of The Hill VOICE This Month 12 On Line at the PO 14 Dishing with Korean American Merchants 20 Putting the Art on the Call (Boxes, that is) 22 Power to the Kids 24 Veterans Day: Unsung Heroes 26 Turkey? Yuck! 28 Airing the Family Laundry 29 Poetry, Emotion at 9132 Art Enables: What's the Future? 36 Revelry's Coming! 37 Karaoke Confessions 38 A Marine Icon 40 The Corps at 228Departments VoiceMail............................................3City Desk......................................4DownLoad ....................................7Business Bits .............................10Business Snapshot .....................11Amazing Spaces .........................39Performing Arts Roundup.............42Ask Judith ..................................44Designing for Hearth and Home...46Armchair Movie Reviews ..............48Crisp air, a riot of fall Health and Fitness......................50Ask the Vet.................................52Barracks Row .............................54color...Capitol Hill puts on its best. Kids' Sports ...............................55Kids' Calendar ............................56Community Calendar ...................57Horoscope..................................59Classifieds .................................59Business Services ......................60Restaurant Review ......................62 Vol. 5 No. 8 November 2003 "WHERE WSHOPS NEW ADDRESS!" Sales ·· · ASHINGTON FOR A Rentals Commercial Leasing Property Management www.johncformant.com 12 4th Street, SE Call Todd Bissey at 202-841-7653 626 3rd Street, NE Much larger than it appears! Enormous Victorian ready for its rebirth with the details & elegance for which Capitol Hill is famous! All original pine floors, plaster mouldings & medallions, mantels, stained glass transoms, and more! Huge room proportions w/ 4BRs, 2BAs baths, unfinished basement & charming rear yard. $775,000 Fabulous Corner Edwardian w/ wide open spaces, an interior balcony overlooking the living room, wood stove, 3 bedrooms, lovely deck, GARAGE & BONUS 1BR apt! $679,000 Call Pete Frias at 202-744-8973 kitchen, closets galore, & a lovely bath! Right behind Union Station, the METRO, & the new SEC complex, this 400 sq. producing rental! $99,000 Call Pete Frias at 202-744-8973 637 3rd Street, NE #B1 Chillum--235 Longfellow Street, NW Fabulous renovation of large Chillum beauty! 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Winner of GCAAR's highest honor, the Platinum Award. 202-744-8973 Pete Frias 310 East Capitol St. #E - For Rent Prestigious address in beautifully maintained close-in condominium! Sophisticated 2-Level 1BR w/ small den in the sought-after Colcord Condo! Features hwd floors, new stainless appliances, great closet space, wood-burning fireplace, new deck with Capitol & monument views! Parking avail for addt'l $100/month. $1,795 +Utilities Columbia Heights - 3032 Park Place, NW Just Remodeled! This home features 3BRs, 2 full BAs, jacuzzi, new oak flrs, gas fp, maple cabinets w/ granite counter tops, fin- ished bsmt, CAC, ceiling fans & recessed lights! $309,500 washer & dryer, central a/c, & roof Call Todd Bissey at 202-841-7653 Call Todd Bissey at 202-841-7653 TODD AND STAN'S OCTOBER ACTIVITY 513 7th Street, SE (Selling Agents) Listed @ $449,000 SOLD 317 10th Street, NE #16 (Listing Agents) Listed @ $234,500 SOLD 317 10th Street, NE #10 (Listing & Selling Agents) Listed @ $249,000 SOLD 124 Jefferson Street, NW (Selling Agents) Listed @ $299,990 SOLD 1243 G Street, NE (Selling Agents) Listed @ $393,500 Under Contract Just Released--Bryan School Loft w/ Pkg. Listed @ $470,000 Under Contract BISSEY&BISSEY Residential & Commercial Real Estate Consultants 202-841-SOLD Todd Bissey & Stan Bissey 225 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, S.E. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20003 TEL: 202-544-3900 FAX: 202-546-1771 VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 of The Hill VOICE Voicemail The Voice of the Hill is published and distributed monthly to Capitol Hill Shotgun House Issueresidences and business locations. Should be Kept Alive The focus is on the community and includes contiguous neighborhoods from Gallaudet University to the To the Editor: Navy Yard and from the Capitol to Last fall, the DC Historic Preservation the Stadium Armory Complex. Review Board (HPRB) held a hearing on Publication and distribution is the the E Street, SE, Shotgun House. Now, a last Friday of each month. year later, despite a ruling by the HPRB Advertising deadline is the first of that the house needed to be preserved the month preceding publication. and stabilized, nothing has changed. As I noted in a previous letter to the unable to do anything to make which have a bigger impact him restore the property. Last on the quality of life in fall, while HPRB representa-our community. But tives were again inspecting the the frustration that property, a CHRS board member those of us who assured me that action would be live in the surtaken to begin the process of restoring rounding neighborthe property. The same individual also hood feel at this said there was a possibility that the continuing impasse jus- CHRS would consider buying the proper-tifies, I think, keeping this issue alive ty, and then encouraged me to make an and before the community as a whole. offer to the owner. I was amazed at that Voice of the Hill editor, at the hearing, Councilwoman suggestion, and I also knew the possibil-PETER THEIL NOTE NEW ADDRESS! Ambrose told the HPRB there were no ity that the CHRS would consider buying 1233 E St., SE PO Box 15874 funds in the city budget to enforce any the property was bogus. So, despite the Washington DC 20003-0874 ruling that the owner restore the build-sound and fury of the HPRB and CHRS, 202-544-0703 Main office ing. She castigated the owner for allow-no restoration has occurred--nor move-Shedding Light 202-318-7806 Fax ing the building to deteriorate, as we all ment by the city to take over the proper did, and she pleaded (yes, pleaded, as ty and restore it; nor movement by the To the Editor: www.voiceofthehill.com did all of us who testified that day) for CHRS to buy it, move it, or find a devel- The new "electrified Washington Globe" editor@voiceofthehill.com the HPRB to rule that the Shotgun oper for it. Stabilizing the Shotgun bruce@voiceofthehill.com House be demolished. All this fell on House, whatever that means, accom-street lights on Barracks Row are terrif- patti@voiceofthehill.com deaf ears, and that has been the story plishes absolutely nothing other than ic. What I'm wondering is why they're adele@voiceofthehill.com for years. providing the HPRB and CHRS with mis-considered the right thing for Barracks While new housing development is guided satisfaction that they have again Row and the wrong thing for the rest of julia@voiceofthehill.com occurring all around Capitol Hill, the prevented the owner from taking the us. Capitol Hill is supposed to be an Staff HPRB and the Capitol Hill Restoration house down. Historic District, but what we see all Scott Shumaker Society (CHRS) have blocked any possi-If the Capitol Hill community as a over the Hill is these awful, huge, tall Editor bility that development could take place whole (and not just the CHRS and on the 1200 block of E Street, SE, HPRB) feels that this property must be ugly street lightst look like they Bruce Robey extending back to the 1200 block of preserved or that it must remain in its belong in some suburb's strip mall. On my street, Constitution Ave., NE, it was WebMaster Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, unless the deteriorated state as a monument to Adele Robey Shotgun House is preserved. Nothing demolition by neglect, then our neighbor-only a few years ago that the city Graphic Design and Production we, the surrounding community, the hood will have to live with that. But I installed new lights, each of them entire- Andrew Noyes, Assistant Editor ANC, the mayor, the deputy mayor or Ms. can't believe that anyone who is familiar ly wrong for the Historic District and Ambrose have said makes a difference. with this issue would support that posi-more or less ineffective, since they are Patti Shea, Political Reporter We have asked the CHRS and HPRB tion--certainly not if they had to live not only ugly but also not very function- Larry Kaufer, Sports Editor to work with the community to insure next to or near this house every year. al, with glaring lights which shine into our bedroom windows but tower above Julia Robey, Production Coordinator that any development in this area will Yes, it is very unfortunate that the the leafed out trees so that the lighting meet the requirements/guidelines of the property owner allowed the Shotgun rarely even reaches the sidewalks in Publishers historic district. Over the past two years, House to deteriorate to its present con- summer and fall. These "now stillPhoenix Graphics, Inc. several people have stopped by the dition; we all agree on that. But the T/A Voice of the Hill Shotgun House and expressed an inter-CHRS and HPRB can't seem to get past almost new" lights on my street were a est in developing the property for resi-that fact or their anger at the owner. It's big waste of city taxpayer money, and also an indication of how out of touch Community Action Group: dential use (meaning, putting up new time for them to be responsive to the townhouses), but as soon as they heard community on this issue. And the owner the city is with its residents' needs. Did Distribution about the CHRS and HPRB requirements must understand that just because we we ask for new lights? NO! Did we need Contributing Writers that the Shotgun House be preserved, support his demolishing the Shotgun new lights? NO! What we asked for was relief from the Stephen Ackerman Jessica Leshnoff their interest disappeared. I have been House, that does not give him or anyone parking problem. What we asked for was Julio Arguello, Jr. Timur Loynab told that other prospective buyers have else carte blanche to put up anything the city to be sensitive to the need to also been scared off after learning about they like without community input and create more parking spaces for our cars, Laurie Aomari Celeste McCall the need to preserve the house. support. He and any other interested Stephanie Briggs Bill McLeod developer must understand and respect and also, even more importantly, to work I was also told that because the Judith Capen Andrew Noyes on safety and security for our Capitol Hill Ruth Hayes Robbins neighborhood petitioned the city to do the concerns of the community. If the neighborhood. Our "big ugly lights" did- JoAnne Carey away with the curb cut in front of the house can be restored as part of an Gene Clapp Julia Robey Shotgun House (the first time the CHRS overall development on that lot, fine-- n't meet any of these needs. Thus, I'm wondering ... why is it that Victoria Curtis Shirley Serotsky ever supported the neighborhood on a but there is no evidence to date that only the business district is supported Colin Gustafson Patti Shea related Shotgun House issue), that has this is feasible or that there is an inter- in its effort to do appropriate lighting? Dug Hanbicki Robert Wander been a deterrent to any possible devel-ested developer willing to do that. opment on that site. In response, we I invite all of the Hill community to And why is it that the city can't do the Beth Lambdin same in the rest of our neighborhood? have said that while we oppose use of a come and look at the building and Is this another example of the DCMemberships curb cut for commercial use, we would decide for themselves what the outcome Transportation Department only working of the Shotgun House should be. Maybe Capitol Hill Association of Merchants support one, for example, as use for on a patchwork basis--prioritizing everyand Professionals residential parking. That is not an issue there is someone out there who can that should prevent development of the actually come up with the funds to buy one but the residents of our neighbor- Art Directors Club of Metropolitan hood? site. Washington It is absolutely clear to everyone Barracks Row Business Alliance (except possibly the HPRB and CHRS) Independent Free Papers of that the owner is never going to restore America this property, nor has any reason to do H Street Merchants Association so, and it is equally clear that the city is and restore the building. That would be great. My guess is that will not happen, and that most people will agree it's time BARBARA LEA C H that the building be taken down. 610 Constitution Ave., NE I realize there are many other pressing issues that concern Capitol Hill www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 cityDesk COVERING THE HILL'S POLITICAL SCENE AND MORE ALL STORIES WRITTEN/COMPILED BY PATTI SHEA ANC 6B Voices Symbolic 'No' on St. Coletta On a recommendation from its planning committee, ANC 6B unanimously voted Oct. 9 to oppose the city's plan to install a special-needs school on Eastern Capitol Hill until the school's administrators agree to make neighborhood improvements. The panel shocked representatives from the St. Coletta School with its "no" vote. The school's application went before the ANC for public comment, even though it has already been OK'd by the City Council and federal government. The ANC will send a resolution to the planning commission voicing its concerns, but they can be easily overridden by the planners or the council. The controversial school, which serves persons ages 4 to 21 with moderate to severe mental retardation, is slated to be located on approximately five acres at community's frustration on the city, but said the the corner of Independence Avenue and 19th ANC wants to work with the school to get specific Street, SE. The school will be located on the north-concessions, but needs assurances before doing so. west portion of a 60-acre city redevelopment proj-"[We] don't want St. Coletta's to be the horrible ect called Reservation 13. ogres of the community," Olson said. St. Coletta's attorney Jacques DePuy said his Commissioner Neil Glick said the community clients were surprised by the decision. got "hoodwinked" by the mayor and said the Commissioners were very vocal in stating their school's "representatives, arrogance, rudeness and oppositions. general lack of respect" for this organization were "I think the community got screwed," also not well received by some commission mem- Commissioner Francis Campbell said, adding that bers. the city resulted to "back door" politics to get the "I would wonder about the managers of a compaproject through the council without public input. ny that goes behind the back of a community to get St. Coletta's inked a deal with the federal govern-a $27 million piece of land," Glick said. Glick estiment to lease the land for $1 per year for 99 years. mated the price tag for the five-acre parcel since it The city council approved the deal last year. hasn't been made public by the school, city or fed- Commissioner Julie Olson said she blamed the eral governments. That secrecy is among the list of ART, Tues.