of The Hill VOICE This Month 12 Valentine's Day for One 14 Buss? Hug? Or Not... Greeting Confusion 16 A Black Perspective on Change 18 A Trip to Jackson Ward 21 Preparing Kids to Read 24 Learning, Hockey-style 26 JO Oliver's Creative Path 27 PJ Paparelli Talks of Dreams 30 DC Music Scene, Pt. 2 34 Winter Projects Pt. 36 You and Your Rice 2 Cooker 38 Pocket Parks 39 Taxi! Taxi! 40 Snowbound Adventure 40 Space Invaders 40 Traveling Solo Departments VoiceMail ..................................................3 City Desk..................................................4 News OnSite ............................................8 Business Snapshots...............................10 Ask Judith ..............................................44 Designing for Hearth and Home .............46 Barracks Row.........................................47 Computer Corner ...................................48 Health & Fitness .....................................50 Ask the Vet .............................................52 Urban Gardener .....................................54 BID Talk ..................................................55 Capital Kids ............................................56 Kids' Sports ...........................................57 Community Calendar..............................58 Horoscope .............................................60 Classifieds ..............................................60 Business Services ..................................61 Vol. 6 No. 11 February 2005 of The Hill VOICE Voicemail The Voice of the Hill is published and distributed monthly to Capitol Hill residences and business locations. The focus is on the community and includes contiguous neighborhoods from Gallaudet University to the Engine 10 Firehouse: No Jackson and the Department of Housing across from the Firehouse at Navy Yard and from the Capitol to 'Frustration' Over Delay and Community Development staff 1330 G St., NE, the Stadium Armory Complex. (DHCD) in spring of 2004. Publication and distribution is the After several public community meet-and another at last Friday of each month. To the Editor: ings in the fall of 2004 with the DHCD, I 1430 G St., NE, well Advertising deadline is the first of can say the RFP process is working; how-service the "transient" residential need. As former ANC 6A-06 Commissioner for ever, with a more informed opinion, the We all want action taken on the the month preceding publication. the Single Member District (SMD) repre-direction that DHCD [is taking] (with a Engine 10 Firehouse. The difference in Voice of the Hill senting the area of 1341 Maryland mission for residential development) is opinion is the appropriate city protocol Ave.,NE, where the Engine 10 Firehouse not consistent with what many residents in this matter. The community, spear- NOTE NEW ADDRESS! is located in, I can say that I was in no who have passionately engaged in the headed by Commissioner Borbely, has PO Box 15874 way "frustrated over project delay RFP process feel is appropriate for this made publicly known that a communityWashington DC 20003-0874 request" for the Firehouse. historic landmark. The Firehouse has his-serving use for the Engine 10 Firehouse 202-544-0703 Main office I agree some ANC 6A commission-toric value for our community and should may be appropriate. One only has to look 202-318-7806 Fax ers' frustration may be a result of an remain in the city's portfolio for commu-to ANC 6B to observe a positive grass-empty city building which is crying for nity services. www.voiceofthehill.com appropriate use; and I agree some com-I am pleased to see that roots effort (with an appropriate RFP of an historic landmark like the future Hill editor@voiceofthehill.com missioners are frustrated from past city Commissioner Marc Borbely is spear-bruce@voiceofthehill.com actions (or lack of) without full disclo-patti@voiceofthehill.com sure; and I agree some commissioners adele@voiceofthehill.com are frustrated by questions left unan-dave@voiceofthehill.com swered by city authorities (not just Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 heading an effort that also refuses to Pennsylvania Ave., SE), [and to see] that take the "safe" 100 percent residential ANC 6A too is capable of success. RFP. We have to believe that if we engage The Community Stakeholders are in the city's bureaucracy, that the citi-involved in smart development which DHCD). But this is in no way indicative of zens' opinion will be heard and taken goes back many, many years. The com· our lack of involvement, and it is not the into account prior to action. Staff Bruce Robey, WebMaster ANC 6A's opinion that there is a frustra- Adele Robey, Design and Production tion of a "delay." munity supported our first theater, H Today the property detail for the Street Playhouse; the Atlas Performing Firehouse is a commercial use, so to Arts Center, R.L. Christian Library; Scott Shumaker, Editor In fact, I have personally asked for the imply that [there is] no use other than Phish Tea Café; and Majestic by Gwen; "delay" and will continue to ask the cur-residential (just because it is in an R4 Andrew Noyes, Assistant Editor rent Single Member District our ambition of spearheading smart Dave Francis, News Reporter area) is incorrect. development efforts is known to many Commissioner, Marc Borbely, to delay any The new "Pierce School" apartments city authorities. Remember, H Street revi-Patti Shea, Political Reporter Request for Proposal (RFP) until the and the new "Lovejoy" condominiums talization and H Street Main Street areJuilo Arguello, Calendar Editor facts are provided and until appropriate just around the corner which went and have been a topic for several years SMD comment time is afforded to us so through the city's surplus status, well by our city's designation as an "Arts and Publishers that we can offer an informed opinion. Phoenix Graphics, Inc. Many documents have just recently T/A Voice of the Hill been obtained through a Freedom of Distribution Information request, so the process has Capitol Hill BID, Ready Willing and actually, for all intents and purposes, just Able, Gospel Rescue Ministries restarted in December 2004 from the ini·service the residential need. Entertainment District." In addition, the 1400 Florida Ave. We are VERY active in community and 900 G St., NE, high-rise apartments development, and we will continue to well service the elderly in a residential ask questions (a lot of them) to be need. informed first before we favor one opin- In my opinion, the group home right ion. And we have a healthy dose of dif· tial public ANC 6A meeting with Stanley fering opinions (some may call that Contributing Writers "brainstorming" for ideas), not a divi- S.J. Ackerman Celeste McCall sion. Julio Arguello, Jr. Katie McLeod I commend the ANC 6A's Zoning Stephanie Briggs Bill McLeod Committee and Commissioner Cody Rice Darrin Broadwater Michael Meneer for keeping the Firehouse topic on the Judith Capen Aileen Moffatt front burner to obtain an historic land-Joanne Carey Linda Norton mark for the Firehouse. Dave Francis Stephen Norton Individual commissioners' opinions Joshua Gray Andrew Noyes may be very different. Therefore, I respectfully ask that one doesn't under- Rosemary Harold Shirley Serotsky cut the IMPORTANCE of ANC's "great Mark Holler Patti Shea weight" opinion determined AFTER a Jeffrey Howard Scott Shumaker healthy dose of open dialogue and a quo- Larry Kaufer Fay Singer rum vote is taken by the ANC 6A 8 com- Autumn Kuei Josh Singer missioners. D.Y. LeeErica Stanley Thank you for your coverage in this Laurie Lindsay Katherine Sullivan important matter. JESSIC A WARD Memberships Community Stakeholder Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington Barracks Row Business Alliance Independent Free Papers of America H Street Merchants Association cityDesk CO VERING THE HILL'S POLITIC AL SCENE AND MORE ALL STORIES BY PATTI SHEA 6A Commissioners Debate Proposed By-law Amendment Audience members at the Jan. 13 ANC 6A meeting needed a scorecard and a copy of Roberts Rules of Order to keep track of what exactly was going on. It all started when newly-elected Commissioner Robin Holden submitted an amendment to the ANC's by-laws that would let each commissioner appoint one community representative to each sub·committee, but would delete the portion that the nominees would need to be approved by the entire commission. Currently, the rules say only subcom·mittee chairpersons are allowed to nominate mem·bers. Holden needed to present this item before the commission voted on subcommittee chairs and members, which it was scheduled to do that night. Holden suggested the change, saying some single member districts (the areas which divide up the ANC) are underrepresented on the commission's four subcommittees. However, noting a packed agenda, Commission Chairman Joe Fengler kept the discussion time limit to two minutes for each speaker, including commis-sioners--a rule the commission has abided by for several years. But Commissioner Marc Borbely asked Fengler to expand the time to 10 minutes. Fengler said he wouldn't change the time limit, again addressing the packed agenda, and his position as chairman allowed him to do so. That discussion went on for 18 minutes. "It's motions like this that give ANCs in DC a bad name," Commissioner Cody Rice said. Borbely said that just because the previous com·mission obeyed the two-minute rule doesn't mean that the new one should. He then made a motion to extend the speaking limit, but it failed, 4-4. Commissioners Borbely, Holden, Mfon Ibangha and Gladys Mack voted to extend the time; Borbely, Holden and Ibangha are new commissioners. Back to the original discussion, Rice said he had some reservations changing the bylaws, and won·dered aloud if the panel was trying to over-legislate. He added that he would approve anyone to a com·mittee if asked. Commissioner Nick Alberti agreed, saying he was worried if there was some perception problem of the ANC that necessitated the change. He said he would never turn down a qualified nominee to a subcom·mittee, and rebuked a remark that the chairman was keeping people off subcommittees. Alberti then said subcommittee appointments were up to individual commissioners, and if those commissioners failed to recruit nominees, it wasn't the ANC's fault. "I put the onus on the individual SMD represen·tative," he said. Mack said she has tried to recruit members of her SMDs to the subcommittees, but that it's tough to get people involved. Borbely said the spirit of the change was to make the subcommittee more racially and geographically diverse, then gave some statistics about the commis-sion's grant process. He said, for example, that $9,000 of the $12,000 grant money OK'd by the commission went to two SMDs. That set off Fengler, who said those two SMDs have the most public use facilities and have submit-ted the most grant applications. He added that the ANC has never rejected a grant that wasn't against DC law. Borbely said he wasn't suggesting any nefarious activity among the commissioners. Ibangha said the change isn't about attacking any commissioner, but about inclusiveness. Ibangha represents SMD 6A08, which was previously served by Colleen Harris, the commissioner who in 2002 won election by write-ins and was sworn in, but failed to show for a single ANC meeting. Rice suggested that each commissioner submit a list of subcommittee appointment for consideration by next month's meeting. "This gives the new com·missioners a chance to see if existing commissioners are as good as our words. I would hope you wouldn't have to have everything in writing." Holden, the amendment's sponsor and one of the four newcomers to the panel, said she didn't know the veteran commissioners that well, but hopes they are people of their words. She added that appointees shouldn't need to wait for full commis·sion approval if each commissioner nominates a fully-qualified individual. But Alberti said without the full ANC consent, it runs the risk of having disruptive committee mem·bers who could derail the process. "We need to have a chance to dialogue among ourselves...We need a system of checks and balances... I'm not suggesting it could happen here, but there are 37 ANCs in the city, and it happens." Fengler then put the motion--the one to have each commissioner appoint one person to each sub·committee without the approval of the ANC as a whole--up for a vote. The motion failed to collect the two-thirds votes needed, in this case six votes, to amend the bylaws. When Fengler tried to proceed with election of subcommittee chairs, Ibangha, Holden and Borbely, along with veteran Commissioner Mack, put up a united front voting down all nominees. The first and only nominee for chairman of the economic committee was Cody Rice, who currently heads that panel. "We should hold off voting until the change is made," Borbely said, adding praise for Rice's past work on the committee. "I wish you would accept me at my word," Rice replied. Alberti said it was unfair for the four officials to hold the commission's business hostage because they didn't get their way. "Be respectful of each other; that's why we've gotten so much done over the past two years," he added. Borbely said he didn't want to hold up the com-Beatty, Marc Borbely and Mfon Ibangha were pres·ent. The next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE. For meeting information, go to www.anc6a.org. ANC 6B Calls for Hill East Waterfront Meeting Backs Residents' Call for Face-to-Face with City Leaders East Capitol Hill resident Jim Myers convinced ANC 6B to back the call for a massive public meeting with top city officials to discuss the city's intentions for Reservation 13. Wincing at the thought of calling it Reservation 13 -- the 60 some odd acres of land south of RFK Stadium that currently houses the defunct DC General Hospital and fully-functioning DC Correction Center -- Myers called the area the Hill East Waterfront because not very many Hill resi·dents know there is a waterfront there. "We need serious attendance by serious govern·ment officials, especially the GSA (General Services Administration), which holds all the cards," Myers told the ANC and audience during a Jan. 11 com·mission meeting. The panel obviously agreed since it unanimously endorsed Myers' plan. At issue is the city's plan to install mixed-use resi·dential and commercial development there. The land was supposedly handed over the city, but the GSA holds the deed. Some feel this issue has stymied the city's plans because it can't sell land to develop·ers without GSA approval, something it has been hesitant in doing. But the city inked a 99-year lease with St. Coletta's, a school for special-needs chil·dren, construction for which is already underway in the northwestern area of the land. Myers called for the federal and city governments to open up the public land adjacent to the water·front and tear down the fencing that aligns the river. No one from the city or GSA were present at the meeting, and officials couldn't be immediately con·tacted for comment. Myers and other activists formed the Hill East Waterfront Action Network, which will serve as an catalyst for information sharing between govern·ment officials and the residents. The group has created an Internet listserv that will dispense need-to-know information through e-mail. To join, send an e-mail to: HillWaterfront@ aol.com. The subject line should read "joint action network." Include your name, address, phone num-mission's business, then said that 58 percent of the economic committee's caseload came from two SMDs--those of Fengler and Rice. Again, Fengler responded. He said that the com-mittee's caseload isn't decided by the ANC chair, but by the city and those requesting zoning changes through city agencies. "You are giving a misrepre·sentation of how the system works," he said. Borbely then said that the committee should be there to not just handle what the city puts forth, but work to improve zoning in all the SMDs. Fengler called for a vote to confirm Rice, but it failed 4-4. The same for the nominee of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing committee nominee, newly-elected Commissioner Mary Beatty. Seeing an impasse with all nominees, the panel decided to move on with business, such as the appointment of committee members. But Fengler said it wasn't necessary since there were no chair·persons to lead them. He then turned the discussion to the audience, who had a few choice words for all the panelists. "What I witnessed tonight is an asinine display of representation," one audience member said to applause, even a couple commissioners standing and clapping. "I'm shocked by what I witnessed today," another said, with a third adding, "I cannot say that today you represented me." After sobering up from the audience shellacking, commissioners tried to make amends. Holden tweaked her proposal to amend the current bylaw. Each commissioner may nominate one person for each committee, changing the current language which said only the chairperson was allowed to do so. All appointments will still be cleared through the entire ANC. With the changes, the motion passed unanimously. It was then they revisited nominating committee heads, who are: Alcohol Beverage Licensing: Mary Beatty; Economic Development and Zoning: Cody Rice; Public Safety: Raphael Marshall; Community Outreach: Elizabeth Nelson. The ANC voted unanimously to create a schools subcommittee to be co-chaired by Borbely and Ibangha. ANC 6A 2005 Officers Chairman: Joe Fengler Vice Chairman: Mfon Ibangha Treasurer: Nick Alberti Secretary: Marc Borbely Commissioners Gladys Mack, Joseph Fengler, Cody Rice, Nick Alberti, Robin Holden, Mary ber (optional) and email address in the body of the message. It couldn't be immediately determined when the public meeting would occur. Check back with VOTH for updates. One of Their Own... The commission joined together to wish fellow Commissioner David Sheldon a safe and healthy return from Iraq. Sheldon, an attorney, is over there for the Iraq elections and other reconstruction efforts. Singles Squabble The ANC refused to let a Near Southeast conven·ience store continue to sell singles until it can decide how to proceed with a possible ANC-wide ban on such sales. The commission and former owners of the Capital Supreme Market, located on the corner of Fourth and E streets, SE, signed a voluntary agree·ment years ago, which one portion includes a sec·tion that prohibits the store from selling single helpings of beer, typically defined as more than 24 ounces. The policy was recently discovered when the city's alcohol bureau cited the new owners for selling singles. The Lees, the new owners, voluntarily stopped selling single beers until the situation was cleared up. The panel discussed such policies it has included in other voluntary agreements, which include the store can only sell premium and usually more expensive singles. However, Commissioner Scott Cernich said the city's Alcohol Control Board nixed that idea saying the ANC couldn't say which type of beer an establishment could sell. The ANC has said that it wants to stop the sale of singles, but hasn't included that other agreements, which could be a disadvantage to stores that comply with the singles ban. Commissioner Julie Olson, whose single member district includes the store in question, said the Lees have a good reputation in the community and she hasn't heard any complaints from neighbors about the sale of single beer at the store. But Commissioner Neil Glick said the ANC has made it known that it won't allow the sale of singles and added that the bad store owners, like in his rep·resented area, ruin it for the good store owners, like the Lees. "We need to stick to our guns in this case," Glick said. The matter was referred to the panel's alcohol licensing subcommittee, which will return with a recommendation at the February ANC 6B meeting. Meeting Plans Newly elected Commissioner Sandra Thomas has scheduled her first single-member district meeting for Feb. 4. Thomas represents SMD 6B07, which zig·zags between 12th and 14th streets, south of Pennsylvania Avenue to the Southeast-Southwest freeway. Thomas said he wants to hear about community input into getting a recreation center in the neigh·borhood. She said it's also a great opportunity for residents to find out more about her and her plans for the next two years. The meeting runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, at Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Ave., SE. 2005 ANC 6B Officers The following election of ANC officers were unani·mous: Chairman: Scott Cernich Vice Chairman: Will Hill Treasurer: Julie Olson Secretary: Ken Jarboe Parliamentarian: Neil Glick Commissioners Scott Cernich, Kenan Jarboe, Julie Olson, Francis Campbell, Neil Glick, Mary Wright, Antonette Russell, Will Hill and Sandra Thomas were present. Commissioner David Sheldon was absent. The next ANC 6B meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Penn. Ave, SE. ANC 6C Discusses New Developments ANC 6C revisited the 500-unit project slated for the old Capital Childrens Museum on H Street, NE, ask·ing the developer what his intentions were toward amenities for low-income residents. Commissioner Anthony Rivera asked Toby Millman, project manager for Abdo Development, if the company would purchase parking spaces for the complex's low-income residents. Parking spaces tend to cost $25,000-$30,000 and is usually includ·ed in the cost of the unit. But Rivera said it's going to be tough for the low-income residents to afford a space and asked if the company was willing to lower the price tag for those residents. Millman said the company is willing to con·tribute $40,000 to an escrow account for the resi·dents to use toward purchasing a parking spot. He added that it costs the company some $30,000 to construct each spot and can't discount the price. He said if the company is asked to give away spaces, it will be forced to provide less, which could lead to building residents parking on the street. Adequate parking has remained a key issue for the incoming complex's neighbors The developer pledged a one-to-one ratio, one space per one unit, which exceeds the city's one space per every four unit minimum. He added that the complex is located between two Metro stops and on a main bus thoroughfare, and they expect most of their residents to use public transportation. Also, Millman said since the project is still being designed, it's not known how many low- to moder-ate-income units will be for sale or the units' cost. He said the city's housing department has been lag·ging in giving him the details about what percent·age of units need to be allocated for low-income res·idents. "We are as much frustrated by not knowing what that affordable housing component is as you are," Millman said. As a result, Rivera asked for the creation of a com·munity advisory board to oversee the low-income process. That motion unanimously passed. Crime Down, Fears Up Police officials said crime steadily decreased in the area over the holidays, but warned that residents should remain cautious. Lt. E.N. Butler said robberies and burglaries were lower in December in Public Service Area (PSA) 102, which encompasses most of the ANC territory. According to Butler, robberies sank from 15 in November, to nine in December; and burglaries low·ered from 37 in November to 21 in December. "This is phenomenal for around Christmas time," he said. However, a handful of residents aired complaints to the officer about a lack of police presence in their neighborhoods. Some were concerned about the police's handling of an armed robbery and stabbing on Sixth Street last fall. The residents say they still haven't been questioned by the authorities and asked Butler to explain the investigation procedure. Butler said he'd speak with the detective investi·gating the case and get back to the residents. He urged all in attendance to join the PSA's e-mail list·serv, that way everyone can be caught up on recent information. To join, email psa102@toward.com and ask to be a subscriber. Panel OKs Funding for Website ANC 6C may be surfing the web soon since it approved $2,000 for website construction. Commissioner Mike Sherman said he'd spear·head the effort to look for site developers. He said he has a couple companies in mind that could create a site that would be easy for someone with relatively no computer experience to update. Sherman said he'd put preliminary information on the site to begin until the commission as a whole can decide what information it wants to post online. ANC 6C 2005 Officers The following election for commission officers were unanimously approved: Chairman: Mark Dixon Vice Chairman: Charley Docter Treasurer: Bill Crews Secretary: Mike Sherman Subcommittee posts: Zoning and Planning: Anthony Rivera Grants: Lena Brown Licensing and Economic Development: Daniel Pernell Public Safety: Mark Dixon Commissioners Anthony Rivera, Mike Sherman, Karen Wirt, Mark Dixon, Lena Brown, Daniel Pernell, Charley Docter and Bill Crews were present. Commissioner Lawrence Thomas was absent. The next ANC 6C meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the National Public Radio boardroom, 635 Mass. Ave, NW. 6D Holds Off on L'Enfant Endorsement ANC 6D postponed its backing of a redesign and construction project at L'Enfant Plaza on Jan. 10 because the panelists said they didn't have enough information about the project. Project construction manager Bob Elliot present·ed plans to commissioners for addition of two new office buildings, which would include the new Capital Childrens Museum, and one residential building on the plaza. However, specific details -- such as a traffic study, parking schematics and other environmental related documents -- weren't given to the panel for their review. Elliot said the ANC needs to sign off on the design before the project goes before the city's commission of fine arts in late February. Commissioners aired concerns over congestion due to school bus traffic caused by the Children's Museum. They were also worried about parking impacts caused by the 230-unit, 13-story residential building slated for the south side of the plaza. Elliot said there would be no net loss of parking spaces, keeping the number of slots at 1,650. The commission will consider the project at its month meeting in February. New King-Greenleaf Nearly Open The manager of the new King Greenleaf Recreation Center said the facility should be open to the public by Feb. 24. Marcus Ellison gave some programming details of the center, which include: aerobic classes, arts and crafts, yoga, basketball and tennis. He said most classes will be free, but there will be charge for other amenities, such as free weights. He said once the center gets up and running users can register for classes online. Ellison said tentative operating hours for the facility are: Mon.- Fri.: 10 - 9, Sat. & Sun.: 10-6. For more information, contact the center at 202-727-5454. Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs Commissioner Mary Williams urged residents to notify the city of illegal signage posted public trees and power poles. "We are trying to curtail this practice," she said, adding that it's illegal to post advertisements to public property, but local clubs continue to do it throughout Southwest. She said citizens should call the Mayor's hotline, (202) 727-1000, to register a complaint. It's a $35 fine for each illegal sign posted. H2O Still in Hot Water "H2O remains a concern," Litsky said. He added that underage drinking continues to be an increasing concern, as does the closing of streets nearing the eatery. Litsky urged residents to report any incidences to him so he can compile a paper trial for the March 24 Alcohol Beverage Control board status hearing. The ANC protested the renewal of H2O's liquor license because the panel says the restaurant's owners haven't complied with an agreement the two inked. A representative from H2O couldn't be reached. Residents can email Litsky at alitsky@aol.com. 2005 Officers Elected Chairman: Andy Litsky Vice Chairman: Roger Moffat Secretary: David Sobelsohn Treasurer: Max Skolnik Outgoing commission chair Ahmed Assalaam thanked the panel for backing him during his two years as head of the ANC, even though "some of it has been a little difficult and a little contentious. "I know I've made several mistakes...but I've done what's best for the community," he said. The ANC's by-laws state that commission chairs can only serve in that position for two consecutive years. Commissioners Ahmed Assalaam, David Sobel·sohn, Robert Siegel, Roger Moffatt, Max Skolnik, Andy Litsky and Mary Williams were present. The next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, at the Millennium Arts Center, 65 I Street, SW. Patti Shea can be reached at patti@voiceofthehill.com newsOnsite ALL STORIES BY DAVE FRANCIS The following stories have appeared on the Voice web-site during the past month. If you have a story idea you'd like our reporters to investigate, please send a note to reporter David Francis at dave@voiceofthehill.com. DC Police, Politicians Promise Vigilance in Combating NE Drug Problems Crimes on the 600 Block of 10th Street, NE, Addressed at Community Meeting Representatives from the DC police department, the United States Attorney's Office, local politicians and members of the community gathered Jan. 13 to address a swell in violent crime on the Hill in recent months. Metro police pledged greater surveillance of the areas around 633 10th Street and 810 F Street, NE, in response to drug trafficking problems sur·rounding the property. Councilmember Sharon Ambrose said she shared the community's concerns over the properties, and said she would explore the possibility of expanding an abatement law to target properties with a violent history, according to a summary of the meeting pro·vided by ANC6A chair Joe Fengler. The meeting followed continued violence at the 600 block of 10th Street, NE, which was the location of three homicides and four shootings as well as drug activity. The meeting was called by ANC6A in response to community and advisory committee concerns. Representatives from the Metro Police Department promised to target the areas with increased surveillance, including undercover drug operations. Patrol cars will drive through the area every half hour. Crime Reduction Teams are working to target on suspicious areas such as alleys. These teams have the ability to coordinate action across DC law enforce·ment and government. Crime Reduction Teams enlist the help of the fire department to shut down houses that violate fire codes. Metro police said their presence will be increased in the area, with alley loiterers stopped and ques·tioned by officers in patrol cars as well as bike, foot, canine and scooter patrols. Ambrose, who authored a law that allows drug nuisance properties to be targeted, said the proxim·ity of the Prospect/Goding Learning and Sherwood Recreations Centers contribute to the urgency of the problem. Ambrose promised to explore applying her drug nuisance legislation to the area, but said civil liberty concerns could complicate such an application. ANC6A will follow up with Ambrose's office on the matter. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office explained the process to apply the drug nuisance law to the properties. Once a number of arrests can be linked to the property, USAO can ask the courts to seize the property. However, a property cannot be seized based upon suspicion. If confronting crime with this strategy fails, USAO can tell property owners the law can be applied to their property as incentive for the owner to stop allowing illegal activity. The USAO, if other strategies fail, can seize the property. USAO said three search warrants have been exe·cuted at 633 10th St., NE. These warrants uncovered a weapon and drug paraphernalia. But despite these findings and the shootings are not conclusively linked to drug crimes, the drug nuisance law cannot be applied. USAO promised to continue monitoring the property, but cannot evict the residents at this time. Community members were told to report any sus·picious activities around the properties by calling 311. Theft DevastateLocal Artist Artwork Worth $25,000 Lost in Car Theft Just Weeks Before the Holidays A Capitol Hill artist awoke on a December morning last year to find his life's work and livelihood van·ished. The van of Michael Berman, whose work is dis·played and sold at Eastern Market, was stolen just 13 days before Christmas. Inside the vehicle were almost all of his original paintings, prints and art supplies. Berman had packed the car Friday, Dec. 11, in front of his Southeast home in anticipation of showing his work at Eastern Market the next day, where he has sold his art for almost 12 years. The car was stolen that night. Berman estimates his losses at $25,000. But this only represents part of the loss, as Berman is forced to start from scratch without equipment and valu·able prints of his work. Berman also missed out on the holiday season, his most profitable time of the year. "They took away my ability to make income," Berman says. "It was truly devastating. It still is truly devastating." Berman says the van was recently discovered in another area of Southeast, but with no sign of his work. He compliments DC police for their work in finding his vehicle. Insurance is further complicating Berman's situa·tion, as it only covers minimal costs. While disheartened, Berman has already begun work on new pieces with help from friends at Eastern Market. Berman has sold his work almost exclusively at Eastern Market, where he said he has sold well. His work is described on his website as "radical in thought, imagery, and technique, yet align them·selves with the 'rhythms of society, the emotions of life, and the hidden energies of everyday existence.'" Reproductions of Berman's work can be viewed at his website, www.his.com/mberman, and at Eastern Market every weekend. Redskins Honor Capitol Hill Residents for Community Service Safe Drinking Water Campaign, Home Repairs Recognized with Award Hill East, Inc., and its president Jim Myers were selected as finalists for the Washington Redskins Community Quarterback Award, which honors contributions to communities throughout the District. Future Capitol Hill resident Vincent Mona was awarded the grand prize for his work providing funding for Prince George's County residents with home repairs they cannot afford. Myers and Hill East were honored for their efforts to eliminate "nuisance properties" and for legal action initiated against the DC Water and Sewer Authority over lead contamination, as well as for organizing tours of Eastern Capitol Hill, according to a Hill East press release. Mona, who will soon relocate to the Hill, was honored for his work with Christmas In April, an organization that helps residents in Prince George's County finance home repairs they would otherwise not be able to afford. Christmas in April brings together volunteers for all over the District and last spring helped to repair nearly 100 homes, according to the organization's website. Myers and Hill East were awarded $1,000. Mona, as the grand prize winner, was awarded $10,000. The Redskin's Community Quarterback Award, an initia·tive between the Redskins and the National Football League Charities and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, "provides an opportunity for the Redskins to recognize and reward our out·standing local volunteers and their charitable organ·izations," according to the Redskins' website. City Council Requires Community Notification of Construction Projects ANC6A, Ambrose Overcome Initial Opposition Despite initial opposition from Mayor Anthony Williams, a bill (championed by ANC6A) requiring DC government to inform ANCs of its intent to buy or lease property passed late last year. ANC6A worked with DC city councilmembers Sharon Ambrose and David Catania over the last year on the bill, which also requires DC government to notify ANCs of any intent to change the use of government-owned properties. "This legislation will provide ANCs with a new tool to ensure that residents have the opportunity to learn about and comment in advance on pub-licly-funded buildings in their neighborhood," commissioner Cody Rice said in an email. ANC6A voted unanimously to support the legis·lation a year ago, according to Rice. www.voiceofthehill.com The committee threw its support behind the bill following construction of a youth rehabilitation home on Kramer Street, NE. Despite being a publicly funded property, residents close to the home became aware of construction on the property only after it began. Rice says early community notifica·tion of the project would have allowed an opportu·nity for residents to share their concerns about building a rehabilitation home close to a school and in a high-crime area. The passage of the bill came as a surprise. Mayor Williams did not initially support the bill, prompt·ing Catania to table the bill to just before the Christmas holiday. The delay proved effective, as the bill passed just days before Christmas with broad support from city council. Norton Protests Permanent Jefferson Memorial Barricades Security Measures Part of National Park Service Plan to Secure DC Monuments DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is protesting a plan to erect anti-vehicle barriers and the destruction of a parking lot at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Norton was briefed on the changes last month by the National Park Service. The results of that meet·ing are not yet known. Norton believes the barriers and the destruction of the parking lot will take away from the beauty of the monument and discourage tourists and District residents from visiting. "Millions of people come to DC every year just to see the Jefferson Memorial, especially at Cherry Blossom time. There is no Metro to get visitors there," Norton said. "The Park Service plan does not appear to have the proper balance among tour buses and other vehicles." Norton argues alternate security measures can be employed to preserve the beauty of the site. "With appropriate technology and state of the art thinking about security, we should be able to pro·tect the Memorial without changing its appearance and making it harder to get to than it is today," she said. The proposed security measures around the Jefferson Memorial are only one element of pro·posed changes to security for monuments around the District. The National Park Service is planning to add additional barriers around the Lincoln Memorial in addition to the already present barri·cades around the Washington Monument. Dave Francis can be reached at dave@voiceofthehill.com. Capitol Hill Art & Frame · Expert custom designs · Museum quality materials · Superior frame selection We now have vintage Edward Curtis photographs for sale in addition to silkscreens by Joseph Craig English. 623 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 202 546-2700 10-6 Tues-Sat · Eastern Market Metro Call Box Review Meeting Scheduled It's time to get inspired, organized, and focused on Capitol Hill's call boxes, for spring will soon be here, and they can be painted and fitted up with appro·priate art work--just like the one at Lincoln Park (11th Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE). The Capitol Hill Call Box Review Committee has scheduled a meeting for Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. If you've been thinking about getting involved in the project, particularly as an artist or designer, it is now time to pick up the phone or get on the com·puter and contact Nancy Metzger (202-546-1034; nancymetzger@verizon.net) to find out what boxes are still available or which ones have people searching for an artistic partner. On March 5, the committee will be looking at ideas, sketches, and photographs and helping applicants get their submissions in good shape to be submitted for approval to the city·wide Art on Call project, sponsored by the Cultural Tourism DC, the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities and the DC Department of Trans·portation. There will be another review committee sched·uled for later in the spring for those who aren't ready March 5. For more information on the pro·gram and how to get involved, check the Call Box Revitalization page of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society website, www.chrs.org. February Preservation Café Canceled Topics for March and April Announced Due to the expected IRS scrutiny of the historic preservation façade easement program, the announced Preservation Café for Feb. 16 has been canceled. The speakers will be rescheduled when more concrete information about this program can be given. Preservation Cafes, the popular free forum spon·sored by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, will resume on Wednesday, March 16, when C. Dudley Brown, a nationally recognized expert on historic interiors, will talk about Victorian wallpapers. Tips from one of Capitol Hill's experienced landscape designers, Gary Hallewell of Garden Arts, will be presented at the April 20 café. The last Preservation Café of the Spring 2005 season will be on May 18, with the topic and speaker to be announced. Mark your calendars with these dates. Specific meeting places and times will be published later. For more information, interested persons may contact the CHRS office at 202-543-0425 or CapHRS@aol .com. THOMAS JENKINS and COMPANY A Professional Corporation Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning 202-547-9004 Washington, DC Atmosphere Comfort Food: Meatloaf Chili Clam Chowder Country-Fried Steak Meatball Sub Sandwich. "It's simple Americana," says Graig Glufling, the head chef at the new Barracks Row restaurant and pub called The Ugly Mug. Glufling says the menu for the latest Eighth Street eatery wrote itself. He says he sat down and asked himself the following question: "What do I like to eat while hanging out with friends in a comfortable atmosphere?" The New England native sits at the end of the bar at The Ugly Mug, taking a break from the kitchen on this bitter-cold MLK holiday. A steady stream of cus·tomers has made this an unexpectedly busy lunch. Nursing a big glass of ice water, he has the look of a man who has already put in a full day's work. Glufling was born in Everett, Mass., but grew up BusinessSnapshots BY MICHAEL MENEER Ugly Mug: Simple Americana in a Relaxed in Northern Virginia. He studied at Johnson and Wales University's College of Culinary Arts. For the last nine years, Glufling worked as a line chef at a variety of establishments in DC, including Vidalia, Bistro Bis, and Red Sage. He also spent time apprenticing on Cape Cod, including a stint at the Flying Bridge Restaurant in Falmouth. Despite his experience, Glufling says there are growing pains with opening a new restaurant. "The first month always has little problems here and there," Glufling confides. Finding a top-shelf staff is very important, as is figuring out an efficient flow of service, according to Glufling. Glufling says he's "working out kinks and getting systems in place." But the place just opened in January, and Glufling conveys a clear vision for the future: The Ugly Mug will be a neighborhood bar where people can get a good homemade meal and a beer, and not go broke. Indeed, the high end of the menu tops out at $19. And, Glufling adds, the reasonable prices won't mean lower quality food. He says everything is "house made...fresh, and done from scratch." Evidence, Glufling's clam chowder. The chowder is a "soup of the day" selection, and really should be called "Chunky Clam Chowder with a Kick." Glufling makes the chowder with sizeable chunks of bacon, celery, potatoes, and onion. He also mixes in a Mexican hot sauce called cholula, giving the chowder a good kick in the pants. Glufling confidently says he's happy to have his chowder recipe in the public domain. After all, "technique is what gets it," Glufling says with a smirk. He says he perfected the chowder recipe dur·ing his time on Cape Cod. A Hefeveizen on tap is a refreshing compliment to the spicy chowder. Visitors can enjoy the combina·tion for less than ten bucks. And speaking of beer, the bar features two-dozen beers from the tap. It includes a range of imports, like Smithwicks, Stella Artois, and Guinness. Locally brewed Foggy Bottom is also available, as is the bar's namesake, Ugly Mug Ale. "Sports bar and lounge mix" is what Glufling is trying to achieve at The Ugly Mug. The place will eventually have enough seating for up to 130 people. Right now, there are six large com·fortable wrap-around booths, a couple of lounge tables for four in the front area, and a long bar with seating for about twenty. There's also a dark cave of a room in the back with a pool table and a PGA Tour Championship golf video game. The room also sports one of the half-dozen large flat-screen televisions mounted on the walls throughout the Ugly Mug. The Ugly Mug is owned by Scott Parker and Gaynor Jablonski. The Ugly Mug's sister establish·ment is Porter's Dining Saloon, which also features Glufling's work. Glufling has also added some unique items to the menu that stretch beyond the "comfort food" genre. The Ugly Mug's calamari appetizer is a point of particular pride for Glufling. He says the calamari is fried with a cornmeal crust, and accented with banana peppers and red onion, giving the standard seafood starter a distinctive sweet and sour flavor. The Ugly Mug offers a variety of pizzas, including a Maryland White Pizza that sounds enticing. The menu also includes mini-cheeseburgers on toasted brioche with fried onion straws. Patrons can get three mini-burgers for $7, six for $10 or nine for $12. The pizzas are all twelve inches, and cost $9-$12. Entrees range from $11-$19. The menu has two dessert items, New York Cheesecake and chocolate chip bread pudding, each for $5. The Ugly Mug is located at 723 Eighth St., SE, across from the Marine Barracks. Hours of opera·tion, drink specials, and other information can be found at www.uglymugdc.com. www.voiceofthehill.com Today's Pizza--Pies With Precision ia Malik wears many hats at Today's Pizza at 531 Eighth St., SE. He's a cook, cashier, qual·ity control inspector, and marketing guru. He's also the owner, and a partner in a dozen other pizza shops in the DC and Baltimore areas. Born in Pakistan, Malik was trained in mechani·cal engineering in Manchester, England. He left Pakistan and moved to the United States in 1981 so he could educate his children. One of his three children will complete medical school next year. Malik is soft-spoken and humble when talking about himself. But change the topic to his pizza business, and a proud independent businessman with an engineer's exactness springs to the surface. Cleanliness, proper preparation, and timeliness are the focal points of this engineer's precision. Malik offers a tour of his kitchen to prove how seri·ously he takes his work. By tour's end, the reporter feels qualified to open his own pizza shop. Malik lifts steel containers of pizza toppings out of a refrigeration unit, dumping out the tomatoes to show how clean the containers are. He holds the container to the light, proving that no surface has gone unwashed. He states emphatically that no food is ever used the next day (the exception being olives, which are preserved in vinegar). Likewise, he steps into a walk-in refrigerator. He lifts the lid off a plastic container of pizza dough. Again, he thoroughly displays the cleanliness of the container. He says he inspects every tray, and pro·duces one that failed inspection--it had a small amount of dust inside. Now, he's at the front counter making change for his deliveryman. Closing the register, he goes to a sink straight away to wash his hands. He says employees must wash their hands after making an order and handling money. Next, he's at the oven explaining that each pizza is cooked for five minutes at 505 degrees Fahrenheit. But as a pizza comes out of the oven Malik halts his presentation. Here is the engineer again. Lifting up the pizza, he eyeballs the bottom to ensure it's brown, not white, meaning it's under cooked. Now he's listening to the pizza. He says there's a certain "crunch" he can hear when a fully cooked pizza is cut. This pizza passes inspection. So does a spinach pie, which will be delivered in a white paper bag, not brown. Customers can tell immediately if fo and grease are splattered on a white bag, according to Malik. "Customers can see if something is bad," Malik says. Malik's customers also are promised a delivery time of 35 minutes to 40 minutes. If a pizza arrives late and is cold, Malik says he sends a fresh one. And delivering pizzas has become harder since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Malik says. It's now almost impossible to deliver orders to cus·tomers who work at heavily secured places like the Navy Yard, Bowling Air Force Base, and the Congressional offices of Capitol Hill. But that hasn't stopped Malik. He has solved the problem by identifying delivery-rendezvous points on street corners just outside the security perime·ters. Zia Malik, pizza shop proprietor and problem solver. Once an engineer, always an engineer. Today's Pizza offers pizza, subs, pasta, salads, cal·zones, fried chicken, snacks and soft drinks. Telephone is 202-546-6001. Delivery is free; mini·mum delivery order must be $7. They charge 50 cents for credit card purchases. Michael Meneer, Hill resident, writes about local busi·nesses each month in the Voice. Capitol Hill's only do-it-yourself Frame shop custom framing also available Serving Capitol Hill for 20 years Monday, Friday, Saturday 10-6 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-9 Sunday 12-6 522 Eighth Street, SE 202.543.3030 www.frame-of-mine.com Kissing 'Bah Humbug' Goodbye on February 14 A Single's Guide to Valentine's Day BY ERIC A STANLEY So the holidays have come and gone. single, or as a Sex and the City episode drawing singles, are likely to do the You've taken down your garland, suggests, someone they are not inter-same on Valentine's Day. cleaned up from your New Year's Eve ested in. Who knows what sparks Networking groups, aimed at sin-bash and are settling into routine could fly? gles is also a good idea. The Pros in and normalcy once again. Check out Pulp on the Hill at 303 the City networking group is holding But no! As you pass CVS, you see it. Pennsylvania Ave., SE, for spunky several Pre-Valentine's Day Single Your first thought is, "No, it can't be, cocktail napkins and fun party sup-Dinners, as well as a Valentine's not already!" But yes, it is unmistak-plies to set the mood. Week Singles Sports and Adventure able. The pink and red hearts Or buck the whole Valentine Cruise in the Caribbean. For more wrapped in frilly doilies could only theme all together and have an anti-information, go to www.prosinthecity. mean one thing... Valentine's Day! It hearts-day bash. Have guests wear com. Things to Do is sponsoring a is that time of year again. The black, or any color besides red or Forty-Plus Pre-Valentine's Day Lock Hallmark holiday that oozes with pink--or why not a costume party? and Combination Single's Event, a chocolatey, syrupy, cheesy sweetness Who says Halloween is the only holi-Pre-Valentine's "Find the Mole" in the form of cards and lovey dovey day to adorn elaborate costumes and Singles Party and a Pre-Valentine's confections that singles swear is be something other than you for an Rotating Profile Singles Dinner at Sea some sort of attack and torture evening? Find a perfect ensemble at Catch in Georgetown. Details can be against them. Backstage Costumes, located at 545 found at www.thingstodoindc.com. But rest assured, single folks, this 8th Street, SE, where an array of cos- year can be different. Instead of your tumes is available year 'round. Take in Some Culture usual dread of heart day, and avoid-Living in the nation's capital, there is ance of Feb. 14, by following a few Send Alternative Valentines a wide variety of music, theater and tips, you too, can have a Happy While all the couples will be art to enjoy year-round. Taking in Valentine's Day, or at least survive exchanging cheesy cards from the some of the culture that is available through the 15th of the month. local Hallmark aisle, why not be would be a perfect way to spend Whether this will be your first or more creative? Take this moment of Valentine's Day for single folks. Some 50th Valentine's Day spent without a singledom this Valentine's Day to shows to consider: significant other, by simply changing send thank you/love you cards to A Valentine Celebration--Stephanie a few ways of looking at the holiday, people that mean something to you. Mills and The Manhattans at you can spare yourself--and those The holiday does not have to be Constitution Hall, Saturday, Feb. 12. around you--a lot of grief. about cupids and falling in love Tickets can be purchased through Bennett Madison, author of I Hate romantically. Why not let the special Ticketmaster. Valentine's Day, suggests thinking of friends and family in your life know Cloud 9--Catalyst Theater presents the love aspect of Valentine's Day in you appreciate and love them? Such this satire, by noted British play·a whole new light. In his lightheart-an act will make you feel good about wright Caryl Churchill, about social ed, yet very helpful book, he suggests yourself, instead of wondering why convention in 19th century Africa writing down the names of 12 people you are lacking the textbook and 20th century England at the that you love, and to keep in mind "Valentine" this year. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop through that there are many kinds of love. He Another idea is to send an anony-Feb. 19. writes, "The point, instead, is that mous valentine. Whether it is to The Tattooed Girl--Theater J pres-Valentine's Day, in an ideal world, someone you have a crush on or ents this premiere play by Nobel should be more than a referendum someone you think could use some Prize nominee Joyce Carol Oates on the state of your love life, it encouragement, praise or special about the relationship between a should be about celebrating all the greeting this Valentine's Day, putting Jewish writer and his troubled per-different types of love." a smile on someone's face without sonal assistant, at the DC Jewish Now that you have a fresh outlook expecting anything in return could Community Center through Feb. 20. on this special day, start planning be an added bonus of the otherwise Romeo and Juliet --The romantic your sassy, single plans! cheesy holiday. Shakespeare classic play is showing at Ford's Theatre on Capitol Hill, now Throw a Party for Other Join Other Singles through Feb. 20. Singles Being single on Valentine's Day Lorenzaccio--The Shakespeare Why not give yourself and other sin-doesn't mean you have to stay home, Theatre presents this French classic gles you know something to do other sulking on the couch watching Law in a world premiere translation by than sit home and wonder why they & Order reruns. Hit up venues with Washington playwright John Strand. don't have a date on this much other singles. Bars such as Rumors, Michael Kahn directs and Jeffrey hyped up day of the year? Have sin-Lucky Bar, Capitol Lounge and Hard Carlson (who appeared in Broad·gle friends bring a guest who is also Rock Cafe, which are known for way's The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? and Taboo) stars as the title character, who plots to kill his friend and cousin, the Duke of Florence, on until Mar. 6. Places to Avoid There are some places that single people would be better off avoiding on the big day--especially if you have experienced a recent breakup, or if the fact that you are single is particularly disheartening. At the top of that list are nice restaurants--especially those with a romantic, quiet feel to them. While dining in such venues on any other day without a significant other would be no big deal, in addition to the various menu specials with Valentine's Day themes, the amount of couple action in restaurants can be a bit overwhelming on Feb. 14. Valentine's Day is not the best time check out a new movie if you are sin·gle. Movie theaters are date head·quarters on the special day--unless there is a discounted movie theater in your neighborhood (but even then, it is best not to subject yourself to such torture). May all the singles have a wonder·ful Valentine's Day. No matter what happens, remember it is only a 24·hour period, and you have 364 days until Cupid strikes again! Erica Stanley is a reibutor to Voice of the Hill. As a single gal this Valentine's Day, she plans to heed her own advice, and not take the holiday too seriously. www.voiceofthehill.com JUST LISTED 532 11th Street, SE Large Victorian 3BR, 2.5 BA plus a full basement This home works great for a growing family or someone with a need for a home based office. A large eat in kitchen/family room leads to a very private rear garden. Separate dining room and formal living space. Great package for under $700K Greetings! BY AILEEN C. MOFFAT T You know, when you meet people these days, and I don't only mean total strangers but also those near and dear to your heart (like your fam- To kiss? ily, the next door neighbor's athletic-looking pool boy [sigh], or the per- To kiss twice? son who delivers your pay stub), there is an instinctual moment of panic that ensues. Just how do you know what you are supposed to do now that you are face to face with this person? I'm not kidding. Should you shake hands? Hug? Kiss one cheek? Kiss both cheeks? Double back on the first cheek for a total of three kisses? Hug and kiss? Run in the other direction? What is the proper greeting these days? And just who is deciding anyway? This is one of those universal dilemmas that I hear people discuss with great regularity. Myself, well, it just gives me fits. Meeting people has become so messy and uncoordinated and touchy-feely that it almost makes me want to stay home for fear of insulting someone because I am: a) too gregarious, or b) not gregarious enough with my greeting. Sometimes I just cross the street or duck into a store to avoid contact because I'm not sure of the protocol of the situation. For example, how do you greet someone from your office when you surprisingly run into them at Eastern Market on the weekend? This is a particularly tough case because normally you wouldn't dream of getting close enough to hug or kiss a colleague. Yet, this is defi·nitely a social encounter, so is it all right to be more familiar? A no-brainer, you would think, but in reality this common situation has the potential to derail your entire career if you are not careful. I know it feels like a casual social situation because it is Saturday morning, you are puttering around wearing your favorite jeans and old runners, the dog is in tow, and you may or may not have showered or brushed your teeth. It might seem natural to hug and/or kiss someone from the next cubicle in greeting. But trust me, don't do it. This is serious business. Now, I'm all for a little self expres·sion, and it can be rather flattering when someone actually wants to kiss you on the cheek, but I am telling you life was a lot simpler when we followed rules and more or less kept our hands (and lips) to ourselves. For example, time was that no matter what you needed to know about meeting and greeting (among other potential social landmines) you could find it out by skimming Etiquette: the Blue Book of Social Usage by Emily Post. Oh yeah, baby, it was all there in black and white. Pages and pages and pages of how to greet anyone on the planet in any situa·tion at any time of year. Okay, so maybe there was a lot of memory work involved but I promise you that nowhere in the entire 917 pages of my volume (published in 1942 by Funk & Wagnalls--yes, of the dictionary fame) was there men·tion of kissing or hugging when greeting anyone. Mrs. Post would have fainted dead away at the sugges·tion of such intimacy. The basic rules, I surmise, were that when gen·tlemen met they always shook hands. When a lady met a gentleman it was her option to offer her hand or not. There was no lip locking, no bear hugs, no "what up?" Mrs. Post recommended a simple "How do you do?" Well, I'm thinking that this kind of formality and crystal clear clarity might be good a good thing. I get so darned confused--no, make that intimidated--by all of this loosey goosey kissing thing that I'm almost paralyzed, and I like kissing! I guess it is more that I really don't know who expects what, how often, and how close. Who does? Washingtonians have become pretty amorous in their greetings, as I am sure you have noticed. We've all seen it: women kissing men, women kissing women, men kissing men, weirdoes kissing pets, everyone kiss·ing babies and small children. Jeez. It's one big rambunctious group hug out there. No wonder there are so many baby strollers in Lincoln Park! Seriously though, it really is a dilemma. I have a very good Persian friend who is a two-cheek kisser. I am a one-cheek kisser. Both of us are huggers, too. On more than one occasion when we are together and come upon mutual acquaintances, we have set in motion a cosmic colli·sion of huggy/kissy affection versus head-spinning mayhem. Witness: she approaches our friend and greets them warmly with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. Okay. A standard has been set for this encounter. But I am only a one-cheek kisser so when I plant my one and only, the recipient more often than not has already turned their head in expectation of a second buss that doesn't materialize. Yikes! Noses are bonked, lipstick is smeared, and invariably someone begins to blush and feel awkward. Imaging this scene if a French three-cheek kisser enters the picture. We're talking major chaos here. Yup, it's all fun until someone loses an eye. And just when does all of this hug·ging business cross the line to grop·ing? Is the hug you give your grand·ma the same as the hug you give someone for whom you have lust in your heart (understanding that lust isn't necessarily always a bad thing ...)? Is your partner justified in read·ing you the riot act when you've never been one for any kind of greet·ing and suddenly you become a two-cheek kisser and close hugger when introduced to the Perfect Ten living next door? Talk about the firestorm of relationship dramas... but I digress. So what is the answer, or in a city as cosmopolitan and eclectic as DC (take that, New York!), can there be a solution? I think that we should take a cue from our friends to the far north and throw a little Eskimo kiss·ing into the mix. You know, the rub·bing noses thing. If you think we have confusion now, just wait until that catches on. Exhibit one: "Mayor Williams, I present Mr. Barry ..." Now there's a picture for the ages! Aileen C. Moffatt is president of the Moffatt Group, a full service copywriting and editing house. Soap box optional. We're looking for a few good people (40 to be exact). 