Voice of The Hill January 2005 This Month 12 Sharon Ambrose Looks Back 14 ANC Commissioners Get Started, Part One 16 The Voice Takes a Look at 2004 20 The People behind the Bylines 26 Displaced at Randall 27 Inaugurations and Capitol Hill 30 William Penn House 32 John Janke, in the Thick of Things 34 Projects for Your House this Winter 36 Piñata Passion 38 Profile: Robin James 39 Profile: Kim Lamberty 40 Profile: Local Musicians 41 You, the Jury Departments VoiceMail................................................3 City Desk ...............................................4 News OnSite..........................................8 Business Snapshots ............................10 Ask Judith............................................42 Designing for Hearth and Home...........44 Armchair Movie Reviews......................46 Barracks Row ......................................47 Computer Corner.................................48 Ask the Vet ..........................................50 Capital Kids..........................................56 Kids' Sports .........................................56 Community Calendar ...........................58 Horoscope ...........................................60 Classifieds............................................60 Business Services ................................61 Vol. 6 No. 10 January 2005 of The Hill VOICE Voicemail The Voice of the Hill is published and distributed monthly to Capitol Hill residences and business locations. The focus is on the community and ...But the Sinkhole Remains Then a city council staffer confid-while a four-includes contiguous neighborhoods ed that a 'tug of war' was ensuing piece band from Gallaudet University to the To the Editor: between the mayor and the city council. played, and bal-Navy Yard and from the Capitol to This is to wish good things to Voice It seems city council was holding up a loons and the Stadium Armory Complex. writer David Francis ("VoiceMail," contract that would pay one million dol-streamers Publication and distribution is the December 2004). Francis came upon a lars yearly to rent a Maryland lot for stor-waved, we would sing "Happy Birthday" to "Baby Yugo." last Friday of each month. woman who plunged seven feet after the ing abandoned autos. Advertising deadline is the first of sidewalk suddenly gave way to a sinkhole As pressure to get council to act, the That would be irresistible to local news the month preceding publication. underneath. He rescued her. mayor was alleged to have ordered a city channels. I intended to A) have fun, and B) embarrass the city into action. Voice of the Hill Francis writes "something [needs] to slow-down on removing abandoned Instead, the city effectively responded, be done" to get the city to fix Hill sink-autos, ostensibly because they needed NOTE NEW ADDRESS! holes. Most readers, I suspect, agree. the space. The problem was, nobody "He can get the National Symphony Orchestra out there, and we won't fix it. PO Box 15874 Perhaps the publicity he has given the could tell the difference in service. Washington DC 20003-0874 problem will help. However, my own I finally called a colleague who works The city hasn't the money." At least a 202-544-0703 Main office attempts to get a sinkhole fixed, failed. for a Senator with much seniority. Within city official had finally recognized our 202-318-7806 Fax "My" sinkhole began in front of the 55 minutes of my call, the city was jack-petitions, and went further by providing a reason for inaction. For once, we weren't Hunan Restaurant located at the corner ing up the wagon for hauling. www.voiceofthehill.com of 2nd and D Streets, NE. The sinkhole Now, what (then) 6th Ward Councilman snubbed. It's ten years later. Three mayors editor@voiceofthehill.com is still there today, covered with a metal Brazil did achieve was to get the city to bruce@voiceofthehill.com plate and asphalt. put a plywood covering over the sinkhole. came. One twice. A new century, and a patti@voiceofthehill.com The hole began modestly: merely a So I came along and rattled doors where new millennium, arrived. Within one block of the sinkhole, the adele@voiceofthehill.com couple of sinking bricks. The dipping may appropriate. And due, no doubt, more to dave@voiceofthehill.com have been caused by a nearby spurting Brazil's continuing efforts than mine, the following happened in the decade since: fireplug which went unrepaired for city finally replaced the wet and weak-The Hunan Restaurant, with the sinkhole squarely in front of its steps, closed Staff months, turning D Street into a sheet of ened plywood with a metal plate. No Bruce Robey, WebMaster ice. sidewalk repair (when you have to "go shop. Several years later, Lounge 201 Adele Robey, Design and Production By spring, the hole had grown to two back to the well," as often as council opened in its place. Last month, a fire Scott Shumaker, Editor feet across and one foot down. By sum-members do, you settle for what you can burned out the top floor directly above the sinkhole. Andrew Noyes, Assistant Editor mer, it was a yard in diameter and a yard get). Dave Francis, News Reporter deep. At that point, a neighbor But a neighbor who watched the Neb's Caffé 4 Friends and The approached, and said, "You have experi-"repair" told me that city workers didn't Georgetown Supermarket opened one Patti Shea, Political Reporter ence. Maybe you can get it fixed." fill the hole. If that's true (and he's never and two doors away. Around the other Juilo Arguello, Calendar Editor I had done case work, among other lied), only God knows what is going on corner, the video rental business closed, positions, on the Hill. Harry Truman's def-underneath. Someday, someone (if we're and Capitol Nails and Capitol Barber and Publishers inition of a case worker's job was, "to lucky it will be a Senator) will step on the Styling took over its space. Phoenix Graphics, Inc. get the government to do for taxpayers plate and find him/herself several feet The Exxon gas station, directly across T/A Voice of the Hill what it should have done in the first below Second Street. Hopefully, he will the street from the hole, changed man· agement. The Heritage Foundation, Distribution place." I enjoyed an unrealistic 100 per-be carrying an umbrella to hook on the beside Exxon, replaced Neil's Deli, Capitol Hill BID, Ready Willing and cent success rate. Getting this sinkhole edge. Capitol Cleaners (and the low-rent apart- Able, Gospel Rescue Ministries fixed would be my first case-work failure. Because of zero communication, I I talked with a neighbor who had been couldn't be certain if actions city officials ments above them) with housing for its Contributing Writers dealing with city officials. "Councilman did take were a result of our combined interns, and an auditorium . Mid-block from the sinkhole, the S.J. Ackerman Mandy McAnally Harold Brazil came and personally looked efforts, or not. Julio Arguello, Jr. Celeste McCall at it," she said. "Brazil told me, 'I'll have It was strangely comforting to know American Café emptied out its interior, Darrin Broadwater Selby McCash this hole fixed within the month or my that even council members are some-literally in the middle of the night, and Judith Capen Katie McLeod name isn't Harold Brazil.'" She noted two times treated poorly by city officials. In closed forever. Café employees knew Joanne Carey Bill McLeod months had now passed, and she my case, it took unusual action just to nothing until--at shift's end, and one Elizabeth Festa Michael Meener assumed an imposter was occupying get an acknowledgment of our request, hour before the trucks would arrive--they Dave Francis Aileen Moffatt Brazil's post. and a reason for the city's inaction. were handed pink slips. The nearby I wasn't so hard on Brazil. With Ralph I had used every skill in my arsenal. Tortilla Coast said goodbye. In its place, Sara Fritz Linda Norton the Tex-Mex "Red River Grill" said hello Nader as my witness, I have never dealt Years of dealing with frustration had Joshua Gray Stephen Norton with a city where the bureaucracy is less taught me t discipline of not giving way to Hill interns who made it their after-Jeffrey Howard Patti Shea responsive to its citizens, or more to anger. I knew a Senator wouldn't call hours watering-hole. Capitol Hill Autumn Kuei Fay Singer resentful of legitimate citizen requests about a sinkhole. And no self-respecting Supermarket changed owners. D.Y. Leethan the District government. news director would cover the story of a The tavern, Man in the Green Hat, Usually a council member's position semi-stabilized sinkhole. What could be gave way to the acclaimed White Tiger Memberships wins enough respect to get action. But done? Fine Indian Dinning. La Loma opened its Capitol Hill Association of Merchants too often, they're told to 'take a number' When the third anniversary of the sink-doors to good reviews. So did Bistro and Professionals and stand in line behind everyone else. hole's appearance was looming, I told a Italiano. Schneider's Capitol Fine Wines Art Directors Club of Metropolitan There is an exception--if you're a U.S. staff member in Councilwoman and Spirits and the Subway Shop both Washington Senator of influence. Ambrose's office (Brazil had moved on) renovated their interiors. And Bob's Barracks Row Business Alliance For instance, the city refused to that nearby neighbors, and employees Famous Ice Cream failed, to be followed Independent Free Papers of remove an abandoned 15-foot wagon and patrons of nearby businesses, were by the success story, and instant neigh- America borhood favorite, Bagels and Baguettes. that was filled to the brim with old tires. thinking of holding a birthday party for But the sinkhole remains. H Street Merchants Association Weeks of calls to police, abandoned auto the hole. unit, and council member's offices, pro-We had named the hole "Baby Yugo," I duced nothing. said, because a Yugo economy car could NEIL SCOTT fit snugly into it. We were thinking of 5th Street, NE gathering around the hole, one of us holding a candle-lit birthday cake. Then, continued on page 7 www.voiceofthehill.com cityDesk CO VERING THE HILL'S POLITIC AL SCENE AND MORE ALL STORIES BY PATTI SHEA ANC 6A Wants Store Liquor License Revoked Pulls Support from H Street Vendor ANC 6A rescinded its support of Family Liquors Dec. 9, saying it has become a public nuisance since the commission backed the vendor 17 months ago. Family Liquors, located at 701 H Street, NE, is one of seven H Street stores whose licenses the panel is attempting to revoke before the city's Alcoholic Beverage Control board (ABC). The commission says the vendors have either violated contracts inked with them or haven't been good neighbors. The ANC needed to pull its support of Family Liquors since it is now before the ABC asking that board not to renew the store's license. The commis·sion doesn't have a voluntary agreement with the store, but an attorney the panel hired is trying to hammer out a deal to ban the sale of single cans of alcohol. However, the issue is somewhat murky. Residents that showed up to the ANC meeting gave examples of how Family Liquors and others along the corridor have diminished the quality of life in the neighbor·hood. Those residents said they have circulated peti·tions asking for the ANC to take action. "I'm appalled at the number of 40s and number of vagrants that urinate on my lawn," Seventh Street resident Jason Rosenbaum said. "Take some common sense steps to improve the quality of life in our community." But outgoing Commissioner Wanda Stevens-Harris said when Family petitioned for its license some three years ago there was no opposition, and she chided the panel for disrupting the business now. Stevens-Harris said she held public meetings at the time. Commissioner Joe Fengler said in 2002 when the commission endorsed the license, "we made an uninformed, ill-advised decision," adding that most of the commissioners were new and weren't familiar with the licensing process or with the store's track record. "Family Liquors is a bar with the curb as a stool," Fengler said. "It is the biggest contributor of public urination and drunkenness out of all H Street." "This is an 'I Told You So'-type speech," said Commissioner Nick Alberti, a veteran of the panel who warned his fellow commissioners about endorsing the store. "You were right, Nick," Commissioner Cody Rice conceded. Rice said the ANC's policy should not be dictated just by those who show up at meetings. "This is not a matter of counting hands or counting heads. It's the matter of what is the best policy." In the end, the commission unanimously sup·ported drafting a letter to the ABC board to with·drawal its support of Family Liquors. New Clubs After dispelling rumors that a gentleman's club was to move onto H Street, the ANC said it won't oppose the city issuing liquor licenses to The Show Bar and The Olympic. The Olympic, 1206 H Street, will be an old-school sports bar with a full bar food menu. The Show Bar, 1210 H Street, about which rumors that it was to be a "strip joint" were swirling, will be a vaudeville club, complete with late 1800 circus decor, musical acts and performers who do odd things, such as lie on a bed of nails. Both establishments are owned by Joe Englert. Commissioner-elect Mary Beatty, who also heads the panel's alcohol licensing committee, said Englert has signed a voluntary agreement with the ANC for both clubs, which promises to pick up trash, maintain clean premises and report any ille·gal activities to proper authorities, among other things. Commissioner Wanda Stevens-Harris said she had concerns about drunk patrons spilling onto res·idential streets and the traffic generated by both establishments. She also said H Street doesn't need any more bars. One Wiley Street resident, whose home faces the back of the clubs, said she has met with Englert and toured both sites. By doing that, she said she was able to make an "informed decision" and wasn't spoon-fed potentially biased information. Commissioner Jessica Ward praised the projects, adding, "This is what we want on H Street," and lauded the ANC for being proactive in working with the owner. "We need more responsibly-run busi·nesses" on H Street, Ward said. Commissioner Nick Alberti said the H Street cor·ridor between 12th and 15th streets is zoned the Arts and Entertainment District, and both establish·ments fit in there. The ANC doesn't have final say over liquor licens·es. It can choose to protest or not object to a license request. Whatever the panel decides is, in theory, supposed to carry "great weight" with the city's Alcoholic Beverage Control board. So Long, But Not Goodbye The commission said so long to three of its mem·bers who opted not to run for re-election. A fourth, Colleen Harris, was elected in November 2002 and sworn in, but never showed for a meeting. Commissioner Wanda Stevens-Harris, who was sick earlier this year, ended a long service on the panel. "I have enjoyed being an ANC commission·er," Stevens-Harris said in her quiet voice. A teary-eyed Jessica Ward said the experience has been difficult at times, but worth it. "Thank you for coming together and make a difference in the com·munity." And new father Michael Musante didn't go as qui·etly. Musante said the community needs to work harder at being informed and not just show up at ANC meetings to complain, but become more involved. "Sorry, it's something I've been holding in for 23 months," he said. Commissioners Gladys Mack, Jessica Ward, Joseph Fengler, Cody Rice, Michael Musante, Wanda Stevens-Harris and Nick Alberti were pres·ent. Commissioners-elect Mary Beatty, Robyn Holden and Marc Borbely were also present. Commissioner Colleen Harris was absent. The next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE. For meeting information, go to www.anc6a.org. ANC 6B Okays Slew of Traffic Changes Wants City to Install Crosswalks, Signals ANC 6B panel called for a handful of traffic changes to its roads during its Dec. 14 meeting. All proposals passed unanimously and will be forwarded to the city transportation department (DDOT) for review. Among the pro posals passed include: Removal of a "No Right on Red" sign at Virginia Avenue and Fourth Street, SE. Commissioner Julie Olson said drivers bypass the intersection because of the sign down other streets, namely G Street in front of Results the Gym, where there are many pedestrians. Installation of a crosswalk and neon green pedes·trian walking sign on the north side of the Third and G streets intersection. There is a crosswalk on the south side of the intersection stemming from Garfield Park across to the sidewalk that leads to Results Gym, but not on the north side, which is mainly used by G Street residents. Olson said it is sometimes a blind intersection due to illegally parked cars and pedestrians sometimes aren't seen. Installation of a stoplight on the south side of 12th and East Capitol streets and Lincoln Park. Commissioner Ken Jarboe said speeding traffic from four main Hill arteries--Massachusetts Avenue, South Carolina, East Capitol and 11th Street--get funneled to that side of the square and endanger those trying to cross into the park. He said a child was struck in June, which prompted the city to put up neon-green pedestrian walking signs. Jarboe said the signs have failed and hears reports of near-miss-es. It was suggested to install a signal on the north side as well. Jarboe said it is in a different ANC, but will alert the proper commissioner of neighboring ANC 6A about what the panel is doing. Take out the left turn lane at southbound 17th Street and Potomac Avenue while installing a left turn sign at the same intersection for those going northbound. Commissioner Keith Smith said most drivers aren't aware that left turns are now allowed at the intersection and cut through alleyways to bypass the intersection. Honoring Bill The ANC paid homage to Hill Rag reporter and for·mer ANC commissioner Bill Van den Toorn, who died Dec. 12 of cancer. They said Van den Toorn was always the consummate professional in his report·ing and will be a missed at its monthly meetings. Smith Says So Long Commissioner Keith Smith thanked his fellow pan·elists during his last meeting. Smith opted not to run for re-election. Antonette Russell will take his place once sworn in Jan. 2. "I stepped into this role after seeing a need for someone to represent our community," Smith said, whose single member district was 6B09. Smith said development and transportation issues are the big issues facing the ANC now, and he is proud of the work the commission as a whole has accomplished over the past years, and stressed the need to protect the racially and economically differ·ent areas of Capitol Hill. Commissioners Will Hill, Francis Campbell, Scott Cernich, Keith Smith, Kenan Jarboe, Neil Glick and Julie Olson were present. Commissioner-elect Antonette Russell was present. Commissioners Mary Wright, Dave Sheldon, Daryl Snowden were absent. The next ANC 6B meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. ANC 6C Okays Traffic Review Tricky NW Intersection Needs to be Partially Closed ANC 6C Commissioner-elect Mike Sherman con·vinced enough panelists to OK a resolution he draft·ed to have the city transportation department (DDOT) to make the First and F Streets and New Jersey Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians. Sherman, who will be sworn in Jan. 2, is a third-year law student at Georgetown Law Center, which buttresses the intersection. He drafted the resolu·tion, accompanied with photos, after hearing com·plaints from students and instructors at the school about pedestrians getting hit from drivers doing illegal turns and speeding through the tricky inter·section. The resolution calls for DDOT to close the gap between First Street and New Jersey Avenue to stymie the number of illegal turns at the intersec·tion. It also calls for clearer crosswalks and install orange cones throughout the intersection with "Yield to pedestrians" signs affixed as traffic calm·ing measures; and the installation of a normal traf·fic light at the intersection to replace the blinking yellow light that is current there, along with a "walk/don't signal." After a short discussion about Sherman bringing the issue up before he officially became an ANC member, the panel backed his proposal 4 to 1. Sherman and other commissioners-elect present Lena Brown and Anthony Rivera, couldn't vote. Zoning Amendment Supported at Former Museum Campus The commission unanimously supported a zoning amendment belonging to the developer installing 500 units at the former Capital Children's Museum campus, located at Third and H Streets, NE. The deal requires builder Abdo Development to provide one parking spot for each unit built. The city requires one space for each four units. Abdo will also provide 30 guest spaces and Zipcar or Flex Car parking spaces, as well as bike parking areas. Residents surrounding the project have voiced concerns over the impact some 500 units would have on the neighborhood, which already faces parking issues. Among the other items listed are the establish·ment of an apprenticeship programs for hiring workers from the community and keeping the ANC fully informed of the program's success. It also asks Abdo to provide architectural lighting for the his·toric building. The ANC has no authority over the project, but its approval or disapproval carries great weight with the city planning commission. Temporary Change of Venue The next full ANC 6C meeting will begin 7 p.m. Jan. 12, at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass Ave, NE. The commission is seeking for a permanent meeting spot since it was displaced when the Capital Children's Museum closed down this fall. In the Zone Commissioner Charley Docter said the DC Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning (DCIZ) has released a 17-page memo that would require all residential multi-family housing planned for construction in the city to have a mandatory low-income housing element for any project greater than 10 units. Docter said the issue will be discussed at the com-mission's next Zoning and Planning subcommittee meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 5, at National Public Radio board room, 635 Mass. Ave, NW. For more information, interested persons may contact Docter at docter@erols.com. Commissioners Mark Dixon, Daniel Pernell, Charley Docter, Robert Hall, Bill Crews and Karen Wirt were present. Commissioners-elect Mike Sherman, Lena Brown and Anthony Rivera were also present. Commissioners Bob Morris, April Hall and Lawrence Thomas were absent. The next ANC 6C meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass Ave., NE. Baseball Stadium Sets Off Panelists ANC 6D United Over Issue, Divided Over Approach The baseball stadium was the center of a heated exchange at the Dec. 13 ANC 6D meeting. The entire commission vehemently opposes the stadium slated to go in at South Capitol and M streets, SW--should the city council finalize its deal with Major League Baseball--but it feels slighted by city planners, Mayor Williams and Ward 6 City Councilwoman Sharon Ambrose. Panelists said it still isn't clear if the city will use land west of South Capitol Street for stadium use, such as a parking lot. They said there are still many questions they want answered but no city official is willing to meet with them. Most 6D commissioners have testified before the city council against the stadium, some more pas·sionately than others. But Commissioner Andy Litsky said the panel should back off using incendi·ary language and work with city officials because the stadium is coming whether they like it or not. "Yes, [the stadium] is going to screw this neigh·borhood," Litsky said. "We can't sit down with them if we're always in their face." Litsky added that had the panel been united from the beginning, it could given a friendly amendment to a sympathetic council member to submit on their behalf. "We can't end up having Mexican standoffs here," he said, adding more time has been spent try·ing to remove Ambrose from office than unifying the panel to send a formal amendment. That comment set off Commissioner Ahmed Assalaam, who said he has emailed every uncil member about his concerns over the impact of the stadium. "I take this as an insult," Assalaam yelled at Litsky. "Why did you not draft [the] legislation?" Commissioner Mary Williams said she has worked with Councilmen David Catania, Adrian Fenty and Phil Mendelson to stop the stadium, not amend legislation welcoming it. "Sharon Ambrose is paid to represent us, and she's not doing her job," said Williams, who sent out a blast email to recall Ambrose. "Don't talk to me about what I have or haven't done," she said to Litsky. Commissioner C.W. Hargrave said the ANC needs to be unified and get caught up to speed so when stadium plans are presented, the panel can be a part of the game. As for Ambrose, she said she has been the subject of a failed recall before. Asked why she hasn't gone to a 6D meeting, she said, "I am not going to an ANC meeting to be shouted at. There's not rational discussion there." Ambrose said she has sent an invitation to meet with the commission to address their issues after Jan. 1. She did say, however, that the city will not use the property west of South Capitol Street for any stadium use. Waterfront Mall Update The commission is contemplating hiring a consult·ant to compile a benefits package for the Waterfront Mall. The consultant would examine the current amenities and explore added benefits for the new development, which includes multi-family housing and more than 2.1 million square feet of office and retail space. Fannie Mae will be the principal tenant in the mall. Commissioner Mary Williams said a benefits package could be tailored to increase the quality of life in the surrounding areas, including the estab·lishment of a community fund to go to local proj·ects, ensure construction jobs for Southwest resi·dents, not to mention the current amenities. "We want those amenities to remain or increase," she said. Williams said the main planning documents won't be available until the spring, after the sale of the mall. She added that she was disappointed because the ANC needs to have a stake in the con·struction timeline and a say of what stores will be in the mall. She did add, however, that two city council mem·bers promised her the ANC will get a chance to air their concerns before any plans are finalized. "[The council members] assured us we will have another bite at this apple," she said. In Other Business... The panel decided to send Pier 9 a letter asking it not to post signs announcing upcoming events on trees, poles or other public spaces. It had considered filing a protest with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board, but said it will try dealing with the bar first. In other alcohol-related news, Commissioner Andy Litsky said he has been working with the own·ers of Cantina Marina to work out a voluntary agree·ment banning live music at the establishment. There was a status hearing about the panel's protest against the bar on Dec. 15. The outcome of that hearing wasn't known by press time. Commissioners Ahmed Assalaam, C.W. Hargrave, Robert Siegel, Roger Moffatt, Ed Johnson, Andy Litsky and Mary Williams were present. The next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the Millennium Arts Center, 65 I Street, SW. Patti Shea can be contacted at patti@voiceofthehill.com. VoiceMail, continued from page 3 Opportunity to Help Right Here at Home Dear Editor: I was pleased to see Celeste McCall's article in your December issue about organizations that offer opportunities to help other people. I'd like to add to Ms. McCall's list the Brethren Nutrition Program, a 26-year-old soup kitchen on Capitol Hill that pro·vides a free hot lunch Mondays through Fridays for low-income and homeless people. The Brethren Nutrition Program is operated by the Washington City Church of the Brethren at 337 North Carolina Avenue, SE (near Eastern Market), and receives support from volunteers and churches on the Hill. The soup kitchen welcomes donations of canned goods and spices or cash donations. Each hot lunch costs the soup kitchen about $3. The soup kitchen also invites people to volunteer to chop vegetables and serve food on weekdays (the shift lasts from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). If you'd like to volunteer for a day, contact Quin Middleton, the director of the Brethren Nutrition Program, at 202-546-8706. MARY ANN ZEHR Member of the Washington City Church of the Brethren Holiday Tree Collection Set for January 3-7 Residents who receive DC trash collection service are encouraged to put holiday trees--without orna-ments--in curbside tree boxes by Jan. 2, 2005. Trees will be picked up during a special one-week collection from January 3-7. Residents who wish to keep their trees longer should put them out at their normal point of trash collection (curbside or alley) after Jan. 7. DPW trucks will then collect the trees with the regular trash, as space in trucks permit, over the following weeks. NOTE: This release was taken from the DC government website. Port of Harlem Hosts Art Gallery Reception Port of Harlem magazine, in cooperation with The Graham Collection and Attitude Exact Gallery Afro·centric, will host a second art gallery reception fea·turing the work of artist Shaunté Gates (the first was in December at The Graham Collection). The quar·terly magazine will host "The Art of Shaunté Gates" Saturday, Jan. 15, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Attitude Exact Gallery, 739 8th Street, SE. Gates is a DC-based artist whose paintings depict a variety of themes, including family, cultural tradi·tions, and city life. At the reception, attendees can meet Gates, buy his works, and mingle. The hosts will provide light refreshments. Port Of Harlem magazine is an inclusive, diverse, pan-African magazine published quarterly. For addi·tional information about the event, to see samples of Gates' work, or sign-up for a free electronic reminder, visit www.PortOfHarlem.net/pohevents. html. The event is free. Tell our advertisers you saw them in the Voice of the Hill. Log on to www.voiceofthehill.com for the best in neighborhood news and lively discussion. newsOnsite The following articles appeared on The Voice of the Hill's home page, www.voiceofthehill.com, during the month of December. Log on to find out the news that affects our neighborhood. Stakeholders Praise City Council Delay To Get Better Baseball Deal Argue Private Financing Was Needed Deal Can Moved Forward BY DAVE FRANCIS Major League Baseball in Washington seemed inevitable throughout most of the fall. The team was christened the Nationals. Season tickets and merchandise were sold. The mayor celebrated. Political pieces seemed to be in place. But the dramatic events of the last month threw baseball's future into doubt. An amendment cham·pioned by city councilwoman Linda Cropp (D) requiring private financing to pay for fifty percent of stadium costs, a direct violation of the agreement mayor Anthony Williams (D) struck with baseball, was attached to stadium legislation last month. MLB immediately rejected the plan. But a compromise was finally made under which tax receipts from big businesses and federal offices will cover stadium bond financing and the city will search for a private financier for 50 percent of the stadium costs. MLB will also cover some of the potential cost overruns under the plan approved by city council 7-6 late last month. MLB still has to approve the new plan. On the eve of the vote, and wth the fate of base·ball still unknown and District officials working towards a compromise, Voice of The Hill spoke with Ed Lazere of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, Chris Weiss of No DC Taxes For Baseball and Key Wyban, a Southwest resident whose home sits on the imprint of the stadium. All three agreed that base·ball would be benefit the city, but did not believe these benefits should outweigh the long-term financial interests of the city. Lazere of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, a group that studies budget and tax issues in the District, praised Cropp's amendment. More time was needed to explore private funding options, Lazere said. Lazere argued that after Cropp's amendment passed, Williams did not take the eps necessary to secure private financing. The mayor had explored using parking revenue and other traditionally pub·lic funding as a source of private funds. "That's sell·ing a public asset to a private company," Lazere con·tended. Instead, Lazere believed the mayor should have looked for a private company willing to foot a per·centage of the stadium costs or seek contributions from the team owner--in this case, Major League Baseball. Lazere believed a compromise would be reached over the financing portion of the stadium legisla·tion. But a second amendment which has received little attention might force a stadium to be built as a site other than Southwest. A "trigger amendment," which required the city to seek an alternate stadium site if infrastructure and public land use cost are more than $50 million than the budget amount could force the city to abandon its plans for a stadium in Southwest. The logical site would be near RFK Stadium, the pro·posed home of the Nationals for the next three years, Lazere says. "I'm skeptical that RFK was ruled out," Lazere said. "I wonder if they dismissed RFK too early. Weiss of No DC Taxes For Baseball, a group opposed to public financing of the stadium, also supported Cropp's move. "Her actions are going to get something," Weiss says. "It's just a matter of how much we get." Cropp's amendment gave the District leverage over baseball, Weiss argued. He believed MLB wants to be in DC, but Williams was too accommodating when striking the original deal. Chris Weiss said his group wanted the city to explore all options before entering a deal that may prove disastrous. Steps must be taken to ensure DC does not suffer if the team were to fail. The recent city council dramatics have shown MLB that DC will not back down. "If Major League Baseball is starting to soften, hold the line a bit harder," Weiss said. "I think [DC] can have it all." Ken Wyban in many ways has become the symbol of the consequences the new stadium brings. If the stadium is built in Southwest, Wyban will loose his home, a home he planned on converting to a bed and breakfast during his retirement from a lifelong career in the Army. His situation has drawn local and national media attention. Even ESPN stopped by for an interview, Wyban said. He believes this attention will guaran·tee him a fair price if he is forced to abandon him home. Surprisingly, however, Wyban supports baseball's move to the city, even if it means he suffers because of it. He believes MLB in the District will be good in the long-term, but the city should not accommo·date all of MLB's demands and must secure private funds for the stadium's construction. "I'm glad someone is standing up for Washington, DC," Wyban says. Unchecked enthu·siasm for baseball forced the District into its current situation, Wyban contends. Politicians were not "putting common sense in the equation." But Cropp's amendment forces financing issues to be explore and for the city to fully appreciate con·sequences, both positive and negative, that comes with baseball. "MLB has worked every angle to benefit them," Wyban says. "We get what's leftover." Capitol Park Apartments See Improvements Under New Management But Lawsuits Against Old Management Still Pending BY DAVE FRANCIS A new management company has provided some needed improvement to the quality of life of the res·idents of the Capitol Park Plaza and Twin Tower apartment complexes, according to Julie Locascio, secretary of the New Capitol Park Plaza Tenants Association. But many problems still exist, and the tenant's association will enter the newyear still engaged in a bitter legal battle with the former prop·erty manager. Voice of the Hill first wrote about the plight of the residents at the Capitol Park apartments this fall. Since the article's publication, the management company has changed from American Rental Management Company (ARMC) to Edgewood Management Company, according to DC Housing Finance Agency (HFA) spokesperson Tia Matthews. Capitol Park Plaza is located at 201 I St., SW. Capitol Park Twin Tower is located at 101-103 G St., SW. According to Locascio, problem at the apart·ments began when HFA provided a $30 million bond financing to Capitol Park Apartment, L.P. Among the problems identified by Locascio, listed in an HFA report and witnessed by the Voice were: pest infestation; unnecessary and unprofessional renovations done without tenant notification; lack of identification for construction workers; suspen·sion of security features; old and faulty plumbing; abandoned cars in the garage, one of which was set ablaze; water damage; extensive mold damage; holes in walls; and unpleasant scents in the base·ment, among other problems. Locascio says conditions at the apartment have improved under the new management. "The new management company seems better so far," Locascio says, adding Edgewood has done a better job of cleaning the apartments and instituted a guest sign-in policy at the front desk where security guards occasionally keep watch. But problems still persist. Two broken elevators have yet to be repaired 14 months after being destroyed by a fire. Despite improvements at the property, a lawsuit with AMRC over their handling of the properties continues to rage on, Locascio says, with two motions pending in front of the judge. An addition·al lawsuit against HFA is also a possibility. Please check www.voiceofthehill.com for more information as this story develops. www.voiceofthehill.com RFPs for Abandoned Properties Delayed Again But ANC Praises DC Housing Office For Accepting Community Input BY DAVE FRANCIS In the latest of a series of long holdups, two RFPs for abandoned property at 525 9th Street, NE, and 1341 Maryland Avenue, NE will be delayed past February, according to DC Housing and Community Development officials. But ANC officials praised DHCD for accepting community comments on the proposed use of the properties, which caused the latest delay ANC6A delivered recommendations for only the 9th Street property following contentious exchanges over the Maryland property at the committee's last meeting (see related City Desk story). DHCD will issue two separate proposals for the property. At a second DHCD-sponsored public meeting on the properties on Dec. 13, ANC6A submitted formal recommendations for how the community wants the 9th Street property. DHCD will continue to accept community comments on the RFPs until Jan. 18. In a letter to housing office and at the meeting, ANC6A chair Joe Fengler said the community is requesting preference be given to: multi-family resi·dential use, noting that this use is supported by the Comprehensive Plan, the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan and residents who live near the proper·ties; bidders with successful property and environ·mental management records; and bidders who have had success developing properties in historic dis·tricts. Fengler noted these recommendations had the unanimous support of the community. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society also submit·ted a letter encouraging DCHD to convert the 9th Street property to residences. "We hope the city is finally going to move on this thing and deal with this issue," CHRS's chair of planning Dick Wolfe told DHCD officials. ANC representatives are Hill residents asked that a community representative be appointed to the RFP board. DHCD declined to commit to such action, but promised to take the ANC's suggestions into consideration. DHCD did not indicate how much weight the community considerations would be given in the selection process. In answers to questions submitted by the commu·nity following an October public meeting on the properties, DHCD promised development would occur "within a specific time period" to avoid con·struction delays that have plagued other develop·ments on the Hill. DHCD also indicated that any residences developed on the properties will include affordable housing units. The RFP process began in 2003, with a local resi·dent bringing the state of the 9th Street property to the attention of DHCD. The latest delay comes as a campaign of over two years by local politi cians and residents encouraging DHCD to rehabilitate the 9th Street property seems to be coming to a close. The fate of the Maryland Avenue RFP remains in limbo, with ANC6A scheduled to hear further com·munity comments on the property as its January meeting. Please check www.voiceofthehill.com for more information as this story continues to develop. Sinkhole at 2nd and F Streets, NE Filled But Other Capitol Hill Sinkholes Stories Emerge BY DAVE FRANCIS After almost a month, the sinkhole on 2nd and F Streets NE has been filled by the DC government. But following reports of the sinkhole, other Capitol Hill residents have notified Voice of the Hill of other sinkholes in the area. A few days after the hole appeared, the DC city government blocked off the area with police tape and covered the hole with large metal plates. A few weeks later, a back hoe was brought to the scene and a hole approximately 12 feet by four feet was emp·tied. Following this, the area remained blocked off for approximately a week, before the hole was filled with concrete this weekend. At press time, the Voice was still awaiting com·ment from the DC government on the situation (please check our website for an update). It appears as if the sinkhole was filled just in time for construction to begin on the planned coffee·house at the site. The property has been fenced and a sign in proximity to the site warns of construction equipment. The appearance of the sinkhole and 2nd and F NE promoted stories from other Capitol Hill residents. In a Letter to the Editor (see page 3), Neil Scott describes the ultimately unsuccessful process he undertook to have a sinkhole at 2nd and D Streets, NE, filled. Scott says he worked tirelessly with local politicians, but it remains covered with a metal plate. A second sinkhole was identified at the corner of 7th and C Streets, NE. Please email dave@voiceofthehill.com with any other Capitol Hill sinkhole stories. Barracks Row Heritage Trail Unveiled City's Third Heritage Trail Highlights History of Capitol Hill BY MANDY McANALLY The unveiling of a new heritage trail on Capitol Hill last week means tourists, city residents and community members will be have a chance to take a guided stroll through the historic neighborhoods and business districts of the Hill. It is the city's third heritage trail and features historical landmarks along Barracks Row, which date back to the area's early 19th century mili·tary institutions. The inauguration of "Tour of Duty: Barracks Row Heritage Trail" was held at Belga Café, one of Eighth Street's newest restaurants. On hand to dedicate the trail were a number of proponents of the project, including Councilwoman Sharon Ambrose, Dan Tangherlini from the District Department of Transportation and partici·pants in the project from Cultural Tourism DC, Barracks Row Main Street and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, without whose work the trail would not have been possible. "We wanted share our love of this neigh·borhood and our appreciation for its notable and diverse history. Think of it as an insider's tour," said Nancy Metzger of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. This trail has been more than three years in the making. During that time Cultural Tourism DC, Barracks Row Main Street and the Capitol Hill Preservation Society have worked through this project to preserve and promote the rich history of Barracks Row, as well as restore the part of Eighth Street, which links Capitol Hill to the Anacostia River, to its former grandeur. "This has been in the process for more than three years now, from research, to writing, to designing, to the bidding on and receiving of the grant from the Department of Transportation, to the installa·tion," said Bill McLeod, execu·tive director of Barracks Row Main Street. "So we're very, very happy. All 16 panels are in place and facing the right direction." The 16 panels to which McLeod is referring guide each visitor along the two-hour walking tour. These poster-sized displays spotted beside businesses, churches, restored buildings and homes of the Hill are mounted on sturdy stands and printed on graffiti-resistant panels. Each displays a map of the neighborhood and trail, illustrations and backgrounds of landmarks, such as the bustling commer·cial crossroads of Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is now the trail's jumping off point, known as the "Edge of the Row." (continued on page 45) BusinessSnapshots BY MICHAEL MENEER Bistro Italiano: Serving Up Traditional Italian Food at 1995 Prices istro Italiano marks ten years of business in 2005. But co-owner Marie Tovornik said the restaurant won't be rolling back prices to celebrate. That's because the Bistro's prices haven't changed since the restaurant first opened in October of 1995. Tovornik and her partner Carlos Diaz are unlikely owners of a traditional Italian restaurant. Diaz is of Spanish descent and Tovornik has Slovenian ances·try. Diaz, 34, said he got the idea of opening the Italian restaurant after working several years as a busboy and cook at the former Café Capri (the restaurant is now the White Tiger restaurant at Third St. and Massachusetts Ave., NE) He later learned to tend bar at the restaurant America in Union Station. Originally from El Salvador, Diaz moved to the DC area as a teenager almost 20 years ago. Tovornik, on the other hand, has lived on the Hill her entire life. Looking out the front door of Bistro Italiano, Tovornik can see the back of the house she grew up in at 308 Massachusetts Ave., NW. The space currently occupied by the Bistro has been a deli, upholstery shop, and candy store through the years, Tovornik said. Tovornik was a regular customer at Bistro Italiano during the restaurant's early years. Diaz eventually hired her as a hostess, and by March 1999 Tovornik was a co-owner, having just retired as an administra·tive assistant from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Despite very different backgrounds, the co-own-ers shared a common aspiration. "We always had a dream of owning our own busi·ness," Tovornik said. "'Til Cliff came," Tovornik sarcastically remarks, as she gestures to Bistro waiter Cliff Johnson. He's been waiting tables at Bistro Italiano for six months, and already developed a strong bond with Diaz and Tovornik, Johnson said. "They're like my mother and father, and this is our living room," Johnson said. He recently chose the Bistro dining room as the place to propose mar·riage to his fiancée. Johnson said he has worked at a lot of restaurants, and the Bistro is a genuine family and neighbor- Owner Carlos Diaz, waiter Cliff Johnson and owner Marie Tovornik. hood-style restaurant. It's not uncommon for cus·tomers to stick their head through the kitchen door to say hello to the staff, Johnson said. The staff is a major factor in the restaurant's suc·cess, according to its owners. The kitchen staff, which consists of three cooks, makes a big difference according to Tovornik. "It's like a family," she said. The family also includes members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, and White House officials. It's a place where important people feel comfortable, Tovornik said. "If you want to be seen, go to Monocle or La Brasserie," Tovornik said, referring to two other Hill restaurants. The owners are also proud of the restaurant's use of quality food ingredients. "We only use good stuff. You can never say we scrimp. We buy good ground beef and tomatoes," Tovornik said. Seafood Diablo is one of Diaz's favorite dishes. It's a medley of mussels, shrimp, calamari, and clams, served over pasta and smothered with marinara sauce. The seafood is sautéed with red peppers and garlic, which adds a unique spicy flavor to the dish, according to Diaz. Another favorite is the Bistro's baked lasagna, Diaz said. He said the restaurant makes 48 servings at a time, and the dish is so popular the kitchen needs to make more about every two days. "It goes so fast," Diaz said. Lasagna and tomato sauce are the only pre-made items on the Bistro menu, according to Diaz and Tovornik. "This is not a production line. Each order is cooked when it's ordered . When you order the Alfredo sauce, it's made right then," Tovornik said. Bistro Italiano customers can enjoy the Fettuccini Alfredo for $8.95. Seafood Diablo can be found on the Bistro's "Specialties" section of the menu for $14.95. Priced just as they were in 1995. Bistro Italiano is located at 320 D St., NE. The restaurant is open seven days a week. Weekdays, lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Weekends, dinner only, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bistro Italiano also provides cater·ing service, carryout, and free delivery. Telephone: 202-546-4522 or 202-543-2476. Mike Meneer is a frequent contributor to Voice of the Hill. World Cuisine and Catering Expanding orld Catering and Cuisine is expanding its universe on Barracks Row. "I thought this would be a cool place if the area was ever revitalized," founder and co-owner Robert Ramsay said during a break from pre-holiday catering orders. Ramsay was also putting the finishing touches on a new café and bar above the gourmet catering busi·ness he runs at 523 Eighth St., SE. The main floor includes a large kitchen for the catering business, as well as retail space where customers can buy coffee, tea, pastries, and a selection of freshly made salads and sandwiches. Ramsay and co-owner Brenda Johnson said in the near future they will introduce individually packaged gourmet meals and a variety of gourmet food products. As for the new space, sometime in January Ramsay said he plans to install a full bar which will include a wide selection of bottled beers and micro·brews. The new space will host happy hours during the week and jazz brunches during the weekend. It will also be available for private parties. Ramsay and Johnson said they envision a place where a mix of people feels comfortable. The space includes café tables and wireless Internet access for people who want to work on their laptops. And for those who just want to chill, deep and comfortable couches are nestled in the back corner of the new space. "I want to provide a cool and comfortable place that's real eclectic and provides a wide variety of products and services," Ramsay said. And "eclectic" is an accurate description. Boldly painted red and yellow-orange walls convey a sense of hip warmth. The walls are adorned by a variety of contemporary paintings by local artists, including one who used to work as a cook in the World Cuisine kitchen. Ramsay started his catering business in 1998 after he helped open several restaurants in DC, including the Washington Chop House. Brenda Johnson recently joined Ramsay as a co-owner, following a career in acting that included a stint with the Shakespeare Theater. Both live on the Hill and have watched the evolu·tion of Barracks Row. "We've been kind of a hidden secret," Ramsay said. But with the opening of its new space, that may not last long. Learn more about World Cuisine and Catering at www.worldcuisinedc.com. Telephone: 202-546-9433. Michael Meneer writes about Hill businesses every month in the Voice. Capitol Hill's only do-it-yourself Frame shop custom framing also available Serving Capitol Hill for 20 years Monday, Friday, Saturday 10-6 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-9 Sunday 12-6 Ambrose Reflects on 2004 Highlights Challenges in the Year Ahead Ambrose said she is aware there are ... pressing issues happening on the Hill: BY PATTI SHEA developing Reservation 13 and Waterside Mall; building the new Capital Children's Museum in Southwest; revitalizing H Street; and implementing the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative.... his past year was a rough-and-tumble one for Ward 6 Councilwoman Sharon Ambrose and the city council, and 2005 looks like its going to get off to a rocky start as well. Perhaps the biggest issue impact·ing, and even dividing, Capitol Hill residents is the baseball stadium, once thought to be installed on South Capitol and M streets, SE. At press time, the mayor was scrambling to find private funding after a surprise move by Council Chairwoman Linda Cropp to call for 50 percent private financing, instead of the proposed fully-public funded $400 million stadium the mayor was pitching to Major League Baseball and its overlord, Bud Selig. In an interview on the morning of "the vote," Ambrose, a big stadium backer, was confident of the prospects of baseball officially mov·ing back to the District. However, Ambrose said she is aware there are other pressing issues happening on the Hill: developing Reservation 13 and Waterside Mall; their say on the board. "We need to debate with the residents and local In general, she likes how Ward 6's building the new Capital Children's make sure we have the right combi-leaders of Southwest. four ANCs are operating. She sup-Museum in Southwest, while con-nation of folks on that board," she Ambrose agreed with the city that ports the north side's effort to ban serving the old one in Northeast; said. the shelter at Randall was no longer the sale of single alcoholic beverages revitalizing H Street; and implement-As for the Waterside Mall, she said needed and backed a deal to sell it to along H and 15th Streets, NE. ing the Anacostia Waterfront there are a lot of issues to smooth out the Corcoran Museum. Part of the She also said she is going to press Initiative (AWI), to name a few. with Fannie Mae, the mall's main building, known as the Millennium the Justice Department to OK a pro- "As a whole, it's very hard to keep tenant, and the site owner, who Arts Center, currently serves as an art vision that would require the city to on top of all it," she said. intends to build more than 2.1 mil-studio and school. notify residents that it plans to lion square feet of office space, com-"I actively urged its closure," she install group rehabilitation homes in bined with multi-family housing and said. "We don't need anything else." residential neighborhoods, among Hurdles in 2005 Hurdles facing Ambrose in 2005 retail stores. "We have to keep our other city-sponsored projects. This issue has greatly impacted the north- include a battle with the federal gov- eye on this one. There's room for Hot Water in Southwest ernment over its reluctance to turn some glitches there...There are a lot It's this action that has her in hot ern area of the ward. over the some 60 acres on East of things that we have to work out," water with Southwest's ANC 6D. At a A bill was introduced and passed recent meeting, two commissioners muster in a council committee, but Capitol Hill known as Reservation she said. 13, which includes the defunct DC However, the main issue worrying said a recall effort needs to be started was later pulled by Councilman General Hospital and prison. The city most Southwest residents is the con-against Ambrose, who they say hasn't David Catania after it was said the wants the deed to the land so it can tract with the area's only grocery addressed their concerns, namely mayor's office would veto it. sell it, but the government isn't store, Safeway. Ambrose said she is about the shelter closing and the Ambrose said the attorney general's handing it over. Ambrose said DC working with the grocery chain to "dumping" of a baseball stadium "in office is reviewing the bill. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton assure its store a smooth transition their backyards." "I am going to continue to push it. isn't going to give up. during construction. "It's not going "I have been the subject of an The mayor's office isn't happy with Ambrose also said she was going to to work if they don't want it to unsuccessful recall effort before," she it. They say it will slow down the said, adding that she has asked to process," she said with a chuckle. continue to push to have a represen-work." tative from the environmental and She considers getting the AWI meet privately with the commission labor camps to get a seat on the through the council and selling off after the new year. "I am not going to Patti Shea, political reporter, can be con·tacted at patti@voiceofthehill.com. Anacostia development corporation. the abandoned Randall School on I an ANC meeting to be shouted at. She has introduced emergency les-Street, SW, among her legislative suc-There's not a rational discussion lation to make sure both sides get cess. The latter is a topic of heated there." www.voiceofthehill.com Remembering Bill Van den Toorn BY MARK SEGRAVES Our community has lost one of its greatest assets in the passing of Bill Van den Toorn, and one of my favorite colleagues. Bill and I covered the same beat for several years. He was the ever-present scribe for the Hill Rag, and I the new guy at the Voice of the Hill. We spent countless nights sitting in the back row of ANC meetings or zoning hearings taking notes and sneaking out for the occasional smoke. Bill was a journalist from the old school. He'd been around a long time and knew who the players were before they became players. He had a knack for remembering the smallest detail from the darkest corners of our city 's history. He also wasn't afraid to ask questions that might make him look uninformed. This was a trait that I quickly stole from him. Too many journalists today are afraid to ask questions they think might make them look stupid. Instead they ask questions that they think will impress people, and they end up missing important parts of the story, or worse, getting the story wrong. Not Bill. He wasn't afraid to ask any question. I admired him for that. I recall one night I was covering some hearing that had gone on for far too long, and the commissioners had wandered so far off point that it had just become a blur. From the back of the room came a gravely voice, "I've lost track of what you're talking about, could you be more clear?" Thank God for reason, I remember thinking. It was classic Van den Toorn. Capitol Hill is a special place because of people like Bill. He was an impor·tant part of making the city a better place. He was a character, he was an institution, and he was my friend, and I'll miss him. Mark Segraves is a former Voice reporter. New Kids on the Block New ANC Commissioners Get Ready to Serve BY PATTI SHEA MONG THE P ART ONE OF TW O 10 newest Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC) for Ward 6 are two law students, an attorney, a non·profit executive and an advocate for DC statehood. Anyone who has been to an ANC 6A meeting has seen Marc Borbely in the audience, often times actively participating in the panel's discus·sions. Borbely replaces Jessica Ward of single member district (SMD) 6A06, which includes eastern bits of Maryland Avenue and H Street, NE, within the ward. Borbely, 31, a first year law school student, said the biggest challenge his district faces is gentrification and the rapidly changing neighborhoods. "My SMD is on the cusp--well, it has crossed the cusp already. Prices are high and the neighborhood is chang·ing color and cars." He said his goal is to get people to talk about these and other issues out in the open. "I want to live in a place with some economic diversity. I want to see if the community can be a force, so the market isn't the only force," Borbely said. Mike Sherman, down the street in SMD 6C06, agreed. Sherman said revitalizing H Street while keeping the neighborhood's characteristics is a tough challenge--one that he is ready for. "The ANC needs to be proactive in what viable businesses we can bring here. There needs to be innovative land use," he said. "It's really about getting the community to be proac·tive, rather than wait for businesses to come here... the ANC needs to be the motivating source." Sherman, a third year law student at Georgetown Law Center, led the crusade with four others to shut down a crack house on the 700 block of Seventh Street that was using near·by school kids to deliver drugs. He said maneuvering through the city bureaucracy was a feat of its own, but worth the outcome. "We went after the owner. We put her in a position where she had to sell," the 25-year-old said. Sherman ran unopposed for a Bob Morris' seat. On the southside, there are two new commissioners in ANC 6D. Max Skolnik said the biggest challenge facing Southwesterners is all the con·struction going on there. "It's pretty obvious, our district is being bombarded by some heavy duty development," he said, citing the new Waterside Mall, Capital Children's Museum and Transpor·tation Department building as exam·ples. "These things are going to hap·pen, and they have some very posi·tive aspects to them, but at the same time I'm afraid we're going to lose something from our neighborhood." Skolnik said the once sleepy Southwest is now in the midst of a so-called Renaissance and that could be dangerous for its natives. "If we're going to have a lot of restaurants coming in, I want to make sure I'm not going to get priced out of where I'm living." Fellow Southwest denizen David Sobelsohn agreed. "In the next two years, residential and commercial development will pose the biggest challenge for our community. I will work to make sure this development attracts new resi·dents while improving economic prospects and minimizing disloca·tion for current residents," Sobelsohn said, more notably keeping the M Street Safeway opening during con·struction of the Waterside Mall. Sobelsohn, SMD 6D02, replaces C.W. Hargrave. In East Capitol Hill, third genera·tion Washingtonian Antonette Russell said the quality of life, or a diminishing one, is among her key issues. Mainly, she said the events at New Dragon restaurant, at 15th and C streets, SE, have devastated the neighborhood. She said an absentee property owner hasn't kept up with his end of the bargain and isn't taking responsi·bilities for the renter. Russell said someone was recently shot in the face and back there. "These problems matriculate," she said, adding that she would advocate suing the landlord. "We need to be civil about this and get as much done as we can first." Russell, a financial analyst for DC Vote, is a member of the Barney baseball season five months away, she's getting worried. "No one has told us anything about the parking situation at RFK," she said. "We ARE going to have traf·fic problems." As for being the new kids on the block, that's just fine with the fresh·men commissioners. "ANC commissioners deal with a wide variety of issues and appear before a broad range of government agencies. I look forward to learning from those who have more experi·ence and especially from my prede·cessors," Sobelsohn said. Skolnik, who said he stems from an activist family, said he wants to better Southwest, not push an agen·da. "I'm not here to launch my may·oral campaign." Most have pet projects that will ease them into their positions, while managing to jump some hurdles, including the ANCs influence in the community and with city officials. Sherman wants to build upon his success of closing down the drug houses by creating a system that tracks the problem from its inception to sentencing. He said he has devised a system that puts neighborhood impact statements on file with the U.S. attorney's office and has worked with a judge who taught him how to jimmy the process. "We're pretty hopeful that's going to work," he said. Borbely said he wants to start an education subcommittee inside ANC 6A, the first of its kind. Abandoned buildings--such as the abandoned Maryland Avenue fire station and vacant Miner School--are also on his list handle. "The ANCs in general aren't given the respect by the city," he said, adding that getting neighbors involved is key. "We need to mobilize a citywide lobby, and once they real·ize this is a vehicle available to them, it can really be amazing." Sobelsohn said: "The lack of power is especially acute regarding Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. ANC influence depends entirely on our ability to persuade other government decisionmakers. So each ANC must not only struggle to arrive at a posi·tion; we must also present our posi·tion convincingly in order to have any influence at all." "Anybody who does this is partial·ly insane," 6D's Skolnik said. "This jobs brings a lot of demands. But the issues we disagree over we can do in a constructive way. I'm ready to work on that level" The Voice will feature the five remaining new commissionerin its February edition. All ANC commis·sioners will be sworn in Jan. 2. Skolnik, who runs the Hill-based edu-Circle Neighborhood Association cation non-profit Kid Power, repre-and Capitol Hill Restoration Society. Patti Shea covers local politics for The sents a portion of western Southwest She also said traffic is among the Voice. REach her at patti@voiceof in SMD 6D01. top issues facing that area, and with thehill.com www.voiceofthehill.com tures dipped below freezing for days at a time. Backyard gardens died, Year-End Roundup: and--not surprisingly--the govern·ment and local schools shut down. The Boys Town four-and-a-half- 2004 in Review year standoff ended, as the organiza·tion realized they were not welcome in our neighborhood. On January 23, BY CELESTE MCCALL Nebraska-based Boys Town announced plans sell the 1.6-acre property at 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, to Dallas-based JPI Apartment Development. The devel·opers plan to construct a four-story apartment on the site, possibly with ground-floor retail space. We later learned that a Harris Teeter super·market is planned. his past year, 2004, was a busy Town finally gave up and got out of the underground U.S. Capitol Visitor Led by community activists Will one for our "village." As the Dodge. Finally, 32 years after the Center, which began four years ago, Hill and Ellen Opper-Weiner, Southeast Voice of the Hill celebrated its Senators departed, Washington will dragged on with no end in sight. Citizens for Smart development had fifth birthday, political hopes again have a Major League Baseball strongly opposed the Boys Town were raised and dashed. The Hill's team--the Nationals. Their new sta-January: project, partly because of neighbors' real estate market continued to sizzle; dium, scheduled to open in 2008, Like last year, nasty weather made safety concerns. Moreover, and the Barracks Row blossomed; security will be built in Ward 6, at the edge of January headlines as snow and ice already-built complex would have checkpoints ringed the Capitol. Boys Capitol Hill....and construction of blanketed the region, and tempera-placed at-risk youths near drug-infested Potomac Gardens. After seemingly endless delays, construction finally started on Eastern Market's new Farmers Line. The old dilapidated shed was torn down and a new one was begun. In spite of the mess, weekend vendors conducted business as usual. At a cost of $537,000, the two-stage project was expected to take two months. Approved more than a year ago, the design is the work of architectural firm Heery International. February Mayor Anthony Williams' State of the District address, originally scheduled for Feb. 3 at the Lincoln Theater, was postponed for two days after yet another shooting at Ballou High School. Instead, Williams instead attended a town meeting at that troubled school. For his rescheduled address a few days later, the mayor spoke for 70 minutes, touting his five years of accomplishments, and vowing to continue his push for control over the city's floundering public school system, in spite of resistance from some DC Council members. Scott Shumaker, Voice editor since 2001, announced his decision to take a sabbatical from his position start·ing in March (Shumaker returned to the editorial helm in August). Inter·im editor was Hill resident Joe Camp·bell, who had held editorial positions for several publications. Andrew Noyes continued as assistant editor. Water, water everywhere....but can you drink it? Many Hill residents fret·ted as headlines screamed about lead contamination in Washington's drinking water. In response to city·wide concern, an organization called Pure Water was launched to help people stay informed, and testing kits and water filters were provided free of charge to certain residents. On February 15, QuinTango, a quin·tet of violins, cello, bass and piano, captured a pair of 2003 WAMMIES (Washington's Grammies) at the 18th Annual Washington Area Music Awards. QuinTango's pianist is long·time Hill resident and former direc·tor of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Jeffery Watson. Mayor Anthony Williams fielded some tough questions as 300 Hill res·idents gathered at the Ward 6 Neighborhood Summit February 25. The crowd packed the gym of the Sherwood Community Center, tak·ing the opportunity to air their com·plaints about lead in the city's drink·ing water, school funding cuts and affordable housing for seniors. Addressing the gripes, the mayor responded, "a lot is being done but more needs to be done." March The H Street corridor continued its revitalization as Phish Tea debuted in a renovated warehouse at 1335 H St. NE. The "Caribbean fusion" restau·rant met mixed reviews, and some neighbors complained about noise, as the newcomer appeared to func·tion more of a nightclub than a restaurant. Meanwhile, Barracks Row (Eighth Street SE) continued to bloom. To usher in spring, Barracks Row Main Street executive director Bill McLeod organized cooking classes and other neighborhood activities, beginning with Mexican cooking demos at Alvear Studio. The sessions were con·ducted by co-owner Chris Alvear, who comes from San Antonio, and Mexican-born Francisco Pliego... Barracks Row Main Street is a non·profit organization dedicated to revi·talizing the area between Pennsylvania Avenue and M Street SE. On March 14, the Stanton Park Scholarship Program celebrated its 13th year with a special event at the H Street Playhouse. For the birthday observance, the organization reserved the entire playhouse for the closing performance of [Sic]. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed coffee, tea and light refreshments. And once again, Washington's famous cherry trees displayed their gorgeous pink color around the Tidal Basin and elsewhere, and Capitol Hill joined other neighborhoods in host·ing myriad festivities. The trees were a gift from Japan in 1912. April VOICE OF THE HILL TURNS 5! In April 1998, Bruce and Adele Robey--who had operated a graphics business for years--launched Voice of the Hill. The publication, which the Robeys felt filled a niche, began as a website, but soon expanded into hard copy. The community publica·tion has flourished ever since, as www.voiceofthehill.com chronicled in a marvelous article by Shirley Serotsky in the April issue of the Voice. Pulp, the lively gift and card shop in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Ave., SE, opened its doors, offering all manner of novelty fun items-- some a bit risque--including a impressive button collection. The newcomer is the spinoff of a Logan Circle enterprise owned and operated by Ron Henderson. The store's first two stories are retail space, and the top floor can be rented out for neigh·borhood gatherings. On April 1, Philadelphia Water Ice Factory arrived at 1208 H Street NE. Providing a dozen flavors of genuine Philly-style Italian ice, as well as soft pretzels, hot dogs and ice cream, the shop is the creation of Khadijah Brownson, who hails from the City of Brotherly Love. At the ANC 6B April 13 meeting, preliminary plans to overhaul the Eastern Market Metro Plaza were unveiled. "Everyone has a passion for the plaza," said planner Lisa Delplace, adding that beautification of the plaza is essential to continual business growth along Pennsylvania Avenue and Barracks Row. Project architect is design firm Oehme van Sweden, who also designed the World War II memorial on The Mall, which opened over the Memorial Day weekend (see May entry). The project encompasses four acres stretching from the entrance of Eastern Market on Seventh Street east along Pennsylvania Avenue past Eighth Street. Parks and covered sit·ting areas are planned for the north and south side of Pennsylvania. The project cost was not immediately determined, but designers are work·ing with Barracks Row, CHAMPS and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. In other developments, the ANC 6B commission unanimously voted to rezone Medlink, located in the defunct Capitol Hill Hospital at Seventh and Massachusetts Avenue NE. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society had recommended that the site be rezoned R-5-B, which limits building heights to 50 feet. The action wouaffect the current structure, but if the building is sold and demolished, any replacement must adhere to the height limit. May Market Day went off as usual--this time on May Day. This year, the festi·val space was expanded to the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, all the way to Friendship House, which sponsors the annual neighborhood street fair. A week later, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society's 47th Annual House and Garden Tour took place Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9 (Mother's Day), followed by a recep·tion at the Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave., SE. On May 4, Hill dwellers and guests gathered to recognize the three win·ners of the 21st Annual Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards: Honorees were Linda Gallagher (founding director of the Barracks Row Main Street Project), Parker Jayne (co-founder of the Capitol Hill Chorale), and Woodruff "Woody" Price (former president of the Historical Society of Washington). The taping of a reality show, fea·turing longtime Hill resident Mary Rush, ended in tragedy. Mary and her family were being filmed for Cha-Ching! Money Makers, which chal·lenged "regular" folks to raise a sum of money in three weeks. At midday, May 18, Rush, a teacher at Watkins Elementary School, collapsed and died on the school playground of an apparent heart attack. A memorial ceremony was held at Watkins a few days later, and according to a feature article in The Washington Post, "Mary's death left a hole in so many Capitol Hill sub-communities...." The show aired Nov. 19 on the Discovery channel. On May 23, as many as 2,000 run·ners gathered at Stanton Park to com·pete in the 25th Annual 10K Capitol Hill Classic. Co-Chairs were Kristen Hartle and husband Rick Weber. During a gala yet solemn weekend of pomp and ceremony, the World War II memorial was unveiled on the National Mall the Saturday before Memorial Day. Thousands of World War II veterans from across the nation basked in the warm sunshine to attend the festivities and reunions. June For the first time in 31 years (the last one was Lyndon Johnson's), a presi·dential funeral took place in Washington, when President Ronald Reagan died June 5. His funeral cortege--with the flag-draped casket resting on a horse-drawn caisson-- wound through the streets of Washington and ended in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. There, the 40th President lay in state as tens of thou·sands (including this writer) waited for hours in the hot sun to file past the catafalque. BZZZZZZZZ. Once again--after 17 years--cicadas emerged from their subterranean dwellings to converge on the Washington area and beyond. The Hill was largely spared, however, and the red-eyed orange insects-commonly called 17-year locusts--were relatively scarce. The last time we encountered these big, noisy bugs was in 1987. The Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS), held its annual meeting June 9 at the Marine Barracks. Membership approved the proposed slate for fiscal year 2005, CHAMPS officers and board of directors. Current president is Bill Rouchell, who operates Maison Orleans Bed & Breakfast. Rouchell agreed to contin·ue his leadership role for another year, as did vice president Kathleen Franzen, treasurer Judy Wood and other CHAMPS officers. July On July 1, a ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving in the District took effect. Officials had cited misuse of the popular devices as a major motorist distraction, which has led to fatal automobile accidents. In spite of an afternoon torrential downpour and tight security, locals and visitors gathered on the U.S. Capitol lawn to enjoy the annual NSO concert. The rain did let up in time for the fireworks, however. Although members were sched·uled to be on summer break, ANC 6B called a special meeting July 13 to approve 10 alcohol license renewals: Banana Café, Starfish Café, Taverna the Greek Islands, Finn MacCools, Mr. Henry's, Tune Inn, the American Legion post, La Lomita, Tunnicliff's and Zack's. Just off the Hill, ANC Commis·sioner Charles Docter announced that the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association are pushing for more street lights along Pennsylvania Ave. NW, "to bring more life" to the area. Ward 6 Democrats hosted a debate July 17 at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Northeast for the four candidates for the District's At-Large city council seat. Participants were incumbent Harold Brazil and chal·lengers Alvin Bethea, Sam Brooks and Kwame Brown. Moderator was radio personality Mark Plotkin. At a community meeting July 27, residents clashed over the presence of the House of Ruth of Capitol Hill, a temporary, emergency women's shel·ter at 10th and G Streets, NE. Joe Fengler, ANC 6A commissioner, voiced concerns--that the shelter was close to a school and contributed to area crime. Others maintained that the facility caused no problems. August As the lazy, dog days descended upon the Hill, many residents headed for the Eastern Shore and other vacation destinations. However, a few things were happening: On Aug. 1, Washingtonians were winding up another mid-summer weekend when federal officials announced that al Qaeda was appar·ently at it again. New data revealed that five financial institutions, including Washington's World Bank and International Monetary Fund headquarters, could be attacked by terrorists. Moreover, the U.S. Capitol building might also be targeted, and the code level was raised to "orange." Officials responded immediately with street closings, barricades, addi·tional police officers, brighter [night·time] lighting and other security measures. Hill residents adapted quickly, and most cars were simply waved through the Capitol check·points. Barracks Row continued to grow as Stitch DC and Mayfair Avenue, one of the city's few stores tending to knit·ting as well as home entertaining, opened quietly at 731 Eighth Street SE. On Aug. 22, the Capital Children's Museum on H Street, NE, closed its doors for the last time, as construc·tion for a new museum began. Designed by Cesar Pelli and Asso·ciates, the future, state-of-the art facility-to be located near L'Enfant Plaza in Southwest--is slated to open in 2008. September September was a busy month, as Capitol Hill got back to work. Topping the agenda was the expected but welcome announcement: Baseball is returning to Washington! On Sept. 29, Mayor Anthony Williams (D) received the call from Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig making it official: the Montreal Expos were relocating to Washington in 2005. For the next three years, the team will compete in a refurbished RFK Stadium. The facelift will cost $13 million. In 2008, it will be "Play Ball!" in the new $440 million stadi·um planned for South Capitol and M Streets SE, along the blighted Anacostia waterfront near Capitol Hill. Some local groups and coun·cilmembers voiced opposition to the proposed financing, stating that funds should go instead to social services. In response to the criticism, Mayor Williams met with communi·ty groups, explaining his plan and stressing that stadium profits would go toward much-needed social serv·ices A sad note: On Sept. 9, long-time community preservation activist Pat Schauer passed away. Former presi·dent of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Ms. Schauer and her hus·band Lyle purchased their Capitol Hill home in 1964, because of their "complete lack of interest in the ever·lasting suburban lawn." In the Democratic primaries Sept. 14, three DC Council members were defeated: Sandy Allen (Ward 8), lost to for·mer Mayor Marion Barry; and in Ward 7, Kevin Chavous was unseated by Vincent Gray, and At-Large council member Harold Brazil was defeated by Kwame Brown. The winners faced other opposition in the Nov. 2 gener·al election. On Sept. 15, the National Capital Bank, the friendly, family owned institution on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, turned 115 years old. On Sept. 21, the long-awaited Museum of the American Indian opened its doors with a series of rib·bon cuttings, tribal dancing, recep·tions and other ceremonies. Resplendent in their colorful attire, Native Americans from across the United Statnada and South America converged on the Nation's Capitol for a week-long festival. Meanwhile, the lower terrace of the U.S. Capitol West Front was closed to pedestrian traffic Sept. 22, for construction for the Jan. 20 Presidential Inauguration. It will reopen around February 2005. The next day, on Sept. 23, a pair of Lummi (Indian) "healing" poles were installed in 9/11 Memorial Grove in Congressional Cemetery. For the city·wide project, 3,000 trees are being planted throughout nine groves-one in each ward, plus the anchor on Kingman Island--in memory of the 3,000 victims in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. October JPI, one of the nation's largest luxury apartment companies, announced the development of a mixed-use retail and residential destination -- Jenkins Row--at the site once target·ed by Boys Town. The property is located near the Potomac Avenue Metro Station between 13th and 14th Streets, SE. Barracks Row hosted its second annual street fair Oct. 16, as Eighth Street merchants dispensed food, drink and other wares. After some delay, Belga Café opened its doors on 514 Eighth Street ,SE, featuring an eclectic European menu and 35 kinds of Belgian beer. The Café joined Tapatini, the trendy tapas and marti·ni bar up the street at 711, and joined the corridor's rapidly expanding restaurant family. November On Nov. 2, record numbers of voters queued up to cast their ballots for president and vice president of the United States. Hill dwellers also elect·ed three new Council Members: Kwame Brown (D-at Large), Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) and former mayor Marion Barry (D-Ward 8). DC repre·sentative (and Hill resident) Eleanor Holmes Norton easily won reelection. At an awards ceremony Nov. 17, the Robert L. Herrema Awards recog·nized four design projects for con·tributing to Capitol Hill's urban landscape. Honorees were: Doug Jefferies and Results the Gym (locat·ed in the former Giddings Elementary School at Third and G Streets, SE); Adele and Bruce Robey, for developing their successful, 150·seat H Street Playhouse at 1365 H St., NE; Robert and Karen Reed, for refurbishing a circa 1876 private home at 800 East Capitol Street, NE; and the Heritage Foundation, which acquired and restored a former apart·ment building at 208 Massachusetts Ave., NE. The DC Historic Preserva·tion Office was also recognized for their dedicated efforts to protect the Hill's historic district. On Saturday, Nov. 20, the Congres·sional Cemetery Memorial Grove was dedicated, as the avenue of trees was completed near the Lummi Indian "healing" poles. That same day marked the opening of Metro's New York Avenue Station (Red Line), the first urban stop to be built between two existing facilities--Rhode Island and Union Station. Funded by a com·bination of federal, District and pri·vate money, the station cost $103.7 million and officials hope it will help revitalize the rundown neighborhood near Gallaudet University. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, brought a new business to Market Row: Dawn Price Baby -a bou·tique for infants and toddlers-- opened at 325 Seventh St. NW. Washington's road toward acquir·ing the Montreal Expos hit a snag as DC Council Chair Linda Cropp-- fearing that the funding plan for the proposed stadium would tax busi·nesses too heavily--delayed the Council vote and unveiled her own, modified financial plan. However, in a ceremony Nov. 22, the team's name-Nationals-was announced, and the red-white-and-blue logo was unveiled. The event was marred by a protester who tried to grab the microphone, but 76-year-old Charlie Brotman, former Senators announcer and a major baseball proponent, wrestled the microphone away from the intruder. Over the weekend of the 20th and 21st, fire roared through the top floor of the building at Second and D Streets, NE. The blaze also damaged the awning of Lounge 201 on the first level. Nov. 30: After a seven-hour debate with Mayor Anthony Williams look·ing on, the DC Council voted 6 to 4 for preliminary approval of the pub·licly funded baseball stadium. Our own council member Sharon Ambrose (D) voted yes, and three members abstained. Final vote was set for Dec. 14 or 21. December Capitol Hill's holiday season reached full gear as our Christmas tree arrived on the U.S. Capitol West Lawn. For the drizzly Dec. 9 lighting ceremony, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) flipped the switch, causing more than 10,000 lights to blaze on the towering red spruce. And once again, three giant wreaths were hoisted over the entrance of Union Station. Inside the Great Hall loomed a 30-foot tree, a gift from Norway. The giant's 8,000 bulbs had been lit Nov. 30 as Norwegian Princess Martha Louise did the honors. Friendship House marked its 100th year of education and service with a gala, black tie centennial celebration Dec. 2 at the Grand Hyatt hotel downtown. On Dec. 10, Cultural Tourism DC, HAPPY from the Barracks Row Main Street and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society joined forces to unveil Tour of Duty: Barracks Row Heritage Trail. The 90·minute self-guided tour begins at the Eastern Market Metro stop, winds along Eighth Street, SE, loops through a residential neighborhood and ends up at Eastern Market. Sixteen illustrated signs are posted along the way. Stops include John Philip Sousa's birthplace and training ground; Washington's earliest and largest industrial plant, and the home of the first female White House correspondent, Emily Edson Briggs. Construction of the underground U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, our ver·sion of Boston's infamous "big dig," dragged on as costs continued to spi·ral. The taxpayers' tab could run as high as $559 million, more than double the estimated price tag when construction began in 2000. And don't send your relatives there any·time soon; the government has pre·dicted that the opening for the three-floor underground facility, originally scheduled for the end of 2005, could occur late as 2006. And that's being optimistic! On Dec. 14, after 11 hours of debate, the DC Council approved a stadium deal by a vote of 7 to 6. This final vote came after Council Chairman Linda Cropp (D) proposed an amendment calling for 50 percent of the stadium costs to come from private financing. Her amendment passed, 10-3. Under that plan, the city has until June to come up with a plan for private funds, or the stadium deal will probably fall through and the team will relocate elsewhere. Lastly, as this writer and husband Peter toast 2005 in sunny Florida, we wish you a Happy New Year! Thanks to Voice regular Celeste McCall for once again deftly condensing a news-filled year into one story for this edition. TO OUR PAST AND FUTURE CLIENTS... NEW YEAR! VON SCHLEGEL REALTY TEAM 202-547-5088 or visit us at www.jackiev.com The Voice of the Hill is made up of over 40 staff writers, contributors, columnists and editors whose collective work results in one of DC's fastest-growing community newspapers. Meet the Voice Staff: Get to Know Us! This is the second "Meet the Staff" feature we've done. The vast majority of our writers and columnists most are represented below. It's interesting to note that most of us are from the East Coast (Patti Shea holds the distinction of hailing from the westernmost part of the country; Aileen Moffatt is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, so she hails from the most northern part of the continent; and Mike Meneer wins the "most unique name for a standard poodle" award). Read on--and find out which of our writers has lived in Paris, who needs to kick the cigarette habit, who has a thing for Duke Ellington, and who's really into cilantro. The recently viewed movie most often cited is the biopic Ray--and in keeping with the fact that we're all such distinct individuals, not one "dream interview" subject is the same as another. We're very proud of the men and women who help make this newspaper shine-- so without further ado, get to know us! S.J. Ackerman Hometown: Washington, DC--6th generation; Hill native. My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Exploring--all too hasti-ly--the language tables at the Librress: the world on our doorstep. My dream interview subject: Anybody but Paris Hilton. My advice to budding writers: Don't hang up on "making a leap" into print; you can build up a nice portfo·lio of credits without quitting your day job. Get to know and network with other writers. The last movie I saw was: National Treasure: visually splendid on a big screen and lots of fun. My personal goal for 2005 is: To pub·lish my booklet on S.W. Tucker and the 1939 Alexandria Library sit-in-- the first such civil rights demonstra·tion. Stephanie Renee Briggs Hometown: Westwood, NJ My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Writing the travel piece on Belize was a wonderful reminder of the beauty and richness in each of us. When I struggle with the chal·lenges of life, I recall this tiny Central American country, its diverse popula·tion, and how they have overcome obstacles, both human and environ·mental. I also made a DC friend from Dupont Circle who wrote me after reading the article (she relocated there two years ago) and she has invited me to come and stay at her guest house. My dream interview subject: My dream interview subject: I would love to interview the author Mark Dunn. I just want to know why and what makes a man write a novel about let·ters (yes, the alphabet), Ella Minnow Pea, and another about footnotes, Ibid: A Life. The other person -- deceased--is Nina Simone. Enough said. My advice to budding writers: Keep a daily journal. It's a great practice. Purchase a beautiful book and a fountain pen. It makes the experi·ence less stressful.Plus, you are expe·riencing a disappearing art form - placing pen to paper. Also, join a writers group. It's great to get feed·back. The last movie I saw was: I recently watched The Spook Who Sat by the Door. It was directed by Ivan Dixon of Hogan's Heroes fame. It's one of those 1970s classics that had subversive tones and mysteriously disappeared. I'd like to thank Tim and Daphne Reid for their continued hard work at uncovering classic Black films. My personal goal for 2005 is: To practice the tolerance, imperma·nence, being present, and if there's time to write "the" novel. Why not? Darrin Broadwater Hometown: LaVale, Maryland My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Interviewing Mikhail Kanayan, painter and Renaissance man, was my favorite Voice experi·ence. His passion for art and for life was inspiring, and I knew before I even met him--when he sang to me over the phone--that he would be a delightful change from the ordinary. His effervescence and his family's hospitality made for a great evening. My dream interview subject: Wendell Berry, my philosophical mentor and hero. His sense of community-based ethics and local economies has com·pletely changed the way I see our economy and my participation in it. I think his philosophy is the antidote to hyper-capitalism; unlike so many social critics, he actually has a com·peting vision. And he's a farmer. My advice to budding writers: Don't get in my way. The last movie I saw was: Oh, I guess bad movies count, too, right? I reluc·tantly watched that train wreck of a movie with Nicole Kidman and the little boy [Birth] and it was just dread·ful. But that was the last movie I saw. My personal goal for 2005 is: I don't know how personal they will be after being published in a paper that's dis·tributed to every door on Capitol Hill, but nevertheless my goals for 2005 are to clean up my finances and add a couple of pounds of muscle. Long live ambition. Patty Brosmer Hometown: Washington DC My favorite writing experience with the Voice: The one time I made it in before deadline. My dream interview subject: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis My advice to budding writers: Do what you love and you will find suc·cess. The last movie I saw was: Ray--a vivid and moving portrayal of life lived to fullest against tremendous odds. My personal (Voice) goal for 2005 is: To become a better writer and to meet deadline! Name: Judith Capen Hometown: Washington, DC and Capitol Hill, since 1979 and for all eternity, since I recently purchased a very small piece of real estate in Congressional Cemetery. My dream dinner party fellow guest(s): Public radio people Susan Stamberg, Scott Simon, Margot Adler, Noah Adams, Ira Flatow, Corey Flintoff...do I sound like an NPR groupie? My advice to anyone contemplating construction: Your first question should be, "What do I want?" The second question should be, "How badly do I want it?" and "How much is it worth to me?" Then you can ask, "How much will it cost?" and decide if you want it that badly. People usu·ally start with "How much will it cost?" They're shocked/astonished/appalled and begin working on ways to make it cost less. Instead, you should think hard about what it is you really want. I don't think anyone would start out saying what they really want is some cheap s--t floor but that is what they end up with when they ask "How much would new heart pine floors cost?" If you really want new heart pine floors but don't want them enough to pay what they cost, maybe you're better off living with the old floor...does that make sense? Preoccupation: Unwanted water and moisture in buildings. Remember, mold needs three things: spores (they are everywhere), food (virtually anything--paint, "dry"wall, mortar, you name it...) and moisture. So, you see, mold resistant drywall is not the answer. Keeping moisture out in the first place is the answer. What I Always Want: A week in Paris. An eighth day in each week to work on all the stuff that never gets done. More cilantro. Stephanie Deutsch Hometown: Well, I was born in Washington, DC, and spent my first ten years in Arlington, Virginia. I moved to New Zealand in 1957 and spent three wonderful years there; back to Arlington for 8th and 9th grades. Then I spent my high school years in Paris, France. I've been on the Hill since 1975 and do consider Washington my "hometown." Favorite article for the Voice: Interview with Mary Landrieu and Frank Snellings. Her office had said I could only have 45 minutes but she and I bumped into each other in the park walking our dogs and agreed to get together that morning. We must have all enjoyed it 'cause our conver·sation lasted at least an hour and a half! Also loved to have the chance to talk with Edmund Morris. He and his wife were charming and fascinating. Dream interview subject: Madonna. What, I wonder, does she think of her earlier work now that she's a mother of an almost teen daughter and a practitioner of Kabalistic heal·ing? And I'd love to know more about Kabala. How did her interest in it start? What does it mean to her? Advice to writers: Write as much as Darrin Broadwater you can and read as much as you can. Take note of the writers that you like and think about why you like their work. And remember that content is more important than style; style serves meaning, not the other way 'round. The important thing is what you are trying to say. Last movie I saw: Over Thanksgiving I watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I'm not big on fanta·sy movies but have loved listening to the Harry Potter books in Jim Dale's incredible audio recordings so want·ed to see the film which I also loved. Now on to Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockheart. I can't wait! David Francis Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I enjoyed writing a series of stories on the Capital Park Plaza and Twin Tower apartment complexes and their continuing fight with their property manager and the DC Housing Finance Agency. The condi·tions under which some of the build·ings' residents live are deplorable, and I was glad to write about it. I've also enjoyed covering the controver·sy surrounding the Expos' move to the District. My dream interview subject: That's a tough one, dependant on my mood, but at this moment I'll say William Patty Brosmer Whyte. His book, The Organization Man, made me to be a journalist. Unfortunately, the window of oppor·tunity has passed, as Mr. Whyte died in 1999. My advice to budding writers: "Use short sentences. Use short first para·graphs. Use vigorous English. Be pos·itiveve. Eliminate every superfluous word." -- from the Kansas City Star style guide. And if that doesn't do it for you..."Roughly then, Good writing is writing that is perfectly controlled, the writer says just what he means. He says it with complete clarity and simplicity. He uses the smallest possible number of words." --from The Serious Artist, by Ezra Pound In other words, keep writ·ing simple. Say what you mean and nothing more. Keep your ears and eyes open and write every day. The last movie I saw was: Ray, which I liked much more than I expected. My personal goal for 2005 is: I hope to travel to Europe in the coming year. Kara Gerlach Hometown: Severna Park, Maryland My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I enjoyed tackling holiday themed day trips, since I grew up in the area and believe that you don't have to go far to find some of the most beautiful places in the country. Kara Gerlach Why fly when you can just hop in your car and experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay or the history of Williamsburg or Mount Vernon? My dream interview subjects: Thomas Keller, the chef of the French Laundry in Napa Valley, and the hottest restaurant in New York, Per Se. Keller is known for his culi·nary innovations and I could not get into his restaurant the last time I was in California. I would love to watch him work, sample his creations and talk about what it takes to stay on top in the highly competitive restaurant world. My advice to budding writers: Do what comes naturally. If you're inter·ested in art, tackle a project that allows you to mingle with artists and some of the people that interest you personally. I have always found when I'm really interested in an issue, I can really delve into the topic and address it in the best fashion for read·ers and ask the best questions. The last movie I saw was: I watched Casablanca for the twentieth time. I never tire with this classic tale of romance and World War II intrigue, and Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart are simply perfect in the roles of Ilsa and Rick. My personal goal for 2005 is: To try to spend as much time possible with my six-month-old son. It really is Stephanie Deutsch true what people say about children growing up before you know it. Josh Gray Hometown: Washington, DC My favorite writing experience with the Voice: As a newbie to the Voice's masthead, I'll have to go with the teacher-pleaser answer, and say my next story. My dream interview subject: Either Truman Capote or Groucho Marx. Capote was an utterly perfect writer and an utterly flawed individual. In Cold Blood is a touchstone book for me, one I revisit regularly, and huge·ly influential in the evolution of modern non-fiction. Groucho was a genius of verbal and physical humor, and probably more fun to hang out with than Capote. Hooray for Captain Spaulding! My advice to budding writers: Get a day job. If this doesn't work out, use your spare time to read. When you finally get around to writing some·thing, read it aloud to see how it falls on your ears. If this doesn't mean anything to you, consider technical writing. The last movie I saw was: Coffee and Cigarettes by Jim Jarmusch. Intelli·gent, but not too clever for its own good. Worth it just to see the interac·tion of Iggy Pop (a favorite performer of mine,) and Tom Waits (one of my Capitol Hill Art & Frame · Expert custom designs · Museum quality materials · Superior frame selection We now have vintage Edward Curtis photographs for sale in addition to silkscreens by Joseph Craig English. 623 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 202 546-2700 10-6 Tues-Sat · Eastern Market Metro THOMAS JENKINS and COMPANY A Professional Corporation Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning 202-547-9004 Washington, DC Joshua Gray wife's.) Hardly perfect, but that's not the point--no sugar, no filter. My personal goal for 2005 is: To fin·ish my fourth novel. This one is bound to make me a fortune, right? Jeffrey Howard Hometown: Marinette, WI My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I enjoy writing my col·umn every month. In fact, I love writing this column. I also love to share with people what is behind the words I write. My father tells me I should include footnotes. For exam·ple, I may use a word, or a turn of phrase because it reminds me of Vince Lombardi, and I too am trying to communicate that we all can do so much more than our fears would have us believe. My advice to budding writers: Revise. Revise. Revise. Less is always more. The last movie I saw was: Local Hero. Beautiful scenery. Great acting. Wonderful characters. Very well writ·ten. My personal goal for 2005 is: To get one of my books published. Beth Lambdin Hometown: Broadalbin, New York My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Reviewing films, that's what I do, and how cool is that for a movie lover? My favorite so far was the February 2003 column celebrat·ing Valentine's Day and the infinite mysteries of love. My dream interview subject: Living-- any of the countless number of dedi·cated teachers who educate, inspire and change lives. Not living--psy-chic and healer Edgar Cayce, whose work I study and find endlessly fasci·nating. My advice to budding writers: Take classes; the feedback is invaluable (though don't get too discouraged and steadfastly believe in your own voice). Follow through on teacher suggestions; a class assignment became my first published piece and ran in The Washington Post. The last movie I saw was: The Hotel Rwanda at a DC Film Society early screening. This is a wonderful movie, Dug Lee thrilling and inspirational about an ordinary man who becomes extraor·dinary (and heroic) under extreme circumstances. My personal goal for 2005 is: To slow down the pace of my life and devote more time to writing. Dug Y. Lee Hometown: Trenton, NJ My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I love getting emails from readers--proving that someone is actually reading my column. My dream interview subject: Dead-- Duke Ellington because he was so skilled, passionate, creative...and, let's face it, he was just hot. My advice to budding writers: Be pre·pared for ego bruising from editors who aren't as skilled as those at the Voice. Confidence in your skills has to come from within you. The last movie I saw was: Fahrenheit 911. I was glad the rest of the country was finally able to watch footage from the inauguration protest. My personal goal for 2005 is: To actu·ally reach my 2004 goal of spending a leisurely Sunday reading the paper over a cup of coffee. Laurie Lindsay Hometown: Freeport, Pennsylvania My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Enlightening and reward·ing describe all my writing experi·ences with the Voice. I had the most fun writing Mouse-capades: A Safari Journal (October 2003). My dream interview subject: A per·son with a good sense of humor that has a passion for a subject that makes a difference in the lives of others. My advice to budding writers: Get a coach or good teachers, listen to National Public Radio, then write, write, write and read, read, read. The last movie I saw was: Terminal (with Tom Hanks). My personal goal for 2005 is: Listen more, learn more, write more, and trust that good things will happen! Celeste McCall Hometown: New York, NY, and 33 years on Capitol Hill! Bill McLeod My favorite writing experience with the Voice: It's difficult to single out any one, since I write about so many different subjects. But I guess my favorite topics concern ethnic culi·nary traditions on the Hill. I also enjoyed tagging along with junior reporters from Potomac Gardens for Kris Swanson's summer project, "Live from the Corner Store." The experi·ence offered a real insight. My dream interview subject: Actually, I've already interviewed my dream subject, the late Julia Child! As for now, I would love to talk to Michael Jordan about his childhood in North Carolina--including culi·nary memories--and how he got into food. He co-owns a string of restaurants, including the short-lived Jordans here in Washington, which he had when he was with the Wizards. I don't think manhave asked Michael Jordan about that. My advice to budding writers: Write, write, and write some more. It also helps to read a lot. Don't get discour·aged. You'll get plenty of rejection letters. A friend of mine, who now operates a successful PR firm, papered her downstairs powder room with rejection slips! The last movie I saw was: Ray. In this marvelous flick, Jamie Foxx BECOMES Ray Charles. The story is poignant, tragic and heartwarming. I especially relate to the film because, when coming of age in the 1960s, I loved his music. Peter and I left the theater humming "What'd I Say!" My personal goal for 2005 is: To fin·ish the book Peter and I are writing, lose 10 pounds and improve my Spanish! Selby McCash Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Writing on issues about my own community, Capitol Hill, is especially fulfilling. An example is the article on Langston Golf Course near RFK Stadium, which served for some years as the only course open to African Americans on an unre·stricted basis in the DC area. Informing people about the historic Beth Lambdin significance of this facility, and about the need for public support to keep it maintained at a level it deserves, is as satisfying as it gets. My dream interview subject: During my former life as a political reporter, I covered Jimmy Carter as Governor of Georgia and later as President. I have never encountered a more bril·liant or principled public figure. Newt Gingrich would be high on any list of dream interviews, as well. Both of these Georgians always had some·thing interesting, revealing and meaningful to say--and still do. My advice to budding writers: Many people have the potential to be good writers. Just keep working at it. You will probably produce some clinkers, as I have. But when you get it right, nothing is more rewarding. The last movie I saw was: A Christmas Story. It has become a year·ly tradition at our house to view the video version of this hip caricature of typically-dysfunctional family life during the holidays. It may be the best Christmas movie ever produced. In fact, I'm fairly certain it is. My personal goal for 2005 is: Spend time with family and friends; do a few good deeds; write some more articles, and continue to try to break 80 at Langston even though it appears to be impossible. Bill McLeod Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ, and Northumberland, PA My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I enjoy running into peo·ple on the street who say they read my article and learned something from it. I'm always amazed that any·one reads anything I write! My dream interview subject: Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys. This group has been together for so long, has a million hits, and has done a great job evolving and keep·ing up with the musical trends. Also, they are the quintessential British pop group that embodies English culture like no other. My advice to budding writers: Write about what you know, and then rewrite it until you've memorized what you've penned. www.voiceofthehill.com Aileen Moffatt The last movie I saw was: Spiderman--on TV. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but it was very good-- casting, acting, plot and subplots. I usually don't go to blockbusters because they generally don't interest me, but this film surprised me. My personal goal for 2005 is: To make my personal finances a priority and pay off my credit card. Jeff Marootian Hometown: Wayne, NJ My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I have enjoyed my entire experience with the Voice. In partic·ular, it was a real pleasure to inter·view Matt Belvedere and Jessica Doyle in their home on the Hill. They are great people and made writ·ing the story a lot of fun. My dream interview subject: This is a tough one. Because I am obsessed...I would love to interview a cast mem·ber from the Sopranos. My advice to budding writers: I have learned a lot (both about myself and about writing) by taking on stories to which I have limited prior knowl·edge. It often means more work, but the experience is worthwhile. The last movie I saw was: The Motorcycle Diaries. I loved it! Michael Meneer Hometown: Akron, Ohio My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Smokey's Barbershop and Oldies profile (December 2004). My dream interview subject: Thomas Cahill, author of the Hinges of History series. My advice to budding writers: Always leave more time than you think you need to edit. The last movie I saw was: Sideways. My personal goal for 2005 is: Make sure my standard poodle Widget gets brushed once a day. Gene C. Miller Hometown: Takoma Park, MD My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Choosing a favorite piece is like choosing a favorite child. I par·ticularly enjoyed writing about St. Monica's Episcopal Church, Imani Temple--although Rev. Stallings www.voiceofthehill.com Andrew Noyes announced his engagement to be married after my Voice article had already been put to bed, and the pipe organs at St. Mark's, St. Peter's, and Christ Church--Washington Congregation. The articles on Capitol Hill's last synagogue (Southeast Hebrew) and the century of groceries at Congress Market were also great fun to write. My dream interview subjects: Socrates and Jesus. My advice to budding writers: Learn your craft. The last movie I saw was: Actually, now that I'm in my dotage, I prefer going to the opera. In my dreams, I sing the great basso role of Sarastro in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte; in my wak·ing hours, I'm a light baritone. My personal goal for 2005 is: To reach 2006 in one piece. Aileen C. Moffatt Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada My favorite writing experience with the Voice: As a new kid on the block I am just humbled by the opportunity to be associated with such a lofty and well edited publication (hear that, Scott??) A Happy and Healthy My dream interview subject: In the course writing my PhD dissertation I interviewed almost 100 elderly small New Year to you all! town women who had the most mar·velous stories about growing up or settling in the Canadian West. I would do that all over again in a We resolve to buy more review heartbeat. My advice to budding writers: Write copies in 2005.what you know, so even if you are a bit of a kook, write something kooky. [Therefore, please resolve to bring us As in most things, "go with what got you there." more review copies.] The last movie I saw was: School of Rock on satellite. It was a mindless Saturday evening selection that I We resolve to sell more books in 2005. actually like a lot. In the theater: Troy (I don't get out much ...) [Therefore.......well, you get the idea!] My personal goal for 2005 is: Start a sheep farm.Yes indeed. Eleven years ago I moved all the way from gen-Open Daily 10-6 uine farm country to urban DC only 417 East Capitol Street, SE now to dream of becoming a gentle·man (woman?) farmer raising my 202-543-4342 sheep for sale to high end restaurants Paul Cymrot riverby@erols.com Steve Cymrot and hiring the local ladies to work in Celeste McCall Aileen's Sweater Knitting Sweatshop. Oh yeah, and finally write my book Rudyard P. Bear: A Panda Bear in Formal Wear. Andrew Noyes Hometown: Beckley, West Virginia My favorite writing experience with the Voice: KidPower-DC continues to be one of my favorite topics to write about in Voice of the Hill.While this after-school enrichment program for children in the Rosedale community had a rocky start, the initiative has really taken off. The kids have been the benefactors of a citywide charity scavenger hunt, they've put on sever·al public performances and they've decorated their own Party Animal (which is now at home at Miner Elementary). My dream interview subjects: News-- famed Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee (although I've been there and done that, I'd like to do it again); Martha Stewart (face-to-face in her cell at Camp Cupcake). Features--the cast of HBO series Dead Like Me; often-troubled, incredibly talented Robert Downey Jr., the skillful, beau·tiful Holly Hunter. My advice to budding writers: Write, rewrite, rinse, repeat. Seriously though, the only way to hone your skills is by song, grueling hours in front of the icy glare of the computer monitor. Another tech·nique I swear by: recite the draft of your story aloud. Your neighbors might think you're crazy but you'll catch awkward sentences and clumsy phrases that way. The last movie I saw was: National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage (against my will while home visiting the fami·ly for the holidays). The bottom line: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer should stick to his CSI franchise on CBS. I prefer independent films anyway. Blockbuster movies aren't my bag. My personal goal for 2005 is: I already exercise and eat right so I can't list those cliched New Year's resolutions. I guess I'd like to sleep more, relax and take the time to smell the roses, so to speak. I'm always up to my eyeballs in new proj·ects. Erica Stanley Bruce Robey Hometown: Washington, DC My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Every issue is a unique experience. After six years I enjoy working on each and every issue. The most interesting experience was the first issue, when the delivery guy did-n't show and we had skids of the first Voice filling up our garage. Neighbors and friends came to the rescue. My dream interview subject: If I were a writer I would love to interview Tom Friedman of the New York Times. My advice to budding writers: "Don't listen to me; I'm not a writer. Talk to editor Scott Shumaker." Shirley Serotsky Hometown: Rochester, NY My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I'd say my favorite inter·view of 2004 was speaking with Shervin Boloorian. It's exciting to meet young people who are artists and activists and working to effect change in the world. My dream interview subject: Dead? Shakespeare would be a trip. Virginia Woolf. Susan B. Anthony (who was also from Rochester, and I am con·vinced had a sense of humor that we rarely hear about). Alive? I'd love to know what Mary Cheney could possi·bly be thinking. It'd be great to pick the brains of playwrights Caryl Chur·chill and Tony Kushner. I bet Wonk·ette (Ana Marie Cox) would be fun to chat with, and is probably much less snarky in person than in print. My advice to budding writers: Write. A lot. Learn to be a good editor. Buy a style guide. The last movie I saw was: From my Netflicks list: Kill Bill, Ararat, and Saved. In the theaters: Shaun of the Dead. My personal goal for 2005 is: To get my taxes done and sent in on time. Also, to continue to challenge myself in the theater work that I do. Maybe take a trip somewhere beautiful, or at least away from DC. Patti Shea Hometown: Los Angeles... the one in California Stephanie Briggs My favorite writing experience with the Voice: Interviewing Cal Ripken Jr. My dream interview subject: George Clooney and ANY subject he'd like to talk to me about. My advice to budding writers: Learn the proper use of a semicolon; make nice with the photographers since they make you look better; and get a game face for when you attend local government meetings--you can make it seem like you ARE interested when really the voices inside your head are questioning what exactly you are doing with your life! The last movie I saw was: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Touching the Void. My personal goal for 2005 is: Get my desk at home organized; find the perfect margarita in the District; and interview my dream subject (see answer above). Scott Shumaker Hometown: Berlin, Pennsylvania My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I especially enjoy inter·viewing people who become my friends as a result of my doing a story on them. I'd have to admit, however, my story "The Monastic Diaries," an account of spending a weekend at St. Anselm's Monastery in early 2002, stands as one of my favorite Voice Gene Miller pieces. I still get comments about it, and I hope to revisit St. Anselm's on a retreat this winter. My dream interview subject: If I were in a room with Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, John Cleese, Ricky Gervais and Rowan Atkinson for the purpose of interviewing these amaz·ing British comedians--well, I'd have to write that story from beyond the grave. I'd probably drop dead. And of course, I have a firm belief that I will someday meet and interview Joni Mitchell. Wonder if she's planning a DC trip anytime soon? My advice to budding writers: Do a little writing every day. Don't wait for some divine intervention. The best writing comes from the gut. The last movie I saw was: I finally saw Breakfast at Tifffany's. It's a visu·ally gorgeous work, with sharp dia·logue and just enough melodrama to be interesting. My personal goal for 2005 is: To con·tinue to earn and maintain the respect and friendship of my writers. To organize or start to eliminate my collection of pure and utter...crap, which, for many reasons, grows exponentially by the year. And I real·ly should quit smoking, lest my next singing performance become An Evening With Harvey Fierstein. Laurie Lindsay Fay Singer Hometown: Capitol Hill My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I enjoy sharing my com·puter expertise with Voice readers. I love it when readers call to let me know that my column has been help·ful to them. My dream interview subject: Kris Kristofferson--because I've always thought he is a fascinating, brilliant person. Wonder what he knows about computers. It would be a won·derful idea for The Voice to send me to Hawaii to interview him! My advice to budding writers: Scott Shumaker Contact writers you admire and culti·vate them as mentors. The last movie I saw was: Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King on 12/31/2003. Now that the trilogy is over, I don't know what we are going to do this year on New Year's Eve. My personal goal for 2005 is: To straighten out the clutter in my office. Erica Stanley Hometown: Eden, North Carolina My favorite writing experience with the Voice: I've really enjoyed writing about new businesses on the Hill, Fay Singer especially along Barracks Row. I feel that writing for the Voice in this capacity has helped me become more of a part of my neighborhood. My dream interview subject: As a political junkie, I'd have to say for·mer President Bill Clinton. He was such a great leader, and I've heard when you meet him, he makes you feel like you are the only person in the world. My advice to budding writers: Jeff Marootian Practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better. The last movie I saw was: Closer. I had anticipated its release, as I am a big Jude Law and Julia Roberts fan, and the trailer really looked intrigu·ing. It was interesting, but not as good as I had thought it would be. My personal goal for 2005 is: To clean out my closet and be more organized. Displaced City Plans for Former Shelter Expected to Succeed Despite Controversy BY SARA FRITZ For more than five hours, two young building has been neglected; and (2) death,'' one protester shouted during homeless women were perched on a because Catholic Charities was no a subcommittee hearing on the pro-ledge about 50 feet above the ground longer interested in running it. posed sale. floor inside the atrium of the John A. "We certainly can't say