently as the International Fresh Pro-duce Association (IFPA) was winding up a three-day conference. In addition to meetings with Congressional offices and other powersthat-be, the green gathering included the “Joy of Fresh” on Capitol Hill.” The festive event deco rated Eastern Market’s north end with bountiful seasonal pro-duce, colorful floral displays and lots of freebies. There was also flower braiding, a happy hour and other community activities.

The IFPA overall goal is to provide solu tions for the world’s health and economic chal lenges, im-proving the appeal of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets, and supporting the de velopment of infrastructure and supply chain issues. IFPA is headquartered in Newark, Del aware. For more in-formation, visit www.fresh produce.com. u

THANK YOU FROM THE CAPITOL HILL RESTORATION SOCIETY TO OUR GUESTS AT HOUSE EXPO 2022

AND TO THE PARTICIPATING HOME SERVICE EXHIBITORS:

Abay Iron & Metal Works CUSTOM IRONWORK

American Profess. Chimney CHIMNEY SWEEP

Capitol Hill Village AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Chemstrip Refinishing REFINISH METAL/WOOD

Chuck Burger/ Coldwell Banker REAL ESTATE Cole Roof Systems ROOFER Community Forklift RECYCLED BUILDING SUPPLIES Dave Taylor HANDYMAN//HAULING DC Fire/ EMS SAFETY DC Access INTERNET & TV DOB (formerly DCRA) DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS DOEE DEPT OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Eastern Market Mainstreet SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS EMCAC EASTERN MARKET CITIZEN ADVISORY Chris Cox/First Savings Mort. MORTGAGE LOANS Image Painting PAINTER International Dark Sky Assn CONSERVATION EDUCATION Joel Truitt Builders & Mgt. CONTRACTOR PROPERTY MGMT Masterworks Design INTERIOR DESIGN Merlino Construction CONTRACTOR Michaliga Masonry BRICK/STONE ARTISAN Mike Jones/State Farm INSURANCE MPDC METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPT N&M House Detectives HOUSE HISTORIES Parick

LANDSCAPER Solar United Neighbors (SUN) SOLAR CO-OP Wilcox Electric ELECTRICIAN Woodland

TITLE COMPANY/LOANS

The International Fresh Produce Association re cently hosted a Joy of Fresh promotion at Eastern Market.

Chuck Burger

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events the LITERARY HILL

by Karen Lyon

perative to oppose injus tice. He prac-ticed what he called “costly grace.” Eschewing the “casual pi ety of casual Christians,” he sought to live his faith every day without com promise. “It is costly be cause it costs a man his life,” he wrote, “and it is grace because it gives a man his only true life.”

stinct light their path and follow it come what may.” With threats arising from various fronts these days, we can only hope that our times will produce our own share of righteous souls.

Hill journalist and author Tom Dunkel has been a long-time freelancer for publications such as The Washington Post Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and Smithsonian. He is the author of “Colorblind: The Forgotten Team That Broke Baseball’s Color Line.” www.tomdunkel.com

Baseball Trilogy

Costly Grace

Germany in the 1930s was a terrifying place to be. Af ter Hitler assumed power, Jews were indiscriminately beaten, books banned, journalists expelled, and even the mild act of telling a joke could result in harsh im prisonment. And, as we all know, much worse was to come.

In his new book, “White Knights in the Black Orchestra,” Tom Dunkel writes that “Hitler’s Ger many could be viewed as a battle for the soul of a na tion.” But while “millions of Christians had convinced themselves it was possible to be a God-fearing, Biblebelieving Nazi,” there was one group of people who decried the injustices and rose up to defy Hitler. The Gestapo dubbed them the “Black Orchestra.”

Hans von Dohnanyi was a staff attorney in the Ministry of Justice who “began secretly compiling a running list of Nazi transgressions, which he referred to as the ‘Chronicle of Shame.’” If his treasonous act ever came to light, he would be summarily executed. His hope was that his documentation would help to prosecute Nazis for their atrocities once Germany re turned to a more stable political climate.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian who denounced Hitler’s perse-cution of the Jews and reminded Christians of their moral im

Dohnanyi and Bon hoeffer, along with a cad re of like-minded mili tary officers, diplomats, politicians and others both within and outside the German government, were part of the “Black Or-chestra” conspiracy. Their goal was to bring down the Third Reich and put an end to what was quickly becoming a bloodbath. With little support from the al lies and at great risk to themselves, they plotted bomb ings and assassination attempts—which Hitler some how escaped, but which sig-naled to the world that not all Germans embraced Nazism.