24 hours is all it takes. · Who is "We?" We are Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A and we are your voice to the city government. Every ward in the city has several ANCs and here in Ward 6, we have four ANCs. ANC 6A serves Capitol Hill residents who live in the Near Northeast, Stanton Park, Linden, Rosedale, North Lincoln Park and Stadium Armory communities. Each ANC is made up of Single Member Districts (SMDs) of roughly 2,000 residents who are represented by elected Commis-sioners--non-paid, non-partisan representatives serving two-year terms. We have 16,000 residents in ANC 6A. · So what do we do? ANCs hold public meetings where Commissioners discuss and vote on issues that have been brought to their attention by concerned citizens, city agencies and other community organizations. ANCs use committees to research issues and formulate recommendations on social services, sanitation, education, safety, zoning, liquor licenses and health. Although District officials are not required to follow ANC recommendations, they are expected to give them great weight. · How can I help? We encourage residents to serve on our committees and attend our monthly public Commission meetings to ensure that all corners of our community have a voice in ANC decisions and resolutions. If you are interested in serving on a committee, contact the chair listed on the right. · What's this 24 hours business? Two hours a month for 12 months. That's what it takes to volunteer for a year's worth of ANC committee meetings. Of course, if you have more time to give, we have the way to make good use of it. And those 40 good people? That's what we think it will take to makcommittees really rock. · Okay, you've got me. When and where? The ANC meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month. There are five committees (Alcohol Beverage Licensing, Community Outreach, Economic Development & Zoning, Schools, and Public Safety) each of which also meets once a month. Here are the details: ANC 6A Joseph Fengler, 423-8868, Chair 7:00pm, 2nd Thursday of the month Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE Alcohol Beverage Licensing Mary Beatty, 546-4196, Chair 7:00pm, 3rd Tuesday of the month Sherwood Recreation Center, 10 and G Streets, NE Community Outreach Elizabeth Nelson, 543-3512, Chair 7:15pm, 3rd Monday of the month Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Annex, 1235 C Street, NE Economic Development and Zoning Cody Rice, 544-3734, Chair 7:00pm, last Tuesday of the month Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE Public Safety Raphael Marshal, 544-4779, Chair 7:00pm, 3rd Wednesday of the month Sherwood Recreation Center, 10 and G Streets, NE Schools Marc Borbely, 544-2447, Co-Chair Mfon Ibangha, 547-1535, Co-Chair 7:00pm, 4th Wednesday of the month Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE (R)evolution: A Black Perspective on Change BY STEPHANIE BRIGGS You say you want a revolution. Well, you know, we all want to change the world. THE BEATLES s Black History Month approach-"Why are you writing about it? hardships expressing a message of es I am reminded of all the You've got your freedom, what more hope." Those thoughts encouraged a African Americans who, in the 11 do you want to write about?" was a series of photo essays for Life maga·months prior to February, continue question posed in the late 1800s to zine on gang violence, Black to find creative ways to communicate newspaper editor and suffragist Ida B. Muslims, segregation in the South, stories of the African American expe-Wells in the play Iola's Letters by and crime in the United States. rience. Michon Boston. Today artists of Afri-Inspired by his investigations, he Over the years these stories include can descent are tackling that same would later produce the documen·not only what people of African question. What do they need to cre-tary, Diary of a Harlem Family. descent have experienced as a group, ate? Why is it so important to com-This Black History Month I find but how new oral traditions involve municate through various forms of myself pondering the idea of the evo·looking at and analyzing a New media, exploring ideas that in and of lution of revolution. Scholars, politi-World perspective. Today this oral tra-themselves might be considered mun-cians, and theorists hold symposiums dition turns new corners as artists dane yet are now made complicated on the challenges facing African peer through different lenses prompt-or thought provoking when digested Americans. They understood that ing stories with new and sometimes or retooled from a black perspective? there are gaps in education, families, revolutionary ideas and opinions. Gordon Parks, an internationally and communities and that there are For almost 23 years, Harlem, NY, renowned photo journalist, filmmak-those who have their call, their resident and acquaintance, Cynthia er, author, and composer, wrote in charge to institute change. Yet revolu-Simmons, has toured the U.S. with his 1965 autobiography, A Choice of tion is evolution. The raised clenched her one-woman show on Sally Weapons, that his chosen profession fists of the 1960s have given way to a Hemmings. This production was per-of photography was a "necessity new generation of visual artists formed years before public knowl-because he needed a weapon against attempting to imbue their reflections edge of President Thomas Jefferson's evil." This weapon led him to pro-on history and change. involvement was revealed. In 2002 I duce a series of photographs on char-had the opportunity to meet Linda woman Ella Watson while he was Expressing Revolution Goode Bryant at one of Simmons' working in Washington, DC, as part Expressing a contemporary message garden parties. At the time Bryant of the Farms Services Administration of (r)evolution is the one of the goals was working on the final phases of a (FSA). In 1942 he photographed one of DC resident filmmaker Michon documentary on gays purchasing of his most well-known images enti-Boston. She is representative of an property in what was a long-standing tled "American Gothic" featuring up-and-coming visionary group of middle-class African American com-Watson standing in front of the artists. In 2000, Boston began work munity in Columbus, Ohio. She American flag with a broom in one on a film about Che Guevara, enti·delved into the psyche of each group hand and a mop in the other. tled (working title) From Ernesto to acting as a visual guide into their dia-Parks described his camera as a Che. She set out to learn more about metric points of view. The film, "Flag "weapon against the things I dislike Ernesto (a.k.a. Che) the man. Boston Wars," was eventually produced by about America," while at the same traveled to Cuba and Argentina meet-PBS' P.O.V. time offering a means to "rise above ing any and everyone who knew him including his nanny, girlfriend Chichina, and numerous friends and relatives. "I'm sure people were wondering why this black woman was showing up at the nanny's or a friend's house. Interestingly, it has been the women who have supported this process," she explained. "While some retell events, the women talk about the personal [in Ernesto's life] as a way to get to the political. Eventually I real·ized, maybe this is the story." The fact was would the story of Ernesto interest Hollywood? It had a good chance. The real question was would the story through the eyes of an African American woman in Michon Boston with Ernesto "Che" Guevara de la Serna's childhood nanny search of the truth about an Argen-Rosario Gonzalez de Lopez at her home in the mountain town of Alta Gracia, tinean revolutionary be of interest to Argentina (the town where Guevara spent his childhood because of his asth-the average movie consumer? ma). "I was exploring what I wanted to do in terms of activism," she contin·ued. "The fact is I didn't like Che Guevara as a pure revolutionary. Yet the more I learned about his human·ity, the more I liked him." As black filmmakers hone their craft they discover that challenging new ideas offer both creativity and controversy. For Boston, who has written about numerous African American revolutionary thinkers, it wasn't until she studied South America that she began to see a rec·ognizable shared history. Issues of colonization, indigenous popula·tions, and slave trade shrunk her view of the world. As Ernesto said, "We are all Americans in the hemi·spheric sense." Searching for truth, both hers and Ernesto's, was challenging. Unlike her character Mr. Fleming in Iola's Letters who explained to Ida B. Wells that in the newspaper business they were not in the business of telling the truth, Boston was clear that by seeking truth revolution is perpetuat·ed. The poet Langston Hughes revolt·ed with his pen, Leroi Jones (Amiri Baraka) put revolution on stage, Nina Simone sang revolution, and Romare Beardon pieced new thought togeth·er one tiny image at a time. Each of these revolutionaries helped shape the prospects for a future generation. "Communicating is a revolutionary act. Truth for the sake of justice is an act for change." Crossroads/Evolution Boston believed that her project was dead after the events of September 11, 2001. She contacted her advisor, a friend of Ernesto's who was living in New York, and explained her dilem·ma. With the country's patriotic surge how could she possibly pro·duce a movie about a man who had outwardly criticized the U.S.? Her advisor's response was a surprising "give it time." Boston eventually returned to the project and the challenges of Hollywood. Although an arduous task, she had many of the key ele·ments in place. The actor Esai Morales, perhaps best known cur·rently for his role as the captain on NYPD Blue, was on board. She also had secured a director from England. In addition, Boston was busy researching motorcycles "which helped me make new friends," she laughed. But Hollywood beat her to the punch with Motorcycle Diaries. Although a bit bruised, she now feels that the success of the film will open doors for her having made audiences more aware of the story of Che Guevara. She continued moving for·ward with her project. Then a series of unfortunate inci·dents took place in New York City while trying to edit and cut a sample of From Ernesto to Che. In response to www.voiceofthehill.com the situation Boston impetuously recognizing that it was difficult to be purchased her own editing equip-an agent of change. Yet all one has to ment. It was a turning point--she do is look at the fascinating and dis-became an editor. She now edits, turbing history of Africans in works behind the camera, composes America to see the power change has. music, and does graphic design. I believe Che Guevara would have These are just some of the responsi-liked Boston. She has vision, is fear·bilities she assumes while working less, and continues writing her truth. for the DC Humanities Council. Even With several new projects in the hop-here revolution is prevalent. Working per, it sometimes seems as if she is on the organization's TV program We more octopus than human. And The People, an NEH initiative, she since inspiration is inspired by travels a new road investigating such change, I decided to close our inter-great documents as the Declaration view querying her about whether she of Independence, Bill of Rights, and was still creating angel dolls. She the Emancipation Proclamation. informed me that she had long since "I've learned the history of how put the dolls on the back burner but these documents came into being as I packed up to leave, I noted that and the intentions behind them her response about the dolls echoed while working with a myriad of her thoughts on evolution and truth. scholars who are creatively recreating "Dolls communicate certain information in a way that is under-ideas," she said. "My angels were standable for most people. I now can more like the people you see walking ask myself, 'Where am I in this and down the street. I was making them why does it matter to me?'" for individuals who required dolls for Understanding great documents personal reasons. They also needed does not always mean agreeing with something that looked like them." them. Incorporating a global per-A reflection in the mirror. A revo·spective into our daily lives does not lution of need. An evolution of truth mean unconditional acceptance. and hope. Dolls communicating Revolution is not an arbitrary act. It truth. Life offers many twists. While takes years of investigation to formu-searching for the story of Ernesto, late one's truth. As African Boston discovered that regardless of Americans tackle concepts as seen the outcome of the project, the final through the eyes of a new generation analysis is that it allowed her to trav·of immigrants who are themselves el to beautiful places and meet won-people of color, the ideas that con-derful people. tinue to challenge the black commu-From Ernesto to Che has "made the nity are now troubling a new group. world smaller and the community A new revolution is imminent and more global. It has also opened doors African Americans are "working to a broader community of people." through the discomfort of that The evolution is clear; Michon truth." For Boston her comfort level Boston has a film to finish. I'm was challenged each time she was patiently awaiting the final copy. informed of some tactics used by Ernesto to live his truth. She had to Stephanie Briggs is a regular contribut·develop more understanding of him ing writer to the Voice of the Hill. BLACK DOLLS: A REFLECTION OF BLACK AMERICA 7th Annual Black Doll Show at Union Station Beginning Friday, Feb. 18, through Sunday, Feb. 20, Echo Gallery in Union Station will be hosting the 7th Annual Black Doll Show from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Echo Gallery owner Barbara Queen has been in the station's East Hall for seven years offering a wonderful selection of dolls. Queen has been collecting dolls that she liked since she was a child. Serendipitously, when she opened her first gallery in Alexandria most of the artists who graced her door happened to be doll makers. Since dolls are an art form, it was a normal reaction for her to carry them. "For years I couldn't find a doll that looked like me. I wanted every little black girl to have a black doll. Even today they are hard to find in depart·ment store. Dolls should represent individuals and their culture." Her personal favorites are rag dolls because they are representative of a folk art form. At Echo Gallery she carries everything from rag, to porce·lain, to vinyl, and resin. Besides being decorative, Queen recognizes the importance of black dolls. She explained that during slavery dolls were significant particularly for the Underground Railroad. Handmade dolls, like quilts, were used to carry messages through the underground. The upcoming show promises to have between 25-30 doll makers from all over the country. Also, for the fourth year they will be having a black doll collector's luncheon at B. Smith's. For more information on the doll show or the luncheon log on to their website www.echogallery.com or call 202-842-8400. ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH PRESENTS ITS 2005 LENTEN HOMILY SERIES PRUDENCE JUSTICE FORTITUDE TEMPERANCE The Cardinal Virtues Homilies by Rev. Kurt Pritzl, O.P. Dean, School of Philosophy and Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. Assoc Prof, School of Philosophy The Catholic University of America FEBRUARY 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 MARCH 5-6 AT ALL MASSES MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 9 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm All are welcome ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH Second and C Streets, SE Rev. Michael O'Sullivan, pastor Telephone 202-547-1430 Fully accessible via elevator Coffee Hour after the 9 & 10:30 Masses Capitol South Metro Blue & Orange Lines BLACK HISTORY MONTH DESTINATION: Jackson Ward, Richmond's 'Black Wall Street' BY S.J. ACKERMAN istoric Richmond" com-1871--became the center of what we monly evokes the might call Baptized Capitalism, its Confederate capital, with leaders doing well by doing good. heroic statues of Dixie's generals When Richmond formally segregated parading decorously down its residential neighborhoods in Monument Avenue. Yet there's more 1888, the role of these financial insti·history in the three-century-old tutions mushroomed to fill the needs Virginia capital than four years of of this de-facto "city within a city." Civil War, and much of it is black, as Its prosperity fostered a professional the recent election of ex-governor class: doctors, dentists, lawyers, opti-Doug Wilder as mayor reminds us. A cians, merchants and morticians. prime historical surprise was the Political influence inevitably fol·emergence a century ago of Jackson lowed. It also funded pioneering Ward as America's "Black Wall schools. Street." The Savings Bank of the Grand Truncated by I-64 and the massive Fountain United Order of the True Convention Center, the 40-block Reformers was the first African-Jackson Ward neighborhood now American bank. Combining moral fans northwest from North Third uplift and financial aid, it also erect-and East Broad Streets, a designated ed its celebrated outpost here in DC, National Historic District. Its archi-at 12th and U Streets, NW. It formed tecture alone rewards a visit, with of necessity in 1888, when Rich-antebellum homes built by German mond went Jim Crow. The Southern and Italian immigrants, festooned Aid Society of Virginia, a direct with ornate Old-World brickwork descendent of the burial societies, and wrought-iron porches reminis-formed in 1893 and burgeoned into a cent of New Orleans. Later commer-powerhouse, the first black-run cial structures and churches along its insurance company in the South. brick sidewalks enliven its interesting The substantial headquarters of these architectural mix typical of and similar institutions still stand. Richmond, including the old The no-nonsense Madonna of Richmond Dairy at 201 West Baptized Capitalism was Maggie L. Marshall, now an apartment, but still Walker (1867-1934), America's first sporting its 16-foot-tall milk bottles. female bank president. She was so Jackson Ward is a visual delight to venerated that many customers stroll. placed plaster busts of her on their Freedmen flooded here after mantels. "We have the means, the Emancipation, earning it the early brains," she told the Independent nickname Little Africa. The ex-slaves Order of St. Luke in 1901. "Let us put formed primitive burial societies our moneys together; let us use our under church auspices to ensure dig-moneys; let us put our moneys out at nified funerals and sometimes aid usury among ourselves, and reap the during illness. How these morphed benefits ourselves." into multimillion-dollar insurance She continued, "Who is so helpless and banking firms in the heart of as the Negro woman? Who is so cir-Jim-Crow Virginia is the remarkable cumscribed and hemmed in, in the history of Black Wall Street. race of life...?" Ms. Walker obviously Virginia's banks routinely spurned refused to be hemmed in, and her African-Americans as bad credit risks. bank thrives today as the Consoli-The benevolent societies, essentially dated Bank and Trust Company, our co-ops or credit unions, pooled the oldest surviving black-run bank. The pennies of the poor into capital National Park Service preserves her usable for common benefit. Jackson 30-room home (Visitor Center, 600 Ward--a voting district formed in North Second St., 9-5 Mon.-Sat.; free. Phone 804-771-2017 or www.nps.gov/mawa). There are sum·mer internships there for students interested in history. A more secular entrepreneur was John Mitchell, Jr., founder in 1901 of the Mechanics Savings Bank and for many years lone black member of the American Bankers Association. He had served on the city council during Reconstruction and for half a century edited the militant Richmond Planet newspaper. When Virginia's perpetu-ally-defeated Republicans abandoned their loyal Negro supporters in 1921 with a Lily-White slate, Mitchell ran for governor on a protest Lily-Black ticket, with Maggie Walker as candi·date for education superintendent. He made Jackson Ward the center of black political effort in Virginia. Jackson Ward is a central feature of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, although the latter's scope is statewide. This is appropriate for the hotbed of "Black Power" in Virginia, before the term existed. Although it appears to have been built as a school, the building at 00 Clay Street--no misprint, that's a valid Richmond address--was built in 1832 as the home of Adolph Dills, a prosperous German baker. Reflecting the Ward's history, it became a freedmen's school and later the Negro Branch of the public library (Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5; admission fee. Phone 804-780-9093; www.blackhistorymuseum.org). A per·manent exhibit is Banks, Boutiques and "The Deuce"--the Deuce being the Second Street showbiz strip "back in the day," corresponding to DC's U Street's "Black Broadway." The entertainment heritage is interesting, though not unique like the financial legacy. Native Bill "Mr. Bojangles" Robinson tap-danced his way to fame from here, and there is talk of re-creating Slaughter's Hotel, where black show-biz celebrities lodged in the Jim Crow era. "The Harlem of the South" was the alter-ego of Black Wall Street. More significant is the Ward's later role as epicenter in Virginia's Civil Rights wars. Here in 1956 the Crusade for Voters formed to encour·age black suffrage despite the poll tax. A current Black History Museum exhibition is "Stony the Road: Desegregating America's Schools," concerning the Brown v. Board of Education school-desegregation deci·sion of 1954. It continues this year because the often-neglected imple·menting decision--with the fatal delaying phrase "all deliberate speed"--came down in 1955. Richmond attorney Oliver W. Hill, who argued the Virginia portion of the groundbreaking case, here formed the historic firm of Hill, Tucker and Marsh, the bulwark against Virginia's "Massive Resistance" to school desegregation. Many of the exhibit's artifacts are on loan from Mr. Hill. Ironically, the Civil Rights revolu·tion of the 1960s led to Jackson Ward's decline. No longer restricted to segregated neighborhoods, many affluent blacks moved elsewhere, tak·ing their billfolds with them. The businesses, restaurants and theaters of The Deuce declined. Now there seem stirrings of economic revival. Chronicling the neighborhood, or "Saving the past for the future," is the mission of the fledgling Historic Jackson Ward Museum at 502 North Third Street. Taking the local heritage beyond its heyday, this work-in-progress reflects the very personal take of writer Odell R. Byrd, Jr. (Wed.-Fri. 9-4, Sat.-Sun. 10-4. Admission fee; phone 804-343-1825; www. jacksonwardmuseum.org ) Croaker's Spot (119 East Leigh St., 804-421-0560) is a stylish, celebrated seafood restaurant here. The popular Dose (522 North Second, 804-343-3320) serves breakfast and lunch, Mon. through Fri. An unpretentious budget bargain is Tony's BBQ, 207 North Third St. (804-644-8544), which also closes before dinner. Like the South, Jackson Ward shall rise again. The ghosts of Black Wall Street seem to be stirring. Their story deserves another look. Contact the Metropolitan Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-888-RICHMOND for information--or just stop in at 300 East Marshall Street, right across from Jackson Ward. Group walking tours of the area depart from here from March through October. Group African American Heritage bus tours range wider: 804-649-0711, ex. 334. These run under the auspices of the Valentine Richmond History Center, nearby at 1015 East Clay St. (www.valentinemuseum.com) and well worth visiting, too. Hill resident S.J. Ackerman is a regular contributing writer to the Voice. Verna Dozier: Reviving 'The Dream of God' BY R OSEMARY HAR OLD Fifty years ago, a young black known among newer parishioners as woman walked into an all-white a revered but distant prophet. But Episcopal parish on Capitol Hill to because she would not relish being a integrate it--and eventually chal-living icon, a group of friends and lenged the entire church establish-admirers have decided to reintroduce ment, laypeople and clergy alike, to Dozier's theology to all interested reconsider the workings of institu-hearers. St. Mark's is offering a course tional religion and the role of the based on her best-known book, The individual in responding to it. Verna Dream of God, starting on Feb. 12. Dozier made a second career out of The six-session series costs $25 and is reminding listeners that Jesus never open to all comers. (Details are avail-asked people to worship him. He able at www.stmarks.net.) only asked that they follow him. "I always felt that Verna was a radi- Or, as Dozier herself once put it, cal theologian," said Dee Hahn-"Don't tell me that you believe. Tell Rollins, a long-time friend on the me what difference it makes that you teaching team. "The Dream of God is believe." startling, if you take it seriously, The difference that Dozier, 87, has because you begin to understand made as a lay theologian and Biblical that we all have a lot of work to do. scholar has been profound. A web "That's what I hope we can capture search turns up dozens of references with the class. Verna came out of a to her influential teaching and writ-very activist tradition. We'll grapple ing. Almost uniformly, they cite her with the implications of her vision in analytical mind, storytelling talent discussing the book--to have people and fierce devotion to the practical confront, as they consider the mean-implications of the Biblical impera-ing of the Bible, what it is that they tive to "do justice and love mercy." choose to be in life." The impositions of Parkinson's dis-Dozier's theology has influenced ease, however, have muted Dozier's the thinking of many Christians voice. Even at her home parish of St. since she began widely speaking and Mark's, Capitol Hill, she is best writing on religious themes more than three decades agoschool English teacher by training, she combined her literary analysis skills with a lifelong devotion to close study of the Bible. Her personal story itself conveys a powerful message. She grew up in Washington, DC, and graduated from Dunbar High School, then the premier school for African-Americans, when she was just 15. Throughout her childhood, Dozier closed every day by reading Bible pas·sages with her mother. The family love of reading includ·ed her father, who--though he lacked even an elementary school education--found the time to read the textbooks that his children brought home. Dozier and her father eventually read their way together through Howard University, from which she earned a B.A. and a mas-ter's degree. Dozier's 30-year career in the DC public schools began in segregation days. Her professional milestones included being tapped as the first black DC teacher to chair an English Department in the newly integrated system. She retired in 1975 as a high-level administrator. Her professional progress paral·leled her course in another instruc·tional endeavor: starting in 1955, Dozier helped St. Mark's white parishioners begin to come to grips with integration. The parish, as a whole, was not an immediate star pupil. Dozier joined St. Mark's at the invi·tation of Bill Baxter, a new rector try·ing to revive the then-dwindling congregation. But the church Vestry demanded a screening interview and proceeded, according to Baxter's recently published book Building Church: Memories and Myths, to "vili·fy" Dozier by calling her a "Commu·nist" and a "spy," among other labels. Baxter cut off the diatribes and Dozier persevered. It took a while, remembers her friend Jan Hoffman, who followed Dozier to St. Mark's in 1957. Even among well-meaning parishioners of the era, prejudices ran deep. One Southern-born white woman con·fessed that "the first time she took communion next to Verna, she went home and threw up," Hoffman noted. "But she later came to love Verna." According to both Baxter and Hoffman, a turning point occurred when Dozier taught her first Bible class at St. Mark's. Even a conserva·tive pillar of the parish "felt like she was learning the Bible for the first time in her life," Baxter wrote. Dozier's talents as a Biblical inter·preter and speaker began attracting wider attention by the late 1960s. Not long thereafter, Hahn-Rollins, then a young staffer for the Episcopal Diocese of Indiana, began casting about for an innovative way to serve women of diocese. She was cha·grined when a survey indicated that many would be interested in Bible studies. "I thought, 'Oh gad, Bible study.' But I came upon a wonderful priest from Washington who told me about this woman--a prophet without honor in her own land, a teacher who was a Shakespeare expert and a Bible scholar. "For me, her approach to the Bible was inspiring," Hahn-Rollins said. "She was not a literalist; she was a deep interpreter. She opened my eyes to the poetry, and the metaphysical and mythical beauty, of the book." Hahn-Rollins gave Dozier her first paid speaking engagement, and Dozier moved rapidly on to speak to ever-larger gatherings. Following retirement, Dozier transferred to the classrooms of the Virginia Theologi·cal Seminary, where she taught New Testament studies for years. Among those whom Dozier touched in her second career was Jane Holmes Dixon, who recently retired as Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Dixon, the second woman ever to become an Episcopal bishop, credits her decision to seek ordination to Dozier. In a recent article in The Witness, Dixon wrote that "in the summer of 1976, I was wildly hoping that our eldest child, our son David who was 13, would become a priest.... I said this to Verna and she quickly replied: "If you want to be a priest, be one, but leave that boy alone! That boy, now 41, adores Verna, and I was shocked into considering what seemed impossible." What Dixon found most arresting about Dozier was her "incredible ability to take every other human being seriously, no matter who she or he might be or what she or he believed. That, among so much of what she taught me, may be the most critical and valuable lesson of all for I came to understand that tak·ing another seriously is the begin·ning of doing justice." That message resonates through·out Dozier's writings. She combines a devotion to the laity's authority in Biblical interpretation with a loving skepticism toward the institutional church's ability to resist common institutional temptations--including self-aggrandizement and complacen·cy. Her views could make for some lively exchanges with the ordained. "Verna often joked that the clerical collar cut off circulation to the brain," chuckled Paul Abernathy, current St. Mark's rector. The local Episcopal clergy's official response to Dozier includes the first annual Bishop's Award, bestowed upon her in 2003. Dozier recently expressed regret that she had not written more. But what she has set down on paper still resonates. Renowned Jesus scholar Marcus Borg calls The Dream of God "a small masterpiece. Her vision of the Bible is insightful and persuasive; her writing is accessible and power·ful. I especially like the metaphor that forms the title of this book: 'The Dream of God' as God's dream for the earth." The St. Mark's class, Hahn-Rollins said, is designed to help individuals wrestle with the import of that mes·sage for themselves, wherever they may stand on the continuum of belief. "We have all failed the dream of God," Dozier wrote. "The terribly patient God still waits." Hill resident Rosemary Harold is Community Relations Chair for St. Mark's Episcopal Church. www.voiceofthehill.com Preparing our Youngest to Read Making the Journey to Reading Fun for Kids BY KATHERINE SULLIVAN M.S., CCC-SLP he holidays for many young Hill Receptive language vocabulary, or families brought the advent of the words a child understands when technology to their toddlers in they hear them, is the other compo-the form of new educational toys. nent to successful early reading. This included laptop reading games, When a child decodes a written word baby toys that chime the ABC's, and for the first time, for example, cat, colorful workbooks that target phon-the child uses their phonological ics. awareness skills to identify which All of these fun and exciting gifts sounds they should say upon seeing help children to learn early reading the written letters c-a-t. Then upon skills. In addition to exposure to liter-hearing the sounds they have said acy in general, these new technolo-aloud and blending them into a gies facilitate the learning of the nec-smooth sequence of sounds, they essary skill of phonological aware-recognize the word that they have ness. Phonological awareness has said. The scene, which is a delight to become the buzz word in the field of all parents and teachers, when their teaching reading skills. It also has child laboriously produces each become an integral part of the cur-sound as they look at each letter indi·riculum of many Washington area vidually and suddenly shouts out the schools that use nationally available word, is the emergence of word programs, such as Phono-Graphix® decoding skills. by McGuiness and McGuiness and When it comes to working at home Lindamood-Bell's LiPS® program, as with children to develop phonologi·well as newly designed programs cre-cal awareness skills and later decod·ated by individual schools' faculties. ing skills, I always stress the impor- What is Phonological Awareness? tance of two elements of the process: It is a child's knowledge of English 1) Fun; and 2) Success. When a child sounds and their ability to manipu-is three, four, and five years old, he or late them to make words. Together she is just beginning to recognize with frequency of exposure to litera-that reading is going to be a big part ture, phonological awareness is the of his or her life at home and in the most important factor in determin-school setting. Parents should focus ing how well a child will learn to read on creating an experience that is from the earliest ageinvestigative, exciting, comforting, For example, your child's ability to and most importantly successful. identify the different sounds in the This is not the time to expect chil·word hat and how well they can alter dren to complete worksheets and the first sound in the word from h to respond to flashcards. Keep activities m to make a new word is important developmentally appropriate and to their ability to begin reading. In designed in response to the child's turn, phonological awareness skills interests. lead to the development of decoding skills, which is a child's ability to Activities for Anywhere look at the letters in a written word The following phonological aware-and sound them out to read the ness activities are suggested by read-word. ing specialists, teachers, and speech- language pathologists for children Cracking the Code ages three, four, and five. Most of Children typically begin to develop these activities can be done without decoding skills at the age of four and art materials, books, or toys. In fact, I a half to five years old. At these ages suggest to many parents that good they have also developed a vocabu-times to play these games may be on lary sufficient to understand stories a walk around the neighborhood or with plots, retell the events of their when in the car. Children especially day, and appreciate jokes. enjoy these games when friends www.voiceofthehill.com and/or siblings are involved! that target letter-learning. One toy, a Nursery Rhymes: Mother Goose classic, is a set of letter magnets. nursery rhymes are fun, easy to When placed at a low height on the recite, and help develop the skill of refrigerator, they can be available to rhyming, an important skill when it your little ones, and they are perfect-comes to identifying vowels in words ly designed for manipulation and and identifying syllables. experimentation of forming words Syllable Clapping: A skill that and names. teachers often look for later in ele-Sounds and Letters: Around age mentary school is a child's ability to four and a half, most children are identify the number of syllables in ready to start answering the follow-words. A fun game to play is clapping ing questions: "When you see the let-while saying words--and this is the ter P what sound do you say?" "If you perfect game for being silly. Clap hear the sound p, what letter do you your hands together, clap them on think that you would see written on your lap, on your head, and even on the paper?" These are questions to your tummy! "Say pineapple. Now ask children when they are attempt-say it while you clap. Pine-a-pple ing to sound out written words (with three claps)." This is a game found on neighborhood signs, words that children like to speed up to a fun in recipes, and words in books. These pace, clapping out word after word types of questions are helping chil·after word! dren to focus on letter-sound associa- Letter Learning: Although most tions. children are not ready for formal Word Generation: Talk about instruction in learning the alphabet sounds and take turns thinking of until they are four to five years old, words that begin with the sounds. many children are developing a keen "Say the sound ssss. I can think of interest in letters at age three--espe-lots of words that begin with that cially those letters that are in their sound like sing, socks, Sam. Can you names. If your child is enjoying think of some more words that begin learning about the letters in their with s?" name, take that cue to introduce toys Rhyming Words: Play the rhyming Tabitha, age 5, and Olivia, 3, reading in their Capitol Hill home. game! "I am going to say words that sound like each other. Can you help me? Cat, hat, bat, pat, mat, chat, lat (don't be afraid to use nonsense words)." The idea is to encourage your child to be creative, and non·sense words can also be silly fun! Making Words: Explain to your child that you are going to play a game in which you will say some sound clues. If they listen to all the clues and connect them together, they will crack the secret word. For example, "I'm going to give you three sound clues. Say them together and you'll figure out the secret word. p-o-t. You're right- it's pot! Now try this one, s-p-o-t." Braking and Shaping Words: "Listen to the word I am going to say, dog. What sound do you hear at the beginning of that word?(d). "How many sounds do you hear in that word?