we don't Wilson Building on Dec. 9. Singing want an organization like the Transition Space for songs and shouting slogans about Corcoran moving into our neighbor- Corcoran homelessness, the pair displayed a hood,'' Williams added. In a memo to the city council, Eric white banner saying: "Randall Is Prior to closing on Nov. 3, the Price, deputy mayor for planning and Shelter, Not Surplus." Police eventu-Randall shelter provided beds for economic development, said the ally persuaded them to come down. about 170 homeless men. Most of the It was one of a number of recent displaced men moved to a newly Corcoran plans to use Randall school as "a transition space" while a Frank publicity stunts organized by mem-opened 150-bed facility on the cam-Gehry addition is being constructed bers of Mayday DC, a group battling pus of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in at is main facility on 17th Street. In the city's plan to sell the historic Southeast Washington, according to the long term, he said, Corcoran Randall School, formerly used a the mayor's office, and the others plans to convert the school into an homeless shelter, to the Corcoran went to a shelter on New York Museum of Art. Members of the Avenue, NE. arts education facility for its College group also have disrupted several city Although Mayday DC members of Art and Design. "The redevelopment of Randall council meetings and they staged a have been persistent in their protests, School by Corcoran upon its sale sit-in at the school at I and Half they have not articulated a case for shall provide a dynamic anchor for Streets, SW, in late November. reopening the Randall shelter. The the growth and revitalization of this Mayday DC's activities do not organization could not be reached community," Price wrote. "These arts appear to have influenced the deci-for comment by the Voice. Mayday development and neighborhood eco-sion-makers, however. The shelter DC's website has not been updated nomic development benefits, when remains closed and the city council is since July 27, 2003, and the group's considered in addition to the direct expected to approve the sale of the telephone voice recorder is jammed financial benefits of disposition, pro-ramshackle building to the Corcoran with unanswered messages. vide a unique opportunity and good for $6.2 million. In fact, a council Although the protesters have sug-economic value for the District." subcommittee approved the sale just gested that homeless men are unlike- Price noted that a renovated facili·one day after the two women staged ly to travel the distance to St. ty owned by the Corcoran will gener·their high-altitude protest. Elizabeth's every night, a spokesman ate property tax revenues "on a site ANC Commissioner Mary C. for the mayor's office claims the dis-that does not currently generate any Williams (6D) said the community placed men are already taking advan-taxes." has been expecting the shelter to tage of bus service that has been pro-According to Williams, members close for two reasons: (1) because the vided. "You're letting people freeze to of ANC 6D have not endorsed the sale of Randall to the Corcoran, pri·marily because the city government never consulted the ANC. "We'd like to know more about it,'' she said. "We have made many attempts to find out what's going on." She noted the ANC has a direct interest in the disposition of the building since its offices are currently located in one of its many abandoned rooms. The building is also home to the Millennium Arts Center, a nonprofit organization that sponsors arts pro·grams. Williams said the ANC did not even consider Mayday DC's request to run a reopened shelter inside the Randall school. She said the group is not equipped to provide the neces·sary resources for a shelter. Before the shelter was closed, Williams recalled, many neighbors complained that the homeless men were "lingering or drinking" in a nearby park during the days. She said local parents complained that they were jeopardizing the safety of chil·dren who use the park in the summer as their route to the nearby swim·ming pool. The city budgeted $1.6 million for shelter services during the current winter, an increase of $400,000 over the previous year. According to the Washington Post, the number of emergency beds available at the shel·ters was increased by 503 to 1,703. These new beds are located at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, DC General Hospital, DC Village and the New York Avenue shelter in Northeast. Corcoran officials have said very little about the controversy. Corcoran spokeswoman Margaret Bergen said her organization was pleased the subcommittee headed by Councilman Jim Graham had approved the sale. "We look forward to becoming a vibrant member of the Ward 6 arts community,'' she added. Meanwhile, police identified the two women who occupied the ledge at the Wilson Building as Cen Cascadian, 18, and Emily Rudicell, 19. Sara Fritz is a resident of southwest DC and a regular Voice contributor. he first inauguration held in Washington in 1801 was entirely a Hill affair. Although his defeat of President John Adams was celebrated as "the Revolution of 1800," Thomas Jefferson kept his ceremonies low-key. He strolled to the Capitol from his boarding house on New Jersey Avenue, SE (site of the Longworth Building), took the oath inside, and returned equally modestly. He didn't bother to move into the White House for weeks. There was an elaborate inaugural parade, but it was held in Philadelphia. By 1809, the Hill hosted the first inaugural ball, featuring effervescent Dolly Madison at Long's Hotel, where the Library of Congress now stands. Navy Yard mechanics towed a replica warship down Pennsylvania Avenue in DC's first inauguration parade. The burning of Washington forced the swearing-in outside in 1817, when President Monroe took the oath in front of the temporary Capitol at 1st and Maryland Avenue, NE. From then until 1981, the ceremo·ny generally occurred on the East Front of the real Capitol. Then, the ceremony moved to the West Front, an apt stage for former actor Ronald Reagan. Old Hill types groused that the inauguration had turned away from our neighborhood. As Washington's largest indoor space in 1949, the National Guard Armory hosted President Truman's official ball, and it has had some inaugural function every time since. In 2001, 18 states and the District partied there. LBJ made history there in 1965, being the first president since George Washington to dance at his own ball. Post-World War II Inaugurations started comparatively modestly, growing into today's mass-media mob scenes. One official inaugural ball in 1949 swelled to two (1953), four (1957), five (1961), eventually to 14 (1997), with accompanying galas, concerts and recep·tions multiplying apace. Since 1969, when countercultural "Yippies" swore in Pigasus the Pig instead of Richard Nixon, alternative inaugural protests have flourished. Their precedent occurred in 1913, when a spectacular Women's Suffrage parade astonished the mobs of visitors on the eve of Woodrow Wilson's official proces·sion. Not all the alternatives are protests. Many of the prime events are impossible to get into--not to www.voiceofthehill.com The Inauguration and the Hill BY S. J. A CKERMAN the oath of office the evening before his public swearing-in, fearing mob violence. In 1913, President Wilson was appalled that police had cor·doned spectators distant from his platform. "Let the people come for·ward," he shouted, and they did. By 1917, however, with the European War raging, his listeners were pushed back again. In 1945, World War II security prompted President Roosevelt to be sworn in on the White House portico, before an audi·ence of only 1,200 servicemen. The Role of Hill Residents The grandstands that once solidly lined Pennsylvania Avenue are now less extensive, giving unticketed standees a better view. We're not like·ly to see the president walk to the White House again as Jimmy Carter did in 1977, but we can watch, or even participate, as Hill people have from the start. Our star is inevitably John Philip Sousa of Southeast, the "March King" who took part in inaugural parades from his boyhood. In 1881, he wrote a special march for President Garfield's inauguration, only to write a dirge upon his assassi·nation a few months later. A more oblique connection was with DC's homegrown predecessor of the from various cities--tight security for R.O.T.C. A group of Hill boys scraped peaceful times. up a paltry $25 and went to see Security was a concern in a few Sousa, asking that he write them a instances. With civil war possible, in march. He penned one of his bounci· 1861 sharpshooters perched on est, The High School Cadets, which the rooftops to protect president-elect boys played at every inauguration Lincoln. Yet in 1865, with war rag-from 1889 until 1929. ing, protection seemed lax. His even-An unhappy Inaugural Committee tual assassin, John Wilkes Boothe, decision to shorten the 1929 parade lurked on the Capitol steps while cut the Colored High School Cadets Lincoln spoke. Evidently Boothe ear-out, while keeping the white lier tried to lunge at Lincoln in the Washington Cadets in. The black Rotunda. kids, who drilled for years at Victor of the "Stolen Election of Giddings School, felt betrayed. Sousa died in 1932, so FDR's 1933 Alaskan sled dogs pass 220-224 Third Street, SE, en route to greet Ike, Jan. 20, 1953. The author is shown here, already at his second inauguration. mention expensive--unless you were a big contributor to the president's campaign. For instance, the Texas "Black Tie and Boots" ball was sold out the instant it was announced. Many groups host alternative balls or parties, notably the various state societies or city clubs here in the cap·ital [See sidebar]. Ceremony and Security Inauguration Day 2005 challenges Hill residents. As usual, tickets to the swearing-in come from Congres·sional offices serving their own con·stituents, leaving us locals to rely heavily upon "the kindness of strangers." Super security is likely to make standing in the open Mall areas, even those distant from the Capitol, pret· ty oppressive. Historically, inaugural secu· rity has been minimal. Courting the "common man," in 1829 President Jackson threw open the White House to all comers. He was so mobbed that aides hoisted him out a window for safety. Other than by the troops marching in the parades, early presi·dents had slight protection. In 1905 the Inaugural Committee's pocket guide to Washington actually listed the home addresses of cabinet offi·cers. By 1929, the police were aug·menting their strength by calling in 210 cops from Baltimore, plus 63 detectives and nine policewomen 1876," President Hayes secretly took inaugural parade became partly a tribute to him, with bands playing all Sousa all the time. Unfortunately, almost everybody happened to choose the same tune--The Washington Post March--which spec·tators heard endlessly. Hill groups (in addition to the Marine Band) march every four years. Hines was the only junior high band welcoming Bill Clinton in 1993. Eastern High made a splash-- literally--despite the wretched weather last time around. More wretched still was the 1909 blizzard. My grandfather played coronet in a DC band, but he didn't for President Taft. The first musician putting his lips to a horn found them frozen to it. Nobody else tried. From the 1920s into the 1960s, the paraders formed up on neighbor·hood streets, often starting from New Jersey and C Street, SE. You might encounter Alaskan sled dogs at 3rd and C, SE, West Point cadets and Indian chiefs on Carroll Street, SE (now buried under the Madison Building), or equestrian units trot·ting into position from South Capitol and E Street. Security and the huge scale of events have pushed most of that activity onto the Mall. Souvenir Savvy Last month, H. Joseph Levine of Alexandria's Presidential Coin and Antique Company auctioned an offi·cial bronze Warren Harding Inaugural medal for $33,000. That's twice what a silver variant goes for, because very few of the bronze speci·mens were struck back in 1921. If you're fantasizing about making a killing by hoarding 2005 inaugural medals "because they will be valu·able some day," however, forget it. "Modern ones don't have the history of [financial] appreciation of the older ones," Levine observes, because they are produced in such large quantities. "You don't buy them for investment" but to commemorate the occasion, notes Levine, who will happily sell you one anyway. Likewise, officially licensed inau·gural materials such as lapel buttons aren't necessarily more valuable than unofficial material sold near the parade route. In time, imaginative pinbacks made in small quantities by obscure vendors may become true rarities. S.J. Ackerman is a frequent contributor to The Voice of the Hill. See our web site www.washingtonparish.org Phone (202) 547-9300 The Rev. Dr. Judith A. Davis, Rector CHRIST CHURCH--a welcoming community of faith and fellowship with a big heart and room to grow. 620 G Street, SE Just two and a half blocks south of Eastern Market Metro station Sunday Worship Schedule 8:15 am Holy Eucharist - spoken 9:15 am Breakfast 9:45 am Adult Forum - Bible study and discussion of special issues 10:00 am Church School 11:00 am* Holy Eucharist - music 12:00 pm Coffee Hour and Fellowship Nursery care for children under 3 available at 8:15 am For the framing and preservation of fine art and documents Hours: Monday and Tuesday, Noon-6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm or by appointment 516 1/2 C Street, NE 202.544.8408 on Stanton Park ffs@pobox.com Ser endipity Gar den Design offers landscape design and garden consultation to connect people with their gardens, empowering them with knowledge to tend their own plot of land. Or, we can tend it for you. Julie Olson, Designer 202.544.7247 Making gardens beautiful, no matter how small the patch of dirt. www.serendipitygardendesign.com Eastern Market 327 7th St., SE · (202) 546-CAKE psychiatry with a heart on capitol hill JOSEPH TARANTOLO, MD board certified psychiatrist certified group psychotherapist herbalist · Individual and couples psychotherapy · Two hour intensive group therapy · Cancer and chronic illness counseling with customized herbal tonics · Self-exploration without drugs · Help weaning off antideptressant drugs · "Talk back to Prozac" 202/543-5290 A Place for Reflection... and Action Inside the William Penn House BY SELBY MCCASH These are busy times at the William It is now run by a staff of seven under Penn House. the supervision of the Board of Run by Quakers, this Capitol Hill-Directors appointed by Quaker based non-profit center provides the "Meetings," or congregations, in public affordable lodging while pur-Alexandria, Annapolis, Bethesda, suing a loving, just and peaceful Herndon, McLean, Sandy Spring and world through social and political in the District near Dupont Circle. activism. It operates out of the spa-Originally, the primary purpose cious four-story, early-20th century was to provide space for the educa·row house at 515 East Capitol Street, tional programs sponsored by two SE, the place where it was established Quaker service organizations that 38 years ago. operate on a national and interna- For most of these years it has been tional scale, the American Friends a thriving hub of activity. In the Service Committee and the Friends wake of 9/11, however, when people Committee on National Legislation. stayed away from the nation's capital Now, it does so much more. in droves, participation in its activi-Today's Penn House offers semi-ties declined, its cash flow suffered, nars on social services, human rights, and for awhile its future seemed at and peace initiatives, bringing in fig-risk. ures from government, education, Not any more. As 2005 dawns, the and the private sector to lead them. William Penn House is booming like It co-sponsors courses in lobbying, never before. with participants receiving hands-on A couple of things have happened, experience in nearby Congress. Last says Byron Sandford. He is a year it became the headquarters for Methodist-turned-Quaker business-an expanded Washington Quaker man from Texas who uprooted his Workcamp program, deploying vol·life by moving to Capitol Hill in unteers, young and old, to do com·order to succeed retiring longtime munity services such as building Penn House Executive Direct Errol homes for the poor, cleaning up Hess just months before the terrorists depressed neighborhoods, and struck. Sandford observes that repairing homeless shelters. It sup- tourism is rebounding, and more ports the good works of others, like people are being stirred into action the Alliance of Concerned Men, a by horrific issues such as war, geno-group of ex cons that has trans·cide, pandemic AIDS, human rights formed a homicide-ridden area off abuses, and poverty. The center is Benning Road by helping families, experiencing near-peak levels of both mentoring youth, and resolving con-occupancy in its third-floor, 30-bed flicts. hostelry and participation in the It is a place of spiritual reflection, activities it sponsors and supports, holding itional ecumenical namely care giving, demonstrating, Quaker worship service of silent lobbying, and teaching. meditation daily at 7:30 a.m. It is also "If we ever achieve the perfect one of community fellowship, doing world we're working for, we'll be out things like hosting a pot luck supper of business for sure," Sandford says. featuring speakers on Quaker topics, "Right now, we're busier than ever. It held the first Sunday of the month. looks like our job will be secure for a Everyone has an open invitation to long time." both. The Path to the Penn House A Place for Everyone The William Penn House was found-The Penn House maintains a bed and ed by the late Bob and Sally Cory, breakfast that attracts guests from Hill residents and longtime Quaker throughout the country and much of activists. In 1966, the couple the world. It mainly serves partici·arranged a $65,000 loan to purchase pants in Penn House-linked pro-the dwelling that houses the center. grams and events. But everybody is welcome on a space-available basis. While the dorm-style accommoda·tions may not be luxurious, they are homey, and the $35-a-night tab (less for groups) and tree-lined location near the Capitol can hardly be improved upon. Included is a free breakfast of cereal, fruit, toast, coffee and juice. Recent guests include Secretary General Colin Archer of the Switzerland-based International Peace Bureau; representatives of Amnesty International; Methodists from Georgia, Presbyterians from Pennsylvania, and Episcopalians from Florida; visitors from Australia, England, Germany, Jamaica, and South Korea; people of virtually all ages, creeds, races, and political out·look. Four years ago, during the first inauguration of George W. Bush, about half of the accommodations were taken by supporters of the incoming President and the other half by demonstrators protesting the U.S. Supreme Court's decision nam·ing a winner before a recount had been completed. It was almost surreal watching people wearing suits with Bush lapel pins mingling peaceably with others wearing sneakers and jeans and carrying signs reading, "Hail to the Thief," Sandford recalls. Anti-war protestors had booked the space for this year's inauguration. But if any pro-Administration visitors stopped by, the same spirit of toler·ance was anticipated. The Penn House has supported countless demonstrations. This includes an ongoing "silent vigil for peace." For more than two years, a group ranging from a few up to about 50 has gathered every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. on the Capitol's west lawn, displaying a banner with a quote from Psalms: "Seek Peace and Pursue It." The vigil was started by the McLean Meeting, and is now car·ried on by individual Quakers and others who have joined in. The Penn House provides space for vigil planning, and promotes the demonstration via its website and fliers. In so doing, it supports the official vigil position calling on the U.S. to "sow the seeds of peace" by relying on diplomacy, trade, aid, and multilateral organization-building rather than military force. The Role of Peace The "Peace Testimony" has been at the core of the Quaker experience from the beginning more than three and a half centuries ago. Yet, it has been a subject of debate. Until well into the 19th century, most Quakers took an uncompromis·ing view toward military service and action. But while there have always been conscientious objectors among the Quakers, a number served in the Revolution, including General Nathaniel Greene. To one degree or another they have served in all of the nation's conflicts. World War II espe·cially had substantial Quaker sup·port. Most contemporary Quakers define the "Peace Testimony" as working for peace by creating condi·tions that eliminate the causes of war. In fact, Quakers devote tremen·dous energy and resources to peace·making efforts. Until recently, for example, Quaker representatives lived among the Iraqi people, facing extreme danger while helping restore war-torn neighborhoods. No poll reveals how many Quakers in DC and the Northeast believe the war in Iraq is justified. While there are a few, it is evident an overwhelm·ing majority strongly feel the war is not the solution. There is nothing partisan about their opposition, they say, pointing out many Quakers were just as strongly opposed to President Lyndon Johnson's policy in Vietnam. How do Quakers decide to act? They first follow their own con·science. When taking collective action, they do so only when a con·sensus is reached at open monthly and yearly business meetings. Under this process, Northeastern Quakers have historically sided with such causes as abolition, justice and equal·ity for all, the anti-death penalty and pro-choice movements, and resist·ance to war unless it becomes unavoidable in the defense of humanity. A Quaker History The Society of Friends emerged in mid-17th century England, when it reputedly acquired its unofficial moniker during a blasphemy trial of founder George Fox, who advised the judge to "tremble in fear of the Lord," and was told in return to "quake, thou quaker, in the majesty of the law." Fox believed everyone carries "God's Light" inside. He saw no need www.voiceofthehill.com for clergy, liturgy or mandated set of beliefs, and felt the inner "Light" should take precedence over the dic·tates of government and the estab·lished church. Persecution of early Quakers was relentless, even in America, where four were hanged in Massachusetts for returning after having twice been banished. They finally gained a safe haven in 1681, when William Penn, an admiral's son who had embraced Quakerism, secured royal permission to establish a colony, Pennsylvania, based on reli·gious tolerance and brotherly love. Quakers are a relatively small part of America's faith-based population, numbering about 300,000. They are divided into a variety of branches, some liberal, some conservative; some worshiping in silence, others in conventional church services. About a third belong to the "unpro·grammed" branch, which follows a tradition of quiet worship and pur·suit of social change from which the Penn House springs. The William Penn House may be a relatively small, but it comes from a tradition that enables its reach to far exceed its size. Hill resident Selby McCash is a frequent contributor to this newspaper. JOHN JANKE QUITE A REMARKABLE NEIGHBOR BY AILEEN C. MOFFAT T f you have lived on the Hill for a The Path to the Hill while, or have bought or sold a Janke, a native of Scranton, Pa., grad- house here in the past 30-some-uated from Penn State in 1964. Next thing years, chances are that you stop: the Navy's Officer Candidate have met John Janke. School and a posting to Washington A veteran realtor and a most engag-to work at the Naval Security Station ing storyteller, John has seen just in Northwest DC. In September 1965 about everything you can imagine friends set him up with Cindy and then some. When I first met Maxwell Prout, who recently had John the better part of eight years moved to Georgetown from Boston ago, he and his wife Cindy were tire-after a visit to DC during cherry blos · less volunteers and board members som season in which she was "sold" of the Historical Society of on the city. Washington, DC, and keen advocates John and Cindy married in of Capitol Hill neighborhood history. January 1966 and moved first to an That John was so gloriously funny apartment on Massachusetts Avenue and candid about his experiences on near John's work, then to one of the the Hill certainly helped pique my first apartment buildings in McLean, interest in this historic community Va., and then into one of the first of which I knew so little. garden apartments in Laurel, Md. "Most people think Capitol Hill Often during this period John was at began when they got there," John sea, unable to communicate with his announced recently over coffee at young family that now included Marty's on 8th Street, SE. We Jenny, born in 1966, and Johnny, laughed, and he casually began to tell born in 1968. me of his personal introduction to The worst, John recalled, was dur- DC and the neighborhood that ing the 1968 riots. He was at sea then would become his home, his work, and was getting news in but could and his passion. not get word out to family. He hoped that Cindy would take the kids out of the city and go visit his family or hers. The intrepid Cindy apparently was less worried than John and elect·ed to stay put. On John's return to DC, he drove up 14th Street and sur·veyed the destruction. In his quiet, understated way, he explained to me that he was "very surprised" with what he saw. Despite the chaos, Cindy wanted to move from Laurel back to the city, buy a house, and put down roots. They could not afford to move back to Georgetown where they had start·ed out, so the question became "Well, what could we afford?" The hunt was on, and many hours were spent exploring various areas of the city. Capitol Hill, however, was not really on their radar screen. John talks about the first rowhouse he was ever in--an antique store (which he described as more of a junk store) on Indiana Avenue and 4th Street. His experience with hous·es involved single family houses detached with a yard--the stereotyp·ical American home--so this row-house fascinated him. Although it was in a terrible state of repair, John remembers being captivated by the style as he browsed through the store checking out the space more than the items for sale. This was a mile·stone moment for the young man from Scranton. Another pivotal moment occurred shortly thereafter, when John quite accidentally found himself lost on Capitol Hill. By the time he found his way, he was thoroughly taken with the neighborhood. It was, as he described, "a shambles," but he loved it all the same. It wasn't long until the Jankes pur·chased a house at 9th and Constitution for a whopping $29,500. It was an interesting block. Across the street were several very teeny homes, one of which miracu·lously housed 13 people. Not long after the Jankes moved in, one of these folks was arrested for murder. Yes, an interesting block for sure. A Passion, A New Career At the time, John was the editor of a Congressional study being done by the Department of Transportation, and after four years, he was tired of the job. Upon moving to the Hill, it had not taken him long to both develop a passion for the beautiful old homes in his 'hood and to realize he wanted to be more involved. He got his realtor's license and joined Kramer & Co. where he worked from 1972 through 1980. He never looked back. "I liked selling houses," he said, "and was good at it." John recalls there was some restoration going on, but "it was not a big movement then." People thought the houses were old but did not see them as historic. Mostly the drill was to purchase the property, make a few minor improvements, and then resell quickly. This attract·ed speculators, many of whom had once lived on the Hill and/or had owned corner stores, so they knew the area well. As John explained, "There was lots of flipping of properties then, even more so than today. People didn't know if the trend would last, so they were in a big hurry [to sell and resell.]" He noted, too, that realtors were "putting their money where their mouths were" by investing on the Hill. But despite all of the activi·ty, most people didn't think the development would ever go past Eastern Market. How times have changed! And just to complicate matters fur·ther, it was hard to get bank loans to buy a house on Capitol Hill. Red-lin-ing and racism seemed to be preva·lent, and the banks did not think the Hill was a "safe" place in which to invest their money. To get around that, people created their own financing. For example, purchasers would cobble together loans from individuals, or assume an existing mortgage. It was not uncommon to end up holding notes for and from several different sources, like the Jankes did with their first home. In 1980 John partnered with Linda Barnes and opened City Sites to rehab and sell houses on Capitol Hill. The office was located at Stanton Park, moving two years later to 705 D Street, SE. City Sites then merged with Houses on the Hill, as well as Barbara Held, Inc. City Sites continued operations until 1996, when it was bought out by Weichert, which had no presence on the Hill. John stayed on for about a year but "felt like a fish out of water" because it was more corporate than he was used to. As he explained, "Capitol Hill even now thinks of itself as little and unique and had until then resisted the big guys like Weichert." John took his leave and went to work for Randall Hagner because he "liked their basic integrity and ability to provide more personalized serv·ice." And even though Hagner was Northwest-oriented, John continued with sales on Capitol Hill. Today you will still find John in the thick of things on the Hill, whether it is with his very active real estate career, supporting historic pro·grams and projects related to "his community," or visiting with the legions of friends he has made over the years. "This is the friendliest place we have ever lived," he impressed upon me. A Notable Mistake Before leaving Marty's I asked John to tell me one of the craziest things he had encountered on Capitol Hill. After mentioning the goat and don·key that lived on the 100 block of www.voiceofthehill.com built, just weren't designed and con·structed with energy savings in mind. One of the easier approaches for windows is to install a layer of plastic window installation. The kits, also available at Frager's, contain a thin piece of clear plastic that attaches to the inside of windows. After you attach the plastic to the window frame using adhesive strips, you wave a blow dryer over the plastic to shrink it to the proper size. The heat also eliminates creases and makes the plastic nearly transparent. The draw·back, though, is that the plastic is not entirely transparent and can make a prominent window rather unappealing. You may want to reserve this treatment for basement and attic windows or other less prominent windows in your house, such as in unused bedrooms. Fortunately, other options are available that block drafts as well. A variety of adhesive-backed vinyl, foam, and tubular weatherstripping will help to seal windows and doors with little to no aesthetic drawbacks. Another major source of heat loss is faulty or non-existent door sweeps. Because a door gets opened and closed so frequently, these tend to break down pretty quickly. And installing a new door sweep is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take in blocking the cold and keeping your heat (and heating dollars) inside. Another less obvious culprit in helping to inflate your heat bills could be drafty electrical outlets and light switches. Precut foam insula·tion inserts, which will likely pay for themselves before the weather warms, are an easy fix. And the effort you spend on sealing up your house won't be beneficial only in the win·ter months. A drafty house costs more to cool in the summertime, too. But your best tool in fighting a drafty house is common sense. You know, when it's cold, where the chilly spots are. Spend some time to find out why. Walk around slowly to see if you can feel a draft. Check around doors and windows to see what kind of heat loss they have. The little bit of effort that it takes will benefit you and your wallet for years to come. For February, when spending time outside doesn't even cross your mind, we'll talk about some easy but larger-scale projects you can tackle that make a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your house or apartment. DC resident Darrin Broadwater is a for·mer Hill dweller who enjoys getting his hands dirty. A Passion for Piñatas--And a Lot More Brother-Sister Team Creates Works of Art BY ELIZABETH FESTA halia and Tim Wiggins Well-Received Works of Art are a brother and sister One hot day last summer, the young team that work for days granddaughters and grandsons of to create bright, festive Virginia Johnson gathered with artworks designed to be their friends in the yard with a stick smashed to bits in min-to burst open a candy-fild basket-utes. For fun. ball piñata that hung from a tree. Sometimes their work appears aloft Granddaughter Rolonda Johnson as a bird or a bat, sometimes a giant, liked the basketball piñata even tiered cake--the kind you wished though she doesn't like sports, she someone would bake for you--and says, and recalls getting "a good other times their work reveals itself as whack" at the basketball. Thalia also comic book heroes or holiday icons. made a donkey piñata Rolonda likes, The Wiggins' piñatas have gone and her grandmother hopes to have from novelty items designed to help another piñata party for Rolonda for neighborhood kids gather for safe her New Year's Day birthday. fun as a refuge from sometimes dan-The piñata parties are good for the gerous streets near Gallaudet kids, Ms. Johnson says. She has 17 University to indulgent, decorative grandchildren and has raised twins. party pieces sold to adults at Eastern Besides getting the children off the Market-area crafts outposts. streets, where crime is sometimes an Before they are reduced to the issue (her car window was just pieces of paper mache, newspaper, smashed in the day before, she says), paint and confetti that created them, the piñata parties also help kids to they hung as the piñata creations of learn to play together and share-- Thalia, a 21-year-old aspiring artist, think of all the candies pouring out and her younger brother, a 13-year-of the piñata and the 10 kids running old autistic boy who, like many boys to gather them up. The activity also his age, would rather spend the helps reduce "the stress and frustra·money he makes than save it. No tions they are having," she says. sentimentality here over those who "Thalia works very hard in the smash his robust work to bits for the community with the children," Ms. sake of party favors and a little sport. Johnson notes; she also pays Thalia Their fledgling business even has a to tutor Rolonda twice a month. name that packs a wallop--the Thalia, who has a background in Passion of the Piñatas, so dubbed by nonprofit art projects and tutoring Tim after he had watched the sym-schoolchildren, said she first thought bolism-imbued Mel Gibson flick The of making piñatas for a purpose this Passion of the Christ earlier this year, past summer when she saw the little and came up with a catchy name sister of her high school friend either that satisfied his sister's desire for sitting around watching television or alliteration. just "causing mischief." She decided Alliteration is the last thing on the to put to use the piñata-making skills minds of the beneficiaries of she had learned while working with Wiggins' handiwork. neighborhood at the non-profit arts During Halloween, there were piñatas for indoor parties to combat worries about kids staying out too late. She made some Halloween-themed piñatas with Tim, the pump·kins, the turkeys, a big black bat. This fall she put her Easter egg-col-ored piñata cakes on sale at Hoopla Traders, where one sold for $25 immediately after it was put on dis-play--not to candy-loving young·sters but to two women in their 20s. The two friends, who shared the same birthday, were going to hang it on their porch "and whack it to death," they told Hoopla manager Aliesha Dennis. Those were Thalia's piñata cre·ations. Tim says he makes mostly the "simple ones," and his sister says he "gets very focused" and is visually oriented. "Most of the time, he would think about it in his head and have it done in a day," she says. His piñatas are the gremlins, skeleton heads and pumpkins of Halloween and Christmas ornaments and the New Year's stars of the holidays. He says his favorite part of the process is painting the piñatas. Recently, Tim was working on the woman's face in The Scream, the famous Edvard Munch oil painting. Thalia hopes his enterprising work with her will "help mold him into a responsible adult." Perhaps he will have the knowledge to make money on his own by the time he is 15, she says. Plans for the Future The Wiggins children live at home with their parents. The eldest broth·er, in his late 20s, is also autistic, Piñata "birthday cakes." workshop The Corner Store at 9th and South Carolina Streets, Southeast. She recalls the kids coming over in excitement for the summer party, "candy scattered all over the place," and joy on the little faces. "It is something you spend three days making. It lasted 15 minutes but it was worth it." Thalia settled on piñatas as an art form, she says, "because it is some·thing unique, something positive and something that would bring people together." Another neighbor remembers her youngest daughter bringing her a flier advertising Ms. Wiggins' work with her brother. Marion Anderson, a single mother of three children under 10, knew Thalia as a "very sweet young lady" from around the corner who had befriended her daughter, and gave the go-ahead for a piñata party for Ebony's seventh birthday this past July. Anderson recalls the piñata being "a bird or some kind of animal, but it was real pretty." "I wanted to pay her some money and she told me she just wanted to bring them to my little daughter's party. They were very nice--they were filled with candy already," recalls Ms. Anderson. After that, there were more piñata parties just for the heck of it. Those first piñata parties over at Ebony's house were rainy day activi·ties for the children when "there was nothing else to do," according to Thalia. But soon, she was trying to address parents' concerns as well as chil-dren's needs for fun and games. more so than Tim is. Pitching in and helping with the family finances is old hat to Thalia, who attended Schools Without Walls and graduat·ed from Elias Spingarn High School in 2001. She wants to help support her brothers and also pays her own way at home. Still, she plans to be in college, preferably Howard University, this time next year. Now the young woman is trying to support herself as an artist--she also has a dog-walking business--and charges what she feels is fair, taking into consideration not only the work she has put into a particular piñata, but also where she is selling it. "To be blunt," Thalia says, she charges twice as much in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market area, where her work is sold on consignment at Hoopla and was a available on a recent Second Saturday at The Corner Store, as she sells the piñatas in her own neighborhood. She charges from $12 for a fairly simple design up to $75 for an elabo·rate one. However, she finds SpongeBob SquarePants and Spiderman the most challenging because "I don't have cable" and doesn't have the figures available to her to study. A Good Place to Start Thalia got her start in the art world-and her paper mache experi-ence--at The Corner Store, where she worked as an assistant for three years to founder and sculptress Kris Swanson, leading children from Potomac Gardens and three area ele·mentary schools in art instruction and special community projects. "She is wonderfully positive, out·going, very friendly, and I love hav·ing her in my life," Swanson