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HILLRAG.COM • APRIL 2025

LET’S GO NATS! While we cheer for the home team this spring, I would love to help you with your home! YOUR HOME. MY MISSION

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April 2025 H 3

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April 2025 H 5

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I N THIS ISSUE April 2025

GR EEN

40 Seven Ways: To Eat Sustainably

by Annette Nielsen

44 What Lies Beneath: Environmental Concerns About Development Plans for RFK Site by Elizabeth O’Gorek

SPRING ARTS Special

Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awardees by Stephanie Deutsch

Cooking with the Chef: Café Berlin

The Hill Gardener: Sow it Begins by Annette Nielsen

Seven Ways: To Eat Sustainably by Annette Nielsen

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

LOCAL CALENDAR

CHRS HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR: THIS MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND by The Capitol Hill Restoration Society

EASTER CALENDAR

capitol streets 49

Hill News Round-Up: News You May Have Missed from HillRag.com by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awardees by Stephanie Deutsch

New & Noteworthy by Andrew Lightman

Opinion: A New Stadium at RFK is Not Worth the Costs by Nick Sementelli

Zoning Challenges to Foster Care: ANC 6A March Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

ANC 6B Unnerved by DC Bill Codifying Court Deference to Agencies: ANC 6B March Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

ANC Contingency Planning: ANC 6C March Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

DDOT Refuses to Add The Wharf to The TOPP: ANC 6D March Report by Andrew Lightman

Special Election to Fill the 7D01 Vacancy: ANC 7D March Report by Sarah Payne

Event Traffic Issues Dominate: ANC 8F March Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

by Annette Nielsen

Older. Smarter.

homes and gardens 79

The Hill Gardener: Sow it Begins by Annette Nielsen

In The Weeds by The Capitol Hill Garden Club

Changing Hands by Don Denton

arts and dining 87

Cooking with the Chef: Café Berlin by Annette Nielsen

Theater Night: A curated review of theater in the DMV by Matthew McClure

Capitol Cuisine by Celeste McCall

Art in a Holy Space: A Special Program at St. Mark’s by Rindy O’Brien

Poetic Hill: E. Ethelbert Miller by Sandra Beasley

family life 99

How to Stay Grounded Amid Chaos by Pattie Cinelli

102

The District Vet: Leptospirosis: Prevalent in DC by Dr. Dan Teich

104

Fold, Cut, Tear: Paper Art from Saint Peter School by Elizabeth Nelson

106

School Notes by Elizabeth O’Gorek

110

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

114

CLASSIFIEDS

118

CROSSWORD on the cover: “A New Dawn Blossoms”, 2024 Sabiha Iqbal Oil on canvas, 24 x 24” Available from Studio Gallery for $500 studiogallerydc.com

This April at Studio: Presenting Geometry (upper level), where the captivating world of angles, circles, lines, and more reflect the interconnectedness of natural and constructed worlds. Susan Raines’ photography and Hans Gerhard’s sculptures bring this theme to life. On the lower level, explore From Here to There by Eleanor Kotlarik Wang, where atmospheric paintings capture the magical interplay of light and nature. Joyce McCarten’s bold abstract expressionist works in At Home Anywhere channel raw energy and the beauty found in chaos. In the Garden Gallery, HUMAN RIGHTS TO HEALTH CARE by Iwan Bagus uses still-life compositions to highlight inequalities in the healthcare system, while Suzanne Goldberg’s Journey offers emotional landscapes that delve into transformation and the human experience. These exhibitions will be on view from March 26th until April 19th, 2025

We’ve been around the block

Tom Faison 202.255.5554 tom@faisondc.com

350 7th St. SE 202.544.3525

Linda Frame

585.797.7295

linda@faisondc.com

FaisonDC.com

Next Issue: May 3

To HILL with the Suburbs!

Is the DC Market Dead? John & Aaron have been selling on the Hill, since before Bill was in the White House. We’ve seen alot, (maybe not this!), but as a super-criminal once said, “Land”! People still need a roof over their heads, a place to cook, a place to sleep, a place to call home. Interest rates may still be high, but historically? They’re about in the middle of the range. But your circumstances may change. Maybe you need to downsize to fit a new budget. Maybe you need to upsize to fit a larger group. Maybe you just need to get out of Dodge. Whatever you need, it helps to have a professional advisor or two. Someone who can give you information, guide you, educate you, help you make your move smoother and less stressful. Give us a call. We can help.

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New Plumbing, New Wiring, New Floors, New Utilities, New Windows, New Appliances, (okay, the walls are original!) Renovated 3BR Townhouse (2 up, 1 down), 2.5 baths, hwd floors, S & SS Island Kitchen, LL Den, Parking Pad and Front & Back Yards, nr. Metro! $500K

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

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All Credit Cards Accepted April 2025 ★ 11

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

SPRING

ARTS

We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists at the Renwick

The artists featured in We Gather at the Edge honor the Black story quilt tradition with work that envisions a more just and connected world. The selection of quilts acquired by the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street, NW, and featured in this exhibition through June 22, is remarkable in its scope and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture as told with needle and thread. This exhibition honors the legacy of Mazloomi and celebrates members of the Women of Color Quilters Network. americanart.si.edu. Myrah Brown Green, In My Akuabaa Form, 2000, cotton fabric and cotton batt, 95 × 86 in. (241.3 × 218.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur S. Bresler, 2023.40.19, © 2000, Myrah Brown Green.

Filmfest DC (62 films, 36 countries, 1 amazing film festival)

Filmfest DC has always been about more than just the films; it’s about the magic that happens when people gather, share, and immerse themselves in the art of storytelling. Each film has been selected for its artistic merit and its power to transport, enlighten, entertain, and remind us of the profound way artworks can impact our lives and the world. Festival programming consists of special opening and closing night events, as well as panels, workshops and Q&A sessions in theatres. Film programming consists of fiction, documentaries, animation and shorts. Find the full schedule at filmfestdc.org.

Smithsonian Craft Show

The Smithsonian Craft Show is one of the country’s premier showcases for the finest in handcrafted, American artisanal works. Each year, a new trio of experts is selected by the Show chairs to review hundreds of applications and select the year’s featured exhibitors representing all facets of contemporary craft and design, including basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. April 24 to 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Admission is $25. smithsoniancraftshow.org. LEFT: Brooch by Aleksandra Vali

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April 2025 H 13

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf Come to The Wharf on Saturday, May 3, 2 to 5 p.m. for the Running of the Chihuahuas presented by Pacifico and emceed by Tommy McFly. This fun-filled and free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, a Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, 360 pet photo booth, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed dog costume contest and a giant inflatable Chihuahua for photo opportunities. wharfdc.com.

EU Open House

The 2025 EU Open House in Washington, DC is on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. On this day, the European Embassies celebrate by opening their doors to the public so that Americans can catch a glimpse of the European cultures that make up the European Union. Normally you have to cross the Atlantic to visit the EU, but at Open House, you just have to cross the street. Plan your day at washington.org/visit-dc/reasons-to-touran-embassy-in-dc-during-passport-dc.

Colin Jost at MGM National Harbor

Colin Jost is a writer, performer and author best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” He started writing for “SNL” in 2005 and has been the co-anchor of the show’s “Weekend Update” since 2014. Jost co-hosted the special editions of “Weekend Update” that aired on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions as well as the primetime “Weekend Update Summer Edition” in 2017. In 2018, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. MGM National Harbor on Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. Tickets are $83 to $164. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

Capital Art Book Fair at Eastern Market

The Capital Art Book Fair is an annual event that brings together publishers, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate the world of art books. It serves as a platform for artists, publishers, and independent bookmakers to exhibit and sell art-related publications, which can include artist monographs, exhibition catalogs, zines, photography books, graphic novels, and other forms of printed material which double as fine art. The 2025 Capital Art Book Fair is at Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 Seventh St. SE, on Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. artbookfair.eastcityart.com. Capital Art Book Fair at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Photo: Genie Hutinet for East City Art.

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STAR WARS WEEKEND RETURNS TO BARRACKS ROW!

May the 4th (Force) Be With You!

MAY 2ND, 3RD & 4TH

FRIDAY, MAY 2

GALACTIC EMPIRE BAND

DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 PM SHOW AT 8:00 PM THE VILLAINS BALL

507 8TH ST SE I 8PM - 1AM

Tickets from $100 (plus taxes & fees) @barracksrow 21+ Dress to Impress — No Jeans or Streetwear

GENERAL ADMISSION

$20 per person

(excluding taxes & fees)

MIRACLE THEATER I 535 8th St SE

An unforgettable night where villains rule! Enjoy:

• Devious Open Bar • Gourmet Hors d’oeuvres & Hearty Dinner • Live Entertainment & Music • Photo & Video Booths • VIP Lounge

SATURDAY, MAY 3

THE GALACTIC DERBY: WHERE STAR WARS MEETS THE KENTUCKY DERBY

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE SCREENING

(See full event details in the ad on page 25)

TIME: 7:30 PM

Additional Adventures – Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row

EXPERIENCE THE SAGA AGAIN ON THE BIG SCREEN

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM – Characters Meet & Greet 12:00 PM – Jedi Training (Kids of all ages) 1:00 PM – Stormtrooper Dance & Comedy Show 1:45 PM – Live Lightsaber Battle 2:30 PM – Jedi Lightsaber Parade 3:00 PM – Costume Contest at 507 8th Street SE

General Admission $8 (plus fees)

BARRACKS ROW I 8TH STREET SE

MIRACLE THEATER I 535 8th St SE

STAR WARS ART & ENTERTAINMENT • Frame of Mine, SherwinWilliams – 11 AM – 5 PM • Labyrinth Games – 11 AM – 3 PM • All-day fun at Ted’s Bulletin, Lola’s POP UP Bar

STAR WARS FOOD SPECIALS Pizza, Compliments Only, Matchbox, Taco City, Ted’s Bulletin

SUNDAY, MAY 4

STAR WARS GAME SHOW TIME: 1:00 PM

A fun, interactive game show experience inspired by popular TV game shows! Compete for prizes and show off your Star Wars knowledge. Perfect for fans of all levels.

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE SCREENING

TIME: 2:00 PM EXPERIENCE THE SAGA AGAIN ON THE BIG SCREEN General Admission $8 (plus fees)

MIRACLE THEATER I 535 8th St SE

For more details, visit:

barracksrow.org/starwarsweekend April 2025 ★ 15

2:00

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Spirit in the Dark (Religion in Black Music, Activism and Popular Culture) at NMAAHC

Sometimes in the foreground, sometimes in the background, at times in the shadows—religion is essential to the story of Black America. Objects in the museum’s collection testify to religion’s role in the struggle for human dignity and social equality. The images in the exhibition spotlight noteworthy individuals including religious and political leaders, musicians, authors, athletes, activists and educators and are supported by an array of objects from the museum’s collection, many on display for the first time. Spirit in the Dark examines Black religious life through a selection of photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony, Jet and Negro Digest. nmaahc.si.edu. King James Bible belonging to Little Richard.

Nick Cave, 2024.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at The Anthem

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have announced a spring North American tour in support of their much-lauded new album Wild God. This run marks the legendary band’s first North American shows since 2018. Renowned for their exhilarating and unforgettable performances, The Bad Seeds are widely regarded as one of the most thrilling live bands in the world, with a setlist spanning four decades of impressive creative output. Tickets are $89.50 to $129.50. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Monday, April 21, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). theanthemdc.com.

Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble at NMWA

The artist collective known as the Guerrilla Girls (est. 1985), who declared themselves “the conscience of the art world,” mark their fortieth anniversary in 2025. Drawn from NMWA’s extensive holdings of work by the Guerrilla Girls, this exhibition presents an enthralling visual timeline of the group’s progress and ever-expanding subject matter, including gender disparity in the arts as well as politics, the environment, and pop culture. Comprising anonymous feminist-activist artists, the Guerrilla Girls are known for their provocative street campaigns and the advertising-style graphics that they use to broadcast their mesGuerrilla Girls, Horror on the National Mall, 2007; Digital print on paper, sages across billboards, buildings, banners, and other sites. National Museum of Women 23 x 13 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Susan Fisher in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, from April 12 to Sept. 28. nmwa.org. Sterling in honor of Steven Scott; © Guerrilla Girls, Courtesy of Guerrillagirls.com. Photo: Lee Stalsworth

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on THE

Hill

Sharon L. Bernier RN, PhD Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples

202-544-6465 April 2025 H 17

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is!”

DC Chocolate Festival at the Embassy of France

The DC Chocolate Festival started in 2016 with a love for artisan chocolate and a desire to educate chocolate lovers about the complexity and beauty of chocolate while supporting the people and businesses behind artisan chocolate. On Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, tickets holders get access to the main exhibit room as well as classes and lectures. Meet makers, taste chocolate and take home your favorite products. Sessions are: Friday, 2 to 5:30 p.m. ($25) and 6 to 9 p.m. ($75); Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($25) and 2 to 5:30 p.m. ($25). Kids under twelve, free. The DC Chocolate Festival is at La Maison Française at Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW. dcchocolatefestival.com.

Valeria June, 2022.

Around the World Embassy Tour

On Saturday, May 3, travel the world through food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods at this unique event. Non-European Union embassies open their doors and guests can experience a variety of cultural activities, such as petting alpacas, playing with robots and learning indigenous dances. For many Embassies, this is the only time they make themselves open and available for public touring during the year. Most visitors should expect to visit about five embassies in a full day. Participating Embassies will be released in April at eventsdc.com/passportdc.

DC Wine Fest: Spring Edition at Union Market

On Saturday, April 26, noon to 10 p.m., you’ll have the chance to sample premium wine while live entertainment keeps the party lively during this one-of-a-kind experience at Union Market’s Dock5. Sessions for $35 are 1 to 3 p.m.; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and 7 to 10 p.m. Early admission ($55) gets you in one hour before the crowd. unionmarketdc.com.

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Valerie June: Owls, Omens and Oracles Tour at The Birchmere

Valerie June is known for her distinctive voice and singing style. As a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and threetime Americana Music Honors and Awards nominee, June weaves fresh medicinal downloads of love, sweetness, goodness, and joy with songs that have flowed through her for years June honorably served as a Turnaround artist working with students for the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities. She has recorded three best-selling solo albums and written songs for legendary artists such as Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Valerie June: Owls, Omens and Oracles Tour is at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA, on Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. Admission is $49.50. birchmere.com.

April 2025 H 19

We Happy Few’s Sandition (Started by Jane Austen. Finished by you.)

Jane Austen started writing Sanditon but never got a chance to finish it. Her fragment of a novel ends just after all the major characters have been introduced. So what happens to them? They’d like to find out, and they’d like your help. Join We Happy Few for a limited-run workshop performance where the story changes every evening. They’ll take suggestions from the audience that will propel their characters forward through classic Austen tropes to the romances and reckonings that you devise for them. Part scripted play and part improvised scenes, the actors and audience will examine all the possibilities that Jane Austen might (or might not) have dreamed up. Sandition is at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE, on April 24 to 26. chaw.org.

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Allison Russell: All Returners Tour at The Lincoln

Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell is a weaver of stories and tales through the medium of music. From her devastatingly moving celebration of survivors’ joy through Outside Child to the body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation that is The Returner, Russell’s music exceeds expectations and affirms her place among today’s most vital artists. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW, on Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $30. thelincolndc.com.

Akira Kurosawa Explains his Movies and Yogurt (with live and active cultures!) at Woolly

Tonight, renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa joins us for a lecture: a look into his iconic filmography, brilliant mind, the thrilling world of movies, and “culture.” But… why can’t he stop talking about yogurt? In this whimsical world premiere, playwright Julia Izumi weaves through media and memory to examine cultural imperialism, “healthy” consumption, and why we make art. Tickets start at $40. Akira Kurosawa Explains his Movies and Yogurt is at Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW, from May 4 to June 1. woollymammoth.net.

Folger Consort’s Kings and Commonwealth: The English Civil War

V for Vendetta. The hacker group Anonymous. The iconic visage of Guy Hawkes has become a postmodern symbol of political resistance and anarchism. The music from that period also remains as charged and fervent as ever, reflecting the political and religious upheavals in early 17th-century England. On May 2, 8 p.m.; May 3, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and May 4, 2 p.m., the Folger Consort performs political ballads of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, along with instrumental music from the royal courts of James I and Charles I, and political songs from Thomas D’Urfey’s Pills to Purge Melancholy. Tickets are $20 to $45. The Folger Library is at 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

NSO’s Noseda Conducts Mahler’s Sixth at the KC

Growling marches. Nostalgic lullabies. Thunderous hammer blows of fate. On Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10, 8 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 seizes audiences from its very first notes, taking them on a dream-like journey through the composer’s concepts of dark destiny, heroic struggle, and quiet bliss. Tickets start at $17.25. kennedy-center.gov. LEFT: Gustav Mahler, 1903. Gustav Mahler was an AustroBohemian Romantic composer and one of the leading conductors of his generation.

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April 2025 H 21

Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin poses for a photograph beside the US ﬂag during an Apollo 11 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the lunar surface. Photo: Courtesy of NASA

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at the KC

The Two Georges: Parallel Lives win an Age of Revolution

Our understanding of George Washington and King George III of Britain is clouded by myths that have accumulated over centuries. A new exhibition from the Library of Congress seeks to reveal the real men behind the myths. Washington and George III never met during their lifetimes. “The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution” brings them together for the first time through their letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings, and more. The exhibition, on view through March 21, 2026, in the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE, is part of the Library of Congress America 250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. A companion exhibition will open at the Science Museum in London in 2026. loc.gov.

Through April 20, in voiceover, Tom Hanks narrates an immersive experience that offers a unique new perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon. The show tells the stories of the Apollo missions, reflecting their gripping journeys on a spectacular scale. Newly recorded interviews between Hanks and astronauts of the current Artemis program grant an insight into the return of crewed surface missions to the moon. Projected in 360 degrees on the walls and the floor of the Kennedy Center’s Studio K, The Moonwalkers is full of space-age wonder, perfect for families and visitors of all ages. General admission tickets are $29, $39 and $45. kennedy-center.org.

ADMO Art Walk

Every year, local businesses in Adams Morgan partner with local artists who are invited to display their work all month long in the storefronts. The result is a neighborhood-wide public art exhibition where Adams Morgan becomes an art gallery. This year, from April 4 to 30, more artists and businesses are participating than ever before. You’re free to walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artwork displayed in various storefronts in a self-guided walking tour... or pay a $5 fee, become a DC Arts Center member and go on a guided tour. dcartscenter.org/artwalk.

Washington Stage Guild’s Sofonisba

She was one of the first known female artists and one of the first women artists to establish an international reputation. A student of Michelangelo, 27-year-old noblewoman and renowned portrait artist Sofonisba Anguissola travels from Italy to Spain to paint for King Philip II. In her 20 years at the Royal Court, she must play to and against the expectations of the king, friendship with and service to a 14-year-old Queen Isabel, and navigate the tricky waters of court politics as an unmarried woman It is a play about the hunger for creation – of birth and of art – and what it costs. The Undercroft Theatre, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW, April 10 to May 4. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. tickets are $50. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. tickets are $60. There are senior and student discounts. stageguild.org.

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Two Dykes and a Mic: Going Hog Wild at the Howard

Two Dykes and a Mic is a weekly podcast and internationally touring comedy show, dedicated to sex positivity, queer dating and building a community filled with laughter and gayness. Hosts McKenzie Goodwin and Rachel Scanlon, two best friends who keep listeners up to date with Gay News, relationship advice with Ask a Dyke, dating horror stories with weekly Bumble Fumbles, fan favorite segments like What’s Gayer and Who Tops Who and more. Two Dykes and a Mic is at the Howard Theater, 620 T St. NW, on Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $25 to $59. unionstagepresents.com/the-howard.

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Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) at Miracle Theatre WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

On Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m., see the first Star Wars movie on the big screen wherein young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire. The Saturday night movie is $10; Sunday matinee, $8 (including booking fee). 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth SE Street, between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

Synetic’s The Immigrant at Theater J

Synetic premieres The Immigrant, a new project from Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili based on the classic 1918 silent comedy. It is a simple, comedic story about the arrival of a new immigrant in turn of the 20th-century New York, with all the trials, adventure, mishaps, and high hopes of the American immigrant journey. As a theater founded, led, and populated by immigrant artists, Synetic considers this the perfect time and opportunity to develop its own version of story, bringing its adept physical comedy, innovative style, and great heart to the legacy of this cinema classic. Tickets start at $69.99 (plus fees). The Immigrant is at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from April 11 to 27. synetictheater.org.

Mosaic’s cullud wattah at the Atlas It is 2016 and it has been 936 days and counting since Flint, Michigan has had clean water. Third-generation General Motors employee Marion finds herself on the cusp of a promotion until her sister begins participating in protests accusing the company of poisoning the water. Forced to confront their past and weigh their limited options for the future, the family finds their tight-knit unit threatened by more than just the toxicity of the water. cullud wattah is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, through April 27. Tickets are $42 to $78 (includes fees). atlasarts.org. The Menendez brothers, 2024.

The Psychology of a Murderer at the Capitol Turnaround

On Friday, May 9, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), at the Theatre at Capitol Turnaround, 700 M St. SE, join forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles for an illuminating journey into the mind of a killer. In The Psychology of a Murderer, Dr. Toles thoroughly examines the various factors and breaking points that might lead someone to kill, while exploring infamous cases, such as the Menendez brothers, Chris Watts, Aaron Hernandez and the Columbine killers (Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold). The pending case of Luigi Mangione will also be discussed. Discover the complex interplay of trauma, environment, and mental health that can drive individuals to cross the line into murder. Through a detailed explorative analysis of these gripping case studies, along with audience Q&A, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what turns ordinary people into murderers. General admission is $30. unionstagepresents.com/capital-turnaround.

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THE GALACTIC DERBY WHERE STAR WARS MEETS THE KENTUCKY DERBY

SAT. MAY 3, 2025 • 507 8TH STREET SE Get ready for an out-of-this-galaxy experience as two iconic worlds collide at The Galactic Derby. Prepare for an unforgettable experience featuring: • An immersive, galaxy-inspired Derby setting • Rare and premium bourbon tastings • Elevated, Derby-style bites • Costumes encouraged — think Star Wars meets Southern chic • Live race viewing on the big screen

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EARLY BIRD GENERAL ADMISSION – $100

Includes event access, bourbon tastings, and Derby-inspired bites

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Includes all General Admission perks plus: • VIP Lounge access • Exclusive rare bourbon tastings

Celebrate like a champion — whether you’re betting on the race or rooting for the Rebellion. Follow @barracksrow for updates.

• Elevated chef-driven menu • Private meet & greet with Orlando Jones

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Cherry Blossoms Festival

March SAT. APRIL 12TH Blossoms 11 AM – 3 PM at the

Market

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• Live music by Moonscape Ensemble • Enjoy hands-on crafts and creative activities Enjoy St. Patrick's Celebrations at • Special classes offered by Relume instructors Corridor Businesses; for more info March at Barracks Row

hes in the North Hall: Open to the Public March 26: CHAW Celebration ril 1/2: Capital Art Book Art Fair it easternmarketmainstreet.org

visit barracksrow.org Cherry Blossoms decorate both Main Streets

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RIGHT: As part of Live at the Library, on Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m., Ada Limón will give a lecture on the art of poetry to conclude her two-term, three-year appointment as US Poet Laureate. A book signing follows.

Live at the Library. Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m. Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE, and all exhibitions are open for extended hours on Thursdays. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and food available for purchase and the Jefferson Building’s beautiful architecture while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. loc.gov/live.

WINE. BEER. SPIRITS. TRADITION.

Mosaic Theater’s cullud wattah at the Atlas. Through April 27. It is 2016 and it has been 936 days and counting since Flint, Michigan, has had clean water. Third-generation General Motors employee Marion finds herself on the cusp of a promotion until her sister begins participating in protests accusing the company of poisoning the water. $50 to $78. Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

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Orchids: Masters of Deception at the Botanic Garden. Through April 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, visitors are invited to explore thousands of orchids in the Conservatory as part of “Orchids: Half Street Central Farm Market Opens Masters of Deception.” Explore orchids from for Season. Open Saturdays, May 3 to Dec. 20, around the world in this 29th annual joint or9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The market features table chid exhibit between the US Botanic Garden seating, music, kids club activities, chef demos, and Smithsonian Gardens. usbg.gov.

and much more. 1250 Half St. SE. centralfarmmarkets.com/half-street-vendors.

Fake It Until You Make It at Arena. Through May 4. A huge grant application from a tribal casino sends nonprofit rivals tumbling into chaos of farcical proportions in this uproarious exploration of the absurdities of ambition, the politics of identity, and the never-ending search for authenticity. Tickets start at $59. arenastage.org. Farmers Market SW. Opens for season on Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fourth and M, SW. This market accepts SNAP/Food Stamps and WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and offers the Produce Plus Program. marketswdc.com. Upcoming Nat’s Home Games. April 5, 4:05 p.m., and April 6, 1:35 p.m. vs. D-backs. April 7, 6:45 p.m., April 8, 6:45 p.m.; and April 9, 4:05 p.m. vs. Dodgers. April 22, 23 and 24 vs. Orioles, 6:45 p.m. April 25, 6:45 p.m.; April 26, 4:05 p.m.; April 27, 1:35 p.m. and April 28, 4:05 p.m. vs. Mets. May 5 and 6, 6:45 p.m. and May 7, 12:05 p.m. vs. Guardians. mlb.com/nationals. Sing Out Piano Bar and Open Mic with Gay Man’s Chorus. April 9, May 14 and

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June 11; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Come out to sing with live piano accompaniment or just enjoy the music. Free admission. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

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Concerts at Hill Center. April 11, 7 p.m., featuring Ethiopian Funk with Afro-Zen Allstars; April 25, 7 p.m., Singer/Songwriter Rochelle Rice Presents Tell Her This; April 27, 5 p.m., Singer/Songwriters Carrie Elkin & Danny Schmidt. Concerts are $20. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. DC United at Audi Field Schedule. April 12, 6:30 p.m., vs. Cincinnati; May 3, 6:30 p.m., vs. Colorado; May 14, 6:30 p.m. vs. New York City; May 24, 6:30 p.m. vs. New York; May 28, 6:30 p.m. vs New England. Tickets start at $29. dcunited.com. NE Library Used Book Sales. April 12, May 10 and June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NE Library, is at 330 Seventh St. NE (corner of Seventh Street and Maryland Avenue NE). dclibrary.org.