(3)" " I'm going to tell you a word, hot.' What happens to the word if I change the first sound, h to p?" "What word does it sound like now?" The Connection Between Speech and Language Development and Reading Difficulties with speech development can put children at risk for later prob·lems with reading. Disorders affect·ing reading can range from speech disorders due to hearing loss, chronic ear infections, and auditory process·ing disorders to articulation prob·lems, and even a lisp. During the first years of life when children are developing speech, they are also developing a phonological repertoire in their brain of all the sounds in the English language. If their phonological repertoire is mis·represented, then they may not develop a solid knowledge of the sounds, and this could lead to weak phonological awareness. Weak phonological awareness skills adversely affect decoding skills (i.e., the ability to sound out words in written text). Decoding skills are very important to reading comprehension. If a child is reading the word what as want and cats as cat, they can confuse the con·tent of the material. Therefore it is important to monitor your child's speech development not just for dif·ficulties communicating, but for the effect it has on early reading skills. Most children "grow out" of saying w's for r's and l's for y's, but if your child does not seem to be growing out of it, it may be time to seek a for·mal speech and language evaluation to determine if the speech difficulties warrant therapy. Research in the area of dyslexia suggests that it stems from a phono·logical disorder as well difficulties with language. Children with dyslex·ia often have difficulty thinking of words they want to use when speak·ing in conversation. They may use incorrect words for what they are try·ing to express, use fillers such as "um" while searching for the word, or talk around the word (e.g., "You know that thing that you use to write with."). These difficulties can all be classified as expressive language dis·orders and be a component of dyslex·ia. Early attention to a child's devel·opment of speech, language, and awareness of speech sounds has a positive effect on their future reading skills. Although they are not quite reading full books yet, children at these ages need regular opportunities to experiment with the sounds of the English language. Children are by nature motivated to read and can be encouraged to learn the necessary skills for reading at early ages by play·ing fun games! Here are some more tips for help·ing your young ones develop an interest in reading. · Read aloud to your child several times a week. · Encourage you child to retell favorite stories aloud to you. · Use written recipes when cook·ing or write the recipe with markers on a special paper for your child. They may not be able to read them, but will recognize that the written words are important to their cook·ing. · Place a basket of 10-20 books in the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, and all the bedrooms. Make sure the container is on the floor for easy access and rotate new books in and out. · Have your child dictate written letters to family members and friends and then mail them! Katherine Sullivan M.S., CCC-SLP is a Capitol Hill-based Speech-Language Pathologist. She visits children and fam·ilies in their homes and at their schools for treatment of speech, language, and early reading disorders. To find more information about speech and language development and the services Katherine provides, please visit www.dcspeech. com. She can be reached at ksullivan@dcspeech.com or by calling 202-329-4444. R&B Coffee Opens on H Street R&B (Rhythm & Beans) Coffee has just opened on the H Street Corridor. With "coffee to warm your soul--a new and inviting place to start or end your day," R&B Coffee is located at 1359 H Street, NE, and can be reached at 202-397-4357. Hours are Sun., Tues., and Weds.--9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thurs. - Sat., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The shop is closed Mondays. Tell our advertisers you saw them in the Voice of the Hill. Log on to www.voiceofthehill.com for the best in neighborhood news and lively discussion. News from the Friends of Southeast Library The Friends Group hopes to hold more frequent sales beginning in the spring. The Friends Group Here's an opportunity to contribute to the community in a very signifi·cant way. Volunteers for the Friends group are always needed and wel·come, especially in preparation for the book sales, our method of raising funds for library needs which are not included in its budget. We have fun, we do useful work, we have first dibs on the wonderful books and other materials being donated, and we sometimes have cookies and other treats! To join us, contact Janet McGregor at 202-547-8897. The memoir writing group is still open to new members. It meets monthly for mutual support and encouragement. Contact Margaret Hollister at 202-544-7763 for information and directions. Library Activities The new hours of operation are: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-9 p.m.; M,W,F,Sat., 9:30-5:30. Volunteers with skills to share are sought for future programs; contact Candace Townsend, the branch manager, at 202-698-3375. Activities which are currently scheduled for February are listed below. New programs are always under development, so check with the library for any additions. All ages--Chess, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. The February meeting of the Make-a-Difference pen club, an ongoing, once-per-month human rights-oriented writing project, will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. Help promote and protect human rights around the world, and participate in Amnesty International's Children's Urgent Action. Contact Virginia Spatz at 202-547-8504 for details. Adults--Book Club, third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.; light refreshments will be served. Tax assistance will be available every Saturday beginning Feb. 5 through April 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Teens--Cartooning (for ages 8-18, Tuesdays, 4 - 5 p.m.); art appreciation (in two sections, one for ages 13-18 and one for adults) Tuesdays at 5 - 6 p.m. Children--Preschool movies and stories (Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.), lap time (Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.). Winterquest, a reading competition for ages 0-14, continues through Valentine's Day. Check with the library for details. Call the library a 202-698-3377 (or visit 403 7th St., SE) for further infor·mation on the current schedule. It's always a good idea, too, to call ahead when planning to attend a specific activity. Just Arrived A nearly complete run of the Records of the Columbia Historical Society. A new selection of Nicky Original beaded necklaces for the winter social scene. Plus the usual mishmash. Prize-winners. Capitol Hill authors. Books you should have read. Books your mother said you shouldn't read. Come for tea. Open Daily 10-6 417 East Capitol Street, SE 202-543-4342 Paul Cymrot riverby@erols.com Steve Cymrot HOCKEY ON THE HILL Grownups Have Fun, Kids Learn Through Play BY JOSH SINGER n Sunday mornings at Jerry Crute, who plays a spirited 10 a.m., a group of 10 -and vocal goalie, says that he's been 20 men congregate on trying for years to raise the funds to the wide asphalt play-fix it. "It wouldn't just benefit us," he ground of Stuart Junior says. "It would also help the commu-High School at F and 5th Streets, NE, nity because a lot of our kids go to to play pick-up roller hockey. school here and play on this play- Bruce Robin, who has been playing ground, too." with this group of regulars for the Crute says that he's received per-past ten years, says that little has mission from the school to resurface changed about the pick-up hockey the blacktop, but the lowest offer scene during his tenure. "Not as made by a contractor was $10,000. many little kids play in with us now; He encourages anyone interested in we used to have a lot of fathers and helping fundraise to email him at sons playing here, and sometimes j.crute@verizon.net. Those interested even daughters. Also, now we have in playing with the Sunday group or goals [i.e., goalposts and nets] more who know of other popular pick-up often and people who are willing to games are also welcome to contact play goalie." him. Despite the addition of official-size goals (complete with goalies) at both Learning it and Loving it ends of the playground and the lack In addition to playing in the Sunday of youngsters, the games on Stuart pick-up games, Steve Netzke, a tall playground are still far from official. forward with a vicious slapshot, has Players come dressed in apparel rang-put together a children's pick-up ing from old T-shirts to NHL jerseys, league that meets Wednesday and many of the guys have learned evenings. Using word of mouth, the game on this very asphalt. Netzke took a small group that had According to Craig Strent, "Some-been playing occasionally at Hines times these three Czech guys show Junior High School in Eastern Market up, and then it's kind of a school ses-and turned it into a larger group that sion." meets year-round at the new Mary The group is committed to playing no matter how cold it gets. And they play hard: one long game, keeping casual score, until not enough play·ers remain to continue. Even the dog walking around rinkside appears to be infected by the energy. I was told that, in a pinch, he even fills in for goalie, but did not actually witness Rush Memorial Rink at D and 12th Streets, SE. About half the kids' dads play in the games with them. One of them, Marcus Bergmann, began to play when his son started, and now he's completely hooked. In addition to the quality father-son time, Marcus says that hockey is a great way to the phenomenon. exercise and improve coordination. Netzke, whose son is the reason he A Broken Surface started the Wednesday pick-up According to Robin, "Another thing games, has been playing the sport a that's changed over the years--the bit longer, and occasionally offers the crack in the blacktop has gotten kids advice on stick-handling and wider." While the players have been other skills. The atmosphere is still able to adapt, the crack definitely very informal, however, and Steve puts a bit of a damper on their skat-says, "The best way for them to learn ing. the game is just to play it." The children certainly seem to enjoy learning through immersion, as they glide over the pavement, chasing the plastic orange ball in their helmets and pads. On the bench, the kids waiting to play loud·ly countdown the last ten seconds of every game. Once, when anticipation was particularly high, the entire final minute was counted down, although some disharmony arose around halfway through. The Mary Rush Memorial Rink The weekly winter pick-up hockey games wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the hard work of Hill resi·dent Mike Sullivan. Sullivan noticed a neglected, decrepit basketball court in the neighborhood and says, "I just couldn't stand letting it go to waste." He came up with the idea of building a true pick-up hockey court, in con- Eric Bergmann enjoys hockey on the Hill. trast to the cracked blacktop that usually suffices. Mike gives credit to the entire com·munity, especially those who helped him raise funds, paint the sideline boards, and his friend the contractor who made resurfacing affordable. Sullivan says that the rebuilding project would not have been possible without the team effort. He encour·ages anyone interested in joining him for a pick-up game on the new rink to email sullbox@yahoo.com. Dedicated in October, the rink is named after Mary Rush, a school·teacher at nearby Watkins Elementary who passed away last year. Naming the court after her is an attempt to help Mary's students, community and family honor her memory. Differences between playing on the Mary Rush Memorial Rink and the usual patchyalt are certainly appreciated by the children. The new rink has boards around the playing area, benches behind the boards, and overhead floodlights so that play can continue during the dark winter months. Eric Bergmann, Marcus' son, says that he particularly enjoys the "smoother surfaces" of the Mary Rush rink because it makes it "more fun to skate around." Even after Wednesday's games are over, Eric, Marcus, and other fathers and sons play on, enjoying an unsea·sonably warm January night. Some of them practice their passes and shots. Others skate in wide loops around the rink, enjoying the smoothness of the ride and rush of air against their face. Even if it isn't being played on ice, hockey remains one of the best ways to enjoy the winter. Hill resident Josh Singer is a regular con·tributor to this newspaper. Two Rivers Forms Partnerships for Arts Education Two Rivers Public Charter School has formed a partnership with the Wolftrap Foundation to promote the school's arts education programs-- thanks to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, which pro·vided a $2,000 grant to assist the school in a program that provided a performing artist from Wolftrap for a special early education arts program. For six weeks in December and January, a performing artist from Wolftrap served as a performing artist in residence at the school. The preschool (age 3), pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten classes worked with Krissie Marty, who had just finished choreographing a musical produc·tion of Charlotte's Web. The students danced like pine trees, took adven·tures on the mesa, and brought sto·ries to life. As part of the Wolftrap program, teachers used drama, music, and movement in their classes. To cele·brate that work together, the school will attend a workshop and perform·ance at Wolftrap in April. The school is thrilled to announce a partnership with the New Sewell Music Conservatory. Visitors may have encountered musicians trained with Sewell at the school's ribbon-cutting in November; they provided music for the evening. The executive director at Sewell, Harlan Jones, will begin teaching music to students in kindergarten through third grade. Mr. Jones is an accomplished musi·cian and teacher. The school's fall drama classes focused on participation, safety, and collaboration. The spring classes will delve more deeply into interaction and performance. We will explore concepts that support the students' expedition and create a performance piece to share at the end of the year. The school is pleased to welcome Tami Johnson to her new post as assistant drama teacher. Before her maternity leave, Tami was the third grade assistant teacher. Since Tami is a professional actress and singer, the school is very excited to have her help us out with our busy arts pro·grams. Kristin Wesley is delighted to join Two Rivers as Artist in Residence. Hailing from Phoenix, Ariz., she has taught art to children, adolescents and adults in a variety of educational and therapeutic settings over the past seven years, including public and pri·vate schools, hospitals, homes, muse·ums, galleries and community arts organizations. Most recently, Kristin taught after school and summer art classes through the Higher Achievement Program, serving DC public school students, and at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. She is pursuing her masters in art therapy at George Washington University. Please join the school at one of its open houses on Feb. 15, 17, and 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After tak·ing a tour and participating in a question and answer session with Principal Jessica Wodatch, stop by the main office and check out our Arts Recourse Board for arts happen·ings around our city. Don't forget to pick up an application for the 2005·2006 school year, which will feature a new fourth grade. For more infor·mation, please call 202-546-4477. To fill out an online application or learn more about the school, please visit www.tworiverspcs.org. This article was written by Two Rivers Arts Coordinator Kelly Mancini Becker. Capitol Hill Community Foundation Announces 2005 Achievement Award Recipients NOTE: The following is taken from a press release. The Capitol Hill Community Foun·dation is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2005 Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards. This year, awards will be presented to Frances Slaughter, teacher and director at the Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School for the past 20 years; John Parker, commis·sioner of the Capitol Hill Baseball and Softball League; and Nancy Metzger, longtime advocate for the preservation and expansion of the Capitol Hill Historic District. The awards will be presented at the 21st Annual Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards Dinner, to be held at the Folger Shakespeare Library in May. Proceeds from the dinner are used by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to fund grants for projects and organizations which benefit the community. Jennifer 'Jo' Oliver: A Native Daughter's Path of Creativity BY AUTUMN KUEI s the first real sign of winter sets AARP programs. Oliver says, "I love and that in, Jennifer Oliver--affectionately what I do. It is challenging work, but Guinness, her known as "The Jo" by her family I enjoy working for an organization one-year-old and friends--is escaping to St. that has a good mission and vision. Lakeland terri-Thomas for a well-deserved break AARP is making positive steps toward er, is a lot from her hectic life to bask in 80 social change and I am participating friendlier degree weather. in that change." Like other profes-than his bark. Oliver has a winning, caring per-sionals, she constantly juggles the Even though his favorite chew toy is sonality that is admired many of her pressures of deadlines in conjunction a plastic replica of George W. Bush, neighbors and more reminiscent of with aligning resources to meet "he is entirely non-partisan." This the West Coast than the East Coast. needs of the organization. feisty but affectionate dog has She grew up just north of Baltimore Oliver cites her parents (fellow become a member of her family. with her parents and younger broth-artists) as her mentors. "My parents Some of Oliver's ancestors are from er. She attended St. Mary's College in are the most supportive and creative the same area as Guinness' ancestors Maryland and graduated with a fine people I know. They gave me a great in England's Lake District. arts degree. During her time at St. foundation. They were 'do it your-Guinness is an icebreaker for meet-Mary's, Oliver created the winning self' types before it became popular. ing neighbors too. Oliver frequently design for the 2002 Governor's Cup They are creative problem solvers meets neighbors on jaunts to Lincoln Poster. After college, she moved that made being a homeowner easy Park with the pooch. "There's a down to Northwest DC because of and a reality for me." Oliver smiles as familiarity among fellow dog own-the proximity to her friends. Her she relates the help she's received ers." She enjoys the diversity in the fondest memories growing up in the from her parents--everything from neighborhood of new families, sin-area included school trips to the landscaping, plumbing, electrical to gles, couples, and older senior citi-National Mall. renovation of the front porch. Her zens. When she was looking for a home mother specializes in fine textile Oliver has a desire to help commu·to purchase, friends living on Capitol craftwork and her father specializes nity beautification projects. She Hill recommended that she looked in fine woodwork. Touches of the champions causes like the Clean City here. "The Hill seemed like a good inherited creativity enhances every Initiative. She is interested in helping place for young people starting out. I corner of Oliver's home from the col-organize and participate in Neigh-have now been here for over two ors of the walls, the lightning, furni-borhood cleanup days where people years." During this time, she has seen ture, artwork to the plants that she can help "make a difference right many schools reopen or revitalize as chooses to grow. outside their front door." She wld condos. She likes that these historical She is a part of a two-designer free-also like to help obtain grants for spe·buildings are getting a new lease on lance team called Terrapin Studios in cific things like improving smaller life. She loves living on Capitol Hill her spare time. Design work is neighborhood parks where the seats because she is exposed to more of DC referred by word of mouth. Inspired of the benches need to be replaced than just the Mall. During her lunch by the spirit of fellow runners in the and trees need to be replanted. hour, she sometimes catches her first DC Marathon, she designed a Oliver is part of the Capitol Hill breath at the National Building shirt for 2nd DC Marathon, a.k.a. the Garden Club (over 50 years in the Museum (a stone's throw from her Unofficial DC Marathon post cancel-planting), which meets at 7 p.m. on office). lation debacle. She also designed a T-the second Tuesday of each month shirt and promotional materials for between September and May. The The Artist Speaks the Garden Club. club hosts a variety of speakers She is starting 2005 off with applause Oliver also seeks inspiration from throughout the year who share tips from the graphic artistic community. illustrators such as California-based and knowledge about gardening. Three of the designs she submitted Michael Schwab, whose work is Examples are "The Fragile Anacostia" recently to Graphic Design USA won depicted by Oliver as "bold, simple, (history, state of pollution and reme·awards. Her winning designs are fea-and beautiful." Among his award-diation efforts), "Drip Irrigation" tured in the latest copy of Graphic winning design work include proj-(demonstration on how to design Design: USA, a monthly business-to-ects for annual reports, Wells Fargo, and install an irrigation system), and business magazine for professional US Post Office, clothing designers, "Growing Roses Made Easy". Oliver graphic designers and related creative posters, jazz fests, national parks, and has helped with selling spring flower- and production professionals for over the San Francisco Opera. ing bulbs at Eastern Market to raise 40 years. money for the Capitol Hill Garden Oliver started as a design contrac-Enjoying Life on the Hill Club and participated in a tree-plant-tor for the AARP, a nonprofit, non-When Oliver is off the clock her focal ing program on Capitol Hill. partisan membership organization points are her family, friends and her Oliver shops at the fabled Eastern for people age 50 and over. After neighborhood. She feels fortunate Market about twice a month as well. eight months, she became a part of everyone (except for her younger The variety of fresh flowers and the the permanent staff. For the past 4 brother) lives nearby in DC, unusual gifts available make it one of years, she has developed print mate-Maryland and Virginia. Oliver would her favorite places on the Hill. She is rials for the brand management area like her neighbors to know how glad particularly impressed with Pawtic·in support of national and state she is to be a part of the community ulars and Doolittle's, places where Guinness can quench his thirst on long walks and she can purchase presents for fellow pet lovers. Her takeout place of choice is Talay Thai for her favorite food: spicy, fla· vorful Thai cui· sine. For good meals in a casual and friendly envi· ronment, she rec· ommends Il Radiccio and Tunnicliff's. For an upscale meal, she recommends the Park Café where reservations may be made for lunch with Dave Eggers, author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius or Jon Stewart, the madcap host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show. For drinks and watching sports games or simply catching up with friends, the Pour House is a regular stomping ground. Fellow baseball fans will be glad to know that while Oliver was raised as an Orioles fan, she is excited about living within walking distance of RFK Stadium. RFK is the temporary three-year home to the Washington Nationals (the home opener is cur·rently scheduled for April 14). She doesn't feel her loyalty will be split because the Orioles are part of the American League and the Nationals are part of the National League. Her Nationals cap has been purchased. She is not going to be a season ticket holder, but she would like to make it out to a couple of games a season. Oliver describes "a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon and evening is to watch a baseball game at the stadium, eating hot dogs and drinking beer. The rivalry between the teams is a fun experience." Another facet to Oliver's personali·ty is her love for music. Oliver is an avid fan of Wilco. In the last two years, she has attended 10 concerts (to include locations such as DC, Baltimore, San Diego) Wilco is an alternative Chicago-based rock band which endeared themselves to mil·lions when they produced a movie about their tumultuous experiences recording their fourth, critically acclaimed album: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. "I always leave the concerts wanting more. The people I meet there are a lot of fun. Everybody is as excited as I am to be there." In the near-term, Oliver would like to make more time for gardening and house projects. In the not too distant future, she would like to make her dreams of travel to Japan, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, England, and Scotland a reality. Autumn Kuei delights in writing about captivating Capitol Hill residents. www.voiceofthehill.com A Dreamer Finds His Way PJ Paparelli on the Boy Scouts, Shakespeare, and His Own 'Northern Exposure' BY SHIRLEY SER OTSKY "New York was a great time, I PJ's home away from home, the "I talk of dreams, Which are the children of an idle would have had regrets if I had never Washington theater community done it, but I felt like... I was going became a surrogate family. And like brain." MERCUTIO, R OMEO AND JULIET there for the wrong reasons." New any family, it has its idiosyncrasies. York was rich with opportunities to "The DC theater community is very n the first act of Shakespeare's "I thought why don't we do these experience art, culture, and humani-much a series of niches, which is dif-Romeo and Juliet, a pragmatic plays... So we would adapt movies ty, but it ultimately failed as a breed-ferent from say Chicago, or of course Mercutio squelches idealistic into short plays--Dead Poet's Society ing ground for his creativity. "I did-New York. You've got the theatre pal Romeo's talk of what can and Flatliners, some really bad 80s n't enjoy trying to be a director in doing American plays (Arena), you've and should and could and movies...once a week." New York--finding opportunities to got the Shakespeare Theatre, you've might be, calling dreamers idle The summer stage eventually direct was impossible, and holding got musical theater at Signature, and and the dreams they entertain became a year round venture. "I'm two internships, then having a job, it contemporary theater at Studio... so "nothing... as thin of substance from Northeastern Pennsylvania was just insane." you've got these niches, that don't as the air". (Scranton), and there's not much overlap, or very rarely overlap, and Note the irony: if we did away with theater there... I thought, why don't Dream Two: Mr. Paparelli that's a very odd thing." the dreamers--the writers, the we get these kids together during the Goes to Washington In his efforts to expand beyond the artists, the directors, the designers-- year, and try to put on a couple After freelance directing for a year PJ niche of the Shakespeare Theatre, PJ that put an idea on the stage, plays?" Paparelli and fellow scouts responded to a call seeking directing welcomed opportunities to work at other DC theaters. He directed a Mercutio's words would be nothing secured the use of a local hall with a assistants at the Shakespeare Theatre world premiere of a new play at more than ink on a page (rather, in a stage that had fallen into disrepair. in DC. He was hired to assist on a folio). They hunkered down to do renova-production of A Woman of No Signature Theatre and the Washington premiere of Terrence Take the production of Rome and that school year they pro-Importance, directed by artistic direc-McNally's controversial Corpus Juliet that is playing this month at duced three shows. tor Michael Kahn. This was followed the Folger Shakespeare Theatre. The "I learned so much from Scouts in by an offer for a seasonal position as Christi at the Source Theatre. show is helmed by PJ Paparelli, a so many different ways, [especially] an assistant director, then a salaried In the summer of 2002 Paparelli young director who has worked tire-the idea of theater being a sort of col-position as resident assistant director. joined forces with three other collab·lessly to ensure that one dream after lective--so its almost got an athletic Three years later, Paparelli was orators to brainstorm ideas for an another comes to fruition. Marvel-quality to it, like we are this team and named an associate director. original theatre piece. They wanted ous, entertaining, revealing fruition. we gotta do this show." Upon gradu-His time at the Shakespeare to write something that examined an American event or phenomenon, ation Paparelli headed to Carnegie Theatre gave PJ the opportunity to and eventually settled on the theme Dream One: But What I Mellon University in Pittsburgh to experience an array of different Really Want to Do is Direct pursue a BFA in directing. He fol · directing styles and approaches, and of school shootings. "For us it was like, when we were in high school "I think it traces its roots back to--I lowed that with an eight-month stint in the process, to hone in on his own there was no such thing as suburban was a Boy Scout of all things--an in Russia, where he studied at the directorial voice. "Directors need a school shootings, and why is it now Moscow Art Theatre School. Eagle Scout. And I went to camp over After school PJ packed up and long period of finding their own in the common vernacular?" the summer and then as I got older I voice... and young directors need headed for Manhattan. He landed became a counselor... and there was a mentors; they need mentors to sup-theatre merit badge," PJ explains. PJ internships at two highly acclaimed port them, not only by giving them Dream Number Three: looks young. In fact, if one squints off-Broadway venues: the Public opportunities, but education and columbinus their eyes a bit they can almost see Theatre and the now (sadly) defunct guidance. Michael (Kahn) really was So the writing team began to read. the 14-year-old scout intent on filling Circle Repertory Theatre. At first it that for me in every sense of the They did extensive research on the a sash with badges. The temptation seemed that he was right where he word." events that lead up to the April 1999 needed to be. This wasn't the case. of a new badge brought inspiration. As the Shakespeare Theatre became shootings at Columbine High School www.voiceofthehill.com 27 Nancy Robinette (L) and Nicole Lowrance rehearse a scene from the Folger Theatre's Romeo and Juliet Le Renovation HAND YMAN SER VICE Free Estimates No Job Too Big or Too Small · Plumbing· Painting · Electric· Decks See our web site · Carpentry · Fences www.washingtonparish.org · Masonry · Patios · TilePhone (202) 547-9300 The Rev. Dr. Judith A. Davis, Rector Want to fix your house, but ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES lack the funds? Call us. February 9 7:30 am, Noon and 7:30 pm 202.359.9971 in Littleton, Colorado, absorbing as much as they could from written accounts. Thanks to serendipitous timing, PJ met a local actor who had grown up in Littleton right before he traveled to Colorado to do onsite research. Through a series of intro·ductions PJ was able to speak with a teacher there who talked him through the events of the day and took him to visit the high school. We drove "over the crest of the hill, and there was Columbine--I thought, oh my God, it's real, and it's so present." "We wanted to create a fictional world that could exist anywhere, and also be able to get the specifics of what happened at Columbine... to blend fact and fiction." But while the fact-based second act (which would follow closely the events of the actual Columbine incident) emerged suc·cinctly on the page, the first act elud·ed them. The team knew they wanted to tackle issues surrounding adoles·cence. But the ideas remained vague. Then PJ happened on another serendipitous introduction. Through the former boyfriend of a Shakes·peare Theatre actor's daughter (no kidding), PJ was introduced to Patricia Hersch, a journalist in Reston, Virginia, who spent three years interviewing and observing CHRIST CHURCH--a welcoming community of faith and fellowship with a big heart and room to grow. 620 G Street, SE Just two and a half blocks south of Eastern Market Metro station Sunday Worship Schedule 8:15 am Holy Eucharist - spoken 9:15 am Breakfast 9:45 am Adult Forum - Bible study and discussion of special issues 11:00 am Church School 11:00 am* Holy Eucharist - music 12:00 pm Coffee Hour and Fellowship Nursery care for children under 3 available at 8:15 am teenagers for her critically acclaimed shot--primarily because it would The timing of the season at Paparelli aimed to reveal how "the book, A Tribe Apart, A Journey into the mean picking up and moving to Perseverance allows PJ to continue to psychology of the play echoes mod-Heart of American Adolescence. Alaska--PJ allowed himself to enter-accept directing jobs at other the-ern day." Hersch's studies (along with count-tain the possibility. Then he sat atres, thereby preventing any sense His return to Washington will less interviews with teenagers) down for a heart-to-heart with Molly. of geographic isolation. Which is extend into next month as he begins became the basis for the first