says. That said, Swanson apparently wants to have some pinks and greens, some Guatemalan and Mexican-themed piñatas made for Second Saturday, says Thalia, noting piñatas have cultural roots in Latin America, where they were made for weddings and other ceremonies. It's not just paper mache for Thalia--she's sometimes off to the Martin Luther King library to research the piñata's cultural history, dating back to the Incas and the Mayan cultures, she notes. Think of that next time you hear the thwack of a stick striking one of these riotously colored creations crafted by young hands passionately following an old tradition. Freelance writer Elizabeth Festa is a resi·dent of Independence Avenue, SE. Tim and Thalia Wiggins are proud of their art. Profiles Robin Jones: Revel at Heart BY AUTUMN KUEI t first glance, you may see a Thriving in the Community thoughtful, friendly soul, Before discovering Capitol Hill three but Robin Jones is a "revel" years ago, Jones lived in the Palisades at heart. One of the many and Mt. Rainier.rom the short reasons she loves Capitol Hill is that time she spent as a substitute teacher she thrives on being in the middle of at a private school, Jones has spent everything. the last five years at the Census As a three-year volunteer of the Bureau in her element. The Census Washington Revels (a non-profit per-Bureau provides her a form for cre· forming arts company producing ativity and endless opportunities to music theater, recordings and educa· learn. tional materials) she is a veteran to Balance between her work and per- front stage (chorus) or backstage sonal lives is less challenging than (coordinator for makeup) chaos. Her when she was a teacher, she says. favorite haunt is Mr. Henry's, and she These days, her math/logic ability is takes regular walks to the Mall after tested more than her patience. the end of the workday. Jones says, "I However, she is concerned about like having everything I need within obsession with project management walking distance. I like being able to classes since there is not a direct cor- run up to Eastern Market five times a relation between management skills day if I forget anything. I enjoy seeing and class attendance. it open and close when all the market When she first moved to Capitol people are chatting to each other. It Hill, Jones remained at her spiritual feels like a community." home in the Palisades. One day, she Jones is "technically" a native of realized there were four Episcopal the DC area. She was born in Fort churches within walking distance. Meade, while her father was in the First, she tried St. Mark's, which she U.S. Army band during the Vietnam thought, while impressive, did not Era. She was transplanted from have an intimate environment. Her Laurel, Md., at the age of two and grew up in the San Fernando Valley, not knowing her neighbors. From next venture was Christ Church. She fell in love with a community of fas·cinating longtime residents of the there, her trip back to the DC area Hill. took her on a circuitous route. She delights in telling about her Ohio's Oberlin College was her first winter at Christ Church. There first stop for a major in mathematics. was a foot and a half of snow, but During that time, she took a one-year Christ Church stayed open because hiatus to study down under at Mel- the minister lived next door. As a for- bourne University in Australia. The mer educator, she recognized that next stop took her to UCLA for a there were bright kids that didn't Master's Degree in Education. From seem to belong in a class with there, she moved out to the Califor-younger kids. She felt she would nia desert, where she taught math to enjoy their company and could cre·middle school kids for four years at a ate lessons more suitable for the public school. After the desert, she fourth to seventh graders. She has found herself in Minnesota, teaching taught Sunday School for the last math to middle school students at a year and a half. private school for three years. She Hobbies that Jones enjoys include returned to the DC area as a mathe-reading books like the Sizesaurus by matical statistician for the Census Stephen Strauss. This book embodies Bureau. the way that Jones sees the world, answering questions like "What would Santa Claus have to do to deliver all his presents in one night? Which celestial body is equal in vol·ume to 54,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000 Big Macs? How hot would Hell be and how cold would Hell have to be before it froze over?" When she isn't knee-deep in "revelry," she enjoys Robin works backstage doing makeup for the Revels. singing songs by Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Her love of food is evi·denced by her willingness to support the local cheese merchant by pur·chasing cheese for $12 a pound, her ability to throw together a pan of lemon cream shortbread cookies, and whip up a rich chocolate mousse. A Tale of Two Cities Jones sees a separation on the Hill between "the haves" and "the have·nots" and not much in between. As part of "the haves," Jones supports the idea of tithing. She gives a cer·tain percentage to Christ Church, a certain percentage to the Combined Federal Campaign and rounds it all out by spurring on the local econo·my by shopping at Eastern Market. "I feel like I'm living in two differ·ent cities. Sometimes, I pass by empty lots that seem to sit empty. I don't know what holds up develop·ment when people are trying to make improvements. [Perhaps] things would be more speedy if there was more [cohesion] between the histori·cal society and general DC govern·ment." She has friends whose landlords have owned apartment buildings and had difficulties obtaining the correct permits. The same question can pro·duce different answers every time it is asked. Her most vivid personal expe·rience was with DC Public Schools. When Jones first arrived in the area, she went to a job fair that turned out to be a cattle call for anyone who wanted a teaching job. She was there for four hours in a hot auditorium while the interviewers processed as many candidates as possible. She was interviewed by many middle school principals whose schools weren't hir·ing. She was told that she had to choose a job that day without know·ing anything about the schools where she would be working. This, however, has not deterred her from tutoring local children once a week. Overall, Jones is concerned about the "general selfishness of people." She cites the example of people car·ing more about their own children's school then the district as a whole. Instead of trying to improve area schools, people want to enlist your help simply for their school. "People are stepping on each other an awful lot to get what they want," she says. The motivation is to sepa·rate you and your loved ones from anything that's negative, she believes. A survey at her college asked students why they were there; she was dismayed to learn two-thirds of the students answered to earn more money when they graduate. She also sees evidence of this in the govern·ment workplace, where the motiva·tion is to earn as much money as humanly possible. She sees govern·ment employment as a place where people can be creative, work hard, stay protected from the market, and maintain a reasonable schedule so there is time for their family. A Nomadic Future Jones' current address is the longest she's stayed in one place since she was age 13. While she may settle in an area of DC and stay at the same job, she is just as likely to move to another state to pursue a Master's Degree in Statistics. Her wanderlust has taken her on many trips abroad. She has been to Germany, Australia, Costa Rica, Can·ada, Spain and countless US cities. Her most enjoyable memories were times spent doing mundane things that speak volumes about other cul·tures. In Costa Rica, she bought gar·bage cans for a friend's new office and discovered that not all countries have an endless supply of plastic. In Germany, she visited an honor sys·tem, cut-your-own flower garden (where the scissors and cash miracu·lously stayed where they belonged). Her dream trip abroad is to spend a year wandering the globe, taking lan·guage lessons and living with locals. She would sample a country or two on each continent and spend a month in each doing mundane things to learn about the people. Jones says, "I learn from every·one," but the most influential person in Jones' life is her older sister. Only 15 months apart in age, they were nearly inseparable growing up. One person she regrets not spend·ing more time with was Em Gardner, her host mother for a year in Aus·tralia while she was in college. "At the time, Em was a very confident, active 95-year-old, and I was an extremely shy and self-centered 20-year-old. I dismissed her many offers of meals and tea, thinking she was just being nice, not realizing she real·ly, really wanted company." Jones wishes now simply to absorb Em's great stories of growing up as the youngest of 11 children during the Depression. During her wanderings, Jones had the opportunity to observe other examples of independence. She once saw a little old lady at a local conven·ience store. She was dress ed in a little old lady pink blouse and matching polyester pants. When she left the store, she hopped on a motorcycle and rode away. Jones hopes she will exhibit this type of courage when she is older, to stand by her beliefs. In the meantime, she hopes her neighbors realize that she really wants to meet them, but she is some·times shy about reaching out to peo·ple on the street. Autumn Kuei is a regular contributor to the Voice. Profiles The Peace Warrior Kim Lamberty--A Life of Service BY GENE C. MILLER he broken bone near Kim the Foreign Service finally beckoned, Lamberty's left elbow is pret-Kim was waving farewell in order to ty well healed now, though take up a new kind of service. the joint is still stiff. Her doc-Having converted to Roman tors have told her she will eventually Catholicism, she found a position be able to straighten her elbow com-with St. John the Baptist Catholic pletely again. Church in Silver Spring as Director of "I've been told not to do any heavy Social Concerns. She also found time lifting," she said recently. Her right to complete another graduate degree, knee is still stiff, too, as well as being this time in theology at the numb in places, so she began riding Washington Theological Union. her bike to restore its flexibility. "I loved my work at St. John's," she "When I talked with the doctors comments. While she was working about riding my bike, they told me there, it was becoming clearer and not to fall on my arm," she stated. clearer to her that "...peacemaking is The gashes on her hand and chin central to the life of a Christian." are pretty well healed: they look like The events of September 11, 2001, lines from a small, pink magic mark-changed Kim. "After 9/11," she says, er. The most visible reminder of the "I began to ask myself questions incident now is the lovely cane that about the role I was playing. If peace-stands by the door of her Capitol Hill making is central to the life of a apartment. She got the broken arm, Christian, then I needed to be a the twisted knee, the pink gashes, peacemaker." and the cane after she was assaulted For Kim, taking peacemaking seri-by Israeli settlers in Hebron while she ously led her to an organization was walking with a group of five called Christian Peacemaker Teams Palestinian schoolchildren to their (CPT). This group, rooted in the school. Mennonite tradition, was formed after a Mennonite named Ron Sider The Path to Hebron had challenged a church conference What was Kim doing in Hebron, with these words: "Unless we...are escorting Palestinian children to ready to start to die by the thousands school? Thereby hangs our story. It in dramatic, vigorous new exploits starts with Kim finishing a graduate for peace and justice, we should sadly degree in international affairs at confess that we never really meant Columbia University in 1986. She what we said, and we dare never came to Washington with her eye on whisper another word about pacifism a career in the Foreign Service. to our sisters and brothers in those Starting at USIA, she moved on over desperate lands filled with injustice. to the State Department, with a posi-Unless we are ready to die developing tion as a political officer coming new, nonviolent attempts to reduce within reach. conflict, we should confess that we But at the same time, there was never really meant that the cross was another career track underway for an alternative to the sword...." her. Raised in the United Church of Christ, she found herself wanting to A Challenge of Words and explore the implications of her spiri-Action tual life more deeply, even while pur-Sider's 1984 challenge released both suing her State Department career. words and action amongst the "I used to see people demonstrat- Mennonites, the Church of the ing in front of State about injustice in Brethren, and some Quakers: by Central America. I talked with lots of 1992, CPT had sent teams to Haiti, friends and read many, many books. Iraq, and the West Bank of Israel with There was no single moment, but I the sole objective of reducing vio·realized fairly early on that I was in the wrong place," she says. And after a pause, she adds: "Thank God I realized!" Just when lence in crisis situations. Kim takes Sider's words as saying that peacemakers have to be willing www.voiceofthehill.com reporting, and to accompany com·munities who are at risk of violence." And accompanying a community at risk is what she was doing when she was attacked. The Force of Violence The Palestinians near Hebron had built a school, but the path from one small Palestinian village to the school led right past an Israeli settle·ment named Ma'on. The Palestinian children had the option of taking a two-hour detour to avoid going past Ma'on or taking the 20-minute walk past it directly to the school. According to Kim, "the settlers at Ma'on are known for violence--they to take the same risks that soldiers had beaten the children, had con-take by going into violent areas. "My taminated the Palestinians' drinking cousin is a Navy SEAL," she explains. water sources by throwing dead "What can I say to him? What can I chickens into wells, and had uproot-say as a peacemaker? Am I serious, or ed the olive trees which were a signif·am I just words?" icant source of income for the CPT set as its priority the develop-Palestinians. CPT was asked to pro·ment of a core of 12 full-time team vide a measure of security simply by members with a larger corps of accompanying this small group of "reservists" who would volunteer for five children past the Ma'on settle- a few months at a time. When CPT ment." announced a training session for "On my third day there, we were reservists in Washington last spring, attacked," Kim says. "It was very Kim signed on. Halfway through the early in the morning. We were walk-training, she knew she had found a ing to school with five Palestinian home--she left her job at St. John's. children, who ranged in age from six "The cornerstone of Christianity is to eleven. Five settlers dressed in service and justice," she says. "If we black, masked, and carrying chains aren't that, then I don't know what came out of the Ma'on settlement we are. CPT's spirituality is right for outpost. We immediately turned me." back and told the children to run CPT's work in the West Bank had ahead. My colleague, Chris, and I led to explorations with both were between the settlers and the Palestinian and Jewish groups regard-children. The settlers came for us. ing the situation in the mostly They threw us on the ground and Muslim town of Hebron, where vio-beat us, kicking us and hitting us lence between Palestinians and radi· with the chains. cal Israeli settlers had made the area a "When they stopped and left, both powder keg. In 1995, CPT had of us were pretty badly injured. Chris responded to an invitation from the In answer to the inevitable question: "Are you nuts?," Kim smiles and says, "I hope not. I have to be willing to take risks to build a world of justice and peace. Because I totally believe it, I can't live any other way." had a punctured lung. Neither of us mayor of Hebron and placed a team could walk. I had tried to get out my there. Kim chose to go there because cell phone to call my other CPT col- "the oppression of Palestinians is a leagues for help, but it flew out of my major issue in terms of perceptions of hand when I fell, and the settlers the U.S. in the Middle East. By going took it. In about ten or 15 minutes, there, I'm trying not to be complicit though, members of Operation Dove with my government's policies that and my other CPT colleagues were on oppress people." the scene. But until then, it was very "CPT teams have three goals," she scary: where were the attackers?" continues, "to reduce violence, to do "Then settler security forces came. human rights monitoring and One of them told me, 'Your presence here has upset the balance of power.' They didn't offer to help or call an ambulance. Then after about 15 or 20 minutes, the police came. Finally, we were taken to the hospital by some Palestinians." After casts were put on her arm and lhe was released from the hospital. Her colleague, Chris, had to stay for about five days. In answer to the inevitable ques·tion: "Are you nuts?," Kim smiles and says, "I hope not. I have to be willing to take risks to build a world of jus·tice and peace. Because I totally believe it, I can't live any other way." The Force of Peace CPT representatives have had to respond to the charge that they are not only pro-Palestinian, but anti-Semitic as well. Kim has heard that one often and has a ready answer: "CPT/Hebron has always worked with lots of Jewish groups. We've worked with Rabbis for Human Rights, Ta'ayush, Maksum Watch, and Woman in Black, to name a few. It's important to remember that these Israeli settlers are extremists. We don't see them as representatives of Jewish thinking and activities in general. The problem we see is that they're not being held accountable by the Israeli government." "If there's going to be peace there," she continues, "Both sides have to deal with their extremists. The Palestinian Authority is being told to deal with their extremists, but the Israeli government is not." And then she sighs, "I wish people would let go of their holy sites and start acting holy instead..." The early December sun shines brightly in Kim's apartment, lighting up her room and the cane by the door. "I needed to come home," she says. "The work in Hebron is unbe·lievably intense, but we need to come down from it." And she loves living on the Hill. "My street is quiet. There's plenty of parking and Metro. And everything I need is within a few blocks. It's so great here, but we shouldn't tell any·one because then they'll all want to come here." But that cane by the door reminds her how much of her heart is still in Hebron; it was given to her by the Palestinian security guard who drove her to the hospital. "I really want to be in Hebron," is how she sums it up. And Hebron is where she hopes to go, as soon as CPT thinks she's ready to be a peace warrior on the front lines again. Writer Gene Miller is a frequent contrib·utor to this newspaper. Profiles Making Music--Here at Home Local Artists Share Experiences; a Look into the DC Scene BY KATIE MCLEOD eyond drinks, dancing and a chology and a developing music variety of restaurants to dine career. at any night of the week in Hartwell now works full time on Washington, DC, the city's Capitol Hill for a senator from Idaho, music scene offers a variety of local but remains dedicated to writing and jazz, bluegrass, folk, Celtic, rock playing. artists and singer/songwriters for "If I could make a career out of entertainment. music, I would do it in a heartbeat," Various night clubs, bars, coffee Hartwell says. "And I would love to houses and even book stores in the do that." area have live musical guests per-A Hill resident for three years, form. Local newspapers will often Hartwell lives close to his day job, provide listings of events. Searching but will travel for shows in addition for a performance may seem daunt-to playing locally. ing if unfamiliar with the scene, but Hartwell tries to play gigs about calling an establishment or checking once per month, he says, and has out its website for a performance played about 20 performances this schedule before going out can be a year, half of those in DC. Otherwise successful way to obtain informa-he plays mostly in Arlington, Va., tion. and tries to play a couple of shows a Many local musicians record their year in Utah and Idaho, he says. He's music, sell CDs and are played on also performed in Alexandria, Va., local radio. DC 101 - "DC's Rock and Baltimore. Station" - airs "Local Lix" Sundays at When Hartwell performs live, he 9 p.m. The show is dedicated to play-sings while playing the piano. ing the music of local bands Hartwell draws his inspiration for (http://www.dc101.com/onair/ songwriting from his personal rela-locallix.html). tionships, whether romantic, friend- For the musicians, staying part of ships or family. He finds it difficult the music scene is about playing, to write about a relationship he's cur-writing, networking, scheduling, and rently involved in, he says, so rather playing some more ... he reflects upon past experiences. Jeff Schaeffer, 24, of New York City, From the Senate to has been a fan of Hartwell's for four the Stage years. Schaeffer became friends with Self-described as a singer/songwriter Hartwell while studying at GWU and in the same vein as Coldplay, David found his music enjoyable, he says. Grey and Ben Folds Five, Chris "His songs tell stories through per- Hartwell is driven and passionate sonal experiences and metaphors," Schaeffer says. "His songs really cap- about his music. An Idaho native, Hartwell, 27, ture his innermost feelings, thoughts and emotions." moved to DC to attend George Schaeffer describes Hartwell as laid Washington University. He graduat· back and as one of the most level· ed in December 2001, with a degree in communications, a minor in psy-headed people he's ever met. "What drives Chris's music is not the goal of becoming famous or selling an album," he says. "Chris loves mak·ing music. His passion to play for people and to have his music heard by others is what drives him." Shane German Chris Hartwell Hartwell says his music has evolved since he first started writing. "Writing music is very therapeutic." Chelsey Penrod, 26, of Alexandria, Va., has been a fan of Hartwell's for two years. Penrod describes Hartwell's music as "sort of a mix between singer/songwriter and pop." Penrod, who learned of Hartwell's music as his coworker, goes to his gigs almost every time he plays, she says. "I like that his instrument of choice is the piano," Penrod says. "There aren't a lot of good musicians out there doing piano - mostly just guitar. I think that gives his music a different feel than a lot of what's out there." Hartwell knows how to get the crowd involved, she says. "He has a good feel for what the audience's mood is--whether they're there to have fun or maybe a little more seri·ous and subdued. He reads the crowd well and knows how to appeal to them and the result is usually a very dynamic performance with a lot of energy from the crowd." Since the age of six, Hartwell has been playing the piano. He began taking voice lessons and choir in jun·ior high school before eventually going on to college where he started writing music during the end of his freshman year. During Hartwell's junior and senior years of college he took music theory classes, and by the end of his senior year he felt confi·dant enough to play his own music, he says. Hartwell has been playing solo the last three years. He's now playing with a guitarist and bassist in prepa·ration for producing an upcoming CD, which he hopes to release by the end of 2005 if not sooner, he says. Hartwell will eventually begin look·ing for a drummer because he would like to record the CD with a full band, he says. "Music is something that I enjoy and I don't want it to become some·thing that stresses me out or more professional than personal," Hartwell says. Hartwell performed at Art-O-Matic 2004 in Northeast DC in December. He also played at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in April. Hartwell released his CD, All I Fear, in 2001. It's available for purchase at CDBaby.com. A schedule of Hartwell's upcoming performances, audio clips of his music and photos of past per·formances can be found at his web-site, www.chrishartwell.com. A 'Good Mix' "In all, I think DC is a great place for opportunities," Hartwell says, noting that he is part of an "eclectic" local music scene. (continued on page 51) You,the Jury (With Apologies to Mickey Spillane) Jury Duty: The Most Unpopular Civic Responsibility BY JOSHUA GRAY Like most good citizens, my first reac-insomniacs will recall that Channel 5 tion to a jury duty summons is a for many years aired Mason re-runs in glow of civic-minded pride, a sense the small hours of the morning). of wonder at the gravity and potency DC jury duty, then as now, conferred by citizenship. Then I try revolves around The Big Room. After to find a way out. viewing Chanl 7 stalwart Maureen The problem is, as virtuous as the Bunyan in an orientation video, the notion of participatory democracy unfortunate are left to gel in The Big might be, it's awfully inconvenient. Room. The Big Room is airless, time-Dodging jury duty is one of the most less, lit by special government-spec-egalitarian forms of amateur sport, trum-fluorescent tubes, the kind that open to virtually anyone with a dri-threaten to induce a seizure at any ver's license or voter registration moment. It doesn't take long for a card. Unlike more physical undertak-sort of mob-stupor to set in. Some ings, avoiding one's duty as a citizen hope to be called. Others pray to be is a competition at which many, left adrift. It's an interesting barome·many Americans excel. This, howev-ter of personality, or at least thresh·er, is the story of the hyper-responsi-old for boredom. ble minority--the few who choose to Those whose numbers are called sit on the sidelines of avoidance and are still only potential jurors. This fulfill their responsibilities to the pool is subjected to a process known public good. as voir dire, which is French for jelly My own disdain for this particular doughnut (with anti-French senti-lynchpin of freedom is largely ment on the rise, this is expected to informed by my first experience. I be changed to "Hey, this is your last couldn't pinpoint the exact year, but shot!"). In voir dire, the line is drawn it was some time in the late '70s or between the genuinely civic-minded, early '80s that I was first summoned and those who will make a final, des-to 500 Indiana Avenue. Jury duty was perate try to avoid sitting in judg·far different--and far more demand-ment of their fellow man, or at least ing--than it is today. sitting for an indeterminate time in At the time, potential jurors were really uncomfortable chairs, listening required to serve, to the best of my to really tedious testimony. recall, for 14 working days, at a pay The great majority of jury cases, rate of $30 per day. For most working you see, are not sexy. They are not people, this could be a disastrous interesting. They do not feature interruption of their lives, not to dynamic, handsome attorneys and mention their economy. Fortunately, sympathetic plaintiffs. They are, in a it was really, really easy to get out of word, Dullsville. There's no getting showing. Inevitably, this meant that around it--the central feature of jury the bulk of the participants were duty is boredom. Mind-numbing, unemployed folk who saw this as an soul-sapping boredom. easy source of supplemental income. But maybe my perspective is taint-At the time without a steady means ed--it wouldn't be the first time. So I of support, I could count myself took the opportunity to make a brief among these naïfs. survey of the public. Perhaps the Besides, like any intelligent young American People had a better out-person, I was hungry for new experi-look. Unfortunately, the public ences, and had a sense that there couldn't be contacted from my apart-might be fodder for my writing, or at ment. Having seen the backlash that least good people watching. It's can arise from making up sources, I worth pointing out, too, that my called on friends and family. father is a now-retired judge, and, if Unfortunately, my friends and he had failed to instill a sense of civic family are dullards. My friend responsibility, he nevertheless would Jonathan, a Hill resident for ten years have kicked me out of the house if I'd (who'd like me to mention that he's a blown it off. All those late-night graphic designer), is usually good for episodes of Perry Mason didn't hurt, an amusing insight. At this point, I'd either. (Longtime Washingtonian settle for a witty bon mot. No such DC resident Joshua Gray is one of our newest contributing writers. It's January--What Needs to be Done? BY JUDITH CAPEN anuary is a good month to simplify after the excesses of the holiday season. It's a good month to focus on work (both paid and that done at the gym) and nesting. If you are a rest·less nester so back-to-back DVDs aren't going to work, you might look around every room and note what needs to be done. "Needs to be done" ranges from using Murphy's Oil Soap to clean gunge off wood, to clutter management, to major redecorat·ing, to resigning yourself to getting some, or all, of your house painted. A January Checklist Here are a few things that might need to be done if your house is like mine: 1. Wash all exposed wood that has developed a patina that is more dirt than anything nice, includ·ing around the knobs on doors, stair railings, on the ladder to the loft. After cleaning off the yuck, you may need to take a swipe with some Watco or other furniture oil. 2. Finish projects begun long ago. Or not so long ago. Put a coat of paint over the patch on the ceiling where the roof leaked. That's the repair from four years ago. Finish stripping the stair balusters (As if. Maybe the better course is to spend a Saturday strip·ping just to remind yourself why you still haven't finished after ten years and look around for a detail-oriented college student to wrap it up...). The key here, I think, is to look for the things you would have to do to put your house up for sale. Rather than get all those little things finally done the week before you leave the house forever, do them now to enjoy yourself. 3. Undo mistakes you inherited when you bought the house (like dumb, inappropriate light fixtures, inside and out; wall to wall carpet; hideous wall paper...). When ripping out that '50s or '60s or '70s ill-advised garbage, try to use good judgment so what·ever you put in doesn't become ill-advised 21st cen·tury garbage. 4. Undo mistakes you yourself made back when you were young, didn't know any better, were drunk...Come on: we all know there are things we'd do differently if we were doing them today. Maybe now is the time to bite the bullet and undo/redo. Accept we all make mistakes and it's better to admit it and fix them than to keep living with them... 5.Fix the mistakes the contractor made when you redid things before (the damned lavatory: installed crooked 15 years ago; still crooked). 6. Organizing, tidying, dealing with the accumula·tions. Remember the row house rule: for everything that came into the house over the gift-giving sea·son, during the post-Christmas sales, when Aunt Effie died, something has to leave the house. If your house is particularly packed, you may want to make it two things go out for everything that comes in. Maybe you'll decide it's time to commission those cabinets and bookshelves. 7. So, if the youngest has left for college, you've finally banished the bicycles from the living room, and an unexpected check arrived, maybe it's time to consider painting the inside of the house. Or do it yourself (as if). Remember, you're going to have to pay the painters to move your stuff out of the way, so the first step really should be number six above to reduce the amount of stuff they have to move. You may find you can defer painting until next January and spend the next twelve months organizing in preparation for painting. Winter, if we have one with cold weather, is a good time to think about interior painting since painters are not that interested in doing interiors in the summer when they can be doing exterior work in any decent weather. Here are some things to make sure your painter understands you want him (or her) to do: · Remove outlet and switch plates before paint·ing. Then reinstall. · Use oil base semi-gloss in bathrooms and kitchens (yes, it's still available, although it prob·ably won't be for much longer). · Consider painting the ceiling the same color as the walls if the walls are real light anyway. This makes for a simpler, therefore, less expensive job. Use the money you save to go to Paris for the week the painting is being done. · Inspect the work at the end of each day and make the painter clean the paint off anything it slops over onto but shouldn't...(you can do this all at once when you get back from Paris). · Consider using premium interior paint (Bere, Sherwin Williams etc. John Jefferson says good quality interior latex, flat paint washes much better than local brands, so you might could wash it instead of repainting. But then who's gonna wash walls? Then again, I might be tempted to if it meant I didn't have to move all the books, the furniture, and the piles to repaint...). 8. Start the planning process for projects that are nice-weather dependent like restoring your window sash, a new roof, exterior painting, new iron stoop and steps to replace the deteriorating brick, cutting in a new skylight, installing the whole house fan. You can make decisions, get prices, get a building permit. 9. Put in central cooling. Winter is busy on the heating side but is a good time to do the thinking, planning, pricing, permitting, and construction for cooling. 10. Dig out the basement. 11. Always: peruse the seed catalogs and think about the garden for next year. 12. Clean the ceiling fans.And, while you're at it, walk the house looking up and dust all those cob·webs. 13. Answer the door when the firewood guys ring, buy some, build a fire, make hot chocolate, and read one of your gift books. Whatever you end up doing, remember a couple of things: The house is closed up in the winter, so you will be living with fumes from various kinds of work: paint, adhesives for anything glued, off-gassing from many construction products. Don't forget you need a building permit if any plumbing lines are cut or if the work is substantial. You can often get a repair permit while walking your filled out permit application through. Please respect your historic building fabric when it's still present. Try to keep interior decorating in line with the essential nature of the house. People who want mega crown molds may install them, whether their 13-foot wide house is going to look silly with 'em or not, but try to think about what the modifications mean. High Victorian in an Arts and Crafts house built in 1918 is a weird denial of what the house is. Not Groovy Dear Judith: The topside of the groove on my tongue and groove pine floor is popping off. In places in the basement you can see light above. What should we do? We've been thinking of laying a new wood floor over the old one. LOST OUR GR OO VE ON SOUTH C A R OLINA www.voiceofthehill.com Dear Groove: We took a look and your floor is the victim of ram·pant sanding, just as I periodically warn against in this column (it goes something like this: Don't polyurethane wood floors as then you, or someone, have to sand them to get it off before putting more on...and our floors, especially the pine ones, only have about three sandings in them before there is so little wood left on the top part of the groove that it cracks off...) The bad news is there is no simple solution, except to refrain from sanding. But, after all that sanding and the damage is done, no solutions. When faced with those gaping voids between the boards, one's first thought is to fill them. Alas, the fillers pop out. I needed to be sure of this myself, so I insisted the cracks and gaps in our pine floor be filled one time when it was being worked on by a flooring company. Sure enough, most of the filler lasted only a little while. However, some of it is still in place, for whatever that is worth. You might be tempted, as I think you already were, to install an entire new floor over the old pine one. Several problems. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, builders usually installed a single layer of tongue and groove boards right on top of the floor joists. There was no subfloor. Today, builders install a layer of five-eighths-inch or three-quarter-inch plywood over the joists, then frame the interior walls on top of that and install finish flooring within the rooms. In the old days, the inte·rior walls were framed, usually without a bottom wall plate, right on top of the three-quarter-inch T & G floor, the same boards that would become the finish floor. What the old method with the "finish" floor extending under the walls means for us today is that you don't remove the damaged flooring but install new on top. Thus, all shoe molding at baseboards must be removed, and probably new reinstalled, since removing the old stuff will probably destroy it. It means the new floor is not going to extend into the pocket door recesses, and that your pocket doors won't work anymore unless you take them out and cut them down. It means that you will have to install or reinstall shoe molding everywhere because no one can fit new flooring well enough at trim and so forth to eliminate that shoe mold Band-Aid. Finally, the extra layer of thickness means that the first riser of the steps to the second floor will be 3/4 inch shorter than the rest of the risers and the first step to the basement will be taller by 3/4 inch.