of The Hill VOICE This Month 14 The Community Foundation Awardees 17 How We Look at Gay Marriage The Voice 18 Out on the Hill: Community Pride 21 Crossing Gally's Fence 23 The New Face on H turns 24 Walkin' the Dog 25 Happy Birthday to Us 30 CHDS Students Take five! to the Field 32 Easter Memories and More 34 Getting to the Root of It 37 The Best Medicine 38 A Jazz of Her Own 40 Urban Gardening: The Redbud Tree Departments VoiceMail ...................................... 3 City Desk ...................................... 4 DownLoad .................................... 8 Business Snapshots ................... 11 Amazing Spaces ......................... 41 Performing Arts Roundup ............. 42 Ask Judith .................................. 44 Designing for Hearth and Home ... 46 Armchair Movie Reviews .............. 48 Health and Fitness ...................... 50 Ask the Vet ................................. 52 Captiol Hill BID ........................... 51 Barracks Row ............................. 54 Kids' Calendar ............................ 56 Community Calendar ................... 57 Horoscope .................................. 59 Classifieds ................................. 59 Business Services ...................... 60 Restaurant Review ...................... 62 Vol. 6 No. 1 April 2004 of The Hill VOICE Voicemail The Voice of the Hill is published and distributed monthly to Capitol Hill residences and business locations. Dear Editor: The focus is on the community and includes contiguous neighborhoods I am having a love affair with a restau from Gallaudet University to the rant, so, like your recent reviewer of Navy Yard and from the Capitol to Meyhane [VOTH, March], I cannot be the Stadium Armory Complex. objective. With my first bite of Meyhane Publication and distribution is the Chicken, I knew I was tasting something last Friday of each month. special. I kept telling friends about this Advertising deadline is the first of wonderful new place, and then they the month preceding publication. would call and say, "Let's go." Eventually, I began hosting group din- the owner, but it was delicate and tasty, exactly as fish should be. The Turkish coffee can be ordered by degree of sweetness, and it's wonderful. The delicious baklava is different from most. It is filled with pistachio nuts rather than walnuts, and usually is quite light. The owner and wait staff go out of Stadium-Armory Subway stop elevator, their way to please the patrons. Servers subway entrance and public side walk Voice of the Hill ners there-described in the invitations NOTE NEW ADDRESS! as "Babette's Turkish Feast." I have PO Box 15874 taken people there who have much more Washington DC 20003-0874 discriminating palettes than my own- 202-544-0703 Main office one and all are impressed. But this is 202-318-7806 Fax about more than the food. When Jihan is dancing, I do not notice the people who www.voiceofthehill.com think they are not in Kansas anymore editor@voiceofthehill.com (they're not...). I notice people smiling ask the order in which we would like our and tree box. various tapas served. Wine and specific 2. As 19th Street becomes a two food recommendations have been con-way street other adjustments will be sistently good, and at half-price before necessary. While not specified in the 7:00 p.m., wine is a tremendous bar-plan, but discussed by the consultants, gain. On more than one occasion, the Potomac Avenue S.E. between 18th and owner has brought us samples of free 19th Streets S.E. will need to be after-dinner drinks, such as raki or pear changed from one-way to two-way traffic cognac, to see if we might like them. and 17th Street S.E. currently one-way bruce@voiceofthehill.com and clapping and some getting up to A belly dancer in a Turkish restaurant south from Benning Road to Potomac patti@voiceofthehill.com dance with her. I notice people who take makes perfect sense to us, and we can-Avenue S.E. will in all probability be adele@voiceofthehill.com the time after their meal to come thank not understand why Guerin found this changed to two way traffic to accommo-julia@voiceofthehill.com the owner and staff for the special time odd. The woman who performs on date the new traffic flow on 19th Street they have had. I meet people who come Tuesday and Saturday evenings at S.E. Staff from all over the world and feel at home Meyhane uses the professional name 3. The D.C. Department of Joseph Campbell, Editor Pro Tem there. Yes, I am watching the growing Noor Jihan. She is attractive, talented Transportation will be conducting traffic pains of a young restaurant finding and charismatic, often enticing cus-studies concerning the river crossings of he Bruce Robey, WebMaster itself. When Joan Guerin's heart has tomers to get up from their chairs and the Anacostia River at the 11th Street Adele Robey, Design and Production healed, I urge her to return and to be dance with her, much to the delight of Bridge, Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. and Andrew Noyes, Assistant Editor part of the discovery. the other patrons. the feasibility of constructing a new Patti Shea, Political Reporter The most striking characteristic of bridge crossing the Anacostia River con-Larry Kaufer, Sports Editor LAURA NEAL Meyhane is that other patrons seem to necting Massachusetts Avenue S.E. on Julia Robey, Production Coordinator enjoy everything about it nearly as much the Westside of the Anacostia to Scott Shumaker, Editor (on leave) Dear Editor: as we do. On Friday and Saturday Massachusetts Avenue on the Eastside evenings by 8:00, the tables are full, of the Anacostia (or 295 Expressway). Joan Guerin's review of Meyhane, the with people waiting at the bar, even 4. A proposed River Road will be con-Phoenix Graphics, Inc. new Turkish tapas restaurant on standing in the crowded area near the structed on a 56-foot right of way along T/A Voice of the Hill Pennsylvania, SE, is so contrary to our back. We have repeatedly seen demon-the Anacostia River. The River Road will Capitol Hill BID, Ready Willing and evaluation and experience that we need strations of customer goodwill-diners be a 40-foot wide roadway with four (4) Able, Gospel Rescue Ministries to respond. Since it opened late last volunteering to move to another table to traffic lanes running through National Distribution year, Meyhane has become our favorite accommodate a large party, or to move Park Service Land from the National local restaurant. We have had dinner to the bar for their Turkish coffee and Arboretum, through Reservation 13, to Contributing Writers there on 12 occasions, and we have baklava so that others may start their the proposed Monument Circle at the Julio Arguello, Jr. Jessica Leshnoff enjoyed every visit. Unlike Guerin, we dinner. And we've seen and heard them base of Massachusetts Avenue, S.E. have never waited for a table, and I can compliment the owner, Dogan Turker, on and beyond. A skeptic would think this Stephanie Briggs Laurie Lindsay recall only one evening-a Friday or the restaurant's food, service, ambience is a plan to create a new commuter Patty Brosmer Jeff Marootian Saturday when the servers were under-and friendliness. Meyhane is not expressway circumventing the Barney Publishers no- Joseph Campbell Celeste McCall staffed and [thus] overwhelmed by two Anatolia, the restaurant it replaced. It Circle prohibitions. Judith Capen Gene Miller large parties - that our water glasses has better, more interesting food, new These new traffic patterns, while only JoAnne Carey Bill McLeod were allowed to empty before being energy, new ideas, and pleased patrons. proposals at the present time, appear to Stephanie Deutsch Linda Norton refilled. have less to do with moving local neigh-Ann Dye Andrew Noyes There is so much to like about this VIC AND DEBORAH VAN CLEVE borhood traffic and more to do with pro-Nick Germanotta Julia Robey restaurant. The food is excellent and viding for an increase in roads for com- Dug Lee Shirley Serotsky interesting and fun, as the small plates To the Editor: muter use. Whether you support or Mark Holler Patti Shea -tapas or meze-allow the sampling of oppose the changes, you need to have a variety of dishes and encourage shar-New Traffic Patterns for Hill East your voices heard. First contact Ward 6 Jeffrey Howard Scott Shumaker ing with one's dining partners. There are Who Wins, Commuters or Residents? Councilmember Sharon Ambrose on Beth Lambdin Erica Stanley too many items on the menu to mention The Office of Planning as it fine tunes 202-724-8072 or email: Richard Layman Robert Wander each, but some of the meze stand out. its development plans for Reservation sambrose@dccouncil.washington.dc.us Dug Y. Lee The hummus is fresh, flavorful, and deli-13 (D.C. General / D.C. Jail site) has and also contact Maxine Brown Roberts Memberships cate. The spicy shrimp are the best we outlined proposals for new traffic pat-of the Office of Planning on 202-442-Capitol Hill Association of Merchants have had. The lamb meatballs, kofte, terns on adjoining neighborhood streets 8807 or e-mail: maxine.brown-and Professionals at its March 19th 2004 Reservation 13 are superb, reminding one of us a child- Art Directors Club of Metropolitan hood growing up with fine lamb-based Washington Syrian cooking. Octopus salad is a spe- Barracks Row Business Alliance cial treat for us. We have tried it in many roberts@dc.gov and express your opin- Steering Committee meeting. ion. 1. 19th Street S.E. is to be changed from an existing three (3) lane one-way SIA A, MULLEN Independent Free Papers of locations, from Mexico to Mykonos, and northbound street to a four (4) lane two-FRANK J. ZAMPAT ORI, JR. America Meyhane's is first class. Preferring the way street. The additional fourth lane Community Members, Reservation 13 H Street Merchants Association fun of meze, we've only eaten one of the will come either from expanding the Steering Committee regular meals, a whole fish suggested by www.voiceofthehill.com cityDesk CO VERING THE HILL'S POLITIC AL SCENE AND MORE STORIES BY PATTI SHEA ANC 6A Wants Answers About Abandoned City-owned Dwellings Representatives from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) attended the March 11 ANC 6A meeting to discuss two city-owned abandoned buildings. DHCD Director Stanley Jackson told the panel that the city is working to find buyers for the properties, located at 525 Ninth St., NE, and the old fire station on the 1600 block of Maryland Ave., NE. Jackson said the department is working with the planning office to assess the housing needs in those areas to decide what sort of project should go on those lots. Converting the buildings into senior and/or low-income housing was suggested. "We want to make them productive properties," he said. He further stated that the city wants a private developer to take over, despite calls for some sort of public-private partnership. Jackson added that it is the city's goal to have the properties out for public bid by the end of the year. Audience members and commissioners laughed at Jackson's statement. Jackson smiled. Commissioner Jessica Ward made Jackson promise that there would be a public meeting concerning the two lots within the next two months. The director agreed to Ward's request. No Dumping! Commissioner Gladys Mack announced that the city dumped a truckload of manure on private property on Kramer Street without notifying the property owner. Mack said a call to the city did get the manure removed, but not before stinking up the neighborhood. As if that weren't enough, Mack said hundreds of tires were illegally dumped in the alley behind Rosedale and E Streets. She said the tires were removed a couple days later. Anyone spotting illegal dumping is urged to call Mack at 202-398-3329 or call the city at 202-727-1000. BZA Overturns Medlink Parking Rules The DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) overturned a ruling by the zoning administrator that would have reduced the number of parking spaces the Medlink nursing center is supposed to provide for its employees and patients. Now, Medlink, located on the 700 block of Constitution Ave., NE, will be required to increase the number of spaces as if it were a hospital, not a "rooming house" as the city called for. Medlink was once the site of a trauma and ambulatory center but now is only partially occupied. Residents have complained about the amount of cars the business produces. Commissioner Cody Rice, who has championed this issue before the BZA for months, said the facility would have to provide 176 spaces as opposed to the 85 it currently provides. Medlink could appeal the BZA's opinion, but it couldn't be immediately determined if Medlink would do so. Just When You Thought You Were Home The ANC is again looking for a new home office since the city reneged on its promise to house the orphaned commission at its newly opened Sherwood Community Center. Commissioner Joseph Fengler said the city's Parks and Recreation Department didn't think a community center was the right place for the ANC office. Fengler said he has called Parks and Recreation chief Neil Albert, but hasn't received a return call. Fengler said that he thinks it's ironic that the ANC was one of the driving forces behind getting the community center, and now it's being tossed aside. "[This] project was championed by this commission. Despite all that, our help is no longer wanted," he said. To boot, the panel approved at the February meeting to order new office furniture, that Fengler said will now have to be canceled. Fengler said not having an official office could put the ANC at risk of not getting money from the city. He said without an office, the commissioners are forced to keep files, records and other ANC documents at their homes. This is frowned on by the city, which requires all official commission information to be centralized. Albert didn't attend the meeting, but a follow-up call to his office was referred to a parks community service director. The Voice left a request for clarification of Albert's alleged remarks with that director; calls weren't returned. However, the DC Web site shows that ANCs 3B and 3G have offices in DC-owned and operated community centers. Some meet at local police substations. Can You Hear Me Now? Commissioner Michael Musante is compiling a list of nuisance and illegal phones to turn over to the city. Musante, head of the panel's community service committee, said any phone given will be investigated to see if it should be removed - either under a voluntary agreement with the city or if it is a nuisance to nearby residents. To submit a phone, contact Musante at musan-teanc@yahoo.com or 202-548-2542. H Street Cleaners Needed The H Street Main Street committee is looking for volunteers to participate in monthly cleanups along the up-and-coming business corridor. Volunteers are needed on the second Saturday of the month to pick up trash and push a broom. Interested persons are asked to call Joe Tortorici at 202-368-5698 or email him at jtortorici@wesley-sem.edu. Extended Booze Hours Panned by Panel A city council proposal to extend the hours that liquor stores can sell beer, wine and other spirits struck a sour chord with the commission. The proposal, submitted by City Councilman Harold Brazil, would have allowed stores with class A licenses (stores able to sell wine, spirits and beer) to stay open until midnight on Saturdays and those with class B licenses (stores that can only sell beer and wine) to stay open until midnight seven days a week. Brazil attached the Reasonable Hours of Operation for ABC Retailers Amendment Act of 2003 to an omnibus spending bill in hopes of generating more tax revenue. Commissioner Jessica Ward said Brazil is thinking about the bottom dollar rather than the safety of DC residents. "The fact that is revenue based without any quality of life issues is preposterous," Ward said. She said when the council rolled back selling hours to the current 10 p.m. closing time, there was an "immediate impact on our community for public intoxication and drinking and driving." All of the commissioners urged audience members to call Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose, who heads the Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to urge her to vote against the legislation. Brazil must have the amendment OK'd by this committee before going to the entire council. Calls to Brazil's office were not returned. As this issue was going to press, however, Brazil had decided to withdraw his proposal. Commissioners Jessica Ward, Michael Musante, Cody Rice, Joseph Fengler, Nick Alberti and Gladys Mack were present. Commissioners Wanda Stevens-Harris and Colleen Harris were absent. The next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on April 8 at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE. ANC 6B Calls for Federal Legislation to Outline Project Panel Asks Norton for Reservation 13 Help ANC 6B unanimously voted March 8 to ask DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to submit legislation that would require the federal government to sell or enter into long-term leases with private developers the some 65-acre Reservation 13 in East Capitol Hill. The land belongs to the federal General Services Administration (GSA) and is slated for commercial and multi-family residential use. The site currently houses the abandoned DC General Hospital and includes the campus for the DC jail. The ANC has tangled with the city and federal governments over the project for years. At issue is the federal government's plan to issue short-term leases-some 15-years long-some less, and the snail's pace of project development, not to mention questionable funding mechanisms by the city to complete the project. Instead, the ANC wants Norton to propose a bill that would give the GSA permission to sell the site to private developers. "We ask for your help because we believe that Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill only with federal legislation can Reservation 13 be developed to attract new residents and businesses, generate new tax revenue, and contribute to the success of the planned National Capital Medical Center," the letter states. In the letter, the panel argues that even though the DC government has jurisdiction over the site, it can't make any changes unless it has GSA approval. The City Council already OK'd the project's master plan, but the city can't enter into agreements with developers longer than 15 years. That's what has the commissioners crying foul. Commissioner Keith Smith said no developer would invest millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements on the project site if it only has a 15year lease. He added that the city doesn't have the budget to make the infrastructure improvements, which will be required to complete the project as called for under the plan. Commissioner Ken Jarboe said the legislation would fast-track development. "Think of this as a way to get GSA's approval before doing anything," he said. Jarboe, author of the letter, said when the GSA transferred jurisdiction to the city, the agency did-n't clearly state what powers were beholden by the city. "While the DC government has obtained jurisdiction over Reservation 13, the current GSA transfer letter creates many obstacles to private develop," the letter reads. "The federal government continues to hold fee simple title to [the land]. As a result, DC Government cannot sell any land to private developers or individuals...Without the ability to sell the land, we believe that residential townhouse devel-opment-a key to the master plan for Reservation 13 and to the community's vision of the area as a mixed-use neighborhood-will not occur." It argues that since development will be held up, so would the tax revenue generated by the project. Condo Concerns Aired The developer wanting to install nine condominiums at the corner of 15th and C Streets was rebuffed by residents who say they will be greatly impacted by the project. Representatives from Macy Construction presented their plans to build the four-story, 3,000-square-foot dwelling, but the neighbors said the structure would impose on their privacy. Instead, resident Michael Young asked if the project could be shrunken down to a six-unit,three3-story project to lessen the impact on the neighbors. Macy representative Topher Cushman said it was not economically feasible to downsize the project. "For the price we paid for the land, I don't think it will work for us," Cushman said. "We need to get the square footage." Young said loitering is a huge problem at that intersection and the project may add to the already congested parking issue. Under city code, the building is required to have five parking spaces for the nine units. But the residents say this is laughable because a minimum of two people will live in each unit, which they say will bring the car total to 18. Parking is a touchy topic in that neighborhood since there is a fire station nearby that prohibits some street parking, as well as a church and school, which keeps the streets constantly stocked, they said. "You just don't know what we've been through on 15th Street," said another neighbor. The project's architect did attend the meeting and said they were trying to redesign the project to get more off-street parking spaces. Young said residents were also concerned with the impacts on their homes during the construction, such as digging holes on the property that would cause some homes to shake. Cushman said the company would monitor the impacts during construction and would be in contact with residents during the project. Because the developer isn't asking for a zoning change, the ANC has no approval authority over the project. The developer brought the project before the panel as a courtesy to show good faith. Construction is likely to begin in June, Cushman said. Residents Gather Signatures for H Street Speed Bumps Commissioner Keith Smith said he has received enough signatures to get speed bumps on H Street, SE. Petitions were circulated among the residents of the 1600 block of H Street. More than 80 percent of impacted residents signed the petition as called for under city guidelines, which qualifies it for the traffic mitigation measure. Smith said residents from that block, as well as the 800 block of Kentucky Ave. and 17th Street also signed. Commissioners Kenan Jarboe, Scott Cernich, Will Hill, Mary Wright, Francis Campbell, Keith Smith and Julie Olson were present. Commissioners Neil Glick, Dave Sheldon and Daryl Snowden were absent. The next ANC 6B meeting will begin 7 p.m. on April 13 at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Union Station Parking Expansion Plan Presented to ANC 6C Developers tacking on some 1,200 parking spaces at the Union Station parking structure presented their plans to ANC 6C on March 10. Union Station Redevelopment Corp. President David Ball told the panel that he will work closely with the ANC and residents during the construction process, which is expected to begin later this year. Plans call for an addition to the north side of the structure toward H Street, which won't alter the building height at all. Commissioners were concerned with the environmental and safety impacts the project could cause. Commissioner Daniel Pernell wants to make sure that there are clear evacuation routes planned in case of an emergency relating to any type of terrorist activity. Commissioner Bill Crews added that he wants to make sure there is adequate stormwater management systems installed to curtail polluting the Anacostia River and watershed district. Ball commented that the facade of the structure isn't likely to change to meld into the fit of more historic buildings around it. The project is being funded by using District revenue bonds, which Commissioner Bob Morris objected to. "I do not think District revenue bonds should be used for parking," Morris said, adding that the money should be used to expand public transportation projects like the proposed light-rail system. "This will only attract traffic. These bonds should be used to boost transit." Ball somew hat agreed with Morris, but said that since September 11, the District has had to shut down some street parking on Capitol Hill, which has pushed the demand for off-street parking structures. He added that the current structure is three-fourths full by 9 a.m. The project has already been greenlighted by the National Capital Planning Commission and was presented to the ANC as a good neighbor action. The commission voted 6 to 1 to support the project, with Morris dissenting. Les Aspin Center Gets Renewed Without much fanfare, the commission OK'd the operation renewal for the Marquette University Les Aspin Center, located on the 500 block of East Capitol Street, NE. The panel unanimously approved the permit and extended the hours of operation from 1 - 4 p.m. to 1 - 5 p.m. The center hosts an average of 20 over a year. Students aren't allowed to have cars while attending the school, so no parking issues surfaced. Comm. Crews Seeks Grant Crew Commissioner Bill Crews said ANC 6C residents are needed to serve on the commission's grant committee. The committee is currently drafting guidelines to award grants to active community groups. Interested persons should contact Crews at 202-547-4151 or crewsanc6c07@aol.com or attend the new grant committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 29 at the Northeast Library, 330 7th Street, NE. ANC 6C Community Announcements: H Street Corridor Public Meeting The District will hold a final public meeting to discuss the proposed improvements to the H Street, NE Corridor. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 at the Capital Children's Museum, 800 Third St., NE. Street Sweeping to Resume DDOT announced that its street sweepers will once again roll into action now that it's spring. Residents are asked to make sure vehicles aren't parked on street during scheduled sweeping times. For more information, contact Neil Richards at 202-727-2823. UDC Open house The University of the District of Columbia will host an Educational Opportunities open house for prospective students. There will be a health fair, senior citizen activities and on-the-spot applications process, as well as live entertainment provided by local dance companies. For more information, contact UDC at 202-374-6021. Commissioners Mark Dixon, Daniel Pernell, Robert Hall, Bob Morris, Bill Crews, Karen Wirt and April Hall were present. Commissioners Charley Docter and Lawrence Thomas were absent. The next ANC 6C meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 at the Capital Children's Museum, 800 Third St., NE. Ward 6 ANC: Time to Impeach MIA Commissioners? There's an old political adage that goes something like this: What if they threw an election but nobody ran? Well, a new twist to this saying can be applied to two Ward 6 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions: What if somebody ran but didn't show up? It's true. Two commissioners from Capitol Hill ANCs who were voted into office November 2002 have yet to do the job they were elected to do: show up. Commissioners April Hall of ANC 6C and Colleen Harris of ANC 6A could be classified as MIAs since they haven't shown up for one public meeting since taking office. Well, sort of. Hall appeared at her first ANC meeting March 10, seventeen months after being elected. She was sworn in by Councilwoman Sharon Amrbose in mid-February. Harris, on the other hand, went through the motions of getting sworn in but has never attended a meeting-something that doesn't sit well with her colleagues. "This commissioner has the audacity and unmitigated gall to walk down to Councilmember Ambrose's office [and get sworn in], yet fails to return one phone call from a commissioner," ANC 6A Chairman Joseph Fengler said. Asked if he knew the reasons for Harris' absences, Fengler responded, "I have no idea. She's never returned my call." Calls made to Harris by the Voice weren't returned either. ANC 6C Chair Rob Hall (no relation to April Hall) said the commission has never received any complaints about Hall's absence. Instead, he said the panel decided to take the matter into its own hands. "It has been discussed for a year now in some way, shape or form," Mr. Hall said. In fact, before it was known that April Hall was being sworn in, he didn't know what the commissioner looked like. As a result, the panel voted at its Feb. 11 meeting to send a letter to the missing commissioner, asking her to explain her absences. April Hall told the Voice she had already made plans to be sworn in by Ambrose when she received the ANC's letter. Hall said she couldn't fulfill her duties due to a severe medical condition that is now on the mend. She said things were so rough that finding a replacement for her seat never entered her mind. Fengler and Rob Hall contend that the bigger issue here is the constituents who have been underrepresented because of the commissioners' absences. "Of course, it hurts the residents of her single member district," Fengler said, referring to the area represented by each commissioner. Single-member districts (SMDs) are divided into roughly 2,000 people and assigned one commissioner. ANC 6A has eight SMDs, while ANC 6C has nine. "[Harris's absence] clearly reflects that she has no concern for the members of the community who have elected her," Fengler added. Residential _ Commercial Interior and Exterior Painting Plastering, Drywall, Wallpaper Removal Power Washing, Carpentry Good References _ Low Prices Free Estimates (301) 370-9940 _ (301) 445-4385 Licensed. Bonded. Insured Rob Hall said the residents of April Hall's district need her voice due to the rapid redevelopment going on there. "I don't think the residents have been represented as well as they could have been," he said. "Those areas need a representative who is connected with the commission and who has a pulse of what's going on in his or her community." It's a tough call to make for the ANCs to remove one of their own. City laws actually make it hard for ANCs to recall a colleague. Basically, it's left to the constituents to start the process. City code says 10 percent of residents from within the commissioner's SMD must sign a petition before a recall effort can even begin. Not to mention that commissioners can't be removed during the first six or last six months of their term. That may be hard to do since not a lot of people even voted in these two underrepresented SMDs. Election results from 2002 show that only 89 people voted for Harris, and those were labeled as "write-ins," so it wasn't immediately clear how many of those votes were for Harris. In Hall's SMD, only 25 people showed up, and they, too, were listed as write-ins. "We have it so you can't just willy-nilly take people out of office," said Gottlieb Simon, director of the city's 37 ANCs. Although he said the situation facing the two Ward 6 ANCs is unique, he does admit that there are instances in the city where there are vacant seats on commissions, but no MIA commissioners. The ANCs have had a rough history and were redistricted in 2000. Claims of fraud and kickbacks have plagued some ANCs, which resulted in a tougher crackdown and stricter monitoring by city officials. Simon said he has received complaints from residents about Harris' absences, but said his office stays out of the issue unless the ANC requests his help. Mayor Fields Tough Questions at Neighborhood Summit Roughly 300 residents attended the Ward 6 Neighborhood Summit on Feb. 25 to listen to Mayor Anthony Williams share his vision for the city in the upcoming year. But it wasn't exactly a 'Kumbaya' sort of meeting. The crowd packed the gym at the newly-chris-tened Sherwood Community Center to get the skinny on what to expect from the city this year, but some took the opportunity to air their complaints directly to Williams about lead in the water, cuts in school funding and anything else they could think of. Instead, the mayor tamed the crowd with a 45 minute Power Point slide show illustrating where the city's been and where it's going under his administration. Some residents, however, didn't want to s it still and demanded answers from Williams, shouting at him and interrupting his presentation. Those residents were escorted out of the building. During the Q&A session, some attendees wanted to know what the Williams administration was doing to increase its tax base citywide and to lower crime. One resident told the mayor that he initially moved to the District because of homeownership incentives the city offers to lure people here. However, he said because of the increase in crime and skyrocketing property taxes that it was no longer worth it. "I'm one of the people you want to bring in here and now I want to move," the resident said. Williams said he understood the gentleman's concerns but pleaded, "Don't move. Just give me another year." Affordable housing for seniors and low-income residents were other key discussion topics. Gene Kope asked what Williams was going to do about the District's aging population and shortage of discount housing. Kope said the city has been catering to developers who develop expensive condos. "We have watched mayors come and go," he said, "and now, affordable housing is rapidly going out of existence." The mayor said expanding the property tax base is key to staving off harsh budget cuts citywide. "We need more taxpayers in the city and I don't apologize for doing that," Williams said. "But we have to do it without displacing people that already live here." Williams said structuring markets to help low-income residents is tough to do with current market rates. "A lot is being done but much more needs to be done." Addressing the budget crunch, one creative person didn't have a criticism for the mayor - who was appreciative. The resident said the mayor should declare a state of emergency and set up road blocks on all city bridges then charge people who want to come in $.25 each, obviously mocking Congress' refusal to allow the District to charge a commuter tax. The crowd erupted with laughter and the mayor joked that he was going to look into it. Patti Shea covers the local Hill political scene every month for the Voice of the Hill. StreetPlayhouse is proud to annouce that its resident company has been nominated for four Helen Hayes Awards and has won the annual Theater Lobby Award. Come to H Street and support the new arts and entertainment district! Coming next: Boy Gets Girl by Rebecca Gilman Opening April 22, 2004 downLoad ITEMS OF INTEREST FR OM THE VOICE WEBSITE FOR THE LAST MONTH SPNA Announces 'Neighbor of the Year' John Wirt has been named this year's Neighbor of the Year by the Stanton Park Neighborhood Association. John has been working for improved public safety since 1997 when the patrol service area (PSA) system started. John has created, maintained, and moderated NElink, an email network that connects more than 300 families on Capitol Hill, keeps them informed of public safety issues, and strengthens the ties between the community and the MPD. (To sign up for NElink, send an email message to PSA106@toward.com.) In addition, John is active in public safety via the monthly PSA 106 meetings. He served as the first citizen coordinator of PSA 106 and continues to be actively involved with the current coordinators today. He distributes minutes of the monthly PSA 106 meetings so that those who cannot attend the meetings are still aware of what is happening in the neighborhood. This past year, John prepared statistical studies on calls for service and officer workload that were used by the MPD and the D.C. Council to draw new boundaries for the PSAs in our neighborhood, ensuring that Capitol Hill has an adequate number of patrol officers. John is a fine example of what being a good neighbor is all about. Summer Fun: Gilbert & Sullivan's Patience A Great Theatrical Experience, Lots of Singing and Good Fun! Seeking singers/actors, all voices and abilities, for lead roles and for choruses. Be part of a new adapta-tion/production of Patience and liven up your summer! Patience has been delighting audiences since 1881 with its lovely music and acerbic wit. Patience, with its many observations about marriage, is a particular delight presently and seems uncannily suited to performance in an election year. Patience will be presented by the GLBT Arts Consortium and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) for two weekends in August, beginning August 5. Rehearsals (a mixture of weekdays and Saturdays) will begin in early May. Auditions (Very, very non-threatening auditions): 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 3 and 7:15 - 9:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, at CHAW, 545 7th Street, SE (corner of G and 7th Streets), a short walk from the Eastern Market Metro stop. Auditioners should prepare 10-16 bars of a song (preferably memorized) and bring music for the accompanist. Music should be in the auditioner's key. There will be cold readings from the script. Lead Roles: Patience, Cabinet Secretary Calverley, Deputy Undersecretary Murgatroyd, Personal Assistant Dunstable, Bunthorne, Grosvenor, Angela, Saphir, Ella, and Jane. Choruses: Bureaucrats and Rapturous Persons. This adaptation (with thanks to Carol Wheeler of Bread & Roses Feminist Singers) of Gilbert and Sullivan's very popular Patience is under the musical direction of C. Paul Heins (Lesbian & Gay Chorus of Washington-LGCW), with stage direction by Jill Strachan and choreography by Alvin Mayes (both from the LGCW.) Mayes teaches at the University of Maryland. Proceeds benefit the members of the GLBT Arts Consortium and CHAW. For more information, call 202-546-1549 or check out the GLBT Arts Consortium web page at www.dcglbtarts.org or CHAW's web page, www. chaw.org. St. Mark's Guides New Life Paths Course Emphasizes Empowerment through Theology What life event looms in your future? Parenting? School? Retirement? Writing the great American novel? St. Mark's Episcopal Church invites any interested Hill resident to join in our upcoming adult course, "Claiming My Call," a distinctively different way to explore the personal and spiritual life experiences that we encounter when we engage (or avoid) a need to move in a new direction. Like many of St. Mark's Christian education courses, "Claiming My Call" follows an unusual discipline called functional education. The "func. ed." approach grew out of a World War II chaplain's efforts to infuse religious platitudes with concrete, real-life meaning. Courses begin by drawing participants into an examination of personal situations and then move the conversation toward increasingly broader theological questions. Non-Episcopalians - including those who consider themselves non-religious - are most welcome to join the class. St. Mark's enjoys a 50-year tradition of opening its doors to all, no matter what they may or may not believe. "Claiming My Call" will be offered from 8:00- 10:00 p.m. on Mondays, March 29 - May 17. St. Mark's is located at the corner of 3rd and A Streets, SE, directly behind the Adams Building of the Library of Congress. The course also includes a weekend retreat May 7-9 at the A. Felix duPont Memorial House, a wooded retreat center in Rehoboth, Del. The cost of the course (including the weekend retreat) is $175. For more information, contact Michael Knipe at 202-548-2655 or harold knipe@earthlink.net. Annual Auction Will Transport Guests to "A Night in New Orleans" Bon temps will roll beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, April 30, as Capitol Hill Day School (CHDS) presents its annual gala auction. The New Orleans-themed event will be held at St. Peter's Church Community Hall, 2nd and D Streets, SE. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Guests will be transported to the Big Easy that evening, beginning with a catered buffet that will provide Louisiana specialties-including Cajun catfish tenders, chicken and andouille sausages, and Southern-style greens. Bread pudding and pecan treats will anchor the dessert buffet. A live auction will begin at 8 p.m. New Orleans is known for music, and there will be plenty of it at the CHDS event. DJ Phil Levine of The Lace Music will get the hall jumping. The Hill's own Barrelho use Brawl will provide its lively jazz sounds, and a parent band will make its second annual appearance, covering some classic rock and roll tunes. A silent auction throughout the evening gives everyone a chance to bid on hundreds of items. The live auction highlights special goods donated by merchants from all over the city, as well as Capitol Hill Day School families, alumni and staff. The CHDS art department and its students are hard at work creating one-of-a-kind furnishings and decorative items that always engage the audience in vigorous bidding. "We have everything from hotel getaways, restaurant meals, books, CDs, sporting goods and tickets to hometown sports and theater" to auction off, says CHDS Development Office staffer Nancy Lazear. Anyone needing more information should contact Lazear at 202-547-2244. BusinessSnapshots Pulp...Come Feel the Love BY ANDREW NOYES ulp's dazzling purple-painted storefront serves as a beacon for fun and frivolity on 14th Street, NW, and starting this month, Capitol Hill residents can join in the joy that practically bursts through the door of Ron Henderson's unique gift shop. The Logan Circle store's clone in this neighbor-hood-aptly named Pulp on the Hill-will add a splash of color and vibrancy to the block of Pennsylvania Ave, SE, which is lined with mainstays like Tune Inn and Hawk 'n' Dove. Henderson adores DC but remains a self-pro-claimed California boy, born and raised. He lived in Los Angeles and then San Francisco before deciding to "try another coast" and embark on a cross-coun-try trek to the nation's capital. On the West Coast, Henderson had a successful career as an AIDS crusader (he lost his partner to the disease) and community activist working for a string of nonprofits benefiting homeless and runaway youth. He had come to DC on business trips for many years and loved each chance he had to visit this city. "I was the typical business person. I came here for business meetings, hit the museums, hit the bars at night and flew back home. I knew DC pretty well as a weekender," he says. After his partner passed away, Henderson had a government job lead here and decided to relocate. It was October 2001, a month after the terrorist attacks that rocked Washington and New York City-not exactly the prime time to move to DC, he recalls. Upon interviewing, he was offered the job but turned it down. It was a suit-and-tie gig in Rockville, Md., complete with "a little cubicle in a huge building." "I thought no, no, no that's not what I'm being called here to do." A year passed and Henderson lived on his savings. He knew he had to open his heart and see what opportunity would present itself. Enter the proprietor of Go Mama Go, one of the first boutiques to open its doors on the revitalized 14th Street corridor. He witnessed the buzz her store and the adjacent Home Rule were getting and his new mission materialized. "I could just feel the energy in this neighborhood," he remembers. "I saw there wasn't a really great card store-there were several good card stores, not a great one." From Humble Beginnings Pulp was born in November 2002 in the space formerly occupied by a hair salon on the second floor of a nondescript building on the 14th Street strip. Before signage even made it onto the storefront, the shop was bustling with customers. "We hit the ground running," he says. Originally, the concept was to carry an unbeatable selection of greeting cards. That soon changed. The business began carrying stationary and other paper goods, boutique soaps and candles, a slew of unique gift items, toys, books and music. "We were going to be a card store and it just grew and grew and it never stopped and we never looked back," Henderson says. The evolution of Pulp was hurried, amazing and delighting the entrepreneur. The store expanded into a larger two-floor storefront in April 2003. "We had a really good first year-a phenomenal first year," he remembers. Some of the shop's best selling items are "anything risquÇ, edgy, political or funny," like their mammoth assortment of magnets, stickers, buttons, and coffee mugs. "People just ate it up," he croons. A Family Affair "I'm a big 'love' guy. I'm all about kindness and love and friends and connections with the community," Henderson says. "I thought from the beginning what a fun thing it would be to create a business where that could shine through. I wanted to bring those values to the store." Customers and employees can attest that Henderson has succeeded in this mission tremendously-the shop's tagline is, after all, "come feel the love." Ebullient store manager Christine Grant has been with him since the beginning. She smiles wide when she speaks about the atmosphere Henderson has created. "People hang out here because it just feels good," she muses. Pulp on the Hill (artist's rendering) is slated to opoen this month on Pennsylvania Avenue. Pulp prides itself in its customer service, Grant adds. "Oftentimes, one customer will be greeted three times," she says. After someone has come in a few times, they are immediately part of the Pulp family. Henderson's theory is simple: keep the employees happy and the customers will be happy. Staffers have made friends, met lovers and become major players in the community-a goal they have for their Capitol Hill location as well. Making the Move One day, the management from Union Station's shops came calling. The train station was in search of new stores and they offered a spot to Pulp. Henderson considered the space but ultimately Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill. decided he didn't want to be in a bustling mall environment. His eyes, however, opened to the possibility of a second location on the Hill. It was far enough away from the first store, and some of Pulp's employees and loyal customers already live here. Once he secured a building, plans sped forward. At first, the three-floor space next to the Cosi on Pennsylvania and 3rd Streets, SE, was less than ideal. There were a number of interior walls and "it was hard to see it being our store." Once he saw the spacious second and third floors, however, he was convinced. Retail space will occupy the first and second stories, and the third floor will be set aside for a public space for neighborhood gatherings, parties, book clubs, support groups and more. The shop will carry much of the same merchandise from its 300 vendors but will also offer new lines of gift items and an expanded music department. Although Henderson and Grant had never expected to open a second store so quickly, they have no hesitations about being the new kids on the block. Grant even has one would-be customer singled out already. "I'm so looking forward to [President] Bush coming into our store. I'd give him a magnet and a hug...even though I don't support the man." Feel the love indeed. Andrew Noyes is assistant editor of Voice of the Hill. His favorite finds at Pulp are the wacky greeting cards and the warm, welcoming staff. Philadelphia Water Ice Factory Bringing a Little Bit of Philly to DC BY JOSEPH C AMPBELL Anyone who has spent time in Philadelphia's Southside knows that Italian water ice is one of its most ubiquitous and beloved treats. But for recent Philadelphia transplant Khadijah Bronson, finding a suitable replacement for the beloved treat she grew up with has proven to be a daunting task. "I would ask people where I could find good water ice in DC, and they always looked at me funny. 'Water ice? What's that?' No one here seems to understand; it's as common as McDonald's in Philly." Invariably, people would assume she was describing a sno-cone, but that is still far from the reality of her experience. "Sno-cone? No way. That's, like, 'old-school.' Water ice isn't something the kids can make from a kit they buy at Toys R Us." Indeed, any of various websites will describe the production process as much more labor-intensive. Making water ice begins with real fruit that is pureed and then mixed with water, sugar and other ingredients that undergo a quick-freezing process. This base is then blended with fine ice to form the soft, velvety-smooth texture that generations of Philadelphians have come to expect. Continued on page 13 Khadijah Bronson gets ready introduce the Hill to Philly's best. District. Her store, Philadelphia Water Ice Factory, will open April 1 at 1208 H Street, NE. "I thought H Street was the perfect place to start the business," Bronson says. "Of course, location is everything. I see a lot of potential in this area, with the combination of a strong foot and local traffic base already established, as well as the burgeoning focus on updating the area and bringing in more businesses to change the landscape a bit." Timing was essential to her decision as well. "I'm sure people are ready for spring and the warmer weather. This will be a great way to usher in the new season," she adds. Bronson will bring other trademark Philadelphia treats to her store as well, including soft pretzels, funnel cakes, vendor-style hot dogs and hand-dipped ice cream. The emphasis still will be on the Italian water ices, however. "I've already got about 12 flavors I'll be serving, like the most popular ones: cherry, lemon, watermelon, strawberry-kiwi, and sour apple, and one of the kids' favorites, called sour baby." Bronson describes this last flavor as akin to a sour treat popular with kids. "It makes your face pucker-up like you just ate a lemon. The kids really love it." Bronson adds that she will also serve a sugar-free cherry flavor, in addition to real fruit toppings such as crushed peaches, cherries and blueberries. With the double fantasy of placing water ice on Joseph Campbell is a Hill resident and Editor pro tem the finicky DC palate while sating her own craving of Voice of the Hill. Having lived in Philly in the mid-for the sweet stuff, Bronson decided to open her 90s, he anxiously awaits the opening of Ms. Bronson's own store rather than wait for the wave to hit the store. COMMUNIT Y CONTRIBUT ORS: Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards Honor Three Local Denizens BY STEPHANIE DEUTSCH Last month the Voice announced the recipients of the 2004 Capitol Hill Achievement Award. This month we bring you in-depth profiles of those winners. ach year three Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards honor residents of our neighborhood whose activities make this a better place. This year's honorees have contributed to our community in countless ways and they have had a good time while they were at it. Linda Parke Gallagher Growing up in Lancaster, Pa., Linda Parke Gallagher always had friends to play with either just outside her back door or, when her family moved a little farther from town, a bike ride away. She and the other children enjoyed skating on frozen creeks, climbing trees, camping and canoeing. The club she and seven other girls founded, the "Firegirls," with matching necklaces ordered from catalogues and made-up rituals, was so much fun that mothers of girls who weren't included started to complain. "That might have been my first lesson in community," Linda says. "We let some more girls in." The notion of expanding a vision-be it of how the spend a summer afternoon or of what an urban neighborhood can be-has been the animating impulse of Linda Gallagher's career. Her marketing and development consulting business, Gallagher & Associates, has concentrated on issues relating to affordable housing and energy conservation. And as a neighborhood volunteer she has done everything from picking up trash up and down East Capitol Street to serving as a founding director of the Barracks Row Main Street-an organization that is transforming 8th Street into a lively urban corridor of businesses, shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes. As Linda describes it, it is becoming "a street that fosters the spirit of community." Linda came to Washington in the early sixties to attend George Washington University where she studied American Thought and Civilization in a department headed by Walter Mondale's brother, Clarence Mondale, and worked in the bursar's office to help pay for school. She also volunteered as a docent at Arena Stage and at Channel 26. "Working for WETA really made my world bigger," Linda remembers fondly. The Washington public broadcasting channel was in its infancy then, with offices downtown. Linda worked in the publicity department, getting shows reviewed and preparing weekly TV guides. "There were always tickets to plays and concerts that no one could use," she says, "so I went." And she stuffed goody bags with "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," the book by Julia Child who at that time was public television's biggest star. "I had to mimeograph recipes to send them out to viewers," she says, "so I even started to learn to cook!" In her last year of school and with her eye on a career in the Foreign Service, Linda met Peter Gallagher who was out of school and working for A T & T. They were introduced to each other at a party, had their first date on New Year's Eve, were engaged that May and married in September. Linda had already passed the written exam for the Foreign Service but at that time it was unheard of for a married woman to serve there. Linda gave up her plans but told Peter, who had grown up in Germany where his father worked for the Marhsall Plan, "We've got to travel!" As it turned out, Linda and Peter's work took them not overseas but to New York City for three and a half years. They got an apartment in a big building near Union Square, sold their cars and thoroughly enjoyed life in the city. Still, they were happy to be transferred back to Washington where Linda remembers Peter as being "broad minded" in his approach to where to live. "He wanted to look all over," she says. Linda remembers that she would sit in the car while he looked at houses with big yards. "In the end, what we both wanted," Linda says, "was to replicate the experience of living in New York." So they returned to Capitol Hill where they had lived briefly before moving away. Their first house was on a "wonderful, fun block" of Constitution Avenue with an interesting mix of people that included several congressmen. In 1976 they moved to their present house on East Capitol Street which offered two things Linda wanted. "The Metro was about to open and I wanted to be near that. And it has a pool." In the early 1990s, when Peter's work kept him in Florida and New Jersey for long periods, Linda began to get involved in community life. She joined Beat 26, an early police department effort in community empowerment. Linda became a block captain, helped distribute the Beat 26 newsletter, worked on tracking crime statistics and rode in the scout car with cops on the beat to try to better understand their work. It was, she admits, a "disheartening experience" because the local police did not always seem to get the support from their superiors that they needed and crime continued to be an issue. But Linda persevered with some of the initiatives that set the mood of a community. She organized her block to redo the tree boxes with sturdy iron fences around them and colorful plantings. She helped organize a block party. And she was always picking up litter on the street. "It's one of my big things," she explains. "I'm constitutionally incapable of letting trash swill around. And I always felt if people see you picking it up, maybe they'll think of doing it too." The Main Street project actually grew out of Linda's abhorrence of street litter. A letter she wrote to the Hill Rag about trash around the businesses on 8th Street elicited a response from Margot Kelly, the president of the Barracks Row Business Alliance. Before long, the two women had assembled an active working group to document the history of 8th Street and consider ways to make it more inviting. Linda figures she has put in over 2,000 volunteer hours in what was often a "maddening" process of working with the various jurisdictions and constituencies involved. But the pay off came two years ago when, with "great help from the Mayor and from Sharon Ambrose," 8th Street was named one of the first five official DC National Trust Main Streets. The grant that goes with this designation will provide money and technical assistance for five years. Last December, 113 new elm trees were planted on 8th Street. Despite the lingering cold she caught that day, Linda enthusiastically describes her work with the Main Street project as "a joyful thing. We're about mobilizing all these wonderful groups, all these volunteers and resources and making something grow." Woody Price Woody Price too has been making things in our community grow. A Capitol Hill resident for 42 years, now retired after a long career in government and lobbying, Woody is a board member of the Friends of the National Arboretum, a private group that raises money to supplement federal funds in support of what he calls "the nicest place in Washington." He's also the past president of the Historical Society of Washington, having devoted his time there to the effort to establish a city museum. "History gives people a sense of self-respect," says Woody, whose own love of history infuses his conversation. He sees the new museum, which opened in spring 2003 in the old Carnegie library at Mt. Vernon Square, as a way to combat the apologetic feeling many Washingtonians had in the years when the city was widely known as a crime capital. Raising money for the new museum, Woody thought about the fact that Washington lacks a sense of itself as a place. He cites the huge map at the new museum, saying that it is one of its most popular exhibits. People can locate exactly where they live, work and spend time. Some of the other displays convey information from the past that they might not know like the exhibit about the "Pearl" episode when a group of slaves tried to flee the city in the 1840s. "People think of history as not part of life," says Woody with exasperation. "Well, it isn't boring. It does effect the present. And if you don't think so, look at the Balkans." Woody sees the Arboretum is one of our community's underused resources. Ten years ago when he Over 20,000 square feet of furniture, carpets, paintings, lamps and accessories 202.547.3030 www.antiqueleasing.com 709 12th Street, SE _ Washington, DC was invited to a fundraiser there "I had never been before. I just flipped." Now he visits the arboretum at least once a week. He loves the springtime azaleas but he also finds it wonderful in the winter. "The arboretum," Woody says, "is a real escape." One problem it has had, he says, is that it is impossible to get to without a car; even taxis either don't know where it is or don't like going there. The Friends provided funds that allowed WMATA to institute the weekend X6 bus from Union Station to the Arboretum which has been quite successful. Woody Price grew up in Manhattan and then had "a very nice four years" at Harvard studying 17th and 18th century English and American history and literature. "I read a lot; I talked a lot," he says. He continued his education with three years in the Navy. This was in the late 1950s, peacetime. He served aboard the USS Bristol, a destroyer, doing routine training in anti-sub-marine warfare. In the early 1960s, Woody came to Washington with a wife and a baby and money for six months. "God looks after fools and drunks," he remarks. "I had a job in a week." The work was with what was then called the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare and Woody loved it. Other jobs he held in those early years included lobbying for Amtrak, work in the Smithsonian's congressional relations office and a job for Congressman Brock Adams from Seattle. That led to a trip "downtown" when Adams was appointed Secretary of Transportation in the Carter Administration. Woody became a special assistant to the secretary. He remembers is as "exciting but awful. I hated the executive branch. I don't like bureaucracy." Woody escaped the "mindboggling" aspects of government work and returned to lobbying and railroads. He spent the last 19 years of his career working for CSX, the largest railroad east of the Mississippi. Woody and his wife, Ann, who worked for the Senate Education Subcommittee for many years, are still in the house on E Street SE that they bought years ago for $36,000 and where they raised three children. The Hill is very definitely home to them. Return visits to New York make them miss the Eastern Market and all the trees. When the time came for them to retire they considered moving to Dennis, on Cape Cod, but Ann told Woody that he would "go crazy in a week" there. Woody agrees. Washington is so much more lively than it was when they moved here. "It's become more sophisticated and livable," he says and chuckles remembering the old description, attributed to John F. Kennedy, of Washington as a city of "northern charm and southern efficiency." Parker Jayne There was a time, several years ago, when you couldn't go to a 50th birthday or 25th wedding anniversary party on the Hill without hearing three middle-aged women sing do-wop while Parker Jayne played the piano. "Music is a wonderful way I can contribute," says Parker not just of his involvement with the "Jaynettes," but of years of productions with the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and of his 10 years with the 80 -voice Capitol Hill Chorale, which he helped found. "Music is something that adds to people's lives in important ways," he says. "I like being able to support that." Parker grew up in a family with deep roots in Wellesley, Mass. and great interest in the world beyond that comfortable, small town. His father had been in Navy intelligence in China during World War II and afterwards he worked for the CIA in Cambridge. "Dad loved the Chinese," Parker remembers. At prep school at Exeter Parker discovered his own foreign fascination when he took a Russian history and literature course with "the best teacher I ever had," Colin Irving (father of novelist John Irving). He read "Dr. Zhivago," the Don trilogy and other classics and developed an "abiding fascination" with Russian. As an undergraduate at Harvard, Parker was one of five Russian majors in a class of 2,000 (that included Al Gore and Tommie Lee Jones) and captain of the Harvard sailing team, spending many memorable afternoons, fall and spring, on the Charles River. He was an officer candidate in Naval ROTC which was "highly unpopular" at that time of escalating conflict in Vietnam. After graduation and a summer cruise on the destroyer the J.P. Kennedy, he was commissioned a Lieutenant. He requested sea duty ("I like ships") and spent a year and a half as navigator on navy vessels. This was the early 70s, the end of the time when navigation was actually done by celestial reckoning. "There I'd be at 3:30 a.m. taking star shots with a sextant," he remembers. "It was unbelievable." The Navy also sent Parker to language school at Monterey, Calif., to study Russian and then to work with the National Security Agency at Fort Meade which put him in Washington in 1972 when his Navy commitment was up. He signed on as a full time volunteer with the Committee to Reelect the President; after the election he got his first job - on Nixon's speechwriting staff working with Ray Price, Pat Buchanan, William Safire and David Gergen. "I was definitely low on the totem pole," Parker remembers. "Mostly I did research." Parker went back to school, getting an MBA from Harvard (where George W. Bush was a classmate; Parker remembers him as "very Texas"), then came back to Washington and a succession of jobs in government, including fifteen years with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and to family life with his wife, Mary, and children on Capitol Hill. Parker remembers it as a "very exciting time." His kids were enrolled at Peabody School; interest in supporting public education led him to involvement in the Bob Boyd campaign for School Board and to volunteer activities for the schools. For five years he chaired the Capitol Hill Classic footrace, a fundraiser for the public schools. And, although he claims that "I didn't know a thing about soccer," he coached the Cyclones, his daughter's soccer team, for s even years. All these activities led to wonderful, lasting friendships. It is music, though, that has been Parker's most satisfying Capitol Hill activity. A pianist since childhood, he was recruited to play for a musical tribute to Jerome Kern that the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop was producing sometime in the 80s. He liked the collaboration with director Sally Carlson Crowell and they went on to do many more shows together from kids' musicals like "Peter and the Wolf" to "The 1940s Radio Hour" and "The King and I." Possibly his favorite show was "Annie" which was triple cast because there were so many girls who wanted to be in it. "We had a feeling that if anyone was excluded it wasn't successful," Parker remembers. "All over the Hill, you'd see groups of girls practicing their dance steps on street corners. It was wonderful." The Jaynettes singing group grew out of one musical review; the Playne Jayne Trio, with Parker on piano, Hill physician Deborah Edge on bass and Voice of the Hill publisher Bruce Robey on trumpet was another group that evolved out of CHAW and performed locally at parties. Parker worked with adult choruses in some of the musicals and from that grew the idea for an chorale firmly rooted in the Capitol Hill community. Originally composed of 45 voices, the chorale now has 80 members, about half of whom live on the Hill, and is under the direction of Fred Binkholder. Admission is by audition and the musical standard is high. The Chorale has given two concerts a year at various Capitol Hill venues since December of 1993. "The word 'workshop' really describes the strength of the thing," says Parker. "It gives the sense people of working together on something. They can do something significant that adds to their lives in important ways but without risking a lot." The Chorale, he says, has a "wonderful, strong esprit." After talking about it with Parker Jayne, one understands why. Stephanie Deutsch is a longtime Capitol Hill resident and a contributor to the Voice of the Hill. Capitol Hill Speaks OutAbout Gay Marriage BY JEFF MAR OOTIAN On February 24, 2004, President Bush officially endorsed codifying the definition of marriage exclusively as a contract between a man and a woman. Immediately thereafter, people from around the country began weighing in on this important topic by calling into radio shows, writing op-eds, and posting messages in online discussion forums. Capitol Hill residents were no exception to this, as witnessed by the views and reactions online on the "Hill Talk" message boards at through being excluded through marriage. One passionate observer writes, "No opponents are giving us a serious intellectual argument about why marriage is only between a man and a woman. It always comes down to the sound bite: 'I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.'" Bush versus Kerry John Kerry has come out against the amendment against gay marriage, www.voiceofthehill.com. but in favor of civil unions. He was "The movement that will also one of only a fraction of occur...to amend the Constitution to Senators to vote against the Defense enshrine bigotry and hatred must of Marriage Act. Is this issue a liabiliconcern all of the gay and lesbian ty for him as well as for the residents on the Hill, as well as our President? allies and others who surely see this One participant writes, "I think as a dangerous precedent to set," saying 'against gay marriage but pro-offered Carmen Gilotte, a graphic civil union' is actually politico-designer who lives on the Hill. speak. It would probably be very Within minutes, members of the negative for a politician running for community responded. The differ-office to say that he or she was for ences in opinion and understanding gay marriage because of the way the are vast, but it is clear that all partici-Bush administration has got people pants in the discussion recognize the riled up." significance of what it is at stake. From a different perspective one The following are highlights of the resident writes, "On one hand, this thoughts and ideas of Hill residents amendment offends states' rights on this topic: Republicans, who may not approve of gay marriage but who hold strong Marriage Versus Civil convictions that the federal govern-Unions ment should stay out of this. On the "It seems to me that civil union other hand, it also offends the moral would be the state-recognized union conservatives who think the amend-of two people and that marriage ment leaves too much leeway for could be the same thing." Maybe, civil unions, which they also says one resident, but "I don't think we should settle for civil unions. There are so many powerful issues, issues that have significant human impact, where gay couples need the benefits of marriage in order to live free lives as Americans." The same commenter would later post a partial list of over 100 federal marriage benefits denied to him and his partner oppose. Straights versus gays? Conservative politicians haven't been shy in saying that gay marriage will weaken straight marriage. Fortunately, heterosexual members of the community have also been an active part of the discourse on this issue. "Our next door neighbors have been together for as long as my wife and I, [and] as far as I am concerned, they are 'the couple next door," says one heterosexual father and husband. "I'm investing my time and energy into my marriage; why should anyone else's be any of my business?" A woman writes, "My husband and I have talked about it and we don't see any weakening of our marriage because of this historic movement going on. Let's hope we're all talking as reverently about the folks in San Francisco 30 years from now as we talk about the folks in Selma today." According to one mother, the issue has caught the attention of children in the community as well. "My 15-year-old son last night said, 'If gay people can love each other, why can't they marry each other? What's the big deal?'" Looking Ahead Discussion participants also question the future strength of this issue. One resident questions, "Does anyone feel that what is happening now in San Francisco, New York and New Jersey is taking away credibility from the movement?" "Just the opposite," responds one message poster. "The nation is now seeing hundreds and thousands of loving, committed gay partners with children, friends and family. They see people who are every bit as excited about marriage as heterosexual couples. The nation is finally seeing that gays are your neighbor, your lawyer, your clerk, your accountant, not just some faceless 'freak' in some other city. This can only be good." Gilotte expresses with enthusiasm and optimism, "There is never a 'good' time to fight for what is right. Whether the country ultimately moves in the direction of gay marriage sooner versus later, we will get there, we are headed there. There would never be a 'good' or appropriate time for a civil rights movement it happens when it happens, it happens for very good reasons - and usually, the result is increased freedom." Much more can be said about this topic, and the Voice is counting on you to say it. Log onto www.voice-ofthehill.com to speak your mind on this and other important community issues. Hill resident Jeff Marootian is a contributor to the Voice of the Hill. group is made aware (via regular COMMUNITY PRIDE email notices) of local theater and special performances, as well as special activities that its members are involved with; recently the group Out On the Hill: GrowingStronger, Growing Together BY SCOTT SHUMAKER wo years ago this month, I wrote on the topic of gay life on the Hill. In that Voice of the Hill article, "Pride on the Hill: Coming Out Living," I spoke to lesbian and gay Hillites who expressed a tremendous community spirit; living on Capitol Hill, to them, offered a distinct and rewarding set of benefits that living in DC's perceived "gay mecca" (the Dupont and Logan Circles area) could not offer them. It was clear, however, that even though Capitol Hill presented these gay, lesbian, bisexual and tran sgendered (GLBT) folks with an alternative to the bar/club scene more prevalent in Northwest locations, there was a perceived need for a dedicated GLBT organization to help enhance the Hill community. As a result, in late 2001, dozens of messages appeared on the Voice of the Hill website's Hill Talk Discussion, each of them expressing the desire for a place where GLBT residents could get together outside the confines of loud, smoky bars and clubs. The online discussion inspired then local residents Ronald Nelson and his partner Luis Portillo to form Out On the Hill (OOTH), an organization designed to provide a place for GLBT people to interact socially outside the bars. It started with an email address posted on the Voice website and led to dozens of interested folks getting together on a regular basis. Attendance at OOTH events grew and grew, and after Nelson and Portillo left the Hill (indeed, the country) for New Zealand in late 2002, enough local folks were engaged to necessitate the group's continuity. Enter Bill McColl, who's lived in various locations on the Hill for a number of years, currently residing in Northeast. McColl, who was approached by Nelson and Portillo to help continue OOTH's growth, took the reins as moderator in 2003. Real Growth Currently, there are 170 email addresses on McColl's listserv, reflecting a growth of almost 50 percent over the past year. He estimates there are at least 100 GLBT folks who have attended Out On the Hill activities, with a large percentage of that number very active in hosting, planning and attending the group's special events. "We're now having monthly happy hours, which seem to be picking up steam," McColl says. "We've been at Ellington's on Eighth, Phase One, Banana CafÇ and other places." In addition to happy hours, the viewed the TV movie "Angels in America"-and in OOTH's first year, Portillo and Nelson hosted a viewing of "The Laramie Project," based on the life of Matthew Shephard. One of OOTH's most successful recent ventures was the March 17 benefit for the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL), an organization based on Capitol Hill that provides help for 13- to 21-year-old GLBT and questioning youth. Out on the Hill is comprised of a number of individuals with strong political opinions. "We're conscious of the fact that people within the group have strong feelings on both local and national politics," McColl says. "We're not a political group, really, but at some point we'd like to expand our activities to include support of important issues." 'We've Always Been Here' One of its founders' main goals in forming a local GLBT group was to establish the gay community's presence on the Hill. And that presence continues to grow even stronger. "It's been phenomenal," McColl states of OOTH's recent growth. "We've just about doubled the folks in our group in the last year. People bring their friends, and about half the time they're wondering why it took so long to find out about us." The next question for these newcomers, McColl laughs, is, "When is the next event?" The recent growth in the group, McColl believes, is "just a recognition that the Hill is finally coming into its own for the GLBT community. We've always been here, but [for those who live on the Hill] it's less about the bars and more about living well. I mean, we've got the American Legion, and now we've got a social place for gay people...it's pretty nice to have. "We're inclusive-everyone is welcome," McColl adds. "We're just here to do whatever folks feel like doing. It might just be a chance to watch movies, or maybe we'll do a GLBT walking tour or go dance for a night at a different club within walking distance of our homes. If you can think it, we might consider doing it." To enhance this look at the Out On the Hill group, four active members were approached to offer their views. Rick Manville, who lives on G Street, NE (and has for over 12 years); Victor Cooper, a new OOTH member who lives on North Carolina Ave., SE; and Nan Raphael, a Kentucky Avenue, SE, resident who has been Out on the Hill raised over $500 fir the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) at an event at Ellington's March 17. involved with OOTH since she read about the group in the Voice addressed the following questions. Why do you think it's important for Capitol Hill to have an organization such as Out On the Hill? Rick Manville: There has apparently been a substantial gay and lesbian population on Capitol Hill for many years. We need a group that recognizes our contributions to the Washington area gay and lesbian community and to the Capitol Hill community at large. More importantly, though, just getting together socially gives us the opportunity to meet others similarly situated and to enjoy together things that Capitol Hill has to offer. Victor Cooper: We all get busy with our lives (work, errands and other commitments), so it's nice to connect, to have a group of diverse individuals getting together, enjoying each other's company, letting our hair down (well, some of us don't have much to let down) and who are just like me-trying to make sense of it all. We have all kissed enough frogs, and maybe TODAY- this month's get-together-our prince will come. Nan Raphael: It's always nice to have a means of meeting other gay people close to home-especially as it gets more and more difficult to get around the metro area. In addition to being a social group, there is a strong interest in giving back to the community. Do you think members of the organization feel in some way "isolated" from the larger, more concentrated DC gay community in places such as Logan and Dupont? Manville: Not isolated at all. I would say most, if not all of us, have and do enjoy our time in the Dupont/Logan area. Many of us have even lived there at some time. We go to Dupont and Logan because we have friends there, bars that we frequent, or maybe just to see what's going on. However, at the end of the day, we treasure the opportunity to return to our Hill community. We have good restaurants, a few bars, and for me, at least, a much more enjoyable community. Cooper: Who says all "gay stuff" has to be centered on Dupont and Logan Circles? The Hill is the "new Dupont," just like Logan is becoming the "second Dupont." Out On the Hill folks are trailblazers. Raphael: No. In fact, it seems that, as areas east of 14th Street have been revitalized, the more concentrated gay community has expanded eastward through the east end of downtown to Capitol Hill. One of the things I like about the Hill so much is that it's so well-integrated. I think that life on the Hill presents a much more realistic and perhaps idealistic mixing of the straight and gay communities. There is pretty much a "live and let live" attitude which makes life here very comfortable. In your opinion, what's the draw for gay people to the Hill? Manville: Most gay and lesbian people move to the Hill because the homes are typically more affordable and spacious. However, I'm sure there are others, like myself, who moved here because many friends had already moved here-and I saw the advantages of the Hill. Cooper: We share not only our life experiences, but also our experiences on the Hill-where to eat, where to shop, etc. Raphael: There seems to be a prevailing attitude of acceptance here. Living on the Hill is like living in a small town, but with greater tolerance and acceptance found in large cities. I think the draw for gay people is the same as it is for anyone who is drawn to the Hill-proximity to work, downtown, Metro, Eastern Market, a wide variety of restaurants, places to socialize close to home and a burgeoning artists' community. How can groups like Out On the Hill make a difference in fostering a better understanding among straight and gay communities? Manville: As a group, we have a greater opportunity to present our ideas. Cooper: Mostly straight individuals frequent a lot of the establishments where Out On the Hill meets, but the establishments are "gay friendly." Just by OOTH getting together in their place of busines s, we can demonstrate we are just like them. Looking for acceptance, wanting to have fun, wanting to reach out and meet new people-we all need a place where we can escape the stresses of the day. Raphael: We can make a difference through a combination of community service and by individuals coming out. We all have the same needs for connectedness and community. From a posting on this newspa-per's website and the initiative of Capitol Hill residents, to the existence of an active gay organization, it's clear that GLBT folks on the Hill are indeed proud. They're proud of not only what makes them unique as individuals, but also proud of living in the neighborhood of their choice. Out on the Hill provides the forum in which this pride can show through in a number of ways. "Activities are determined by anyone willing to take the initiative," Raphael states, who adds that OOTH members are looking for more women to join the group. "Not all lesbians live in the 'burbs!" she says. "In fact, I'd be interested in starting a women's dinner group." "It's just nice meeting new people and seeing what they're all about," Cooper concludes. Those who are interested in learning more about, or getting involved with, OOTH are asked to drop a line to McColl at william_mccoll@ speakeasy.net. Scott Shumaker currently serves as editorial advisor for The Voice of the Hill staff. 