act of "Molly really, really planted the why, ironically, he spent last month rehearsals for columbinus, preparing columbinus, and Hersch became a seed. She talked about the frontiers-right back here on Capitol Hill, for a March debut at the Round writer on the project. man spirit of the place... if you have directing a production of Romeo and House Theatre in Silver Spring, an idea, these people will run with Juliet for the Folger Theatre. Maryland. The show will be a co-Dream Number Four: it... you don't have the bureaucracy When the Folger approached PJ production with Perseverance the-Juneau or Bust and red tape that you have here." last spring and asked if he would atre, sharing actors from Alaska and As Paparelli continued to embrace After a visit to Juneau in spring 2004, direct the love story of all love sto-Washington. his role as writer and adapter he PJ realized he was hooked. "I was hit ries, he says, "When Janet [Griffin, And while Alaska has quickly Producing Director of the Folger] become the place PJ calls home ("I've became increasingly aware that his with this feeling of community focus was shifting from the again. [In Juneau] they speak of the asked me to do the play I kind of bought a house and a car!" he mar-Shakespeare Theatre. By the end of theater not in terms of "they," but looked at it again, and I said, 'This is vels) he is enjoying his return to the 2003, "I knew I was leaving the "we" and "us"... and these are not the classical version of what I am nation's capital. "You really don't Shakespeare Theatre, just because I people working in the theater, but writing (in columbinus).' The isola-appreciate DC until you leave--it is tion that both of them feel, and their such an incredible, cosmopolitan felt that it was time. I was getting my people in the town!" classical fill, which I loved, but I felt He started at Perseverance in July. own isolation, the adults not listen-place. You forget how close you are to His first production, a hugely suc-ing to them. What was going on the center of the country, and when like it was a little bit unbalanced." He wanted to devote more time to new cessful A Midsummer Night's Dream, inside of Verona, with the violent you're in Alaska, you're very, very far work and specifically to getting played to sold-out houses. "People nature of the culture and this discon-away!" columbinusst loving Shakespeare. In a nection between adults and adoles · town of 35,000 where a lot of them cence ... the same exact thing was Shirley Serotsky is a frequent contributor Around that time he heard that the artistic director position at the are very conservative, it was impres-going on in Littleton." to Voice of the Hill. She read Romeo Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, sive." Next in the season's lineup is As a result, while the Folger pro-and Juliet for the first time when she Alaska was opening up. Molly Smith, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a musical duction is not "modernized" or set in was thirteen, and spent the next three about a transgender glam rocker. a specific contemporary context, the weeks biting her thumb at people in the current artistic director of Arena classical designs are highlighted with halls of her junior high. Stage, founded the theater in 1979. Many of the company's resident While the idea sounded like a long actors have roles in both shows. contemporary nods. In doing this psychiatry with a heart on capitol hill JOSEPH TARANTOLO, MD board certified psychiatrist certified group psychotherapist SUNDAY SCHEDULE herbalist Worship 8:30 am & 11:00 am Ser endipity Gar den Design offers landscape design and garden consultation to connect people with their gardens, empowering them · Individual and couples psychotherapy with knowledge to tend their own plot of · Two hour intensive group therapy land. Or, we can tend it for you. · Cancer and chronic illness counseling with customized herbal tonics Julie Olson, Designer · Self-exploration without drugs 202.544.7247 · Help weaning off antideptressant drugs Making gardens beautiful, no matter · "Talk back to Prozac" how small the patch of dirt. All areas of church accessible by elevator www.serendipitygardendesign.com 202/543-5290 www.reformationdc.org Fulton framing services For the framing and preservation of fine art and documents Hours: Monday and Tuesday, Noon-6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm or by appointment 516 1/2 C Street, NE 202.544.8408 on Stanton Park ffs@pobox.com Eastern Market 327 7th St., SE · (202) 546-CAKE Perspectives on How to Break Into the Local Scene and Recording BY KATIE MCLEOD ianna, driven to advance her inal music or cover songs all share she is about to release another CD on music career, was searching the desire and the need to perform. March 13, she realizes that she's for a place that would make it And it's up to the musicians-- gained a great deal of knowledge possible for her to do just that. depending on their varying dreams about her sound, the process and the She drove to Washington, DC, and ambitions--to learn how to language involved in the industry. watched a live performance and sim-break into the local scene, making "It's such a learning curve," she says. ply knew her next move. contacts, getting gigs, and even Lianna also cut a demo CD, titled "I had an overwhelming sense of recording. Beautiful Life, in Sweden in 2002. (To peace," Lianna, who performs by find out the location of Lianna's that name, explains, describing how A 'Learning Curve' upcoming CD release party, please when she came to DC to visit a friend "We have a lot of fun playing music," visit her website: www.LiannaOnline. and check out the area's local music Lianna says about playing with her com). scene she just knew she was meant to band, which she describes as acoustic Lianna just signed with a booking play in the nation's capital. pop/rock with three-part harmonies. agency in Charlotte, NC. She will be Lianna moved to DC in the fall of "It's a business all on its own," she touring the college market national·2002 to pursue her music career adds, noting time spent marketing ly, playing with her band in coordi·some time after finishing law school her music, networking and lining up nation with her solo tour dates and in North Carolina, her home state gigs. locations. where she is a licensed attorney. Beyond working 40 hours per week Lianna also stresses the huge sacri- Like many local musicians, as an office manager for a law firm in fices she's made as a partnership with Lianna's story is one of passion, drive Fairfax, Va., Lianna works 45 plus her husband, who lives in their and hard work; one that is still in the hours per week on music: rehearsing, North Carolina home. They com·making, but that looks ahead to a writing her own songs and lyrics, mute to spend time together when future filled with music, in one form performing, doing promotions and they can. That way, Lianna can focus or another. making contacts, she says. on her music in the DC area, a city Whether it's playing at bars and Lianna performs as a solo that is accessible to North Carolina, clubs, open mics, the annual Cherry singer/songwriter as well as with her yet offers the kinds of opportunities Blossom Festival or recording a CD, band. She released her first CD, Walk she wants for her music career, she DC's musicians are in love with the in My Shoes, in 1998, so she had says. notes, rhythms, sounds, energy and knowledge of CD production prior to "I've never felt as complete as any- adrenaline that composes their lives. her DC move. But, she explains, as thing as I do when I'm playing live," And they are driven to keep playing. Lianna says quite passionately. Solo artists and bands playing orig-"Nothing else fulfills me to the depths that music does." Making it Happen Regardless, whether artists are DC-area natives, or moved from outside the region, they must start some·where. Greg Gonzalez has been playing music since age 15. Gonzalez, now 33, is one of two guitar players for the cover band, "Dr. Fu" (www.drfu.com). The band plays hard rock covers, Gonzalez says, explain· ing that DC is home to various cover bands, original bands and kind of "hybrids"--a mix of both original and cover. Gonzalez first moved to the area From left: Seth Brown, Lianna, Arch Alcantara and Dave Mehring. from Boston, Mass., two years ago to work as an attorney. The band's bass player and guitar player are his best friends from growing up in Buffalo, NY. They played in high school band together. "It's more than a hobby," Gonzalez says of his music. Gonzalez played in an original band in the mid-'90s before playing in Dr. Fu. He finds it's easier for his band now to get gigs because, in his experience, bars will hire cover bands more frequently since they tend to draw bigger crowds and therefore more business, he says. However, some bars will only hire original bands and artists, he notes. Describing the DC music scene as "pretty welcoming," Gonzalez tells how he started playing in DC. "My goal was just to play music with my friends," he says, adding that "nobody in the band wants to make the band a full-time thing." He explains that he and his fellow band members all have other full-time jobs and families. Gonzalez works to book gigs through word-of-mouth, by posting advertisements on a local music forum (www.arlingtonmusicscene.com) and by some communiqué in the Washington City Paper, he says. Gonzalez also checks out advertise·ments on craigslist at times (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/). "I try to be helpful, myself, with stuff," Gonzalez notes, describing a time when he auditioned singers for Dr. Fu and sent the names of those he turned down to other bands he knew in search of singers. "It's quite a bit of time," Gonzalez says of playing with the band. "We've had to become judicious about the use of our time. It kind of takes the rock 'n' roll aspect out of it." When first starting out, Gonzalez advises to find a goal and then achieve it. "One of the problems I've had in bands before was a lack of direction," he says. "That would be very problematic. The earlier you can define all that stuff the better." He suggests looking carefully at advertisements, pointing out that some are very specific. Surveying the area is also important, Gonzalez adds. "Find out if someone is looking to do the same thing you are," he says, referring to when an artist is looking to get into playing with other musicians. "Check out websites," he add"People in the area are very friendly." Gonzalez explains that everyone in the band is responsible for promot·ing. It's important to get friends to go to gigs, put up flyers and link the bands website to other sites online, he says. The band also has T-shirts made to sell and passes out a calen·dar of upcoming scheduled shows at gigs. "Where I'm at in my life I'm pretty www.voiceofthehill.com successful," Gonzalez says, explain·ing how he's happy with the way he's incorporated his music into his career and family life. "I'm having fun." Patrick Lacy, bass player for the band, "Astramental," is a native of Northern Virginia, born in Fairfax. "I began playing bass solely for fun in my college days," Lacy says in an email, "as friends and I wanted to start a band and we figured the best way to do it would be to buy instru·ments and learn what to do with them.." Lacy also contributes lyrics and general day-to-day managerial-type services for the band, such as locat·ing drummers for auditions, typing up lyric sheets, talking to booking agents and to club owners, he says. As for getting into the DC scene, Lacy says there's only one way to do that: "Throw yourself to the wolves." Lacy explains that Astramental is not "out there" yet, but that he played previously around Northern Virginia and DC in a band called, "Plaid." "We just plugged away and played wherever and whenever we could. There are careful, well-planned 1-2-3 steps one can take, but often it's better to just dive in," he says. Lacy explains the steps he will take to promote his current band. "Astramental will be gigging very soon," he says. "We're just waiting on the perfect drummer to appear. Once the drummer is in place, though, we will continue with what we've been doing: contacting and talking to other local musicians and bands, keeping up with local music forums and resources like www. arlingtonmusicscene.com, contacting club owners and booking agents about shows, and generally taking any additional steps to get our name known and our music to people who want to listen to it." Astramental's current lineup is comprised of an acoustic guitar, elec·tric guitar and bass, along with vocals, Lacy says, also mentioning his current search for a drummer. He points out that an acoustic guitar is also used when the situation calls for it. Lacy describes the band's music as "alternacoustidelic." "The DC scene is very competi·tive," he says, "and with the sheer influx of local artists these days, the market is definitely saturated. There has always been demand for local music, I believe, but many of the venues focus more on drink/food rev·enue than on promoting local music, so the goals of the band and the club owner are often at odds. That is, a club owner needs to make money, everyone understands that. But so many places are just about the bot-tom-line that there is no true promo·tion of local music ... no 'scene,' if you will." Lacy also describes the problem of the "Catch-22": "This happens when a new band wants to get a show, but they don't have experience playing live (as a band, not individually)," he says. "When you show a club owner your promo kit or whatever band 'resume' you have, and there are no live shows listed, you are stuck. But if you can't get a live show, you can't get that experience for the band resume, right?" Network, network, network is the advice that Lacy would give an artist new to the scene. "That's what it all comes down to (unfortunately): who you know," he says. Lacy plans to get a demo "out there" with his band, play live shows, advertise those shows, pass out stick·ers, T-shirts and "the like," and gen·erally get the band's name and music out wherever they can, he says. "I also believe that the greatest promotional tool available to any band is the Internet," he says, adding that his band will have an official website very soon. "I believe that any band that does not utilize a web pres·ence is shooting itself in the foot." Lianna, who needed to first look into the cost of living and investigate the job market before moving to the DC area for her music career, got "more and more involved" in the scene over time. "It's important to have a support group," she says. She taught music in the DC public school system for a time and delved into the Arlington music scene. "You have to get in the game. If you stay in your bedroom writing songs, it's not really going to help you. You have to do that," Lianna explains, "but not just that." Recording and Costs When artists decide they want to record a CD, Lianna suggests finding a great studio and a producer. Some studios have affiliated producers, she notes. A good way to find a quality studio is by asking other local musi·cians for recommendations and by checking out advertisements, she says. The cost of producing a CD "varies hugely," Lianna says. Her first record, when everything was outsourced, cost about $6,000, she says. "Big artists cost $100,000, "she says, "real·ly the skies the limit. I think the total for this upcoming record was about $2,800. It varies depending on what you do. For whatever your recording needs are, there's a studio out there that can meet your needs." Lacy describes the recording process as "at times extremely exhila·rating and at other times extremely tedious and cumbersome." "Recording music is not the boozin', hootin'-n-hollerin' rock-n-roll party that many people think it is, he says. "... in the real world, recording can be tough." Lacy says finding a suitable and cost-effective recording studio and engineer is crucial. "The problems, at the start, are fig·uring out who's good and who's not-so-good, who's going to give you a good deal and who might be ripping you off, and what you'll be getting for your money (some studios go the whole nine yards, others provide a bare-bones package)," he explains. And as far as locating these studios go, Lacy again advises to network, network, network. "If you base your decision on what you read on a stu-dio's website, you might be in for trouble," he warns. Prior to entering the studio, Lacy suggests: "Know your material inside-out, backwards, front-wards, upside·down, and side-to-side. You will be paying for an engineer to record you, and if you are not 100 percent pre·pared, you are wasting money and time and energy. And, it's a profes·sional courtesy in your relationship with the studio." As for the time commitment, Lacy says it all depends on the situation and the artist. "If you learn your songs to the point you feel you are ready to record, it could take a day, or a month, or a year ... maybe more." Costs depend on what level of quality you're looking for and how much time you want to invest, Lacy says. "So, recording a professional, marketable CD can cost just about any amount, depending on what type of product you want, who's han·dling the recording and production, and what you plan on doing with it, he says. "That is, will you be giving the CD to friends and family, or will you be 'shopping' it around?" Lacy suspects that most bands pay for recording out of their own pock- Studio Recording Steps For Budding Artists Lianna offers the following as an introductory look into the process of recording a CD in the studio. Other options, such as recording a live per·formance, are not discussed. . Think about the vision for presenting your music. Do you want to have a solo acoustic record with just voice and guitar? Or maybe you would prefer to have a fully produced sound with bass, drums, electric gui·tars and harmony vocals, etc. These are questions to answer before you go any further. . One you have the vision down, consider the production. Hiring a producer is a good next step. he producer is responsible for the overall sound of the record and works with the artist to bring the vision to fruition. A song in its most naked form is melody and lyrics. Consider it the skeleton and the producer one who adds the muscle and additional tissue. Some artists feel competent to produce themselves, especially if they want a solo acoustic record or if they are a band. I would recommend working with a producer foe first record if you want more than a solo acoustic presentation because the producer's expertise and knowlege can be invaluable. Producers can also recommend studio musicians for solo artists who want a fully produced record. When looking for a producer be sure to ask around. ArlingtonMusicScene.com is an excellent resource for this information. You can also visit the Washington Area Music Association's website, www.wamadc.com and explore which producers have been nominated for the "Producer of the Year" Wammie award or look on the back of your favorite local artist's CD and see who they used. Producers usually start at $50/hr. . Find a studio. A producer is usually affiliated with a studio and engi·neer (the person who actually pushes the record button) but gear needs, comfort level in the suroundings (comfy home atmosphere or cut· ting edge sleek) and cost are really going to drive this decision. In today's market, studios can be in someone's basement utilizing recording software (Pro Tools, LogicPro, etc.) on their computer (www.omnitonestudios.com) or studios with isolation rooms (www.jamminjava.com/studio.php.) You can pay anywhere from $50-$100/hr. If you use the producer and his/her studio, you may receive a combined (producer and studio) rate. The timing for the recording process can be done as quickly or slowly as preferred. It really depends on how quickly the tracks are performed to a satisfactory level and at what point you feel 100 percent satisfied or finally can just "let go." . Record. You can play live, tracking all instruments at once (usually requires isolation booths in the studio for bands) or you can track each instrument at a time ("overdubbing") which is the most common. To track instruments individually it is helpful to have previously worked with a "click" track so that your timing is solid. A click track is the time keeper so that every instrument is played to the same tempo. . Mixing. This is the process where you balance all the sounds (vocals, guitar, kick drum, etc.) in relation to each other. Typically the producer will want to have control over this but there are professionals who do noth·ing but mix. The mixing process can be tedious and time consuming but will make or break the record. For example, if you have an amazing vocalist but the vocal track isn't high enough in the mix, it could be lost in the other instrumentation. The cost is usually an hourly rate ($50) but can be a flat rate. Allow 7-10 days for mixing because this process wears on the ears (hearing the same song over and over and over). A good rule of thumb is mixing one to two songs per day. . Mastering. This is the final process for the music. It is meticulous work that focuses on compression, EQ which is the boosting or minimalizing ets. "Some can secure financing or an As Lianna did, Hartwell also individual backer, but I would think describes the recording process as a most are self-financed," he adds. "learning experience" because there When asked how much money it are so many facets to it. He plans to takes for a band to make it overall, put together a press kit to send to Lacy emphatically answered that if radio stations once his new CD is fin-that question could be answered, ished, he says. "every band would just save up that amount of money. There is no set The Artists on Music amount. Some bands have become Lacy feels great about playing music, phenomenally successful after he says. "I could not not play music. I spending almost no money at all; others have plugged away on the cir·cuit for years to only moderate suc·think most musicians would feel the same way." Gonzalez of Dr. Fu loves playing. cess after spending hundreds of "It's my favorite thing to do. It's a thousands of dollars, if not more." good tension release. There's nothing Chris Hartwell, a local singer/song-like it," he says matter-of-factly, writer who was featured in the explaining that he likes the way his January issue of Voice of the Hill and life is structured right now with his who has experience in recording, has family, music and career. done a lot of work at Jammin' Java in Lianna stresses that her faith is a Vienna, Va. (www.jamminjava.com). It huge part of who she is. "God's been could cost as much as $20,000 to good to me," she says, later noting record and produce a full-length CD, that every part of her is made to play Hartwell says. Hoping to release a live music. She wants people who new CD by the end of 2005, Hartwell come to see her to feel connected would like to send copies of it "every-and comforted, she says. "I feel this is where" once it's done, he says. He what I was made to do. I feel honored also stresses the importance of the even if one person listens." internet, explaining how he puts his name and link to his website on any Katie McLeod works in journalism in the Internet site he can find Washington, DC area. She is originally (www.chrishartwell.com). from Barnstable, Mass. of frequencies (more booming low end or a brighter high end), finalizing the song order, fade in/out timing, setting the volume of the record and more. For more info visit: www.wolfproductionsinc.com/mastering.htm. This is most often done by a professional who only does mastering and is typically completed in one 8-10 hour day. Seek out this person using the same resources utilized in the producer search. . Duplication. This is the actual printing of the CDs. There are many dif· ferent providers of this service so do your research. A typical first run of 1000 CDs breaks down to $1-$2 per CD depending on what packaging (4 color, 4 page insert, cardboard sleeve, etc.) you choose. Most duplication houses offer samples of the packaging and promotional bundles offering posters, inclusion on compilation CDs and more to earn your business. You will need to send them you final mastered CD with all of the necessary paperwork (guidelines are provided by the duplication house and followed by the person who masters) as well as all of the artwork in electronic format. Again, the duplication house will provide you with the template for your graphic artist to use when designing the insert. Manufacturing can take as little as days to months depending on your project requirements. ALWAYS allow more time because many unexpected things can delay production. Also, be sure your manufacturer creates a "glass master" to press the CDs. Some use a copying technique that can cause CDs to skip. Further, be sure the printing for the disc itself is not on a thin label stuck to the disc but that ink is printed on the actual CD. Some car players won't play discs with labels. . All finished! Now wait and relax! Don't start second guessing all of the work you've done. Be happy with the record being a reflection of your talent at that moment and know that your next record will be even better as you grow! Get to work on booking and promoting a CD release show and establish the means to distribute your product! Useful Information Local Artists/Bands: *Note: Many artists include a schedule of events on their official websites. Mike Holden The Midnite Roger: band www.mikeholdenmusic.com www.midniteroger.com John Ireland: Scott Shumaker: singer/songwriter www.johnnyireland.com www.scottshumaker.com Laura Tsaggaris Local Studios: www.lauratsaggaris.com Jammin' Java: Sugoi: band Find information about the recording www.sugoiband.com studio at: www.jamminjava.com Dr. FU: band www.dragonflyeast.com www.drfu.com/ www.echoesrecording.com www.wduncan.com Lianna: singer/songwriter www.jeffseverson.com www.liannaonline.com Bicycle Thieves: band Resources for Artists: www.bicyclethieves.com www.ArlingtonMusicScene.com Washington Area Music Association: Tinsmith: band http://wamadc.com/wama www.tinsmith.net DC 101 - "Local Lix": local radio Chris Hartwell: singer/songwriter dc101.com/onair/locallix www.chrishartwell.com mp3.washingtonpost.com www.partydc.com Soft Complex: band washingtondc.craigslist.org www.softcomplexmusic.com www.cdbaby.com www.openmikes.org Winter Household Projects, Pt. II Get on the Floor BY DA RRIN BR OADWATER ast mo nth we started review-workmanship that went into many money as you wish on high-end fur·ing some things that, now of these houses just can't be found in niture, but if it sits atop worn or that the weather's taken a new construction. poorly maintained floors then you're decided turn toward the From the smallest piece of hard-not getting the maximum impact for frigid, one could do around ware to the major appliances and fix-your dollar. the house to keep heating bills from tures we use daily, new construction Fortunately, hardwood floors are skyrocketing faster than the cost of just doesn't have the same attention just that--hard wood. They stand up an imperialist war. Also, we talked to detail found in older houses. I'll to quite a licking and really don't ask plaster and drywall, the bane of spare you the theories as to why for much from you. But even though many homeowners' existence. (which, if we were having a beer at they give and give, after a while they If you took on an energy saving Tunnicliff's, you probably wouldn't will start to lose their luster. And project of any dimension, you're like-be able to escape), but because build-because you see the same floors day ly enjoying the fruits right now--as I ing practices have changed--well, in and day out, you may not notice type, here in the beautiful mountains devolved--since most of the houses that over time they don't quite have of Western Maryland, it's a balmy 9 on the Hill were built, they have the same stunning quality that they degrees in the sun. And if you're not some issues that newer houses don't once had. appreciative yet, give it another have. And while taking care of such If you're like most folks, though, chance when you get your next heat-homes is a pleasure for many (albeit you probably haven't given them ing bill. an expensive one at times), to folks much thought at all. In many cases, a This month we're going to talk who've only ever owned some homeowner will buy a house with about a few problems common to slapped-together unit in the 'burbs, hardwood floors and have no idea houses on Capitol Hill. We're fortu-there's a learning curve. what, if anything, the previous own-nate that we have so many gorgeous, One of the most noticeable aspects ers have done to the floors. If that's stylish, well-crafted homes around of a room is also one of the most fre-the case, it may be time for a quick us. As anyone with a keen quently used and least thought look down. eye will attest, the about--the floor. And in many Deciding what level of resuscita· homes here on the Hill the tion your hardwood floors may need floors are made of gorgeous is a judgment call. Depending upon hardwood. As you walk how long it's been since they've been through the front door of tended to, and how much traffic they your home, or even if see in any given year, you may be you're just entering a able to get them in top shape with grand living or dining just a buffing and waxing. But more room, the floor sets the likely it's been a while since they've tone for the rest of your had any attention and they see at space. You can spend least a fair amount of traffic in any as much year. And if that's the case, it may take a little more attention to get them up to par. At the most basic level, daily wear and tear will remove the luster from your floor and leave small nicks and scratches in even the hardest wood. When a floor is newly finished, it has a deep, pristine shine to it that looks great and protects the wood. Eventually, the shine lessens and, with time, all traces of the varnish will have vanished, leaving a dull wood that's prone to scratching. While buffing out these scratches and reapplying the finish sounds like a major job to undertake, it could be much worse. Some homeowners, for example, inherit from previous inhabitants more than just dull, scratched wood. Because it seems like in every home's past there was at least one owner with poor taste, you may have some hardwood floors that were stained an unimaginably dark or horrid color, or--God forbid--even carpeted over. Regardless of whether you only need to buff or whether you need to do some actual sanding, the process will be essentially the same. The only difference is that if you're removing stain or glue/carpet backing, you need to sand the floor first and you'll want to consider using a finish with a stain already in it. The sanding is no small step, mind you--it's more than an afternoon's worth of work if you're taking on more than one room. Still, it's an essential and worthwhile effort if the floor isn't in good shape. If you're just buffing to get out scratches and smooth the floor's fin·ish, the job will be easier (though the improvement, of course, won't be as dramatic as if you had sanded). In any case, your first stop (as with about any medium-sized project or larger) should be Frager's--this time to the rental counter. Whatever level of rehabilitation you're in for, some equipment will be necessary. And you'll want to tap their experts for some advice, too. While there, you'll want to rent an upright buffer/sander (also consider a belt sander if you're doing sanding) as well as a handheld for around the edges and for any steps or closets. Consult the Frager's staff for the buffer pads you'll need--they'll set you up with the right pads for your job (the deeper your scratches, the coarser pad you'll have to start with). You'll probably end up using steel wool pads to smooth things out before applying your finish. If you're doing a buff and refinish, you should probably choose a clear finish to maintain the same col·oration of your current floor. If you're sanding down and starting from scratch, the world's your oyster, baby. You can choose to stain your floor before you apply a finish or you can get finish and stain in one prod·uct. Really, it's a matter of taste. Your reward for all of those hours spent behind the sander is that you can choose a stain that suits your taste. Again, you can ask the Frager's paint staff for guidance--this is their baili·wick and they know their stuff. It's foolish not to use that resource when it's right there. The sanding or buffing (doing both probably isn't necessary) is pret·ty self-explanatory. Start with the coarsest grit you bought and work your way up. Watch for nails. Drink lots of water. Wear a mask. Invite friends. The specifics of applying your stain and/or finish, however, will vary by product. Remember that if you sand·ed or did heavy buffing right before you apply the finish, you may end up with small particulates in the finish, especially if you have forced air heat·ing. Given the amount of effort and energy it takes to finish the sanding, it's probably wise to wait a week or two to let the dust settle and let your·self regain the will to see the project through to the end. Also, consider that some finishes are very strong and that opening a window or two may be necessary--so it shouldn't be too cold out for this project. And since you won't be able to walk on the finish for a while after you're done, you might even want to consider spending a few days on the slopes after you've finished. About a The Voice welcomes Drew Owen, Capitol resident, musician and cartoonist who will each month be taking a humorous look at life in our neighbrhood and our city. year ago I was using a finish that included a tung oil stain and it caused a severe allergic