In 70 fast-paced chapters, Dunkel’s seamless narrative gives these brave men and women their overdue eulogy. In the end, about 200 people directly involved in the conspiracy were execut-ed, and of the additional 7,000 suspects snared in Hitler’s wide-ranging investigation, nearly 5,000 were put to death. While Dohnanyi and Bonhoeffer were among the casualties, Dohnanyi’s “Chronicle of Shame” survived, as did Bonhoeffer’s posthumous letters and papers, which became an international bestseller.

Now “White Knights in the Black Orchestra” can be added to their lega cy, along with a line that could well serve as an epitaph: “In darkest days,” writes Dunkel, “righteous souls must let in-

When you combine a national treasure with the na tional pastime, you can’t lose. E. Ethel-bert Miller is a literary activist and award-winning poet whose hon ors and prizes could paper a dugout. Now, with his third book of baseball poetry, “How I Found Love Behind the Catcher’s Mask,” he once again justifies his many accolades.

As author Merrill Leffler writes in the book’s in troduction, Miller’s poems are “not about baseball in and of itself… These improvisational poems may start with baseball, but they move into explorations of subjects ranging widely and randomly from one to another.”

E. Ethelbert Miller completes a triple play with his third book of baseball poems, “How I Found Love Behind the Catcher’s Mask.”

Capitol Hill journalist Tom Dunkel tells the story of a group of Germans who defied the Nazi regime in “White Knights in the Black Orchestra.”

“Baseball Cards,” for example, a nos talgic look at a boyhood hobby, becomes a plangent reflection on racism: “Black histo ry was years ahead of us / so when we gath ered in the play-ground / we traded away our baseball cards / with the black faces.” A poem for Glenn Burke, the first openly gay major league baseball player, becomes a poignant plea for understanding and tol er-ance. And an homage to Emmett Ash ford pays moving tribute to the first Afri can American umpire in the major leagues.

Using baseball as metaphor, Mill er instills his own meaning into the lan guage of the game. In “The Changeup,” he asks, “What is the difference between a changeup and a coup?” “The change up is dress rehearsal for fascism. / Citizens soon find themselves trapped in the hitter’s box / Wrapping a baseball bat with a flag. / Running from the field into the stands. / Smashing the score-board and changing the score.” And in another powerfully po litical poem, he likens a current gu-berna torial candidate to the major league record holder for career stolen bases:

Poem for Stacy Abrams

You’re Rickey Henderson today. You’re leading off.

You have power and speed.

You have flex and flair. You’re brash. You’re Black.

If they accuse you of being a thief Steal first, second, and then third. You’re Rickey Henderson today Sliding head first past Ty Cobb And voting restrictions in Georgia.

Whether he’s addressing the politi cal or the personal—as in the title poem, in which the narrator rues the fact that he never knows “what signs to put down” when meeting a woman—Miller never loses touch with the reader, striking a res onant chord that will echo long after the final poem is read.

E. Ethelbert Miller is the author of two memoirs and several poetry collec tions, including “If God Invented Base ball” and “When Your Wife Has Tommy John Surgery.”

Virtual Book Club

The renovated Folger Shakespeare Li brary won’t be open to the public until next year, but that doesn’t mean it’s idle. The online Book Club, “Words, Words, Words,” which meets the first Thursday of every month, is still going strong.

The November session will feature “Ramón and Julieta” by Alana Quin tana Albertson, a romance focusing on the Latinx community that was chosen by NPR as one of the “Books We Love.”

And on December 1, the group with dis cuss “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilk erson, a New York Times bestseller that deals with estranged siblings exploring their puzzling inheritance.