* Building codes typically limit the difference between the highest and lowest risers to no more than 3/8 inch in a run. This is for good reason: your feet get used to a cer·tain rhythm of heights in steps, and when it changes you're much more likely to trip... (If you find a contractor who pooh-poohs height differences and says, "Why don't you just install Pergo or one of the other laminated floors? They're thin and we can glue it down." I'll talk about these floors next month, but the basic answer is "no." And, whenever anyone uses the word :just" to describe how easy or simple something is, distrust them. Think about how surgeons describe major surgery as a "procedure." When a contractor starts saying, "We can just take out that wall...", be advised. It's like asserting, "We could have world peace if people would just talk with each other." There is a universe in that "just." The word just con·tains a universe you do not want to get to know with your contractor.) Wall to wall carpet would also solve your prob·lem. It's not what the people who built our houses would have installed; your pocket doors still won't work, it will exacerbate everyone's allergies, and is basically a throw away since you will doubtless replace it long before it is worn out because it's grub·by or you're sick of it. But it would cover up the problems. If you are attracted to this option, please be sure to specify rolled edges wherever the carpet ends and none of that icky rubber edging. Here's my recommendation, having looked at the floor and considered the not-so-good alternatives: Since the worst damage to your floor is in the middle of the rooms, I think the best solution is one that involves no construction at all: area rugs! You can buy nice rugs that will appreciate in value instead of just being something to replace. And, someday, if you move, you can take them with you (I believe my fellow columnist, Linda Norton, has some advice about buying rugs in her column this month). * Some wise guy is going to be thinking, "But you could deal with the height difference if you added 5/8" thick material on the first step, 3/4" thick on the second, 3/8" on the third, and so forth..."but then you'd have to completely carpet the whole stair to cover up all that plywood and masonite... Judith Capen, registered architect, writes this popular column. She would like to call her readers' attention to the fact that others have called it a popular column. She hopes it is true. New Year, Clean Slate, Big Ideas BY LINDA NORTON e each envision the coming of a new year differently. Whether we see 2005 as a time to be turning over a new leaf, or whether we are merely turning over a calendar page, by the time January arrives most of are ready for a rest from the holiday bustle. We are also ready to begin tackling all of the tasks that we postponed until "after the holidays." This January, we here at the Voice of the Hill are trying to keep you busy with home projects. You weren't planning to sit in front of the fire with a good book, were you? Now that the tinsel is packed away and the candle wax is cleaned off of the tablecloth, it's time to move on. Roll out the Welcome Wagon For many people 2005 brings them to a new place to live. Record numbers of houses have changed hands on Ca and its ever widening environs. This year an unusually large number of Washingtonians are living in spaces that are new and/or new to them. Many of those are first-time homeowners, and they are pretty much starting from scratch in terms of furnishings. Stuff from your old apartment may not have made the move with you, some won't fit, and some pieces simply look less desirable in your new digs. The result being that whether you are in a new place or are re-doing a room in your home of many years, you may be considering a furniture purchase, new floor, painting or electrical work this winter. There is Good News! Your decision to procrastinate until after the holi·days is about to be rewarded. Electricians, carpen·ters and painters do not usually plan to work outside after November and may be offering good pricing and availability to keep themselves and their crew busy. Seamstresses for slipcovers and window treat·ment, along with upholsterers have survived the "have to have it done by Christmas" rush and are ready to work at a normal pace. The furniture facto·ries, which closed down for the holidays are up and running and resuming production on custom pieces. Back in the Day... There was a time, back before all merchandise was on sale all of the time, that stores would have the January white sale. It was the only time during the year that the prices of linens and other home fur·nishings were discounted. Even now, January remains the month that furniture and accessories have the first of their annual sales. Stores and show·rooms are looking to clear their floor samples before inventory and the factories are eager to clear out the 2004 collections. There are definitely bargains to be had. Measure, Measure, Measure I've said it before, and will undoubtedly say it again, a sofa looks way smaller in the huge furniture store that it will in your 12x15 living room. In order to avoid buyer's remorse, PLEASE make the following measurements before embarking on your first shop·ping trip. · Measure your room (and any specific wall or space where the new piece will go) · Measure an existing sofa, chair or rug as a frame of reference Example: "Hmmm, our old sofa is 75"long by 35"deep, anything smaller and we won't be com·fortable lying down for a nap," or "Gosh, our old sofa is 75" long but I see from my notes that this fab·ulous new 84" model will fit into the space just fine." · Measure the number of steps up or down, (do they turn??) as well as the outside door through which the new piece will be delivered and every door and turn that the delivery men will have to make to set the piece in place. · Take all of the above measurements with you when you shop. Colors, Finishes and Fabrics Any furniture store or department worth its salt will let you take fabric and wood finish samples home with you for further study. This is of crucial impor·tance so that you can see them in the light and color environment of your own room. You will be very surprised to see how different the colors and tex·tures appear when they are out of the artificially lit, usually windowless showroom space. Some stores will only let you take samples home overnight. They also may limit the number of sam·ples to three or four. In this case take three you think will work pretty well and include a "long shot" which you like even though you think that it won't look right. Once you look at them in the space, with the other furnishings, you may be surprised when the fourth choice looks the best. Furniture pieces which consist of solid surfaces (no upholstery) such as dressers and end tables are called "case pieces." A "solid wood" piece will have veneers over solid wood construction. "Solid mahogany" pieces, for instance, are not made of mahogany boards; they consist of thin mahogany veneers laminated to wood. In less expensive furni·ture, the veneers may be laminated to composition board. By using veneers, the furniture industry uses many fewer of the slow growing hardwood trees. This process also allows for the repetition of beauti·ful wood grain patterns on a series of drawers, or on the top of a dining room table. In regard to wood finishes, the finishes in a room need not match; however, an extremely light fin·ished piece will grab all of the attention when the other pieces in the room have a dark finish. If you're using actual period antiques, it's best to maintain the original finish. The rich patina of a fine old wood piece can never be replicated and never needs to "match" anything. The finishes on reproduction pieces are generally true to the periods which they represent. Upholstery fabrics have benefited greatly from recent stain protection advances. The natural fibers of cotton, wool, and silk have always been the most durable. Now they can be made practically impervious to many stains as well. New synthetics, often seen wearing the Sunbrella label, and used for awnings and indoor outdoor upholstery have expanded their products to include a number of soft woven fabrics as well. The profusion of microfiber suede on every furni·ture showroom floor is a clear indicator that the fab·ric is a hot seller. It's comfortable to sit on, comes in an extremely wide range of colors, tailors well and is completely washable with a sponge, soap and water. What you should look for on upholstered pieces: · Straight seams and cording (welt) · Matched patterns, plaids and stripes · Cushions that fit well · Comfort! The outside of a piece of furniture is what you fall in love with, but, as always, the beauty needs to be more than skin deep for the love, or the piece, to last. Construction is the key to protecting your investment. What to look for beneath the upholstery: · A hard-wood frame that has been braced, screwed and glued. No squeaks! · 8-way hand tied springs or sinuous coils that have tight loops · Canvas or nylon webbing to support the springs · Dense polyurethane foam cushions with a good multilayer wrap of polyester fibers, down or both Maybe you just need a rug Volumes have been written about purchasing rugs. If you are a rug connoisseur, you may have read many of them and you probably have your favorite purveyors. My suggestion is that if you have the time, the money, and the inclination to be a collec·tor of carpets there are endless delights awaiting dis- www.voiceofthehill.com covery (and the search process is half the fun). The fact is, there are exciting rugs available now for every taste, room and budget. Carpets or "area rugs" remain one of the last bastions of negotiation; and there are a number of places to shop where reduced prices are easy to find. Find a rug that you love. Wool and silk will wear like iron. Printed or tufted synthetic fibers are now treated so that virtu·ally nothing stains them, and cotton braided or tufted rugs give you brilliant colors to use with more casual color schemes. Some exquisite rugs are sold by private dealers who will select a collection and will present it to you privately while sipping wine in your very own living room. Some rugs are sold on street corners. We have merchants right on 7th Street who carry excellent quality rugs and who bring them to your home and put them on the floor, or let you take several home on approval. If you're just in the market for something to wipe your feet on by the front door, or put in your son's room, try Ikea or department stores. Bakersfield Rugs near Bailey's Crossroads, or the Oriental Rug Gallery at Seven Corners, or Expo are all in Virginia and offer a wide range of rugs. Don't get too caught up in the "under the sofa legs or completely in front of the sofa" question. I prefer a larger rug over a smaller one because it makes the room seem larger; but, if I found a gor·geous rug that I loved, I'd use it regardless. What to buy now Some people care a great deal about the current hot item and the next big thing. So, although I do not generally spend time touting the trendy, I just can't resist letting the cat out of the bag about the trend predictions coming to architects, interior designers and home furnishing purveyors throughout the major cities of our fair land. As always, everything old is new again...only this time, when we have barely thrown out all of the old harvest gold and avocado green, yes, they are back! Oh, no one would think of calling the colors by those names; we now know them as sage or moss, ochre and pumpkin...and they are beautiful. Neutrals and naturals are back in a big way, as is chocolate brown. Formica is leading the way in plastic laminates with radical new photographic techniques that can put a babbling brook in your very own powder room. And yes, just when you finished scraping it all off and applying all of those faux finishes, wallpaper is back. Yes, schedule a wallpaper person soon, because the four or five who are still in business are going to be impossible to reach. Grasscloth, geomet·rics, and botanicals on Mylar (foil) backgrounds, and photographic murals are hot, hot, hot at trade shows and cutting edge showrooms. Rugs, even hand woven Tibetans, now have much less in the way of pattern (perhaps only a border). Broadloom carpet has tone-on-tone sculpted pat·tern, and the pile yarns in carpet are lengthening once again to the "shag" level. Flokati rugs have been featured in several shelter magazines. Go where there's always a Sale! Often our busy lives and strained budgets don't coincide with the special sale calendar. We here in Washington are fortunate to live near a large num·ber of "outlet" shopping venues. The most exciting one for deep discounts on good quality and rugs is Green Front Furniture in Sterling, Va. (near Dulles Airport). It may just make you cancel your trip to the North Carolina furniture factories. Green Front's main operation is in tiny Farmville, Va. There they have a series of buildings where you can spend days just looking at the selection of rugs. The Sterling location is a slightly more manageable size and well worth the entertainment value alone. For loads of information and directions visit www. greenfront.com. Contact Linda Norton Interiors at Norton@olg.com. Linda is a regular contributor to the Voice of the Hill. Daytime Residential Street Sweeping Will Be Suspended from January 3 to March 18 News OnSite, continued From there, visitors will walk past Haines Department Store, which owner Elizabeth Haines advertised in the late 1800s as "the largest depart·ment store in the world"; the Marine Barracks, where Sousa spent 19 years as member and later leader of the Marine Band; the Navy Yard, the U.S. Navy's oldest shore facility in continuous use; and F Street Terrace, SE, one of the city's last uninhabited alleys, before ending their tour at Eastern Market, the capital's only 19th century market to remain in continuous operation. In her speech at the trail's dedication ceremony Dec. 10, Kathryn S. Smith, executive director of Cultural Tourism DC, said the trail is a tool to pro·mote community pride and stimulate business throughout the area. "The Heritage Trail is all about the community saying they want a trail. It builds civic pride," Smith said. "It's also about money. It's going to bring some of those people off the Mall and into our shops and restaurants." The anticipation of the trail, in addition to other Eighth Street revitalizations, has already increased business to the area by 20 percent, Tangherlini said. He also said there has been a significant drop in crime in the area. Cultural Tourism staff members said they hope to see similar trends in neighborhoods across the city as they unveil future heritage trails. Tour of Duty: Barracks Row Heritage Trail is part of a citywide sys·tem made possible by local and federal highway funds through the DC Department of Transportation. Civil War to Civil Rights: Downtown Heritage Trail and City Within a City: Great U Street Heritage Trail have been in place since 2002. The next trail to open will be Farms to Urban Towers: Southwest Heritage Trail in January 2005 in the Southwest neighborhood, followed by Adams Morgan and Shaw, the neighborhood near the Washington Convention Center. Cultural Tourism DC will be largely responsible for the upkeep of the trail over the coming years with help of Barracks Row Main Street. Maintenance, McLeod said, will be the key to keep·ing the trail a lively attraction. McLeod said there is a 10-year shelf life to the project, which means that any major maintenance, changes in design and content to the displays or even additions to the pan·els will be made at that time. The Heritage Trail is dedicated to the memory of historian Ruth Ann Overbeck, who died in 2000. Her original research is included in every sign. This is Hill resident Mandy McAnally's first contribu·tion to this newspaper. The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will temporarily suspend daytime street clean·ing from Jan. 3 to March 18, 2005. During this time, "No Parking/Street Cleaning" restrictions will also be lifted in these residential areas. Residents and visitors who park along posted, alternate-side, daytime street sweeping routes will not be required to move their cars on street-sweeping days during the sweeper hiatus. Residential street cleaning resumes Monday, March 21, 2005. However, overnight contract sweeping sched·uled for major arterials (such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Constitution, Independence Avenues and others) will take place as usual all winter, with the attendant parking ban during sweep·ing hours. The contract sweeping is part of the street maintenance program administered by the Department of Transportation (DDOT) to keep DC's largest and most heavily used thorough·fares clean. Motorists are asked not to park in these areas during the posted overnight hours. Enforcement is handled by MPD along these major routes. NOTE: This was taken from the DC government website. It Was a Very Good Year BY BETH LAMBDIN t least when it came to DVD releases, 2004 was a very good year. This column high·lights ten of the best from a variety of gen·res. Be sure to check out other notable films at the end of this feature. Adventure Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13). Peter Weir directs fellow Aussie, Russell Crowe, who is, well, simply commanding as British Commander Jack Aubrey. Aubrey faces the Herculean task of defeating far superior French bat·tleships during the Napoleonic Wars. The tension builds as we wait in the fog with Aubrey and his crew for the inevitable battle scenes, thrilling and gruesome affairs. Equally compelling is the complex relationship between Aubrey and his sensitive best friend, Stephen (Paul Bettany), the ship's surgeon. Spiderman 2 (PG-13). Director Sam Raimi delivers a sequel superior to the original. We catch up with Peter Parker/Spidey in an early-life crisis. His web slinging puts his beloved Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and the love of his life, Mary Jane Watson, (Kirsten Dunst) in harm's way. Yet the good people of New York City need him too. What's a boy to do? Toby Maguire is terrific as the conflicted hero with heart. And it's his heart that can show him the way--if he'll only listen. Drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R). A star·tlingly original film from writer Charlie Kaufman and director Michel Gondry. Lovers Joel and Clementine (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet) meet, fall in love, break up and meet again--as strangers. The film is initially confusing, but it soon assumes a rhythm that makes sense--mostly. After a particu·larly nasty spat, the lovers use the latest neural tech·nology to erase all memories of their relationship. At least that's the plan. But are memories only in our brains? Seems those pesky memories lodge in our hearts too--for eternity. Mystic River (R).This powerful film from director Clint Eastwood opens with a benign scene. Three young boys play hockey in the street. But then a car creeps up on them, a man emerges, and in a flash, their young lives change-- forever. Decades pass and the trio (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon) is reunited once again by tragedy. A child is mur·dered and as the mystery unfolds, lives shatter; hus·bands and wives betray each other--and them·selves. While Laura Linney and Marcia Gay Harden give chilling pees as the wives, the film belongs to Penn and Robbins--they are superb. Documentary Super Size Me (R). Watch this film and you may never eat fast food again. Morgan Spurlock (a kinder, gentler, thinner Michael Moore) wants us to think about what we eat, and for many Americans, that's fast food. Spurlock devises a gimmick. He'll eat three meals a day at McDonald's for 30 days. How bad can that be? Within days, Spurlock's "McDiet" has wreaked havoc with his body. He also explores the nutritional horror of school lunches. Grim stuff, but Spurlock has a light touch that pro·duces frequent laughs. Touching the Void (R). Director Kevin MacDonald crafts a nail-gnawing, visual stunner of a film. It's 1985 and two experienced mountaineers, Simon Yates and Joe Simpson, attempt to be the first to reach the summit of Siula Grande, an imposing peak in the Peruvian Andes. They succeed, but then disaster strikes. As they descend, Joe breaks his leg and Simon faces the nearly impossible task of get·ting them safely down the mountain. But believe it or not, things get worse and Simon faces a terrible choice. Choose he does--and the consequences reverberate to this day. Animation Shrek 2 (PG). Weaker than Shrek, but still a wor·thy sequel that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Now that Shrek (Mike Meyers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are hitched, it's time to meet Fiona's folks, the King and Queen of Far, Far Away (John Cleese and Julie Andrews). Once again, blabbermouth Donkey (Eddie Murphy) is along for the ride and to his dis·may, he has to compete for attention with the charismatic Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). The story is incidental; instead enjoy the film for its amazing computer-generated graphics and non·stop witticisms, including gentle pokes at our ubiq·uitous commercialism. Comedy American Splendor (R). In this wildly original comedy from Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, Paul Giamatti grouches his way through life as a lowly file clerk at a VA hospital in Cincinnati. Not the most fertile ground for an aspiring comic book artist, but Harvey Pekar (who can't draw worth a damn) mines material wherever he is. His friend, Robert Crumb, illustrates Pekar's biting (and funny) observations of human nature and in 1976, their collaboration spawns the first issue of the under·ground comic, "American Splendor." After previous failures, Pekar forges a lasting marriage with a kin·dred spirit, Joyce Brabner (Hope Davis). The mar·riage not only endures, but these two eccentrics also bond with a young girl they later adopt. A surpris·ingly touching film about misfits who stumble into their niches. Bad Santa (R). Lock this film away from your kids. Director Terry Zwigoff brings us the anti-Santa movie. Billy Bob Thornton is astonishingly vulgar as Willie, a self-loathing alcoholic who with the help of his elven friend (Tony Cox) pulls himself togeth·er every Christmas to play a demented department-store Santa. He's crude, lewd and rude to the kids-- pees on himself--and that's on a good day. But sometimes, even the most loathsome get lucky. People enter our lives who can still see that tiny spark of redemption in us. For Willie, it's "The Kid," an eight-year-old oddball (Brett Kelly), and a bar·tender (Lauren Graham) with a Santa fetish. In a totally unsentimental way, they help Willie trans·form the lump of coal in the middle of his chest-- into a heart. Drama/Comedy Garden State (R). Writer/director Zach Braff (J.D. from "Scrubs") is "Large," a twenty-something who attempts to go home again--at least for a few days. He's been living in a medicated stupor (thanks to drugs prescribed by Dad) in La-la land, eking out a living as a struggling actor. His mother dies, and Dad (Ian Holm) summons him home to New Jersey for her funeral. Those darn family "issues" rise to the surface, but Large hangs on to some semblance of sanity with a little help from his friends, his high school pal, Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) and an offbeat young woman, Sam (Natalie Portman), he meets in the neurologist's office. She's manic and he's depressed--could this be a match made in heaven? Other Notable 2004 Releases Lost in Translation (Drama/Comedy, R) Elf (Comedy, PG) Dirty Pretty Things (Drama, R) Girl with a Pearl Earring (Drama, PG-13) In America (Drama, PG-13) The Door in the Floor (Drama, R) The Station Agent (Drama, R) Fahrenheit 9/11 (Documentary, R) Step Into Liquid (Documentary, PG) The Triplets of Belleville (Animation, PG-13) The Barbarian Invasions (Foreign, R) Beth Lambdin is a freelance writer who regularly writes film reviews. Agree or disagree? Let Beth know at lambdinb@tontologic.com. BY BILL MCLEOD he arts have really taken off on Barracks Row--performing arts, fine arts, and decora·tive arts. After years of fostering this muse, there seems to be an explosion of the arts in recent months. Performing Arts It has been six years since the Shakespeare Theatre bought and restored the old Odd Fellows Building on 8th Street, marking the return of performing arts to Barracks Row since the age of vaudeville in all the small theaters in the area. The Shakespeare Theater offers acting classes for the average thespian, rehearsal space for their big productions performed in the Lansburgh Theater, and an after-school pro·gram for high school students using the dramatic arts as a creative outlet. Our good neighbors one block west of Barracks Row on 7th Street at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop The new Delila Katzaka Fine Arts is the latest addi·have been making the arts accessible for Hill resi-tion to the growing arts niche on Barracks Row, dents through a wide variety of art classes, classic located at 715 G Street, SE, on the second floor, movie features, and acclaimed theatrical produc·tions. setting. The space is filled right now with paintings Backstage Costume Shop moved from Dupont from a very talented artist, Kurtis Ceppetelii, who Circle to Barracks Row a few years back, and it's the used to work at World Cuisine. The new gallery city's source for costumes and theatrical needs. Did space and lounge is an ideal setting for emerging you know that non-costumes items are the store's artists wanting to display their works under good best sellers? Even though they have a line down the lighting to friendly clientele. block for costume rentals and sales during Alvear Studios is known as the fun place to shop, Halloween, it is their book sales and dance supplies but it is also a serious gallery with well-known artists that sustain them throughout the year. exhibiting their works throughout the year. Recently, internationally known artist Bu Rulei Fine Arts showed a large body of his work ranging from Second Saturday has become a perennial favorite on cityscapes to portraits from China. And, a few Barracks Row, with a number of retailers participat-months back, Reggie Troilo, a Hill favorite, exhibit· ing, including Alvear Studios, Attitude Exact, ed to a warm reception and strong sales. Backstage, Hoopla Traders, Plaid, Stitch DC, and Plaid regularly stays open late for Second Saturday World Cuisine. If you have not been to Second and often features a local artist--with a glass of Saturday, it is always on the second Saturday of the champagne. Most of the buildings on 8th Street month from 4-10 p.m., depending on the location, have narrow storefronts and deep spaces, and Sarah and it is coordinated by CHAMPS. Most Second Chellgren has lots of extra space behind her dress Saturday venues on Barracks Row start around 6 shop that an artistic friend uses to paint in--like a p.m. and run until 9 or 10 p.m. studio. Several times a year, we get to see these cre- In October during Second Saturday, the Barracks ations when the owner rearranges the walls and dis-Row Art Walk presented 27 local artists featured in plays. windows all along 8th Street in spaces that were usu-Hoopla Traders is an exciting location to explore ally empty--office windows, restaurant bays and fair-trade gifts and examine the art of a featured work spaces. This promotion was organized in con-artist. Did you know that Hoopla is located in a for-junction with the Capitol Hill Open Std mer doctor's office, and the old examination rooms was very well received. Many people from around are now an arts incubator where artists and artisans the city came to the Hill to explore the arts in pri-rent rooms to display their works? And each Second vate studios rarely opened and strolled down Saturday, a new artist is featured; December high-Barracks Row to enjoy the creations of artists from lighted the works of Art Enables, a program housed the community. in the Millennium Arts Center using the arts as World Cuisine recently expanded upstairs with a therapy for mentally challenged adults. seating area and wi-fi capabilities in a gallery-like Attitude Exact has been in business on 8th Street www.voiceofthehill.com for 15 years, and they have seen the neighborhood build itself back up to where it is today with 17 retailers and 25 restaurants and taverns. The African-American art gallery sells paintings, prints, and photography from Africa, the Americas, Caribbean, and the U.S., as well as some African sculpture and local crafts. Custom framing is also a large part of their business. The Corner Store at 9th and South Carolina is the Barracks Row annex because we love Kris Swanson and all she does for the kids in the community. Kris formed a nonprofit to develop an afternoon arts program for junior high school students in the area, which created the YuMe Tree installed on the wall of CVS at 12th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Each year, the Corner Store has an art sale in December that should not be missed, benefiting the children who come each day to the studio and "create." Innervision has an array of art supplies on the shelves and back in the inventory rooms, so if you don't see it, ask for it. Ms. Rollings or one of her knowledgeable staff can get whatever you desire--if not that instant, the next day from her other loca·tion in Brookland. Frame of Mine has been on Barracks Row for 22 years and has seen a lot of changes on 8th Street, too. Owner Cissy Webb was instrumental in starting the revitalization program for the neighborhood. Frame of Mine not only offers acid-free framing, but the staff can also help you frame it yourself and save 15 percent. The best part is you don't have to wait; you can have it done the same day--in about an hour. The new Delila Katzaka Fine Arts is the latest addi·tion to the growing arts niche on Barracks Row. Opening on the second floor of an old mansion turned into apartments and offices, Delila Katzaka Fine Arts is featuring "Encore"--abstract paintings by Marcia Dale Dullum and Jan Sherfy, which is up now until Jan. 15. If you have not seen the new gallery, it is located at 715 G Street, SE, on the second floor, or you can visit their website at www.delilakatzka.com. There is so much going on with the arts on Barracks Row that I enjoy going back again and again to see what new art is up, who is having a show, and what I can fit into my Georgian Revival apartment. The thing I like about retail best is that it is always changing. Bill McLeod is the executive director of Barracks Row Main Street, a nonprofit organization using the arts to revitalize the Federal City's oldest commercial corridor. You can contact him by calling 202-544-3188 or emailing bmcleod@barracksrow.org, or visit www.barracksrow.org to learn more. Identifying a Virus--and Eliminating It BY FAY SINGER n last month's column, I pointed out that com·puter slowness is the most common complaint I receive from clients. I described spyware and malware as common culprits that monopolize computer resources causing sluggish performance. If you have run the Ad-Aware and Spybot programs as recommended and your computer is still moving like a snail on a frozen pond, chances are the com·puter has a virus. As promised, this month's column describes virus identification and removal. Viruses, Worms and Trojans--Oh My! There are common factors among these computer diseases. For one thing, they are all man-made pro·grams created by vandals who misuse their time and talents for destructive purposes. They can generate endless popups, cause a computer to run slowly, behave erratically, or totally shut down. Viruses are parasitic. They must attach them·selves to other programs to perform their destruc·tive deeds. Once activated, a virus resides in memo·ry, altering Startup to make certain it loads when the computer is booted. Viruses spread by replicat·ing themselves and attaching themselves to emails, chat files or macros. Worms are very similar to viruses. However, they are not parasitic. They exist as independent entities capable of replicating and copying themselves from computer to computer across a network or the Internet. Trojans are a class of malware, described in last month's article. They disguise themselves as useful software. Once activated, they install themselves into the computer and can commit a variety of destructive acts. Some Trojans communicate back to their masters. For example, they can capture key·strokes or "phish" for bank and credit card informa·tion. Worms and Trojans often modify the system to create a "back door" that allows them to communi·cate freely without intervention from the user. They can turn your computer into a zombie, remotely controlled by someone else to launch spam or oth·erwise use your computer's resources. As these destructive programs become more sophisticated, the distinctions among them become more blurred. During the remainder of this article, I will use the term "virus" to include all species of computer diseases. Safe Computing Most computer uses know that they should not open email files from someone they do not know. However, even files from friends are not safe. As noted above, viruses replicate themselves. A very common virus tactic is to send itself to everyone in the user's address book. The best practice is to never open a file that ends with exe, vbs, scr or pif from anyone unless you have asked them to send the file. You should always be wary of zip files--the Netsky and Bagle viruses spread through an attached zip file. I have yet to see a virus disguise itself as a jpg, pdf, or txt file, so I view these attachments as safe-- at least for the time being. Be very, very careful about free software. Chances are that if a program asks you to install it without your initiated action find or install the program, it is actually a Trojan seeking its way into your comput·er. You should always research such programs before allowing them to install on your PC. The two most important things you can do to protect your computer from malicious programs are to make certain your operating system is up-to-date and to be sure to run updated anti-virus software. Many viruses take advantage of the computer's operating system to do their damage. Microsoft is often lambasted because of its vulnerability. I am not convinced that Microsoft operating systems are any more vulnerable than others. Viruses have tar·geted Macintosh, UNIX and Linux. Someone even wrote a virus for wireless telephones! However, Microsoft operating systems predominate the mar·ket and present the biggest target for computer van·dals. Microsoft is conscientious about fixing vulnera·bilities exploited by viruses and regularly issues "patches" for its operating systems and software. With the introduction of XP Service Pack 2, XP can be configured to automatically download and install patches without user intervention. A while back I had a call from a client who described a sick computer with classic virus symp·toms. I discovered 47 viruses on his PC. My client was very surprised to learn that his PC was infected; pointing out that he was running an anti-virus pro·gram. However, his subscription to the anti-virus software had expired over two years before. It is imperative that anti-virus software is up to date. The better anti-virus programs will automati·cally update themselves. There have been occasions when I have noted my anti-virus software updating itself a couple of times a day. While there is a plethora of anti-virus software on the market, McAfee and Symantec are the industry leaders. I run Mcon my PC, and recommend it to clients. I like the fact that it cleans infected email, informing me that it has done so and telling me what virus it has found. McAfee has been in the anti-virus business as long as I can remember, which pretty much dates back to the inception of the need for anti-virus protection. The Horse is Gone--Close the Barn Door! Surprise--virus writers know about anti-virus soft·ware! It is usually not possible for anti-virus soft·ware to install properly on an infected PC, even though the installation may appear successful. Installing anti-virus software on an infected com·puter is tantamount to closing the barn door after the horse has escaped. It is necessary to identify and eliminate a virus before installing anti-virus software. There are excellent tools available for free on the Internet that will assist in eradicating viruses. The McAfee and Symantec web sites are excellent resources. My favorite virus removal tool is a free program named Stinger. It identifies and removes over 50 of the most common viruses. A variety of sites have Stinger You should always be wary of zip files--the Netsky and Bagle viruses spread through an attached zip file. I have yet to see a virus disguise itself as a .jpg, .pdf, or .txt file, so I view these attachments as safe--at least for the time being. available for download, and you can locate them by searching for Stinger. However, Stinger does not eradicate all viruses. On the McAfee and Symantec websites, you will note virus removal tools that target specific viruses. The problem is identifying which of the thousands of viruses has attacked your computer. Again, the McAfee and Symantec websites have excellent resources to help you identify viruses. Surprise--virus writers know about McAfee, Symantec and other anti-virus websites! Many viruses contain program code to hijack any browser that attempts to access anti-virus web sites. If you cannot access McAfee.com or Symantec.com, you can be certain that you have a virus. While virus writers can program to prevent your browser from going to the most popular anti-virus websites, I have yet to find a virus programmer smart enough to block everything. There are a variety of websites that offer anti-virus freeware and tools for virus removal. TheFreeSite.com is one of these sites. 