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Ask for Our Cherry Blossom & Spring Specials! (202) 847-3523 www.lolasdc.com Lolasbardc 711 8th Street SE 28 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row DC Walking Tours. April 12, May 10 and June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Barracks Row, filled with historic sites, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Meet at Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park. Free. barracksrow.org. Nearby Carpe Librum Book Sale Pop-ups. Eastern Market Metro Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, April 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Canal Park, 200 M St. SE, April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. turningthepage.org. Cherry Blossom 5k at Congressional Cemetery. April 13, 9 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a beautiful and invigorating run (or walk) inside the cemetery in the company of some of their beloved cherry trees. $35 registration. congressionalcemetery.org. Cherry Blossom Pet Portraits at Congressional Cemetery. April 13, noon to 5 p.m. Choose between dog

Jazz Appreciation Month Concerts. April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Join Barracks Row, at 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, in celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month featuring renowned jazz musicians. Free. barracksrow.org. or family-style portraits, and plan to dress up you and your pup in your favorite spring looks. Tickets are sold in timed slots, and the event is open to everyone and their well-socialized dogs. $30. congressionalcemetery.org. Spring into Fitness at Alethia Tanner Park. April 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a day of mini fitness classes and activities, an all paces run through the NoMa neighborhood, a bike servicing station, food trucks, and to check out local and regional brands in the fitness and wellness space. Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. nomabid.org. Atlas Gala 2025 featuring Broadway’s Christine Dwyer and Rachel Potter. April 23, 6 p.m. Enjoy magical performances, silent auction with spellbinding items, passed hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, and a dazzling dance party. $175. atlasarts.org. Scrabble for Adults at SW Library. April 24, 3 to 5 p.m. Stimulate your mind and meet new people while playing your favorite word game. 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org. Mr. Henry’s Monthly Gospel Brunch. April 26, noon to 4 p.m. (and on the last Sunday of every month). Guests are invited to indulge in a specially crafted brunch menu while enjoying the harmonious sounds of live gospel performances. For

their live music on Sundays, they have a food and beverage minimum of $12 in addition to the ticket price which is $11.48. Mr. Henry’s is at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. mrhenrysdc.com. Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery. June 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Congressional Cemetery welcomes you to join them at one of their monthly Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery. Suggested donation, $5. 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. SW Night Market. May 2, 16 and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8 and 22; and Sept. 5 and 19; 4 to 10 p.m. Southwest DC’s eclectic night market, at Fourth and M, returns with a mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. Additionally, specialty food businesses, a beer garden, cigar lounge and food trucks add to the programming mix. Family and pet friendly. marketswdc.com.

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Canal Park May Music Series. Fridays, May 2, 9, 16 and 30, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free live performances from local groups are in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 M St. SW. capitolriverfront.org/canal-park. Upcoming King Bullfrog Happy Hours at Hill Center. Fridays, May 9 and June 6; 5 to 7 p.m. These concerts are outdoors, perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. $7 for adults, $14 for kids. Beer, wine and pizza for sale. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. DC Moth StorySLAM. May 12, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) Prepare a five-minute story. $15. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. ◆

April 2025 ★ 29

CHRS House & Garden Tour

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This Mother’s Day Weekend

he annual Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s (CHRS) House & Garden Tour will be held on Mother’s Day Weekend – Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11.

These three-ina-row homes with metal oriel bay windows on their second stories will be on this year's house tour. Photo: CHRS

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by The Capitol Hill Restoration Society This tour is one of the highlights of Capitol Hill, so mark your calendars now. The tour this year will be different in that all – except one – of the homes and gardens are located in Northeast Capitol Hill, includ-

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ing the historic Swampoodle district, which is the corner of Capitol Hill immediately to the east of Union Station. The tour this year will include eleven homes never before featured on the House Tour, including several semi-public buildings and rest stops. Refreshments from local DC vendors will be offered in the lobby of the 700 Constitution St., NE, apartment building. The homes on the tour feature both historic and more modern layouts and interiors, including one that is completely new construction and some with lovely gardens. A fun stop will be three-ina-row homes with metal oriel bay windows on their second stories. The three 1895 Queen Anne Victorians are very different inside: one has exposed brick and an open floor plan, another has a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen separated from the garden by a wall of glass, and the third one has historic mantels and mirrors to give it a New York brownstone vibe. Another house on the tour is located at 8th and Massachusetts NE and recently underwent a meticulous renovation to preserve paneling, mantels and other original details and had paint carefully removed from the brick. It was once the home to the principal examiner of the U.S. Patent Office. Tickets are set to go on sale April 1. More info at chrs.org. CHRS is also looking for volunteers to be docents at the houses during the two-day event. Training will be provided. All docents who sign up for a minimum of a two-hour shift will be given a free ticket to visit the other tour stops during the weekend. Please contact the CHRS House Tour Committee at caphillhousetour@gmail.com for more information. ◆

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EASTER CALENDAR Easter Day Organ Recital at the National Cathedral. On Easter Sunday, 1:30 p.m., the Washington National Cathedral Easter Day Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan and Organ Scholar Ariana Corbin. Neither reservation nor tickets are required. Livestream of the concert is available. cathedral.org,

Spring Fling Egg-Stravaganza at THEARC DC. April 12, noon to 3 p.m. This event features food, games, live entertainment, and a large Easter egg hunt accessible to all ages. The event offers fun and structured activities for families and creates a platform for organizations to engage with the community. THEARC,

Easter Monday at the Zoo: A Washington Family Tradition. On April 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., join the National Zoo for this decades-long tradition. Admission is free and all are welcome. Parking is $30. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admittance to exhibit buildings is 30 minutes before closing. For a schedule of activities, visit nationalzoo. si.edu/visit/events/easter-monday. 32 ★ HILLRAG.COM

1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. buildingbridgesdc.org/thearc. Easter Tour & Candy at O Museum in the Mansion. April 17 to 19, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Embark on an exciting selfguided adventure through secret doors and hidden passages. Walk in the footsteps of presidents and freedom fighters. No maps or hints–just your sleuthing skills. This tour also includes a box of candy, prizes for best dressed and best Easter bonnet–and a raffle ticket for the opportunity to win a Night At The Museum. $50. 2020 O St. NW. omuseum.org. Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place. On Friday, April 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (rain or shine), join Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, for this annual family-friend-

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The White House Easter Egg Roll on Easter Monday. In the 1870s, Capitol Hill had become a popular spot for children to roll eggs–and themselves–down the hill on Easter Monday. As the event grew more popular, the toll on the grounds was noticeable. In 1876, Congress passed a law forbidding the Capitol grounds to be used as a children’s playground. In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so. The tradition has continued and has grown into the largest event held at the White House every year. Geared toward children 13 years and under, it features live entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, appearances by costumed characters, and the famous Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. A public online lottery (now closed) is conducted each year to award tickets for the event. Signing up for the lottery and event tickets through the lottery are free of charge. You’ll go to recreation.gov. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5. Start looking for the lottery in early February. whitehouse.gov1.info/easter-egg-roll.

White House Easter Egg Roll, 2019.

ly event. Take photos with the Easter bunny, search for Easter eggs, participate in the egg roll down the South Lawn, arts, games, and more. $20 per child; $10 for accompanying adults. Register at tudorplace.org. Easter Services at the National Cathedral. April 18, Good Friday, 7:00 p.m.; April 19, The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, 8 p.m.; April 20, Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., passes required. cathedral.org. Easter Services at the National Shrine. April 18, Good Friday veneration (no Masses), 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. and confessions on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. On April 19, the Easter Vig34 H HILLRAG.COM

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il features the Service of Light, which includes the Blessing of the Fire and a Candlelight Procession through the darkened Great Upper Church. The Choir and Brass of the Basilica will provide sacred music. On Easter Sunday in the Crypt Church at 7:30 a.m.; Great Upper Church, 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Solemn Mass in the Great Upper Church at noon. Misa Iglesia Superior (Spanish Mass) at 2:30 p.m. Solemn Mass and Lisa Iglesia Superior live streamed at nationalshrine.org/mass. Easter Egg Hunts at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. April 19, hourly, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids two to twelve, $15; adults, $5; under two, free. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is at 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA. leefendallhouse.org. Easter Sunrise Service at Congressional Cemetery. Easter Sunday, 6:30 to 7 a.m. Join Christ Church Capitol Hill (Episcopal), 1801 E St. SE, near the chapel at Congressional Cemetery for a sunrise worship service. christchurchdc.org. Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Easter Sunday, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Arlington’s National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater (transportation to amphitheater provided). Parking garage opens at 5 a.m. arlingtoncemetery.mil. Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial. Easter Sunday, 6:30 a.m. As one of the nation’s largest Easter sunrise services, this Washington tradition has attracted people from all over the United States and the world. Drive, walk or bike. Parking is tricky. eastersunrise.com. Of the Great and Holy Pascha (Greek Easter). April 20, 11 a.m. to noon. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th St. NW. saintsophiadc.org. Easter Festival Choral Evensong at the National Cathedral. Easter Sunday, 4 p.m. Their Easter Day celebrations end with Choral Evensong, a traditional Anglican service of sung evening prayer that features Holy Scripture, Psalms, hymns and anthems led by the Cathedral Choir. Passes are not required. cathedral.org.

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King Street Cats Easter 5k & 12k. April 20. 12k starts at 9:30 a.m. ($60); 5k at 10 a.m. ($35), at South Run Rec Center, 7550 Reservation Dr., Springfield, VA. Register at bishopsevents.com. King Street Cats is an allvolunteer, cat-exclusive, no-kill rescue facility in Alexandria, Va. Their mission is to provide a safe haven until the cats in their care find their forever homes, and to educate and assist the community in regard to cat welfare. kingstreetcats.org. ◆

April 2025 ★ 37

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GRE N

2025

DC earth day special

April 2025 H 39

Seven Ways To Eat Sustainably article and photos by Annette Nielsen

here are many things to do with an eye toward sustainably feeding yourself – resulting in a healthier body and wallet.

Learn How to Cook (at least a few things)

The way I cook was influenced in a big way by growing up in a household with my mother, a home economics teacher, who cooked our meals from scratch. There wasn’t much that was heatand-serve, except for the occasional (and exotic) TV dinner when my parents went out and we had a babysitter. My mom has always believed it is more economical, and more healthful to prepare your own meals and even today in her late 80s, she still prefers home-cooked. While I’m lucky I received my mom’s cooking lessons starting in elementary school (and I continue to learn from her each time we cook

together), I’d recommend finding time to cook. Have a few go-to meals that you can pull together on short notice. These don’t need to be fancy or complicated.

In Season Cooking

My approach to cooking has been influenced by being an urban dweller. In the times I lived in either NYC or Washington, DC I frequently visit farmers’ markets –where produce is brought to the city in time with the season. It’s a lesson learned when it’s November and you don’t see asparagus or there isn’t any butternut squash in June. It was also living in a rural agrarian town that I saw the changing colors and textures of the fields through the seasons – there is a rhythm to the sow, grow and harvest – you begin look forward to the flavors of fresh vegetables and fruits that are being picked for consumption at the height of ripeness – and they’re typically lower in price at their harvest time, too.

Local, Local, Local

Canales Quality meats have a great team serving up specialty sausages and meats since 1992.

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Flora at Calomiris Vegetables always offers a beautiful smile and produce.

The benefits to getting your food from the local farmer, producer and purveyor are numerous. First, when you purchase from a local grower, poultry farmer or waterman, you’re supporting the local and regional food system, contributing to its resiliency. (We found out the importance of a strong and sustainable food system when we saw supply chains break down during the pandemic.) It’s also more fun to shop when you know the ven-

dors, like at Eastern Market. They know your preferences, give cooking tips and share favorite recipes.

Plan your Purchases and Re-purpose Your Leftovers

Juggling work and home is a challenge, however if you take a little time over the weekend to sketch out your week’s menu, you enter the grocery store with a plan. Sure, those artichokes look great, however if you’re facing a week of late nights, will you have the time to prep and

April 2025 H 41

LEFT: Union Meat has been around over 75 years and always happy to offer tips on how to prepare their offerings. RIGHT: The author’s mom, Dorothy, with some of her much-used cookbooks – a great way to get information and inspiration for cooking and eating sustainably.

start a few seedlings – maybe cilantro, basil and parsley – you can have a snip or two for your dinner and the plant will continue to produce and provide flavor longer. Plus, what’s better than green things growing on your kitchen windowsill?

Eat Together

cook them? Having an arsenal of canned beans and tomato sauce, fast-cooking lentils, grains and pastas will put you a couple of steps ahead when you’re pressed for time. Using some pre-cut vegetables from the store is not cheating. Use Sunday supper to riff your week’s meal plan. The roast chicken on Sunday can be broken down for Taco Tuesday and then use the carcass for making chicken soup or stock (or put in a freezer bag for when you have more time).

Gathering around a table to enjoy a meal is the best way to create community and a way to reconnect with your family and friends. If done on a regular basis, it builds a good habit, one that encourages discussion about the day, ways to talk about healthy eating and even an easy way to cut down on screen time.

Un-processed is Best

Betty Crocker 100th Anniversary Cookbook, Bet-

The more ingredients you see listed on the side panel with the nutrition information (or names of ingredients you can’t pronounce), chances are, it might be in the category of ultra-processed food. Along with being low in fiber, these foods might have high levels of sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Canned and frozen vegetables and fruits are an economical way to stock your kitchen for reliably delicious (picked, harvested and frozen at their peak) ingredients. It’s easy to take out only what you need, too – so you’ll have less food waste.

Resources:

ter Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, the LL Bean Book of New New England Cookery (by Judith and Evan Jones) and How to Cook Everything (by Mark Bittman) are all solid recommendations from Dorothy Nielsen, the author’s mom. Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé, first published in 1971, is a groundbreaking book that was first to teach us about the social and personal importance of a new way of eating – still relevant for eating well in the twenty-first century. This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader by Joan Dye Gussow is an important book lauded by everyone from Michael Pollan to Alice Waters and Barbara Kingsolver. A great guide to live more thoughtfully on our planet, full of hope and wisdom. Annette Nielsen, a writer and food systems advisor, returned to Capitol Hill from New York where she served as the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. u

Grow Your own Herbs

Herbs can be expensive and often don’t get used up before they’re wilted. If you 42 H HILLRAG.COM

Amour Mushrooms husband and team duo, Tony and Rose Black, on the farmer’s line at Eastern Market.

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Spring Homes & Garden Special EXP 04/30/2025

April 2025 ★ 43

What Lies Beneath

Environmental Concerns About Development Plans for RFK Site by Elizabeth O’Gorek

fter a decade of effort, the District took control of the RFK Campus site in January, following DC Council approval of federal legislation. This transfer came as Events DC began the phased demolition of the 64-yearold RFK Stadium. “Now we have the opportunity to shape a vision and deliver for the residents of the District of Columbia,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a public meeting on February 12. The city is already exploring potential locations for an NFL stadium, which the mayor envisions as the centerpiece of the site’s redevelopment. Mayor Bowser has confirmed that initial development plans for the 177-acre site are underway. This prime real estate—one of the last large tracts within the District—features extensive Anacostia River frontage and is adjacent to Kingman and Heritage Islands. But environmentalists focused on protecting the river, wetlands, and wildlife say that transparency around these plans has been lacking. Stakeholders report that the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has held meetings with invited parties centered on business, sports, as well as parks and open spaces. However, no meeting has yet been held with stakeholders focused on environmental concerns. “It feels like at some point out of the blue, there’s going to be some sort of deal made, and things are going to move quickly,” said Lora Nunn, a Kingman Park resident and environmental activist. “As advocates, it’s been on us to independently prepare for whatever contingencies arise—whatever type of stadium or no stadium situation.”

Protecting the Anacostia River

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about the Anacostia River, which nurtures Washington, D.C. They fear that ongoing development could reverse hard-won progress in restoring the river and nearby Kingman and Heritage Islands, putting wildlife, water quality, and surrounding communities at risk. “Our concern is always for the wellbeing of the river and everyone who uses it, including those who haven’t yet,” said Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard. A major issue is stormwater runoff, which carries heat, pet waste, trash, and oil into the river. For the past 50 years, organizations have worked to clean up the Anacostia. The city has invested nearly $3 billion in the Clean River Project, constructing two massive tunnels to capture stormwater and sewage for treatment. The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) retrofits about 200 acres of streets annually to absorb stormwater, and private developments must implement runoff management systems. The Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act—commonly known as the “bag tax”—has also reduced plastic bag litter in the river by 75%. Advocacy groups like the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) continue restoration efforts. AWS volunteers, including Nunn, help reintroduce mussels that naturally filter water and restore wetlands. Casey Trees planted 400 trees along the river in 2019, while DOEE’s planting efforts further reduce soil erosion and improve water filtration. The effects of these efforts are visible. The river is the cleanest it’s been in decades, according to DOEE. However, new construction could harm these gains. “Nature is delicate,” said Nunn. “Even if something is accidental or unplanned, it

The Maury Elementary School hiking club regularly heads to Kingman and Heritage Islands to “enjoy, play and learn,” just as City Wildlife President Linton envisions. Photo: E. Nelson

could have a devastating effect on the progress that’s been made.” One concern is that increased sediment flow during construction could harm mussels, cloud the water, and hinder the growth of underwater vegetation—disrupting the entire ecosystem. Environmental advocates are pushing for infrastructure that protects the water from stormwater pollution and construction runoff. “It’s an opportunity to create additional habitat and plant more trees,” said City Wildlife’s Linton. She emphasized the importance of natural habitat for wildlife, adding the benefits extend to people. “It’s about habitat for humans too and making sure that that area around the river is a place where people can enjoy, play and learn,” Linton said. While planning, she said the city could also consider how nature will interact with a newly built environment. Early development plans included footbridges linking the campus to the southern tip of King-

man Island, but advocates are concerned about the impact on delicate wildlife habitats located there. The District should work to promote access to the riverfront and to the islands by expanding a main entrance on Benning Road, Linton said, preserving access to the river from the RFK side but not making the island into a thoroughfare. In 2018, Mayor Bowser designated Kingman and Heritage Islands as the District’s State Park to preserve their natural resources and scenic beauty. However, Nunn worries that the stadium’s significance may overshadow efforts to protect the parks and wildlife. Access to the islands is already challenging. During the annual Earth Day cleanup, Nunn noted that festival attendees’ needs elsewhere on campus often take priority over volunteers’ access and resources. “These challenges make it difficult for the community to trust that, as development grows, the needs of the islands, parks, and residents will be respected,” she said.

What Lies Beneath

Beyond the environmental impacts, there are concerns about what lies beneath the RFK site. The area has a long history, with materials from the dredging of the Anacostia River in the late 1800s used to fill in marshes. Later, the site was filled with soil, rubble and other materials before RFK Stadium was built in 1960. In 2019, The Fields at RFK opened, but much of the site remains covered in asphalt. The exact condition of the land remains unclear. River advocates stress that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary before any construction. The site’s history as a marsh, combined with various fill materials over the April 2025 H 45

years, raises concerns about toxins and structural issues. The last EIS conducted for the site was in 1993 when a new stadium was proposed. That statement found contaminated soils, including lead and semi-volatile organics, from the fill materials. An environmental assessment for The Fields at RFK had missed lead in initial tests, leading to an additional $3.7 million in remediation costs once digging began. A National Park Service (NPS) map showing areas in red that Dr. Larry Marwere transferred in the Federal legislation. The long, dark tin, Chair of the DC strip along the river is reserved to protect it. The blue spaces, which include Stadium Armory and Eastern High School, are Sierra Club Comnot included in the land transfer. From Congressional Remittee on Water and search Service (CRS) Dec. 9, 2024 Report. Natural Places, argues that an EIS is Sierra Club’s Beyond Gas DC Cotoo generic. He wants the city to hold Chair Mark Rodeffer asked the mayitself to its own standards. “What we or to commit to developing RFK in really need is an environmental imconformity with the District’s climate pact assessment that looks at our commitments and environmental law. laws and evaluates development pro“We’re not at that level of planposals against what we’ve already said ning,” Bowser said. “That was a diswe want for our city.” appointing response,” Sierra Club’s In 2022, the Sierra Club created Martin said when I asked him about a tool to place monetary value on ecoit. He said the mayor often supports system benefits. The same year, DC admirable legislation, like the Net amended the Green Building Act to Zero building commercial codes. require city-funded buildings to meet Martin said. “But then she doesn’t net-zero energy standards. Despite always support these lofty goals with these progressive goals, the city hasn’t the budget to realize them, always followed through. In January, the city granted renLimits to Growth ovations to Capitol One Arena an Mayor Bowser has assured the public exception from the net zero energy that the city will consult the commustandards required in city-funded nity once it determines the required building improvements, which also environmental assessments under condemn energy from fossil fuels. At federal law. “We’re going to develop the public meeting with Bowser, the 177 acres there,” she said. 46 H HILLRAG.COM

However, not all 177 acres are available for development. The legislation transferring the site to the city requires that 32 acres be preserved as riparian wetlands and 30% of the site—about 42 acres—be maintained as parks and recreational space. Bowser has also committed to keeping the Fields at RFK, which occupy 27 acres. This leaves roughly 100 acres for development. Activists argue that far less land is actually suitable. The Sierra Club, for example, points out that about a third of the site lies within a floodplain, making development risky. Approximately 60 acres are in the FEMA-designated “1% floodplain”—an area prone to severe flooding from once-in-a-century storms. In the past six years, flash floods have occurred twice, and climate change models predict rising sea levels will further increase flood risks in the coming decades. “We do not need to be building in the floodplain,” said Martin. “Floodplains are meant to absorb floodwater, preventing downstream flooding.” Rising sea levels also contribute to higher groundwater levels. Sherard noted that sea levels in the District rose 9 inches from 1970 to 2020 and are projected to rise another 11 inches by 2050. This could make it difficult to construct stable foundations for large structures like a stadium or housing.

Cautiously Optimistic

The Hill Rag sent a list of questions to the Mayor’s office, DMPED and DOEE, but none provided direct answers. Interestingly, DC DOEE referred questions about the project to DMPED and the Mayor’s Office. In a statement, DMPED said, “Washingtonians have an incredible opportunity to create a new waterfront neighborhood at RFK. As

the planning process continues, DC will continue to safeguard our air, water, and natural spaces. The District will follow the requirements of NEPA, NHPA, and the transfer legislation, including protecting and maintaining the riparian area, setting aside 30% of the campus for green space, improving public access to the Anacostia River, and restoring the wetlands south of Kingman Island.” Despite the challenges, activists remain cautiously optimistic that the District and DOEE will do the right thing and hold a city project to the same standards as a private project, in terms of environmental standards for building as well as construction practices. “I have great hope there,” said Sherard, “and I trust DOEE to keep doing it, but they will have to hold their ground, right? One of the things that is awkward for [the agencies] in this kind of situation is that when one arm of the city is saying, we are developing this and they frankly want to do it really quickly, it’s awkward for a different arm of the city, DOEE, to have to be the cops for that.” But they are realists. “I expect they will do their due diligence,” Linton said. “Whether or not everything that DOEE recommends happens, is another story.” They are hoping for a balance between economic development and public good. “Just because we have these ideas on the books doesn’t mean they’re always going to be honored when push comes to shove,” said Martin. “Economic development is always a struggle between making money and serving the public interest.” He believes that both goals can be achieved. “There’s always an opportunity to talk to developers and find solutions that can benefit the public interest and economic development at the same time.” u April 2025 H 47

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CAPITOL STREETS News You May Have Missed from HillRag.com by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Families Fill Senate Buildings to Protest Potential Cuts to DC Budget

undreds of DC children and their parents filled the Senate offices on Thursday, March 13, in an effort to sway politicians from voting “yes” on a funding bill that would cut $1.1 billion dollars from the District’s budget, forcing what city officials say could be a cut of about $400 million to public schools in the nation’s capital. And it worked, sort of. On Friday, the Senate passed a bill that would allow DC to spend according to their FY2025 budget, potentially putting the $1 billion back on the table. At a press conference the following Monday imploring Representatives to pass the bill, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) extended her congratulations, “especially to our school children, who advocated for our city last week.” “Our Home Rule is limited, but our voices have been heard,” Bowser said. Well, the Senators heard us anyway —as of press time, a fight remains in the House, which must also pass the legislation for it to become law. The funds in question are earmarked for the FY2025 budget, which DC is now 6 months into spending. As with most state

budgets, the money is largely local funds and cuts to spending would not be federal savings. Without the additional measure, it is illegal for DC to spend funds in excess of FY2024 levels, leaving the allocated $1.1 billion difference unspent. District students, who had the school day off for a parent-teacher conference day, joined their parents in the halls to protest, waving signs colored in crayon bearing slogans like “DC funds belong in DC schools” and “Don’t break what we love.” At one point, there were so many people in the foyer of the Hart Building that Capitol Police asked them to leave, citing fire safety concerns. Many Capitol Hill families have already seen the impact of the Trump administration. They or their neighbors have lost their jobs or federal contracts. Others fear for the future of

Emily Jackson with her sons in the Hart Building. The sign says, “VOTE NO!” Courtesy E. Jackson

the city and the neighborhood. Hill Resident Emily Jackson came with her two sons, who are DC Public School students aged 5 and 7. She said it was important to show them how things work in their city and how to advocate around injustices.