-Fri. 11-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5 705 North Carolina Ave. S.E On Capitol Hill www.thevillageoncapitolhill.com 202 · 546 · 3040 THE VILLAGETHEVILLAGE CLOTHING & GREAT HOLIDAYSTUFF Shop Early! Tati Kaupp and Kitty Kaupp Coldwell Banker-Pardoe 546-7000 x 257/247 kkaupp@coldwellmove.com esidential and Commercial Sales In Washington, D.C. and VA Specializing in Capitol Hill DDoooolliittttllee''sswww.chateau-animaux.com 224 Seventh Street, SE, Washington, DC (202) 544-8710 Traditional Sweaters Trench Coats Fleece Shop Early for the Best Selections! Fall Fashions Have Arrived! www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 items irking some residents. In other action, the commission is asking for the school to extend Burke Street from 19th Street to the end of their property and built to the full specification required by the city. It also asked to open an escrow account and deposit 50 percent of the estimated costs to extend Burke Street in the future. Also requested was for the school to pay for the grading of a pad south of Burke to C Street for future development use and make it clear the school won't expand to that site. And to have the final designs of the build OK'd by the Historic Preservation Review Board. Attorney DePuy called the commission's requests "unreasonable" but said it could accommodate traffic concerns expressed by the commission. "They're assuming this is a big development company with a lot of private dollars," he said. "We don't have the economics to support the amenities outlined in the resolution." Casey Trees is looking for residents to participate in a tree planting on Dec. 5 or 6. Mature Princeton elms are scheduled to be planted long the Barracks Row section of 8th Street. The Princeton elms, unlike the once planned Chinese elms, are resistant to the disease that killed trees there before. For more information, interested persons are asked to call 202-833-4010 or click on www.caseytrees.com. Commissioners Mary Wright, Julie Olson, Scott Cernich, Kenan Jarboe, Will Hill, Neil Glick, Keith Smith and Francis Campbell were present. Commissioners David Sheldon and Daryl Snowden were absent. 6B will next meet at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, 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 12-6 522 Eighth Street, SE 202.543.3030 www.frame-of-mine.com which is the first Wednesday, not the normal second Wednesday meeting time, at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Kramer Street Home Still Issue with ANC 6A Briefs compiled by Patti Shea from the minutes of ANC 6A's Oct. 9 meeting Representatives from the city were on hand to discuss the installation of a facility to house committed and mentally- and physically-challenged children in Northeast Capitol Hill at the Oct. 9 ANC 6A monthly meeting. The city intends on constructing the home on the 1600 block of Kramer Street, NE, to the chagrin of neighbors. Due to the confusion and lack of communication between city departments and between the city and the ANC and the public, it was originally assumed that an all-girls group home was Doolittle Guest House A spacious and located bed and 202 546-6622 506 East Capitol Street conveniently breakfast. www.doolittlehouse.com ANATOLIA BAZAAR (202) 543-7099 i: Take a journey into the realm of timeless heritage and rediscover Anatolian carpets, kilims, and glassware... 631 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Tues-Fr11:00-6:30 · Sat-Sun: 10:00-7:30 Mon: Closed going to be placed there. Valerie Boykin from the Youth Services Administration and Denzil Noble from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs filled in the commission and audience members about the project, as well as answered question from the residents. Boykin said the city administration was issued a building permit in February 2003 as a matter of right development for a handicap facility. She affirmed to the panel that the YSA doesn't plan to place detained children at the site. Boykin also said the department doesn't have plans to initiate any future developments of this type in the neighborhood. Efforts to better communicate with the public will be stepped up, she said, and Boykin plans on attending the Oct. 28 ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting at 900 G Street, NE, at 7 p.m. to provide an update. Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 November Preservation Cafe Postponed The Nov. 19 Preservation Cafe featuring a slide presentation by Sally Berk on the porch-front houses of Capitol Hill has been postponed until the spring season. Please check the February Voice of the Hill online for dates, topics and speakers. This popular, free forum focuses on historic preservation issues of interest to people living on Capitol Hill, particularly offering speakers with expertise in old house maintenance and repairs. If you have an idea for a topic or speaker for an upcoming cafe, please contact the Capitol Hill Restoration Society at 202-543-0425 or CapHRS@aol.com. Residents at the meeting disagreed with Boykin and said they would fight the project. Residents wanting more information about the project should contact Commissioners Gladys Mack at 202-398-3329 or by email at gmack01@juno.com, or Cody Rice at 202-544-3734 or rice6a03@yahoo.com. Neighborhood Walks Planned Join neighbors in an effort to improve your neighborhood simply by walking them. Residents will meet every Thursday at 8 p.m. at Triangle Park, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NE. Participants are urged to bring a trash bag to collect litter. For more information, interested persons are asked to contact Lt. Renato Caldwell with the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-4478 or rcaldwell@ mpdc.org. Getting The Word Out Commissioner Michael Musante is looking for alternative ways to get the word out about ANC 6A's committee and monthly meetings in addition to advertising in the newspaper and through its website, www.anc6a.org.Anyone with a creative idea is urged to contact Musante at musanteanc@yahoo. com. Just Say No The commission said "no" to two Class B liquor licenses and vowed to fight three more licenses for area stores. Commissioners unanimously voted to opposed renewing licenses for Lee's Grocery, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE, and Sun and Moon Grocery, 1387 H Street, NE. It also will protest the renewal of licenses for Yoni Food and Market, 101 15th Street, NE; Anita's Market, 210 15th Street, NE; and J&K Market, 234 15th Street, NE. The protests will move to a city board, which will mediate meetings between the shop owners and all protestants of the licenses. Still Haven't Found ... Commission Chairman Joseph Fengler said the ANC is still looking for office space. Fengler said attempts to work out a deal with the city for a small office have gone nowhere and now the group has been sent scrambling to find a lowcost commercial space inside ANC 6A's borders. Fengler sent a call out to any organization or group that has a space--big enough for a desk, phone and cabinet--for rent to contact him. The panel's rent budget is $2,400 a year. If a cheap office can't be found, the commission will have to pay higher rent rates, which will cut into its budget, including grant funding and other expenses. Fengler can be reached at 202-423-8868 or fen- gler6a02@yahoo.com. Commissioners Joseph Fengler, Cody Rice, Jessica Ward, Wanda Stevens-Harris, Gladys Mack and Michael Musante were present. Commissioners Nick Alberti and Colleen Harris were absent. ANC 6A will next meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE. Church Plan Gets OK from ANC 6C Roughly a dozen parishioners from the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church attended the Oct. 8 ANC 6C meeting to show their support for the church's plan to build a school and office building on the 900 block of 3rd Street, NW. Architects and attorneys representing the church showed the panel their long- and short-term plans to install a one-story grade school, not-for-profit office building and apartments on the 45,000- square foot site. The commission unanimously approved to send an endorsement of the project to the city planning commission. However, the panel's planning committee had issued a short report urging the commission to OK the project, but wanted the church and its architects to agree to certain provisions before gaining its approval. Commissioners were wanted to make sure that 1520 percent of the apartment units would be allocated for affordable housing. Church planner Charles Wilkes told the panel that since the housing element of the project is a while away, it couldn't guarantee that that amount would be dedicated to affordable housing, but assured the commissioners that the church would aim for the 10-20 percent range. The commissioners also wanted to be sure the church didn't use its religion exemption privileges afforded to them under the Civil Rights Ordinance to exclude gay or lesbian persons from working at the school or living in the apartments. "We don't want you to use religion as a basis not to obey the ordinance," Commissioner Robert Hall said. Wilkes said the church would waive its right to religious exemption. Commissioners also want a say in the new buildings façade and courtyard design before plans are submitted to the city planning commission. Wilkes agreed, but said again that it will be a while until any such plan comes before the panel. "When that does come up, we have put in our marker saying we want to be involved in the process," Commissioner Robert Morris said. Finally, the commission also wants the church to pay for the maintenance of a park and bus stop in front of the church. Wilkes said he couldn't give a definitive answer since it is not now known who is in charge of the bus stop, but said the church is "deeply concerned" about the condition of the current stop. Panel Tables Uline Historic Resolution Amid Fervor Tempers flared over a plan to designate the Uline Ice Company and Arena Complex, located on the 1100 block of 3rd Street, NE, a historical landmark. At issue is the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the DC Preservation League's call to make the famed pavilion a historic landmark to the dismay of nearby residents. Recent public meetings surfaced the residents' opposition to the plan, led by the Near Northeast Task Force (NNTF). The commis- sion's planning committee had proposed sending a resolution expressing its disapproval of granting the building historical status to the city's Historic Preservation Review Board. Commissioner Pernell, whose single member district includes the arena, wanted the commission to approve the planning committee's resolution stating there was too much public outcry, and that the commission should wait until an Oct. 16 meeting of the NNTF when opponents and proponents will voice their views in a larger public forum. But Commissioner Hall said the job of the ANC isn't to let another community organization dictate its decision-making process and that the motion to pass the resolution should be tabled until "we have all of the stakeholders present so the commission can make an informed vote." "[The commission] would be usurping its own power," Hall said. Hall added that no one spoke up at the meeting expressing any positive or negative views of the proposed plan. Pernell and Hall exchanged words over the motion to table the resolution, with Pernell accusing Hall of not respecting how the issue can potentially impact Pernell's single member district. All was forgiven, and the commission ultimately decided to delay voting until the November meeting. Among the list of items in the resolution: · The landmark application is "fatally flawed" in that it fails to identify any of the requisite criteria under DC law that would "qualify it for inclusion into city's inventory of historic sites;" · The criterion missing is the site's association with significant events, persons or groups that have contributed with the city or the nation -- Red Auerbach, the Beatles, Malcom X and Earl Lloyd are listed examples; · "The building doesn't posses any architectural style or value but is instead an eyesore on the community"; · "It is not a notable work of an architect, engineer, builder or developer whose works have influenced the evolution of their fields"; and · "It does not possess sufficient integrity to convey, represent or contain the values or qualities for which it is purportedly significant." BP Calls for Re-engagement of H Street Project A mediation attorney working for BP-Amoco told the commission that the oil company was to reengage its H Street, NE, project as soon as possible. DC-based lawyer David Julyan said he would like to set up a task force through the ANC to review the project once it gets going again. Julyan said BP wants heavy public comment on the 3rd and H Street station to "try to minimize conflict "at the city's Board of Zoning Adjustment, who must approve the project before the City Council can. Julyan said he would like public comment over the next two months. A full ANC 6C and 6A review should be ready by the beginning of the year, he said. Treasurer's Report Commission treasurer Bill Crews said the panel received its FY '03 third and fourth quarter allotments totaling $11,401.56. That, along with other expenditures and deposits, brings the checking account total to $17,004.23. Commissioners Mark Dixon, Daniel Pernell, Charles Docter, Robert Hall, Bill Crews and Robert Morris were present. Commissioners Lawrence Thomas, April Hall and Karen Wirt were absent. The next ANC 6C meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Capital Children's Museum, 800 3rd Street, NE. Patti Shea can be reached at patti@voiceofthehill. com. www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 downLoad ITEMS OF INTEREST FR OM THE VOICE WEBSITE FOR THE LAST MONTH The following stories have appeared on the Voice of the Hill website (www.voiceofthehill.com) during the past month. If you'd like your organization's news to appear on this site, please email the information to edi- tor@voiceofthehill.com. Voice on the Move The Voice of the Hill telephones and fax number have migrated to Linden Court, NE, near the H Street Playhouse. The following numbers are in effect: As usual: 202-544-0703 Toll Free 866-220-2736, ext. 5179 Direct Dial 304-258-4299 FAX 202-318-7806 * This is a new FAX number Email addresses have remained the same. Barracks Row Fest a Huge Success First-Ever Event Draws More Than a Thousand Attendees More than 1,000 residents and visitors alike attended the first annual Barracks Row Fest on 8th Street, SE, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4. The festivities start- Mayor Anthony Williams, Councilmember Sharon Ambrose and other city officials were on hand Wednesday, Oct. 8, for the grand opening