Hill Rag Magazine – March 2026

Celebrating Years!

KENSINGTON HOME

Small town charm with easy access to downtown DC! This beloved 1896 Victorian property includes three lots and combines historic charm with modern conveniences. Featuring over 6,000 interior sq. ft., nearly an acre of land and 1,200 sq. ft. of romantic wrap-around porches, this historic home has it all! Its large addition provides a generous family room and a beautiful primary suite. The addition has been seamlessly integrated by award-winning architect George Myers. Rarely can you find such a grand home with original Victorian architectural details plus the functionality of modern homes. This home’s beautifully maintained exterior and grounds set the tone.

Sitting on three generous lots (one of which is buildable), the property offers a rare sense of space in this coveted neighborhood, all a stone’s throw away from a weekend farmer’s market, great shops and restaurants, and Kensington MARC Station, which gets to Union Station in under 20 minutes! Ample parking and outdoor areas provide enough space for an existing sport court and potentially a swimming pool or ADU.

10400 Montgomery’s period craftsmanship shines through. High ceilings, rich woodwork, and generous windows provide a light-filled and architecturally distinctive interior environment. The large rear addition expands the living space, creating a comfortable flow for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious living and dining rooms retain their original elegance, while the expanded kitchen, primary suite and family areas offer enhanced functionality and style. Well-proportioned bedrooms and cozy nooks reflect the home’s personality and warmth.

The finished attic and basement allow for entertaining, working from home, and multi-generational living. Yet the home maintains its historic integrity. With its rare blend of original character, modern comforts, generous lot size, and unparalleled convenience, this Victorian gem is ready to be your home for many years to come!

$3,195,000 - Crestwood 4801 Blagden Ave., NW

$424,900 - Penn Quarter 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Unit 1125

$700,000 - Capitol Hill 1345 K St., SE #401

$774,000 - Georgetown 2527 Q Street, NW Unit 202

$1,798,500 - Mt. Pleasant 1818 Lamont St. NW

$1,300,000 - Georgetown 1610 33rd St. NW

$1,383,000 - Capitol Hill 506 10th Street SE

$1,750,000 - Georgetown 2719 Dumbarton St., NW

$415,000 - Ballston 900 N Stafford St., #1909

• Ranked in the top 1.5% of all agents nationwide by the national firm, RealTrends (June 2025)

• Proven track record, with nearly $500 million in career sales

• 24 years of experience; Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia

• Named a Washingtonian “Top Producing Agent” for the last 10 consecutive years

ISSUE

The Making of A Capitol Hill Interior Design Atelier

Lisa Shaffer Reimagines A Hill Rowhouse... by Amy Dubin-Nath

Changing Hands by Don Denton

Home looking for new appreciative owner, maybe YOU! Traditional Features, warm glowing chestnut trim, pocket doors!, tiled foyer, wavy glass windows, more!

The home has a mix of beloved historic details, and new convenient upgrades, like Hot Water on-demand, Central HVAC, metal roof (best kind!), built-in bookcases, basement apartment/ in law suite! Over 2400 sf, big and well situated, needs an appreciative new owner, one with ideas and a vision.* Lincoln Park Homes historically are v. profitable! Some simple improvements and upgrades will increase owners equity, and make the new owner happy for another 7 decades!

Next Issue: April 4

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

PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com • Copyright © 2026 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

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Family Life & Fitness

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

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean Vishnu Reclining on the Serpent Ananta (Endless One) Cambodia, Siem Reap province, second half of 11th century Bronze, mercury gilding National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Photo: Mario Ciampi, © Guicciardini & Magni Architetti.

Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean at the Asia Art Museum

At the dawn of time, the Hindu god Vishnu slept on a coiled serpent floating in the primordial ocean. There, he dreamed the universe into existence. This magnificent story of creation comes to life through the largest bronze ever cast in Southeast Asia, now on loan to the National Museum of Asian Art (Arhtur M. Sackler Gallery, Gallery 22) from the National Museum of Cambodia. From March 7 to Sept. 7, you can experience this sculpture’s full monumental scale: a breathtaking six meters long (nearly twenty feet). Only the head and torso have been displayed since 1936, when the sculpture was found buried in a pit with dozens of loose bronze fragments. A team of international experts has recently conserved and reconnected the body’s remnants after decades of scientific research. asia.si.edu.

“The Simon and Garfunkel Story” at the National Direct from sell out tours of the UK and Europe, The Simon & Garfunkel Story tells the fascinating tale of how two boys from Queens, New York went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Starting from their humble beginnings as 50’s Rock n Roll duo Tom & Jerry, The Simon & Garfunkel Story takes you through all the songs and stories that shaped them, the dramatic split, their individual solo careers and ending with a stunning recreation of the legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert. Using a projection screen, the show features 1960s photographs and film footage accompanied by a full band performing all their hits including Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, The Sound Of Silence and many more. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on March 14, 7:30 p.m. and March 15, 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $77. thenationaldc.com.

H HILLRAG.COM

“Miro and the United States” at The Phillips Collection

From March 21 through July 5, the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, presents “Miro and the United States”, a major traveling exhibition organized in collaboration with the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona. This exhibition recounts a little-known yet decisive period of transatlantic exchange between Joan Miro and American artists, revealing how the United States informed his artistic development and influenced his post-war art on both sides of the Atlantic. Open daily except Mondays. General admission is $20 for adults; seniors, $15; students with ID and educators, $10; 18 and under, free. phillipscollection.org.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Gordon Parks Harlem Rally, 1963, printed later gelatin silver print sheet: 41 x 50.6 cm (16 1/8 x 19 15/16 in.) image: 34.3 x 46.8 cm (13 1/2 x 18 7/16 in.) National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (The Gordon Parks Collection, 1998), © The Gordon Parks Foundation

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is on Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (rain or shine) along Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year. Paid seating is $28 to $45. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

“Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” at NGA More than 100 works on paper show how artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years through depictions of the country’s landscape, people, and concepts of freedom. Wide-ranging works include photographs by Carleton Watkins, Dorothea Lange, and Carrie Mae Weems; prints by Thomas Hart Benton, Roy Lichtenstein, and Rupert García; and drawings by Thomas Moran, John Wilson, and Tonita Peña. “Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” is on display in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building from April 11 to Sept. 20. nga.gov.

Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current

Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, they bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington DC. The 34th Annual Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current is from March 19 to 28. DCEFF 2026 is dedicated to amplifying the unwavering voices of those who press on in defense of our planet, even in the face of significant challenges. This year’s programs spotlight powerful stories of innovation and action--while forging partnerships with local and national organizations leading the fight for a better future. Regular screenings cost $10 to $15, while some special events cost $25. Many DCEFF programs are offered free to the public or have pay-what-you-can admission. dceff. org/#subscribe.

Washington National Opera’s “The Crucible” (Truth and lies are forged in fire.)

Fear stalks the villagers of Salem. Some say witchcraft is responsible for strange happenings. But when accusations and paranoia take root, a deadly chain of events unfolds. When everything is at stake, what is the cost of the truth—and who pays the price? Lisner Auditorium on the George Washington University campus, 730 21st. St. NW, on March 21, 23, 25 and 27 at 7 p.m.; and March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $62. washnatopera.org/the-crucible.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

DC Sketchfest at the DC Arts Center

“As You Like It” at the

Folger

Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances. This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging. Folger Shakespeare Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, from March 10 to April 12. Tickets are $20 to $90. folger.edu.

“Art in Bloom” at Anderson House

Art in Bloom DC is a celebration of fresh florals and art, giving DC residents an opportunity to view an interpretation, not a re-creation, of a specific artwork or collection or theme (including architectural inspirations) rendered in a floral medium. Each year, many of DC’s most creative and innovative floral designers come together to showcase their unique style, vision, and skill through this display of flowers. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW, from March 19 to 22. Tickets are $22 to $95. artinbloomdc.com.

The curio cabinet in the center of the room displays this filigree gilt metal-and-enamel lady’s fan that bears Chinese figures on the paper surface.

A sketch is a short, fully scripted comedy scene. Sketch comedy is the same thing you see on Saturday Night Live! The DC Sketchfest is DC’s only sketch comedy festival and features dozens of comedy troupes from the US and Canada for four days only, March 25 to 28, at The DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. DC Sketchfest is organized by the DC sketch comedy community and founded by Bad Medicine and Rails Comedy. Admission to all festival shows is $155.82 (includes fees). dcsketchfest.com.

Eddie Izzard in

“The Tragedy of Hamlet” at Shakespeare

The King of Denmark is dead and Prince Hamlet is determined to take revenge, initiating a cascade of events that will destroy both family and state. From March 27 to April 11, Eddie Izzard will be portraying men, women, ghosts, scholars, tyrants, courtiers, lovers, and fools. Eddie’s performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet sees her take on 23 characters in a very unique re-telling of the iconic play. Known as an actor, multi-lingual comedian, multi-marathon runner, and activist, Eddie Izzard’s career pushes boundaries and defies description with record-breaking tours and critically acclaimed film, TV, and theatre performances. STC’s Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. Tickets start at $90.shakespearetheatre.org.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Ireland at the Wharf

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Wharf on Saturday, March 14, 1 to 7 p.m., with a festival featuring live Irish music, Irish dancers, and more. The festival’s main stage on District Pier features three live local bands performing familiar Celtic, Irish, and Americana tunes that you can sing and dance to. Between the bands’ performances, local Irish dance troupes show off their award-winning Irish dance routines. Children and pets are welcome throughout the festival area. Children may enjoy watching the musicians and Irish dancers, a kids coloring station, and more. wharfdc.com.

Mosaic’s “Young John Lewis” at the Atlas

It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this new musical, Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis. Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years of ages 18-28, the musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, fighting for Civil Rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and working for nearly two decades in Congress. Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from March 26 to April 26. Tickets start at $62. atlasarts.org.

“1776” at Ford’s “1776” offers a witty, incisive look at the people behind the nation’s founding, exploring the fierce disagreements, fragile alliances and bold ideals that shaped American democracy. With humor and urgency, the musical reminds audiences that independence was not inevitable—it was debated, fought for and ultimately decided by imperfect individuals grappling with extraordinary responsibility. “1776” is at Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW, from March 13 to May 16. Tickets start at $41. fords.org.

“We call it Jazz”: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans at the Howard On Sunday, March 15, at 5 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.) and 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), come on down to The Jazz Room at The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. “We call it Jazz” is a journey back in time to the birthplace of this iconic genre. Located in a street-style bar that recreates 1920s New Orleans, this live jazz show promises a night of soul, passion, and rhythm. Grab yourself a cocktail from the bar, and watch talented musicians light up the stage. Enjoy a selection of the finest “hot jazz” tunes, a unique blend of ragtime, brass, and blues, plus moments of spontaneous improvisation—a hallmark of true jazz. Tickets are $29 to $44. Must be 21+. unionstagepresents.com/ the-howard/shows.

Dirty Three at the 9:30 Club

Dirty Three is an Australian instrumental rock band, consisting of Warren Ellis (violin, keyboards), Mick Turner (electric guitar, organ and bass) and Jim White (drums), which formed in 1992. Their 1996 album Horse Stories was voted by Rolling Stone as one of the top three albums of the year. In describing the group’s sound, music journalists have mentioned ballads, folk, rock, classical, chamber music, free jazz and blues, Celtic music, other European folk styles and Indian raga. Dirty Three is at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Monday, March 30, doors at 7 p.m. $45.30. 930.com.

Sasha Velour’s “Travesty” at Woolly Mammoth

Travesty traces the secret queer history of a single spot throughout time— a witch burns in a field; a clown builds a theater; an underground gay bar rises up against the police. As Velour embodies different characters through a series of jaw-dropping lip-syncs, she invites you to take part in the cycle of existence, resistance, and camp that is drag. Part performance art, part history, part call to action, Travesty will have you screaming at the top of your lungs, dancing in the aisles, and inspired to “change the muthaf*ckin’ world!” Woolly Mammoth, 641 D ST. NW, from March 24 to April 12. Tickets are $41. woollymammoth.net.

The Minutes at Keegan (an unruly comedy about small town politics)

Night falls on Big Cherry, USA— a seemingly ordinary town with secrets festering beneath its folksy charm. As the city council meeting unfolds in real time, tensions rise, alliances shift, and a routine agenda veers into chaos. What begins as civic procedure spirals into a gripping unmasking of buried truths, and a chilling question: How far would you go to protect your version of the truth? From the razor-sharp pen of Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts “The Minutes” is a darkly hilarious, slow-burning thriller that peels back the patriotic veneer of American identity. Part biting satire, part psychological mystery, it exposes the rot at the heart of institutional power and the stories we tell to survive it. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from April 4 to May 3. Tickets are $55 for adults: $44, seniors, students and under 25. keegantheatre.com.

“Only The Air”

IN Series Passion Plays: A festival of World Premiers

On each of the first three weekends in March, IN Series presents DC audiences with a different show—ticketed separately. They take place in the Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir. NW. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. “Only The Air” is on March 6, 7, and 8. Old music is given new meaning in an original theater piece that includes that searing and unforgettable arias from J.S. Bach’s masterpiece. “Passio” is on March 13, 14 and 15. In religious traditions, passion narratives are about suffering, sacrifice, and transformation, and usually centered around one hero or savior. “For Women Serving Time” is on March 20, 21 and 22. Persian-American poet and scholar Fatemeh Keshavarz and pianist and composer Adrienne Torf come together to make a new piece of opera-theater that fuses Faure’s Requiem, jazz elements, and Brechtian theatrical traditions. Open seats are $35 to $50; reserved seats, $70. inseries.org.

MARCH 20 – APRIL 12

Time to get your ducks in a row, as 111 5th Street, SE, will be coming on the market in early April. This charming and sunlit home blends timeless elegance with modern updates and even features an income-producing unit with a Certificate of Occupancy. 3 bedrooms/2 baths on the top levels; 1 bedroom/1 bath on lower level apartment. Just steps from Congress, Eastern Market, Library of Congress, shopping and top dining spots.

Electric Violinist

Mia Asano at Union Stage

Mia Asano is a Los Angeles based electric violinist who combines her classical training with her passion for alternative music. With over 6 million followers across social media platforms, Mia gained global success as a viral social media musician during her time at the Berklee College of Music where she double majored in Violin Performance and Professional Music. She used this momentum to begin releasing her own original music and covers, building up to playing five tours in one year, the first of which sold out immediately. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. General admission is $40. unionstagepresents.com.

Diana Krall at

Strathmore

A record-breaking musician, Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her albums have won two Grammy Awards, ten Juno Awards, and achieved nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multiPlatinum certifications. Her album This Dream of You earned critical acclaim and highlights the effortless virtuosity that has secured her status as an icon. Krall’s artistry and musicality transcend any single musical style, making her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. Strathmore’s Music Center on March 24, 8 p.m. $28 to $148. strathmore.org.

John Moreland & Patterson Hood at the Birchmere

After an impressive 2010s run of albums that earned him a devoted fanbase, accolades from outlets like The New York Times, Fresh Air, and Pitchfork, and a place in the upper echelon of modern Americana singer-songwriters, John Moreland has already taken two unexpected turns this decade, both of which highlight his fierce artistic independence. Patterson Hood is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA, on Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $46.50 through the box office. birchmere.com.

“Eureka Day” at Theater J

The Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California, is a bastion of progressive ideals: representation, acceptance, social justice. In weekly meetings Eureka Day’s five board members develop and update policy to preserve this culture of inclusivity, reaching decisions only by consensus. But when a mumps outbreak threatens the Eureka community, facts become subjective and every solution divisive, leaving the school’s leadership to confront the central question of our time: How do you build consensus when no one can agree on truth? Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from March 11 to April 5. edcjcc.org/theater-j.

“Futures in Space” at Air and Space

The “Futures in Space” exhibition, in Gallery 109, explores the potential near- and long-term futures that may emerge with advances in space exploration technology and enterprise. The gallery features developing technologies that aim to inaugurate the era of commercial and tourist spaceflight, expand robotic planetary exploration and resource extraction, and keep humans alive in new environments. “Futures in Space” also explores the as-yet unanswered social, political, and economic questions that emerge along with these new activities: Who decides who goes to space? Why do we go? And what will we do when we get there? airandspace.si.edu.

LOCAL CALENDAR

“Chez Joey” at Arena Stage. Through March 15. “A Bold Reimagining of Rodgers and Hart’s Pal Joey.” The year is 1940-something, and Chicago’s night scene is sizzling. Enter Joey Evans, a slick-talking, velvet-voiced songster with dreams bigger than the bandstand. Tickets start at $83. 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival. Through March 15. The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

“Inherit the Wind” at Arena Stage. Through April 5. Based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this courtroom drama pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think freely. Tickets start at $68. 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Cajun Dance at St. Mark’s. March 3 at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lively music from southwestern Louisiana, sung in Cajun French by Capitol Hill Cajun Orchestra. Two steps and waltzes for dancing. All ages welcome. Free admission. 301 A St. SE. stmarks.net

Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Show. Through May 2. Open to artists residing in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

First Place Winner: Vugar Guliyev “Astral Drift ” 2025, oil on canvas.

District Beer Fest @ Dock 5 Union Market. March 7, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy specially curated exhibitors, including the DMV’s top breweries, as they share with you some of the best beers, beverages, eats, and more, in the country. General admission $44.36. districtbeerfest.com.