Families gather in the foyer of the Hart Senate Building Thursday morning to protest cuts to DC funding as part of a stopgap funding bill. Photo: Erikka Baker

Elena and Maya Chen Cardona also spoke with staff in Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-NV) office, March 13, 2025. Photo: Courtesy T. Chen Cardona

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propriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) intromillion was not enough to build a two-story pool She’s been a resident here since 2011 and says duced a bill that would allow the District to spend building on the lot, given historic considerations. she’s seen multiple administration’s changes, and according to its own FY2025 budget. The bill must Eventually, the $35 million project will see an how that effects the feel of the city. “Since the first be introduced on the House floor and pass a vote entirely new building constructed on the site beginday of Trump’s second term the city felt scarier,” to become law. Although President Donald Trump ning in early 2026 with demolition of the current Jackson said. is said to support the measure, at press time it was building and then construction of the new facili“From the release of the January 6 inmates far from certain that the bill would be considered. ty. The process is expected to take approximately to the federal firing of my dear friends and neighAs the next week began, many parents were al18 months. bors and now basically usurping my tax dollars reready planning a weekday trip to the House offices. This was the second community meeting to served for the safety and future of my family’s pro“This is more important than one day of determine what features the project will include. tection and education, it’s too much,” she added. school,” one mother said. The team presented three initial layout designs to “It’s harmful and an abuse of power. Standing by illustrate the trade-offs given the limited footprint and watching it happen was no longer an option.” of the space and facilitate discussion. Many senators were unavailable, the kids were Option 1 offers a pool with 10 lanes and zero told. Families attempting to speak with Senate Mientry—a sloping floor that progresses slowly from nority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) piled in his the surface into the shallow end and can be used for office, trying to pressure someone to speak with wheelchair users—as well as a medium sized (900 them. Other senators were met by the kids in the sq ft) fitness room and 600 sq ft yoga room. Ophall. Staff from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) he new William H. Ramsey Pool Building tion 2 includes the same pool with 10 lanes and gave one group a conference room to use as a base. will only have one floor, the DC Department zero entry, but also a hot tub, and a single, but larg“I don’t think it’s fair that you can just take of Parks and Recreation (DPR) team told ater 1200 sq ft fitness room. Finally, Option 3 proposaway all billions of money and dollars that are suptendees at a March 12 meeting, held in the North es a smaller pool with 8 lanes and zero entry, a sepposed to go to the hands that have fought and Hall of Eastern Market (225 Seventh St. SE). arate learn-to-swim pool that could also be warmer helped build our nation, such as firefighters and poThat’s despite work by neighbors and Counin temperature and used for water exercise classes, lice,” nine-year-old Maya Chen Cardona told the cilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) to find $15 leaving space for a smaller fitness room of somestaff in Senator Mark Kelly’s (D-AZ) office. “Also, it million in additional funding for the project specifwhere between 500-600 sq ft. will take a large impact. People will be fired.” ically to facilitate additional community space on a Architect Rick Schneider, Principal with IstuHer seven-year-old sister, Elena, added, second floor of the building. dio Architects, said that the community had over“Teachers shouldn’t be fired, because they’re tryBut, DPR told the room, the total budget of $35 whelmingly asked for more water with fitness and ing to help kids learn.” The staffer promised to pass community space. He pointed out the tradethe message along. offs, “the more water you get, the less potential The girls’ mother, Tiffany Chen Cardofor fitness, yoga and community space,” na, says she remembers as a child, she would But the community wanted to know hear the news, “but it never felt like it was where their second story went. “We in the our business.” community got together with Charles Allen’s “Our kids today don’t have that choice,” Office,” one neighbor asked the team. “He got said Chen Cardona. “They must speak up for an initial 15 million for a second floor and you themselves, and learn how to practice civic endisregarded the second floor. So how does that gagement, perhaps at the cost of their childimpact the design?” hood innocence.” The project is expensive for its footprint. Cardona said she is proud of them and our For starters, DC law says new construction community. She has a message for Congress. must be built to strict environmental stan“I urge all of our elected leaders who have dards, to the point where it is net zero enera moral compass to remember why they engy. There is a heritage tree on the northwest tered public service in the first place,” she said. corner of the site, which cannot be harmed or Late Friday night, the Senate passed a removed, meaning that a needed reinforced continuing resolution (CR) that allowed the foundation would be difficult to construct on federal government to continue to spend at that corner. The Historic Preservation Office FY2024 levels until September. That bill still (HPO) has instructed the team that the view did not contain language excepting DC’s budMore than 100 people filled the North Hall for the second community meeting on the rebuild of William H. Ramsey Aquatic of Eastern Market from the plaza cannot be get. But before they passed the CR, Senate Ap-

DPR Says No Second Floor in Rumsey Rebuild

Center. Photo: E.O’Gorek

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Option 1. Image: DC DPR

Option 2. Image: DC DPR

Option 3. Image: DC DPR

obscured, restricting height on the front left of the building. So a second story could not block the view of the market and so could not cover the full building foot print. Regardless, Schneider added, there are insufficient funds to take the building to a second story because it would be too expensive to protect the tree as well as reinforce the foundation to hold the weight. Allen’s office was not made aware of the change to the building configuration before the meeting. “Two years ago, I asked DPR and DGS leaders what it would cost 52 H HILLRAG.COM

to build a second floor to expand services and programs while modernizing Rumsey pool. They gave me an exact number, and I found that exact money - that’s the budget we have,” Allen said in a statement. “It’s clear from [the] meeting there’s not enough space on one floor to meet the needs of the community here, and I’m frustrated how quickly they’re trying to walk away from the fully funded second floor. I will work to get them back on track and believe we will find a solution to deliver the generational project everyone wants.” The DPR team emphasized that they were in the very early stages of determining what the project would look like and what was possible. The focus, they said, was building the key elements that the community wanted: more water with zero entry and community space. “The building is as big as we can afford,” said Schneider. DPR Chief of External Affairs Tommie Jones said that the team would now take feedback and come up with a response and refine designs. “We heard you loud and clear on the second floor, we heard you loud and clear on understanding some of the community comments that are important,” he said at the meeting. But he cautioned the community that anything they wanted would also have trade-offs. “We’ll answer some of your questions by not being able to do other things,” he said. Stay updated on the renovation, see surveys and see slides from the meeting at https://dgs.dc.gov/page/rumsey-aquatic-center.

Performers Stage Protest at Kennedy Center

bout half an hour into their show on The Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage, Nora Brown, performing with Stephanie Coleman stopped to say, “We have to add a little something to the stage.” The two then reached behind their chairs to pull out large cardboard signs that read “REINSTATE QUEER PROGRAMMING” and “CREATIVITY AT THE KENNEDY CENTER MUST NOT BE SUPPRESSED”–to loud applause. They then played “The Unicorn,” by country/psychedelic artist Peter Grudzien, whom Brown said was one of the first country artists to come out as a gay man. “It feels like a fitting one to play,” Brown said. The duo ended the show with a performance of “Reap What You Sow,” by the Foghorn StringBand. Asking the crowd to sing along, they started with a later verse than the Foghorn version: “If you been a liar you better quit your lying/ ‘Cause you’re gonna reap just what you sow,” as a group joined them on stage to hold a banner read-

Stephanie Coleman (L) performs with Nora Brown after they brought signs onto the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. Photo: A. Lightman/CCN

ing “ART WILL NOT SUBMIT TO YOUR AUTHORITY, TRUMP!” “We thought it was great when the banners came out,” said one attendee. “It was clear there was a lot of emotion and energy, and we thought it was so brave to make a stand like that.” The concert was livestreamed at www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stage/2025/march/ nora-brown-stephanie-coleman/ and can be seen on YouTube. President Donald Trump (R) announced that he had been elected chair of the board that oversees the art center and appointed trustees that align with his mission. “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” he wrote on Truth Social earlier this month. Trump has framed this as a “return to American values,” citing ideological concerns about with programming, notably drag shows. Musician and recording artist Nora Brown plays traditional Appalachian music with a focus on banjo. Stephanie Coleman is a noted folk violinist. Since 2018, Stephanie and Brown have performed as a duo . In July 2023, they released their debut EP Lady of the Lake on Jalopy Records. The Hill Rag reached out to the Kennedy Center and to Brown’s representation for comment but did not receive a reply prior to publication. The Hill News Round-Up includes stories published online at HillRag.com that you may have missed. Want to get the hyperlocal headlines right in your inbox? Sign up for our daily newsletter at hillrag.com u

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Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awardees

by Stephanie Deutsch

ach spring the Capitol Hill Community Foundation honors three individuals with Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards, people whose presence and effort has made our neighborhood a stronger, more dynamic and more welcoming place to live. This year’s honorees are Stephanie Byrd, Susan Sedgewick and Mark Weinheimer.

Mark Weinheimer

A unique feature of the Foundation is that it has no paid staff. Each year it raises about $600,000 and every cent donated goes back out into the community in the form of grants. Twice-a-year applications for these grant pour in – in the last cycle there were 120 of them. Each one is evaluated by one or more board members and there is usually follow up either by phone or with a personal visit before decisions are made by the full committee. In the fall of 2019 Mark Weinheimer became chairman of the Grants Committee, taking on a volunteer job that has quickly become close to full time – unpaid but deeply satisfying. It was

From L to R: Susan Sedgewick, Mark Weinheimer, and Stephanie Byrd Elizabeth Dranitzke. PHOTOPIA. photopiadc.com

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a role for which his whole life had prepared him. Mark grew up in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of northwest Philadelphia, a son of Jews who immigrated to this country in 1936 as newlyweds fleeing an increasingly ominous Germany. His father was a professional chef and food services manager who did catering on the side, sometimes bringing elegant leftovers to the family. His mother managed the home, occasionally being employed outside of it. There was lots of sandlot baseball with his two older brothers and neighborhood kids as well as high expectations and demanding, selective public schools. Mark loved history and English and followed his brothers’ lead by becoming interested in politics. In August 1963, as a teenager, he was part of delegation from the Philadelphia branch of Americans for Democratic Action to the March on Washington. “Of course I had no idea how iconic what I experienced would become,” he said, remembering hearing the speeches from a spot on the edge of the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. “It was beautiful,” he says. “It was peaceful.” On the way back, though, the bus stopped at a Delaware rest stop where the racially integrated group was refused service. For college Mark chose Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in part because of its reputation for activist professors involved in local issues. He majored in government and graduated in 1968. Development issues focused on reviving downtown neighborhoods quickly became his professional focus. He worked first in Lancaster and then followed his boss to Harrisburg, the state capital. There, newly married, he got to experience housing issues first hand when Hurricane Agnes dumped six feet of water into the first house he and his wife owned, the home they had been renovating. Mark and Cecelia had to be evacuated in a row boat, their freshly refinished floors among their losses. It was administering a grant from HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development created in 1965 as part of the Johnson administration’s focus on “urban renewal,” that Mark became interested in helping the public figure out how to apply for grants. He discovered how empowering it can be for people to have the opportunity to think creatively about how they might address their needs if funding were available. In late 1979 Mark came to DC for what was supposed to be a temporary job with a new program HUD was starting to work with nonprofit organizations to stimulate community involvement and economic development nation-wide. Mark’s job was to evaluate grant applications and related paperwork. Interest was tremendous and Washington, DC became home. A HUD colleague had told Mark and Cecilia that there were only two places in the DC area where they should consider living – Takoma Park and Capitol Hill. Right from the start they loved the Hill, happily raising their

son Dan here, sending him to public school, enjoying all the conveniences of city and neighborhood life. But it wasn’t until, after a few years of managing an inner-city venture fund for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and several years running his own consulting firm, that Mark got more involved in issues in his own neighborhood. He joined and served as vice president and then president of CHAMPS (the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals), a position that gave him a seat on the Board of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation where, for obvious reasons, he quickly gravitated to the Grants Committee. This is demanding work but – just as he did when he was doing it professionally – Mark finds it satisfying. He likes, he says, “helping people do what they want to do -improve their communities for themselves and for others.”

Susan Sedgewick

As the daughter of an engineer who was a career Air Force officer Susan Sedgewick spent parts of her childhood in Ottawa, in Ohio, in Queens, New York where she went to junior high and Arlington, Virginia where she graduated from W&L High School (then Washington & Lee, now Washington-Liberty). Being a Girl Scout provided a sense of continuity and community as she navigated many different schools. She says she “hated” high school, but Girl Scout “Roundup” in Colorado Springs was “thrilling.” Through her connection to the Scouts, she was a volunteer at the 1961 John F. Kennedy inaugural parade, freezing but still a happy experience. (Decades later she wore her JFK parade badge under her parka when volunteering at the Obama inauguration.) When it came time for college

Susan’s father suggested she apply to Oregon State University. He was from the Northwest so there was family there and, more importantly, he had learned that the school had a program in an emerging field that he sensed would suit Susan – computers. The choice was fortuitous. Susan spent six years there getting a BA in math and an MA in statistics. Along the way she was offered the opportunity to take computer programming and by the time she finished her graduate work in 1968 she was being recruited by the CIA. So, after a sixweek trip to Europe to decompress, she moved to the DC area and started working at Langley. Her job there was intense. As a Fortran programmer Susan was part of the transition from enormous piles of punch cards to tidy desk-top computers. Her work involved providing computer and telecommunications support to all areas of the Agency’s work, a mix she found stimulating and fun. It also allowed her to meet John Sedgewick, a software engineer involved in developing surveillance systems. They married in 1979 and moved to Capitol Hill. Susan worked to the day before the birth of her son, Wally. And three months later she was back at the office. When Wally was eight, she decided she was ready to shift focus from the professional to the home front. She retired with a Career Service Medal and plunged right into service of another kind – assistant manager of her son’s soccer team, helping with Cub Scouts, walking to and from local schools, strengthening what she calls “our connectivity on the Hill.” Even with the addition of some contract work doing systems analysis for the House Committee on Appropriations, she was increasingly absorbed with neighborhood-related activities. Long service on the Board April 2025 H 55

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of what is now Everyone Home DC (and was then Capitol Hill Group Ministry) culminated in her role as project manager for the renovation of a local townhouse into “Shirley’s Place,” a day hospitality center for the temporarily unhoused. She joined the Board of Capitol Hill Village as an investment in the future not just for herself and John but for all residents of the Hill. And as a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Susan has done everything from polishing the silver as a member of the Altar Guild to organizing teenagers to make the large number of sandwiches that the Salvation Army collects and distributes weekly. Susan has been a Precinct Captain at several voting locations, finding the work exciting, deeply satisfying and, on occasion, exhausting. Her most recent role is as what she calls the “weary rat warrior.” Her house on 8th Street SE backs up to an alley shared with several restaurants. The rats love it. But they have met their match in Susan who worked tirelessly to get permission from everyone on the block for the city rodent inspectors to go into every yard. Twice a month she is out in the alley showing inspectors around and recording their findings on her ever-present clip board. The tide seems to be turning against the rats. Grandparenting has now been added to Susan’s portfolio. Her son married Maggie Byrne, a young woman who also grew up on the Hill. The two had met in Sunday School at St. Mark’s and, after time in various other places for graduate work and jobs, the young couple settled on the Hill. Susan does regular after school pick-ups for three grandchildren and hosts family dinners once a week. Susan considers herself a “dedicated dilletante,” her activities driven by her curiosity and desire to understand what is happening and why. Others know her as an inspiring spark of enthusiasm, inspiration and competence.

Stephanie Byrd

Stephanie Byrd is a native Washingtonian who spent part of her childhood in Southeast and now lives not far from Payne Elementary School where she has served as principal since 2016. In 2024 Payne was the only non-charter D.C. public school named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for its improved test scores. Right from the start Stephanie recognized the school as a loving community. She is proud to now see it as one where everyone 56 H HILLRAG.COM

– students, teachers and staff – can thrive academically and emotionally. Stephanie’s own educational experience was varied. She started school at Anne Beers Elementary in far Southeast DC. Her parents had divorced when she was four years old and a few years later she and her mother moved to Forestville, Maryland where she went to Canterbury, a small private school affiliated with the Episcopal church. It had developed a reputation for racial and social harmony at a time when many of the area public schools were struggling with these issues. Stephanie remembers the sense of empowerment she took from her mother’s decision to let her choose the school and how much she got out of small classes and numerous opportunities for talking and sharing. When it came time for high school Stephanie wanted to be closer to home and – again – her mother let her decide which school to attend. She chose La Reine, an all-girls Catholic high school in Suitland. At Howard University Stephanie majored in psychology and minored in chemistry with the intention of going to medical school. She did graduate work in biological and developmental psychology. By that time, though, she had a young son and at some point she realized this career was not the one she wanted. In a chance conversation with a fellow parent she learned that a nearby school, Thompson Elementary, was looking for a Pre-K teacher. It was then August. Stephanie recalls that when she went to the school for an interview the secretary in the office greeted her saying, “Here’s our new teacher!” She was needed and the next week she was in a classroom where she quickly discovered that “teaching makes me laugh.” Stephanie worked at a number of DC public schools at all levels, acquiring a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design and expertise in Special Education and even in one school serving as Director of Strategy and Operation. “I have done all the jobs at a school,” she says. A Mary Jane Patterson fellowship for aspiring principals allowed her to take classes at Georgetown and to experience a variety of schools from high performing to those that were less so. She remembers how powerful it was to see the impact of poverty on some school populations and to appreciate how a dynamic principal can shape a school culture. When Stephanie took over, Payne had a par-

ticular challenge as the school closest to the shelter at D.C. General Hospital. A large portion of the student population was facing challenges of homelessness and uncertainty. This was the very population that Stephanie wanted to serve – the children, as she described it, “the furthest from opportunity.” One of her early tactics was to apply to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for a grant that would allow the school to institute a program called “Responsive Classroom.” The $20,000 grant she received allowed Stephanie to institute a program that began with a week-long school-wide training for teachers and school staff in methods with a proven track record for increasing student engagement. These include regular morning meetings as a way to ensure that every child feels valued and listened to every day. There is an ongoing emphasis on “how we talk to children,” on offering them opportunities to share their “hopes and dreams.” This program brings to the population at Payne some of what Stephanie sees as the benefits of a private school education – a sense of safety, of being accepted, of being encouraged and supported every day. With the shelter at D.C. General no longer in operation the stresses of meeting the needs of that particular population have gone but that has not changed Stephanie’s determination that her school should be an “oasis” in the middle of whatever lies outside of it. And with that change in the population has come, as well, the opportunity to orient the school not just towards safely and calm but towards higher achievement. School is not the only focus of Stephanie’s life. A life-long Episcopalian, she is president of the Episcopal Women of the Diocese of Washington and president and founder of the Sylvia Ruth Foundation, created in honor of and named for her mother. The senior Ms. Byrd worked for many years at Howard University. After her retirement she came regularly to Payne to read to first grade students there. One of the foundation’s activities has been to create libraries for each first grade classroom at the school. Stephanie Byrd, Susan Sedgewick and Mark Weinheimer will be honored at a gala fundraising event on May 5, 2025 at the Folger Shakespeare Library. For information and tickets please go to capitolhillcommunityfoundation. org. u

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New & Noteworthy by Andrew Lightman

Blue Star: Helping Residents Reimagine Hill Living

The founders of Blue Star, www.bluestardesignbuild.com, Eric and Christal Goetz met running triathlons. Today, while Christal still competes in trail races and occasionally bikes, Eric has moved on to Adventure Racing. Adventure Racing is a combination of orienteering and endurance racing. Participants compete around the clock for up to five days in a combination of biking, paddling, trekking and running. The experience has taught him to approach even the most difficult personal or professional challenge with equanimity. “I see myself as a problem solver,” Eric said. Eric and Christal chose Capitol Hill as their home, enjoying its small-town ambiance and walkability. They are rais-

ing two teens and their doodle Coco. Walking down the street, one runs into all one’s friends and neighbors, said Christal. Capitol Hill is also the perfect neighborhood for outdoors lovers, said Eric. The couple and their children have enjoyed rowing with DC Strokes and the Capitol Rowing Club. Eric loves the easy access to bike and running trails. Eric is a local, growing up in Vienna, Vir-

ginia, the son of architects. At a young age, he joined his father on construction sites, enjoying working with his hands. A creative artist at heart, he loved sculpting as a teen. Formally trained at Rhode Island School of Design, he pursued a career as a graphic designer. Yet, despite his success as a graphic designer, construction was never far from Eric’s heart. He went from completing his own DIY projects at home to renovating houses. Eric and Christal Goetz with their dog Coco. Photo: Andrew Lightman

The addition of a pergola cleverly disguises additional structural supports. Photo: Courtesy Blue Star. Far Left: On a Constitution Ave. NE project, Eric and Christal carved out space for a rare walk-in pantry. Photo: Courtesy Blue Star. Right: A reimagined master suite allows room for this sumptuous bathroom. Photo: Courtesy Blue Star.

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“There’s a permanence to it (home renovation),” he said. “People are going to live there, create memories. So, homes are a real foundation for people’s lives.” Christal pursued a different path. She studied project management, client service and digital marketing, employing those skills managing accounts for Fortune 500. In addition to her work at Blue Star, she has an active, successful real estate practice at Compass. Christal and Eric quickly realized their skills were complementary but shared the same objective. The question “How can I enhance people’s lives?” was their shared ethos. Blue Star was their answer. With the help of Eric’s mother, who employed her vast architectural expertise on numerous projects, they bootstrapped the business. Today, the business employs more than 20 people. Blue Star only operates in the District of Columbia. Both Eric and Christal feel a special affinity for Capitol Hill’s historic homes. How can these beautiful, unique structures be repurposed for modern lives? All Hill homes are different, both Christal and Eric point out. Any Blue Star project starts with the client. What is their lifestyle? How can their home be adapted to serve them better? Eric and Christal answer these questions in the context of the physical limitations of the home and a client’s budget. On Constitution Avenue, Eric and Christal worked with a client whose home had plenty of space, but much of it was underutilized. They reconfigured the main floor, relocating the kitchen, carving out space for a rare walkin pantry. Then, they created “an indoor/outdoor feel to the private

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Jonathan and Soleiman Askarinam. Photo: Andrew Lightman

courtyard” and a new rear patio. However, Eric and Christal were not done. They dug out the basement to accommodate a new guest suite and gym. Then, they reimagined the primary bedroom to allow for a spa-like bathroom. The rear of the home posed a particular challenge, requiring additional structural support. Eric and Christal cleverly disguised the shoring by adding the pergola. They then added a glass door and a fire pit to an underutilized side outdoor space, transforming it into an entertainment hub. Blue Star has completed more than 150 projects to date. The company has done everything from whole house renovations to additions, adding stories and exterior all season living rooms. It is a full design-build operation. By redesigning homes to suit changing lifestyles as owners’ age and family needs evolve, Eric and Christal hope to help their neighbors remain on the Hill, their beloved home. For more information about Blue Star, visit www.bluestardesignbuild.com.

ued to operate the family businesses which include a restaurant and several properties in Adams-Morgan. The Askarinams are originally from the Iranian city of Shiraz. Soleiman traveled to the United States to study petroleum engineering. Landing in DC to stay with family, he fell in love with the city. Graduating later from Texas A&M, his career plans were sunk by the collapse of the petroleum market in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Undeterred, Soleiman returned to DC, driving a cab to pay the bills. In the interim, his brother Iraj had learned the art of Italian cooking, working in the kitchen at the famed Ruffino’s Spaghetti House in Arlington. The two pooled their resources to open Spaghetti Garden. Soleiman worked as the front of the house while Iraj ran the kitchen. It was hard work. “To make money is always a struggle,” Soleiman said. His son Jonathan grew up in the restaurant. He remembers working as a kid as a busboy and a server. Graduating from University of Maryland Baltimore with a degree in economics, he joined his father and uncle in the family business, working in their restaurants for a decade. While he worked in Adams-Morgan, Jonathan chose to play on the

Meet the Askarinams: The Family Behind 1355 H Street Development

Back in the 1990’s when dinosaurs roamed the earth and DC had a mayor-for-life, after a late night at Madam’s Organ, Spaghetti Gardens was the place club-goers went for a delicious repast. Opening its doors in 1979, operated by the brothers Iraj and Soleiman Askarinam, the establishment remained an AdMo destination for over a decade. Iraj passed way from COVID on June 2, 2020. Soleiman, with the aid of his son Jonathan, contin60 H HILLRAG.COM

Plans for 1355 H St. NE. Courtesy Jonathan Askarinam.

other end of the city on H Street NE. He soon fell in love with the neighborhood. In partnership with his father, Jonathan purchased four buildings on five adjoining parcels. The most well-known address is 1355 H Street NE, the former home of the Biergarten. The fourbuilding footprint totals more than 14,000 square feet, including an expansive roof deck. “Every day, I learn more about the neighborhood and how passionate the community is in supporting the revival of the H Street corridor,” Jonathan said. Jonathan envisions turning his family’s H Street NE holdings into a community hub. Borrowing an Italian word for connection, he named his project “Nesso Plaza.” The development will ultimately house upwards of 12 tenants. Focusing on neighborhood-serving retail, he hopes to attract a mix of tenants including a butcher, fitness center, coffee shop, nail salon and barber. All, he hopes, will operate at affordable price points, he said. In a sense, he wants to create a community hub and crossroads. “We want our project to play a major role in the story of H Streets’ revival. I truly believe the corridor will be back sooner rather than later.” Jonathan said. u

Opinion:

A New Stadium at RFK is Not Worth the Costs

s debate begins on the future of the RFK site, I’ve written a series of longer posts at Greater Greater Washington examining the arguments for and against. For the benefit of Hill Rag readers, I’ve summarized them here:

A Stadium Will Be Expensive

The average price of stadiums in the U.S. has ballooned in recent years from an average of $477 million in the 2000s to an astronomical $1.7 billion in the 2020s. Owners are particularly lavish when they get to spend other people’s money. Taxpayer subsidies of these private facilities have also exploded to an average of $500 million dollars per stadium (and a high of $1.26 billion) and show no sign of slowing down. Having just shelled out $515 million to Ted Leonsis and $200 million more to the Lerners, exactly how much more of our city’s budget do we want to give away? We could spend those same dollars on affordable housing, healthcare, schools, parks or put it directly back in the pockets of DC residents. Particularly now, with the Trump administration and Elon Musk illegally attacking our regions’ residents and governance, now is not the time to frivolously waste precious public dollars.