of the new Sherwood Recreation Center at 10th and G Streets, NE. The center features fitness rooms, multi-purpose rooms and a social hall. A walking track is adjacent to the recreation building. Second Saturday for November Take Advantage of Second Saturday, November 8th On the second Saturday of every month, Capitol Hill comes alive with Second Saturday events. The next special day is planned for Saturday, Nov. 8. Local merchants should take advantage of this potential for increased business by letting the community know how they're celebrating Second Saturday! Simply click on the "Community" tab at the top of the Voice homepage (www.voiceofthehill.com), and drag down to "Second Saturday." Fill out the easy form, and describe the special offers and events your business will offer during Second Saturday. ed with a parade and featured displays by local restaurants, merchants and non profits. The chilly, windy weather didn't hamper visitors who braved the breeze to partake in delicious foods by local vendors, learn more about the Barracks Row streetscape project, and check out the new businesses along the corridor (NOTE: See this month's "The View from Barracks Row" for more information on this event). Sherwood Recreation Center Opens Its Doors Sharon Ambrose looks on. Mayor Williams helps open Sherwood Rec Cent er as THOMAS JENKINS and COMPANY AProfessional Corporation Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning 202-547-9004 Washington, DC www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Mayor Williams shows his court style at the Sherwood opening. Capitol Hill BID's Launch Event Postponed Until May 2004 The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID)'s Launch Event, originally scheduled for September 18 and postponed due to Hurricane Isabel, will now take place in May 2004 due to scheduling conflicts. The BID Executive Committee made the decision at its regularly-scheduled monthly meeting. George Didden, president of the BID, said in the meeting, "In May we can celebrate our first year of operation and hopefully have some nice weather, too." The Dispute at H Street Playhouse Theater Alliance Artistic Director Jeremy Skidmore announced the company's presentation of Marivaux's The Dispute translated by Neil Bartlett through November 23 at the H Street Playhouse located at 1365 H Street, NE. What if four children had been kept locked away in complete isolation since birth? What if, tonight, they were to be released for the first time? How would bodies and minds reared in darkness respond to the first words, the first lies, the first kisses? What if you got to watch? Neil Bartlett has translated a provocative new version of Marivaux's The Dispute that tells the tale of an experimental "Garden of Eden" created to answer the question: "Which of the sexes really was the first to prove inconstant in love?" Along with ten actors, four modern dancers have been incorporated into this production. As a result of the work the actors and dancers have been doing together, the evening has evolved into a double header. The same four dancers appearing in The Dispute are members of an improvisational modern dance company called The PlayGround. Each night, the Theater Alliance's production of The Dispute will be followed by The PlayGround's production of Buried In the Sky, a movement based exploration of many of the same themes found in Marivaux's play. Inspired by Tibetan burial rituals, this new dance created by Daniel Burkholder, Artistic Director of The PlayGround, pushes the boundaries between choreography, improvisation, performance, image and ritual. Performance Information: Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. Theater Alliance presents The Dispute, through Nov. 23 at The H Street Playhouse. Ticket Information: Tickets -- $20 for The Dispute's Thursdays Nights and Sunday Matinees ($30 to add ticket to The PlayGround's Buried In the Sky) $25 for The Dispute's Friday and Saturday nights ($35 to add ticket to The PlayGround's Buried In the Sky) For tickets, interested folks may call Box Office Tickets at 1-800-494-8497, or order online at www.theateralliance.com. Support Brethren Nutrition Program at Upcoming Walkathon Capitol Hill residents are invited to support the Brethren Nutrition Program, Capitol Hill's only soup kitchen, by joining this year's Fannie Mae "Help the Homeless" Walkathon on November 22 on the National Mall. For information about the five-kilometer walkathon and to sign up, see www.helpthehomeless dc.org. The fee is $25 for adults and $15 for youths ages 25 or younger. All but $5, which pays for a Tshirt and overhead costs, goes to the organization of your choice. The Brethren Nutrition Program has been operated by the Washington Church of the Brethren at 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, for more than two decades. Use the code BNP on your walkathon registration form to ensure that the soup kitchen receives your contribution. Questions can be directed to Mary Ann Zehr at mzehr@epe.org. The website for the Brethren Nutrition Program is http://home.earthlink.net/ ~cobnutritionprogram. St. Peter's Auction Planned 'Winter Wonderland' Set for Dec. 6 Come visit a Winter Wonderland filled with all the joys of the holiday season! St. Peter's Interparish School Annual PTO Auction will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Parish Hall of St. Peter's Church on Capitol Hill. With fine dining, music of the season, home baked goods, and holiday cheer, this promises to be a delightful evening for the entire community. This year's auction, "Winter Wonderland-- Celebrating the Season of Giving," will feature live and silent auctions, a Christmas Shoppe, and for the first time a raffle for a full year of tuition. Auction items include vacation packages, dinners at the area's top restaurants, tickets to the hottest sporting and entertainment events, and dozens of items to please anyone on your holiday list. St. Peter's is grateful to the many area businesses that have supported the auction in past years. Coldwell Banker/Pardoe is once again this year's Patron Sponsor. Larry Chartienitz of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/Pardoe, Kenny's Smoke House, John C. Formant Real Estate, Inc., Von Schlegal Realty, Re/Max Allegiance, and Phyllis Jane Young of Coldwell Banker/Pardoe are among the Capitol Hill businesses that are auction sponsors and advertisers. This event supports the activities of St. Peter's School (pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade), including funding for tuition assistance. Proceeds from last year's auction enabled the school to increase this assistance by 50 percent. Those who are interested in further information on this event, including donations or tickets, are asked to contact Anne-Marie Mazza at 202-334- 2469 or Kathleen Hubert at 202-543-3823. www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux Continues to Attract National Attention Hill-based Pet Boutique Launches New Website Kudos to Capitol Hill's premier pet boutique, Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux, which in recent months has continued to attract national attention for its unique selection of pet supplies and gifts for pets and pet lovers! In late August, Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux was featured on "Style: A Show for You," an afternoon magazine program airing on NBC-affiliate WBIR, Knoxville, Tennessee. The segment, which aired on August 20, featured several of Doolittle's finest dog collars, modeled by canine "celebrity" dogs. Collars selected for the doggie stroll down the runway included the "South Beach Collection," soft leather collars and leads in trendy South Beach colors (pink, coral and aqua), the "America Collection," red, white and blue leather collars and leads with embroidered stars, and the "Legally Blonde Collection," pink and blue nylon collars and leads with "Super Fun, Super Cute" ribbons and matching pink berets inspired by the film Legally Blonde 2, Red, White and Blonde, soon to be released on DVD. In addition to its appearance on NBC, Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux can currently be found on the pages of Budget Living, a a New York-based, highgloss glamour mag that is "smart, chic, funny, and determined to squeeze the most life out of every dollar." The feature, entitled "Sight for Sore Eyes," appears in the September/October edition, and spotlights Doolittle's needlepoint dog breed eye- always bright." --BENJAMIN FRANKLIN JOHN JANKE (202) 857-4385 "The used key is Let my thirty years of real estate experience work for you. Real Estate glass cases. The eyeglass cases are available in several dog breeds and cat styles. They retail for $14.99 and are available on line at www.chateau- animaux.com, Doolittle's new website. Doolittle's launched its new website in late September under the name "Chateau-Animaux." The company's new logo features a royal blue fleur- de-lis with a yellow paw print in the center. The new name and logo were inspired by Doolittle's owner, Dennis Bourgault's, French-Canadian roots. The new identity "will help end the confusion on the web," states Bourgault. "When we started ten years ago, Doolittle's was a new name in the area, but with the growth of the web, the name is springing up in other parts of the country and abroad." Bourgault notes that the comany has "had an internet presence practically since the internet began. Initially, we had an informational site, through Digital City Washington, then moved to true e-commerce, and we currently ship worldwide. We are particularly excited about our new site since it has so many features our old site lacked, such as real-time shipping costs, a more professional design, better product pictures and a more sophisticated shopping cart system." Doolittle's old site, www.doolittles.com, will remain up until all products are moved to the new site, states Bourgault. The new site will also give the company the ability to cross-market products, launch email campaigns and new product announcements. For DC area customers, the Chateau-Animaux site conveniently groups together local store links for easy access to information on pet adoptions held regularly at the store, as well as home delivery, grooming and dog training services. "We're encour- "Incremental change can be monumental..." Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Institute Relief, Change, Growth--Your Timing! · Drugs· Depression · Alcohol· Trauma · Anxiety · Sexual abuse Sima Stillings, MSW, LICSW, ACSW, MAC, SAP Licensed Clinician DC #LC50077705 (202) 699-4413 FREE CONSULTS (M)etro Khan El-Khalili 321 7th Street, SE 202-543-5295 1-800-397-9441 Owners ·· Hand Made Egyptian Gifts & Oils Mohamed & Venetta Khattab Imported from Cairo Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill aging our local customers to log on and create an account," says Bourgault, "and we'll be sending out online newsletters with special store offers and coupons only available through the website." Doolittle's is located on Capitol Hill at 224 7th Street, SE, across from the historic Eastern Market. In the store and on its website, Doolittle's offers a large selection of all-natural pet foods, treats and supplies, as well as one of the largest collections of distinctive collars and leads anywhere. Doolittle's also offers dog grooming, home delivery and dog training service. 202-544-4366 (301) 370-9940 · (301) 445-4385 FourSeventeen A VICTORIAN TOWNHOUSE INN "A Capitol Place to Stay" Deluxe accommodations and breakfast 417 A Street, SE 202 543-1481 GIL PAINTING CO. Residential · Commercial Interior and Exterior Painting Plastering, Drywall, Wallpaper Removal Power Washing, Carpentry Good References · Low Prices Free Estimates Licensed. Bonded. Insured www.fdgrayton.com www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 BusinessBits Phish Tea to Open This Month on H Street L ittle did Andrew Harris know that his days as a student at Howard University cooking and entertaining for his college friends would be the foundation for a new concept in Caribbean cuisine. In those days, Harris prepared Caribbean-fusion dishes reflective of his Jamaican heritage and diverse friendships. Today, the name and spelling of the restaurant--Phish Tea--suggests that Harris is embarking on something familiar but different and unique. Traditionally spelled, Fish Tea is a light, flavorful fish broth dotted with carrots, sweet peas, potatoes and morsels of flaky fish. The problem is that Fish Tea can be found more easily in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago than in Washington, DC . Harris named the restaurant Phish Tea to pay tribute to what he considers to be one of the "forgotten foods of the Caribbean." Phish Tea goes beyond the stereotypical and expected Caribbean cuisine to feature items that have--in a sense been lost or forgotten--from many local Caribbean menus. Phish Tea will move beyond a Jamaican-based menu to integrate foods from of the wider Caribbean. Like "coo coo" from Trinidad & Tobago and "cook-up rice" from Guyana. All dishes will be prepared and presented with "phlavor" and "phlair." Phish Tea's "Journey for the Senses" features artwork, books and colorful décor; stylized Caribbean rhythms; delicious prepared foods, soups, salads, fruit, breads and desserts--a tranquil, island-like vibe. You can people-watch in the Blue Mountain Café, relax in the "Lyme" Lounge or enjoy dinner in "Phusion" the fine dining area. Phish Tea applies "The Pleasure Principle." Through a staff of well-trained professionals, Harris intends to put the customer at the center of the service experience. Harris has come a long way since Howard, earning an MBA and master's degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. After this formal training, he assembled a management team that reflects his belief that the food of the Caribbean has influences far and wide. His current management staff reflects that belief. The executive chef, Keith A. King is Guyanese; S. Patrick Kahozi, director of client contact and environment is Belgian and Congolese. Phish Tea is scheduled to open in early November at 1335 H St. NE. The hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-1a.m.; and Sunday, 11a.m.