100 Percent Virus Proof! There is no such thing. I keep my operating system and anti-virus up to date, practice "safe comput·ing," and have still gotten viruses. However, it has been quite a while since my last infection. I tribute that to the increased vigilance of Microsoft, and my switch to McAfee. There is also a bit of luck involved, in that my computer was not in the wrong place at the wrong time and never got hit by a new virus before it could be inoculated against the infection. If you follow the recommendations I set forth, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of an infection--maybe by 99 percent. Fay Singer is a computer consultant on Capitol Hill and owner of Small Business Data Solutions. Address your questions and comments to Fay at 202-841-9928 or via email at fsinger@sbds.biz. 2005 Inauguration-- The Hawk is an Island of Sanity for the next 4 years Featuring Shiner Bok And for the diehards Sam Adams is still on tap Watch the Packers advance in the playoffs Watch your alma mater play college hoops and get a discount www.hawkanddoveonline.com 329 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE CAPITOL HILL 202-543-3300 FAX 202-543-9038 Thyroid Issues: The Importance of Early Detection BY JOANNE CAREY, D VM Dear Dr. Carey: My 14-year-old cat "Tina" had a lot of scabs and bumps on her neck and along her back. She was itchy and pulled her hair out on her belly. It looked like a flea allergy but I didn't see any fleas, and she had been on the same canned and dry food for a long time which she was eating ravenously. She had been bringing up hairballs and had difficulty in the litter pan. This went on for about a month. I thought the condition would go away but it didn't. Although she hates to travel, I took her in for an exam. The vet gave her a steroid shot and said it was most likely allergies but insisted on doing blood work because she had lost some weight. To my sur·prise, he found out that she had hyperthyroidism and prescribed tapazole liquid (which she takes readily because it is flavored). Within a month, she stopped scratching, her hair grew back in and she appeared to feel much more comfortable. I am sorry that I waited so long to take her in for an exam and wanted to just pass on to other readers how impor·tant it is to take cats in for checkups when they start having symptoms. I can't help but wonder if my delay in realizing how sick she was caused her more harm. Although "Tina" is better, the thyroid condition still needs to be cured which will require a trip to a radiology center. I have to budget for this treatment before she can go. AUSTIN F. Dear Austin: You shouldn't feel bad about your timing. The bot·tom line is that you took "Tina" in for care. I am glad that you followed through to get her diagnosed and have committed to a treatment program to ensure the best possible outcome for her disease. It is not easy to treat cats with long term health problems. Now you understand what it takes to be a cat care·giver! There are many dedicated owners like you who are helping their beloved pets through all types of medical conditions. I am sure you are making a big difference in both the quality of life and in her longevity. Care Credit is a medical credit card that allows you to get services when you need them. Ask your veterinarian if he offers this program so you can use all the resources available to you. I can tell that you really love your cat! Frantic at the Door Dear Dr. Carey: I recently adopted two young cats from a rescue organization. "Frankie" and "Zoe" are about a year old and they are quite a pair. They love to run around the apartment like crazy and are inquisitive and friendly. Lately they have been acting spooky when someone knocks on the door. They get a star·tled look in their eyes and almost break their necks trying to flee from the living room. After the guest comes inside and is sitting down, they will come out of hiding and tentatively meet the person. I do not recall anything happening to them to cause this strange behavior. My husband and I are away from the apartment from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the week. We frequently travel on weekends so I have a pet sitter check in on them twice a day. Is there anything I can do to make them more relaxed? Do you think they are upset about our absence? BETTE N. Dear Bette: Sometimes rumbling noises and loud noises in the hallway or through the floors can startle cats. I have heard of this kind of problem many times. It is diffi·cult for you to know what they hear during the day when you are at work. The apartment door can also be a source of stress due to the sound of the knock·ing, strange (loud) voices, and different smells. Some cats find this intriguing while others become apparently horrified. "Frankie" and "Zoe" may need desensitization sessions to help with the stress. You can try using a pheromone spray (Feliway) at the door to ease them or call their names out when you are in the hallway before you knock so that they have an idea that you are not a monster. There are certain anti-anxiety drugs (elavil, valium, buspar) that can be given but I first advise seeing a veteri·nary behaviorist to help you work through a ration·al "de-stress" plan with them. It may take some time, but is worth a try to keep them from getting any worse. It is hard to tell at this time whether your absence has contributed to the problem. Sometimes cats seem to have their own Bogeymen. Time for Robitussin? Dear Dr. Carey: My 10-year-old Chihuahua, "Tiger," started cough·ing and getting winded during his walks. His harsh coughing would sometimes wake me up at night. He is overweight and doesn't get a lot of exercise but he is otherwise active and happy. I know that Chihuahuas can get heart conditions. Do you have any suggestions for his care? SAMUEL T. Dear SamI know that you have already taken "Tiger" in for care! Older Chihuahuas are at risk for heart disease (congestive heart failure) and tracheal collapse. Both conditions require aggressive medical treat·ment. Your veterinarian will take X-rays of the chest and trachea (windpipe) and do blood tests. If the X-rays show an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs (edema) he most likely has heart disease. X-rays can also show evidence of tracheal collapse wherein the cartilage in the lower windpipe narrows or collapses in on itself when the dog tries to breathe. This caus·es him to either cough forcefully to expel the air and/or wheeze to inhale. Obesity puts an added strain on the heart and lungs. Tracheal collapse is most common in toy and miniature breed dogs, and rare in cats. "Tiger" should see a cardiologist for ECG, echocardiogram and specific treatment. If tra·cheal collapse is diagnosed, he may be given cough suppressants, antibiotics and bronchodilators. Try to get him on a good reducing diet as weight loss is an important part of management. Chihuahuas can live comfortably with this condition if it is diag·nosed and treated early. Expectant Worries Dear Dr. Carey: I have a beautiful, young golden retriever with an excellent pedigree. "Shana" has good hips, a won·derful disposition and good over all conformation. I want to breed her. I know this is not a popular thing to do these days because everybody expects all com·panion dogs to be spayed or neutered. I see nothing wrong with raising a litter of puppies from this mag·nificent creature. I am not in it for the money nor am I interested in showing her. She is doing very well in advanced obedience training. Do you have any advice for me before I try to start my canine family? I already have several friends who adore her and have agreed to take a puppy. EXPECTING Dear Expecting: You should get in touch with your breeder to find out if she has had any problems with "Shana's" blood lines, such as hip dysplasia or congenital dis·orders. The breeder may be able to help you find a suitable male who will best match and/or augment "Shana's" traits. She will need a breeding soundness examination which includes a history of her repro·ductive past (estrus cycles, false pregnancies) and thorough examination of the genitalia and mam·mary glands. She should be tested for brucellosis before she goes into heat and properly vaccinated and dewormed. The male should also receive a thor·ough physical exam including evaluation of the semen if there is any question about his ability to produce offspring. It may be easier to use an experi·enced male but is not necessary if you have profes·sional help with the breeding sessions. Veterinarians receive training in dog breeding, preg·nancy and post-natal care. You must establish a good rapport with your vet or find one who is will·ing to work with you during the breeding/pregnan-cy process. The best part about it is that Mother Nature usu·ally does all the work; we just supervise and assist. I really wish you the best with your endeavor. There's nothing cuter or more endearing than a litter of healthy, newborn pups. Dr. Joanne Carey answers questions from pet owners each month in the newspaper. If you have a question for Dr. Carey, please email it to editor@voiceofthehill. com. Musicians, continued from page 37 "Dupont and Adams Morgan are probably the biggest scenes in DC," Hartwell says. "The only scene that I would say has more activity is Arlington." Hartwell adds that there's a really good commu·nity of musicians in DC. "The artists are really sup·portive of each other." Local musician and DC resident Avril Smith describes the scene as a "really good mix" of gen·res. "It's been really fantastic for me," Smith says. It's large enough that there are lots of different players doing lots of different things, but small enough that she can get to know people, she says. Smith, 30, currently plays in a group called Tinsmith, a Celtic roots-rock band, and another group called the U-Liners that plays music in the roots-rock genre. Smith was also a member of Zeala, a seven-member funk rock band. She also does studio work and accompanies singer/song-writers. Smith mostly plays bluegrass, but does not have a favorite genre of music, she says. Her main instrument is guitar. She also plays mandolin and bass (for information about the U-Liners, visit: http://berkeley1964.blogs.com/uliners/). Smith started playing the guitar at age eight or nine. She began to learn classical, then pop and rock, and later became really interested in jazz in high school, she says. Smith graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio with a degree in sociology and a minor in political science. To play jazz, bluegrass and Celtic music there are jams mostly at local bars, Smith says. . Jeff Marootian, 25, has been playing the drums since the age of 10. He also recreationally plays gui·tar and piano. "I think the jazz community is pretty vibrant here," Marootian says of the DC scene. It's a very different feel from New York/New Jersey, he describes; It's a "different energy." Marootian loves playing and listening to jazz, www.voiceofthehill.com folk music and pretty much everything, he says. "I see the same folks a lot at the Black Cat or the 9:30 Club," he adds, referring to two DC night·clubs. "It's an enthusiastic crowd." Hill resident Shane German, 29, the lead singer of the band Soft Complex in DC, says he doesn't think there is one generalized music scene in the area. "DC has so much to offer in various types of music, be it punk, hardcore, rock, dance, jazz, etc.," he says. "I think that within those genres, you could find various scenes. I like all types of music so I think it's good to not limit yourself to one thing. On average, Soft Complex (www.softcomplex music.com) performs about once a month, German says. "Locally, we play venues like the Black Cat or the Warehouse Next Door. We actually start recording in January at Sound of Music Studios in Richmond." German says the five-member band's usual com·parison is to The Smiths, Roxy Music, and the New Romantic bands of the early '80s; however, they strive to create a "modern sound by joining dance grooves with an indie rock sound." The band's fan base is as diverse as the band itself, German says. "Our music is accessible to peo·ple of all ages and types because the songs are melodic and are pleasing to the ear." Making a Living In addition to rehearsing and performing, Smith teaches private guitar lessons to a couple of stu·dents per week. She knows many professional musicians who teach 30 to 40 students for income, she says. "There's not as much local support for local music in terms of payment," Smith says. "That's why people need to teach. So many people are playing for free." Smith, who works full time as a senior campaign communications specialist at the Service Employees International Union in DC, says she would like to play music full time, but not if it means getting 40 students. It's hard to find a situa·tion to get paid enough to make it worth leaving her day job, she says. "It's just the thing I've always been the most passionate about," she says referring to her music. "As a solo artist, it's harder to make money," Hartwell says. He used to play as many gigs as he could find, but now he takes a job for money and exposure, he says. Marootian primarily teaches private drum les·sons outside of working full time for the govern·ment. He is also a contributing writer to Voice of the Hill. Most musicians he knows work day jobs, he notes. "I do play, but not regularly," Marootian says. "I love to play and I do it more for fun. But really my passion is teaching ... my overall goal is to connect students with the drums." A graduate of George Washington University with a degree in sociology, Marootian found his students primarily through word of mouth, he says. He also teaches a hand drumming clinic at First Class, Inc., in Dupont Circle (www.takeaclass.org). German has been playing music for about ten years, he says. "I've toured, recorded and did the whole starving artist thing. I decided that if I was going to have a day job or a career, it would some·how have to be rooted in music for my own sani·ty." German works at Sound Exchange, which dis·tributes royalties to artists who get played on digi·tal, web and satellite services, he says. "If I didn't have music in my life, I'd probably be institutional·ized." Katie McLeod works in journalism in the Washington, DC, area. She is originally from Barnstable, Massachusetts. CapitalKids Magic Abounds in Capitol Hill Day School's Cinderella Performance Set for January 13 iddle-schoolers are often heard singing the latest pop tunes or rap numbers. But this fall and winter, Capitol Hill Day School's sixth graders have been over· heard humming show tunes under their breath. Not just any show tunes-but those from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. The class is busily preparing for its January production of this classic piece of musical theater. The Capitol Hill Day School production of Cinderella will have it all--the fairy godmother, the royal ball, the elusive slipper, lush costumes, and a fair bit of magic. The magic is wrought by Pamela Sommers, the school's music director, and the sixth-graders--all 20 of them--who have brought spark and enthusiasm to their study. As they prepare for the big performance, the stu·dents learn the score, audition for roles, and master staging and dialogue. Those with an interest in stage management and props create the set and stage the performance. "I love working with the students on this process," says Ms. Sommers. "They really learn to work together as a team. They come to realize that each of them is an important part of the whole. It's very exciting to see it all come together." A musical performed by the sixth grade class has long been a hallmark of the school. Past produc·tions include Peter Pan, Bye Bye Birdie, The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty and the Beast and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The production will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 13, at St. Peter's Parish Hall, 313 Second Street, SE. Paul (left) and Oliver work on props for the produc·tion. Oliver (the Prince) and Erica (Cinderella) rehearse a duet with music teacher Pam Sommers. Capitol Hill Cluster School Open Houses Scheduled BY STEPHEN NORTON arents sorting out educational options for their children are invited to an open house at the Capitol Hill Cluster School on Tuesday, Jan. 11. There will additional Open Houses Thursday, Feb., 17 and Wednesday March 16. Cluster School parents, teachers, administrators and students will be on hand to help acquaint par·ents with the curriculum and philosophy of one of the local public schools. The Cluster School is a unique public school con·cept that seeks to create a comprehensive educa·tional experience from pre-kindergarten through middle school. Essentially, it is one school with one principal on three campuses. A cornerstone of the philosophy is interaction and exploration. From creating a masterpiece at the art studio at Peabody Early Childhood Center, enhancing reading skills through computer assisted instruction at Watkins Elementary or recording data on a science experiment at Stuart-Hobson Middle School, children learn by doing and receive and excellent education. Frequent expeditions to the area museums and historical sites also augment classroom learning. In addition to the standard curriculum, Peabody offers an alternative experience of Reggio-Emilia instruction at the so-called School-within-a School and there is a Montessori program for grades pre-k through grade four at the Watkins campus. Another cornerstone is strong and creative parent involvement and committed teachers. In fact, the District of Columbia's 2004 Teacher of the Year honor has just been awarded to Sandra Jenkins, Stuart-Hobson's eighth grade science teacher. Over 1,000 kids attend the Cluster School, many of them from outside the boundary for the schools. Alumni have gone onto top public and private high schools in the area and the finest colleges and uni·versities in the country. To help prospective parents learn more, at each campus, there will be presentations by administra·tors followed by parent-led tours and a chance to view classroom instruction and talk to teachers. Tours are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. At Stuart Hobson Middle School, students will lead parts of the tours and share their experiences at Stuart Hobson. Parents will be available to answer questions, phone numbers of parents and adminis·trators will be provided and follow-up phone calls will be made to all who attend by parents. Folders with lots of information about various programs at the Cluster School will be provided to all who attend the Open House. Peabody (pre-k through k) is located at 425 C St., NE. Watkins Elementary (grades 1-4) is located at 420 12th St., SE; and Stuart-Hobson Middle School (grades 5-8) is at 410 E St., NE. For more information on these open houses, or to arrange a visit, visit the Cluster School's website: http://www.capitolhillclusterschool.org. You may also call the schools, Peabody, 698-3277, Watkins 698·3355 and Stuart-Hobson, 698-4700 or PTA Vice President Barbara Riehle 202-543-1635. Stephen Norton, a reporter for Congressional Quarterly, is also a frequent contributor to Voice of the Hill. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Kicks Off its Year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration Jan. 29 The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS), a volunteer organization of neighbors across Capitol Hill, begins a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with a birthday party on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Capitol Hill residents are invited to join CHRS in celebrating this important milestone with birthday cake and beverages. The celebra·tion will begin at 7 p.m. that day at the new Marine Barracks Annex at 600 Virginia Avenue, SE. Throughout 2005, CHRS will be hosting events open to the general public on a variety of topics of interest to residents of Capitol Hill. The Annual CHRS House and Garden Tour will be held over Mothers Day weekend, May 14 and 15. For more information, please visit www.chrs.org or call the office at 202-543-0425. Bel Canto on Capitol Hill: Youth Chorus Strengthens Music Foundation with New Director BY LAURIE LINDSAY on't miss this one! There will be a freckled face here, an itchy nose there, a suppressed giggle in the front row, mature seriousness in the last row, anticipation all around, and ultimately beautiful music on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 30, when Dr. Thea Kano conducts her first con·cert as Artistic Director of the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus. Anyone who comes to listen and watch is in for a delightful experience. Award-winning Conductor Dr. Thea Kano brings considerable experience to the Youth Chorus. A native of northern California, Kano completed her doctorate in choral conducting at the University of California Los Angeles. She holds a Master of Music degree in choral conducting and an undergraduate degree in Choral Music the arts to all children are very important, and I Education and Piano Performance. Kano was fortu-want to support them." nate to study with renowned choral conductors Kano continues, "This gives me the opportunity Donald Neuen and Paul Salamunovich. Her ensem-to remain active with children. I want to be involved bles received several prestigious awards, including with youth, too, to make sure that the art of choral Most Outstanding Performance at the Reno singing stays alive." Her work with adult singers International Jazz Festival. keeps her attuned to knowing what young singers Although Kano's breadth of experience includes a need to learn in order to grow their singing ability. significant amount of work with adult choral "I'm laying the foundation for developing a life-ensembles, she taught middle school and high time love of choral music," emphasizes Kano. "With school vocal music and musical theater for many children I strive to establish technique and skills years. Additionally, she served as the Artistic that they will take throughout their lives in singing Director of the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus and i other musical endeavors." in Los Angeles. Kano now builds on the fine work of previous Capitol Hill Youth Chorus directors, Frank A Healthy Singing Voice is a Gallo and Dr. Regina Carlow. "We truly needed to find someone who was both Head Voice accomplished as a conductor and experienced as a In the Youth Chorus Kano teaches children to sing multi-faceted educator," says Jonathan Darr, in a "head voice." "This is the Vienna Boys Choir or Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Arts European choir type of sound," explains Kano. Workshop (CHAW). "Dr. Kano's current and past "Developing a strong head voice is what we call Bel work with such a broad variety of singers and musi-Canto technique. It is healthy vocal production. It is cal traditions fits very well with what we need from learning to sing in a way that will ensure the the leader of a multicultural, community-based longevity of their singing voices. I remind the chil·chorus." dren all the time that we have a singing voice and a speaking voice. We don't speak in our head voice. I New Arrival to DC emphasize singing in their head voice. The result is Kano came to Washington in 2004 upon her multi-sound that musicians describe as dolce." ple appointments as Assistant Conductor of the Kano's enthusiasm for working with the Youth Washington Chorus, Washington's GRAMMY® Chorus is clear. "What's really impressed me is that Award-winning symphonic chorus; Assistant in just five months, they've come very far with their Conductor of the Gay Men's Chorus of vocal technique. Moving this far is very exciting for Washington; and Artistic Director of the Capitol where we can go from here. Hill Youth Chorus. "These kids come from all over and bring with "When I saw the Youth Chorus opportunity I was them varying experience with music. Some play excited because I taught youth consistently for the instruments and some don't. They all come togeth·last 15 years," remarks Kano. "It's something I er and have something different to offer to the absolutely love. Another thing that attracted me group." was CHAW. Our country is in crisis for music in the She adds, "The difference between conducting public schools. Organizations like CHAW that offer adults and children is that adults have more experi·ence and the repertoire is very different. I need to be more patient with children because they have shorter attention spans. I tie that in to the pacing of rehearsal. Kids are kids. That said, you can teach them anything. They are flexible." What's on the Program? "Songs of Peace," the Jan. 30 performance of the Youth Chorus, includes pieces ranging from the Classical period to the contemporary. A special highlight will be "Our Gift for You," a song for which the children will sign using American Sign Language. In addition, several solo singers will be featured. "We are starting the concert with a processional sung in Latin," says Kano. She explains why Latin is relevant for young singers. "Huge portions of the choral repertoire are in Latin. This processional is fun and rhythmic. We're also singing Dona Nobis Pacem. Ave Verum Corpus--which has a melody composed by Mozart--is on the program as well. This is one of the most well-recognized melodies known of all music." Concert selections in English include some songs from the 1960s. "Children in the audience are going to say, 'I want to do that too,'" declares Kano. "We don't rely on songs that the children already know," she continues. "By using a variety of music from different time periods, cultures, and styles, the children have an opportunity to learn technique in a fresh way, uninfluenced by previous exposure." Looking Ahead Kano describes several goals for the Youth Chorus. "My goal for this group is visibility through per·formances in the community. It's great for the kids to perform and it is a way to let people know about CHAW's good programs for kids. "Also, increasing the number of children in the Chorus is always a goal. Eventually I hope we'll have an 'advanced' group where the children audition to participate. It gives the children something to work towards." She believes it is important to give Chorus mem·bers exposure to other choral ensembles. "It would be neat to get the Youth Chorus involved with other choruses in the city and to sing at their concerts. It's phenomenal for a youth chorus to sing for other choruses, have other adult choruses hear them, and have them hear adults or older students. Combining with another chorus also provides a built-in audience that probably wouldn't hear us otherwise. Different venues are good for us too. You're always going to be better on your home turf, and it's good for the children to experience other places." www.voiceofthehill.com Kudos for Kano "Dr. Kano was selected from a field of 10 candidates as the person best suited to help us continue the fine program we have begun and to help us move to the next level of choral performance," says Marian Connolly, President of the Youth Chorus Board of Directors. "Thea not only has the upbeat personali·ty and love of teaching children so necessary for this position, but she also possesses exceptional per·formance, academic, and professional credentials." Kano is not alone in leading the Youth Chorus. She is quick to give credit and high praise for Dr. Serhii Morozob, the new accompanist for the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus. "Serhii is wonderful," she says. "He has a doctorate in piano performance and is giving concerts around the world. He is so patient, he's always smiling, and he's so kind. He is a very sensitive musician and is good accompanying children because the pianist must play lighter with younger voices. We're very lucky to have him." Morozob's busy schedule includes teaching at the University of Maryland. The Youth Chorus receives support as a joint proj·ect of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and Christ Church, Washington Parish in association with the Capitol Hill Chorale. This year the Youth Chorus received its third grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. A volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents and other communi·ty members facilitates Youth Chorus administra·tion and activities. Former Youth Chorus accompa·nist Dana Gust Carr continues on the Youth Chorus Board of Directors as a community representative. Without hesitation, CHAW's Jonathan Darr acknowledges, "It's a complete joy to welcome someone to the Arts Workshop who is so deeply interested in the musical education of our dynamic and talented young people. People should call us today if their children are interested in singing. Dr.Thea makes it a wonderful experience." Hear the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus The Youth Chorus presents its winter concert, "Songs of Peace," at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, at Christ Church+Washington Parish, 620 G Street, SE. Donation of $5 accepted at the door. Children under 5 admitted free. Call CHAW at 202-547-6839 for more information. Join the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus The Capitol Hill Youth Chorus is accepting registra·tions of new and returning members for the spring semester. Children interested in participating in the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus can register through the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Tuition is $225 for the semester Jan. 3 through June 17. There is no charge for music. Van transportation is available from par·ticipating schools through CHAW's Youth Arts Program. Some scholarship assistance is available for class and transportation. Auditions are not required. Commitment to rehearsals and perform·ances is expected. For registrations or other infor·mation, visit www.chaw.org or call CHAW at 202-547-6839. Laurie Lindsay, RD, LD, is a contributing writer for The Voice of the Hill. As a registered and licensed die·titian, she specializes in food and nutrition communi·cations, particularly presentations and writing. She is the author of Making the Breast of It: A Cancer Survivor Talks About Reconstructing Her Life with Resilience, Resolve, and a Robust Sense of Humor. See www.Laurie-Lindsay.com for more information. players were injured this fall but will recover in time for the Winter World Championship. In the power-hitting department, late game-winning home runs in close games became a common outcome this fall Kids'Sports as Jordon DeGennaro, Brittany Polan and Carly Martin hit long shots to drive home key runs on a regular basis. Alie Kolbe, Carly Martin and Haley Senators Continue Winning Through Fall Season Maintain No. 1 15U USSSA Ranking Stuckler all threw shutouts to lead the Senators' pitching staff to big wins over older and more expe·rienced opponents. Hitting for power and average were Alie Kolbe, Jill Mullen, Kelly Costello, Meghan and Jordan Kovacs, Jessica Maczka, and Vicki Webb. The coaching staff has forged an impressive, tight defensive unit featuring Katie Antonacci, Kristy Hill, Polan and the Kovacs twins. After a short holiday season break, the Senators will open indoor practices in early January to pre·pare for the February World Championship in Florida. Pitchers and catchers have already started to prepare for the tough competition expected in Orlando. Many teams come from California, Texas and Florida, not surprising as their weather permits virtually year round outdoor practice and games. Coach Kolbe particularly focuses on winter indoor work, trying to counter this advantage of the teams from the warmer southern states. The Senators ascent to becoming a national power in girls' fast pitch softball is in no small part due to the generous support of the local fans and financial supporters. The team is blessed with all the talent any coach could ask for. But the effort to fund the team's travel, equipment, field mainte·nance, and related costs is a never ending and criti·cal task. In addition to funding the Senators equip·ment, travel, and tournament expenses, these con·tributions have also been a main factor in restoring and maintaining Tyler Field at 10th and I Streets, SE. This field has been transformed into a quality soft·ball and baseball field used by many Capitol Hill teams for practices and games. The Senators are grateful to the following gener·ous supporters: John C. Formant Real Estate, Von Schlegel Realty Team/Remax, Finn McCool's, Kathy Davison-Realtor, Splash Carwash, Sheet Metal Workers International Assoc., The Sheet Metal Contractors National Association, Danner Development, Grayton Plumbing, Amato Indus·tries, Long Island Sheet Metal Contractors Asso·ciation, Phyllis Jane Young-Realtor, Capitol Title Insurance Agency, Results - The Gym, Larry Char- BY LARRY KAUFER he Capitol Hill-based Washington Senators fast pitch softball team continued their win·ning ways by taking 10 of their final 12 games and two national tournaments to end the fall season with a 20-5-2 record--and 2005 World Series berths at both the 15U and 16U levels. After being ranked number one in 14U USSSA for most of the spring and summer, they are now on top of the 15U 'A' ranking with a good chance to fin·ish two seasons ranked first. To top off a great year, the Senators were favorably mentioned in the October Reader's Digest feature on select sports pro·grams around the nation. This was a major recogni·tion of DC's highly successful national tournament program managed by head coach Stan Kolbe. As good as this news is for DC's softball team and fans, it seems to get even better every season. The local standouts also won key fall national qualifying tournaments to earn their first berth to the 2005 Winter World Championship Tournament to be played at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., over President's Day weekend in February. The Winter World Championship includes the top teams from all over the United States, Canada and abroad. While the team has qualified for the World Series or the PONY National Championship over the last Baseball on the Hill... Catch I t ! four years, this will be their first appearance at the Winter World Championship. They are starting fundraising and preparation now to make the jour·ney a success. After winning over 100 games in 2004, Head Coach Kolbe and Assistants Dave Martin and Rick Polan expected the team to have some difficulty moving the mostly 14-year-old group up to the 15-16-year-old age bracket of select "A" level fast pitch national tournaments. With this challenge, the coaches filled some vacancies with some very tal·ented new players eager to practice long hours and play the best teams in national tournaments. After the first tournament, where they were beat·en just once by a 1-0 score, the Senators came back to take home the championship trophy in their sec·ond national tournament by winning every game. In the recent Virginia Sub-State National they pushed hard for six straight wins against the region's best teams to take another first place. In that tournament they allowed just two earned runs over two days of play and shut out two of the nation's top ranked 16U teams back to back. Coach Kolbe believes with the Senators can devel·op an even more outstanding team due to their exceptional lineup featuring outstanding power hit·ting and highly skilled pitching. A number of key wishing you all the best for the new year! FROM THE CAPITOL HILL BASEBALL LEAGUE 202.546.7000 ext.251 www.sportsonthehill.org tienitz - Realtor, the Optimist Fund of the Capitol Area, and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. The Senators are part of the girls' fast pitch soft·ball division of the Capitol Hill Baseball and Softball League. The league also offers coed baseball for ages 5 thru 15 with spring and fall competitive teams and a summer developmental program. Contact John Parker, commissioner, at 202-546-7000, ext. 251, for more information, to volunteer, or to make donations. Also consult the website www.sportson thehill.org and select baseball/softball. DC Divas--Capitol Hill's Women's Football Team They Nearly Won it All Regular readers and women's sports fan know about the DC Divas, a women's professional football full gear and full contact team who play their home games on Capitol Hill. Yes, they wear the burgundy and gold...for you Redskins fans. And yes, they again made it to the semi-finals of the National Women's Football League this season. The Divas formed and began playing in 2001. Their first season was a wipeout, as usual for begin·ning teams. They have steadily improved, as evi·denced by their 2004 undefeated regular schedule through the first round of the playoffs. They beat the Pittsburgh Passion, the Baltimore Burn, the Erie Illusion, and the Roanoke Revenge to go 8-0, scoring 368 points to the opponents 58 in the regular sea·son. In the first playoff round they handled the Southwest Michigan Jaguars by 30-18. They lost to the Detroit Demolition for the Northern Conference Championship in a hard-fought game 20-14. Detroit went on to defeat the Oklahoma City Lightning 52-0 for the Women's Pro Football Championship. This year they played their first post-season game. On Thanksgiving Day, the two-time division champs played against the Sports Junkies from WHFS 99.1 FM in the Turkey Bowl. Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot, LLP, sponsored the game. The game was billed as "The Girls of the Gridiron" versus "The Boys from the Booth" featuring the all-male radio personalities from WHFS. The highly publicized game brought out over 8,200 spectators to the PG Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Md. The Turkey Bowl was a charity event for donations to SOME (So Others Might Eat). The weather was moist and breezy, but that didn't dampen the crowd. The Divas clawed out a touchdown in the first half, but the Junkies prevailed, 28-6. The Divas call Eastern High School football field their home field. Their season runs from April to the title games in mid July. The home games are usually on Saturday nights at 7 p.m., and tickets are afford·able at $12 with children under six free. So keep your eye on the Divas website (www.dcdivas.com) for the 2005 schedule and plan to take your kids to see moms, lawyers, policewomen, medical workers, etc., doing something they always wanted to do - play real football. For teenage girls who also have the hankering to play football, keep a watch on the website of the National Women's Football Associa www.wom-ensfootballcentral.com. They have a subsidiary, the National Girl's Football Association that is starting teams for girls in grades nine thru 12 in Florida, and planning to expand around the U.S. Larry Kaufer writes about sports opportunities for Hill youth (and others) each month in this newspaper. Dear Me What Happened to this Courteous Word? BY LEO ORLEANS ave you noticed that a courteous, pleas-And of course, when I receive a letter that starts ing, and very innocuous word has vir-with "Dear Lee," will the writer be sure I will not tually disappeared from letters between misinterpret the greeting and become either friends and acquaintances? suspicious or excited? Curious as it may seem, we have reached a Because young people were naturally at the point when only formal letters which cannot forefront of the sexual revolution, they were possibly be misinterpreted start with "Dear" (as also the first to abandon the "Dear" greeting in in "Dear Mr. Orleans, it has come to our atten-letters. This new trend received a major push tion that your mortgage payment is in arrears," with the email explosion, which was also spear-or "Dear Mr. Sempheropolis, the next meeting of headed by young people. the East Bank philological society will take place And so, most of the correspondence these on May 14 at the...." days starts simply with "Hi" or "Mabel" or It is also just fine to start your letter with "George," at best followed by either a comma or "Dear Customer" or "Dear Colleague"--or, in colon. It wasn't long before those of us who fact, "Dear" any last name preceded by "Mr.," unfortunately missed out on the "Mrs.," "Dr." or any other honorific. But unless sexual revolution also fell in step one is addressing relatives or very and started to eliminate the close friends of "Dear" part when address-approximately ing friends--and saved it your own just for strangers. age, fewer So what's the big deal, and fewer you may ask. No doubt letters thousands of words start with have either disappeared "Dear from the English lan-Gertrude" or guage, are now on the "Dear Boris." I endangered species would venture list, or have changed to say that even their meaning over "Dear John" let-the centuries. In ters skip the just the last cou-"Dear" and go ple of decades, straight to "John." for example, What happened? we have taken Let me suggest at the [original least one very simple meaning of and unscientific the] word explanation for the "gay" out demise of "Dear" as an of circula·accepted way to open a tion, so why letter. worry about los- It was, I believe, the ing "Dear" from sexual revolution and letters? the general liberalization Nevertheless, whether it is senti-of relationships between mentality or stubbornness, I feel a vague dis-people that made the word comfort when someone I have known for years "Dear" subject to confusion and possible misin-(young or old) starts a letter with just a plain terpretation. Because of our sexual ambidexteri-"Hi" or "Lee" or even "Leo." Or maybe I'm just ty, if I start a letter with "Dear Frederick," for showing my age. example, could the individual or some other Dear me. pair of eyes assume that I am feeling out the recipient's sexual orientation? Several of Hill resident Leo Orleans' writings have Or, in our exaggerated obeisance to political appeared in this newspaper over the past year. He is correctness, when I write "Dear Jasmine" to a working on a collection of his work under the title young woman, could she assume I am making a "Random Musings of a Curmudgeony Retiree." pass at her and accuse me of sexual harassment? HILL GOINGS ON DC Public Library, Seventh January 3--The Folger development, Stennis tion required. National and D Streets, SE, presents "Letterwriting in Institute of Government at Building Museum, 401 F BY JULIO ARGUELLO JR (Eastern Market Metro), 7 Renaissance England." Mississippi State Street, NW, 6:30-8 p.m. p.m. Letters, "the familiar University, will discuss the For more information, call Calendar Editor speech of the absent," MMSA's strategies to 202-272-2448 or visit calendar@voiceofthehill.com January 18--Capitol Hill were the social glue of develop and maintain www.nbm.org. viable small-town down- Presbyterian Church will Renaissance society. towns in the age of the January 12-- The feature a Remembrance of "Letterwriting inMUNICIPAL Martin Luther King, Jr. Renaissance England" highway bypass. Free National Postal Museum presents The Postman (Il MEETINGS Featuring readings and per-focuses on the social con-admission. Registration Postino). Experience this texts and the material con-not required. National formances to educate and ditions of writing, sending, Building Museum, 401 F beautiful film that tells theJanuary 10--ANC 6D: reacquaint ourselves with and receiving letters from Street, NW, 12:30-1:30 story of a simple postman Millenium Art Center, 65 I King's message of social the early sixteenth to the p.m. For more information, who is changed forever Street, SW, 7 p.m. justice and peace. early eighteenth cen-call 202-272-2448 or visit after delivering mail to oneParticipants include: Bread turies--a time when the www.nbm.org. of the most romantic poetsJanuary 11--ANC 6B: & Roses Feminist Singers, culture of letterwriting of the 20th century (in Old Naval Hospital, 921 Lesbian & Gay Chorus of underwent massive trans-January 8--The National Italian with English subti-Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 7 Washington, Lyra Chamber formations, from the rise Building Museum presents tles). After the video, view p.m. Ensemble, Not What You of the printed book, which the film, Maya Lin: A Strong the heroism of U.S. postal Think, Rock Creek Singers popularized the letterwrit-Clear Vision. Winner of the workers in the Museum's January 12--ANC 6C: from the Gay Men's Chorus ing manual, to the growth 1995 Academy Award®for In the Line of Duty: National Public Radio of Washington, and others. of a reliable postal system. Best Documentary, this Dangers, Disasters, and (NPR) building, 635 The event will be interpret-Letterwriting is divided into film examines the provoca-Good Deeds exhibition. ed for the deaf. Capitol Hill 4 sections: Writing Letters, tive architecture