A Stadium is a Bad Investment

Of course, that’s not how the Mayor and

by Nick Sementelli stadium boosters frame it. They describe a stadium as a smart investment that will generate economic activity, jobs and tax revenue for the District. The Mayor even has an unscientific pseudo-study to support her claims. That certainly sounds nice, but unfortunately it’s just not true. Economists have been studying the impact of stadiums for decades, and the results are conclusive: stadiums don’t just fail to pay back their lavish public subsidies, they don’t make much of an economic difference at all. As one analysis of decades of research on the subject 1 puts it, “The empirical evidence is unambiguous: Stadiums do not confer large positive economic or social benefits on host communities.” Perhaps nervous about the weight of the economic logic against her, the Mayor has also tried to cast the stadium as a necessary “anchor” to jumpstart development at the rest of the site. But this too is faulty. DC is full of examples of successful new development with far smaller or even no anchors: think Union Market, the Wharf and NoMa. The true economic engines of all of these neighborhoods are the thousands of new residents and workers that call them home now. Compared to occasional stadium visitors, office workers and permanent residents (and their friends and families) will spend money in a neighborhood every single day. And more than just a bit of sales tax, the income and business tax they

generate for the city is even more valuable. Building an abundant amount of mixed-use buildings at RFK will do far more for the city than a stadium ever could.

There’s Not Room for Both

Ok a stadium may not be the linchpin, but if we add it to a robust mixed-use development it can be a shiny cherry on top right? That’s certainly the Mayor’s message; she has consistently repeated that “with 174 acres we can have it all.” But it’s an empty promise concealing massive tradeoffs. Once you account for the protected riverfront, legally-required acreage for open space, the stadium itself, and an NFL-standard 20,000+ parking spaces, there’s probably only about 20 acres left for everything else. That’s not a neighborhood with a stadium, that’s a parking center with a few homes in front. The only way to turn the RFK site into a real, economically resilient neighborhood that benefits the whole community is to let our lovely neighbors in Maryland build the new stadium just six miles (and four Metro stops) away. DC residents will have the same easy access to every thrilling Commanders playoff game and unmissable concert tour without sacrificing premium land and public dollars. It’s a clear win-win. Nick Sementelli can be found at nsementelli@ gmail.com. u

The study referenced above is the The Economics of Stadium Subsidies: A Policy Retrospective by John Charles Bradbury et al.

April 2025 H 61

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Zoning Challenges to Foster Care ANC 6A MARCH REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on March 13. Commissioners Paul Spires (6A01, Vice-Chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03, treasurer), Amber Gove (6A04, Vice Chair/Parliamentarian), Dave Wethington (6A05, Chair), Jeff Giertz (6A06, Secretary) and Steven Kolb (6A07) were in attendance. Commissioner Mike Velasquez (6A02) was absent.

he DC Child Family Services Agency (CFSA) is petitioning the Zoning Commission (ZC) to amend the zoning definition of a youth residential care home to include children between the ages of 18 and 21. CFSA is the agency responsible for child welfare and the care and placement of the District’s foster children. Children can remain in foster care until they attain permanent placement and leave foster care or age out at 21 years old. In care, CFSA provides older youth with opportunities to develop life skills and gain access to housing supports to prepare for their transition into adulthood. CFSA Resource Development Specialist Priscilla Hall said that before CFSA can license a group home, it needs a certificate of occupancy from the DC Department of Buildings (DOB). The Youth Residential Facilities Licensure Act of 1986 includes foster children up to the age of 21, Hall noted. In 2023, DOB said that the zoning definition of youth residential care home only applied to individuals under the age of 18 and informed CFSA that it could not issue a certificate of occupancy for group homes serving foster youth between the ages of 18 to 21. Without this amendment, CFSA cannot place older youth in youth residential care because of zoning. A CFSA representative said that the agency can obtain cer-

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tificate of occupancy up to age 20 on an emergency basis pending a hearing before the ZC May 1. CFSA confirmed that this interpretation affects the Sasha Bruce House, which is located in ANC 6A. The ANC agreed to consider a letter of support for this amendment at their April meeting. The ANC voted to support: • a joint letter written with ANC 6B to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting a comprehensive traffic study of Lincoln Park and the surrounding area. The goal is to make safety improvements over the current configuration, where two-lanes of high-speed traffic circulate the park. ANC 6B approved the same letter at their meeting the previous Tuesday. ANC 6A also plans to work with ANC 6B to create a task force around the project, alternating meetings at each ANC on a quarterly basis.

•

delegation of the weight of the ANC to the Chair of the ANC Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee Patrick Bloomstine, as they consider a public space permit application for a new sidewalk cafe at Ben’s Chili Bowl 1001 H St. NE. The application has a comment deadline of March 31, but the full commission does not meet until after that date. The TPS is to write a letter to DDOT stating support for or suggesting revisions to the application based on the discussion and vote of the committee at their meeting on March 25. an official Letter of Appeal to the Director of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) asking them to reconsider their denial of ANC 6A’s 2024 grant of $1,000 to Guerrilla Gardeners. The purpose of the grant was to hold a public, community event to plant tulips around the periphery of Sasha Bruce House. The OANC does not allow funding for beautification on private property. In their appeal, the ANC argues that the event is on the “public parkway,” property under the control of DDOT and emphasizes the public benefits of the grant.

Commissioner Announcements

Commissioner Shapiro announced that the 73unit building at the corner of 11th and F Streets

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A DAVE WETHINGTON, CHAIR, 6A05@ANC.DC.GOV Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, and H Street communities ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom.

www.anc6a.org ALL ARE WELCOME NE that has been vacant for five years has been purchased and is actively being rehabilitated. It will be returned to service with 73 apartments. The new owners have asked to come either to a future ANC meeting or ANC 6A Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting to present their plans for that building. They have also reached out to the immediate neighbors with a letter so that the community has a point of contact for any construction-related issues. Commissioner Wellington said that DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has informed him that a delay in the permit evaluation for Kingman Dog Park will delay construction on the renovation beyond spring. He said he would be in touch with the Department of General Services (DGS) to ensure this project, years in the making, would move forward.

RiverSmart Homes

Shanna Cumberbatch from the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) described the RiverSmart Homes Program. The program helps homeowners mitigate stormwater on their properties. Homeowners apply to participate. There is no cost to have an assessment. A team assesses the property with the owner to determine which features can be installed for either free or low cost, partnering homeowners with a nonprofit organization and contractor to install recommended features onto the property. Options include five different green infrastructures and two landscape or garden features. DOEE will offset most costs, Cumberbatch said, and copayments are usually under $100. Trees, provided at recommendation by Casey Trees, are free. It takes about two months for the as-

sessment and a year from assessment to installation, although assessments do not expire and homeowners can choose to wait to implement suggestions. The program helps reduce the volume of storm water flowing off the property and into the sewer system and river, bringing pollutants with it. There are more than 25,000 participants throughout the District. Learn more and apply at riversmarthomes.org ANC 6A generally meets on the second Thursday of every month except August. They will meet next virtually via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April. 10. Get details on committee meetings and how to join online at anc6a.org. u

**The next meeting is 2nd Thursday, April 10, 7:00 p.m.** Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting 3rd Monday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom Economic Development & Zoning Committee meeting 3rd Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom Community Outreach Committee meeting 4th Monday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. Virtual meeting via Zoom Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Licensing Committee meeting 4th Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting via Zoom We seek community-minded 6A residents interested in joining ANC 6A committees. Visit anc6a.org or email 6A06@anc.dc.gov for more information. Instructions for accessing the meeting via Zoom have been posted under Hot Topics at anc6a.org. Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting. You will be able to enter the meeting no earlier than 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start time.

ANC 6B Unnerved by DC Bill Codifying Court Deference to Agencies ANC 6B MARCH REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B held meeting via Zoom and in-person at 700 Penn (700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) on March 11. Present: Tyler Wolanin (6B01); Jerry Sroufe (6B02); David Sobelsohn (6B03, Secretary); Brian Gorman (6B04); Samuel Pastore (6B05); Anna Krebs (6B06, Treasurer); Vince Mareino (6B07, Chair); Edward Ryder (6B08, Vice Chair) and Karen Hughes (6B09).

he ANC tabled a vote on a letter to DC Council regarding the DC Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 until March 25, citing a need to do further research

Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.

Join us for our Next Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 7:00 pm HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/822418957 70?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d

Our Commissioners are here to serve you! COMMISSIONER Brian Alcorn, Chairperson Mike Davis, Vice-Chair Brett Astmann, Treasurer Dev Myers, Secretary Artilie Wright Ebony Payne Marc Friend Ashley Schapitl

SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT

E-MAIL

7D08 – Capitol Hill 7D04 – River Terrace 7D07 – Rosedale 7D10 – Hill East 7D03 – Parkside 7D05 – Kingman Park 7D06 – Rosedale 7D09 – Hill East

7d08@anc.dc.gov 7d04@anc.dc.gov 7d07@anc.dc.gov 7d10@anc.dc.gov 7d03@anc.dc.gov 7d05@anc.dc.gov 7d06@anc.dc.gov 7d09@anc.dc.gov

For more information, go to:

7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1 April 2025 H 63

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Concept view for two buildings proposed at 4-5 Library Ct. SE. Screenshot: ANC 6B/ Zoom, Teass/Warren Architects

and outreach to District Council, the Mayor’s Office, District agencies and organizations. The bill would clarify DC Code, indicating that a reviewing court shall defer to an agency’s reasonable interpretation of a statute or regulation it administers, so long as that interpretation is not plainly wrong or inconsistent with the statutory or regulatory language or legislature’s intent. Commissioner Sobelsohn said that attorneys with Legal Aid told him that this would make it difficult for them to mount a court challenge against agencies that have denied their client benefits, given that it instructs them to defer to those same agencies. Commissioner Mareino countered that the bill would make it easier for the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Public Services Commission to consistently apply their laws. The Bill had its first DC Council Committee hearing 9:30 a.m. March 26.

Neighbors Question Use of Library Court Dwellings

The ANC voted to defer consideration of a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) for 4-5 Library Ct. SE until the executive meeting March 25, pending discussion between the applicant and the neighbors. Architect Will Teass of Teass/Warren appeared for the applicant, James Finn of Elite Intern Housing. Elite wants to add a second story to each alley structure, one of which is currently a garage, for use as two single-family dwellings for long-term rental. Elite Intern Housing will also act as landlord. Teass said that many design alterations had been made in accordance with advice from the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) includ64 H HILLRAG.COM

ing the removal of a proposed balcony, changes to the facade, and the preservation of the appearance of two distinct buildings as opposed to unifying the two under one facade. Neighbors expressed concern about the construction, traffic on the narrow alley, privacy and construction. Noting the name of the landlord, many were worried that units were slated to be short-term housing despite assurances to the contrary from the applicant. Development attorney Meredith Moldenhauer is a resident on the alley. She pointed to previous construction violations at the site, including working without a permit, installation of windows prior to clearance from historic preservation and a possible tenant without occupancy permits in one of the units. Teass said that many of the concerns were centered on use rather than aspects of historic preservation and design, the topic of the HPA. Still, the ANC considered community outreach a reasonable request from the neighbors and asked Moldenhauer to serve as single point of contact for the neighbors in discussions with Elite Intern Housing around the project.

Protest Barracks Row Marijuana Shop

The ANC voted to protest a medical marijuana license application for Aloha at 539 Eighth St. SE, currently operating as Tobacco King. In the letter to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), the ANC cited neighbor complaints made to that same board that the business has been selling marijuana without a license. The letter also notes that District law does not permit a cannabis retailer license to be granted to an address located within 400 feet of a childcare facility or school. The ANC believes that District Montessori (530 Seventh St. SE) may be located within that proximity.

New Chair, Vice Chair Elected

The ANC voted to elect Edward Ryder as Chair of ANC 6B, with Karen Hughes serving as Vice Chair. Vince Mareino was elected Chair in January, but decided to step down citing limited free time caused by an increasingly challenging employment situation. Ryder will assume the chair at the next meeting of the ANC.

•

The ANC voted to support, on consent: a letter written by the ANC’s Transportation Committee to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in collaboration with ANC 6A. The letter cites safety concerns around Lincoln Park and requests a comprehensive traffic study of the park and the surrounding area. The goal is to make safety improvements over the current configuration, where two-lanes of high-speed traffic circulate the park. A letter written by the ANC Transportation Committee to DDOT asking the agency to install a stop sign at Independence and Fifth Streets SE. A Board of Zoning Application for a special exception for lot occupancy requirements to construct a new two-story garage at rear of 1227 Independence Ave SE. The ANC heard the Historic Preservation Application (HPA) for the project in fall 2024. A letter to the Office of Planning (OP) withdrawing the Barney Circle Historic District nomination originally proposed by ANC 6B in 2009. Hearings were deferred amid community opposition in 2010 and were not rescheduled in the fifteen subsequent years, but the application remains marked as “pending” OP inventory.

ANC 6B generally meets the second Tuesday of each month except August. The next regular meeting of the full ANC will be a hybrid online and in-person meeting held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. See calendar and get information on how to join at anc6b.org u

ANC Contingency Planning ANC 6C MARCH REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met March 23, 2025 virtually and in-person. Present wer: Jeremiah Foxwell (6C01), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair); Jay Adelstein (6C03, treasurer); Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, vice-chair); Daniela McInerney (6C05); Andrew Hayes (6C06, secretary) and Tony Goodman (6C07).

n the context of a discussion around a $100 website security payment, the ANC discussed contingency planning in the interest of preserving the ANC information in case the terms of District Home Rule are altered or even repealed. “These are awkward times in the District of Columbia,” Commissioner Adelstein said as he moved the funds be approved. The ANC met after the Senate introduced and passed a bill restoring $1.1 billion in funding to the District’s FY 2025 budget. It was needed as earlier the same day, the Senate passed a House continuing resolution (CR) allowing the federal government to continue to operate under its budget for the previous fiscal year. But that CR included DC as a federal agency, essentially making it illegal for the District to spend the difference between its FY2024 and FY2025 budgets. The federal government is behind in approving its FY2025 budget; DC is already 6 months into FY2025 spending. The FY2025 DC budget was finalized in June 2024 and received Congressional approval that summer. As of the date of ANC 6C meeting, the House was in recess and had not considered the Senate’s DC budget restoration bill. The House must pass the Senate bill in order for it to become law. Commissioners from other ANCs are also discussing contingency planning in light of renewed Congressional interest in District governance, Chair Wirt noted. The ANC is providing website back up and is considering alternate forms of communication if their government Outlook email accounts are termi-

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C

ANC 6C usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm via Webex video conference. ANC is exploring hosting a hybrid meeting (both in-person and remote Please check our attendance) soon. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join, website for dates.

Next meeting Wednesday, April 9, 2025. as well as hybrid meeting status at anc6c.org.

ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 Jeremiah Foxwell 6C01@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C03 Jay Adelstein 6C03@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C05 Daniela McInerney 6C05@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C02 Karen Wirt 6C02@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C04 Mark Eckenwiler 6C04@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C06 Andrew Hayes 6C06@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C COMMITTEES ANC 6C07 Tony Goodman 6C07@anc.dc.gov

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: drew.courtney@gmail.com

Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.tps@gmail.com

Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants

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nated. They will also prioritize disbursing grants in consideration of the possibility of changes to or termination of ANC funding.

Modifications to Sixth and K Street

The Committee voted to support a District Department of Transportation (DDOT) notice of intent (NOI) for a project to make modifications to parking and traffic patterns at Sixth and K Streets NE. The ANC recommended DDOT move an electrical box to provide an ADA-compliant sidewalk as part of the project. Commissioners heard testimony from community members concerned about the impact of this project on parking. The Commission considered delaying its input to allow for more time to look into parking issues but given the short timeline before its input was due decided to submit the comments of the ANC Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee to the agency.

In Other Business

The ANC voted to send a letter to DDOT in support of road closures linked to the Capitol Hill Classic, the race and fun run in support of the Capitol Hill Cluster Schools. The race will be held May 18. It is the 44th year for the race, a 10K course that begins at Peabody Primary School on Stanton Park and takes runners past the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the Folger Shakespeare Library, before turning along East Capitol Street to run through Lincoln Park towards RFK Stadium and along the Whitney Young Bridge, before returning along the same route. After the 10K, a 3K and kids’ fun run will take place, centered on Stanton Park. Funds raised support the Cluster School PTA, the parent organization for Peabody Primary School, Watkins Elementary and Stuart Hobson Middle School. Commissioner McInerney appointed representatives to the following ANC 6C committees: Benjamin Ray (TPS), Annette Lee (Alcohol Cannabis Licensing, ACL) and Beth O’Connor (Planning, Zoning and Economic Development, or PZE).

DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education Presentation

Jenifer Souza Dodds, Assistant Ombudsman with the DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Edu66 H HILLRAG.COM

cation, described the role of the office to the commission. The Ombudsman’s office operates under the DC State Board of Education umbrella. Their primary role is to assist families and schools in resolving concerns related to public education, using an informal conflict resolution approach. The goal is to ensure equitable access to education by supporting communication between families and schools, providing guidance on policies and procedures, working to address systemic issues when it comes to public education. The office has assisted over 6000 families in the last 10 years to navigate issues such as academic progress, attendance, safety, discipline and special education. The ombudsman’s office offers outreach and training opportunities, engages with the community through informational events and also through the DC Special Education Hub (specialeducation.dc.gov). Online and in-person trainings provide information and resources about special education for families and community members. The ombudsman also offers an informal conflict resolution approach for families in schools to foster open communication and problem solving between schools and families that can build trust and prioritize students’ best interests. Finally, the office can provide guidance on existing policies and procedures and on strategies that can help community members to resolve school related concerns, referring families and community members to programs and other resources when necessary. Learn more at educationombudsman.dc.gov ANC 6C generally meets via Webex on the second Wednesday of every month with the exception of August. The next meeting is scheduled for April 9. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join at anc6c.org. u

DDOT Refuses to Add The Wharf to The TOPP ANC 6D MARCH REPORT by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on March 18 via Zoom. Commissioners Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), An-

drea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06) and Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were in attendance. Marquell Washington (6DO1) was absent.

C Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) Community Engagement Manager Kelly Jeong-Olson briefed the commission on the agency’s Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP), which governs the city’s management of game days at Nationals Stadium and Audi Field. The agency conducted a survey of residents in the Navy Yard and Southwest. DDOT collected 360 responses, she stated. Traffic congestion, traffic violations and pedestrian/cyclist safety were the three major concerns of respondents, Jeong-Olson stated. In particular, those from Southwest cited double and illegal parking around the Wharf on Maine Avenue SW, she said. Pedestrian safety in the intersections along Maine & M Street SW also drew notice. Respondents requested improvements in event management and traffic flow, she stated. “All the issues are connected to illegal activity, illegal parking and standing,” Jeong-Olson said. She characterized it as “an issue of enforcement.” Moving on to Buzzard Point, The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) is considering returning the 74 Bus on game days, Jeong-Olson stated. However, the obstacle is the delays created by game day congestion, she said. Many Buzzard Point survey respondents also complained about the agency’s resident access placards. DDOT is working with building managers to do a better distribution, she said. Respondents complained about the traffic flow around the oval at the northern side of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, she said. The DDOT traffic center manages signal timing in real time, Jeong-Olson stated. She urged residents to call 311 with their complaints. The commission had submitted a formal written set of questions to DDOT regarding the TOPP. Jeong-Olson responded to a number of these. DDOT decided not to include Wharf in TOPP as a venue along with the stadiums, JeongOlson said. The TOPP is designed for specifical-

ADVERTISE WITH THE HILLRAG! ly timed events at the sports venues. Activities at the Wharf are not similarly scheduled. However, the agency plans to use signal timing changes and traffic control officers on Maine Avenue SW in for particularly full day events, she said. Moreover, DDOT does not have the resources to cover the stadiums and the Wharf on days where simultaneous events are scheduled, Jeong-Olson said. DDOT determined that stadium events do not significantly impact the neighborhoods around the Wharf, Jeong-Olson said. However, the agency plans to focus parking enforcement on the south side of Maine Avenue SW. She promised to provide a full set of responses to the commission’s written questions in the near future. The geofencing for for-hire vehicles is creating confusion about the location of scooter corrals, Treasurer Krammer stated. DDOT does not set the boundaries of geofencing, Kelly replied. Would the agency create a different kind of plan for the Wharf ? Levine asked. On March 29, an inter-agency taskforce plans to observe the day with two games and Wharf activities, Jeong-Olson responded.

Alcohol and Cannabis

ANC Alcohol and Cannabis (ABC) Committee

Vice Chair Laura Diangelo briefed the commission on matters related to licenses. There are many upcoming renewals, she said. Commissioners debated whether settlement agreements should be standard for all establishments. The commission voted to: • protest Fat Fish & Twists renewal on the grounds of peace, order and quiet due to a lack of settlement agreement; • support renewal of the alcohol license for Chopsmith at 11 District Sq SW; • protest the renewal of Sushi Bou at the Citizen M Hotel at 550 School St. SW on the grounds of peace, order and quiet; • amend the settlement agreement with Intercontinental Hotel to allow alcohol sales, service and consumption at 9 a.m. on the interior and summer garden and support the renewal of its license; • amend the settlement agreement with the Holiday Inn, located at 550 C St. SW, to extend its hours to 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and support the renewal of its license; • protest the application for an entertainment endorsement by Zooz at 636 Maine Ave. SW on the basis of peace, order and quiet and authorize Commissioner Levine to testify; • not to take action on any amendments to the Hornblower cruise line settlement agreement;

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support the settlement agreement and license for Love 420, Southwest’s first cannabis dispensary at 39 Q St. SW. The commission voted to allocate up to $600 for a DC email account for the ABC Committee and appoint Michael Keene its chair.

Other Matters

Chair Gottlieb thanked the SWBID for returning a dozen Safeway carts left out. Theater Alliance Director Shanara Gabrielle shared her company’s plans for its new Southwest location. Commission voted to support the Maine Corp. Marathon and the Cherry Blossom Races. ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is April 21. For more information visit www.anc6d.org. u

Special Election to Fill the 7D01 Vacancy ANC 7D MARCH REPORT by Sarah Payne Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met March 11 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04, vice chair) was absent. Single Member Districts (SMD) 7D01 and 7D02 are currently vacant.

he commission plans to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in 7D01 which has left residents of Kenilworth and Eastland Gardens unrepresented. Candidates Joshua Taborn and Charles Boston will run against each other for a second time after the Board of Elections (BOE) declared the office vacant following the 2024 General Election. The unique situation unfolded last fall when Boston withdrew from the race. When he with-

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drew, however, it was too late for his name to be removed from the ballot. In November, Taborn ran unopposed, but received fewer votes than Boston leading the BOE to declare the office vacant. Now, the two candidates will face each other again, but under slightly different circumstances. In compliance with the Board of Elections (BOE) rules, current commissioners will host the election in person at a location within the bounds of 7D01, Alcorn reported. The commission will need a quorum of at least five commissioners to conduct business and must schedule the election no later than April 12, 2025, he added. Residents of the SMD will be invited to attend the in-person event and cast votes for their preferred candidate. Following the election, the commission will pass a resolution to officially fill the seat. The time, date and location of the special election have not yet been determined.

•

Other Matters

Lead for the Safe and Healthy Housing Division of the Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) Healthy Housing Program, Dr. Lakisa Blocker, briefed the commission on resources available for community members who suspect mold or radon in their dwelling. Blocker highlighted the risks of mold exposure, which can include headaches, allergic reactions and difficulty breathing, as well as the dangers of radon, which can increase lung cancer risk. She also encouraged residents to use inspection services to ensure their homes remain safe. Tenants who suspect the presence of mold or radon can request an inspection through the DDOEE website (doee.dc.gov). The commission voted to: • request that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) extend the closing date for Notice of Intent (NOI) 25-64 regarding improvements at Miner Elementary School (601 15th St NE) to allow the commission to submit comments and feedback about the proposed design. • request that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) increase their presence at the intersection of North Carolina Ave, 16th Street and C Street NE to improve traffic enforcement and safety. • support the stipulated class CT license application, in connection with the substan-

• •

tial change application, for Langston Bar and Grill (1831 Benning Rd. NE) to allow the establishment to expand business hours and begin serving alcohol earlier in the day. support the stipulated Class B license application for Economy Market (411 18th St. NE) in connection with its application for a license transfer. request an update from the Parks and Recreation (DPR) on maintenance and development plans for Kenilworth Park along Deane Ave NE. The land parcel is currently managed by the National Park Service (NPS), but negotiations to transfer the land to the District are in progress. The commission also requests additional information about maintenance and usage during the transfer. send a letter to DDOT concerning NOI 24166-TESD, which establishes a no turn on red at the intersection of Burroughs Ave and Kenilworth Ave NE, to instead suggest traffic light turn indicators synchronized with leading pedestrian intervals to allow pedestrians to more safely cross this intersection. send a letter of support to the Mayor’s Office of Special Events for the Capitol Hill Classic road race scheduled on May 18, 2025. send a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for the design review of the new correctional treatment facility annex project following their presentations to the commission and engagement with the community.