8:30 am and 11 am Distribution of Palms, Dramatic reading of the Passion MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 8 Holy Communion, 12:10 pm and 7:30 pm GOOD FRIDAY, April 9 Tenebrae Service, 12:10 pm and 7:30 pm EASTER VIGIL Baptism and Holy Communion, 7:30 pm EASTER SUNDAY Festival Holy Communion Services, 8:30 am and 11 am Bay Street Brassworks All are welcome! SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Christian Education 11:00 am Holy Communion Nursery opens at 9:45 am Accessible to people with physical handicaps Gallaudet: The Country on the Other Side of the Fence BY GENE MILLER In his poem "Mending Wall," Robert Gally's First Deaf President Frost wonders whether good fences But the story of how Dr. Jordan came do indeed make good neighbors. He to be the first deaf president is worth understands why neighbors build celebrating first: previous presidents fences, but also understands that had all been people who could hear, "something there is that doesn't love because deaf people supposedly a wall..." Dr. I. King Jordan, the pres-couldn't function outside of the deaf ident of Gallaudet University, knows community well enough to handle Frost's dilemma firsthand. the job. When one of Dr. Jordan's Gallaudet is one of the Capitol predecessors left office, Gallaudet's Hill community's oldest neighbors. board interviewed both deaf and But as close as it is to us, Gallaudet hearing candidates who ended up can still feel like a foreign country. appointing the only hearing candi-After all, they do speak a different date among the three finalists. This language there-American Sign time, however, deaf advocacy Language-and it's a language few of groups, Gallaudet alumni, faculty the rest of us are familiar with. And and students said - and signed - there's a brick and iron border all "NO!" They formed a movement around the country of Gallaudet, known as DPN-"Deaf President too. And you have to check with the Now" -and wrote letters, picketed, border patrol to see if they'll let you protested, and marched to the in. Small wonder that Gallaudet feels Capitol. In the end, the newly-like a different place. appointed president resigned with- Yet Jordan is working to build out having set foot on campus and bridges between the country of the young dean of the College of Gallaudet and all its neighbors. Of Arts and Sciences, King Jordan, was course, Gally isn't really a country: named the new president of it's one of the world's leading insti-Gallaudet. tutions of higher learning for the Jordan had been in Washington deaf and hearing-impaired. Since its since 1966, although he didn't come inception in 1857, it's been situated to attend Gallaudet. "I was in the along the northeast side of Florida military, serving at the Pentagon," He delights in the familiarity of the hood. Avenue, between 6th Street and West he said recently. "I was in a traffic neighbors: "I run in the neighbor-"Yes, there was recently a shoot-Virginia Avenue. Early photos of accident at 14th and Independence hood and there are people I see who ing just over at the Merit gas station, Gallaudet show a large farmhouse and lost my hearing. After that, I I recognize, and I feel like I'm run-and one earlier at the Subway. [So] surrounded by open fields. The city decided to go to Gallaudet to get my ning near my home. There's the we teach our students and staff to be of Washington gradually grew up to degree. And, aside from going to older woman out walking her cocker aware of their surroundings; that's a enfold and enclose the Gallaudet graduate school in Tennessee, I've spaniel, and the guy wearing the part of living in the city. And we're campus. been in Washington and at Giants jacket..." not the only urban campus to be Gally's serious efforts to reach out Gallaudet ever since." Rising But don't the Ivy City and enclosed." He also notes that the to its neighbors in the city really through the ranks from a psycholo-Trinidad neighborhoods have repu-Metropolitan Police Department has began in 1975, when the university gy professor to dean-and now in tations for being rough places? been responsive to Gallaudet's spe created the Gallaudet Community his 16th year as president-he's had "People ask me if its safe to come cial concerns, and has added a spe-Relations Council (GCRC). the opportunity to work both sides to Gallaudet, and I always have to cial liaison officer who is fluent in University officials wanted to let the of the fence: he's helped the country back up a bit, because this is my sign language. local residents know what was going of Gallaudet open itself to neighborhood that they're talking Jordan is just as quick to acknowlon in the country of Gallaudet. The Washington-and helped Wash-about. I live here," he says emphati-edge that Gallaudet hasn't always Council subsequently founded an ington get to know Gallaudet better. cally. "Let me tell you a story about been an ideal neighbor, either. annual civic awards ceremony-the Jordan loves both Gallaudet and my neighborhood. When NBC 4 Gallaudet is, after all, a university, twenty-third of which was held on Washington. "When I am away and inaugurated its closed-captioning and university students sometimes March 29, 2004-and continues to people tell me that they're from service some years ago, I was invited get out of hand. "Recently, we've sponsor other community activities. Washington, I ask them what part to the studio as a guest, and the had some students renting places in Jordan was one of the founding they're from. If they say news was going on, and the captions the neighborhood [and] they've held members of the GCRC, so he was in 'Gaithersburg' or 'Alexandria,' I tell were appearing, and I was watching loud parties and disturbed the on the ground floor of that effort. them 'That's not Washington. I'm the news. The story was about a fire neighbors. These are justified com- www.voiceofthehill.com plaints and we've tried to address them openly," he says. Under a program called the "Gallaudet Connection," Gally is also working on opening up on-cam-pus facilities to outsiders "There are neighbors who would like to use our track for walking and running, so we've started a program to provide ID cards for community people who want to do that. I want that to happen," says Jordan. Connie Allen, the contact person for the Gallaudet Connection, adds that these ID cards will permit use of the track and tennis courts and may be requested through the Cole Recreation Center, block clubs and other neighborhood civic organizations. Burgeoning Area Growth As far as other neighborhood changes are concerned, Jordan recognizes that development can be something of a double-edged sword. "Yes, everyone is anxiousl y anticipating changes. But at the same time, some long-term residents are hurting because of those changes as rents and property taxes rise." One change the whole campus is looking forward to is the opening of the new Red Line Metro station just a few blocks from the campus. "We're going to be opening a new pedestrian entrance at 6th and Florida," he says. But it's when asked about the best location for a new baseball stadium for Washington that King Jordan just melts. He's a baseball fan from way back. "You know where I want the stadium," he says, referring to the projected site adjacent to the new Metro station. "It would be great to be able to walk to a baseball game. Of course, I don't have any say in the matter..." and his voice tails off. It turns out that there's a story there: when he was an undergraduate at Gallaudet, he worked as an usher for Redskins and Senators games at Griffith Stadium and then later at DC stadium. "I did the usual, you know, take the tickets, find the seats and wipe them off with a cloth. And at the end of the season, the season-ticket holders could be very generous with their tips. But it was hard work. We had to report very early and we weren't allowed to sit once we were out there. I remember how wonderful it was to sit down afterwards." Jordan's sports interests don't stop with football and baseball. The local running community knows King Jordan very well. He's quite proud of having received his 25-year patch from the Marine Corps Marathon last year. He got the patch for finishing that marathon for 25 consecutive years, and laments the passing of the original DC Marathon. "It used to come right down Florida Avenue past Gallaudet," he says, noting how events like marathons can pull a community together. He still runs other races regularly. Take the annual Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run: he runs from his home on Gallaudet's campus down to the race, which starts in West Potomac Park. After running to the race, he runs the 10 mile race, and then, after finishing, he runs back home again. He's one of those astonishing ultra-marathoners for whom 50 and 100 mile races are the norm, so a ten miler sounds like just a warm-up. "I'm not fast," he says, "but I do finish." Jordan is the honorary chairman for Deaf-Reach's Fifth Annual 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for April 17, 2004. (Deaf-Reach is a social services and advocacy group for the deaf community and the race is a benefit for their programs.) The start/finish line will be on Hain's Point, and although King and his wife, Linda, are scheduled to participate, he winces at the scheduling crunch that university presidents often encounter: "This year, the race falls on our Charter Day, the celebration of the day Gallaudet's charter was signed by Abraham Lincoln, so I have to be on campus for that. I'm going to try to be there, but Linda definitely expects to be there..." Like Frost's New England farmer, King Jordan wants the old walls of mere habit and custom to stop keeping neighbors apart. He's working to make that happen at Gallaudet. Gene Miller is a longtime contributor to the Voice. The New Face of H Street Main Street BY NICK GERMANOTTA Meet Tim Lewis. Better yet, call Tim Lewis and volunteer to help make the H Street corridor a better place to live, work, shop, eat, and be entertained. Tim Lewis is the new Executive Director of H Street Main Street, an organization dedicated to the revitalization and redevelopment of the H Street Northeast corridor and he's ready for your input and help. Lewis brings first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by and successes possible for the residents and business people of H Street. Originally from Greensboro, NC, Lewis received a master's degree in industrial technology from Howard University. He enjoyed being in Washington and stayed. It's been 17 years now. For the last seven years, Lewis worked as an independent contractor in the H Street corridor. It's that knowledge of the key players, the grass roots efforts already in place, and a first-hand understanding of the challenges, that has helped Lewis hit the ground running when he took over H Street Main Street in January. Now, in his role as executive director of HSMS, he hopes, "to galvanize the effort to improve the commercial [H St NE] corridor." All About H Street Ok, how about a quick primer on H Street Main Street? It's a tiered structure beginning with the national-level, the Main Street Program from the National Trust for Historical Preservation (see: www.mainstreet. org). This is a program that, since 1980, has been working with communities to help revitalize and redevelop traditional commercial areas. The program has a historical preservation thrust, setting up a pathway for local communities to work with developers and financiers to build on, according to their site, "down-town's inherent assets - rich architecture, personal service, traditional values, and most of all, a sense of place." The Main Street Model focuses on four approaches (Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring) and stresses that success can only be achieved through comprehensive public / private partnerships that are inclusive in nature, incremental in scope, and rooted in the capitalization of existing assets. The next tier involves the District Government through "reSTORE DC," a program launched from the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. " 'reSTORE DC' emphasizes strengthening organizations engaged in revitalization activity, promoting and marketing business districts, and improving the physical appearance and economic health of neighborhood business districts." (DC Main Streets Program Manual, Section 1, Page 1). The DC Main Street program is one of reSTORE DC's key components. H Street Main Street is one of the original five designees announced by the city in 2002. Another seven were added to the list in 2003. In addition to a 12-person Board of Directors, Lewis works with over 30 volunteers arranged in four active committees around the Main Street Model. As with all not-for-profit organizations, funding remains important. Lewis looks to development partners, community partners, gifts / individual contributions, and in-kind contributions as key sources of capital. Though some are suspicious of economic redevelopment, in part due to its history, Lewis directs thefocus to the question of "what does economic development mean to the community? Put it in a way- a context-that people can grasp and get behind." Motivation of Main Street In his first month as executive director, Lewis focused on assessing goals for the organization, ensuring the various programs are fitting together properly, and strengthening HSMS's solid core of volunteers. Lewis looks forward to bringing other community members together. A "cleaner, safer H Street" is of principle concern. But beyond that, Lewis quickly adds that the goals stress smart development that does-n't simply take over but is sensitive to the needs and history of the community. "It's about finding that middle ground ... a win/win for the community and development." Longer term, Lewis "looks to help businesses [along the H Street corridor] put themselves in an environment where they can stay in business despite rising costs." Lewis points to exciting new development (SEC, Station Place to the west, Atlas Theater to the east) as putting pressure on the commercial rents in the area. He wants to help the traditional businesses in the corridor put themselves in a position to respond to this change and thrive. HSMS offers technical resources for the businesses along the corridor - helping them with Marketing and Promotions, Business Plans, Internal Assessments, etc. There's a new winter 2004 version of the "H Street Main Street Business Directory" available on the website. Monthly Cleanups have begun led by two of the organization's committees: Promotions and Design. Through the Expressive Signs Project, a partnership with HSMS, the DC Commission on the Arts and H Street Main street reSTORE DC National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Progra m Atlas Performing Arts Center H Street Playhouse Humanities, Office of Planning, and the Department of Consumer Affairs, H Street Businesses can collaborate with a local artist to design, produce and install creative commercial signs. The local artist receives a grant up to $7,000 to get the job done; the signs are being installed this year. Lewis explained that the overall vision for the corridor is varied in part because of its size-along H Street NE from North Capitol Street, over the Hopscotch Bridge, all the way to Bladensburg Road. The "H Street NE Revitalization Strategic Development Plan" from the DC Office of Planning divides the area into pieces, each with its own focus and direction. The "Western Gateway," the end closest to Union Station, will focus on high-density housing and retail support. The middle, or "Centralized Retail District," having the bulk of the pedestrian traffic, will offer retail opportunities catering to shoppers, residents, and visitors. The "Eastern Gateway" becomes the arts and entertainment district, containing the new Atlas Performing Arts Center and the H Street Playhouse. Lewis feels every community is inherently different, each having its own assets upon which to capitalize. Involving all the stakeholders is important to Lewis, believing in an inclusive process when it comes to change. "The nature of a community is change," he comments, "the only way to influence that change is to get involved." Nick Germanotta is an occasional contributor to Voice of the Hill. www.hstreetdc.com restoredc.dcbiz.dc.gov www.mainstreet.org www.atlasarts.org www.hstreetplayhouse.com Capitol Hill: Going to the Dogs you take a quiet walk alone," Johnson said. "Sometimes you have nothing in common with others but the dog, and on a bad day, when you're not feeling social, the park isn't the place to come." Looking for places on the Hill to take your pooch for a walk? In addition to Stanton Park, located between 4th and 6th Streets off Massachusetts Avenue, NE, and Lincoln Park, between 11th and 13th Streets off Massachusetts Avenue, SE, Hill that Stanton Park and Lincoln Park dog social groups have formed, complete with e-mail listserve. "More and more people were looking for information on veterinarians and dog parks that it became obvious there was a need to communicate with other owners via e-mail," says Jason Sanders, manager of the Stanton Park list serve and owner of Gus, a collie/husky mix, and Ginger, a mutt. "There are about 75 people on our list, and it is a social group as well, complete with happy hours and parties planned regularly." Anyone interested in learning more about the Stanton Park listserve can check out http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/sp-dog/. "Coming to the park, you network, you make friends," Sanders said. "People from all walks of life come to the park with their dogs - those who work on the Hill, work for non-profits and those who don't work." In the 31_2 years he has been bringing Gus and Ginger to Stanton Park, as many as 25 dogs and owners have been there at one time. However, depending on an owner's mood, that type of showing is not always a good thing. "Sometimes you are not in the mood to have mundane talk with the other owners, and those days From top, counterclockwise: Gus, Jasmine and Sid. Photos by Leigh Hamill BY ERICA STANLEY With spring in the air, dog owners throughout Capitol Hill are flocking to nearby parks, sidewalks and schoolyards to give them and their canine friends some much needed sun and exercise. However, these pooch owners are finding more than an open space for Fido to frolic. Dog owners on Capitol Hill are finding friendship and social networks through dog walking. "The Hill is very dog-friendly, with lots of places for dogs to play, and it is easy for you and your dog to have a social life here," Claire Johnson, owner of Bella, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, who frequents Stanton Park, said. "The time of day you come depends on how social you and your dog are-you can meet different sets of owners and pets at different times of the day." Socializing has become such a part of exercising your dog on Capitol Neighborhood Parks Offer More Than Open Space there are also Tyler Elementary School's park, between 10th and 11th Streets at G Street, SE, and Marion Park, between D and E Streets at South Carolina Avenue, SE. The Historic Congressional Cemetery, located at 1801 E Street, SE, also allows dogs to walk in its park with the purchase of a membership to the association. For more information, visit www.congression-alcemetery.org. Zoolatry: n, 2) Excessive Devotion to Animals, Especially Pets Want to make sure your canine gets good exercise, but no time to do it yourself? Check out Zoolatry, Inc. (www.zoolatry.com). Primarily a midday dog walking service, they cater to the needs of pet owners who work during the day but still want their dog to enjoy daytime walks. "Most of our clients are two-income couples who want their dogs taken out on a regular schedule and feel guilty about leaving them home alone all day," explains Kathy Murray, owner of Zoolatry, Inc. "We walk about 150 dogs a day among our 13 walkers, who each have a small are of the city that they cover." Back in 1996 when Murray started her business, Zoolatry was the first midday dog walking service in the area. However, now doggie daycares and other midday dog walking services operate at full capacity in DC. "The market, which barely existed eight years ago, continues to expand," Murphy said. "There are more two-income couples now and more disposable income." Zoolatry currently walks about 35 dogs a day on Capitol Hill, but they are looking to expand by hiring someone to work full-time in the neighborhood around 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Job applications can also be found on their web-site. Whether enjoying fellow dogs and owners in Stanton Park-or walking the grounds of the historic Congressional Cemetery-there is no excuse this spring season for dogs and their owners not to get plenty of exercise, socializing and site seeing on Capitol Hill. Spring has sprung, woof, woof! Erica Stanley is a regular contributor to Voice of the Hill. When she's not coming up with unique ways of writing about goings-on in her neighborhood, she can be found fighting for wilderness and the Democratic Party. www.voiceofthehill.com "I'll even talk to Republicans...!" For some canine lovers, sharing the comaraderie of dog ownership is enough for them. "I enjoy the social interaction," says Jeanne Harrison, owner of Capitol Hill-bred mutts, Murphy and Riley. "The dogs are the lifeline; I'll even talk to Republicans that have dogs!" Such mingling of a variety of people has been fruitful for Harrison, who has been bringing Murphy and Riley to Stanton Park for 10 years. "There have been whole core groups of friends formed here, who got to know each other here and went on vacations together," she said. "If you borrowed a dog and walked around the park, I guarantee people will talk to the dog and you-as long as the dog behaves." Because the common thread weaving the new friends together is their canine companions, people often know a dog's name long before its owner. "I just went out for coffee last weekend with Mickey's owner, Diane," muses Julie Somers, owner of a dachshund named Fred. "I know her dog's name is Mickey, but I had to ask her to remind me of her name." Somers enjoys walking Fred in Lincoln Park, Stanton Park and on the Capitol grounds near the Dirksen Senate office building. While the Hill is known as a dog-friendly neighborhood with many options for walking furry friends, construction and security have posed problems for those wishing to gallivant around certain areas. "The Capitol grounds area is not as dog-friendly as it use to be," Nancy McCall, owner of Max, a Wheaten terrier/standard poodle blend, said. "It's a nightmare trying to walk Max around the Supreme Court, the Capitol and monuments, because the area is constantly torn up, but it used to be wonderful." McCall and Max come to Stanton Park for short walks, the Lincoln or Jeffe rson Monuments for long walks, and to Doolittle's at Eastern Market for fun walks. "We get Max's favorite treats at Doolittle's-Greenies- chlorophyll-filled treats in the shape of a toothbrush." McCall said. "And you wonder why dogs like to eat grass; it's the chlorophyll." Voice of the Hill Celebrating Five Fabulous Years in Print A Rich and Varied Staff Muses on a Rich and Varied Publication BY SHIRLEY SER OTSKY oving to had been living on Capitol Hill- The website got off to a flying Capitol Hill raising families, starting businesses, start. But not without some shifting, was, for me, making a life-for several decades. and changing, and adjusting, based something of And it wasn't until I started writing on what they heard from communi-an accident. I for Voice of the Hill that I had the ty members directly and indirectly. was migrating chance to meet any of them. It They held a number of sessions with here from wasn't until I became involved with local merchants and community New York, following a job, and the Voice that I fell in love with the leaders serving as "focus groups" (a searching for a place long distance true Capitol Hill, a neighborhood term Adele cringes to have to use), meant basing my decision solely on that has struggled and grown and "and they told us they wanted more what I could afford and which apart-redefined itself may times over. focus on kids and local businesses." ments the ads claimed were near a So commemorating the fifth But a paper, even a virtual one, is Metro stop. Beyond that, I would anniversary of the Voice's existence is only as effective as its ability to check in with friends who had spent special to me. At five years on the acquire a readership. So the Robeys time in DC to get their assessment Hill, the Voice is something of an turned to their next matter of busion what would be a safe and relative-old-timer compared to my two and a ness-getting the word out. They ly vital neighborhood to make my half years. But we have both survived sent out a postcard encouraging peohome. our time here-and we both live to ple to log on to the website. "Bruce Capitol Hill made the cut, though tell about it. published current Hill news on the it was spoken of as a distant second site, and that was used as an engine to Dupont Circle or Adam's Morgan. The Birth of a Paper (to starting the paper). Bruce and I ended up in a group house near Bruce and Adele Robey and Stephanie were able to raise $20,000 Eastern Market, spending my first Stephanie Cavanaugh gave virtual worth of ads, and two months later, nine months in DC as the sole liber-birth to Voice of the Hill in April of we published the first print edition, al in a house of Republican Hill 1998. The publication began as a at about 36 pages long." Their 36 Staffers. I later discovered that they website, spawned to fit a niche they pages have since grown to 64. had chosen me after a grueling inter-felt was not being occupied. There The paper was established with view process, because they thought were other long-standing Capitol three main principles: to be timely, at the very least I would provide an Hill publications that at one time to focus on neighborhood issues, interesting foil for their discussions, "were very community-centered. and to center on positive news and at best I would take care of the People grabbed (them) to see pic-rather than more controversial Hill recycling (both assumptions proved tures of their kids," Adele explains. issues. In the years that have foltrue). But the focus of the other news-lowed, the Voice has met these goals And despite the potential recipe magazines had changed. They start-and then some. "We are not about for disaster, I fell in love-not so ed to make the Hill community sec-politics," Adele insists. "There are much with my right leaning room-ondary to Hill politics. So the already enough political papers (on mates, but with Capitol Hill itself. Robeys, who had owned and operat-the Hill). But still, nearly a year into it, I was ed a typesetting and graphics busi-"And we do kill ourselves to get it under the misconception that the ness for many years on the Hill, out on time," Adele says with a Hill was populated only with people decided to enter the publishing ring. chuckle, proudly recounting that planning to come and go with an "We figured we knew how to do this the paper has been late only once, administration. Little did I know because it's what we do for other and in that instance it was the result that there were Hill residents that people, so why don't we give it a of negligent printers. try?" reasons Adele. www.voiceofthehill.com "We've doubled in size. It's still a good-looking paper, and we have stuff in it that people really like to read." This last statement they know to be true, because so many story ideas are actually generated by the community. "(It is important) that we are not taking the people who support us for granted." A Family Affair Another cornerstone to the success of the Voice has been their commitment to home delivery. The other Capitol Hill papers had stopped delivering to residential homes, but to the Robeys, this was an essential part of reaching their community. Of course, the actual process of home delivery has at times been something of a comedy of errors. Adele recounts the first batch of papers that were to go out. "There was a guy at Eastern Market who told us he could assemble a crew to distribute the papers. But the day they arrived he said suddenly, 'Oh, I can't handle this,' so there we were with this truckload of papers." The Robeys enlisted the help of neighbors and friends, and a miscellaneous bunch started folding and bagging the newly minted papers. "We called a friend of ours, and he came over with his son, who was in high school at the time. He brought some friends, and so we all got into cars and started delivering papers. It took three straight days." Hoping never to repeat that process, the Robeys worked out a deal with their newly recruited adolescent newsboys. "They would move in to our guest room for a weekend, watch that "People who brought up their ESPN and deliver papers." They con-kids here-now those kids are comtinued the monthly ritual until the ing back and going into business boys graduated from high school. "It with their parents." was totally, completely like a family thing," Adele recalls. From Mennonites to And it is indeed "totally" a family Men in Tights. . . thing. Adele is in charge of the But let us not forget the extended paper's layout and graphic design. family of Voice of the Hill. This ever-Bruce takes all the photos that are expanding clan includes editors and not submitted with articles, sells assistant editors and a motley crew advertising space, and maintains the of writers, some making a go at it for website (a job which requires him to their first or second time, others update the news portion of the site who have been writing for the paper multiple times each day). And the since its beginning days. Scott Robey's daughter, Julia, writes for Shumaker is the current editor of the the paper and recently took on the paper (though he is at the moment title of production coordinator. on sabbatical.) The story of his initi-It is not surprising that the famil-ation into the Voice of the Hill family ial formula has worked so well for a is yet another tale of happy good Capitol Hill publication. The Hill is a timing. "We had lost our first editor neighborhood all about family, more after the first year, and our friend now than ever. "Capitol Hill has Sharon Geno pointed Scott in our become the babyland of the US!" direction," Adele says. Adele marvels, "There are more chil dren and babies here than ever, which is terrific- a whole popula- Scott tells his own version of the story. "I had worked at a newspaper in Pennsylvania for nine years." Hetion of new blood!" was living in Somerset County, a Adele also notes that this is hardly rural county that depended on the a recent phenomenon. The Robeys small weekly paper he edited to con- have lived on the hill for some 29 nect and inform its sometimes far-years. They have raised a family here reaching residents. "I edited and and have watched their friends raise wrote for (the paper) and took pho families. And now Adele observes WORSHIP at Historic Christ Church this Easter! Christ Church (Episcopal) was founded in 1794 on Historic Capitol Hill. PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 9:45 AM Parade from Eastern Market and Palm Sunday service at 10:00 am at Christ Church. (Especially welcomes children!) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 8:00 PM, the ancient service of Tenebrae, a service of shadows and light, with readings from the Psalms and Lamentations by candlelight. MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 7:00 PM, Simple supper and the historic service of foot washing and blessing bread and wine, followed by stripping the altar and holding vigil. Welcoming to children as well. GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 9: 7:30 AM, Good Friday prayers and communion; noon, Good Friday liturgy followed by two hours of quiet music and meditation and the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday liturgy also at 7:30 pm: HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 8:00 PM, The Great Vigil of Easter: a solemn and awesome service of salvation history, readings, baptism, music and the first Eucharist of Easter. EASTER DAY, APRIL 11: Holy Eucharist with hymns at 8:15am and Festive Eucharist with special music at 11:00am, followed by Easter egg hunt on the lawn. 620 G. St., SE between Results the Gym (3rd and G) and the Marine Barracks (9th and G.) Web page: www.washingtonparish.org; phone: 202-547-9300. Christ Church is an inclusive and welcoming community for all types of families and we especially welcome children of all ages. Childcare is provided for all services for Holy Week and Easter. Children are welcome at services. Our communion is open to all. The Rev. Dr. Judith Davis, Rector. tos for them," Scott recalls. "But I was essentially becoming burnt out on journalism-I wanted a break from it," Scott explains. He wanted a break from journalism, but perhaps more importantly, Scott wanted a break from western Pennsylvania. "I had spent thirty-one years in Pennsylvania." He grew up in western PA, went to college in Pittsburgh, and then had dedicated himself to the newspaper. "I just didn't get out of Western Pennsylvania that much." When Scott realized a change was in store, he shopped around for options. "I wanted a pedestrian city, and not one that would be intimidating, like Chicago or New York." He had friends in Washington, so DC seemed like the obvious answer. "I had gone as far as I could go in the newspaper there. I wanted new challenges," Scott explains. "And DC was an extreme change." But Scott's emergence in DC happened well before he got involved with the Voice. In fact, in moving here he had committed to taking a break from writing and the newspaper business in general. So he moved to Dupont Circle and landed a job at the Service Employees International Union. Defining Events But passions have a funny way of catching up with you. After Sept. 11, Scott found himself overwhelmed by the enormity of it. "It affected me greatly, and I expressed that through writing." He wrote a piece that was published locally, "and I got the bug to write again." This is where fate stepped in. "My friend, Sharon Geno, knew that Bruce and Adele were looking for writers for Voice of the Hill." Scott doesn't live on the Hill, so while he'd seen the paper, he didn't know all that much about it. He checked out the paper online and liked what he saw. The next day Sharon called him again to say, "They need an editor. Run-don't walk (to the Hill)." Scott met with the Robeys that evening. "They seemed in agreement with my take on editing a newspaper," so he embarked on a tryout writing assignment, an article titled, "A Fresh Look at 7th Street." Twenty-five hundred-some words later, Scott had talked to most of the merchants on 7th Street and had gained a new-found appreciation for the Hill, as well as a rediscovered love of reporting. "It re-ignited the passion for me," he admits. In December 2001, he edited his first full paper, and has been with the Voice ever since. Scott speaks with great pride about his personal growth with the paper, as well as the growth of the paper itself. "The audience (we are writing for) is very different than the farmers and Amish people I was writing for before," he admits. But he was able to retain the "community paper" ethic he had defined during his nine years in Pennsylvania. "If it important to people in the community-it's important to us." But the fact that Scott does not actually live on the Hill presented a potential stumbling block to both Scott and the Robeys. Adele recalls, "The fact that Scott didn't live on the Hill was a big jump for us-but it turned out great. We had a reception for him at Riverby books and it was packed, you couldn't get in the door!" Scott remembers the evening as well. "That night was a real benefit for me." He met masses of people involved in the Hill community and received emails for months from people with ideas for stories. A Growing Masthead Meanwhile, the paper "grew by leaps and bounds" over the next two years. When Scott started, there were six or seven feature writers, one news writer, and about three columnists. By this past January, the paper could proudly claim 22 feature writers and 10 monthly columns. Some writers have come and gone as their lives dictated, but others have remained from the very beginning. "I don't think a month has gone by since I started that Celeste [McCall] hasn't had something in the paper." Scott marvels. Celeste recalls fondly, "I've been writing for the Voice for about five years, covering all sorts of topics, and the experience has made me more cognizant of what's going on in my neighborhood. It's also made me appreciate our close-knit village and wonderful neighbors. It's marvelous seeing the positive changes going on all around us, namely the vibrant rebirth of Eighth Street (Barracks Row). Second Saturday, well promoted in the Voice, has become an important part of our social life. And just the other day, Peter (my husband) and I attended an art show/open house on Potomac Avenue, SE, and learned that an old automotive shop is being transformed into art studios!" Celeste is not the only Voice staffer marveling at the growth and development of the Hill. Scott exclaims, "In the four years I've been here the Hill has changed- it's amazing - Barracks Row and H Street!" But as the landscape shifts and evolves around us, the Voice of the Hill has "allowed me to put it into the bigger picture." The increased awareness is one that Scott is grateful for, and one that is absolutely necessary to his role as editor. "Writing for the Voice gave me the sense that things were changing, and you knew why they were changing. You can't really run a paper without putting yourself in the community-it becomes part of your identity." Reflecting on his proudest accomplishments while working for the Voice, Scott names the issue that came out on the anniversary of September 11. "The 9/11 one-year anniversary, I think, was the best issue that we've done." Scott reported back from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for that issue, where Flight 93 had gone down. The rural Pennsylvania town was very near to where Scott had spent most of his life. "And we talked to people who had been in New York, (and included) several pieces about how the community had changed (since 9/11)." In a broader sense, Scott speaks proudly of the paper's willingness to feature interesting people on the hill who are "not the most visible people." That includes local artists and writers, Hill denizens and visionaries, an occasional eccentric Hill personality (and there are plenty of them), and even Hill organizations and buildings that would otherwise remain nameless mysteries to Hill residents. He raves about the wide range of columns that now appear in the Voice each month, from a veterinary column, to a health and fitness commentary, to "Ask Judith," which addresses the concerns of homeowners on the Hill, especially those dealing with the intricacies involved with owning historic properties. When asked about her experiences writing for the paper, Judith Capen, herself a Hill dweller, recounts, "I've been writing Ask Judith from the first issue. What has it meant to me? An opportunity to write a humor column disguised as an architectur-al/historic preservation advice column. Or is it an architectural/his-toric preservation advice column disguised as a humor column? Hmmmm. (It's) a chance to give advice, which, in case you may not have noticed, I like to do- a lot." And Hill residents have, in turn, taken her advice for five years. With so many writers to keep track of in addition to his editing and recruiting duties, it became clear by May of 2002 that the paper required an editorial staff of more than just one. So the Voice brought on its first official "Assistant Editor," Courtney Bell. Courtney was a woman of many talents -an artist, photographer, and writer-but most importantly, "she brought a certain level of calm to me," Scott recalls. "She would edit all the columnists and help me when I got too swamped." Courtney left for New Mexico in August of 2003. But the Voice is nothing if not good at discovering talent, and Scott soon recruited Andrew Noyes, the paper's current Assistant Editor. "He has a masters in journalism, and the cool thing about Andrew is he can balance a lot of things at one time." Broadening Scopes Looking to the future, Scott hopes that the Voice will increase its exposure of some areas of the Hill that are currently under-represented. "There is a whole section of northeast DC that is culturally fascinating, and that we have hardly touched on," he laments. He is always aiming to recruit more writers who actually live on the Hill. (Anyone with a writer's itch should indeed contact the paper!). And while the Voice has become an indelible part of Scott's life, he is taking a break right now. For the rest of the year, Joseph Campbell will be filling in as Editor, while Scott focuses on other projects, including recording a CD (Voice writers are a bunch with vast and varied talents). But he intends to come back after the elections. "I already miss it!" he exclaims. I can understand why. Writing for Voice of the Hill inevitably becomes a cherished routine in one's life. It gets in your