The Book Club is free and open to all. Folger staff moderate the discussion and provide historical context, trivia, and items from the library’s collection that connect to the books. To regis-ter, visit www.folger.edu and click on Performanc es & Events. u

THE POETIC HILL

by Karen Lyon

Gina Sangster is a DC native who grew up on Capitol Hill and raised her three children here. A therapist, she has had poetry and essays published in various small maga zines, the Hill Rag, Dis-trict Lines, and the Washington Post. Gina says she is “probably the most undisciplined writer I know—I never follow the protocol of daily writing and I’m grateful that my muse hasn’t given up on me!”

She says that the poem below comes from a distinct mem ory she has of being with her mother soon after she learned of her cancer diagnosis at age 70.

Libby Sangster lived two more years and continued to run her antique shop, “Antiques on the Hill,” until about a month be fore she died on November 20th, 1990. The Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS) sub sequently designated a Retail er of the Year award in her hon or. “On her birthday that year, September 29th,” Gina recalls, “ the corner of 7th and North Carolina Avenue was cov-ered with flowers brought by friends and loyal customers. She was a neighborhood icon.”

Looking Ahead

For my mother Libby Sangster 1918-1990

Eventually, they’ll go on without me – the two sisters, their children, their brother. I won’t get to see how it all turns out, and of course, neither will they, farther down the road.

This was my mother’s plea, spoken to no one, everyone, the air around us in her beautiful dining room, when she learned she’d die sooner than expected: “But I want to be here, With you, and Sally, and Gillette…”

She didn’t get that wish much longer, leaving them at four and eight, me just shy of 40. I can only hope I get an extended stay, now that the age of her death is fast upon me.

If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org. There is no remuneration. u

The Folger’s virtual book club features discussions of Shakespeare-related books on the first Thursday of every month.

THE DISTRICT VET

Some Thoughts on Thanksgiving

by Dan Teich, DVM

Welcome to November, a month where the sun shines less, but we give thanks for what we have. Most people re ect upon the past year in December or January—I choose November. When the light begins to fade and cool weather sets in, the warmth of the preceding months reminds me of why we are here.

It has been another year un der the shadow of COVID, albe it more manageable than the pri or two years. Face-masking is still required in all medical and veter inary facilities for staff and visi tors by order of the Department of Health. We ask that all clients and friends respect our adherence to this directive. The Omicron vari ant has come and waned, but we must remain vigilant as pets (and still humans) can get COVID - in cluding dogs and cats.

I am thankful that all of the doctors and staff with which I work are healthy and have weath ered this year. But it has not been easy. With the emergence from COVID, we have noted a change in people overall, and one that is concerning. During the first year of the pandemic, people were ap preciative that we worked every day to provide the best health care possible for their pets. It was heartwarming. Casual observa tions have noted people are now overall less courteous to the staff and are not as respectful of our time as previous. The vet indus try is not alone in this experience, but we are a caring profession, so it is noticed with a greater affinity.

We run twelve hour days pro viding care. Much of it scheduled, some unexpected. When a client fails to show for an appointment, they occupy a spot where another patient is waiting to see us. This denies the other patient the op portunity to be seen and causes our overall cost of providing ser vices to increase. During this in flationary period, we are doing all we can to contain costs for you, the client, and ask for your help. Should a client need to can cel an appointment, it is our pol

icy that this be done with at least 24-hour’s notice with a call or email to the office. This permits patients awaiting care to be seen in a timely manner, and for the client to avoid a cancellation fee. As a business we understand that some circumstances are beyond a client’s control, we ask for your common courtesy when making, changing, or cancelling an ap pointment.

But what makes it all worth it is that we have such a great com munity of pet parents here on the Hill, in Navy Yard, and Brookla nd. To all who have shown their appreciation, I can assure you that it warms our hearts and keeps us going. The smile. The box of do nuts. The card when my dog passed a few months ago. The new puppy exam. The greeting on the street. The last pets given to a senior friend. The street cat brought into the home. The won derful people I work with every day. For all of this I am thankful.

As we head into Thanksgiv ing and this holiday season, with all of its joy and reflection, we should all pledge to do one thing for each other: Be nice. It goes such a long way.