-10 p.m. --SHEILA WISE Clean4U Adds Move-In Services Clean4U Inc., which has offered home and business cleaning service in Capitol Hill for three years, announces the addition of move-in services. Clean4U will unpack, clean, put away all articles and clothes, and even arrange furniture and hang pictures. Clean4U Inc. president, Rosemary Trindade, received rave reviews from Glenn Rapotport (local musician and music teacher). He reported: "I hired Rosemary to help me arrange a lot of furniture and unpack and clean more than 50 boxes of belongings when I moved into my Capitol Hill home. Rosemary immediately impressed me with her professionalism and "take-charge" attitude her gift for organization is unsurpassed, in short time, I had a "ready-to -live-in" home. The cost was well worth it. I now use the Clean4U services on a regular basis. Rosemary is salvation for the typical Hill business man/woman who is always for stressed for time." Clean4U Inc. provides cleaning in the "Brazil style" of Ms. Trindade's homeland. "There we would clean everything on the weekends... every weekend," she remembers. Trindade moved here in 1999 and as a DC resident she observed the lifestyle of the single business man/woman, students, along with families who don't have time to take care their home cleaning. Non-profits and local small businesses also use the service. The company is incorporated, has a DC Master Business License, is insured, and is fully bonded. Another Hill resident, Donna Breslin, is a loyal client. She claims, "I have used Clean4U for biweekly house cleaning for over a year and I am impressed with the reliability, honesty, and thorough cleaning they provide. I have recommended the service to many of my friends who are also very satisfied." Recently, Breslin hired Clean4U Inc. to thoroughly clean after a major home repair job left dust covering every surface in the house. "Rosemary even helped me rearrange closets and furniture! I couldn't have faced such a daunting task without her." Clean4U Inc, can be contacted at 202-320-0805. New Groomers at Doolittle's Chateau- Animaux Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux is pleased to announce that Shara Nguyen (pronounced "Win") has joined its grooming staff. Shara has several years experience with both dogs and cats. Grooming services are now offered by appointment at Doolittle's six days per week--Mondays through Saturdays. Call to make your appointment--202- 544-8710. Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux groomers Jodi Longmire (left) and Shara Nguyen (right). www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Business Snapshot Cissy Webb Frame of Mine 522 8th St SE Phone 202-543-3030 Fax 202-543-3703 www.Frame-of-Mine.com How did the business get its start? I decided to end my career as an intensive care nurse and had fooled around with photography and used do-it-yourself shops in my native Chicago. There were very few--and there still aren't--DIY shops in the District in 1982. We lived on the Hill and thought that it would be a great idea to open one. Has it always been at its current location? YuWhat have your previous experiences been? I obtained my bachelor of science degree in education and another in nursing--it's a BS squared! I taught high school biology and worked in an inten- Capitol Hill Art & Frame · Expert custom designs · Museum quality materials · Superior frame selection · Same day framing available · Custom framed mirrors 623 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 202 546-2700 10-6 Tues-Sat · Eastern Market Metro sive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and Georgetown University's hospital here in DC. What do you enjoy most about working on Capitol Hill? The sense of community. Capitol Hill's residents by-in-large are very supportive of all things Capitol Hill. They're truly great people! What has been the biggest challenge of operating the business? Accounting... Discovering that ROI is not only French for 'king" but also 'return on investment. What has been the biggest success thus far of operating the business? Having been in business for 21 years! I guess I would have gotten old anyway! What kind of services do you offer? We offer "do-it-yourself" framing. You bring your art in, we help make framing selections, cut the K.C. COMPANY Owned and operated by the Cassidy Family since 1931 12100 Baltimore Ave. Suite 1 Beltsville, MD 20705 TIM ALLEN, Sales Leader 301-419-7669 Fax 301-419-2963 Mobile 301-675-9324 Email tallen@kc-pella.com VIEWED TO BE THE BESTTM materials and then show you, step by step how to complete the project. You leave with a picture ready to hang on the wall. Also, we have "custom framing" where you bring it in, make selections with us and pick it up in a week or so. Who is your ideal customer? We have two ideal customers: One, the "do-it-your- selfer" usually looking to save money and two, the "custom framer" looking for fine framing without the hassle. --ANDREW NOYES Gratitude INEZ LESTER 100 Words from the Hill: Earlier in life, I observed how my parents and other older friends worked at the spiritual discipline of gratitude. As I mature, I understand their wisdom. Being grateful lends happiness to each day. Viewing life as a gift to be savored and used inten- tionally, I find an abundance of reasons for grati- tude: a recent fortieth wedding anniversary; joys and challenges of family and friends; and opportu- nities to work with Capitol Hill neighbors in build- ing our community. Wherever I am, whatever the circumstance, I have found that gratitude gives rich texture to my existence. 6th Street, SE www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 wait in line anywhere from no minutes to 45 minutes. It's basically a game of hit or miss. Waiting Games On one recent visit to the office by Voice of the Hill, would-be mailers waited in line holding boxes, shifting weight from side-to-side, silently venting Inside the Complaints of Long Lines at the Southeast Post Office (only it's noticeable by the look of frustration on their faces)--all of them wondering if it's really the December holiday season already. BY PATTI SHEA Asked to comment on their postal experiences that day, most folks politely passed by, moving onto their next task. On a visit the next week, there was no one in line, Complaints of long lines at the post office have And lately, the Southeast Post Office on the 600 and the friendly office personnel were patiently been around since, well, Ben Franklin opened up block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, has seen its share waiting their next customer. the first postal station in Philadelphia in 1775. of even longer lines. On any given day, patrons can But customer Phil Smith, owner of a Hill-based press and government relations firm, described the local post office as "awful." "Frankly, it's terrible," Smith said. It's not the staff, he reassured; "They're nice and friendly." "This location is insufficient for the community," he added. Smith said his business requires more than getting stamps from a machine in the lobby. And most of the difficulty he's experienced at the station is due to understaffing, he said. And he's right, according to one post office official. USPS spokeswoman Deborah Yackley said the station has been down two window attendants due to retirements.And, the federal hiring process being what it is, they can't be replaced swiftly. But help is on the way, she said. "We are looking at alternative solutions," Yackley Hill residents have long had a love-hate relationship with their neighborhood post office. said.  MICHELE PIQUET, PH.D. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST CAPITOL HILL 202-544-4480 Handyman on the Hill Brick & Stone Concrete Roof Repairs · llll (202) 543-0954 Attention! 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DC EM900042 NEED A GOOD ELECTRICIAN? www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Already, the post office partners with local grocery store chains to sell stamps, and prototypes have been developed to offer a self-serve packaging and weighing machine for do-it-yourselfers. Yackley said there have been delays in the development of these machines, but they are expected to be placed soon. The Southeast station moved from 7th Street around the corner to its current location 15 years ago, Yackley said. Due to budget restrictions, there are no plans to open another Hill office and no in a journey of faith and service to our community and the world. wsc@capitolhillpreschurch.org Worship --Sunday 11:00 am We warmly invite everyone to share 201 Fourth Street, Southeast Washington, DC 20003 tel 202.547.8676 fax 202.547.2182 www.capitolhillpreschurch.org immediate plans to update the SE Pennsylvania Avenue station because of space restrictions. Millions of dollars in funding went into reparations at the city's main facility on Brentwood Avenue after the anthrax situation in 2001, she said. But not everyone had something terrible to say. Hill resident Suzanne Snyder said it's more of a nuisance for her to find a parking spot around the post office than the wait in line. "I'm quite happy with the post office here," Diet foods · Cat Boarding High Quality General Practice Saturday 9-2 · Full time Staff Doctor On Site · Complete Veterinary Services · Science Diet & Prescription · Totally New Facility · Morning drop off service · International Health Certificates · Microchip ID 202-544-2500 Julie D. Giles, DVM Susan R. Cooke, VMD 609 2nd St, NE across from Union Station UNION VETERINARY CLINIC Monday 8-8, Tuesday-Friday 8-6 Snyder said. Yackley said the Southeast station has ranked high on past "mystery shopper" ratings, due to waiting times on average of less than six minutes. She said the District postmaster wasn't aware of the situation at the Southeast station because no formal complaints have been lodged; however, she said, the situation would be reviewed. Patti Shea can be reached at patti@voiceofthehill. com. 202-546-9512 15% off with this ad LOOK! LaPlazaRestaurant Fine Mexican/Salvadoran Cuisine 629 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE SAVE! www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 CASH AND CONFUSION Korean American Merchants Address Misconceptions and Complaints BY LAURIE LINDSAY A OMARI A " lot of Korean busi-of the reasons for misunderstandings "Education is the main reason ness owners in the in the community. Youngberg Koreans come to the . Many of District are strug-explains that merchants want to them strongly believe that the U.S. gling. They aren't in improve their English skills but don't education system is better than in business by choice," take advantage of English as a Korea or other countries," observes Koo. "The first generation here has says Gary Cha, co-owner of Yes! Second Language (ESL) classes Organic Market and vice president of because they don't want to take time language and cultural barriers. They want their kids to really succeed." the Korean American Business away from the store. Association (KABA). The Korean-speaking community Koreans place a high value on edu- Korean Americans are one of the is large in this metropolitan area. In cation and, consequently, they live where they feel their children will fastest growing Asian ethnic groups fact, the largest Korean American in the country. Cha says, "When populations exist in Los Angeles, have access to the best schools. This attracts many DC small business new immigrants arrive in the United New York, Chicago, and northern States from Korea, often they only Virginia. "Korean immigrants who owners to homes in Montgomery and Fairfax Counties. To afford these succeed in getting hired for manual move to the east coast of the U.S. homes and education for their chillabor jobs such as janitors." Those usually are educated and in their jobs provide steady income with early 40s or 50s," says Julie Soohyun dren, these owners work especially benefits. Koo of the Mayor's Office on Asian hard to control their business costs. Cha continues, "When those jobs and Pacific Islander Affairs. "They are filled, then the person may take had some money saved before they What About All That on the risk of owning and operating moved here. Perhaps they sold their Money? a small business. They do this even homes in Korea where real estate is "People see money going into registhough they don't have the skills or expensive. They are more prepared ters and think it's all profit. The experiences necessary. Many of financially than some other immi-profit margin for one of these small these businesses fail, and most of the grants. But they basically start all grocery stores is about seven or eight others are just getting by." over again here." cents on the dollar," says Gary Cha. Misconceptions and complaints She continues, "Korean language "They increase the profit by having abound concerning the local Korean newspapers list businesses for sale, unpaid family members work in the businesses and their owners. City e.g., stores for liquor, dry cleaning, store. They also increase the hours of residents complain that they don't groceries, beauty supplies, and sand- store operation." speak English, they fill their cash wich [shops]. Frequently store own-"The costs for small store owners registers with neighborhood money, ership is passed from one Korean to they take the money out of the com-another, often with the help of a are approximately 10 percent for and 66 percent for store goods," the neighborhood, they don't pass nal owner usually trains the new explains Cha. "Out of the remaining the change directly from their hand owner for one month." nine percent they pay the utilities to yours, and they don't support the Even though a family can pur- and any other store expenses--for munity, they don't hire people from Korean real estate agent. The origi- rent, 15 percent for employee costs, community where they do business. chase a business, that doesn't mean example, store renovations or they'll find quick success. "Once the repairs. They may also have interest family purchases a business, they to pay on loans. Consequently, there No Time to Learn the Lingo often find that both husband and are many of these small business "Why don't they learn English?" wife must work, and their store rhetorically asks Francie Youngberg, becomes their sole financial owners without insurance." consultant to H Street Community resource," says Koo. "They find that Youngberg reports that two million Asian Pacific Americans do not have Development Corporation and other if they work nine to five, they can-health insurance, and that Korean Asian American groups. "The store not send their kids to college. Many Americans have the highest rate of owners are working 14 hours a day, work 14 hours a day and take no and they are older individuals." The vacations for at least five or more uninsurance among all racial/ethnic groups (40 percent). language barrier between Korean years. Their lives become just the One misconception that many merchants and city residents is one store and the house." city residents have about the business owners concerns store financing. Koo comments, "People think that immigrants get government assistance for their stores. That is not true. There is nothing special for Koreans or other Asians. They don't have the language and information so they actually find it harder and are at a disadvantage since they don't know what is available in terms of services or loans." "Most store owners go to a bank for financing or use money they have from their lives in Korea," adds Koo. Sometimes financing is arranged through small private groups. Each member of the group contributes money, and members, in turns, use the money to get started in business. Such private loans are very common in Korea, according to Koo. "It's done here but it's not common. This is only done with very close friends or family." What Works in Korea Can Be Confusing in the District Another misconception comes from the customers' sense that they are being followed around while they shop. Says Koo, "Customers think that this is because of distrust and fear of theft. While this is occasionally the case, in Korea, merchants are very attentive and helpful to their customers. The merchants may not be aware of this cultural difference in doing business here." Yet another misconception arises from Korean cultural habits. "Many customers complain that merchants don't put the change from a sale directly into the customer's hand. Instead, the merchant puts the money on the counter," remarks Koo. "The customer might feel that the merchant doesn't want to touch them. But in Korea, people don't touch each other in this sort of transaction. They would have a small tray to hand the money back. This is a cultural difference." Likewise, in Korea, it is not customary to have direct eye contact with other people. "They are not as facially expressive there," notes Koo. "They are not used to broadly smiling or expressing their feelings out loud, especially with strangers. So people here complain that the merchant is frowning and not looking at them." "You have to get to know each other as individuals and get past these things," says Youngberg. Koo observes, "The major problems of the store owners are language, cultural differences, and lack of information. For example, business regulations change and compliance issues result. Information is not always communicated adequately to the store owner." www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Problems with the Law Francie Youngberg gives an example. "Let's say there is a problem with the electrical wiring, and the merchant fixes it. In the District, a master electrician has to do this. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and store owners have to comply. Sometimes the merchants think that if they pay the fine they are finished and don't have to do anything further to fix the problem. We have to help them understand." According to the website of the Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, "A great number of Asian Americans do not know how to access city services because of the lack of outreach and culturally sensitive employees. There are no frontline employees at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) who speak an Asian language, despite the large numbers of limited English-speaking storeowners. Last year, DCRA translated the most common business forms i nto Korean and Chinese." The Korean American Coalition and the Mayor's office, with the help of Youngberg and others, have been providing educational outreach to merchants. Merchant fact sheets are now translated into Korean. An interpreter is one of the people involved in distributing the fact sheets door-to-door. "Merchants have a hard time leaving their stores to attend meetings," says Youngberg. "When they show up, they sometimes cannot understand the meeting. You have to meet them where they are." Cha talks about another problem with the law. "About 63% of alcoholic beverages are sold by Korean merchants. In the past, compliance checks to investigate alcohol sales to minors were like sting operations. Store owners that didn't pass the compliance checks were led away in handcuffs." Cha has praise for Maria Delaney, Executive Director of the District's Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Agency (ABRA). "Delaney is very cooperative and very sensible. She listens. Compliance checks now use 13-14 year olds instead of teens who look much older. The Korean American Business Association is working on getting merchants to check everyone regardless of their age." With the following example Cha testifies to changes that are important to small businesses: "The old DC law said if you sell alcoholic beverages, you have to keep the receipts for the last three years on the premises. Delaney realized that was unreasonable and arranged a change so now only three months of records have to be in the store." Korean American Business Association Seeks to Alleviate Tensions The Korean American Business Association reaches out to help smaller business owners. Its 700 members are those who own or operate businesses in the District, Virginia, or Maryland; however, most of its activities are in the District, where the need is greatest. Cha sites an example of KABA serving as an intermediary in a dispute. "There was a child shoplifting in a store, and the owner took the things away from the child. The child told people outside the store that the owner hit him. Neighbors came into the store and were very upset. The owner called the police. After some discussion, the police There's a Growing Asian and Pacific American Presence in DC According to 2000 U.S. Census figures, the Asian American population in the District of Columbia has increased over the last decade by 39 percent to 66 percent, with the larger figure including people who described themselves as Asian and another race. The Asian American population now makes up about 3 percent of the city's population, and hundreds more do business in the District but live in the outlying suburbs. Virginia experienced a 95 percent jump in the number of Asian Americans, and Maryland saw a 73 percent increase. The surge in population tells just half of the story. Asian and Pacific American residents and business owners have a significant role in the city's economic life: · According to the Washington Post, over two-thirds of small business licenses are owned by Asian Americans. · The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs estimates that 30 percent of liquor stores and 80 percent of groceries selling beer and wine in the District are owned by Asian Americans. · The DC Lottery Board estimates that between 60 percent and 80 per- cent of revenues are from Asian-owned stores. Source: Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, DC Government (http://apia.dc.gov/apia/site/default.asp) Fall colors now in stockFall colors now in stockTrees Shrubs Perennials Soils Mulches Herbs Fountains Pottery House plants Books Seeds Garden Plaques Statuary and much more Celebrate the change of season with a new wardrobe for your garden. 911 11th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 202.543.5172 ginkgogardens.com Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 arrested a store employee even though there was no evidence that the store employee had done anything wrong. "The arrested employee was released within 24 hours. However, the community residents started picketing the store," explains Cha. "KABA stepped in and helped to resolve the dispute within two weeks." The participants in the resolution agreed on the importance of customer service training. They agreed on trying to make the store cleaner and improving the appearance of the surrounding outdoor area. They discussed the challenges of hiring and retaining employees from the neighborhood. "If the store owners needed more workers than the immediate family members, then the owners would try to hire people from the immediate area of the store--as long as they were as qualified as others applying for jobs," notes Cha. KABA is three years old, but Cha notes that other groups--such as the Korean Grocers Association--and activists are addressing similar issues. "People see police officers on bicycles but don't realize that it was the Korean Grocers Association that donated the bicycles for the police." This is one of several times that the Korean business community reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department. The police department has an Asian Liaison Unit. However, according to Youngberg (who has helped provide Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill multi-cultural awareness training for the Metropolitan Police Department), only about 12 of the 3,600 police officers in the city are certified to speak an Asian language. To complicate matters further, Asian Pacific Americans in the District come from more than 25 countries and speak about 50 different languages. Dining and Dancing on Benning Road Cha says KABA wants more communication with city residents. To encourage this, the organization hosted an all-day block party at Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue this summer. "Mayor Anthony Williams and the neighborhood commissioner were there. About 1,000 people came. The DC police provided grills and security. Merchants provided food, beverages, and music for dancing. "The response was so good that we plan to do it next year," Cha continues. "This gave a chance for people to talk in a different setting. Eating and dancing together helps everyone see each other as less foreign." Koo tells of other neighborhood support. "Merchants are participating in funding events organized by others in the community but they are small stores and often have difficulty being able to financially support numerous events." One of the ways merchants are addressing this challenge is by joining together in a scholarship program sponsored by KABA. Apply Now: Scholarships for DC Students "Korean merchants have always given to school fund raisers," remarks Cha. "They believe that with better education there is greater understanding of other cultures and that people will get along better. So this year we're offering scholarships. We have funds so far for eight scholarships of $1,000 each and we may be able to increase this. The funds come from KABA and will be given strictly to financially disadvantaged District high school students who are preparing for college." "Right now we're sending out applications to various wards. Area merchants will have the applications at their stores," explains Cha. "Deadlines and other important information will also be on posters in the stores. The application deadline is Nov. 30." "We plan to choose one person from each ward to receive the scholarships, which will be awarded at a banquet at Tony Cheng's Restaurant on December 12. Sponsors will pay for the banquet. We'll also accept more scholarship donations from those who attend. We are inviting www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Asian American storeowners The project brings together various members of the community in order to improve multiracial relations between merchants and their neighbors and customers. Building One Neighborhood seeks to create a sustainable model for conflict resolution, crime preventin, mutual discovery and understanding, and improving customer relations. More specifically, the program addresses: · The relations between the To learn more about organizations mentioned in this article, check the following websites: www.kacdc.org--Korean American Coalition (KAC) www.hstreetcdc.org--H Street Community Development Corporation www.kacdc.org/programbon.html-- HSCDC and KAC "Building One Neighborhood" project http://apia.dc.gov/apia/site/default. asp--Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, D.C. Government Laurie Lindsay Aomari, RD, LD, is a contributing writer for The Voice of the Hill. As a registered and licensed dietitian, Laurie helps people aim for good health, no matter what their size, and to enjoy their eating more. She specializes in food and nutrition communications, 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.makingthebreastofit.com or www.LaurieAomari.com for more information. Recommended Reading: Native Speaker by Chang Rae Lee (location: New York) The Interpreter by Suki Kim (New York) A Cab Called Reliable by Patti Kim (Washington, D.C.) Fox Girl by Nora Okja Keller (Camptown in Korea) Underkill by Leonard Chang (San Francisco and Los Angeles) Fruit 'n Food by Leonard Chang (New York) Over the Shoulder by Leonard Chang (Silicon Valley in California) American Woman by Susan Choi (various U.S. locations) Hotline Heaven by Frances Park (Washington, D.C.) Koreans in the "Hood": Conflict With African Americans by Kwang Chung Kim (Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York) Source: Terry Hong, Project Director of the Korean American Centennial Commemoration, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program Representatives of KABA at a block party. 300 people including leaders in the District and leaders in the Korean business community," says Cha. Cha notes that Korean business owners have sponsored scholarships in the past through the Mayor's office, but this business support was not widely known in the community. This year they want their support to be more visible. Building One Neighborhood "The H Street Development Corporation is one of the few agencies in the city that sees the problems between Korean business owners and community residents and is patient," says Francie Youngberg. "The 'Building One Neighborhood' project is a long-term process of collaboration that we began about two years ago. The local chapter of the Korean American Coalition currently works with the HSCDC on the Building One Neighborhood project. HSCDC addresses the needs of residents and businesses through its commercial and residential projects, business services, and small business loan programs. Nationwide, the Korean American Coalition is a nonprofit service, education, and advocacy organization that facilitates the Korean American community's participation in civic, legislative, and community affairs. and their pre-dominantly African American customers; · The degree of civic and neighborhood involvement by Asian American merchants; · Community member's perception of Asian American merchants as "taking over" all the stores in the neighborhood; and · Loitering, littering, and the safety of merchants in high crime neighborhoods. "HSCDC has applied for grants to continue the work. Every year we're building on success and cooperation from the year before. It's one person at a time and it will take a long time," comments Youngberg. Holding Their Space in the Marketplace "The biggest challenge for Korean merchants on the Hill is their own survival as more and more wellfunded, well-marketed, larger businesses compete with them for customers," reports Cha. "The market is always changing and profit margins are shrinking." Small business owners pay taxes that contribute greatly to the DC tax base. Their stores offer needed goods in DC neighborhoods. "These small businesses provide immediate service to the neighborhood," observes Cha. "It's the small businesses that are willing to take the chance in setting up in many of the city's neighborhoods." Smithsonian Offering Programs To Celebrate Korean American Centennial The first Korean immigrants came to Hawaii in 1903. Throughout 2003, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program is presenting monthly events to celebrate the Korean American Centennial. The programs are open to