ANC 7D will meet next on April 8 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Event Traffic Issues Dominate ANC 8F MARCH REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8F met both in-person at 250 M St. SE and online via Zoom March 18. On the Dias were Commissioners Nic

Wilson (8F01), Markita Bryant (8F02), Brian Strege (8F03) and Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Liam Goodwin (6/8F05).

amaya Lane from the DC Federation of Democratic Women came to ask the ANC to write a resolution in support of a Friends of Diamond Teague Park organization, which she hopes will be able to rehabilitate the park and the unique pyramid artwork on the site. The park at 100 Potomac Ave. SE was dedicated in 2008 to Diamond Teague, a young man born and raised in Southeast. Lane said that Teague had a difficult time, living on the streets until he joined the Earth Conservation Corps and was able to turn his life around. Teague had a full scholarship to college, Lane said, and was doing well when he was shot and killed. The ANC agreed to consider the resolution at their April meeting, which will also be attended by DPR.

Parking Woes

ANC spent discussed the perils of parking during events around Nationals Park (1500 S. Capitol St. SE), Audi Field (100 Potomac Ave. SW) and at The Wharf. Johnny Gaither, a parking administrator with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Ward 8 Community Engagement Specialist Keith Jones appeared for a question and answer session with commissioners and attendees. Gather provided insight into special event enforcement, as listed on street signs in Navy Yard. He said it only applies to baseball games at Nationals Stadium. It does not apply to DC United events or to concerts at Nationals Field, unless the event holder paid for it—then DPW would do parking enforcement and towing as during a game throughout the neighborhood. Commissioner Daniels asked if the agencies were working on updating the 311 system so that citizens reporting parking issues can track whether their ticket had been resolved. Gaither said this was an issue with the Office of Unified Communication (OUC), which runs the system, and coordination between information in parking enforcement handheld systems, which he hoped would be resolved soon.

DPW has hired 12 additional parking officers who will be on the street after eight weeks of training; midway through that time, DPW will onboard another 12 officers, bringing another two dozen enforcement personnel to DC streets by the end of the summer, a total of about 280. Responding to a question from Daniels, Gaither agreed that officers should ticket delivery drivers who are not parking in a safe manner and said he would address it with supervisors to ensure this would be addressed in officer training. Jones, from DDOT, added that his department was looking at additional curbside signage options to be announced shortly. Commissioner Bryant asked about the new traffic pattern at I Street at South Capitol Street. The commissioners flagged a lack of signage indicating that turning is now forbidden left from westbound I Street SW onto South Capitol Street SE. DDOT agreed to address this. Finally, Jones from DDOT said that a change in traffic pattern was coming to the Frederick Douglass Bridge. DDOT met with the residents in Buzzard Point a few months prior, and found they had concerns around the timing of traffic lights as vehicles travel around the circle onto the bridge. DDOT will be adjusting some of the lights over there, as well as making a lane change to facilitate traffic flow. There was no vote on any part of the discussion.

Llama Bar

The ANC voted to support an Alcohol Beverage Cannabis Administration (ABCA) application for a Class C restaurant liquor license with entertainment endorsement for Llamabar Cafe (! Mst. SE), pending a signed Settlement Agreement (SA). The coffee and juice bar hosts daytime events with DJs but until now has not served alchol. Entertainment would be permitted from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A representative for the applicant said that the establishment just wanted to have a DJ, noting they were willing to include limits on decibel levels. Commissioner Bryant said that lines to gain admittance are blocking entrances to parking garages. The representative said that while he was pleased to hear of the popularity of the establishment, he was also surprised and willing to create a barrier so that guests will not block entrances or public space.

He also indicated that the ownership was willing to include language about alternate travel to Llamabar besides driving, as Circa has done on their materials.

Crime Down in Navy Yard

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Captain Adam Crist told the commission that there had been two robberies reported in ANC 6/8F since the last meeting. The first was an attempted carjacking on the unit block of N Street SE in early March. People were out celebrating a birthday, Crist said, taking photos by a rental car near Nationals Stadium. They were approached by suspects who attempted to take the car, but they got the wrong key and were unable to take it. The suspects stole jewelry from one of the victims and fled. The other robber was a smart phone snatched on the Unit Block of M Street Feb. 24. It was reported the following day, Crist said, making it more difficult to make an arrest. There were no new assaults with a deadly weapon (ADW) nor any homicides, Crist said, adding that both ADWs committed in ANC 6/8F in 2025 were closed with an arrest as well as one of the two homicides. Crist said he was confident the other would also be closed given the excellent video of the suspect MPD had obtained from a nearby store. ANC 8F generally meets on the third Tuesday of the month with the exception of August. The next meeting is scheduled for April 22 to avoid Tax Day. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join at anc8f. org. u

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Bulletin Board AWS Earth Day Cleanup

Started by DC native Howard Gasaway of Seafarers Yacht Club in 1985, the annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup is the Anacostia Watershed Society’s largest annual volunteer event and one of the largest single-day volunteer events in the DMV. On Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., thousands of volunteers from around the watershed will pick up trash, serve our community and enjoy the Anacostia River. At 1:30 p.m., AWS will host a community celebration to show appreciation to our volunteers. Read more and register at anacostiaws.org.

Streets events happen rain or shine, and attendees are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes, bicycles, roller skates, or scooters to experience the variety of activities on the route. Residents interested in volunteering may visit openstreets.dc.gov/pages/volunteer-at-open-streets.

Half Street Farm Market Opens May 6

Half Street Central Farm Market, 1250 Half St. SE in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, opens for the season on Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The market features over 30 farmers and

Photo: Chester Simpsom

First-Ever Open Streets Event on Capitol Hill

Mayor Bowser and the District Department of Transportation have announced that Open Streets will be coming to Capitol Hill for the first time. Open Streets events provide communities with the unique opportunity to experience their neighborhoods by temporarily closing roadways to vehicles to allow for walking, biking, skating, playing, and other social activities. Open Streets Capitol Hill is being held 70 H HILLRAG.COM

on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., along North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue, spanning more than one mile from Sixth Street to 17th Street SE. This event will feature free fitness classes, bike maintenance clinics, Double Dutch, live music, foam parties, and more. Programming will focus on community building, health, and transportation safety, led by local businesses, community organizations, and District agencies. Open

The Folger’s Shakespeare Birthday Celebration Returns

The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, has announced the return of a longstanding tradition: Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration. The party to celebrate the playwright’s 461st year kicks off when the Folger opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, and concludes that evening with the annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Lecture, given this year by the Folger’s recently appointed director, Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper. The festivities offer guests the opportunity to participate in Elizabethan ruff-making, watch sword-fighting and printing press demonstrations, write sonnets, learn about Elizabethan dance and music in a dance contest, and engage with gallery guides across Folger’s exhibition halls and historic spaces. The day includes a variety of DC-based artists, as well as birthday cake for all visitors. For complete details and the schedule of events visit folger.edu/birthday.

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Azalea Peak Bloom at the Arboretum

Visitors come to the US National Arboretum’s Azalea Collections every spring to witness one of Washington’s premier spring attractions: thousands of azaleas covering the flanks of Mount Hamilton in a blaze of color. The first warm days bring out the flowers. Peak bloom can vary by two weeks or more, depending on the weather, but usually takes place around the end of April. The earliest peak date reported last decade was April 15; the latest, May 4. Many azaleas are in bloom long after the peak and others might bloom early—there are usually some azaleas in bloom from early April until well into June. The best way to see this collection is on foot. The US National Arboretum main entry is at 3501 New York Ave. NE. usna. usda.gov/discover/gardens-collections/azaleas.

vendors with products including meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, breads and pastries, produce, prepared foods, and juices. Market-goers can also enjoy table seating, chef demos, children’s activities, and live music performances each week. There is garage parking on N Street and lot parking at First and N. For a list of vendors, visit centralfarmmarkets. com/half-street-vendors.

DC Emancipation Day at Freedom Plaza Capitol Hill Classic 10k, 3k and Kids Fun Run Registration Open

The 44th annual National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic is on Sunday, May 18. Washington’s largest and oldest 10k will bring runners through the roadways of Capitol Hill, winding past the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library, Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street, and the Fields at RFK. They also have their regular 3k and kids’ fun run that will follow the 10k. The 10k ($50) starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 3k ($40) immediately following the conclusion of the 10k and the fun run ($20) immediately following the 3k. Registration is open now at capitolhillclassic.com/registration.

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On Sunday, April 13, celebrate Emancipation Day in DC at Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, with a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. dcemancipationday.com.

Board Game Speed Dating at Wunder Garten (ages 25 to 39)

On Thursday, May 8, 7 to 9 p.m., you can sit down for a night of games at Wunder Garten, 1101 First St. NE. A gam-

ing concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address. $30 to $35. wundergartendc.com.

NPS Rehabilitates Folger Park

The National Park Service has imposed a temporary closure of Folger Park, Second and D streets SE, to repair the historic walkways and plaza, repair and install benches, and restore plaza vegetation. These improvements will enhance the historic character of the park and provide needed improvements while ensuring the public can continue to enjoy the park for years to come. Folger Park is closed until Dec. 31. Visit nps.gov/cahi for updates.

CHRS House and Garden Tour Call for Docents

The CHRS Annual House and Garden Tour is on May 10 and 11, Mother’s Day weekend. They are looking for volunteers interested in serving as a house docent. Docents help with check-in at the door, keep traffic flowing and add a layer of protection for the homeowners. As important as the task is, it’s also fun to be in an interesting Capitol Hill home and greet visitors—many of whom may be old friends and neighbors or familiar faces you’ve passed in the neighborhood. They ask each docent to serve on the day and time slot of their choice. All docents will be given a free ticket to visit the other tour stops during the weekend. If interested, contact caphillhousetour@

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Washington Nationals “Pups in the Park” Games

Pups in the Park games this year are Sunday, April 6, 1:35 p.m. vs. Diamondbacks; Friday, April 25, 6:45 p.m. vs. Mets; Tuesday, May 20, 6:45 p.m. vs. Braves; Saturday, June 14, 4:05 p.m. vs. Marlins; Wednesday, Aug. 20, vs. Mets; Sunday, Sept. 28, 3:05 p.m. vs. White Sox. Tickets are $42. Purchase a discounted ticket for you, your family, and your favorite family pet and support the Washington Humane Society. All those with tickets purchased for Pups in the Park must enter through the Right Field Gate. Before entering the gate you must drop off a signed waiver for your dog’s up-to-date shots. All Pups in the Park attendees must print, sign and bring the Waiver Form with them to Nationals Park. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.

gmail.com or call/text Jackie Krieger at 202-543-1120.

dog park, and other amenities. nomabid.org.

Bike to Work Day

NoMa Farmers Market Opens April 24

Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 15. Join Bike to Work at more than 100 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for this free event--a fun and healthy way to start your day. The first 18,000 who register and attend at a pit stop receive a free T-shirt. There are also giveaways, food, and beverages at participating locations, while supplies last. Most of the pit stops have morning hours and a few are scheduled for the afternoon. Register at biketoworkmetrodc.org/register.

Spring NoMa BID CiNoMatic Season Opens

Join NoMa BID for the spring CiNoMatic season, Wednesday nights at sunset from May 7 to June 11. You bring the blankets, and they’ll provide the laughs and showstoppers for their season of musicals, comedies, and feelgood movies under the stars at Alethia Tanner Park. Sitting just north of New York Avenue in Eckington, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, this 2.5-acre space features an expansive green lawn, a children’s playground, a dedicated

SW Night Market Returns (arts, food, flea and fun)

Southwest DC’s eclectic Friday night market, on the lot at Fourth and M streets SW, returns with a diverse mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. On stage, local musicians and DJs curate a mix of live music and inviting evening soundtracks. Additionally, specialty food businesses, a beer garden, a cigar lounge, and select food trucks add to the programming mix. Southwest Market is open on May 2, 16 and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8 and 22; and Sept. 5 and 19; 4 to 10 p.m. diversemarkets.net.

Join the NoMa BID at the NoMa Farmers Market, on Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m., April 24 to October 30, where you’ll find fresh produce, quality meats, and artisanal goods. Grab ready-to-eat meals and treats while enjoying live music and outdoor seating. It is located near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro and Union Market. nomabid.org/ farmersmarket.

Golden Triangle BID Launches Interactive Art Tour

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) has launched an interactive self-guided tour showcasing museum-quality public art along some of the most iconic streets of DC’s downtown. Launching just in time to announce the 12th annual Golden Haiku competition winners, the tour celebrates poetry as art while inviting everyone to explore a high-quality and distinct collection of outdoor artworks. Download the easy story guide at goldentriangledc.com/what-we-do/public-art that points out not only haiku winners, but also remarkable sculptures, murals, and functional art dotting the Golden Triangle, ranging from wavy wooden structures to colorful bike racks. goldentriangledc.com.

AARP Spring Luncheon and Speaker Series

The Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter extends an invitation to all to their 33rd Anniversary Year, Spring Luncheon Meeting and Speaker Series on Wednesday, April 16, noon, at River Park Mutual Homes, Charles Goodman

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 54-2025

BOND ADVISOR AND COUNSEL SERVICES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capitol Programs (OCP) requires qualified licensed and insured entity to provide bond related consulting services for DCHA.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, March 24, 2025, 2025, and can be found on Housing Authority Market Place at: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com

To access files respondents are required to Register on the Housing Agency Market Place platform.

Respondents will then need to log in and locate this RFP for all related documents. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the Housing Agency Market Place site regularly to stay current on the documents that are available as this is the primary communication sit for this RFP. PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, April 7, 2025, by 12:00 p.m. Photo: Courtesy of the US Navy Memorial

Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

The Blessing of the Fleet at the Navy Memorial

The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition that protects Sailors from the dangers of the sea. This tradition dates to ancient times and is meant to safeguard ships and their crew members after an offering is made at the water’s edge. Each year, starting in 1987 when it was dedicated, the US Navy Memorial blesses the water in its outdoor fountains with water from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes. This annual blessing recharges the water, bringing the fountains back to life in time for the spring season. This year’s ceremony is on Saturday, April 12, 1 to 2 p.m., at Navy Memorial Plaza, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. No registration required. navymemorial.org.

Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. Featured speaker is Victoria Christopher Murray, best-selling author of more than 30 novels, Including the New York Times Instant Best Seller, The Personal Librarian. Lunch is $5. For further information contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.

Potomac Water Taxi Returns for Season

DC Water Taxi offers transportation to and from The Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. Enjoy the scenic views of our nation’s capital from the sheltered glass enclosure or soak in early spring sun from the roof of the boat while you sail past traffic. De-

partures begin at the Wharf at 11:45 a.m. and will depart every 30 minutes to one hour depending on the day of the week. Purchase a Water Taxi season pass for $225. One way and round-trip tickets are also available at $21. cityexperiences.com.

FurnishHopeDC

FurnishHopeDC seeks to help residents of DC’s Wards 7 and 8 who lack resources to furnish their homes and thereby help break a family’s cycle of poverty. They believe there is enough furniture in the DMV area for everyone to have a bed to sleep on, a dresser in which to put away one’s clothes...a table to eat at with family. Most importantly, they are the only nonprofit that delivers furniture, recognizing that the people who need it

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 33-2025

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION FOR JUDICIARY HOUSE The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of the Executive Director (OED) requires licensed, qualified professionals for General Construction for Judiciary House.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available Monday, March 17, 2025, and can be found on Housing Agency Marketplace at: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=506

To access files Vendors are required to Register on the Housing Agency marketplace. See registration link below.

https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=506

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, April 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Email LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@ dchousing.org for additional information.

April 2025 H 75

In Memoriam

David Howard Ehrlich 1937 to 2025 Mr. Ehrlich was born in Cambridge, Mass., on June 30, 1937, into a Boston retailing family that traced its ancestry to the department store Jordan Marsh. His father was Richard Adolph; his mother the former Virginia Howard of Los Angeles, whose sister had married the film producer Samuel Goldwyn. Growing up in Brookline, Mass., he attended Milton Academy (class of 1954); Yale College (1958), and Harvard Business School (1961). Retaining close emotional ties throughout his entire life to his education, he enjoyed attending and helping to mount the quinquennial reunions at all three. He was also a lifelong member of the St. Botolph Club in Boston.

Marine Barracks Evening Parades Begin for Season

The Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, Eighth and I streets SE, begin this year on Friday, May 2. Gates open from 7 to 8 p.m. Guests will see the finest in military excellence including performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade as well as take photographs with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI. Read more and register to attend at barracks. marines.mil/Parades/Friday-Evening-Parade-Schedule-Reservation.

His working career included five years at Bloomingdales in New York, and twelve at Touraine Stores in Boston, the family firm. Moving to Washington in 1979, he spent time at the Smithsonian Institution and as an adjunct teacher at Marymount University. A serious student of both history and geography, he traveled the world from Iceland to Yemen and most places in between, jesting that he’d been to Paris many more times than California. And haunted by the Lincoln assassination, he found an additional calling as a costumed docent for more than 20 years at the Mary Surratt museum and tavern in Clinton, Md. Classical music, however, was his most consuming love. “Forced” to learn the piano from his father at the age of six, he came to love it. After a forty-year career of singing tenor in a series of choruses (the Cantata Singers in New York, Cecilia Society and Chorus pro Musica in Boston; and Paul Hill Chorale and Bach Consort in Washington), and associated administrative responsibilities, he became fascinated, through workshops at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, with the piano’s role in classical chamber music. In 1997, he founded an amateur concert series, the Southwest Chamber Players, that gave some 200 performances in Washington, and elsewhere. He married twice: first to Daphne Abeel, a Milton classmate, in 1964, and then in 1985 to Barbara Brannan, who survives him. Two brothers, Peter of Bedford, N.Y., and Daniel of Albany, Oregon, predeceased him. Numerous nephews and cousins populate much of the country, but his closest affection has been for his seven far-flung “play-daughters” Suzanne Gomez (Panama); Kalina Dimitrova (London); Judit Jaksa (Nagydorog, Hungary); Ramesh Mazhari and Dilyana Kirova (Washington, Julia Goudimova (Lexington, Va); and Visnja Kosanovic (Sydney, Australia). It would be a great mistake for this tract to underestimate the importance of David’s second (and last) wife Barbara, not only to David, but to the community they inhabited together since 1979. Barbara, whom David loved to call “the grey eminence of Southwest” will one day have her own obituary, which will document the encyclopedic role she played over fifty years. Moving here since 1970, she played a significant role in everything that has happened here. She picked David up a sorely (emotionally, if not physically) wounded David in 1981, helped build his self-confidence and comfort as they built and inhabited a stately home at 501 H Street.

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most are the most likely not to be able to afford transportation to pick it up. FurnishHopeDC provides hope and keeps good furniture out of landfills. Read more at furnishhopedc.org.

The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy in Old Anacostia Tour

For generations following the horseback escape of John Wilkes Booth from Washington City up Good Hope Road SE conspiracy chatter lingered among shop keepers, police and everyday citizens in Old Anacostia about their neighborhood’s connections to the plot to assassinate President Lincoln. On Friday, April 11, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., learn about the lost history and unknown relationships of key figures in the conspiracy in a unique walking tour offered by local historian, reporter and tour guide John Muller. The tour meets at the Visitor’s Center of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. Wear walking shoes;

total travel is 2.5 miles. Parts of the tour are not accessible for people with mobility issues. Tickets are $15 to $20, plus fees. This tour repeats on Sunday, Nov. 23, 11:30 a.m. Find this and other Lost History tours at Lost History Associates via eventbrite.com/Lost History Associates.

Free DPR Lifeguard Training

DC DPR employs the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) to train and certify lifeguards to work both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities throughout the District. All candidates must be 16 or older and must pass the prerequisites screening on the first day of class which includes the following: a 100 yard swim (continuous using an approach stroke, freestyle or breaststroke); retrieve a 10 pound dive brick from the deepest part of the training facility; tread water without the use of your hands for one minute; exit the pool unassist-

ed and without the use of steps or a ladder. Additional details and information, visit dpr.dc.gov/lifeguard.

National’s Ballpark Access Pass

The 82-Game Ballpark Access Pass includes a Standing Room Only ticket to all 82 Nationals home games in 2025. Pay just $5 per game, while receiving access to great benefits and discounts throughout Nationals Park. Tickets are stored exclusively in the MLB Ballpark app. A onetime processing fee of $20 per pass will be added upon checkout. mlb. com/nationals/tickets/season-tickets/plan-options/ballpark-access.

Clothing Swap 2025 at MLK Library

On Saturday, April 26, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., get rid of a few unwanted pieces of clothing. Then come, dig, and leave with a whole new wardrobe. Join MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, for a clothing swap where you can exchange your pre-loved clothing for new-to-you treasures. Each person brings in their gently worn clothing that they no longer want, and then everyone gathers to exchange clothing. Only men’s and women’s clothing are accepted. Attendees who wish to participate may bring up to 10 pieces of clothing. (You must bring in items in order to leave with items.) Participants will receive tickets equal to the number of items brought that can be exchanged for other swapped items once browsing opens at 1:30 p.m. Bring in items that are gently-used, new and in clean wearable condition. Unacceptable items are: event t-shirts, undergarments, lingerie, socks, hangers, swimsuits, children’s clothing, shoes, or accessories. All remaining items will be donated. dclibrary.org.

Residential Street Sweeping Service Resumed

The Department of Public Works has announced the resumption of residential street sweeping through Friday, Oct. 31. Motorists are asked to obey posted signs indicating the schedule of parking restrictions in order to ensure streets are swept thoroughly. Parking restrictions will be enforced on streets with posted signage. Parking is generally prohibited for two-hour intervals (9:30 am to 11:30 am or 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm) during sweeping hours. Alternate side parking is required on streets where parking is allowed on only one side. Fines of $45 will be issued to violators. For more information about DC’s posted residential street cleaning program and other DPW spring services, visit dpw. dc.gov/spring.

DC Reverse Mortgage Insurance and Tax Payment Program

The non-profit Housing Counseling Services accepts applications for the DC Housing Finance Agency’s Reverse Mortgage Insurance and Tax Payment Program, ReMIT. DC homeowners who have a reverse mortgage and are at risk of foreclosure may receive up to $40,000 to pay delinquent property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and Homeowner Association or Condo Association fees. Income limits apply. To learn if you qualify, call the Foreclosure Prevention hotline at 202-2652255. Do You Have a Notice for the Bulletin Board? The Hill Rag Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. If you have a notice, send it to bulletinboard@ hillrag.com. u

April 2025 H 77

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HOMES& GARDENS

An array of herbs can be grown on your windowsill or in a container in your garden. Here you see cilantro, rosemary, parsley, thyme, sage and mint. Photo: Annette Nielsen

The Hill Gardener: Sow it Begins

ardening is a great activity to honor earth month. Starting a kitchen herb garden doesn’t need to be a huge undertaking and will provide you with beautiful, aromatic and delicious plants without much effort – so that you may easily snip a few sprigs of basil or chives to flavor your supper or place an herb garnish on a plate.

Some Starter Tips •

If you’re starting your seeds indoors, identify

by Annette Nielsen

•

a sunny windowsill that will get at least four hours of sunlight a day. Soil health matters. Choose a high-quality potting soil mix for your herbs. It’s best to avoid using soil from your garden or outdoor space because it can be too dense and compact, preventing the seedling roots from properly developing. The outdoor soil could possibly contain weeds or bacteria, too, that could end up living in and contaminating your seedlings.

•

It’s a good idea to give each type of herb ample space within the container. Plant seeds about a quarter of an inch deep and gently cover with loose potting soil, watering lightly to settle the soil and launch the germination process. To prevent overcrowding (and weak, spindly plants) and if you’ve used several seeds, you’ll need to consider thinning the seedlings as they begin to grow, snipping the extras at the soil line. (Better to snip with scissors rather than pull out seedlings, as you risk uprooting the plants and damaging roots.) After about a month from your planting day, your herbs should begin to be ready to harvest. For harvesting basil or dill, harvest where the leaf meets the stem (called the leaf node) and for parsley or chives, you should cut a few stems down at the base of the plant.

More Tips for Growing Your Herbs Outdoors

Dominique Charles, the founder of Plots and Pans (myplotsandpans.com), is a DC-based garden consultant and enthusiastic home cook specializing in edible gardens and landscapes. She offers some pro-tips around growing, particularly if you plan on bringing your seedlings outdoors. Says Charles, “It’s important to pay attention to your weather app. Check for the last date of frost,” and she notes before planting, check to see what items fare well in your growing zone. “The Dominique Charles started a company called Plots and Pans, to encourage growing throughout the District with a focus on planting seeds for harvesting produce. Photo: Rhonisha Franklin

April 2025 H 79

HOMES&GARDENS

USDA has a zoned map that shares different locations and plant heartiness. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. While you may still be able to grow things that don’t directly match your zone, this map helps choose plants that have the best chance of success.” While we all are enthusiastic about growing and springtime, Charles reminds us to budget. “Gardening as a new gardener is pricey. The investment in a great soil can seem scary, but ultimately, this is your foundation,” and one that will pay off with higher gardening yields. And she adds the importance of water can’t be understated, “You need to schedule your watering on a daily basis – you need water and so do your plants.” Lastly, Charles says to have fun. “I have standard items I grow, but I always throw in a few random items, that sometimes end up being a huge hit.”