and sculp-Admission is free. For Massachusetts Avenue, Presbyterian Church, Sending Letters, Reading ture of architect Maya Lin. more information, visit NW, 7 p.m. Fourth and Independence Letters, and Keeping and Free. Registration not www.postalmuseum.si.edu. Copying Letters. On Exhibit required. National Building National Postal Museum, 2 January 13--ANC 6A: Avenue, SE, 7 p.m. through April 2. Folger Museum, 401 F Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Miner Elementary School, Shakespeare Library, 201 NW, 1-3 p.m. For more NE, Noon-2 p.m. 601 15th Street, NE, 7 East Capitol Street, SE, information, call 202-272-ARTS AND one block from the U.S. 2448 or visit www.nbm.org. January 13--The National ENTERTAINMENT Capitol. Open Monday Building Museum presents through Saturday, 10-4 January 9--Dan Flavin: A a lecture with architectCOMMUNITY January 1--Arena Stage p.m. Closed Sundays and Retrospective, the first Rafael Viñoly. He will dis-EVENTS presents Hallelujah, Baby! federal holidays. Admission comprehensive exhibition cuss the astonishing pub- This musical follows a is free. For more informa-of Flavin's full career, pres-lic spaces he has created January 11--The Garden young woman named tion, contact the Folger Box ents 46 objects and instal-around the world, including of Persia: Iranian gardens Georgina from decade to Office at 202-544-7077 or lations, most of which use the Tokyo International the medium of fluorescent Forum, the Kimmel Center reflect a 3,000-year-old tra-decade as she dreams of visit www.folger.edu. light along with 110 draw-for the Performing Arts in p.m. dition of creating refuges trading in her maid's mop January 4--The National ings, sketches, and col- from the rigors of the for the excitement of the Building Museum presents lage-constructions by one Philadelphia, a proposed desert. Landscape design-stage. Along the way, she new plaza at the John F. er Sally Boasberg will show faces head on the chrough Two of the most innovative Kennedy Center for the lenges of a society strug-Centuries, a lecture by artists of the second half Performing Arts as well as slides of Iranian gardens, architect and author of the 20th century. The his vision for the World illustrating their strong geo-gling with segregation, two Joseph Passonneau. National Gallery of Art, 3rd Trade Center site. world wars, and the metric qualities. St. momentous fight for civil Joseph will describe the and 7th Streets, at Following the lecture, he Monica's Church Hall, rights. Tickets prices range development of Constitution Avenue, NW, will sign copies of his book 1340 Massachusetts from $52-$67. To order Washington, DC, from its is open Monday through Viñoly (Princeton Avenue, SE, 7:30 p.m. tickets, call the box office raw beginnings in 1800 to Saturday from 10-5 p.m. Architectural Press). This and Sunday from 11-6 program complements the at 202-488-3300 or order its position today as a January 13--Rumsey tickets online at www. world capital. To illustrate p.m. exhibition OPEN: new Aquatic Center holds its arenastage.org. Arena the city's evolution, he will designs for public space, regular, public meeting of Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, use his original, three-January 11--The National which will be open for a the Eastern Market SW. dimensional (axonometric) Building Museum presents special preview. Admission Community Advisory maps of the city showing a Spotlight on Design lec-is $15 for Museum mem·six different periods. After ture, with architects Tod bers; $25 for nonmem- Committee at 7 p.m. January 2--The Shakespeare Theatre pres-the lecture, he will sign Williams, FAIA, and Billie bers; and $10 for stu-January 13--Come to ents Shakespeare's roman-copies of his book Tsien, AIA. Design minimal-dents. Prepaid registration River Park Nursery tic and spectacular adven-Washington Through Two ist structures and spaces required. National Building School's Open House! The ture Pericles. Prince of Centuries (Monacelli). This that celebrate the inherent Museum, 401 F Street, school serves children who Tyre, Pericles travels the lecture is held in conjunc-beauty of materials and NW, 6:30-8 p.m. For more are 3-5 years old and is a world by sea, finding love, tion with the exhibition construction. This hus-information, call 202-272-parent-run cooperative with tribulation and adventure. Washington: Symbol and band-and-wife design team 2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Shakespeare's epic tale of City, which will be open for will discuss their recent a head teacher and redemption celebrates the viewing. Admission is $10 projects, which include the January 14--Theater teacher's assistant. For power of virtue and the for Museum members and Museum of American Folk Alliance presents Winter more information call 202-profound relationships students; $15 for non-Art in New York, the Mattin Carnival of New Works,a 546-7767. River Park between fathers and members. Registration Art Center at Johns co-production with the Nursery School, 212 East daughters. Pericles' fantas-required. National Building Hopkins University, and Madcap Players. Ten days Capitol Street, NE, 2 -4 tical journey through exotic Museum, 401 F Street, The Neurosciences of new one act and ten-p.m. lands ends with a joyous NW, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For Research Institute in La minute plays written, family reunion, considered more information, call 202-Jolla, California. After their directed and performed by January 18--Protect unsurpassed in the beauty 272-2448 or visit presentation, they will sign some of DC's most talent-human rights everywhere! of its language. Tickets www.nbm.org. copies of their book ed artists. Tickets are Work/Life (Monacelli $15. Seating is general Join the "Make a range from $48 to $61.75. Press). This program com-admission. To order tickets Difference Pen Club" for Call the box office for tick-January 5--The National young people and adults. et availability and show Building Museum presents plements the exhibition visit Liquid Stone: New www.theateralliance.com or Meetings will be held every times at 202-547-1122 or a smart growth lecture, third Tuesday of each visit www.shakespearedc. Small Towns: The Bypass Architecture in Concrete, to for more information call month for discussion and org. The Shakespeare vs. the Main Street. Phil which they designed. 202-396-2125. H Street letter writing. For more Theatre, 450 7th Street Hardwick, immediate past Admission is $12 for Playhouse, 1365 H Street, president of the Museum members; $17 NE, 8 p.m. information contact Virginia NW. Mississippi Main Street for nonmembers; $10 for Spatz at 202-547-8504 or Association (MMSA) and students. Prepaid registra- e-mail Vspatz@radix.net. coordinator for capacity Southeast Branch of the www.voiceofthehill.com Community calendar January 15--The National integrity, Lorenzo allies perennial actors in the exhibition Washington: special demonstrations Lemmon at 202-272-2448 Postal Museum presents himself to the duke in Chinese New Year celebra-Symbol and City. Free. and musical performances. ext. 3556 or e-mail: The Postman (Il Postino). order to kill him, hoping to tions and return to the Registration not required. The first 500 children will slemmon@nbm.org. Experience this beautiful liberate Florence from the classroom to make rooster National Building Museum, receive otoshidama, a National Building Museum, film that tells the story of duke's tyrannical rule. The puppets. Admission is 401 F Street, NW, 1-2 p.m. Japanese New Year's gift. 401 F Street, NW, 5:30- 8 a simple postman who is Theatre presents the first free. Sackler classroom, For more information, call Presented in conjunction p.m. For more information, changed forever after deliv-professional production of Level 2. The Sackler 202-272-2448 or visit with Five Friends from call 202-272-2448 or visit ering mail to one of the the play in Washington with Gallery, 1050 Indepen-www.nbm.org. Japan: Children in Japan www.nbm.org. most romantic poets of the a world premiere transla-dence Avenue, SW. The Today. Free; $5 donation 20th century (in Italian tion by Washington play-Freer Gallery of Art, January 30--The suggested. Drop-in pro-January 15--The Nationalwith English subtitles). wright John Strand. Jeffrey Jefferson Drive at 12th Washington National After the video, view the Carlson (Broadway's Street, SW. 2 p.m. Opera's presents its first gram. Appropriate for all Building Museum features a Calligraphy Creation. heroism of U.S. postal Tartuffe and The Goat, or commissioned work of the ages. National Building workers in the Museum's Who Is Sylvia?) makes his January 25--The National new millennium, Museum, 401 F Street, Kakizome is the Japanese In the Line of Duty: Shakespeare Theatre Building Museum presents Democracy: An American NW, 11-4:30 p.m. For more term for the first calligra-Dangers, Disasters, and debut in the title role oppo-His Highness The Aga Comedy. This opera takes information, call 202-272-phy of the New Year. Good Deeds exhibition. site Robert Cuccioli Khan. He will receive the a light-hearted look at the 2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Practice with brushes and Admission is free. For (Broadway's Jekyll and Museum's 2005 Vincent political power found here ink before creating a more information visit Hyde) as the Duke. Artistic Scully Prize at a gala din-in Washington, DC, and the January 11--Open hous-Kakejiku scroll. Presented www.postalmuseum.si.edu. Director Michael Kahn ner. On the following day personal struggles of a es will be held for the in conjunction with Five National Postal Museum, 2 directs this classic French he will participate in a pub-charismatic man and a Capitol Hill Cluster School Friends from Japan: Massachusetts Avenue, play, considered one of the lic program exploring his principled woman. The at the Peabody, Watkins Children in Japan Today. NE, 1-3 p.m. greatest works of contributions to promoting libretto by Romulus Linney and Stuart Hobson cam-Admission is $5 per proj- Romantic theatre. Tickets design excellence, urban is set in 1875 and is puses on Tuesday, Jan. 11, ect for Museum members; January 16--The Folger rangto $61.75. revitalization, and historic based on the best-selling from 9-11 a.m. Open $7 for nonmembers. Theatre presents Call the box office for tick-preservation in the Muslim novels of Henry Adams, houses are a great way to Appropriate for all ages.Shakespeare's Romeo and et availability and show world. National Building which touch on the actual learn about the programs National Building Museum,Juliet. Two star-crossed times at 202-547-1122 or Museum, 401 F Street, corruption surrounding the the Capitol Hill Cluster 401 F Street, NW, 1-4 p.m. lovers. One family feud. visit www.shakespearedc. NW. For more information, presidency of Ulysses S. School has to offer. Please For more information, call Certain tragedy...Young org. The Shakespeare call 202-272-2448 or visit Grant. Democracy: An tell your friends and neigh-202-272-2448 or visit lovers embrace passion, Theatre, 450 7th Street www.nbm.org. American Comedy offers a bors about the Cluster www.nbm.org.denying the bitter rivalry NW. contemporary look at an between their families. A January 26--Capitol Hill age-old dilemma--how can School, and encourage risky plan is hatched that January 21--Catalyst Arts Workshop presents love and power coexist. them to come to the open January 30--The National leads to the untimely end Theater presents Cloud 9: Ace of Aces (1933) a film Tickets range from $22-house. Capitol Hill Cluster Building Museum presents of an unforgettable Race. Gender. Sexual orien-that Richard Dix stars as a $48. To order tickets School, 425 C Street, NE; Flying in the Great Hall. romance. Ticket prices tation. Everything is up for pacifist sculptor who joins online visit www.dc-Watkins, 420 12th Street, Learn about model air-range from $30-$48. To grabs in Churchill's fierce the air corps to prove to opera.org or call the Box SE; and Stuart Hobson, planes as members of the buy tickets, contact the and funny exposé of colo-his girlfriend that he is no office at 202-295-2400. 410 E Street, NE. DC Maxecuters fly their Folger Box Office at 202-nialism, repression and coward. He becomes a planes in the Museum's 544-7077 or visit well-mannered brutality. ruthless but reckless ace, January 31--Capitol Hill January 12--The National Great Hall. Watch rubber www.folger.edu. Ticket prices range from somewhat based on the Arts Workshop presents Building Museum's band-powered free flight $15-$30 and price Red Baron. Capitol Hill The Big Parade (1925), a Outreach Program, model airplanes soar in a January 18--Capitol Hill includes a $1.75 fee. Arts Workshop, 545 great classic film. This first CityVision is a 12-session series of launches through-Presbyterian Church fea-Seating is general admis-Seventh Street, SE, 7 p.m. realistic war picture, and program that teaches DC out the day. Free. Drop-in tures Wade in the Water, a sion. For more information one of the highest-grossing middle school students program. Appropriate for all winter concert presentation call 800-494-TIXS or visit January 28--The silent films of all-time how to initiate and pro-ages. National Buildingof the Lesbian & Gay www.catalysttheater.com. Washington National stars John Gilbert in this mote change in their com-Museum, 401 F Street, Chorus of Washington. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Opera's presents its first memorable tribute to munities through the NW, 11-4 p.m. For more Tickets are $15, general Black Box Theater, 545 commissioned work of the American veterans' war processes and products of information, call 202-272-admission. For tickets visit Seventh Street, SE, 7:30 new millennium, experience in the Great design. To conclude the 2448 or visit www.nbm.org www.lgcw.org or call 202-p.m. Democracy: An American War. Silent with original 546-1549 for more infor-Comedy. This opera takes music track. Capitol Hill fall 2004 program, stu·mation. Capitol Hill January 22--Arena Stage a light-hearted look at the Arts Workshop, 545 dents from Ronald H. EDITOR'S NOTE: Please send all calendar submis- Presbyterian Church, presents Intimations for political power found here Seventh Street, SE, 7 p.m. Brown Middle School, Fourth & Independence Saxophone. Against the in Washington, DC, and the Browne Junior High School, sions to calendar@voice-Avenue, NE, 4 p.m. backdrop of the Jazz Age, personal struggles of a and Stuart-Hobson Middle ofthehill.com no later than Lily Laird is stuck in a love-charismatic man and a School in the District of the 15th of the previous January 19--Capitol Hill less marriage. All the while principled woman. The JUST FOR KIDS Columbia will present their month. As always, you may Arts Workshop presents signs of the coming sexual libretto by Romulus Linney January 9--The National ideas for improving the post your organization's Seven Days Leave (1930) revolution become more is set in 1875 and is Building Museum presents Anacostia, Brookland, and upcoming events directly on a film with Gary Cooper and more apparent to her. based on the best-selling Oshogatsu: a Japanese H Street NE Corridor neigh-our website by clicking on (wearing kilts!) as a soldier As Intimations for Saxo-novels of Henry Adams, New Year Celebration. borhoods. Program is free. "Calendar" on the on leave who gets straight-phone progresses, play-which touch on the actual Enjoy the spirit of this holi-Registration required. www.voiceofthehill.com ened out about life and wright Sophie Treadwell's corruption surrounding the day with a day filled with Refreshments will be home page. war by an old charwoman. heroine breaks free of her presidency of Ulysses S. traditional Japanese served. RSVP by Monday, Based on the play by Sir marriage and sets out to Grant. Democracy: An games and activities plus January 10 to Stacie James E. Barrie of Peter find herself on her own. American Comedy offers a Pan fame. Capitol Hill Arts Arena Stage, Fichandler contemporary look at an Workshop, 545 Seventh Stage, 1101 6th Street, age-old dilemma--how can Street, SE, 7 p.m. SW. Ticket prices range love and power coexist. from $46 to $60. Call the Tickets range from $22·January 20--The Sales office for times and $48. To order tickets Shakespeare Theatre pres-ticket availability at 202-online visit www.dc-SMOKEY'S BARBERSHOP ents Lorenzaccio, a play by 488-3300 or visit www.are-opera.org or call the Box Alfred de Musset. This play nastage.org. office at 202-295-2400. We Sell CDs and Cassette Tapes is a gripping tale of politi·cal intrigue, moral dilem-January 23--The Arthur January 29--The National mas and individual hero-M. Sackler Gallery and Building Museum presents ism. De Musset centers Freer Gallery of Art pres-Government Girls of World the play on the complex ents Year of the Rooster War II. This film, narrated character of Lorenzo de (ages 6-14 with adult) by Cokie Roberts, tells the Open Medici, friend and cousin Participants learn what it story of the young women Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to the notorious Alexander means to be born in the who flocked to Washington, de Medici, Duke of Year of the Rooster. D.C. during the 1940s Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Florence. At the price of Explore the Freer and mobilization for World War Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. his moral and physical Sackler Galleries for the II. The film complements 1338 H Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 396-2377 (202) 399-9726 STARRY DAYS Eastern Standard Time Edition Your Astrological Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness BY JEFFREY HOWARD © All rights reserved STARRY DAYS observes the daily rearrangement of those ancient symbols we call plan·ets, and offers an interpretation that works for everyone. Using this calendar can help us all in our pursuit of happiness. STARRY DAYS is written for each time zone to help everyone find the shifting tides of opportunity. May you be happy. Saturday, January 1 Wednesday, January 12 Saturday, January 22 Experiment: See what hap-Improve your dreams Take inventory of your per-pens if you pray this after-tonight by writing down, sonal environment. Does it noon. before you sleep, the work for you? What dreams you find attractive. changes would you like to Sunday, January 2 make? Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. More Thursday, January 13 flies asugar Your whole day could be a Sunday, January 23 than with vinegar. Sweet-delight, if you can scram-This evening, everyone talk that uncooperative ble out of bed at 5 a.m.; wins if we can find a way someone. 5:30 at the latest! to pretend to be a gentle person. Monday, January 3 Friday, January 14 A relaxed approach is the This afternoon, be like a Monday, January 24 key to success this after-boat moving through fog; First thing today, let's noon. Instead of pushing, let other people know review our plans for this step back and listen. you're around. week. Tuesday, January 4 Saturday, January 15 Tuesday, January 25 The watchful waiter, the Get out and about. Visit a Be yourself. And pause quiet diplomat makes the mall. Nap in a library. often to see who you actu·most progress this day. ally are. Assert yourself after 7 Sunday, January 16 p.m. Take your foot off the gas Wednesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. We can better Good day to get lots done. Wednesday, January 5 get where we're going if we Stay attentive and focused. A clear agenda gently com-go there slowly. municated conquers all. Thursday, January 27 Monday, January 17 Recommit to your inten-Thursday, January 6 Pause. Reflect. Good day tions for a healthier you! Before bed, for a better to take lots of time to snooze, open a window, or think things through; to Friday, January 28 step outside for a moment. feel our way. Take a moment at 12:42 Breathe deeply of the crisp p.m. to feel your power! night air. Tuesday, January 18 Then plug into your power Let's pay attention to how and let it help you achieve Friday, January 7 we're feeling today. We your goals. Intuition might be active need not judge. Just being tonight. Better it, than your aware of our emotions will Saturday, January 29 tongue. help us achieve today's Hold hands with your goals. sweetie at 5:13 p.m. Saturday, January 8 Tomorrow is a happy day if Wednesday, January 19 Sunday, January 30 your plans for tomorrow From 5:20 p.m. on, pay Talk about yourself at are made before you slip attention to whatever lunch. Eat with friends. into slumber. you're doing. Maybe you Share your emotional side. could use a headset if Then listen. Sunday, January 9 you're on the phone. Free A slow, steady pace brings your hands; free your Monday, January 31 best results. A good plan mind. The energy to get things helps. done is yours all after- Thursday, January 20 noon. Put the pedal to the Monday, January 10 Dreams are sweet tonight. metal. A slow, steady pace brings We might want to take a best results. A good plan deep breath before we dive helps. in. Jeffrey Howard loves trees big and small, young and Tuesday, January 11 Friday, January 21 old, conifers and decidu-Approach this day like a If you can't leave work at ous, and can be reached at sprinter getting into posi-4:27 p.m., take time to mayyoubehappy@aol.com. tion at the starting blocks. consider your plans for Be sure to be pointed the next week, or next month. direction you want to go. Books Education HOMESCHOOLING? If you are homeschooling, or Wanted to purchase Open House thinking about homeschool·ing, you are warmly welcome Quality used books. Single vol- River Park Nursery School will to visit Christian Home umes or entire library! Call hold an Open House on Educators of DC, Inc. (CHE Steve at Riverby Books, 202-Thursday, January 20 from DC). We feature monthly 544-1925. 2:00-4:00pm. The Nursery meetings with great guestSchool serves children who speakers, a newsletter, fellow-are 3-5 years old. The school ship and encouragement, tips Books Bought and Sold. We want what you can give, is a parent-run cooperative, & advice, curriculum fairs, we pay what we can afford. with a head teacher and field trips, play dates, a Capitol Hill Books. Capitol teacher's assistant. library, achievement testing Hill's used bookstore across Location: 212 East Capitol for children of members, and the street from Eastern Street, NE. Information: much more. For more info, Market. 657 C Street, SE, 202/546-7767 please call Antoinette 202-544-1621. Kearney at 526-4108. Cleaning Service Employment For Rent Residential and commercial cleaning. Reasonable rates, Radio DJ Garage for Rent references available. Carpet Internet Radio DJ Needed for GARAGE 1 block Lincoln Park, cleaning, move in, move out, New WorldWide Radio 1/4 block East Capitol. construction cleanup. Statio/Dance Music/Email: Vehicles only. $165 - $220/ Licensed, bonded and insured yourentertainmentgroup@ month 410-991-0038. Call Rosemary Clean-4U, 202-yahoo.com/www.e-radiobiz. 320-0805 or 202-518-9449. com Storage/Garage Space Available. Help wanted-- Secure, 24 hour easy access. Able to grow--Fragers. Capitol Hill, 1 block from Fragers Just Ask Rental needs metro. 10x20 garages. management trainee to learn $125/month. 202-543-3370 about all rental equuipment or mberman@his.com. and computer system. Mechanical minded, with Services unbroken work history, valid Vacation Rentals driver's license. Apply in per·son at 1107 Pennsylvania Masonry Beach Vacation/Golf Ave., SE. Ask for Jay. Repointing/Brickwork, General Reserve for this season or a Repair. Free estimates. fall golf outing. Cherry Grove Build Your Own Business Licensed and Bonded Section, No. Myrtle Beach, Ever consider a lucrative busi-Dave Masonry South Carolina. 3BR 2BA ness in real estate sales? (242) 473-0217 home, 1 block from beach Come learn how agents are with dock and channel at earning incomes of $65,000-back door. Over 100 golf $600,000. Learn what is Moving courses nearby, and more involved in getting started and 1 RATE MOVERS has eliminat-mini-golf than you can play. building your business. Learn ed the need for misleading Rent the Robeys' beach cot-how soon you can start. Learn estimates. $850 per truck-tage....call 202-546-7410 for why some brokerage firms are load (most homes require one rates or www.voiceofthehill/ better for beginners than oth-truckload). No hidden fees. 6 cricket.htm. ers. 1 hour, FREE career semi-men/24 foot truck. For an nars are held most Tuesdays appointment, call 301-808-at 1p.m. You must register to 0388. Visit www.1rate-Other attend. 202-393-8271x155. movers.com for more informa-Larry.Kamins@Prudential tion. Overeaters Anonymous Carruthers.com. Meets on the Hill Prudential Carruthers REAL· VCS Chimney Sweeps Call for meeting locations and TORS, Capitol Hill office. We specialise in chimney directions. cleaning & repairs · Non-holiday Mondays at For Sale Call 301-408-8422 lunchtime - 12:10 PM- http://www.vcschim-(202) 882-4886 neysweeps.com. · Thursdays after work - "Only Child Dolls" 6:15- 7:15 PM - 202-544-of Capitol Hill. 22" one of a Massage Therapy 4350 kind, handmade, beautiful ELEMENTAL THERAPY, LLC - Additional National and cloth and vinyl children of all races. Come and choose your "The Art and Science of International meeting listings and information on "only child." Call designer at Alternative Health Care" is www.oa.org. 202 546 3423 or email at your out-call professional service. Certified massage We work on self-defeating atti-shatzsoft@msn.com therapists serving the tudes that hamper keeping N.Virginia, S.Maryland and our healthy eating resolu- Washington DC Metropolitan tions, whether we over-eat or area. By appointment only. under-eat. Visit our website at www.ele-mental-wellness.com or call to schedule your session now at 703-606-2226. Home/ Office Conference. NO Hotels To place a classified ad, log on to www.voiceofthehill.com and click on "newspaper" and then "advertising" and follow the prompts. Accounting Accounting, bookeeping serv·ices. QuickBooks®set up, training and consulting. Marina L. Martin, MBA QuickBooks®Advisor 202 251-3907, 547-9536 Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Tax & Financial Planning Corporation/Partnership 547-9004 See our ad on page 21 Antiques Antique and Contemporary Leasing, 709 12th St., SE 547-3030 Attorneys Rick Halberstein & Karen Byrne 705 D St., SE 543-1110 Arts Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th St., SE 547-6839 See our ad on page 21 Association The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Anacostia River Initiative 725 8th ., SE (202) 544-2232 or email dsiglin@cbf.org. CHAMPS Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals 621 PA Ave., SE 547-7788 Bank National Capital Bank 316 PA Ave., SE 546-8000 wwwnationalcapitalbank. com See our ad on page 23 Bed and Breakfast Doolittle Guest House 504 E. Capitol Street, SE 546-6622 See our ad on page 5 417 A Victorian Townhouse 417 A St., SE 202-543-1481 See our ad on page 7 Books Capitol Hill Books 657 C Street, SE, 544-1621 Good Used Books Bought & Sold. Riverby Books 419 E. Capitol St., SE 547-3228 See our ad on page 23 Bookeeping Thigpen Hall & Associates Small Business Bookeeping Personal Property Appraisal Bobby Thigpen 202-546-7734 See our ad on page 33 Church Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Worship Sunday 11am, Sunday School 9:45am wwwcapitolhillpreschurch.org 201 4th St, SE 547-8676 See our ad on page 4 Christ Church + Washington Parish 620 G St., SE 547-9300 See our ad on page 26 Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 E. Capitol St., SE, 543-4200 www.reformationdc.org See our ad on page 45 St. James' Episcopal Church 222 8th St., SE, 546-1746 www.saintjameschurch.org See our ad on page 9 St. Peter's Church 2nd & C Street, SE 547-1430 See our ad on pages 24 Clock Repair HARRY FLOYD 202-543-6422 payneandcampbell@ verizon.net See our ad on page 7 Clothing & Gifts Art & Soul 225 PA Ave., SE 548-0105 See our ad on page 29 Plaid 715 8th Street, SE 675-6900 See our ad on page 43 The Village 705 N. Carolina Ave., SE 546-3040 see our ad on page 47 Computer Consulting Small Business Data Solutions A Solution Provider for all your computing needs Fay Singer 202-841-9928 See our ad on page 33 Drug Store Grubbs Care Pharmacy 326 E Capitol Street SE 543-4400 See our ad on page 25 Design Build Columbia Enterprises, Inc. 202-547-7979 Educational Services Sharon Negri, M.S. Academic tutoring, grades 1-8. Parent and school consulta ·tion. 543-3272, sharonlne- gri@aol.com Electrician Charlie Lucas 202-397-2273 Fax 202-397-2127 See our ad on page 11 Garden and Landscape Art Garden Design 546-6920, artgarden@ starpower.net Specializing in urban gardens with an emphasis on functionaland non-functional art elements. Cheryl Corson Design 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 21 A Remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Planned by GLBT Arts Consortium The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) Arts Consortium will offer A Remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr., on Tuesday, Jan.18, from 7-8 p.m., at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church (CHPC), Fourth and Independence Avenue, SE, near the Eastern Market and Capitol South Metro Stations. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. The Church is acces·sible, and the event will be interpreted for the deaf. The national theme for Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On. Not a Day Off. Alvin Mayes, a founder of the Remembrance, states, "This event provides an opportunity for the Washington, DC community to refocus thoughts and efforts on social justice and peace. It seems particularly timely when the war in Iraq continues without active discussion of its motivation or purpose. The Remembrance has been offered for the last five years." Participants in the Remembrance include: Bread & Roses Feminist Singers, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Choir (invited), Capitol Hill Youth Chorus (invited), DC's Different Drummers, Jubilee Singers of All Souls Unitarian Church, Lesbian & Gay Chorus of Washington, DC, Lyra Chamber Ensemble, Not What You Think, Nuance, Rock Creek Singers of Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, and oth·ers. Participants in the King Remembrance reflect the broad range of artists and presenting groups that collectively make up the GLBT Arts Consortium, a voluntary collaboration of var·ied arts organizations from the Washington, DC, metro area which works to raise the visibil·ity of GLBT arts. For more information about the King Remembrance, interested persons may call 202-547-4102 or visit www.dcglbtarts.org. District Cityscapes, Inc Hardware 202-544-4886 Fragers Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Frager's Garden Center 543-6157 1115 Penna Ave., SE, See our ad on page 35 See our ad on page 47 Health & Fitness G. I. Jane Fitness Bootcamp Gingko Gardens Open Mon-Thu 7am-8pm 911 11th St., SE 543-5172 202-547-7906 See our ad on page 19 www.GIJanefit.net See our ad on page 38 Gifts & Collectables Anatolia Bazaar Results the Gym 631 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 3rd & G Sts, SE (202) 543-7099 202-234-5678 Tues-Fri: 11:00-6:30 · See our ad on page 53 Sat-Sun: 10:00-7:30 Home Furnishings Hoopla Traders 733 8th St., SE 202-544-3620 See our ad on page 45 Antique & Contemporary Leasing & Sales 709 12th Street, SE 547-3030 Home Repair K.C. Company Viewed to be the Best 12100 Baltimore Ave. Suite 1 Beltsville, MD 20705 301-419-7669 Email tallen@kc-pella.com See our ad on page 33 Handyman on the Hill Washington DC 206-7185 See our ad on page 33 Le Renovations No Job Too Big or Too Small 359-9971 Internet DC Access 118 Kentucky Ave, SE 546-5898 www.dcaccess.net -- a local ISP See our ad on page 7 Insurance Marilyn Riehl, CLU, ChFC State Farm Insurance Home, Auto, Life, Financial Services 301-951-0355 Landscaping Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St., SE 202-43-5172 Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm See our ad on page 15 Cheryl Corson Design Washington, DC 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 6 cheryl@cherylcorson.com Mason Michaliga Masonry 321 C Street, SE 544-4484 Mediation Capitol Hill Mediation Service 125 Tennessee Ave., NE 544-5675 CHMediate@aol.com Movers Great Scott Moving, Inc. 202-546-8190 www.greatscottmoving.com Painting David Mahoney Painting Co. 544-9577 See our ad page 35 Tech Painting 544-2135 See our ad on page 37 Pets Doolittle's Pet Supply Chateau Animaux 224 7th St., SE 544-8710 See our ad on page 4 Dogma 821 Virginia Ave., SE 202-543-77805 www.dog-ma.com See our ad on page 13 Picture Framing Capitol Hill Art & Frame 623 Penna. Ave., SE 546-2700 See our ad on page 21 Fulton Framing Framing and Preservation 544-8408 See our ad on page 29 Frame of Mine Do-It-Yourself and Custom Framing 522 8th St., SE 543-3030 See our ad on page 9 Newman Gallery and Custom Frames 511 11th St., SE 544-7577 See our ad on page 45 Plumbing Grayton Plumbing 544-4366 See our ad on page 5 Property Management Evolve LLC 202 359-RENT evolvellc.com See our ad on page 7 Yarmouth Management 309 7th Street, SE 202/547-3511 1/2 block from Eastern Market Metro E-mail: Rent@YarmouthM.com Real Estate The Smith Brothers John Smith and Aaron Smith 202-262-6037 or 202-498-6794 See our ad on page 9 Tom Faison REMAX Real Estate 220 7th St., SE 255-5554 See our ad on page 18 John C. Formant Sales and Rentals Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD Peter Frias 202-744-8973 225 PA Ave., SE 544-3900 www.johncformant.com See our ad page 2 Hugh Kelly 202-588-2224 See our ad on page 52 Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See our ad on the back cover The von Schlegel Realty Team REMAX Real Estate 220 7th St., 547-5600 See our ad on page 15 Phyllis Jane Young Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See ad page 63 John Parker Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See our ad on page 57 Prudential Carruthers 216 7th Street, SE 393-1111 www.prudentialcarruthers.com See our ad on page 31 Rob Bergman Residential and Commercial 262-3848 See our ad on page 13 John Janke Randall Hagner 546-9057 See our ad page 5 Sherlocke Homes Panchita Bello 708 G Street, SE 202-543-0954 We take the mystery out of real estate Call first for appointment www.sherlockehomes.com See our ad on page 49 Valerie M. Blake Prudential Carruthers Realtors 5025 Wisconsin Ave, NW 202-362-1348, x111, www.DCHomeQuest.com Real Estate Settlement Congressional Title 650 PA Ave., SE 544-0800 See our ad on page 8 Eastern Market Title 210 7th St., SE 546-3100 See our ad on page 7 Restaurants Aatish 609 Pennsylvania Ave., SE The City's Finest Pakistani Restaurant 202-544-0931 See our ad on page 32 Finn mac Cool's 713 8th St., SE 202-547-7100 Banana Café 400 8 th St., SE 543-5906 See our ad on page 45 Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream 327 7th St., SE 546-CAKE See our coupon on page 29 Hawk 'n' Dove 329 PA Ave., SE 543-3300 See our ad on page 49 Marty's Family Restaurant 527 8th St., SE 202-546-4952 See our ad on page 18 Starfish 539 8th E 546-5006 See our ad on page 43 Tapatini's 711 8th Street, SE 546-8272 See our ad on page 43 Roofing Star Roofing 1159 4th St., NE 543-6383 See our ad page 18 Salons Bravado 655 C Street, SE 543-6118 Randolph Cree 325 7th St., SE 547-1014 See our ad on page 25 Schools Capitol Hill Day School 109 S. Carolina Ave., SE 547-2244 See our ad on page 56 Edmund Burke School 2955 Upton St., NW 362-8882 St Peter's School 422 3rd St., SE 544-1618 See our ad on page 55 Speech-Language Therapy Katherine T. Sullivan M.S., CCC-SLP Providing Services for Children from Birth to School-Ages. (202) 329-4444 ksullivan@dcspeech.com Theater Folger Shakespeare Theatre and Library 201 East Capitol Street, SE 544-7077 See our ad on page 31 Theater Alliance H Street Playhouse 1365 H Street, NE 202-396-2125 www.theateralliance.com Shakespeare Theatre Education 547-5688 Therapy Joseph Tarantolo, MD Individual, couples and group psychotherapy 543-5290 See our ad on page 29 Michelle Piquet Individual, couple and group psychotherapy 544-4480 See our ad page 5 Veterinarians Capitol Hill Veterinary Clinic 520 8th St., SE 546-1972 See our ad on page 50 JoAnne Carey, DVM Veterinary House Calls and Hospice Service 301-625-0723 Union Veterinary 609 2nd St., NE 544-2500 Web Design MSW Interactive Designs LLC 202-543-3312 Custom Website Design MSWInteractive Designs.com Yoga Studio Capitol Hill Yoga 221 5th St NE, 202-544-0011 See our ad on page 33 WHAT'S IN A NAME? A L O T WHEN Y O U ARE T ALKING ABOUT MARKETING! N THE BEGINNING -- there was no Capitol Hill neighborhood. There was Jenkins Hill and the Navy Yard. Then there was Swamp Poodle and Pipetown. At some point, Capitol Hill became a recognizable and accepted neighborhood and references to Jenkins Hill and Navy Yard(as a neighborhood) drifted away. Many different geographical definitions have evolved over time. The Historic District is certainly one. The assessor's definition is another (where most of us live in Old City 1 -- whatever that is). As areas have evolved and housing stock has been renovated, the borders keep moving out. We are a recognizable and respected neighborhood. Can you imagine explaining to someone from England that you live in Soflo! The Hyatt advertises as The Hyatt On Capitol Hill. The sign in front of Eastern High reads Eastern High School On Capitol Hill. The Jenkins Row Condos on Capitol Hill. A friend of mine who lives on Lincoln Park was told by a business colleague the other day that he had just moved to Capitol Hill. My friend said that's great, where did you buy? 9th and L NE was the reply! It has long been my feeling that our responsibility as a community should not be relinquished until we bump a large, well established neighborhood or a natural boundary. When times were more difficult and the press reported on a rather heinous crime, it didn't much matter where we thought the boundaries of Capitol Hill began and ended. Problems across some imaginary line reflected on all of us. Today, we are faced with tremendous potential growth in our "primary marketplace" whatever we define that to be. Hundreds of new condos and townhouses between H Street and the New York Avenue METRO. Hundreds more between the Freeway and the waterfront to the south. Two base baseball stadiums. Several spurs of the new light rail system. A Corcoran Gallery facility! Realtors have always thought themselves the driving force behind "neigh·borhood naming". To a certain extent that may be true. But, the fact is, as areas around "Capitol Hill" have evolved, changing populations have chosen to asso·ciate with our neighborhood. North Lincoln Park, Capitol Hill East, etc.! At one time, these areas were considered by many to be external to Capitol Hill. Today, they are integral to what we are. As the hotel district west of Union Station has developed, as the area between H Street and Florida Avenue has become more popular and as the area along M Street SE has evolved, these neighborhoods are all claiming identity with Capitol Hill. They should. We are an established and recognizable neighborhood. We have become a very desir·able place to live. When the blimp is floating over the new stadium, they will be talking about Capitol Hill. When developers start marketing the new properties near the new METRO, they will be marketing Capitol Hill. As these new areas become populated, Capitol Hill takes on a scale that can't be ignored - con·sumer spending, real estate values, political clout, etc., etc., etc. The population of this larger area will quickly exceed 60,000 (the Historic District is less than 17,000). Average household income in this larger area will be in excess of $75,000 by the end of 2006. A $2,000,000,000 with a "B" marketplace!! Over the next decade, as our neighborhood grows, our challenge is to embrace the new while maintaining what has made our neighborhood what it has become. We're up to it and we should welcome the challenge. Don Denton Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 202-547-3525 Wondering about what you can qualify to purchase in this exciting www.MikeBrown.biz Washington D.C. residential market. Take a few minutes and give "Trusted Advice To Build & Protect Your Wealth" me a call or visit me on line and I can lay out the options for you. 877-284-2848