Used Book Sale at NE Library. Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (second Saturday of rhe month). Shop a wide range of donated titles, most $1 to $2. 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org.

“As You Like It” at the Folger. March 10 to April 12. Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances. $20 to $90. folger.edu.

ExPats Theatre: “Pressure” at the Atlas. March 14 to April 5. After one shady deal too many, Hassan and Shirin’s brother are waiting in a cell for his sentence. For

“Casablanca” on the Big Screen at the Miracle Theatre. March 7, 7 p.m. and March 8, 2 p.m. Enjoy Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in this classic movie. $12 on Saturday; $10 on Sunday. themiracletheatre.com.

Shirin, successful and with a university degree, it is the long-overdue consequence of her brother’s lifestyle without any desire to “integrate.” $54.75. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Sing Out Piano Bar and Open Mic with Gay Man’s Chorus. March 18 and April 22, 8 to 11 p.m.

Come out to sing with live piano accompaniment or just enjoy the music. Free admission. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Capital City Symphony: Shout! March 22, 5 p.m. Young Stars Series--Raise your voice. Celebrate your power. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Soul Line Dance with Sean at SW Library. March 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Move your (adult) body while learning new steps and practicing some favorites. 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org.

Mosaic Theater Company’s “Young John Lewis” at the Atlas. March 26 to April 26. It’s time to make some Good Trouble! This new hip-hop and soul musical honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis. Tickets start at $62. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

The 2026 Eudora Welty Lecture at the Folger. March 26, 7:30 p.m. Kate DiCamillo is one of America’s most beloved storytellers; some of her best-known novels include Because of Winn-Dixie (2000), The Tale of Despereaux (2003), and Flora & Ulysses (2013). She is a two-time Newbery Medalist. $25. folger.edu.

Bloomaroo at The Wharf (District Pier). March 28, 2 to 9 p.m. This is a family-friendly spring extravaganza with live music, art, and a blossom fireworks show. wharfdc.com.

Black Box presents Rrose (live) at Transmission (a home for

the underground). March 28, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. A party with a simple ethos: Speakers, Fog, Techno. That’s It. 1353 H St. NE. 21+. $20 to $30. transmissiondc.com.

Capital Art Book Fair. March 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 Seventh St. SE. artbookfair.eastcityart.com.

Eastern-European Jewish Folk Music with Seth Kibel & The Kleztet. March 29, 5 to 7 p.m. Seth Kibel & The Kleztet will entertain and delight with a program focused on upbeat klezmer music (EasternEuropean Jewish folk music) along with some detours into Yiddish folk song, jazz, swing, and the Great American Songbook. $23. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

NoMa Farmers Market Opens for Season. On Thursdays, April 2 through October, on Third Street NE, between M and N. diversemarkets.net.

Irish, Scottish, and American Folk duo Rakish in Concert. April 3, 7 to 9 p.m. Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish embodies earnest musical exploration and demonstrates an infectious playfulness on stage. $23. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Petalpalooza at Capital Riverfront. April 4, 1 to 9 p.m. Celebrate spring at Petalpalooza for a full day of live music and engaging activities. Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 p.m. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

The Life of a Poet Featuring Brian Gilmore, author of No More Worlds to Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington, DC in Conversation with Poet/Editor Kyle Dargan. April 9, 7 to 9 p.m. $12. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. ◆

SAT. MARCH 7: 1970s

FRI. APRIL 10: 1980s

FRI. MAY 8: 1990s

THUR. JUNE 18: 2000s

THUR. JULY 16: 2010s

SAT. AUGUST 22: 60TH Anniversary Celebration

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery. April 5, 6:15 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, PASSOVER, RAMADAN, CALENDAR

Pre-Passover Friday Night Services at Sixth & I. March 27, 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). This inclusive service led by Rabbi Aaron and Sixth & I’s musicians blends contemporary and traditional elements for an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. sixthandi.org.

Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place. March 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to noon and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, for this annual family-friendly event to celebrate spring. Take photos with the Easter bunny, collect Easter eggs, create art, enjoy facepainting, storytime and more. Accompanying adult, $10; child, $20; child, two and younger, free. tudorplace.org.

Food Without Conditions: Ramadan and Always. World Central Kitchen is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. “When people are hungry, send in cooks. Not tomorrow, today,” says Jose Andres. Help make seven million meals possible this Ramadan in Gaza. wck.org.

Easter Egg Hunts at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. March 28 and April 4, 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. For kids two to twelve, $17.85; adults, $7.18; under two, free. LeeFendall House Museum & Garden is at 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA. leefendallhouse.org.

Where to Eat During Ramadan in DC After a Long Day of Fasting. During the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, many come together at the end of each day to break their fast. Some local restaurants offer special celebratory iftar menus during the annual, month-long holiday. This year, Ramadan concludes at sundown on Thursday, March 19. There is a running guide of dining resources and special iftar menus at dc.eater.com.

Annual Second Night Seder: Telling Our Stories. April 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join the EDCJCC for a warm communal seder celebrating the diversity of Passover traditions. Guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Adults, $70; young professionals, $45; children, $25; five and under, free. Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW. edcjcc.org.

The Great Vigil of Easter at The National Cathedral. April 4, 8 p.m. All are welcome to bring bells. Featured musicians: Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble. Livestream available. cathedral.org.

Easter Sunrise Service at Congressional Cemetery. April 5, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Join Christ Church Capitol Hill (Episcopal), 1801 E St. SE, near the chapel at Congressional Cemetery

for a sunrise worship service. All are welcome. christchurchdc.org.

Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial. April 5, 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.

Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist at the National Cathedral. April 5, 8 and 11:15 a.m. Featured musicians: Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble and Brass Ensemble. Free passes required. cathedral.org.

Bunny Hop at Stead Park. April 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Put on your spring bonnet or bunny ears and join Friends of Stean Park for selfies with the bunny, crafts, snacks, face painting, games with filled egg prizes and a petting zoo featuring bunnies, guinea pigs, and other small, cuddly creatures. Stead Park is at 1625 P St. NW. Free with registration. friendsofsteadpark.org.

Easter Sunday Organ Recital at the National Cathedral. April 5, 2 p.m. The Easter Sunday Organ Recital features festive music performed by Cathedral organists. Tickets not required. Livestream available. cathedral.org.

Easter Sunday Choral Evensong at the National Cathedral. April 5, 4 p.m. Their

King Street Cats Easter 5k & 12k. April 5, 9:30 a.m. to noon. 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 all-volunteer, cat-exclusive, no-kill rescue facility in Alexandria, Va. kingstreetcats.org.

Easter Sunday 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 not required. Livestream available. cathedral.org.

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection at the National Shrine. April 5, 7:30 a.m., Mass in the Crypt Church; 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mass in the Great Upper Church; noon, Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday; 2:30 p.m., Misa Solemne de Pascua, Gran Iglesia Superior. Livestream available. nationalshrine.org.

Easter Monday at the Zoo: A Washington Family Tradition. On April 6, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This decades-long tradition is a roaring good time, celebrating families and the vibrant DC community. Admission is free and all are welcome. Parking is $40 ($30 if you purchase parking pass one day earlier). nationalzoo.si.edu.

Spring Fling: Egg-Stravaganza at THEARC. April 12, noon to 3 p.m. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. buildingbridgesdc.org/thearc.

Easter Sunday at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. April 12, 11 a.m. 2815 36th St. NW. saintsophiadc.org. ◆

Sunrise Service at 6:15 am, on the rectory lawn

Church Masses at 8:30 am,10:30 am, Noon Easter Egg hunt follows after the 8:30 am and the 10:30 am Masses 313

Kill the Gargoyles and Don’t Trip Over Fido. H G

Aging in Place on Capitol Hill

by Stephanie Cavanaugh

Ilive in a death trap. If you live in a house on the Hill you probably do too… oh, not if you’re young and spry, but eventually these homes will catch up with you. They were built when the average lifespan was 39.1, according to the CDC, and you were more likely to succumb to the plague than the staircase.

The other day I was lunching at the Tune

Inn with architect Judith Capen, to discuss aging in place, which has become rather a buzzword. Her home has been tweaked and gussied as architects will do, more open than ours, but still sharing many of the difficulties, and she always has…thoughts.

Wandering home along Pennsylvania Avenue we bumped into Nicky Cymrot, who has her fin-

Dogs can be excellent for your health, or another hazard. Fido must be big enough to see without glasses...but not so large and energetic that you’re dragged down the block

zzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzz

gers into everything around here, and a friend of hers whose name I have mentally misplaced, as I unfortunately do more and more often. She had on a fabulous fur jacket; I contemplated mugging her.

What are you up to, Nicky asked. We were discussing aging in place on Capitol Hill, I said. And we all babbled and tsked at each other for several minutes about the challenges older peo-

ple face in our narrow, stair-plagued, homes. Failing to notice that none of us will see 75 again.

Older people, you know. Not us. Let’s look at those stairs for a minute. Mine, since they’re handy. My husband Greg and I live in a typical unrenovated row house with stairs to the front door, stairs to the garden, stairs to the basement, and stairs to the second-floor bedrooms.

There are no steps to the attic. For that we climb into an overloaded closet and up the shelves to push back a hatch to retrieve the holiday ornaments and whatnots. Oh, and the air conditioner apparatus is on the roof, reached through another hatch, in the ceiling of the secondfloor porch. A ladder is required to change the filter. I do not do this but appreciate the effort of my spouse.

I imagine we all know someone that came to a tragic, even grisly, end on one or another staircase, which is why AARP’s Smart Guide to Aging in Place suggests living on one level, if possible.

On the other hand, if you still have balance, stairs are excellent exercise. There are people who pay gym memberships to climb them, while you have a free Stairmaster.

There are, in fact, many guides like AARP’s, with practical suggestions for modifying your home that are not too depressing. You should probably read them. The Capitol Hill Village also has resources including companies that will help you design a more accommodating kitchen or bath. The DC Department of Aging has a Safe at Home program for adaptive features for those over 60 or with disabilities. They say, “this may include handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts.”

There are issues peculiar to

HThe Hill, says Judith, particularly if you’re in the Historic District, where you run into issues of esthetics, an extra layer of hoops and permissions. But anywhere that modifications are needed – interior or exterior- permits must be obtained, which drive up the cost but will keep you safe. A chair rail that can’t support your weight? Oops, there goes the hip. And, as we’ve all been warned, there goes you.

Ten Tips for Making Your Capitol Hill Home Safer

1. Exterior steps. Not only are ramps unsightly, but the slope must also be gentle enough that you can roll or walker yourself up or be pushed up without difficulty. To get a proper pitch, that would mean, Judith points out, starting it in the middle of the street. Once you’re permanently in a wheel chair, you’ll need more than a ramp to get in and around the house. If it’s short term, you could rent a chair lift. Or, just haul yourself up the stairs and have someone carry the chair. Good exercise!

2. For interior steps, secure railings are essential. If, like most of us, you only have a single railing, have another installed on the blank wall. Make sure it’s solid and professionally done so you don’t take it down if you stumble. Stair lifts can also be installed and removed without doing permanent damage to your home.

3. I love a good bubbly wallow in my clawfoot tub, but it’s become increasingly difficult to get into and out of. You could remove the tub and install a shower, which is expensive, and in my case, really sad. Or get a rubber tub mat and install sturdy grab bars. Elsewhere in the bath, toilet seats are easily mod-

ified, a higher seat makes lowering yourself and getting up again easier, though a lower seat does work those quads.

4. If you do not have a powder room on the main level, it might be worth the expense to figure out how to install one. If you’re space challenged, Acorn makes a sink with an integrated toilet that would fit in a closet. They also make them for prison cells so you know they’re fine in small spaces and should last a lifetime.

5. When attempting to see where you’re going, good lighting is helpful, and our homes are often short on natural light. Judith suggests using the brightest bulbs possible – though I’ll warn that bright light overhead can be very cruel to a face past its prime. On the other hand, it’s useful in the bathroom, over the sink, for women getting at those little chin hairs and finding your lips so you can line them, and for men, shaving without cutting your throat.

Unless you’re sorting your jewels or maybe spring cleaning, strong lighting is generally not necessary in the bedroom, particularly if you still have a companion. You want to read in bed? That is why god created the Kindle Paperwhite, though I hate promoting anything Bezos.

6. Speaking of the bedroom. Make sure you can get in and out of bed easily. I am very fond of my Princess and the Pea mattress which is at Victorian height above the floor, but I confess it’s getting a little old. There have been nights when I have to drag myself up by my fingernails, which is neither easy nor seductive.

7. There are more ways to break your neck than stairs. Area rugs, for example. Perhaps you’ve met someone that’s skidded or

tripped over one? Not necessarily a killer, but possibly a bone breaker. Clutter too. Do your kids a favor and get rid of stuff unless you’re the passive aggressive sort that lets them handle it after you’ve tripped over the cast iron gargoyle by the front door and landed in hospice. I cannot part with my gargoyle.

8. Dogs can be excellent for your health, or another hazard. Fido must be big enough to see without glasses (no more mini-poos) but not so large and energetic that you’re dragged down the block. A greyhound would be a poor choice.

9. Need the air conditioning filter changed, the gutters cleaned, the mattress flipped, the wisteria trimmed, the wine cellar restocked? Get over the macho stuff guys, hire a pro, or ask a neighbor or your kids for help. The city claims they’ll send someone to shovel your snow. Next time it snows, let us know how that goes.

10. You don’t have to be a Hill dweller to appreciate a smart watch or medallion that can call 911 or an emergency contact if you fall. Just remember to wear it.

If it doesn’t make your skin crawl, consider a robot. ElliQ was recently written about in the New York Times. She sits on a table and learns to communicate like a new friend, learning all about you, reminding you of appointments, turning on the TV, playing scrabble, even writing your memoir if you wish. Produced by Intuition Robotics, is still being tested, but is being distributed by state health departments and nonprofits that deal with the elderly...

But that’s not you, is it? It still ain‘t me, babe. u

The Importance of Brick Pointing

A Homeowner’s Guide to Repointing on Capitol Hill

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

On Capitol Hill, the exterior brick on a house is older than most of the families living behind it. Wardman row houses were built starting in 1914. Turn-of-the-century facades rose when trolley tracks rattled down Eighth Street. Handmade bricks were red near Michigan Avenue and hauled downtown by wagon. Those bricks were made to last. The mortar between them was not.

“Brick needs mortar,” said Tom Michaliga of Michaliga Masonry (michaligamasonry.com), who has worked in brick restoration in the District for decades and once served as a mason at the Capitol building.

Mortar, he says, was never meant to last forever. It is the sacricial layer – designed to crack, soften and recede so the brick doesn’t have to.

Repointing – sometimes also called tuckpointing – is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new mortar matched in composition and appearance.

For homeowners, the question is not whether it will be necessary. It is when.

Terminology Matters

Repointing and tuckpointing are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Herson Amaya, whose family has operated Bricklands masonry (www.brickmasonrywashingtondc.com) for more than three decades, draws a rm distinction. Tuckpointing refers to a decorative technique: mortar colored to match the brick, followed by a thin lighter “tuck” line that creates the appearance of ne joints.

Spot pointing is a lighter fix where only small areas are addressed to freshen the look and seal gaps. Done well, it typically lasts 15 to 20 years, Amaya said.

Repointing means cutting out a substantial depth of failing mortar –about half an inch to an inch – and packing in new mortar. Done properly, and across the full wall, it can last 70 to 100 years, according to Amaya. That lifespan assumes something critical: the repair uses the right mortar.

Mortar Matters

We describe something unyielding as “hard as a brick.” But historic brick is relatively soft, contractors point out.

Before World War II, brick was handmade and wood- red, varying in density. Bricks red closer to the heat were stronger and often used on exteriors; those farther away were softer and often used on interiors.

The mortar used in historic Washington was lime-based – softer, more exible and breathable than modern cement mixes. It allowed moisture to move through the wall and absorbed stress from settling foundations or passing streetcars.

That’s different from today’s commercial brick, made with uniform size and strength and paired with cement-based mortar that is far too strong for historic brick.

If the wrong mortar is used, it can do more harm than good. Hard mortar forces stress into softer historic brick, causing faces to crack or spall. Even outside designated historic districts, homes built before the 1950s should be treated as historic, Amaya said.

“Shortcuts can be very expensive,” said Al Elkot of Elkot’s General Services (elkotsgeneralservices.com) – a reminder that repairing mortar early is usually less costly than rebuilding brick later.

Once brick begins to fail, re-

pairs shift into a di erent category – and price range. Replacing historic bricks requires careful removal and sourcing compatible replacements, often from salvage yards in Baltimore, Pennsylvania or Virginia. A single historic brick replacement can run around $150, and even a few damaged units can quickly approach $400 with labor and materials.

The Signs Your Wall Is Failing

How do you know it’s time to repoint? Brick rarely collapses without warning. The clues appear rst in the mortar.

Look for hairline cracks, crumbling joints or mortar that has recessed deeply between bricks. Damp patches or powdery white deposits can indicate moisture penetration.

“The vital signs of it is disintegration, bubbling to the mortar, or any potential holes,” Amaya said. On homes with plaster walls, bubbling interior paint or damp patches may signal moisture moving through the brick.

Elkot puts it simply: “You can tell it’s cracking up, and then the mortar is gone.”

Deterioration is rarely uniform.

“It’s just sections that might need it at the time,” Amaya added. Addressing problems early keeps repairs less invasive.