reaction-- the first and only one I've ever had. That's a reminder to keep on the lookout when using unfamiliar products. If the prospect of open windows and allergic reactions seems daunt·ing, you may even consider skipping the refinish altogether and deciding to do a light buff and then just apply a quality wax instead. This is a per·fectly acceptable and desirable alter·native if you don't need to address issues with the finish of your floor or with scratches or nicks in the floor itself. Again, the level of complexity should be dictated by the condition of the floor and by your willingness to take it on. The view entering a room is domi·nated by the flooring. Unless you're like that crazy guy in New York who's reaarticle in every New York Times and has a backlog of about a decade, your floor will likely be the dominant view when you enter a room. And why shouldn't it be? Most of the floors here on the Hill are spectacular. Or at least they once were--while hardwood floors are beautiful, they require a little upkeep as well. With a bit of effort, you can make a dramatic difference in your floors without a great deal of expense. Darrin Broadwater first wrote about winter projects in last month's Voice of the Hill. Got Whole Grains? Try a Rice Cooker BY LAURIE LINDSAY When I cook jasmine rice, a delicate Many electric kitchen gadgets fragrance mingles with the quiet of aren't versatile enough to warrant the house and rises up to the second their cleaning and storage. There's floor. It is a distinctly exotic but simply not enough space on the wholesome smell. Recently I'm cook-counter or in the cupboards for every ing more brown jasmine rice as well interesting new kitchen toy that as white, but every batch is perfect. comes along. I certainly didn't think No more burned brown rice for me! A I needed a rice cooker, but after five rice cooker solved that problem. years, Sally Strackbein converted me. It is a wonderful appliance and it Now every time I call her, I thank makes cooking whole grains a snap. her. It's worth it to make space on Whole wheat berries, brown jasmine the counter for this thing! rice, brown basmati rice, wild rice mix, Kamut, and quinoa--I cooked Perks of the Pot them all in my $30 rice cooker. Strackbein cites numerous rice cook· er advantages on her website (see You Put That in Your Rice www.sallyskitchen.com), including Cooker? these: makes clean up simple. Strackbein When I met Sally Strackbein, host of · Food rarely burns in a rice cook-says, "Rice cookers have removable sallyskitchen.com, a popular website er. interior pans that are immersible and about rice cooker cooking, she was · Cleanup is quick and easy. easily washed. Many have immersi·busily promoting her cookbook Y2K · Food is kept warm at a safe tem-ble lids too." Kitchen: Jump Start Your Personal perature for hours. Contingency Plan--Storms, Power · It simplifies entertaining. New Ideas for a 20th Failures, Y2K. Every time I saw her in · Unlike a stove, the cooker does Century Appliance the months that followed, she told not heat up the kitchen. She continues, "I'm busy and can Just how easy is it to use? "You put me about a new dish she'd made. "How did you make it?" I'd ask her. get distracted. Without a rice cooker the rice and water in the pot and She always replied, "Oh, I just cooked I'd burn food to a crisp! I can add turn it on. That's it," she explains. it in my rice cooker." water to the cooker if necessary to "Aside from rice, the cooker is best When I visited her home, the rice avoid dryness. suited for dishes that require liquid cooker was always in use. One time it "For entertaining, I can use several to cook, for example, stews, soups, held a chicken cacciatore, another rice cookers and know that they will spaghetti, or oatmeal," notes hold everything at the right tempera- Strackbein. "Other dishes work too. I time the cooker was filled with mulled cider, and a couple of months ture even if they are done at different cook scrambled eggs in the cooker since my husband and I don't eat later she was using the rice cooker to times. The timing doesn't have to be breakfast at the same time. The eggs keep hot water ready for tea during a so precise. For our Thanksgiving din-hold nicely for at least an hour." large gathering. ner, I made mashed potatoes in one, Usually the cooker comes with a "I got my first rice cooker in 1986," sweet potatoes in another, the veg-measuring device and a rice paddle, says Strackbein. "It was similar to etables in another one, and the those available now except it didn't giblets for gravy in another. I spent and most of them include some sort of steamer rack. Strackbein described have a non-stick pan. That was not a the time with my family and did not the dinner she cooked for guests problem since I was only cooking fuss with the cooking." rice in it." Obviously, she's gone way With today's lifestyles, it's not recently. "I poached salmon in the beyond rice. She experimented so unusual when a family is unable to rice cooker. Five minutes before it sit down together for every meal. was done, I put in the steamer rack much and learned so much that since March 2000, Strackbein has Strackbein recommends using a rice for asparagus. When the salmon was been promoting rice cooker cooking cooker for such meals because the ready, so was the asparagus. The and reviewing new rice cookers on food will be at the proper tempera-asparagus flavor did not even transfer ture when each person arrives to eat. to the salmon." the market. She is quick to explain how she "Rice cookers are very safe because To poach salmon and for other started expanding her rice cooker when the temperature in the interior dishes where you don't expect all the repertoire. "My stepson was looking rises above the boiling point, the water to evaporate, Strackbein rec-for something to cook with in the cooker shuts down and then holds ommends using a kitchen timer. dorm. He suggested a rice cooker. I the temperature at 140°F. So, there is "The rice cooker takes about the purchased one with a non stick pan no risk of fire or burning." same time as stovetop cooking and sometimes it's a little faster." and discovered a great new way of Even if the food is in the cooker for cooking." a few hours, the non-stick coating Buy According to Your Budget Shopping around will reveal a wide price variation between rice cookers. Strackbein comments on the differ·ences. "Get one that's in your budg·et. If you are cooking a variety of food, do not buy an expensive one. The greater the variety of things you plan to cook in the cooker, the less expensive your rice cooker should be. A more expensive cooker ($150 or more) may be designed for only rice and grains and may not work for other foods." Strackbein believes that the differ·ences between the machines are not really important. Some have remov·able lids made of glass or metal while others have attached, non-removable lids. Some have a hole or vent at the top for some steam to escape during cooking. Some have removable cords that simplify storage. Improvising for Success There is one problem that can come up when preparing whole grains in the rice cooker. Sometimes during cooking liquids exit the steam vent and drip down the outside of the cooker. This is a nuisance because the liquid then collects inside the rim of the pot and makes the edge challeng·ing to clean. "This doesn't usually happen with the more expensive cookers and it is not a problem with white rice," remarks Sally. "One way to solve this is to put only part of the water in at the beginning of cooking. When that water is absorbed, add the rest of the water and turn the cooker on again. It's easy to experiment because rice cookers are very forgiving." While writing this article, I am doing an experiment that even Strackbein hasn't tried. I'm cooking barley in the rice cooker. It smells good even after just 10 minutes. Against Strackbein's advice, I put nearly all of the necessary water in at the beginning. Since I prefer to wan·der off and do other things during grain cooking, I now prevent the whole grain drips with one of my own inventions: the rice cooker neck scarf. I simply tie a piece of an old www.voiceofthehill.com Sally Strackbein clean T-shirt around the cooker just below the vent. A flavorful whole grain makes a great focal point for a meal. "What goes with chicken?" becomes "What do I want to eat with my brown jas·mine rice tonight?" It becomes easier to use meat, chicken, and fish as a garnish rather than the centerpiece of the meal. Leftover cooked grains are quick and extra nourishing when topped with cheese and heated in the microwave oven. Add cold left·over grains and a bit of meat to a veg·etable salad and it becomes a whole meal. Try a mixture of wheat berries and rice as a warm, hearty snack or breakfast by eating the grains in the microwave and topping them with dried fruit and nuts. More About Whole Grains According to the American Dietetic Association, "Health experts recom·mend that adults eat 20-35 grams of dietary fiber daily, but on average Americans eat only about 15 grams a day." The association gives this rec·ommendation: "Boost your fiber intake by adding one or two servings of whole-grain foods." Many Americans try to do this by eating more whole grain, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals. However, cooked whole grains make an inter·esting change for breakfast or a fla·vorful addition to other meals during the day. The ingredient list on the label for a ready-to-eat cereal or any other packaged food indicates whether the product contains whole grains. Those lists that begin with a whole grain are particularly rich in the components that make whole grains so beneficial, that is, vitamins, min·erals, dietary fiber, and phytochemi·cals. Phytochemicals are natural bioactive compounds found in plant foods that work with nutrients and dietary fiber to protect against dis·ease. The American Dietetic Association recommends looking for grain foods that have one of these terms listed as the first ingredient: Whole wheat Whole barley Whole oats Cracked wheat Graham flour Whole cornmeal What's the difference between these whole grains and the other grains listed on the label? Whole grains are less refined. Frequently grains are refined through milling to prepare them for common use in many American foods. When millers remove the fiber-rich bran and nutri-ent-rich germ portions of the grain kernel during refining, much of the fiber and nutrients are lost. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the governing agency for food labeling of plant-based foods, now allows companies to use a specific statement or health claim on packages to indicate their health benefits. Shoppers can look for this claim on whole grain prod·ucts: "Diets rich in whole grain foods, and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and choles·terol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers." Try Them, You'll Like Them Try the wide variety of whole grains sold at local supermarkets, such as Yes! Organic Market, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe's. Whole grains available locally include Whole wheat berries Bulgur Kamut Brown jasmine rice Brown basmati rice Instant Brown Rice Wild rice Quinoa Barley Rolled Oats Millet To avoid digestive discomfort, drink more water and continue to be physically active as you increase the whole grains in your diet. For more rice cooker information and recipes adapted for rice cookers, go to www.sallyskitchen.com. Laurie Lindsay, RD, LD, cooks up whole grains and other nutritious delectables while writing her contributions for The Voice of the Hill. As a registered and licensed dietitian, she specializes in food and nutrition communications, particu·larly presentations and writing. See www.Laurie-Lindsay.com for more information. The Pocket Park Phenomenon City Dwellers Can Garden with the Best of 'Em BY ANDREW NOYES reen space in the city has took several months," she says. park is all vegetable gardening, Bouis·always been hard to come "So we eventually decided to take Towe says. by, and on Capitol Hill-- on both park projects," Bouis-Towe As for the participants, the com·where most houses cozy says. munity is "a mix of people--single, up against their neighbors' and yards The planning began in 2003, and married, couples with young chil·consist of a patch of grass--running with the help of Garden Resources of dren; people in their 60s and people barefoot through a freshly cut lawn is Washington (GROW), a local group in their 20s," she says. Virginia rare, if not just a childhood memory. that has encouraged neighborhood Avenue is especially social. "There's Those with green thumbs are dually revitalization and environmental always a lot of things going on in the deprived, since garden plots are stewardship since 1982, plots at park." seemingly nonexistent as well. Pomegranate Garden were ready for The neighborhood's newfound Some area residents have taken planting in May 2004. As for the interest in Virginia Avenue brought matters into their own hands in Virginia Avenue park, the group the city's attention to the park as recent years and began transforming signed adopt-a-park agreements with well. After talking to the residents, slivers of abandoned land into flour-the city immediately, and gardening they decided to renovate the play·ishing gardens and parks. The trend, began in summer 2004. ground equipment and provide a which started with a vacant lot or Both spots have their own person-fence around the garden plots. They two, has spread like ivy, and Hill resi-alities and very different uses. city even offered to share water with dents can't seem to get enough. Pomegranate Garden, which is the gardeners. A half dozen residents who wanted walled-in and hidden from passersby, "That relationship has been very to start a community garden in the already had so much growth - lots of positive on both sides," Bouis-Towe Barracks Row neighborhood set out flowering trees and butterfly bushes. says. on a mission several years ago to find "For people who don't have back-The parks have caught the atten·some available land. They stumbled yards, it was a dream backyard," she tion of numerous residents - includ·across the Virginia Avenue Park and says. About 8-10 people frequent the ing DC Councilwoman Sharon Recreation Center near the Southeast garden and there's not much usable Ambrose. "I am very pleased that the Expressway. land left. She said about 100 square city has worked well with me and my The park was clearly underutilized, feet has steep slopes and rose bushes. neighbors to make use of small sliv·and people were routinely seen there The Virginia Avenue park, on the ers that otherwise were non-devel-loitering, says Karine Bouis-Towe. other hand, is completely open, and opable," Ambrose says. "To convert Another ignored garden Bouis-folks who visit are more apt to have these slivers of space from literal Towe and her troops found around "community experiences" there. wasteland into beautiful park land is the same time was located behind Initially, Bouis-Towe wanted to get a tremendous accomplishment for Gingko Gardens. Although the park local schoolchildren involved at the the residents of Ward 6." is owned by the city, a neighbor park. She envisioned lessons on She says the bits of land, some of whose property abutted the land had nutrition, gardens and teamwork which are privately owned with oth·made it into his backyard years skills, but those plans, as of yet, have ers owned by the city, are simply too before. The neighbor had planted not materialized. small for a house to be built on. "I fruit trees, set up a shed and a com-This park is large and is always think that the neighbors to these post pile and readied the soil. expanding its breadth. Right now, parks got tired of cleaning them all This special spot was christened there are 30 plots with around 20 the time and not have any control Pomegranate Garden--but not with-neighborhood gardeners. Unlike at over the land," says one of Ambrose's out the expected neighborhood poli-Pomegranate Garden, which is a mix staffers. "They, in turn, contacted us tics. "There was a lot of bureaucracy of flowering plants, shrubs and veg-and asked that the DC government and finding out who owned the land etable plants, the Virginia Avenue deed these slivers of land over to The Lady Bird garden at 8th and Constitution Ave., NE named supposedly for Lady Bird Johnson's beautification projects. nonprofit groups that could be used as a way to raise money to keep them up." Big plans are afoot at Virginia Avenue. They're awaiting the prom·ised playground equipment and the community has obtained funding to build a shed on the site that will also have some greenhouse space and a common area that will act as a meet·ing place for the gardeners. The gardeners also want to install underground irrigation and set up some plots that are accessible for individls with disabilities. There's a large senior center nearby and folks often come through the park in wheelchairs, she says. "This really provides a place to interact with your neighbors that you normally wouldn't see. It brings people together with the common perspective of gardening and it gives people a place to grow their own veg·etables and flowers," Bouis-Towe says. "The unique thing about it is that you bring together a group of people with different backgrounds, different skills and you find that some folks are good at building benches or com·post bins and somebody might know irrigation. You share the skills you normally wouldn't be using in the city without the opportunity of gar·dening." Bouis-Towe, who works by day as an information technology consult·ant with the federal government, found gardening in her 20s but admits that it's now a lifelong hobby. She became a master gardener through a program at the University of the District of Columbia, and a course she took on community gar·dening planted the seed for her con·cept to bring some public gardens to the Hill. She took some classes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on land·scaping, drafting and design and used those skills and experiences when she helped establish Pomegranate Garden and Virginia Avenue park. Bouis-Towe's enviable plot consists of brambles of raspberries and black·berries, pumpkins, tomatoes, lettuce, collard greens, cucumbers, sunflow·ers, peppers and more. Those interested in gardening at Pomegranate or Virginia Avenue should contact the group via email at commgarden@yahoo.com. The parks have guidelines and bylaws for its members and prospective gardeners have to fill out a contract before being assigned a plot of land. Gardeners plan major cleanups sev·eral times a year and work with the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District as well. In the group's forma·tive years they've decided to charge $40 for a large plot and $20 for a small plot, but when the expansion and building projects are complete, they'll scale back the annual fees. www.voiceofthehill.com An intimate garden space at Tudor Place in Georgetown. Two other parks that have become favorites in recent years are Lady Bird Park at the corner of 8th and Constitution, NE, and Turtle Park, across the street from the north gallery of Eastern Market at Independence and 7th Street, SE. Lady Bird got its name because it was supposedly one of First Lady Johnson's beautification projects. Administrations later, the park had fallen into disrepair, says Laura Canfield. Residents had taken turns mowing the lot for years until the Stanton Park Neighborhood Association decided to take action. Over the course of two years, they took out all the dead or dying trees, re-landscaped the entire space, and even got a Boy Scout troop involved to repair the retaining wall, Canfield says. The revitalization effort is ongo·ing, and neighbors still have regular cleanups. Their work has been buoyed by several grants from GROW and the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS). The other space under Canfield's watch is Turtle Park, which has long provided weary Eastern Market shop·pers a place to sit down, relax, and play with their kids. There's a chil-dren's garden at one corner of the small park where volunteers have put in stepping stones and commis·sioned child-sized benches to be made. There's also a host of colorful, textured plants that are interesting for small children to explore. Unlike other pocket parks, Lady Bird and Turtle Park are pretty low maintenance. Most of the volunteers' time is spent planting ground covers to keep weeds at bay, says Canfield, a landscape architect who designs playgrounds for Arlington County. "The community can now take a sense of pride in the space. It was so abandoned and it looked so bad. It went from an eyesore to a nice kind of place," she says. "If you live in an apartment, you don't have a little space like this to plant. Everybody can take some pleasure in that, and these little parks are places where people can get involved." Andrew Noyes is Voice of the Hill's assistant editor. He is admittedly absent a green thumb but always enjoys the fruits--and vegetables--of others' labor. Taxi!! Fare or Foul on Capitol Hill? Wednesday afternoon. Raw, drizzly. I'm trying to catch a cab on Capitol Hill. It's been almost 15 minutes, and no luck yet. Sound familiar? It should. For many residents, it's Accepted Wis-dom--if you're trying to catch a cab on the Hill, leave an extra ten min·utes in your schedule. This being DC, there's an equally steadfast counter-buzz: Are you nuts? Cabs are every·where from Union Station to Eastern Market. It might not rage with quite the intensity of Baseball in DC, but the debate over taxicabs on the Hill has legs--it's an endurance issue, popping up every few years. With a wartime inauguration in view as I write, now seems the perfect time to revisit this low-impact con·troversy. So I decide to find out if there's any substance to The Capitol Hill Taxicab Curse. My first stop is Kimberly Lewis, attorney advisor for the DC Taxicab Commission. Pleasant and efficient, she's happy to talk to me about cabs on the Hill, if a bit puzzled. She says she knows of nothing to support The Curse. Perhaps sensing that I'm try·ing to flesh out a story, she stretches a bit, "It is quite possible because of the road blocks," she says, but she can't recall the issue ever having aris·en. Helpful to a fault (mine), she finally notes that she has checked with the Complaints Division, and found nothing. I next turn to Terry Lane, congres·sional reporter for Communications Daily. Terry spends much of his working life shuttling between the Hill and his office in Dupont Circle. He finds that "...getting back and forth from the Capitol via cab is usu·ally fairly seamless." He also notes that "I come from Dupont Circle back and forth...[and] they tend to be kind of cheap cab fares. You stay in the same zone." (Ah, the zone sys·tem. A subject for another piece...) Terry says he never really has a problem getting a cab on the Hill. "On a typical business day when there's a hearing, they're lined up at The Rayburn Building." But what about away from the House, after happy hour? He admits that it's a bit more difficult, but just barely. "Most of the cab traffic seems to be focused on people who are doing business on the Hill. [On Pennsylvania Avenue] you have to wait longer to get a cab in the evening, it's true, but I haven't really noticed it being that bad a problem. It's easier in Adams Morgan to get a cab...but I've never had to wait too long." The Curse's credibili·ty is fading. First-hand experience being the cornerstone of New Journalism, I decide to put The Curse to a thor·oughly unscientific and uncontrolled test. On a gray, wretched, January day, my wife Susan and I take Metro from 13th and U Streets, NW to Eastern Market. We walk a few blocks from the Metro stop, to a corner near Pennsylvania Avenue, but a bit off the main drag. Our goal is for each of us to catch a cab back to our home near the U Street Metro. First we'll see how long it takes for Susan to catch a cab, then I'll wait a few minutes and try to catch one myself. Susan is attractive and professional-looking. I'm wearing a faded Army surplus coat and dark glasses. The walk from the Metro appears to support The Curse. A few hundred feet off Pennsylvania Avenue, we run into a taxicab black hole. There's not a cab to be seen around Eastern Market, nor for the next handful of blocks headed west. Anyone trying to flag a hack here could easily be con·vinced that, like cops or condoms, you can never find a cab when you need one. Taking up her station at the north·east corner of 6th and North Caro·lina, Susan scans the intersection for a cab while I hang back, just a guy cooling his Adidas down the block. Within seconds, a cab appears out of nowhere. Susan's hand goes out, but the driver shrugs apologetically and cruises on. Fifteen or 20 more sec·onds and another cab materializes. Susan puts out her hand again, and he stops. In well under a minute, she's underway.wn to Penn·sylvania Avenue, grab a few bucks from an ATM, and come back to the spot. Fewer than 10 minutes after Susan's left, I'm in place, waiting. And waiting. There's a steady stream of traffic from all directions, but it's all civilians. Five minutes pass, then 10. Eleven minutes in and a cab comes from the east. He's empty. I try to hail him, but he motors by without slowing. The wind picks up a bit, and I'm begin·ning to wish I'd worn another sweater. At just over 15 minutes, a cab approaches from the west. I put out my hand, and his turn signal goes on. I've got a ride. Clarence Barnard fits an archetype among DC cabbies. Kangol hat. Vanill-A-Roma pine tree on the rearview. Forty-two years on DC streets. I'm sure he's seen it all with great stories to tell. Unfortunately, Clarence is under the weather and can barely speak above a whisper. Nevertheless, I draw him out a bit. BY JOSHUA GRAY He's the right driver to answer my questions, even without his voice. Although he works all over the city, Clarence counts the Hill, especially Union Station, as his primary base. Is there any truth to the notion that it's hard to get a cab on The Hill? Clarence briefly looks bemused. No, he says, you just had to go a block or two down to Pennsylvania Avenue. Clarence having summed up nice·ly the focal point of this issue, con·versation turns to more general mat·ters. Clarence uses an expert's route toward my home, and I reminisce about jobs I've worked in the various neighborhoods we drive. He seems amused when I note that I've lived and worked in DC nearly 30 years. "Thirty years!" he snorts. Cutting through particularly beleaguered areas, he speaks up a bit. He's clearly more interested in the drug problems burdening some DC neighborhoods than talking about driving a cab. Fifteen minutes pass, and I'm home. Two zones, and $7.60 lighter (10 bucks actually--I'm a good tip·per). Enjoyable as it might've been to chat up Clarence, the Metro was faster, and no less convenient (and I'd still rather ride my bike than a take either a cab or a train). Susan reports that her ride also went smoothly. Her driver was personable, his route efficient. Our elapsed times are virtually identical. The Curse, then, would appear to be just another Exploding Poodle or Hijacked Kidney, an urban myth with no basis. The only way I'm able to invoke it is with a heavily loaded test. Away from a commercial strip, I make it harder on Susan and myself than it has to be. That Susan catches a cab so quickly while I wait so long is pure happenstance. Hanging stub·bornly at my corner, I can see cabs just a few blocks away on Pennsyl·vania Avenue. We prove nothing, except that if you want a cab, you've got to go where the cabs are. Sure, it's hard to get a ride on a res·idential street, but that's true just about anywhere in the city. And the Hill's layout may play some small part in reinforcing The Curse, as well as its somewhat insular position within the city. Absent the dense nightlife of Dupont, Georgetown, or Adams Morgan, it's natural that cabs are less plentiful. But in the end, if you really want a cab on the Hill, all you have to do is walk a few blocks, stick out your finger, and, if you can, whistle through your teeth. Joshua Gray's writings appear frequently in this newspaper. alentine's Day conjures images of romance, choco·late and champagne. But how about three feet of snow? And mounds of crunchy popcorn in a friend·ly hotel pub? For the past few years, Peter and I have spent Valentine's weekend in a rustic inn or bed and breakfast. A few years ago, we discovered the lovely Strasburg Inn, in Strasburg, Va., about 100 miles and a two-hour drive from Washington, DC. Usually, these getaways are pleasant if uneventful. An exception occurred two years ago, as Mother Nature dumped almost three feet of snow on rural Virginia. We arrived in Strasburg around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, ready for a relaxing weekend. A dusting of snow covered the ground. We thought nothing of it when a few more flakes drifted down. After checking in, we headed for the hotel's cozy, convivial Depot Lounge, where we ordered drinks and munched popcorn (on a previous visit, we had encountered Depot reg·ulars, former Capitol Hill residents David and Patti Kelley). The Strasburg Inn was built in 1902 as a private hospital, and became a hostelry shortly thereafter. By the middle of the 20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair, but was restored to its original Victorian elegance in 1977. Current owners are Carol and Gary Rutherford, who are usually on hand to greet guests. Appointed with Victorian antiques, guest rooms are appealing while avoiding the cloying fussiness of many bed and breakfast inns. After getting gussied up for dinner, we exchanged cards, as always. Because of the holiday overflow, we were seated in the hotel's banquet room instead of the regular dining area. Ordering from the special Valentine's menu, we chose Chef Frank Asaro's lobster/crab bisque, duck breast with raspberry sauce au poivre and crabcakes with roasted red pepper aioli and rice pilaf. A deca·dently delicious chocolate torte rounded out our repast. Afterwards, we repaired to the Depot for post prandial libations. The next morning, we awoke to snow, snow, snow! The birdbath out·side our window was barely visible. Cars in the parking lot--including our 15-year-old Toyota hatchback-- were disappearing in rapidly-growing drifts. As we chowed down on a late breakfast buffet of bacon, scrambled eggs, grits and Danish, we met an entertaining couple, Blake and Tony, fellow Washingtonians who regaled us with tales of New Orleans and their 28 crossings on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Little did we dream that Blake and Tony would become our almost constant dining companions 40 for the next three days! Then we donned boots and tramped about in the deepen·ing snow, visiting several antique shops including the sprawling Strasburg Emporium, where one can find everything from 50-year-old copies of Life to Barbie dolls to vintage clothing to pink Depression ware (which I collect) to old 45s. At the much smaller Bygones, we purchased a cobalt blue cheeseboard fash·ioned from a flattened wine bot·tle. As the snow piled up, we returned to our room and watched The Way We Were, with Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. Then we toddled downstairs to our now familiar hang·out. As we sipped pinot grigio and gobbled more popcorn, we watched CNN news with the impending Iraq invasion and worldwide anti-war demonstrations. We decided on din·ner at Cristina's Parlor, a Mexican restaurant on King Street. Alas, it was shuttered, because employees had to drive home before roads became unpassable. As the white stuff showed no signs of letting up, we realized this was get·ting serious. The only restaurant open was the retro, Art Deco-style Hungry Dog Café, up the street, rec·ommended by our friends from lunch. There we dined on tomato soup, barbecued pork and fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, while a vocalist and bass player entertained us. The group's guitarist was absent because of the bad weather. We returned to the Strasburg for Irish coffee, and were joined by Blake and Tony. We sat at the bar and gabbed until 11 p.m., mainly about the ever-deepen-ing snow. By the next morning, the top of the birdbath had disappeared. So had our car. After breakfast with our friends, we decided to make a break for it and head home; we had a din·ner engagement that evening with Bill and Susan Heffron. Bill, a mar·velous cook, was making meatloaf, and we were looking forward to meeting their new kittens: Zoltan and Laszlo. More important, Peter was running out of his blood pres·sure medicine. After checking out, we gathered our luggage and slogged through the two-foot carpet of snow. First problem: Find our car, then dig it out. As our vintage silver Toyota began to emerge from the drift, we spotted Blake--sans hat or coat--running toward us. "Don't go!" he pleaded. "Roads are closed, and it's dangerous to be out." We thanked him for his concern, but were undecided. As it turned out, the decision was made for us; we could get the damn car out of the lot. We finally realized this was hope·less, retrieved our luggage, returned rapidly accumulating snow. Bartender Lance Genette declared he'd never seen a storm like this, and as drinks flowed, our situ·ation was becoming simi· lar to the misad·ventures of the Donner party. Most hotel employees spent the night at the Inn, flopping wherever they could. By the next morning-- Monday--the snow had to finally tapered off and soft the flakes floated past our window. front We re-packed and headed down desk and to breakfast. Francoise popped checked English muffins into the toaster to in--again. accompany our juice and coffee. Fortunately, our Thus fortified, we trudged to the room had not been local Peoples Pharmacy to pick up snapped