blood-pulling near allnighters to make a deadline, peppering some poor soul with numerous phone calls in an attempt to get an interesting quote- it is never an easy endeavor, but it is always a worthwhile one. I think I speak for everyone here at the Voice when I say, I can only hope that our readers get as much out of it as we do. As regular writer Stephanie Briggs describes it, "I still remember the day that Adele approached me about writing for the Voice of the Hill. It was after a fitness class. The newspaper was relatively new and she thought that my 'perspective' would be an interesting addition to the paper. I thought, 'MY perspective? What does that mean?' What I was clear on was the fact that my interests were always a little bit left of center and that was the quality Adele embraced. She allowed me to uncover little known gems, tackle unconventional topics, and share my perspective on how I see the world with the Capitol Hill community. That's some kind of gift! " Thanks to Voice of the Hill for continuing to give that gift to its staff, and thanks to the Hill community for their continued readership and support. We would, truly, be nothing without you. Shirley Serotsky has been writing for Voice of the Hill since October 2002. She is happy that she no longer lives in a group house, and even happier that she no longer lives with three Republicans. A Jazz of Her Own BY JOSEPH C AMPBELL y first impression of belting out a more-jazzy-than-usual Ashley Meier, having "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess not yet heard her sing, while a standard trio of musicians was a hint of skepti-[which includes her husband, Benito cism matched with a Gonzalez, on piano] bangs out the glimmer of hope. Skepticism because rhythms in the exciting, highly after a season of impishly charming sought venue... bluesy chanteuses [read Norah Jones, Joss Stone], I wasn't quite sure she'd Post Office Pavillion?? be able to right an assumption I'd Yes. Unlikely spot indeed. If you've made of the white-woman-singing- the-blues genre. I'd formed this impression long before our current flux of oh-so- young-and-oh-so-earnest. Anita O'Day, Blossom Dearie [ok, minus the Schoolhouse Rock stuff; that's ever been to the food court in the basement of this high-tourist-zone web, you've probably noticed a stage on the Penn Avenue side where usu ally stands a grand piano. You may've even visited at a time when someone was actually playing the just beyond sublime.] and Rosemary piano, Ö la Nordstrom. Maybe I just Clooney were all fine, capable per-don't get off the Hill enough, but formers, but their musical chops never had I seen someone trying to were better suited for cocktail jazz, sing above the snapping clamor of not The Blues [yes, capital T, capital fry baskets and frazzled mothers B]. Who can deny the inimitable commingled with the buzz and whir charm of "Come On-A My House" or of excited tourists, milkshake "Give Him the Ooh-La-La"? But blenders and metal detectors. hand them something like "Here The funny thing is? She pulled it Lies Love" or even "Your Cold, Cold off. She succeeded in transcending Heart" and I'm...well, just not con-what could have easily collapsed vinced. Where's the sincerity? Where's the immersion? The Chris Connors and Janis into the cynically ironic or the musically mundane. Ashley Meier was herself, despite an occasional, vul-Joplins are indeed rare. Yet this is where my glimmer of hope always resides. That someone will come along to readjust my reasoning, my albeit overly-critical nature. Enter Ashley Meier, barely 26, nerable twitch when she knew she didn't get a note or a prancing child interrupted her characterization. As response, Ms. Meier merely shuts her eyes and goes into the place she draws from for inspiration: her experaised in the so tame, so middle-of-rience, her reality. the-road Midwest. Sitting on top of a "I'm a survivor," Meier explains speaker, tapping time on her thigh, later during a break. "I've got what's called late onset post-traumatic stress disorder. It's something I suppressed for a really long time as a defense mechanism. It was too hard to process, acknowledging that I was a product of parental abuse. But now I'm in therapy; I feel I'm in a safer place. I know how to...relegate these feelings, these emotions into something more helpful. It's a healing process. "That's not to say that my music is morose, really. I have a tune called 'Wild Dream' where I have a lyric, 'And then my life became a wild dream/turned to a place that I'd never been/but one that I know now.' I knew that there could be something different, but I'd never had a brighter experience because my life had been shadowed by hardship." You can't help but sense her hesitation, as if she doesn't think you can possibly understand. Out of instinct, I reassure her. "I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm a poet, so I know about experience, immersion, catharsis. It's a common motivating factor, you know, the need to exorcise those demons." Meier's eyes light up to have found a kindred spirit. "yes," almost whispered, followed by nervous laughter and [almost to herself], "demons. That's exactly what they are." JC: Well, that's where we draw from, how we're able to create. Nietzsche had his theory of the unbearable lightness of being, where he postulates that these hardships are what keep us grounded in reality, what keep us humble. If we don't acknowledge the struggles, if we ignore them or we suppress them, we become 'lighter than air,' without substance. Imagine if we didn't have these things to keep us focused and in our experience. That is worse than the struggle itself; to be without those feelings to help define us is more unbearable than the immersion in them. And hopefully, we're able to rise above it. It's a constant struggle." AM: Yes, exactly. I have another song, "I Always Have My Music," and it speaks of total loneliness and abandonment from people and how I'll always have my music even if that's all there is because it's part of my blood, even when I'm not connected with people. JC: Do you find that this is useful then? That you're taking something that's ostensibly negative and....well, without trying to diminish its significance with the cliché...you're creating something from it that is redemptive, that you can point your finger at and say, 'There. It's out of me now. It's not just felt; it's tangible, it's manageable. Now I can move on.' AM: [Nervous laughter.] "Well, one would certainly hope. I mean, that's certainly the motivating drive to keep going, to keep vocalizing it so I don't feel like it's internalized or secret or hidden. This is where I draw from so that I can heal. And so that maybe others can, too." JC: You mentioned earlier that even before you began singing, you were performing in community theater. Yet another opportunity to don another mask, to create a persona to act out these problems without the stigma of their being your problems. AM: Well, in a very real sense, it was freeing because it saved me and protected me for a long time. So it's more about defining myself now that I'm out of denial. Who am I gonna be when I put on a show, what kind of performer am I gonna be? Do I even wanna put on a 'show'? Earlier we were talking about how some singers like to put on an Entertainer Hat and how I don't really feel comfortable doing that. But everyone puts on some sort of hat. Some singers, like Dianne Reeves...she has a live album that's very straightforward. That's what I really respect about her as a person and an artist. I saw her in an interview and she was just as real; there was no pretense. In this current musical world of hype and image, it's so refreshing to see someone like that, someone staying true to her craft while still offering who she truly is. JC: I think I know what you mean. I have a live performance of Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall that is so phenomenal because she is so involved and immersed in the moment. I can't imagine anyone denying she lived what she was performing. As opposed to someone like Sarah Vaughan. I have a live recording of her at Mister Kelly's where she's doing "Willow Weep For Me," and she misses a cue and starts in with an improvisational apology of sorts, breaking the whole mood in favor of some levity. It doesn't have the same resonance as when Lady Day does it. The moment is lost. AM: And that leads me to think that part of my struggle now is knowing how to be honest with myself, honest on stage and honest with my audience. I mean, do they wanna know the pain I'm communicating from experience, do they wanna know that I'm hurting? Some people haven't experienced it in the same way, so am I in a sense 'bringing them down'? It's a difficult distinction to make. JC: It must be especially difficult in a venue such as this one, where your audience isn't necessarily here to experience a blues singer, but merely here to refuel for more sightseeing. As opposed to a place like Ellington's on Eighth [where Ms. Meier performs every Saturday www.voiceofthehill.com evening], where they are there specifically for that kind of atmosphere. AM: I'm definitely less worried about how I'm being perceived. I know that it's important NOT to be focused on that, but it's a delicate balancing act that all performers work. Some people will say, "don't worry about them; screw them; just play for yourself." And I like to take that approach sometimes because I think that if I just play for myself, then they'll respond. Other times, I'll call a song on the bandstand, and the other musicians will respond, 'Oh, no. That won't work. You're missing the vibe here.' I've only been doing this full-time for about a year now, so it's something I'm stilling learning to read. JC: Describe your creative process to me. Is it something that's regimented and structured...? AM: [emphatically] Noooo. It's subconscious. A lot of times, I'll be walking somewhere...walking can be amazingly inspirational. I don't know if you have this experience, but I'll be walking, and all of a sudden, words words words. Rarely do I just conjure something up. I'll be walking and a melody will come to me and it's all I can do to just get to a piano so I can get it down. JC: I recently read an interview with [former Poet Laureate] Rita Dove, and she said that when a poet sits down and self-consciously thinks, 'I'm going to write a poem,' that's when the process falls apart. It becomes something contrived. AM: Yes, there's no genuine energy there, it's synthetic. Another thing that I do...and I do this with my painting as well...is I will let it sit and gestate for a while. I have songs that have been sitting for two years, waiting. And songs that I've 'completed' for over a year that I'll come back to and think, 'Wow. Now I have the other part...' It's beautiful like that. It's an act of deference, of respect that I would like to assume in my personal life more. This act of giving space, of allowing something to happen instead of trying to orchestrate or control. I can do it in my music. There's a large amount of trust there because I know that it will come and I trust that. Unlike my personal life where I think, 'Oh, I better manage things, otherwise it won't work out.' But I know that's false. Art teaches and informs my life. JC: Earlier in our conversation, I began to wax poetic a bit about how jazz seems to have become rather homogenized with some of the new artists who are currently in favor. Especially in this world we live in, where everything is push-button force it into place. and easily controlled and manipulat-JC: Along the same lines, I read an ed...an instant-gratification kind of interview with a poet once who was process. Jazz to me seems to be asked, 'When did you start writing?' something more subtly nuanced His response was, 'The question for than that, it has these undercurrents me has never been when did I start, that aren't so readily visible. Do you but when did other people stop?' think that this will inform your Pointing to the fact that this creative approach in any way? impulse is something we respond to AM: That IS my approach. I mean, from a very early age: we fingerpaint, noboby here [at the Pavillion] knows we playact, we create imaginary or can appreciate what these guys go friends...Yet somewhere along the through, their dedication. [She way, we're told to put that away, means her husband's trio, the Benito taught that it's not useful or practi-Gonzalez Band, who has already cal or lucrative. So we do our home-begun performing again.] What they work, we major in business, we tow know, what they're thinking about. I the line so that we become another mean, you have to stay true no mat-product rather than assert our inditer what. It's not easy, it's not some-viduality. That's a form of denial, thing you just do. You can't just fake too. your level and hope it all falls into AM: Yes, fortunately, I was encourplace. There's something beautiful aged from a very early age. My about that, and there's also some-mother also sings and plays the thing very hard. piano, so the creative forces were JC: And it certainly feeds the already around me. She recognized notion that we don't just choose our my talents rather early and nurtured creative outlets. They're something them. That has been very helfpful. that we realize along the way. I'm a Ashley Meier performs every poet, and no matter how long I Saturday evening at Ellington's on may've convinced myself that I was Eighth, 424 8th St., SE. Impromptu a painter, the poetry always mani-dates, as well as other information, fested itself stronger. can be found on her website: AM: Right. It's not a choice. Our www.ashleymeier.com. energy fields aren't made up that way. That would be drawing from a Joseph Campbell is editor pro tem of the different so urce of energy in order to Voice of the Hill. Property Management/For Rent www.YarmouthManagement.com We don't have to be taught that Capitol Hill is an exciting place to live. It is in the city, but has a small-town feel: friendly neighbors, trees, a farmer's market, schools nearby. To educate yourself about rentals on the Hill, call us. Everyday we provide a list of apartments and houses for rent by e-mail, fax, or in person. And if you have property that you would like to rent out, call us. Our professional management services can ease your homework and simplify your math. Come visit us next to Eastern Market, give us a call, or send us an e-mail. Let us help you make Capitol Hill your playground. Yarmouth Management Co. Your Rental Source on Capitol Hill since 1981 309 7th Street, SE _ Washington, DC 20003 202/547-3511 1/2 block from Eastern Market Metro E-mail: Rent@YarmouthM.com Tell our advertisers you saw their ads in The Voice of the Hill In the Field: Capitol Hill Day School StudentsLearn Outside the Classroom BY ANN DY E Field education is embedded in the are taught not only by museum teachers, the children learn that scicurriculum of every class at Capitol docents and park naturalists on their entists need to test the same way Hill Day School, from pre-kinder-field trips, but also by bakery own-every time when studying a force garten to eighth grade. Long-time ers, a beaver trapper, geologist, like magnetism. They need to write Hill resident Ida Prosky established artists, a buffalo rancher, historians, down their results, reproduce those the program at the school's found-architects, writers, landfill managers, results, and make predictions based ing 35 years ago. Since that time, a cardiologist, photographers, on their experiments. After many teachers have embraced the notion Holocaust survivors, scientists, and experiments over a number of that it is often better to go and see many parents with special skills and weeks, third-grader Jack Siglin filled something than to read about it in a expertise. The list goes on and on." an estimate jar with paper clips. The book. They believe that field educa-One small example of this dynam-children are challenged to design a tion helps children understand that ic philosophy of teaching and learn-fair test that shows magnet strength they are part of a community, of a ing is the third grade's study of mag-using the clip-filled jar. larger world, and that they can con-netism. The children experiment As part of their studies, the third nect to it and learn from it. with several different magnets as graders also explore how magnets Children at the school visit all they use the inquiry method to pon-are useful to people. This connects to kinds of places. As Lisa Sommers, the der how to test for things in science. their studies of Lewis and Clark for School's Director of Field Education One of their jobs is to design a "fair whom compasses were vital tools on for 20 years, points out, "Students test." With guidance from their the Voyage of Discovery. The children also note that when a classroom stapler falls behind a shelf, a magnet can be used to retrieve it. By mid-February, the teachers and Sommers have planned and prepared for a trip to the Montgomery County Recycling Center to see how useful a giant magnet can be to the community. The third-graders pack their belted "field kits" with science notebooks and pencils, and drape their field research study badges-their credentials- around their necks in preparation for the trip. On the drive to the Recycling Center in one of the school's three busses, Sommers holds up recycling containers. "What are they, what do you put in them?" she asks. The children know what the containers are and that the School sorts out paper, but that glass, plastic, aluminum and other metals are placed together in one container. Because the children also know that the main purpose of the trip is to see the giant magnet, they are quick to point out that it would pull out some of the metals. When they arrive, Pat Sanborn, the docent at the Recycling Center, leads the children in a discussion about the benefits of recycling. She The CHDS "cheese bus" delivers students to the Recycling Center. Thank you notes were written upon their return. shows them various items that are that some recycle machines are con-the children thinking as they sorted at the center, and explains trolled by magnets. And some explore concepts both inside and how the giant machines sort metals machines have conveyer belts. And outside the walls of their school. In and other materials. Then the chil-that sometimes you have to sort fact, the school's first visit to the dren are led on a catwalk through your recycle products." Jamie tells Montgomery County Recycling the clattering, busy works at the Sanborn, "I will remember to take Center occurred many years ago Center, seeing and hearing the huge off the tops to bottles before I recycle when the children in second grade machines, human sorters, piles of the bottles." Meanwhile, Elissa discovered in a unit on Native materials, and trucks go about their points out, "I don't know exactly Americans that many of the coundaily tasks. how we're going to use all this in try's first settlers did not have a word Back at school later that week, the school, but I'm sure we'll think of for "trash." As a result of this discovchildren send thank you notes to something." ery, the teachers decided to design a Sanborn. Phoebe writes, "I learned And that is just the point-to keep complete curricular unit on recycling appropriate to second-graders. Sommers contacted the Center and Capitol Hill Day School soon pioneered the first school field trip to it. Sommers, who has a master's in Museum Education from George Washington University, works with teachers to create other field trips to the Recycling Center. These include early childhood classes exploring inventions or machines, and the eighth grade chemistry class, which is studying plastics. The trips to the Montgomery County Recycling Center, however, are only a few among the 250 that Capitol Hill Day School arranges every year, and as Lisa Sommers explains, each trip "relates directly to something the students are already learning about in the classroom. For this reason, our students are prepared for the experience and engaged during the trip in ways most students are not, and our School is greatly appreciated because of this." Ann Dye is a 30-year resident of the Hill who taught for ten years at Capitol Hill Day School and whose two daughters, Sarah and Mary, are graduates. To learn more about Capitol Hill Day School and its programs visit its website at www.chds.org. Easter Parade of Memories Passover Lamb to Easter Ham BY CELESTE MCC ALL rowing up Catholic, prayer that blessed everything and home and broke their fast on mager-Easter mainly meant everyone imaginable. 'And P.S., itsa, soup made with lamb entrails, the end of the long Lord,' Grandma often concluded, traditionally from the animal Lenten season when 'please bless the food!'" slaughtered for the Easter feast. "My children traditional-Peter's blessings were a lot shorter: mother used to make it and it was ly "gave something "Good food, good meat, it's getting horrifying to watch," Yanni recalls up," usually candy. Adults had to late, let's eat!" with a shudder. "She had to clean all fast (no in-between meal snacks) and [Always the prankster, he went to the organs-intestines, heart, lungs, abstain from meat on certain days. great lengths to hide eggs from his kidneys. She'd add a lot of garlic, dill When the big day arrived, we youngest brother, Jeff. As a teen, and lemon to the soup. Maybe to kill dressed up in our new outfits and Peter took apart a radiator pipe and the taste," he laughs. "Later, every-trooped off to Mass. Afterwards, we tucked an egg in it; no one found it one feasted on meze (assorted appewould hunt Easter eggs that had for many months. "It sure raised a tizers), the spit-roasted lamb with been dyed with those Paas kits. This stink in the McCall abode!"] potatoes, a nd for dessert, galaktomeant, naturally, a week of hard-boureko (a rich milk custard) and boiled eggs in our lunch boxes. International Man of baklava, with oceans of retsina, red Although we normally were not Mystery wine and ouzo." allowed much candy at home, our Capitol Hill artist Astri Kleivdal, who mother did make an exception on grew up in Norway, has different Archetypes and Monomyths Easter, when we were allotted choco-memories. "My family wasn't reli-It's fascinating to see how these late bunnies (we always ate the ears gious," she explains, "but the state worldwide traditions originated. first), jelly beans (I loved the black religion was Lutheran, so the whole Many Easter rituals have their roots ones, hated the purple), and those country shut down for a week, and in Judaism, others stem from ancient yellow marshmallow chickens. we would go to the mountains and Rome as well as beliefs of indigenous While Mama wasn't much of a cook, ski. In the spring, the sun is very peoples. she usually baked a lamb-shaped cake covered with white frosting and intense, and people would get Long before we celebrated Easter, tanned and some would become the arrival of spring-the vernal decorated with green coconut - for snowblind," she recalls. equinox-was heralded by people grass. Colored gumdrops served as "Norwegians love to party. We'd everywhere. Western Christians eyes and nose. Dinner usually have a carnival and we'd all dress up observe Easter on the first Sunday involved Easter ham and, occasional-in costumes...we'd have feasts - with after the first full moon following ly, lamb, the latter overcooked, lamb and reindeer with lingonber-the first day of spring in the served with mint jelly. ries, washed down with beer and Northern hemisphere-(got that?). For my husband, Peter, who grew aquavit. For dessert: chocolate pud-Orthodox Christians calculate it by up Southern Baptist in suburban ding with cream; the food was very tying the date to Passover, which Chattanooga, Easter was a big deal rich." begins at sundown April 5. This year throughout his boyhood. "After Astri's Greek-born husband, Yanni the two Easters coincide on April 11. church services, Grandma McCall Tsapogas, offers contrasting recollec-The name "Easter" is derived from entertained our family with a two-tions. Originally from Kalamata the Saxon word Eostre, Germanic hour feast following the Easter egg (famous for olives), Yanni arrived in goddess of spring who represented hunt in her backyard," he recalls. "I the United States as a child, but his renewal, rebirth and resurrection. As fondly remember her formal white family retained their religious cus-Christianity spread, it became comlinen tablecloth and silver service, toms. On Good Friday, the local mon practice to incorporate such including a relish tray with little church erected a flower-bedecked pagan beliefs into Christian ritual. pearl onions and other pickled good-"tomb" containing a figure of the Christmas was superimposed on the ies. We usually ate Southern fried slain Christ-indicative of the Roman Saturnalia, and Easter joined chicken or Tennessee ham marinat-Lamentation. The long Orthodox the vernal equinox, since early ed in Coca Cola, rice with gravy, season of penance concluded with Christians believed Christ's death sweet potatoes with melted marsh-midnight Mass Easter Eve. During and resurrection occurred in the mallows, broccoli with hollandaise the service, the priest addresses the spring. Jesus' Last Supper-held the sauce, and at least three desserts: a congregation: night before he died-was a Seder; cake, a pie and vanilla ice cream "Christos anesti (Christ has hence the close connection between with chocolate sauce. No alcohol risen.)." Jewish Passover and Christian Easter. was ever served; we drank iced tea or Response: "Alithos anesti (He has Another Jewish festival, Purim, is milk. The mid-day dinner was pre-risen, indeed.)." also celebrated in the spring and ceded by an interminably long Afterwards, worshipers returned commemorates Queen Esther, who saved her people from the evil Haman. (This year Purim fell on March 7.) Fertility Symbols By Any Other Name... ...Eggs Probably the most prominent Easter symbol is the egg. While eggs have been symbolic of fertility since antiquity, by the Middle Ages, the egg had developed a religious interpretation, becoming a symbol of the rock tomb out of which Christ emerged to the new life of his resurrection. A roasted egg-reminiscent of ancient festival offerings-appears on the Seder plate, and medieval lords gave eggs to their servants as Easter presents. As for donning your eggs in gay apparel, people have been decorating eggs for centuries; some historians believe egg-dying dates back to ancient Egypt. But for Christians, the practice seems to be rooted more in that fact that making the egg a special sign of Easter joy was that its consumption was originally forbidden in Lent. Therefore, early Christians painted Easter eggs in bright colors, had them blessed, ate them, and gave them to friends as Easter gifts. Egg coloring itself can take on myriad forms. Greeks dye Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ. "Sometimes the eggs are placed in our tsoureki-braided bread," says Yanni. In the Ukraine and Latvia, egg decoration can be quite elaborate. First, melted wax is applied to plain white eggs, which are then dipped into a series of dyes, which lend a multi-colored effect. Many years ago, I had a Latvian boyfriend in Chicago, and we used to spend Good Friday night dying eggs. We would boil the eggs in water with natural colors from onion skins and beets. When the eggs were cool enough to handle, we drew intricate designs with wax crayons, then dipped them into more dye. The Easter egg hunt is largely an American custom; a close Hungarian-American friend had never searched for eggs until we held an Easter egg hunt at a recent Easter gathering at our home. ...Peter Cottontail The rabbit, known for its rapid reproductive rate, is another ancient symbol of fertility. The first documented Easter bunny appeared in 16th century Germany, and the Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch) brought the furry, long-eared figure to America in the 1700s. Back then, children eagerly awaited the arrival of Oschter Haws, just as youngsters do today. But the pairing of Easter bunny with Easter eggs did not happen until the 19th www.voiceofthehill.com century, when Germans concocted the first candy rabbits and manufacturers launched an ad campaign to sell their products. (A similar thing happened with chocolate and Valentine's.) ...Leg o' Lamb Sacrificing and consuming lamb has been a religious tradition for millennia. When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, lamb blood was painted on their doorframes so the angel of death would pass over the house, sparing the first-born sons. This ritual evolved into the Seder, celebrated each Passover. The paschal lamb has also passed on to Christianity, and many nationalities, especially Greeks, roast entire lambs for Easter, with various accompaniments. In past centuries it was considered a lucky omen to meet a lamb, especially at Easter time. It was a popular superstition that the devil, who could take the form of all other animals, was never allowed to appear in the shape of a lamb because of its religious symbolism. Lemon-Yogurt Leg of Lamb 1 whole boned leg of lamb, butterflied 11_2 cups plain yogurt Juice of 2 to 3 lemons, or 1 to 2 limes, making a 2/3 cup total 2 onions, sliced 2 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoon ground cloves Ask butcher to butterfly the lamb.(Union Meats at Eastern Market will do this for you.) Combine marinade ingredients. Pour over lamb, cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning the meat several times. Remove marinade and wipe meat dry. Place lamb on grill over hot coals or in oven at about 375_ F. Grill (or roast) lamb until done to preference, allowing about 20 minutes to the pound for medium-rare. Serve with roasted potatoes. ...Hammin' it Up Pigs have always been a symbol of good luck and prosperity among the Indo-Europ eans. Many traces of this ancient symbolism are still alive in our time. In some popular German expressions, the word "pig" is synonymous with "good luck" (schwein haben). Savings boxes for children in the figure of a pig (piggy banks) carry out the ancient symbolism of good luck and prosperity. The tradition of eating ham on Easter dates back to the ancient Romans. In those pre-refrigeration days, most cultures preserved meats by salt-curing, and people lucky enough to live near the ocean achieved this by burying meat by the beach, usually in the spring. Since pigs were plentiful and easy to raise, ham became a popular Easter centerpiece. Ham with Madeira This is a modified version of a medieval recipe found in an old, out-of-print cookbook. The original recipe called for heavy cream, which we have omitted. 1 10 to12-pound ham 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 1 carrot, peeled and sliced Bouquet garni (parsley, peppercorns, thyme and bay leaf, tied in cheesecloth) 1 cup Madeira or port 1 cup beef or chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste Preheat over to 350_ F. In large pot, place enough water to cover the ham. Bring to boil, add ham and simmer 30 minutes. Cool ham and remove skin. Place ham in roasting pan with vegetables, bouquet garni and Madeira (or port). Cover and bake about an hour, basting frequently. When done, remove from oven, discard bouquet garni, place ham on a platter and keep it warm. Meanwhile, pour drippings into smaller pan and reduce by a third. Season to taste and strain. Slice ham and pour sauce over it. Serve with new potatoes and spring vegetables like asparagus or green peas. Serves 12. Celeste McCall is a regular contributor to the Voice of the Hill. the cancer diagnosis frightening, maddening, confusing but also a time for self-reflection and enhancement of personal development individual, couples and group psychotherapy for those with cancer joseph tarantolo, md board certified psychiatrist certified group therapist 202/543-5290 Eastern Market 327 7th St., SE _ (202) 546-CAKE PATOU CASTAY: GETTING TO THE ROOT OF HAIR BY STEPHANIE BRIGGS Hair Woes Back in 1978 I sported a Jheri Curl. It was the answer to the terror of unruly African-American hair. I'm not clear on who Jheri was but he or she promised wash and wear hair with little stress on the hair follicle once the process was completed. No comb, no hair loss. The worst part about the style was the mandatory shower cap worn to maintain the hairs' moisture. And I haven't even mentioned the spray bottles filled with who-knows-what to give the hair that "shine." I was one of the fortunate ones who avoided all the Jheri Curl accouterments. My hair stylist boyfriend managed my hair like it was a science experiment and he could find no proof that most of the processes needed to maintain this "wash and wear" hair were necessary. In fact, after he lectured me about poly-pep-tide bonds, he went out and purchased the mildest version of the Jheri Curl line, restructured my bonds, and I never wore a plastic cap-not ever! My hair grew without breakage. Of course, the times would change and Jheri, like most fashions for women, became obsolete. My hair, now subjected to harsher products, became fine and brittle until I finally threw up my hands, allowed my hair to revert back to it's natural, unruly style, and then, in a radical 1960s clenched-fist stand, I locked my hair. Personalized Beauty So, when I entered Patou Personalized Beauty Care facility (709 D St., SE), I felt like a fish out of hot comb water. There, sitting in the chair, was a young African American woman having her hair pressed by an attractive French Basque woman. Their discussion centered on the fact that the client would eventually need to have her hair trimmed, but not that particular evening. Instead, Patou Castay used a follicle sealing method designed by the Japanese and, voilÖ; the split ends were sealed-at least for the time being. The client's hair was bouncy and shiny. She smiled, thanking Patou for her assistance, and gathered her two large suitcases. I later learned that she had just arrived in Washington, DC, from Chicago to begin an internship. She'd been searching quite a while for someone who could deal with her hair problems and had read about Patou in a magazine article. She made her appointment based on some innate trust that this woman could help her. I'm not sure if, prior to meeting Patou, whether she had a clear idea what the roles of trichologists were. But in her desperation for an answer to her hair problems, she needed to trust a stranger. To say that Patou is a stranger is a misnomer. From the moment I walked through the door I felt as if I'd known her for years. After giving me a tour we sat down to chat. You see, I thought I was going to write a story about a day spa. Patou, who is from three generations of physicians, studied biochemistry, biology and natural sciences in France. Her interest in the science of hair led her to the International Association of Trichologists in London, England, after having received dermatology training at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. Rounding out her education with a cosmetology license, she became one of a handful of trichologists in the Washington, DC area. In 1983 Patou opened Elire Center in Silver Spring, Md., Services offered at the day spa included Chinese acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, nutritional counseling, massage, and hair care. Although its doors were only open for two years, this pioneering holistic model is commonplace today. Patou opened her Personalized Beauty Care facility on Capitol Hill five years ago. Trichology: The Art of Hair Trichology is the study of hair and scalp care. Recognized as a science in England, the London Institute of Trichologists was founded in 1902 to advance the science of the hair and scalp. Trichologists are fully qualified to deal with all hair problems such as hair loss, breakage, thinning, oiliness, dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. Before beginning any hair regiment, Patou conducts a 30-minute consultation that includes a microscopic exam. She takes a personal history of her client and determines what hair treatments, techniques, and products are best suited for the problem or whether he or she need to see a dermatologist. "Basically we are not a hair dresser where you come in for a hair cut and color," she explained. "My clients have scalp and hair disorders of some type including breakage, dandruff or hair loss. There are no walk-ins. They must schedule a consultation." What makes her different is that people come to her when they can find no other solution to their hair care problems. "People are stuck wondering what they are going to do, particularly after their dermatologist has diagnosed them with a skin ailment. They think, 'What am I going to do?' Then they go to their hairdressers who don't know how to properly handle the problem either. When they finally come to me they are desperate to find out what they can do to maintain their appearance. That's where the creativity comes in." Patou is trained to recognize medical conditions. When necessary, she will send a client for a biopsy or culture from their doctor. Once the condition is under control she takes over. In the first phases of her treatments, Patou uses steam, massage or heat for the application of various therapeutic treatments, and then creates gentle, safe formulations that are customized. "What I understand is the jargon of dermatologists. For example, if a person has hypersensitive skin, they need an alternative hairdresser. I can use bleach without ammonia or research unique ways of dealing with those who can't find the right product. Or for a client with eczema who still has to go to work everyday and look decent, I can provide steam treatments and determine which of the many medicated hair products I carry can adequately address her problem. Take for example a person who is allergic to hair color or bleach, but wants to get rid of her gray hair. She doesn't want to be gray so I might try forcing vegetable dye with the steam treatment. Once I determine a client's needs, I begin playing detective." Clients who come to Patou can expect what can best be described as a holistic session. Based on each of their needs, she designs and tailors shampoos and conditioners. In order to remain up-to-date on trends, she attends dermatology, holistic, and cosmetology conventions. For individuals suffering from hair loss, Patou provides a healing environment. "Hair loss is traumatic, Patou explains, "and we generally have clients go to their dermatologist or doctor to determine other contributing factors." Once the issues are addressed, Patou offers a number of options- including hair extensions that don't require braiding, stitching or gluing, which destroys the hair. In addition, she is introducing a new weaving process that is similar to a wig, except the cap has a wide weave, allowing Patou to pull the clients real hair through, incorporating it into the wig. This provides both volume and glamour. This integrative approach offers a solution to hair augmentation and restoration. Hair loss happens for a myriad of reasons. New mothers will experience loss of hair after the birth of a child, or stress can be a factor. "People who are losing their hair will often go to the doctor who will do all the tests and then the results come back negative. All they want to know is why they are going bald. Sometimes it's the environment." Skin and the Environment Just as there are physical reasons for skin disorders, emotional and environmental issues can play a role as well. Many of Patou's clients have been with her for almost 20 years. reflected. "There is little or no com-Because she considers her space is a munication. So when the body is "home, away from home," she has trying to tell us something, nobody the benefit of knowing them person-is there to hear it. We treat our sympally. This personal insight can aid toms individually. We forget that the her in diagnosing possible reasons head belongs to the body, and the for skin and hair problems, particu-body belongs to the skin. We sepalarly if her client has expressed some rate everything and then we try to personal issues or has gained or lost figure it out. weight. "People want an instant fix. They What she provides her clients with think that the cure is outside of is an oasis. The kitchen on the sec-them, that there must be a miracle ond floor offers a full complement of cure. So they choose drastic measteas, coffee and croissants. Clients ures because they are not willing to spend time chatting with each make the change. They need to con-other. She feels that she has to be nect their minds with their bodies. attentive to the role she plays in the And when this realization takes lives of people that come to her. Her place, the client discovers that they space is a special place where clients must make life changes." feel free to let go and escape from day-to-day challenges. Simple Change "It's like the salons they had in To make life changes requires time, France, where people gathered," she focus, and a desire