What the Process Looks Like

If a full wall needs repointing, masons erect sca olding and cover windows in plastic. Preparation can take a day or two.

Repointing is loud before it is quiet. Deteriorated mortar is cut or chiseled out. Horizontal joints may be ground carefully; vertical joints are typically chiseled by hand to avoid damaging brick faces.

Some shortcuts leave scars. Contractors who grind both directions risk cutting into the bricks, Amaya said, which is why many prefer hand tools.

Once old mortar is removed, joints are cleaned before new mortar is pressed in and compressed rmly into place, strengthening the bond and improving water resistance.

On Capitol Hill, the standard nish is concave – a shallow curve that sheds water and matches surrounding facades.

when peeling allows water behind the surface.

Michaliga frames the issue functionally. “It seals it, but it doesn’t let it breathe,” he said. Historic brick and lime mortar were designed to absorb and release moisture; restricting that exchange can accelerate deterioration during freeze-thaw winters.

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society emphasizes compatibility and preservation of original masonry character. In the historic district, painting previously unpainted brick typically requires review.

Marie Fennell’s CHRS case study adds another caution: removal is not risk-free. Aggressive stripping methods can damage brick faces, and modern materials that are stronger and less permeable than historic brick can create new problems during repair.

Experts agree on one point: paint does not x failing mortar. Before adding or removing a coating, evaluate the condition of the joints.

The Long View

A typical two-story row house can take a week to ten days of working time. Full front-and-back repointing can run under $10,000 depending on condition, wall area and access.

To Paint– or Not to Paint?

On Capitol Hill, painted brick is common. Entire rows have been coated for decades. The debate is less about color than about performance.

Amaya takes a pragmatic view. After decades in the eld, he says he has not observed structural damage simply from painting. “You’ve just got to pick the right kind of paint.” Fully impermeable coatings that trap moisture can create problems

Repointing is not cosmetic fussing. It is the quiet maintenance that allows a 1914 facade to remain standing a century later. Done properly, it protects masonry for decades; done poorly – or postponed too long – it can accelerate the damage it was meant to prevent.

Brick was meant to last. Mortar was meant to be replaced. The work involves sca olding, dust and sometimes weeks of noise, but it preserves something larger: the rhythm of a block, the continuity of material and the slow durability of a neighborhood built to outlast trends.

The brick will outlast most owners. The mortar must be renewed to make that possible. On Capitol Hill, that is not just maintenance; it is stewardship. ◆

A Modernist Gem Hiding in Plain Sight

To stroll down the 600 block of E Street SE on Capitol Hill is to walk through history. A block to the south is Christ Church, the District’s oldest Episcopal house of worship. Between this landmark and the street is a set of alleys that once housed artisans and now artist studios. If not for the parked cars, not much has not changed since the late 19th century.

Behind one historic façade, a unique home hides in plain sight. 633 E St. SE, located on corner of F Street Terrace and E Street SE, dates from the early 1890s. This un-

by Andrew Lightman

assuming three story, 3,500 square foot, three-bedroom house sits on a 2,125 square foot lot. Stepping through its front door, however, one moves from the 19th century into a modernist universe.

633 E Street’s interior is a story of how a talented architect took a couples’ love for art, food and entertaining and transformed a traditional Capitol Hill rowhouse into a modern showplace.

Designing for a The Couple

The owners, Dr. Jeremy Waletzky and Susan Clampitt met late in life. Clampitt had lived for over a decade on Nineth Street SE. Falling in love in the first decade of the millennium, the two decided to make a fresh start by purchasing a new home. Clampitt wanted to remain in her beloved neighborhood.

When the two purchased 633 E Street, Clampitt recalled a Washington Post article she had read about a residential renovation by awardwinning architect Janet Bloomberg, a principal at KUBE Architecture.

“If I ever buy another house, I am going to call Janet. She has my taste.” Clampitt recalled thinking at the time.

Before beginning the design, Bloomberg interviews clients extensively to develop a deep understanding their “passions and gestalt.”

“We want them (the clients) to love the house and make it very personal to them,” said Bloomberg. The firm customizes and crafts every detail to their clients’ needs.

How do you want to feel when you walk in the door? Clampitt recalls Bloomberg asking at their first meeting. “I want it to be Zen, to leave the city behind, a calm, enveloping beautiful space,” she said.

Waletzky and Clampitt, Bloomberg discovered quickly, were connoisseurs of fine art with considerable personal collections. Clampitt loved to cook. Both enjoyed entertaining. They also shared had a midcentury modern esthetic with an affinity for simple black and white décor, large spaces and lots of light.

A Customized Interior

633 E Street was a very traditional Capitol Hill rowhouse. While the structure was wide and deep, the interior proportions were “really off,” flat and low. The first step was to add light and air. Bloomberg stripped the house down to its basic interior and exterior walls and cleared the rear yard. Then, she removed the rear half of the second floor to create a two-story atrium above the living and dining area. To add light, she replaced the first two stories of the rear brick wall with a steel structure incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows.

Bloomberg factored in the couple’s age in her design. She tucked an elevator into the building’s central core and placed custom grab bars and an open shower in the master bath. All the corridors are wide enough for wheelchairs. All to make sure the owners would be comfortable aging in place.

The house took a year to design and permit, said Bloomberg. The construction took another year. Her clients got married in their new home in the middle of the project, she recalled.

The new front room now serves both as a media room and the newly spacious back as a combination living and dining space. The second floor is acces-

sible via a gorgeous custom-built steel staircase, itself a work of art. There is a sitting area in the rear facing the two-story wall of windows and a master bedroom with ensuite bath along with an office. The third floor provides space for another home office and a second bedroom and bath.

A palette of white walls and black steel for the interior provided the perfect backdrop to display her clients’ extensive art collection, said Bloomberg. It is a “salt and pepper house.” She employed “pops of color” on the interior doors and trims to complement the colors of the owners’ art collection. With the help of her clients, she placed each piece for maximum impact.

Working with a landscape architect, Bloomberg combined the backyard and living room/kitchen into a single indoor/outdoor space. Behind the glass, she designed a spacious U-shaped island open to the stainless-steel appliances, a perfect frame for the hosts as they prepared their guests’ repast.

The remainder of the room opens into the rear garden with two custom glass tables along the exterior wall, one outside and one inside. The two can be placed together to provide a unique indoor-outdoor dining experience. Bloomberg enclosed the backyard with new privacy walls and then extended the flooring from the house. Beds of loose black stones and plants accent and break up the space. At the very back is a large Corten steel fountain.

“You can hear the water on the river stones,” said Clampitt. Bloomberg’s design realized her client’s vision, a peaceful Zen oasis in an urban village. u

Post-Winter Roof Maintenance

Why It Matters

Aby Tom Daniel

fter what seemed like the mildest and least snowy winter in years, the near foot of snow from winter storm Fern that roared into town on the weekend of January 24 nearly buried the city. Two weeks in, the snow barely melted in the wake of below freezing temperatures and wind chills in single

vented roofers from getting roof access to find leaks and do repair work.

With spring just a few weeks away, and the heavy spring rains that come with it, the winter weather causes wear and tear on your roof, from snow accumulation to fluctuating temperatures that expand and contract materials, that can weaken

digits. This brutal weather wreaked havoc on roofs, gutters, fascia, soffits, and skylights all over the area. Many homeowners suffered damage, leaks and ice dams. When the snow did begin to melt in the day, it would freeze again at night, doubling the damaging effect and creating dangerous ice dam situations.

As a roofing contractor primarily serving Capitol Hill homeowners, we have received many urgent calls for help. The lack of snow melt has pre-

your roof and gutters and create vulnerabilities to spring weather. Detecting problems and getting them resolved quickly is important. Any roofing problems lingering because of winter are best addressed as soon as the weather warms up.

A post-winter inspection safeguards your investment, prevents hidden issues and ensures your home’s safety through all seasons. Your roofing contractor will recommend the following areas of

post-winter inspection:

1. Check the attic for internal signs of damage. Look for water stains and leaks and damp spots on the ceiling. These are signs of water penetration that need immediate attention.

2. Assess insulation levels. Damaged or compacted insulation can increase your energy bills and contribute to uneven roof temperatures and cause ice dam problems.

3. Look closel y at the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Loose or damaged flashing can allow water to enter vulnerable areas, causing mold and structural decay. Ensuring a tight seal prevents long-term water damage and potential structural issues.

4. Examine gutters and downspouts. Heavy snow and ice can loosen gutters or detach them entirely. Ensure they are free of any debris that might block water flow and free from any visible cracks or rust. A functional gutter system also protects your foundation from erosion and water damage.

5. Check skylight seals. Heavy snow and ice can also cause skylight seals to crack or loosen, leading to leaks. Ensure all seals are intact and watertight. Proper sealing also prevents heat loss, improving energy efficiency.

6. The roof isn’t the only area exposed during storms. Components like fascia board, soffits and siding can also be damaged by snow and ice, especially combined with wind-driven storms much as we had with winter storm Fern. Signs of damage include:

• Loose or detached fascia board

• Swollen, cracked or exposed wood

• Warped or missing so t panels

• Peeling paint or soft spots around the roo ine.

These areas may seem secondary, but they serve as essential barriers against moisture intrusion. Once water in ltrates, it promotes mold growth and wood rot resulting in expensive repairs and compromising indoor air quality.

Finally, in considering how to handle potential post-storm roof inspections and damage, it is likely you will be contacted by “emergency roo ng companies.” So, a note of caution after major storms. There is a marketing concept in the roofing industry known as door-to door or storm damage roo ng. Immediately after rain, wind, hail, snow or ice storms, you may encounter roo ng salespeople going door-todoor with a sense of urgency o ering high-pressure sales tactics to repair your roof-related damage. This business model seeks to close sales quickly and often leaves homeowners confused and stressed out about their choices. This model, when executed e ectively, can bene t homeowners but proceed with caution.

Residential roofers (di erentiated from storm damage roofing companies) long-term in the business, with a good local reputation, familiar with the neighborhood and roo ng types, are a good bet to service your roo ng-related storm damage or any type of roofing needs.

Tom Daniel, owner of R. Thomas Daniel Roo ng, was born in Capitol Hill, and is the third generation of the Daniel family involved in the roo ng business. The family has served thousands of Capitol Hill homeowners for nearly 100 years for all their roo ng needs. Tom may be contacted at 202-569-1080 or tom@ rthomasdanielroo ng.com. The company is a preferred vendor of Capital Hill Village.

The Making of A Capitol Hill Interior Design Atelier

Designer Lisa Shaffer Reimagines

A Hill Rowhouse, Balancing Historic Oversight with Maximalist Design

by Amy Dubin-Nath

On Capitol Hill, buildings remember everything. They carry the weight of eras, renovations layered atop renovations, decisions made for speed rather than longevity. Some wear their history proudly. Others hide it behind drywall, drop ceilings, and cosmetic updates that solved a moment but obscured the structure beneath.

When Lisa Shaffer first walked into what would become the Lisa & Leroy studio, she recognized that duality immediately.

The building, located at 623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, had the bones of a classic structure but the spirit of a late 20th-century refresh. Suspended ceilings. Compromised proportions. Systems layered without cohesion. It looked finished, but it was far from resolved.

For Shaffer, CEO and Creative Director of Lisa & Leroy, a luxury interior design

firm based in Washington, DC, and a licensed general contractor, that tension was familiar. In this city, interior design is never just about aesthetics. It is about architecture, regulation, and the discipline required to work within historic constraints.

Rather than cosmetically updating the space, the decision was made early. This would be a full gut renovation. Down to the studs. No shortcuts. No surface-level fixes. The kind of work that demands fluency not only in design,

but equally in permitting, preservation, and construction.

In Washington, DC, where historic district regulations dene much of Capitol Hill, renovation carries an added layer of complexity. Homeowners, architects, and interior design consultants alike must navigate a rigorous approval process involving the Department of Buildings, the Historic Preservation O ce, zoning regulations, and often advisory neighborhood commissions.

Each step requires documentation, clarity, and justi cation. “This isn’t a city where you can improvise,” Sha er says. “Every decision has to be defensible. You need to understand why the building exists as it does before you can responsibly change it.”

Turning Historic Constraints Into Modern Compositions

Taking a historic building to the studs is rarely predictable, but on Capitol Hill, unpredictability is expected. Each reveal required recalibration.

The rst challenge was discovery. Once demolition began, the building revealed decades of patchwork solutions. Electrical systems that no longer met code. Framing that re ected outdated standards. Structural decisions made without regard for long-term performance. Plans evolved in real time, informed by what the structure could support and what preservation guidelines would allow.

Historic renovation is often misunderstood as a limitation on creativity. In practice, it is a discipline. It demands clarity, proportion, and restraint. It requires designers to work with what remains rather than against it. This balance

defines Lisa & Leroy’s approach to luxury interior design.

Known for layered, expressive interiors that lean into maximalist design while remaining architecturally grounded, the firm has built its reputation on elevating historic homes without erasing their integrity. That expertise guided every decision in the studio renovation, from mechanical routing to the restoration of architectural elements that had been buried or removed decades earlier.

A Renovation Driven by Interdisciplinary Alignment

Permitting alone was a multi-stage endeavor. Historic review requires detailed drawings, material specifications, and a clear articulation of how proposed changes align with the surrounding streetscape. Exterior decisions were approached with restraint. Interior interventions were designed to dramatically improve flow, function, and light while honoring the building’s original intent.

The renovation also demanded co-

ordination across disciplines. Structural engineers, preservation consultants, and tradespeople experienced in historic construction all played critical roles. Timing mattered. Sequencing mattered. One misstep could delay progress by months. Early coordination between the structural engineer and architect allowed the studio layout to be reimagined while preserving the integrity of the interior architecture and ceiling heights. Light and volume were significantly improved without resorting to a fully open plan, ensuring the space retained the proportions and presence of a traditional rowhouse.

This is where Shaffer’s dual expertise proved essential. As both a

designer and licensed contractor, she was able to anticipate challenges before they became obstacles. Design decisions were informed by construction realities, while construction decisions were shaped by a cohesive design philosophy. “Historic buildings don’t tolerate guesswork,” she notes. “You have to respect the order of operations. You have to know when to push and when to pause.”

In a neighborhood where many homes face similar challenges, the studio stands as a case study. It demonstrates that luxury homes in Washington, DC can be both expressive and respectful, bold yet grounded.

A Historic Rowhouse, Redefined

The nished studio tells a very different story than the space that existed before. Ceiling heights were reclaimed. Sightlines restored. Natural light reintroduced. The architecture now feels intentional rather than inherited.

It is also a working studio, designed to support the complexity of a high-end interior design practice. Spaces for collaboration, material review, and client meetings are layered with infrastructure, durability, and thoughtful storage. It serves

(continued on pg. 54)

In the Weeds

Gardening Advice, Information and Commentary

by The Capitol Hill Garden Club

I have some well-established ivy growing in a shady spot in my yard. Could you tell me more about this plant?

English ivy (Hedera helix) grows as an evergreen groundcover or climbing vine. The word “helix” is Greek for “spiral” or “twist,” referring to its climbing habit and spiral growth pattern. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, it was introduced to the U.S. in the 1700s as an ornamental groundcover.

Ivy is one of a small number of plants that are heterophyllous, meaning it has two di erent types of leaves on the same plant. The leaves on creeping and climbing stems are the familiar ve-lobed, ivy shape, while leaves in full sun, usually at the top of trees, or in our neighborhood, on fences or walls, are single lobed and heart-shaped. These single-lobed stems are fertile and produce owers, though ivy typically takes about 10 years to reach this mature, owering stage. Regular pruning can delay or prevent owering. It blooms from September to November with small, greenish-yellow, inconspicuous owers. These develop into dark olive berries that ripen to dark blue or black in late winter or early spring. Birds eat the berries and spread the seeds and ivy also spreads through stem fragments that root in the soil.

I’ve heard that ivy is invasive and should be removed. Is this true?

Yes. Ivy is invasive in the Mid-Atlantic and is especially problematic in natural areas like Rock Creek Park. Its dense foliage blocks sunlight and restricts the growth of other plants, while climbing vines damage trees by holding moisture against the trunk, fostering fungal growth and decay. The added weight of the vines can

also harm trees.

Unless the ivy in your yard has reached the mature stage and owers, or is climbing trees or buildings, it is probably not causing immediate harm. However, there are lots of reasons not to grow ivy. Rats, mosquitos and ticks like the environment it creates and the shallow roots are not su cient to prevent erosion on slopes. If eaten, the berries and leaves are toxic to humans and pets. Skin contact with the sap can cause a rash or blistering.

If allowed to climb on buildings, ivy can cause considerable damage. The aerial rootlets have tiny hairs that push into any small crevices. They secrete tiny amounts of a glue-like substance and then dry out, which strengthens the bond between the surface and the plant.

To remove climbing ivy, wear gloves and cut the stem at the ground and allow the vines to dry out, then pull o gently. For groundcover ivy, pull it up by the roots. Composting ivy risks creating new plants. Dispose of ivy leaves, stems and roots in the trash.

There are multiple cultivars of Hedera helix, with di erent appealing features: variegated, birdsfoot, fan, curly, heart-shaped and miniature. These are great for outdoor containers or indoor house plants where the aggressive growth habit can be controlled. In outdoor containers, ivy is most often used as a trailing plant, or spiller, but it can also be trained to grow on a frame to create a topiary.