the public and free of charge. Nov. 6 and 7 Renowned modern dancer Dana Tai Soon Burgess, in conjunction with his company Moving Forward, will present the world premiere of a Smithsonian-commissioned piece depicting the dancer's moth- er's family's journey form Korea to the new world. Dec. 4: Angela Oh, attorney and Korean American activist; Shinae Chun, the highest-ranking Korean American in the Bush administration as director of the Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor; and Jeannie Hong, the first Korean American female judge in Maryland, will explore race, business, and political issues that face Korean Americans. For other information, see www.apa.si.edu. www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Check out our archives! Want to read a story from past edition? Log on to our archives page to search and download every edition of The Voice of the Hill. Your Neighborhood Furniture Source for Leasing or Buying Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Come Visit 709 12th Street, SE our Huge on Capitol Hill Free off-street parking Showroom! Convenient to Eastern Over 20,000 Market Metro square feet of furniture, carpets, paintings, lamps and accessories 202.547.3030 www.antiqueleasing.com Antique& Contemporary LEASING AND SALES 709 12th Street, SE · Washington, DC Historical Research Grant Awarded to Friends of the Old Naval Hospital In a ceremony at the historic Sumner School on Oct. 23, the Friends of the Old Naval Hospital was awarded a $3,000 grant for historical research from the Humanities Council of Washington, DC. Alice Norris, Board Member of the Friends of the Old Naval Hospital, accepted the award for the group. Norris said, "We are extremely pleased that the Board of the Humanities Council has granted us the full requested amount in order to begin the organized historical research so necessary for this historic building on Capitol Hill. This will mark the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing effort to gather the information on the building, grounds, patients and administration of the Old Naval Hospital, bringing to life the rich history of this structure and its place in our nation and city." She noted that there have been several individuals from the neighbor- hood who have already begun some of the work and have recognized that the records are rich with information. Dan Daly has found photographs, records and anecdotes about the building and its occupants; Carrol Benner Kindel and Jan Shea have researched in the National Archives, gleaning data on the first 100 patients who were in the hospital after it opened in 1866. This research led to the conclusion there is more information available and a need to organize, manage and research those records with the help of professionals in the field. The first step will be to select a researcher from the candidates interest- ed in the project. The research analyst will have access to the information collected and develop a plan for further research. The Friends of the Old Naval Hospital hope other grants will be forthcoming for this project and that as a result of this research, publications and docent tours of the build- ing and grounds will become regular events on Capitol Hill. There will be opportunities for volunteers to assist in this work. Anyone interested should contact Alice Norris, 202-546-0107 or alicen333@ earthlink.com. FALL SAVINGS www.voiceofthehill.com FIRST OPENS 2, 2-4PM McDaniel 202/486-8388 LIVE FOR FREE? 2111. OPEN BY APPT lfor! l ; SUNDAY, NOVEMBER WORTH BRAGGING ABOUT! You'llay "WOW" when you enter this dramatic renovation of a vibrant Victorian Grande Dame. 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Motivated Seller! www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Capitol Hill Puts Art ON CALL Call Boxes Become Canvases to Illustrate Neighborhood History BY VICTORIA CURTIS There are nearly a hundred standing reminders of a bygone Capitol Hill that dot our neighborhoods. These now-defunct police and fire call boxes will see new life under an art project that is gearing up on the Hill and citywide. The "Art on Call" project will refurbish the Victorian-style call boxes and turn them into works of art, a medium that is a physical reminder of Capitol Hill's history. According to the project's founders, Art on Call is a way to commemorate Capitol Hill's littleknown residents, buildings, and past. Call box subjects will vary from an original cartoon depicting a Republican elephant and a Democratic donkey in the midst of what looks simultaneously like a fight and an embrace--to a call box commemorating freed slave Michael Shiner, who lived for 52 years on Capitol Hill and wrote extensive diaries on his life as a free man in the area between the years of about 1810 to 1865. The project was enabled by DC Cultural Tourism and is funded by the District government through matching grants. Neighborhood groups are also doing their part to raise money for the call box effort. Origins The project began with District artist and Capitol Hill resident Will Fleishell. As a new art school graduate in 1983, Fleishell said he often included the old call boxes in his landscape paintings of the District's streets. The call boxes, he said, added a certain dynamism to his works. Later, Fleishell's interest in the call boxes would develop into an idea for beautifying and restoring the forgotten or unknown history of the Capitol Hill area. "I sort of saw these things falling apart, and then in the early to mid famous folks." Projects are meant to center around "anything that says something about what Capitol Hill is or where we've been. That is our overall theme." In fact, the project is not limited to people or buildings. Metzger said one of the call boxes will honor the canine residents of the Hill, and another depicts the area's trees. "We don't know exactly where this project will go. We have 20 - 25 themes that people have chosen, and others that have been suggested," Metzger said, hinting at the wonderful flexibility of subject matter for Hill artists to pursue. She said one or two of the boxes may be done by this fall, depending on the weather, since it poses a challenge for the artwork's street-side assembly. Latrobe Tribute It seems fitting that one of the first call box projects will contain a bronze relief of Benjamin Latrobe, one of the nation's first architects and a resident of Capitol Hill. "He had a big influence in the neighborhood," Fleishell said, "and designed a lot of the early buildings including the gate" at the end of 8th Street. Latrobe created an architectural style that was uniquely American, according to Fleishell. "When he redid the Capitol, for instance, on top of some of the columns he came up with a composite that reflected early America, like tobacco leaves and corn." The Latrobe call box, which will be on the corner of 8th and G Streets, SE, will help showcase the street's historic renewal. The call box will be situated near some of Latrobe's residential buildings, in clear view of his famous Latrobe gate. Back to School As a seventh-generation Capitol Hill resident himself, another of Left to right: Bill Fleishell with sketch of Fighting Fauna. Will Fleishell and Jessica White with model of Latrobe call box and ceramic tile for base. Will Fleishell and Mayor Williams with model of Latrobe call box. '90s the idea built up in my head," Fleishell said. Urged to action by a letter to the Editor of the Washington Post, calling for the call boxes to be removed, and a Fire Department contract that would have made it happen-- Fleishell teamed up with historian and Capitol Hill Restoration Society president Nancy Metzger to make the Art on Call project a reality. Fleishell believes the project to be the first of its kind. The rest of the city has taken Capitol Hill's lead and is initiating similar call box projects, such as one in Cleveland Park. Highlighting the Hill's history is quite an undertaking. "We have so much history here on Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard," Fleishell said. "Really, the history of Washington started here." Metzger helps maintain the overall scope of the project. Art on Call, she said, is looking to "spotlight history of Capitol Hill, and not just the www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 An example of an "Art on Call" project art by Bill Fleishell. Fleishell's call boxes will commemorate a school that once stood on Pennsylvania Avenue. After researching the subject matter, Fleishell found out that one of his own great-aunts attended the Wallach School. The structure was built by German-born Adolph Cluss in 1864. Cluss was a card-carrying member of the Communist party who emigrated to th U.S. in the 1940's to escape "He created an incredible mark on the city and nobody knows who he was. I think it's a shame; he was such a colorful person," Fleishell added. A Tale of Two Theaters "I come to this project both as an artist who does a lot of sculpture, and as somebody who researches the history of buildings on Capitol Hill. I'm bringing the two loves together for this project," said Betsy Damos, persecution, Fleishell said. He another artist participating in Art on became a successful, and rich, architect. "It's ironic. Here Wallach is, a millionaire, and a card-carrying mem- Call. Damos said she has always harbored a curiosity about historical buildings. Her interest has also ber of the Communist party." inspired a small business, where sheCluss was very eclectic and loved researches people's historic homes to using color in his work, said let them know of the building's Fleishell. Notably, he designed such occupants and history. beautiful district structures as Her call box projects originated Eastern Market and the 1876 with the Home Theatre in the Centennial Building which sits on Northeast section of Capitol Hill. the National Mall. The theatre is now used as a church, Razed in 1950, the Wallach School and retains some of the original site is now the home of Hines Junior architectural details, though it has High School. gone through several incarnations Fleishell said he has heard stories and remodeling efforts. that people in the neighborhood Along the way, while Damos was protested the Wallach School's 1950 researching the Home Theater, she razing, but their protests were overfound that the architect of that ridden in the name of progress. structure had remodeled another Fleishell said that when the building theatre in her own neighborhood. was destroyed, memory of Cluss' The Carolina, situated on Lincolneminence as contributing architect Park, had been razed in the early to the Hill was destroyed with it. 1970's. As a tribute and a reminder, Betsy Damos, shown measuring the template for the Carolina Theatre plaque into the call box at Lincoln Park. Damos decided to dedicate another call box to the Carolina. "The research for the Carolina was fun," Damos said, "because I didn't know what it looked like when I started." The Carolina call box will contain cast-bronze line drawings of both the original architect's plan for the building and Damos' own rendering of one of its remodeled facades. "I want people to stand there by Lincoln Park, and look over, and imagine this building that's really a drawing in front of them on that site," she said. Showing evidence of these historic buildings is important to the community, she says. "I think the project provides a great sense of place. It ties you to your community, and is interesting for people visiting the community to learn a little more about it." Opportunities For Art On Call "Anyone who says they want to work on this project--they're in!" Metzger said. Many communities have coordinated to help raise funds and recruit artists, and have been essential in getting the project going. "We're looking for artists; we're looking for donors," and others who want to help, she said. There are plenty of boxes still available for interested artists. Artists and volunteers should contact Metzger through the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, www.chrs.org. Victoria Curtis is a DC-based freelance writer. OFF From 1/1/2004 to 3/1/2004 If you're looking for uncompromised quality, artists in preparing and painting any surface, accountability, timeliness and value, then call David Mahoney. 10% Save 10% off our regular price. Interior work only. www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Giving Kidsthe PowertoSucceed After School Program Enriches Young Lives Through the Arts and Humanities BY ANDREW NOYES The H Street Main Street office is them their own character and they practically buzzing with energy. It's get to see they can be a whole lot just a tick past noon on a brisk, more than what they see here." sunny autumn Saturday, the kids have arrived and the supplies and The Kid-Centric Approach snacks have been carted inside. The Most youth programming is topvolunteers are front and center, down oriented, in which adults some milling around with youngmake decisions for the children, sters in tow, others seated quietly, Cleveland says. Kid Power doesn't waiting. make the assumption that grownups An announcement is made, and know best--a dictum evident in volwithin seconds the children have unteers' interaction with the chilassembled in a circle on the floor like dren and the structure of daily activ- precision-trained cadets, sitting with ities. legs crossed. They eagerly, anxiously "We really want to give the kids a await their cue and shoot up onto voice within the organization," their feet. Cleveland says. "We wanted to give "What time is it?" the superior them the power." barks. "Showtime," the kids reply. Student representatives sit on the "What time is it?" he repeats. nonprofit's board of directors, and "Showtime," the kids yap back in they'll help with hiring and budgetunison. ing as Kid Power picks up momen- "What time is it?" he bellows. Kid Power--DC students take a historic walking tour of the Rosedale neighborhood. tum. The Kid Power Congress meets "Showtime," the kids counter--this once a week and all the students and time with enough force to draw curi-mentors review the work they've ous looks from passersby on the tion yielded positive results. pushed toward basic skills like math accomplished and the activities sidewalk outside. The unlikely drill sergeant, a bois-"She's a crusader, and she told us and reading," Sloknik echoes. "So they've completed. The children [lack of arts education] weighed much is tied into it. Everything is express what they liked, disliked and terous Max Skolnik, then runs heavily on her heart," Cleveland dependent on tests. For most of the what programming they want to see through a gauntlet of icebreaker games aided by his partner, the recalls. "She told us, 'Show me year, kids are just doing that." continue. The group collectively sets results. Show me that you're having A broad-based approach to history goals for the following week. equally enthusiastic Caroline an impact on these