to evaluate choicreminisced. "We don't gather any-es. This process will definitely take more. Instead we talk by phone or by e-mail." Patou also feels that there are times when some problems are exacerbated by lifestyle choices. more than one or two sessions with Patou, but what she can offer is release from daily stress and tension through massage, facials, and body treatments. "People work separately," she Massage therapist Bijan, offers THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION ANACOSTIA RIVER INITIATIVE Working at 725 8th Street SE to improve the quality of our community by improving the quality of water in the Anacostia River. It's a big job, and we're moving on a number of fronts-trash clean-up, legislative initiatives, green roof projects, documentary filmmaking, religious partnerships, community leadership programs, etc. BUT THE OFFICE IS A MESS, AND WE NEED VOLUNTEER HELP TO GET IT ORGANIZED AND KEEP IT THAT WAY. If you have a knack for keeping papers and accounts in order and could donate 6 hours a week to help us out, please call Doug Siglin at (202) 544-2232 or email dsiglin@cbf.org. reflexology, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, Swedish and deep tissue shiatsu. The most requested massage therapy is deep tissue massage, particularly for those who complain about tension, pain, restriction in the shoulder and neck (particularly for people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer), and stress. She explained that before a massage session, it's important to get the blood flowing. Therapies such as acupuncture can release constriction and tension. Various essential oils aid in releasing symptoms. In addition, Bijan uses a number of devices such as a high-powered vibrator that aids in lymphatic drainage and increases blood circulation, allowing him to massage deep tissue layers to release tension points. "Massage is a form of human touch," Patou explained. "In European culture we thrive on human touch. In France you kiss all the time. Here people are deprived. No one has enough time. If we don't have enough time for ourselves, why would we have enough time for others?" When people come for massage it is personal time for them. She believes that's why day spas are so popular. "Spas have become more like surrogate mothers," she giggled. "It's the only place left where you can spend a full day, and money is no object because you get what you need." In addition to massage, Bernadette who trained at the Clarins Institute in Paris, provides facials. She does traditional European facials, including exfoliation and peeling, although she leaves the tough jobs like micro dermabrasion to the dermatologists. Exfoliation removes the superficial layer of the epidermis that sheds naturally. Patou feels that some exfoliation treatments remove too many layers. "Now that we are exposed to a very aggressive environment due to pollution, sun, and the ozone, I think a little skin protection is not bad. Sun block helps, but I think shedding too many layers and activating the cells isn't a good idea. "What we need to do is invest our energy working on releasing stress, diet and exercise. The fact is, if you don't like what is outside, you need to figure out what is going on inside. Skin is just a reflection of what is inside. "When Bernadette gives a facial, she approaches it with reverence. If you treat the skin and hair with a certain approach, you'd be amazed to see how the body heals," she said. Bijan and Bernadette each have 25 years in the business. They are like a fine wine according to Patou. They represent her business philosophy: "expertise and experience." A Unique Specialty Patou's scientific curiosity initially led her to investigating some of the difficulties regarding African American hair. She discovered that "the problems of breakage, baldness and all the other problems blacks have with their hair are not innate to African Americans, but are a result of using harsh chemicals that are found in the hair products they use and a lack of proper hair care." Forms of alopecia, hair loss or baldness are common among African Americans, particularly follicular degeneration syndrome, once known as "hot-comb alopecia." Patou, who has a number of African-American clients, discovered a variety of ways to deal with hair that unfairly had the perception of being "difficult." "What it is, is fragile. The most amazing misconception about African-American hair is that it must be tamed. My studies on the hair didn't coincide with the knowledge passed down to hairdressers. It wasn't necessary to use super strength hair relaxer. As a matter of fact, those products actually work best on Mediterranean hair that is wavy and stronger." She laughed as when she described the look on potential African-American clients when they met her for the first time. "I'm sure that all that they can see is this French woman armed with a pressing comb. But I can talk the talk with proven results." Talkin' the Ta lk Patou Castay doesn't advertise. A plethora of articles on her holistic approach, including the April issue of Real Simple, produce a continual surge of clients from across the U.S. Many times her clients arrive because "they have run out of solutions." Others have discovered that they need to find a hair stylist who won't destroy their hypersensitive scalps "for one day of glamour." Patou, in her infinite wisdom, sees herself as a bridge. It's about teamwork between the client and the trichologist, and it's a powerful union. "It's about the power of hair," she smiled. "It will either make you or break you." As our time together ended, I asked Patou what was important to her. She responded, "I have to enjoy my day; I'm French." To make an appointment for a consultation with Patou, call 202543-7643. Stephanie Briggs is a regular contributor to the Voice of the Hill. Laughing All the Way to a Better Life BY LAURIE LINDSAY umor is not just friv-it is a dramatic example of the power ber the information but they are olous entertainment, of humor during an overwhelming more successful in retrieving it. In " says Ron challenge. "After his stroke, Douglas one study when there was humor on Culberson, President was trying to regain basic skills and the front of the exam book, it of FUNsulting, etc. in became so discouraged that he relaxed the students and they per-Herndon, Va. attempted suicide. He put the loaded formed better." "Humor is a tool to make our lives gun in his mouth but as he did he Do you remember the Wendy's better. If we just think about humor bumped his tooth and began to advertisement with the punch line as funny movies and jokes, we're not laugh! He said that humor saved his of "Where's the Beef?" What about tapping into its potential." life that day. It allowed him just the Taco Bell advertisements with Culberson's company helps organ-enough distance and perspective to the clever Chihuahua? Even years izations that want their people to prevent his death." after these ads were popular, we lighten up by using humor to mini-remember them. More recently, mize stress and maximize effective-Smooth it Over With Smiles many of us laughed while watching ness. FUNsulting, etc. has been so In a variety of social situations, the Joe Boxers gentleman dancing successful that Culberson now jets humor can break the tension and and bouncing to the music wearing across the country entertaining, make people feel at ease," explains nothing but white briefs. "According inspiring, and tickling funny bones Culberson. "Here's an example. Two to an article in USA Today, the top wherever he goes. men in an office were having a very ads of 2003 had humor as a theme," "We probably have a tendency to heated argument. One man took the says Culberson. be too serious," argues Culberson. picture of his family from his desk "Humor helps us get out of ourselves and put it in his briefcase. The other Funny Business and the seriousness of the moment. guy said, 'Why did you do that?' The One sign of a great workplace is In adversity or stress it changes our first man said, 'I didn't want my wife laughter. "Humor makes the work perspective. In fact, the nature of a and children to hear this!' That bit of place more fun," observes joke is that it takes you down a path humor broke the flow of the argu-Culberson. "If you have a playful or and then leads you a different way. ment. After something like that, you fun work environment people want It's that shift that leads to the laugh-cannot continue in the same frame to be there and they contribute ter. When we face problems, that of mind." more. There is less conflict and more shift of perspective keeps us from According to Culberson, not only teamwork. Humor is a part of focusing on the stress." does humor make communication Southwest Airlines'corporate philos- "We can't usually laugh at the easier, research shows people tend to ophy, and not only is the airline adversity but we can often laugh in be attracted to those with a sense of profitable, it consistently ranks in the midst of it," observes Culberson. humor. the top 10 best companies to work "There is a difference. When you There's no doubt that something for in the United States." laugh at it, you take the risk of funny gets people's attention. Staid work environments can pres-offending others, but laughing in Culberson claims humor makes ent a challenge for the eager merry-the midst of it is just laughing at information more memorable maker. "Humor is not to put people something funny that is happening whether that information is in an off, but bring them together," says at the time." email, a newsletter, a formal presen-Culberson. "Forcing people to wear Actor Kirk Douglas is known to tation, or an advertisement. clown noses in a meeting could have said that a toothache delayed "Research shows that when teachers make people uncomfortable if they his death, a story related in his book use humor to highlight specific don't want to do silly things in front My Stroke of Luck. Culberson believes points, not only do students remem-of others. But you can share a tasteful cartoon, a joke, or a funny story at the beginning of a meeting and the humor will transform the meeting atmosphere." He continues, "Not long ago I met with a group of U.S. District Court staff. They manage many of the administrative details the courts. A small group talked about how much they hate opening and reviewing all the mail. So, they decided they would put a surprise in the mail for the person opening the mail. One surprise was a candy bar. This made each of them more eager to take their turn at opening the mail. This bit of humor didn't put people off or make them uncomfortable. The surprise just made the task more pleasant." "Think about how to make the process more fun. For example, you might add a humor column to a newsletter or add a cartoon to a presentation. You could try putting fictitious job titles on doors. One company had employees put their own baby pictures on their doors. In another office, someone put a picture from the newspaper above the copy machine and all day people wrote funny captions while they were waiting for the machine to finish copying." When Culberson worked in a psychiatric hospital the majority of the staff were young professionals, 25- to 35-years-old, and they were dynamic, fun, and playful. "We used to play practical jokes on each other. For instance, a coworker would say you had a phone call. You might just find that the phone had K-Y Jelly in the earpiece! It made the workplace more fun and the pranks helped us to cope with the stresses of the job." Clowning Around for Creativity According to humor expert and comedian Allie Bowling, using humor can increase a group's cre clip. Since they feel so good, they understand right away." She emphasizes, "When you have a good laugh it releases endorphins and you feel good for a time. You don't have to laugh for 10 minutes. Even if you have a great laugh for 30 seconds it clears your mind, you're ativity. "When people are asked to happy, your muscles relax, and you meet and brainstorm on a subject, have a feeling of euphoria. This pre-that puts tremendous strain on the pares you to concentrate." group. Basically you're telling them Bowling continues, "Humor takes to come up with ideas on the spot. I your mind completely off other always suggest to people that they things. When people come togethdo something humorous as a group er-as with brainstorming-maybe before they brainstorm, for example, someone just finished talking to they can watch a humor clip such as their spouse about a problem or I Love Lucy for 10 minutes. I tell the someone else is up against a dead- audience why I showed them the line. In some way they aren't quite there with you. I truly believe humor helps people sit down and focus. You April Fool's Day: Start of 28th Annual National Humor Month " 'All Fool's Day' has been sanctioned frivolity and pranks ever since the 1500's," says Larry Wilde, founder of National Humor Month. To learn more about how you can commemorate the month or l earn more about humor, take a look at these websites. www.aath.org The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor promotes the advancement and understanding of humor, laughter, and play. Click on "resources" for an extensive reading list on this subject. www.alliebowling.com Allie Bowling is the speaker with a mind for business and a mouth for humor. Bowling shows people how to incorporate humor into their work and life activities to maximize their professional and personal relationships. www.funsulting.com Through his presentations and seminars, Ron Culberson teaches how humor can reduce stress, improve communication, and create a healthy new perspective that leads to better creativity, team work, and productivity. Find out more at this website. www.funcilitators.com Gail Hahn has a page on her site where you'll find things to help you in your humorous efforts. On the home page, click on "parFUNalia." www.humorproject.com The HUMOR Project, Inc. is "Making the world happier, one smile at a time" and is the first organization in the world to focus full-time on the positive power of humor. Join Ron Culberson, Goldie Hawn and others for 50 practical and inspiring sessions during the 19th Annual Humor Project International Conference, April 16-18, 2004, in Saratoga Springs, New York. The conference theme is "The Positive Power of Humor, Hope, and Healing." www.otaql.umd.edu/amst/humorcenter The Art Gliner Center for Humor Studies at the University of Maryland supports the study of the vital role of humor in social and cultural life through research and teaching. www.thehumorcollection.org The Humor Collection provides humor resources to health care services, community programs, and individuals who enjoy a good laugh or chuckle. Check their large resource list or, if you want an immediate grin, go to the "links" section and click on "A Collection of Jokes and Other Fun Stuff." lighten the attitude in the room to get the creative environment you need for your business." Bowling clarifies, "Humor isn't about telling jokes. They are really quite subjective. I don't think you should expect your staff or the facilitator to make it funny. Make it neutral. Use something that's been out there and is already a very accepted, PG form of humor." Bowling says someone could read something by a humor writer. Authors Garrison Keillor, Erma Bombeck, and Dave Barry are among the many possibilities. The story should be short, humorous, PG, and inclusive, that is, everyone can relate to it. The length of it should be relative to the amount of time you'll be together. Bowling explains, "If it's 60 minutes, then use the first five to ten minutes to get relaxed through humor. If you have 30 minutes, then allow two to three minutes to get the group in the mood. The activity should be done collectively during the meeting so they have the experience at the same time. That's important for the group dynamics." "You have to start slowly," states Bowling. "You cannot say, 'Ok, we're going to have more fun.' You also don't have to walk on eggshells with humor particularly if you have a number of ideas up your sleeve. You'd be surprised what energy humor starts when it's used at the beginning of a meeting or work session." Bowling adds a caveat, "My experience is that when you ask people for something funny, they often come up with something below the belt. I worry about that. You don't have to do that to have fun." Celebratory Shenanigans Are celebrations in your office feeling less like fun and more like obligations or interruptions in the middle of a hectic day? Culberson acknowledges, "If it's bland it isn't going to be fun. The people who want to have fun-the humor experts already there-are the people who should have responsibility for the event." Culberson spent 10 years working as a social worker, a middle manager, and a senior manager in hospice care before he launched FUNsulting, etc. "When I worked for hospice, we had an annual night out to recognize staff and volunteers for their work. We wanted to have food and fun. One year we gave fake academy awards. For example, someone got stuck in the elevator during the year so we gave him the 'Stuck on the Way Up Award.'" Culberson adds, "Humor should not be targeted at other people unless you know they are okay. with it. You have to know them well or ask permission. I once hosted a program with Tony Randall. He was about 76 and had just married a woman who was 26. I spoke to him ahead of time and asked permission to poke a little fun at him. At the very beginning of the evening I said, 'You know, Mr. Randall, we have something in common. We both married 26 year olds. But I married mine when I was 27!' That got a lot of laughs because it had a feeling of being a taboo subject." "There are theories that suggest there is always underlying anger or aggression under all humor. There is probably some truth in that," says Culberson. "We're poking fun at an imbalance or a disconnect. But if you're doing it with someone's permission, they can take it in stride. If it's not someone you know well, it could be construed as offensive." Management-Approved Mirth If your workplace needs to lighten up, Culberson gives this advice: "It can only work in an organization when it is approved from the top. Most executives don't mind it but they often don't understand its benefit. Sometimes we have to sit down and talk about it. We can say why we think it would be helpful and then say, 'I hope you'll support this.' My experience is that the front-line people love it. Similarly, the top echelon of organizations love it because they often have a creative or visionary perspective." Culberson talks about the folks who are shy or more reserved. "I don't like to force people to have fun. In time, people will come around on their own. If someone doesn't participate initially, they are still getting the benefit of the others in the group." "I am careful about the jokes I tell," says Culberson. "Humor needs to be clean and bring people together, not turn people away. We don't need to be foul or put other people down to have fun. If I have any doubts at all, I err on the conservative side. Self-deprecating humor or nonsense humor is usually fine." Just as humor at work can improve the time there, surrounding yourself with humor can make life easier. Bowling says, "I have little whimsical things in my home and office. I have funny cards from my friends and I have a picture of Lucille Ball on my computer. I have an American Express advertisement that's a picture of two women wearing wigs that look like cotton candy. The ad text is 'Take risks in life but not with your credit.' I like words that I can read over and over again but still make me laugh. Photos of animals are usually funny. I save humorous things and put them up so they are always in front of me." www.voiceofthehill.com "Look at anything that isn't fun or seems like drudgery," suggests Culberson. "Then ask, ' How can we make that process more fun?' I know someone who shared the fun through their answering machine message. The message said, 'The answering machine is out of order so this is the refrigerator. Leave a message and I'll write it down and stick it to my door.'" Culberson's family has "family nights" that are intended to be fun. "We play games, have pizza, or maybe go to a movie. With our hectic schedules, these are ways to be sure we have family time together. Even simpler, at dinner we can have more fun by each sharing a funny thing that happened that day. Harpo Marx's son said at the end of the day his dad would ask them to tell the worst thing that happened that day. Then Harpo would twist it into something funny." "To lighten up in personal relationships, it's the same as in business relationships," says Bowling. "I do the same things but I have more flexibility and I have the luxury of continuing a relationship," says Bowling. "You've just got to make the best of things. You have to look at the funny side. You have to roll with the punches. Life is short and unfortunately we don't realize how short it is until we're dealt a blow." Bowling concludes, "When people meet me and when they find out I speak about humor, they never say, 'Oh, I have enough of that.' To the contrary, they say, 'Who couldn't use more of that?' I believe there is a humor deficit in our country and there doesn't have to be." Laurie Lindsay, RD, LD, loves to laugh. She is a contributing writer for The Voice of the Hill. As a registered and licensed dietitian, 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. LauriAomari.com for more information URBAN GARDENING The Redbud Tree A hopeful garden author's first "novel" BY MARK HOLLER can remember the first time I saw for a festive occasion. Oh, okay, pura redbud tree. It was while walk-ple, pinkish, magenta, whatever ing about the North Carolina color you assign to this tree, you will State University Campus in come to know and appreciate its Raleigh, trudging behind my profes-beauty. While in flower, they are sor with the other horticulture stu-especially noticeable on the edges dents , diligently scribbling notes, and fringes of woodlands, and I have and trying to listen to his praise of seen them occurring abundantly in all the flora and fauna as we passed nature while driving the I-95 corriby. "We live in a paradise," he'd dor from Georgia all the way to DC. often say. Now, I know he was cor-After flowering, the redbud tree rect. The environment in North will provide a nice shade to the gar-Carolina supports such an incredible den . Newly emerging leaves have a array of plant species, from the purplish hint which quickly turns mountains all the way to the coastal green. The lustrous medium to dark plains. I consider myself fortunate to green leaves vary from 3" to 5" have been able to spend those first across, often wider than long. My years of college there where a great experience is that this tree lends impression was made on my young, itself to pruning and thinning impressionable brain. depending on how much light you "Cercis canadensis," he'd say. Isn't need to filter through to the plants that a lovely name for a tree? Yes, it below. I should remind you though is-it's the botanical name for red-that the flowering occurs on old bud. I thought I'd begin my first gar-wood, so don't become too overzealdening column with a look at small ous when thinning. This year's new ornamental trees suitable for the growth may not produce many flow-city garden. I seem to get more ques-ers the next season. tions about this than anything else. I have always enjoyed the layered It will require many columns to effect the branches seem to have cover all the city trees I care to rec-formed on mature trees. Black , or ommend, but here's a start. brownish black, is the color of the The eastern redbud tree is native bark and trunk as the tree ages. all the way from Canada to Florida While this may not sound so beautiand Texas. It is a deciduous tree, ful, I find it adds a nice touch to the which can grow up to 30 feet tall by garden if there are plants nearby 25 feet wide. However, the average is that play off this darkness. For closer to 20 by 15. The growth rate is instance, nothing is more pleasing fast when young. From sun to partial to my eye than the spring green of shade is where you'll find this tree, an unfurling fern frond against the and it prefers fertile soil with good dark bark of the redbud while its drainage. But that doesn't mean you leaves emerge to protect the inhabi-won't find it thriving in other condi-tants below. My imagination finds tions where it is receiving good fer-the redbud tree to lend a Japanese tilization care and water during feeling to its space...when I think of drought periods. the process of the bloom period, the If you have never noticed this tree, clustered arrangement of the blooms you soon will as they will be break-on the stems, the layered branches , ing into full flower in our region any and the darkness of the bark. But day. They will appear to have tiny that's just me. magenta lights running up and Moving on , the fall color of the down the stems as if carefully lighted leaves is not the greatest aspect of flowering form of this tree-and can be quite rare in cultivation. It is not a sought after beauty and therefore not often found in production. If white flowers are what you are seek ing, there are too many other trees that will better satisfy that require ment in my opinion. "Forest Pansy' has an incredibly bright reddish-pur- ple leaf which finally changes to a more subdued green as the season progresses. However, this trait is one of the best found in purple foliage as far I am concerned and it is fairly readily available at nurseries. 'Oklahoma' is a variety with dark, dark purple flowers. This one can also prove to be a little difficult to track down at times. 'Silver Cloud' is a selection that has large splashes of white to creamy white variegation in the leaves. It is stunning to view, and does best in cooler climates where the variegation holds better. In any this species. Fall leaf color seems event the leaves tend to turn greener most often to be a muted yellow- as summer progresses. This one does sometimes brighter. Despite the not flower nearly as well. tree's lack of bright fall pigment, I Finally, I would like to mention really enjoy the seed pods after the that there is a Chinese redbud tree. If leaves have fallen. One rarely used correctly in the garden, it is a notices these beauties while the stunning specimen in bloom and large leaves are hiding them. But, can be nicely incorporated into the just when you are ready for some shrub border. The tree that I have cooler sweater weather, you can just swooned over is the eastern red-count on the rustling of the seed bud. Cercis chinensis, (Chinese red-pods to signal the oncoming of the bud), is a small tree or large multi-cold. Yes, I do enjoy this rustle. stemmed shrub depending on one's Listen for it... as it emits a soothing point of view. The average size is and calming effect to life's otherwise usually about twelve feet tall and hurried pace. maybe eight feet wide at maturity. I haven't had many problems with The bloom period is the same as the the redbud here in DC, especially if eastern relative , in late March or in you make certain that the soil will April. However, the flower color is drain well. Even soil ph is not a prob-deeper and actually often more pro-lem for redbuds. Proper drainage will fuse than the eastern redbud. So help prevent canker disease and given our space limitations, this one Verticillium wilt which seem to be may even be the one to better fit that the very occasional problems corner of your garden or to incorpoencountered with the redbud. As rate into the back of your perennial with any ornamental tree, one may bed. Either way, you will not be dis-have to occasionally spray for leaf appointed with the abundant beauty chewing insects and scale...none of of the spring blooms from the genus which should prevent you from 'Cercis'. enjoying this true beauty. Redbuds are available as container-grown Mark Holler is the owner of Ginkgo trees and as balled and burlapped Gardens garden center. This is the frst specimens. in a series of articles on urban garden-There are some variations (culti-ing (or whatever catches his fancy at the vars) of this tree, a few of which I time). should mention. 'Alba' is a white Calling All Readers: Do You Have an 'Amazing Space?' If you have recently transformed your living space from dull to delightful or from ordinary to extraordinary, you could be part of a series of upcoming articles in The Voice of the Hill. We want to write about your vision, ambition and steps taken to turn your dream living room, kitchen or bedroom into a reality. Write to Andrew Noyes, assistant editor, at voice@andrewnoyes.net. AMAZING SP ACES From Culinary Catastrophe to a Silensky-Lowe is most proud of her six-burner industrial range that she got for a steal at $1,000. A youth hostel in downtown DC had ordered three before learning they didn't meet fire code regulations and promptly put an advertisement in the Washington City Paper. It took the strength of five men to carry it into her house, and she had to call the fire marshal to make sure it was safe to use an industrial appliance in a residence, she reminisces. "It's so powerful that we have to light it each time we use it," she boasts. "There's not a gas line running down Independence (Avenue) large enough to run this at full." One burner can put out about 60,000 BTUs. Then, she came across a matching Whirlpool refrigerator and bought a used portable dishwasher for $30 and installed it beneath her kitchen counter. "I didn't think that living without a kitchen would be as hard as it was," she reminisces. Much of the home improvement took place in the middle of winter; what was left of her kitchen was stored in her small dining room while she worked. "I don't even know how we were cooking. I think we called Domino's a lot." Cooking is a family affair for Silensky-Lowe's brood, so having an appropriate kitchen made sense. She has always been fascinated by the culinary arts. Her husband, Chris, is a trained chef, and her father has taken up cookery in his retirement. "The (old) kitchen just had to go," she quips. She and Chris make everything from cräme brulÇe to chicken picata to hot and sour soup-and they both now have plenty of workspace. The reactions from family and friends have been astounding, Silensky-Lowe says. Her father in Arizona boasts about his daughter's handiwork, amazed that so much kitchenware can fit into such a small space. "This is so much nicer," she coos. "But it's still a work in progress." Next, Silensky-Lowe has to finish refurbishing their upstairs bathroom. She has already replaced the cruddy old synthetic tile with real Italian tile and is going to replace all the fixtures and paint the walls. She has also been toying with expanding on the house - either by adding to the back of the home or expanding upward by installing a spiral staircase to a rooftop deck. Andrew Noyes is assistant editor of Voice of the Hill. If you've recently finished creating an amazing space in your home and you'd like to be featured in our pages, email voice@ andrewnoyes.net. BY ANDREW NOYES t all started with the dire need to replace Valerie Silensky-Lowe's sagging, timeworn pink vinyl floor in her Independence Avenue, SE kitchen. A mammoth stainless steel stove and matching refrigerator alongside a new sink and wooden countertops followed. "One thing led to another; it's been a blessing," Silensky-Lowe muses as she adoringly eyeballs her renovated workspace. "I didn't think that fixing the floor would lead to revamping of the entire kitchen." After many years of renting, this was Silensky-Lowe's first owned home. She couldn't afford to spend gobs of money at the outset, so she took matters into her own hands by combing newspaper classifieds to creatively assemble her dream kitchen. Silensky-Lowe used to attend seminars at the Washington Design Center and fantasized about the model kitchens presented there. "I thought, 'gee, if I had $500 to spend on a countertop, I could do that. If I Valerie in her new galley. Cook's Kitchen had $5,000 to spend on a kitchen, I could do that.'" The reality, however, was that her budget was tight and the need to modernize the space couldn't wait. Part of the reason her renovation is so interesting is because her home does not lie within the pristine boundaries of Capitol Hill's pricey historical district. "There's always so much renovation going on there - it's always so beautiful and expensive and nice," she says. "We can't all live in that historic district and we can't all afford it." Much of the renovation came from necessity upon moving into the three-bedroom house in July 2000. Replacing the floor meant ripping out the bottom shelf of cabinets and "it kind of became a spiral," she adds. Formerly, the kitchen's rear wall had one small window that had been boarded up by previous tenants and a door that "barely opened" and, in fact, did not budge if someone needed to access foodstuffs inside the nearby refrigerator. The kitchen was cramped and the ventilation was inadequate when cooking - so much so that her pet cockatiel learned to imitate the sound of the frequently blaring smoke alarm. Silensky-Lowe's goal was to open the space up and make it "light and airy." She remedied the situation by knocking out the back wall and installing a custom sliding glass door that opens up to a patio and grassy expanse. This project proved to be quite tricky. The house's aging infrastructure made it difficult for the contractor to complete the work, she recalls. The wall's thin wood paneling was stripped off to reveal aging, crumbling bricks and mortar that had to be reinforced and stabilized. "There was a very real danger that the back of the house could fall down," she recalls. Out with the Old... A gigantic set tub and washing machine were positioned in the front corner of the kitchen, and smack-dab in the middle of the kitchen floor stood a full-sized dryer. She scrapped the old washer and dryer and replaced them with a more modern appliance. "There's no basement and no attic here," she affirms. "It's a tight house. What you see is what you get." She swings open the double doors of the pantry to expose "the entire apparatus, the stuff that keeps the house going": a compact, stacked washer/dryer wedged beside the furnace. Paramount in her quest was to put a powder room on the first floor in the space that the junked set tub inhabited. "You don't want to have to go upstairs [to the full bath] and you don't want guests to have to traipse through everybody's bedroom," she says. "It's the smallest powder room you've ever seen - small but functional." PerformingArts Roundup BY JULIO ARGöELLO , JR. on't let April showers dampen your spirits...instead enrich your soul by checking out several new productions. For starters, Se§or Discretion Himself debuts at Arena Stage. This play tells the miraculous story of a small, fictional Mexican village where the town drunk, Pancito, becomes the town's unwilling prophet. The Folger Theatre presents The Comedy of Errors. This play about the mistaken identities of two sets of identical twins separated at birth create a circus of confusion in one of Shakespeare's most farcical comedies. The Studio Theatre presents Far Away, a play about the coming of age of a girl in a culture that is immersed in mindless war. Theatre Alliance presents Boy Gets Girl. This play explores the sexual and political fine line between what is romance and what is considered to be obsession. The Washington National Opera returns to the renovated Kennedy Center Opera House with Manon Lescaut. Manon is a young woman who runs off with an impoverished student and then later abandons him for an elderly rich patron. She later rekindles her affair with the student but must face dire consequences for her actions. La Cenerentola is Rossini's magical retelling of the Cinderella story. Mistreated by her greedy stepfather and social-climbing stepsisters, Cinderella goes from rags to riches when she wins the heart of a prince who changes places with his valet to search for his true love. Finally, Los Big Names makes its world debut in the Film Theatre at the Kennedy Center. Los Big Names is about a Latina lesbian actress on the set of a science fiction movie, preparing for her death scene, and the spiritual presence of her parents. ARENA STAGE Comedy of Errors is mayhem as only tickets online go to: www.shake-Shakespeare can manufacture. spearetheatre.org or call the Box Se§or Discretion Himself Tickets range from $25-$48. To Office at 202-547-1122. April 9-30 order tickets online, go to: www.fol-ger.edu or call the box office at 202Se§or Discretion Himself is the mirac-544-7077. STANISLAVSKY THEATER ulous story of a small, fictional STUDIO Me xican village where the town drunk, Pancito, becomes the town's THE SHAKESPEARE Fathers and Sons unwilling prophet. Full of unique and vibrant characters, Senor THEATRE April 1-25 Discretion Himself gives its audience Henry IV, Part II When first published in 1862, an intimate glimpse of love, heart April 1-30 Turgenyev's tale of a divided Russia, and magic in small town Mexico. with peasants set against masters Se§or Discretion Himself makes its On hearing the news of the death of and fathers against sons, caused debut on the Fichandler Stage. his son, Hotspur, the Earl of great outrage. Almost 150 years later, Tickets range from $48 - $61. To Northumberland joins forces with it is famous for its exciting mixture order tickets online, go to: www.are-those of the Archbishop of York and of social and moral insights and nastage.org or call the sales office at prepares to advance against the strong dramatic style giving it a uni 202- 488-3300. King's army. As the King's health versal and enduring appeal. deteriorates, the young Prince Hal Brian Friel, arguably Ireland's distances himself from his old friend most acclaimed living playwright, THE FOLGER THEATRE Falstaff and accepts the burdens and has transformed the timeless themes The Comedy of Errors duties of his royal position. Shakes-of this literary masterpiece into peare examines concepts of honor, issues as relevant here in Washing-April 14-30 duty, law and the struggle between ton, DC, as in a forward-looking the public and private man as the Ireland today, creating an outstand- The mistaken identities of two sets of ing adaptation of the Russian origi identical twins separated at birth mantle of kingship passes from father to son. nal. create a circus of confusion in one of Shakespeare's most farcical come-Tickets range from $44.50 to $66. Fathers and Sons makes its debut at There are also a limited number of the Stanislavsky Theater Studio. dies. Maddening complications arise Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets Tickets range from $25-36. To order as both sets of twins run amok in available at the Box Office sales win- tickets online go to: www.sts- each other's lives. Staged as a retro dow for $10 (cash only). To order send-up to the slapstick style, The online.org or call the Box Office at 800-494-8497. THE STUDIO THEATRE Far Away April 1-30 Far Away is the story of ten years in the life of a girl named Joan, whose presence connects the three scenes of the play. As she grows from a child into a woman, looming over her coming of age is a culture immersed in mindless war. While the action of the play is simple, the work is also dense: rich with specificity, highlighted by spectacular and strange visual twists, and unafraid of metaphor that encompasses many meanings. Its unique cruel and whimsical sensibility means that the outrageous is normal, no one is to be trusted, the hats are sinister and the cats have come in on the side of the French. Far Away makes its debut in the Mead Theatre. Tickets range from $33 to $45. To order tickets online go to: www.studiotheatre.org or call the Box Office at 202-332-3300. THEATER ALLIANCE Boy Gets Girl April 22-30 Boy Gets Girl presents a frightening glimpse into what can lie in wait for those searching for love in the city. On a blind date, girl meets boy, boy becomes fixated, girl is forced to change her life, and even herself, in order to escape the relentless pursuit of the boy. This play explores the sexual and political fine line between what is romance and what is considered to be obsession. Boy Gets Girl debuts at the H Street Playhouse. Tickets range from $20 to $25 and seating is general admission. To order tickets online go to: www.theateralliance.com or call the Box office at (202) 396-2125. THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA Manon Lescaut April 1-19 Bound for a French convent, Manon Lescaut decides to run off instead with the Chevalier des Grieux, an impoverished student. After deserting him for a life of luxury with an elderly patron, her feelings are rekindled when des Grieux reappears. But www.voiceofthehill.com her wealthy benefactor plots a revenge that sends foolish, frivolous Manon to despair in a distant land. Filled with lush melodies, passionate