Want to learn more about gardening or spend time with people who like plants? The next Capitol Hill Garden Club meeting is on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30pm, “Washington’s Wonderful Wild owers,” at the Northeast Library, 330 7th St NE and is open to all. Visit capitolhillgardenclub.org for more information. Send your questions to capitolhillgardenclub@gmail.com. ◆

(continued from pg. 53) as a headquarters for luxury interior design operating at scale, including a private hardware showroom.

Lisa & Leroy has long attracted Washington’s most discerning homeowners, those who understand that excellence in this city requires more than taste. It requires an interior design consultant who understands how design, construction, and regulation intersect. With the new studio complete, the rm is positioned to support a wider range of client needs, from comprehensive home transformations to focused design guidance, and everything in between.

On Capitol Hill, where every building carries a story, Lisa & Leroy has added another. Luxe details and nishes, such as fully custom millwork, a sculptural island, and herringbone ooring, showcase their range and the way they layer texture, tone, and style. In the Salon, for example, vintage and antique pieces complement a custom velvet banquette and jacquard draperies to create a polished, warm atmosphere.

For Capitol Hill residents considering renovation, the studio o ers a tangible example of what is possible. It gives clients con dence that bold ideas can be executed with precision and in concert with the demands of historic homes, resulting in spaces that feel distinctly of the present.

For those interested in exploring what a partnership with Lisa & Leroy could look like, the studio o ers multiple levels of service to meet clients where they are - from comprehensive, full-scale transformations to more tailored design guidance. Prospective clients are invited to begin the conversation by calling 202758-0028, emailing studio@lisaandleroy. com, or visiting lisaandleroy.com. The studio is located at 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003, and is open by appointment only. ◆

Our Residential Sales Market Today

by Don Denton

When I am prepping my sellers in November, I advise them to hold their property off the market till the third or fourth week in January. That is traditionally the beginning of our spring market! The momentum and sales activity begins then and steams right on through July 4. Then it slows significantly for the second half of the year. Miss that window and you should hold off till next January (or be prepared to negotiate). As for my frustrated buyers in December, hang in there, lots of inventory on the way.

The only difference this year has been the ice cap! Over two weeks of inclement weather and mobility issues will stymie any market. Unless you were walking, which was not happening much that first week of the ice cap, and driving was out of the question (you couldn’t park when you got to where you were going and you couldn’t park when you got home!). Uber and Instacart helped keep everyone off the streets,

as to whether to stay here or move on to different opportunities. Finally, first time buyers will continue to be a huge part of our buyer pool. The source of much of the wealth in this country began with home ownership. That has not changed. The parents and grandparents get it and that is why they are doing what they can to get their children and grandchildren into their own homes.

Maybe The Time To Look at A Well-Managed Condo

That said, pent up demand could not be held back for the right property. Genie Hutinet at Barley and Barley brought on a listing on E Street that sold almost immediately with seven offers—well over ask! The buyers are out there and they are ready to strike.

This is not the first time that the weather has impacted our market. Think 1996, 2007, 2010, 2011 and now, 2026! If you can’t make it to a couple of open houses, you wait out the storm and then you buy. I have looked at the numbers for all of the above years, and by the end of the first half of the year, the numbers have come into line.

My expectation is that a number

of things will drive our market this spring, and inclement weather won’t be one of them! First, interest rates are lower than they have been in a long while. Not 3% but still at historically low levels. Second, the acceleration of transference of wealth from the baby boomer generation to their children and grandchildren. Third, many sellers who have been impacted negatively by reductions in the Federal workforce will be making the hard decisions

This may be the time to take a close look at some of our well-managed and financially sound condo buildings. Condo sales have been difficult for a while and may present a bargain for you. At some point, condos will be the only viable option for your first home or, it may be what makes sense if you are facing retirement, own a place at the beach but want to continue to have a place on the Hill. Sell the big house, buy a smaller condo! If you take that route, examine the condo financial situation closely. Make sure the reserves are healthy and look at the number of owner-occupied units. You want an ownership regime to be involved in the management of the property. The days of renting out your unit and being AWOL at the association meetings are over, as are the days when the mantra was “keep my condo fees cheap and let the next guy worry about the condition of the condo building.”

Homeownership is the cornerstone of your future wealth – and the future is coming a lot faster than you might think!

Don Denton is Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty. 202-256-1353, ddenton@cbmove.com u

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.

BLOOMINGDALE

644 Massachusetts Ave NE #406 Studio/1-BA $275,000

STANTON MANNER STANDOUT STUDIO! Updated studio in classic Stanton Manor— just one short block to Stanton Park and easy stroll to Union Station, SCOTUS, and the Capitol buildings—featuring galley kitchen w/ gas stove, copious cabinetry. Walk-in closet, tiled full bath, bike storage, laundry, and a rooftop deck with tremendous views. Ideal Capitol Hill pied-à-terre or investment!

May DC Candidate Debates

This June The District of Columbia Holds Its Democratic Primary and a Special At-Large Election.

The Hill Rag, The Ward 6 Democrats, The Ward 2 Democrats, The DC Democrats and Spotlight DC are jointly holding election forums to help citizens make their ballots matter.

DATES:

Mayoral Forum – Hill Center: Tuesday, May 5 / 7 to 9 p.m.

Mayoral Forum – Transmission: Saturday, May 9 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Congressional Delegate Forum – St. Coletta PCS: Sunday, May 10 / noon to 2 p.m.

Ward 6 Forum – Hill Center: Monday, May 11 / 7 to 9 p.m.

At Large Forum – Transmission: Saturday, May 16 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At Large Forum – St. Coletta PCS: Sunday, May 17 / noon to 3 p.m.

Chair & AG Forum – Transmission: Saturday, May 31 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Hill Center, Transmission, and St. Coletta PCS are graciously hosting the forums.

Feds Aid Potomac Sewer Repairs

Anacostia River Spared Direct Impact

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

After the Jan. 19, 2026 collapse of a section of the 54-mile sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway, in Montgomery County, caused an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the C & O Canal, DC Water officials said Monday they remain on track to restore full flow to the damaged Potomac interceptor by mid-March. Federal teams are working alongside the utility to prevent further environmental contamination.

The agency has now gone 15 days without an overflow into the Potomac River, spokesperson Sherri Lewis said during a press briefing, crediting an expanded bypass pumping system that diverts wastewater around the collapsed section of pipe.

as diluted as in the Potomac.

Lewis said the utility remains “on target for mid-March to restore full flow and functionality into the Potomac interceptor.”

The emergency fix accelerates part of a broad-

Water stay on schedule. Heavy rains recently sent stormwater runoff cascading from the American Legion Bridge and Clara Barton Parkway into the pumping area, threatening equipment and raising contamination concerns.

“Our pumping operations continue to work well,” Lewis said, noting the system now has capacity for more than 100 million gallons per day — far exceeding normal interceptor flows and building in redundancy.

The Potomac Interceptor spill has had limited direct impact on the Anacostia River, DOEE said. The rivers meet at Haines Point. Tidal action initially did move some pollution into the area of the Frederick Douglass Bridge, DOEE acknowledged, but water quality testing has largely shown safe or seasonally typical levels since then. E. coli levels are higher in the Anacostia largely because the river is slower moving and has a lower volume of water, meaning E. Coli levels are not

er 10-year, $625 million rehabilitation program. Officials plan to fast-track about 2,700 linear feet of slip-lining in the collapse area before continuing previously scheduled summer construction.

Army Corps Deployed By Federal Emergency Authority

The US Army Corps of Engineers was deployed after a presidential emergency declaration authorized federal support.

Colonel Francis Pera, commander of the Corps’ Baltimore District, said the mission focuses on safeguarding the site and helping DC

The Corps has built temporary pooling areas and diversion systems to intercept runoff before it contacts contaminated soil. Clean stormwater is collected and pumped back into the Potomac, bypassing the repair zone and protecting bypass pumps that help prevent additional overflows.

The Corps is also consulting environmental specialists and coordinating with DC Water engineers on short-term measures to limit contamination while federal oversight is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Who Pays?

Total repair and environmental restoration costs are now estimated at roughly $20 million, up from an earlier $10 million infrastructure-only estimate.

Under the emergency declaration, the federal government will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs. District officials say they will seek a larger federal share to limit impacts on ratepayers. If federal support had not been extended, DC Water would have distributed costs among wholesale customers based on usage formulas.

DC Water CEO and General Manager David Gadis said previously approved rate increas-

(Continued on 63)

ANC Files Complaint On Albert’s Outside Advertising

Yby Elizabeth O’Gorek

ou may have noticed that the little liquor store sitting near the triangle park near the Capitol Hill Safeway has a new look.

Albert’s Liquor is sporting a vinyl wrap that has images of liquor bottles and prices in large yellow boxes, much like a giant ier wrapped around the portion of the building that faces the intersection.

DC Code prohibits illumination of advertising, the use of ickering lights and outdoor advertising larger than ten square feet, said Commissioner Vince Mareino. The vinyl wrap and its lighting violate all three of these rules.

At their Feb. 10 meeting, Advisorty Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B voted in support of sending a letter of complaint outlining to the Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration (ABCA).

Albert’s has operated at 328 Kentucky Ave. SE since 1965. In 2019, then-owners Jorge and Blanca Ventura presented plans to develop the building, expanding it to add a wine and snack bar with two patios and adding a two oor 1400 square foot residential unit above. The 580-square foot building is still listed for sale by

properties (bediz.com).

(Continued from 61)

es remain unchanged and that “at this time, we don’t see where there would be an increase because of this incident.”

Drinking Water Remains Safe

Officials emphasized that regional drinking water has not been affected. The Washington Aqueduct draws from an intake north of the collapse site, and Pera said water entering treatment facilities is “completely untouched.”

The aqueduct has increased monitoring at both intakes and typically conducts more than 65,000 tests annually, a number expected to rise this year. DC Water purchases treated water from the aqueduct and distributes it to customers.

Restoration and Recreation

A comprehensive environmental restoration plan is still being developed with the EPA, the Army Corps, Maryland officials and local agencies. The plan will address contamination in the collapse area, nearby creek beds, shoreline sections of the Potomac and the C&O Canal, which is being used in bypass operations.

An advisory against recreational use of the river remains in place, as E. coli levels can spike after heavy rains and snowmelt carry debris and waste into waterways.

For now, officials say the focus remains on stabilizing the pipe, preventing additional contamination and restoring normal flow.

“We’re in a much different location than where we were when this event started,” Pera said. “Right now, we’ve got high confidence.” u

Veronica Hollmon 1965

to 2026

by Renee Dworakowski and Heather Schoell

You may have known her as Peggy or Roni, or Babylonia, if you’re into World of Warcraft (WoW). You might have known her as a protective mom, a sharp wit, a member of ANC6A’s Outreach Committee, or if you’re of a certain age, a scrappy tomboy who challenged the Holy Comforter nuns with questions they did not want to answer. On Monday, Feb. 2, Veronica Hollmon passed away after coping many years with health issues.

Hollmon was nothing if not her own person.

She was really, really smart. She was nerdy, interesting, and weird in the best possible way. Her ability to see through bull, and communicate clearly that she saw through the bull, was as pointed as it was funny. She had no patience for fools or soft racism, and was a defender of children and animals.

She was a huge fan of scary movies, anime, comics, fantasy, and science fiction. Her brain was a catalog of obscure Star Trek characters. She loved books and cons, and delved into as many as she could. WoW was a community for her; Hollmon cultivated real friendships through the online game with people from all over. She was authentic, not only in the sense of being a straight-shooter, but also in her appreciation for and knowledge of cultures, like how certain foods ought to be properly eaten. You can’t just order tacos without knowing how to properly order tacos, and you have to understand historic and cultural context to fully appreciate some anime characters. Hollman was an avid crocheter and sold her craft as much as she gave away baby blankets to new parents in the neighborhood.

She was forced to quit her civilian job with the Navy due to serious medical issues many years ago, so Hollmon’s full-time job, despite her uncooperative body, was caring for her elderly and ailing mother in their home while raising a child as a single parent. Her two charges were disparate personalities, an additional hurdle to navigate, but she did her best.

Hollmon followed in her parents’ footsteps in community involvement. Her father, Carolina Hollmon, was the “mayor” of the Hill East block they lived on and cared for the needs of

neighbors as well as his own family. Her passion for the care and education of children came from her mother, Dorothy, who offered day care for neighbors and family alike.

Hollmon served ANC6A on the Community Outreach Committee from May 2014 to December 2020, first as a member, then as chair. Her specialty in the Navy was recording meeting minutes, so she was a valuable asset to the committee, lost when Hollmon’s home was no longer in 6A after redistricting. While serving, Hollmon made an impact by increasing outreach to qualified organizations applying for grants, encouraging commissioners to reach out to organizations that operate within their single member districts (SMDs) to make them aware of grant opportunities, instituted an annual education forum during which elementary, middle and high schools located within ANC6A could present and promote curriculum in their schools, and established outreach to the Community Outreach Office of the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

Hollmon was active in the local school community when her children were younger. She has shared her historic knowledge of area schools with the Story of Our Schools projects. She served on the PTO of Eliot-Hine Middle School and chaperoned the 8th grade trip to Puerto Rico. Hollmon definitely did not love the heat and humidity of the El Yunque rain forest, but got through it trepidatiously in her flip flops.

In addition to her love of children, Hollmon also loved animals. After the passing of her dog Pancho, she became a “fairy dogmother” to the companions that lived in the homes of friends and neighbors. It is hoped that Pomeroy, Nemo, Tweed, Bapu, Luna, BT, MG, Pookah, Zefi, Cookie, Shorty, and Cashew ran to greet her when she arrived to be with them.

Hollmon leaves behind two adult children, extended family, friends, and fans. u

DC Water Has Replaced 11,000+ Lead Service Lines

ANC 6A REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Smentary—line the corridor, DC Water anticipates limited overnight valve shutdowns to minimize daytime water outages for students and sta .

ean Moore of DC Water said the utility has replaced more than 11,000 of approximately 42,000 lead service lines citywide, with progress tracked publicly through DC Water’s online dashboard. The program replaces both the public and private portions of lead service lines at no cost to homeowners, provided residents sign a right-of-entry authorization form.

DC Water recently added seven new blocks in ANC 6A— representing more than 100 premises—to the program. Moore said canvassers are working those blocks, but so far only about a quarter of homeowners have signed right-of-entry forms granting access to their property.

Commissioners pressed DC Water on outreach challenges, particularly for rental and absentee-owned properties. Moore acknowledged there is currently no legislation requiring landlords to grant access for replacement work and said DC Water continues repeated outreach e orts to owners and tenants.

Commissioners also raised questions about whether crews test soil surrounding replaced lead service lines for contamination. Commissioner Steve Kolb said he found elevated lead levels in soil near a pipe replaced at his home roughly 20 years ago. DC Water representatives said they do not believe crews routinely test soil but noted that crews remove contaminated soil when they identify it during service line replacement. They said they would consult specialists and follow up with a de nitive answer.

Tennessee Avenue Project: Night Work Anticipated

DC Water Project manager Shahanshah Shirzay outlined the ongoing small-diameter water main replacement along Tennessee Avenue, which DC Water is completing in phases. DDOT requires an ANC support letter to issue night-work permits.

Shirzay asked whether the commission could provide exibility in advance of speci c shutdown dates, noting that nal scheduling often comes together shortly before work occurs.

Chair Gove said the commission would place the matter on its March 12 agenda to allow public notice and input before voting on a support letter.

DC Water began the Tennessee Avenue small-diameter water main project in early 2025 and expects it to span roughly three years, moving north in ve phases along the Tennessee Avenue corridor from East Capitol Street toward Benning Road. The rst phase, running from East Capitol Street to Constitution Avenue, is nearing completion, with subsequent phases advancing block by block past Maury Elementary, Miner Elementary and Kingman Academy. In addition to replacing aging water mains, hydrants, valves and lead or galvanized service lines.

Construction crews work during permitted daytime hours and anticipate limited overnight valve shutdowns in later phases to reduce school-day water disruptions. Crews complete temporary roadway and sidewalk restorations as work progresses and will schedule full brick and surface restoration at the end of each phase. DC Water said the project will restore community murals along the corridor. Because multiple schools—including Maury Elementary, Kingman Academy and Miner Ele-

DDOT Proposes Changes to Eighth Street NE Bus Stops

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) transportation planner Andrew Grinberg presented proposed modi cations to bus stops along Eighth Street NE, prompted by WMATA’s use of longer articulated buses on the C53 route.

Grinberg said this is now one of the highest-ridership routes in the system. The increased bus length has created operational and safety challenges at certain stops, particularly where buses cannot fully clear intersections or safely come up beside the curb.

DDOT plans to remove the northbound stop at Eighth and D Streets NE due to limited curb space and sightline constraints. DDOT would relocate the northbound stop at Eighth and C Streets to the far side of the intersection to allow greater bus maneuverability and reduce con icts with turning vehicles. DDOT estimates the changes would result in a net gain of approximately four on-street parking spaces.

Commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion about the tradeoffs. Several raised concerns about pedestrian safety,

particularly at intersections where buses, bikes and cars already compete for limited space. Questions centered on the visibility of pedestrians in crosswalks, the potential for increased double parking near businesses and maintaining trash receptacles at relocated stops.