kids, and we'll and the arts is what makes education "It's really important for kids to Cleveland. exciting, Skolnik says. "Math and understand that they do have choic- This high-energy process is stan-replicate it in other schools.'" reading are important, but unless a es in the world and they do have a dard operating procedure for the start of a Kid Power-DC day. The Motivation kid is excited, you might as well be chance," says Melissa Welesko, a DC Public Schools are increasingly training drones for the machines." George Washington University vol- Today is the inaugural Saturday Rosedale resident Valencia Barclift unteer. The program allows particigathering for the group, capping off "teaching for the [standardized] pants to learn history and to be Kid Power's first full week in opera-tests," Cleveland says, and art, music says Kid Power teaches her daughter, proud of where they came from, she tion as an after-school and weekend and humanities are being bumped Trinette, more about her identity says. They also have the ability to program for at-risk youth in the out of the curriculum. "It's a traves-within the community and helps express themselves and become Rosedale neighborhood northeast of ty," she cries. "Our kids are really her take real steps to achieve her Capitol Hill. being underserved in the public dream of being a journalist when she more enthusiastic about who they Its mission: to promote local histo-schools." grows up. Kid Power "broadens her are. "Ultimately they're going to be in ry through theater, film and the arts She and Skolnik decided to take horizons," Barclift says. "This helps charge and understand that their and to encourage positive change in the matter into their wn hands and her see exactly what she has to do the neighborhood. The children are steadily reintroduce the city's public get where she wants to be." voice is valued. When it comes time the source of Kid Power's strength, school children to project-based The historical aspect of the pro-to make decisions, rather than allowlearning one grade level and one gram is one of the most exciting ing themselves to fall behind, and they direct the course of its work. institution at a time. The pilot site: aspects for Barclift. "They know his-they're going to be empowered to Kid Power is starting small--with Miner Elementary. Their guinea pigs: tory as most people tell us--what step forward and be confident in around 20 students who were all a selection of fifth graders and a few they read in books. We can't find themselves." selected by their teachers and school sixth graders. anything about the District in GW volunteer Jenny Lindburg principal--but Cleveland and "The standardized testing has just books. They don't know anything adds the kids need to be proud of Skolnik recently pitched their con-taken over the schools and because about the neighborhood," she says. where they come from--especially cept to School Board President Peggy of that, to the detriment of broader "It's important because it allows the in the face of adversity, when much of the world around them sends sig- Cooper Cafritz, and their conversa-education, the kids are largely being children to be themselves. It gives nals that they must have money and www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 be reared in a particular environment in order to succeed. "If we can start working with children at a young age and empowering them to really be proud of who they are, I think it will benefit them in the long run," she says. "Kid Power is doing a wonderful job putting arts back into the school one or two grades at a time." The Structure Kid Power will explore local history on an expansive scale and, on a more intimate level, will allow the participants to discover their own personal history. The children will examine the current state of their school and what their school looked like and how it was structured in years past. They'll make comparisons over time and utilize the arts to do so. Kids will create their own maps, diagrams and drawings of the neighborhood and will conduct interviews and write testimonials about their experiences and the experiences of members of their community over the course of the year. Then they will compile "The Neighborhood Book," a scrapbook into which everything the kids find and create will be poured. A detailed neighborhood map will serve as the book's centerpiece and the finished product will be available online and in print. Participants will exhume themes from the text and illustrations in the book and with the help of professional thespians, storytellers and actors, will produce a theatrical performance piece based on the historical themes they find fascinating, coordinators say. In an ambitious third component of the program, the Kid Power crew will create a documentary film and will work with other community groups who are pursuing similar projects. Mondays are reserved for working on the neighborhood book, Tuesday are for theater, Wednesdays are split between theater and the Kid Power Congress, Thursdays provide inschool computer researching time and on Saturdays, the kids go on field trips and neighborhood tours. "On Fridays, we rest," Cleveland jokes. Kid Power features three tiers of volunteers: professionals (public historians, documentarians, photographers, actors, etc.) who will develop the curriculum; university students from Howard, George Washington and American universities; and high school students. Currently, pupils from Edmund Burke High School and the Georgetown Day School are engaged, Cleveland says. Unlike some youth programs, Kid Power is focused on permanence in the community. Cleveland says the program wants to remain at Miner indefinitely and the group would like to create an alumni program in which participants will be trained as mentors and will return to teach subsequent groups. Kid Power will follow participants through middle school, high school and even college, she says. "If you want go to college, we'll see it through and make it happen," Cleveland boasts. "We're not a project that sweeps in, does a program and then leaves. We're committed to kids long term or as long as they want us around." The Funding "We've got the curriculum, we've got the kids, we've got the volunteers, we've got the energy but we need to be able to eat," Cleveland says. Skolnik seconds his partner. "Finding funding has been a real struggle." When the twosome began formulating the Kid Power concept a year and a half ago, the nation had sagged into the worst economic climate in decades in the wake of September 11, 2001, and the stock market crash. Foundations had stopped giving, and private company's outreach budgets had dried up, Skolnik recalls. Much of Kid Power's startup costs have been paid by Cleveland and Skolnik's family and friends. The organiza- tion's budget is $80,000 a year, which covers supplies, activities and the duos meager salaries. Thus far, they've collected Kid Power -DCcreator Caroline Cleveland rallies the troops at a recent Saturday assembly. studied political science in Buffalo and came to DC in 1997 with a social service background and obtained his master's degree in Latin American studies and began work on a doctorate while pursuing human rights work. In 2000, he abandoned his doctoral work and helped organize the Sol Project, a cross-cultural youth theater initiative in Cuba, an event Skolnik says was life altering. "We could not do this without each other," Skolnik says of Cleveland. It's been a really wonderful collaboration between the two of us. We come from very different backgrounds but managed to create something really quite interesting." Kid Power hopes to add a new site every year. Eventually, the organiza- tion's aim is to have three or four schools throughout the city and will maintain each site's programming simultaneously. Skolnik's dream is to acquire a building and in five or ten years found a Kid Power theater with ample performance space for his pupils and the community at large. Andrew Noyes is assistant editor of The Voice of the Hill. Visit Kid Power-DC online at http://www.kidpowerdc.org or email info@kidpowerdc.org for more information. about $15,000. A benefit dinner in June hosted by high profile political consultant James Carville--a member of Kid Power's board--raised about $5,000. Just last month, they received $5,000 grant from the Humanities Council and the pair have applied for numerous other awards. One surefire way to drum up some cash is a DC history hunt that is being planned for spring. The registration fee will be $100 per team and each team will attempt to track down a slew of obscure landmarks in the nation's capital. An online auction on eBay is also in the works, Cleveland says. "We can pay for our salaries for about two more months," Cleveland says hesitantly. She is hopeful that their vigilance will pay off in the near term. The Players Cleveland, a New Orleans native, attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. and majored in child and community development. Running Kid Power is her ideal job. "I've never worked so hard in my life and I've never enjoyed the work as much in my life. I get up early in the morning and work until 11 at night. I've never been so tired and so excited about the work that I'm doing." Skolnik, originally from New York, ll / /igh Mass . . DC 20002 129 Experience it athis Sunday at St.James' 7:40 am Matins 8 am Low Mass 10 am HCALL 202 546 1746 OR VISIT WWW.SAINTJAMESCHURCH.ORG 222 EIGHTH STREET NE WASHINGTON THIGPENHALL &ASSOCIATES SMALL BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL Bobby Thigpen 202.546.7734 www.voichehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 VETERANS DAY: A Time to Remember African American Soldiers: Defending the U.S. Abroad, Facing Adversity at Home BY STEPHANIE BRIGGS Veterans Day always had a way of shouldn't see each other anymore. against blacks, were widely accepted sneaking up on me. Perhaps it was He decided to seek professional help in the South as well as the North. So due to the fact that in my family no one more time. That was our last it was no surprise that during World one actually served in battle. My conversation. War II, Medals of Honor for bravery brother managed to avoid the There are not enough honors for were not presented to soldiers of Vietnam lottery, and my father, who the brave men and women who have African descent. was a corporal stationed in South defended our country. Why is it then Carolina, was never called to active that we aren't out there en masse on Buffalo Soldiers duty. every parade route? Perhaps we are It wasn't until I was on a date that desensitized by the war images that Buffalo soldier troddin' through the I came face to face with the after play out on the television screens. land, effects of war. Bobby was one of the They look more like a Steven last recruits called to duty in Spielberg or George Lucas creation, Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand, Vietnam. He recalled the first days, making it hard to imagine the realilanding in a foreign land, traipsing ties of war. Troddin' through the land, through brush, burned by the blaz-Historically the pain of war was Said he was a buffalo soldier win the ing sun. When he finally arrived at not always found on the battlefield. war for America; his post, the men teased this newest During World War II segregation was Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock rasta, recruit's sunburned nose and cheeks. common practice. Within this pecu- The laughter would soon give way to liar institution was the underlying Fighting on arrival, fighting for the realities of war, and one month belief that black soldiers were inferi-survival. later his helicopter was hit by enemy or warriors and relegated to second-BOB MARLEY fire, crashing and injuring all those ary roles. According to an article in During the Civil War over 180,000 on board. Fortunately they all sur-the May 6, 1996, issue of US News & African-Americans served in the vived, with Bobby suffering major World Report, as early as World War II Union Army. Out of the 33,000 that back injuries--although he always "America's black community had to died, 24 were presented Medals of reminded me of the fact that no one plead to send its sons into combat; Honor. After the war Congress who goes to war actually survives. had to demand that they be allowed enacted "An Act to increase and fix And so it was, while on a date, to fight and die for a segregated the Military Peace Establishment of that his back went out and all of the America." the United States," authorizing the pain and images of war poured forth, Perhaps some of the reason for formation of two cavalry and four tumbling over each other. I was terri-this sentiment had to do with the regiments composed of "colored fied. He was uncontrollable. Weeks history of race in America. men." On September 21, 1866, they later he explained that maybe we Darwinism claimed that blacks were would consolidate into two units, inferior. Jim Crow laws, segregation forming the 9th Cavalry Regiment First Lt. John R. Fox in Greenville, Louisiana, and the 10th Cavalry Regiment in Forth The 366th Infantry Regiment Leavenworth, Kansas. Their role was to "subdue Mexican revolutionaries, hostile Native Americans, outlaws, comancheros, and rustlers" (International Museum of the Horse). How their name came about is unclear although one possibility was the fact that the Indians believed the soldier's hair resembled the mane of the buffalo. A second theory was that when a buffalo is wounded or cornered, it will fight in a display of stamina and courage. It was believed that this was the fighting spirit that the Indians saw in the Buffalo Soldiers. Prejudice would follow these men. It proved difficult to find officers to lead them, since officers at the time were white. Along with protecting mail routes, and building and maintaining forts, the Buffalo Soldiers were also responsible for evicting white settlers who were attempting to settle on Indian land, making them even more unpopular among whites. Despite the difficulties of race, the Buffalo Soldiers played a major role in exploring and mapping much of the Southwest, while stringing hundreds of miles of telegraph lines. In 1941 the two regiments formed the 4th Cavalry Brigade, commanded by General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. at Camp Funston, Kansas. By 1944 horse cavalry regiments were disbanded, ending the long history of the Buffalo Soldiers, but the glory of their name would manifest in the 366th Infantry Regiment. The 366th Infantry Regiment The 366th Infantry Regiment was an all-black unit that included black officers, who fought during World War II in North Africa and Italy. Many of the men who served in this unit were alumni of Howard University where, in the campus chapel, there is a memorial stained glass window honoring their service. It would be almost 40 years before the U.S. Government would