duets, and a host of famous arias, Manon Lescaut gave Puccini his first important operatic success. La Cenerentola April 3-22 Mistreated by her greedy stepfather and social-climbing step-sisters, our heroine goes from rags to riches when she wins the heart of a prince who changes places with his valet to search for his true love. Manon Lescaut and La Cenerentola both make their debut in the Opera House at the Kennedy Center. Tickets range from $41-$285. To order tickets online, go to: www.dc-opera.org or call the ticket office at 202-295-2400. WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY Los Big Names April 1-18 On the set of a science fiction movie, inside the smallest trailer in Hollywood, a latina lesbian actress prepares for her upcoming underwater death scene. With her in spirit are her Cuban comedian dad and her Puerto Rican belly dancer mom coaching her, upstaging her and hijacking her back to the barrio of New York. Los Big Names makes its world debut in the Film Theatre at the Kennedy Center. Tickets range from $24-$39. To order tickets online, go to www.kenndy-center.org or call the box office at 202-467-4600. Julio ArgÅello Jr. is a freelance editor/writer. He writes the Performing Arts Roundup in the Voice each month. Examining 'Counter' Culture on the Hill BY JUDITH C APEN Dear Judith: Our kitchen is pretty much okay except for the countertops. I thought I'd replace them for lots less than an entire new kitchen. What are my choices and what are their advantages, disadvantages, etc. TOPLESS ON STANTON PARK Dear Topless: Indeed, replacing countertops is much, much less expensive than doing an entire kitchen, even if you opt for the very most expensive alternatives. And, it can be a cost effective way to make a big difference. For instance, replacing that in-your-face burnt orange plastic laminate counter could let you live with the otherwise okay but not great kitchen for another decade while you save up for the real kitchen redo. But, it seems too bad to me to spend big bucks on zillions of square feet of granite for a kitchen that really wants to be completely reconfigured. Big bucks invested in granite will deter you from biting the bullet and getting down to redoing the kitchen. For a long time, the dream countertop was Corian (brand name of a solid surface material manufactured by our better-living-through-chem-istry pals at Dupont). Then people discovered granite, probably for the very good reason that it cost about the same as Corian, so, if you were going to pay that much, why not get granite instead of very expensive plastic? When Corian got some competition from Wilsonart and Formica, I hoped the price of the solid surface materials would come down. As of October 2003, Corian and granite were still running about the same (approximately $50 a square foot) with the competitors running from $5 to $25 a square foot more. Go figure. If you ever wondered why plastic laminate (brand names: Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar....) counters are so ubiquitous, consider their cost at around $12 a square foot. There are lots and lots of other kitchen counter materials, of course. Each one has advantages and disadvantages, and most of them go in and out of style. At one time, linoleum (see my January 2003 column for more about linoleum) was used for countertops, as was porcelein enamel on steel. Of course, if you look at the counters in just about every kitchen on any house tour, you'll see how the house tour crowd is voting. Marble: Especially good if you make a lot of pastry or candy. But it is a relatively soft and porous stone that scratches, stains, and is chemically acted upon by various common kitchen chemicals. We Americans seem to like new, and marble will not look shiny brand new for very long. However, for the house in Provence or Tuscany with that look of well-lived in charm, marble with its tendency to look well-used would be good. Or, if you like new and never cook, marble could be fine. Marble was often used in the Victorian era for washstand tops, and some people on the Hill are fortunate enough to have these original marble tops. They were usually that flat gray that must have been the plastic laminate/Formica of the day. If you were interested in a period look for your kitchen, maybe you'd want to consider that, knowing the downsides. Granite: Granite is a wonderful, tough, virtually indestructible surface, especially good for people who plan never to redo this kitchen again. (Our city curb stones are granite for a reason...) As stone, it is pretty terminal when you drop things on it, but then glasses will break when dropped on any counter. I can think of two major disadvantages to granite. The default surface for granite is highly polished, which can be disturbingly reflective. A very shiny surface is also unforgiving of sloppy cleaning: like glass, it shows smears and streaks. To get a less polished surface means a significant additional charge. The second shortcoming, in my mind, is that granite is obviously very "in" right now. So you have to decide whether you are a granite-type person. Other stones: Eighteen years ago we put stone counters in our kitchen-on-a-budget using a Virginia stone called "Alberene." Back then it was not very expensive, certainly more than plastic laminate but much less than Corian or granite. (You can look it up using Google and "alberene.") They call it "soapstone" and it was used for laboratory counters for many years. Our counters have a sort of finish: every now and then we scrub them down with soap and then apply mineral oil, which is more maintenance than a harder stone, like granite, requires. Also, the counter edges, softer than granite, have acquired some divots. But since we like patina, that's fine with us. Another really nice thing about stone counters is that it is a thick material so it can be shaped, like with integral drain boards. Ceramic tile: It seems like ceramic tile is subject to the vagaries of fashion. Cleaning the joints was always a potential issue but there was a time when ceramic tile counters added color and heat-proof surfaces to the kitchen. Nowadays, people focus on the joint cleaning issues... You could get a budget stone counter with the widely available one foot by one foot stone tiles in granite or marble. Then you have many fewer joints than ceramic tile in its typically smaller modules. I would recommend installing either stone or ceramic tiles with the smallest possible joints, with a dark colored grout. Ceramic or stone tile counters will be about as unforgiving for droppage as granite. Butcher block: Butcher block has pretty much disappeared from the counter material lexicon because of (wellfounded) worries about bacteria... Stainless steel: Stainless steel is another wonderful material that we love to use because of its corrosion resistance. Although lately appearing on high end appliances, it has long been a staple of commercial kitchen counters and food prep surfaces because the health department requires it. In a residential kitchen it would certainly make a statement next to your five-foot Vulcan range. Stainless steel counters are completely custom and would undoubtedly run more than any other counter material. However, for the germ obsessive, it would be the very best choice, as attested to by the NSF! (NSF are the folks that make the standards and regulate commercial kitchen equipment.) Before you decide stainless steel is the "look" you want, take a close look at your stainless steel kitchen sink. Notice the scratches. Stainless steel may arrive from the fabricator with a lovely brushed finish, but it will soon look like your sink. Plastic laminate: Plastic laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, etc.) is available in an astonishing variety of colors, and the technology is such that it is very easy to get someone to make it up and prices are very competitive. However, because it is a relatively thin surface glued to a substrate, it has a tendency to delaminate. Edges of counters may flap or corners break off. Repairing the flapping bits of delaminated plastic laminate is fairly easy, but the broken corners are harder. This is in contrast to granite, virtually indestructible, and Corian/solid surface materials that can be sanded and repaired like wood. As plastic, it is soft-ish so if you go after some particularly persistent spot too aggressively you are likely to get scratches. Also, with time and wiping, the surface sort of wears down and off. In my experience, plastic laminate is good for about 14 years in high use areas. Finally, the common substrate for plastic laminate is particle board, which swells when it gets wet. Thus, around sinks you frequently find funky deterioration. (That problem can be easily solved by using exterior grade plywood for the substrate, for more money, of course.) The cheapness and tendency toward deterioration of plastic laminate may be an advantage if you get tired of stuff and like to redecorate... Materials I haven't even heard of: It seems like a new cool material is Silestone. This is apparently the stone equivalent to meat loaf: real bits of stone, quartz, bound together in a resin, just like meat loaf is real bits of meat bound together by an egg. The product has the advantage of all manufactured products, uniformity and consistency, while incorporating real stone. It is supposedly durable, but we may have to wait to see. It's available in fake, granite look alikes, but better yet in some stunning colors not trying to imitate nature. General advice: Ease: You should consider the "bother" factor in your countertop decision. If you're working 60 hours a week, one of the dogs is getting old, and that piece of trim, loose since 2001 when it got whacked moving in the new couch, still hasn't been reinstalled, you should consider one of the countertop materials that are pretty easy to come by (basically, the standards of solid surface, plastic laminate, and granite.) Get an idea of price, pick one, have someone come out and measure (very carefully since our houses tend not to be square), then come back to install. However, if you are an energetic person who researches like crazy, discovers all sorts of things talking with people, and is willing to take a little, or a lot, more time to figure stuff out, you might be a good candidate for one of the off-the-beaten path options. Color: Those of you who have been reading this column for a while or have heard me rant about colors already know my position, but for those who don't, I can sum it up with two simple statements: yellow is never the answer and white is almost never the answer. I'll leave yellow alone and focus on why white is almost never the answer: dirt. Unless you have nothing better to do than clean, polish, and attack those joints with a toothbrush, white is asking for trouble. White stuff looks wonderfully new and fresh for one hot instant, then it is all downhill (unless you're an obsessive cleaner). The real problem with that dirty look is that "clean" is an absolute while the littlest smudge on a white something is "dirty." You really can't win. I've known of people who gave away or threw away major and minor fully functional white appliances because they were grubby looking... Natural vs. manufactured. Real vs. fake. Natural materials usually have more range and naturally occurring variety in them than manufactured materials, which are specifically designed to be uniform. Some natural materials, like marble, are more susceptible to chemicals than some artificial materials, like Corian. My advice is: if you select a manufactured material, glory in its ability to be anything. Don't go for fake granite in your Corian. Never never use wood grain plastic laminate. Instead, ask your manufactured material to do what natural materials can't do in uniformity or color. Disclaimer and explanation of research methodology: The prices were solicited via the high-tech method asking Greg to call Lowe 's. You can probably pay more by having particular preferences, colors, or special edges or maybe less by dealing with the person your cousin's sister-in-law, whose shop is out past Frederick... Left in the Dark Dear Judith: The old light by our front door, on the outside of our house, is finally going to have to go as it's worn and now slowly falling away from the wall. It's not original to the house by any means, but probably dates from the 1950s. My question is: is there any historically appropriate light fixture we should consider for our row house? What did these houses have as front lights, if anything? This one is attached to the house, on the left of the front door as you face it. It's attractive, but looks like it could be anywhere: in the burbs, in Boston, in Sacramento, etc. I do know that whatever we replace it with has to be on the small side (or it will look like a neon sign), and I prefer black metal to shiny brass, because the former seems more in tune with the house and its black painted cast iron stairs, fence, bars, etc. LIGHTLY FIXED ON MARYLAND Dear Fixed:. I think few, if any, of our old row houses originally had exterior lights. The nineteenth century was generally much dimmer at night than today's "light the night for safety." It is hard to date when our houses were electrified, but it seems most of Capitol Hill's row houses, mostly pre 1893, were built with gas lighting. Exterior gas light fixtures in the nineteenth century were typically street lights. I have yet to find evidence of gas piping to front door fixtures. Thus we don't really have a lot of precedents for lighting at front doors. Even though your house probably did not have one originally, you could select an appropriate looking, nineteenth century-ish fixture, and install it. My favorite source for economical, reliable, and appropriate looking lighting for old houses is Rejuvenation (rejuvenation.com). Fixtures that looked right to me included their Paulina, Alsea, Nyssa, Newport, Portland, Cascadia, and Dayton models. You'll have to look at them carefully relative to size as a couple of those fixtures are somewhat grand and would look silly on a little row house. Renovator's Supply has some exterior fixtures but you have to be more selective to avoid the shiny brass carriage lamp sort. (I never did quite understand carriage lanterns from the eighteenth century mounted on houses...kind of like using car headlights today for exterior lighting.) Finally, we once found a fine exterior light fixture at Maurice Electric. You will have to be even more careful there as they have plenty of dross... However, they're close, just off New York Avenue, and good for immediate gratification. (Ask for Jan and tell him I sent you.) It's important to have an image of an appropriate fixture in mind and not be distracted by the preponderance of phony-Colony light fixtures. There's another acceptable preservation approach to the exterior lighting problem: go modern. Because your house probably didn't have exterior lighting originally and because you are now replacing an inappropriate one, you can be up front about these facts by not trying to be nineteenth century. This approach doesn't create any possible confusion about what was there originally nor suggest an appearance that did not exist in the nineteenth century. Whatever you decide: good luck! Judith Capen, Capitol Hill preservation architect, author of this column, and MUPPY (Middle-Aged Urban Professional) is happy to report she doesn't fit the YUPPY stereotype of self-absorbed consumer. THIGPENHALL &ASSOCIATES SMALL BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL Bobby Thigpen 202.546.7734 That Little Bundle of Joy BY LIND A NORTON he big day has arrived! You are on the way to the airport to pick up the new addition to your family. Something deep in the recesses of your mind has told you that your life is about to change dramatically...and you're right! No It's Not A Child...It's A Dog! We didn't venture internationally for our dog, as some people do; our search took us no further than Oglethorpe Street, NE, to the Washington Animal Rescue League. As our older son, Jackson, approached his tenth birthday, he came to us and said, "I've got everything in the whole world that I could want except one thing, a little furry pet...like a bunny." (his friend Alice had bunnies). Being caught off-guard we reacted with a careless,"a bunny? If we were to have a pet we'd rather have a dog than a bunny!" Oops! We didn't even tell our two sons where we were going until one Saturday, after soccer, when we were all in the car and headed out North Capitol Street. My husband and I secretly thought "maybe there won't be any dogs there that we like." The rest is history. We all melted instantly as we met far more wonderful dogs than we could ever adopt. We had young boys, so we went the puppy route (yes, of course the boys will love and take care of this wonderful bundle of joy and with the four of us doggie care won't be too much for any one of us to handle...ahem). Anyway, we adopted the cutest puppy we had ever seen and named her Eliza Graham Norton. It's a bit much, but it was our unused girl baby name and "Liza" seemed to suit her. As with so many children we call her that rarely, except when we're mad about something she has done. We were extremely fortunate that she is moderately well-behaved and has never been a destructive dog to the interior of our home, or to our yard. Now, approaching 14 years of age she is finally calming down, but not slowing down. It seems lately that whether decorating magazines are writing about a weekend getaway house or a baronial estate, pets feature prominently in the glossy photo layouts. Dogs and cats grace chaises and ottomans in the most elegant of homes; but it's no secret that living with pets can wreak havoc upon the inside of your house and its furnishings. Time and again, my heart has gone out to clients who are torn between loving their habitually destructive pets and wanting to have the home furnishings that they like. Many of us are out of the house for major blocks of time each day leaving our furry friends to "hold down the fort." Occasionally when we return it looks as if there's been a major skirmish at the fort in our absence. Fortunately there are steps that can be taken when purchasing furnishings for your home that will help to minimize the possible damage. If you let your pet sit on the furniture, you probably already know that even a clean pet leaves hair and body oils on the upholstery. The hair can be managed with any number of tools made especially for that purpose. Some animals shed more than others, but common sense should tell you not to buy a navy blue sofa if you have a long haired white cat. Fabrics with pile like velvet and chenille are hair magnets, glazed or tightly woven cottons, leather, linen blends, rayon and polyester don't tend to carry as much static electricity. The new "microfiber" fabrics are a godsend for people with pets or children (or for people who are just messy eaters). They are attractive, washable and soft to the touch. They come in a variety of finishes and are relatively inexpensive. It's a good idea to make sure that your sofa or chair cushions have zippers so that they may be removed and cleaned. Slipcovers provide for easy stain removal. If you get pure white cotton twill or canvas slipcovers they can be washed in hot water and even bleached to remove stubborn stains. Make sure that the slipcover fabric is pre-shrunk BEFORE the covers are made. Fortunately, the outdoor furnishing industry has spent a great deal of time and effort developing fabrics and trims that can be used outdoors without the scramble to get them undercover every time it rains. The most widely recognized of these is the "Sunbrella" brand. These extremely durable fabrics come in a wide array of solids, patterns and textures available in both contemporary and traditional designs. These are 100 percent acrylic and do not fade or hold stains. Designed to be left outside, slipcovers made of such fabric can even be hosed off if necessary. Though a bit on the stiff side, cordura nylon is used in many "chew proof" dog bed covers as is a new generation of fabrics presently sold under the name Crypton. What About the Floor? Pet stains on carpet are always a problem. The beautiful natural fibers and vegetable dyes valued in many handmade rugs are a bad combination for all kinds of stains. Their absorbency sucks up stains, odors and dander. Fortunately, most stains can be removed reasonably well if you find the right combination of cleaners. With synthetic nylons, acrylics and all kinds of "miracle fibers" the color is locked into the fibers before the yarns are spun, making them permanent and durable in the face of harsh cleaning. "Heat set" yarns are fused at the end of each little tuft to prevent unraveling. This is advantageous when your dog or cat is scratching the rug as well as when you are trying to scrub out those stubborn stains. Sisal rugs are available in every price range and are great looking and very practical for pets-loving households. There are even "indoor/outdoor" sisals which are made from synthetic fibers much like those used in outdoor wicker and rattan. These rugs look great, are durable, comfortable under foot and extremely cleanable. Perhaps you want to stay with a bare floor look. The standard in most of our homes is wood flooring. Pet lovers can best protect their wood floors with an alcohol based finish, which provides much better protection against liquid spills and accidents and buys you a bit more clean up time. If you have beautiful heart pine floors which are original to most of the older homes in this area, you no doubt know that it is not classifiable as a "hardwood." The ease with which it becomes indented, deeply scratched and stained means that it should be covered in areas that pets frequent. Ceramic tile works well with pets for obvious reasons. Be sure that all of the grouting is well sealed to prevent staining and trapped odors. I see occasionally that concrete is a good surface for pet areas, and in large part it is. Contrary to popular opinion though, it is not impervious to liquids unless it is properly sealed and maintained. Concrete floors can develop odor problems, especially where cats are concerned. To prevent this, put a clear acrylic office chair rug protector in your pet's "favorite spot" to prevent a long term soaking. Probably the most vulnerable furniture with pets is any type of wooden furniture. Claws can do damage to table tops and chair legs in an instant. A wooden table in your bay window is exactly the place where your pet is going to prop up while standing guard against the daily mail delivery (and all other exciting business taking place on the sidewalk). If you want to have wooden furniture in harm's way then it is easy to have a piece of glass cut to protect the table top. This will also help with spills at your cocktail parties and will save you big refinishing bills. A Nod to the April Fool in Each of Us It's not surprising that in today's culture of excess and luxury living that people are having architects design custom houses for their pets. They are also having interior designers furnish the interiors with, believe it or not...dog furniture and accessories. The next time you are surfing the net check out the latest pet furniture and accessory collections at www.poshpet furniture.com, www.catsplay. com, or www.pawprintz petboutique. A great book to pick up if you're interested in reading more on this subject is Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share with Your Pets by Julia Szabo who is the pet columnist for the New York Post. It will give you lots of practical and fantasy suggestions that will inform you and give you a chuckle or two. Here on Capitol Hill we are fortunate to have two stores which cater to your pet's every need. Doolittle's (now Chateau Animaux) on Seventh Street will soon be moving to spiffy new and larger digs next to Frame of Mine on Barracks Row. Another pet related shop on Eighth Street, SE, is the recently opened Pawticulars. Linda Norton decorates interiors for humans. She is intrigued with the whole concept of designing for and around pets. Her dog, Liza, now 14-years-old seems to sit anywhere she darn well pleases. Linda can be reached at norton@olg.com. Infidelity in the Movies: Part II- Adulterous Husbands BY BETH LAMBDIN everal themes emerged in the films I to temptation after the perfunctory dinner and watched for the two columns devoted to flirting about being discreet. He and Alex engage in adultery. First, there's the "oops theme;" the type of sex that Director Adrian Lyne (91_ 12 affairs just seem to happen in marriages Weeks, Unfaithful) seems to specialize in, meaning that on the surface appear stable and relatively sex in the unlikeliest of places requiring a gymnast's happy. Second, there's the "sex theme;" as expect-flexibility. To Gallagher, the assignation is merely a ed there's considerable sex in these films and it weekend tryst. Wrong! Alex wants more and tends to be clinical, unrealistic, and explicit. Third, becomes increasingly unhinged when she slams there's the "punishment theme;" adulterers, hus-into his resistance. First, she invades his office, then bands and wives, are punished with great ferocity his home and finally, his family. The story builds to for their acts of infidelity. If these films don't swear an absolutely-ridiculous-low-budget-slasher end-you off infidelity, nothing will. ing, which the producers insisted on after test audi ences reacted poorly to the original ending. Be sure Fatal Attraction (1987, Rated R) to check out the original ending on the DVD. It Put this film on a double bill with Looking for Mr. isn't perfect, but it's light years better than the the-Goodbar and kiss casual sex goodbye for married atrical release. and single folks alike. I didn't like this film when it Regardless of the ending, the film struck a nerve was first released and a recent viewing didn't with the public. Some feminists labeled Close the change my feelings. The performances are uniform-most hated woman in America; I surmise for playly good and in fact, garnered Oscar nominations for ing "retro woman," done in by not getting her man. Glenn Close as the unstable Alex Forrest and Anne Others cheered Alex for standing up to Gallagher, Archer as the "wife," but it's the message of the film giving new meaning to the words, "I will not be that bothers me. While I don't condone adultery, ignored." See what you think. She scared the hell the characters pay an awfully high price for a week-out of me-and my husband. end of indiscretion. Everyone is a victim-hus- band, lover, but especially the innocent wife. sex, lies and videotape (1989, Rated R) For those unfamiliar with the story, Michael "Garbage," is the first word uttered in this indie Douglas is Dan Gallagher, a successful lawyer and favorite, written and directed by a young Steven supposed "Everyman" who falls into Alex's evil Soderbergh. In her therapy session, unhappily mar-clutches one Friday night when his gorgeous wife ried housewife, Ann (Andie MacDowell) obsesses and charming six-year-old daughter skip town for about garbage and the families of airline fatalities as the weekend. Gallagher looks happily married, but a way to distance herself from her own wreck of a for reasons never explained or explored, he gives in marriage to the philandering John (Peter YOGA on the hill Joinus fora FREE class! (with this ad - expires 4/30/04) Ongoing classes for all levels Capitol Hill YOGA, ltd. 221 5th Street, NE ~ 202.544.0011 www.capitolhillyoga.com Gallagher). John adds insult to injury by cheating on her with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). Cynthia is a fierce and feral predator in sharp contrast to her goody-two-shoes sister. Ann's denial is about to be shattered when Graham, (James Spader) one of John's old college buddies, blows into town. Why were these two friends? Graham sees the despicable John clearly, whom he describes as a liar and the "second lowest form of human being on the pla net." What's the first? Lawyers-and unfortunately for John, he holds that honorific too. Graham is enigmatic, sensitive and trustworthy, but what's most irresistible to Ann and Cynthia and many other women, is his ability to listen-really listen to them; words are the ultimate aphrodisiac. But, he's a weird dude with his own secrets; let's just say that for him, sex and videotapes are inextricably intertwined. While these may not be folks you'd want to hang around with for any length of time, this fine ensemble cast effectively captures the angst and alienation that many feel. While infidelity is at the film's core, it also explores troubled sibling relationships, the agonies of self-doubt and judgment, and how secrets and detachment gnaw away at your soul. Damage (1992, Rated R) Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche head a fantastic cast in this disturbing film directed by the late Louis Malle. Expect graphic but non-erotic sex, described by one moviegoer as "creepy sex." The DVD contains an unrated version of the film that is even more explicit than the theatrical release. Irons is chilly and disconnected Stephen Fleming, a doctor-turned-diplomat in contemporary London. At a political affair, he first crosses paths with Anna Barton (Binoche); they lock eyes and despite a seeming lack of passion, theirs is instantly an obsessive relationship. It's bad enough that he's now an adulterer, but to make matters much, much worse, Anna is his son's new girlfriend. Anna is a troubled soul, permanently scarred by the suicide of her brother when they were teens. Why did her brother off himself? The scent of incest wafts through this and several of the relationships in the film. However, Anna is not without self-awareness, and tells Stephen in a rare moment of intimacy that "damaged people are dangerous. They know that they can survive." But, while Stephen struggles to "get his feelings in some kind of order," he's got it bad. There's a high squirm factor involved in the sex scenes, especially when Anna assumes the role of supplicant. It's also difficult to root for Irons given his chilly and distant persona, but still you can't help dreading the inevitable train wreck ahead. Leslie Caron gives a small but exquisite turn as Anna's mother who does her darndest to warn Stephen about Anna-he was-n't listening. Lantana (2001, Rated R) This finely crafted import features a mostly Australian cast except for American Barbara Hershey as psychiatrist Valerie Somers. On the surface, this movie is a mystery that revolves around her disappearance, but it's also a complex six-degrees-of-separation story. As you watch the film, you aren't sure how everyone is connected and that's part of its beauty. In the center of the story is Detective Leon Zat (Anthony LaPaglia), who heads the investigation. He's hell-bent on self-destruc-tion; he's cheating on his wife (lovely newcomer Kerry Armstrong), his chest is heaving with pain and he's exploding with rage at the slightest provocation. Still, he's compelling, as are Rachael Blake as his mistress and Geoffrey Rush as Somers' husband and the primary suspect. Betrayal and loss figure prominently in this quietly observant film. The characters are like the lantana bushes of the title. On the surface, all looks fine, but the complicated and prickly tangle of vines underneath can wreak devastating damage. These are hardy plants that find a way to not only survive, but also to thrive. Hill resident Beth Lambdin is happily married and welcomes your comments about her reviews and can be reached at beth@bethlambdin.com. Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Voice PATIO IS OPEN! Check out our Easter menu on our new website www.hawkanddoveonline.com Cable on 14 TVs Identify your alma mater and receive Budweiser happy hour prices while your team is playing. 329 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE CAPITOL HILL 202-543-3300 FAX 202-543-9038 To Spit or Not? The Adventures of a Water Tasting Judge BY DUG Y. LEE few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of representing the Voice of the Hill at the 14th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition (yes, I've seen the smirks and heard the jokes, so save your energy). In actuality, the water tasting competition was fascinating. Perhaps even more interesting was the town of Berkeley Springs itself. But, don't let me get ahead of myself... So, Do You Spit Or Not? As my bladder can attest to after innumerable bathroom breaks during the three hours of taste testing, no, we don't spit. Twelve judges, all writers of some sort, underwent an hour-long training on how to taste water. We learned to quantify the appearance, odor, flavor, mouthfeel, aftertaste, and overall impression of 60+ waters. My favorite judging category was "overall impression" in which we were given a chart to help us determine what number rating should be given to a specific water. These numbers ranged from a score of "14" which was the equivalent of "This water tastes REAL GOOD" to a score of "1" which meant "This water has a TERRIBLE, STRONG TASTE. I can't stand it in my mouth." Waters were submitted from every corner of the globe with the hopes of placing in one of four categories: municipal, purified, bottled spring, and bottled carbonated. Placing or winning entitles companies to renewed/new public/private contracts, publicity, and of course, bragging rights. To see a list of the 2004 winners, go to the Berkeley Springs website noted at the end. Judging took about an hour for each category of water. The competition was single-blind, that is, the judges didn't know which water they were tasting. At first, we all took the task pretty lightly; we were almost all newbies and just having fun. After the first ten or so minutes of drinking and analyzing glass after glass of water, we began to realize the depths of this endeavor. My neighbor-judge and I agreed that it began to have a similar feel to the GREs or SATs or whatever standardized-multiple-choice-torture that you can personally attest to. Time seemed endless, the waters within the same category had the slightest differences that needed extreme concentration to be able to differentiate between. But, all of you who are former students know that the human creature is only capable of focused concentration for ten minutes at a time. We did not have the luxury of being able to get up and walk around every few minutes-alas, we couldn't even sit back and relax as we were sitting up on a podium with a few dozen spectators watching our every facial expression and movement. I will not go into too much detail here, but let's just say that exhausted giddiness was a constant threat. My neighbor and I began to joke about potential article titles such as "Process of Elimination" and "Water Torture: Berkeley Springs Style." There were other, less participatory offerings around the competition, including exhibitors and educational public seminars. Among these: . _ Dr. Fred Stottlemyer is the coordinator for the International Rural Water Association's (IRWA) Central American water technical assistance program. "Water is life...water is also death," says Stottlemyer. With this in mind, the IRWA has been working on filtration and purification issues in Honduras for the last decade, eliciting partnerships and other assistance from local villagers rather than dealing with governments (either in the U.S. or in Central America). . _ Rosanna Long is the West Virginia representative for Project WET (Water Education for Teachers www.projectwetusa.org) which is a public effort to educate teachers/parents/educators and thus stu-dents/children about the importance of water and "how to think, not what to think." . _ Scott Shipe represented the American Water Works Association (www.awwa.org) which is the "oldest organization dedicated to safe drinking water." Given the current situation in DC, it was fascinating to learn that local water pipe systems throughout the country are not faring much better. . _ Dr. Dorothy Vespers, a research geology professor at West Virginia University discussed the holistic nature of water spr ings-from mythological and spiritual to historical fact. One example is the fascinating mineral springs in Damascus which is "one of the world's three oldest springs" and "one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world." These springs give out 3,000 gallons of curative waters a minute. Berkeley Springs: The Nation's First Spa Getting back to wild and wonderful Berkeley Springs-not only was it the spa of choice of our founding fathers (chartered by George Washington himself), but is the favorite haunt for still-living residents of our nation's capitol. Indeed, many of the people that live there are transplants from the DC metro area. The town itself is quite small, a few blocks long but extending up into the surrounding mountains. The businesses cater to the tourism industry-on every corner can be found a spa, aromatherapy shop, artisan retailers, and restaurants galore. In other words, I've never been so comfortable and relaxed! The residents are very friendly and laid back, if not amused by the activities of the visitors. And of course, the most obvious reason for fleeing to Berkeley Springs? The municipal water (which is noticeably lead-free) is known for its curative properties. These hot springs are filled with many different minerals, the most abundant being magnesium phosphate. This mineral is well known as a treatment for dyspepsia (upset stomach), skin problems, and tension. Multiple public sources of this water can be found around town and it is common to see out-of-towners filling their water jugs at these spots. The price of this elixir? There is no charge either for this source nor the home supply of water. The town's charter demands that the water will always be free. I thoroughly enjoyed drinking the spring water, but may have gotten even more pleasure from soaking in it. The options for "taking to the waters" range from private tubs at local full service spas ($20/15 minutes) to the roman baths at the state park ($20/30 minutes). The latter option has been compared to Soviet-style luxury. A large utilitarian square tiled pool, easily large enough for a whole family, is filled with a fresh batch of water for you and/or your same-sex companions to sit and wade in. My recommendation? If you can, visit Berkeley Springs during the off-season wintertime when it isn't crowded and many businesses offer great deals. It is an easy and very scenic two hour drive from Capitol Hill. For more information, go to www.berkeleysprings.com. Dug Y. Lee (formerly Hanbicki) is a health, fitness, and lifestyle writer and can be reached at dy.lee@ earthlink.net. www.voiceofthehill.com It's Spring-Let There Be Music, Safety and New Uniforms! BY PATTY BR OSMER I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music. - George Eliot (1819 - 1880) illing the city with four days of music is the goal of the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the Capitol Hill BID is teaming up with Barracks Row and CHAMPS to encourage participa tion in the 2nd Annual Fàte de la Musique, June 18, 19, 20 and 21. The Fàte de la Musique is a citywide celebration of music organized by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, modeled after an international music festival, which started in France over 20 years ago. While it is citywide, the greatest focus will be on Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan with proposed indoor and outdoor concerts, DJ showcases, music in libraries, office buildings - music everywhere you turn. The spirit behind this festival is the celebration of music in all its varieties, from salsa to opera, rap to chamber music, incorporating both professional and amateur musicians, providing a plethora of auditory and visual experience to all kinds of audiences, adults and children, for free. The festival in DC is a showcase for new musical trends, as well as a renewal of traditional music. It is wide-ranging, featuring a comprehensive exposition of world music, everything from choral signing to rap, techno to revival musical carnivals. The series of music events, aimed at promoting the cultural development of the local community, consist of international, national, regional and local performances, seminars and related programs. Bill McLeod, executive director of Barracks Row Main has this to say in support of the festival: "I can really see 8th Street and Capitol Hill coming alive with all sorts of music that will also expose the area to folks who may not have been here for a while." The Fàte de la Musique welcomes spontaneous and free participation by musicians of all backgrounds and musical traditions. It is open to individuals or ensembles (instrumental or singing) and musical schools. The Fàte invites comprehensive participation and encourages amateurs and professionals to join the celebration to music and the summer solstice and give free reign to express the multiple musical talents found in the District's community. All musicians are invited and encouraged to participate. All performances are free to the public and provide an opportunity for residents and tourists to www.voiceofthehill.com experience a wide variety of musical events to which they may not otherwise have access. Last year the festival featured over 100 musicians in 55 venues, ranging from the Kennedy Center and the Ronald Reagan Building to the Old Post Office Pavilion, the Children's Hospital, the Department of Motor Vehicles, several Smithsonian museums and galleries as well as parks, dozens of restaurants, hotels, churches and community centers. The first Fàte de la Musique was the brainchild of Maurice Fleuret, France's director of music and dance, whose vision established a popular and all inclusive annual music festival starting in 1982. It was launched on June 21, the day of the summer solstice, a pagan night, which recalls the ancient tradition of Saint John's feasts. According to materials provided by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Fàte was "exported" globally in 1985 and within 15 years was adopted by over 100 countries throughout five continents. Some of the cities hosting the Fete de la Musique are: Athens, Berlin, Budapest, Barcelona, Istanbul, Liverpool, Luxembourg, Rome, Naples, Milan, Prague, San Francisco, New York and Manila, among others. It has practically become a national holiday in many African countries, as well as in Brazil and Colombia. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is providing support to Capitol Hill businesses that want to participate in a number of ways, and can even help match businesses with local talent. They will provide signage for participating businesses i.e., posters, decals, table tents; provide media exposure in The Washington Post and the City Paper; promote event to local and national press contacts; and provide festival t-shirts for all participating businesses. For further information contact: JosÇ Dominguez, Project Manager Phone: 202-724-5614; email: jose.dominguez@dc.gov. You can also visit their website http://dcarts.dc.gov/services/program/f ete.shtm. Creation of BID's Operations & Safety Network (CHOSN) The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District is in the process of creating the first Capitol Hill Operations & Safety Network (CHOSN), which will be comprised of representatives from local police departments, private security organizations within the BID, property owners and representatives from both CHAMPS and Barracks Row. The group will meet on a quarterly basis and will discuss safety and prevention issues specific to the Hill such as: crime trends, nuisance and aggressive behavior, thefts and can be a forum for other topics as well. Many business improvement districts have similar safety networks around the country, including at least two others in Washington, DC. If you would like to be part of the CHOSN, please contact Ray Cammas at the BID office at 202-842-3333. A New Look For Spring This month, the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District's Safety Ambassadors will be donning new uniforms. Representing the BID in royal blue and gold, our Ambassadors will be easily recognizable to visitors and patrons who frequent the Hill. According to Ray Cammas, director of operations, "We're very excited to unveil our new warm-weather Ambassador uniforms. They have an authoritative, yet friendly look to them and all new identifying patches which make it easier to distinguish the safety from the clean team members." With nearly ten thousand contacts acquired through the Ambassador Program in the last nine months, their presence on the Hill has surely been felt by those who live, work, visit and shop on Capitol Hill. If you would like to learn more about the BID's Safety Ambassador Program, please contact Cammas at 202-842-3333. Patty Brosmer is the executive director of the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) and submits a monthly column covering BID-related issues. Patty is also a licensed real estate agent, an avid photographer, and the mother of an 18-year-old son. Winners of the Animal Care Essay Contest BY JOANNE C AREY, D VM Dear Dr. Carey: Here are the winners of the Brent Elementary School Responsible Animal Care Essay Contest. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday, May 7! AMANDA STULZ First Prize Winner Animals have feelings just as you and I do; just like us they feel the air, the sun and rain. They also enjoy a comfortable place to be at. They miss you when you are away. You should allow them plenty of playtime with you and other households so they won't feel bored. You should give them clean, fresh water, feed them before you sit down to eat, teach them rules with patience and kindness so they won't be rude to people. I think that animals are considered our best friends because they are always there for you and they make you feel better when you are feeling sad or lonely. Having an animal is a big responsibility because you have to clean after their mess. You should respect the wild animals because if you don't respect them you are insulting them. Animals are also good companions because you can talk to them about many things and they will listen to you. You should rescue the rain forest because a lot of animals live there. The rain forest is the home of a lot of wild animals. The rain forest gets destroyed by humans because people cut down trees to make things like furniture, wood, and paper. Buying used items saves all kinds of trees, which are homes to all kinds of animals. You should save the rain forest from destruction because it can harm a lot of animals. You also shouldn't pollute the rain forest because a lot of animals can die, and I'm sure that the animals don't want a place that is polluted and dirty to live in. You shouldn't keep animals in cages because they don't belong in cages; they belong in the wild with their family and friends. Sometimes it is hard to get animals away from their protective families and friends, so sometimes people kill the older ones and take away the babies. You should take good care of your pets because they have feelings just like us and they deserve to be treated like a part of your family. KAREN HERNANDEZ, 6TH GRADE Second Prize Winner Being kind to animals is a good thing to do. The animals are here for a reason and we need to make sure they stay here. We should try to keep land there for them instead of all of us. Animals can help us know more about the planet and our environment. The animals help keep a balance in nature. They can help plants and trees grow by eating the fruit or burying nuts and seeds. By helping the trees and plants grow, they help the environment. If we did-n't have plants and trees, we wouldn't have enough oxygen. Without animals, there would be fewer trees and plants. The animals need a safe environment for them to live in. They need clean water and space to live. If they don't have space, they may come into the cities more often. They may get hit by cars or they may not have anything to eat. We need to have more national parks to protect the animals and give them a safe home. Animals can help us know if something is wrong with the planet. If water is poisoned, the life in it could become sick or die. They may leave areas they cannot live in anymore. We need to help the environment by recycling, not dumping things in the water, and not using chemicals to help plants grow. Animals are pretty to see, but they do not have a voice that is understandable. We have to help protect them and speak for them. Our job is to make sure that they are safe. Our planet would not be how it is without the animals. They help the planet live and that helps us. TYLER STEPHENS, 4TH GRADE Third Prize Winner We should be kind to animals because many of them depend on us for their survival. Animals' homes get destroyed by natural disasters and sometimes through our own carelessness. When you cut a tree or destroy a forest, you are destroying an ani-mal's home. People who shoot animals for sport kill animals for selfish reasons. Animals can be our friends if you are kind to them. You should treat an animal the way you want to be treated. An animal can be your best friend, companion, and even a protector. We should provide shelter, food, and a loving environment for our pets. For wild animals we should take care of their environment. We should not cause forest fires or oil spills. We should come to their rescue in natural disasters like in the case of flooding, tornadoes, or earthquakes. I make sure I feed my pets. I have two birds and one guinea pig. My responsibilities are to make sure their homes are clean and dry. But most of all, I always make sure I play with them and give them lots of love. I love animals. It doesn't matter what size or shape they come in, I love them all. Animals are good companions and they will love you back. So be kind to animals; be responsible towards animals. They depend on us for survival, and remember, animals need love, too. BRITNEI MALLETT, 6 TH GRADE Honorable Mentions to Desiree Cheeks, Davon Green, Anthony Padilla, Jenae Perkins, Breona Pulliam, Dyamond Serce, and Briana Tyson! We would like to thank the enthusiastic and generous sponsors of this event - Brent PTA, American Humane Film and Television Unit, Capitol Hill Veterinary Clinic, Takoma Park Animal Clinic, Union Veterinary Clinic, Doolittle's Chateau Animaux, Dominos Pizza (Pennsylvania Avenue), Pawticulars, RabbitWise, The Shakespeare Theatre, Zoolatry, and pet photographer Joe Shymanski. And most of all, thank you Brent Elementary School teacher Amanda Stulz for organizing this wonderful event. Easter Treats Dear Dr. Carey: It's Easter time again and all those adorable bunnies, duckies, and peeps will become available for sale in pet stores. Please remind your readers that no matter how sweet and cuddly, no pet should be acquired on impulse without the knowledge of exactly what kind of care that animal requires, how that pet will impact the household in which they will live, and whether or not you can commit to caring for that animal until s/he dies. Because pets are sapient and sentient, acquiring a pet is a serious decision that requires thought and judgment before inviting them home to live with you and your family. RabbitWise, a new non-profit organization that advocates for and educates about companion house rabbits, invites your readers to learn about rabbits by visiting our web site at www.rabbitwise.org. Of particular interest to those considering getting a rabbit are the pages titled "What should I know about rabbits before I invite one home to live with my family and me?"; "What else must I consider before bringing a rabbit home?"; "Why should I adopt instead of buy a rabbit?"; "Should I adopt a baby or an adult rabbit, a single rabbit or a pair? What about breed?"; and "Where can I adopt a rabbit in the metro D.C. area?" RabbitWise is offering free classes to the public called Rabbitology I: an Introduction To Basic Companion House Rabbit Care and Behavior. In Virginia, Rabbitology I is on Sa turday, March 27, 2:30 to 4:30 pm, at the George Mason Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. In Maryland, Rabbitology I is on Saturday, April 17, from 2 to 4 pm, at the Leland Community Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase. E-mail RabbitWise at rabbitwise@verizon.net for further information. LANA LEHR dead) in between bursts of energy in pursuit of prey. When we use toys to play with cats it is fun to watch them chase madly around and around. You may want to alter Lancelot's play pattern to more closely mimic what would happen in the wild by providing him with rest periods in between his spirited chases. While Lancelot most likely is just winded from the rapid aerobic exercise, it would be a good idea to have his heart checked to make sure it is normal. If these signs of exhaustion happen ONLY after very Dear Lana: strenuous play, it is probably because of overexer- Thank you for the good advice on rabbit hus-tion. bandry. All too often parents allow their children to Congratulations to kittens Morgana Le Fay and talk them into getting pets before thinking about or Sir Galahad who are recreating the magic of planning for lifelong care. There are more things to Camelot in their new Capitol Hill residence. consider than the cute factor. One Fast Feline Dear Dr. Carey: Lancelot, our young and lean kitten, has a new Dr. Joanne Carey answers questions from readers in the Voice each month. If you have a question for her. ,Please email it to editor@voiceofthehill.com. game. We attach a fur mouse to a string and swing it around in circles, passing the string from hand to hand. He runs around and jumps like crazy in eight-foot circles and sounds like a herd of cats! Lancelot's activity level is high and sustained and he chases and jumps after the mouse until his sides heave, his mouth opens, his tongue hangs out, and he pants like a dog - still relentlessly pursuing the mouse. I end the game out of concern for his well being. He's received all his vaccinations and a clean bill of health from our veterinarian. Is it normal for a cat to play so rigorously? L&J Dear L&J: Lancelot seems to have a high energy level. Overweight cats become winded after playing, but as Lancelot is young and trim, you may be pulling the toys around too fast and for too long! Cats at play in the wild have rest spells (when their prey either is injured and trying to crawl away or playing Barracks Row is a Happening Place BY BILL MCLEOD here are some many exciting things happing on Barracks Row. It seems like almost every month, a restaurant is opening, a new shop has put its shingle out, an outdoor cafÇ puts its umbrellas up, or an event is being organized by the Barracks Row Main Street volunteers. Barracks Row has had a string of successful Thursday night classes over the last two months. Cissy Webb's framing class at Frame of Mine on Feb. 12 was sold out and everyone got to take home a self-framed picture. Cissy was entertaining and informative (she used to be a biology teacher), and kept the students interested for more than an hour. Half the class framed artwork in wooden frames, and the other half used metal. Did you know that the amount of money spent on artwork is inversely proportional to the cost of framing? A poster costs a little up front, but a lot to frame because it has to be mounted before framing behind glass, whereas a painting needs only a frame. Wine tasting at Chat's Chat's Liquors' wine tasting on Feb. 19 was very well received by another sold out class. Bernie Williams, one of the family members that owns Chat's, was a true sommelier with his insightful knowledge of wines from around the world. Twelve wines and two champagnes were sampled during the evening, and everyone had a great experience. Alvear Studio's Mexican cooking class was the hot ticket for dinner on March 4. Chris Alvear and Francisco Pliegro demonstrated how to prepare a fresh dinner for your friends in under 30 minutes. What a treat to learn about cooking from South of the Border from chefs who know how to spice up a meal! And, the setting and presentation were magical. The Shakespeare Theatre's introduction to acting classes was huge, drawing over 105 students interested in improvisation, scene study, movement, and voice. I witnessed students lying on the floor imagining that they were falling, others walking around in circles like giants, and heard a terse reading for an imagined object. Shakespeare used these classes as an introduction to their regular schedule of drama classes, and because of the overwhelming response, they will be held again. Shakespeare Theatre's introduction to acting. The Capitol Hill Walking Tour will start on April 10 at 1 p.m. at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza led by a professional tour guide through Cultural Tourism DC, and will run every second and fourth Saturday of the month through October. This year's tour will be expanded to include a visit to the inside of Christ's Church, the new heritage trail, and the new sidewalks and shops on Barracks Row. Tickets are $12 for a two-hour walking tour of Barracks Row, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Eastern Market. Visit CulturalTourismDC.org or call (202) 828WALK. No reservations are needed. On April 17 from 9-11, Barracks Row will be getting ready for the growing season with a neighborhood cleanup. The Casey Trees Endowment will be helping plant trees around the Hill as volunteers sweep the streets and sidewalks, mulching the trees, and zipping tree gators around tree trunks so that they can be watered throughout the growing season. (If you would like to sign up to water a tree, email me at bmcleod@barracksrow.org or call (202) 544-3188. We are looking for residents, students, merchants, and building owners to commit to watering a tree once a week throughout the growing season.) At this time, 30 percent of the trees have sponsors, but we need more hands to maintain all 77 trees. The Marine Barracks Washington's Friday Night Parades kick off on May 7, 2004, with the Friends & Family Parade, an event open to families and neighbors on Capitol Hill in order to give the public a glimpse of the magic that occurs within the historic gates of the Marine Barracks. After the first Evening Parade, they will continue each Friday through August 20th. If you've never been to a Marine Parade (tattoo style inside the Marine Barracks parade grounds), I cannot recommend it enough! You've never seen precision like a line of fully uniformed Marines marching to Sousa's music or the silent drill team tossing riffles effortlessly into the air - and catching them without injury. Last year, all of DC came alive through music during Fete de la Musique, sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. This year, Barracks Row Main Street is working with the DC Commission, along with the Capitol Hill BID and CHAMPS, to bring live music to 8th Street, the Eastern Market Metro Plaza, and Eastern Market itself on June 19th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day promises to be one of excitement for the entire Hill with bands playing out on the sidewalks for everyone to enjoy. Look for the new heritage trail to be installed in summer of 2004. The history walk entitled Tour of Duty will take you on a journey back in time through 16 interpretive panels starting at Eastern Market Metro Plaza to discover the old Haines Department Store (now Footlocker and offices), over to 9th Street to learn about the Old Naval Hospital, down 8th Street to interpret the Navy Yard Gate, across G Street to understand about John Phillip Sousa's life, up South Carolina Avenue to locate the Maples, and finally to Eastern Market to enjoy the Victorian market house. This will be the third heritage trail in DC, thanks to the vision of Cultural Tourism DC, and we are very excited about the promise of more tourists learning about the history of Capitol Hill. Mark your calendar now for Oct. 2 because volunteers are gearing up for another great Barracks Row Fest! This year, we are planning more street vendors, more stage acts, and more kids' events. Last year, we were overwhelmed with community support with excellent volunteers, and 4,000 people attending the street festival. And this year, we are doing it again bigger and better. BRMS volunteers are starting the petition process now, so someone may be asking for your signature to close the street on the first Saturday in October. Then, we will be making a presentation to the Mayor's Special Events Task Force to start the event permit process. In September, look for posters and ads around town for the street festival, as well as articles and calendar listings in local papers. Finally, we are planning a bigger Shop Late Night Thursdays event for the month of December with Santa Claus passing out candy canes, photos of the big red guy with pets, and little ones showing Kris Kringle what is on their wish lists. You are personally invited to shop our 17 retailers staying open late to meet your hectic holiday schedule. There are so many exciting things to do on Barracks Row! This year promises to be one of fun and exploration on 8th Street. It's all happening on Barracks Row! Bill McLeod is the executive director of Barracks Row Main Street. You can contact him at bmcleod@barrack-srow.org or visit the website at www.barracksrow.org to learn more the organization. It's Spring! H Street Is Starting to Bloom BY RICHARD LAYMAN Street Main Street is a volunteer group of residents, merchants, property owners and other stakeholders working together to revitalize our commercial district and our neighborhood. With spring approaching, there's a lot happening on H Street that you'll want to know about. Tim Lewis Chosen As Executive Director Anwar Saleem announced in February the selection of Tim Lewis as the new Executive Director for the H Street Main Street program. Tim has worked in the neighborhood for over six years. He has degrees from Howard University and George Mason with a background in community education and small business. You can meet Tim at the HSMS office at 961 H Street NE, by calling 202-543-0161, or contact him by email at tim.lewis@hstreetdc.com. Phish Tea, 1335 H Street NE, Opened Friday, March 12 Phish Tea, H Street's newest sit-down restaurant, featuring Caribbean and other dishes with a Caribbean interpretation opened quietly to the public on Friday, March 12. Phish Tea, located at 1335 H Street NE, is planning a grand opening for mid April. The grand tour of Phish Tea finds that it is in fact much more than a restaurant. It is a coffee house (The Solarium, first floor front room), an elegant bar (The Rum Bay Bar, first floor, center), a gaming and special events parlor (The Lyme Lounge first floor, rear), and a public and private dining room (second floor, center and rear, respectively). Managing Director Andrew Harris explains that Phish Tea is striving to create an elegant and stylish, but moderately priced, gathering place. He describes the look and feel of Phish Tea as one that would be familiar to anyone who had seen the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Chef Keith King specializes in international food with a Caribbean flavor. King, who is from Guyana, was trained in Canada, and has worked for both Hyatt and Marriott. The first floor Rum Bay Bar and adjacent Lyme Lounge, as well as the second floor private dining room, which seats fifty, are now available for special events. The Lyme Lounge includes a pool table and will feature a pull-down screen for videos and PowerPoint presentations, and can be booked for meetings, presentations, gaming or special events. The Lounge will also serve as an art gallery, with monthly shows. It is expected that the Caribbean Embassies will use it to showcase their culture. The restaurant serves dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 www.voiceofthehill.com p.m., with later service on Fridays and Saturdays, including a unique late night breakfast from midnight to 4 a.m., and opens for brunch on Sundays at 11 a.m. For reservations or catering, call 202-396-2345. H Street Business Express Launched H Street Main Street and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, with financial support from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, are offering a technical assistance program designed to increase the success of current and future H Street business owners in obtaining business loans to renovate property, buy equipment, hire staff, increase inventory, pay for advertising, or start new businesses. Two seminars will be held this month at the HSMS office, including Business Planning (April 6) and Sources of Business Financing (April 27). Loan Days, where businesses can meet with bank lending officers, will be held in June, July, and August. More seminars are scheduled in May and June. For more information, or reservations, call 202-529-3305. Theater Alliance at the H Street Playhouse Productions Nominated for Four Awards Two productions staged over the last year by the Theater Alliance, the resident theater company at the H Street Playhouse, were nominated for four prestigious Helen Hayes Awards. They are: Set Design: Tony Cisek, Slaughter City; Lighting Design: Dan Covey, Slaughter City; Sound Design: Ryan Rumery, Thief River; Director: Thief River. Washington Post theater critic Jane Horwitz said of the nominations, "Another small, off-the-beat-en-path troupe has caught the attention of the Hayes judges. Theater Alliance, which performs at the H Street Playhouse in Northeast Washington...and mounts striking productions on a shoestring, came away with four nominations- up from one last year." Horwitz also complained that the Alliance's "smart-as-a-whip" production Painted Alice did not get nominated in the outstanding new play category. Nominations are made by fifty judges, including theater artists, educators, journalists, and experienced theatergoers, who fill out ballots after seeing a play. The nominations were announced at a March reception at the Canadian Embassy, and the winners will be identified at a May 10 Kennedy Center Gala. Monthly Cleanups Kick Off in March Under the able leadership of Promotions Committee volunteer Joe Tortorici, H Street Main Street kicked off the first of its monthly cleanup efforts on Saturday, March 13th. With brooms, shovels, and rakes supplied by the DC Department of Public Works Helping Hands program, and coffee, juice, and pastries from Au Bon Pain, thirteen people, one with two babies in a wide stroller, set off on some cleaning. We were lucky that DPW must have come through the day before because H Street never seemed so clean. Nonetheless, we managed to fill many bags of trash (and recyclables which we separated out) from H Street and the adjoining 700 and 800 blocks of the numbered north-south streets that cross the corridor. We plan clean ups for the second Saturday of each month, except in April, when we will do the clean up on April 17th, because of Easter. In future months we will take on other tasks such as tree box planting and graffiti eradication. Surprisingly, it was a lot of fun and a great way to meet people from different parts of the neighborhood. Contact Joe Tortorici at 202-368-5698 or by email at jtortorici@wesleysem. edu. H Street Strategic Development Plan Approved by the DC Council In February, the DC City Council approved the H Street Strategic Development Plan as a small area plan. This plan, which outlines a vision of the corridor in zones of urban living, retail, and arts and entertainment, will guide future development and will lead to some zoning changes.The plan represents fine work on the part of the Office of Planning, the HOK consultant team and the efforts of hundreds of residents, merchants, and other stakeholders in the greater H Street neighborhood. It demonstrates the commitment of the Williams Administration on building strong neighborhoods with viable commercial districts, and is a substantial investment of city resources in the H Street corridor. For more information on the plan, go to http://www.planning. dc.gov/planning Farmers Market Coming In June FreshFarm Markets, the group that manages many farmers markets in the area, including the successful Sunday market at Dupon t Circle, is coming to the 600 Block of H Street, starting Saturday June 5th. The market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the end of October. Vendors will be farmers and makers exclusively, providing fresh, nutritious, affordable, and local farm products. More information will be available at www.freshfarmmarkets.org. Richard Layman is a longtim Hill resident and contributor to this newspaper. Kids' Calendar COMPILED BY C ALEND AR FELLA Friday, April 2 . _ Cyrano-Belgian playwright Jo Roets tweaks Edmond Rostand's classic tale of friendship, unrequited love, romance, inner beauty, and destiny with a moving and sometimes hilarious adaptation that employs just three actors. 6:30 p.m. Ages 9 and up, tickets $14. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, 202-467-4600 or 202-416-8000 (Theater Lab). (Additional performances on April 3 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and April 4 at 1 p.m.). . _ Pepito's Story-Featuring the choreography of Debbie Allen and a score by Arturo Sandoval, this spicy Caribbean musical tells the inspiring story of a determined young boy unafraid to follow his dream of dancing. 7:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up, tickets $20. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Terrace Theater). (Additional performances on April 3-4 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,April 6 at 7:30 p.m., April 7-8 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 9 at 7:30 p.m., April 10 at 1:30 pm., 3:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and April 11 at 1:30 p.m.). Saturday, April 3 . _ All About Me-Study the self-portraits currently on display in the gallery, then express your thoughts and feelings with a self-portrait of your own. 10 a.m.-12 noon. Ages 6-9 with adult. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, 202-633-4674. . _ Saturday Science: Ghost Crystals and Go-Critters!- Learn the basic science behind polymers as you make some crystals disappear and others bloom in water in this fun session. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Capital Children's Museum, 800 Third Street NE, 202-675-4120. _ Japanese Screens-Learn about the history, imagery, and construction of Japanese screens, then craft a miniature version of your own. 2 p.m. Ages 6-14 with adult. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, 202-633-4880 (Sackler Classroom, Level 2). (Program repeats on April 4, April 17, April 18, April 24, and April 25). Sunday, April 4 _ Cherry Blossom Fun-Celebrate the arrival of the National Cherry Blossom Festival by learning a traditional cherry blossom song and creating your own tissue paper cherry blossom. 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Sign up at the front desk on the day of the event, as space is limited. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 11). Monday, April 5 _ Spring Break Animation Camp-Learn the basics of animation and create a short cartoon. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Capital Children's Museum. (Program ongoing from April 6-8). Tuesday, April 6 . _ Japanese Calligraphy-Master shodo, the Japanese art of brush and ink calligraphy. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ages 7 and up. Sign up at the front desk on the day of the event, as space is limited. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 7 at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and April 12 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.). . _ Paper Cherry Blossoms-Make your very own paper cherry blossoms to take home. 12 noon-3 p.m. National Children's Museum. (Program repeats April 7April 9). Thursday, April 8 _ Judo Demonstration-Learn the primary techniques of this historic martial art. 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk on the day of the activity. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 9). Saturday, April 10 . _ Festival of Origami Architecture-Celebrate the storied art of paper folding, construct paper objects, buildings, and cities, and enjoy demonstrations and works by renowned origami artists Takaaki Kihara and Kazukiyo Kurosu. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All ages. National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, 202-272-2448. . _ Digital Painting-Young artists are invited to use computers to broaden the scope of traditional painting. 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12 noon-12:30 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Capital Children's Museum. . _ Paper Making with Pyramid Atlantic-Let the experts from Pyramid Atlantic teach you to make Japanese washi paper. 12 noon-3 p.m. Capital Children's Museum. Sunday, April 11 _ Scienterrific Sunday: Make Your Own Recycled Paper-Discuss the importance of recycling, then make your own paper from recycled paper scraps. 12 noon-3 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Capital Children's Museum. Monday, April 12 _ African-American Family Day-This annual Easter Monday celebration will feature an Easter egg roll, animal demonstrations, music and dance performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-673-4800. Tuesday, April 13 _ Wee Wonders: Ponds & Frogs-Explore the science of pond life with a series of activities and experiments. 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. Ages 2-5. $11 materials fee,with advance registration required. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 20). _ WCCM-TV: Weather or Not-Write a weather report based upon your own Mouse Pad Computer Lab meteorological research. 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Ages 5-15. Space is limited,so sign up at the front desk on the day of the activity. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 20). Thursday, April 15 _ WCCM-TV: Special Effects-Discover the visual tricks that make space ships fly and people shrink, as we learn the secrets behind special effects. 2 p.m.- 2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Ages 5-15. Space islimited, so sign up at the front desk on the day of the activity. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 22). Saturday, April 17 . _ Magical Monarchs-Examine the life cycle of the glorious Monarch butterfly. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Capital Children's Museum. . _ Clay Animation Workshop-Create your own lively animated cartoon using simple clay figures. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Ages 5-15. Capital Children's Museum. (Program repeats on April 24). . _ Angle Tangle-Tour the gallery to learn how visual artists use distortion and scale in their work, then employ various shapes and angles to create your own original work of art. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 5-11 with adult. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Improv Art Room, Lower Level). Saturday, April 24 _ Bridging the Gap-Learn about the five standard bridge designs, then help a community choose which bridge will best solve its transportation woes. 2:30-3 p.m. National Building Museum. (Program repeats every Saturday). Sunday, April 25 . _ Shakespeare's Birthday Open House-Celebrate the Bard's birthday with an afternoon of entertainment (jugglers, music, singing, and dancing), education (stage combat workshops, text readings, library tours and treasure hunts) and refreshment (birthday cake, of course, served by Queen Elizabeth). Noon-4 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, 202-544-2448. . _ Arches and Trusses: Tension Builds-Learn about basic building materials, then help construct an arch and truss. 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. National Building Museum. (Program repeats every Sunday). Friday, April 30 _ Sun Wise Safety Workshop-Learn sun safety in this interactive, family-oriented workshop presented by the EPA. 11a.m.-12 noon. Ages 2-5, with an adult. Space is limited, so sign up at the front desk on the day of the activity. Capital Children's Museum. www.voiceofthehill.com April 1 CLASSES: Grab your paint brushes and your yoga mat and sign up for a class at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. The Workshop is currently registering students for its Spring Semester adult classes beginning April 12, 2004. They've has introduced a new slate of classes this year including Exploring Creativity through Writing, Beginning Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Tap Dance I and Tap Dance II for adults. For a complete list of classes and registration information, visit www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. OPEN LIFE D RAWING: The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is offering an open life drawing session 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Models will be wearing form-fitting clothing. Session participants may pay a drop-in fee of $15 per session. The Arts Workshop is located at 545 7th St., SE. For more information, visit www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. April 2 CONCERT: The Library of Congress presents the Leipzig String Quartet in concert with special guest clarinetist Ricardo Morales. The progam includes selections from Mendelssohn, Ives, and Brahms. The performance begins at 8 p.m in the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are distributed only via Ticketmaster and are available by phone at 800-551-7328 or online at www.ticketmaster.com, Patrons who are unable to obtain tickets are encouraged to try for stand-by tickets at the door on the day of the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. April 3 CALL FOR ARTISTS I: The Capitol Hill Art League is seeking submissions for its April juried show, Basic Black and White. The judge for the show is Sally Troyer, owner of Troyer Gallery. Artists are invited to enter up to three pieces in any media for inclusion in the show. Entrants must be Art League mem- www.voiceofthehill.com Community calendar bers; memberships can be April 4 email info@ filmsonthe-Workshop, 545 7th St., purchased at the time of hill.com. SE. receiving which is from 10 FILM: The Freer Sackler a.m. to 2 p.m. at thepresents A Hen in the AUDTIONS: Here's anoth-ADOPT-A-DOG: Volunteers Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Wind (1948) at 2 p.m. in er chance to try out for a from the Washington 545 7th St., SE. Please the Meyer Auditorium. A new adaptation of Gilbert Animal Rescue League note that there is an addi-brilliant depiction of the & Sullivan's Patience from (WARL) will be at tional receiving time on chaos and sorrow of post-7:15 to 9:15 at the Doolittle's Chateau-Monday, April 5 from 9:30 war Tokyo, this atmospher-Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Animaux, 224 7th St., SE , to 11:30 a.m. For entry ic melodrama tells the 545 7th St., SE. Refer to from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. guidelines, visit story of a young mother April 3 entry for audition with some great dogs www.chaw.org or call 202-forced to prostitute herself requirements and details. looking for new homes. 547-6839. for one night to save her Adopters are entitled to a sick baby. This program is LENT DISCUSSION 10% discount on any pur-MUSIC RECITAL: Don't made possible by SERIES: Andy Walton, chases made in the store! miss these great music Shochiku Company, Ltd., pastor at Capitol Hill Stop by and find your new students showcase their Janus Films, the Japan Presbyterian Church, leads best friend. For more infortalents in piano, guitar, Foundation, the Japan the last in a series of mation, visit www.chateau-drums, violin, and voice at Information and Cultural Lenten season discus-animaux.com. 