DDOT said it would evaluate engineering adjustments and noted public comment on the Notice of Intent (NOI) remains open through Feb. 27. There was no vote on the matter.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A met Feb. 12 with Commissioners Roberta Shapiro (6A02, Treasurer), Amber Gove (6A04, Chair), Jeff Gertz (6A06, Secretary/ Parliamentarian) and Steve Kolb (6A07, Vice Chair) present. Commissioner-Elects Scott Burger (6A01) and Kimberly Butler (6A02) are expected to join the March meeting.

ANC 6A meets monthly on the second Wednesday, except August. Their next full meeting is scheduled to take place online via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Get details on how to join this and upcoming committee meetings at anc6c.org. u

Chisholm Modernization

Draws Parent, ANC Concerns

6B REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B spent a good deal of their Feb. 10 meeting discussing long-standing concerns about facilities and investment at Chisholm Elementary School.

The 1949 section of the school, the L-shaped front entrance at G Street will be preserved and convert-

ed into a library, parents said. The building along 11th Street, built in 1967, will be demolished, and a new academic wing and gymnasium built along that street, with a dining building built near the playground, in between the 11th and 10th Street arms of the building.

Parents and community members pressed DC Public Schools (DCPS) and its design team on why they would not demolish the 1949 wing. Several parents said the mid20th-century gym structure should not dictate design decisions for the next half century. Greg Zielinski a Chisholm parent and neighbor, noted that a petition opposing historic preservation treatment of the building now has more than 300 signatures.

Parents asked that the old gym be demolished to free up the site for more design and avoid placing classrooms right on 11th Street and in direct sunlight. Historic considerations extended to the interior, meaning an existing stage could remain in the existing gym structure. Families argued that the school deserves the same modernization as Northwest schools like Murch Elementary (4810 36th St. NW) or Horace Mann Elementary (4430 Newark St. NW).

Dr. Amber Williams, a parent and PTA member, framed the issue as one of equity, saying Chisholm, a Title I school, deserves the same level of investment as other recently modernized schools elsewhere in the District.

The ANC asked DCPS if they would make changes to the plan if permitted by the Historic Preservation Office (HPO). DCPS Design Manager Lily Espino said decisions considered both preservation and budget.

She said the team would advocate for removing the stage and for changes to window placement on the facade if preservation authorities allowed it but noted that HPO holds jurisdiction over what quali-

Kingman

Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82241 895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1 rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d

fies as a protected feature.

The team would not commit to demolishing the structure, noting that earlier structural assessments had found the gym building to be sound and salvageable. The scope of the project was set years in advance as part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the team said, and a full demolition is “most likely not” feasible from a budget standpoint, even if HPO relaxed their position.

Some commissioners questioned whether DCPS would actively push for reinterpretation of preservation guidance or simply accept it. Commissioners also pointed to the project’s shifting budget in the Capital Improvement Plan as part of broader concerns about scope and priorities.

The ANC unanimously voted to file a protest with the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), specifically requesting that HPRB rule that the DCPS facilities at Chisholm currently labeled as historic do not require historic protection. Commissioners said the move aims to clarify whether interior elements such as the stage must remain.

The commission also voted to send a letter to DCPS seeking clarification about its engagement with HPRB more broadly and asking how the two agencies coordinate on modernization of District schools. Commissioners said they will continue monitoring the project as it advances through design and preservation review.

Spotify House Makes Commitment

Commissioners also voted in support of a letter from Spotify making commitments to the neighborhood where the digital streaming

company had purchased a property [see article in Hill News Roundup, elsewhere in this issue].

Albert’s Outdoor Advertising

The ANC approved a letter of complaint from the ANC to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) regarding outdoor advertising Albert’s liquor store. Commissioners stated that the business exceeds the District’s limits on outdoor advertising and uses illuminated signage in violation of D.C. code. [see article in Hill News Roundup, elsewhere in this issue].

Debate Continues Over Ambar Settlement Terms

Commissioners turned to Ambar, the Barracks Row restaurant operating under a settlement agreement tied to prior zoning relief. Members stated that the establishment violated provisions of its earlier agreement, including indoor trash requirements and pestcontrol commitments.

The ABC Committee voted 9-1 to recommend updated settlement terms. During the full meeting, commissioners questioned Ambar’s representatives about compliance history and trust concerns. Members emphasized that prior violations complicated negotiations and insisted on clear, enforceable language in any revised agreement.

AIP Seeks Broader Support for Urban Agriculture

Fahim Muhammad, founder of the Agricultural Initiative Program (AIP, www. dcaip.org), requested ANC support for expanding their aeroponic farming initiative at Potomac Gardens and beyond. Muhammad described plans to install growing towers, teach residents how to maintain them, and create pathways from classroom instruction to urban farming careers.

Commissioners clarified that the ANC does not currently operate a grant-

making program but agreed to draft a general letter supporting AIP’s mission and encouraging community partners to explore collaboration.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B met in a hybrid format on Tues., Feb. 10 at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and via Zoom. Present were Samuel Pastore (6B05, Chair); Edward Ryder (6B08, Vice Chair); Anna Krebs (6B06, Treasurer); David Sobelsohn (6B03, Secretary); Tyler Wolanin (6B01); Gerald “Jerry” Sroufe (6B02); Brian Gorman (6B04); Vince Mareino (6B07); and Karen Hughes (6B09).

ANC 6B generally meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in person and online via Zoom. The next meeting is on March 10, online and in person at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Second Floor. Meeting details available at anc6b.org. u

Winter Trash Pickup Failures Needs Programmatic Changes

ANC 6C REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Winter weather response and trash failures dominated the Feb. 11 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C. Commissioners reported missed pickups stretching three to four weeks in some blocks, and Commissioner Jeremiah Foxwell (6C01) described the situation as a “fundamental breakdown,” noting DPW emails declaring service restored when trash remained uncollected. Residents urged neighbors to file 311 requests to create an official record and to call DPW’s complaint truck line (202576-9004).

Jen DeMayo from Councilmember Charles Allen’s office said daily priority

lists are being sent to DPW, which is facing staffing shortages and is shifting leaf crews and exploring outside haulers. Noah Glasgow from the mayor’s office said his team is also escalating alleyway and missed-collection complaints, asking residents to share photos and 311 numbers so his office can address issues within a day or two.

When a resident asked what could be done beyond filing 311 requests to prevent a repeat of the trash and snow failures, Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) said the ANC has a voice but that councilmembers have greater leverage through budget authority and performance oversight hearings. He encouraged residents to elevate unresolved issues to the office of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D). Eckenwiler expressed hope that the deficiencies would lead not just to short-term fixes but to “programmatic changes” that make the city more resilient in future storms.

The ANC Unanimously Voted to Support On Consent:

• A Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for special exception from lot-occupancy requirements at 511 Third St. NE to allow construction of a rear addition.

• A BZA application at 654 L St. NE for special exceptions from rear addition requirements and lot occupancy requirements to demolish an existing garage and construct a three-story and roof deck rear addition to an existing attached two-story home. Modest sun impacts will be offset by the demolition of the garage, Eckenwiler said.

• A Historic Preservation application (PA) at 626 A St. NE for concept approval to construct a second-story addition to an existing one-story garage. The structure is non-contributing to the historic district because of its date of construction.

• A letter of support for the Capitol Hill Classic (May 17) to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). Commissioner Tony Goodman (6C07) recused himself on this item.

• To protest an application to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) from Tango Pastry (408 H St. NE) for a Class D Restaurant License while pursuing a settlement agreement (SA) but to send a letter supporting a stipulated license.

In Other Business

Commissioner Andrew Hayes (6C06) provided

an update on 201 K St. NE, where construction has obstructed sidewalk access. Hayes said the developer reset its timeline again and now estimates construction will resume in March, with approximately six months to completion after that. Hayes said sidewalk access might return slightly before the building opens, possibly with the sidewalk reopening in September and the building in October, though he emphasized he did not have firm assurances. He plans to follow up on concerns about fencing reported as a hazard for bicyclists. Hayes also updated the commission on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to law enforcement activity, saying the Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) relayed responses that he found unsatisfactory. Hayes said he wants answers to two questions: first, what direction the mayor and/or police chief is giving Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) regarding cooperation with immigration enforcement and second, what direction, if any, they are giving to National Guard activity and oversight. He said he intends to prepare a censure motion if the mayor’s office does not provide an adequate response.

ANC 6C met via Webex Wednesday, Feb. 11. On the dais: Jeremiah Foxwell (6C01); Karen Wirt (6C02); Jay Adelstein (6C03); Mark Eckenwiler (6C04); Andrew Hayes (6C06); Tony Goodman (6C07).

The ANC will hold its next full meeting online March 11. See agendas, minutes and how to join future meetings at anc6c.org. u

DC 2050: The New Comprehensive Plan

ANC 6D REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

DC Office of Planning (OP) Senior Planner Nick Kushner briefed the commission on DC 2050, the complete revision of The DC Comprehensive Plan (The Comp Plan). This document provides the guidance used by the mayor, city council, OP and the DC Zoning Commission to set capital spending priorities and regulate land use. The last rewrite of the Comp Plan was in 2006.

OP, Kushner stated, is gathering citizen in-

put on “citywide growth scenarios” to inform Plan 2030. Beginning in April, the agency will introduce a draft plan to the public in a series of meetings. In 2027, the plan will be laid before the DC Council, the DC Zoning Commission, and the US Congress. The agency expects to garner full approval by the end of 2028, said Kushner.

Describing the agency’s public engagement efforts to date, Kushner said, 2,134 people have responded to the DC 2050 Vision Survey. 725 people have attended community meetings hosted by the agency. Another 1,680 have spoken with agency representatives at pop-ups at 55 events in all eight wards, said Kushner.

Kushner summarized the public’s feedback:

• New housing should accommodate a variety of incomes, household sizes, and be located either downtown or near transit hubs.

• Grocery stores and parks should be within walking distance of homes.

• Over 76 percent of respondents planned to stay in the District for the next decade.

• Most can reach their daily destinations in 15 to 30 minutes, but limited east-west transit connections are factored into residency decisions. In Plan 2050, OP is using a new idea called “place types” to address issues of density, use, building, street connectivity, and public space, Kushner explained. Residential areas are divided into small, moderate, medium and large-scale place types. Mixed-use neighborhoods are divided into neighborhood center, urban center, and regional center place types. Other area place types include industrial, institutional, and parks and open space.

What is OP thinking about regarding potential surplused federal properties? Treasurer Kramer asked. The District is thinking about those properties. The federal sites will not be mapped as institutional. They will be mapped to the underlying zoning that would revert given the adjacent properties. That has been the practice in the past, said. Kushner.

OP is prioritizing downtown housing in two ways. First, the agency plans to add housing in or near the city’s core and increase housing along major downtown corridors. Office-to-residential conversions are a key part of this strategy. The agency is also seeking increased residential density along existing and planned priority routes.

In addition, the agency hopes to add housing by promoting the development of small condos and apartments, Kushner said.

Why do you show Buzzard Point as a “region-

al center? asked Fredrica Kramer. It is a regional center because it is designated as a high-density residential or commercial zone, Kushner said.

What about the Southwest Small Area Plan (SSAP)? asked Kramer. The recommendations in that plan should have been integrated in 2021, Kushner said.

What can OP do to strengthen the a ordable housing requirements? asked Commissioner Gail Fast. Strong policies on a ordable housing will allow OP to advocate more e ectively during zoning setdowns. In addition, Kushner said, creating more space for such housing on the zoning map would increase supply.

Commissioner Fast expressed her frustration with how the zoning process has ignored the SSAP. OP will reevaluate small-area plans in general over the summer, said Kushner.

The DC O ce of Planning is hosting two public workshops at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library:

• Session #1: Wed., March 18 at 6 p.m.;

• Session #2: Sat., March 21 at 11 a.m.

Both sessions will cover the same content. Residents can RSVP at https://dc2050.dc.gov/ pages/get-involved.

Other Matters

Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD)

First District Captain Paul Hrebenak briefed the commission on public safety. In the last 30 days, there was a significant drop in crime, some of which can be attributed to the frigid weather.

The commission supported the Race for Hope and The Purple Stride Special Event.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Feb. 17

via Zoom. Commissioners Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, vice chair) Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were in attendance. Marquell Washington (6DO1) was absent.

ANC 6D generally meets at 7 p.m., usually on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 18, via Zoom. For more information, visit www. anc6d.org. u

RFK Design Plans Raise Questions About Neighborhood Accessibility

ANC 7D REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Commissioners and community members raised concern about proposed changes to roadway, parking and transportation infrastructure in the development of the new RFK Campus. Situated between the Anacostia River and the Hill East and Kingman Park neighborhoods, the redevelopment of this 180-acre parcel of land plans to create 5,000 to 6,000 housing units, a Sportsplex and a new 65,000-capacity stadium.

According to Commissioner Alcorn, several “heavily traveled roadways” around the site, particularly westbound ramps that allow drivers to merge onto East Capitol Street NE and 19th Street SE, may be removed. The elimination of these “well-traveled roadways” would likely redirect traffic onto C Street NE and nearby residential streets, Alcorn said.

While not finalized, the proposals concern Alcorn. “My largest impression was just how significant slight changes or eliminations to a couple of roads [will be] for the traffic pattern,” he said.

The addition of a new Oklahoma Avenue metro station, Commissioner Payne emphasized, is something the community would benefit from. Some of the plans presented, she reported, did not include plans for a new station. “We not only welcome it, but it’s a real need especially since they are canceling the streetcar,” Payne said, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing a connec-

tion with the red line for both the stadium and residents in surrounding neighborhoods.

This comes as the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) plans to discontinue streetcar operations next month on March 31, 2026.

President of the River Terrace Community Organization Doris Bishop agreed, noting that the loss of the streetcar is significant for the community. “I would just really love it if there was some way that the street car could be saved and preserved,” Bishop said. “It allows people to get to the red line and have movement particularly when there’s a major emergency where you might need to just jump on something.”

While demolition and construction dominated discussion, Chair of the commission’s Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee Zach Abromavitz said the city’s plans for zoning around the stadium, particularly for housing and retail units, should remain a top priority. Abromavitz emphasized the importance of community input throughout the process, particularly so that the grocery stores, restaurants and other neighborhood amenities don’t get “lost or delayed excessively” in the process.

Commissioners agreed that additional opportunities for conversation, design review and feedback would benefit residents. “These are decisions and designs that will affect how our community comes in and out of this area, but they will also affect how large numbers of people will come in and out of the immediate community, particularly on day one,” Alcorn said.

The commission took no vote on this matter. Visit www.ourrfk.dc.gov to learn more about the project.

The Commission voted to:

• send a letter to Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder outlining Single Member District (SMD) budget priorities and recommendations ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process;

• support the extension of Anacostia Avenue through transfers of jurisdiction on various parcels, and a part of a reservation, north of the intersection of Benning Road and Anacostia Avenue SE. These efforts will result in District control of Bridge 78 and provide what Commissioner Artilie Wright (7D03) called a “much needed” second entrance and exit for the community;

• protest the application of Sahara Market

(1901 Michigan Ave NE) to transfer a retailer’s class C restaurant license and retailers class B beer and wine store license to a vacant commercial property at 1504 East Capitol St. NE until settlement agreement is reached.

Commissioners Joshua Taborn (7D01, vice chair), Artilie Wright (7D03), Katie Murphy (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Dominic Pacheco (7D06, secretary), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair) and Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10) were in attendance at the ANC 7D commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Commissioner Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer) was absent. 7D02 remains vacant.

ANC 7D will meet next on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at www.7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Art Proposed for Diamond Teague Park

ANC 6/8F REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Artist and Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) alumni Tendani Mpulubusi presented a concept design for new public art proposed for Diamond Teague Park.

In 2003, Diamond Teague was part of the ECC and was preparing to go to college on a scholarship when someone shot him on his front porch. The former U.S. Capitol Pump House building near the park now bears the name Monique Johnson Center, honoring the founding ECC member whom street violence killed in 1992.

Mpulubusi El once worked with Teague as part of the ECC. He presented his own designs for a bronze sculpture depicting Teague holding an eagle. The design includes seating elements integrated into the memorial footprint and interpretive components that reflect Teague’s environmental work and legacy along the Anacostia River.

It is a nod to Teague as well as the work of ECC, which restores local bird populations, including raptors and bald eagles, along the Anacostia River.

Mpulubusi El also discussed façade concepts for the Monique Johnson Center, incorporating imagery tied to ECC’s river restoration efforts and memorial themes, including one of Johnson looking at the original ECC river expedition boat; another of founding corps members, and one of Johnson fishing. He said that he has been in discussion with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and nearby developer Brookfield about the concept.

Commissioners focused their questions on the artistic vision, materials and long-term maintenance of the sculpture and surrounding elements. The discussion centered on design intent and how the artwork would fit within the broader park landscape.

Commissioners clarified that the presentation concerned ECC’s art proposal specifically and did not involve action on historic designation matters. The project is separate from the preservation initiative discussed at the commission’s past meetings by Somaya Lane, who is working to found the Friends of Diamond Teague Park organization. Commissioners did not vote on the matter.

SBOE Examines

ular diploma and could block access to college, trades and jobs. Johnson-Law said she was concerned it could lead to confusion and fraud if students present it as a standard diploma. She plans to send more details and will seek ANC support to oppose that version.