Local Resources (selected): • • •

DC Department of Energy and the Environment and the Office of Urban Agriculture is a good place to start. https://doee. dc.gov/urbanag DC Department of Parks and Recreation https://dpr.dc.gov/ page/adult-and-senior-environmental-programs DUG: DC Urban Gardeners + Newsletter (A volunteer coop promoting urban ag, food justice, and sustainability resources for the greater DC area) https://dcurbangardenernetwork. wordpress.com/

At the Rooting DC event, a GW Global Food Institute table offers the opportunity to make a seedling pot from a wooden dowel, around which you shape your compostable newspaper pot. Photo: Annette Nielsen

• •

Garden DC Podcast and Washington Gardener Magazine (by Kathy Jentz) https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/ University of the District of Columbia https://dpr.dc.gov/page/adult-andsenior-environmental-programs

Books:

Growing, Older: A Chronicle of Death, Life and Vegetables by Joan Dye Gussow, is a book that’s been out for over a dozen years but has evergreen messages. While Gussow looks at what is seasonal in our everyday (possibly) growing, cooking and eating, she also has an emphasis on nutrition, where she understands that our health is inextricably tied to the stewardship of mother earth. For books that address what/how to plant and eat, consider Veggie Smarts by Dr. Michael T. Compton (will be published later in April 2025 by Regalo Press), who breaks down the various ways to grow and savor eight families of vegetables. A doctor and farmer, Compton’s passionate and practical approach to eating (and growing) provide inspiration for making smart and nourishing choices. At the Rooting DC event in March at Eastern High School break-out sessions included looking at soil health and tips for sprouting seeds at home and backyard composting. Photo: Courtesy DOEE

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Annette Nielsen, a writer and food systems advisor, returned to Capitol Hill from New York where she served as the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. u

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THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR MODIFICATION OF DCHA’S ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCUPANCY PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on its proposed Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan(ACOP). To download a copy of the proposed ACOP, please visit the DCHA website at https://www. dchousing.org/plans-and-reports. To request a copy of the proposed ACOP, send an email to publiccomments@dchousing.org or call 771-240-4377. The Virtual Public Hearing will take place online at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14. To speak during the Virtual Public Hearing, register online at https://bit.ly/RegisterACOPPublicHearing. To join the live event, at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, please visit https://bit.ly/ ACOPPublicHearing. This event will also be live streamed on the DCHA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dchousing/. Comments Written comments regarding the proposed ACOP will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. Email your comments to publiccomments@dchousing.org. Alternatively, you can mail comments to: District of Columbia Housing Authority Office of the General Counsel Attn: General Counsel 300 7th Street, SW 10th Floor Washington, DC 20024 Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation DCHA strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. It is the policy of DCHA that all agency-sponsored public meetings and events are accessible to people with disabilities. DCHA is committed to providing equal access to events for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact our ADA/504 Program Office at 202-535-1000 or at ADA504@ dchousing.org with your complete request. Every reasonable effort will be made to meet your request. If you need a sign language interpreter or foreign language interpretation or translation, please contact our Office of Customer Engagement at 202-535-1000 or go to www.dchousing.org/ language. Please allow at least 3 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

April 2025 ★ 81

In The Weeds by the Capitol Hill Garden Club

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I have noticed some browning branches on my Camellias from the past winter’s harsh temperatures and winds. When is it safe to remove this unsightly foliage without injuring the shrub? Winter burn on evergreens is usually noticed around this time of the year. It appears on leaves that are exposed to strong winter winds or areas where the cold air can sit for extended periods of time. By observing your garden throughout the year, these places are easily identified. Often we see brown leaves at the tips of branches or sometimes even an entire branch. The best time to prune away any winter damage is after the last chance of freeze or frost. Frost can damage any new growth that might begin due to periods of warmer temperatures. Depending on your zone and the placement of the shrub, the end of March or early April is the perfect time to cut any damaged areas off using clean pruners. As you prune out any damage, use this time to also perform a light shaping of any branches that

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Hostas concealing bulb foliage

Winter burn on Camellia leaves

might be undesirable, are crossing or rubbing. Checking for other signs of disease, such as leaf gall, is also a good idea. If practical use horticultural fleece or burlap to protect from further winter damage. Remember to avoid pruning late in the season, as this encourages tender shots which are prone to winter damage. Also, make certain one to two inches of mulch covers the shallow roots and water if there are dry spells over the winter. As I anticipate my spring bulb display, I know the unsightly aftermath is sure to follow. When the bulbs finish flowering, I find the foliage a bit unsightly. If I cut away the foliage will it damage the bulbs? What ideas can you suggest to avoid my garden becoming unsightly as the season transitions? Put those pruners away unless you are cutting blooms to bring indoors. The foliage of finished spring bulbs should be considered the batteries for next year’s blooms. This foliage, while it might be unsightly, is absorb-

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ing energy from the sun to charge the bulbs. If you remove the foliage, you weaken the bulb and it may not bloom the following year. Usually the foliage of the very early bulbs will fade to yellow, as it quickly disappears into the flower bed. Your bigger or late booming bulb foliage tends to linger, as they have a bit more energy to absorb. Overtime, the foliage will become pale, withered, and can easily tugged from the ground. Two ways to come to mind to make this foliage disappear into the landscape before its time. Planting early spring annuals such as pansies or snapdragons can draw the eye away from any foliage that is visually undesirable. Consider using fall planted seed mixes. The foliage will emerge and provide a fresh visual, as you anticipate their bloom. Strategically planted perennials are a cost effective way to conceal fading foliage. Planting Hemorocallis (Daylily’s) Daylily’s Hostas, Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), Pulmonaria or even Heuchera can offer a beautiful foliage display that distracts from the waning bulbs. The foliage will naturally lay between or behind this foliage as it recharges. To find out more about gardening or just spend more time with like-minded plant people, consider joining us at one of our monthly meetings. Attend the next Capitol Hill Garden Club meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, at 6:30 PM at the Northeast Library, 330 7th Street, NE. We look forward to meeting you! Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to capitolhillgardenclub@gmail.com ◆

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Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners April 2025 ★ 83

Changing Hands Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. NEIGHBORHOOD

PRICE

HOMES ANACOSTIA

1458 Howard Rd SE 1408 Ridge Pl SE 1231 V St SE 1618 Ridge Pl SE

$439,900 $388,000 $320,000 $305,000

BARRY FARMS 1328 Talbert Ter SE

$430,000

BLOOMINGDALE

2021 Flagler Pl NW 2226 1st St NW

$1,450,000 $1,225,000

BRENTWOOD

1517 Montana Ave NE 2229 13th St NE

$560,000 $362,000

CAPITOL HILL

214 10th St NE 411 G St SE 1000 Independence Ave SE 223 9th St SE 1325 Constitution Ave NE 1320 Massachusetts Ave SE 725 Massachusetts Ave NE 1321 D St SE 21 3rd St NE 411 11th St SE 153 E St SE 1106 E St SE 620 3rd St NE 513 G St NE 1013 C St SE 709 3rd St NE 121 9th St NE 613 Maryland Ave NE 1315 D St NE 421 9th St NE 230 12th Pl NE 331 F St NE 112 11th St NE 610 14th St NE 1008 K St NE 244 14th St SE 1007 S Carolina Ave SE 1357 Emerald St NE 4 14th St SE 533 5th St NE 815 G St NE

$2,700,000 $2,250,000 $2,215,000 $2,200,000 $2,095,000 $2,033,000 $1,960,000 $1,840,000 $1,790,000 $1,734,000 $1,363,000 $1,330,000 $1,325,000 $1,278,000 $1,225,000 $1,124,000 $1,110,000 $1,100,000 $988,000 $985,000 $981,000 $970,331 $925,000 $910,000 $880,000 $880,000 $858,560 $785,000 $775,000 $720,000 $590,000

CARVER LANGSTON 1758 Lang Pl NE

$485,000

CENTRAL 2034 O St NW

$1,750,000

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

3740 Horner Pl SE 1330 Barnaby Ter SE 117 Upsal St SE 3230 Wheeler Rd SE 1325 Barnaby Ter SE 212 Oakwood St SE #209

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$675,000 $440,000 $430,000 $380,000 $250,000 $197,500

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

DEANWOOD

5812 Clay St NE 230 Division Ave NE 6004 Clay St NE 5105 Lee St NE 5331 Jay St NE 318 Eastern Ave NE 5206 Sheriff Rd NE 511 57th St NE 5621 Eads St NE

$489,000 $455,000 $445,000 $425,000 $415,000 $412,000 $359,000 $350,000 $290,000

DUPONT CIRCLE

1705 Q St NW 1626 Riggs Pl NW 1624 19th St NW 2015 R St NW 1733 17th St NW 1807 T St NW

$3,007,000 $3,250,000 $3,139,000 $3,100,000 $1,625,000 $1,425,000

ECKINGTON

170 U St NE 166 Uhland Ter NE

$520,000 $415,000

FAIRLAWN 1516 S St SE

$560,000

FORT DUPONT PARK

3354 Ely Pl SE 4354 Dubois Pl SE 4618 Hilltop Ter SE 1128 46th St SE 4372 Dubois Pl SE 932 Hilltop Ter SE 4236 Southern Ave SE 1227 44th Pl SE 4607 Benning Rd SE

$698,475 $485,000 $480,000 $435,000 $423,000 $360,000 $275,000 $240,000 $130,000

FORT LINCOLN 3717 Hansberry Ct NE

$710,000

H STREET CORRIDOR

816 8th St NE 1531 Gales St NE 810 8th St NE 833 10th Street NE

$2,100,000 $999,900 $975,000 $950,000

HILLCREST

1217 34th Pl SE 3016 M Pl SE

$470,000 $424,900

HILL EAST 707 17th St SE

$1,049,900

KINGMAN PARK

1712 C St NE 1702 D St NE 2104 D St NE

LEDROIT PARK

8 3 3 5 3 1

417 T St NW

$1,200,000 $925,000 $605,000 $1,210,000

LILY PONDS 208 34th St NE

$300,000

LOGAN CIRCLE

1217 S St NW 1337 Vermont Ave NW

$2,230,000 $1,565,000

5 4 3 7 3 3 3 4 2 7 6 8 16 7 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 2 4 5 4 3 5 3 3 4

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

95 49th SE 5044 Call Pl SE 4657 A St SE 4920 Astor Pl SE

$522,000 $455,000 $435,000 $385,000

NAVY YARD 908 3rd Pl SE

$1,055,000

4 2 4 3

NOMA

1131 4th St NE 644 Orleans Pl NE

$1,400,000 $900,000

OLD CITY #1

1550 Rear Independence Ave SE 904 10th St NE 614 L St NE 1704 A St SE 626 I St NE 307 15th St NE 321 16th St NE 322 15th St NE 1505 E SE 1030 4th St NE

$999,900 $918,000 $855,000 $685,000 $660,000 $640,000 $585,000 $575,000 $575,000 $510,000

OLD CITY #2

1714 5th St NW 1620 6th St NW 1827 Vermont Ave NW 1628 3rd St NW 72 K St NW

$1,205,100 $1,200,000 $788,000 $685,000 $625,000

RANDLE HEIGHTS

2916 Stanton Rd SE 3247 Stanton Rd SE 1840 T St SE

$570,000 $450,000 $379,250

RIVER TERRACE 303 34th St NE

$500,000

SW WATERFRONT 800 Capitol Square Pl SW

$1,200,000

5 3

4 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 3 3 3 4 3 3

1401 K St SE #3 1323 K St SE #204 22 17th St SE

CARVER LANGSTON 1004 18th St NE #5

$245,500

CENTRAL

1111 25th St NW #909 1330 Massachusetts Ave NW #420

$544,150 $170,000

CHINATOWN 809 6th St NW #45

$524,500

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

912 Barnaby St SE #101 914 Barnaby St SE #102

$115,000 $95,000

DEANWOOD 4613 Minnesota Ave NE #2

$370,000

DUPONT CIRCLE

2139 N St NW #4 1416 21st St NW #102 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #620 1837 19th St NW #2 1708 19th St NW #1 1816 19th St NW #4 1615 Q St NW #407 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #201 2001 16th St NW #607 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #502 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #606

$1,942,500 $615,000 $295,000 $1,462,500 $550,000 $530,000 $485,000 $399,000 $390,000 $315,000 $310,000

ECKINGTON

32 Todd Pl NE #1 32 Todd Pl NE #1

$796,000 $796,000

FAIRLAWN 2123 Young St SE #203

$700,000 $585,000 $340,000

$215,000

FORT DUPONT PARK

3937 S St SE #207 $145,000 512 Ridge Rd SE #206 $90,000 1143 Oates St NE $935,000 4 512 Ridge Rd SE #308 $80,000 1304 Trinidad Ave NE $850,000 4 430 Ridge Rd SE #202 $67,500 1207 Morse St NE $711,000 3 430 Ridge Rd SE #203 $45,000 811 20th St NE $599,000 3 H STREET CORRIDOR 1508 F St NE #6 $422,000

TRINIDAD

CONDO ANACOSTIA

5 4 3

3 4 3 4

2305 Nicholson SE #403

$499,900

BARRY FARMS 2617 Douglass Pl SE #202

$275,000

BRENTWOOD

1228 Brentwood Rd NE #201 1328 Bryant St NE #3

$539,000 $385,000

CAPITOL HILL

507 K St NE #1 647 G St SE #4 1513 A St NE #1 528a 13th St SE #A

$965,000 $885,000 $785,000 $749,500

3 2 2 2 3 2 3 2

LOGAN CIRCLE

1437 Rhode Island Ave NW #801-802 1631 13th St NW #3 1631 13th St NW #2 1427 Rhode Island Ave NW #404 1310 Vermont Ave NW #4 1515 15th St NW #430 1111 11th St NW #207 1229 12th St NW #B2 1300 N NW #603 1245 13th St NW #514 1312 Massachusetts Ave NW #110 1133 14th St NW #1205 1 Scott Cir NW #402 1735 Johnson Ave NW #B 1208 M St NW #32

$1,850,000 $1,389,750 $1,289,750 $1,252,500 $1,230,000 $1,175,000 $689,900 $525,000 $457,500 $405,000 $375,000 $325,000 $305,000 $624,999 $680,000

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SPRING INTO

A NEW HILL HOME! 1422 Potomac Ave SE 4BR/3BA/YARD $1,099,000

EW ! N ICE PR

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5045 Call Pl SE #301

$150,000

MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE

400 NW Massachusetts Ave. NW #921 $455,000 811 4th St NW #205 $630,000 406 M St NW #3 $500,000

MT VERNON SQUARE

400 Massachusetts Ave NW #823 437 New York Ave NW #213

$451,000 $439,000

ER T! D C N A U TR N CO

HEAD-TO-TOE RENOVATION AT THE ROOST & METRO! Complete renovation with fresh designs and masterful carpentry from the European craftsmen at Quest Home Builders! Wide plank floors, exposed brick walls, built-in shelving PLUS brand new kitchen and baths make this home feel BRAND NEW! Enjoy a deep front yard along the Avenue, with rear deck overlooking backyard that walks out to G Street SE - just ONE block from Metro, Safeway, and local favorite The Roost!

2 1 2 2

553 15th Street SE 4BR/3.5BA/CORNER YARD $1,250,000 WIDE AND WELCOMING ON A “CAPITAL” HILL CORNER! Tired of typical? Look no further for coveted, convenient Capitol Hill location and a RARE WIDE, WONDERFUL corner home with great green curb appeal! Steps to Metro, Safeway, Roost and River Trails, enjoy 38 feet of frontage for side patio with deluxe grilling center and gardens, and 22-foot wide building front for extra large living area with wood burning hearth. Easy entertaining flow from front and side entry. FULL 2013 RENOVATION with all new windows, wiring, mechanicals, plumbing, and finishes. Rooftop solar PV system covers your electric bill - sustainable in every way!

1 1

NOMA

655 Morton Pl NE #2 50 Florida Ave NE #221 57 N St NW #221

$745,000 $585,000 $281,139

OLD CITY #1

1201 Potomac Ave SE #2 1025 1st St SE #1008 1815 A St SE #202

$803,000 $385,000 $280,000

OLD CITY #2

475 K St NW #1215 2020 12th St NW #208 555 Massachusetts Ave NW #707 1615 New Hampshire Ave NW #52 1816 T St NW 555 Massachusetts Ave NW #502

$1,250,000 $662,000 $455,000 $446,000 $425,000 $310,000

PENN QUARTER

475 H St NW #2-R 616 E St NW #618 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #720 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #922

$2,200,000 $731,750 $510,000 $489,900

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2472 Alabama Ave SE #A201

$89,250

RLA (SW)

823 3rd St SW 700 7th St SW #208 300 M St SW #N107

$505,823 $409,000 $312,000

2 2 2 3 0 1

3 2 1 1 1 2 2 1

$1,275,000 $1,162,500 $470,000

SW WATERFRONT

601 Wharf St SW #PH5 601 Wharf St SW #603 525 Water St SW #208

$6,000,000 $1,550,000 $624,000

TRINIDAD

1251 Holbrook Ter NE #B 1426 Montello Ave NE #A 1214 Meigs Pl NE #2 1210 19th St NE #1 1653 Trinidad Ave NE #4

$770,000 $660,000 $539,900 $414,900 $254,000

TRUXTON CIRCLE

210 P St NW #3 136 Q NW #2 1539 4th St NW #1

$1,100,000 $899,900 $470,150

U STREET CORRIDOR

1332 Belmont St NW #301 1939 12th St NW #502 2004 11th St NW #129 1744 U St NW #G 2120 Vermont Ave NW #422 u

$1,050,000 $880,000 $589,000 $522,500 $401,100

2 2 2

1309 E Street SE # 16 2BR/2BA/PARKING $795,000

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

SUNNY CORNER CONDO AT WONDERFUL WATKINS ALLEY! SUNNY corner unit delivers the best of Capitol Hill convenience, contemporary construction, and the community of Watkins Alley all at an UNPRECEDENTED value! From your secure garage parking space, take the extra-large elevator directly to your PRIVATE THIRD-FLOOR ENTRANCE. Be dazzled as you enter the WIDE OPEN main living area bathed in Southern + Western sunshine, streaming through 10 oversized windows. This rare condo offers custom counter heights, 36” wide doors, smart grab bars, and wide hallways offering easy flow and accessibility for all.

3 2 1 1 1 0

SHAW

440 R NW #201 1225 10th St NW #3 605 Rhode Island Ave NW #1

! EW G N IN ST I L

614 A Street NE 4BR/4.5BA/GARAGE

1224 Independence Ave SE 4BR/3.5BA/PATIO $1,399,000 PERIOD PERFECT AT LINCOLN PARK PRISTINE PLACE + PROFITS BELOW Declare your Independence from sterile home renovations! Appreciate the fine turn-of-thecentury craftsmanship in this beautifully preserved home with excellent updates and character in every corner! Featuring original floors, ceiling medallions & light fixtures, trim & window casings, hearths, tin ceilings, and a stained glass skylight! Fantastic flexibility as a 4-bedroom home on three luscious levels, or, use the LL 1-bedroom apartment with C of O for long- or short-term rental, a home office, or hosting the in-laws!

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH MODERN COMFORTS IN A PRIME LOCATION Welcome this beautifully restored historic home seamlessly blending timeless details with modern upgrades. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms, including a spacious primary suite, the main house boasts elegant parquet floors, two marble mantles, and exquisite architectural features throughout. The lower level offers a unique cinema room, wine cellar, and kitchenette, perfect for entertaining. The private backyard provides an urban oasis, surrounded by brick walls, wall fountains, and a stunning magnolia tree, offering a tranquil retreat. BONUS: garage (parking and storage), plus a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom carriage house.

725 Massachusetts Ave NE 5BR/3.5BA/Garage $1,960,000 STATELY STUNNER BETWEEN STANTON & LINCOLN PARKS! Standing proudly along a vibrant row of Victorian neighbors, this semi-detached square bay-front is stately and serene on the outside, with dimensions worthy of a majestic mansion inside: Soaring 11-ft ceilings, tall passages and pocket doors. Rare period-perfect fixtures have been restored in every room, while systems, kitchens, and baths have been updated throughout. Crowned by three HUGE bedrooms (each with 3-4 windows) & two renovated bathrooms UP, PLUS spacious 2-BR Eng. basement apartment, and detached garage!

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

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info@joelnelsongroup.com April 2025 H 85

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ARTS& DINING

Cooking with the Chef Café Berlin

article and photos by Annette Nielsen

lytie Roberts-Glage and her husband, Chef Rico Glage weren’t the first owners of the iconic Café Berlin, although their food and gracious hospitality are seen as mainstays in the community on Capitol Hill and throughout DC since they took over the restaurant in 2013. The duo come from food families. Chef Rico Glage grew up in northeastern Germany along the Baltic coast where his mom was a chef and Clytie comes from Killeen, Texas, growing up in the bar and restaurant business. For anyone who has worked in food service, the long hours need to be offset by the passion for the work, particularly when 90 percent of the items on the Café Berlin menu are made from scratch (even desserts). The Chef emphasizes knowing where he is sourcing his ingredients for each of the dishes he prepares, and he focuses on minimizing food waste, an important lesson learned in his early training. “Every job is hard,” says Rico, “and if you love what you’re doing, you can enjoy each day, even when you’re at work.” Rico praises his team, too, “they all know they will have long days, they will need to be able to prioritize – it will be stressful, but at the end of the day, they’ve performed good work.” Clytie, Clarissa their daughter, and Rico serving up tasty trout and seasonal flatbread with Rico and Clytie’s daughter Clarissa can observe the family busicrème fraiche, leeks and onions in the dining room. ness, too. Says Clytie, “Having a family business allows our daughter to be ‘weird’ thing he introduced me to was tinned Rugen fish on bread with butwith us more at work, teach a strong work ethic – including when we have failter or herbed cream cheese. When he opened the can, I was put off but after ures followed by the resilience necessary to move through those failures.” the first bite, I was hooked. Now, my goal when we travel back to Germany to visit family is to find the most niche regional food item or to try as many variations on a dish as possible. One visit, I had Rote Grutze (red berry dessert) When asked what it’s like to bring authentic German cuisine to the US capitol, at six different places and three different versions of Mettwurst (typically a Rico says, “Americans have an expectation of German food that is mainly limpork sausage flavored with garlic, cured and smoked, and can be eaten raw, ited to the cuisine of Bavaria and Schwabia. I am cooked or grilled).” from the northeast of Germany. I worked for a long Rico notes a couple of fresh ingredients he time in Bavaria and the Black Forest so I know that misses from Germany that aren’t found here. cuisine well, but I love to throw in dishes I grew “Hornhecht! It’s known as a garfish in Engup eating.” But, Chef Rico continues, “When I lish and my favorite fish. It can be caught in the put those dishes on the menu, we often get comBaltic Sea in the months of May and June and had ments and reviews about it ‘not being German.’” green bones.” Clytie, who grew up in a town with a sigRico notes another item I would think of as nificant first-generation German influence, says being easy to obtain—potatoes. her perception of German cuisine changed since “Potatoes are another thing I miss – yeah, I meeting Rico. know you can get potatoes, and we have a good “Growing up, I was exposed to dishes mainfarmer (Earth and Eats in Pennsylvania) to get ly from the south of Germany. My horizons were some good ones in the season, however a lot of othabsolutely broadened when I met Rico. The first Red cabbage, onions and apples prepping on the stove. er good restaurants buy from them, too so they are

Authenticity and Tastes of Home

April 2025 H 87

ARTS&DINING

Flammkuchen

Makes approximately 8-10 flatbreads

Chef Rico Glage preparing the flatbread or flammkuchen, German-style flatbread starting with a spread of crème fraiche.

only around in the season they are harvested. Once they are gone, we are back to the handful of mass-produced varieties that are less flavorful and more watery than those found in Germany. There are so many varieties from which to choose, and there is a lot of attention paid to crop rotation to keep the soil healthy, so the flavor and quality is always there.” As Rico and Clytie and their extended restaurant family close in on the restaurant’s 40th year, they’re excited about the upcoming celebration they are planning. Keep your eyes open for a summer celebration. Upcoming Special Dates and Menus: • Cherry Blossom Festival (through April 13th) the Bavarian specialty, Schweinehaxe (roasted pork knuckle) will be featured on the menu. • Spargelzeit: White Asparagus season starts around the beginning of April • Easter Brunch on April 20 • Mother’s Day Brunch on May 11 Café Berlin will have a short closure in July for kitchen updates followed by their 40th anniversary celebration, commencing upon reopening. Café Berlin is located at 322 Massachusetts Ave NE, cafeberlin-dc.com, 202.543.7656 Annette Nielsen, a writer and food systems advisor, returned to Capitol Hill from New York where she served as the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. u

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Dough Ingredients: 4 cups (or 500 g) flour 1 cube fresh yeast (42 g) or ½ ounce (14 g) instant dry yeast 200 ml of warm milk (this will be a little more than ¾ cup, but not quite 1 cup 70 g butter (a tad more than a half cup), melted 2 eggs pinch of salt pinch of sugar Directions: 1. Warm the milk, stir in salt, sugar and yeast; let it sit until bubbly. 2. Mix flour, melted butter and eggs together and add bubbly milk and yeast mixture. 3. Knead dough until it is smooth. (You can cut some time by popping the dough into a stand mixer with a dough hook.) 4. Cover and let rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size. 5. Cut dough into ~60g (1/2 cup) pieces and roll into balls; cover and rest for 30 minutes 6. Sprinkle flour on flat surface and roll out dough balls. They don’t have to be a specific shape, ours end up as an oval shape. Stretch them out by hand if you don’t have a rolling pin. 7. Rest for 10 minutes on baking sheet with about an inch between. 8. Place baking sheet in a 250˚F convection oven for 3 minutes then turn dough over for another 3-4 minutes until golden. Topping Ingredients: ¼ pound Bacon 3 Leeks 1 medium onion 1 cup Crème fraiche or sour cream Salt Pepper Garlic powder Onion powder

The completed flammkuchen with crème fraiche, leeks, onions and bacon.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F 1. Slice bacon into small cubes or half inch strips. Place bacon in sauté pan and cover with water. Water helps make the bacon soft while still rendering the fat. Cook over medium high heat until all water evaporates plus a few minutes to add some color to the bacon. 2. Julienne (cut into matchsticks) leeks and onions; place in microwave safe bowl and covered with water. Microwave for about 5 minutes. Drain any excess water. This step keeps the leeks and onions from charring in the oven. 3. Mix crème fraiche or sour cream with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder 4. Spread Crème fraiche or sour cream mixture onto one side of the baked flatbread; top with the onion and leek mixture and sprinkle with cooked bacon lardons. 5. Bake in oven with toppings for approximately 10-14 minutes.

April 2025 H 89

ARTS&DINING

Theater Night

A curated review of theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

olitics. The thing that most of us think is rude to talk about at the dinner table doesn’t just happen in the vaulted halls of a domed building in our nation’s Capital. Politics is everywhere, all the time. Filling a glass with fresh water can be a political act. Reading a book can be transgressive, as can choosing to love or hate someone. Read on for our curated selection of plays this month that dive headfirst into the complicated world of politics.

On Right Now

cullud wattah, Mosaic Theater Company Showing April 3 – April 27 mosaictheater.org Did you know that one in four people across the world don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water? For the residents of Flint (one of the most densely populated cities in Michigan), this startling statistic became real when in 2014 the lifegiving fluid flowing from their faucets suddenly turned toxic. Written by Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner Erika Dickerson-Despenza, cullud wattah is an emotional exploration of the effects of the Flint water crisis on three generations of an African American family. Like many rivers flowing through the hearts of American industrial cities, the Flint River was always plagued by pollution and an ambivalent local government allowing factory waste to poison its waters. A state-employed “efficiency manager,” attempting to mitigate the lingering effects of the economic downturn of the 1980s, shifted the city’s water supply from the local purification plant to the Flint River, with no consultation or feasibility studies. The results were and are catastrophic: For 18 months, residents broke out in rashes and lost hair and weight while a generation of kids faced developmental and neural issues. The Flint water crisis was a loaded gun aimed directly at the country’s future. “Flint is like the Rodney King of environmental justice,” explains director Danielle A. Drakes, referring to the brutal assault of King by Los Angeles police in 1991 that precipitated weeks of protests and violence in that city. “That was the first real-time, videoed crisis. Black men and women under attack. This is just as much of an 90 ★ HILLRAG.COM

indictment. We’re watching folks being impacted and watching the people responsible walk away. People are still using bottled water daily.” Ezinélia Baba plays Plum, with Kelly Renee Armstrong as Marion, Lizan Mitchell as Big Ma, Khalia Muhammad as Reesee and Andreá Bellamore as Ainee, a multi-generational family of strong Black women fighting to live, love and thrive in a city seemingly determined to kill them. Drakes says she views herself as an “artistic Doula.” The prose, movement and actors are the catalysts that drive the narrative, while she provides a capable pair of hands that deliver the message to the audience. “This is an ensemble-driven play. The playwright suggests how the show should go. (Dickerson Despenza’s) stage directions aren’t parenthetical. They’re part of the poetry of the text.” cullud wattah finds resonance in the contexts of Black Lives Matter and #ICantBreathe, at a time when the foundations of social justice are being shaken. “What’s important about doing this play now is it’s still fresh. It’s an indictment of the justice that was done (in Flint).” Drakes says. “The way the play moves is a ritual. The playwright asks us to spend some time on what our intentions are in the world and society. It begs the audience to move and my job is to facilitate the audience being moved to action.”

In the Spotlight

Fake It Until You Make It, Arena Stage Showing April 3 – May 4 arenastage.org The non-profit environment is cut-throat. Allegiances and loyalty – both personal and professional – are tested, and betrayal in the name of funding is as common in the workplace as water cooler humor. This is the world created by Sicangu Lakota playwright and choreographer Larissa Fasthorse in her play Fake It Until You Make It at Arena Stage this month. It’s not all seriousness though. There’s a good deal of laughs and ridiculousness in Fasthorse’s farcical tale of rivalry between two competing notfor-profits working to represent the rights of Native Americans, being produced in association with LA’s Center Thecullud wattah cast (front row: Lizan Mitchell and Ezinélia Baba; back row: Khalia Muhammad, Andreá Bellamore-Jeanniton and Kelly Renee Armstrong. Photo by Chris Banks.

Eric Stanton Betts and Brandon Delsid in Fake It Until You Make It at the Mark Taper Forum. Photo by Makela Yepez.

atre Group and directed by Michael John Garcés. There’s a lot that Fasthorse and Garcés (frequent collaborators on plays focused on and in Native American communities) manage to squeeze into 80 minutes of action: A rivalry between River (played by Amy Brenneman) and Wynona (Shyla Lefner) and their co-workers, a cat in peril, a grant up for grabs, an invasive species of plant and a love affair. All the action is set against a backdrop of shifting identity politics signified by pops of color and texture that speaks to the complexity of what it means to be a contemporary Native American. In the current storm of American politics, where cracking a joke about racial or ethnic affiliation is like walking on eggshells, Fasthorse and Garcés ride out the danger admirably. “The play goes pretty hard in problematizing those issues.” Garcés says. “It doesn’t lead to easy answers either. (Fasthorse) is doing what the best satirists do: Leave people in a place of questioning and uncertainty so that they can really grapple with the issue.” Garcés says that he and Fasthorse create work that depicts Native people as active participants in and creators of their own joy. “We wanted to reflect that in this

play. Humor is such a huge part of how indigenous folk have resisted and survived for centuries. When Larissa and I work in these communities, people ask for humor on stage. They don’t want a tragedy fest. They want it to be about serious things but they want it to be funny.”

miere – tackles the topic of censorship through a battle of wits between a mother and a librarian. Rothstein writes regularly for TV and film. As the child of immigrants, she’s compelled by stories that highlight discrimination, prejudice and freedom of people and ideas. “I started writing Bad Books a few years ago, and it feels even more relevant today, which is always a good thing for a playwright but does also speak to the current moment.” Directed by Ryan Rilette and featuring Holly Twyford (‘The Mother’) and Kate Eastwood Norris (‘The Librarian/Editor/Manager’), Rothstein, who is a mom herself, explores the anxieties involved in raising children and wanting to protect them while still permitting them to think for themselves. “I purposely didn’t set it in a specific place and I didn’t give the characters names.” Rothstein explains. “There’s a parable quality to the play. Every theater that’s producing it is doing research on local initiatives to ban books. There’s talk about making this feel as local as possible which isn’t hard to do because we’ve seen book banning discussions all over the country.” Bad Books has a serious message for audiences, Rothstein says, but it also invites us to laugh at the messiness of being human. “The play makes a plea for talking to each other as people that are united in wanting what’s best for our kids and communities. Maybe that sounds idealistic, but I think it’s the only way forward.” u

Special Mention

Bad Books, Round House Theatre Showing April 2 – April 27 roundhousetheatre.org In the early Spring of 2022, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing ‘objectionable’ books to be pulled from school library shelves. 2024 saw a record number of texts labelled undesirable: 10,000 in total across the nation. Bad Books – Sharyn Rothstein’s new play at Round House Theater being debuted across the country as part of the National New Play Network’s Rolling World PreApril 2025 H 91

ARTS&DINING

Capitol

long with spring, our glorious cherry blossoms and the Washington Nationals, restaurants are arriving on and around Capitol Hill. In the shadow of Nationals Park, El Rey has been unveiled at 79 Potomac Ave, SE. The sprawling, 300-seat taco and tequila palace includes a spacious patio. Overlooking the water, El Rey is the latest project for DC hospitality brothers Ian and Eric Hilton, who operate other local hot spots. Emerging from El Rey’s kitchen are corn fritters, salt and pepper calamari, and assorted tacos. Complementing these feisty dishes are sassy cocktails like Bonita en Rosa (grapefruit syrup and prosecco), tequila and mezcal martinis, margaritas (naturally), beer and wine. For hours and more information visit elreynavyyard.com.

Dressy Hotel Newcomer

At the District Wharf, Willowsong, 801 Wharf St. SW, made a splashy debut last winter in the posh InterContinental Hotel. You’ll find Willowsong in Kevin Tien’s former Moon Rabbit slot. (Moon Rabbit reopened downtown in Penn Quarter.)

Cuisine

by Celeste McCall

Among El Rey’s South-of-the-Border myriad delicacies is an assortment of zesty tacos.

Chef Jeffrey William’s “modern American” kitchen offers pricy, locally sourced breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Heading the menu are wagyu steak and eggs, Hamachi tartare, duck tagliatelle, dry-aged strip loin. The restaurant’s lyrical moniker honors the numerous willow trees growing around the Washington region. For more information visit wharfdc.com.

tagliarini. For updates visit fishshopdc.com. On a blustery spring day, we checked Fish Shop’s progress. The restaurant’s debut apparently is not imminent. But Peter was in the mood for fish and chips. So, we headed to Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, which opened almost three years ago at 665 Wharf St, SW. (Ramsay’s upscale, sibling restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen, is nearby at 652 Wharf.) As we ordered at the front counter, we decided on Gordon’s Combo: deep-fried fish (cod), shrimp, and chicken, plus fries, for $19.99. The basket fed two, almost. The coatings were gossamer light, almost like tempura. My better-than-decent-pinot gris was canned, perhaps a pandemic holdover? Lunch for two, which we enjoyed by a sunny window, came to $40. You can also get cod with fries, chicken or shrimp combo, fish (or chicken) sandwiches, lobster and shrimp, “just chips” with assorted toppings, and milk shakes. There is a small beer and wine listing. For hours and more information visit gordonramsayrestaurants.com.

History Repeats

Whitlow’s Bar & Grill, the historic watering hole that quenched the thirst of downtown Washington for a quarter century before moving to Arlington, then Shaw, is opening its second location at 949 Wharf St. SW. Look for the spinoff later this spring.

Something’s Fishy

At District Wharf, handsomely appointed Willowsong has opened in the InterContinental Hotel.

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More news from the Wharf, this with a royal bent: Fish Shop, a spinoff of the Scottish restaurant favored by King Charles and Queen Camilla, is set to dock at 610 Water St. SW. Operated by the London-based hospitality group Artfarm, Fish Shop will troll local waters for its eclectic menu. Expect the likes of crab crumpet and lobster

Also at the Wharf, casual Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips serves a combo of cod, shrimp, chicken and fries.

excellent wine selection. We also found household goods including cleaning supplies, glassware, soaps and greeting cards. The deli counter offers coffee drinks, salads, sandwiches, bagels, pastries, cookies and more. Union kitchen is every day. For hours and more information visit unionkitchen.com.

In Southwest, 54 Noodles offers Vietnamese fare, including dumplings with a spicy dip.

Owner Jon Williams is transforming the former Brighton site into a waterfront “dive bar” slinging burgers and wings while pouring beer and cocktails. For updates visit whitlows.com.

And…

Nearby, at 635 Wharf St. SW, look for Merchant’s Marina, a “satellite” bar operated by the talented team behind the dressy Chinese restaurant Philippe. For updates Visit merchantsmarina,com.

Oodles Noodles

Also in Southwest, 54 Noodles has opened at 1101 Fourth St. SW, an offshoot of a Vietnamese restaurant group with umpteen locations throughout the DMV. At 54 Noodles, Chef Hi Danh creates several kinds of pho, dumplings, Singapore noodles and banh mi sandwiches. Beverages include coffee, fruit tea, smoothies. An alcohol license is in the works. For updates visit 54Noodlesbar4th.com.

New on the Row

Union Kitchen opened recently at 430 Eighth St. SE. The Barracks Row location—one of six such stores in the region—is part of a program which helps launch local food and beverage businesses. At Union Kitchen, we encountered an attractive grocery store, with fresh produce, frozen pizza, condiments, cured meats, dairy products coffee, tea and an

And…

Any day now, look for Lobby Bar, 224 Seventh St. SE, in the spot vacated by Boxcar Tavern. Proprietor Adam Shulman plans an 18-seat bar with cozy booths, a communal table and outdoor patio. The “playful experimental bar” will showcase jazzy martinis, a happy hour, funky décor and late-night service.

Italy Returns

Nearby, Acqua al 2, at 212 Seventh St. SE (across from Eastern Market), is resurrecting. The upscale Italian restaurant, a favorite of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, closed in 2020, and Harvest Tide occupied the space until about a year ago. Now, Acqua al 2, with original owners, will soon reopen with a sidewalk café and live entertainment. For updates visit acquaal2dc.com.

Another Rebirth

Mott’s Market, 233 12th St. SE is being developed at the former Mott’s corner store site, which dates from 1916. New owner Peyton Sherwood has partnered with Mastina Taverna to order made-from-scratch Greek carryout dinners. Eventually, plans call for a grocery/deli/sandwich shop. For updates visit mottsmarket.com. u

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Cooking for One (or Two) Featuring Veteran Food Writer Bonnie Benwick: Quick & Easy Sweet & Savory

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Rochelle Rice Presents Tell Her This Friday April 25, 7:00pm

Wednesday April 9, 11:00am

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Acclaimed Singer/ Songwriters Carrie Elkin & Danny Schmidt

Saturday April 12, 12:00pm

STUDIO ARTS

Cocktails Featuring Providencia Seasoned Bartender Pedro Tobar Master Chef: Modern Chinese/Korean Cooking with CHIKO/Anju Chef/ Founder Scott Drewno

Sunday April 27, 5:00pm

The Paper Architect: 101 Workshop Saturday April 19, 1:00pm

Sunday April 13, 11:00am

Contemporary Watercolors Workshop

Thursday April 17, 6:00pm

Introduction to Block Printmaking Workshop

Italian Easter Classics with Chef Mark Haskell English Tea with Gravlax with Marianne Tshihamba Saturday April 19, 11:00am

Sausage Making with Chef Mark Haskell

Monday, April 21, 6:00pm

A Trip to Belgium with Marianne Tshihamba Thursday April 24, 6:00pm

CONCERTS

Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Ethiopian Funk with Afro-Zen Allstars Friday April 11, 7:00pm

Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Latin Music Sextet Las Guaracheras Tuesday April 15, 7:00pm

Saturday April 26, 12:00pm Saturday April 26, 2:30pm

LECTURES & CONVERSATIONS

At Issue: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment Featuring Zeke Miller, Associated Press Chief White House Correspondent Wednesday April 16, 7:00pm

Atlantic Journalist Yoni Appelbaum Discusses his new Book STUCK in Conversation with New York Times Writer Binyamin Appelbaum Thursday April 24, 7:00pm

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

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ARTS&DINING

Art in a Holy Space A Special Program at St. Mark’s article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

pril is a month of significant religious observances, including the Jewish Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust on April 17th, Easter on April 20th and, with special meaning for a Hill congregation, April 25th is St. Mark’s Day. So what better time to take a look at the St. Mark’s Visual Art program. The relationship between art and religion has been profound for centuries. Iconic works like Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper continue to captivate and inspire. In the twenty-first century, St. Mark’s is keeping that tradition alive.

St. Mark’s Visual Art Program

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 301 A Street, SE, has been integrating art into its sacred worship space for years, thanks to a dedicated group of parishioners. Currently JR Randall and Elin Whitney-Smith cochair the project. The church’s visual art program,

supported by a memorial gift, features a gallery-like hanging system on the brick walls between the beautiful stained-glass windows. The presence of local artists’ work in such a sacred setting adds a new dimension to the worship space and provides new meaning to each individual artist’s work. The display now features Tracy Councill’s Stations of the Cross. Right before Easter, a group show Resurrection, Renaissance and Renewal will be hung in the space.

God’s Holy Darkness

Usually, the shows are created through a themed open call to St. Mark members and friends. But sometimes the Committee brings together writers and artists for a workshop. In these open-to-all-ages sessions, participants spend time creating art with one another and through meditated exercises. The recent show,

Heaven Tree Coffee is a watercolor painting by Elin, which showcases the use of her medium and incorporates elements from her travels and life experiences.

ABOVE: Suzanne Wells is happiest when she combines her love of art with nature. The Luna Mothwas drawn on a tea bag, and then colored with pencils and gouache paint.

God’s Holy Darkness, featured over 56 works of art. The title comes from a book, God’s Holy Darkness, written by Sharei Green and Beckah Seinick, illustrated by Nikki Faison. Beckah Seinick conducted a workshop that helped Capitol Hill artists explore darkness. Many of the pieces in the show were created using black backgrounds and white ink or paint. The darkness and beauty of space was another successful theme. Suzanne Wells’ piece “Luna” created a lasting imSt. Mark’s parishioner Suzanne Wells’ small depiction of a luna moth, was one of the 56 art works displayed recently. Her artwork is striking for its simplicity of line and paint.

St. Mark’s has invested in a hanging system that allows for different sizes of artwork to be displayed between the magnificent stained-glass windows.

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Allen Hirsh

Art for Wine Lovers

Upcoming Art Events

2025 Capital Art Book Fair at Eastern Market’s North Hall April 5th, 10am to 6pm – April 6th, 10am to 4pm The Capital Art Book Fair brings together publishers, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate the world of art books. Open to all ages and free to the public.

Elin Whitney-Smith is a professional watercolorist who guides St. Mark’s visual arts program making the sanctuary come alive with local art.

Open Call Juried Exhibition: Landscapes at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop April lst to May 30, 2025 Reception Opening, April 5, 5:30-7pm 545 7th Street, SE, Washington, DC The 14th annual art exhibition open to all DMV artists held by the Capitol Hill Art League. Juror is Glen Kessler, an internationally collected and awarded artist as Well as founder of The Compass Atelier in Rockville, Maryland.

age of beauty with a painting of a moth featuring simple lines. David Deutsch’s photography of the majestic National Cathedral in black and white demonstrated the beauty of the well-loved cathedral.

Artists Spotlight: Elin Whitney-Smith

St. Mark’s is especially fortunate to have one of Capitol Hill’s accomplished water-color artists as a visual arts’ co-chair. Elin comes from a family of strong women artists who encouraged her artistic endeavors. She remembers coming home from kindergarten in tears because her teacher had criticized her early painting of a house surrounded by tulips. The teacher thought the tulips were too big in relationship to the house. “My aunties quickly told me not to listen to the teacher, and keep on painting,” says Elin. “I had been painting since I was three, Elin notes, “and I knew what I was doing.” Elin is a local teacher of water-color art and shows her own work through the Capitol Hill Art League and in other area gallery settings in the area. Before COVID, she taught classes at the Randall Community Center near the southeast freeway. Now she teaches about ten students online and says she enjoys the online experience. “I can do a demonstration, and then actually see what the students are doing, so I think it works for everyone. I am a strong believ-

er that anyone can create art, and it is quite rewarding to see what my students can do.” Why is Elin so committed to watercolor rather than oil or acrylic? “I always say, you can erase your mistakes in watercolor. I also like that you paint on paper.” Self-taught, she is always experimenting with new techniques. One of her pieces in the Holy Darkness show was an abstract painting that contained different layers of darkness and images. The piece is mounted on a gold mat that reflects the richness of the art. Her work demonstrates the powerful convergence of religion and art. “Next for me is more experimenting with abstract work,” says Elin. Watercolor is often associated with traditional subjects, houses, flowers, and landscapes. “I want to explore conveying more about what I am painting, not just have it be representational of the object,” she says. And her advice for anyone, whether or not you describe yourself as an artist is to keep practicing and painting. “You’ll only get better.” You can learn more about Elin’s work on her website: https://WatercolorDC.com/ PaintZoom The gallery space at St. Marks is open to all and worth a trip to view what happens when artwork is honored in sacred places. Rindy O’Brien explores local art and artists. Contact her at rindyobrien@gmail.com ◆

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April 2025 ★ 95

Poetic Hill E. Ethelbert Miller

by Sandra Beasley

. Ethelbert Miller lives in the Brightwood neighborhood (Ward 4). He has been a resident of Washington D.C. since 1968. From 1974-2015 he was the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University. His poems can be found outside the Dupont Circle and Petworth Metro stations. He was recently presented with a Furious Flower Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. In 2023 he was a Grammy Finalist in the Spophoto: Melissa Tuckey ken Word and Poetry category. Mr. Miller is the author of the baseball trilogy which includes the following books: If God Invented Baseball (2018); When Your Wife has Tommy John Surgery and other Baseball Stories (2021); and How I Found Love Behind the Catcher’s Mask (2022). Runners To run outside the base paths is to give the body pleasure. To be Black, to Frederick Douglass freedom. We run, in order to run from, to run to. Where is our place inside this batter’s box called America? Sandra Beasley is the curator of “Poetic Hill,” a resident of Southwest, and the author of four poetry collections. If you live in D.C. and you’re interested in being featured, you can reach her at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net for questions and submissions (1-5 poems). u

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FAMILY LIFE

How to Stay Grounded Amid

! S O A CH by Pattie Cinelli

friend of mine was attending a reunion with some people who she knew would have political views that, if discussed, would upset her greatly. She debated not going, but, instead, came upon a unique way to diffuse the situation if it was spiraling downward. She brought with her a bottle of kids’ bubbles that she kept in her purse ready to be blown and guaranteed to lighten up any conversation. The ’having bubbles on hand’ solution to diffusing stress illustrates how important it is to stay centered. Author and spiritual teacher Caroline Myss is teaching a class with that name: “The Spiritual Power of Resilience: How to Stay Sane in Crazy Times.” The Hill is at ground zero. Sixteen percent (288,000 people according to Wikipedia) are employed (or were employed) by the federal government. That number doesn’t include federal contractors, restaurants, and small businesses that rely on DC’s working class for business. Most Hill residents know a neighbor or friend who has had the rug pulled out from under them. The life they were living vanished. Even if many still have their jobs, they are living with incredible uncertainty. They are scared, anxious and fearful. The Toll of Stress and Anxiety “We are just five years out of a pandemic that changed our lives and here we are again,” said Sharon Bernier, psychotherapist and long-time Hill resident. “People in the prime of their careers were thinking things were going to be okay and now are scared out of their wits again.” Bernier attributes that fear in part to not being used to living with such malevolence. “Mean people are in charge now. Here you are a decent person doing your job then suddenly you are told you

are not worth anything.” Bernier said the current atmosphere only exacerbates anyone suffering from depression or anxiety. “What will be the outcome of continuously hearing you are not worthy?” It’s not easy to detach from day-to-day delusions, missteps and destruction spewing out of the Oval Office, barking out of the TV and settling into our lives. It’s difficult to release stress that can blind you when you interpret an uncomfortable situation as personal. Feelings snowball growing larger and all-encompassing. Chronic stress can have far-reaching consequences—physically and mentally. It raises blood pressure, disrupts sleep, weakens immunity, and fuels emotional spirals of “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios This is not the first time federal workers have been laid off to shrink government spending. Longtime Hill resident Karen Saffron lost her job in the 1980s as a result of President Ronald Reagan’s policies. President Bill Clinton oversaw one of the largest reductions in the federal workforce in modern history. However, Saffron said the disparagement of civil servants during this administration is unmatched.

Ways to Ease the Fear

When the anxiety gets overwhelming, the one tool you always have control of is your breath. Focusing on breathing deep into your belly instantly changes your physiology. It draws you inward and connects you with your true self. Plenty of free on-line resources on YouTube are available to find a breathing technique that resonates with you. Self-care, often neglected in tough times, is essential. Bernier emphasized how important it is not to let it go. “If you take care of yourself that radiates to others.” she said. “Make a list if you need to. April 2025 H 99

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It’s not a selfish act. When you honor yourself, you are helping other people too.” Self-care is a personal choice. I like to play pickleball, talk to friends who really listen, read and cuddle with my two doodles. I’ve made ‘cuddle time’ a part of their vocabulary. The Hill is a special small town in a large political city. Connecting with nature, another way to get grounded and centered, is just a walk away to Congressional Cemetery, Kingman Park or the plethora of parks scattered throughout the quadrants. Engage in activities, be Photo: Psychotherapist Sharon Bernier walks daily to with people, read books and relieve stress, here with her son Emile Sloboda. watch TV shows that make you feel good. Pour enerand possibility. Post about what gy into what you want – peace, love, you stand for not what you oppose. abundance and freedom – so that Don’t stick your head in the sand, you become a magnet for those rerather embrace all that you stand for. alities. In a thoughtful and kind way, Hold those signs for love, inclusion, be more aware of your surroundings. freedom, choice and diversity. Be the Another way of finding ease, living example of something better. Bernier suggested, is to talk about Being mindful is more imporyour situation. “Interact with peotant than ever these days, said Berple close to you and acquaintancnier. She encourages her clients to es. Sharing how you feel can lead to think about how they want to intalking about solutions. Conversateract with their space. “We tend tion is one of the places you can get to not want to burden anyone with strength.” what’s going on with ourselves, but Kind gestures can also help. Be we might consider putting ourselves nice to people on the street, talk to out there a little more and let go of people in the grocery line, let cars the fear.” merge and pay a compliment to “Hope is being able to see that a stranger—all will spread loving there is light despite all the darkkindness. Bernier said, “Focus on ness,” Desmond Tutu said. We can the present and not the possibility all reach for hope in these dark times of the future.” as well.

Connect with Your True Self

Inspired action, not resistance, is key. Instead of marching with anger, march with an energy of peace 100 ★ HILLRAG.COM

Pattie Cinelli is a journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years, please contact her at: fitmiss44@ aol.com. ◆

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April 2025 ★ 101

FAMILY LIFE

The District Vet Leptospirosis: Prevalent in DC by Dr. Dan Teich

eptospirosis, frequently shortened to lepto, is a bacterial disease that, if you’ve heard of it, it’s likely been from your veterinarian. Transmissible between humans and animals (to use the fancy medical adjective, “zoonotic”), leptospirosis is one of those eerily under-discussed diseases whose pathology can be so insidious that education on its prevalence and prevention should not be glossed over by any veterinarian or any pet owner. We live in a city with large numbers of wild animals and public spaces trafficked by countless domestic dogs – the volume of which can be easily visualized on early summer mornings. Our melange of mice, rats, raccoons, opossums and even deer makes our 68 square miles of city home to lots of lepto-susceptible mammals in close quarters. The Leptospira bacterium is primarily hosted by mice, rats and their relatives, but the pathogen, excreted in these infected animals’ urine, can find its way into our waterways with ease. And who among us hasn’t had to pull our dogs away from doing the usual Dog Things: trying to lick up puddles after a DC-trademarked summer downfall, roll in hot doggie bliss in muddy creeks, dig into the carcasses of small wildlife or otherwise investigate – either intentionally with their mouths or simply via the exposed maw of panting faces – all of the new routines, water-adjacent excursions and vacation spots that often accompany our summertime leisure? That’s where your vet comes in. While the

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American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – one of the field’s paramount research-minded organizations – does not yet nationally recommend immunization with the leptospirosis vaccine as part of a “core” vaccination protocol for dogs, it does suggest that pet owners follow the advice of their veterinarian, whose vaccine recommendations are based on local disease burdens in addition to their canine patients’ lifestyles. AAHA also names leptospirosis as one of the most common zoonotic disease in the world, with infection rates in the US increasing in recent decades. Leptospirosis is here. It’s in the city! I don’t have much of a backyard but I have a muddy back alley with roaming dogs, raccoons and opossums, a summer vegetable garden and plenty of mice. While some veterinarians around here may downplay the benefits of leptospirosis immunization in area dogs, it’s worth mentioning that in local emergency animal hospitals, cases of leptospirosis in dogs are often so severe that patients must be transported to even more specialized hospitals for intensive treatment, such as hemodialysis, in order to fight for survival, costing their owners well into the five digits, when all is said and done. Sometimes known as the “great pretender,” leptospirosis in dogs can manifest with nonspecific clinical signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting or lethargy, which is perhaps the reason why many cases are diagnosed only once the disease has progressed so severely that many dogs are unable to rally. Traditionally, leptospirosis has been infamous for attacking the vital organs of our pups; the liver and kidneys are particularly vulnerable. However, cases can also cause muscle disease, bleeding disorders and severe respiratory compromise. Dogs can contract the illness by eating or drinking from contaminated soil or waterways, being bitten by other infected mammals (over 150 species of animals have been found capable of hosting the pathogen), ingesting the carcasses of infected animals and in

some cases by breeding. Even dogs that spend most of their time indoors can be infected by mice or other pests that set up shop inside buildings, showing that any dog, not just active, outdoorsy ones, can potentially develop leptospirosis. As with dogs, humans generally pick up the disease through inadvertent exposure to the urine of infected animals, such as through unsuspecting ingestion (remember the vegetable garden that I mentioned?) or absorption into the body through mucous membranes or broken skin. It is more common in warmer climates. In our area, the humidity, potential for flooding and spastic bouts of heavy rainfall common in the summer months – not even counting the population density and lifestyles of humans and their dogs here – can result in an uptick of leptospirosis cases this time of year. The disease in humans usually presents mildly, with vague symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and nausea that generally respond to antibiotics and any needed corrections in electrolyte balances. However, much as in dogs, rarer, more severe cases, often involving the liver, lungs, kidneys or even the heart or brain usually require hospitalization and advanced procedures in order to stabilize these unlucky human patients. Many variants of the Leptospira bacterium exist, but the canine vaccine covers most of the prevalent serovars transmissible to dogs. Most local veterinarians recommend the annual leptospirosis vaccine to all healthy dogs, due to the prevalence of the disease in our area. Humans are advised to use proper protective equipment when swimming or indulging in other water-based recreation, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends always practicing good hygiene, consulting with your veterinarian about leptospirosis prevention for your dog and contacting your physician if you have any concerns about your own health. Dr. Dan Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hospitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more information. u

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PLAY BALL! Capitol Hill native Sidney Hais lived by those words. In his oral history he recounted lobbying to bring major league baseball back to DC and relived his thrill attending the 1924 World Series at the old Griffith Stadium. Hais loved baseball and the Capitol Hill that gave his immigrant father a home in 1913. Read the oral histories of Sidney Hais and so many others at CapitolHillHistory.org. Play a part in preserving Capitol Hill history by becoming a volunteer.

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April 2025 ★ 103

FAMILY LIFE

Fold, Cut, Tear Paper Art from Saint Peter School by Elizabeth Nelson

he possibilities of paper as an art medium is the focus of the current show in the Young Artists Gallery at Hill Center. Esther Probst’s students at Saint Peter School (422 3rd St SE) have created dazzling work using only paper folded, cut or torn - and glue. Students in the 5th, 7th, and 8th grades read Beautiful Blackbird, an adaption of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia, and winner of a Coretta Scott King award. Author Ashley Bryan used only paper, and her grandmother’s scissors to create the illustrations for the book. Ms. Probst likes to “give the students an artist inspiration,” in this case Henri Matisse’s technique of drawing with scissors, and then “get out of their way.” The

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results are a delight to the eye, every bit as varied as the artists who made them. Some have a slightly ominous quality; others are light-hearted and playful. Continuing the exploration of paper manipulation, students in 4th and 6th grades experimented with folding techniques, producing pulsating, radial designs. The layering of the paper gives the work a three-dimensional, textured quality, not always expected of paper. The 1st graders developed imaginative torn-paper landscapes inspired, in part, by the Gees Bend quilts. More than one remarked “I really enjoy tearing paper!” Their joy infuses each piece. A selection of their work is now on display at the Young Artists Gallery (ground floor, east of the main staircase) at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Ms. Probst is “excited to present a collection of vibrant and creative artworks” and hopes you will “enjoy the dedication

Photos of work in progress: Photos: Esther Probst

Aiden Avery

Gloria Eleanor M.

Brian

behind each piece.” Although the show can be enjoyed virtually in the on-line gallery at hillcenterdc.org/artist/fold-cut-tear/, it’s worth a trip to see it in person. The subtleties are too easily missed on a computer screen. The show will hang through the middle of June.

Joey

Lily

If your Capitol-Hill-based school or youth art program would be interested in having a show in the Young Artists Gallery, please email elizabeth_knits@yahoo.com with ‘YAG’ plus the name of your organization in the subject line. u

Walt

Ashley

Henry B.

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FAMILY LIFE

School Notes by Elizabeth O’Gorek

ry was made. And, of course, no Philly trip is complete without a stop at the iconic Rocky statue! Learning beyond the classroom, creating connections, thinking critically and making memories—all hallmarks of the experiential approach at Capitol Hill Day School. Capitol Hill Day School, 210 S. Carolina Ave SE, chds.org

DC Prep

Capitol Hill Cluster Schools Stuart-Hobson Middle School

CHDS

Capitol Hill Day School (CHDS)

Last month, CHDS Seventh Graders brought their early American History Social Studies unit to life with a day trip to Philadelphia. They explored the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Constitution Center and Independence Hall, immersing themselves in the places where histo-

Stuart-Hobson MS (SHMS) continued its tradition of National History Day this year and will send seven students to the national competition at University of Maryland in June. SHMS students won awards in the website, documentary, performance and exhibit categories. With the guidance of our social studies teachers, Amy Macneil, Karen Gordon, Brandon Hill, and Alexander Hargreaves, students covered topics as varied as the One-Child Policy in China, the birth of Mexican democracy, the Radium Girls and the Newsboys Strike. Stuart Hobson wishes their scholars best of luck at Nationals in June!

Watkins ES

In March, Watkins fifth graders continued the school’s annual tradition of reciting Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. While inclement weather delayed the event until March, the students still proudly recited Dr. King’s intrepid words from the very spot the iconic civil rights leader delivered them 62 years ago. Now in its 22nd year, Watkins thanks the National Parks Service (NPS) for continuing this great tradition! Capitol Hill Cluster School, Peabody / Watkins / Stuart-Hobson. capitolhillclusterschool.org

DC Prep Watkins ES

DC Prep’s Benning Middle Campus’s Eighth graders recently went on a field trip to Radio One DC (WKYS 93.9 FM, WOL 1450 AM, WMMJ 102.3 FM, WYCB 1340 AM) to experience the behind-the-scenes of live radio production! DC Prep, 2330 Pomeroy Rd. SE, dcprep.org

Friends Community School

Over the past few weeks, Third and Fourth graders designed sculptures inspired by artist Nick Cave’s Soundsuits. These abstract costumes are meant to conceal a performer’s appearance and focus viewers on the sight and sound of the artwork, encouraging deeper creative expression

Friends Community School

Miner ES

Maury Elementary

and interpretation. Students used recycled materials to mold their shapes, cover them with papiermâché and decorate them with various art supplies. Like Cave, students explored storytelling through art, using imagination to bring their creations to life. Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr, College Park, MD; friendscommunityschool.org

language and culture. This year, a Spanish Book Fair was hosted, connecting students with diverse literature and encouraging a love for reading in both Spanish and English. These experiences enrich bilingual learning and deepen cultural connections. J.F. Cook Campus, 30 P Street NW; Calle Ocho Campus, 4401 8th Street NE. mundoverdepcs.org

Richard Wright PCS

Miner ES

Miner Elementary students, led by their incredible music and performing arts teachers, put on an amazing Black History Month Celebration on February 28. Families and friends were invited as students performed poems, songs, skits, dances and more, all highlighting African American icons. Pictured here, third graders Mundo Verde dance to “Ease on Down the Road” from “The Wiz.” Miner Elementary, 601 15th St. NE, minerelementary.org

Mundo Verde

Mundo Verde celebrates biliteracy through engaging activities that highlight the power of Spanish

Displayed is Richard Wright PCS’s renowned dance team, which recently performed an interpretive dance during Family Matters to honor Black History Month. These students performed beautifully, demonstrating their charisma, flexibility and creativity, all heavily inspired by the holiday and history. The dance team is channeling that same skill and creativity, focusing on the competition that they’ve spent countless hours in preparation to showcase their artistry. These wonderful ladies won first place at the Reach the Beach National Championship in Ocean City, Maryland on February 22nd. — Jamari Tyree Richard Wright Public Charter School, 475 School St. SW. richardwrightpcs.org

St. Peter School

Maury Elementary

Which sells better on a wintery day – hot chocolate or lemonade? This is just one of the questions investigated by Maury Elementary students in their Genius Hour projects. VanNessa Duckett’s fourth graders are using their math skills to address real-life situations: measuring, cooking, budgeting, shopping. After completing their research and analysis, they make a formal presentation to their classmates. [If you had any doubts - hot chocolate was the clear winner.] Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, MauryElementary.com

Fifth Grader John Holifield is Student of the Month for February’s virtue of Holy St. Peter School

Richard Wright PCS

April 2025 H 107

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Weekly Cost: $520 Before & After Care Available (additional fee)

A fun and enriching summer camp blending the mindfulness of yoga with the excitement of tennis! Led by experienced and caring instructors, our program features: 4 Small group sizes for personalized attention 4 A safe and supportive environment

4 Engaging yoga, breathwork & mindfulness activities 4 Tennis fundamentals taught through fun drills & games

4 Weekly field trips to a DC museum for a well-rounded experience

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $470 • REGISTER BY APRIL 13TH

Two Rivers PCS

www.ariseeducationalservices.com Questions? Call 301-356-0820

Or email arisewellnessandeducation@gmail.com

SCAN HERE

Friendship! John’s teachers nominated him because of his friendly and good spirited nature. His accepting and welcoming spirit makes anyone in his sphere feel comfortable and he is alert to when someone needs an extra measure of kindness or friendship, including teachers. January recipient Ellie Fratto presented the award to John. St. Peter School, 422 Third St. SE. stpeterschooldc.org

Van Ness

Two Rivers PCS

Apply Today! DC Prep is a leading public charter school in Washington, DC, serving students from Pre-K3 to 8th grade. We’re proud of our award-winning campuses and our strong roots in the Edgewood, Benning, and Anacostia communities.

Call 202-780-5126 for more information or visit: dcprep.org 108 ★ HILLRAG.COM

On March 14, Two Rivers commemorated its 3rd annual Ms. Brenda’s Day of Service, when all students and staff engage in acts of service to benefit community-based organizations. Ms. Brenda was a surrogate grandmother to many students and families, and she was always willing to do more to support others. With her passing in 2021 came the tradition of Ms. Brenda’s Day of Service, rooted in what she gave to the school community – love, connection and stewardship. Two Rivers Public Charter School, PK3 to Grade 8. tworiverspcs.org

Van Ness

Van Ness Otters’ Black History

Month exhibit ignited history. Students transformed into leaders, delivering powerful speeches and stories within a living wax museum. Families explored artifacts, experiencing Black excellence firsthand. The engaging event celebrated history through interactive storytelling and vibrant performances. Van Ness Elementary School, 1150 Fifth St. SE. vannesselementary.org School Notes are contributed by a member of the school community monthly. Don’t see your Hill-serving school, but want it to be featured in School Notes? Email Liz@HillRag.com ◆

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KIDS & FAMILY L-R: Brian Owen, Dan Rosales, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae. Photo: Jeremy Daniel

< Dog Man: The Musical at the Warner

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Dog Man: The Musical is at the Warmer Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, noon and 4 p.m. Tickets start at $48. Recommended for grades one through five. warnertheatredc.com.

The kids fun run ($20) follows the 3k.

Kids Fun Run at the Capitol Hill Classic >

The 44th annual National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic is on Sunday, May 18. Washington’s largest and oldest 10k brings runners through the roadways of Capitol Hill, winding past the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library, Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street, and the Fields at RFK. They also have their regular 3k and kids’ fun run that will follow the 10k. The 10k ($50) starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 3k ($40) immediately following the conclusion of the 10k and the fun run ($20) immediately following the 3k. Registration is open now at capitolhillclassic.com/registration.

Brick City at > the National Building Museum

Through August 2026, Brick City at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, celebrates iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO bricks by UK-based artist Warren Elsmore. Visitors will take a world tour discovering new destinations across all seven continents that include: lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Colombia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. Builders young and old can channel their creativity in an interactive area where they can build their own masterpieces out of LEGO bricks. $10 admission for adults; $7, youth and seniors. nbm.org. 110 H HILLRAG.COM

a one-stop shop for parents of students in kindergarten through 12th. most.dc.gov.

Family Workshop: A Power Player Spectacle at the Folger

MOST-DC Portal For Out of School Time Programs

Mayor Bowser has announced the launch of the My Out of School Time DC (MOSTDC) portal, a new online platform designed to make it easier for families to find and register for afterschool and summer programs. The portal serves as

On Saturday, May 3, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., join the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, as they use their how-to guide to power playing and the words of Shakespeare to create their own spectacular production. This family workshop is inspired by Folger’s temporary exhibition, How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages five to seven; and 1 to 2 p.m. for ages eight to eleven. Free, however registration is required. folger.edu.

Day of Play at RFK

On Wednesday, April 16 (rain date, April 18) noon to 4 p.m., join Events DC for a Day of Play at RFK with your friends, family and neighbors during Spring Break 2025. Events DC hosts this free, fieldbased event to gather adults and youth in DC for a day of fun and

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Explore 14 weeks of STEM-based themes featuring science experiments, outdoor exploration, and engaging play. Each week introduces a new theme that enhances our Montessori curriculum, blending hands-on learning inside the classroom and outdoor adventures all summer long.

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FAMILY LIFE

friendly competition. It will feature music, food trucks and activities for all ages. Assemble your squad of friends, teammates, or family--create your team of adults, youth or both to come play. Teams can be co-ed. Registration is required, but free. All kids must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. The Fields at RFK Campus is at 401 Oklahoma Ave. NE. playrfk. splashthat.com.

Amphibian Week Kickoff Celebration Easter Monday at the Zoo: A Washington Family Tradition

On April 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., join the National Zoo for a wild and egg-citing celebration. This decades-long tradition is a roaring good time, celebrating families and the vibrant DC community. Get a front-row seat to keepers working with animals in the daily demonstrations. Admission is free and all are welcome. Parking is $30. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admittance to exhibit buildings is 30 minutes before closing. For a schedule of activities, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/easter-monday.

Join the Natural History Museum, inside Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on Saturday, May 3, to learn about amphibians with the USDA Forest Service, US Navy, US Geological Survey, and more. Families with learners of all ages are invited to explore different stations, see live amphibians, and explore play, art, and related museum collections. Drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. No registration required. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Kids Welcome at AWS Earth Day Clean-up

Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup--a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel dates from around 1890 and is one of only two Prince George’s and Montgomery Counsurviving carousels manufactured by the U.S. Merry-Go-Round Corporation. ties. On the Saturday following Earth Day, thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. This year’s Earth Day Cleanup is on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the cleanup, AWS will host a community celebration to show appreciation to their volunteers. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the Earth Day Cleanup t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.

Cherry Blossom 5k at Congressional Cemetery Kids Race Ride the Antique Carousel at Flower Mart

The National Cathedral’s 86th Flower Mart “In Living Color” is on Friday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to their carousel, Flower Mart has an entire Children’s Area with a huge array of games and carnival rides. Tickets for the carousel, rides, and games can be purchased at the ticket booth in the Children’s Area. Flower Mart is the largest annual fundraiser for the Cathedral’s gardens and grounds. It features a white elephant tent, an international floral display, plants and gifts for sale, tower climbs, free live entertainment and food. allhallowsguild.org. 112 H HILLRAG.COM

The Cherry Blossom 5k at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, is on Sunday, April 13, at 9 a.m. There is a kids race prior to the start of the 5k. Participation in the children’s run is free for any child who has a parent, guardian, or friend registered for the 5k. Children may still participate, if no runners are registered, for a $5 fee. Registration for the children’s race is in the chapel on the day of the race and a parent

or guardian must sign a waiver. congressionalcemetery.org.

President Lincoln’s Cottage (for Kids)

On Mondays, through April 28, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., each week will feature either Kidsinger Jim or Rocknoceros at President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. When able, they will have some of the performances outside, but they always have an indoor back-up space. Kids six months and up, $10 in advance; $12 at door. One adult caregiver per child is free. Spring Break Family Tours at President Lincoln’s Cottage are from April 14 to 18 at noon. Enjoy their Signature Cottage Tour aimed specifically at a younger audience. This tour is filled with lots of inquiry, discussion, and discovery. Adult tickets are $15; kids six to twelve, $5; five and under, free. lincolncottage.org.

King Bullfrog Happy Hours at Hill Center

On Fridays, May 9 and June 6, 5 to 7 p.m., bring the family to Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, to enjoy an evening filled with live music that is perfect for all ages. These concerts are outdoors and perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Adult tickets are $7; $14 for kids. Children under two do not need a ticket. Beer, wine and pizza for sale. hillcenterdc.org.

Children’s Business Fair at Dupont Circle

On Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain date, May 17), come to one of the largest entrepreneurship events for children in North America. This morning-long fair at 1521 20th St. NW (Dupont Circle area), gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Children ages six to fourteen are invited to create a product or service and sell to customers. Judges award prizes to recognize excellent work. Past businesses have included handmade greeting cards, a pet-sitting service for exotic birds, a photobomb booth, and a lemonade stand that donated a percentage of profits to protect honeybees. The possibilities are limited only to what children can create. Originally started in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children’s Business Fair has grown to over 1,500 fairs around the world serving more than 50,000 young entrepreneurs in over 500 cities and 20 countries. dcchildrensbusinessfair.org.

Kids Opening Day at Nat’s Park

On Sunday, April 27, 1:35 p.m., vs. the Mets, ages 12 and under pick up a kids designed Opening Day T-Shirt and enjoy Screech’s Birthday.

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park

Kids ages four to ¬twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game throughout the season. This year’s remaining dates are April 6 and 27; May 11 and 25; June 8 and 15; July 6 and 20; Aug. 3, 17 and 31; and Sept. 14 and 28. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Playtime Project (The Power of Play)

In 2024, Playtime Project served 618 children across Washington, DC, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, at homeless and domestic violence shelters, school-based sites, community locations, and housing programs. For 21 years, Playtime has centered its work around the pursuit of play equity. Play-

time serves children whose housing status deprives them of an equal opportunity to play. Play is essential to proper development of cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The organization has expanded across DC and into Prince George’s County, where the 2024 Point-in-Time Count of Persons Experiencing Homelessness shows that family homelessness in PGC has increased by 36% between 2022 and 2024. Playtime now works across 11 different programs, engaging approximately 150 volunteers per year. playtimeproject.org.

Earth Mother and Me at Discovery Theater

On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. (grade three to five focus), the magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role in protecting the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away. $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets are on sale now. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org. u

Camps: Art, Sports, Dance and Gymnastics, Musical Theatre, STEM, Lego, Girl Empowerment, Kuk Sool, Cooking, Coding/ Audio Engineering, Film, and Jr. Counselor

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CROSSWORD “C, See or Sea starters” by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Sporty British auto 6. Worthy principles 12. Web address ender 15. Douro river port 17. Win back the favor of 20. Annie Lennox hit “No More I Love ___” 22. Wire haired dog 24. C-____ 26. Speech stumbles 27. Swing about 28. And others, for short 29. Baseball card datum 30. Paid attention 33. Swashbuckler Flynn 36. Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’___” 37. Banquets 38. Inspector in a UK TV series 40. Apartments 43. Alice Walker’s color 46. Peddle 47. Art photographer Goldin 48. Skillful veteran 56. Dictionary abbr. 57. Djokovic’s nation 58. BBC rival 59. Stair part 61. No-see-ums 62. Drug buster 64. Electrolysis particle 65. Artistic figures 70. “Umbrella” singer 72. Unspoken 73. Unfreeze 77. It’s a gas 80. Make really happy 81. Where Belg. is 82. Annexes 84. Bread buy 87. They all start with sea 92. Payoff 93. Fix 94. Bugs 95. Burned up

118 H HILLRAG.COM

100. Center 102. Regal 103. ___ compos mentis 104. Tiff 106. Garden watering tubes 110. “ ___ never fly!” 111. “Love Kills” novelist Buchanan 113. Distinctive flair 115. Wire service (abbr.) 116. Painter Veronese 118. Romantic 1962 hit for Bryan Hyland 123. Word with judgment or shot 124. Bear 125. Southwestern grassy plains 126. Concorde or Tupolev? 127. “Later” 128. African tribesman

Down:

1. Gets licked 2. Drama set to music 3. Breakfast food 4. Website address 5. Awful mess 6. Imprison 7. Office stamp 8. ___ out a win 9. Fizzy prefix 10. Fishing tackle junk food 11. Dealt with maliciously 12. Sounds of woe 13. Alarm clock 14. Feliciano’s instrument 16. Understanding words 18. Milk dispensers 19. City in France 21. Tired 23. Microbrewery outputs 25. Dolls of the 80s 31. Strike callers 32. Some shirts 34. Carmen and MacBeth

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 35. “___ And Stitch” 37. Hanukkah item 39. Go back 41. Fey 42. Indo-China language 43. 2nd letter addendum 44. One-eighty 45. Campaigned for office 46. Show disgust 49. Surrealist painter Max 50. Business abbreviation 51. In-flight info, for short 52. Elder 53. Mexican child 54. Q ___ queen 55. Former heavyweight champion Spinks 60. DNA’s cousin 63. Sing softly

65. Fr. martyress, maybe 66. Hard to believe 67. Type of berry 68. Cosmonaut, Dennis 69. Part of a place setting 71. Poor 74. Self starter? 75. Hung. neighbor 76. Extract 77. Kubla Khan’s region 78. Turning point 79. Confidentiality agreement, for short 83. Pile up 84. E.R. personnel 85. Nay’s opposite 86. Guess: Abbr. 88. Cupcake 89. Most accessible

90. Imitator 91. Palindromic dog’s name, in the comics 95. Bits 96. Hose 97. Memorable soprano 98. Bucking bronco show 99. Chronicles 100. Surroundings 101. ___ the finish 102. Separate 105. Unfamiliar with 107. Appealing 108. Racetrack town near London 109. Spacek of “Crimes of the Heart” 112. On the safe side 114. Ice hockey org. 117. Decide 119. Poetic conjunction 120. “Waterloo Bridge: Gray __” by Monet 121. European skyline sight 122. Mary __; Cosmetic mogul

SELLING THE HILL

318 I Street SE

308 5th Street SE

Most coveted location! SOLD: $1,265,000 Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

4000 SF of Victorian Grace SOLD: $1.430M Listing Agents: Don Denton (202) 256-1353 Chuck Burger (202) 258-5316

153 E Street SE

21 3rd Street NE

Warm, wonderful space and the Brent school district! SOLD: $1.363M Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

Just 3 blocks from the Capitol SOLD: $1.790M Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

DON DENTON Associate Broker 202-256-1353 ddenton@cbmove.com

620 3rd Street NE Magnificent two unit with large garage and fabulous location! SOLD: $1.325M Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353