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Center, and the generous sions entitled Sacramental Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, support of the Japan Potential in Daily Living, April 12545 7th Street, SE. The Commerce Association of that he describes as recital is free and open to Washington, D.C. Running "exploration, discussion, the public. For more infor-time is 84 minutes and and practice of the sacred FAMILY DAY: The National mation, visit www.chaw.org the film is in Japanese in our everyday lives." The Zoo presents an African-or call202-547-6839. with English subtitles. discussion begins at 7:30 American Family Admission is free, but tick-p.m. at the Capitol Hill Celebration from 10 a.m. SPECIAL: As seen in The ets (limit of 2 per person) Presbyterian Church, on to 4 p.m. This annual Washington Post, Courage! will be distributed starting the corner of 4th Street & Easter Monday family day The Civil War in at 1 p.m. Independence Avenue, SE. includes animal demon-Washington recreates the strations, an Easter-egg War era, using actors, sto-roll, African drummers, ries, and visuals. Take April 5 April 8 children's dance troupes, home authentic recipes! music, storytellers, crafts, Kids can participate in a CALL FOR ARTISTS II: The OPEN MIC: Royal Words a food bazaar, and more. word clue scavenger hunt. Capitol Hill Art League is Poetry Lounge presents an This event is free to the Portion of proceeds bene-seeking submissions for open mic for local poets, public and is sponsored by fits Red Cross. Bring this its April juried show, Basic hosted by Afrika Friends of the National listing for two dollars off Black and White, judged the ticket price! It all by Sally Troyer, owner of starts at 11 a.m. at Cosi Troyer Gallery. Refer to Coffee, 10th and E April 3 entry for details. Streets, NW. Visit www.his-Enter up to three pieces M.A.Abney "Ashawarrior." Zoo (FONZ). Admission is free for performers and $4 for the general public. This event April 13 starts at 7 p.m. at DC toricstrolls.com or call from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sanctuary, 1355 H St., DISCUSSION: What is lux- 301-588-9255 for more at the Capitol Hill Arts NE. For more information ury now? Who is the luxu-Workshop, 545 7th St., call 202-399-4033 or ry consumer? What drives information. SE. email to our desires for luxury? AUDITIONS: Get ready for aashawarrior@yahoo.com. Learn about the culture of some summer fun! You're luxury at a cocktail reception and panel discussioninvited to try out for a new April 6 April 9 entitled Luxury in the New adaptation of Gilbert & Millennium, featuring key Sullivan's Patience. CHERRY BLOSSOMS: To Singers and actors of all celebrate the National DRAWING SESSION: Join decision makers from some of the most notable voices and abilities, are Cherry Blossom Festival, artist Ed Bisese for an informal drop-in sketching luxury brand companies being sought for lead roles take a guided tour of The and for choruses. Please Religious Art of Japan, at session from 12:30 to 2 today, including Michael prepare 10 to 16 bars of the Freer/Sackler Gallery. p.m. in the Sculpture Fink, Saks Fifth Avenue Garden (weather permit-Marketing Director, John a song (preferably memo- The tour meets at 11:15 ting; otherwise, session Harper, Ritz Carlton rized) and bring music for a.m. at the Information the accompanist. Music Desk in the Freer Gallery will take place in the should be in the key you of Art. Admission is free. will sing. You will be asked to do a cold reading from April 7the script. The auditions are from 2:30 to 4:30 at FILM:Films on the Hill Director of Sales and museum). Admission is Marketing, and other key free, but is limited to the figures. Drawing on insider first 20 participants. Meet intelligence from The and pick up materials at Human Desire Project, the the Information Desk at landmark, seven-year Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, presents She (1935), a the Hirshhorn Museum. investigation of the new 545 7th St., SE. This pro- dynamics of consumer cult classic based on the motivation, persuasion duction is under the musi-popular novel about a lost April 10 and behavior, moderator cal direction of C. Paul civilization with the secret Melinda Davis will lead a Heins, Music Director, to immortality. Randolph ART OPENING & GALLERY discussion on some of theLesbian & Gay Chorus of Scott learns that he is TALK: The Capitol Hill Art most crucial issues in the Washington, D.C. and is a heir to that lost world and League presents Basic luxury market today. Gift joint presentation of the searches for and finds it. Black and White, a juried bags will be given to allGLBT Arts Consortium and Also starring Helen show featuring works in all guests courtesy of Saks the Capitol Hill Arts Gahagan as She. media by Art League mem-Fifth Avenue and Godiva Workshop. For information, Admission is $5, and is bers. The judge for the Chocolatier. This event is call 202-546-1549 or log payable at the door. The show is Sally Troyer, owner at 6:30 p.m. at the on to www.dcglbtarts.org film starts at 7 p.m. at of Troyer Gallery. The Corcoran Gallery, 500 or www.chaw.org. the Capitol Hill Arts opening reception is from 17th St., NW. Admission Workshop, 545 7th St., 5 to 7 p.m. Ms. Troye r will is $25 for members; $35 SE. For information, visit give a brief gallery talk for non-members. Visit www.filmsonthehill.com or beginning at 5:30 p.m. at www.corcoran.org or call the Capitol Hill Arts TREE PLANTING: Casey members; $82 for non-at 1-800-494-8497 or April 25 Trees plans to plant 400 members. online at www.theateral-trees this spring, but they liance.com. THEATER: Theater Alliance need your help. Help April 20 presents Rebecca restore DC's legacy as the OPEN MIC: Royal Words Gilman's Boy Gets Girl at City of Trees 9 a.m. to 12 CONCERT: Don't miss The Poetry Lounge presents an 2 p.m. at the H Street noon Potomac Avenue, Navy Commodores, a unit open mic for local poets, Playhouse, 1365 H St., 17th Street, and E Street, of Washington, D.C.'s hosted by Afrika NE. Refer to April 22 entry SE. Refreshments, tools, United States Navy Band, M.A.Abney "Ashawarrior." for information. and instruction will be pro-featuring 18 of the Navy's Admission is free for pervided. For details, call top jazz and big band formers and $4 for the 202-833-4010, log on to musicians. They perform general public. This event April 26 www.caseytrees.org, or swing-era and contempo-starts at 7 p.m. at DC email friends@caseytrees. rary music at 12 noon in Sanctuary, 1355 H St., LECTURE: The Folger org. the Carmichael Auditorium NE. For more information Shakespeare Library will at the National Museum of call 202-399-4033, visit host a special lecture in American History. www.dcsanctuary.com, or honor of William April 18 Admission is free. email to aashawarrior@ Shakespeare's birthday, ADOPT-A-CAT: Capitol April 21 yahoo.com. featuring CoppÇlia Kahn, author of Roman Street Cats will be at Shakespeare: Warriors, Doolittle's Chateau-FILMS: Films on the Hill April 23 Wounds, and Women Animaux from 12 to 2 presents a Randolph Scott (1997) and Man's Estate: 202-639-1770 for more obtain tickets are encour-p.m. with fabulous felines double feature. In Colt .45 THEATER: Theater Alliance Masculine Identity in information. aged to try for stand-by for adoption. The event is (1950), Scott is a gun presents Rebecca Shakespeare (1981), tickets at the door on the held in Doolittle's groom-salesman who gets Gilman's Boy Gets Girl at among other works. Ms day of the concert starting ing salon, 224 7th St., SE, robbed of his guns and 8 p.m. at the H Street Kahn speaks on on theApril 14 at 6:30 p.m. 2nd Floor. Adopters are has to track down the cul-Playhouse, 1365 H St., making of Shakespeare's entitled to a 10% discount prit. Murders in the Zoo NE. Refer to April 22 entry reputation at 8 p.m. in theCONCERT: Jazz up your on any purchases made in (1933) is an unusual pre-for information. Elizabethan Theatre at the lunch time as the April 16 the store! Visit code horror film in which Folger Shakespeare Corcoran Gallery of Art www.chateau-animaux.com an insanely jealous hunter Library, on East Capitol continues its free jazz con-FILM: Films on the Hill for details. supplies animals for the April 24 Street between 2nd and cert series with the Keter Presents The Howards of zoo and uses them to 3rd Streets. Admission is Betts Quartet. In celebra-Virginia (1940). Celebrate remove his "competition." ADOPT-A-CAT: If you free, and a reception foltion of Jazz Appreciation Cary Grant's Centennial April 19 Randolph Scott sets missed it the first time, lows the lecture. Month, they will be holding year with one of his most things right. Admission is Capitol Street Cats will be free concerts every unusual films, a period CONCERT: The $5, and is payable at the at Doolittle's Chateau-Wednesday in April from piece set during the Contemporary Music door. The first film starts Animaux again from 12 April 28 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in theAmerican Revolution. Cary Forum presents its 30th at 7 p.m. at the Capitol until 2 p.m. with fabulous Frances and Armand plays a frontiersman/sur-Anniversary concert, a Hill Arts Workshop, 545 felines for adoption. The THEATER LUNCH SEMI-Hammer Auditorium. Call veyor who marries an aris-reflection of past work and 7th St., SE. For informa-event is held in Doolittle's NAR: Join the 202-639-1770 for more tocrat (Martha Scott), a look into the future. The tion, visit www.filmsonthe-grooming salon, 224 7th Shakespeare Theatre for information. takes up politics and Forum plays works by com-hill.com or email St., SE, 2nd Floor. their first brown bag lunch sides with the rebels. This posers Ulf Grahn, Anthony info@filmsonthehill.com. Adopters are entitled to a discussion about Henry IV, film is authentic in every Stark, Helmut Braunlich, 10% discount on any pur-entitled Falstaff: Surrogate April 15 way; the exteriors were Joseph Schwantner and chases made in the store! Father or White-bearded shot at the newly recon-the Forum's own Douglas April 22 Log on to www.cahteau-Devil? Bring a lunch and CONCERT: The Library of structed Williamsburg. Boyce of GWU. Soprano animaux.com for all of the take part in a lively explo-Congress presents an Admission is $5, and is Pamela Schiffer provides THEATER OPENING: details. ration of the character Theater Alliance presents Falstaff. The discussion evening of old time coun-payable at the door. The narrative throughout the try music from Georgia, film starts at 7 p.m. at evening. The concert is at Rebecca Gilman's Boy CONCERT: The National will center on how acting featuring Norman and the Capitol Hill Arts 8 p.m. at the Corcoran Gets Girl at 8 p.m. Coalition for the Homeless choices affect how we Nancy Blake. Norman Workshop, 545 7th St., Gallery. Admission is $15 Gilman's brilliantly written presents A Night with view the inevitable separa-Blake is one of the most SE. For information, visit for members and $20 for play presents a frightening Angels, a gospel benefit tion of Falstaff from Hal. respected musicians in www.filmsonthehill.com or non-members. Visit glimpse into what can lie concert and awards cere-The discussion meets at the field of country music. email info@filmsonthehill www.corcoran.org or call in wait for those searching mony honoring those who 12 p.m. in the lobby of the His career, spanning 202-639-1770 for more for love in the city and have contributed in the Shakespeare Theatre, 450 .com. almost fifty years, includes information. over thirty recordings, as April 17 well as hundreds of ses-SPECIAL: The Smithsonian sions and appearances, FILMS: Films on the Hill Institution presents with artists ranging from presents a Cary Grant Rediscovering Chocolate, the Carter Family and double feature! In Room a lecture, book signing, Johnny Cash to Joan Baez, For One More (1952), and tasting. Master choco-Bob Dylan, Kris Cary's family takes in latier Alice Medrich dis-Kristofferson, and John unwanted children; Cary's cusses the transformation Hartford. A virtuoso guitar real-life wife Betsy Drake of chocolate from a child-and mandolin player, he co-stars. In The Wedding hood treat with generic fla-and his wife, Nancy, have Present (1936), a screw-vor to a complex luxury received four Grammy ball comedy, Cary and co-food and offers guided nominations for their tradi-star Joan Bennett are tastings of gourmet chocoresults in an acute obser-effort to end homeless-7th St., NW. Call 202-547- vation on a very modern ness. The Master of 1122 and press option 4 nightmare. On a blind Ceremonies is Reverend or visit www.shake-date, girl meets boy, boy Walter E Fauntroy, founder spearetheatre.org to becomes fixated, girl is of the Congressional Black reserve a space. forced to change her life, Caucus and a longtimeand even herself, in order advocate of social justice April 29to escape the relentless issues. This event is from pursuit of the boy. This 7 to 9pm at the New THEATER: Theater Alliance play explores the sexual Bethel Baptist Church, presents Rebecca and political fine line 1739 9th St., NW. For Gilman's Boy Gets Girl at between what is romance more information and tick-8 p.m. at the H Streetand what is considered to ets, visit www.national-be obsession. Boy Gets Playhouse, 1365 H St., tional music recordings. newspaper reporters who lates. The evening culmi-Girl is directed by Kirsten homeless.org/gala or call NE. Refer to April 22 entry 202-737-6444 ext. 14. The show starts at 8 p.m. drive their editor crazy with nates in a sampling of Kelly. All performances are for information. in the Coolidge Auditiorium their antics. Admission is chocolate treats prepared at the H Street Playhouse, THEATER: Theater Alliance at the Library of Congress. $5, and is payable at the from Medrich's recipes, 1365 H St., NE. Tickets presents Rebecca April 30Admission is free, but tick-door. The double feature served with ports and are $20 for Thursday Gilman's Boy Gets Girl at ets are required. Tickets gets under way at 6 p.m. sherries. Book signing fol-evenings, Saturday and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the THEATER: Theater Alliance are distributed only via at the Capitol Hill Arts lows. This event starts at Sunday matinees. Tickets H Street Playhouse, 1365 presents RebeccaTicketmaster and are avail-Workshop, 545 7th St., 7 p.m. and is at the are $25 for Friday and H St., NE. Refer to April Gilman's Boy Gets Girl at able by phone at 800-SE. For information, visit Madison Hotel 15th and Saturday evenings. 22 entry for information. 8 p.m. at the H Street551-7328 or online at www.filmsonthehill.com or M Streets, NW. Admission Purchase tickets by phone Playhouse, 1365 H St., www.ticketmaster.com, email info@filmsonthehill. is $65 for Smithsonian NE. Refer to April 22 entry Patrons who are unable to com. for information. www.voiceofthehill.com STARRY DAYS Eastern Standard Time Edition Your Astrological Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness BY JEFFREY HO WARD (c) All rights reserved This calendar works regardless of your birthday! There's more to astrology than sun signs. Astrologers look at all the planets, and the planets are moving into new signs and relationships. The movement of the planets signals possibilities. Virtual doorways open and close. Experiment: Observe what happens when you allow yourself to step into the magic of a moment aligned with the stars. STARRY DAYS is written for each time zone to help us find the shifting tides of opportunity. Using this calendar can help us all in our pursuit of happiness. May you be happy. Thursday, April 1 Tuesday, April 13 bonds you already have with Happiness is yours tomorrow Get together with friends this work, friends and family. if you pick up clutter before evening. See a film. bedtime tonight. Friday, April 23 Maybe you're out with friends Friday, April 2 Wednesday, April 14 this evening. At 7:22 p.m., Pursue pleasure carefully. Stop work at 3:30 in the become an observer. Pay afternoon to tidy and organize attention. Really listen. Be Saturday, April 3 your work area. present. If today is the day you clean Saturday, April 24 your house, think about Thursday, April 15 redecorating. The soldiers of ancient Rome At 9:56 a.m., take care of wore lead weights they family affairs. At 2:10 this Sunday, April 4 removed when they went into afternoon, slow down. Slow Whatever you do today will battle. Prayer may help you way down. Real slow. end better if you smile. slow yourself, build your strength, and improve your Sunday, April 25 Monday, April 5 ability to be in the world. Dreams can come true if you Reform. Remodel. Reinvent, get started on them at 6:20 Restructure. Recommit. At Friday, April 16 tonight. 7:03 a.m.,the moon is full. For best results, shift your mind into low gear at 9:42 Monday, April 26 Tuesday, April 6 a.m. At 9:05 p.m., pick up After work, go home, not A comic book character says the pace. shopping. Just before bed, "Shazam!" and is trans-make plans to live a totally formed into a crime-fighting Saturday, April 17 outrageous life. hero. What is your power Act in haste. Repent at word? What inspires you, leisure. Tuesday, April 27 focuses you? Life is constant, ceaseless Sunday, April 18 change. It is human nature to Wednesday, April 7 Recreation found out of doors resist change. Today is a Work today like a meditating is its own reward. good day to surrender to monk: relaxed, attentive change. Do more! Become an focus. Monday, April 19 advocate of flexibility, freedom At 9:21 a.m., there is a Solar and change. Thursday, April 8 Eclipse - always a good time This is a good day - a lucky to get started on a new proj-Wednesday, April 28 day - so take risks; do the ect, or a new job or at a new Work with a joyful abandon. things you need to do but address. But wait until 9:42 Connect with the cosmos often hesitate to do because a.m. to begin your new adven-before bed. you're afraid of failure. ture. Thursday, April 29 Friday, April 9 Tuesday, April 20 Once every month, the moon We all like to have fun on Plant a flower for peace after moves into Virgo, which sig-Friday, but turn the volume on work. Flowers evoke the frag-nals an opportunity to start a your fun machine down at ile nature and beauty of diet, check our health or 8:29 tonight.peace and remind us also alphabetize our CD collection. that peace begins in individ-Opportunity knocks at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 10 ual hearts and must be nur-At 9:33 a.m., give some tured. Friday, April 30 thought to how you could Mercury turns direct at 9:05 advance in your career. Wednesday, April 21 a.m. Launch your new novel, Sunday, April 11 What kind of movies would business venture or resume, Focus your energy like a laser. you make if making movies or call that special someone. Simplify your life. Drop dis-were your business? Playing tractions. Do your best - for with this may reveal to you Keep my words positive. Words family, friends, community. personal values you did not become my behaviors. know you have. Keep my behaviors positive. Monday, April 12 Behaviors become my habits. The tempo quickens after Thursday, April 22 Keep my habits positive. lunch, especially later this Reconnect with the priorities Habits become my values. evening. To keep your bal-that bring you happiness. Keep my values positive. ance, eat lunch slowly; take Stability is often a key to hap-Values become my destiny. time to chew. piness. Strengthen the -Mahatma Gandhi To place a classified: Log on to www.voiceofthehill.com, go the newspaper drop down button, and click on "Classifieds." Then follow the directions for placing an ad. Classifieds are posted online and in the next printed edition of The Voice. The cost is $25 payable by credit card through the website. You may also fax your ad to 202-318-7806. For info, call 202-544-0703.For display advertising, call Bruce Robey at 202-544-0703 or 202-841-9080. Vacation Rentals Capitol Hill's Best Yard Sale & Funfair! Saturday, May 1st Beach Vacation/Golf Reserve for this season or a 9:00 am - 2:00 pm rain or shine atfall golf outing. Cherry Grove St. Peter's Interparish School Section, No. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 3BR 2BA 422 3rd St, SE (3rd and E St, SE) home, 1 block from beach Housewares, Toys, Books, Furniture, Plants, with dock and channel at Upscale Ladies Clothing, Baked goods, etc. back door. Over 100 golf courses nearby, and more Donations can be dropped off at the school April 26 - 30th mini-golf than you can play. or call Helen at 546 1311 for pick-up of larger items. Rent the Robeys' beach cot- (All donations are tax deductible!) tage....call 202-546-7410 for rates or www.voiceofthehill/ cricket.htm Books Nick, Steve, Edwin or John. 1115 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wanted to purchase Other Quality used books. Single vol-For Rent 22 ft. Catalina sailboat - perumes or entire library! Call fect getaway only 1 mile from Steve at Riverby Books, 202-Capitol Hill docked at 544-1925 Office Space for Rent Buzzards Point SW. Sleeps 4 1101 Pennsyvania Ave., SE, -sailing lessons and sunsets Books Bought and Sold. 2nd floor, above Frager's paint included- 2500.00 call 543 We want what you can give, store. 2 offices, conference 6154 we pay what we can afford. room about 1,000 sq. ft. Capitol Hill Books. Capitol $1600/month or rent as Fundraiser for Lovejoy Hill's used bookstore across separate offices from Community Park the street from Eastern $600/month. Call John Come join your friends and Market. 657 C Street, SE, Weintraub at home , 202-547-neighbors and enjoy refresh-202-544-1621 6746 ments at a fundraiser to ben efit Lovejoy Community Park. Garage for Rent Your neighbors Alex and Amy Employment GARAGE 1 block Lincoln Park, Mistri will be hosting at the 1/4 block East Capitol. Lovejoy Lofts, 440 12th Vehicles only. $165 - $220/ Street NE, Unit #107, on Wednesday April 7th from Executive/Personal Assistant-Part Time month 410-991-0038 Ecostructure Corporation was 6:30 to 9pm. To RSVP or for formed to design, promote, Storage/Garage Space questions, please email finance, and accomplish large-Available. LovejoyParkDC@yahoo.com scale ecosystem protection Secure, 24 hour easy access. and restoration projects. We Capitol Hill, 1 block from Volunteering are seeking a part-time metro. 10x20 garages. Executive/Personal Assistant $125/month. 202-543-3370 Volunteers to the company founder and or mberman@his.com Historic CongressionalCEO. Applicant will have strong Cemetery, founded in 1807, previous experience assisting Services is the burial site of Americans high-level elected or corporate who played significant roles in official, live on or near Capitol HOMESCHOOLING? the nation's history. The Hill in Washington, D.C., and If you are homeschooling, or Cemetery is developing public own a well-functioning laptop computer. 5 to 10 hours per thinking about homeschool-programming and educational week to start, with potential ing, you are warmly welcome initiatives. Volunteers are for increase. Please email let-to visit Christian Home needed to assist with ter of interest including Educators of DC, Inc. (CHE genealogical research, tours, desired compensation level to DC). We feature monthly and visitor services. For job ceo@ecostructure.us. meetings with great guest descriptions and an applica speakers, a newsletter, fellow-tion, call 202-543-0539. ship and encouragement, tips Build Your Own Business & advice, curriculum fairs, Ever consider a lucrative busi-field trips, play dates, a Volunteers Needed ness in real estate sales? library, achievement testing MURALS PROJECT: Need vol-Come learn how agents are for children of members, and unteer coordinator/participant earning incomes of $65,000-much more. For more info, refurbishing thirteen MONDRI-$600,000. Learn what is please call Antoinette AN murals, Sixth Street, SE, involved in getting started and Kearney at 526-4108. freeway underpass. Would building your business. Learn work with master muralist how soon you can start. Learn Bryon Peck (supervising city why some brokerage firms are Cleaning Service youth volunteers) and project better for beginners than oth-Residential and commercial originator Warren Robbins, ers. 1 hour, FREE career semi-cleaning. Reasonable rates, Founder Museum of African nars are held most Tuesdays references available. Carpet Art. robbinscenter@ yahoo. at 1p.m. You must register to cleaning, move in, move out, com; fax 202-544-9352. attend. 202-393-8271x155. construction cleanup. Larry.Kamins@Prudential Licensed, bonded and insured Call Rosemary Clean-4U, 202-Volunteer Opportunity Carruthers.com. 320-0805 or 202-518-9449 The Kreeger Museum is seek-Prudential Carruthers REAL-ing docents to assist in givingTORS, Capitol Hill office. tours to school groups from throughout the District who are visiting the galleries. Help wanted- Training will cover the collec-Fragers Hardware needs a Able to grow. tion as well as tour tech-multi-tasker for cashiering, niques for working with chilcounter person, stocking, and dren and will begin on May computer work. Good employ- 27. To learn more or to ment history a must. Full or request an application, part time. Apply in person to please call 202-337-3050 or visit our website, Accounting Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Tax & Financial Planning Corporation/Partnership 547-9004 See our ad on page 6 Air Conditioning & Heating John W. Fulcher 510 13th, SE, 544-8156 Service, replacements, installations Antiques Phoenix Gallery 325 7th St., SE 547-7070 Antique and Contemporary Leasing, 709 12th St., SE 547-3030 See our ad on page 16 Attorneys Rick Halberstein & Karen Byrne 705 D St., SE 543-1110 Arts Center Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th St., SE 547-6839 Association CHAMPS 621 PA Ave., SE 547-7788 Bank National Capital Bank 316 PA Ave.,SE 546-8000 wwwnationalcapitalbank.com See our ad on page 27 Bed and Breakfast Doolittle Guest House 504 E. Capitol Street, SE 546-6622 See our ad on page 7 417 A Victorian Townhouse 417 A St., SE 202-543-1481 See our ad on page 11 Maison Orleans 414 5th Street, SE, 544-3694 maisonorln@aol.com Bicycles Capitol Hill Bikes 709 8th St.,SE 544-4234 Books Capitol Hill Books 657 C Street, SE, 544-1621 Good Used Books Bought & Sold. Liber Antiquus, Early Imprinted Books 19 D St, SE 546-2413 Riverby Books 419 E. Capitol St., SE 547-3228 See our ad on page 43 Catering Classic Affairs classicaffairscatering.com 504 Constitution Ave NE 202-543-4462 Chimney Cleaning Winston's Chimney Service Washington DC (301)571-8546 Church Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Worship Sunday 11am, Sunday School 9:45am wwwcapitolhillpreschurch.org 201 4th St, SE 547-8676 See our ad on page 4 Christ Church + Washington Parish 620 G St., SE 547-9300 See our ad on page 26 Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 E. Capitol St., SE, 543-4200 www.reformationdc.org See our ad on page 12 St. James' Episcopal Church 222 8th St., SE, 546-1746 www.saintjameschurch.org See our ad on page 6 St. Peter's Church 2nd & C Street, SE 547-1430 See our ad on page 22 Clothing & Gifts Art & Soul 225 PA Ave., SE 548-0105 See our ad on page 7 The Village 705 N. Carolina Ave., SE 546-3040 Computer Consultant Better Computer Solutions 623 N. Carolina Ave., SE 546-8084 Dog walking services Zoolatry, Inc 202-547-WALK www.zoolatry.com Mid-Day Dog walking Service Insured - Bonded Drug Store Grubbs Care Pharmacy 326 E Capitol Street SE 543-4400 See our ad on page 24 Electric Repairs Bob Willett / K&W Electric 301-283-4004 Service work small jobs Flea Market The Flea Market at Eastern Market. Sundays, Eastern Market and Hine Junior High School. 175 Exhibitors. easternmarket.net 703/534-7612 Funeral Services Pinckney-Spangler Funeral Home 524 8th St. NE, 544-7720 A full service funeral home. Traditional burial or cremation services. A Garden and Landscape Art Garden Design 546-6920, artgarden@ starpower.net Specializing in urban gardens with an emphasis on functional and non-functional art elements. See our ad on page 7 Cheryl Corson Design 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 5 District Cityscapes, Inc 202-544-4886 Frager's Garden Center 1115 Penna Ave., SE, 543-6157 Gingko Gardens 911 11th St., SE 543-5172 See our ad on page 19 Ornamental Garden 544-7831 Graphic and Web Design 312 Studio - Capitol Hill based graphics company, we specialize in: Web Site design, Illustration, logo design, portfolio design, CD presentation and collateral design. www.312studio.com; tel.: (202) 547.3456; cell: (202) 412.8322 See our ad on page 47 Hardware Fragers Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 543-6157 See our ad on page 30 Health & Fitness Results the Gym 3rd & G Sts, SE, 234-5678 Home Furnishings Antique & Contemporary Leasing & Sales 709 12th Street, SE 547-3030 See our ad on page 15 Home Repair Handyman on the Hill Washington DC 206-7185 See our ad on page 43 Hotel Capitol Hill Suites 200 C St., SE 543-6000 Income Tax Services Jackson Hewitt Tax Service 8th St., SE 554-8840 Internet DC Access 118 Kentucky Ave, SE 546-5898 www.dcaccess.net - a local ISP See our ad on page 5 Insurance Marilyn Riehl, CLU, ChFC State Farm Insurtance Home, Auto, Life, Financial Services 301-951-0355 Landscaping Cheryl Corson Design Washington, DC 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 5 cheryl@cherylcorson.com Massage Therapy Capitol Hill Massage Associates Swedish, Deep Tissue, Seated Massage 202.746.4834 www.speedbumps.org/ massage Healing Hands Therapies Massage, acupunc ture 202-543-6365 www.HealingHands Therapies.com Healthy MotionsTM Massage Therapy on Capitol Hill. Swedish, Deep Tissue modalities. 202/246/4738. www.healthymotions.com Mason Michaliga Masonry 321 C Street, SE 544-4484 Mediation Capitol Hill Mediation Service 125 Tennessee Ave., NE 544-5675 -CHMediate@aol.com Mortgage Lenders Apex Home Loans 301-474-7100 Jeffrey A. Love, Loan Officer Federal Funding Mortgage Corp 202-210-7106 jlove@ffmcorp.com Movers Great Scott Moving, Inc. 202-546-8190 www.greatscottmoving.com Oracle Solutions Casetech, Inc. Elizabeth Jenkins 611 Penna. Ave, SE 5434499, www.casetech.com Office Supplies Capitol Hill Innervision Art and Office Supplies 701 8th St., SE 544-4664 Painting David Mahoney Painting Co. 544-9577 See our ad page 29 Gill Painting 301-370-9940 See our ad on page 6 Tech Painting 544-2135 See our ad on page 27 Pet Supplies Thom Burns Kristof Realty Group/Pam Doolittle's Pet Supply Coldwell Banker Real Estate Kristof Chateau Animaux 109 8th St. NE 547-5805 REMAX Capital Realtors 224 7th St., SE 544-8710 202-588-2021 See our ad on page 52 Larry Chartienitz www.kristofgroup.com Pardoe Real Estate Prudential Carruthers Photography Motophoto 666 PA Ave., SE 547-2100 See our ad on page 34 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 ext. 228 202-255-3731 Tom Faison 216 7th Street, SE 393-1111 www.prudentialcarruthers.com See our ad on page 18 REMAX Real Estate Kitty and Tati Kaupp Picture Framing 220 7th St., SE 255-5554 Residential and Commercial Capitol Hill Art & Frame See our ad on page 31 Pardoe Coldwelll Banker 623 Penna. Ave., SE 546-7000 546-270011 John C. Formant See our ad on page 4 See our pad page 11 Sales and Rentals Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD Randall Hagner Fulton Framing Peter Frias 202-744-8973 John Janke Framing and Preservation 225 PA Ave., SE 544-3900 546-9057 544-8408 www.johncformant.com See our ad page 5 See our ad on page 43 See our ad page 2 Sherlocke Homes Frame of Mine Hugh Kelly Panchita Bello Do-It-Yourself and Custom 202-588-2224 708 G Street, SE Framing See our ad on page 31 202-543-0954 522 8th St., SE 543-3030 We take the mystery out of See our ad on page 12 Pardoe Real Estate real estate. 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 Call first for appointment Newman Gallery and See our ad on the back cover www.sherlockehomes.com Custom Frames See our ad on page 12 511 11th St., SE 544-7577 The von Schlegel Realty Team See our ad on page 45 Plumbing REMAX Real Estate 220 7th St., 547-5600 See our ad on page 35 Real Estate Settlement Congressional Title 650 PA Ave., SE 544-0800 Grayton Plumbing 544-4366 See our ad on page 5 Real Estate Phyllis Jane Young Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See ad page 63 See our ad on page 49 Eastern Market Title 210 7th St., SE 546-3100 See our ad on page 5 Valerie M. Blake John Parker Prudential Carruthers Pardoe Real Estate Recycling Services Realtors 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 A Variety of Recycling 5025 Wisconsin Ave, NW Services, LLC. 202-362-1348, x111, 1717 K St, NW, Suite 613 www.DCHomeQuest.com 202-508-3397 Commercial Division Restaurants Two Quail 320 Massachusetts Ave. NE 543-8030 Banana CafÇ 400 8th St., SE 543-5906 See our ad on page 47 Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream 327 7th St., SE 546-CAKE See our coupon on page 38 CafÇ Berlin 322 Mass. Ave., NE 543-7656 German American Cuisine Hawk 'n' Dove 329 PA Ave., SE 543-3300 Marty's Family Restaurant 527 8th St., SE 202-546-4952 See our ad on page 47 Starfish 539 8th E 546-5006 See our ad on page 45 Roofing Star Roofing 1159 4th St., NE 543-6383 See our ad page 15 Salons Bravado 655 C Street, SE 543-6118 Randolph Cree 325 7th St., SE 547-1014 See our ad on page 21 Social Services Capitol Hill Group Ministry 421 Seward Sq., SE 5440385 Schools Capitol Hill Day School 109 S. Carolina Ave., SE 547-2244 Edmund Burke School 2955 Upton St., NW 362-8882 St Peter's School 422 3rd St., SE 544-1618 Spiritual Advisors Corrin Bennett Private Consultations 543-5825 Theater Folger Shakespeare Theatre and Library 201 East Capitol Street, SE 544-7077 See our ad on page 15 Theater Alliance H Street Playhouse 1365 H Street, NE 202-396-2125 www.theateralliance.com Shakespeare Theatre Education 547-5688 Therapy Joseph Tarantolo, MD Individual, couples and group psychotherapy 543-5290 See our ad on page 33 Michelle Piquet Individual, couple and group psychotherapy 544-4480 See our ad page 7 Vacation/Travel Consultants Jan Cammarata Judiciary Express Travel 7th & Penn, SE, 547-3007 Veterinarians Capitol Hill Veterinary Clinic 520 8th St., SE 546-1972 See our ad on page 53 JoAnne Carey, DVM Veterinary House Calls and Hospice Service 301-625-0723 Union Veterinary 609 2nd St., NE 544-2500 See our ad page 41 Workshops Writer's Way Workshops Make time for you! 547-3506 www.dcwritersway.org Yoga Studio Capitol Hill Yoga 221 5th St NE, 202-544-0011 See our ad on page 48 Corrin Bennett 543-5825 Private Yoga instruction, group classes St. Marks Yoga Center 3rd & A St., SE 546-4964 www.edow.org/stmarks capitolhill/arts/yoga.html Banana CafÇ: The Neighbor You Like to Visit BY R OBERT WANDER Banana CafÇ & Piano Bar 500 Eighth Street, NE 202-543-5906 et's face it; when it comes to our neighbors, we all have our favorites-and then there are ones we avoid like the plague. Fortunately for Capitol Hill, and Barracks Row in partic ular, there is a neighbor who is quite the fixture on 8th Street-one that is a welcome sight to most. Banana CafÇ & Piano Bar is that friendly, lively and bright friend down the street that soothes your soul and satisfies your hunger. For many years, it's been a favorite stop for those who wish to quench their thirst or quell a grumbling gut. The second floor piano bar generates a great vibe, whether the place is packed or it's just you and a friend, sipping away on a mojito or margarita. When it comes to dining at Banana CafÇ, be forewarned - don't fill up on chips and salsa. You'll barely be seated when someone will plop down a basket of warm, fresh tortilla chips and a bowl of finely minced salsa. Sure, it's a great way to start munching as you peruse the selections offered by this friendly neighborhood joint, but you really should save room for the main event. The menu offered by Banana draws from several regions of Latin America, with enough choices to satisfy a broad range of tastes. The selection of starters is a nice departure from the familiar range of choices in a typical South of the Border eatery. There is where Banana CafÇ shines-by giving the diner interesting choices from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other less traveled culinary paths. Most every restaurant these days, regardless of cuisine, offers fried calamari. To a reviewer or a frequent diner, this deep sea dish serves as a siren's call to compare it to others sampled or against a personal favorite (my dining companion proclaimed it's the best she's had in the city). I'm happy to report that Banana CafÇ's version ranks highly in this unofficial contest. The batter is lighter than most; the fish is cooked so it's not too tough; and the mango sauce is a wonderful change from the ubiquitous tomato-based sauces usually offered with this dish. Empanada appetizers are served in threes: one each of beef, chicken and seafood, with a slightly sweet red pepper sauce; they're big enough to halve and share around the table, making it another good choice for a familiar taste. Reaching toward the more unusual starters, the cod fish fritters are plump, hush puppy-style deep fried balls of the white fish that are dipped in a sweet and refreshing guava sauce. Another find on the starter menu is the gambas al ajillo, simply shrimp sautÇed in a lemon butter, garlic and white wine sauce. Simple and delicious, it's served with tortillas, in which you could stuff a shrimp and make a mini-fajita; I preferred to use them to sop up the leftover sauce. Most interesting of all the starters is the stuffed yuca. For those unfamiliar with this food, yuca is a slightly sweeter potato-like vegetable roughly the size and shape of a baseball. This iteration looks a little formidable but succeeds in marrying this Latin American starch with ground chorizo and mild spices all resting on a thick pool of sour cream and seasoned cheese. It's a great sweet and savory combination. On the lighter side, Banana CafÇ offers a number of soups and salads. Don't miss the seafood soup, a large bowl of shrimp, scallops and mussels swimming in a rich but not heavy cream stock. Banana CafÇ tempts its guests with fairly broad range of main dishes, where even the most finicky of eaters can find something to feast upon. Starting with the tried and true, the restaurant offers a selection of familiar Tex-Mex entrÇe selections from which most any diner could find at least one likable dish. The standard choices, including enchiladas, tacos, tamales, and fajitas, are all there. The combination fajitas, with choice of beef or chicken with shrimp, are served hot (but not sizzling like other restaurants) with large strips of chicken and plump shrimp, along with the usual onions, green peppers and tomatoes. It's good standard fare, but not the only reason you should dine here. This is where the menu at Banana CafÇ lets you sample something different. The Cuban sandwich is a simple way to try a new dish-sliced roasted pork loin, ham and swiss cheese topped with mustard, mayonnaise and pickles are sandwiched on crunchy bread and press-grilled; and voilÖ, a Cuban panini. But wait, there's more great food from our southern island neighbor. Touted as a typical Cuban dish, ropa vieja is simple and delicious. This dish is a mound of shredded flank steak, cooked with diced vegetables and spices, served with fried plantains, rice and a side of black beans Think of it as a Cuban barbeque without the bun. Like your meat even more simply prepared? Try carnitas cubanas, marinated morsels of pork roasted with Sevilla bitter oranges and sliced onions, served with yuca, rice and black beans. It's tender, juicy meat which is seasoned but not spicy - dare we say the Hungry Man's platter de Cuba? Continuing with the meat theme is the bistec a la Milanesa. This interesting trans-Atlantic combo features a breaded flank steak topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese then baked. This filling dish seems a bit out of place amongst the other choices, but is still very satisfying, and of course is served with (you guessed it) rice and black beans. Taking a cue from the appetizer selection, the zarzuela de mariscos is essentially the seafood soup on steroids. Add nice chunks of squid and white fish to a slightly richer lobster bisque base, and you have a liquid seafood feast. Same buttery rich taste as the starter, and more seafood to boot. This is a dish to warm you up, satisfy your hunger and make your taste buds say "aahhhh." If you haven't already gorged yourself on chips and salsa, tasty fried appetizers or scrumptious meat or seafood main courses, there are a few dessert selections. Sweets at Banana CafÇ are fine, but nothing to write home about. The banana bread pudding has a good flavor but an odd consistency for such a dish - more like a dense cake than a spongy bread pudding. Its caramel-like sauce was very tasty, however. The restaurant's version of tiramisu, called mocha cloud, was sweet and not too heavy, but again not something I would hold out for given the earlier course choices. Service at Banana CafÇ is friendly and efficient without being too obtrusive. On one trip we lingered over the meal for over two hours and never felt rushed, even though many diners had come and gone long before we asked for the check. The atmosphere at this neighbor's house is lively, bright and cheerful. Bright colors, paintings and other art pieces give the place a nice Latin feel and the usually crowded dining room gives the place a nice buzz. I suppose one could call Banana CafÇ the fun neighbor whose hospitality never wanes and where there is always something fun happening. Let's hope this pillar of the community is around for years to come. WANDER'S RATINGS Food Quality __Service __Value __Atmosphere __ __= Unacceptable, objectionable __= Below average, fair __= Average to good, palatable __= Very good, recommended __= Exceptional, extraordinary Tid Bits Hours of Operation: Mon -Fri 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Fri -Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sun -Thu 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Prices: $4.95 - $15.95 Robert Wander reviews restaurants each month in the Voice of the Hill. www.voiceofthehill.com _ _ Getting Around The Hill This Spring! s the Capitol Hill BID celebrates its first year, we can proudly look back at many accomplishments. Our Ready, Willing and Able men and women "in blue" have removed thousands of bags of trash from our neighborhood. Our commercial corridors have never looked better. Our ambassadors have helped hundreds of neighbors and tourists along their way. We have had most of our tree boxes cleaned, planted and mulched. Spiffy new banners adorn all of our commercial corridors and tie us together as one neighborhood. One of our proudest accomplishments has been the critical part that we played in getting the N22 circulator bus for our expanding neighborhood. From the Navy Yard and the Anacostia waterfront, through the center of Capitol Hill and on to Union Station, it has never been easier to get around our wonderful Capitol Hill neighborhood. Look for the N22 and give it a try. 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 202-547-3525 Wondering about what you can qualify to www.MikeBrown.biz purchase in this exciting Washington D.C. residential market. Take a few minutes and give "Trusted Advice To Build & Protect Your Wealth" me a call or visit me on line and I can lay out the options for you. 877-284-2848