up. Peter's blood pressure pills. Then we After a tummy-warming, chili-and-checked out--again. With major bloody Mary lunch in the Depot, we assistance from a hotel employee cancelled our Washington dinner armed with a snow blower, we plans and watched Batman. By now I uncovered our buried Toyota. This was sick of TV, and was getting cabin time, we were able to maneuver our fever. This experience was starting to way out of the parking lot, and were resemble the Stephen King novel and finally on our way. movie, The Shining. Except, fortu-The drive home was uneventful, nately, Peter was not Jack Nicholson but slow; most major roads were chasing me through the hotel corri-clear. However, the normal two-hour dors brandishing an axe. I decided to drive took four. We stopped for a take a walk. The snow was up to my leisurely bratwurst lunch at the knees and I couldn't see a thing. The Vienna Inn in suburban Virginia, whole world was white, and now I where the ambience was reminiscent understand what it means to be snow of a ski lodge. People tramped in, blind. I was stumbling around when knocking snow from their boots. No a state trooper gave me a ride to the one was working; the whole region 7-Eleven, where I bought the Sunday was practically shut down. Back on Washington Post. Somehow I made it Capitol Hill, we discovered that no back to the Strasburg by following streets were cleared, and our neigh-the tracks of a snow plow. bor Carol Miller helped us dig a park- Dinner service was stopping at ing spot near our house. Once inside 7:30 p.m. because the dining room and warmed up, we called our new was closing early to allow employees friends and assured them we had to get home. Except for those of us arrived home safely. To this day, who were snowed in, the restaurant whenever I munch popcorn, I think was empty. Our server was a delight-of snow, snow, snow.... ful French woman, Francoise Powers, who had worked for the Strasburg Hotel Strasburg Inn for 15 years. We also learned that 213 Holliday Street several celebrities--including Willard Strasburg Scott and Robert Duvall, lived near-540-465-9191 by. Not surprisingly, there was no 800-348-8327 sign of them tonight. www.hotelstrasburg.com We dined on rib-eye steak, vermi-Room rates vary. Dining room and celli "Strasburg" with shellfish, and a Depot Lounge are open daily. To crisp salad with Parmesan ranch reach Strasburg from Capitol Hill: dressing. As we passed through the Take Constitution Ave. NE to I-66 in lobby en route to the Depot, recep-Arlington to I-81. Go south for two tionists were frantically fielding miles; take a left on Highway 11 phone calls from desperate, South and continue until you reach marooned motorists. Major high-Strasburg. ways--including I-81--were closed and the nearest available hotel rooms Celeste McCall is a regular contributor were in Winchester, 20 miles away. for Voice of the Hill. At the bar, Blake and Tony were repeating exaggerated tales about www.voiceofthehill.com SpaceInvaders The World is Becoming Too Close for Comfort BY AILEEN C. MOFFAT T You know ... the world is becoming flagrantly violate personal space, that you might go blind if...well, you altogether too cozy for my liking. For including: know what I mean. reasons unknown to me people seem Cell phone addicts: Hands down, Militant smokers: Oh yeah, baby, to want to share, push their conver-cell phone addicts positively are at these guys have a gold plated reserva-sations/music/cologne/tobacco pref-the top of my "you need to get out of tion to The Island. I'm not talking erences on the world around them as my face" list. Every single person in about the people who huddle outside if the rest of us cared. Well I'm here DC now has a cell phone--little kids, of office buildings in need of a smok·to tell all y'all, BACK OFF! bike couriers, grannies, cab drivers ing fix several times a day. I actually Really though, doesn't it seem like (oh, and cabbies can be the worst as pity them at some level. And I agree no matter where you are or what they yak loudly on the phone, have that the ability to blow perfect smoke you're doing, there's somebody or, WTOP on full blast, and curse at rings at parties could arguably be heaven forbid, several somebodies other drivers all at the same time; considered a life skill, so I acquiesce lying in wait just dying to get right could it be more loud?). Every last there too. No, I mean those smokers into your own little comfort zone, one of us is now so self-important we with the "I don't give a flying you drive you 'round the bend, push you can never be out of touch. And here's know what that I'm not supposed to to the brink, test your mettle to see the thing--thanks to the joys of smoke here; I'm having a hit any·how long it will take you to break technology, we now get reception way" attitude. and forcefully, um, "address" the sit-everywhere--even on Metro. For example, people who light up uation? Have you been on your way to while walking down the street then I've seen this happen time and work, minding your own business as blow smoke as you walk past so you time again, and believe me when the train pulls out and someone's cell have to decide if you want to breathe people get too close, it ain't pretty. phone rings? Can you believe it? You or not. Well, the last time I checked Just ask the monk in training taking are underground, in a tunnel, breathing was not an option. We Metro (in morning rush hour no less) squished like a sardine because the can't be breathing and not breathing to a big pro-life demonstration on Red Line was backed up again and willy-nilly as we navigate road-war-the Mall a few years back. After bonk-8,000 people just pushed their way rior smokers. Or what about those ing me with his oversized backpack on to your car at Union Station, and people who gesticulate wildly, using several times (with no apology) he some kid's jacket pocket begins to the hand holding their ciga·began singing Amazing Grace loudly ring. Adding insult to injury, it is rette? The butt becomes a and directly into the back of my playing a song! Uh huh, and get this, prop or a pointer, even a head. it is some funky little number that all weapon of mass destruction I was not amused. I reeled around the groovy people know and you as the flailing hand and ciga·and informed him in my most point-don't. So now not only are you rette graze your new satin ed and school-marmish voice that offended that this darned phone is blouse. Well, I hope all you "you do not want to be doing that." ringing and you just know that the crazy smokers get wrinkly At that point I don't think he was kid is going to answer it and begin and old before your time and amused either. In retrospect you hollering into the receiver, you also your teeth turn a funny might say that I was being helpful, feel like an old fart because you are shade of yellow. telling this obvious visitor to our city not "in the know" anymore. Great Airport security screeners: that we do not sing on Metro. I sus-way to start the day. Please pass the OK, Mr. Airport Security pect he may have an alternate inter-Centrum Silver. Screener guy, don't get that pretation, but then again, in my very And can someone please tell me gleam in your eye, snap humble opinion, when you invade why people yell when they are talk-those rubber gloves, and someone's personal space in sn their cell phone? I'm serious. order me to remove my obvious way, you get what you Why does a cell phone conversation clothes. Hey! It took me an deserve. And believe me, this junior necessitate a personal decibel level hour to get dressed like this, monk was definitely one of the increase to stadium announcer vol-so I would look great when I deserving. ume right at "HELLO?" Why is it that arrived at my destination In fact, the monk was almost ban-you can't really hear the two women and impress my friends with ished to The Island, my fantasy penal chatting directly behind you in the my fashion je ne sais quois. colony for obnoxious, ignorant bul-Starbucks line but you clearly hear And yes, that IS a Victoria's lies and other likewise extraneous the guy talking on his cell phone 15 Secret Underwire Miracle Bra folk. As you might guess, more than a feet away as he discusses at high vol-(sometimes a girl just has to few politicians and quite a number of ume what his girlfriend said after do what she has to do, if you celebrity attention hounds also are three martinis at the Capitol Grille get my drift). It is NOT a lead on my list of candidates for a rehabil-last night? Do you think maybe that wire to some kind of intri·itation visit to The Island. There is a what she said affected his hearing in cate explosive device hidden whole separate wing for people who the same way your mother told you below my belt, so don't even www.voiceofthehill.com think about going there. Jeez! You used to have to stay up way late at night watching satellite TV to see that kind of stuff. Deaf Radio Listeners: Well, I assume they are deaf because the music is so loud that they must have the volume cranked up for some rea·son. Have you noticed that it is never Mozart or Hayden? I wonder, does it sound better when the car windows are rolled all the way down? In a traf·fic jam? At rush hour? With music from three other cars competing? I know you like Donna Summer and want to share your enthusiasm, but give me a break. Last Dance at full volume at the corner of Penn Avenue and 4th Street at 7:30 a.m. just does-n't work the same way it does in the wee hours of the morning at your brother's wedding. Trust me. Sure, there are plenty of other offenders as the world careens unin·vited into your personal space every day. Let's not forget the people in line-ups who insist on standing so close you know what they had for lunch. Or those idiots in the grocery store checkout line who keep push·ing their cart into the back of your leg. Grrrr. Solutions, anyone? Maybe this will take a highly paid blue ribbon panel to come up with a list of recommen·dations. Yup. I'm available to serve my country ... Aileen C. Moffatt is president of The Moffatt Group. She is hoping to test the limits of personal space in the Bahamas and/or on the ski slopes of Park City this winter. Solo Travel Can Teach YouLessons About Yourself Break Free of Your nentially more than do our counter-there, and set aside entire days to do parts in the rest of the nation. Multi-them. Ask friends who have already Comfort Zone I begin writing this piece from an state and international campaigns, been there to list the one or two things they most recommend. office in London, where I came to do government work, and educational a bit of work and a lot of fun stuff. I opportunities afford us many oppor-Purchase a few travel guides before·hand to acquaint yourself with some arrived last evening from Dulles, and tunities to travel abroad. When you of the hidden treasures in your desti· it seems like 7 a.m. to me, although travel for work, you likely do so it's noon here. Jet lag is nothing new alone--and when your wok is done, nation spot. I really love the to travelers, but what is more unusu-your trip is often done, as well. Very "Irreverent Guide" series, which al is that I'm a member of the ranks few people will take that opportunity offers some choices you may never of those who travel solo. as a way to do any bit of sightseeing. have heard about, as well as some Those who know me at all can rec-And even fewer will plan a non-work places that may be overrated or just not worth your while. Rick Steves ognize that's pretty damned impres-related trip on their own. sive, considering I didn't really (who hosted his own show on PBS) take a commer- also authors a series of books that are cial flight until quite helpful. I was 30 years Buy a map...a detailed map. Again, old. In five quite easy to find in the travel sec- years, I went tion of your local bookstore from a person (Kramerbooks in Dupont has a very who had only thorough section on just that). visited 10 states Plan out (in detail) your arrival from stepping off the plane to check- to someone who's been to ing in to your hotel or B&B. Know almost 30 (and exactly where you're going, and have who has been to a mental image of what that journey Europe three may entail. The last thing you want times). Quite of to do is walk out of customs in a for-bit of this travel eign land, gather your bags, and was taken on my then not know what to do. For example, on this last London trip, own. A few years ago, my arrival details consisted of a friend of mine "Land at Heathrow; take Heathrow was planning a trip Express train to Paddington to Thailand and Station; catch cab to West other Asian loca-Kensington; check in." Sounds tions--a trip he was simple, but it took an hour and a taking by himself. I half from tarmac to door. thought the entire Since you'll be by yourself, you idea preposterous; need to check in with people you what fun is a trip of know rather frequently. Plan to that caliber when make a call to home--or if you there's no one to Schedule? know someone in that destination, share the experience? The loss of the What Schedule? phone them--when you arrive and comfort zone of familiar faces was On my first solo trip overseas, I had then at a particular time each day. something I couldn't get my head only two things scheduled over a These can be two-minute "Hey, I'm around. Of course, I'd never been five-day period. As it turned out, I here--having fun" calls. To that end, I highly recommend more than two time zones away. was busy every single day. I admit to purchasing a SIM phone card for And just a year later, I was plan-doing the bulk of my prep work ning a trip to London--with no one while I was there--a tactic that does-your mobile. More effective than there to accompany me. It was nerve-n't work for everyone and one I don't calling cards, these chips, inserted wracking, exciting, and in retrospect really recommend. But again, I'm not into the cell phone itself, allow you a huge personal watershed moment much of a planner in most aspects of to make international phone calls if in my life. I had such a good time I my life. For those of you who follow you don't already have a plan that vowed to do it again (which I've just this bliss, here are a few pointers: allows you to do so. Having your own done). Plan at least one or two things you mobile, with a number for that coun- Residents of DC likely travel expo-absolutely must do while you're try assigned to it, makes things incredibly easy. The balances are BY SCOTT SHUMAKER rechargeable (Virgin mobile is partic·ularly user-friendly for UK travel) and there's nothing like having a com·munication device with you at all times when you're traveling. Talk to your mobile phone service provider for details. As common sense as this sounds, make copies of your flight itinerary, a contact number for your hotel, and a number for your mobile available to at least two people back home. I tend to go overboard on this; my London mobile number was emailed to at least six people, so I knew that if there was an emergency back home, I was very likely to know about it instantly. So once these details are sorted out, the real fun can begin. Wander up and down streets you may have only heard about in books or seen in films. Acquaint yourself with public transportation. Purchase all-day trav·el cards which allow you to go any·where you'd like on either bus or train. One cool way to get tocity is to take the subway to no particular destination; just get off at a station that sounds interesting. That's how I discovered Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, and Elephant and Castle in London. When you emerge on the street, it's always a mystery what you'll find. Walk for a block or two in whichever direction looks to be the most promising, and if you get bored with that, just hop back on the tube again and take it to somewhere else. I spent an entire day doing just that. Need More Structure? For those of you who need a bit more structure to your solo travel, a few tips to follow include: Doing web research as well as research from travel guides. Every city and country you'd care to visit likely has not only a host of tourism-related websites but also traveller blogs, discussion forums and even chat rooms. As pedantic as this may sound, write up a detailed itinerary. My for·mer job was scheduling out of town travel for my boss, and I learned sev·eral tricks that made planning my www.voiceofthehill.com own holiday quite easy. In this itiner·ary, include contact numbers of everyone you may want to see while there, your accommodations address, flight details, and any particular appointments you've set up. On my detailed itinerary, I scheduled the British Museum for 2 to 5 p.m. on a particular day; I listed the tube stop, cross streets, and a bit about the his·tory of the museum itself. Now granted, you will likely not have this itinerary in your hand at all times, but it's damned handy to know that you have four hours to shop and sightsee before you have to take a cab to your next scheduled site. Oh--and leave a copy at home for folks to have a clue where you'll be in case they need to contact you. The Agony and the Ecstasy Part of the joy of solo travel is that you're the master of your own ship. You can choose to either be lazy and just wander a neighborhood for a day or spend it in a flurry of activity, without having to factor in anyone else's energy level or interests. You meet more people when you're on your own--if, of course, you make the effort to do so. On my first solo trip, I went to a pub in a cozy neighborhood the afternoon I arrived--and met two people. Staying at a bed and breakfast is far better than staying in what can often be a cold and distant hotel. I highly recommend a site called www. athomeinlondon.co.uk for London travel. I stayed at the coziest, most quaint home while I was there last time--with a full breakfast in the morning, a spacious room and my own bathroom facilities. You really get a sense of living somewhere, instead of just passing through, when you take advantage of B&Bs. My younger friends even prefer to stay at hostels--I'd thought about it, but I tend to like my privacy a bit more the older I get. Still, it's an option. There are downsides to solo travel, and you should be aware of them, as well. This may sound rather silly, but when you're alone, no one is there to take your photo at a particular site. Unless you are very trusting of the tourists around you and allow them to take a snap of you in front of, say, Buckingham Palace, you'll have to master the art of the self-portrait or simply photograph the landmark itself. I have a whole collection of goofy pictures (mostly of my face very close-up with a weird expres·sion) that bring a chuckle each time I look at them. It's not so bad to eat lunch by yourself, but having dinner alone is quite another matter. Restaurants won't bat an eye, but you may feel a little awkward sitting on your own. Don't let that deter you from eating, however! Many restaurants have tables that aren't so conspicuous where they prefer to place single cus·tomers. And the people-watching is remarkable from that vantage point. You may also get lonely. Again, this can be remedied by bucking up some courage and just approaching someone for a conversation. You'll likely find someone who's willing to chat, and may even introduce you to some other people (it's true; 90 per·cent of the people I know in England I met because I struck up one conver·sation with one person at one event). Solo travel isn't for everyone, obvi·ously, but it can teach us a number of important lessons about ourselves. Start small if you'd like--take a trip to a US city you've never been to--or go whole hog first time out. Either way, you'll return to your own neighbor·hood with a sense of accomplish·ment, a renewed self-confidence, plenty of stories to tell, and maybe even a few photos of an historic building--and the left side of your face. Scott Shumaker can be contacted at editor@voiceofthehill.com. Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 K.C. COMPANY YOGA Owned and operated by the Cassidy Family since 1931 High quality design on the hill & preservation framing 12100 Baltimore Ave. is our top priority. Joinus fora Suite 1 Beltsville, MD 20705 FREE class! Rotating (with this ad - expires 2/28/04) TIM ALLEN, Sales Leader Exhibits of Local and Ongoing classes for all levels 301-419-7669 International Artists Fax 301-419-2963 Mobile 301-675-9324 513 11th St, SE Capitol Hill Capitol Hill YOGA, ltd. Email tallen@kc-pella.com 202-544-7577 221 5th Street, NE ~ 202.544.0011 VIEWED TO BE THE BESTTM www.gallerynewman.com www.capitolhillyoga.com A 'Tedious & Painstaking' Mortar Moment BY JUDITH CAPEN Dear Judith: The mortar on the inside walls in our basement is crumbling. Can we repoint it ourselves? CRUMBLING Dear Crumbling: Certainly. In our youth, just out of undergraduate school, we spent, or misspent, a summer repointing the insides of the basement walls of the 19th centu·ry house we had just bought. Later, we taught one of my college students how to repoint and he spent a summer repointing interior walls for us on Capitol Hill. Like much of the tedious and painstaking tasks we pay others to do, it is not difficult: just tedious and painstaking. You need some tools. (Here it is: the excuse to buy you hit firm mortar. Sometimes you won't hit solid some tools!) mortar before you reach your neighbor's basement, · A tuck pointer so use judgment. Rake out both horizontal and ver· · A mason's or pointing trowel for mixing mortar tical joints. Try to resist the temptation to use power and moving dry and wet mortar around (this is the tools. Feel free to rake out only really loose mortar. If triangular trowel) you hit solid mortar, move on. · A rectangular trowel or hawk (more animals in Mix up a dry batch of mortar in a wheelbarrow or construction) other large sturdy container. Use your coffee can to · Convex jointer or round iron proportion the mix by volume: 1:2:6 or Portland · Raking tool cement to lime to sand. (If this mortar was on the · A pan in which to mix the mortar outside of your house or where matching the color · Wheelbarrow or other largish container (a trash of original mortar is important, we would discuss can with lid works, too) to mix dry mortar ingredi·ents and store them dry until you use them · A one-pound coffee can · Plant sprayer Supplies: · 1 bag of mason's sand · 1 bag of Portland cement · 1 bag of mason's lime (not garden lime) If you end up doing a lot of repointing in the base·ment, you will have to keep buying the sand at a rate of six to one of the Portland and three to one of the lime per the mix following. Rather than coming home with six bags of sand, one bag of Portland cement, and two bags of lime, I advise you to see how it goes and buy more sand and/or lime as you need it...Otherwise, next time you clean out your basement, you may find yourself disposing of unused sand, lime and cement. Rake out loose and powdery mortar to a depth of one and a half times the height of the joint or until THIGPENHALL &ASSOCIATES SMALL BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL Bobby Thigpen 202.546.7734 more material variables that affect the color of the mortar, such as gray or white Portland cement and the color of the sand. In your case, the interior wall of a basement used for storage, the color of the mor·tar is not very important. Also, if this mortar was for exterior walls where it is subject to mand freeze/thaw cycles, I would probably recommend a softer mortar mix of 1:2:9 or 1:2:12.) Using a plant sprayer, generously mist part of your wall, focusing on the joints. As you proceed with the work you will develop a sense of how much to mist at a time. You might use a garden hose for this misting if working on an exterior wall in hot weather and if you were a mondo pointer. In your cool basement with no floor drains, the plant sprayer will do nicely. It's a good indoor activity for winter, maybe with the company of a little TV for football connectivity (or a radio with NPR's great weekend lineup.) It's also a good summer activity (cool basement) with a radio with baseball. Who knows, maybe you'll come to like your basement so much you'll find other projects to do down there. Put some of your dry mortar into your mason's pan (maybe a couple of coffee cans-full. Again, how much to mix at a time will become clear to you). Add water and mix with your mason's trowel until you have a nice stiff mix. Don't put too much water in it, as a wet mix will shrink more as it sets and dries, resulting in cracks. Put some, maybe a cup or two, of your mortar on your hawk or rectangular trowel. Holding the flat edge against the bottom of the horizontal joint where you want to begin, use your tuck pointer to press mortar firmly into the joint bringing the mor·tar to more or less flush with the surface of the brick. Vertical joints are the same process but tricki·er as gravity is against you. Keep paying attention to your raked out joints to make sure they are moist. If they are dry they will suck the moisture out of the mortar interfering with it setting up. Also, give your mixed mortar a stir every time you go back for more. If it sets up, toss it and mix more. Once set you can't retemper it by adding more water. After a bit, when the mortar feels fairly firm to the touch, use your convex jointer or round iron to tool the joint. If you feel like the bits of extra mortar adhering to the face of the wall are unsightly, use a mason's brush to brush them off. You might as well start pointing at a comfortable working height on your wall. After you repoint a few square feet, you will have mastered the skill enough to do the high and low parts of the wall where you must crouch or work on a ladder. I've heard professionals estimate their masons can repoint about 40 linear feet of typical masonry or brick joint per workday. You may need some prac·tice before achieving that rate. You can think of going down to your basement after a long day at the word processor for a couple of hours of repointing as a more productive way to unwind than plopping in front of the TV with a martini. Mortar is hard on skin so wear work gloves. You can find more detailed descriptions of this process with process photos in two sources I know of: Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic Brick and Stone by Mark London, published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1988. (This book, by the way, has a picture on its cover of a guy repoint·ing the building we own where our office is, misidentified as being in Northeast instead of in its proper quadrant.) The Old-House Journal Guide to Restoration edited by Patricia Poore, published by Dutton/Penguin Books, 1992. Although out of print, with a little dili·gence I got a used copy through one of the online used book sources. It answers most of the same questions I do although with less whimsy. Volvo Reconstruction Dear Judith: Who did such a great job on the bodywork and repainting of your 19-year-old Volvo? My equally ancient Mercedes needs some work in spite of being garaged. EV Dear Ev: I reconstructed it and the guy who did such a nice job was: Raygoza's Auto Repair 1454 Church Street, NW 202-483-8550 He's in the phone book, so I guess he's still there. If you go to him, be sure to check out the decorating in his office. Good luck and thank you for living in a historic district and driving a soon-to-be historic car! Judith Capen, architect, oppidan, sometimes harridan, mother, and indefatigable promoter of city living and active voice in writing authors this column. A Master Bedroom You Can Love in the Morning BY LINDA NORTON awn breaks, the birds chirp, and the sun·light of another perfect day glides across your face, gently waking you. You sit up, yawn, stretch languorously and slip into a silk robe to greet the world. This scenario has tradi· tionally been used to sell everything from coffee to fabric softener. Perhaps this is the way that you greet your day...perhaps not. Getting out of bed in the morning is especially difficult in these dark months of the year. We may very well have to be up, dressed and halfway to work before the sunlight warms the dog (who is, of course, still on the bed). At the end of the day and you are tired, that bed looks awfully good. The warm glow of your bedside lamp beckons to you to lay down the burdens of the day, relax and read a couple of pages (or paragraphs) before falling asleep. You are utterly seduced. Then the alarm goes off. Did you ever notice that whatever station you select on your clock radio, you always seem to be awakened with news of death or massive traffic tie-ups? Where is the haven that you so eagerly enjoyed last night? Does your bedroom look as good in the light of day? Aside from the book which you are attempting to read, is the first thing that you see clutter? And I don't just mean a little clutter, I mean CLUTTER! The psychologically draining piles of things not returned to their proper place...even things that have no proper place! Stacks of reports that need to be read, mountains of dirty laundry which need to be washed or clean clothes that need to be mended. Perhaps you are industrious and organized enough to get the laundry done and chores out of the way...but what about the "piles" of things that you love? A huge one for me is magazines. Being in the design business, I receive LOTS of publications, and it seems that each one has some article worth saving. I love reading the articles and absorbing the beautiful photographs, but for me there is an ele·ment of "work" involved because I need to go through and locate pieces that may be of use in the future. So the magazines pile up and eventually reach a level where they represent a task rather than a relaxation. What Tasks Face You Each Morning Before You Even Get Out of Bed? We all have days filled with tasks that need to be completed, but do we have to come face to face with them the moment that we open our eyes? It is so easy for the bedroom to become the catch-all room. What I'm proposing here is that it would be much easier...okay, a little easier, to get out of bed in the morning in pleasant surroundings. A very effective personal phone book and other small per·sonal items. An inexpensive way to accomplish attractive bedside storage is with a skirted table.You can purchase unfinished round tables which incorpo·rate under the skirt shelves in their con·struction. Don't think that all skirted tables have to be round. Less than attractive flea mar·ket finds, or inexpensive two drawer filing cabinets can be skirted as well to make good looking, practical bed side storage. No drawer, no problem...a nice box, bas·ket, or even a "remote control holder" can keep your glasses, pen and pencil, finger·nail file, and other personal items close at hand. When choosing bedside lighting look way to remedy this kind of problem is to empty the room of everything. This can be achieved by actu·ally emptying the room or by removing everything that is not a basic necessity (the bed and the dresser are not the problem). Fair warning: at this point you may decide that the room needs to be painted. If you're NOT a morning person, paint and acces·sorize with bright exciting colors to wake you up. If you have trouble falling asleep, use soothing pastels or rich warm neutrals which will lull you toward slumber. Often when furniture is rearranged, light·ing changed and pictures re-hung, the walls look less than pristine; for the sake of making this a one-weekend project, lets assume thatls are still okay. Arrange the bed to offer a pleasing view upon waking. This could be looking out of a window, or into a mirror that reflects the outdoors. The posi·tioning could also have you looking at art, pictures of loved ones, or fresh flowers...just something that makes your spirit smile. This may involve moving the bed to a different wall or even placing it at an angle within the room. It shouldn't give you a morning view of your desk, laundry hamper or the inside of your closet; those things that encourage you to pull the covers over your head. Give yourself a break and a few seconds before encountering the tasks that lie ahead. After arranging the major furniture pieces, start returning only the items that are necessary to your personal life when you are relaxing, sleeping and dressing. You don't need to have a stack of all of the books which you plan to read in the foreseeable future, just the one(s) that you are currently read·ing. Space can generally be found in a bedside table or chest for a lamp, a couple of books, the phone, that provide adequate light for your needs. This might be a "swing arm" wall mounted lamp or sconce, or table lamp. · The shade should be sufficiently translucent to give you reading light. · Dark shades, while great looking, focus the light up and down, not out. · Ceiling fixtures should be on a dimmer switch. · Wake up gently on cold, dark mornings with use of a programmable lamp now available, which awakens you by gradually turning on the light at the appointed time. · Candles are a romantic nighttime favorite, but be sure that they are substantially encased in glass and away from all flammable materials. Now let's see...we took all of the clutter out and we put back only a few items. Where's all of the other stuff supposed to go? · If you can't move the laundry basket to the clos·et or the bathroom, make sure that your hamper is sufficiently large and has a top...and NO, don't stack more on top of the top. · Use an end of the bed storage ottoman for extra blankets and quilts. · Limit yourself to one magazine rack or basket of books and publications for bedtime reading. · Move mending and ironing to a nearby room if at all possible. · Keep a running give away pile in a suitcase either under the bed or in another room. Then when it fills up, donate the contents to your favorite charity. Many of us maintain our personal "office" in our