recognize them. On July 20, 1983, Colonel West A. Hamilton received the honorary rank of brigadier general from the DC National Guard at the age of 96. Hamilton served with General John J. (Blackjack) Pershing in Mexico on what was perhaps one of the last missions of the 10th Cavalry Regiment Buffalo Soldier rides. Hamilton would later command the 366th Infantry. After his tour of duty Hamilton returned to Washington, DC, where, for 60 years, he and his brother ran the Hamilton Printing Company at 1353 U. Street. Those who served with Hamilton included Frank J. Talley, 1st Lieutenant, who was known in the public high schools in Washington, DC, for his ROTC programs. He also served as the commandant at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the 1960s. James W. Jones, 2nd Lieutenant, was a Howard graduate who later worked as an art teacher in the DC public schools. Jones was also the designer of the 366th Infantry's Regimental flag and shield. Dennette A. Harrod, Sr. of Washington, DC, received two Bronze Stars for valor while fighting in Italy with the unit. President Clinton would honor him 50 years after the end of the war with a Certificate of Appreciation. Wartime honors were few and far www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 between. Corporal Waverly Woodson, Jr., of Clarksburg, Md., was the recipient of a Bronze Star for heroism on D-Day in France. As a young medic he was severely injured in battle yet he spent five days and nights helping his unit care for 350 casualties. He had been recommended for higher honors. "Our white superiors recommended us," he explained, " but the War Department didn't approve it. Silver Stars and Congressional Medals of Honor did not go to black officers or black enlisted men." It wasn't until 1982 that these misguided issues on race were finally addressed for one of the members of the 366th Infantry Regiment. First Lieutenant John R. Fox, an artillery observer with Cannon Company, 366th Infantry, 92nd Division (also known as the "Buffalo Division"), was honored posthumously with the second-highest medal for valor in combat, the Distinguished Service Cross. Fox and a handful of his men died on December 26, 1944, in Sommocolonia, Italy, after he directed an artillery barrage down on their post, slowing the German advance and killing 100 of the enemy. The events that occurred during this invasion would have surely won Fox Christ Church in 1918 See our web site www.washingtonparish.org Phone (202) 547-9300 The Rev. Dr. Judith A. Davis, Rector a Silver Star, but this was not the case. It would take 38 years and the unrelenting research of Loudon B. Hargrove, a captain and commander of an artillery battery in World War II a nd the author of a book on the Buffalo Soldiers, to find the documentation that would lead to Fox's honors. Fox would join six other black soldiers honored for their valor with Medals of Honor. All but one was dead on that day of recognition. Their stories of heroism were finally heard. They fought for the same reasons many soldiers had when in combat, except all things were not equal. It remains for many a bitter pill to swallow, yet on Veterans Day it is time for those of us who are civilians to take the time out to remember. It's time to proudly honor those who served their country despite the adversities they suffered on the home front. It is our responsibility to remember their names, their history, their spirits, and their strength. Stephanie Briggs is an assistant professor at CCBC Catonsville. She would like to hear more stories from African- American Veterans of War. Email her at stefbriggs@netzero.com. 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 "everybody was already booked" Randolph Creehair etc. Redken · ISO · Matrix · Aquage · Alterna 325 7th Street, SE · Eastern Market · 202-547-1014 Ginger Christine Gerry Graham Formerly of Robert Andrew Salon, experience in the beauty industry Extended evening hours now available. Randolph Cree Welcomes Specializes in Transformations, Corrective Color, Make-up, and Up-do's, Tony and Guy (TIGI) Advanced Coloring Techniques Graham Webb Trained, 10 years of experience Advanced Training and 13 years of Getting your appointment at Randolph Cree just got easier. www.voiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 Do You Hate Turkey? You're Not Alone. Try Some of these Interesting Alternatives This Year BY CELESTE MCC ALL "That's usually because they want to We took Melvin's suggestion and duplicate family recipes....they want prepared his turkey roast. First, we You know the drill. On the last to make gravy and stuffing the way marinated the three-and-a-half- pound rolled white and dark turkey Thursday of November, the extend-Grandma did it." ed family gathers around the dining Inman, who, with his two sons, in fresh herbs from our garden, a room table, which groans under the has been an Eastern Market mainstay half dozen or so garlic cloves, cracked black peppercorns, red wine, hefty array of Thanksgiving bounty: since 1976, continues: "Just the whole roast turkey with stuffing, other day, I was talking to a cus-a splash of red wine vinegar and a cranberry sauce, candied yams, tomer. I had sold her a boneless drizzle of olive oil. For an added green beans, pumpkin pie. turkey roast, and she said she burst of flavor, we inserted a sturdy Yawn. enjoyed it. So, I made a suggestion. rosemary stalk in the middle of the roll. While our oven pre-heated at All too often, the turkey is over-Every Thanksgiving, this woman done and dried out. By definition, opens her modest Cape Cod-style 350 degrees F, we browned the roast turkey, especially the prized breast home (in Northeast) to 20 to 30 fam-in olive oil--using our trusty cast meat, tends to be dry and tasteless ily members and friends....and she iron skillet--to seal in the juices. Then we roasted the meat for because it's a real challenge to time it serves them turkey. So, I suggested approximately an hour and a half, properly, especially when preparing that she get two boneless turkey a 20-pounder. Why not try some-roasts and slice them. She can use a basting frequently. thing different this year? Even small turkey or chicken as a center-When the turkey was done, juices purists who insist on turkey might piece, and surround it with beautiful ran clear when the meat was pierced with a fork. We removed it from the want to explore a new take on the fans of sliced meat. traditional bird. "The roast is our own creation," he oven and allowed it to rest a few min- (Many Hillites who eschew turkey adds with a hint of pride, and he utes before slicing. I garnished the on Thanksgiving go the vegan/vege-explains how they make it: Inman, masterpiece with flash-fried sage tarian route. However, since this often assisted by his offspring and leaves and additional rosemary sprigs. Wild rice pilaf and steamed Brussels option has been explored extensive-other employees, take two large ly, we have decided to emphasize turkey drumsticks (or breast and sprouts complemented the meat perother alternative dishes instead). drumstick), remove the skin, bones fectly. The meal was a hit, and my "Many people are intimidated by and those bothersome tendons, and white-meat-turkey-hating sister comthe size and preparation of a large splice them together. The meat is mented: "I think I'll try this; it solves the turkey problem!" Yellow Tail turkey," says Melvin R. Inman of then tied with string netting. Market Poultry at Eastern Market. Melvin's boneless roast sells for (Australian) Merlot went well with it, "They are also intimidated by the $3.29 a pound, which is a bargain although some people might prefer a Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc. stuffing, even the gravy," he adds. since there is virtually no waste. Options for Avoiding the Big Bird But some folks want to avoid the big bird altogether on Thanksgiving, striking out in a totally different culinary direction. For such adventurous home chefs, Melvin stocks fresh goose, duck and Cornish game hens. "Cornish hens are really hot right now," he says, as he deftly debones a chicken breast. "They are small, pretty and easy to serve." (It's best to reserve a day or so ahead for fresh fowl, especially during the holiday season). On a gamier note, another feathered, non-turkey option is pheasant (yes, Melvin stocks them too). On the internet, we found beaucoup information on pheasant and other game birds (the site recommends allowing one small pheasant for each guest, and a larger bird will divide nicely among three people. If you opt for a larger pheasant, slice the breast before serving, and separate drumsticks from the thighs. For accompaniments, serve new potatoes, fall squash and wild rice; the latter is a natural for game birds. See pheasant recipe, below, which I also found on the web). Cynthia Price, who dwells on Capitol Hill, roasted a duck last Thanksgiving as a second dish. "It got rave reviews," she recalls. "My dinner guests liked it better than the turkey. "I kept the stuffing on the sweet side, using dried cornbread stuffing mixed with granola, Hawaiian trail mix (coconut, dried pineapple, raisins and prunes), plus macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds and fresh pineapple (including the juice) and fresh orange slices, also with the juice. "I may have added oysters or clams, which I prefer to giblets," she said. "I think I got the cornbread stuffing idea from another duck recipe, but much of the rest I adlibbed, especially the macadamia nuts and tropical trail mix. For the glaze, I used the orange sauce packet that came with the duck (which is delicious!) and added ground cloves." Patrick McClintock and Marilyn Goldberg, who live near the Safeway around 15th Street, SE, often turn to the sea for a creative Thanksgiving alternative. When they lived in California's Marin County, the couple often invited friends over for Thanksgiving. From a local fishmonger, they would purchase a whole salmon, cleaned and slit in half. Inside the fish they slathered the contents of a good-size jar of prepared horseradish, along with a half dozen lemons, thinly sliced. After folding the fish back together, they wrapped it in foil and roasted it over medium coals--in a closed kettle grill--for about 20 minutes. They often served the salmon with wwwiceofthehill.com VOICE of the Hill / November 2003 steamed new potatoes and fresh greens from a local purveyor. A crisp Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir--from Napa Valley, natu- rally--complemented the California repast beautifully. PHEASANT WITH OLIVES AND PLUMS Mark Stoebe Great Falls, Montana (This rich dish is hassle free, leaving you plenty of time for your guests!) 2 large pheasants (2 to 2 -1/2 lbs), cut into 8 pieces, breasts halved 1/4 cup olive oil 1 /2 cup white wine 1 /2 cup cider vinegar 1 /2 cup brown sugar 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4 scallions, finely chopped (green and white parts) 6 fresh basil leaves 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 Tablespoons cracked black peppercorns 3/4 cup green olives, pitted and cut in half 2 cups diced fresh plums, divided Preheat oven to 350 F. Wash and pat dry pheasant pieces; place in the bottom of a clay cooker or Dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients except for half (1 cup) of the plums. Combine ingredients thoroughly, cover pot and bake in oven for 1 and a half hours. About 15 minutes before pheasant is done, add remaining cup of plums. Stir, and return to oven until done. Serve with brown rice and French bread. Serves 4 to 6. Recommended wine: Cotes de Beaune- Village, which complements the olives and earthy tones of the pheasant. Cooking Your Goose For several years, I've served goose for Thanksgiving. Many years ago, when Peter and I purchased our first home--a tiny yellow townhouse on the fringes of Capitol Hill--we hosted Thanksgiving dinner. I had prepared goose many times in the past, usually for Christmas, so I thought I had the hang of it. For that Thanksgiving, we invited my then-widowed sister and her date, as well as a colleague from work. After placing the 10-pound bird in the pre-heated oven, we had a quick drink at a neighbor's house. We returned in plenty of time to check on the fowl, and our house was redolent with wonderful aromas. So far so good. Then we went upstairs to dress for dinner; we were expecting our guests around 6 or so. Suddenly, we smelled smoke. We rushed downstairs, flung open the oven and flames shot out. I then remembered an Ann Landers column warning readers to NEVER throw water on a grease fire; use salt instead. So I started sprinkling sodium chloride on the fire, to no avail. Then Peter simply upended the Morton's container, dumping the entire contents onto the flames. It worked; the fire was extinguished and Peter snatched the goose from the oven and whisked it outside. However, our little dwelling was full of smoke. Someone called the fire department, and two trucks-- including a hook and ladder-- arrived. The firefighters also brought along a huge, vacuum cleaner-like gizmo to suck out the smoke. By now we were just plain embarrassed and kept apologizing, but the firefighters were really nice about it and even offered some cooking safety hints. Our neighbors were equally understanding and downright sweet, offering us portions of their own Thanksgiving dinners. Oh yes, the goose. It was delicious--not burnt at all. Here's how I prepare goose, which I always purchase at Eastern Market (you order it ahead of time). Goose is extremely fatty, making it tricky to cook. First, pull off most (not all) the excess fat. Either discard this or render it for goose grease, which some of our Eastern European friends use in red cabbage and sauerkraut. Then I marinate the bird in a bottle of inexpensive tawny port. Then, place on a rack and sprinkle with salt and pepper and any seasoning you want. Then--and this is the tricky part-- roast at high temperature, maybe 450 to 475, for a half hour. Remove fat with a bulb baster. Lower temperature to about 350 and continue roasting until done, allowing about 20 minutes per pound. My mother, who was German, always served sauerkraut with goose (or whatever we were having). Other traditional German accompaniments are red cabbage and knoedel--potato dumplings--but these are so heavy that I call them death balls. I prefer rice pilaf. A fullbodied Merlot or Shiraz blend complements the bird's richness. ROAST GOOSE (Adapted from a Danish recipe) 1 fresh goose (8-10 pounds, available at Eastern Market) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 cups dried fruit or apples, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered Port wine as needed Preheat oven to 450 F. Rinse goose under cool running water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle inside and outside with salt and pepper and fill cavity with fruit and quartered onion. Sew opening shut with coarse thread or unflavored dental flos