She also highlighted Board priorities: special education, school safety, academic proficiency, mental health supports and family engagement.

closely with District agencies and neighborhood partners to manage security, traffic and cleanup.

Commissioners asked logistical questions related to street closures, crowd management and coordination with local stakeholders.

Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the special event application to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group and to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

She mentioned proposed legislation to expand the Board’s authority, a resolution to require specialed best-practices training for all teachers, and upcoming youth pop-up town halls.

Graduation Requirements

Ward 8 State Board of Education (SBOE) representative, Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law, explained that the Board sets citywide education standards and advocates for families and equity, but has limited formal authority over DC Public Schools and public charters.

Her main focus was the ongoing overhaul of high school graduation requirements. OSSE has proposed six major changes, including: reducing community service hours from 100 to 60; adding a capstone project; creating endorsements on diplomas; strengthening career and technical education (CTE) pathways; and a controversial new pathway for students with disabilities. She raised strong concerns about a proposed alternate “Special Education Practical Studies Diploma,” which would not be equivalent to a reg-

Petalpalooza returns April 4 to Yards Park

Patrick Oberman, presenting for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, outlined plans for Petalpalooza, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, with a rain date of Sunday, April 5.

The free, all-ages festival will run from 1 to 9 p.m. (or 5 to 9 p.m. if on Sunday), culminating in an evening fireworks display over the Anacostia River. Event programming includes multiple music stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, roaming performers and food vendors.

The footprint will span Yards Park, the large field near First Street SE, portions of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE, and Diamond Teague Park. Oberman said the festival typically draws tens of thousands of attendees and works

Budget Engagement and School Funding

Ward 6 Mayor’s Office of Community Relations (MOCR) Manager Noah Bryce Glasgow said the Mayor’s Office is wrapping up its final round of budget engagement forums. He described the District as facing a projected $1.1 billion gap across FY26 and FY27. However, he said the Mayor is still proposing a 2.55% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF), the basis of public school budgets.

Commissioners also asked about uncertainty around DC’s tax code and congressional action. Glasgow said the District’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, released an opinion Feb. 24 arguing that Congress had rebutted the District’s uncoupling from tax code outside the 30-day period allotted, meaning the Congressional decision was not binding. The District’s chief financial officer is currently reviewing the matter, Glasgow said.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met in person and online for its February business meeting on Feb. 24. On the dais were Commissioners Nic Wilson (6/8F01), Vice Chair Markita Bryant (6/8F02), Chair Brian Strege (6/8F03), Secretary Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Dan Reynolds (6/8F05).

The next business meeting of ANC 6/8F takes place over Zoom and in person at DDOT Headquarters (250 M St. SE) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Residents can find details on how to join and learn more about the commission at anc8f.org. u

Bulletin Board

Banking Online 101 and Free Shred Event

On Thursday, April 16, the National Capital Bank, 316 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, is hosting a free shred event, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a Banking Online 101 event from 1 to 2 p.m. Contact Tamara Robinson at 202-803-2100 or trobinson@nationalcapitalbank.bank.

Union Market District FRESHFARM Market Opens for Season

Union Market District FRESHFARM Market, 1298 Fifth St. NE, is open for the season on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from April 5 to Nov. 23. FRESHFARM Union Market District offers shoppers a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats, arti-

The Peacock Room at 150 Tour

FONA Native Plant Sale

On Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., get a head start on your spring garden at one of the earliest plant sales in the area. The Friends of the Narional Arboretum annual native plant sale, along Meadow Road between the National Arboretum’s Visitor Center and National Herb Garden, includes a small number of vendors from across the mid-Atlantic selling spring ephemerals and many other choice perennials and woody plants. Registration is preferred but not required. Let them know if you’re coming and to receive important event updates. fona.org.

san baked goods, small-batch roasted coffee and blended teas, prepared foods, and local flowers. In addition, rotating farmers and producers bring specialty items such as Washington, DC distilled liquor and handmade biscuits. freshfarm.org.

The Peacock Room has captivated visitors at the Freer Gallery of Art since its opening in 1923. Originally designed by artist James McNeill Whistler to showcase a Chinese blue-and-white porcelain collection, the room marries its avian motif with a striking use of color inspired by the arts of East Asia. On this daily free guided tour, learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Tours are daily at 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the Asian Art Museum, West Building, Gallery 12; Tour starts in the West Building lobby. asia.si.edu.

The 2026 Capital Art Book Fair

The 2026 Capital Art Book Fair is on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine), in Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 Seventh St. SE. Free admission. artbookfair.eastcityart.com.

Capitol Hill Village Gala: We’re

Taking a Road Trip

The Capitol Hill Village Gala is on March 21 at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. It supports funding for programs and services that enrich lives and strengthen the Capitol Hill community. The silent auction is already open; bid on vacation homes, and gift certificates for services, businesses, and restaurants. Themed on the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, the Gala will be a fun evening of dancing to familiar tunes. Tickets are $195, and sponsorships are available starting at $600, which includes two tickets. Buy tickets and bid on auction items at one.bidpal.net/chvgala/ticketing. The Gala is also the first chance to sign up for Salon events—intimate dinners and cocktail parties with prominent guests who have interesting stories to tell.

Cooking Lessons At Hill Center

Go around the world with a cooking class. Marianne Tshihamba’s Silk Road Cooking Series – Turkish Lahmacun, Thursday, March 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm $69. Portuguese Long Lunch: Treasures from Around the World with Chef Mark Haskell, Friday, March 13 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm $55. Passover Desserts featuring Susan Barocas and Bonnie Benwick, Sunday, March 15 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm $100. Marianne Tshihamba’s Silk Road Cooking Series: Ethiopian Doro Wat, Collard Greens and Red Lentil Stew. Saturday, March 21 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm $69. www. hillcenterdc.org/event.

Southwest Waterfront AARP Meeting and Speaker Series

The monthly Southwest Waterfront AARP Meeting is on Wednesday, March 18, noon to 2 p.m., at the River Park Mutual Homes, Charles Goodman Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. The guest speaker is Chief Judge of the DC Court of Appeals, the Honorable Anna Blackburne-Rigsby. She will speak on justice in the age of AI. Lunch is $5. The meeting is open to the senior community, their family, friends and

neighbors. For further information, contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at 202-554-0901 or jonesbettyjeantolbert@gmail.com.

Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Station Pilot Announced

DDOT has announced the Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot, an initiative designed to expand access to public EV charging in residential neighborhoods. The pilot will help inform future regulatory updates and establish guidelines for a permit program allowing private vendors to install, operate, and maintain curbside EV charging stations in the District’s public right-of-way. The pilot is being deployed in partnership with EV charging company It’s Electric and is funded through a federal grant. It’s Electric will install, operate, and maintain 16 curbside chargers serving two adjacent parking spaces in eight locations across the District—one in each ward. Exact locations have yet to be announced. sustainability.ddot. dc.gov/pages/pilotprojects.

Trinidad (organic) Farmers Market

Trinidad Farmers Market is open Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., (rain or shine). 1299 Neal St. NE. All the foods that their producers sell are organic, although they may not be certified organic in some instances. There is also a waste food drop off at the Zero Waste DC tent at the market. trinidadfarmersmarket.net.

Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5k

On Sunday, March 22, enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5k. This run

or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more. Roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy this 451-acre urban green space. Music

The Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium

The Ford’s Theatre Society and the Abraham Lincoln Institute will host the 29th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium, Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ford’s Theatre, 514 Tenth St. NW, co-sponsored by the Lincoln Group of DC. This full-day event brings together distinguished scholars and public figures for discussions on President Abraham Lincoln’s life, leadership and enduring impact on American civic life—especially in connection with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The symposium features panel conversations that explore Lincoln’s historical legacy, the origins of the Civil War, democratic principles and how Lincoln’s ideas continue to resonate in contemporary civic discourse. Free admission. fords.org.

Lincoln, April 1861.

Long-time Capitol Hill resident Stuart Long was an attorney at the Library of Congress and a real estate developer and investor, but most folks will remember him as co-owner of the original Hawk and Dove restaurant from 1967 until 2011. Long liked to point out that as an anti-Vietnam war activist who went to law school to avoid the draft, he was the Dove of Hawk and Dove. Read Long’s memories of Capitol Hill at CapitolHillHistory.org. Help preserve Capitol Hill history by becoming a volunteer.

Congressional Football Game for Charity at Nat’s Park

The Congressional Football Game is an annual event featuring Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and former NFL players, John Booty and Ken Harvey, (the “Mean Machine”) versus members of the US Capitol Police (the “Guards”). Since its inception in 2004, the Game has awarded nearly $4.5 million to the US Capitol Police Memorial Fund, 4 Advantage 4 Kids, Our Military Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of America. This year, the Congressional Football Game for Charity is on Tuesday, March 17, kickoff at 7 p.m., gates at 5:30 p.m., at Nat’s Park. Tickets are $12. mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/congressional-football/

will get you in the groove before and after the event. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6’ non-retractable leash. From 7 to 8 a.m., pick up packet; race starts at 8:30 a.m. First 150 entries are $40, then the price goes up incrementally to $55. Kids under 13 are free. runsignup.com.

FY26 Green Book Released

Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development has released the FY26 Green Book, the District’s official Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Guide. New to the FY26 Green Book is a dedicated section spotlighting opportunities tied to the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus redevelopment, one of the most significant public-private investments in the District’s history. The multi-phase project represents a projected $3.7 billion in total investment, creating substantial contracting and procurement opportunities for District-based businesses over the coming years. greenbookdc.com.

Apply to be a CAH Panelist

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities seeks grant review panelists to perform evaluations of applications submitted to the agency for funding consideration throughout the year. Panelists are integral to the grantmaking process. Panels provide a critical review, comments, and scores of all applica-

tions to a particular grant program. Their reviews and scores determine the ranking of applications within a grant cohort. This ranking becomes the basis on which funding decisions are made. Residents of the District of Columbia metropolitan area are encouraged to apply to serve as a panelists. However, DC residency is not a requirement to be a panelist. Selected panelists should have expertise through involvement in the arts and humanities. CAH seeks panel diversity in all forms. This includes, but is not limited to, age, race, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation, artistic discipline, and location. Read more and apply at dcarts.dc.gov/ page/be-review-panelist.

Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington at Tudor Place

Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW in Georgetown, has quietly preserved the material legacy of six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants—and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored alongside them—for more than two centuries. Displaying several artifacts together for the first time, the exhibition explores what George and Martha Washington’s worldly belongings, and the people who desired them, reveal about the values and divisions of early American society. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon

to 4 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, military and children six to 18; children five and under, free. tudorplace.org.

National Gallery Nights

This spring’s remaining National Gallery Nights are on Thursdays, March 12, and April 9, 6 to 9 p.m. Join them for themed evenings with music, live performances, artmaking, pop-up talks, and more. The NGA offers free registration through a lottery system. The lottery takes place the week before each event. It opens Monday at 10 a.m. and closes on Thursday at noon. nga.gov.

2026 Cultivate Summit: Innovating to Meet the Moment

Join the Cultivate Summit on Friday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Convene, 600 14th St. NW, for a transformative, full-day experience. Hosted by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), Cultivate brings together entrepreneurs at every stage, industry leaders, and cross-sector partners across the DMV for hands-on learning, individualized technical assistance, and meaningful networking. Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling for growth, or navigating certifications and capital readiness, this event is designed to elevate entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. $79 through March 9. Register at wacif-thecultivatesummit.org.

March and April Wellness Wednesdays at the NPG

Join the National Portrait Gallery in the G Street Lobby, Eighth and G streets NW, and wellness expert Aparna Sadananda for mindfulness programs inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s collection. On the first Wednesday of each month at 8 to 9 a.m., join them for an artful meditation, where participants will practice slow looking and experience portraiture through breath and slow movement. On the third Wednesday of each month at 6 to 9 a.m., join them for a wellness program that includes sound baths and musical meditation. These programs are for ages 18+ and are suitable for all skill levels. Free,

however registration is required. npg. si.edu.

Volunteer for the Environmental Film Festival

DCEFF volunteers are warmly welcomed to help DCEFF sta with various duties during the annual Festival, March 19 to 28. For their help, volunteers receive free tickets to attend Festival screenings and events. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Find the volunteer application form at dce .org/faqs.

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery is on Sunday, April 5. It begins at 6:15 a.m. with a musical prelude. Enter Arlington National Cemetery via Memorial Avenue and park at the cemetery’s parking garage, where parking is free from 5 to 9 a.m. (fees for parking begin at 9 a.m.). There is no walking to the amphitheater from the parking lot; a free shuttle service will transport all guests from the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center and transport them back. arlingtoncemetery.org.

Washington, DC: There’s No Better Place to Make History

July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Come celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with special events throughout our museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. Get a glimpse of the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s founding document. Engage with Indigenous stories from long before the United States was born. Visit dc250.us for anticipated openings and reopenings (so far): most galler-

ies at Air and Space Museum open; Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden revitalization opens; the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft opens; the Smithsonian Castle reopens; historic Carousel on the Mall reopens. dc250.us.

Community Forklift Loyalty Program

When purchasing materials in person at Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD, simply provide your email address or phone number at checkout to enroll in the Reuse Warehouse Loyalty Program. One full dollar spent equals one point earned, with a maximum of 500 points earned. Points are redeemable for rewards on future visits to Community Forklift and do not expire. You can bank up to 500 points to spend at a later date. Once your Loyalty Program account reaches 500 points, you must redeem a reward before you can continue earning--100 points equals $5 o ; 200, $10 o ; 400, $20 o ; 500, $25 o . communityforklift.org.

Watch the Blooms Live on #Bloomcam

#BloomCam, brought to you by the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and Earthcam, is a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin, one of the most popular and iconic sites in Washington, DC. Positioned on the Salamander Washington DC rooftop, #BloomCam o ers year-round views of the cherry trees and their seasonal changes to viewers worldwide. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloomwatch.

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COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills w/ Chef Wendi James SOLD OUT!

Monday, March 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Portuguese Long Lunch: Treasures from Around the World with Chef Mark Haskell

Friday, March 13 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Next-Level Passover Desserts featuring Susan Barocas and Bonnie Benwick

Sunday, March 15 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills w/ Chef Wendi James

Monday March 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Master Chef with Celebrated Pastry Chef Padua Player: Opulent Pots & Petals!

Spring Cake Class

Sunday, March 29 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Italian Easter Classics with Chef Mark Haskell

Tuesday, March 31 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

CONCERTS

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center

Featuring Eastern-European Jewish Folk Music with Seth Kibel & The Kleztet

Sunday, March 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

STUDIO ARTS

Contemporary Watercolors Course with Christine Vineyard Series begins Monday, March 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Basic Drawing Techniques: Drawing From an Image with Christine Vineyard Series begins Tuesday, March 3 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Contemporary Watercolors Workshop with Christine Vineyard

Saturday, March 28 @ 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking Workshop with Christine Vineyard Saturday, March 28 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

ARTS& DINING

Who was it that said laughter is the best medicine?

The exact origins of this excellent piece of advice might be lost to the sands of time, but there’s no doubt that a good giggle lifts the darkest of moods. This month’s column looks to performances that bring light, laughter and levity to dark times. Read on for our curated selection.

On Right Now

“On Beckett,”

Shakespeare Theatre Company Showing February 11 – March 13 www.shakespearetheatre.org

Bill Irwin knows a lot about Samuel Beckett. That’s probably because the Tony Award winning actor – and professional clown – has spent more than thirty years slowly chewing over the Irish essayist, novelist and playwright’s voluminous contributions to the Modern and Post-Modern literary canon. “On Beckett,” an Irish Repertory Theatre production produced in association with Octopus Theatricals, is Irwin’s ardent love letter to a literary genius whose work assumes new relevance in our current moment.

Theater Night A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

Over the course of 80 minutes, Irwin conjures up characters from a carefully selected range of Beckett’s texts with an ease that can only come from an intimate familiarity with a body of writing, in both English and French, that spans more than 60 years. Irwin’s performance, comprising two parts, is magnified through minimal stage dressing, lighting and props. The re-

sulting aesthetic is stark yet warmly familiar, much like Beckett’s writing itself.

Irwin’s first act consists of readings from Beckett’s collection of short prose pieces titled “Texts for Nothing” (written in the early 1940s) and an excerpt from the writer’s 1953 novel “Watt.” The second is a deep dive into “Waiting

for Godot.” Possibly one of Beckett’s most renowned plays (it certainly transformed the tradition of theater-making forever), critic Vivian Mercier famously opined of the work that the playwright had accomplished the remarkable feat of getting an audience to watch a play where nothing happens, twice.

Throughout, Irwin’s mastery of the fatalist humor inherent in much of Beckett’s work and the richness of clowning as an art form is on glorious display. Replete with outsize trousers, comically large shoes, bow tie and an ever-evolving range of hats, Irwin is in complete command of a craft that he encourages us to view alongside Beckett’s absurdist, tragicomic texts. Over the years, as Irwin points out, comics have found rich material within the Irishman’s prose and “On Beckett” gives us much to laugh about, whether it’s Irwin’s mock battle with a dysfunctional automatic podium or the unceasing internal monologues of one of Beckett’s many tormented characters.