Dr. Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hospitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more in formation. u

Snow Maiden at Synetic

In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. But what will happen when the ice begins to melt? Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. $25 to $40. Snow Maiden is at Synetic Theater, 1800 So. Bell St., Arlington (Crystal City), from Dec. 1 to 23. synetictheater.org.

kids&family

Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Concert

On Saturday, Dec. 3, (rain or shine), 11 a.m., this family-oriented parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and concludes at Old Town’s Market Square with a massed band concert at 1 p.m. campagnacenter.org/ scottishwalkweekend.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating Fort Dupont Ice Arena two-hour skating sessions are on Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon and Saturdays, 1 p.m. Extra sessions on Friday, Nov. 25, 2:15 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 23, 3 p.m. Adults skate for $5; kids and seniors for $4. Skate rental is $3. The arena is at 3779 Ely Place SE. fdia.org.

Girls on the Run Fall Community 5k

The Girls on the Run Fall Community 5k is on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Ana-costia Park, 894 Howard Rd. SE. Arrival and pre-race festivities start at 7 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m. Registration will be open until the day be-fore the 5k at noon and then re-open the day of the event for families, friends and community runners. $35. gotrdc.org/5k. At Girls on the Run Washington DC, teaching critical life skills is the cornerstone of their research-based programs. Meeting in small teams, trained volunteer coaches inspire girls of all abilities to strengthen con- dence and other important life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and physical activity.

Zoolights Returns

Zoolights invites you to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment. Zoolights returns this year on Nov. 25 to 27; Dec. 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 23, and 26 to 30; 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission; parking is $30. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu.

Maryam Najafzada for Synetic Theater’s Snow Maiden 2022.

Photo: Johnny Shryock

Photo: R Nowitz for ACVA

A Magical Cirque Christmas at National Theater

On Dec. 16 to 18, the world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production—A Magical Cirque Christ-mas. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lu-cy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music per-formed live. $50 to $100. Recommended for all ages. Children under four are not permitted in the theatre. The show runs approximately two hours. broadwayatthenational.com.

“Season’s Greenings” at the Botanic Garden

Despite the cold winter outside, the US Botanic Garden Conservatory boasts a tropical paradise, one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, DC, a poinsettia showcase and a grove of conifer trees. It wouldn’t be the winter holiday season without the fantasy train display in the East Gallery, which chugs along a track through imaginative structures created with plant materials. Many of DC’s landmark buildings, all made from natural materials, are included in the display. Open daily, Thanksgiving Day through Jan. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.

Saturday Morning Live! Returns

Thanksgiving Little Turkey One-Miler and Family-Friendly Festival

This Thanksgiving be part of a time-honored DC tradition at SOME’s (So Others Might Eat) annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5k on Freedom Plaza. Race morning check-in is at 8 a.m.; Little Turkey One-Miler is at 9:15 a.m.; 5k waves begin at 9:40 a.m. The race- nisher family-friendly festival with music, activities, tastings and live entertainment is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. trotforhunger.org.

Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live! Kids are invited to the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music—all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. On Saturday, Nov. 12, see The Harambee Experience by Baba Ras D. Harambee is a multicultural experience children enjoy while building their competency for diversity and familiarity with language immersions. Baba Ras D shares songs in Kiswahili and Espanol. Shows are best enjoyed by kids ages three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Tickets are free, but they request that you register in advance. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability. Masks are optional, but highly recommended. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org/saturday-morning-live.

Funds raised from the Trot for Hunger help bene t thousands of our DC neighbors in need, including families and the elderly, by providing much-needed food, housing, access to healthcare, employment training, and long-term comprehensive addiction treatment programs. some.org.

Handel’s Messiah Family Concert at the National Cathedral

On Saturday, Dec. 3, at noon, join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have in tended. This concert is an abbreviat ed performance of “Messiah” high lights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family. Tickets are $20, up. cathedral.org.

Big Objects, Big Stories at the NMAAHC

On Thursday, Nov. 17, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talks take place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 19, “Red Cadillac Eldorado owned by Chuck Berry” talks at 1:30. 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. There are 15 minute docentled tours for each object. Both tours are free and walk-in. All visitors, regard less of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the building. Sameday timed-entry passes are released on line only at 8:15 a.m. nmaahc.si.edu/ visit/plan-your-visit.

Storytime at Union Market

On Tuesdays, through Nov. 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., enjoy Family Storytime focusing on ages birth to five on the Rooftop at Union Mar ket. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on as everyone enjoys songs, fin gerplays, and books during this weekly event for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. This program is led by Northeast Library staff from DC Public Library. unionmarket dc.com.

Storytime at the NGA Storytime at the NGA is on Friday, Dec. 2, 10 to 11 a.m. The Storytime group will gather at the East Build

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth ages 6-24. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. This signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Rama-dan, Santa Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradi-tion of the Winter Solstice in an interac tive event that bridges commu-nities and cultures. Seasons of Light is at Discov ery Theater Monday to Friday, from Dec. 5 to 16, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. performance on Dec. 9 and 16. It is recommended for ages five to ten. $9 for adults: $8 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets on sale now. This show always sells out. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jeffer son Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

ing entrance. The featured children’s book will be read in both English and Spanish. Together they’ll read a book aloud, move, and play. They welcome all ages, especially their youngest visi tors and nursing mothers. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. For groups of ten or more or to request accommoda tions, contact family@nga.gov.

Calling Young Playwrights: Submit Your Script Mosaic Theater is hosting their third annual High School Playwriting Con test for ninth through twelve grade stu dents at public and charter schools in

the Washington, DC metro area in cluding, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Northern Virgin ia. Winning playwrights will receive a cash prize and have their plays read and directed by professional theater artists at the Petworth Branch of the DC Pub lic Library during the live presentation and readings on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Submit your play by Nov. 28 for consideration. mosaictheater.org/play writing-contest.

Israeli Dancing in the Parking Lot

Are you looking to meet great peo ple and have fun, all while getting a

high-energy workout? On Thursday, Dec. 1 (and upcoming Jan. 5 and Feb. 2), 6 to 7 p.m., get your feet moving to the energetic beats of rikudaiam (Israeli dance). This monthly drop-in session is high energy, attracting young people and families from across the DC Metropolitan area. Instruction will only include line dance for the time being (no circle or couples dances). Free to attend and open to all, beginner and experienced dancers alike. No dance partner necessary. Israeli Dancing in the Parking Lot is at the EDCJCC Parking Lot, 1529 16th St. NW. edcjcc.org.

The Day You Begin at the KC

It’s not easy to take those rst steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet…but somehow you do it. This world premiere commissioned musical is based on one of Kennedy Center Education Artistin-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s most popular picture books. Following the performance on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m., young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team. $20. The Day You Begin is at the Kennedy Center from Nov. 19 to Dec. 18. Most enjoyed by age seven and up. kennedy-center.org.

Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Open House

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5:30¬ to 8 p.m., enjoy live holiday music, tour 31 period rooms, cider, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa at the DAR Christmas open house. Visitors are encouraged to bring a new or lightly used children’s book to donate to their DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D Streets, NW. dar.org.

Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show

Family Fun Pack

As the world’s rst holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom—Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear—along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 9 to 18. Tickets are $56 to $95. Arena Stage also o ers their Family Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. arenastage.org.

The Puppet Company’s Nutcracker at Glen Echo

From Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, join the Puppet Co. for their 34th annual Nutcracker. This timehonored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Nutcracker is on stage at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, Nov. 25 to Dec. 20, Thursdays, Fridays, Dec. 19 and 20, at 10 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 (except Christmas), weekdays and weekends, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15; under age two, no ticket required. Recommended for age four, up. thepuppetco.org.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl? Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is on stage at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, Dec. 1 to 20, Thursdays and Fridays, Dec. 19 and 10, at 1 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, weekdays and weekends at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15; under age two, no ticket required. Recommended for age ve, up. thepuppetco.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Step Afrika!

US Air Force Band “Seasons of Hope” Holiday Concerts

These concerts at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St, NW, feature the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants performing timeless renditions of holiday favorites. They’ll be joined by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and a special visitor from the North Pole. Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, at 3 p.m. Free tickets are available at usafband.eventbrite.com. If sold out, there are usually some empty seats on stand-by.

Joy of Christmas Concert at the National Cathedral

On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas sea-son, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. The Cathedral Choral Society’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition. Tickets are $25, up. Parking in garage is $10 atrate in cash. Washington National Cathedral is at 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral.org. ◆

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience

When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J.

Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed. In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur nd the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Mo Willem’s beloved picture book explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, from Nov. 16 to Jan. 8. Tickets, $12, up. Recommended for age four to ten. imaginationstage.org.

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