bedroom, and although I don't recommend this as ideal placement, occasionally it is unavoidable. Make the best of the situation by using an attractive desk--roll-top or drop front--or pretty table desk www.voiceofthehill.com Banana Cafe which can double as a dressing table. If you're · Instead of white choose a pale shade of the dark-using a more unsightly alternative, use a great look-er wall color for the ceiling. & Piano Bar ing room divider or folding screen to divide off the work zone of the room. Don't Forget the Ceiling! In every room you should consider the ceiling the "fifth wall" in terms of paint color selection. Nowhere in the house is the ceiling as important as in the bedroom. If you think that you don't notice the ceiling, just remember how annoyed you are when a crack or water stain appears there. I'm not suggesting that you have to go Rococo and paint a mural of frolicking wood nymphs and cherubs above the bed, but there are several improvements that are simple to make: · In a room with pastel wall color, paint the ceil·ing a medium shade darker than the walls. · In a white room, paint a bold color on the ceil·ing and approximately 18 inches down the wall (or to the picture rail). The color will cheer in the morn·ing and warm the white walls at night. · Decorate the ceiling with a simple "racing stripe" or stenciled accent. · Replace the ceiling fixture with a better one on a dimmer...but don't remove it. The bedroom is one room in which you often need a general full light source in order to properly select your wardrobe. If you want to add additional pieces of furniture, give yourself time to shop for just the right piece. You may find it at a flea market, antique store or in another room of your house. · Remember: two tall dressers or an armoire will occupy less floor space than a long "double dresser" and take up less floor space. · If you are overwhelmed by too much dark wood furniture, consider painting one of the pieces either with a solid color or decoratively. · If you're open to painting, consider shopping for unfinished furniture pieces which can be cus·tom decorated. · If you are including a "reading" chair or exercise equipment, be sure that you're going to use it and not just pile stuff on it. · Give yourself a soft, warm rug where your feet hit the floor and before you know it you'll be up and out. Linda Norton decorates homes and offices when she is not in bed recovering from appendicitis and noticing how much she needs to re-do her bedroom. She can be reached at Norton@olg.com. S IMPL Y E X QUISITE Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch 7 Days a Week No Cover! Piano Bar Upstairs Live Music by Gordon Kent 202-543-5906 Happy Hour 5-7:30 Drink Specials with Free Hors d'oeuvres Serving the Best Cuban, Puerto Rican, & Mexican Food in the City! 500 8th St, SE Voted one of DC's top ten Latino American restaurants by washingtonpost.com Register NOW for our Homebuyers' Bootcamp. (It's Free) We take the mystery out of real estate www.sherlockehomes.com Licensed DC, MD and VA Here's What You Get: · The "How to" buy a home most efficiently and effectively · Information about low down payment loan prograns and other firsttime buyer benefits · Free credit report and analysis · Assistance regarding cleaning up your credit · Homebuying Guidebook · Certificate of Completion · Lunch (Don't just come for the lunch) · $250 closing credit from Sherlocke Homes (Paid at settlement when Bootcamp graduate uses a Sherlocke Homes agent as buyer representative.) Call for Bootcamp dates and times. Register by phone or by e-mail. Provide name, phone number and e-mail address to receiv e location and directions. Call 202-543-0954 or E-mail buyersbootcamp@aol.com Computer Security--Raising Awareness BY FAY SINGER ecurity experts will tell you that the only time a computer is truly secure is when it is disconnected from the Internet and turned off. In practicality, most of us like to use our computers, and it is becoming more and more difficult to get along without the Internet. It is possible to surf the Net and be 99 percent secure. Volumes have been written on computer security, and new threats are arising on a daily basis. This article is intended to raise awareness of the need for security. It also offers steps home and small business users can take to help secure their systems. Some people think they do not have to worry about computer security because they do not keep anything on their computers worth stealing, and they do not conduct any financial transactions over the Internet. While most of us do not need to worry about corporate espionage or protecting govern·ment secrets, every computer user needs to be con·cerned about security. I politely remind folks who think otherwise that criminals and terrorists do not employ their own computers to carry out their nefarious activities. Instead they look for unsecured computers they can hijack and use to conduct their evil deeds. Computer vandals do not care who they hack. They just enjoy the thrill of hacking. Small businesses also need to be aware of the fact that employees are a threat to their computer systems. Finally, there is always the possibility that your computer could be stolen. Laptops are more at risk, but any thief who breaks into your home or business is certain to take your desktop system. Don't Overlook the Obvious! Everyone has a stupid computer story. I certainly have my fair share. I once called technical support to complain that my printer would not print. Of course, I first checked to make certain it was plugged in, turned on and connected to the computer. However, I had failed to make certain it had paper. Hassing! It is easy to overlook the obvious. Furthermore, things that are obvious to one individual may not be obvious to others. The most overlooked "obvious" is that of keeping your operating system and anti-virus software up-to-date. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your computer. Everyone knows not to open email attachments from someone you do not know. But what would you do if an email arrived from your bank asking you to update your account information? The email looks authentic. It has your bank's logo on it. If you click the link provided in the email, it takes you to a website that looks like your bank's site. This is called phishing, and it is a technique used to commit iden·tity theft. A reputable bank, financial institution, or charity does not send this kind of email. I have noticed a recent flood of emails from fake charities, encouraging me to click on a provided link to con·tribute to the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster relief effort. If you think the email might be authentic, open a browser and type in the address yourself to go to the institution's site. Under no circumstances should you use the link provided in an email. Passwords are the most neglected and abused security issue. Most people use passwords that are easy for them to remember, and never change them. A home user should change passwords at least twice a year. The best practice for business users is to force password changes on a monthly basis. Never, ever, under any circumstances leave a password blank! A blank password make things entirely too easy for thieves and hackers. Use "strong" passwords. A strong password con·sists of letters, numbers and symbols and is at least six characters long. A trick I sometimes employ is to use an obscure or nonsense word, and replace letters with numbers and symbols that resemble the let·ters. Use the $ symbol instead of the letter s, the number 1 or the exclamation point instead of the letter L, and whatever other schemes your fertile imagination can come up with. Do not overlook standard security built into Windows. Do not share printers and files unless you are on a network and need to share them. Never share out the root C:\ directory or the Windows directory. Set up user accounts to restrict user access on a computer used by more than one person. Even if you are not concerned about your spouse or child seeing your files, you should be concerned that they might accidentally delete something you need or that you could accidentally delete something important to them. Finally, make certain to assign a strong password to the Administrator ID. Do not use that account unless you need to log in as Administrator to add or remove hardware or update the operating system. The Administrator account is a carte blanche to the system, and it is important that you make things as difficult as possible for hackers and thieves. Hide Behind a Firewall Connecting a computer to the Internet opens up the world to the user. Unfortunately, it also opens up the user's computer to the world. You need a fire·wall to help you determine what is coming into and going out of your computer. There are two types of firewalls: software firewalls and hardware firewalls. A software firewall is a program installed on the computer that monitors the traffic on your comput·er. ZoneAlarm offers a free firewall for home users and sells an affordable product for business users (see zonelabs.com). Symantec (Norton) and McAfee also make excellent software firewalls. If you install a software firewall, it is important that you learn how to use it. You will need to "train" the firewall about what is acceptable, a process that often con·fuses users. For example, if you use AOL and your firewall pops to warn you that your computer is try·ing to send something to AOL, you need to let the firewall know this process should always be allowed. However, if your firewall warns you that something is being sent to or from a site you do not use or know, you should tell the firewall to block it. Your software firewall will keep a log of allowed and disal·lowed sites, and you need to learn how to access that log. A hardware firewall is a piece of equipment that sits between your computer and the modem. Many routers come with a built-in firewall that will effec·tively hide your computer from the outside world. Hardware firewalls use a variety of techniques to prevent intrusions, and their workings are beyond the scope of this article. However, hardware fire·walls are very easy to set up and use. For the most part, any firewall will effective pro·tect your computers from hackers and worms that wander the Internet looking for open "ports" They will not, however, replace the need for system updates, strong passwords and anti-virus. Microsoft has added a built-in firewall to Windows XP. Personally, I use my router's firewall and the XP firewall. I am not convinced that the XP firewall in and of itself is sufficient. There is an excellent free utility by Gibson Research called ShieldsUP! that you can access to test your comput-er's security. You can access ShieldsUP! at grc.com. Children and the Internet There are tools you can use to help make computing safer for your children. Most Internet security soft·ware like Symantec and McAfee provide parental control software. Many ISPs, like AOL, provide tools to help protect children. However, I have yet to find a tool that can block access to all offensive websites, or that can filter all objectionable spam. They cer·tainly do not replace parental supervision. Teens are especially fond of IMing (instant mes·saging). They need to understand that the individ·ual at the other end of an IM can be a real dirt ball. They also need to know that computer viruses are transmitted by IMs. Conclusions All computer users (even you Mac folks!) need to be Continued on page 56 www.voiceofthehill.com A Bedtime Story BY DUG Y. LEE nce upon a time, in a far-away land, there was a lovely castle that belonged to Prince Charming and his wife, Snow White-Charming. Every Tuesday, Mrs. Charming would have the girls over for tea and talk. On this particular Tuesday, one of the women said, "Snow, I just can't get over how wonderful you look. You keep such a slim figure and are always so happy and together. What's your secret?" Snow smiled coyly and said, "Years ago, I had the most miraculous thing happen to me. I had the first good night's sleep ever. I had no problem falling asleep, I slept right through, and woke up completely refreshed. That day, my life completely changed for the better. Since then, I've made it a point to get a good night's sleep every day and my health has just blossomed." The others were amazed that such a simple thing had such a big impact. Each thought quietly to her·self, "Well, you don't need to be a princess to do that. Even I could get a good night's sleep daily." And so it happened that all the women in that far·away land began to practice healthy sleeping habits, and all their lives changed for the better. Sleepless in DC Fairy tale or reality? The reality is that folks in DC are certainly no better than the rest of Americans when it comes to getting a full night's sleep. The DC-based National Sleep Foundation (NSF) states that adults should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep daily. The American average? 6.9 hours on weeknights and 7.5 hours on weekends. The require·ment for children, adolescent, and geriatric popula·tions is even greater. According to Dr. Tilli Williams, a Capitol Hill doc·tor of naturopathic medicine, older adults have "difficulty sleeping through the night and often wake to go to the bathroom. Additionally, as we get older, it becomes harder to recuperate. If a five-year-old recovers from any given illness in 24 hours, a 60·year old would recover in 12 days." So, you may remember your school days when you could pull an all-nighter, sleep in for a couple of days, and then you would be fine. But, when you are 30 or forty 40 old, bouncing back just isn't that easy. Another interesting phenomenon that Williams has observed is that after we become adults, we seem t o pride ourselves on getting by with less and less sleep. "It has become almost some sort of com·petition, a status thing," says Williams. "When we are adults, it is a question of will. We need to go to work early or want to fit in a workout, and as a result, we get less sleep." For those of you sleeping 4-6 hours a night, Williams says that any behavior can become a habit. "You can get used to doing any·thing, like getting by on too little sleep, but are real·ly doing yourself an injustice." Benefits of Sleep Just like Snow White said, sleep can make you more happy, healthy and beautiful. According to the NSF, getting less than seven to nine hours of sleep a night leads to "high blood pressure, negative mood and behavior, decreased productivity, and safety issues." Another current hot topic is the connection between sleep deprivation and obesity. The Better Sleep Council reports that people who don't get enough sleep are "up to 73 percent more likely to be obese." Closely related to this, the NSF says, is that not enough sleep "impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can lead to the onset of diabetes." How do you know if you are among the endan·gered? How do you know if you are, dare we say it, an insomniac? The word insomnia has lomg been in the American vocabulary, but has been largely mis·used. Williams says that insomnia is characterized by the inability to "fall sleep, stay asleep, or be refreshed by sleep." Quality and quantity have to work hand in hand to reap the benefits of sleep. Tips for Some Shut Eye The Better Sleep Council suggests these tips to ensure healthy sleep habits: · Get on a regular schedule. Your body wants to rely on its internal clock so that it knows when to wind down and when to rev things back up. Without the security of habit, your body is further stressed. · Develop a relaxing routine pre-bedtime. Teach your body, through routine, how to wind down so that falling asleep will be easy. Make sure the rou·tine is relaxing--a hot bath, book, soft music, etc. · Create a healthy environment. The bedroom should only be used for sex and sleep. Get the TV and office stuff out of there! Also, aim for making the room dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool. · Get a comfortable mattress and pillow. Buy for quality, not the lowest price tag. This is the piece of furniture you spend the most time on, so it is defi·nitely a wise investment. · Stop putting stuff in your mouth. You should finish eating 2-3 hours before bedtime for comfort and so your metabolism has a chance to slow down in preparation for sleep. Cease nicotine use, alcohol, and caffeine consumption a few hours before bed. The effects of these drugs can impair your sleep. · Exercise regularly and early. Regular physical activity will increase your relaxation leading to bet·ter sleep. Make sure you stop exercising a few hours before bed so you aren't too amped up to fall asleep. Williams reviews these behaviors as well as indi·vidual life circumstances when helping her patients with sleeping difficulties. If all else fails, she will use herbs and various supplements to assist. Williams recommends against sleeping pills because "you can become dependent on them and they may cause drowsiness during the day." Resources The National Sleep Foundation's website, SleepFoundation.org, has a wealth of information and enlightening quizzes. It also has a printable sleep diary to log daily details about and possibly effect·ing your sleep. This diary can also be helpful to your physician to determine what the problem may be. Tilli Williams, ND, is a local resource. Williams can be reached at 1515 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Suite B; 202-547-9355; dr.tilli@att.net. Happily Ever After? Williams hopes that everyone will realize how important healthy sleep is. "Often times people dis·count the value of a good night's sleep. They do it every night and therefore don't think about how it impacts how they feel or their health in general." But in reality, the health of your sleeping life can affect the health of your entire body and its systems. Some people's idea of the good life might be cen·tered around Prince Charming, but for me, I'll take Mr. Sandman anytime. Dug Y. Lee is a freelance journalist who writes all her articles in the middle of the night sitting in bed with her laptop, a chocolate bar, a nightcap and a cigar. She can be reached at dy.lee@earthlink.net. The Importance of Good Storefronts in a Commercial District BY BILL MCLEOD eeping up with the Joneses is very impor·tant in retail. If you snooze, you lose - sales drop off and eventually you go out of busi·ness. Retail is a very cutthroat industry. In order for traditional commercial districts to be com· petitive in today's retail environment, restaurants and shops have to look and act more like the leaders - with clean sidewalks, healthy landscaping, first-class businesses, outstanding storefronts, profes·sionally designed signs, and creative window dis·plays and merchandising. Economic Impact of Physical Improvements Brenda Spencer, an architect and Main Street enthu·siast, wrote her masters thesis on façade improve·ments for Main Street businesses: An Analysis of the Economic Impact of Physical Improvements on Retail Sales. This landmark study in the Main Street world uncovered some trends about physical improve·ments in traditional commercial districts. After implementing quality physical improve·ments, businesses consistently experienced above-average sales; All businesses experienced an increase in gross sales a year after improvements; All businesses experienced intangible benefits and favorable customer response following improvements; Eighty percent of business owners said that the physical improvements significantly impacted the increase in sales; and All business owners were personally satisfied with the improvements and considered the improve·ments worth the investment. Case Studies Examples can be a great way to comprehend the impact of physical improvements since the scope of work and results can vary widely based on business type, business owner personality, quality of restora·tion, quality of product, product turnover, mer·chandising, location, previous building condition versus restored condition, spending power in a com·munity, amount of money spent on the restoration, etc. Below you will find five examples of façade improvements linked to increased sales from com·munities with Main Street programs across the country. A Pizza Parlor This restaurant had been in business for seven years, and the owner's primary reason to renovate it was to upgrade the appearance and image of the business to reflect the high quality of its food, as well as www.voiceofthehill.com demonstrate pride in downtown. The project involved extensive façade rehabilitation and minor interior renovation: removal of wood siding on the upper façade, removal of wood siding and brick veneer, repair to the upper façade and windows, restoration of the original storefront, addition of a new sign, and installation of a new awning. The total cost of the restoration was $40,000. Result: slight increase in sales - only 16 percent, but the number of dine-in customers increased by 20 per·cent. A Drug Store This retail drug store had been in business under the same owner for 17 years. Understanding the loom·ing threat that chain drug stores posed for inde·pendent drug stores, the owner made a decision to move to a 66 percent smaller space across the street, stop selling gifts and cosmetics, and focus on prof·itable pharmaceuticals. The new storefront was ren·ovated in a contemporary style respectful of the building's traditional character. New signs were installed, and the interior was finished in a clean design without appearing pretentious. Total cost of improvements was $50,000. Result: an increase in sales of 88 percent. A Bakery This baked goods and sandwich shop had been in business since 1940, owned by the same people for 24 years, and well patronized. The bakery basically needed to expand to diversify its offerings for this small town. The renovations included the owner bu ying the building, expanding into two adjacent buildings, installing a new storefront with tran·soms, display windows, door, awning, and sign. Total cost of the improvements was $200,000. Result: an increase in sales of 175 percent. A Shoe Store This footwear retailer had been in business for 44 years, but was not a leader in the revitalization of downtown. So, the building was renovated by removing a shake shingle awning and projecting sign, repairing the upper windows, repointing the brick, installing a new storefront more in keeping with the historic character of the building, restoring the leaded glass transom, replacing the awning, and adding a new sign. Total cost of the improvements was $50,000. Result: an increase in sales of 500 per·cent! A Pawn Shop This shop had been in business for 26 years and at the same location for 20 years. The owner pur·chased his building and the adjacent one to expand at the same location. Façade improvements includ·ed removing an aluminum slipcover installed in the 1960s to "modernize" the façade, replacing upper story windows and transom, repairing the display windows and entrance, and installing a new awning and sign. Total cost of the improvements was $50,000. Result: a whopping increase in sales of 582 percent! As you can see, four out of five of the case studies sustained a dramatic increase in the average annual percentage increase in gross sales for a period of time after improvements were made--an average of 272 percent. While some of these sales increases may not be typical of some businesses restoring their façades, they make a strong argument for façade improvements. A study by the University of Wisconsin Extension Service also addressed the question of facade improvements as a factor related to sales performance, and the report showed that of the 89 retail businesses surveyed in the Wisconsin communities sampled, 70 percent reported sales increases after facade changes were made. Over the last five years, 8th Street SE has seen 47 façades restored. Basically, the easy projects have been completed, and the remaining properties are the tougher one--for whatever reason: disinterest, absentee landlord, cash flow problems, poor credit, lack of vision, mentally retired, overwhelming cost, etc. Barracks Row Façade Design Guidelines and Grant Knowing how important physical improvements are to retail sales and the health of a commercial dis·trict as a whole, Barracks Row Main Street has taken up this cause by grant writing to fund a façade grant program. A grant from the Arcana Foundation was received and the Design Committee created a matching façade grant application that is available to Barracks Row businesses and building owners up to $5,000. The Design Committee will be reviewing completed applications to select five of the neediest facades that deliver the greatest impact. The BRMS Design Committee, along with some help from the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the DC Historic Preservation Office, has also been working hard to write façade design guidelines to educate business and building owners about the importance of historic preservation and what it means for a building to be located within the Capitol Hill Historic District. The guidelines are available on the Design webpage at www.barrack- Continued on page 56 Haircuts and Dog Coats BY JOANNE CAREY, D VM Dear Dr. Carey: My 13-year-old Welsh terrier "Claire" is plump and energetic. Her hair grows very thick and she requires routine grooming. She has become very itchy since the weather changed. With it being so cold out, I am reluctant to take her in for her bath and trim. Do you think I should cancel her bath this month due to the weather? Also, should I insist she wear a coat on cold days even if she seems to dislike it? Can dogs catch colds from being wet in inclement weather? CLAUDETTE Dear Claudette: "Claire" should be fine after her trip to the groomer. Just make sure that she is groomed in the morning so that she is totally dry before you take her outside. It is important to keep up with her coat care to pre·vent matting and skin problems like "hot spots." Also, the groomer should be advised to apply a moisturizing rinse this time of the year because of the decreased humidity in our homes and the dry heat provided by our furnaces. Many dogs start to itch excessively this time of year due to dry skin. They seem to benefit from moisturizing sprays like Emu Oil spray or Pramoxime (the active ingredient in oatmeal products like human "Aveeno"). You may need to supplement her diet with essential fatty acids like Omega 3 (fish oils) or flax seed oil to nourish her skin from within. Routine combing and brushing will help to remove dead hair and stimu·late the skin. It will also allow you to see any skin rashes and problems before they become unman·ageable. Dogs that are smaller, short-coated, thin or elder·ly benefit from warm doggie clothing. The fleece type coats provide good protection from the ele·ments. Some dogs seem to be grateful for their coats and look forward to wearing them. If "Claire" resists her clothing, make sure it is fitted properly and allows adequate leg movement so that she can 'do her business' without restriction. Although dogs don't catch colds the way we do during cold weath· shows as she advances with her training. It will occupy your weekends. Horses are expensive. Not just the initial cost of the horse - the board (monthly housing in the stable) can range from $300 to $500 depending on the facility. Then you have to factor in the monthly shoeing (farrier fee), health care bills (annual vaccinations, routine deworming, inci·dental illnesses or injuries), cost of sad·dle, bridle, halters, leg wraps, and blan·kets for each season, brushes and other grooming tools. The final costs would include riding lessons and Nicole's rid·ing clothes and show fees if she com·petes. She will need a good helmet, stur·dy boots, proper leg wear (jodhpurs, riding pants and/or chaps), gloves and riding jackets. Many par·ents find it easier to simply enroll the child in the classes, allow her to spend time at the barn with friends and to learn all she can about horse care and equestrianism. As the novelty wears off, when she gets older and is still interested (and if you can afford it) she will enjoy her pony or horse and should be encouraged to assume responsibility for its care. Reputable rid·ing instructors can help you pick out a suitable mount for her level of riding experience. Never be too hasty to buy a horse. There are many sizes and breeds to choose from. They are big, delicate, but potentially dangerous animals who should be always handled with care. I hope that the experi·ence of horse ownership will be rewarding for both you and Nicole. Unprepared for Surprises Dear Dr. Carey: About a month ago, a young stray female cat showed up at my back door. "Kuro" was friendly and always hungry. I started to feed her and noticed that she became "rotund" in the abdomen. Fearing that she was riddled with parasites, I took her to my veterinarian who told me that she was pregnant and very near term. He instructed me on how to provide a suitable nesting area for her and took an X ray of her abdomen to count the four kittens ready to be born. Then things took a turn for the worse. "Kuro" went into labor for about two hours, started to give birth then she stopped pushing. After two hours, I panicked and took her in to the clinic. He gave her a shot of oxytocin to stimulate contractions but after two injections, she still wouldn't do anything. I couldn't believe it when he told me that she would need a caesarian section but since she was in obvi·er, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite if exposed to the elements too long. The Horse Bug Dear Dr. Carey: My daughter Nicole keeps begging me for a pony. She was bitten by the "horse bug" a few months ago and I enrolled her in riding classes at a local stable. She loves to brush and groom the Shetland pony used in her lesson, but she is only nine years old and needs help with the grooming and tack (putting on saddle and bridle). Although seemingly fearless dur·ing her lessons, I get scared sometimes watching her canter and go over the small jumps. Is it too soon to think about getting her a pony? What is involved in this process? I might be biting off more than I can chew! STABLE D A D Dear Stable Dad: Getting a pony is a dream come true for many young girls bitten by the "horse bug." As a parent, you must be prepared for considerable expense, time spent at the barn, inclement weather, com·muting from home to barn, and attending horse ous trouble, I consented to the surgery. She had a large kitten blocking the canal and it was stillborn, but the other three survived and are now thriving. I could never have imagined that feeding an inno·cent young cat would lead to such a large vet bill! I was not prepared. SUSAN P. Dear Susan: I can only imagine your surprise as these events unfolded. Pregnant stray cats will frequently seek out a safe haven in which to live while waiting for their kittens to be born. They are often friendly when pregnant. The best thing you could have done was to take her in for an exam the first week that you had her. She could have been tested for leukemia and aids, dewormed, checked for external parasites (fleas, ear mites) and given pregnancy-safe rabies and distemper vaccines. Many times, veterinarians will suspect pregnancy in these young cats and you could have elected to have her spayed early on before she started to show any signs of motherhood. "Dystocia" occurs when a mother experiences diffi·cult birth. There are several causes, including fetal oversize, from which "Kuro" suffered. Even with the expense, you were fortunate to have had a good out·come, with the three surviving kittens and a healthy queen. Worms or Parasites? Dear Dr. Carey: I recently bought a robust, young German shepherd puppy from a breeder out in the country. The puppy had free run of a large fenced yard with his five lit·termates and mother. He checked out okay at his first physical, but his fecal exam showed round·worms and a parasite called "coccidian." If it is not a worm, what kind of parasite is Coccidia? Will it cause harm to my puppy? CRAIG B. Dear Craig: Coccidia are protozoan parasites that infect the intestinal tracts of cats and dogs. There are about 22 species of this parasite that can affect the dog. It can cause diarrhea, bloody diarrhea with straining and damage to the lining of the intestine. Unlike mature roundworms which are readily visible to the naked eye, these parasites are small organisms which when observed microscopically in a fecal sample, look like a cross section of a hard boiled egg. Puppies housed on dirt and mud frequently contract this parasite. Since coccidia parasites are shed in the feces, control can be difficult in kennel situations. Therefore, san·itation is important, and fecal contamination of feed and water should be prevented. Your vet may also test the puppy for giardia, anoth·er stubborn intestinal parasite. Treatment in most cases consists of taking a medication called Albon, a type of sulfa drug. Following treatment you will need to bring fresh fecal samples in to be checked over a period of several weeks to make sure they have been eradicated. Coccidiosis can be clinically insignifi·cant or it can be severe especially if the puppy is under conditions of poor nutrition, poor sanitation or overcrowding, or after the stresses of weaning, shipping, sudden changes of feed or severe weather. Since your puppy appears healthy, one or two rounds of medication should clear up the problem. Dr. Carey answers questions from readers every month. Please send your questions and comments to editor@voiceofthehill.com. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop February Calendar February 1: ADULT ARTS CLASSES REGISTRA-include Advanced Acting, Photographing TION: The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is cur-People, Watercolor/Acrylic, Watercolor, rently registering adult students for classes and Drawing, Life Drawing, