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capitalcommunitynews.com â€˘ August 2011

Est. 1981

NG I M ! CO OON S 610 3rd Street, SE #9

CAPITOL HILL

530 12th Street, NE

CAPITOL HILL

Renovated 3BR/3BA $799,500 – Contract! Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM

808 L Street, NE

1311 ½ S. Carolina Ave., SE

$299,000 – 1BR Condo!

Renovated 3BR/3.5BA Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM

Renovated 3BR/2.5BA Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 THE BISSEY TEAM

www.homevisit.com/DC7302362

Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com

CAPITOL HILL

329 East Capitol Street, SE Corner Castle w/ In-Law Suite! www.homevisit.com/DC7645189

Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 THE BISSEY TEAM

CAPITOL HILL

D! L SO

614 E Street, SE Charming 2BR/1.5BA with open LR/DR, awesome yard, & on one of the Hill’s best blocks!

CAPITOL HILL

309 3rd Street, SE

Genie Hutinet 202-413-7661

$799,000 – SOLD! Colin Johnson 202-536-4445

NG I M ! CO OON S

NG I M ! CO OON S LOGAN/SHAW

CAPITOL HILL

243 10th Street, SE

1513 8th Street, NW

1BR Condo – Steps to E. Mkt! Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com

www.MouseOnHouse.com/14842

$938,500 Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM

DUPONT/U STREET

BROOKLAND

4310 10th Street, NE $294,500 – Contract! Colin Johnson 202-536-4445

D! L SO

CAPITOL HILL

1641 V Street, NW

1824 Bay Street, SE

3BR/2.5BA Colin Johnson 202-536-4445

$565,000 – SOLD! Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD THE BISSEY TEAM

CAPITOL HILL

1225 Maryland Avenue, NE $479,000 – Contract! www.homevisit.com/DC7600476

Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com

“WHERE WASHINGTON SHOPS FOR A NEW ADDRESS!”® 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tel: 202-544-3900 www.johncformant.com

Sales • Rentals • Commercial Leasing • Property Management • Investments

Free to DC residents – apply today! Success starts NOW. Prepare your 3 or 4 year old for success in school. Now enrolling for the 2011-2012 school year. AppleTree’s evidence-based program helps children develop skills they need for kindergarten. They develop academic and social skills through: • Caring and engaged TEACHERS who receive extensive training on early childhood learning & development • Stimulating and fun CLASSROOMS where children learn important skills and a positive approach to learning • A CURRICULUM that increases academic and real-life knowledge for students and supports their individual needs Applications for the Oklahoma Ave campus, located at 320 21st St. NE are now being accepted on a rolling basis. Request an application form by calling the Oklahoma Ave campus on 202.525.7807 or apply online at www.appletreeinstitute.org

AppleTree Early Learning PCS Oklahoma Ave 320 21st Street, NE 202.525.7807

Visit one of our additional campuses: AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Riverside 680 I Street, SW • 202.646.0500 AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Amidon 401 I Street, SW • 202.646.0094 AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights 2750 14th Street, NW • 202.667.9490 AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Douglas Knoll 2017 Savannah Terrace SE • 202-630-6805 AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Parklands 2011 Savannah Street, SE • 202-630-6805 AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln Park 138 12th Street NE • 202-630-6804

NOW ENROLLING for Oklahoma Ave & SE campuses

4 ★ HillRag | August 2011

AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School prohibits discrimination on the basis of a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, language spoken, intellectual or athletic ability, meaures of achievement or aptitude, or status as a student with special needs.

Building Sand Castles Is Fun!! But Less Fleeting Is Building Equity Through Home Ownership!!! Foggy Bottom 2401 H Street, NW #407 Bonwit Plaza Great one bedroom home in close in Foggy Bottom-half block to the Metro, plus GWU Med School across the street. Steps to Georgetown, Dupont, shops and restaurants! All utilities included in the low condo fee— plus a laundry room on each ﬂoor. Great sun deck on the building roof. Origninal parquet ﬂoors, metal kitchen and tile bath in original colors and condition! $279,000

CAPITOL HILL 637 3rd Street, NE B3 Capitol Mansion A wonderful boutique condo building in a superb location within moments of Union Station, restaurants and shops! This terrace level one bedroom/ one bath features an open living/dining/kitchen ﬂoor plan. The updated kitchen shines with granite and tile ﬂoors. While the bedroom is spacious with a large closet. This unit has been nicely maintained with the installation of a new wall unit A/C. Plus—PARKINGnot a typo—one surface parking spot conveys with this unit!! Absolutely the best value on Capitol Hill! $189,995

ED! REDUC

SW / Waterfront Gangplank Marina 600 Water Street, SW For the unique, discriminating and adventurous home buyer… Floating House… Own a snug contemporary home on the water. Cathedral ceilings, skylights, large fully equipped kitchen, step-down living room, step-down bedroom, den/loft, roof-top deck with fantastic views of the sunsets, 4th of July ﬁreworks and surrounding yacht marina. CAC, electric heat pumps, great neighbors and much more. Must see to appreciate. A whole new experience in living! $185,000

North Beach, MD 9137 Atlantic Avenue Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay!! Absolutely stunning Bay views from this waterfront and boardwalk sited property. Boasting four bedrooms/three and one half baths of gracious living with every amenity that waterfront living affords. This lovely home is not to be missed—your waterfront dream should be deferred no longer!!! $579,000

ED! REDUC

SW / Waterfront 827 6th Street, SW Grand And Glorious!! Welcome to this elegant and surprisingly large four level townhome within steps to the redeveloped Waterside Mall, Arena Stage and the Metro—and a short stroll to the waterfront promenade!! Boasting four bedrooms, two full and two half-baths and a true laundry room— this solidly built home benefits from both morning sun at your front door and afternoon sun across your private brick courtyard. Featuring a large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, an office off the front entrance, a huge family room for entertaining, hardwood floors throughout and an elegant traditional wood staircase. Plus one off-street parking space!! $679,000

Indian Head, MD 6075 Chapmans Landing Road Stately English Manor Home Plus A Separate Guest House!! Approximately sixteen miles to Washington, DC, and Virginia!! Elegant custom English Manor Home with detached brick and stucco guest house sits on three meticulously maintained acres adjacent to 2,200 acre Chapmans State Forest. Backyard paradise features a 24x34 oval shaped gunnite concrete in-ground pool and large deck, life-like play house with swing and play area, several out buildings. Main house has a two car garage, circular driveway and parking for ten plus cars – guest house also features a three car garage. Enjoy this serene setting with lots of wild life in your own backyard. $845,000

New Creek, WV Three Ponds Cottage at Nancy Hanks Farm! Lovely hand crafted cottage set in the foothills of West Virginia. Lovingly built by a local artisan as her personal residence using reclaimed and green building products. While also utilizing new high energy-efﬁcient windows, insulation and radiant heat stone and wood ﬂoors. Boasting two bedrooms/two baths with a vaulted ceiling in the living room and a separate dining area. The property is 7+/- acres and features a large swimming pond with dock, two additional smaller ponds, a separate workshop, a root cellar built into a hillside and a large garden at the rear of the cottage. Perfectly idyllic in setting! Additional acreage available. For information contact Peter Principe @ (202) 297-5586.

Finding Folks Their Perfect Capitol Hill Home Since 1988 Proud Sponsor of Hilloween

202-547-5088

www.jackiev.com Allegiance

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08.11

Whatâ€™s Inside

ineveryissue 12 14 28 81 116 124 126

Go ... See ... Do Washingtonâ€™s Best Calendar Hill Rag Crossword Dining Coupons Classified Ads Last Word The Nose

MLK Memorial Special Section 23 26

A King for Washington and DC / Derek Musgrove MLK Memorial Dedication Events

capitolstreets

29 32 40 42 44 46 48 50 51 52 54

Hill Buzz / Anna Cranage Conathan The Bulletin Board The District Beat / Martin Austermuhle The Numbers / Elissa Silverman & Kwame Boadi Rediscovering the Anacostia / Gwyn Jones Northest Library Facelife / Virginia Aveniel Spatz Ward 6 Redistrcting / Roberta Weiner ANC 6A Re port / Roberta Weiner ANC 6B Report / Heather Schoell ANC 6C Report / Roberta Weiner ANC 6D Report / Roberta Weiner

communitylife 57 58 60 62 64

Spotted on the Hill / Peter Vankevich Thom Rall / Roberta Weiner South by West / William Rich H Street Life: / Elise Bernard Barracks Row / Sharon Bosworth

realestate 67 68

The Old Naval Hospital / Robert M. Pohl Changing Hands: Residential Home Sales / Don Denton

ARTSdiningentertainment Special 75 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 93

Dining Notes / Celeste McCall Smith Commons / Celest McCall The Wine Guys / Jon Genderson Art and The City / Jim Magner At the Movies / Mike Canning Something Wilde / Brad Hathaway The Literary Hill / Karen Lyon Morocco / Tom Grahame The Jazz Project / Jean-Keith Fagon

beautyhealthfitness 95 97

Growing Healthy Food / Pattie Cinelli Dr. Deborah Edge / Heather Schoell

kidsandfamily 99 104

Kids & Family Notebook / Kathleen Donner CHAW Says “Ask Leslie!” / Megan Cheek

homesandgardens 105 106 112 114

The Hill Gardener / Rindy O’Brien Ask Judith / Judith Capen @ Your Service / Heather Schoell Dear Garden Lady / by Anonymous

COVER: “try to breathe” Adriana Zarate. At the Foundry Gallery. 1314 18th Street NW, 1st Floor. Wash., Dc 20036. 202.463-0203. Gallery Hours: Weds-Fri. 1-7pm, Sat-Sun. 12-6pm. www.foundrygallery.org

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HILL RAG MID CITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES

Chiropractic and Diabetes Type 2

Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com

By Dr. David Walls-Kaufman

n McCoy Press – Health Research, News, Commentary and Resources: A 61-year-old male presented to the chiropractor with a 20-year history of type 2 diabetes. Spinal misalignments were located and corrected and dietary modification changes were recommended and adopted by the patient. Chiropractic spinal adjustments to improve posture and spinal health were applied to the sites of misalignment. Dietary changes to lower body inflammation were recommended. These strategies are part of what is referred to as Maximized Living protocol. One month of chiropractic treatment and dietary changes the patient decided to cease taking medication for treatment of his type 2 diabetes. After 2 months of chiropractic care he returned to his medical doctor who confirmed that his blood-glucose levels had normalized. Chiropractic care and dietary modifications in a patient with a 20-year history of type 2 diabetes seems to have contributed to the resolution of his diabetes. More research is necessary to see if chiropractic care and dietary modifications can help the general population suffering from type 2 diabetes.

For the better health and life experience of you and your family – Capitol Hill Chiropractic Center 411 East Capitol St., SE 202.544.6035. Serving our neighborhood since 1985.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF

KIDS & FAMILY

MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com SCHOOL NOTES EDITOR: SUSAN BRAUN JOHNSON SCHOOLS@HILLRAG.COM KIDS & FAMILY NOTEBOOK EDITOR: KATHLEEN DONNER KATHLEEN.DONNER@GMAIL.COM

Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

SOCIETY & EVENTS Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

HOMES & GARDENS

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com HIT THE CITY: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com RETAIL THERAPY: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, MIDCITY DC & EAST OF THE RIVER: CALENDAR EDITOR: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Melanie Sunukjian • melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway • holloway.shannon@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Amanda Abrahams • manda.abrams@gmail.com Lex Kiefhaber • lexk24@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com

Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com

NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:

Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES

PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB MASTER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com

ADVERTISING & SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Deborah Bandzerewicz 202.543.8300 X13 • deb@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com MARKETING ASST.: Giancarlo Fagon

DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Andrew Lightman DISTRIBUTORS: Southwest Distribution DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION: distribution@hillrag.com

BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS

DEADLINES & CONTACTS

Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com

ADVERTISING: sales@hillrag.com DISPLAY ADS: 15th of each month CLASSIFIED ADS: 10th of each month EDITORIAL: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

capitalcommunitynews.com 10 ★ HillRag | August 2011

It’s August - DC Area Home Sales are Up, Buyers are Buying We Need Inventory for Them! Contact us if you’ve thought about Selling...

151 11th Street SE $969,000 UNDER CONTRACT!

Bring your sunglasses! Sunlight abounds in this 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath gorgeously remodeled semi-detached home. Easy walk to Metro, Eastern Market, Barracks Row and Lincoln Park. Look Us Up on Facebook! Megan Shapiro (Cell) 202-329-4068 meg@megandgeorge.com

George Olson (Cell) 202-203-0339 george.olson@rmxtalk.com

www.megandgeorge.com Allegiance

The Norris Group capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 11

GO.SEE.DO. First-Ever Floating Liveaboard Residences Tour In celebration of 6th Annual “Liveaboard Boater Day,” Southwest DC’s colorful liveaboard community will open its doors to visitors on Saturday, Aug. 13, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. The self-guided tour at Gangplank Marina takes visitors inside 15 of the most fun and unique homes (and offices) in Washington DC. Owners and docents will also be available to answer questions about the boat-homes and the liveaboard and workaboard lifestyles. The homes of Gangplank Marina have never before been open to the public. Gangplank Marina is a 309-slip marina just steps from the National Mall and its many monuments and museums. For over 30 years, the marina has been home to a diverse liveaboard community including professionals, families, artists, retirees, scientists, members of congress and many others. Advance tickets are recommended, $11, as the tour is expected to sell out. Purchase tickets online at dchouseboat.org. Tickets on tour day are $18. Proceeds will benefit Southwest DC’s own Earth Conservation Corps. dchouseboat.org

Gangplank residents are a close community. Here, neighbors gather to celebrate the wedding of two of their own. Photo: Chris Zarconi

Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival On August 20 and 21, there are hot air balloon launches in the early morning, 6:00-7:00 AM, and late afternoon, 5:007:00 PM, and you’re invited to take a ride or just come out to see the magnificant balloons close-up. Festival admission is $10. Rides are $200 for the approximately one-hour ride. You negotiate directly with the balloon pilots. The flying circus is located 14 miles south of Warrenton, Va and 22 miles northwest of Fredericksburg, VA, just off Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie Road (Route 644) in Bealeton (about 60 miles from DC). Just watch for the Flying Circus Sign. 540-439-8661. flyingcircusairshow.com 12 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Balloons aloft in the early morning hours Photo: Vern Wells

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Dr. King championed a movement that draws fully from the deep well of America’s potential for freedom, opportunity, and justice. His vision of America is captured in his message of hope and possibility for a future anchored in dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect; a message that challenges each of us to recognize that America’s true strength lies in its diversity of talents. The MLK Memorial captures the essence of his message, a message in which he so eloquently affirms the commanding tenants of the American Dream--Freedom, Democracy and Opportunity for All; a noble quest that gained him the Nobel Peace Prize and one that continues to influence people and societies throughout the world. The memorial’s dedication is August 28, 2011--the 48th anniversary of King’s “Dream” speech. dedicatethedream.org Courtesy of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad round trip excursion, originating from downtown Cumberland, Maryland, is an exciting mix of mountain scenery and rich transportation history. It’s an entertaining and educational experience for riders of all ages and interests with interpretive history and lively Main Street Districts at both ends of the trip. Experience a part of railroad history while dining in their first class cars or travel standard seating and arrive at the “Old Depot” in Frostburg in time for a picnic lunch. Thursdays through Sundays, 11:30 AM departure. Thanksgiving to Christmas, the train becomes a Santa Express on Saturdays and Sundays and a 6:00 PM (family friendly) North Pole Express on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Many people turn up in their pajamas. 301-759-4400. wmsr.com

Maquette of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial’s Stone of Hope. Image: Courtesy of Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

“I Love Lucy” Opens at Library of Congress The television show “I Love Lucy” developed from a confluence of talent, on-screen chemistry, behind-the-scenes skill, and--in the words of the show’s producer, Jess Oppenheimer--“unbelievably good luck.” In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the show’s debut, the Library of Congress presents a new exhibition, “I Love Lucy: An American Legend.” This exhibit explores the show’s history through the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz family scrapbooks as well as photographs, scripts, printed and manuscript music and other documents. Featured items in the exhibition include a manuscript drum part for “Babalu” from the 1940s and early scrapbook photographs of the young Arnaz and Ball in Hollywood. Also on view will be items from the Jess Oppenheimer Collection, including a copy of the original concept and receipt for copyright registration for “I Love Lucy” (1951). The exhibition is on view through Jan. 28, 2012 in the foyer outside the Performing Arts Reading Room on the first floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. loc.gov Scrapbook page with a photograph of Ball and Arnaz, in the late 1940s. Credit: Library of Congress; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Collection; Music Division

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 13

★ ★ ★

AUGUST

HillRag CALENDAR SPECIAL EVENTS

Midcity Dog Days Sidewalk Sale. Aug. 6-7. Special discounts in most stores, theater workshops, book fair, coupons and giveaways. Around 14th and U sts., NW. 202-588-5606. midcitylife.com Shakespeare Theatre Free-For-All Presents Julius Caesar. Aug.18Sept. 4 (daily, except Mondays). As swift and enthralling as a political thriller, Julius Caesar portrays the life-and-death struggle for power in Rome. Fearing that Caesar’s growing strength and imperial ambitions threaten the Republic, a faction of politicians plots to assassinate him. But when Caesar is killed, chaos engulfs Rome. Alive with stunning rhetoric, Julius Caesar investigates the intoxicating effects of power and the dangers of idealism. In Caesar, Brutus and the young Marc Antony, Shakespeare created three fascinating, dynamic characters. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. Ticket distribution is by online lottery and a ticket line. The Ticket Line is an option for those who weren’t able to enter the online ticket lottery, for anyone who didn’t win the online ticket lottery, for groups who plan to sit together and for those last minute planners. The Ticket Line will form outside of Sidney Harman Hall prior to each performance. STC will reserve between 200 to 250 tickets for the Ticket Line with each performance. Tickets will be released to patrons in the line two hours before each performance. Often times, the line begins to form earlier. Each person in line can receive up to two tickets. shakespearetheatre.org

Sara Barker as Algernon and Edward C. Nagel as Cecily in Earnest. Photo: Don Summers, Jr.

FotoSpace Opens at New Location. Open to the public ThursdaySaturday, noon-6:00 PM; Monday-Wednesday by appointment. In collaboration with the Pulitzer Center and Human Rights Watch, FotoDC’s new location opens with a special exhibit, Speaking to Silence, An Exhibition on Communities Displaced, Dissidents Repressed, and Childhood Betrayed from three award-winning photographers. The exhibition will incorporate the following three themes: Abandoned People/Abandoned Homes by Marcus Bleasdale, one of the world’s leading documentary photographers. This work of intimate portraits focuses on those affected by the 20-year campaign of the Lord’s Resistance Army against civilians across Central Africa. Exhiled by Platon, depicts the resilience and strength of Burmese dissidents exiled to Thailand. Finally, Too Young To Wed by Stephanie Sinclair, is a multimedia presentation exploring the phenomenon of child marriage in India, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nepal and Ethiopia. FotoSpace, 1838 Columbia Road NW. fotodc.org.

The Importance of Being Earnest at H Street Playhouse

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Through Aug. 14. Oscar Wilde’s timeless tale of class and marriage both revels in and mocks the “double life.” The main character Jack creates an alter ego personality to indulge in pleasure outside of society’s mores. On one level, Wilde criticizes the moral hypocrisy of the British upper class. On another, he celebrates the inventiveness of creating an alter ego who is free to revel in pleasure. Both dualities are tested when thrust into the context of status, marriage, and love. Ironically, Wilde was similar to Britain’s elite — he was a closet homosexual who was married and had a child. $27-$40. H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE. 703-683-2824. scenatheater.org 14 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Shake Rattle and Roll. Saturday Aug. 13, 8:00 PM. Shake Rattle and Roll is full of 50s-inspired entertainment and dancing! Join them for a trip to the sock hop with an evening of great performances, music and milkshakes! Live entertainment will be provided by a slate of great performers, including Yvette Manson, last seen at Theater Alliance in her amazing performance in A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn; Robert Person and Stephawn Stephens, who wowed audiences in our production of Black Nativity this winter; Jobari Parker-Namdar, fresh from the stages of Strathmore and The Kennedy Center; a special performance by Elvis and the Jaynettes and more! They will be featuring some of your malt shop favorites including old-school milkshakes (in both driver-friendly and grown-up versions) by The Diner and others. There will also be a photo booth to take pictures with your sweetheart, DJ , dancing and more! Benefits Theater Alliance. $100. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. theateralliance.com

We are Philanthropists We give to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation because… we believe this is an investment in our neighborhood’s future: our children.

100% of all donations go directly back into neighborhood initiatives. Be a Philanthropist. Give to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

donatecapitolhill.org

Jason Gray, Capitol Hill Day School & Rachel Skerritt, Eastern High School

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 15

AUGUST CALENDAR ★ ★ ★ Exhibition by Laura Vernon-Russell. Saturday, Aug. 6-Sept. 1. CHAW presents an exhibition of silver gelatin prints by artist Laura Vernon-Russell opening reception, Saturday, Aug. 6, 5:007:00 PM. Free. CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE. 202547-6839. chaw.org Summer Film Series @ the Atlas. Gay 101 (Thursdays, 8:00 PM)-Aug. 11, Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Aug. 18, Beautiful Thing; Aug. 25; Outrage; Sept. 1; Brokeback Mountain. Musicals (Fridays, 8:00 PM)- Aug. 12, Hairspray; Aug. 19, Michael Jackson’s This is It; Aug. 26, The Wizard of Oz; Sept. 2, Grease. Family Series (Saturdays, 5:00 PM)-Aug. 13, Shrek; Aug. 20, The Tale of Despereaux; Aug. 27, Labyrinth; Sept. 3, The Goonies. Spike Lee Presents (Sundays, 4:00 PM)-Aug. 7, Jungle Fever; Aug. 14, Mo’ Better Blues; Aug. 21, School Daze; Aug. 28, Do the Right Thing; Sept. 4, She’s Gotta Have It. Movies are free. 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlas.org Analog Transit Concert. Friday Aug. 12, 8:00 PM. The name speaks for itself: Analogue Transit represents the transition of sound from analog to digital. The members of the group, Kwaku Aning and Jeff Shreiner, have taken the basis for their sound and christened themselves with it. $10 donation. The Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org Southeast Library Book Sale. Saturday, Aug, 13, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. 403 Seventh St. SE. 202698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast Suffrage Tea Time Gallery Talks. Thursdays and Saturdays in Aug., 3:00 PM. Spend tea time with Sewall-Belmont. Learn about the American suffrage movement and the women of the historic National Woman’s Party, an organization that sold tea to fund its efforts. Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, 144 Constitution Ave. NE. 202-546-1210. sewallbelmont.org A1:8 Gallery at Ebenezers. Thursday, Aug. 18, 7:00-10:00 PM. Art Gallery and Musical Performances inspired by experiences from A1:8 travels and projects. Free. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Tango Practica. Friday, Aug. 19, 6:30-9:00 PM. Join Jake and Danarae Stevens for a free tango practica at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. Tango dancers of all levels have an opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a collective space. Free and open to all age levels. 202- 547-6839. chaw.org Kristen Graves & Kevin Skolnik Concert. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8:00 PM. $10 donation in advance, $15 at door. The Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org asia mei at Ebenezers. Thursday, Aug. 25, 7:00-8:30 PM. Pianist/singer/songwriter asia (ah-sya) mei puts her own slant on melancholy rock with her classical background, jazzy vocals, introspective lyrics and irresistible choruses, crafting a fresh and distinctive sound. Free. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-5586900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com

16 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Kurtis Parks and the Anthem with Melodime at Ebenezers. Friday, Aug. 26, 8:00-10:00 PM. Kurtis Parks’ approach to life, is the same as his approach to music -“If you always do what you’ve always done…you’ll always be what you’ve always been.” $12. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-5586900. ebenezerscoffeehouse. com Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings, through Aug. 26. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw. usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil Oklahoma at Arena Stage. Through Oct. 2. The best-selling show in Arena’s 60 year history is back for 12 weeks only! This is not your mother’s Oklahoma!. Inspired by the toughness of the prairie, Artistic Director Molly Smith sets her production in the robust world of territory life filled with a dynamic cast as rich and complex as the great tapestry of America itself. With Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless music, Oklahoma! celebrates the vigor of America’s pioneering spirit with athletic dance and boot-stomping energy. $60-$90. 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-554-9066. arenastage.org

DHS Pinafore cast. Photo: Courtesy of CHAW

Gilbert and Sullivan’s DHS (Department of Homeland Security) Pinafore at CHAW Aug. 4-6 and 11-13, Evenings at 7:00 PM and Saturday matinees at 3:00 PM. The GLBT Arts Consortium and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) present Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pinafore for eight performances over two weekends in Aug. Cast members hail from the CHAW community, glbt arts community, and the community-at-large. This rendition of Pinafore has several unique updates, but Savoyards can still expect to enjoy “When I was a Lad” and “I’m Called Little Buttercup $20. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. 202-547-6839. chaw.org

Fame, Fortune, and Theft: The Shakespeare First Folio. Through Sept. 3. From the 1620s through the twenty-first century, the Shakespeare First Folio influenced the industries of conservation, editing, and book-collecting, eventually becoming a cause for idolatry in itself.This exhibition explores the complex history of the First Folio, from its humble beginnings in the seventeenth century to stories of theft and recovery of an idolized book, recounting how it came to mean so much across cultures and continents. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War. Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM. In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled “Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War,” is offered at the

US Capitol Visitors’ Center on weekdays. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the Old Senate Chamber, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center. 202-226-8000. visitthecapitol.gov Megan McCormick & Frank Solivan with a Dirty Kitchen Experience. Saturday, Aug. 27, 8:00-9:00 PM. The Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts.org Hello Cupcake Mom’s Night Out. Tuesday, August 9th 7pm-9pm. Wouldn’t a night out be a SWEET treat? Join us for a night of cocktails, cupcakes and conversation with other DC moms. Just in time for back-to-school, learn about our new cupcake classes and after-school mini-

workshops. Each attendee receives cupcakes & giveaways from local businesses. RSVP to momsnight@hellocupcakeonline.com Beltway Poetry Slam. Tuesday, Aug. 30, 7:3010:00 PM. The Fridge, Rear Alley, 516 Eighth St. SE. thefridgedc.com Ryanhood with Heather Renee and Jayme Salviati at Ebenezers. Sept. 1, 7:30-10:00 PM. On the streets of Boston, in between classes at Berklee College of Music, Ryan Green found his calling with childhood friend Cameron Hood. While busking with their acoustic guitars, the two were snatched up by Clear Channel’s Tea Party Concerts booking agency. Since then, the two, under the name Ryanhood, have toured the country opening up for artists such as Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, Lifehouse, Matt Nathanson, Mat Kearney, and the Plain White T’s. $10. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-5586900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com

What’s Blooming in August at the Arboretum? Water lilies, hibiscus, crapemyrtles, boxwood, herbs, annuals, sweet pepperbush, pepper collection, meadow wildflowers, cardinal flower, plum leaf azaleas, hostas, hydrangeas, and container gardens. Free. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and 24th and R sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. 202-245-4521. usna.usda.gov

SUMMER MUSIC East River Jazz. Sundays at 4:00 PM, Aug. 7, Dunbar Alumni Jazz Ensemble (Charles Funn’s 18 member jazz ensemble); Aug. 21, Bengie Porecki Ensemble. If you’re in the mood for “straight ahead” classical jazz, the Anacostia Art Gallery presents Sunday afternoon concerts this summer performed by jazz artists some of whom have performed together for nearly 60 years.$25-$30, includes lite fare. Anacostia Art Gallery, 2806 Bruce Pl. SE. 202-610-4188. bzbinternational.com Rock’n’Roar at the Zoo. Aug. 10, 6:009:00 PM (concert begins at 7:00 PM). The B-52s will headline the Friends of the National Zoo’s first-ever Rock’n’Roar concert fundraiser. Best known for their smash hit “Love Shack,” the B-52s will take the stage to entertain fans of all ages. All proceeds from the concert support animal care, conservation science, education, and sustainability programs at the Zoo. $65. Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park--Lion/Tiger Hill, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4888. nationalzoo.si.edu 1812 Overture on the Washington Monument Grounds. On Tuesday, August 16 at 8:00 PM, U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Presidential Salute Battery perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture at the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument.. “The Year 1812, Festival Overture in E flat major, Opus 49” popularly known as the 1812 Overture is an overture written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1880 to commemorate Russia’s defense of Moscow against Napoleon’s advancing Grande Armée at the Battle of Borodino in 1812. The overture is best known for its climactic volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes. usarmyband.com Folklife Concert at the Library of Congress. Aug. 17 and 24, noon. Coolidge Auditorium in Jefferson Building (First St. between E. Capitol St. and Independence Ave. SE). 202-707-5510. loc.gov Live! on Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Weekdays through Sept. 23 (weather per-

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mitting), noon-1:30 PM. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. LIVE!’s lunch-time performances feature world-renowned entertainers in a variety of flavors, such as African dance, legendary R&B, Motown sounds, hip hop, Latin swing and pop rock. Free.1300 Penn. Ave. NW. 202-312-1300. itcdc.com Jazz Night (and fishfry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/jazz.htm. Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/blues.htm. Yards Park Friday Evening Concert Series. Through Aug. 19, 6:00-8:00 PM. Spend your Friday evenings on the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Friday evening concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more. Food options will be provided by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ, and a beer/sangria garden will be run by Mie N Yu. N and Third sts., SE. capitolriverfront.org FrontStage Lunchtime Concert Series at Yards Park. Wednesdays through Aug. 17, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. The popular Wednesday lunchtime concerts, now in their fourth year, are moving from behind USDOT to the new Yards Park on the river this season. The 35,000+ employees in the neighborhood can enjoy their lunch break picnicking on the terraced lawn steps or sampling food from food trucks while listening to a variety of bands performing on the boardwalk stage. FrontStage Lunchtime Concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances each week including R&B, reggae, MoTown and more. 10 Water St. SE or 1 block south of N St. SE (between Third and Fourth sts.) Rhythm in NOMA Lunchtime Concerts. Thursdays at NY Avenue Metro Plaza through Aug. 11. 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. This is a free concert series featuring a variety of local musicians and styles. nomabid.org Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 9 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 289-3360. nga.gov Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. Saturdays, Through Aug. 13 (rain or shine, except in the event of lightening), 8:00-10:00 PM. Feel free to bring a picnic, a blanket, folding chairs. Dogs must be leashed. Fort Dupont Park is on 376 rolling wooded acres that make it one of Washington’s largest parks. This summer the venue will be closed to the public at 3:00 PM to allow US Park Police to do a security sweep prior to the concerts. Entry to the concert venue will open at 5:00 PM. and will be through three entrance areas that will serve as security checkpoints where all bags and coolers will be inspected. July 30, Zapp. Aug. 6, The Barkays. Aug. 13, Mandril. Free. Minnesota Ave. and Randle Circle, SE. 202-426-7723. nps.gov/fodu Summer Rhythms and Food Truck Roundup at The

18 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Wharf. Fridays, 6:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8:00 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert. Free. 15th St. and Independence Ave. SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-433-5717. mbw.usmc.mil Summer Organ Concerts at the National Shrine. Sunday evenings, 6:00 PM (5:30 PM performance of the Knight’s Tower Carillon). Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome to come and hear music from the majestic pipe organ of the Great Upper Church. Free. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202526-8300. nationalshirne.com Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday of every month, 3:00 PM The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-6331000. americanart.si.edu Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Daily (including all holidays), 6:00 PM. The Kennedy Center Grand Foyer. “Performing Arts for Everyone” at the Millennium Stage was instituted to introduce the Kennedy Center to wider audiences by offering free performances, 365 days a year. Free. 202-444-1324 or 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org

OUTDOOR MOVIES Screen on the Green. Mondays, Aug. 8, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aug. 15, Cool Hand Luke. National Mall between Eighth and 14th sts. Screen on the Green Hotline, 1-877-262-5866 NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, Aug. 10, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Food and music at 7:00 PM. Screening at 9:00 PM. Each film preceded by live DJs, barbecue, special guests and more. Free. L St. between 2nd and 3rd Sts. NE. nomasummerscreen.com Capitol Riverfront Movies. Thursday, Aug. 11, 8:45 PM. The Blind Side. Free. Tingey Plaza, Second and M Sts. SE. 202-465-7093. capitolriverfront.org U Street Movie Series. Aug. 23 (rain date, Aug. 25). Short: City of Cranes. Feature: National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. Showtime at sundown. Gates will open at 7:00 PM. Movie shown at the Harrison Recreation Center field, V St. between 13th and 14th sts. NW. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to come early to picnic in the park and listen to music spun by local DJs. Free popcorn will be provided to the first 100 attendees. In

collaboration with the AFI Silverdocs Festival, prior to the feature film will be a screening of a short documentary featured at a previous AFI Silverdocs Festival. movies.ustreet-dc.org

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Rock Creek Park Trail Rides. On Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug., take a one-hour guided horseback ride through Rock Creek Park. Weekend rides are at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Saturdays and 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Sundays. Weekday rides are at 6:00 PM. No prior experience is necessary but riders must be under 200 lbs. except for one horse that can carry up to 225 lbs. Reserve you ride well in advance at rockcreekhorsecenter.com or call 202362-0117. $40. Rock Creek Horse Center, 5100 Glover Road, 1/2 block south of Military Road, NW. Watch for signs. US National Arboretum Full Moon Hikes. September, October, and November hikes will be posted for registration on Monday, Aug. 1. They always fill up so register early. 202-245-4521. usna.usda.gov Aikido at Capitol Hill. Non-profit Capitol Hill Aikikai holds practice every Monday and Thursday, 7:30-9:00 PM, at the Parish of St. Monica and St. James, 222 Eighth St. NE. Beginners to advanced welcome. No gears required. First four classes are free. 202-5091632. capitolhillaikikai.org Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Public skating in Aug., Saturdays 1:00-2:20 PM. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. Aug. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, 7:05 PM (weekend games at 1:35 PM). $5, up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. washington.nationals.mlb.com Ladies Night at Nationals Park. Thursday, Aug. 18 vs. Reds. Ticket package will include special group seating, access to the pre-game party featuring: Tickets at nationals.com/ladiesnight. DC United Soccer Home Matches. Aug. 6, 13 and 27, 7:30PM. On Aug. 6, free DC United cinch bag courtesy of TD Bank to the first 10,000 fans. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Washington Mystics Basketball Home Games. Aug. 6, 9, 12, 18, 20 and 23, 7:00 PM. Aug. 28, 4:00 PM. $10-$80. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com Rumsey Pool Summer Hours. Public swim, Monday-Friday, 6:30-9:00 AM;

capitalcommunitynews.com â˜… 19

1:00-5:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. Public swim, Saturday, 1:00-5:00 PM. Public swim, Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Pool remains open until assessment is made of needed repairs. Rumsey Pool. 635 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202-724-4495. dpr.dc.gov

AM-6:00 PM. Live musical performances. 6 bands from Jazz, Rock and Japanese Pop. Fashion tents. Food vendors. Arts and Crafts. At Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. (one block south of N and Third sts. SE ). 301-5678210. artwhino.com

East Potomac (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Wednesdays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents (have ID). 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-727-6523. www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr

Aya Community Market. Aug. 20, (third Saturday of every month through Nov.), 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The market will provide resources for healthy and sustainable communities through farm fresh produce; educational health speakers and live musical performances; locally produced handmade crafts and baked goods; art, youth activities and more. They are interested in recruiting qualified local farmers and other vendors. Contact Tarik Lott to become a vendor at ayamarkets@dreamingoutloud.net or 202714-5568. dreamingoutloud.net

Randall (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Mondays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents (have ID). South Capitol and I Sts. SW. 202-727-1420. www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr Free public tennis courts in Ward Six. King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW; Garfield Park, Third and G sts. SE; Randall Park First and I sts. SW; Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE; Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr. dc.gov/dpr Waterfront Workouts at The Wharf. Saturdays, 9:00-11:00 AM. YaLa Dance with Laurent Amzallag at 9:00 AM and Flow Yoga with Caitlin Uzzell at 10:00 AM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com

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Capitol Hill Tai Chi Study Group. Saturday mornings (except when it’s below zero or very inclement weather), meeting to teach and practice Tai Chi, 8:00-10:00 AM. All styles and abilities welcome. First hour form practice, second hour the martial practice of Push Hands. Lincoln Park. Dr. David Walls-Kaufman, a Capitol Hill chiropractor, conducts this class every Saturday morning. Please dress comfortably. Free. East Capitol St. between 11th and 13th Sts. 202-5446035. Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s 9th Annual “Hope for the Homeless” Golf Tournament. Sept. 26. $150 ($575 for a foresome). 202-544-3150. capitolhillgroupministry.org

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MARKETS The Wharf Farmers Market with Jazz and Blues. Thursdays, 5:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, through Oct. 26, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.org Marc tus Art Market. Sunday, Aug. 7, 11:00

Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com H Street Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 AMnoon. Open hrough Nov. 20. Parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. freshfarmmarket.org 9th and U Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Ninth and U sts. NW. Liberty North Community Market. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. The market will have 80-100 vendors selling art, crafts, food, and produce. Fifth and Eye sts. NW. libertynorthcommunitymarket.com Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE (north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202-399-6040. Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org

CIVIC LIFE Housing Counseling Services Free Foreclosure Prevention Clinic. Aug. 10, noon, Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW. Housing Counseling Services will offer free Foreclosure Prevention Clinics to help homeowners in danger of losing their homes. Clients will receive information and individual counseling to help them identify their realistic options for avoiding foreclosure and “foreclosure rescue scams.” A new DC law gives DC homeowners in danger of losing their homes the right to seek mediation with their lender in order to avoid foreclosure. Learn about the benefits of mediation and how to navigate the mediation process. Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW. 202-667-7006. housingetc.org Community Office Hours with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. Not happening in August. Will resume in September. 202-724-8072. tommywells.org Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov Please call in advance as many ANC’s do not meet in August ANC Meeting for 6-A. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-4238868. anc6a.org ANC Meeting for 6-B. Second Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Brent Elementary School, 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. 202-543-3344. anc6b.org

FIND LOCAL WARD 5 BUSINESSES, EVENTS & SPECIALS

www.ward5dconline.com This directory was made possible by a grant from the DC Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

ANC Meeting for 6-C. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-547-7168. anc6c.org ANC Meeting for 6-D. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. St. Augustine’s, 600 M St., SW. 202-554-1795. anc6d.org

OUT OF TOWN Concerts at the Netherlands Carillon. Saturdays in summer, 6:00-8:00 PM. Carillon concerts are presented by outstanding carillonneurs. During concerts, visitors are welcome to climb the tower’s 135 steps to watch the carillonneur perform and view the city of Washington and the surrounding area. Free. (Virginia shore of Potomac River, opposite Washington, DC and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery). 703-289-2500. nps.gov/ gwmp/carillon ★

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{ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL SPECIAL }

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Walter Fauntroy at a Home Rule Demonstration in 1967. Reprinted with permission of the DC Public Library, Star Collection, © Washington Post

A KING for Washington and DC by Derek Musgrove

n August 28, 2011, the National Park Service will open the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to the public. The memorial consists of a massive statue of King, arms folded in steely determination, flanked by two huge stones. Standing in a semi-circular plaza that opens onto the Tidal Basin, King gazes toward the Jefferson Memorial, seemingly challenging the man who drafted the Constitution to resolve the racial contradictions at the core of American democracy. Situated amidst the cherry trees that have come to define this section of the Mall, it is a beautiful place to contemplate the man and his ideas. Though DC residents tend to shrug at the opening of monuments and other national goings-on of official Washington, the unveiling of the King Memorial, I suggest, is a good time for us to head down to the Mall and contemplate the late

reverend’s message for this city and the nation. A consistent theme in the city’s history is the separation between “Washington” and “DC” -- between the gleaming white marble monumental city, populated by out-of-town lawmakers and tourists, and the neighborhoods; between the disproportionately rich, white, and powerful, and the black, poor, and powerless. King was a regular visitor to both Washington and DC. While most Americans know of the many speeches he delivered to the nation from Washington, few are aware of his eﬀorts to speak to the interests of DC residents and the impact of his assassination on the city.