A note of caution to Beckett beginners: The writer’s texts are thick as molasses. To the untrained ear, the incessant stream of syllogisms, circularity and repetitions can be intimidating. Luckily for Irwin’s audiences, his masterful pacing, characterization and frequent breaks between readings are a much-needed digestive, affording us the time to savor the flavor of Beckett’s words and what they’ve come to mean to Irwin himself over the course of his career. Take a friend along. There’ll be plenty to discuss over drinks after the show.

ARTS&DINING

In the Spotlight

“As You Like It”, Folger Theatre

Showing March 10 – April 12 www.folger.edu

Just in time for the emergence of spring’s first tender blooms after a long, bitter winter, Folger Theatre is presenting Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels’ revisioning of William Shakespeare’s classic pastoral comedy “As You Like It”.

Cincinnati Playhouse Associate Artist and Helen Hayes Award winner Timothy Douglas returns to Folger Theatre for the third time to guide a talented cast in this modern, DC flavored interpretation of one of the bard’s breeziest tales of love triangles, disguises and mistaken identities. “Karen Ann has framed this production beautifully as a love-letter to DC, teasing out the parallels to court life and Capitol Hill,” explains Douglas. Shakespeare’s play - written around 1599 - follows cousins and childhood friends Rosalind and Celia, who find respite in the Edenic forest of Arden after being banished from Duke Frederick’s corrupt duchy. Folger’s rendition (like Shakespeare’s) juxtaposes the duke’s world of urban Machiavellianism with that of unspoiled nature, drawing comparisons between the marble corridors of DC’s Capitol building and the contrasting and varied textures of DC and its residents.

of power and the injustice it produces. “As wonderfully pastoral in spirit as the play is, it’s not a simple or easy journey,” Douglas says. “Although we’re not taking a political stand, we can’t ignore the impact of this administration on life in DC, if not America at large. If you know DC, there’s resonant tension between what was known as ‘Chocolate City’ and what that means now.”

The idyllic Arden forest is imbued with the signifiers of our city’s pulsating culture, much of which you’ll recognize instantly, and it’s there that the play’s shenanigans take place: A feuding pair of brothers, Ollie (Terrance Fleming) and Orlando (Manu Kumasi) follow the exiled Rosalind (Tsilala Brock) and Celia (Sabrina Lynne Sawyer), who’ve disguised themselves as Ganymede and Aliena to escape the duke’s wrath (both Duke Frederick and Duke senior are played by Jefferson A. Russell). Add to the mix the deposed duke’s royal court decamped in the wilderness and plenty of gender bending and you’ve got all the rip-roaring trappings of the Elizabethan playwright’s archetypal romantic comedies.

“As You Like It”, while light, fluffy and fun, also takes a dim view of the irresponsible wielding

As our political discourse increasingly trends towards the binaries of dark and light, good versus evil, Douglas explains that this version of Shakespeare’s play is more concerned with exploring the complex motivations that compel us to destructive actions. “What makes the Duke banish his brother? What makes him banish Rosalind? We’re really interested in the source of that. It’s the response to the deep pain. We’re seeing the breakdown and the breakthrough happening.”

Upcoming Attraction

“Travesty,” Woolly Mammoth Theater Company

Showing March 24 – April 12 www.woollymammoth.net

After Sasha Velour’s “The Big Reveal Live

Show” at the Strathmore Music Center in 2025 left us hungry for more, this consummate drag artist and the winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race season 9 returns to the DMV in March for her third touring production.

“Travesty” tracks the clandestinely queer histories of a single location through time. Over the course of 80 minutes, she brings to effervescent life colorful characters that rage for recognition, acceptance and equal treatment through the ages. “Travesty” reminds us that not only have drag and gender play always been around, but being different is a powerful tool of resistance that makes beautiful things possible.

Velour’s ingenious technical proficiency and innate understanding of the possibilities inherent in her material - both in terms of props and writing - will be on full display in “Travesty”, which heads to Europe for a world tour right after its debut at Woolly Mammoth. Expect her signature attention to detail, flawless choreography, lip synching that slays and costuming by the Emmy Award-winning Diego Montoya Studio, Andres Caballero, Jazzmint Dash, Pierretta Viktori and Gloria Swansong. u

Honoring Women Artists

Art on the Hill

by Rindy O’Brien

March is National Women’s History Month as designated by Congress in 1987.

The month honors women’s diverse achievements in all fields (science, arts, politics, etc.) but also serves to highlight the ongoing struggles that women still face. This past fall, in Women Artists of the DMV, a major endeavor organized by Lenny Campello, 19 galleries, museum, and art spaces exhibited the work of over 700 women artists.

Campello is an American artist, art critic, author, art dealer, curator, and blogger. His blog, started in 2003, covers the global visual arts scene with a special focus on the DMV. You can find it at https://dcartnews.blogspot. com. He says women artists are widely underrepresented in museums, especially in DC. His project was an effort to fill in that gap. “I started with four venues that quickly grew to 19 sites,” says Lenny. Artists were recruited by email and active Call for Artists list serves.

Several Ward 6 women artists were

selected for the Women of the DMV show, a few of the many women artists active in our area who share their paintings, photography, sculptures, and mixed media creations through exhibitions at the Hill Center, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, and the fall Capitol Hill Art Walk. Two such artists are Felicia Reed and Lisa Gutsy.

Felicia Reed, Fiber Artist

A native of Capitol Hill, Felicia Reed is a self-taught artist. Her wool and silk wraps are stunning in color and design and hold special healing powers through the energy that comes from the organic wools and essential oils she uses in their creation. Her use of wet felt can be traced back to the Silk Road and Mongolian practices. Currently, she is curating a National Women’s Day Exhibition that will run from March 1st to April 30th at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis, Maryland. The exhibit honors artists whose works reflect “layered identities, lived presence, and expansive possibility.” Creations by 25 artists will be displayed under the theme Those Who Create: Layers, Presence, Possibility theme. There will be an artist’s talk on Saturday, March 7th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the recreation center.

“My goal is to one day have my own art studio and center that brings people together and supports people creating their own healing wraps and art,” says Reed. “All my wool and materials I gather from local farmers, and luckily there are many sources in southern Maryland that I can access.” She works full-time as a government contractor; is a design creator; teacher and curator; and of course, artist. “I guess you would say I am multi-dimensional with a strong mission and passion for creating a better world,” she says.

She has a wrap scarf, in stunning warm yellow and

Felicia’s pieces can be worn as a wrap or hung as a wall art piece.

FAR LEFT: Felicia Reed working on a fabric art wrap as part of a demonstration at the AnnMarie Gardens.

LEFT: “Life’s Journey” is an excellent representation of the spiritual and soulful spirit that goes into Felicia Reed’s works.

Upcoming Exhibits

“I am Every Woman,”

The Touchstone Gallery, will exhibit a solo show of Susanne Tabet’s figurative paintings in March. Her work focuses on the female experience and her artist talk is 2-4p.m. on March 22, 2026. The talk is free and open to the public, 901 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.

“Cutting Near the Edge,” Morton Fine Art Gallery, is displaying Rosemary Feit Covey’s, sculptural and experimental printmaking pieces through March 7th. 52 O Street, NW, #302, Washington, DC.

“Landscapes,” Capitol Hill Art League at Frame of Mine on Capitol Hill runs through March 14th. Art league members exhibit a stunning collection of paintings, prints and photographs of landscapes. Open during business hours, Frame of Mine is located at 545 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC.

“On View: Mandy Camo Villalobos,” Contemporary Art at the Folger is on display until April 5, 2026. Mandy is a Folger Fellow. Her pieces juxtapose luxurious embroider designs found in the Folger collection with orphaned objects. The Folger Library is located at 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC.

orange colors made of wet felt and silk and wool fibers, at the Hill Center Galleries, as part of the Regional Artist Exhibition. Follow her work at www.fiberartwithfelicia.art.

Lisa Gusty. Figurative Artist

Lisa Gusty is another exceptional artist who exhibits her work throughout the DMV area. She participated in the 2025 Capitol Hill Art Walk and has shown drawings in Artomatic and the recent Mosaic show. A full-time software engineer by profession, she uses art as her creative outlet and as a way to find community in her Bloomingdale neighborhood.

Using charcoal and ink, she is a figurative drawer, letting her models or settings guide her efforts. “I always begin with a broad outline and then find the shadows,” Gusty says. She is not formally trained and began drawing around eight years old. Drawing has always been a way for her to connect to the places where she finds herself. In 2023, she spent time in Ashville, North Carolina which she found very helpful in developing her style and craft. “I came back feeling like a real artist,” she said.

Lisa Gutsy is a figurative artist who enjoys sketching to establish space and community. She can often be found working with models provided in the Bloomingdale Maison Art Salon.

Her drawing, “Jazz Hands”, in ink and charcoal, incorporates not only the musician but the moments he is playing.

year, probably 50 artists participate,” she says. “Between artists I have met through Artomatic and the friends made at Maison Art Salon, I have been able to improve my skills and connect to a great DC art community.” Her work can be viewed on Instagram at ldgdc11.

One of her neighbors hosts a figurative drawing and painting art experience called Maison Art Salon just a few doors away from her home. Many of her drawings come from the Maison models. “There are 8 to 10 artists attending any given session, and over the course of a

Both women artists encourage beginning artists to find themselves through their art, and to take the risk of sharing their work with others. March is a celebration of the beauty, harmony, and healing that women artists bring to the DMV. Let it also be an invitation to women to jump into the vibrant DC art scene.

Rindy O’Brien writes about Capitol Hill’s art and cultural scene and can be contacted at rindyobrien@gmail.com u

LOCAL NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

S I G N U P T O D A Y !

The Poetic Hill Michael Whelan

by Sandra Beasley

Michael Whelan is a resident of Northwest DC and is a longtime member and inaugural poet laureate of the Arts Club of Washington. He won rst prize in Ireland in the juried Leitrim Guardian 2012 Literary Awards. His collection After God, a memoir in free verse published in 2014, tells the tale of a lifelong lover’s quarrel between Whelan and God. In 2017, OpEd News, a progressive daily web journal, ran a pro le of Whelan as a DC poet in its Arts section.

poem was awarded “Pick of the Week” in the Best American Poetry blog.

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). ◆

Dermot Healy at the Phillips

A set of ten Whelan poems on the late Irish poet and novelist Dermot Healy was featured in the 2016 spring edition of éirways magazine. Whelan’s work has also appeared in the Innisfree Poetry Journal, The Coachella Review, Washington Post, The Elegant Atheist, The Healing Muse, The Boston Globe, Little Patuxent Review, The Los Angeles Times, and The Galway Review. In 2022, this

For the last half hour Healy’s been gone— he’s digging up the potatoes he sees in Rothko’s hazy elds, staring up at them from down on his bench, alone in their tiny chapel at the Phillips.

Three days ago he turned a corner as we walked DC. Helen and I found him in a little Arabic library that caught his eye on N Street. So thrilled with the place, he’s gone back each day to meander in obscure conversation

with the scholars there about the rst sounds that made language, hints of them secreted still, he says, on N Street in frail mystery-embedded manuscripts that woke his odd eye and con rmed what he holds

as his only faith: that every word is a living entity with a soul of its own that longs and morphs and heaves in its letters sideways and forward chanting its sound in its agony of thanksgiving for living.

Healy has moved now from Rothko’s potato chapel to the tiny Klee, intricate in light blue lines. He’s traveling inside its mysteries, multifarious in minutiae.

“Will we go home now for the tea?” he nudges. In the short time of his stay, we’ve shaped a ritual of tea round the Irish spelt bread he loves from the Dupont Farmers Market. He cuts it thick and toasts it for us.

Then slathers it with butter and closes his eyes in a way that puts the tea and the toast in league with the mysteries of Rothko and of Klee and the hints of rst sounds of language—abiding on N Street.

The District Vet

Feline infectious peritonitis: A Coronavirus Gone Rogue

by Dan Teich, DVM

This isn’t a discussion about Covid-19. Cats have their own coronaviruses (humans have many, too), most of which are usually harmless, and often cause nothing more than a brief bout of diarrhea or no symptoms at all. Yet in a small number of cats, this everyday virus can quietly transform into one of the most devastating feline diseases known: Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP.

For decades FIP was almost always fatal. We tried supportive care, steroids, antibiotics,

all to no avail. But with the breakthrough antiviral medications, many cats are surviving – and even thriving – after treatment. Covid-19 is treated with the same or similar drugs.

FIP begins when a mild form of feline coronavirus mutates inside a cat’s body. Instead of staying in the intestines, the altered virus attacks the immune system, spreading inflammation throughout the body. We don’t know why it does this - possibly stress? Crowding in a cattery or shelter? Or some unknown factor.

We see the disease manifest in one of two

ways. In the “wet” form, fluid leaks from inflamed blood vessels into the abdomen or chest. The cat’s abdomen may swell dramatically, or breathing may become labored as fluid fills the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This form often progresses quickly and can become lifethreatening within weeks. Many people think that the cat has worms due to the belly swelling (it doesn’t).

The “dry” form is slower but no less serious. Instead of fluid buildup, the disease creates inflammatory masses in organs such as the kid-

neys, liver, brain, or eyes. Cats may lose weight, run persistent fevers, become unsteady on their feet, or develop vision problems. Some cats show signs of both types. They look like they are wasting away.

Early symptoms are often subtle – fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever that doesn’t improve with antibiotics. Because the virus that leads to FIP is so common, diagnosing the disease can be challenging. We usually rely on blood tests (looking for elevated protein levels), imaging, fluid analysis, and clinical patterns rather than a single definitive test. Many totally normal cats will test positive if we run a coronavirus test, so it’s not commonly used.

Young cats are especially vulnerable. Many cases occur in kittens and cats under two years old, though seniors can be affected as well. Households with multiple cats, shelters, and breeding facilities see higher exposure to coronavirus, but FIP can strike cats in any environment – even those living alone.

Until recently, a diagnosis of FIP was devastating. Treatment options were limited to supportive care, and most cats survived only weeks or months. But thankfully that has significantly changed.

Several years ago, it was discovered that antiviral drugs can block the virus’s ability to reproduce. Medications such as GS441524, remdesivir, and molnupiravir have produced remarkable results, with many cats making full recoveries after about three months of therapy. Improvement often begins within days.

While treatment still requires close veterinary supervision and isn’t yet universally accessible in every country, success rates continue to rise. What was once considered a

hopeless disease is now increasingly viewed as treatable. There’s even a conditional license from the FDA for an FIP treatment medication.

Can you prevent FIP? Probably not. Good husbandry is always important and having a low stress environment may help. Clean litter boxes, avoiding overcrowding, and maintaining good overall health may lower risk. A vaccine exists but is not widely recommended by groups such as the American Association of Feline Practitioners because its real-world effectiveness is limited.

The key to FIP is awareness! Persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, swollen abdomen, breathing difficulty, neurological signs, or eye inflammation should always prompt a veterinary visit. While these symptoms don’t always mean FIP, early evaluation can make a lifesaving difference.

FIP remains a serious disease – but it is no longer the automatic death sentence it once was. Thanks to modern medicine and ongoing research, countless cats now have a second chance at life, turning a once tragic diagnosis into a story of growing hope.

S chool N otes

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Capitol Hill Cluster Carries on the Dream

In celebration of Black History Month, Watkins continued its 22year tradition of the 5th grade delivering Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The students spend two months learning and internalizing Dr. King’s words before reciting them near the very spot Dr. King delivered the speech in 1963. The annual event, done in partnership with the National Parks Service (NPS), included speeches from student speakers, poem recitations including Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, and the singing of “We Shall Overcome.” With support from the Cluster PTA, all Watkins students were transported to the Lincoln Memorial to witness the event.

Watkins Elementary, 420 12th St. SE, part of Capitol Hill Cluster School, capitolhillclusterschool.org

CHDS Cleans Up

Capitol Hill Day School third graders are diving into their study of watersheds. They’ve been learning how runoff and pollution impact rivers and lakes, including our local Anacostia River. With all the snow and ice in our neighborhood, students grew curious about how melting snow affects pollution and runoff. They investigated these questions and brainstormed solutions, including one to help clean up the District’s local parks!

Capitol Hill Day School, 210 South Carolina Ave. SE, chds.org

DC Prep Gathers for Joy

Community Meetings at DC Prep are joyful celebrations that bring our entire school community together in meaningful ways. During these gatherings, students connect across grade levels to build relationships, celebrate our Preppie of the Month honorees, recognize strong attendance, and enjoy

student performances, raffles, music, and dancing. Families also have opportunities to engage with teachers and staff, strengthening the partnership between school and home. Families interested in joining our vibrant community are encouraged to apply today at myschooldc.org. Give your child the opportunity to learn in an environment that is curiosity-driven and designed to advance academic growth and character development.

DC Prep, 2330 Pomeroy Rd SE, dcprep.org

Friends Students Research Biomes

Grade 3 and 4 students have been learning about biomes around the world. After exploring how biomes are classified, each student chose one to research and identified its key abiotic and biotic factors, including climate, geography, plants, and animals. They applied learning by creating a

triorama showcasing their biome’s natural elements and writing an informative report explaining its unique characteristics and the choices they made in their display.

Friends Community School, 5901 Westchester Park Dr., College Park, MD; friendscommunityschool.org

Maury Rocks the Runway

The Maury school community is gearing up for the annual STEAM Expo, a celebration of the arts and sciences. Outside exhibitors will be showcasing their missions with interactive presentations and exhibits. Students are preparing their science fair projects. One of the highlights will be the Trashion Fashion Show, a much-loved tradition centered on sustainability - all Fifth Graders will “rock the runway” in stylish creations made of discarded materials. The kids have been working like fiends, both in Studio Maury and at home, making good use of recent snow-days and holidays.

Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE, mauryelementary.com

NE Stars Practice Kindness

During circle time at Northeast Stars Montessori, the Stars discussed kindness and shared

different ways we can all be kind to others. Together, they created a list that included sharing, helping friends, using kind words, and showing care. This conversation helped all the friends understand how their actions can make others feel.

The Stars also created heart-shaped artwork using construction paper, glue, and crayons. This activity allowed them to express kindness and friendship through creativity.

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool, 1325 Maryland Ave NE, nestars.net

Payne for Peace!

Payne Wildcats were invigorated by the Walk for Peace! They watched videos of the monks walking, learned about Aloka the dog and his journey, and wrote letters of encouragement! A group of students, parents and staff traveled to St. Marks to see the monks in person and deliver the letters. The peace washed over the school and community- such a joyful day!

Payne Elementary School, 1445 C St. SE, paynedc.org

St. Peter Student of the Month: James Krol

St. Peter School 4th Grader James Krol was named Saint Peter School’s Student of the Month Award for January’s virtue of responsibility. James was nominated because he demonstrates a high level of responsibility in the library, assisting his teachers by ensuring that his class’s books are properly collected and turned in on time. He also always communicates in a respectful and considerate manner.

St. Peter School Capitol Hill, 422 Third St. SE, stpeterschooldc.org

Templeton Studies Success

Templeton students in Government & Statistics visited the Library of Congress for a meeting with Dr. Kevin Butterfield, Director of the Kluge Center, for a discussion of George Washington’s Circular to the States and the conditions Washington saw as necessary for the success of the nation. Templeton Academy, 406 Seventh St. SE, templetonacademy.org/dc

A Front-Row Seat to Brent’s Next Chapter

Over the past six weeks, students at the Brent Bus Depot at X-Park have had a front-row seat

to history as demolition of the original Brent building nears completion. Large excavators and cranes have carefully dismantled the structure piece by piece, clearing the way for a new chapter to rise in its place. Construction of the new, state-of-the-art elementary school is scheduled for completion in June 2027. The project will feature upgraded classrooms and flexible learning spaces, enhanced safety systems, expanded accessibility, green outdoor areas, and

two modern playgrounds—one designed for early childhood students and one for elementary students.

Brent Elementary @ Meyer, 2501 11th St NW, www.brentelementary.org

School Notes are contributed by one member of the school community monthly. Don’t see your Hill-serving school, but want it to be featured in School Notes? Email Liz@HillRag.com ◆

Bloomaroo at The Wharf

Bloomaroo at The Wharf is on Saturday, March 28, 4 to 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule: 4 to 8 p.m., live music on multiple stages; 4 to 8 p.m., family fun activities including face painting, balloon animals and arts & crafts; and 8 p.m. fireworks. Free admission. wharfdc.com/bloomaroo.

Fruit to Poop: A Seed’s Journey (On-site Drop-in Program)

What’s the connection between fruit and poop? On Friday, March 13, 2 to 4 p.m., at the US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, join Lilly and USBG volunteers to explore how plants and animals help each other and the relationship between plants making fruit and animals eating that fruit. Think and learn about what makes a fruit a fruit, why fruits tend to taste sweet, and why it benefits plants when animals eat their fruits. No registration needed. usbg.gov.

Sensory

Playtime at SW Library

Join SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, in the Children’s Room every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fun sensory play

for ages one to five. They’ll provide the materials, just bring your imagination. dclibrary.org.

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, educates and inspires socio-economically diverse high school students in the DC metro area by providing free access to touring Broadway shows, facilitating post-show discussions, and introducing students to performing arts careers. This program welcomes dedicated students with an interest in theatre to engage with shows in the Broadway at The National season and to participate in post-show talkbacks with their dramaturg and special guests. Send in a Student interest Form at nationaltheatre.org/ teens-behind-the-scenes.

Storytime Studio and Open Studio Drop-ins at the Hirshhorn

On Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, step into Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn, Independence Ave. and Seventh St. SW, and enjoy a captivating blend

The Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument

The Blossom Kite Festival is on Saturday, March 28 (rain date, March 29), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Washington Monument. Join in the fun with soaring activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome. Enjoy kite demonstrations and competitions, arts & crafts, and so much more. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the National

Be Our Guest at “Beauty and the Beast”, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This timeless tale, filled with romance and grandeur, has been brought to life with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from March 18 to April 5. Tickets start at $60. thenationaldc.com.

of play, reading, and art exploration designed for kids up to age six and their caregivers. On Saturdays, let your creativity run wild at Open Studio, the Hirshhorn’s all-day for all ages art-making adventure. Drop in and explore contemporary art through hands-on activities inspired by the Hirshhorn collection. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Explore. Create. Be…The Fun!

Explore the outdoors with exciting nature hikes, treasure hunts, field trips, and creative challenges.

Full Day: 8:0 0 AM – 5:00 PM

Half Day: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Half Day: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM

– Weekly camp rate: $280 DISCOUNTS:

• Sibling Discount: 15% OFF (after the first child)

• DCPS Employee/First Responder/Military Discount: 10%

• Limited scholarship spaces are available, subject to eligibility.

– Household income limit: $65,000

This summer, let your child unleash their imagination, explore new adventures, and create unforgettable memories! At Polite Piggy’s, we believe that fun is not just an activity — it’s an experience, and it starts with you!

Create masterpieces in art, science, theater, dance, and crafts while discovering new talents. Be…The Fun! Embrace your inner adventurer, make new friends, and enjoy endless laughter through games, performances, music, and wacky competitions!

Petalpalooza at Capital Riverfront

On Saturday, April 4, 1 to 9 p.m., at Capital Riverfront, celebrate spring at Petalpalooza for a full day of live music and engaging activities. This all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 p.m. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

National Zoo Webcams

See pandas, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live at nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams. Also, download Animal Cam Bingo Cards. These activities are designed to engage learners of all ages in looking closely and thinking deeply about animal behavior and habitats. Welcome to the wild side of learning! nationalzoo.si.edu.

Democracy Lab at the Capitol

Daily except Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn about the work of Congress in this hands-on education gallery. The collaborative activities in the gallery are designed for children between the ages of eight and fourteen. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Staff are available to assist and answer questions, but not to supervise children. Groups of 15 or more children must make a reservation in advance of their visit. They recommend that you allow 15 to 30 minutes to ensure that everyone has time to engage in all the activity stations.

Moonshot Studio at the REACH

The Kennedy Center’s Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-

making. The recommended age is five years old and older. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore their projects. Upcoming dates are March 7, 8, 15, 28 and 29; and April 4, 5, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Free admission. kennedy-center.org/ reach/moonshot-studio/moonshotstudio.

LOC to Host Monthly Saturday Family Days in 2026

The Library of Congress will host monthly Family Days, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on select Saturdays throughout 2026, including programming focused on America’s 250th anniversary. The Library is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary under the theme “It’s Your Story,” offering an opportunity for everyone to discover part of America’s story in the world’s largest research collections. During Family Days, each program includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home. All events are free of charge. loc.gov/events.

Cat Kid Comic Club at Imagination Stage

For one weekend only, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, 1 and 4 p.m., at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. Don’t miss a hilarious, madcap musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series. Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics. When the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, their fishy father Flippy flips out. Tickets are $15 to $52.02, plus fee. Best for ages five to ten. imaginationstage.org.

Family Workshop: From Print to Paint at the Folger

On Saturday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. and 1

p.m., you can contribute to their current exhibition, Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era! Families start by adding dramatic flair to scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. Then will use their artistic skills to create performanceinspired artwork that will be displayed in the exhibition hall, alongside paintings depicting famous Shakespearean scenes. Attendance is free with a recommended $3 donation. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages five to seven; 1 to 2 p.m., for ages eight to eleven. folger.edu.

NSO’s Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra

Told through a mesmerizing hybrid of animated and live action filming, a magical Sprite embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra. Violin strings vibrate, brass valves slice air, and drumheads resonate like you’ve never seen before—all set to live music from the National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists. Tickets are $25.30. Most enjoyed by ages five and older. kennedy-center.org.

Sunday Storytime at Planet Word

Join Planet Word for Sunday Storytime, a free monthly program designed especially for young children and their grownups. Featuring songs and read-alouds presented by children’s librarians from the DC Public Library, Sunday Storytime is ideal for ages two to six. After storytime, attendees are invited to explore the museum or stop by the pop-up DC Public Library wagon to check out children’s books using their library cards. Upcoming dates are March 8 and April 12, 10 to 11 a.m. Free registration includes general admission to the museum. Planet Word is at 925 13th St. NW. planetwordmuseum.org.

CHART YOUR COURSE TO EXCELLENCE

Apply today for School Year 2025-2026. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org

#ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back! Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection

WHY PAUL PCS FOR 5-12 GRADE?

• 2024 Bold Performance School recipient in the High School and 2022 Bold Performance School recipient for the Middle School

• Virtual instruction for all students on Fridays

• Guaranteed seat for Paul 8th grade families into 9th grade at Paul IHS

• Bilingual Family Engagement team to meet the needs of all families

• SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College Assistance

• Wraparound services, counseling, and student support resources for families with IEPs

• Free daily breakfast and lunch for all students Over 20 competitive middle school, junior varsity, and varsity athletic teams

• Extended day after school programs including tae kwon do, cooking club, dance, and tutoring

Walloping Weather! with The Science Guys of Baltimore

On Wednesday to Friday, March 11 to 13, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., the Science Guys of Baltimore are back at Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center on the Mall to explore the wacky science of weather. They bring together elements from all their shows to make one thunderous spectacle. Learn about lighting with a Tesla coil; see how extreme weather patterns are created through heat and pressure; make the world’s smallest blizzard; discover how rainbows are created after a storm and much more. Recommended for ages six to 11. Adult tickets are $8; kids, $7; and under 2, $3. discoverytheater.org.

Daughters of the American Revolution Celebrate America’s Birthday

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, on Saturday April 18, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this free event takes place throughout DAR Headquarters, 1776 D St. NW. All are welcome to join in familyfriendly activities in the DAR Library and DAR Museum, while enjoying cupcakes and refreshments. dar.org.

Powerful Pollinators at Discovery Theater

On Tuesday to Friday, March 24 to 27, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., learn about the world of our planet’s pollinators at Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center on the Mall. Meet pollinators big and small as they do their part to keep the biodiversity of all our ecosystems thriving. Get ready to dance like a honeybee, leap like a lemur,

RATÓN DE BIBLIOTECA (The Library Mouse) at GALA

This charming bilingual play, on Saturdays, March 14, 21 and 28, 3 to 4 p.m., at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, is about the clash between an intellectual library mouse and a street gang of mice. It teaches children to respect differences and appreciate books. Tickets are $14 (including fees) for adults; $12 for kids, two to twelve. galatheatre.org.

and beat those hummingbird wings in this new Discovery Theater original. Recommended for ages three to seven. Adult tickets are $8; kids, $7; and under 2, $3. discoverytheater.org.

Celebrating Ten Years of Books from Birth

The DC Public Library’s Books from Birth program, in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is open to all children under the age of five who live in Washington, DC. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn five. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is also offering a book option which includes 100% Bilingual English/Spanish books from when the child enters the program until they graduate at age five. To register, complete the online registration form. You can also register using the Spanish language form. dclibrary.org/using-the-library/books-birth.

“Save a Spider Day” at Natural History

Join the Natural History Museum on Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to see spider specimens and other arachnids up close, make observations at live tarantula feedings, and learn about the amazing diversity found within the different spider and arachnid species. Scientists from the museum will also debunk common spider myths. Families can join at any time during the duration of the event and stay as long as suits them. This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the ground floor of the museum on the right of the Constitution Ave. entrance. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR at Hill Center

On Sundays, March 22, April 19, May 17; June 21; Aug. 16; Sept. 13; Oct. 18; and Dec. 20; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Frontlines CPR teaches the skills required to save a life. Hands-on practice along with thorough instruction on the following topics: Child CPR; Child Choking Relief; AED overview; Infant CPR; and Infant Choking Relief. All classes are adults-only and are taught by current medical professionals. For more information, email Rharry1@frontlinescpr.com or visit frontlinecpr. com/schedule-and-registration to sign up for a class. Space is limited and classes often sell out weeks in advance. $80. hillcenterdc.org. u

(Washington, D.C.) Represent sponsors, lenders, priv. placement investors, eq. investors, developers in cross-border transactions incl. trad. proj. financings, Term Loan A, Term Loan B, priv. placements, acq. financings, holdco portfolio financings, in conn. w/ international projects involv. oil & gas, thermal power, energy transition, digital infrastruct. Advise clients particip. in these transactions, incl. on deal struct. opt., current mkt. practice, corp. & lgl strategy. Prepare and negotiate principal transact. docs., project dev. docs. $420,000 per year. Reqʼmts: JD or foreign equiv. or Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, licensure as a Special Legal Consultant in the District of Columbia, 5 yrs of exp. in position or 5 yrs of alternate occupational exp. performing complex cross-border project development & finance advisory legal duties. Email resume/refʼs to Katina.Whitehead@lw.com, referencing position SLC1. Latham & Watkins LLP.

CROSSWORD

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Some people drop them

6. Ghosts or goblins, for example

13. ___ and hers

16. Kind of number or clock

18. Borealis and australis

19. Yoga principle

21. Game piece

22. Staying power

23. Nephritic

24. Friendly encouragement

26. Words like “well done,” from the boss

28. Stable diet

29. Digital camera type

30. Mongolian monk

31. Train part

37. The Duke of ___, “Rigoletto” role

40. Part of E.M.T., abbr.

41. Cheapen

44. Good-luck piece

45. Initiates quarrels

46. Available sans Rx

47. Cereal grain

49. Payroll processing company

52. Game of Thrones character

53. Computer network

55. Houston ballplayer

57. Ear of corn

61. Judge

64. Hogwarts, e.g.

65. Gave some official recognitions

69. ABC’s

70. Easily offended

71. Postpones

72. Besmirch

73. Fighting Tigers of the N.C.A.A.

74. Stride

76. ___-en-Provence

77. I, to Claudius

79. Vision benefits provider

82. Inane

88. Loud laugher

90. Bargain

91. Rams’ ma’ams

95. ____ and World Report

96. Place into a group

97. Poivre’s companion

98. Desire

99. Fish mover

101. Applauded

103. Express appreciation to the winners

113. Personnel director

114. Streaks in the sky

115. Early day refrigerator

116. Standing by

117. Foreshadow

118. Flamboyant

119. Writer, Deighton

120. Railway track converging

121. Curved letters

Down:

1. Zippo

2. At the summit of

3. N.Y.C. cultural center

4. Send out

5. Chinese, prefix

6. Figure skater Cohen

7. Adorable tot

8. Many a Saudi

9. Alitalia destination

10. Novelist Ambler

11. Row

12. Kind of cow, dog, or horse

13. Take care of

14. Surrounded by standstill traffic

15. Strauss opera

17. Swindle

19. Proportionately

20. Classic Royale, of automotive fame

25. Clobbered

26. Attach, in a way

27. Setting of many jokes

29. Nat’l league cap letters

31. Fed. watchdog org.

32. Turkey part

33. Diamond stat.

34. Road goo

35. French key

36. Down Under natives

37. Noted Warhol subject

38. Invoice fig.

39. Cores

42. Oolong or Earl Grey

43. Japan follower

48. Unspoken

49. Make up

50. Waste

51. Campaign hustler, for short

54. Museum contents

56. Drive off

57. US coastal resort

58. Connecticut River town

59. Atlas section

60. Ill-gotten gain

61. Trademarks, abbr.

62. On a pension, briefly

63. Like winter weather

64. Relative

66. G.P.S. data

67. Collected works

68. Getting back for

69. Troop grp.

73. Freed

74. Application datum, abbr.

75. US Open start

78. Swiss cheese

80. Stitch a dress

81. Telephone trio

83. And

84. Rapper prefix

85. __ de Cologne

86. No. to measure against 87. Peek at

89. The Atlantic’s Cape ___

91. Foreseeing skill, for short 92. Artist Andy

93. Seinfeld character, Benes

94. Recipe direction

99. Fake

100. Little picture

102. Short time

103. Evening, at La Scala

104. Rate ___ (be perfect)

105. Recently, abbr.

106. Stocking stuffer

107. City on Guanabara Bay

108. Realtor’s unit

109. Perfect scores, often

110. Local entrepreneurial orgs.

111. Lug

112. Big galoots

114. Fuel usage

630 13th Street NE

Got it all: 3BR/3BA, high ceilings, spacious lr/dr, pkg!

ACTIVE: $989,000

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

308 5th Street SE

4000 SF of Victorian Grace

SOLD: $1.430M

Listing Agents: Don Denton (202) 256-1353 Chuck Burger (202) 258-5316

7 9th Street SE

Timeless 1865 residence offers rare opportunity to own a piece of

SOLD: Asking $895,000

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

101 North Carolina Ave SE #G

Perfect studio for son/daughter starting new career on the Hill! Beats renting!

ACTIVE: $299,000

Listing Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353

1330 Massachusetts Ave. SE

Spacious Park location. Cozy patio and parking!

SOLD: $1.250M

Selling Agent: Don Denton (202) 256-1353