A National Stage Like most great twentieth century U.S. protest leaders, King used Washington as a stage from which to address policymakers and the American people on the great issues of his day. His most famous speeches in this city were milestones in his capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 23

life and the civil rights movement. On May 17, 1957, King traveled to the capital for the “Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom” at the Lincoln Memorial. Before a gathering of 20,000, King delivered what many regard as his first national address, “Give Us the Ballot.” The march was designed to stimulate public support for the Civil Rights Act of 1957, and it had its intended effect. Alas, the law was a toothless tiger, gutted of nearly all of its important provisions by southern Senators, among them Lyndon Johnson of Texas. Six years later, at the height of the civil rights movement, King returned to the Lincoln Memorial for the August 28, 1963, “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” The crowd of 250,000 - one in ten of whom was a DC resident - stood rapt as King delivered what has since become the most recognizable address in modern U.S. oratory. This speech, unlike the last, was followed by meaningful legislative reform, and the following summer, King returned to the city to witness President Lyndon Johnson sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the fortieth anniversary of the march, King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was memorialized with a brief inscription on the steps where he stood. Though celebrated today, the speech alarmed Federal Bureau of Investigation Director J. Edgar Hoover, a lifetime resident of Seward Square, just off of Pennsylvania Ave. SE, who, in the years and months following the march, used his agency to viciously attack King and the movement for which he spoke. And on March 31, 1968, King returned to the capital city to deliver what turned out to be his last Sunday sermon, titled “Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution,” at the National Cathedral. At the start of his remarks, the overflow crowd of more than 3,000 listened uncomfortably as King made the case for his Poor People’s Campaign, scheduled for later that spring. The prospect of tens of thousands of the nation’s poor dramatizing their destitution by living in a tent city on the National Mall gave even strong supporters of civil rights pause in the era of “long, hot summers.”

Home Rule / Urban Renewal Though King used Washington as a stage for his civil rights crusade, he did not ignore its domestic politics. 24 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Located on the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial creates a visual line of leadership between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials in Washington, D.C. The Memorial is the first on the National Mall to honor a man of hope, a man of peace, and a man of color. It will be an engaging landscape experience utilizing the natural elements of water, stone, and trees to convey four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King’s universal message – democracy, justice, hope, and love. A 450-foot inscription wall will feature more than a dozen Dr. King quotes engraved into granite to serve as a lasting testament and reminder of his humanitarian vision. The Memorial will include the “Mountain of Despair” and the “Stone of Hope,” which will feature a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. King. Image courtesy of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. (c) 2010 - 2011. All Rights Reserved.

By the 1950s, the issues of home rule and civil rights had become inextricably entwined, and for good reason. At the height of the civil rights movement, DC was a de-facto segregated majority-black city ruled by southern segregationists in Congress. In August 1965, King lent his voice to the local struggle. Following more than a half dozen meetings with community groups at which he expressed his support for home rule, King sat down with the members of the House and Senate Committees on the District of Columbia, who were then blocking President Johnson’s Home Rule bill, to make local residents’ feelings known. The following day, King led a crowd of 5,000 to Lafayette Park before a banner that read “We’re glad you’re with us Mr. Johnson. We do need home rule now.” Revealing that his closed-door meeting with members of the DC Committees did not go well, King told the crowd that members of Congress had been “derelict in their duties and sacred responsibility to make justice and

freedom a reality for all citizens of the District of Columbia.” If DC was not granted home rule “in the next few weeks,” King vowed, he would return to lead a march of 200,000. Though conservatives in Congress remained defiant, King’s demand for home rule was partially fulfilled by President Johnson’s 1967 “reorganization” of DC government and his subsequent appointment of Walter Washington as “Mayor/Commissioner.” Home rule was not the only problem facing DC residents in the mid1960s. Many of the same Congressmen who opposed home rule favored “urban renewal” plans that threatened to bisect dozens of DC neighborhoods with six-lane highways. These plans would relieve the city’s wretched traffic congestion, but at the cost of destroying countless communities and transforming thousands of city residents into refugees. On March 12, 1967, local opposition to the highway plan brought King back to the city for a parade through Shaw with his dynamic

local understudy Walter Fauntroy, Director of the Washington Bureau of the SCLC. Noting that similar projects threatened urban neighborhoods throughout the nation, King told the protesters that “…you on these 675 acres called Shaw can point the way for the nation out of her most serious domestic dilemma – the decay of the city.” Remarkably, the protesters won, saving signiﬁcant portions of the old city from destruction.

Assassination Perhaps the most powerful, longterm impact that King had on the city came with his assassination in 1968. Beginning in the early-1960s, King warned that increasing segregation in America’s cities, deteriorating conditions in the ghettos, unemployment, and police brutality had created a combustible mix that could explode at any time. All that was needed was a spark and the nation’s cities could be engulfed in ﬂame. Though long touted as riot-proof because of its large black

middle class, Washington proved to be little different from other cities across the country. Black unemployment was between two and three times that of whites, the rat infestation in black neighborhoods was so bad that Congress of Racial Equality President Julius Hobson organized a protest around it, and relations between the majority-white Metropolitan Police Department and African Americans, always tense, were deteriorating rapidly. In 1967 alone, MPD officers shot and killed more than a dozen African Americans and, Washington Post reporter Ben Gilbert tells us, “street disorders requiring police action became regular, almost weekly, occurrences.” These conditions help explain what happened on the evening of April 4, 1968,when news broke that King had been shot in Memphis, Tennessee. A hastily arranged and ill conceived effort by former Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Chairman Stokely Carmichael to get U St. stores to close in honor of King soon spiraled out of control, and within hours the area was engulfed in rioting. Looting and arson continued for the next four days, destroying the U St., 7th St., 14th St., and H St. corridors, claiming twelve lives, and sending many of the city’s small businesses fleeing to the suburbs. Some of these areas did not see substantial new investment until the 1990s. The riots demonstrated the human limits of the love and nonviolence that King had preached. In late April 1968, King’s Poor People’s Campaign rolled into town. A motley assortment of the nation’s poor, joined by civil rights activists, set up a makeshift “Resurrection City” in West Potomac Park, a stone’s throw from the Lincoln Memorial. Arriving so soon after the riot, the protesters set the city on edge. After six rain soaked weeks, relieved only by a “Solidarity Day” rally of 50,000 at the Lincoln Memorial, the protesters’ permit expired and they were forced to abandon the site. Many DC residents breathed a sigh of relief as the MPD cleared the area and the National Park Service bulldozed the shacks. The poor, it seemed, were once again out of sight and

out of mind. Residents’ relief was momentarily interrupted by reports of scattered rioting along 14th St. in Shaw, but liberal amounts of MPD-launched tear gas dispersed the crowds before the disturbances spread. Three months after King’s death, the city began to return to “normal.” Just as the riots showed the limits of King’s message of nonviolence in the midst of escalating racial animosity, the failure of the Poor People’s Campaign illustrated the limits of Americans’ willingness to embrace his vision of a more egalitarian society.

Memorial As the King Memorial opens on the National Mall “Washington” and “DC” residents should remember that the good reverend had a message for this city and its inhabitants, black and white, rich and poor, powerful and powerless. A version of that message, delivered at the National Cathedral just four days before his assassination, was the inspiration for the memorial itself: “I say to you that our goal is freedom, and I believe we are going to get there because however much she strays away from it, the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be as a people, our destiny is tied up in the destiny of America… With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair the stone of hope.” This beautiful metaphor, now formed in granite on the banks of the Tidal Basin, should stimulate us anew to join the battle against what King referred to as the “triple evils” of racism, economic exploitation, and war. King’s history in this city should also motivate us to join the ongoing battle to end taxation without representation in the nation’s capitol. So head down to the Mall, fellow residents of Washington and DC, and be inspired. G. Derek Musgrove, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of history at the University of the District of Columbia. He is the author of Rumor, Repression, and Racial Politics: How the Harassment of Black Elected Off icials Shaped Post-Civil Rights America (Athens, University of Georgia Press, 2012) ★

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 25

{ MLK SPECIAL SECTION }

MLK MEMORIAL DEDICATION EVENTS National Archives Document Display. On Display through Aug. 31, the program from “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” at the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963. At the March on Washington, which ended at the Lincoln Memorial and was broadcast nationwide, King gave his famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” to hundreds of thousands of people. Courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. East Rotunda Gallery, National Archives, Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW. 202-357-5333. archives.gov MLK Memorial open to the public. Monday, Aug. 22-Thursday, Aug. 25. The intersection of West Basin Dr. SW and Independence Ave. SW. dedicatethedream.org The Message in the Music Civil Rights Concert. Thursday, Aug. 25, 8:0010:00 PM. Various entertainment artists will join us in celebration by performing the legendary sounds of the Civil Rights Movement, music that inspired hope, strength and change. $100. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. dedicatethedream.org Honoring Past, Present, Future Pioneers Civil Rights Pioneers Luncheon. Thursday, Aug. 25, noon-2:00 PM. While Dr. King was arguably one of the most influential figures to emerge from the Civil Rights Movement, he was not alone. This luncheon honors those who dared to stand with Dr. King, those who dare to stand for the dream today, and those who dare future generations to continue to stand for social justice and equality. $85. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. dedicatethedream.org Partners in the Dream Public Expo. Thursday, Aug. 25, 3:00-8:00 PM; Friday, Aug. 26, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturday, Aug. 27, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday, Aug. 28, 2:30 PM-6:00 PM. Join supporters of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial for a public expo including information booths, performances and a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free and open to the public. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. dedicatethedream.org We Shall Overcome: The Song That Moved a Nation. Friday, Aug. 26, 10:00 AM. We Shall Overcome film traces the origins of the civil rights movement through a single song, performed by the SNCC Freedom Singers; Peter, Paul, and Mary; and Joan Baez. Andrew Young, Julian Bond, and other veterans of the 1960s reminisce about the meaning of the song. Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4844. anacostia.si.edu Women Who Dare to Dream Luncheon. Friday, Aug. 26, noon-2:00 PM. Equally as important as their male counterparts, the women of the Civil Rights Movement have earned our respect and esteem. At this luncheon, we honor the women whose legacy of strength and dignity continues to inspire hope. $85. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. dedicatethedream.org The March. Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28, at noon. To celebrate the opening of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial, the National Archives presents two screenings of the 1964 film documenting the August 28, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Directed by James Blue for the United States Information Agency. (30 minutes). Free. National Archives, William G. McGowan Theater, Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW. Film screening attendees should enter through the Special Events entrance. 202-357-5333. archives.gov Monumental Martin. Saturday, Aug. 27, 1:00-3:00 PM. Celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and the life of the noted civil rights leader. Join Culture Kingdom Kids for educational and fun activities that include interactive music, storytelling, dance, and take-home crafts. Families with children ages 4 to 12 are

26 ★ HillRag | August 2011

encouraged to attend. Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4844. anacostia.si.edu Interfaith Prayer Service. Saturday, Aug. 27, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM. The official interfaith prayer service for the opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. By invitation. There may be a stand-by line. Washington National Cathedral. dedicatethedream.org Dream Gala. Saturday, Aug. 27; Reception, 6:00-7:00 PM; Dinner, 7:0010:00 PM. The Dream Gala is the premier VIP formal event of Dedication, where all Leadership Donors, dignitaries and honored supporters come together for a momentous evening celebrating the completion of the dream, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. $125-$250. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. dedicatethedream.org Pre-Dedication Musical Tribute. Sunday, Aug. 28, 10:00-11:00 AM. Preceding the official Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, this concert will pay tribute to the Life, the Dream and the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free and open to the public. West Potomac Park. dedicatethedream.org Official Dedication Ceremony. Sunday, Aug. 28, 11:00 AM. The official Dedication ceremony of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Free and open to the public. West Potomac Park. dedicatethedream.org Concert on the Mall. Sunday, August 28, 2:00-4:00 PM. Post-Dedication concert featuring noted artists. Free and open to the public. West Potomac Park. dedicatethedream.org King at Newseum. “The Press and the Civil Rights Movement” film runs continuously in the Newseum History Gallery. Excerpts from the “I Have a Dream” speech available for viewing in the Internet, TV and Radio Gallery. 1969 photo of King by Moreta Sleet, Jr., first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize, on view in the Pulitzer Gallery. See real-time news coverage of the “I have a Dream” speech in old newspapers. $21.95 (kids free through Labor Day). Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 888-639-7386. newseum.org Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter. Thursday-Monday in August, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15-20 minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories. Appropriate for all ages. Free, walk-in. American History Museum. americanhistory.si.edu Race: Are We So Different? Exhibition on view through Jan. 2, 2012. Race is a short word with a long history in America. What is race and how are we affected by it every day? Race: Are We So Different? explores the concept of race from scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives. The exhibition offers a powerful look at race and racism, and challenges visitors to ask questions, think critically, and talk about the issue and their own experiences. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (second floor), 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-357-1729. mnh.si.edu ★

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HILLRAG CROSSWORD Across 1. Loud Australian bird 6. Categorize 11. Minor falling out 15. Medicinal plant 19. Kind of group, in chemistry 20. Category of arachnids 21. ___ podrida 22. Asian buffalo 23. Monica’s confidante travels with Kerouac? 27. Boatload 28. Exodus commemoration

29. Scolds severely 30. Bacteria discovered by Theodor Escherich 31. Out of fashion 34. “Baloney!” 35. Swindler, slangily 38. Accord 40. Merry old times 44. “Twister” star hits the beach? 50. Change, as the Constitution 51. “See ya” 52. Pay (up) 53. Dead, e.g.

Crossword Author: Myles Mellor www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

28 ★ HillRag | August 2011

54. Beauty 55. Park fixture 56. “Help!” 57. Between-meal nibbler 60. Like a bug in a rug 62. Amazon, e.g. 63. Musical aptitude 64. Fire 65. Change channels? 67. Fix firmly 69. Color intensity 72. Cheat, slangily 73. Penn. is one

74. “Fancy that!” 75. Showy trinket 77. Seafood dish 80. Chester White’s home 81. Dig discovery: Var. 83. “Peace Piece” artist 84. Electrical unit 85. Perry Como’s “___ Loves Mambo” 87. Coastal raptor 88. Sumter and Bragg, e.g. 90. “Collateral” star gets away from it all? 96. Like much testimony 97. W.W. I soldier 98. Cold shower? 99. Barely get, with “out” 101. Intricate Indian dance 104. Riot 107. City on San Francisco Bay 111. Icy expanses 113. Battle site to remember? 114. Astronaut travels in style? 119. The “A” of ABM 120. “Green Gables” girl 121. Language branch that includes Hungarian 122. Border 123. Hacienda hand, maybe 124. Medical advice, often 125. Simple song 126. Big Bertha’s birthplace Down 1. “For Me and My ___” 2. Liturgical vestment 3. Physics lab device, for short 4. Steroid hormone 5. U.S. physiologist 6. ___-tzu 7. Air force heroes 8. Stationed 9. Chip away at 10. Football position 11. Anderson’s “High ___” 12. 1969 Peace Prize grp. 13. Extra baggage 14. Vaudevillain singer Clare 15. Australian shrub 16. “Step ___!” 17. Catch, in a way 18. Dances noisily 24. Coming’s partner 25. Bouquet 26. Kind of doll 32. Amuse oneself

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33. Character 36. ___ Epoch 37. False move 39. Appetite 41. Charge 42. “Trick” joint 43. Antares, for one 44. Witches 45. Correct, as text 46. Long-tailed primate 47. Amniotic ___ 48. Joyful exclamation 49. Killed by a mob 55. Musette, e.g. 56. Ed.’s request 58. Propel, in a way 59. Cuddle, slangily 61. Disease cause 63. First apple eater? 66. Pickpocket, in slang 67. Sweet cordial 68. Brown, e.g. 69. Some like it hot 70. Native New Zealander 71. Some wedding guests 74. Pool contents? 76. One teaspoon, maybe 77. Drunkards 78. Dog with a blue-black tongue 79. BBs, e.g. 80. Silver ___ 81. Clinton, e.g.: Abbr. 82. “48___” 86. Death on the Nile cause, perhaps 88. Sixties’ movement 89. Reveals more than others 91. Compact car model 92. In tune 93. Lightweight fare 94. One way to think 95. Moluccas island 100. First name in mystery 102. Literally, “dwarf dog” 103. Tinman’s lack 105. Eastern V.I.P.’s 106. Moose or elk 107. Hospital directive 108. Channel 109. Palo ___ 110. Bang-up 112. Buttonhole, e.g. 115. “Star Trek” rank: Abbr. 116. Undertake, with “out” 117. Aloof 118. Dusk, to Donne

Capitol Streets HILL BUZZ by Anna Cranage Conathan

Greetings from the Northern States, Hill Pals. The depleted options of amusing indoor activities, the rising mercury, threatening to collide with the ubiquitous “debt ceiling,” and the sensation of being caught in a endless embrace of an overly adoring auntie, brought on by the cruel Mid-Atlantic humidity drove The Boy and I to begin our northern Haj to cooler climes slightly early this summer. I write to you from the great state of New Hampshire where one is free to ride motorcycles helmet-less, exempt from paying income tax, and able to converse with the direct clarity of residents from the Live Free or Die state. I’ve also been using the word “wicked” as much as possible. On our trek northward we failed to take Manhattan, but The Boy summoned the “chit-spah” (thank you, Rep. Bachman) to barf all over the BQE. We skipped Connecticut and forged our way to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where we rubbed elbows with the preppy elite of Cape Cod before disappearing “oﬀ-grid” to the remote and electricity-free sandbar of Saquish beach, and reunited with The Husband. After a simple, brain-liberating media-free week amidst the sandy bunkers of this peaceful place, The Boy and I donned, once again, the armor of road warriors and headed north into the heart of New England. We are now en route to Freedom, NH, the hamlet of my child-

My grammar school in Freedom, New Hampshire

hood, currently in the throes of Old Home Week, a seven-day celebration of our “freedom” from neighboring Effingham back in 1831. (“Those effers!” as The Husband playfully refers to them.) We will ride on Bessie the ancient fire engine and attend the Firemen’s Lobstah Suppah, a buffet of wicked awesome cult-cha and succulent Homarus Americanus. Despite the kinder climate, the screened porches and the pleasant non-partisan, acronym-free conversation, I do find my mind wandering back to my home on the Hill. The chirp of crickets and the distant cry of loons gives way to a distant buzzing sound, signifying my sworn duty to serve up some monthly scoop:

of Kim Brenegar will be collecting fun, colorful, and quirky items from community members, especially those who knew Kim, to create the mosaic: pebbles, broken slate or stone, river rocks, porcelain pieces, sea glass, tile, maybe even old gardening tools or small figurines. Keep in mind, objects should be small and able to withstand weather. The finished piece will be installed in the spring of 2012. To make a donation, Care Company, located at Christ Our Shepherd, 801 North Carolina Ave, SE, will accept drop-offs Tuesday-Friday, 9:30am - 4:30pm. For questions, contact Monique Sommer, monique@ carecompanydc.org.

On the Waterfront Have you been to the Southeast

Mosiac in Memorium Gifted local artist Deirdre Saunder will be creating a mixed media mosaic to serve as the centerpiece for Kim Brenegar’s Memorial Garden, or “Kim’s Garden.” (8th St., Independence and North Carolina Aves., SE - www.kimsgardendc.blogspot.com.) As the mosaic will be made entirely of recycled materials, Friends capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 29

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waterfront lately? The gorgeous walkway now stretches from The Yards Park, through the front of the naval base, past the old boathouse location and the 11th Street Bridge Project, where construction abounds, and an alternate path continues on along the Anacostia, past various yacht clubs, ending at the new Capitol Hill Boat House, home of scullers and rowers of all sorts, a gorgeous waterfront view and the added bonus of train tracks that serves up a regular passage of endless freight cars that will delight and surprise any young locomotive enthusiast. If you are interested in trying out rowing, the Capital Hill Rowing Club – www.capitalrowing. org - oﬀers classes, clubs and the chance to volunteer and row with the Capital Hill Adaptive Rowing Program (CARP), an amazing and inspiring program that provides handicapped military and civilian athletes the opportunity to learn how to row. I took the intro class last summer found it to be an entirely new and thrilling adventure that offered amazing instructors, sleek and beautiful boats, ample oar in water experience and the challenge of creating balance and rhythm with strangers who would become friends to both celebrate and commiserate with. I love it.

Soldier on Another Hill wonder I stumbled upon recently is a “blink and you’ll miss it” storefront across the

street from Frager’s paint department 503 11th Street SE. 202-5462201. The Toy Soldier Shop – www. toysoldiershop.com, is the meticulous passion of Neil Rhodes, who has created a fantastic homage to the history and culture of war. The store comprises the first floor of a beautifully restored double parlor row house. Visitors will find several thousand hand-painted soldier figurines in antique display cases as well as toy soldier books, structural models of forts, castles and battlements and, the feature that caught my eye, a remarkable selection of gloriously patriotic WWI and WWII posters, most original prints. Another draw? Neil’s sense of humor, dry as a Wasa cracker, and his extensive knowledge of the great World Wars. A veritable time machine into our war-torn history, it’s a treasure trove worth visiting. (Open on Saturday 10am-5pm, or by appointment.)

Mid-Day Reprieve Why not groove your lunch hour away at the Library of Congress’s “Homegrown Concert Series,” oﬀered Wednesdays at noon in the Coolidge (“cool” being the operative word) Auditorium, (For more information, contact: 7075510 or go to LOC.org.)

One for the Sweet Mamas Hello, Cupcake (hellocupcakeonline.com) on Barracks Row is hosting “Cupcakes, Cocktails & Conversa-

Enjoy Summer in a New Home!

tion,” for DC moms on Tuesday, August 9th from 7-9pm. Come have a cocktail, a cupcake and do an equal amount of both chitting and chatting without childus interruptus. Check out Hello, Cupcake’s new classes and afterschool mini-workshops. The delicious twist of frosting on top? Each guest will receive a takeaway treat and fab giveaways from local businesses like Dawn Price Baby, Micheal Anthony Salon, Zest, CHAW, Atlas Arts and Mamaslink. RSVP at http://hellocupcakemomsnightout.eventbrite.com/

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Old School In the spirit of The Boy’s blessed return to academia on August 22nd, I share with you a piece of my own academic history, a picture of my elementary school. Located in the Thorton Wilder-esque (and effer-less) village of Freedom. (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom,_New_Hampshire), this ancient two-room schoolhouse hosted grades 1-6, including my class of seven pupils. In my day we had crazy old timey things like slate chalk boards at each desk, rough brown sheets of T.P., and even such academic dinosaurs as art, music, and phys ed! While I did not attend grammar school in the late 1800s, when my schoolhouse was built, I have to tell you, after schlepping the boy up through the thirteen original colonies, I feel that old. How many days until August 22? tay cool, my Hillie kindred, stay cool. Anna is a freelance writer and screenwriter currently vacationing in New England. Anna is able to shell lobsters with efficiency and speed, dons the title of Space Master for her incredible car packing skills and is proficient at the classic but tricky quintessential gesture of small town America: The front porch “rock, nod, n’ wave.” She is travel companion to son, Sam, and M.I.A. partner to lonely Hill Husband, Mike. To put buzz in Anna’s ear email her at bananascabana@yahoo.com. ★

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 31

LEFT: Playing in the Yards Park water feature has become a favorite pastime for families with young children this summer. Photo: Giancarlo Fagon BELOW: Enjoying Friday evening performances along the Anacostia River at Yards Park. Photo courtesy of Capitol Riverfront BID

bulletin board Lots of Changes Happening in the Yards If you go to the Yards Park, you will get a glimpse of the future. Forest City Washington has added a sample of the glass housing that will surround the lumbershed when construction is complete. This addition is one of many enhancements in the works in The Yards. The Boilermaker Shops, after announcing ﬁve restaurant tenants, will begin renovations soon with an opening planned for Fall 2012. 401 M Street is expected to start construction this fall. 401 M will feature approximately 225 apartments and a much anticipated Harris Teeter. The Foundry Lofts, a 170-unit apartment building, will begin pre-leasing in August with plans to open in October. For those that are interested, the sales trailer is on site. Follow Foundry Lofts on twitter (@FoundryLoftsDC) for the latest updates on the project. yardspark.org

Ground Broken for New Giant and Contemporary Apartments on H Street Corridor Construction has begun on 360° H Street, a highly anticipated mixed32 ★ HillRag | August 2011

use, grocery and apartment complex located squarely on the new streetcar line. On July 19, Mayor Gray and Ward 6 Councilmember Wells joined neighbors, shop owners and oﬃcials of the Steuart Investment Company, Albemarle Group and Giant Food of Landover, Md. in a groundbreaking ceremony for the development, marking the start of the site’s transformation. The property will feature a brand new 42,000 sq. ft. Giant and 215 contemporary apartments, just two blocks northeast of Union Station between Third and Fourth streets.

Fragers DIY Seminars Announced Beginning Aug. 20, Fragers will be giving a free, monthly DIY Seminar at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. These seminars will be held every third Saturday, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. For information on the speaker and subject matter as well as to register for a seminar, go to HillCenterDC.org.

Rumsey Pool Not Closing on Aug. 1 DPR, in order to have more time to evaluate needed repairs, has decided to delay the closing of the pool. Watch the Hill Rag Bulletin Board for new closing date.

635 No. Carolina Ave. SE. 202724-4495. dpr.dc.gov

ANC6B Seeking Committee and Task Force Members ANC6B is actively seeking interested residents to participate as voting members on committees and task forces. Under the ANC’s bylaws, one resident from each Single Member District can serve as a voting member of each standing committee. This is your chance to inﬂuence events and decisions in the neighborhood, and, by expanding the skills and capacity of the Commission, your involvement will allow ANC6B to do more for our community. The areas of interest are Planning and Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Transportation, Outreach and Constituent Services and Hill East. ANC6B is generally Capitol Hill south of East Capitol Street. For a boundary map, go to anc6b.org/map. To volunteer for a committee or task force, contact the ANC6B Executive Director, Bert Randolph at bert@anc6b.org.

CHRS Fun Fall Auction If you are doing any summer or fall cleaning-up, please keep CHRS in mind. They are looking for any furniture, art work, household items, etc. Both for their live auction and silent auction. All items that are donated are tax deductible. The auction will take place in the fall, date to be determined. They will start collecting items in October, but if you have an item that you need to drop oﬀ before, please call Michelle Carroll at 202-544-7900. chrs.org

Anacostia River Business Summit 2011 Save the date! Sept. 20, 8:00 AM12:30 PM, 100 M St. SE. Meeting to discuss river clean-up, its destination qualities and its impact on economic development initiatives in the city. Sponsors and exhibitors are being sought. Contact david@capitolriverfront.org or 202-465-7093 for more information.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) Elections EMCAC, the community advisory board for the Eastern Market Facility, will be holding an election for officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary & Treasurer) and EMCAC Community Representive on Sept. 28. Officers of EMCAC must be a standing member of the board of EMCAC. For community members interested in being an EMCAC Community Representative, place your name in nomination by submitting letter of introduction and resume/experience to Chuckburger@ cbmove.com. Members of EMCAC will elect community representatives from qualified submissions. All Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 15. Contact Chuck Burger at 202-258-5316 with any questions.

Mandarin Oriental Sponsors 10K Walk/Run to Raise Funds for Playground On Sept. 18, colleagues of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC will rally together for the ﬁrst ever “FANtastic March,” a 10K walk/run fundraiser to help build a new children’s playground in Southwest. The funds raised by Mandarin Oriental colleagues will be used for construction of the playground, to be located at Third and I sts., adjacent to the public library, oﬀering a much-needed location for families to gather and a safe place for children to play. “We want to make a contribution

to the development of our community, and to support the needs of our neighbors,” said General Manager Amanda Hyndman. “Our FANtastic March and the $10,000 that we are hoping to raise will not only beneﬁt a safe playground for the local children to enjoy, but it will also serve as a great team building opportunity for the hotel’s colleagues and our community partners and friends.” The day will begin at 8:00 AM, Sunday, Sept. 18 at Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. and wind around the city’s famed monuments before culminating at Hains Point for a celebratory BBQ at approximately 2:00 PM. The fee to participate is $50 and includes a continental breakfast, morning pre-walk stretching, an event t-shirt and celebratory BBQ at Hains Point. To learn more about the event, sign-up or to make a donation, visit razoo.com/story/Teammowas-Fantasticmarch.

Construction Starts on Maine Avenue, SW Trail The District Department of Transportation has begun construction on the Maine Ave. SW Trail Widening and Eastbound Roadway Resurfacing Project. The improvements are planned for the south side of Maine Ave. SW between the northbound 14th Street Bridge ramp and 12th St. SW. The project will replace the existing 4-foot-wide sidewalk with a new 14-foot-wide trail, accommodating both bicyclists and pedestrians, and replace the existing road surface. Installation of new storm water drainage elements,

Baby it’s hot outside, Pennsylvania Ave. SE, July 22. Photo: Celeste McCall capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 33

bio-retention areas, trees, lighting, signs, curb, gutter and fencing is also included in the project. To accommodate these amenities, on-street parking in this area will be eliminated, the number of vehicular lanes will be reduced from two to one and some driveway entrances to businesses will be realigned. Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-October 2011. Construction activities will take place between 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday and may occur on weekends, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. For more information, contact Project Manager Joe Dorsey at 202-2104542 or joseph.dorsey@dc.gov.

Odyssey Cruise and “Oklahoma!” On Aug. 25 and Sept. 29, Odyssey guests will indulge in fine dining, live entertainment and dancing. The three-course meal includes dinner favorites like Maple-Glazed Chipotle Chicken, Argentinean Salmon and Seafood Ravioli Gratinee. The evening wouldn’t be complete without the Odyssey’s Signature Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte or New York Style Cheesecake. After the cruise, guests will make their way to the Mead Center, situated across the street from the docks at 1101 Sixth St. SW, to enjoy the performance of Oklahoma! Not your mother’s Oklahoma!, this performance is inspired by the toughness of the prairie. Artistic Director Molly Smith sets her production in the robust world of territory life filled with a dynamic cast as rich and complex as the great tapestry of America itself. Set to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless music, Oklahoma! celebrates the vigor of America’s pioneering spirit with athletic dance and boot-stomping energy. Filled with classic tunes such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” this musical production will thrill audiences of all ages. Boarding time for the Odyssey dinner cruise is 5:00 PM; sailing, 5:30-7:30 PM. The performance of Oklahoma! at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $139.67 per person. All packages must be booked through Arena Stage at 202-4884380 or at arenastage.org.

34 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Green Space Center Coming to Nationals Ballpark Executives from the private, public and nonprofit sector have launched Greenspace, the District’s first green learning and resource center to be located at Nationals Park. Greenspace is a $2 million, 12,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the LEED platinum standard. Designed by world renowned Gensler, Greenspace will serve as a living classroom for understanding and impacting green communities while also demonstrating a sustainable approach to leased space that can be used with greater cost effectiveness and less impact on the environment. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2011. greenspacencr.org

H Street Construction Completed DDOT has wrapped up work on the roadway, sidewalks, streetcar tracks and streetlights in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of H St. NE, the final segment of the construction project that began in September 2008. The H Street Reconstruction Project spans nearly one-mile of H St. NE, from Third St. to the 1400 block where it connects to the starburst Intersection and the Benning Rd. Project completed earlier this year. Together, the two projects are the first corridors in the District’s Great Streets Initiative to be completed. Great Streets is a multi-agency initiative that strategically targets major corridors in the city with infrastructure improvements that are aimed at fostering more livable communities, promoting economic development and improving mobility for residents. The project cost approximately $35 million. It is the first comprehensive reconstruction and redevelopment of the H St. corridor since the devastation of the 1968 riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

New Artistic Director for Theater Alliance Theater Alliance of Washington DC is pleased to announce the appointment of Colin!Hovde

as artistic director for its ninth season. Colin Hovde, is a native of Seattle,Washington and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has worked with many theaters in the DC Metro area, including The Kennedy Center, Rorschach Theater, Solas Nua, Source Theater Festival, Capital Fringe Festival, Washington Shakespeare Company, Forum Theater, Open Circle Theater, Washington Savoyards, The In Series, and dog & pony dc. Adele!Robey, President of Theater Alliance’s board of directors, said, “I ﬁrst met Colin when he was fresh out of school and was working with us as an associate artistic director. He tackled everything he did with incredible enthusiasm, and he had more wonderful ideas than I could ever keep up with. I am so glad that we are now the beneﬁciary of those ideas as Colin jumps in with his exciting artistic vision, his energy and his generous heart.” Theater Alliance will continue this coming season with the vibrant and powerful Black Nativity this December with two more shows to be announced at the beginning of the new year. theateralliance.com

Library of Congress Seeks Volunteer Docents The Library of Congress is recruiting the 2011 class of volunteer docents to lead tours of the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. To best serve the more than 1.7 million visitors who come each year, eager to view the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building, and learn about the treasures it contains, the Library’s Visitor Services Office relies on more than 300 trained volunteers to greet and direct the visitors and to conduct tours. Each fall, the Library’s Visitor Services Office offers a 14-week training program for volunteer docents who will gain the skills necessary to lead tours of the Thomas Jefferson Buildcapitalcommunitynews.com ★ 35

ing and answer questions about the Library’s collections and services. The 2011 training session for docents will begin on Aug. 30, 2011, and end in December. Docent training classes will be held from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from Aug. 30 through Dec. 1 at the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE. The nearest Metro stop is Capitol South. For more information about the program and other volunteer opportunities, contact James Hughes at 202-707-9867, jahu@loc.gov, or go to loc.gov/visit/volunteers.

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District Department of Transportation last week re-set the parking rates for the parking lot under the 295 freeway at Eighth and I St. SE. The new rates shown on the meter, eﬀective immediately, are seventy ﬁve cents per hour, the lowest hourly parking meter rates anywhere in DC. The new regulations as stated on the meter are a two hour time limit, Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM-6:30 PM and a three hour time limit, Monday-Saturday, 6:30-9:30 PM.

Kim’s Garden Mosaic to be Installed in Spring 2012 A mosaic by Deirdre Saunder, made from recycled material, will be installed in the center of Kim’s Garden (Eighth St., Independence and North Carolina Aves. SE) in the spring of 2012. Friends of Kim Brenegar are collecting items from community members, and especially those who knew Kim, which are fun, colorful, and quirky. Suggested items include pebbles, pieces of broken slate or stone, river rocks, broken porcelain, frost-free exterior tile, glass pebbles and glass tile, old small gardening tools e.g. gardening sheers, clippers, trowel, and watering cans. Objects should not be too large and be able to withstand all weather--the kind of material that you would like to see in

a mixed media mosaic. All donations may be left with Care Company, 801 North Carolina Ave. SE (Christ Our Shepherd Church), Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. For questions about dropoﬀ, email Monique Sommer at monique@carecompanydc.org. For questions about Kim’s Garden go to kimsgardendc.blogspot.com or call 646-522-5684.

Free Spring-flowering Bulbs In October, the Capitol Hill Garden Club will give away free spring-flowering bulbs for use in public spaces on Capitol Hill. Daffodils and crocus are chosen as they come back--and even proliferate--every year. Coordinator Amy Haddad says no qualified applicant will be turned away. Applicants should include a plan for the planting, which must be visible from the street. A photograph of the space is appreciated. The plan must also name the person responsible for the planting. Last year, this bulb give-away program resulted in more than 60,000 daffodils and crocuses being planted on Capitol Hill. Individuals and organizations are invited to apply. Applications are due on Sept. 15. The bulbs will be distributed in Oct. in time for planting. To request an application form, which can be submitted electronically, go to capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com or phone Amy Haddad at 202-486-7655. Please apply now for a lovely springtime show in 2012.

32 New Capital Bikeshare Stations The District Department of Transportation has announced the locations for 32 new Capital Bikeshare stations to be installed in the fall of 2011. It will be the ﬁrst major expansion of the system since Capital Bikeshare launched last September. Following weeks of planning and extensive community input, DDOT will install the new stations and expand the size of selected existing stations to better meet demand, while also adding 265 additional bicycles to

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capitolstreets news the system. Additionally, DDOT will install the already planned Capital Bikeshare stations at Sixth and H sts., NE and Foggy Bottom Metro. A list of the new station locations, as well as those existing stations where capacity will be increased, can be found at ddot.dc.gov.

Workout for Free at WSC With temperatures in the area expecting to soar in the high 90’s and 100’s once again this week, Washington Sports Clubs is encouraging Washingtonians to take their workouts indoors to escape the heat. Clubs citywide will open their doors to

the public for free workouts every time the thermometer hits 90 degrees through August. This oﬀer allows access all hours except 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and can be redeemed by referencing the “heat wave promotion” at the front desk of any WSC club. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and will need to show photo id. To ﬁnd a club near you, please visit, www.mysportsclubs.com.

DC Wildlife Needs Your Help!

Last year, the DC City Council unanimously passed the Wildlife Protection Act which was designed to provide much needed protection against cruel and archaic practices. This important piece of legislation is now in danger of being repealed by Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf of the 10th District (Northern Virginia). He may be considering adding an amendment Save the Dates – September 10th to September 24th to a piece of federal legislation in order to repeal this elebrate our great neighborhood from H Street NE to the RivDC city law. Contact him erfront! Designed to introduce residents to all corners of our today and urge him to withdiverse community, Hillfest is a two-week series of events spondraw any attempts he may sored by the Hill Rag, and produced in partnership with CHAMPS have in place to overturn this Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce. important piece of animal Commencing with the inaugural H Street Chalk Walk sidewalk protection law. Be a voice for chalk festival on September 10th, revving up with the H Street Festival animals today by contacting on September 17, and ending with the Fall Festival on Barracks Row Congressman Frank Wolf on September 24, HillFest will oﬀer opportunities to dine inexpensiveat 202-225-5136. support. ly, participate in selecting the Hill’s best baristas and bartenders, and washhumane.org discover unique items carried by the neighborhood’s boutique retailers.

HillFest 2011!

Celebrate The Hill from H Street NE to the Riverfront!

Fun Festivals The H Street Festival, Barracks Row’s Fall Festival and The Chalk Walk, an interactive corridor-long sidewalk chalk festival and competition on H Street, NE.

Delicious Dining Participating restaurants will oﬀer a ﬁxed-price meal from 5–6 PM.

Rate Local Retail Shop and till you drop and let the world know about the coolest items on the Hill. Contestants will be challenged to shop the neighborhood’s many retailers in a eﬀort to ﬁnd the coolest item and most knowledgeable store clerk. Submission will take the form of camera phone photos accompanied by a limerick or haiku. Contestants may enter as many times as they want and two random winners will receive 2 tickets each to the Hilly Awards

Recognize Service Provides During HillFest, help our local service providers out and participate in the testimonial challenge. Simply submit a 3-4 paragraph testimonial about your experience with a local service provider, ranging from salons to roofers. For more information or to participate, contact champs@capitolhill.org. ★

38 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Round-the-Clock “Home Sweet Home” Adopt-A-Thon From Saturday, Aug. 6, 11:00 AM through Sunday, Aug. 7, 11:00 PM, the Washington Animal Rescue League is hosting a non-stop adoption event.This weekend only, adopters may pay what they will for the cats and dogs (who are themselves priceless). All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and given comprehensive medical and behavioral evaluations. Adoption fees are regularly $150-250 for dogs and $50-100 for cats. The League is at 71 Oglethorpe St. NW. For more information, call 202-726-2556, write to warl@warl.org, or visit www.warl.org.

Corcoran Photo Contest This summer, join the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design in celebrating color throughout Washington, DC by participating in the Summer in Color Photo Contest. Taking inspiration from the colorful palettes of artists represented in the Gallery’s special summer exhibitions Chris Martin: Painting Big and Washington Color and Light, the Corcoran invites Washingtonians to photograph their favorite colorful corners across DC, sharing them through the Corcoran’s social media outlets. Between July 1Sept.2, photos will be submitted to the Corcoran’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. At the end of the contest, all photos will be compiled in the Corcoran’s Flickr account for viewing. The grand prize, awarded to the most colorful corner at the end of the contest, will include two tickets to NOW at Night on Friday, October 21, the Corcoran’s fall fundraiser hosted by the Corcoran Contemporaries. corcoran.org

Adopt Street Trees and Get Free Watering Tubs With intense summer heat once again impacting the survival of young trees, the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration seeks to continue its successful Canopy Keepers tree adoption program by engaging more residents and businesses in watering the District’s young trees. It takes less than ten minutes a week to ﬁll the 10-gallon watering tub that the city provides free of charge to anyone who adopts street trees through DDOT’s Canopy Keepers program. Given that urban tree canopy maintenance is a critical aspect of the District’s Forest Action Plan, nearly 2,000 trees have already been adopted by residents, property managers, organizations and businesses in all eight wards. Contact the DDOT at 202-671-5133 or submit online at ddot.dc.gov/trees to become a Canopy Keeper, receive a free watering device and help street trees survive the summer.

Housing Counseling Services Free Foreclosure Prevention Clinic Housing Counseling Services will oﬀer free Foreclosure Prevention Clinics to help homeowners in danger of losing their homes. Clients will receive information and individual counseling to help them identify their realistic options for avoiding foreclosure and “foreclosure rescue scams.” A new DC law gives DC homeowners in danger of losing their homes the right to seek mediation with their lender in order to avoid foreclosure. Learn about the beneﬁts of mediation and how to navigate the mediation process. Aug. 10, noon, Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW. 202-667-7006. housingetc.org. ★

capitalcommunitynews.com â˜… 39

How Tommy Wells Came Out a Winner by Martin Austermuhle

hen in mid-July D.C. Council Chair Kwame Brown took the unprecedented step of re-shuffling committee assignments, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells was seen as not only the target of his efforts, but also the biggest loser. Gone was his perch atop the Committee on Transportation and Public Works, from which Wells had jumped with gusto into implementing the “livable and walkable” principles that are so close to the hearts of the city’s urbanist sect. So too went his spot on Metro’s Board of Directors, where Wells had shown a level of commitment unbeknownst to many of his predecessors and colleagues. But despite the immediate loss of the committee he so loved, Wells spun the re-shuffling masterfully turning it into a case of political payback for the hearings and report he produced on city-leased SUVs and, yes, Brown’s own fully-loaded luxury SUV. And though his was the only dissenting vote when the re-shuffling hit the council floor, a number of his colleagues quietly apologized to Wells for not standing up for him. All told, Wells stands to come out a winner, probably not what Brown initially intended. Here’s how. Here Comes 2014: If Tommy Wells didn’t have citywide name recognition before the committee re-shuffling, he surely does now. Not only did it look like Brown was exacting revenge on Wells, but Wells beat Brown to the storyline – Wells leaked the news to a friendly blog the night it happened, while Brown waited 12 hours after the 40 ★ HillRag | August 2011

media pounced on the story to release a statement on it. (On Twitter, the entire charade was referred to as the “Midnight Massacre” and “Kwame’s Revenge.”) Looking down the road, the campaign ad for a citywide run in 2014 just seems to write itself: “Tommy Stood Up to Kwame Brown, and

He’ll Stand Up For You.” If Someone Gives You Lemons: There’s little doubt that moving from Transportation and Public Works to Libraries, Parks and Recreation was a demotion for Wells. In sheer ﬁscal terms, he went from overseeing a bureaucracy with a $566 million budget

Photo: Andrew Lightman

to one with only $72 million. But his new committee assignment will only be as good or bad as he wants to make it. Wells now chairs a committee that oversees something that touches upon the lives of virtually every resident in the District – libraries, parks, recreation centers, dog parks, and pools. No, it won’t have the policy cache of working on transportation, but in immediate terms, there’s more of a practical impact on residents. Shuttered libraries and abandoned parks make for irate voters, after all. Wells could launch a listening tour that takes him to every park, pool, library, and recreation center in the District – he did something similar with Metro buses – only elevating his citywide proﬁle. New Friends: Many watchers of local politics made noise of the fact that when it came time to vote on the council re-shuﬄing, Wells was the only person left voting against the plan. The assumption was that Wells hadn’t done enough cultivating of his own colleagues to cobble together an alliance that would support him, or that some of his own colleagues wanted to tamp down on any future citywide ambitions the Ward 6 legislator might have. Maybe. But Brown’s power play likely pushed some of Wells’ colleagues closer towards him, albeit quietly. In fact, in the days afterwards, a number of councilmembers – Wells declined to say who exactly – apologized to him, and Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) openly admitted that he regretted the vote. Moreover, some of the councilmembers that voted for the plan had something to gain – Ward 4’s Muriel Bowser moved up

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to the Committee on Government Operations, while At-Large Vincent Orange ﬁnally got himself the Committee on Small Business. It’s unlikely that they were voting for Brown, more than simply for themselves. It’s not lost on anyone that Brown remains under federal investigation for questionable spending in his 2008 campaign, while Wells is one of a minority of councilmembers that faces no ethical or legal inquiries. Additionally, if Wells was ﬁrst, someone else could be next, and no one really knows what might provoke Brown’s ire. Running a council based on fear isn’t likely to win Brown any more friends in the long-run, but it can certainly allow Wells to pick up a few.

Ethics Overhaul in the Offing? With at least six councilmembers, the council chair and Mayor Vince Gray clouded by ethical and legal inquiries, there’s not a whole lot of love amongst District residents for their elected leaders these days. In fact, many residents and political commentators have noted that a serious, if not complete overhaul of the city’s rules on ethics, campaign finance and elections may be needed in the near future. In recent months, a number of proposals have been floated. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Brown proposed legislation that would create a new institution to better police elected officials, but D.C. Attorney General Irv Nathan threw cold water on the idea by arguing that more bureaucracy wasn’t the answer. (He’d rather see the Board of Elections and Ethics and the Office of Campaign Finance made stronger.) Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) presented a competing proposal that would create an ethics committee on the council, much like the one Congress has. Wells has put forward legislation that would prohibit individuals and companies from setting up countless LLCs for the purposes of bundling contributions and create reporting requirements for transition and inaugural committees. At the same time, good government advocates in the District have pushed for more far-reach-

ing changes, including making it harder for candidates to make it on the ballot, giving them $25,000 in campaign seed money when they do and extended their terms to five years to allow them to settle in and govern before hitting the campaign trail again. Others want to see councilmembers limited to a single job – currently, legislators can have a second job, and four of them do – and be forced to publicly release their tax returns. In a op-ed in The Washington Post, one local fundraiser even proposed that campaign contribution limits be scaled back from $1,000 to $25. There’s a lot out there, but whether it goes anywhere is the next question. No one councilmember has stepped up and made ethics their signature issue, and despite all the outrage, there isn’t a coalition of good government groups in the city pushing for any one proposal. Brown’s council re-shuffling did put Bowser in charge of the committee that would handle any such legislation, though, which is a good thing – she was responsible for authoring the city’s newly strengthened Open Meetings Law and has shown an independent streak in the past. On the other hand, some have argued that maybe what the District needs isn’t more rules and regulations, but more people to enforce the ones currently on the books. Togo West, who chairs the Board of Elections and Ethics, recently pointed out that the Office of Campaign Finance only has four auditors on staff, severely limiting the breadth and depth of the work it could do. “You want to improve ethics policing in the District of Columbia, get me some more auditors,” he said. Of course, there is one much more direct solution to ethical and legal transgressions – elections. Next year, four councilmembers implicated in some sort of ethical scandal face the voters. Moreover, those who don’t might be forced to – there are whispers of possible recall attempts against Gray, Brown and Ward 5’s Harry Thomas, Jr. Martin Austermuhle is a Senior Editor at DCist.com and a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. He lives in Mt. Pleasant. ★

703-593-3204 www.davelloyd.net davidlloyd@realtor.com Arlington N. Spacious 2 level addition! $879,900 This substantially expanded Colonial with garage features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and is nestled on a lovely 10,424 sq. ft. lot in North Arlington’s Country Club Manors neighborhood. Enter a welcoming center hall entrance foyer and enjoy refinished hardwood floors, spacious formal living and dining rooms, a large family room (or 1st floor bedroom), breakfast room, sun room, all on the main level, plus 4 UPPER LEVEL BEDROOMS (including a master with ensuite bath), extensive decking for outdoor enjoyment, and a full daylight basement with loads of storage. All just steps from Jamestown Elementary and only minutes to Chain Bridge for easy commuting.

Arlington S. Exceptionally Charming! $789,900 A “Pull on your heart Strings” Tudor nestled on a delightful garden lot on Aurora Hills renowned Fort Scott Drive. Take pride in the stone and brick construction, rich pine paneling, preserved circa 1940 period features seamlessly blended with today’s modern updates including a reconfigured granite kitchen with adjoining breakfast area, an amazing 2 story vaulted great room with exposed beams & commanding stone fireplace, a relaxing sun room, formal dining room, 3 full baths, and a fully finished lower level complete with recreation room, guest suite and laundry/storage area. All sited on a gorgeous lot chock full of Mature trees and landscaping, private courtyards, brick Georgetown style patio, and an adorable detached brick garage. Conveniently located close to 2 Metro stations and vibrant Pentagon City.

NE/DC A Capitol Hill Cutie! $469,900 Remodeled and charming! This 2 bedroom, 1.5 new bath rowhouse is conveniently located just steps from Metro bus and just a few blocks from Lincoln Park.. Enjoy the relaxing covered front porch, classic hardwood flooring throughout, an updated eat-in kitchen, exposed brick walls, fresh paint, new double pane windows, new doors, washer and dryer closet off of the kitchen, and a fenced backyard patio just perfect the Summertime bbq’s. Ultra convenient 14th & C Street locale with easy walking distance to 3 Metro stations, Eastern market and the vibrant H Street corridor.

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Retail Politics Will DC Residents “live better” with jobs from Wal-Mart? by Kwame Boadi and Elissa Silverman Is any kind of job creation for DC good job creation? It’s an important question to consider as DC leaders and residents wrestle with the prospect of WalMart crossing over the District line into our city. The world’s No. 1 retailer—which has an aggressive urban growth strategy—promises to deliver up to 1,200 permanent positions in addition to hundreds of temporary construction jobs of four planned stores: New Jersey Avenue and H Street NW, Georgia and Missouri Avenues NW, New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road NE, and East Capitol and 58th Streets NE. Many of the District’s elected ofﬁcials have welcomed the Bentonville, Arkansas-based mega-corporation with outstretched arms, saying they are especially excited about employment opportunities for residents. But it’s worth considering just what kind of opportunities Wal-Mart will bring to DC. Many of Wal-Mart’s positions pay wages that would keep a single mom with two kids below the federal poverty level. And unlike working at a grocery store covered under a union contract, like Giant or Safeway, the path to higher pay and better positions is less clear at Wal-Mart. Also, if Wal-Mart’s famously low prices bring about job losses in better-paying grocery stores or neighboring small businesses as research supports, the net gain in jobs from Wal-Mart may not be as great as their promotional materials suggest. Currently one out of ten DC residents is searching for work. The District is the economic hub of our region, but there is a great need for low-skill jobs that can oﬀer entry 42 ★ HillRag | August 2011

into the workforce. The employment rate for DC adults with a high school degree, for example, has been falling for decades and is now at the lowest point in 30 years. Given that, it is important for DC’s leaders to try to increase employment opportunities for residents, especially those without a college degree. At the same time, however, the quality of these jobs also is important. Whether the jobs will be fulltime or part-time, whether they come with health and other benefits, and whether they provide wages that can support an individual or family given the high cost of living in DC are all factors to consider. One way the District can make Wal-Mart’s entry into our city beneficial to both parties is for the District to sign a “Community Benefits Agreement” with the world’s most profitable corporation. The agreement, which is a legally enforceable contract, can hold Wal-Mart to certain wage and hiring standards.

Low Prices, Low Wages Wal-Mart’s low prices are helpful to save money, but Wal-Mart’s low wages keep its hard-working employees in poverty, especially in high-cost urban areas like Washington. Across the country, according to studies, an entry level Wal-Mart employee typically earns between the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and $9 per hour. That beginning wage would be slightly higher in DC, because the District’s minimum wage is $8.25 per hour. Just having a job and a steady paycheck does not automatically lift a family out of poverty. In fact, the ma-

jority of DC’s low-income residents live in working families. The problem is they simply earn too little or cannot get full-time work, or both. The typical wage for DC’s working poor is about $9 an hour – just around what Wal-Mart’s entry –level jobs will pay. It doesn’t take a math genius to see that $9 an hour is not enough to support a family in DC. At $9 an hour and 32 hours a week, a prospective Wal-Mart employee would make roughly $1,150 a month before taxes. This is 75 percent the federal poverty level for a family of three, which in 2011 is $18,530. Once taxes are taken out and you factor in the cost of housing, transportation, and possibly child care, “rational decision makers” who economists refer to might wonder whether it is really worth it to work at all. Indeed, this is the decision faced by many parents who receive public assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. One of the main problems facing adults on TANF is that the only jobs available are ones with low wages and either temporary or erratic hours. So instead of creating a job ladder for those who want to climb out of welfare and poverty, it keeps people cycling in and out of bad jobs. This means Wal-Mart is unlikely to do much to support DC’s welfare-to-work eﬀorts. On the other hand, a job that pays $12 an hour at 32 hours a week would bring home a little over $1,500 a month before taxes. That wage would be enough to lift nearly twothirds of low-income working families above 150 percent of the federal poverty line.

It seems reasonable that the world’s No. 1 retailer could agree to pay DC’s “living wage” of $12 an hour. A 2001 study on Wal-Mart by researchers at University of California Berkeley concluded that applying the living wage to Wal-Mart “would provide signiﬁcant, concentrated beneﬁt to workers, almost half of them in poor or near-poor families.”

Low Prices, High Impact on District Wages and Small Businesses Wal-Mart has told District leaders they expect to employ up to 1,200 workers, but is that really 1,200 new jobs for our city? If Wal-Mart proves successful in offering lower prices than their competitors and maximizing their profits by minimizing costs, they could very well force competitors out of business. Those who are currently employed with small business might end up losing their jobs and then be looking for a job at Wal-Mart. Were Wal-Mart to locate in the District, not only would it be in competition with many local businesses, but it would also compete with major chains like Target, Safeway, and Giant. In the case of Safeway and Giant, both of these companies employ union labor and as such, pay and benefits at these stores for employees that have established tenure are considerably more generous that what Wal-Marts around the DC region currently offer their employees. WalMart’s presence could put downward pressure on the wages offered by its competitors. And if any union grocery stores go out of business as a re-

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A HOME? sult of Wal-Mart, the city will simply have replaced decentpaying jobs with low-wage, low-beneﬁt jobs.

Low Wages Can Be Raised Through a Community Benefits Agreement Wal-Mart and its supporters say that DC will benefit from the retailer’s presence through more jobs and low prices, but right now District residents just have to take Wal-Mart’s word. Because Wal-Mart is not asking for special tax or zoning treatment, DC’s leaders cannot make many demands. But that doesn’t mean that the DC community – the residents who will be filling Wal-Mart’s aisles — cannot ask the retailer to be a better partner. Instead, residents could have Wal-Mart guarantee a number of benefits by entering into a “Community Benefits Agreement” with the corporation. Community Benefits Agreements are legally enforceable contracts, agreed to and signed by community groups and a business, that detail a set of community benefits committed to by the developer as part of the project. A coalition of clergy, labor, civic activists and small businesses, known as the Living Wages, Healthy Communities Coalition, has been pushing for Wal-Mart to sign such an agreement. Included in the proposed document is an agreement that Wal-Mart pay the District living wage, which is $12.50 per hour. Big economic development projects like the opening of Wal-Mart should have benefits for both the company and for the District. Making living wage and first source hiring requirements as part of a community benefits agreement will ensure that happens. Boadi and Silverman are policy analysts at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. ★

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capitolstreets news

Rediscovering the Anacostia While Pollution Problems Still Remain, More And More People Are Enjoying The River by Gwyn Jones

tanding on the banks of the Anacostia River in the sweltering heat on a recent afternoon, the calm waters look especially inviting. One can imagine decades ago, when the Anacostia offered cool respite on such summer afternoons; when intrepid fishers hauled in catfish, perch and other species for dinner without fearing what toxic chemicals they would be eating along with their filets. But nowadays, the Anacostia’s 8.5 miles, flowing from Maryland through the District en route to the Potomac River, have been ravaged by agriculture and development combined with unchecked storm water runoff, resulting in dangerous levels of toxics, trash and bacteria. In fact, the Anacostia River on average meets DC Water Quality Standards only 65% of the time, according to a joint report from the Ancostia Riverkeeper and the Anacostia Watershed Society, “The 2010 State of the Anacostia River.” Swimming is out of the question. And fishing? You’d be well-advised to practice catch-and-release only. Yet,

Rowing on the Anacostia. Photo: Andrew Lightman 44 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Three of a group of 16 activists, scientists and elected officials who swam in the Anacostia River in mock Hazmat suits to highlight the failure by federal, state and local governments to clean up the river. The Anacostia River was supposed to have met the federal Clean Water Act goal of being “swimmable and fishable” by 1983. Photo: James R. Jones

despite the bad news, there is hope: long-time residents and advocates have seen noticeable improvements in the Anacostia over the last 10 years, and more and more people are discovering – or rediscovering – Washington’s “other” river. On any given afternoon in the summer, one can see people along its banks enjoying a variety of activities. Slips in the several marinas along the west bank in Southeast are full, and the Anacostia Community Boathouse

is a beehive of activity mornings, afternoons and weekends. On one recent afternoon, a group had gathered at a picnic table in the shade along the river’s west bank, enjoying a game of dominoes and some lively conversation. They’ve been holding this impromptu happy hours for eight years, according to Jason Cheeks, who lives across the border Maryland, but works in Southeast near the river. Things have changed a lot in those eight years, Cheeks says of their favorite spot. New trees have been planted, and there’s a new hiker-biker path – part of the Anacostia Riverwalk trail. But he says that there’s still an old Volkswagon in the water just past the seawall, although high tide and murky waters made it impossible to verify his claim. “It’s a good environment, here. It’s way cooler [by the river],” Cheeks says. “We come here after work; when it gets dark, we go home,” he chuckles. Not far from the happy hour group, DC residents

William Corley and Quentin Brooks are showing off their fishing prowess, pulling in several large catfish in the space of a few minutes. Their secret weapon: chicken livers for bait. Corley says his favorite way to eat catfish is fileting and frying, although he says he won’t be eating these from the Anacostia. “I know about the PCBs,” he says. “But I come here because the fish are biting, and a fisherman needs that boost once in a while so you can say, ‘I caught some fish!’” Corely’s been fishing the river for 15 years. He says there used to be more types of fish, but the catfish are most plentiful because they can deal with the poor water quality better. “I wish and pray they clean up this waterway,” Corley says. “It’s hot, but I can’t jump in and swim. This is the nation’s capital, and they should take care of it.” A little farther upriver, just past the 11th Street Bridge construction, are the white structures of the Anacostia Community Boathouse. In the late afternoon, dozens of people are arriving by bicycle and car for classes and training offered by one of several clubs that share the facility. Ginger Hedegore, a competitive rower with the Capital Rowing Club, was at the boathouse as a volunteer coach for one of its adaptive rowing classes, which brings the sport of rowing to people with disabilities. Hedegore’s been rowing on the Anacostia since 2006 and clearly loves her sport and the community that has developed around it on this stretch of river. The two-year-old boathouse facility built to replace the one displaced by the 11th Street bridge construction has enabled the more clubs to locate here – including high schools, American University, and community-based

clubs that offer a range of rowing and paddling opportunities for the novice and competitor alike. “Everyone here is super nice,” Hedegore says, “and here we have space to be a community.” The area surrounding the boathouse is clean, with new plantings along the river banks to create a vegetated buffer. The rowers and paddlers take turns with cleanup, Hedegore says, adding that with all the high water, they’ve seen a lot of debris wash up. “We make a point to pull stuff out of the river, too,” she says. They’re seeing a lot fewer bags these days, but plastic bottles are still a big problem. Hedegore says she’s not concerned about contact with the river water as she rows, but takes a pragmatic approach for both herself and her dog: “When you get back in, you wash off.”

Lots of people enjoy fishing in the Anacostia, but the fish is not safe to eat. Photo: Andrew Lightman

“You see folks out boating, and a lot of rowers,” says Dottie Yunger, Anacostia Riverkeeper executive director, noting that the Anacostia boasts the East Coast’s oldest historically black boating club, the Seafarers Yacht Club. “You see people fishing, too, and a lot of it is subsistence fishing,” she said. Yunger is particularly concerned about this because current fishing advisories warn people against eating any catfish, carp or eel from the Anacostia because of dangerous levels of toxics including PCBs that accumulate in fishes’ flesh. “Right now, you only find out about the advisories when you purchase a license, and a lot of low-income people don’t always get the licenses. They’re the most likely to be fishing for subsistence and the least likely to know about the advisories.” While the fish contamination comes from several “toxic hot spots” along the river where heavy metals and PCBs are particularly high, fecal bacteria is what makes the river unsafe for swimming, Yunger says. AWS Executive Director Jim Foster explains that the District’s combined sewage overflow system, which serves a large segment of the District, has been overloaded by

growth and development, so that whenever it rains raw sewage overflows into the storm sewers and empties into the Anacostia as well as the Potomac and Rock Creek. Each year the system dumps over 2 billion gallons of raw sewage and storm water directly into the Anacostia. Foster said that there are now consent decrees that are compelling the District and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to address the problem. “Just taking care of some of the maintenance and fixing leaks resulted in a 40% reduction of sewage going into the river,” Foster says, clearly frustrated. “They could have – and should have – taken care of that all along.” So, can people safely enjoy the river? Both Yunger and Foster reply with an emphatic “Yes.” “Typically, we (AWS) recommend that people not go on the river 48 hours after a substantial rainstorm,” Foster says because storm water runoff fecal matter – dog poop, goose poop, street contaminants, etc. – into the river. “If you’ve had surgery or have an open cut, you should stay off the river, and if you should fall in, you should take a substantial shower – wash immediately,” Foster advises. “It’s difficult,” Foster says, “because we’ve spent two decades telling people to stay away from the river. But recreation is an integral part of this [the river’s cleanup]. There’s no better way to engage people than to get them out on the river.” To help get people out on the river, the AWS offers a free evening paddle every other Wednesday evening in July and August. The remaining dates are Aug. 3, 17, 31 (see www.aws.org/calendar for more info). Yunger says the best times to enjoy the river from its banks or on a boat are early in the morning or around sunset, when birds and other wildlife are more active. Spring and fall are her favorite times. “I love going out in the spring because that’s when the ospreys come back. Birds of prey are a great indicator. They eat a lot of fish, and they need a lot of territory, so things are at least healthy enough for them to be here.” “We’re on a trajectory to see the river cleaned up in my lifetime,” says Foster. “Twenty-five years ago, you couldn’t have built the Nationals ballpark down there – the smell would’ve driven you out,” he says. “We’re seeing less trash, less tires and refrigerators. We’re making progress, but we still have a ways to go.” ★

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 45

capitolstreets news

New Facets for Local Gem Aging Northeast Library to Receive New Interior by Virginia Avniel Spatz

magine that Popperville Town Hall – which Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, helped build in the 1939 children’s story – is still standing in 2011. It’s seen a few updates over the years: roof repairs, air conditioning, energy-efficient windows, re-landscaping. The heating system once powered by Mary Anne, in her post-construction work as a boiler, was long ago superseded. But the basic structure remains unchanged. In short, Popperville is trying to meet 21st Century needs with a building designed when “accessible” meant unlocked, elevators were run by human operators, and a “laptop” was a small quilt. The DC Public Library (DCPL) faces Exterior work, including re-landscaping and new windows, is complete. just this challenge in planning for the $10.2 renovation of the Northeast Library, conthis year, with construction starting in the spring structed in 1932. The Georgian Revival building, at 330 7th of 2012. The refurbished library is scheduled to reStreet, NE, is a “real architectural gem,” says Vin- open in mid-2013. During a recent visit, a leak had necessitated cent Morris, president of the Northeast Friends closing the children’s room and canceling that day’s of the Library. But some of this gem’s facets have toddler program. On request, staff could retrieve lost their value over time: The need for living books for patrons, and a temporary solution was quarters – for building engineers, like the fictionbeing developed so that the children’s room could al Mike Mulligan – disappeared along with the re-open within a few days. A DCPL statement at boilers they once tended, for example. A “periodithe time noted that interior renovations would adcal search” no longer requires a separate room for dress such problems for the long term. directories and rows of magazines. On the other Although plans are not yet firm, Bonvecchio hand, searches of all kinds use computers, bringsays he expects the Northeast project will “gut the ing space and electrical demands the library’s building to the bare bones.” A facilities condition original designers never imagined.

To the Bare Bones A more contemporary design will make additional space available for public use, says Jeﬀ Bonvecchio, director of capital projects for DCPL. Only about half of the current square footage (14,900) is in public use. Another 2,910 sq. ft is allocated for support; 1,790 sq. ft. for circulation; and 2,720 sq. ft. “unallocated.” The renovation will re-purpose some areas and utilize “found space” (like those old living quarters). Bonvecchio cites the example of Petworth Library, where he says renovations netted a 40% increase in usable space. The design phase is slated to begin later 46 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Mezzanine, current home of teen space, may be demolished in Northeast Library renovation.

assessment declared the following “minimum required” renovations: a new passenger elevator, new restrooms, new stairs, “complete replacement of the plumbing system,” some roof repairs, “major” electrical and lighting improvements, a fire suppression system, and partial replacement of the heating/cooling (HVAC) system. Also included in the minimum list are new furnishings and fixtures. Full restoration of woodwork, a new security system and full HVAC replacement are among additional recommendations. A third list of “recommended programmatic renovations” would “allow this library to meet current DCPL standards, optimize the use of space, and [match the quality] of other new and newly-renovated DCPL neighborhood libraries.” These recommendations include reconfiguring existing space and demolishing the mezzanine level.

Mezzanine or Not Mezzanine? Replacing the floor structure in the mezzanine would meet code and accessibility standards, according to the assessment. The “programmatic” recommendation is for demolition without replacement, however. The mezzanine currently houses a special teen area, an important element in the Northeast program, according to Morris and others. Separate teen spaces have disappeared during renovations of other libraries, as DCPL uses “zones” instead of age-based groupings. A March 2011 report, “Framework for Continuing Success,” explains: “A 16-year-old job seeker has more in common with a 60-year-old job seeker, than with his 16year-old peers who may be looking at music videos...” Many believe, however, that being a teen is its own “zone” and that teens need their own spaces in which to thrive. An active and growing Northeast teen program could be at risk, some say, without its dedicated space. The mezzanine, an original feature central to the first floor’s character, will be the focus of discussion as plans proceed.

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Users and Not-Yet-Users One concern of the Northeast Friends is ensuring that architectural features of the 1932 design are retained, Morris says. But the Friends also hope the renovation process will increase the library’s visibility and encourage interest from those who don’t now use the library. DCPL monitors circulation, some program attendance, and computer usage at its 24 libraries. Northeast has the sixth highest circulation. “Use” is not monitored, however, and Bonvecchio says there is no need for such research. Instead, he explains, DCPL is concerned about the not-yet-users: “There are those who will use any library – even a 25-square-foot room at the back of some building – and there are those who will not be tempted by even the most spectacular site. We’re after the third person,” the potential user who can be attracted by a better facility. The Northeast Friends have already been briefed on project basics, and Morris says the group will facilitate a series of meetings on the renovation beginning in the fall. DCPL will also use existing communication avenues, such as neighborhood listservs, as well as Facebook, Bonvecchio adds. In addition to design issues, community input is sought on interim services for the year in which the library is closed. Of particular concern is continuity of popular teen and children’s programs. Funds for interim services reduce funds for other aspects of the project, however. Several options, in addition to use of a Bookmobile, will be considered. To receive regular updates on the progress of the Northeast Library interior renovation, please email archie.williams@ dc.gov. Regular monthly meetings of the Northeast Friends are the third Monday of each month. ★

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capitolstreets news

Ward 6 Redistricting Complex, Interesting, On-going by Roberta Weiner

ow that the City Council has determined the future shape of the District’s eight wards and the legislation has been signed, the next step is up to the residents of each ward to look at its neighborhoods, analyze the numbers and come up with a new structure for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). Quick recap: an ANC is made up of representatives of Single Member Districts (SMDs), which in turn, are comprised of blocks of population taken from the census data collected in 2010. So, how do you crunch the numbers to create Ward 6’s ANCs? There’s a punch line for an old joke that’s appropriate: Very carefully. And for the past several weeks, an eight-member Task Force appointed by Councilmember Tommy Wells has been doing just that. The Task Force, chaired by former ANC 6A Chair Joe Fengler, has begun its job with a series of “listening meetings” designed to elicit the views of residents living in the areas of the Ward’s four ANCs that will

be directly affected by redistricting changes. Local ANC commissioners and other meeting attendees have come prepared to argue very specific points of view: the Kingman Park neighborhood, which is in Ward 7, is actively seeking to belong to an ANC in Ward 6, allowable by law. Some people in ANC 2C in Shaw, which will become a part of Ward 6, want to maintain its compact fourmember size, while others believe it will benefit from an increase in area and members. Support was expressed for placing the Capitol Hill Historic District, currently divided between ANCs 6A and 6C into a single ANC. Others say that under that plan, the ward’s ANCs will lose their economic and racial diversity. While many in Southwest/ Near Southeast’s ANC 6D feel strongly that the whole area, bounded by the freeway on the north and the water on the south are bound together, there are also those who would like to see the new Southeast development more closely aligned with Barracks Row and Capitol Hill. And that’s only a sampling of opinion. The Task Force is constrained only by the two limitations. While there are no rules about how many members an ANC should have, or how many ANCs there should be in the Ward, the Council Redistricting Committee strongly suggested that an SMD be no more than 2000 people, plus or minus 5%, and that census tracts not be divided. So the Task Force must look at the popula-

tion blocks and shape them block by block into SMDs. The Task Force, over the next weeks, will have several meetings to determine how many ANCs there will be, what geographic area each will encompass, and how many members—SMDs—each will have. One problem unique to Ward 6 is the unprecedented amount of development taking place in parts of the ward which will radically change the shape of the ward by the time of the next census, and the constraints of having to abide by the numbers of the 2010 census, some of which are already obsolete. An easy job? No. An interesting one? Very. And the Task Force wants to be as transparent as possible, and have the community at large participate fully in the process. To that end, the Task Force has created a blog, http://w6tf.blogspot.com/, to which people are being encouraged to contribute ideas, maps of possible ANC conﬁgurations, and comments. There are also notes from the various listening meetings and several quick survey questions a visitor can answer. Mr. Fengler can also be reached at ward6rd@gmail.com.for those with other comments. The next step will be the formulation of a draft plan by August 18 that will be circulated as broadly as possible, with opportunity for feedback. In early September, the plan will be presented to the four Ward 6 ANCs for their comments. Changes will then be incorporated and the ﬁnal plan will be presented to Councilmember Wells by September 30. After that, the City Council will go through an approval process, like any legislation, with public hearings and votes by the Council. ★

ANC Restructuring Want to know what’s being proposed and participate in the process? Visit http://w6tf.blogspot.com/ to contribute ideas, see maps of possible ANC conﬁgurations, and notes from ANC Restructuring Task force meetings. Taskforce Chairman Joe Fengler can be reached at ward6rd@gmail.com. 48 ★ HillRag | August 2011

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capitolstreets ANC reports

NEWS ANC 6A

by Roberta Weiner

A Historic District on H Street? Commissioner Holmes asked that $4000 be allocated for a historic study of the commercial district on H Street. H Street is not part of the Capitol Hill Historic District, and its historic buildings are quickly being destroyed. He said he is afraid that H Street is going to lose its branding and making it a historic district like Georgetown or U Street makes good business sense. But it will only work if the H Street storeowners agree, and what this funding is for is outreach and documentation. He said that making a historic district has to conform to a speciﬁc legal procedure and has to be undertaken by experts. The total cost will be at least $10,000, and it is a project that could be funded by grants. The ANC can’t do it alone and will have to reach out to other groups. The request for funds passed without objection.

ANC Reaches Out to Kingman Park For the past several months redistricting discussion in ANC 6A has revolved around the return of Kingman Park (SMD 7B01) to Ward 6 where it had been located prior the 2000 census when it was moved to Ward 7. Unfortunately, the Coun-

50 ★ HillRag | August 2011

cil Redistricting Committee did not agree to the return move. ANC 6A is now, after a unanimous vote, formally requesting, with the agreement of Kingman Park, that the area be included in a Ward 6 ANC, as it is both geographically closer and has a greater aﬃnity for Ward 6 issues. There have been several other instances where SMDs have been organized with ANCs in diﬀerent wards, and there have not been problems.

Patio Noise on H Street Becomes an Issue The ANC has decided to amend its standard Voluntary Agreement to restrict the hours of business for outdoor patios on public space to 11 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday evenings and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Both Commissioner Drew Ronneberg and Commissioner Andrew Hysell have had numerous complaints from constituents with open windows about the late night noise coming from H Street patios. It was pointed out that putting a uniform prescribed time into all VAs is taking an unnecessarily hard line. Every case is diﬀerent and this leaves no room to negotiate. It was suggested that passing the resolution was premature: the PSA was having a meeting on noise, which had come about, in fact, because of the rash of complaints about noise. Mr. Hysell

pointed out how diﬃcult it has been to get ABRA enforcement, particularly on the weekends. Anwar Saleem, director of H Street Main Street expressed his concern about any regulation being uniform. He said that H Street is a very creative quarter and there are many ways of resolving the issue. Several restaurant owners were also present and expressed variations on the view that it was not a good idea. Despite that, the ANC endorsed the idea of having earlier hours by a vote of 60-1 (Mr. Alberti recuses himself on matters that intersect with issues that come before the ABC Board, where he serves as interim chair).

XII: Still a Problem According to Dr. Ronneberg, XII, 1200 H Street NE, which was in mediation with ABRA over a series of violations, had its license renewed, but with a series of conditions placed on its operations: it prohibits promoters from distributing flyers about shows at the club; requires that the club have a reimbursable detail on premises when it has shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday, among other sanctions. The ANC has written a letter to the ABC Board asking for several clarifications on those sanctions. It asks that if the Board chose to reopen the case, that promoters be prohibited from distributing flyers within a five-mile radius, and that the prohibition be in effect permanently,

which is currently not the case. It asks that ABRA do a fact-finding on purported information that XII may have already violated the provisions of its settlement by not having a reimbursable detail on the premises during a night when there was a show; and asks the Board to restrict the hours of a new patio being constructed by the club on its second floor. A motion to send the letter requesting the clarifications passed unanimously.

In Other Action • Voted to appeal building permits for 1216-1218 H Street as they do not com-ply with the Zoning Overlay and other zoning regulations • Voted to send letter to Council Chair Kwame Brown and other members of the Council asking them to reconsider the removal of Councilmember Tommy Wells as Chair of the Council Transportation Committee, and re-instate him to the position. • Write a letter in support of the skate park being planned for the Rosedale community • Voted to not support an exemption from the Ward 6 singles ban for New York Liquor at 1447 Maryland Avenue NE There will be no August ANC meeting. The next meeting of ANC 6A will be on Thursday, September 8, at 7 pm, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street NE.

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A DAVID HOLMES, CHAIR, 202-251-7079

ANC 6B Chipotle makes it through to the next round by Heather Schoell

t the July 12, 2011 ANC6B meeting of the whole, with all Commissioners in attendance, ANC6B-04 Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg read a prepared statement of apology on behalf of herself, 6B-01 Commissioner David Garrison, and 6B-03 Commissioner Norman Metzger, for giving unauthorized official testimony to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in support of the plans for Hine redevelopment – directly in opposition with ANC6B’s position. She stated that they “were speaking only for ourselves,” that they “should have included more specific language,” that they regreted the mistake and apologized for it. This breach undermined the resolve of the Commission, and violated their bylaws, which state that testimony must clearly be stated as representing the Commission (or not), and whether the position taken is in keeping with the Commission. Commissioner Brian Pate, 6B-05, who was the designated ANC 6B representative for this hearing, gave his testimony to the HPRP board. “Dave testified after me. None of the three alerted the Commission that they were going to testify, and I was pretty surprised,” Pate wrote in a follow-up email. Vice Chair Ivan Frishberg (6B-02) thanked Oldenburg for acknowledging the transgression. Commissioners voted to send a letter to HPRB that explains the testimony did not reflect the Body. Abstaining from the vote were Commissioners Francis Campbell (6B-10), Oldenburg, Garrison, and Metzger.

able issue, Chipotle Mexican Grill’s application for a Special Exception to the 8th Street Overlay, which precludes any fast food establishments, was unanimously approved by the Commission. Representatives attended this and last month’s ANC meetings, and agreed to continue working with neighboring resident Linda Elliot on rat abatement as well as soliciting her help in hiring a sound engineer for maximum noise control. Chipotle will go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for their space at 413 8th Street, SE.

License to Pour & Park The Commission agreed with their ABC Committee’s assessment that they should not support a moratorium on liquor licenses for Barracks Row. The ABC Committee’s Retail Mix Taskforce recommended that they should look at liquor licenses on a case-by-case basis. Garrison was not in favor, saying, “I would like the ability to discuss” the moratorium. Frishberg answered, “This comes at the end of a robust 2-year discussion – this is not a closing off of the discussion.” Metzger offered, “These things can be potentially valuable.” Campbell offered a softening of the language in the motion to appease everyone, and it passed. Further, the Taskforce suggests a slate of principals to be considered in granting their approval for liquor licenses, including favoring restaurant licenses (CR) over taverns (CT), and residential harmony items such as exterior maintenance, loitering and noise control, and “provision of parking for staff and guests”. Garrison had a problem with the parking provision, stating, “Perhaps it’s not as artfully drawn as we would like.” Frishberg countered, “This has been on our website since February. February.”

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ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, 7 pm, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.

www.anc6a.org ANC will not meet in August. Next meeting September 8 Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee 3rd Tuesday, August 16, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Adam Healey, 556-0215 Transportation & Public Space Committee 3rd Monday, August 15, 7pm • Community Room of the Capitol Hill Towers 900 G St. NE • Chair, Omar Mahmud, 546-1520 Economic Development & Zoning Committee 3rd Wednesday, August 17, 7pm • Sherwood Recreation Center Corner of 10th & G Streets, NE • Chair, Drew Ronneberg, 431-4305 Community Outreach Committee Monday, August 22 , 7pm • Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Annex 1235 C Street, NE • Chair, Elizabeth Nelson, 543-3512

Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue. Attend a meeting! Volunteer for a committee! It’s your ANC!

Noteworthy Burrito or Bowl? Moving on to a more palat-

Jay and Neil Shah of Hersha Hospitality, owners of Capitol Hill Suites, have withdrawn their

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 51

applications to raze 5 carriage houses on their property. They introduced themselves to the Commission, and explained that they had not known the historic significance of these dilapidated 1913 outbuildings on their recently-acquired property. They agreed to repair them and to forego the parking lot. Additionally, they will look into freeing up some of their drop-off areas for overnight parking. CHAW’s Steven Young came up with an educationally artful idea that was wellreceived by Commissioners. It is a juried competition, not unlike the decorated Pandas and the Elephants/Donkeys, but with animals representing their street names (i.e. an aardvark for A Street). The official title is the Capitol Hill Alphabet Art Project, and through CHAW, they will seek public space approval as well as funding. Frishberg thought it an excellent idea, promoting learning and walking, and convinced Commissioners to support it on the fly. Those opposed? Bears and jaguars. (Don’t get it? Head to B and J Streets.)

Nooshi/Moby Dick, 524 8th Street will raise the roof by 2 feet. Woot. Our many features set us apart. As part of a cooperative The Townhomes on Captiol Hill, you’ll enjoy the following features: • Spacious rooms • Ample closets and storage 1 Bedrooms range from • Warm oak kitchen cabinets $1161-$1249 per • Wall-to-wall carpeting month. • Alarm systems • Private, on-site 2 Bedrooms parking available range from • Expert 24-hour maintenance $1419-$1538 per month. • Private yards available • Central air conditioning 3 Bedrooms • Ceramic tile bathrooms Currently • Nine-foot ceilings Unavailable • Washer/dryer hook-ups • Natural gas ranges • Cable ready units • Energy efficient insulated windows • Easy access to Metro and I-295

The Townhomes on Capitol Hill 750 6th Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20003 202-544-1274 Fax 202-544-1004 52 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Dila Construction’s Utku Aslanturk has the Commission’s blessing to build a 3-level, 3-bedroom single family home with 2 parking spaces on a vacant lot in the rear of the 1300 block of D Street. Commissioners considered sending Council Chair Kwame Brown a letter in support of Council Member Tommy Wells and their displeasure in his committee reassignment. Words such as “vindictive”, “imprudent”, and “shoddy” were bantered about. With Green and Critchﬁeld opposed, and Glick abstaining, it passed. ANC 6B will not meet in August; next meeting is on Sept. 13. ANC 6B meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 522 7th St. SE at 7pm. This is a public meeting; all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www. anc6b.org.

ANC 6C A Walmart by Any Other Name… by Roberta Weiner

ne of the four new Walmart’s scheduled to open in the District is planned for a block-square site at 801 New Jersey Avenue NW, just behind the Gonzaga High School athletic field. The building, which will be a matter-of-right mixed use dark brick and glass structure that will contain, along with an 80,000 square foot store “hidden” on its second floor, 250 apartments, and other retail stores along its H Street frontage. The plans were presented to the ANC by the site’s developers, JBG and Bennett Properties, who refer to the project’s “anchor” store, not Walmart. They originally came to the ANC 6C Public Space Committee to present their plans for curb cuts, streetscape, parking and traffic flow, saying they had applied for a Public Space permit for the project, and because they are coordinating with the Office of Planning, Public Space Committee, and the City Arborist, the Public Space Committee believes the proper permitting can be done by the Office of Planning without hearings. The ANC feels otherwise, and a lively discussion took place about the lack of information that was available, particularly about the traffic ramifications of the development, considering its size. A major aspect of the project is the developers’ plan to re-introduce 1st Street NE, which currently does not exist, and open it from the Capitol to the Washington Hospital Center The street will be maintained privately but will be open to the public. It will have one northbound lane and two southbound, with one being a right-turn lane into H Street. There is also a cul-de-sac belonging to Gonzaga that keeps I Street from going through to North Capitol. Walmart has reached a deal with Gonzaga to use it at night for large delivery trucks. Smaller trucks will use an entrance on 1st Street. Commissioner Keith Silver, in whose SMD the site is located, has been spearheading an effort to get information from Walmart on what impact the store will have on his community, how many jobs the store

will create, and the effect the store will have on traffic in the area. He decried the fact that there has not been an available traffic study to assess the amount of traffic the store will generate. Marty Wells, the developers’ traffic consultant, said they have prepared a traffic management statement, but because it’s a matter-of-right project, it hasn’t been released. He said they also looked at environmental impact (EISF) questions, the immediate intersections that border the site, and at a travel demand management plan. He said that truck management for deliveries is subject to a truck management plan which will be done in course. But he said it’s hard to overstate the importance of 1st Street, and the fact that there are an adequate number of parking spaces in the building. He said he was mindful of public transportation, and noted the short distance from the site to the Union Station Metro, He said his group had studied four local supermarkets and 75% of their customers walk to the stores. He also said that retail traffic is discretionary traffic—if the weather’s bad or the traffic is jammed, the shopping trip will wait. He said that 1st and I Streets have enough capacity to ensure traffic flow and he doesn’t think it will be overly strained at that intersection. None of that, however, mollified the Commissioners, who passed a unanimous resolution opposing the granting of a public space permit because of a lack of information such as that a traffic study would provide, Commissioner Silver subsequently testified before the Public Space Committee on behalf of the ANC.

Greening of the New York Avenue Metro Site The Commission ﬁelded a request for support for two separate public space permits for Constitution Square, the development at 1st, M, N Streets and New Jersey Avenue NE at the New York Av-

enue metro site. Trini Rodriguez, the landscape architect, of Parker and Rodriguez and Mark Allard, representing the developer, presented their plans at the meeting The first permit is for the streetscape along M and 1st Streets, for 140 M Street NE, a new residential building. Harris Teeter is located on the 1st Street side of the block. Ms. Rodriguez said they were “pushing” a green agenda for the landscape and streetscape for the building, and there will be bio-retention areas built in, as well as other green initiatives. The landscaping will different from the 1st Street side and it will also feature blocks of granite that will serve as benches. The; second permit is for an office building adjacent to the Metro station, where they are working with DDOT and Metro to create a civic space in the form of an open plaza. The landscaping for the building will continue the same vocabulary as the residential building. The plaza has a sculptural element, and will include bike racks and non-security bollards—6’-8’ apart to control traffic—a DDOT requirement. There will be three trees for the office building, with more added in the plaza. Commissioner Mark Dixon raised the long-simmering issue of a promised bus drop-off at the Metro stop, requiring the opening of 2nd Street that has not been realized since the Metro stop opened. Commissioner Ann Phelps said that while the opening of 2nd Street is a real problem that must be dealt with, the project has had an “extraordinary” impact on the neighborhood. The ANC voted 7-0-1, with Mr. Dixon abstaining, to support the request for two public space permits for the Constitution Square site.

Architect of the Capitol to speak at CHRS forum on Sept. 22 Stephen T. Ayers, the Architect of the Capitol, will be the guest speaker at the CHRS September membership forum.

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 Hill Center (Old Naval Hospital) 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Reception at 6:45 pm • Remarks at 7:00 pm Free and open to all Contact: caphrs@aol.com 202 543-4025 Preserve and Protect Your Neighborhood Join the Capitol Hill Restoration Society • CFC # 50747

202-543-0425 www.chrs.org Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C ANC 6C serves Capitol Hill, Union Station, NoMa, Mt. Vernon, Sursum Corda, and downtown as far west as 9th Street NW. The community is invited to attend/participate. Monthly meetings are generally the second Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue N.E. Call for information: (202) 547-7168. www.anc6c.org Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee First Tuesday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 669-5184

Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee First Wednesday, 7 pm., NPR 635 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.

Community Outreach/Grants Committee Contact anc6c07@aol.com

Transportation and Public Space Committee First Thursday, 7 pm. Contact (202) 641-4264

450 K Street NW The Commission gave its unanimous approval to a request for support of a Historic Preservation application for a modiﬁed concept design for an apartment

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 53

capitolstreets news building at 450 K Street being developed by Douglas Development at a site where there are existing row houses. The building had already received ANC approval, but the developer was able to purchase two properties adjacent to their original lot and will increase the number of residential units from 234 to 260, add additional retail and parking space, and provide a new entry to the bicycle storage facility. Portions of the existing buildings will be demolished, but the front facades of the buildings will be incorporated into the modiﬁed building. The developer is already working on the changes with the Historic Preservation Oﬃce, and they will return to the ANC again with zoning changes, probably in the 2nd and 3rd Quarter of 2012.

In Other Actions… • The ANC heard that Commissioner Ann Phelps is resigning from the ANC because of family responsibilities, and passed a unanimous resolution expressing appreciation for her contribution to the community • Unanimously approved the sending the members of the City Council a letter strongly supporting Councilmember Tommy Wells • Voted unanimously to support the granting of a six month property tax exemption for a day care center, with a possible six month extension, to be operated by One Ministries/ UNIQUE Learning Center • Voted to support the granting of a liquor license to Tel’Veh Café, a new bistro and wine bar at 401 Massachusetts Avenue NW There will be no ANC meeting in August. The next meeting of ANC 6C will be held on Wednesday, September 14th, at 7 p.m. at Heritage Foundation 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE

54 ★ HillRag | August 2011

ANC 6D Wharf Project Comes Out for Its First Test by Roberta Weiner

he Wharf, the huge and community-altering project that will forever change the Southwest waterfront received its first major review prior to a midJuly test before the Zoning Commission on its first stage Planned Unit Development (PUD). Developer Monte Hoffman gave a virtuoso 20-minute solo performance for Hoffman Madison Marquette, the developers, delineating the complex details of the massive project that stretches from the Fish Market on the west to the Harbor Patrol station on the east and encompasses the construction of offices, hotels, residences, retail space, restaurants, parks, marinas, public piers, a stadium and a concert hall. The elements of Stage 1 as presented to the Zoning Commission include the general site, landscape and development, the height, density, and massing of the project, its public spaces and parks, as well as parking, loading access and roadway plans. Hoffman pointed out that they were asking for flexibility within a mix of uses and that every phase—and there will be four—will have a residential component, and “vibrant” retail that will appeal to a lunch and visitor crowd, as well as local residents. The majority of the eleven parcels of construction will be residential. They are also waiting on passage of a piece of federal legislation that will enable innovative usages for the Washington Channel. The

proposal, which has the support of the Gangplank Marina Slipholders Association, calls for a new marina, a new pier for the river cruise boats and four public piers for strolling, fishing, catching water taxis, etc. The buildings will be constructed between Maine Avenue and the water and will be separated by a series of “mews” and park-like spaces to provide waterfront access and views. At the waterfront, there will be a promenade and with a roadway. The height and massing of the buildings has been the focus of much discussion, with Southwest residents concerned that their views will be co-opted by buildings that are too tall or too massive. In answer to a question about whether shadow studies had been done, he demurred, saying he was not designing the buildings. Concerns were also raised about the lack of a traffic study, the general density of the project and the fact that traffic would be returned to the waterfront. In answer to a question from the head of the Gangplank Marina Slipholders, Mr. Hoffman said there was not yet a “Plan B” for relocating the marina and the people who live there. Another point of contention was the height of proposed buildings on Pier 4, located in a direct viewing line from the Harbor Square condominiums. He also said he was not averse to granting a preference for affordable housing to Southwesters, if it did not conflict with federal fair housing regulations. Commissioner Andy Litsky, in whose SMD the project is being developed, said that it was a good project and he supported it strongly. He said, however, that the ANC would testify at the Zoning Commission and articulate the long list of outstanding concerns. Indeed, the Commission voted 7-0 to support the project, and Litsky produced meticulously detailed testimony delineating more than two dozen issues that are still being worked on with Hoffman Madison Marquette, ranging from lowering the height and decreasing the massing of the

buildings, to a traﬃc plan, to the development of a ‘Plan B” for the Marina, and to establishing a location for the parking of tour buses bringing people to the cruise ships at the waterfront. On July 18th, there was a 5½ hour hearing, followed by an additional session two days later, at which all these issues were aired. The Zoning Commission will reach a

Another Sign of Recovery in Southeast A new apartment building, built by William C Smith as part of the Hope VI project, is to be built at 880 New Jersey Avenue SE, the former site of the trash transfer station that closed off H and I Streets and closed off access to and from Southeast. Konrad Schlater, a representative of the developer, came to the ANC for support of a public space permit to consolidate several curb cuts into one, and open an alley which will be used for loading and parking for the new building, which will have 430 units, including 30 public housing units for former residents of the Capper Carrollsburg Houses, and are part of the Hope VI development. The building, to be designed by noted local architect Phil Esocoff will include such amenities as the new H and I Streets and both indoor and outdoor pools. Permits have already been applied for, and this fall they will begin utility relocations, with construction due to start in the first quarter of next year. The Commission granted the request or support with a unanimous vote.

A Historic Designation for Tiber Island Co-ops Kael Anderson, president of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) and a resident of Tiber Island Cooperative Houses, as is Commissioner Litsky, has asked the ANC for support of a historic designation for the mid-century mod-

ernist development. The designation, according to Anderson, would be recognition of an important property. Not only is it architecturally significant, but it was the first condominium in the District to make an effort to enforce anti-discriminatory housing regulations. The year the building was completed, it received an award from the American Institute of Architects, along with Dulles Airport and the CBS Building in New York. Over the years, Anderson said, Southwest has not been duly recognized for the significance of its architectural stock, and he is hopeful that, one block at a time, buildings like Carrollsburg Square, River Park, and Harbor Square will also seek designation. The ANC’s letter of support will be forwarded to the Historic Preservation Review Board, and the designation will be listed on both the state and federal lists. The Commission voted unanimously to support the designation.

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In Other Actions, the ANC… • heard about the establishment of the SWNA Retail Task Force, which, along with support from the ANC, will explore steps to encourage and increase the amount of neighborhoodserving retail in Southwest, • Approved race routes for the Best Buddies Challenge on October 22, a combination Bike ride and 5K There will be no ANC meeting during August The next meeting of ANC 6D will be on Monday, September 12th, at 7 pm, at its new meeting location, 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd floor hearing room ★

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Sponsored by:

)JMM'FTU 4BWF UIF %BUFT 4FQUFNCFS UI UP 4FQUFNCFS UI Celebrate our great neighborhood from H Street NE to the Riverfront! Designed to introduce residents to all corners of our diverse community, Hillfest is a two-week series of events sponsored by the Hill Rag, and produced in partnership with CHAMPS - Capitol Hillâ€™s Chamber of Commerce. Commencing with the inaugural H Street Chalk Walk sidewalk chalk festival on September 10th, revving up with the H Street Festival on September 17, and ending with the Fall Festival on Barracks Row on September 24, HillFest will offer opportunities to dine inexpensively, participate in selecting the Hillâ€™s best bartenders, and discover unique items carried by the neighborhoodâ€™s boutique retailers.

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The H Street Festival, Barracks Rowâ€™s Fall Festival and The Chalk Walk, an interactive corridorlong sidewalk chalk festival and competition on H Street, NE.

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Participating bars and coffee houses will feature selected beverages; and the community will be invited to nominate their four favorite bartenders to appear at the 3rd annual Hilly Awards on November 13.

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During HillFest, help our local service providers out and participate in the testimonial challenge. Simply submit a 3-4 paragraph testimonial about your experience with a local service provider, ranging from salons to roofers.

For more information or to participate, contact champs@capitolhill.org.

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Community Life Spotted On The Hill: The Black-Crowned Night Heron text and photo by Peter Vankevich

prising answer. These herons ur featured bird this have been nesting in that locamonth, the Blacktion since at least 1911 when crowned Night Herornithologist Dr. Alexander on (Nycticorax nycticorax) is Wetmore, who went on to bethe most widespread heron in come the sixth Secretary of the the world, breeding near fresh Smithsonian Institution, first and saltwater wetlands on evobserved them. (The zoo was ery continent except Antarcfounded in 1889.) As to what tica and Australia. Short and attracted them, it was noted stocky for a heron, they stand that “possibly it was the captwo feet high and weigh about tured species in the cage, but no two pounds. Both sexes look doubt the large buckets full of alike. Adults have red eyes, a fish that are fed daily to these black mantle and crown and This bird was photographed from a canoe on the Anacostia River captive birds were an added grayish under parts. Especially near RFK Stadium. inducement to stay near-by during breeding season, you and form a colony of breeding may notice two white plumes an island off the coast of Maine. adorning the nape. Juvenile birds look As their name implies, they are most pairs.” By August of 1944, the colony very different, being primarily brown active at dusk and at night. During nest- had increased to some fifty nests. These with whitish streaks and spots. The ing season they may be seen during the days it is close to 200. They arrive in only similar heron in our area is the less day as they put in extra hours to feed early March and at that time you may common Yellow-crowned Night Heron their offspring. It is not unusual to see observe their courtship which consists which, in addition to its pale-colored them flying over Capitol Hill, especially of a variety of displays such as the males crown, has a very distinctive black and during early morning and in the eve- bowing, stretching and rocking from white facial pattern. ning. Be observant as you might mis- foot to foot as well as bill clapping and Black-crowned Night Herons will take them for a gull because their flight hissing. Reading about this colony reoften perch on a branch or stand in pattern is strong and direct and swifter minded me of one Saturday morning the water or ground in a hunched pos- than other herons. They have a distinc- some time ago when I once observed ture waiting for their prey. Rarely and tive guttural quoarking call that may the large Jabiru storks being fed dead unusual behavior for a heron, when in let you know they are flying by. They rats by one of the zoo staffers. The search of fish they may swim or float on migrate from the northern portions of Black-crowned Night Herons waiting water, a sight that I would love to see. their breeding range and by the time the patiently in nearby trees swooped down Described as opportunistic foragers, Christmas Bird Counts begin in mid- and grabbed some of them before the depending on their immediate habitat December, only a handful may still be other birds could reach them. they will consume fish, clams, cray- present in the immediate region. fish, amphibians, earthworms, leeches, The only nesting colony in the From my article last month, I got word of House nesting on the Hill including near Eastand large insects as well as carrion and District can be found in the large trees Wrens ern Market, on North Carolina Ave. SE, along E plant materials. They will also eat eggs near the aviary at the National Zoo. I St. SE, and near 4th and Independence Ave. SE. and young birds which can have dev- was curious as to how long it has been Thanks to Daphne Gemmill and Beth Purcell for astating consequences for bird colonies. established and came across a note in their reports. If you have any comments, or would like to join Last year one Black-crowned Night the ornithological journal, the Auk, me for a stroll on the Hill with your binoculars or Heron was believed to be responsible published in 1945, that provided a sur- camera on a weekend morning, feel free to contact me, petevankevich@gmail.com. ★ for eating 70 Common Tern chicks on capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 57

communitylife

Tom Rall An Eastern Market Icon Retires by Roberta Weiner

tanding today in the elegant environs of Eastern Market’s North Hall, it’s hard to remember 29 years back when market 5 Gallery occupied the unheated, unairconditioned, dusty space with a concrete floor, leaking windows, and only partly-plastered brick walls. But there we were, on Saturday mornings on Capitol Hill, behaving as though we were in a country barn, responding with energy and excitement to the hard won bargains being promoted by auctioneer Tom Rall and his Urban Country Auctions. We bid on furniture, artwork, and the mystery boxes of flotsam and jetsam that are the meat and potatoes of a country auction. That was the beginning. Now, nearly 30 years later, Rall has just retired as manager of the Sunday Flea Market at Eastern Market, leaving the enormous—and largely unheralded—legacy of helping make Eastern Market weekends the special experiences they are. Rall’s is the story of an unlikely life—there aren’t many people who start out saying they’re going to run a flea market when they grow up. And Rall was not one of them. However, starting when he was only 15, Rall did start thinking about becoming a journalist, and he began covering Little League for his local paper. At Ohio’s Kent State, where he was journalism major, he went to work as a freshman for the local 58 ★ HillRag | August 2011

newspaper, where he eventually became city editor. And the summer between his freshman and sophomore years, a lifetime interest was born when he hitchhiked around the country and reported on his adventures in a syndicated column. In 1968, a short-lived job at the Chicago Tribune ended, to be followed by another two or three week road trip during which he realized that the travelling was better than the writing, and the shopping for antique photographs and documents was most enjoyable of all. The Vietnam War going on, and Rall was a conscientious objector. He came to Washington to work for the Methodists in their Capitol Hill building, arriving in 1969 on the day after the ﬁrst man walked on the moon. And he has considered the Hill his base since. After a while, however, he moved to the Shenandoah and began shopping and collecting—and selling at the Georgetown Flea Market. During this period he became a denizen of the Hawk and Dove and got to know people like the late Ted Gay and Peter Waldron, who was then a manager there. They steered him to Eastern Market, and introduced him to Market 5 director, the late John Harrod. Gay, a longtime Hill activist who owned Capitol Hill Art and Frame, knew that Rall was going to auctions and asked him to be a guest auctioneer at a beneﬁt for the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW ). It was a success, and two others followed, after which Harrod suggested that he Tom Rall. Photo by Elizabeth Dranitzke

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start doing “Urban Country Auctions” at the Gallery. In 1983, Harrod also suggested that Rall might want to start selling his merchandise at the flea market as well as at Georgetown. At the end of his first season he realized he had done well, that it was a great location, there were great customers—but he was the only vendor. He told Harrod that he would like to manage the flea market, gave up the auctions, and the rest is history. He started to advertise, looking not for vendors or dealers, but for exhibitors, making it a professional operation. In the early 1990’s he started soliciting by direct mail, starting with 45 labels; he now has an exhibitor data base of 5000 individuals. According to Michael Berman, whose Diverse Market Management is the new manager of the flea market, it has “gone from five exhibitors to 200 a weekend, and among them are people from every continent but Antarctica.” A Huffington Post survey recently voted the Eastern Market Flea Market the second best flea market in the world. In 1992, the Flea Market expanded to the Hine Jr. High School lot, and while Rall worked out an agreement directly with Hine prinicipal Princess Whitfield, the market both Saturday and Sundays, is now under the control of DC Public Schools (the Saturday flea market is run by another manager, Carol Wright, who Rall credits with doing a great deal of hard work in establishing an on-going relationship with DCPS,) Rall says he hired Berman as Director of Communication to start helping with electronic communications, and before long, they were running the Downtown Holiday Market with the Downtown BID, with the idea that Berman would take over the Flea Market if it worked out, which it did. They also produce Arts on

Foot, the annual one-day Penn Quarter arts and food festival, and work with the Riverfront BID. “Thanks to Tom’s vision and perseverance, The Flea Market at Eastern Market has become not just a destination, but an urban institution,” says Berman of his predecessor. He praises Rall’s generosity, creative energy, and integrity, and says it has really set a standard for how markets can change a neighborhood and affect the lives of small businesses. And what does “retirement” look like for Rall? To begin with, he’s still a Sunday regular at the Flea Market at a booth just inside the front gate, selling antique photographs and documents. He plans to combine his still active wanderlust with another of his great interests, and travel around the country to small poker casinos and both play, and then blog about his experiences. And next year, he will travel to the northwest to the meeting of the Magic Lantern Society of America in Tacoma, all the while buying, selling and indulging his passion for antique slides and photos. He also will be staying closely involved in assuring a bright future for the Flea Market, as the redevelopment of the Hine site moves forward, and the new legislation overseeing Eastern Market becomes reality. He speaks with conviction about the need to maintain a vibrant market of at least the same size and diversity, with a management structure that allows the flea market to continue to flourish. Berman says that the Flea Market at Eastern Market is a phenomenon that is now studied and emulated everywhere, because it is so beneficial to so many people (community and small businesses alike). “Tom really has ‘turned a place around. And it is important that his terrific accomplishment is recognized.” ★

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 59

communitylife

BYwest

SOUTH What’s Up at Waterfront Station? By William Rich

ince the first phase of Waterfront Station was completed in mid-2010, office tenants have moved into their space; 4th Street SW was reopened between I Street and M Street, SW with bike lanes; a new urban-style Safeway opened its doors; a new Metro plaza was created with fountains and benches; the old Safeway was demolished; CVS moved from a trailer to permanent space; Subway and Waterfront Cleaners have opened on the west side of 4th Street, SW; and a Capital Bikeshare station was installed. And Station 4 finally made its debut with a soft opening on Sunday, June 26. The American bistro-style restaurant is located on the ground floor of the office building at 1101 4th Street, SW and is owned by the same operators that run Ulah Bistro, Tunnicliff ’s Tavern, Bullfeathers, and Stoney’s. Station 4’s chef is Venezuelan-

born Orlando Amaro, who most recently worked under the direction of Chef Ferran Adria at El Bulli in Girona, Spain, named the world’s best restaurant by Gourmet Magazine. Dishes range from burgers and pizza to San Francisco-style Cioppino, described as a stew with fresh fish, crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a saff ron-tomato broth, served with a toasted baguette. Starters include Charred Octopus, Duck Confit Spring Rolls, and Spicy Tuna Cubes. Exotic specialty cocktails are available, such as Moscow Mule, Pisco Sour, and Singapore Sling. A happy hour recently was introduced on weekdays from 3 – 6:30 p.m., which offers 50% off the bar menu, $5 house wine, and $4 Peroni drafts. The modern interior of Station 4 was designed by DC-based demian\ wilbur\architects using recycled materials, a build-out that cost around $1

The modern interior of Station 4 was designed using recycled materials by demian\wilbur\architects. Photo: Andrew Lightman 60 ★ HillRag | August 2011

million. A variety of dining environments is available, including outdoor seating with wicker furniture, familystyle dining around a large table, and more intimate seating with leather couches. There is also a 40-foot long bar painted in gold and a lounge area. In total, there is enough seating for about 210 people. Towards the back of the restaurant, a gas ﬁreplace adds to the ambiance, which includes hardwood ﬂoors, tear drop crystal chandeliers and walls adorned with black river stones and textured wallpaper. There are currently few food options in the vicinity of Station 4. Besides the prepared food section of Safeway and Subway at Waterfront Station, there are the restaurants along the waterfront – Cantina Marina, Pier 7, Jenny’s Asian Fusion, King Rib (on select days), Phillips Seafood, and the vendors at the seafood market – as well as the Arena Stage Café. The addition of Station 4 to the mix gives the neighborhood a new food option in a swanky environment and the ability to “people watch” as passersby make their way to and from the Waterfront-SEU Metro station located across the street from the restaurant. In other Waterfront Station retail news, local burger joint Z-Burger is reportedly between two and three months away from opening its restaurant next door to Station 4. Owner Peter Tabibian tells South by West that expensive upgrades needed for the space have caused delays. Z-Burger sells burgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and malts. In addition to the Southwest restaurant, Z-Burger will

be opening new restaurants in Columbia Heights and Arlington. TD Bank, which is known for operating banks that are open seven days a week, will also make its way to 1101 4th Street, SW. The bank signed a lease for the space just to the north of Station 4; however, no opening date has been set. About 90% of the retail portion of Waterfront Station’s ﬁrst phase is now leased, leaving three vacant storefronts – two at 1101 4th Street, SW and one at 1100 4th Street, SW. Discussions are underway with a potential tenant at the remaining 1100 4th Street, SW storefront.

Apartment Conversion of EPA Towers The last remnants of the old Waterside Mall will soon be history. Waterfront Associates, the developer of Waterfront Station, sold the two former Environmental Protection Agency towers to Urban Atlantic for $20 million in March. The Bethesdabased developer plans to re-skin the concrete-clad oﬃce towers and convert them to apartment buildings. Wiencek & Associates is designing the apartment buildings for the developer. Approximately 20% of the 517 apartment units planned will be set aside for households earning up to 50% of Area Median Income, or approximately $51,750. The East tower will contain 265 units and the West tower will have a total of 252 units. Construction is slated to begin by the end of 2011 and should last 22 months. In addition, Waterfront Associates sold the two completed oﬃce buildings at the development on May

Pattie Cinelli Fitness Trainer* Offering a Special Summer Rate Want to maximize your workouts? Want to ﬁgure out how to start and stay with an exercise program? Interested in Pilates, Yoga and overall health, and having more energy? Need a buddy? Rates are lower for partner training. If everything goes according to plan, conversion of the former EPA towers at Waterfront Station to apartment buildings should begin by the end of 2011. Photo: William Rich

10 to USAA Real Estate Company for $356 million. The sale occurred a little over a year after the buildings were delivered. Both office buildings are fully leased to the District government. DC-based Shalom Baranes Associates designed the buildings and both are LEED-Gold certified. Vornado/Charles E. Smith will remain as the property manager and Waterfront Associates maintains control of three parcels for future development. At least two of those parcels are slated as office with ground floor retail and the northwest parcel can be developed either as office or residential. Bank of America will remain at their trailer on the southwest parcel until their lease ends in December 2012 and neither office parcel will be developed until tenants are secured. The District owns the northeast parcel and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development plans to choose a developer to build multifamily housing with ground floor retail once market conditions allow. Over the next few years, Waterfront Station will continue to evolve as the new town center at the heart of the Near Southwest neighborhood with 4th Street, SW serving as its retail spine.

Playground Project Pushes Forward Over the past several months, the Southwest Playground Project (SWPP) team has been working to

build a playground in Southwest for children between the ages of two and twelve, located adjacent to the Southwest Branch Library at 3rd Street, SW and I Street, SW. The SWPP is affiliated with the Near SE-SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council, a 501(c) nonprofit organization. Design of the playground is underway and the SWPP has raised almost $10,000 so far from individuals and local businesses. Recent contributions include a $5,000 grant from the Safeway Foundation and $1,200 from Station 4, which donated 20% of proceeds from their soft opening on June 26. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is sponsoring the FANtastic March 10K walk/run on Sunday, September 18 with all of the proceeds benefiting the SWPP. Entry fee for the 10K is $50 and includes breakfast, a FANtastic t-shirt, and a barbeque at the conclusion of the race at Hains Point. Build Day is planned for this fall and volunteers are still needed to help bring the project over the finish line. More information about the SWPP can be found at (http://www.swdcplayground.blogspot.com). To sign up for the FANtastic March 10K, please visit (http://www.razoo. com/story/Teammowas-Fantasticmarch).

Call or email for details on how you can feel and look better.

(202) 544-0177 fitness@pattiecinelli.com *Pattie Cinelli has been with Results Capitol Hill since its opening. She has had her own fitness business for 10 years and has worked in the fitness field since 1985. Pattie Cinelli will come to your home and customize a workout that meets your lifestyle.

William Rich is a blogger at Southwest…The Little Quadrant that Could (www.southwestquadrant.blogspot.com). ★

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 61

communitylife

h street streetlife life

by Elise Bernard

from July 30th-May 28th 2012.

uly brought major changes to the western end of the H Street NE Corridor. Tru Orleans opened its doors, and Steuart broke ground on a major mixed-use development that includes a large grocery store tenant. A new residential project is also coming to the east end.

Crepes Come to HR-57 Well-known live jazz hotspot HR57 (http://www.hr57.org, 816 H Street NE) is adding crepes to the menu. No word yet on when they’ll be available, but the owners are reportedly working on the prep station.

Tru Orleans Brings the Flavors of Louisiana to H Street Tru Orleans (http://www.truorleans.com, 400 H Street NE), a restaurant serving up New Orleans style fare, opened last month. The upstairs open-air bar has garnered rave reviews. Tru Orleans is now serving their full menu for dinner and will soon add breakfast, and lunch as well. The restaurant is the largest hospitality related development on the west end of the H Street NE Corridor. It has the potential to really increase the nighttime foot trafﬁc in the 400 block of H Street NE. Oh, and they have lots of outdoor sidewalk seating.

Steuart Breaks Ground on 360° H Street Steuart broke ground last month on a major development in the 300 block of H Street NE. The project, known as 360° H Street, will be anchored by a Giant grocery store. The lot is 61,000 square feet, and upon completion the structure will provide 290,000 square feet of usable space. Expect retail on the ﬁrst ﬂoor, and 215 luxury residential units above. They are burying the 125 parking spaces. As the site is immediately adjacent to a planned streetcar stop (and current X2 stop), shoppers could easily use public transportation. Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc. are the architects on the project, which should come online in spring of 2013.

Summer Flicks at the Atlas Music in the Courtyard at Gallery OonH

A Change in Endpoint For the Streetcar Speaking of the streetcar, July brought major news about the western termination of the H Street streetcar. It was widely anticipated that the streetcar would terminate inside Union Station. Alas, that is not to be. Amtrak, citing various factors, chose not to grant permission for the use of its tunnel. Therefore, the District will need to run the streetcar halfway up the Hopscotch Bridge, and into the Union Station parking lot. From there it’s an easy escalator ride down to the red line.

New Mixed Used Development Coming to 14th and Maryland Ave Lest you think the new development is conﬁned to the west end of the Corridor, I have news of a new residential project coming much further east. The project will occupy the northwest corner of 14th and Maryland Avenue NE. The lot is currently home to the now vacant Faith Bible Church. Details are still pending, but PNG Architects are slated to take the helm on this large residential development. They hope for delivery sometime in 2013.

National Building Museum Investigating Where We Live

Mayor Gray turned out for the Groundbreaking of 360° H Street Photo: Julia Robey Christian 62 ★ HillRag | August 2011

The National Building Museum presents an exciting long-term exhibit in which local youth document the H Street Corridor through digital photography. Investigating Where We Live (http://www. nbm.org/programs-lectures/programs/youth-education/2011-investigating-where-we.html) runs

We all love the free outdoor summer movies so abundant in the District, but the Atlas offers something often in high demand during a hot summer…air conditioning. These free films (a $2 booking fee applies) run through September 4. There are four different series: Gay 101, Movie Musicals, the Family Series, and Spike Lee Presents. So there should be a little something for everyone. Tickets are available online (http://www. atlasarts.org/perform_film.php).

Langston Grille on Wheels Local soul food restaurant Langston Bar and Grille (http://www.langstonbar.com, 1831 H Street NE) recently announced plans to roll out its own food truck. I have yet to see a menu for the mobile kitchen, but I anticipate plenty of the fried chicken, greens, and meatloaf, for which the brick and mortar restaurant is known.

Zestfest Returns to NoMa This Fall ZestFest returns this fall (September 27th-October 7th). ZestFest is a two week long interactive fall festival intended to activate and beautify the public spaces of the NoMa neighborhood. The festival features art, music, and cultural activities during the lunch, and evening, hours. They are still in the planning process, so artists, musicians, and cultural groups, wishing to participate can contact the Pink Line Project at philippa@pinklineproject. com or (202) 489-9793.

Unique Eats Films at Toki Underground Toki Underground’s (http://tokiunderground. com, 2nd ﬂoor of 1234 H Street NE) dumplings and ramen have made it the darling of local press, and food bloggers alike. Now the Cooking Channel has taken notice. On a recent Sunday night the

Adobe Design Center presents show Unique Eats (http://www. cookingchanneltv.com/uniqueeats/index.html) was onsite to tape dinner service.

“Dog’s Days of

August”

Music in the Courtyard Gallery OonH (http://galleryoonh.com, 1354 H Street NE) presents a summer of music in their courtyard. The cover is paltry (a mere $5) for live music from 7:30-9:30pm. The music ranges from jazz and blues, to Afro-pop, to reggae. Performances are every 2nd and 4th Saturday through September 16th.

Not Just Another Roadside Attraction I recently dined with a friend at the newly opened Roadside Café (http://roadside-cafe.com, 2101 Benning Road NE). This Caribbean cafe occupies a truly a unique space. The tiny dining room is a former carwash, though you’d hardly know it now. The bulk of the seating is actually outdoors, and they’ve managed to do some pretty impressive things with the courtyard. Ample greenery and white tablecloths, and citronella torches give the space a touch of class. The open-air stage hosts frequent live musical acts. During brunch, which runs from 11am6pm every Sunday, it’s jazz, soul, and gospel (music starts at 1pm). They also serve modestly priced breakfast Tuesday through Friday (platters $5.99 and sandwiches $3.99). Dinner is around $10 for a main dish and two sides. Evenings feature a wide range of special events. These include everything from a Grown and Sexy discussion group (Tuesdays), to karaoke (Wednesdays), to live R&B, jazz, and blues (Saturdays). For more on what’s abuzz on the H Street Corridor you can check out my blog at http://frozentropics.blogspot. com. ★

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The best weekly wine tastings on “The Hill”- Sat (3-6pm)

October 1st, 2011, 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. Garfield Park, 3rd & G Streets SE Celebrating Ten Years of MOTH! Local bands, raffle, & family games

Contact mothfamilyfest@gmail.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 63

communitylife

Barracks Row’s Transformation Heats Up by Sharon Bosworth

s August 2011 arrives, Eighth Street, SE, continues its phenomenal trajectory. Eighth Street/Barracks Row is Capitol Hill’s go-to hot spot for ages three and up. Amusements for kids can be found at our two play spaces: the brand new Be With Me Playseum, 545 8th Street, SE, (202-543-0051), as well as neighborhood favorite, The Family Room, 411 8th Street SE (202-640-1865). For those old enough to go out without being accompanied by parents, our street is a “United Nations” of restaurants. From gourmet hot dogs to authentic Belgian waﬄes to a wide selection of fresh oysters to hand-made pasta to breakfast twenty four hours a day, visit Barracks Row any day or evening without reservations and you are guaranteed a culinary adventure.

the most prominent video store on the row was Blockbuster at 410 Eighth Street, SE. As soon as Blockbuster closed last month we began to watch closely for hints of their replacement. As we go to print, owners of the building will neither conﬁrm nor deny rumors that a national menswear retailer has leased the space. One day recently on our daily walk to view the demolition in progress inside at 410 Eighth Street, SE we were amazed to see that while dismantling the huge blue and yellow Blockbuster sign, a remnant of an old entrepreneurial saga reappeared. The Erol’s Video Club sign which was encased

Interstate 295 Overpass Gets New Look At the south end of Eighth Street, SE, an infrastructure transformation has begun. After many years in the permitting phase, Barracks Row Main Street’s long awaited mural designed by CityArt’s Byron Peck is now being installed on the east side of the tunnel under Interstate 295. Already a coat of sunny yellow paint has been applied to the tunnel walls. Visible from blocks away at Pennsylvania Avenue, the north face of the freeway overpass is now painted in shades of deep rust red and warm tan. By Saturday, September 24, this year’s annual Barracks Row Fall Festival, the earliest mural images may be visible to fairgoers for close up inspection. Watch for spring 2012 completion of the mural.

Also, familiar green signs, featuring the internationally recognized giant “P” for parking will soon be installed by the DC Department of Transportation at the under-the- freeway parking lot as well as along 8th Street north and south of the lot, alerting drivers to the presence of the parking lot ahead. DDOT has posted the lowest meter rates in DC at the lot: seventy-ﬁve cents per hour for two hours from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. After 6:30 p.m. rates are the same but 3 hour parking is available. Parking is free on Sunday.

Barracks Row’s Video Stores’ Technicolor Past

Gloomy 295 Underpass Redecorated in Sunny Yellow Is Everyday Commute for Marines 64 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Eighth Street’s transformation seems even more dramatic this summer because we bid goodbye to two iconic video stores, now overcome by competition from Netﬂix and on-line options. In recent years,

Hidden for Years Under the Blockbuster Sign, Erol’s Video Club Emerges From the Past

for years inside the Blockbuster sign is now visible. Newcomers like me don’t remember Erol’s, but Erol’s is a local legend, a great bit of lore I may have missed out on if the sign had not been uncovered. Like so many success stories, Erol’s Video Club began with an immigrant and a good idea.

Erol Onaran was born in Hungary in 1934 and moved to Turkey with his parents where he studied electronics. He immigrated to the DC, found work repairing radios and TV’s and soon started his own business, an electronics sales, repair and video rental shop in Virginia. After his son joined him, they grew Erol’s Video Club into the largest independent electronics and video rental chain nationwide, eventually selling to Blockbuster. Using the 30+ million dollars from the sale of Erol’s, in 1990 the Onarans started up a computer sales and repair business. They paused on their way to an IPO, reconsidered going public, and eventually sold to a competitor. Erol Onaran retired to Turkey, an American success story. Erol’s competitor on 8th Street was Capitol Hill Video Sales at 515 8th Street SE, an entirely diﬀerent operation but not a bit less colorful. Apparently the owners of this singlesite operation had to search hard for a niche in order to survive in the shadow of Erol’s-Blockbuster. They found it in adult entertainment. Upon entering the store customers saw a small scale video rental shop with all the usual titles. But, as one of their former employees recently noted, behind the double doors to the back of the store was “another world.” The building that housed Capitol Hill Video Sales mimics this split personality. It was once a car dealership, with a showy sedan often parked on the roof to lure in riders of the Eighth Street streetcars. Then the building was divided in half with space for two businesses at one address. Today, the side that once housed Capitol Video Sales is now being converted into a restaurant, with a roof top patio planned for the spot where cars once perched.

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From Sedans to Swordfish Tapas on the Roof According to Xavier Cervera, the Capitol Hill restaurateur capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 65

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Pacifico Design Concept by ODC Studio; Pacifico Will Share the 514 Address with Belga Cafe

spearheading the project, the new restaurant will be named Pacifico with a menu reflecting the many Latin American countries on the Pacific Ocean. Cervera and his design firm, ODC Studio, released a sketch of an early concept for the restaurant which is expected to open in early 2012. The roof top patio will be positioned above both Pacifico and next door neighbor, Belga Café. Both restaurants share the 514 8th Street, SE, address which may make for some real GPS merriment in the future. Back on the first block of Eighth Street, directly across the street from the former Blockbuster store, 413 Eighth Street, SE, will soon be home to Chipotle, opening in yet another split address building. The new owners of the building cannot give us a precise opening date for Chipotle, which is still in the permitting phase, but we do know that Dollar Express + Continental now at that address, will be closing in August. Somehow this building was divided and a new address to the south, 415 Eighth Street, SE was created years ago. Presently 415 Eight Street is home to China Wall. At this year’s Barracks Row Fall Festival the most amazing act will be the street itself. Every block of 8th Street is changing with new businesses opening each month. Loyal fans of the Fall Festival who return year after year to see the Military Chef ’s Cook-Off or watch the performance of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will be astonished and, no doubt, as pleased as we are with their new options as our historic corridor marches on into its bestyet third century of operation. ★

RealEstate Keeping Cool on the Hill Geothermal at the Old Naval Hospital article & photos by Robert Pohl

veryone who has ever done a renovation project on a Capitol Hill house has had the same experience: Open a wall or ﬂoor, and you ﬁnd something completely unexpected. Usually, it is something unpleasant like rotted joists, but occasionally you will uncover some lost piece of history, an old newspaper, or some indication of how the house has been changed over the years. The renovation at the Old Naval Hospital was not immune to this. When work began last summer, workers found themselves looking into old ducts throughout the whole building, including one large one that extended under the basement. The ducts raised the question: What were they used for?

Summer in the City One of the greatest challenges to living in DC has always been the heat. In the early days, the usual method of dealing with it was simply to flee, whether to your home district, or at the least to the highlands of Cleveland Park. Others attempted to adapt the architecture to help fight the heat. When Benjamin Latrobe took over the building of the Capitol, one of the changes he made was to raise the House and Senate floors up one story, to allow for air to circulate below, and to try to mitigate the stifling heat that otherwise would have collected in these chambers. The situation became even more critical in the course of the Civil War, when there not only were far more people in DC, but there was no opportunity to escape the city during the hot months.

When the hospital was built, the main sub-basement duct ensured that fresh air would be pulled into the hospital and warmed up before ending up in the ward. Today, a single geothermal system uses environmental temperature changes to help keep the hospital comfortable, hearkening back to the old duct-work. On the right are the pipes carrying the antifreeze to and from the geothermal well.

Lessons from Lincoln Life was even tougher for the soldiers who found themselves convalescing in one of the many hospitals across the city. The designers of these hospitals had learned a fair amount in the course of the war, however, and had become convinced that adequate ventilation was paramount to ensuring a quick recovery. One hospital in which much of what had been learned was applied was Lincoln Hospital, at the intersection of Massachusetts and North Carolina Avenues. Although a temporary structure, with a roof made of rough boards covered with tarred paper, attention was paid to air circulation, beginning with the building of the ﬂoors sev-

eral feet off the ground. Furthermore, each ward had, in the words of James C. McKee, who ran the hospital, “four ventilating gratings, at regular distances in the floor of the ward.” These were connected to wooden flues under the floor, that led to the outside and thus gave “a full supply of fresh air whenever the weather require[d] the doors and windows to be closed.” The results were impressive, and visitors remarked on how “airy and neat” the wards were, and entirely “free of offensive odor.”

Applying the Knowledge It is hardly surprising that the Naval Hospital, which was planned during the Civil War, should be outﬁtted capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 67

real estate changing hands Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. 6123 14TH ST NW 1401 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 5722 3RD ST NW 633 POWHATAN PL NW 411 OGLETHORPE ST NW 523 TUCKERMAN ST NW 423 MARIETTA PL NW 517 FERN PL NW

Erik Krupp shows the intake vent outside of the building, Photo: Robert Pohl

3006 14TH ST NE 1000 TAYLOR ST NE 1510 NEWTON ST NE 1410 HAMLIN ST NE 2425 NORTH CAPITOL ST NE 4713 6TH ST NE 4803 6TH ST NE 318 BRYANT ST NE 1715 MONROE ST NE 1314 FRANKLIN ST NE 35 V ST NE 3109 12TH ST NE 507 MONTANA AVE NE 1336 VARNUM ST NE 508 EDGEWOOD ST NE 227 BRYANT ST NE

$500,000 $490,000 $455,000 $455,000 $425,000 $328,500 $320,000 $300,000 $300,000 $297,000 $289,000 $275,000 $274,649 $255,000 $237,500 $180,000

3 5 3 5 4 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3

$2,800,000 $980,000 $710,000 $650,000

5 6 3 3

$585,000

$1,420,000 $1,355,000 $1,350,000 $1,100,000 $1,076,000 $980,000 $949,900 $931,000 $928,750 $904,000 $895,000 $862,000 $828,150 $825,000 $800,000 $790,000 $775,000 $775,000 $770,000 $767,500 $761,500 $751,000 $735,000 $725,000 $711,500 $710,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $699,000 $692,000 $663,000 $659,000 $650,000 $640,000 $628,000 $610,000 $595,000 $560,000 $558,000 $552,700 $542,000 $530,000 $513,000 $502,500 $499,000

4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 5 2 5 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3

BURLEITH 4165 PARKGLEN CT NW 3827 T ST NW 3713 T ST NW 3833 S ST NW

CAPITAL HILL N/ OLD CITY 1 615 ORLEANS PL NE

CAPITOL HILL

Everything old is new again Neighborhood

AddressClose Price

FEE SIMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1520 FARRAGUT ST NW 1403 CRITTENDEN ST NW 1309 FARRAGUT ST NW 1306 DELAFIELD PL NW 1204 INGRAHAM ST NW 1230 HAMILTON ST NW

$725,000 $685,000 $620,500 $548,600 $356,000 $340,000

4 6 4 6 2 6

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4915 46TH ST NW 4724 BUTTERWORTH PL NW 4504 45TH ST NW 4513 WINDOM PL NW 4310 ALTON PL NW 4330 RIVER RD NW 4827 WESTERN AVE NW

$1,190,000 $899,000 $839,000 $777,000 $751,500 $714,000 $705,000

5 5 3 3 3 3 3

$330,000 $89,900 $54,100

3 3 4

$189,500

$1,400,000

$260,000 $250,000 $235,000 $136,000

3 4 4 3

$535,000

ANACOSTIA 1982 RETTA GILLIAM CT SE 1632 U ST SE 2268 MOUNT VIEW PL SE

BARRY FARMS 3241 STANTON RD SE

BERKLEY 4407 W ST NW

BRENTWOOD 1331 DOWNING ST NE 2200 15TH ST NE 2337 15TH ST NE 2412 10TH ST NE

BRIGHTWOOD 6411 PINEY BRANCH RD NW

68 ★ HillRag | August 2011

4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3

BROOKLAND

similarly to the temporary structure a half-mile northeast. James D. Gatewood, in his 1893 paper “Notes on Naval Hospitals,” describes the ventilation as “remarkably good.” He continues: “The large number of windows, the walled duct under the hospital communicating at each end with the outside air, and discharging into stacks containing the steam pipes,” ensured that fresh air would be pulled into the hospital and warmed up before ending up in the wards. This was what the large duct under the basement was used for. Gatewood also wrote of “the ventilators throughout the building near ﬂoors and ceilings,” which “accomplish an excellent result,” presumably in cooling the hospital wards during the summer. These remain, with most wards still sporting grates at baseboard level as well as near the ceiling, with ducts in the wall connecting them. How exactly they worked (or if they actually did anything to mitigate DC’s summer heat) remains unknown, unfortunately. Workers were unable to ﬁnd any connection to the outside, for instance.

The hospital was used for 40 years, after which it was moved west to the site of the old Naval Observatory. Over the next 100 years, air conditioning was installed into the hospital, though, as many of the changes wrought on the building, the HVAC system was done in bits and pieces. One of the major changes done during renovation was to replace the whole heating system with a single geothermal system. In principle, this hearkens back to the old duct-work, in that it uses environmental temperature changes to help keep the hospital comfortable. The new system, however, instead of using outside air, uses the fact that underground the temperature stays fairly constant throughout the year. Running antifreeze down into the ground so that it takes on the temperature of the earth and then using this to either heat or cool the building dramatically reduces the amount of energy needed to keep the building comfortable. In order to do this properly on the property, it was necessary to dig 350 foot deep holes so that the antifreeze would be underground long enough to take on the ground temperature. And the ducts? They are used today as conduits for pipes and wires, including those that transport the warmed or cooled ﬂuid from deep underground. ★

$485,000 $419,000 $377,000 $358,500 $265,000 $218,000 $210,000 $200,000

1332 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 633 A ST NE 809 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 106 5TH ST NE 122 F ST SE 323 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 905 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 1216 NORTH CAROLINA AVE NE 527 10TH ST SE 300 C ST NE 1001 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE 1331 INDEPENDENCE CT SE 925 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 438 4TH ST NE 120 6TH ST SE 1365 A ST NE 318 6TH ST NE 18 7TH ST NE 530 13TH ST SE 309 3RD ST SE 221 E ST NE 526 4TH ST NE 918 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1014 D ST NE 443 4TH ST NE 506 G ST SE 117 3RD ST NE 522 D ST NE 229 C ST NE 630 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 708 9TH ST SE 1014 D ST SE 632 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 25 16TH ST SE 917 F ST NE 1238 G ST NE 325 L ST NE 1232 WALTER ST SE 1242 C ST NE 608 L ST NE 231 17TH ST SE 11 15TH ST SE 623 F ST NE 713 12TH ST NE 628 PICKFORD PL NE 1362 G ST SE 245 16TH ST SE

YOUR LIVIN’ IS EASY WITH THESE SUMMERTIME SALES! T AC TR YS! N A CO 6 D

1512 E St SE

A TR

Expanded Victorian bay-front with a oneof-a-kind renovation! Classic original features & custom carpentry blend seamlessly from front entrance to a truly STUNNING eat-in kitchen! Historic heart-pine ﬂoors, open staircase & tall ceilings meet WOW modern touches throughout. Pristine patio, roomy workshop/studio plus OSP! (2br+den/1.5ba)

$639,900 EW E N RIC P

650 G St NE Beautiful Victorian bay-front w/ classic character & countless updates! More than 3,000 sq ft of ﬁnished space includes a renovated kitchen, master suite, updated electric & plumbing plus original pine ﬂoors, custom builtins, exposed brick & more! Lower level rental option offers additional income potential. (4br/3.5ba)

$739,000

1736 Bay St SE QUEST Home Builders delivers AMAZING dimensions in their newest porch-front product! Wide foyer, HUGE double-parlor, open kitchen-dining, spacious rear den. Giant master suite w/ skylight over soaking tub, plus 2 more bedrooms, hall bath, & upper laundry. Custom built-ins, rear deck, garden, & 2-car pkg! All NEW just a block from Metro! (3br/2.5ba)

$629,000

G IN M ON COSO

The OCEANS Condominium on Capitol Hill! You love the convenience and vitality of Capitol Hill living, but you’re tired of being constrained by the tight living spaces available in century-old townhomes and cramped condominiums? Finally, a new luxury residence offering city amenities and wide-open spaces! Newly constructed with architectural features reminiscent of historic neighbors, this exciting new project offers 5 unique condominium homes from 1000 to 1700 SF each, featuring extraordinary open layouts, multiple levels, lofted ceilings, private decks and balconies, and stunning ﬁnish materials throughout!

from the $300s to $600s

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 69

Kitty Kaupp & Tati Kaupp Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-255-0952 202-255-6913 kkaupp@cbmove.com

www.kittykaupp.com

644 L ST NE 612 15TH ST NE 1619 E ST SE 1629 POTOMAC AVE SE 1437 IVES PL SE 1629 C ST SE 306 16TH ST SE 1242 K ST SE 1212 POTOMAC AVE SE 1126 K ST SE 1355 C STREET NE ST NE 1354 L ST SE 15 16TH ST NE

$493,000 $485,000 $479,000 $473,200 $455,000 $450,000 $407,500 $399,900 $350,000 $345,000 $330,500 $315,000 $260,000

3 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

CAPITOL HILL/H STREET CORRIDOR 611 MORTON PL NE

$455,000

$650,000

$1,400,000 $1,211,000 $1,200,000 $1,100,000 $998,000 $945,000 $935,000 $912,000 $900,000 $865,000 $849,000 $830,000 $824,500 $820,000 $775,000 $759,000 $690,000 $684,500 $678,770 $619,500 $600,000

6 5 5 5 6 5 4 6 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

$439,500 $310,000 $145,000

3 3 2

$3,100,000 $1,575,000 $1,350,000 $1,300,000 $1,190,101 $877,000

6 4 4 2 3 3

CAPITOL SQUARE/RLA(SW) 715 CAPITOL SQUARE PL SW

317 Constitution Ave NE REAR LEASED Newly renovated 3 artists studios/ work space, 2nd floor detached carriage house with lots of windows, glass doors, great space. Priced $500-$700 each plus utilities.

707 Massachusetts Ave NE $799,500 Beautifully maintained historic Victorian Bay Front 2BR 2BA + 1BR 1BA In Law, sep metered. Sunny rear deck, flagstone patio and 2 car parking. 9'10" ceilings, LR w/ gas FP and built in book cases. DR area w/ exposed brick wall opens to kitchen w/ granite counters, pressed tin ceiling, SS stove. 2nd floor offers Master BR w/ cathedral ceiling, exposed brick, skylight, custom spacious walk in closet +W/D. 2nd BR w/ exp. beams & brick walls. A quick walk to Eastern Market/Stanton Pk/Union Station.

316 F Street NE Commercial Lease Strategic location on Historic Capitol Hill at US Capitol and Union Station,Senate side, SEC building,& Mass Ave retail corridor. 6402 Square Feet available in increments from 165 SF up, on 1st & 2nd levels. Lower level available 2000 SF. Beautifully renovated building with high ceilings, large windows, marble lobby. Grand presence.

1400-1404 K Street SE Land 3 Buildable Lots SOLD 6000 SF Land Area, 3 Buildable lots, 6 Grand units 2000sf each or 3 2-Unit Town houses, 13,000 GBA, Blueprints available. Traditional Capitol Hill design. 1.5 blocks to Pennsylvania Ave, Jenkins Row Condos & Harris Teeter grocery. Potomac Avenue metro steps away. Walk to Eastern Market & Barracks Row retail.

CHEVY CHASE 5109 39TH ST NW 3614 QUESADA ST NW 3257 WORTHINGTON ST NW 2773 UNICORN LN NW 6345 WESTERN AVE NW 3711 NORTHAMPTON ST NW 5113 42ND ST NW 6515 UTAH AVE NW 3001 OREGON KNOLLS DR NW 3006 OREGON KNOLLS DR NW 3227 TENNYSON ST NW 3961 FESSENDEN ST NW 5433 41ST ST NW 3401 QUESADA ST NW 4906 41ST ST NW 3416 PATTERSON ST NW 6125 32ND ST NW 3246 ABERFOYLE PL NW 2914 MILITARY RD NW 3275 VAN HAZEN ST NW 3719 JENIFER ST NW

CHILLUM 119 QUACKENBOS ST NW 5709 1ST ST NW 6516 BLAIR RD NW

CLEVELAND PARK 3817 WOODLEY RD NW 3703 PORTER ST NW 3808 WOODLEY RD NW 3431 ORDWAY ST NW 3605 PORTER ST NW 3406 RODMAN ST NW

70 ★ HillRag | August 2011

$895,000 $765,000

4 5

$1,400,000 $800,000 $690,000 $562,000 $562,000 $550,500 $550,000 $530,000 $484,000 $470,000 $450,000 $430,000 $412,000 $389,000 $385,000 $326,000 $301,000 $230,000 $222,800

5 8 4 0 4 3 4 3 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

$224,900 $200,000 $189,000 $182,000 $179,900 $160,000 $120,000 $80,000

3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 473 VALLEY AVE SE 4009 COLE BLVD SE 729 CONGRESS ST SE 814 XENIA ST SE 1319 BARNABY TER SE 19 DANBURY ST SW 429 VALLEY AVE SE 3304 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE

$857,777 $754,000 $739,000 $615,000 $450,000

5 4 5 3 4

$279,000 $265,000 $237,050 $236,500 $199,787 $195,000 $189,900 $169,900 $164,900 $159,900 $155,000 $135,000 $124,900 $109,000 $90,000 $89,000 $63,555 $44,500 $40,000

4 5 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2

$1,650,000 $1,437,500 $1,079,000 $1,945,000 $1,175,000 $769,900

3 5 5 4 4 3

$579,900 $527,000 $395,000 $387,000 $355,000 $285,000 $181,700 $160,000

4 4 4 6 3 3 3 3

$660,000

$985,000 $830,000

4 5

$240,000 $205,000 $163,000 $160,000 $155,000 $117,000 $108,000 $98,500

4 3 2 2 3 3 3 3

$989,000 $757,500

5 4

$1,150,000

$22,000,000 $2,285,000 $1,975,000 $1,825,000 $1,650,000 $1,410,000 $1,400,000 $1,275,000 $1,250,000 $1,170,000 $1,160,000 $1,095,000 $1,070,000 $1,025,000 $868,000 $801,000 $660,000

9 5 6 3 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 1

CRESTWOOD 4701 COLORADO AVE NW 4417 17TH ST NW 4601 BLAGDEN AVE NW 4019 18TH ST NW 4413 COLORADO AVE NW

DEANWOOD 5006 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 4929 BLAINE ST NE 4417 GRANT ST NE 4918 AMES ST NE 507 58TH ST NE 1000 47TH ST NE 244 56TH ST NE 6 35TH ST NE 539 45TH ST NE 269 56TH ST NE 555 45TH ST NE 114 54TH ST SE 1011 47TH PL NE 226 DIVISION AVE NE 4835 MEADE ST NE 5626 CLAY PL NE 5084 JUST ST NE 311 59TH ST NE 216 56TH ST NE

DUPONT 1758 CHURCH ST NW 1905 16TH ST NW 1434 S ST NW 2020 HILLYER PL NW 1417 17TH ST NW 2132 NEWPORT PL NW

ECKINGTON 147 RANDOLPH PL NW 134 R ST NE 1818 1ST ST NW 78 S ST NW 316 TODD PL NE 1711 NORTH CAPITOL ST NE 203 S ST NE 156 TODD PL NE 961 25TH ST NW

FOREST HILLS 4824 LINNEAN AVE NW 2913 BRANDYWINE ST NW

FORT DUPONT PARK

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1300 FAIRMONT ST NW 1345 EUCLID ST NW 1422 MONROE ST NW 1341 IRVING ST NW 744 PRINCETON PL NW 1346 SPRING RD NW 1327 BELMONT ST NW 627 KEEFER PL NW 1015 KENYON ST NW 721 FAIRMONT ST NW 434 MANOR PL NW 630 PRINCETON PL NW 1336 MERIDIAN PL NW 3226 WARDER ST NW 1003 QUEBEC PL NW 741 NEWTON PL NW 623 IRVING ST NW 774 COLUMBIA RD NW 723 HARVARD ST NW

$62,919

FOGGY BOTTOM

COLONIAL VILLAGE 2141 SUDBURY PL NW 1616 PORTAL DR NW

534 LEBAUM ST SE

1116 44TH PL SE 640 RIDGE SE 4353 DUBOIS PL SE 4330 GORMAN TER SE 4112 STANLEY ST SE 4413 G ST SE 4216 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 4445 TEXAS AVE SE

FOXHALL 4430 Q ST NW 1545 44TH ST NW

GARFIELD 3001 CATHEDRAL AVE NW

GEORGETOWN 1623 28TH ST NW 1522 33RD ST NW 2821 Q ST NW 3258 N ST NW 1609 35TH ST NW 4012 MANSION DR NW 1312 31ST ST NW 4024 CHANCERY CT NW 3337 P ST NW 1220 29TH ST NW 1657 32ND ST NW 2814 DUMBARTON ST NW 2907 DUMBARTON ST NW 1216 28TH ST NW 1419 27TH ST NW 1059 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST NW 1257 35TH ST NW

NEW LISTINGS GLOVER PARK 2250 HALL PL NW 2208 HALL PL NW 2431 39TH PL NW

$1,175,000 $900,000 $705,000

3 0 3

$750,000

$325,000 $299,000 $205,000 $190,000 $124,000 $549,900

4 3 3 3 4 5

$6,500,000 $2,100,000 $2,100,000 $2,055,000 $1,700,000 $1,560,000 $910,000

6 4 5 4 9 6 4

$1,625,000 $1,130,000

7 5

$875,000 $540,000 $475,000 $460,000 $390,000 $380,500 $825,000

6 3 3 3 3 2 6

$150,000

$1,505,000

$795,000

$169,000 $60,500 $58,000

2 4 2

$399,000 $350,000

3 3

$1,175,000 $1,025,000 $925,000 $889,000 $784,257 $720,000 $720,000

6 4 6 6 5 6 5

$875,000 $812,500 $750,000 $749,000 $735,000 $685,000

4 3 4 4 3 3

$745,000

$888,000 $799,000 $765,000 $650,000 $555,000 $545,000 $500,000 $480,000 $465,000 $465,000 $375,000 $350,000 $348,000

3 3 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 2

HARRISON SQUARE 1227 V ST NW

HILL CREST 3121 ALABAMA AVE SE 3644 BANGOR ST SE 3600 HIGHWOOD DR SE 3819 POPE ST SE 3615 BANGOR ST SE 2813 BRANCH AVE SE

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 8/7 2-4 PM 8205 Garland Ave. Takoma Park. $622,777 A HOME For EVERY STAGE of YOUR LIFE

KALORAMA 2416 TRACY PL NW 2127 LEROY PL NW 1824 KALORAMA RD NW 2237 BANCROFT PL NW 2200 R ST NW 1928 BILTMORE ST NW 2314 ASHMEAD PL NW

Terrific Tudor currently used as three gorgeous two bedroom units. Or with no changes you can have 5BRs plus den, 2BAs with a 2BR rental unit to help defray the cost. Or use the whole house all 7BRs. Wonderful wood floors, delightful details, spacious rooms, glorious grounds and a 2 car garage with storage attic. Call Pam Kristof 202 253-2550

KENT 4936 LOUGHBORO RD NW 5181 MANNING PL NW

COMING SOON CAPITOL HILL. $499,900 SPECTACULAR SPACE

LEDROIT PARK 100 W ST NW 311 ELM ST NW 338 ELM ST NW 336 U ST NW 139 THOMAS ST NW 1827 5TH ST NW 2211 1ST ST NW

Grand and gracious 2BR + office, 2.5BA carefree condo. Be part of the equity expanding redevelopment of the close in H St neighborhood. Huge open spaces, fabulous wood floors, amazing gourmet kitchen with attached family room/ breakfast room, delightful deck and parking.

LILY PONDS 3345 DIX ST NE

LOGAN CIRCLE 1531 VERMONT AVE NW

LOGAN SHAW 1622 6TH ST NW

Call Hub Krack 202 550-2111

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5551 CENTRAL AVE SE 734 51ST ST SE 5555 BASS PL SE

MICHIGAN PARK 1620 BUCHANAN ST NE 1712 WEBSTER ST NE

MOUNT PLEASANT 1728 PARK RD NW 1886 MONROE ST NW 1800 LAMONT ST NW 1802 LAMONT ST NW 1846 INGLESIDE TER NW 1831 LAMONT ST NW 3163 18TH ST NW

NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3726 WINDOM PL NW 3618 VAN NESS ST NW 3534 YUMA ST NW 3527 YUMA ST NW 4305 38TH ST NW 3824 VEAZEY ST NW

Moving? We take the stress out of leaving your real estate. We take over. Find qualified tenants. Transfer utilities. Get the House/ Apartment ready. Manage it. And, send you reports & money regularly. REMEMBER:

We manage condominium associations & individual units in condos and co-ops, co-op and homeowner associations, property for non-profits & churches as well as church buildings.

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2926 38TH ST NW

OLD CITY 650 F ST NE 162 TENNESSEE AVE NE 1007 E ST NE 823 8TH ST NE 1428 A ST NE 902 8TH ST NE 635 L ST NE 1013 15TH ST SE 1703 D ST SE 27 15TH ST SE 1827 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 815 8TH ST NE 827 L ST NE

JOEL TRUITT MANAGEMENT, INC. 734 SEVENTH STREET, SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003 (202) 547-2707 www.joeltruittbuildersinc.net

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 71

566 23RD PL NE 1507 K ST SE 1652 F ST NE 635 MORTON PL NE 1226 11TH ST NW 1332 WALLACH PL NW 1223 4TH ST NW 1113 R ST NW 1805 13TH ST NW 1117 V ST NW 417 RICHARDSON PL NW 1621 5TH ST NW

$211,600 $175,000 $121,000 $399,999 $835,000 $710,000 $650,000 $591,000 $530,000 $450,000 $359,000 $315,000

3 3 4 3 5 2 4 3 4 2 2 3

$1,485,000 $1,125,000 $1,095,000 $1,020,000 $835,000 $740,000

4 5 3 7 3 3

$590,000 $580,000 $483,000 $459,000 $441,000 $415,000 $409,000 $407,000 $399,999 $363,000 $349,700 $345,000 $340,000 $340,000 $325,000 $300,000 $275,000 $245,000 $240,000 $170,000

4 3 4 4 4 5 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 3

$249,900 $225,000 $180,000 $180,000 $163,000 $105,000 $72,000 $28,900

4 3 3 3 3 3 3 1

$324,500 $289,000 $286,500 $242,000 $240,000 $239,000 $215,000 $200,000 $154,900

4 4 3 3 2 3 3 3 3

$582,000 $373,000

3 2

$632,500

$2,500,000 $1,875,000 $1,675,000 $1,350,000 $979,000 $830,000

5 5 5 3 3 4

$835,000 $545,000

7 3

$410,000 $355,700 $250,000 $218,000 $190,000 $190,000

3 3 3 2 4 3

PETWORTH 3925 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4113 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4728 5TH ST NW 4221 3RD ST NW 4816 5TH ST NW 4314 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 410 INGRAHAM ST NW 5127 5TH ST NW 617 FARRAGUT ST NW 318 FARRAGUT ST NW 826 DELAFIELD PL NW 4313 2ND ST NW 4937 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 4310 3RD ST NW 838 JEFFERSON ST NW 4517 9TH ST NW 503 DECATUR ST NW 621 HAMILTON ST NW 5125 3RD ST NW 4207 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW

RANDLE HEIGHTS 3210 BUENA VISTA TER SE 2413 17TH PL SE 3501 21ST ST SE 1957 S ST SE 2425 18TH ST SE 1924 GOOD HOPE RD SE 2004 SAVANNAH PL SE 2472 ALABAMA AVE SE #B-301

“We are part of Capitol Hill, We don’t just work here... We live here, too. Let our neighborhood experience work for you...”

RIGGS PARK 5216 12TH ST NE 600 OGLETHORPE ST NE 5563 CHILLUM PL NE 423 JEFFERSON ST NE 814 JEFFERSON ST NE 5125 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 1234 FARADAY PL NE 405 ONEIDA ST NE 417 MADISON ST NE

SHAW 202.546.3100 210 7th Street, SE. #100. WDC 20003 www.monarchtitle.net

1818 8TH ST NW 1613 5TH ST NW

SHEPHERD PARK 1352 IRIS ST NW

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

TAKOMA PARK 6804 6TH ST NW 408 ASPEN ST NW

TRINIDAD

capitalcommunitynews.com 72 ★ HillRag | August 2011

1414 MONTELLO AVE NE 1145 OATES ST NE 1115 OWEN PL NE 1172 MORSE ST NE 1740 LANG PL NE 1426 MORSE ST NE

3 3 2 2 3

$550,000

$778,500

$2,500,000 $1,850,000 $895,000 $725,000

4 6 4 3

$2,100,000 $1,030,000 $747,000 $1,020,000 $1,295,000 $975,000

6 4 3 3 5 3

$380,000 $360,000 $293,597 $279,900 $190,000

3 3 3 3 3

$242,000

U STREET / OLD CITY # 2 1010 W ST NW

WAKEFIELD 3711 APPLETON ST NW 4725 DEXTER ST NW 4407 KLINGLE ST NW 4459 WESTOVER PL NW 4333 EMBASSY PARK DR NW

WOODLEY 2854 29TH PL NW 3317 CLEVELAND AVE NW 2220 CATHEDRAL AVE NW 2756 WOODLEY PL NW 2632 WOODLEY PL NW 2722 CORTLAND PL NW

WOODRIDGE 3607 20TH ST NE 2159 30TH ST NE 3708 24TH ST NE 3050 VISTA ST NE 3305 22ND ST NE

CONDO 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1352 LONGFELLOW ST NW #205

2501 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 2501 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #5A 2501 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #5B

$2,500,000 $2,000,000

2 2

$1,055,000 $565,000 $392,750 $555,000

2 2 1 2

ADAMS MORGAN 2351 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #PENTHOUSE 4 2328 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #329 2526 17TH ST NW #101 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #310

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #552 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #446

$775,000 $417,500

2 1

$16,900

$584,500

ANACOSTIA 1920 NAYLOR RD SE #107

BERKLEY 4615 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #B

BLACKSTONE FLATS CONDOMINIUMS 4469 B ST SE #203

$159,000

$300,000 $279,000

2 2

$178,000 $160,000

1 0

$62,000

$405,000 $1,200,000 $990,000 $779,000 $720,000 $520,000 $415,000 $365,000 $350,000 $345,000 $339,000 $330,000 $325,000 $320,000 $259,900

2 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

BLOOMINGDALE 28 BRYANT ST NW #1 70 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #503

BRIGHTWOOD 6425 14TH ST NW #105 422 BUTTERNUT ST NW ## 106

BROOKLAND

SPRING VALLEY 3722 48TH ST NW 5147 YUMA ST NW 3730 48TH ST NW 4822 TILDEN ST NW 3816 49TH ST NW 3806 47TH ST NW

$179,900 $150,000 $136,250 $117,300 $50,000

WESLEY HEIGHTS

PALISADES 2339 NEBRASKA AVE NW 4515 Q LN NW 2348 NEBRASKA AVE NW 5710 SHERIER PL NW #1/2 4465 Q ST NW 5307 DORSETT PL NW

1229 16TH ST NE 1400 MONTELLO AVE NE 1633 L ST NE 1720 LANG PL NE 1741 LYMAN PL NE

4420 1ST PL NE #21

CAPITOL HILL 1222 MARYLAND AVE NE #2 1315 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE #LOFT34 1315 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE #LOFT 14 1341 MARYLAND AVE NE #103 1020 EAST CAPITOL ST NE #2 64 15TH ST NE #64 520 E ST NE #202 18 9TH ST NE #403 615 3RD ST NE #8 13 14TH ST NE #13 1433 A ST NE #C 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #321 305 C ST NE #109 116 6TH ST NE #203 1100 7TH ST NE #2

CENTRAL 2301 N ST NW #702 916 G ST NW #402 1830 JEFFERSON PL NW #7 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #402 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #PH-109 2425 L ST NW #419 2555 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #214 1111 25TH ST NW #505 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #820 616 E ST NW #702 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #906 1260 21ST ST NW #314

$1,150,000 $665,000 $622,000 $560,000 $540,000 $518,000 $475,000 $445,000 $434,000 $430,000 $429,000 $213,500

2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

$300,000

$568,500

$412,000 $365,400 $345,000 $290,000 $285,000

1 1 1 1 1

$799,900 $682,500 $630,000 $580,000 $557,000 $495,000 $476,900 $432,000 $387,500 $370,000 $354,900 $298,000 $285,000 $285,000 $263,250 $196,000 $175,000

2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1

CHEVY CHASE 4740 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #303

CITY VISTA/MT. VERNON 475 K ST NW #709

CLEVELAND PARK 2818 CONNECTICUT NW #1 2726 ORDWAY ST NW #2 2736 ORDWAY ST NW #1 3801 39TH ST NW #C-81 3446 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #501

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2307 15TH ST NW #3 1455 FLORIDA AVE NW #3A 1425 EUCLID ST NW #12 1451 BELMONT ST NW #124 1451 BELMONT ST NW #424 1390 KENYON ST NW #701 1613 HARVARD ST NW #413 1324 EUCLID ST NW #305 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #103 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #420 3577 WARDER ST NW #202 1423 NEWTON ST NW #303 2656 15TH ST NW #203 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #209 1458 COLUMBIA RD NW #111 1372 RANDOLPH ST NW #104 1372 RANDOLPH ST NW #201

$42,500

WATER FRONT 240 M ST SW #E710 700 7TH ST SW #828 324 M ST SW #19 1425 4TH ST SW #A505 1101 3RD ST SW #804 700 7TH ST SW #520 240 M ST SW #E406

$185,000 $590,000 $425,000 $415,000 $380,000 $205,000 $172,000

1 3 2 2 2 1 1

$181,000 $404,900 $381,400

1 2 2

$365,000 $299,000 $325,000

2 1 2

$910,000 $118,000

3 0

$544,000 $332,000 $247,500 $243,000 $229,900 $225,000 $205,000

3 2 2 1 1 1 1

Specializing in all aspects of Real Estate Settlements We Guarnatee Attention to Detail & Personalized Service

Karen Voellm

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 22 GALVESTON PL SW #B

Signature Properties...Signature Service. SM

(202) 262 - 5242 kvoellm@cbmove.com www.kvrealtyteam.com

Wes Grooms (202) 549 - 1779 wgrooms@cbmove.com www.pennqtr.com

650 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite 170 Washington, DC 20003-4318 202-544-0800

COOP CAPITOL HILL 1007 MARYLAND AVE NE #102 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #914 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #PH02

CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #206B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #807B 3900 WATSON NW #A-2B

ANACOSTIA RIVER REALTY

SW WATERFRONT 550 N ST SW #S-801 560 N SW #N 416

Changing the face of east of the Anacostia River living. We’re showcasing the best the area has to offer in real estate and development.

WATERFRONT 408 N ST SW #TH 15 429 N ST SW #S-307 560 N ST SW #N213 560 N ST SW #N415 560 N ST SW ##N-603 560 N SW #N 612 520 N ST SW #S232 ★

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202-678-REAL(7325) www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 73

n Saturday, September 17th of 2011, HSMS will kick off its 8th consecutive H Street Festival, utilizing the opportunity to draw attention to the H Street Corridor and its businesses. The H Street Playhouse, Rock and Roll Hotel, and the Atlas Performing Arts Center and the Joy of Motion are among the most entertaining venues along the corridor. The 2011 H Street Festival will provide an opportunity to succeed last year record breaking crowd of over 35,000 attendees, while integrating collective disciplines of the arts throughout the entire fabric of the Festival.

74 â˜… HillRag | August 2011

Arts & Dining Dining Notes by Celeste McCall

Station 4 is a Hit At long last, Station 4 has pulled into its Southwest waterfront digs. In spite of opening night jitters, things went fairly smoothly when we arrived for our 8 p.m. dinner reservations. Overseeing the busy kitchen is Spanish-born Orlando Amaro. As we nibbled thin slivers of toast and sipped Italian Pinot Grigio and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc––we began with a unique summer salad: cubes of watermelon, feta and pickled cucumber were threaded on five picks and anointed with dill vinaigrette. (We tried this at home but the feta crumbled; the trick is to use a firm cheese that will hold up on a skewer.) Another appetizer consisted of a single tentacle of charred octopus curved gracefully around a potato confit and sprinkled with smoked paprika. Peter declared that executive chef Amaro’s jumbo blue crabcakes– –escorted with mango ceviche and corn puree––were the best he’s tasted south of Baltimore. Flavorful with virtually no breading. Sliced Hudson Valley duck breast––served rare––was fanned alongside caramelized fennel––a delightful combination. We did not make it to dessert, but plan to return

soon with reinforcements. Station 4 is not cheap; dinner with two drinks apiece came to $117, before tip. But the cooking is top quality and the setting is beautiful. On opening night, management donated 20 percent of its proceeds to the Southwest Playground Group. A recent brunch experience was also positive; spicy bloody Marys, A bountiful “Mardi Gras” omelette was chock full of a confetti of chorizo, green peppers, tomatoes, escorted by a small dish of ripe strawberries, a perfect dessert. Peter was also happy with his smoked salmon Benedict, which arrived on a bagel rather than the usual English muﬃn.

Seating 198 (including outside), Station 4’s stylish decor–created by Miami-based Lisa Halloran of Sculptors of Space Design Group--is reminiscent of a Manhattan supper club. As Sinatra croons in the background, faux glowing coals along one wall evoke warmth. Unique hatbox shaped lighting ﬁxtures dangle over handsome tables and chairs, whose unique shapes mirror oval patterned curtains. Station 4 1101 Fourth St. SW 202-488-0987 www.station4dc.com Open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch; 5 to 11 p.m. for dinner; Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bar food is available until 1 p.m. week nights; ‘‘til

Station 4 Executive Chef Orlando Amaro. Photo: Andrew Lightman. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 75

ARTS& Dining Carmel, a Relais & Chateaux property. Open daily, Sou’Wester oﬀers all day dining with regional American cuisine in a bustling space boasting waterfront views and al fresco dining. Located at 1330 Maryland Ave. SW; call 202-737-6990.

RAMMY winner Congrats to Ted’s Bulletin, 505 Eighth St. SE. The popular Barracks Row family restaurant was named Best Neighborhood Gathering Place at the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s 2011 RAMMY Awards, held June 26 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in Northwest.

Departures

The beautifully designed interior of Station 4 in Southwest DC. Photo: Andrew Lightman

2 a.m. Friday and Saturdays Meanwhile, nearby....Seven new restaurants are coming to The Yards, an adaptive redevelopment in historic Washington Navy Yard. A Harris Teeter is planned for 401 M Street, SE. in the Foundry Loft Apartments. Restaurants: Kruba Thai and Sushi, Potbelly, a yet-unnamed brewpub from Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Buzz Bakery, Austin Grill Express, brb-be right burger, and Huey’s 24/7 Diner. For updates and more information visit www. theyardsdc.com.

Tru Orleans Opens on H TruOrleans Restaurant and Gallery, the latest addition to the Atlas District, held its splashy debut July 14. Located at 400 H Streets NE, the “authentic Cajun Creole experience” is created by local developer Tru Redding and investors Brad Howard and Hans Christensen. TruOrleans has two levels, with an open deck on the upper ﬂoor plus a sidewalk cafe. Executive chef Andre Miller turns out East family recipes: po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya and beignets (puﬀy donuts). Flowing from the bar are Hurricanes, Louisiana beers and a comprehensive wine list. TruOrleans is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to midnight; and until 2 a.m. weekends.

Sweet Magnolia...Near Eastern Market, Pitanga (organic) Gelato has opened in the space formerly occupied by Greenworks ﬂorist, 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (entrance on Seventh Street). Peter has raved about the pistachio.

New in Southwest Executive Chef Eric Ziebold of Sou’Wester, the “new”American restaurant in the posh Mandarin Oriental hotel in SW, welcomes a new chef de cuisine, Eddie Moran. A 2002 graduate of the California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, Moran honed his culinary skills at top-notch California restaurants including Aubergine at L’Auberge

More arrivals On Barracks Row, Lavagna Ristorante Italiano has opened at 539 Eighth street, SE, formerly Starﬁsh Café. Executive chef Lance Hanan’s menu showcases freshly made pasta and locally grown vegetables. Lavagna is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information call 202-546-5006.... and at 703 Eighth St. SE, 32 Below dispenses frozen yogurt (try red velvet) in the space vacated by Sou’Wester at the Mandarin’s new chef de cuisine, Eddie Moran 76 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Goodby to Quizno’s Subs, 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; we will miss their lobster salad sandwich. However, you’ll ﬁnd another Quizno’s at 810 Potomac Ave. SE; call 202-544-2538. Next to Union Station, Capitol City Brewing Co. pulled out of Postal Square July 16. The popular brewpub opened there in 1995, but now the National Postal Museum needs to reclaim that space. Capitol’s brewing has moved to its main facility in Shirlington, which produces beer for the remaining two locations. The former Postal Square brewpub plans to relocate sometime soon; stay tuned.

Adios Robbie Robert “Robbie” Wood, who presided over the Chesapeake Room’s kitchen for a year and a half, is heading to San Diego to write a cookbook. His goal is to combat childhood obesity, a serious problem nationwide. Taking over the Chesapeake Room’s kitchen helm is sous chef Gregorio Martinez. The Chesapeake Room is at 501 Eighth St. SE; call 202-543-1445.

Bountiful produce With summer’s bounty arriving, farmers markets are going full steam. Organized by the NoMa Business Improvement District and managed by Metro Green Markets, NoMa’s farmers market operates Wednesdays through October 26. Located at 1200 First St. NE (First and M), stalls are open from 3 to 7 p.m. Besides dispensing produce, baked goods and pastas (all produced by local farmers and artisans), NoMa’s market hosts chef demos. For updates visit www.nomabid.org/ farmersmarket. ....In the Atlas District at 625 H St. NE, FRESHFARM Markets operates Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Vendors–who produce their own products-- oﬀer fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, pasture-raised meats, herbs, eggs, pasta, preserves, crab cakes, empanadas, barbecue, popcorn, ﬂowers soaps, even wool, plus cooking demos. Call 202-362 8889.

DC loves BASEBALL!

Jorge Zamorano, owner of Banana Cafe. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Come check out our beer specials before and after all home games.

Hey, Where’s that menu?! If you’ve noticed that the menus at Banana Café have gotten bigger, it is not your imagination. “Someone was stealing them,”proprietor Jorge Zamorano explained, “so we simply made them larger.” Meaning: it is now more difficult to stuff a purloined menu into a back pocket or handbag. Jorge (George in English), surmised that customers were ripping them off because the covers were adorned with Jorge’s vibrant, “magical realistic” artwork. Born in Cuba, Jorge grew up in Puerto Rico. Self taught, Jorge experiments with form and color, often in the shape of interesting portraits. You’ll see his colorful paintings–reflecting his Caribbean heritage–lining the pastel walls of his restaurant. His work has also graced the cover of the Hill Rag and the Fagon Community Guide. So, what’s inside those disappearing Banana Café menus? Weekday lunch and dinner fare encompasses Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes like ropa vieja (spiced shredded beef ), carnitas Cubanas (pork morsels), Cuban sandwiches. Sunday brunch buffet is a refined listing of eggs benedict, Caribbean benedict (smoked salmon instead of the usual Canadian bacon), an enormous “Banana big breakfast” with eggs any style, bacon and sausage. Located at 500 Eighth St. SE, Banana Café is open daily, including Sunday brunch, happy hour, piano bar (upstairs with a great bar and tapas menu). 202-543-5906 or www.bananacafedc.com. ★

TUNNICLIFF’S TAVERN The Gathering Place On The Hill… Right next to Eastern Market Metro across from Eastern Market Tunnicliff’s Tavern 222 7th Street SE Washington, D.C. 20003

www.tunnicliffstaverndc.com Fax: 202-544-9630 Email: tunnicliffs@gmail.com

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 77

uncommon cooking at

This Stylish H Street Bistro Already Has A Loyal Following by Celeste McCall

ABOVE: Beet Salad composed of roasted beets, arugula, champagne granita, rhubarb, cherry Glenn goat cheese. Photo: Andrew Lightman. BELOW: Carlos Delgado, Chef de cuisine. Photo: Andrew Lightman

78 ★ HillRag | August 2011

he Smith Commons moniker is clever; it refers to “Smith,” the most “common” surname in many English-speaking countries; and “commons,” a gathering place or central square in a town. The three-story interior is brick-lined with exposed pipes and clear-glass globes dangling overhead. A young hip crowd was sipping trendy cocktails and artisan beers while watching soccer on a TV over the bar. Although the restaurant had a soothing hum–denoting a contented crowd–the decibel level was fairly low, allowing for normal conversation. The restaurant is not yet open for lunch, though The main dining area is comfortably ﬁlled with the bar, tables, and banquettes, with a busy display kitchen in the back. The second ﬂoor is equally convivial, with comfy, mismatched sofas and easy chairs, where patrons lounge with drinks and noshes while gazing out of a large picture window at the busy street below. Across the room is a door leading to a spacious outdoor deck. Presiding over the open kitchen is Belgian-born Executive Chef Frederik De Pue, whose eclectic menu changes regularly, according to seasonal availability of local ingredients. Chef de Cuisine is Carlos Delgado. After enjoying successful gigs in top European restaurants, De Pue arrived in Washington about 10 years ago to become top toque for the European Commission Delegation Ambassador. In 2007, he launched 42< Catering, named for the 42nd parallel that connects many of the world’s great gastronomic cities.

Meals start with a basket of warm biscuit-like bread accompanied by what tasted like honey butter. We are usually tempted to slather on the butter and pig out, but try to restrain ourselves while awaiting our appetizers. At one meal, we shared a multihued beet salad with rhubarb and small crumbles of goat cheese arranged on a bed of greens. A much heartier starter was a generous portion of beef short ribs accompanied by house-pickled celery. The ribs literally melted in my mouth, and the crunchy celery provided a tangy contrast to the tender beef. This appetizer would also be great for a hearty winter entree for one, paired with a robust red wine. For an alternative preamble, we could have gone with a plate of raw oysters (3, 6 or 12), sometimes priced at a mere $1 each. Another choice is a selection of three or five artisan cheeses served with striata bread and dried raisins. (Actually, the latter option would make a great dessert, which we plan to sample next time we visit.) For entrees, Peter decided on John Dory, a mild white fish we have seldom encountered on local menus. John Dory is sometimes called St. Peter’s fish because its skin supposedly bears the saint’s thumb print. It arrived with an appealingly crisp skin. The fish was escorted by curry-laced potatoes (a tad too much curry, we thought) and red pepper puree. Another maritime option is panseared (and then poached) wild king salmon. Again, careful searing makes

ABOVE: Wreckfish with crab bacalao, romesco & grapes. Photo: Andrew Lightman

the skin crisp before the fish is gently poached in apple consomme. We requested and were given spoons to soak up the savory broth, and the dish went beautifully with a glass of Okanogan Pinot Noir. Speaking of wine, we were impressed with Smith Commons’ eclectic list of domestic selections. One evening, I tasted a New York State rose, but settled on a pleasant, crisp Virginia Viognier. Also from the New World but far from home is a crisp Teira New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The beer listing is equally eclectic, with many local brews: Stillwater Artisinal Ales (Baltimore), Lost Rhino Brewing Company (Ashburn, Virginia), and Port City Brewing, from Alexandria. A skewer of tiger prawns–perfectly cooked--was paired with circles of zippy chorizo and escorted by Granny Smith apple potato salad and parsley pesto, making for an agreeable marriage of flavors and textures. An enormous leg quarter of chicken confit was complemented by coconut-studded rice, sweet potato puree, mole negro and garnished with crunchy slices of plantains. We did not get to the Bison New York strip; next time. The menu also lists a vegetarian entree du jour, again according to availability. Desserts, like the other courses, are seasonal. One evening we ordered an interesting trio of Dolci gelatos: tomato, basil and ginger-

bread, presented in a square white bowl. Other sweet endings might be fried-to-order lemon thyme donuts, Belgian chocolate lava cake or coconut panna cotta. Smith Commons is pricy but not outrageous, and you certainly get your money’s worth. Dinner for two with a drink or two apiece comes to just under $100, before tip. But you don’t have to spend nearly that much. Mondays–when the regular dining room is closed-Smith Hour goes from 5 to 10 p.m in the second level Public House, with bar and drink specials, including $1 oysters. Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., Smith Hour dispenses $5 beer, wine, and cocktails, plus bar food at just $6 for a “small plate.” Smith Hour extends to weekends, from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the same specials. And–last but not least–be sure to check out the cool, unisex restrooms. 1245 H St. NE 202-396-0038 Open: Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to-2 a.m, Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-3 a.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday Smith Hour from 3 to 7 p.m. with same specials. For more information visit www.smithcommonsdc.com. ★ capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 79

ARTS& Dining

“Wine is like music-you may not know what is good, but you know what you like!” - Justin Meyer, founder, Silver Oak

Wine and Points by Jon Genderson

uch has been written about wine ratings and the various point scales used by wine writers to quantify the highly subjective world of wine. Many professionals decry the use of these numerical scales, yet there are many consumers that insist on drinking points and not wine. In truth, it was the 100-point scale first used by Robert Parker and later the Wine Spectator that helped lead the wine revolution in the United States and helped to make us the largest consumer of wine in the world. (Not per capita but in total volume sold). It is this same 100-point scale that has caused many wines to increase exponentially in price in just a few years and that has made it increasingly more difficult for the average consumer to afford the “First Growths” of Bordeaux or the “Grand Cru” Burgundies of the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. The 100-point scale reads only as a 50-point scale, but is in reality only a 15-point scale. I have never seen anyone come into the store looking for an 81point wine. 85 points seems to be lowest “acceptable” wine. Other scales used are the 20-point system (really a five-point system), one to five stars (a five point system) and “puffs,” a three point system. One of my favorite rating systems is from Clive Coates, a Master of Wine and author of “The Wines of Burgundy”. His “20” point system is really a nine point system beginning with Bad, Not Bad, Quite Good, Good, Very Good, Very Good Indeed, Fine Plus and Very Fine Indeed. Mr. Coates relates his highest rating, Very Fine Indeed, to 19 out of 20 points. He doesn’t believe that perfection exists. I like the way he thinks! The numerical wine rating system has been heavily criticized, and not just by me. It has been considered a driving force in the creation of an “international style” of wine and the downplaying of the influence of terroir, that combination of climate, soil and site that makes a Volnay taste different from a Russian River Pinot Noir. Critics of the wine rating system contend that winemakers are making wine that will get attention and therefore higher points. When five, ten or fifty wines are compared together, wines with the most color, body, softness and fruit tend to stand out from more subtle and elegant wines. These wines tend to receive higher scores from the critics, which has led to an increase in the proliferation of these styles of wines in the market. One of the ways winemakers seem to be achieving high scores is through the now almost ubiquitously narrow focus given to the amount of “hang time” Cabernet grapes in the Napa 80 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Valley receive. Winegrowers are leaving the grapes on the vine longer causing more ripeness, less acidity and less moisture in the grapes. This method creates the big, dark, and high alcohol fruit driven Cabernets that are good, but taste like every other Cabernet made in this way. These wines will mature sooner and not hold up as well to longer term cellaring. Most importantly, they don’t go as well with food. Another problem with a point system is the subjectivity. Even Robert Parker said: “I really think probably the only diﬀerence between a 96-, 97-, 98-, 99-, and 100-point wine is really the emotion of the moment.” Many critics of the 100-point system have pointed out that given ten wines to rate in a blind tasting, a taster will rarely be able to repeat the same scores or even identify the wines as the same they tasted as little as ten minutes earlier. Points are very subjective; enjoyment is not. This is why I think points are overrated and it is wine descriptions and your own personal preferences that matter.

Points and Price The prices for the finest wines are directly related to the points given by two publications -- The Wine Advocate and the Wine Spectator. The Wine Advocate’s effect on the price of Bordeaux is so great that many Chateau’s will not release their En Premier price until they are rated by Robert Parker. A second growth that gets 92 points will usually leave their wines at the previous year’s price, but one that gets 96-99 points will likely increase the price by 30-50 percent. In California, a Napa Cabernet that gets 99 points from a barrel tasting will likely release the wine at a much higher price than if they got a 92. This effect is significantly higher due to point ratings than it would be if the wines were just “recommended” by the critics. Also significant to note is the new phenomenon I call “too expensive to drink.” Consumers with highly rated wines in their cellars such as 1982 Bordeaux, bought them to drink. Many paid ten to fifty dollars for wines that are now worth $100 to $2000. They can’t justify drinking a case of wine that they could conceivably trade for a new car. The quality of wine is a subjective experience. Rather than rely on the points awarded by wine critics, find a wine shop with knowledgeable wine consultants, tell them what you like and don’t like and let them suggest some wines. You are likely to

have a much more pleasant experience than you would spending a lot of energy looking for that ten dollar 92 pointer.

Wine of the Month Domaine de Ballade Cotes de Gascogne 2010 ($10) This delightful blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Colombard from Gascony is made from the same grapes that are used to make Armagnac, which is also from this sunny region. The newly released 2010 is vibrant with crisp Sauvignon fruit tempered by the Colombard so it is not herbaceous or grassy. Crisp and light with lime-drenched honeydew melon, white citrus, grapefruit and just a suggestion of mineral, this is perfect for light summer fare like salads and chicken. Jon Genderson is co-owner of Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, the ﬁnest wine and spirits shop in the city. ★

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Summer White Sale Domaine de Ballade Cotes de Gascogne 2010 ..........................Reg:$9.99......Sale:$8.99 Domaine Dublere Bourgogne Blanc Les Millerands 2009 ............Reg:$29.99....Sale:$24.99 Rodet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009........................................Reg:$19.99....Sale:$15.99

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Thirot Sancerre Le Haut Venoize 2010.....................................Reg:$29.99....Sale:$24.99 Jack Barrett Chardonnay 2009 ..............................................Reg:$19.99....Sale:$15.99

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Schumann Nagler Christopher Philip Riesling QBA 2007 .............Reg:$14.99....Sale:$11.99 Two Brothers Riesling 2006....................................................Reg:$12.99....Sale:$6.99

The Gathering Place On The Hill… Sunday Nights – 5 to 11 PM; Buy 2 Entrees, Get Second Entrée Half Price*

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SERVICE Second to none, with seven full time wine specialists to assist you. Come in and be treated like family!

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 81

Artist Portrait: Richard Treanor

A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at ArtandtheCity05@aol.com

his is where colors go to be happy. They strut and whirl with the music of the carnival, a seaside village, a Spanish Cathedral…or simply the inner music of the artist. Richard Treanor began painting a long time ago. Not to make statements—although he had plenty to say about living—he was “just celebrating the good life.” It started as a hobby; a gradual thing. At ﬁrst, he just wanted to paint the places he visited: the Caribbean, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland and around the United States. Joy emanated through those pictures as sun-ﬁlled memories. He was content to have a visual record—painted mostly from photos of scenes that selectively that caught his eye. “It got me out of myself. Painting made me feel good.” Feeling good is a determination for Richard. He contracted polio as a very young man and has spent his adult years in a wheelchair. Not a deterrent, he graduated from Holy Cross College and Harvard Law School. Aside from a successful legal career, he is the author of numerous books including “The Boy’s Ward,” the semi-autobiographical account of life in a polio ward. His work, in oil and watercolor, eventually became more

M Street, (2010) oil on canvas. 16” x 20” 82 ★ HillRag | August 2011

than a record of travels and memorable times. They are a way of celebrating the human side of the District, his home since 1960. That celebration includes portraits of friends, and the often-unappreciated wider world around us. He has studied at the Corcoran School of Art, the Smithsonian and the Washington Studio School. He has been exRichard Treanor hibited widely throughout the Washington area, and internationally. Ultimately, however, his work is the domain of intensely happy, yet controlled and harmonious colors. You can ﬁnd them all in his book, “My Paintings – Celebrating the Good Life.” You can reach Richard at: Rtreanor@aol.com.

artandthecity

BY JIM MAGNER

Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art I recently went to Mexico to climb among the Mayan ruins that are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The spectacular monuments at the more famous sites, like Chichen-Itza, are no longer open to the public. But at Coba, I stood on the top of the tallest of the pyramids—on the very spot where the high priest offered a blood sacrifice to the gods. I surveyed, as he did, the pancakeflat countryside that covers the Yucatan limestone plate. The bumps on the plate now appear as forested hills, but are actually other Mayan ruins—unreconstructSelf-portrait. Oil on canvas, by Richard Treanor ed monuments of varying sizes and purposes that surrendered their people, but not their spirits, to the jungle trees and Character of Chevy Chase elements centuries ago. Zenith Gallery The question that came to mind was Chevy Chase Pavilion should I paint these structures as they appear 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW now—as reclaimed by raw nature—or stick to Aug. 1—Sept. 10 the reconstructed archeological sites? Maybe Artists from the Chevy Chase neighborI should dig into the mystical past and paint hood, but new to the Zenith roster, are feathem all as the living monuments to human tured is this show that opens with a reception ingenuity that they were, finished with radion Aug. 10, 6 - 8:30. All are experienced artists antly painted stucco, and astonishingly sophisand teachers who work in more than one meticated art and architecture. dium: Kim Abraham, Harmon Biddle, DeboThe answer is: It doesn’t matter. We can rah Brisker Burk, Lou Kaplan, Carol Gellner paint them any way we please, in any condition, Levin and Joan Samworth. www.zenithgallery. in any colors, because these are not structures com. so much as they are ideas. And what ideas they were: as big as the beginnings of the universe MiniSolos – Touchstone Gallery and small as the self-destruction that comes from overusing resources. Like civilizations 901 New York Ave, NW everywhere, they were about the beginnings Aug. 4 – Aug. 27 This is an annual feature of Touchstone: of humankind, the manifestation of a spirit 37 area artists are given the opportunity to disworld, and the complex living relationships play a piece in this group exhibition. Expect with nature. In short, the ideas of art. all mediums, styles and approaches. At the If you could set 20 famous artists from any same time, the supplemental gallery is open past era in front of a Mayan temple you would to Touchstone member artists. The reception get 20 different and incredibly imaginative is Fri., Aug. 5, 6 – 8. www.touchstonegallery. works of art. It is in this interpretation of basic concepts of life and death that unites those com. artists with the Mayan artists of the centuries, Photo 11 – Artisphere and with artists today.

At the Galleries Laura Vernon-Russell Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th Street SE Aug. 6 – Sept. 1 CHAW presents a solo exhibition by Laura Vernon-Russell, featuring a series of silver gelatin prints that focus on nature: the intricacies, mysteries and energies of the Earth. The opening is Sat., Aug. 6. This is a good show— Laura has numerous awards for her photography. www.CHAW.com.

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1101 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA -- Sept. 11 Arlington’s annual mid-Atlantic photo exhibit is in its 20th year. It’s a very competitive juried show, and an important one for photographers. All work is for sale. It has a new home this year in Artisphere, a new “urban arts center” two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro stop. It has free parking at night and weekends, and includes three visual art galleries, four performance venues, a ballroom, and a Café/Bar. Check it out at, www.artisphere.com. ★

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 83

ARTS& Dining

ATTHE MOVIES by Mike Canning

A Holocaust Story with a French Accent – Sarah’s Key

present and the historic. Besides working on her article, Julia and her architect husband Bertrand (Fréderic Pierrot) are looking to renovate her husband’s family apartment. Through her research, she learns that a group of Jews once lived in the very apartment they are renovating. It was her husband’s

her mother and her father are seized by the French police, but not before Sarah, in a panic, locks their little brother into a secret hiding place, a bedroom cupboard. The ﬁlm follows the Starzynskis from the squalor of the arena (very convincingly re-created for the ﬁlm) to another preparatory camp at Beaune-la-Rolande,

The Holocaust has made, and will continue to make, for gripping cinematic drama. The latest entry, “Sarah’s Key,” carries a couple of new angles on the persecution of the Jews in Europe. The setting this time is occupied France, specifically Paris, and the plot highlights how French authorities—not the Nazis--rounded up for exile and slaughter thousands of French Jews in massive citywide round-ups (the film opened in the DC area on July 29). Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner and co-scripted by PaquetBrenner and Serge Joncour, the film is based on a novel by Tatiana de Rosnay, who uses as background a true incident on July 16-17, 1942, when the Parisian police were ordered to round up more than 13,000 Jews and then kept them in abominable conditions in an old Mélusine Mayance as Sarah in “Sarah’s Key.” Photo by Julien Bonet/The Weinstein Company. velodrome called the Vel d’Hiv. family who, in fact, took over the also run by French elements. Subject to this historical calam- apartment from them. By quizzing All the while, young Sarah sufity is the Jewish family Starzynski, her mother-in-law, Mamé (Gisele fers agonies about her brother left and their story is intermingled with Casadesus), and an old uncle, Édo- behind as she clings to the cupboard a contemporary narrative concern- ard (Michel Duchassoy), she pieces key that could save him. Within the ing an American journalist, Julia together how her family’s fate inter- camp, Sarah--through the kindness Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas), sected with the Starzynski’s. of one French guard--escapes with who is doing research for an article In the Starzynski’s story, ten- another girl to find solace and a refon that velodrome incident. The film year-old Sarah (Mélusine Mayance), uge with an old farmer and his wife, toggles back and forth between the 84 ★ HillRag | August 2011

the Dufaures (Niels Arestrup and Dominique Frot). With their help, she is finally able to return to the Paris apartment, only to learn the worst. Undaunted and fiercely determined, Sarah is still able to fashion a life of her own, first in France and then, with tragic results, in the US. Julia is able to piece together these shards of Sarah’s life and even come to some kind of closure, both about her family’s entanglement with the girl’s life and for herself. She is also able to close the book on her search by making a final connection with a child of Sarah’s (Aidan Quinn), who is unaware of his mother’s poignant life story. The film counterweighs the compelling Holocaust story of Sarah (told in flashback and with much more urgent camerawork) with Julia’s story, each supposedly offering equivalent dramatic substance. But to this reviewer, there is a serious imbalance in the picture, since the upscale travails of Julia and her privileged family appear merely selfconscious and mundane against the overwhelming force of the Starzynski’s trauma, the Vel d’Hiv incident, and its chilling aftermath. A fine actress, Scott Thomas tries hard to impose emotion and gravitas as Julia, but the performance,

through no fault of her own, seems overly earnest and mostly reactive--as she continues to uncover the latest revelations about Sarah. Her own family life, meant to be at a dramatic crossroads (there is a pregnancy and a divorce involved), is only thinly realized. To repeat, it is the World War II episodes that resonate in “Sarah’s Key,” and it is sweet Sarah who is the key to this movie. As can happen in film, a new, relatively untutored talent can, in a natural, instinctual way, shine a special light on a film. Just last month, young Hunter McCracken was such a discovery in “The Tree of Life.” He was, perhaps, the best thing in it. Here, you can say the same for Mélusine Mayance as Sarah. The young actress, not yet an adolescent, gives a performance both haunting and forceful. She is splendid as the terrified youngster, uncomprehending what is going on about her, yet she also shows a vaulting determination that wills her to get back to her brother and save him. In sum, she exhibits the ineffable qualities of a survivor and does it with grace. M. PacquetBrenner deserves praise for finding her and using her so effectively in “Sarah’s Key.” (The film, in English and French, is rated “PG-13” for scenes of Holocaust tension; it runs 102 min.)

Life in a Day “Life in a Day” is a gimmick, but an intriguing one: producers/ brothers Ridley and Tony Scott put a call out to regular folks around the world to ﬁlm something on one speciﬁc day—July 24, 2010—and send in the results via YouTube. Out of this welter of raw material, director Kevin McDonald (“The Last King of Scotland”), along with editor Joe Walker, compiled a kaleidoscopic glimpse of our world. This is the updated, cinematic version of the classic 1955 photography exhibit and book, “The Family of Man,” another earnest attempt to link us as all one big human tribe (it opened July 29 at the West End Cinema). One must admire the sheer volume of the editing job. Some

4,500 mini-films were submitted to the producers from 192 countries, and all were winnowed down to 95 minutes. The film begins by mimicking a 24-hour day: people are shown in the wee hours, then waking up, slipping out of bed, hitting the bathroom, smelling the coffee, etc. Then there is a goingto-work montage. However, this time-of-day pattern is gradually abandoned as the filmmakers simply present different clip clusters on birthings, food preparation, modes of transportation, weddings, varieties of sleep--even what’s in people’s pockets! To help with coherence, at times a rhetorical sign is flashed “What Do You Love?” or “What Do You Fear?” so appropriate shots can be incorporated. Some clips are amusing or intriguing. One poignant sequence shows a gay man coming “out” on the phone to his grandma. Some sweet moments are spent with a shoeshine boy in Lima, Peru. Some sections are thrilling, like a vertiginous skydiver’s plunge. Be forewarned, however, there are other segments that are shocking, even grisly: a matter-of-fact slaughterhouse scene and a concert panic resulting in trampling deaths. Still, too many bits are simply tossed off and random. Plus, the film often doesn’t tell you where you are when you want to know. Who is that woman making offerings (it looks like Bali); where is that sunset? While subtitles are used for foreign languages, there are no titles indicating locales of the shots. Hey, curious people want to know. “Life in a Day” is an experiment, a cinematic potpourri that achieves a number of funny, striking, and touching moments as well as plenty of puzzling or routine ones. It’s one big mélange of who we are as humans. And, hey, if you don’t like one sequence, just wait a minute, because something more interesting might turn up... Long-time Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. ★

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ARTS& Dining

Something Wilde Taking Earnest Over the Top article by Barbara Wells & photos by Don Summers, Jr.

n Scena Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, the play leaves the conﬁnes of Victorian melodrama for an unlikely mix of cross-gender casting and stylized acting that borders on burlesque. The result tends to overshadow Wilde’s bone-dry wit—usually delivered by blasé, upper-crust characters who elevate snobbery, hypocrisy, and shallowness to an art from. But for folks who aren’t purists, the campy production can be an enjoyable romp. Many audiences know Wilde’s tale of two dandies who create alter egos—a ne’er do well brother and chronically ill friend—for use at will as a convenient excuse to escape the burdens and tedium of their lives. Whenever Jack wants

a break from the duties of managing a country estate and providing a proper role model for Cecily, his teenage ward, he takes oﬀ for London, ostensibly to deal with his brother Ernest, a fabrication with a penchant for behaving badly. Algernon does the same, taking oﬀ, whenever he has the urge, to see his imaginary friend Bunbury, an invalid. It’s all about stealing the chance to freely enjoy pleasure in a society obsessed with rules and restrictions. In a classic comedy of errors fraught with mistaken identities and accidents of birth, Jack and Algernon propose to the young ladies they fervently love, who in turn become convinced that they are both engaged to the same man. In one of countless plot twists, the ladies insist that they

Brian Hemmingsen holds court, flanked by Sissel Bakken and Mary Suib. 86 ★ HillRag | August 2011

can love only a man who is called Ernest, prompting the gentlemen to investigate how they might have themselves re-christened with the name. The plot is all very complicated but kept aloft by dialogue that skewers Victorian morals, marriage and the pursuit of love in a delightful way. In one memorable exchange, Lady Bracknell interrogates Jack to determine whether he might be a worthy suitor for her daughter, his beloved Gwendolen: Lady Bracknell: I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men. … However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really aﬀectionate mother requires. Do you

smoke? Jack. Well, yes, I must admit I smoke. Lady Bracknell: I am glad to hear it. A man should always have an occupation of some kind. There are far too many idle men in London as it is. As Wilde himself said, the play’s philosophy is “that we should treat all trivial things very seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality.” Taking to another level the concept of turning just about every social norm on its head, Scena artistic director Robert McNamara has cast women as men and men as women. It’s what he calls “our way of showing that ‘all is not as it appears’ … when it comes to sex and gender.” He also notes that gender bending underscores the play’s theme of “duality,” which echoes the playwright’s own double life as a married man carrying on a not-so-secret aﬀair with a man. McNamara also believes his casting underscores that many of the play’s characters “possess gender qualities typical of the opposite sex”—the females are strong, while males are stylish. Perhaps they are, but Wilde’s characters embody traditional stereotypes as well: the women are beautiful, romantic idealists; the men are dapper, worldly chauvinists. Whether you agree with McNamara’s decision or not, his cast gamely—even earnestly—rises to the challenge of portraying the opposite sex, with mixed results. As Lady Bricknell, Brian Hemmingsen is thoroughly convincing as the snooty old dowager, with the com-

about a period known for repression and class distinctions, not the era of freewheeling upward mobility that would blossom 30 years later. The director’s choice seems to stem from the cross-gender casting, as he notes, to celebrate an era when women were free to act more like men. One conceit Tyler Herman and Edward C. Nagel discuss their engagements to “Ernest. leads to another, as the 1920s setting manding presence to issue proclamations inspires staging on society’s demands without the slightest with allusions to a silent movie. A video concern that they may dash her daughter’s screen behind the actors flashes subtitles dreams of marital bliss. in black and white, occasionally announcAnd Edward C. Nagel shines as Cecily, ing a scene change or emphasizing a line Jack’s ward and Algernon’s love interest, ex- of dialog. And the very broad, physical uding a delicate beauty, despite a 5 o’clock acting is reminiscent of film performances shadow, while uttering nonsense as if it just that relied on images rather than words. popped into his head. Through permanently At the same time, much of the dialogue pursed lips accentuated by a little rosebud is delivered as grandiose pronouncements, of red lipstick, Cecily explains to Algernon with corresponding overreactions by evthat, thanks to an active imagination, she eryone in the conversation. I could have has been engaged to him for months, de- sworn on several occasions I caught an acspite the fact that they’ve only just met. tor producing a raised eyebrow, dropped “Worn out by your entire ignorance jaw, or audible gasp in response to another of my existence, I determined to end the actor’s line even before it was spoken. matter one way or the other, and after a To create a set for these performances, long struggle with myself I accepted you scenic designer Michael Sepowany makes under this dear old tree here,” she says. the most of H Street Playhouse’s tiny stage, “The next day I bought this little ring in with the novel use of a swing that gives acyour name, and this is the little bangle tors a way to set themselves apart from the with the true lover’s knot I promised you scene without actually leaving the stage. always to wear.” Nagel makes this little His lively black and white floral backdrop speech charming, amusing, and believable showcases Erik Trester’s video projections all at once. It’s easy to see why Algernon of not only silent film slides, but also imis enchanted. ages of lush forests and gardens that help As Jack and Algernon, Anne Nottage transport us to Jack’s country estate. And and Sara Barker clearly enjoy their rep- Alisa Mandel’s color-coordinated costumes artee and bring energy and exuberance to evoke the 1920s and Algernon’s particular their roles. But for other cast members, fondness for fashion. the visible effort to portray another gender For this relaunch of a very successful prosometimes does more to detract from the duction staged last year, McNamara assembled play than illuminate it. Extravagant vocal almost all of the original cast and designers in fluctuations, exaggerated facial expres- the original production’s team. Their enthusions, and mincing steps sometimes fall siasm for the project shows, bringing joy and flat—when all it really takes to get a laugh gaiety to H Street’s black box. is to say the lines with conviction. The Importance of Being Earnest, H McNamara creates another challenge Street Playhouse, through August 14. for actors and audiences alike by setting the play in the 1920s, an odd choice for a Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a soplay that unequivocally critiques the Vic- cial marketing communications firm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. ★ torian society of the 1890s. Wilde wrote

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★ the AUGUST CALENDAR ★ ★LITERARY HILL

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events by Karen Lyon

Illuminated by Books Capitol Hill can now boast its own “illuminating” publisher. Founded in early 2010 by Daniel Kohan, Ruka Press is committed to the environment, both in its choice of books and in the way it publishes them. Ruka is also committed to writers. Unlike traditional publishers who go after only guaranteed best-sellers, Ruka prefers to work in partnership with authors “to create and sell books we can all be proud of, and make money from.” They may publish only a few books a year, but “we won’t publish anything we’re not excited about.” Ruka’s debut book, “Among the Ancients: Adventures in the Eastern Old-Growth Forests,” more than lives up to its aims. Joan Maloof ’s comprehensive guide to twenty-six forests draws on her expertise as professor of biology and environmental studies at Salisbury University to oﬀer both a science and history lesson and the kind of personal and observant nature writing that makes you want to go haring oﬀ into the woods. Here she is on entering Cook Forest State Park in Pennsylvania: “…chipmunks were scampering along beside me, the birds were chirping

and hopping on the trail in front of me, and patches of moss were glowing green from the slender beams of light that made their way through the canopy far overhead... In every direction, the forest ﬂoor was an art installation composed of moss and rocks, mushrooms, and twisted roots. Looking more closely, I saw miniature compositions of berries and acorn caps, tiny spore-bearing parasols, and leaves in abstract shapes. Each composition was more beautiful than the last.” Ruka Press will publish its second book this fall, “Cerulean Blues: A Personal Search for a Vanishing Songbird” by Katie Fallon. For more information, visit www.rukapress.com.

The Ever-Changing City If you’ve become jaded to the local glories that bring twenty million tourists to the nation’s capital each year, refresh your perspective with “Washington D.C.: Views of the Past & Present.” Each luxurious two-page spread oﬀers a historic photograph mirrored by a stunning new shot by George Ross Jezek and captioned by Hill historian Lucinda Janke. More than simply an exercise in “Remember when…?,” the book reveals a city

in flux, adapting to changing roles and adjusting to new demands. From a one-time slave market in Georgetown to the Smithsonian Castle, each before-and-after pairing reveals a different and sometimes surprising facet of Washington. Street scenes from the early 20th century capture horses, streetcars, men in hats and women in swirling skirts, in jarring contrast to the modern-day cityscapes, with their racing taxis and pedestrians dwarfed by concrete facades. The overall sense is one of loss for the glorious buildings and neighborhoods that once defined D.C., but Janke wisely resists sentimentality. Her captions are models of concise and digestible history that let the facts and photos speak for themselves. In the section on Capitol Hill, for example, Janke describes “the exuberant Victorian rowhouses” of Grant’s Row, one of the most expensive projects of post-Civil War era. The houses were demolished in 1929 after their developer declared bankruptcy, she explains, and the Folger Shakespeare Library now stands on the site. Few things remain the same, which is why “Washington D.C.: Past and Present” serves as a valuable

Ruka Press publishes environment-friendly nonfiction here on Capitol Hill.

Follow author Joan Maloof into the mossy world of old-growth forests.

88 ★ HillRag | August 2011

reminder of the vibrant nature of our hometown which, despite it all, continues to thrive into the 21st century. Lucinda Janke is a long-time resident of Capitol Hill and writes and lectures on D.C. history.

Rockin’ Memories

Dog days of August got you down? Well, settle onto the porch swing and prepare yourself for a refreshing break. “Rockin’ with Porch Memories” will take you back to the days when you could spend a lazy afternoon shelling peas, churning ice cream, or just watching the world go by. “Porch Memories” began at Loudon Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia, as a project to teach students interviewing skills and it grew into a multimedia endeavor that included not only oral history, but also architecture, photography, drama, and music. The resulting book, edited by Hill author L. Claire Kincannon, is a charming compendium of stories, photos, poetry, and vignettes that describe a mostly bygone era of rocking chairs and neighbors who dropped by for a cold glass of lemonade. The students interviewed people from all over Virginia, who contribute childhood memories of listening to family stories, playing cowboy and Indians, or catching lightning bugs. Many recall sleeping on the porch in hot weather, lulled by chirping crickets. An excerpt from Russell Baker’s memoir, “Growing Up,” describes his grandmother’s porch in rural Morrisonville: “The swing creaking, rocking chairs whispering on the porch planks… the timelessness of it: nothing new had been said on that porch for a hundred years.” Nancy Carol James’s new A porch provides an inbook explores the schism termezzo of sorts between in the Episcopal Church.

8/31/11

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the world outside and whatever tasks await indoors, a place where you can take the time to tell stories, daydream -- or read a book like “Rockin’ with Porch Memories.” Perusing its sepiatoned reminisces is the next best thing to spending an afternoon on the glider. Claire Kincannon is also the author of a memoir, “Paeonian to Paris,” and the designer/editor of two poetry anthologies. For more, visit www.lclairekincannon.com.

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Short Stories Capitol Hill staﬀer Cathy Travis, author of “The Constitution Translated for Kids,” has just e-published the journal she kept following September 11. “Target Sitting,” which is available as a Kindle Edition, is described as “a stark look at life in the target that al Qaeda missed in 2001.” Nancy Carol James, who serves as an Episcopal priest at Washington National Cathedral and St. John’s Church, is author of a timely new book, “The Developing Schism within the Episcopal Church, 1960-2010.” James is also author of the 2005 memoir, “Standing in the Whirlwind,” about her experience as a pastor in rural Virginia. Capitol Hill was represented at the recent Capital Fringe festival by playwright Michael Merino’s “Squirrel, or The Origin of a Species,” directed by Kerri Rambow and starring Ian LeValley as Charles Darwin and Carlos Bustamante as the Squirrel. The play was described as “the must-see psychosocial thought experiment of the season.” ★

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Morocco in Early Spring

by Tom Grahame

ast spring, my wife Jan Kern and I, with our friends Barbara and Tony Chowney, spent four days in Barcelona before an 11-day tour of Morocco. Hill Rag readers may know Barbara from her colorful pottery, which she sells at Eastern Market. Jan and I met Barbara initially when purchasing Barbara’s large bowls, first for us, then as gifts. Waiting for our flight to Casablanca, Jan fell into conversation with a Moroccan family with a teenaged girl. Soon, they invited us to dinner at their home, a wonderful offer which we were very happy to accept for the day before we returned home. We enjoyed their excellent food and hospitality very much. We worked with Journey Beyond Travel to set up our itinerary; then JBT provided us with a van and a positive and knowledgeable driver, Hamid, for the entire trip, in addition to setting up our accommodations and guides in three ancient cities. In most of the cities where we stayed, our accommodation was a small hotel called a riad. Rooms are arranged around a courtyard with flowing water. Some courtyards were decorated with intricately carved plaster, painted with geometric designs, with carved wood panels below. Blossoming orange trees gave a sweet aroma in our riad in Fez. There, it seemed as if we were sleeping at the Alhambra, the glorious 14th C palace in Granada,

90 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Spain, built for the last Moorish rulers there. The decor on our rooms in Rabat and Fez cannot be quickly described, other than to say that intricacy, beautiful color, and delicate artistry were everywhere. My personal favorite cities were Rabat, Meknes, and Fez -especially Fez, the medieval part of which has remained essentially unchanged for 12 centuries.

ANCIENT FEZ As we had learned ahead of time, no cars can travel in the narrow streets of the medina (heavy goods are brought in by donkey). So we were not surprised when Hamid parked at gate separating the modern part of Fez from the medieval part, and led us through twisting streets lined with closed heavy doors and few windows. The next morning, we met our cultural guide for a day, Nadia, who was very knowledgeable and in unexpected ways gave us a window into Moroccan culture. At the tomb of the founder of Fez (now over 1200 years old), she pointed to people prostrated toward the tomb of this revered non-religious ﬁgure. She stated, hotly, that these are not real Muslims, as real Muslims do not pray through an intermediary, but directly to God. Other religions, of course, have had the same issue, haven’t they? At lunch with Nadia’s family at their apartment, we were taught at what points before and after eat-

Storks nesting on ancient minaret in the Necropolis, a park in Rabat.

Counter Clock-wise from Left: The Atlas Mountains pretty much melts by summer, but in March they look like the Rockies. This Medersa dates from the 14th C, and is no longer used as such. It’s now open to the public as an historic site Sabah and Hindie who pretty much took care of everything for us for three days in Fez.. A typical street scene in Fez.

Hamid, our exceptional driver for the whole trip, and me, talking with the Atlantic ocean in the background on our last day.

The unfinished 12th C mosque features the Le Tour Hassan (Hassan Tower), the highest part remaining. From L to R: Jan Kern, Tom Grahame, Ali (our local guide, and a great singer to boot), Barbara Chowney, and Tony Chowney.

ing we should wash our hands. Then, using only our right hands, we used bread to grasp bites of a delicious chicken dish so tender that the meat was falling oﬀ the bone, served in one large bowl with a celery-like vegetable.in a delicious accented soup. Knowing that we were expected to bring small gifts for such occasions, we oﬀered both the expected (chocolates) and the unexpected (dried cranberries). Our hosts enjoyed hearing that the cranberries come from near where the Pilgrims landed -- they knew this part of early US history!

MEKNES – THE UNDISCOVERED IMPERIAL CITY Only one of the seven Moroccan dynasties made Meknes its capitol. Moulay Ismael, who ruled from 1672 through 1727, drove the Spanish and Portuguese from most of Morocco, and prevented the Ottomans from taking over Morocco, as they had done in neighboring Algeria. He established borders that resemble those of today’s Morocco. His instrument for these successes were the Black Guards, sons of enslaved West Africans who became an elite military force, at one time numbering 150,000. The stables we saw in Meknes once held 12,000 horses for the Guards. Huge granaries nearby, still standing, held provisions for both people and horses. The Black Guards were also pivotal in driving the British from Tangier, leading to a later British term of opprobrium, “blaggard.” Morocco, it turns out, was the very ﬁrst country to recognize the US as a nation (the enemy of their enemy was their

friend); many Moroccans talked spontaneously about this during our trip. Meknes is less touristy than the other Imperial cities, but next time we will arrange to stay at least one night, given the history there.

RABAT – IMPERIAL CITY NOW CAPITOL When Spain expelled non-Christians in the 15th C, many Muslims and Jews came to Rabat; the Andalusian Gardens in the Casbah reflect the heritage of al-Andalus. Not much later, with many ungrounded expatriates, Rabat became home to pirates who flourished for over a century. Our guide, Ali, told us that the Casbah formerly was where military lived. Now, it refers more generally to an older part of a north African city. Ali took us to an unfinished mosque which was started by a 12th C monarch; construction halted after his death. Had it been completed, it would today be one of the largest mosques in the world. With its history, and excellent views, the site is now park-like, young and old walking hand-in-hand among the half-finished minarets. Ali told us that pop music concerts are held here every summer. This led to conversations about singing. One of the guests was persuaded to sing by his wife. But the show-stopper was Ali belting out a Stevie Wonder song in a perfect high tenor. Hamid found it hard to concentrate on driving! capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 91

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The Necropolis of Chellah, a former burial ground, is now a park above the river, running riot with blossoming trees and ﬂowers in March. Parts of Roman walls remain, newer ancient walls obscuring much of them. Storks and egrets nest on the tops of ancient minarets. A tiny stream runs through the remains of an ancient courtyard. Talk about a park with atmosphere!

and Morocco on my own. To be fair, Barbara and Tony were more favorably disposed toward Marrakesh, in part because of the mix of old and new architecture. Apartments and second homes, many for Europeans, are going up at a rapid pace, the same rose-color as nearby sandstone buildings many centuries older. Tourists and tourist buses were everywhere, much more so than elsewhere in Morocco.

MARRAKESH

MORROCAN CULTURE

The fourth Imperial city, Marrakesh, is -- surprisingly -- the only one I would no longer recommend visiting. The other three are close

Some Moroccan women dress with scarves and more traditional dress, others wear jeans and makeup. Occasionally a pair of women would walk, hand in hand or arm in arm, one dressed traditionallly, one the opposite. In some sections of Rabat, we saw young couples out for dinner. In Casablanca, men ﬁlled the cafes; in one of them, where Jan and I stopped in late afternoon, she was the only woman. Meals were uniformly excellent in Morocco, but with less variety than in Spain. In the medina in Fez, restaurants didn’t have signs, so we would have had to have been guided to them, and couldn’t have found our way back on Gorgeous plaster work in s second floor window in Riad. our own. No problem, though: meals at the riads were excellent. together, but Marrakesh is a nine- Breakfasts were sumptuous, with a hour drive from Fez. Although variety of fruits and Moroccan and hawkers sell aggressively to tour- French specialties. ists everywhere in Morocco, it is far All of us were very pleased with more uncomfortable in Marrakesh, Morocco. The weather averaged especially after dark in the medina, about 70 degrees. We avoided the the focal point for tourists. If you peak of tourist season; Morocco’s don’t engage -- and Hamid warned long history was both interesting us not to -- you are insulted. This and visually exciting; we ate quite was our only bad experience. It was well; and our lodging was someespecially disappointing for me, times very exotic. Our guides and since I had so much enjoyed my af- accomodations could not have been ternoon and evening in the medina, better, and we highly recommend a 40 years ago, when as a young man trip like this to anyone. not yet with responsibilities, I had taken 10 months to explore Europe For more information on Morocco tours go to www.journeybeyondtravel.com ★

Thoughts of a Jazz Lover Jazz can be enigmatic, an alchemy of mysterious sounds and moods that is spontaneous and yet deliberate in its free ﬂowing creativity. The music can be complex, but good jazz feels as simple as ﬁrst love—it goes straight to the heart and rests there, beating gently. At times, the music can be so life-like that it speaks to you with honesty and love. One still gets a keen sense of understanding of the complexity of the music. There is such a high note of haughtiness, perhaps a sort of natural aristocracy from a kind of inbred austerity about jazz that puts it in a class by itself, elevating one to a higher ground of one’s consciousness. It almost borders on elitism, and yet jazz strikes one as a beautiful music for everyone. And it is, especially for those of us who not only enjoy but truly love the music. True, most good jazz musicians more than likely think of jazz as the arbiter of modern music. And on a good day, I think they are correct. You can walk in your door after a hard day’s work and a harrowing Metro ride, put on Sarah Vaughn and your world is transformed. Your mind clears, your body relaxes and suddenly life is pretty good. There’s no drug in the world that can do that. Jazz is beautiful music.

by Jean-Keith Fagon Summer Picks 2011 What goes with warm breezes, sheer summer dresses, and tall, cold drinks? Jazz…. All the albums listed below are all worth listening to. Pick your songs and buy accordingly. Enjoy your summer. Brewster’s Rooster •••• John Surman, ECM Saxophonist John Surman’s beautiful sound on Brewster’s Rooster is a perfect match for the flawless styles of guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer Jack DeJonnette along with the counterpoint of bassist Drew Gress. The performances reflect each performer’s sweet harmony and joie de vivre. And while the improvisation is at times brilliant and introspective, the music remains true to its form as all good jazz should. How is this possible? Sheer ingenuity and craftmanship. Listen especially to “Chelsea Bridge,” “Counter Measures,” and “Brewster’s Rooster.” Glow ••• Pablo Held, Pirouet Music can be so intriguing and full of surprises, at times without boundaries and space. It simply is, unencumbered and utterly without fault. It catches us in the middle of our lives and suddenly we are lost in our memories and long ago love affairs. The title track,

“Glow” along with “LP” unfold a slice of life with the beautiful, but uncertain future. The long list of musicians includes Menzel Mutzke (trumpet), Sebastian Gille (sax), Niels Klein (sax), Kathrin Pechlof (harp), Hubert Nuss (celesta, harmonium), Henning Sieverts (bass, cello), Dietmar Fuhr (bass), Robert Landfermann (bass), and Jonas Burgwinkel (drums). Interface ••• Jim Snidero, Savant Alto saxophonist Jim Snidero has that smooth, bucolic sound that has often helped define jazz as “that cool music.” And on pieces like “Silhouette,” “One By One,” and “Expectations,” such cool jazz music is strikingly fitting for those long, warm, and breezy summer days. The whole album is pleasurable and refreshingly pure, and should find its way into the hearts of many diehard jazz lovers. Nouveau Retro ••• David Buskin & Robin Batteau, Nouveau Retro Media Classically trained singer-songwriters David Buskin (piano, guitar/vocals) and Robin Batteau (guitar, violin, mandolin/vocals) are best described as folk singers who transform and transcend their genre by drawing on emotions far deeper than expected. They consistently bring out the poetry in tenderly expressive phrases that open out only at the climax of each song. The warmth of the album comes from the genuineness of their

voices and the carefully textured instrumentation of both performers. Mr. Buskin and Mr. Batteau may be musicians, but they are, ﬁrst and foremost, storytellers. Listen to “The Goodbye Look,” “When I Need You Most Of All,” “Heart Of The Audience,” and “All in All.”

grooves. Bursting with radiant light and playful, quixotic instrumental ﬂourishes, Mr. Logan’s natural, easy way with melodies unfolds with “Elevator Up,” “Sweet Sticky Thing,” and the title track “Black Tie Aﬀair,” providing the listener music with character, grace and undeniable charm.

Black Tie Affair ••• Jeff Logan, Bass-mint Records Keyboardist Jeff Logan’s songs seduce with sweet, sticky melodies poured over simply produced jazzpop instrumentals and sensual R&B

All CDs and DVDS reviewed in this article are heard through Bowers & Wilkens 802D Speakers and ASW 4000 subwoofer, and Rotel Preamp 1070, ampliﬁer 1092 and CD player 1072. CDs are available for purchase through amazon.com. For more information about this column, please email your questions to fagon@ hillrag.com. ★

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Health & Fitness Growing Healthy Food Organic Farmers Bring the best to H Street’s FreshFarm Market by Pattie Cinelli

elanie Detrich Cochran and Emanuel Kauﬀman own farms just down the road from each other in Newberg, PA in the Cumberland Valley. Both farmers are doing what they love to do. Both are committed to providing healthful food products to customers and to

like when I was growing up. Because they are so fresh, they bear little resemblance to the products purchased at supermarket chains. Melanie, her husband Mark and her mom are owners of Keswick Creamery, which operates on the dairy farm where Melanie has lived since she was 4. “Being a farmer was all I wanted to ever do,” she says. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1996 from the dairy science program, Melanie returned with her new husband to work on the family farm. They founded Keswick Creamery in 2000. Dairy farming was tough 11 years ago and Melanie was determined to keep the farm going. So she traveled to California and learned the art of cheese making. She began aged raw milk cheese production on the farm the following year. Five years later Melanie added a pasteurizer and started making fresh products such as ricotta, soft cheeses and yogurt. The cheeses are hand made using traditional time-honored methods. Only fresh milk, live cultures and calf rennet is used. The yogurt, my favorite, is made with cultured milk, no powdered milk, gelatin or sugar. When I was touring the Creamery we walked in on husband Mark leaning over a huge vat of creamy substance. He was checking the jelly curd in the blue cheese. Mark, who has had “his hands in the curds” since 2006, came to the farm as

Garden Path Barns. Photos: Bernadine Prince

treating their animals humanely and in a sustainable way. This is the third summer I have visited farmers I buy my food from at the H Street FreshFarm Market every Saturday morning. The trips have given me a sense of connection with the work these men and women do to provide fresh products each week to those of us living in the city. The ﬂavor of the meats of Emanuel Kauﬀman and the purity of the yogurt and variety of the cheeses made by Melanie remind me of what food used to taste Garden Path farmers watch their flock.

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dairy products and sells them at five different farmers’ markets in the Washington area. She’s been working farmers’ markets for 10 years and revitalized a local farmers’ market in Carlyle, PA with seven women farmers, which is in its third season. Keswick doesn’t use antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers and doesn’t dock their Jersey cows’ tails. They are allowed to graze and are not confined to a barn. The farm uses organic practices but is not certified organic since it purchases some feed locally.

Garden Path Farm The aroma of meat cooking on a grill attracted me to Emanuel Kauffman’s stand on H Street. Even though I wasn’t a beefeater (didn’t want the hormones, antibiotics and additives) I couldn’t resist a taste. Keswick Creamery, Melanie & Mark Cochran making cheese. “What did you put on it?” I asked. “Salt and pepper,” was his reply. The a graphic designer who worked a full time job flavor was exquisite. I immediately in nearby Harrisonburg, PA. But, after their bought his beef patties and became a convert daughter Madelyn was born he joined Kes- to consuming hamburgers from grass-fed Red wick full time. Devon cattle from Garden Path Farms. They proudly showed me their new comEmanuel is relatively new to farming, puter that will allow them to give up the tedious though he grew up in the area. Seven years ago task of handwriting 500 cheese labels every when his neighbor, the owner of Garden Path week. I also saw the milking stations, which Farm, retired, Emanuel bought his Red Devon are very different from those used on large herd and hired the neighbor to teach him and farms. “The stations are not connected so the his three sons, Leroy, Samuel and Ivan, everycows don’t have to milk out at the same speed. thing he knew about grassfed animal producThe cows are not treated like machines.” tion. In addition to beef, Emanuel’s producWork on a dairy farm is not for those who tion has expanded over the years to include like to dawdle in the morning with a leisurely grass-fed lamb, pork, turkey, duck and chicken, cup of coffee and the paper. “Cows are not rabbit and free-range eggs. He takes orders for happy when they are not milked twice a day, Thanksgiving turkeys. For lamb lovers Emaneven on Christmas.” Melanie is up at 3 a.m. uel has created a unique kind of Italian-style on Sundays, on Mondays she sleeps until 7 cured meat made from lamb instead of pork a.m. and every other morning it’s up at 5:30 belly called lambcetta. Its taste is described as a.m. She and her family look forward to taking “mellow” and a cross between bacon and sauone week a year to do a medieval reenactment. sage. It cooks more quickly than pork bacon. “We camp. We have no phones, no electricity As Emanuel was showing me around and no cows! We love it.” his farm, he explained why the beef tasted Melanie believes in buying and selling lo- so good. “It’s the genetics of the Red Devon cally. She gets the herbs she uses in her cheeses breed. It’s the grass they eat and it’s their color. from a farm in Maryland. When customers Heat stresses animals, which affects the meat. call and request cheeses by mail she tells them Red cattle absorb less heat than black ones.” to buy locally. Melanie sells her products to lo- We walked up the road to see the chickens. I cal restaurants and stores as well. She also is looked for a chicken coop but didn’t see one. passionate about making sure others have the I saw A-frame-type structures, watering holes opportunity to learn how to make cheese. She and a bleary-eyed dog that started barking as offers two-day workshops on the farm where we crossed into the pasture. “That’s our Anatostudents get to bring home the cheeses they lian Guard Dog. He sleeps all day and guards make. The next workshop is Aug. 26. the chickens all night.” As we walked nearer Several times a week she packs up her

Claire P. Cargill, DDS Capitol Hill family Dentist

the chicken shelters what I did notice was no smell and no noise. “If a farm is in balance animals graze and move on. When you smell a farm it’s not in balance. I have about 800 chickens here. If they are hungry they are noisy. My chickens are never hungry.” Emanuel uses the farming method of Joel Salatin from Polyface Farms featured in “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan. Emanuel, who runs a grocery next to the farm, says he loves farming and looks forward to the day when he can quit his day job to do it full time. For the time being he is content to let his sons run the day-to-day operations. Last fall he expanded the 80-acre home farm with the purchase of a neighboring farm of 132 acres and leased another 90 acres. When his oldest son Leroy gets married in November the new farm will be his home. After watching his border collie herd the sheep and cows and getting a glimpse of the pigs and their babies (again no odor), we headed into the barn where I met the horses Emanuel and his sons use to hook up to buggies and travel from farm to farm. “We’re old order Amish which means we still drive teams of horses and buggies and use limited amounts of electricity.” Emanuel sells his meats and eggs at three farmers’ markets in the city and one in Rockville. He takes orders via email and the phone. He also sells his meat to some of DC’s best fine dining restaurants. For more information about Keswick Creamery visit: www. keswickcreamery.com. To order meats or eggs from Garden Path Farms call 1-717-423-0105 or email: sales@gardenpathfarms. com. FreshFarm Market on H Street, NE is located in the parking lot between 6th and 7th Sts., NE and is open every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until noon. Pattie Cinelli is a fitness integrationist blending fitness into your lifestyle. She teaches yoga, Pilates and trains clients to enjoy what they like to do throughout life. Contact her at: fitness@pattiecinelli.com. ★

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Dr. Deborah Edge: Not Quite Goodbye by Heather Schoell

ong-time Capitol Hill physician, Dr. Deborah Edge, found herself unexpectedly retired in June. She had so many patients counting on her return, people whom she cared for both as a doctor and as a neighbor. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to explain, let alone transition her patients to other doctors. Dr. Edge shares the story behind her sudden departure from Washington Primary Care Physicians.

All or Nothing “I decided last summer to cut back to half time. When I left the oﬃce on March 31, 2011, it was supposed to be for a two-month hiatus, with me returning to work part time in June,” said Deborah Edge. In 1981, Dr. Edge, along with Dr. Robert Berenson, opened an internist practice at 210 7th St., SE. They moved to the practice’s current location at 660 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, and the practice grew to eight physicians. In 1995, the four partners sold the practice, now called Washington Primary Care Physicians, to MedStar Health, at which time Edge became an employee with between 1200 and 1500 patients. But after practicing internal medicine for 35 years, she was ready to cut back on work just a bit. After a two-month hiatus, and 10 days before she was scheduled to restart, she got the email. “It’s probably one of those moments I’ll never forget,” said Edge. It had been decided by the legal arm that the parttime idea just wouldn’t work. “I was really upset, incredibly disappointed, angry. We – myself and MedStar– had been planning this for nine months! I felt badly,” she continued, “that I didn’t have the closure with my patients. I prepped them for my short-term absence” but was cheated 98 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Dr. Edge at home with her string bass.

out of transitioning their longerterm care with follow-ups by other doctors in the practice. “I want my patients to know that I didn’t skip out on them, that I’m not sick, and that it is not the fault of the practice – I have great conﬁdence in my colleagues at Washington Primary Care Physicians.”

Not Going Softly Is Dr. Edge sitting at home, watching the clock go ‘round? Not by a mile. There is the daily swim, cleaning spaces that she forgot existed in her charming Capitol Hill home, and there is her work on the Board of Capitol Hill Village, the Hill’s nonproﬁt organization that addresses the well-being of our community’s aging

population. Edge’s husband, Neal Mann, also serves the Board as Treasurer and technical guru. And then there is her string bass. Edge started playing bass in 6th grade, but medical school and life came between her and her instrument. She picked it back up at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in 1985. Edge currently plays with the Capital City Symphony, performing at the Atlas Theater. Edge also plays in the Friday Morning Music Club’s Avanti Orchestra and the McLean Symphony Orchestra. Recently, Edge took part in a week-long Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Academy, where she played side-by-side with professional musicians, with 5 to 7 hours of playing daily, plus enrichment classes such as Yoga for Musicians. But enough is enough of a nonworking life. “I’ve gotten to the point where I really want to get back to work,” Edge said. “I’ve got some irons in the ﬁre.” “I had an amazing run of 30 years,” Edge said. “I walked to work – I was the only one at the practice to live on the Hill. My kids went to school here. Sometimes,” she recalled, “I would ﬁnd one of my kids sitting at my desk after school. My life has been on the Hill.” Edge can’t say for sure what her next steps will be, but no matter where she hangs her hat, there is something that she needs to do, and that is to address her patients. “It’s hard – I still consider it my practice,” Edge explained. “I had the amazing privilege to have these relationships for 30 years. My patients were friends, neighbors. I’d see them at CHAW, at Eastern Market, at school functions. This was a life gift.” Heather Schoell is a regular contributor to Capital Community News and can be reached at hschoell@verizon.net. ★

Kids & Family notebook by Kathleen Donner Duncan toured Two demonstrate their commitment to both Rivers Public Charter Two Rivers and their kids. Mr. Duncan School as part of Pres- interacted with these Dads as they disident Obama’s Win- cussed the importance of volunteering ning the Future initia- and being actively involved in a stutive called “Champions dent’s life. He was able to see the Two for Change” and in Rivers community in action along with partnership with the its committed group of fathers and was organization WATCH very impressed. “The model you’re creD.O.G.S. (Dads Of ating here...is very, very significant...I Great Students). Sec- couldn’t be more proud. Keep it going, retary Duncan showed don’t stop,” said Mr. Duncan as he adhis support for inno- dressed the dads and their students. vative education by Two Rivers is a long-standing spending an hour vis- school partner of WATCH D.O.G.S. Discovery Guide Slave Cabin Photo: Courtesy of National Museum iting Two Rivers class- and was selected based on its innovaof American History rooms. The secretary tive, academic model as well as the listened to a kinder- school’s strong belief in the importance gartener read a book of parental involvement in each stuDiscover Addy’s World at the he’d written, chatted with first grad- dent’s education. tworiverspcs.org American History Museum ers about the books they were reading, Through Aug., 10:00 AM-7:30 heard from third graders how to play Eagle Academy Public Charter PM, explore life during the Civil math games, and observed fifth graders War with a new self-guided museum launch a creative writing project. The School End of Year Performance tour Addy’s World. Addy Walker, an Eagle Academy Public CharSecretary praised the school, noting American Girl, is a nine-year old born ter School, a high-performing public that the “students feel so supported.” into slavery who escapes to freedom He made a point with her mother during the Civil War. to personally thank Learn what life was like for Addy and teachers, school other young African American girls founders, and parduring the Civil War as you follow the ent volunteers for guide to discover objects and stories their hard work. throughout the museum. Pick up free Secretary Dunguides at Welcome Desks; take comcan, along with Mr. pleted and stamped guide to Museum Eric Snow,National Stores for a free gift. Free admission. Director, WATCH On the National Mall at 14th St. and D.O.G.S., visited Constitution Ave. NW. 202-633-1000. Two Rivers to obamericanhistory.si.edu serve the WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteer U.S. Secretary of Education Declares program in action. Two Rivers a “Great, Great School” Close to 20 fathers Two Rivers 3rd grader explains a math lesson to Secretary Duncan. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne were on hand to Photo: Courtesy of Two Rivers capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 99

kidsfamily school located in the Blue Castle across from the Navy Yard, held another successful end of the school year performance on May 21 at the Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Approximately 1,000 parents, relatives and friends of Eagle Academy enjoyed performances by the “Soaring High Through the Arts” Before and Aftercare clubs. The almost 200 Eagle Academy students, ages 3-7, that participated in the event delighted the audience with professionally choreographed Salsa, Ballet, Tap, Modern Dance, and African Dance. The program included a drama performance, a gymnastics performance, and a Hip Hop tribute to Michael Jackson. 202-544-2646. eagleacademypcs.org

Capitol Hill Buddhist Family Mindfulness Group This will be a mindful parenting group for children, 5-12, and their parents. Their parent-directed but often kid-led group will include simple mindfulness and meditation practice, activities such as nature exploration, art projects, music and drumming, read aloud books, as well as some kid-friendly dharma learning. There will be time for a snack and some fun chat. Held initially in a home here on the Hill, this group will meet the ﬁrst Sunday of each month,10:00 AM-noon. Their ﬁrst meeting will be Sunday Sept. 4. For more information and to be placed on the listserv, please email to rstouhey@gmail.com.

Free Family Events at Arena Stage Saturday afternoons during the run of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (ends Oct. 2), free family-friendly events will be held in and around the Mead Center from 12:30-1:30 PM, prior to the 2:00 PM matinee. Come enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo on the Sixth St. sidewalk with the return of Pony To Go, learn some of the award-winning dance moves from the show, or share a box social lunch with your friends and family. arenastage.org

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The night concluded with a singing performance by the students with special guest, Grammy-nominated English-American rapper Slick Rick.

Capitol Hill Group Ministry Annual Back-to-School Back Pack Program

To-School Back Pack Distribution Event on August 20, 2011. 202-5443150. CHGM.net

Each August hundreds of children throughout the Capitol Hill community begin the school year unprepared because of their family’s financial difficulties. Many will be forced to begin their school years unprepared and at a disadvantage to falling behind their peers. For many parents Back-To-School season is a welcomed sigh of relief but for many underprivileged families, it is a period of insecurity and uncertainty about how they will afford necessary school supplies. “Sponsoring a child helps take the pressure off of a single parent who has to make the decision of paying a bill and buying food over buying their child much needed school supplies”, said CHGM’s Special Events Coordinator Shelah Wilcox. Each year CHGM helps provide back packs and school supplies to between 200-250 students each August. Filled back packs can be dropped off at Shirley’s Place, 1338 G St. SE, between Aug. 8-15. Suggested supplies lists can be provided upon request. Of course giftin-kind cash and additional supply donations are greatly appreciated. CHGM has found that they always run low on wide ruled paper, pens, pencils, markers, and composition notebooks. Volunteer opportunities will be available for the Back-

Information on Northeast Neighborhood Library’s Children’s Area On July 13, a leak was discovered in the children’s area of the Northeast Neighborhood Library. The leak damaged some of the ceiling plaster. The children’s area was temporarily closed as a result. As you many in the community know, the exterior of the Northeast Library has been renovated. Some roof issues were addressed as part of that renovation. There remains a need to address the interior drainage system which is the cause of the leak in the children’s area. Funding for the interior renovation which includes replacing the drainage system had been postponed for several years. We are pleased that funding has been restored and work on the interior renovation will begin in the coming months. In the meantime, we have identiﬁed a temporary solution that will allow the children’s area to re-open shortly. If anyone is interested in being added to the Library’s email list to receive regular updates on the progress of the Northeast Library interior renovation, please email archie.williams@dc.gov.

Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year Award Won by Stuart-Hobson Teacher The ﬁfth annual Mount Vernon

History Teacher of the Year was award to Amy Trenkle, a history teacher at Stuart-Hobson Museum Magnet School. Trenkle was awarded $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid field trip to Mount Vernon for her students at Stuart-Hobson Museum Magnet School. The award, supported by an endowment established by the Robertson Foundation, honors excellence in history education. Any teacher in the DC, area who teaches American history in grades 3-12, and who has at least two years of teaching experience, was eligible to apply. Trenkle is the first middle school teacher to win the Mount Vernon’s History Teacher of the Year Award. For the past 11 years, she has coordinated and sponsored Stuart-Hobson Museum Magnet School’s Nation History Day Competition. Trenkle has also participated as an education advisor for the following organizations: DC Geographic Alliance, DC National History Day, Smithsonian Teacher Partner Programs, Smithsonian Institution Exhibit and Curriculum, and the Teacher Advisory Board for the National Park Service. In his first annual address to Congress in 1790, George Washington stated: “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” In his will, he left money for a number of schools and outlined his hopes for a national university.

CHAW Fall 2011 After School Arts Program Registration Open The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) is registering kids for its popular after school Youth Arts Program. This innovative arts program, which runs in the fall from Aug. 29Dec. 16, provides students ages 5-12 with a high-quality arts education in a unique, multidisciplinary environment. Classes include Ceramics, Guitar, Movie Making, Musical Theater, Sculpture, Drawing, Watercolor, Mural Painting, Tap, Art History, the Capitol Hill Youth Choir, Mixed Martial Arts (in partnership with Capitol Hill Martial Arts), and more. New classes include Pop Art, Performance Art, Installation Art, Curating, and a Creative Writing class focusing on Capitol Hill stories in partnership

with the organization Lifting Voices. Van pick-up is available from local schools to CHAW. Tuition assistance and payment plans are also available. CHAW oﬀers a discount for registrations before Aug. 19. CHAW also presents “Ask Leslie,” a free service featuring CHAW’s Youth Education Coordinator Leslie Andrus who provides guidance in determining appropriate classes for each child. Contact Leslie at 202547-6839 or landrus@chaw.org. CHAW also oﬀers Private Music Instruction in a variety of instruments for students of all ages. For a complete list of workshops, classes or registration information, please visit CHAW’s website at www.chaw. org or call 202-547-6839.

Kids Duffle Bag Day at Nationals Park On Aug. 21, 1:35 PM, Nats vs. Phillies, free diﬄe bags for the ﬁrst 10,000 fans in attendance 12 and under. Tickets $5, up. washington.nationals.mlb.com

Monumental Martin Saturday, Aug. 27, 1:00-3:00 PM. Celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and the life of the noted civil rights leader. Join Culture Kingdom Kids for educational and fun activities that include interactive music, storytelling, dance, and take-home crafts. Families with children ages 4 to 12 are encouraged to attend. Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4844. anacostia.si.edu

School Beautification Day On Saturday, Aug. 20, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, please come out on Beautiﬁcation Day 2011 to “spruce up” the learning places for our kids for the upcoming school year. So come prepared to roll up your sleeves to transform our schools and contribute to our youth. To register or donate, visit dcps.dc.gov or email

Bicycling = Fun + Fitness + Friendship Looking for fun, ﬁtness and friendship? Cycling is the ideal way to get around town. Capitol Hill Bikes has a great selection of WOMEN-speciﬁc bikes and accessories to make your trip safe, comfortable and stylish. Stop by and talk to one of our expert staff members about your cycling needs.

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5300 Blaine Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-398-6811

The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Oﬃce and prepare them for future public service opportunities. The application period for the Spring 2012 White House Internship Program is now open. Applicants have until September 11, 2011 to apply for a Spring 2012 White House Internship. Visit whitehouse.gov for details.

Kids Free at Newseum Please visit us at www.artstechacademy.org

Through Labor Day, Sept. 5, the Newseum will waive its admission price for all youth visitors, 18 and under, regularly $12.95. The Newseum’s “Summer Fun Deal” promotion is designed to encourage families, particularly in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, to experience the Newseum. Up to 10 kids will be admitted free with each paid adult admission. 888-639-7386. newseum.org

Teen Volunteer Program at National Gallery of Art Student volunteers assist with clerical and administrative tasks that support the department’s education programs. Typical activities include preparing materials for art projects, data entry, photocopying, collating, ﬁling, and assisting during teacher programs. Candidates for the Teen Volunteer Program must be rising juniors or seniors with a mature, positive attitude and a strong work ethic. The schedule will vary weekly, based on the number of projects to be completed. The time commitment can range from four to eight hours per week, with periodic weekend work as well. Service hours will be documented and may be submitted for school-based community service credits. Applications for the fall term must be postmarked by Aug. 12. Direct inquiries to teens@nga.gov. 102 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Welcome to WebRangers! This is the National Park Service’s online Junior Ranger program for kids of all ages. If you love your National Parks, Monuments and Historic Sites, this site is for you. Play more than 50 games and learn about your National Parks. nps.gov/ webrangers

“Flights of Fancy” Stories for Children National Air and Space Museum staﬀ read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon ﬂights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. August stories are presented at 11:00 AM on Aug. 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25 and 25. Stories at 1:30 PM are on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Free. nasm.si.edu

National Zoo Kids’ Farm Saved With help from Lucy the Goat, the National Zoo today unveiled a sign revealing that the Kids’ Farm and Pizza Park will stay open for at least five more years thanks to a generous donation from State Farm Insurance. This success is due in large part to the efforts of the fans of the Kids’ Farm, big and small, who showed their support for keeping the exhibits open. Although things initially looked bleak, after the outpouring of community support for the Kids’ Farm, FONZ committed to finding a sponsor. Now, thanks to all of you who wrote, called, pet-in, and attended the parent-organized fundraiser, our children have several more years of visits with Rose, Tulip, Lucy, Ziggy, & friends ahead of them.

Poetry 180: A Poem a Day for American High Schools A 180-degree turn implies a turning back--in this case, to poetry. The idea behind Poetry 180 is simple: to have a poem read each day to the students of American high schools across the country. How the program is applied is completely up to each high school. Hearing a poem every day, especially well-written, contemporary poems that students do not

have to analyze, might convince students that poetry can be an understandable, painless and even eye-opening part of their everyday experience. This idea was developed by Billy Collins, Former Poet Laureate of the United States. Read more at loc. gov/poetry/180.

Walmart Launches $665,000 Effort to Expand Summer Services for Kids in DC Walmart and the Walmart Foundation has announced $665,000 in grants aimed at ďŹ lling the gaps created in Washington DC when schools close for the summer. The funding is part of a nationwide, $25 million initiative to expand nutrition, learning and employment services for elementary, middle and high school students throughout the summer months. Grants in DC are going to YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, YMCA Capital View Program Center, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, Urban Alliance, Higher Achievement, and the Latin America Youth Center. 800331-0085. walmartstores.com

KIPP DC Awarded $1 Million in Race to the Top Funds KIPP DC to receive 2011 Race to the Top Charter School Teacher Pipelines grantâ€”a $1 million grant to support Capital Teaching Residency (CTR), a teacher-training program led by KIPP DC and EL Haynes public charter schools. Born out of both schoolsâ€™ expertise in training excellent teachers, CTR aims to close the achievement gap by increasing the number of highly eďŹ€ective educators in DCâ€™s urban schools. The award, a federal grant through the US Department of Education, will help the Capital Teaching Residency train 57 new teachers in hard-toďŹ ll subject areas this school year, including math and science, special education, and early childhood education. kippdc.org â˜…

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"OOVBM ."'" $PNNVOJUZ %BZ Saturday, August 20: 9am - 4pm At the MAFA Academy

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop says â€œAsk Leslie!â€?

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Womenâ€™s Self Defense Menâ€™s Only Mixed Martial Arts Thai Boxing Nutrition & Dieting Saftey Tips Presentation by Local Police Dept. Community Clean-up 7 Techinques to Bully Proof Your Child For The Upcoming School Year â€˘ â€˘ â€˘

Face Painting, Moon Bounce & Tattoos! Open to the entire community Come and help prepare your family for the upcoming school year

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GOT NEWS? capitalcommunitynews.com

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bulletinboard@hillrag.com

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Carry Out & Catering Available 202.543.3700 â€˘ www.lasplacitas.com 104 â˜… HillRag | August 2011

s the days grow shorter ment. I can answer any quesand summer comes to tions you may have about the an end, parents turn program and can help build a their thoughts to the beginschedule of classes for just one ning of the school year. Conday a week up to all ďŹ ve days. versations around open houses, back to school shopping, play Dear Leslie, dates, and more increase in inSounds great but my child tensity. And every parent wants gets out of school at 3:15 pm or to know, just what will my child even earlier on some days and I be doing after school?! work. How ever does my kiddo The Capitol Hill Arts Leslie Andrus is Ready to get to CHAW? â€“ Signed, TransAnswer Your Questions (photo Workshop (CHAW) makes credit Justine Raschio) portation Challenged selecting an after-school proDear Challenged, gram a little easier by introCHAW currently oďŹ€ers ducing â€œAsk Leslie,â€? individualized help van service from 10 local schools to CHAWâ€™s from Youth Education Coordinator Les- front door. And you can request additional lie Andrus. Leslie oďŹ€ers guidance, wisdom, pick-up locations. We pick up after school and and downright comfort in guiding parents students can have a snack and socialize before through CHAWâ€™s after school program and classes begin. CHAW also oďŹ€ers classes on helping to determine appropriate classes for Wednesdays for early dismissal students. each child. So just how does â€œAsk Leslieâ€? work and Dear Leslie, what type of assistance does she oďŹ€er? Letâ€™s Moneyâ€™s tight. Can CHAW help? go straight to the source and ask Leslie for â€“ Signed, On a Budget the details: Dear On a Budget, CHAW oďŹ€ers payment plans, sibling disDear Leslie, counts, and ďŹ nancial assistance. And if you Just what is this Youth Arts Program I hear so register before August 19, 2011, parents can much about? â€“ Signed, Clueless save $50 per class. This year alone, CHAW Dear Clueless, has provided $54,000 in tuition assistance. The Youth Arts Program (YAP) is perhaps And CHAW has never turned a child away CHAWâ€™s most popular program, featuring for inability to pay. over 30 after school classes in the visual and performing arts for students in kindergarten Dear Leslie, through sixth grades. YAP exposes students My little one loves science and space. Is there to a variety of artistic disciplines while en- an art class that would work for her? couraging them to work in community with â€“ Signed, Cosmos their peers as they explore various cultures Dear Cosmos, and build on their experience and knowledge CHAWâ€™s multidisciplinary curriculum of the arts. Drawing from local schools, YAP exposes students to the artistic disciplines provides students a safe place to learn and cre- through a variety of topics. This fall, CHAW ate while receiving an outstanding education oďŹ€ers Science and Sculpture, using earth and outside of the regular school day. CHAWâ€™s life sciences as the inspiration to design diYouth Arts Program begins August 29 and nosaurs, create paper mache volcanoes, deep runs until December 16, 2011 for the fall ses- sea mobiles and other dimensional art from a sion. Classes are held ďŹ ve days a week between variety of media. Or try Space Explorations, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. where students create art using a broad range of materials and media from clay to storytellDear Leslie, ing, inspired by space travel. Far out! How does CHAWâ€™s â€œAsk Leslieâ€? service work? For the answer to questions like this and more, contact â€“ Signed, Interested Leslie Andrus at CHAW at (202) 547-6839 or landrus@ Dear Interested, chaw.org. And for more information on CHAW â€™s classes Parents and potential families can con- and programs, visit www.chaw.org â˜… tact me at 202-547-6839 or landrus@chaw. org to set up a phone or in-person appoint-

Homes & Gardens Can You Dig It? Celebrating 40 years in the Washington Youth Garden Article and Photographs by Rindy O’Brien

he founders of the oldest youth gardening program in the District are probably shaking their heads in wonderment as the US National Arboretum and the Friends of the National Arboretum’s Washington Youth Garden celebrates 40 years of carrots, tomatoes, and so much more. The sign as you enter the garden “Can You Dig It?” certainly takes one back to the 1970s era when the garden was just getting started. Fast forward 40 years and the garden is now being touted by the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, as one of the great gardens in her Let’s Move program. You can be sure the founders couldn’t have predicted that in 2011 youth gardening would be part of the nation’s mainstream.

Garden Grows Leaders The Washington Youth Garden has long provided a unique yearround environmental science and food education program for generations of youth and families throughout the Washington DC community. The current director of the program is an excellent example of its deep roots in the community. As a kid, Kaifa Anderson-Hall was one of the early gardening participants. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation program under Bill Hash helped many young people conquer their fear of spiders and ants and many of those young people went on to education and science careers. When the

city faced budget cuts in 1995, the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) increased its fundraising eﬀorts and adopted the youth garden. Kaifa kept coming back to visit the garden and when the program expanded to accommodate neighboring families, she and her daughter were ﬁrst in line and became second generation youth gardeners. Kaifa soon was more than a volunteer and began studying under Kim Rush Lynch, Youth Garden director. Kim left to devote her time to her work as a health coach, food educator, and owner of Cultivating Health, knowing that Kaifa was the right

Kacie Warner stands preparing for a group of young students to spend an afternoon in the garden. Over 1500 young children will get a taste of summer and vegetables this summer through the urban vegetable demonstration garden. capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 105

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The 40-year program has expanded to provide cooking lessons in the garden. Green beans and eggplant are lined up to be demonstrated to an incoming group of students.

106 ★ HillRag | August 2011

person to shepherd the garden coordinators and assistants. as part of the Growing Food to its next phase. –Growing Together program. Current staff at the garden, Combining cooking with It is an interactive family garChristopher Turse, Garden dening, nutrition education Coordinator, Kacie Warner, the gardening and cooking program that takes Probably one of the biggest place on Saturday mornings for Education Coordinator, Nadia Mercer, and Heriberto Diaz all changes that has occurred over fifteen weeks from May through think the half-acre of the youth the past 40 years of the program August. garden is pretty good office has been the switch from conIt was quite apparent that space. As Kacie sums it up, “it centrating on planting vegeta- this woman’s life had been sure beats [sitting in] a cubicle bles to a more rounded program changed as a result of being a studying sustainable agriculture where the youth get exposed to part of the program. For many policy on K Street.” The 40-year the full circle of environmental of the 25 families in the proold program has brought quite elements that keeps the vegeta- gram, the garden is a chance for a variety of young people to the bles growing. This new approach parents to spend time with their National Arboretum grounds also provides the children with own children out in nature and and local school classrooms. The a love and knowledge base for sharing in the joy of harvesting program has provided a testing healthy eating. It is probably one their own food. For many of the ground for educational and nutritional programs aimed at urban children. A handbook that was published by the federal cooperative service and Texas A&M some years back was modeled off the lessons learned at the Washington Youth Garden. This summer, Heriberto Diaz is drawing upon his knowledge and childhood gardening experience in his family gardens in Mexico. Heriberto is fulfilling an internship for the Northern Virginia Community College, and reports that Christopher Turse and Heriberto Diaz walking through the garden to the Nature Center’s he is learning a lot. “It is seated area. different here because we plant so many more things. Back home, it was mainly of the most holistic programs parents, it is a way to connect corn, squash and beans that we around because it provides kids the children to their cultures planted,” explained Heriberto. with a complete story and there in their own back yards, even “I have to say that having the is a delicious result at the end. though the parents’ childhood The program goals are to backyard is a thousand miles kids out in the garden,” he went on, “really livens things up, and educate urban city kids about away. A film that debuted in I have learned a lot about chil- the relationship between food, the 2011 Environmental Film its origins, nutrition, and health. Festival called, “A Community dren this summer.” The program is year-round It connects children and adults of Gardeners,” featured several and goes into the classrooms in to the natural world as a place of these families. The film was the winter months, then expands of wonder, exploration, and a re- produced by Cintia Cabib, a loto give more than 1,500 young source for their personal growth. cal filmmaker, and showed how people a summer glimpse into The day I was visiting the gar- the green spaces are changing urban gardens. Young college den, a woman had brought one people’s lives and communities. students get a chance to try out of her work colleagues just to Chefs from across the city education, art, science, culinary, show him the place that meant come out to the youth garden environmental, nutritional, and so much to her. She had partici- and into the classrooms that non-profit management skills pated in the family gardening the Youth Garden serves in the serving as garden or education program the previous summer winter to demonstrate healthy

eating. Chefs like “Chef T”, who is the President and Chef for Culinary Delights, loves the concept of bringing people back to eating nutritiously. Allison Sonsna, who is the Executive Chef of Fresh Start Catering, a part of the DC Central Kitchen, participates each summer at the garden. Extra vegetables produced at the Youth Garden often ﬁnd their way to the Central Kitchen or Miriam’s Kitchen to help serve those in need.

Birthday Party in the Garden On September 17, there will be a 40th anniversary celebration in the garden on the National Arboretum grounds. The day will include fun activities for children and families, music, great food, and many former Youth Garden attendees will be present. Who would miss this exciting milestone event? The party is open to the public and whether it is your ﬁrst visit or your 40th one, it is a date you want to circle on your calendar. Check out the blog or the Youth Garden website for more details as the date gets closer, www.washngtonyouthgarden.org The garden is operated as a non-proﬁt organization, so if you would like to make a donation to help their green dreams along, donations can be made both online or by mail to Washington Youth Garden, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 20002. All donations are tax-deductible and your green dollar will be used to keep another 40 years of future gardeners in the dirt. I can dig that! Rindy O’Brien served as Director of the Friends of the National Arboretum and got to spend many a wonderful afternoon with children in the garden. If you can volunteer or donate, it is a great cause. For questions or thoughts, rindyob@mac.com ★

We give to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation because... they support so many of the activities and cultural events that make the Hill a great place to live. Kris Swanson & Roy Mustelier,The Corner Store

100% of all donations go directly back into neighborhood initiatives.

Be a Philanthropist. Give to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

We are Philanthropists

donatecapitolhill.org capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 107

homesgardens

Ask Judith

What’s the Style? And Plumbing Gasping for Air by Judith Capen

beneﬁt of living in old houses in an old neighborhood is that it makes us practical historians. Think about it: living in a vinyl-sided cutesy gabled house surrounded by grass and buggy whip trees doesn’t provide much to ponder. I advocate for the importance of the physical environment, which is, of course, preaching to the Capitol Hill choir. Q.

What style is this house? Wondering

It is classic Italian.

Notice all the brackets are essentially the same but with different vertical dimensions. An exciting, to me anyway, stylistic aspect of this house is the hood detail at the windows: called a label mold, with label stops, (aka “arched dripstone or hood mold.”) This ornamental flourish is Gothic Revival grafted onto this Italian beauty. Appreciate the sweet roll articulation at the canted bay edges, too. Photo: Judith Capen 108 ★ HillRag | August 2011

The Italian styles, including Italian Villa, Renaissance Revival, and the Second Renaissance Revival, enriched cities and towns all over the country from 1830 to 1920. Virtually every 19th c. American main street today has bracketed Italian commercial beauties, including our main street, the two- and three-hundred blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The Italian style was virtually the national style. It is also called the bracketed style for its most prominent element. The brackets are the BIG guys. The little guys in between are modillions. This house has the characteristic robust brack-

eted cornice of the Italian style, with four terrifically articulated brackets containing equally beautiful modillions. The one-story canted bay has its own appropriately scaled, smaller, bracketed cornice and the door has a lovely consolesupported door cornice. Weird terminology alert here: the brackets on either side of the door, supporting the door cornice, even though just like the ones in the main cornice and the bay cornice are called consoles. Note how all the brackets on the building are the same design, just different heights to fit their particular jobs. Those at the roof line need to be taller to terminate the building and also to look right further away. See the brick cornice on the house to the right? That house undoubtedly postdates the Italian beauty which was built when wood cornices were still allowed. Later wood cornices were prohibited by fire laws. Other assets this house has include the unpainted brick: no one has to spend $25k removing paint and repointing. It also appears to have its original 2/2 windows (a huge asset) protected by storm windows, and its original iron stoop/ stairs. The shutters are easily reversed. The basement windows probably had shutters originally because they have shutter pintels. But the original shutters would have been arched to fill the opening when closed. These shutters are so clearly fraudulent. If you’re going to pretend, at least go for believable. The inappropriate door is also reversible. This house should have a muscular door, possibly fourpanel, likely with bolection molding projecting from the surface of the door to create an appearance of great depth. Anyway, all my writing about plumbing, beginning innocently enough with exploding toiQuestion: “What style is this house?” Answer: classic, lovely, Itallets, has elicited a LOT of interest among my ian. Photo: Judith Capen readers, both historical and practical. Q. I enjoyed your Hill Rag article on pre1900 plumbing. Mine is more modern—1910

or so—and seems to be working, but the drains in the back yard gurgle loudly whenever we flush a toilet. Is the gurgle normal or do I have a developing problem? ~ Plumbing Gasping for Air A. I couldn’t resist “plumbing gasping for air.” I had some thoughts, but since I would just be making it up I called our plumbers of 30+years, Fry, and talked to Johnny. Johnny described how waste pushes air before it as it travels along sewer pipes. If the pipe has an obstruction you may get gurgling noises as the air hits the blockage. Thus, gurgling sounds might be early indicator of something going awry. He also mentioned that you may be hearing perfectly normal sounds that you wouldn’t hear if your yard drains had their proper water-filled traps. Even if the drains have traps it’s possible the water that should fill them has evaporated in the current semi-drought. Or, your yard drains may not have traps at all. Run some water into your drains, then peek through the drain. If you see water, the trap seal, glistening, you have a trap. No glisten, no trap. Should you be worried? Not necessarily. You can follow the if-itain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it model and wait for inescapable symptoms, like sewage backup. Or, you could invest in diagnostics, spending around $300-400 to snake your line (pull toilet and run a big K1500 1 ¼ cable), verifying no blockage or possibly eliminating the blockage. If the snake gets hung up or bangs against something, you can spend maybe $400 to run a camera through the line and get a real-time DVD of the inside of your house sewer line, possibly discovering something that will take thousands of dol-

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lars to ﬁx... These videos are excellent if you have trouble sleeping or can’t ﬁnd the family graduation video when you’re ready for your guests to go home. I’ll hope the gurgles are benign.

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Q. We’re ready to strip the paint from our house façade and I did a homeowner lead test on the peeling paint. It was negative in the three or four places I tested. However, rereading your Capitol Hill’s Unpainted Ladies (available from the Capitol Hill Restoration Society) I see that you expect all of our houses built prior to 1970 to have lead paint, and so I would like to be certain. Can you recommend a company who could test and give us a report we could show to contractors? I have already stripped several test patches using Back to Nature Multi-Strip, a plastic scraper, and ﬁnal scrub with a nylon-bristle brush, and the bricks have cleaned up nicely. They have also aged well over about a year since I did the test patches. We seem to have about four coats of paint. The top coat was almost certainly put on just before we bought the house in 1984. The bottom layer is the familiar powdery iron-oxide red with white and greenish layers between. We are drafting a contract requiring use of Back to Nature or similar neutral, water-washable stripper, plastic scrapers, and nylon-bristle scrubbing brushes. We will also leave the peeling paint on the wall under our iron steps as a historical record. Any other advice? ~ Keith and Nancy A. Wow. You are the total exemplars of thorough and responsible stewardship of a historic house: you get a gold star! 1. You’re taking paint oﬀ a pressed brick façade that nev-

START HAVING THE YARD OF YOUR DREAMS er wanted to be painted (the peeling is its way of protesting the indignity of paint. Painting pressed brick is like installing plastic laminate over granite counters. Or aluminum siding over brick…) 2. After four spot tests for lead, all negative, you are still considering professional testing. 3. You did a test patch to try a stripping methodology, using “gentlest means possible.” 4. You left it to weather for a year, checking for longer term eﬀects. 5. And, you’re preserving a bit of house’s history. I begin to feel like maybe I have done my job, no more advice necessary… But anyway, relative to lead testing: I’m not a lawyer so I am way out of my area of expertise BUT ﬁnding four spots that do not contain lead, however puzzling, seems to me (indicative) that you have been duly diligent. But what do I know? Because old buildings are full of surprises we always include language in our specs about how those surprises (aka concealed conditions) will be handled. AND there is so much lead paint around us, we have methods that should be routine with any reputable contractor, to contain, minimize exposure to, and dispose of lead. Those “methods” boil down to: don’t eat it and don’t breathe it but there’s a lot of additional detail.) But IF you want to get someone to test for lead anyway, give Jason Bloomenberg at Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (jblumenberg@fandr.com), 443-733-1011 a call. Good luck and thanks for doing the right thing for your house!

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 111

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@ Your Service by Heather Schoell Be with Me Children’s Playseum Gina Seebachan 545 8th St. SE 202-999-0510 • playseum.com

“@

Your Service” is a compendium of what’s happening in the service and consumer industry on the Hill (food and drink excluded). Know something really cool and new for sale or for service? Let us know!

nally, chicks on bikes will ﬁnd what they need to ride like the wind – clothing, accessories, and for everyone, Bar-Barianz handlebar light monsters! Mon.-Fri. 10 to 8, Sat. 10 to 6, Sun. 11 to 5.

The Children’s Playseum is a bookstore plus a play place plus an art studio Heather Schoell is a regular contributor to Capital Community News and can Frager’s DIY Seminars plus lots of other stuﬀ! This space houses be reached at hschoell@verizon.net. ★ 733 8th St. SE many playrooms with books for purchase 202-544-8710 that are germane to each room (i.e. books Starting Aug. 20, Frager’s will be giving on Abraham Lincoln in the American Room, puppy books in the pet shop, and Pete’s a Pizza in the Domino’s room, free DIY Seminars at the new Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. These etc.). Some rooms rep- seminars will be held on every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. resent a place, like the For information regarding each monthly speaker beauty salon or the pirate and subject matter, and to register for a seminar, go ship, while some are spon- to their website at HillCenterDC.org. The ﬁrst workshop will teach and demonsored by businesses, such as the Ebenezer’s room strate how to detect air leaks in windows, doors where you can bring your and outlets, and how to insulate them, followed peanut-free lunch, the by instruction on cleaning HVAC coils. Demoncupcake lessons in the strations and class participation are part of the Cake & the Frog bakery, fun. Michael Wiggs of City Renovations & Reand the Lavagna kitchen modeling (cityrenovations.NET) brings over 20 where you can sign up years of experience in design and construction to Maya is tickled by the real rabbits in the Playseum’s pet shop. for pasta-making lessons. this free seminar. For more information, or if your (That’s real pasta – take it company would like to teach a seminar, contact home and cook it up!) The cost is $6 per person, for all day, including ins and Apollo Broom at 202-460-8583 or apollo@frag- Let the DIY seminars begin with Michael Wiggs of City Renovations! outs. Many things are free, some are not, such as the $3 pasta lesson. Open 9 ersdc.com. to 5:30 p.m., Mon. to Sat.

Capitol Hill Bikes Denise D’Amour & Laurie Morin 719 8th St., SE 202-544-4234 • capitolhillbikes.com Vive le Linus! New at Capitol Hill Bikes is Linus – a French-inspired, retro-style, affordable city bike. Pick up fixings for dinner at Eastern Market, and look chic on your way home, baguette and flowers peeking out of the bike basket. Frenchy. Capitol Hill Bikes can repair your bike, fix your stroller’s flat tire, AND, if you didn’t know about this, you with the kids, trade up your kids’ bikes as they grow – it’s fiscally and environmentally responsible! Buy a bike, and within 2 years, get up to $50 credit when Denise and Kate with Capital Hill Bike’s chic inventory. you trade it in for the next size. Fi112 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Newman Gallery & Custom Frames Michele Newman 513 11th St. SE 202-544-7577 • newmangallery.com Michele Newman’s eye for framing has been applied to works created by countless artists, local and international, using conservation framing – that is using materials that will enhance the preservation of the art. If you have a real work of art, or something you want to make sure lasts into the ages, this is the place to bring it. But don’t hesitate to bring in that great photo from your summer vacation – Newman’s framing hits all price ranges. Bring your picture in, and Michele and Rachel will happily frame it with just the right color and texture choices to enhance your work of art. And while you’re there, you can peruse her wonderful Michele Newman of Newman Gallery selection of prints, paintings and more from local with some tough customers. artists.

1880 ON THE OUTSIDE 2011 ON THE INSIDE Replacement Window & Door Installation Group Historically Accurate Replacement of Exterior Window Casings The Best Installation Crew Wood, Fiberglass Framed & Vinyl Windows, Replacement & Full Tear Out Installation, Wide Range of Custom Moldings

Windows Craft, Inc. Specializing in historic buildings

202-288-6660

Licensed, Insured and Bonded DC Home Improvement License # 69006200

alex@windowscraft.com www.windowscraft.com

capitalcommunitynews.com â˜… 113

Jamrock Home Improvement, LLC • • • • •

301-728-6535(cell) • 301-736-6927(office) Jamrockhomeimprovement@comcast.net

www.capitalcommunitynews.com

Keith Roofing EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359 All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed

The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents

Dear Garden Problem Lady, Most mulches are made of wood – shredded or chips, or bark. Yet I read that wood mulches are bad. Why? Wood has now been proven more destructive than helpful as a mulch. Yes, it does stop weeds, and help retain moisture. However, it removes needed nitrogen from soil, in order itself to biodegrade. This nitrogen loss can end up killing plants and shrubs. Use a two-inch layer of compost or shredded leaves instead.

Is there an ideal time to transplant a rose? Can I just dig up and lift the rose into its new home? 24–HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Kitchens, Baths, Windows & Doors As a design & build firm, we will create to your needs and budget well designed & beautiful spaces: from cabinets, lights, tile to counter tops & flooring, etc.

★

New Roofs ★ Preventive Maintenance ★ Repairs ★ Re-roofing ★ Fascia/Soffits ★ Roof Coating ★ Chimney Repairs ★ Skylights ★ Gutters/Downspouts ★ Rubber ★ Metal ★ Copper ★ Shingles ★ Slates ★ Shakes NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL F R E E E S T I M AT E S “40 YEARS EXPERIENCE” F A M I L Y O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

202 ★ 271 ★ 4377 L I C E N S E D

114 ★ HillRag | August 2011

★ B O N D E D

★ I N S U R E D

Windows & Doors replaced or restored – appropriate to historic standards, painting and refinishing, storm windows & doors. Also, additions, porches, patios, garages, basements, additional floors and more! 10% DISCOUNT TO VILLAGE MEMBERS JOEL TRUITT BUILDERS, INC. 734 SEVENTH STREET, SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003 (202) 547-2707 www.joeltruittbuildersinc.net Quality Since 1972

One good time is early autumn, when there is still time for the rose to grow new roots. Another is early spring, after frost danger. To transplant a rose, you will have to prune it back – the way you would to get it ready for winter. Cut, with sharp, clean pruners, just above a ﬁve-leaf petiole and make sure the rose’s foliage mass is smaller than its root mass. This helps it survive the shock of transplanting. Dig straight down, as far out from the main stem as the farthest branch. Never expose the roots to the elements for long. Lever the root mass from the bottom. Lift to a heavy plastic or cloth receiving “rug” and then maneuver the plant to its new home. Plant in rich, humusﬁlled soil. Keep the soil level the same as in the old spot. Make sure drainage is good.

Additions & Basement Experts Water, and keep watered.

Our daughter, when we asked her to name what she would like as a housewarming gift, said “An armillary, please”. What is that? An armillary is a garden sundial, dating from ancient times, and capable, when set up correctly, to tell the time from the position of the sun.. “Sun time” and “clock time” are not quite the same, so do not be too caught up in accuracy. Armillary sundials are often found in Europe and brought home as gifts. These must be adjusted, because the longitude of the new location will be diﬀerent from that of its origin. In addition, the pointing “gnomon” has to be angled to point to true north. Armillaries, which contain a globelike circle with another circle intersecting it, and an arrow, are used more as an attractive sculptural element than something by which to tell the time. You can ﬁnd armillaries at high-end garden and antique shops, and online. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o The Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@hillrag.com. Your problems might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. Capitol Hill Garden Club programs are free and open to the public. The next meeting on Tuesday, September 13, features Janet Draper, Horticulturist of the Smithsonian’s Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, on the subject of ‘Creating Year-Round Interest in the Garden’. 7 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 4th Street door, corner North Carolina Avenue and 4th Street, SE. Membership details at 202-543-7539. ★

BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS RENOVATIONS REMODELING KITCHENS INTERIORS Over 10 Years of Experience

REHAB

Craftsmanship Custom Made Cabinets & Furniture References Available

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Stopping leaks has been our specialty since 1962!

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◆ Family owned & operated

HORN&COMPANY ROOFING and GUTTERS

◆ New roofs ◆ Metal ◆ Rubber ◆ Copper ◆ Slate

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◆ Masonry work ◆ Tuck pointing ◆ Waterproofing ◆ Chimney repairs ◆ and more

202.696.3560

Call now mention this ad and save 20% Licensed, Bonded & Insured

capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 115

CLASSIFIEDS HOME SERVICES ADDRESS NUMBERS

OTHER SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Service, repairs, installations, replacement on furnaces, a/c, water, heaters. Residential Boiler Specialist. 40years experience. Free estimates. Call John Fulcher at 202258-6158.

To place a classified in HILL RAG, please call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 or email: Carolina@hillrag.com.

PET SERVICES CLEANING SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS STANDARD CLEANING SERVICE INC. Commercial & Residential

a clean house... a clean mind...

AIR CONDITIONING

A Cleaning Service, Inc. Polar Bear

AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

202-333-1310 www.polarbearairconditioning.com

LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES

Cares about the environment in which you live • Complete residential cleaning, including laundry & ironing • Eco Friendly Clean • Customized services to ﬁt your needs • Pet Friendly • Commercial & janitorial special rates

Ana Julia Viera 703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request 15% Discount New Customers

Call us for your free estimate

703.892.8648 www.acleaningserviceinc.com satisfaction guaranteed serving DC, MD & VA since 1985 licensed, bonded & insured

ROSARIO’S CLEANING I clean houses, apartments, small offices. 25 years experience. Honest and dedicated. Please call Rosario at 703581-0769. Free estimates.

The Affordable finishing touch to your home restoration.

Cleaning Services, Inc 7 Days a Week One call to DO IT ALL • Basic/Detail Cleaning • Laundry & Ironing • Dry Cleaners/Pick Up-Drop Off • Bulk Trash Removal CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE TODAY! www.doitallcleaningservices.com

Traditional 23 Carat Gold Transom Address Numbers with black drop shadow installed at your home.

Residential & Commercial Accredited Business since 2008

MONUMENTAL GRAPHICS

202-251-7980

240-582-6439 gpatterson@doitallcleaningservices.com

BASEMENT EXCAVATION

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R . W. E N T E R P R I Z E AIR & HEATING

BASEMENT EXCAVATION Capitol Hill Specialists Come and see the work we have done!!!!!

Get ready for a new basement apartment also new kitchen, new bath, new bedroom and more • Basement Dig-Out • Up to 8 Foot Ceiling • All New Groundwork Plumbing • All New Underpinned DC HIC 6477-6478

Call 202-674-0300 • 301-929-0664

116 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Maid for a Day Cleaning Services • • • • •

One-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Move in – Move out Residential and Offices Work Guaranteed Supplies & Equipment Provided

Bonded & Insured For Free Estimates

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ERRANDS

Walls & Ceilings

To Do.... Done!

Drywall- PlasteringPainting- Attic Insulation

Personal and Business Task Management Errands, Projects, Research, Appointments, Special Occasions, Purchases, Travel Arrangements... and More

202-299-8187 30 Years Experience

Louise Miller 202.544.7206 • 202.531.6246 lmiller@dcaccess.net www.todo-done.com Insured & Bonded

ELECTRICIAN • • • • • • • •

Home Improvement Kitchens & Baths Flooring & Tile Plumbing • Electrical Carpentry • Renovations Landscaping • Painting Windows & Doors And Much More

THE HILL’S ELECTRICIAN Since 1990

www.wilcox-electric.com

202-546-1010

Residential & Commercial

CLEANING – CARPET We wash carpets in the traditional manner- by hand, using no chemicals or machinery. No preheated room for drying. We dry in the sun and the wind. Free pick up an delivery for Capitol Hill Residents. Call 202-543-1705. More info at info@wovenhistory.com or www.wovenhistory.com. Located at 311-315 7th St, SE. Your neighborhood carpet store on Capitol Hill since 1995.

Residential Floors Dedicated to Perfection

New Work • Rewiring • Repairs Interior/Exterior Lighting

• Sanding and Refinishing • Installation • Repairs • Cleaning & Waxing

Awarded the Super Service Award from Angie's List in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010

7 days a week - Free Estimates Reasonable Rates Residential & Commercial

Stephen D. Wilcox Master Electrician

15 % DISCOUNT AT WOVEN HISTORY

FLOORS

References Available Licensed - Insured - Bonded

(301) 990-7775 Family owned and operated 3 Generations of Experience

ELECTRICWORKS

CONTRACTORS

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it Cap

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ill ol H

Distinctive Kitchens Historic Restoration Additions Master Suites

202.236.5800 capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 117

GLASS

E D D I E

Handyman Masters

Home Improvement

20 years experience working in ﬁne homes like yours

Bathrooms • Kitchens Masonry • Handyman • Rooﬁng A+ Rating

Specializing in Customized Stained Glass • • • •

Windows and Transoms Oak Framed Pet Portraits Fused Glass Bowls, Plates, Gifts Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday, Shower and Baby Gifts

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Jim's Handyman Service, LLC

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Suburban Welding Company

Welding & Ornamental Iron Work • Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases • Window bars and door security gates • Handrailings & Stair Railings • Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences • DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding

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HANDYMAN EXPRESS

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HANDYMAN

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & HANDYMEN Since 1971

Painting Plumbing Drain Service Kitchen Disposal Carpentry Ceiling Fan Electrical Caulking General Repairs

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F&C

Home Improvement, LLC

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Renovations and Remodeling including Plumbing & Electrical

Please call to discuss your needs No Job too Small! 12 years experience licensed • bonded •

insured

•

references

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

118 ★ HillRag | August 2011

With the assistance of

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Kitchen, Cabinetry and CounterTops

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Create a home that nurtures you

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N W M C O M PA N Y

• • • • • • • • •

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Design for Change 202 543-7040 ksoloway@designforchange.net www.designforchange.net

IRON WORK

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W.F. Bowman Landscaping 202-234-6282

REGINALD’S LANDSCAPING Specializing in perennial gardens, landscape design, yard maintenance, seasonal contracts-free estimates for major cleanups, spring/fall cleanups, mulching, pruning, trimming, weeding, debris removal, leaf removal, light hauling, planting and much, Call today! 301-420-7027, 301-908-8331.

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CALL BOYD F GRAY

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license # 1948 • MD DC VA

P. Mullins Concrete

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Specializing in Masonry & Concrete • Concrete Steps • Flagstones, Pavers & Patios • Driveways & Walkways • Basement Excavation • Retaining Walls • Interior & Exterior Demolition • Tuck & Brick Pointing • Historical Restoration Specialists • Power Washing • Small Jobs

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THOMAS LANDSCAPES

Specializing in urban landscapes since 1989 Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

MOVING & HAULING

BOYD F. GRAY 202-561-0498 202-210-7439 (cell)

Peach Moving Services

CONTINENTAL MOVERS

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FOR A STRESS FREE MOVE Owner Operated since 1982

Little Peach in Training

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202.368.7492 www.peachmoving.com

Ricardo Ramos

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Free Estimates Insured • Licensed

Remodeling • Painting General Repairs Inquire about our cleaning company RamosPainting1956@live.com

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capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 119

Alex Williams Seamless Gutters • Box Gutters • Gutter Guards

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Serving DC Since 1927

20 years of experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured LSDBE Certified

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Dial A Plumber, LLC®

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ROOFING / GUTTERS

I C E N S E

#707

Serving Capitol Hill for 50 Years

OSEPH C. BAUER, INC. Plumbing and Heating Licensed and Insured

DC 202.547.3477 MD 301.420.3200 120 ★ HillRag | August 2011

Roofing & Gutters

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Keith Roofing EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359 All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed

WE DO IT ALL

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DANIEL PARKS “Stopping Leaks is Our Specialty”

Kenny

’

Our Prices Won’t be Beat!

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L U M M E R

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DC P

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PLUMBING

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202

271 4377

R.W. ROOFING We offer the most competitive price in town. All Roofing & Rubber Roofs. We do everything: replacements, repairs, maintenance and coatings. See our ad under general contracting. 202-674-0300 or 301-929-0664.

Stopping leaks has been our specialty since 1962!

Johnston & Johnston Roofing “Try a new coating vs. a roof replacement.” • FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST • WATERPROOFING • BASEMENT LEAKS • ALUMINUM ASPHALT COATING • SLATE REPAIRS • SHINGLE REPAIRS

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WINDOWS 19 D Street, SE

1880 ON THE OUTSIDE We are a family-owned and operated business with three generations of expertise in Capitol Hill. Our customers have trusted us for more than 90 years with their roofing needs. You can too!

2010 ON THE INSIDE Replacement Window & Door Installation Group Historically Accurate Replacement of Exterior Window Casings

• New tin, copper & built-up roof systems • Inspections & repairs • Roof painting • Gutters, spouts & skylights

The Best Installation Crew Wood, Fiberglass Framed & Vinyl Windows, Replacement & Full Tear Out Installation, Wide Range of Custom Moldings

Windows Craft, Inc. Specializing in historic buildings

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www.JohnstonandJohnstonRoofing.com

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Call now for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION

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STORAGE

WOOD & WHITACRE

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◆ Roof decks ◆ Gutters ◆ Skylights ◆ Masonry work ◆ Tuck pointing ◆ Waterproofing ◆ Chimney repairs ◆ and more

HISTORIC RENOVATIONS

OTHER SERVICES

20 years on the Hill Slate - Tile - Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks

BEAUTY/HEALTH/FITNESS Living on & serving the Hill since 1986

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JEFFREY WOOD

Licensed Bonded Insured

cell

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202.696.3560

Suburban Welding Company

Call now mention this ad and save 20%

Chiropractor

WELDING

411 East Capitol St., SE All are welcome to Dr. Walls-Kaufman's free Saturday morning Tai Chi class at 8 am in Lincoln Park

Welding & Ornamental Iron Work

202-544-6035 Because Optimal Health is Impossible Without Optimal Posture!

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • • • • •

Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases Window bars and door security gates Handrailings & Stair Railings Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding

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thelastword The Tune Inn When news spread across Capitol Hill of the fire at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar, many of us in the neighborhood were concerned about both the physical damage to one of our favorite Capitol Hill institutions and the staff we have come to rely on and have befriended over the years. While we now know the Tune Inn avoided major damage in the dining room and thankfully no one was hurt, the staff will be without work for a number of months during reconstruction. On Friday July 15, nearly 700 of you came to the fundraiser hosted by The Friends of Tune Inn at the American Legion Post 8 to help the employees who would otherwise be without an income while the bar is closed. We were blown away by your generous donations that raised over $35,000. Your contributions will make a real difference in helping staff make ends meet until their regular jobs return. We also are grateful for the incredible support from Capitol Hill businesses that generously donated auction items and food for the event. Fundraising efforts continue online at www.friendsoftuneinn.org. Our fundraising goal, in order to fully support the staff, is $50,000. Limited edition plaques to be placed in the Tune Inn are still available on the website with a donation of $150 or more. So, please spread the word to friends of the Tune Inn across the country and around the globe!! See you around the neighborhood and hopefully soon at the Tune Inn, Friends of Tune Inn

Wrong on Wells On July 18, 2011, at the regularly scheduled, duly noticed meeting of 124 ★ HillRag | August 2011

ANC 6C, with a quorum of 8 of 9 Commissioners and the public present, the above-mentioned item came before us. The Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution: We protest the abrupt and misguided actions taken on July 12, 2011 to strip D.C. Council Member Tommy Wells of his chairmanship of the D.C. Committee on Public Works and Transportation and to remove him from his position on the Washington Area Transit Authority Board. At a time when the District is faced with severe financial difficulties and vexing management challenges, as well as serious ethical concerns about several of its senior political leaders, Ward 6 has counted itself fortunate in being represented by Mr. Wells, an experienced public servant who personifies professional stewardship and an unswerving commitment to good government. We urge D.C. Council Members who took action against Mr. Wells at the July 12, 2011 Council meeting to reconsider and reject this wrongheaded assault against one of their most esteemed and accomplished colleagues. We urge the immediate reinstatement of Mr. Wells to the critical transportation positions—chairmanship of the D.C. Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the WMATA Board—where he has represented Ward 6 and the entire District so capably. Thank you for giving great weight to recommendations of ANC 6C. ANC 6C

ANC 6B & Hine As this very important project moves its way through the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB)

process, we as residents of ANC 6B have had excellent representation of our interests by the ANC Commissioners representing the Single Member Districts (SMDs) most directly affected by this development project, and the support of most of the other ANC 6B Commissioners. In my 33+ years in the neighborhood, I have never felt so well represented by ANC Commissioners who listen and hear our concerns and have worked diligently and tirelessly on our behalf. Kudos especially to Ivan Frishberg and Brian Pate! ANC 6B which has “great weight” before DC government agencies, has been fully engaged in working on behalf of ANC 6B’s residents with regard to the Hine School project. There have been “Special Call” meetings prior to each HPRB hearing to discuss, formulate and approve ANC 6B’s position before the HPRB, as well as many informal meetings with nearby residents directly affected by the Hine project. Unfortunately, at the last hearing on June 30th, which I attended, an ANC 6B Commissioner testified on behalf of two other ANC Commissioners and himself in opposition to ANC 6B’s legally approved position at the properly called Special Call meeting held prior to that hearing. That Commissioner, who had identified himself as an ANC 6B Commissioner, violated ANC 6B’s bylaws by not announcing that the position he was presenting was in direct opposition to the official position taken by the ANC itself. Further, he had not informed the other ANC 6B Commissioners of his plan to testify at the hearing, nor did he share his testimony in advance or seek ANC 6B’s approval of his testimony. As an observer at the HPRB hearing, I felt that his testimony seriously under-

cut the hard work of the other ANC Commissioners in deciding on ANC 6B’s official position, and very possibly undermined ANC 6B’s official position before the HPRB. What concerns me about this occurrence is that we as community residents have very little direct influence on the operations of our government agencies. Our ANC does have some advisory influence through the “great weight” its positions are accorded under the law. However, no government agency is required to agree with nor adopt an ANC’s official position. But, the government does listen and it is more likely to listen to the ANC than to individual residents. Therefore, when some ANC members actively work to undermine the ANC’s official position on a particular project, program, etc., we likely lose an opportunity to positively influence the DC government on matters of concern and importance to the local residents in our community. I sincerely hope that such an occurrence does not happen again and that all of the ANC Commissioners decide to work together on behalf of ANC 6B’s residents. Such a cooperative working relationship will yield the best results for our neighborhood. The Hine School project will have an enormous impact on the existing surrounding community and needs to be carefully considered and sensitive to the needs and desires of our residents and local business owners. Ellen Opper-Weiner opperweiner@aol.com [See ANC 6B Reports in this issue for an account of the apology issued by the above-referenced commissioners.]

Chipotle & 8th Street Regarding Larry Janezich’s article on Chipotle and 8th Street: this is a

very worthwhile discussion to have, but it seems to miss a few important points. First, we currently have glaring examples of who do not make good neighbors and it’s not just CVS. There’s the District government. DDot is the last to clear sidewalks after a snowfall. DPR continually neglects the maintenance of the Rumsey Center clearing weeds only twice a year and practically ignoring litter that accumulates daily. The same may be said of the maintenance of the Hine School property. Then there’s the Hill Center. After getting great support, including ﬁnancially, from the community they move to operate parties into the night and virtually stonewall the ANC when asked for concessions. And the situation with Stanton Development and the Hine School development should be well known to most readers. But the main point I think is missing is who is actually responsible for the loss of retail and the expansion of restaurants on Capitol Hill. In my view, it’s the property owners and our residents themselves. In the 7 years I’ve been here I’ve seen the loss of some retail institutions including Trover Books and Pulp. We came very close to losing our Yes, Organic store. And why is this? I believe it is primarily due to the property owners’ lust for higher and higher rents combined with the lack of support from shoppers in our neighborhood. Restaurants are successful because that seems to be all that consumers will support. Chipotle sees an opportunity on Capitol Hill but they’re also (probably) one of the few companies that can aﬀord the rent being demanded. Just because neighborhood groups

want retail on Barrack Row doesn’t mean retail wants to operate on Barracks Row. I don’t want to comment as to whether or not Chipotle will be a good neighbor but it is hard to understand how the ANC oﬀers support for organizations like the Hill Center and Stanton Development that are openly hostile to the commission while at the same time withholding support from Chipotle which is at least saying the right things. Vernon Mallu vern@vjmnet.com

Goodbye Capitol Hill As I have now retired from Washington Primary Care Physicians, I want to share the following with my patients and the Capitol Hill community. When I left the oﬃce on March 31, 2011, it was supposed to be for a two-month hiatus, with me returning to work part time in June. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have not been able to return to practice at Washington Primary Care Physicians. I want to let my patients and the community know how very sorry I am about the suddenness of this. It was never my intent to leave the practice abruptly, without closure. Please accept my apologies. Of note, I am well; this is not due to any health issues. Lastly, I want to emphasize my ongoing conﬁdence in the wonderful physicians at Washington Primary Care. They are there for you, and will be doing their best to take over your care. I will miss you all, but I know that you are in good hands with them. Deborah Edge, MD redgemann@aol.com

In Praise of Dr. Deborah Edge This open letter to Dr. Deborah

Edge is to thank her for thirty years of caring for my health and that of all the other people that benefited from her medical expertise. Now that she has left the practice she founded with Dr. Bob Berenson and Dr. Peter Basch on Capitol Hill, when a medical team approach in the neighborhood was in its infancy, we can all be grateful for the precedent she started. Today her practice is a skilled team of physicians serving residents of all walks of life and all ethnicities. When I moved to the suburbs twenty years ago I continued to drive back to Dr. Edge for care despite the traffic, difficult parking and loss of time from work. Dr. Edge once said to me with her ironic wit that she felt “honored that I should drive so far to continue to be her patient.” To the contrary, Dr. Edge, it was my honor to have experienced your talent in the conscientious care of my often precarious health. All the people who were treated by Dr. Edge over these many years knew they were lucky and safe in the arms of a scientist/doctor who constantly kept current in her field. I speak for all of us who will miss your doctoring and wish you and your family everything good in the years ahead. Joan Schwarz Capitol Hill resident from 1971 – 1988 Founder of the Capitol Hill Classic with Christine Nelson joanrschwarz@verizon.net

One Extraordinary Realtor The house up the street went on the market about the time I decided to renovate my old mid-1800s house near Eastern Market. Their realtors were in the ﬁnal stages of prepping this house for open house, and as

many questions were on my mind, I asked the older realtor for advice. He said, “Sure I’d be happy to help.” Turned out this was Stan Bissey; he and his son Todd Bissey worked as a team for John Formant Realty. I followed Stan’s advice to slope the rear terrace away from the house and took his recommendation for a mason to do the work. Stan and Todd stopped by the next week to see how the job turned out, and with a gentleman’s handshake they became my realtor. Todd found space to store my furniture as the renovation proceeded, and he loaned out several pieces of art and accessories as the renovation was ﬁnalized. The late winter blizzards of 2010 damaged the roof gutters, and again Todd suggested a roofer to repair the damage. In the summer the Open House was held, scores of visitors visited, and a contract followed. Their inspector discovered a leak at the main water valve that soon became the size of a small creek. With a quick call, Todd secured a plumber, the pipe was replaced next morning, and for the next eight hours, Todd dug out the wet sandy soil while Stan loaded bucket after bucket of material into his truck. The wood ﬂoor beams were shored up and by early evening the problems were resolved. In the next two days, more visitors came to look at the house, and one young couple bought it. These two men’s dogged determination, motivation and skills go far beyond the conventional skill of a realtor, and I would recommend them any day. Lee Carlson, Architect Lincoln, CA carl.son400@yahoo.com ★

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the NOSE

The DC Council, a Shakespeare Tragedy by Anonymous

n the wee hours of the morning, a light burns in the Wilson Building in the Ward 6 council office. A half-empty glass of single malt resting on the desk in front of him, a lonely Tommy “The Cyclist” Wells ponders the impending loss of his beloved Transportation Committee. Fingering his iPhone and facing his doom, Wells launches into a soliloquy: To tweet or not to tweet--that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous assignments Or to take arms against a unanimous host of colleagues And, by informing the public, shame them. To tweet, to blog— No more—and by a blog to say we pontificate about The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That politics is heir to. ‘Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To blog, to tweet— To blog—perchance to rant: ay, there’s the rub. For after that communication, what travails may come Allowing others the looting of our own legislative spoils Must give us pause. There’s the respect That makes calamity of long incumbency. For who would bear the whips and scorns of election, Th’ chairman’s wrong, proud colleagues’ contempt, The pangs of despised conscience, the betrayal of allies, The insolence of reporters, and the spurns That patient courting of th’ donor takes, When he himself might his exit make In the pursuit of an ethics investigation? Who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a miserable committee assignment, But that the dread of loss of office, The undiscovered country, from whose bourn No politicians other than Orange and Barry have returned, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those offices we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus, sweet taste of power does make cowards of us all. And, thus, the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought. And enterprise of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry And lose the name of action. -- Soft you now, proud Kwame -- Mayor in thy orisons, All assignments remembered, Beware the Ides of April 2014. The only thing more irritating to his fellows than a politician with scruples is an honest pol with too much time on his hands. Soon, The Nose predicts, some on the council will be heard muttering behind The Cyclist’s back, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” ★ 126 ★ HillRag | August 2011

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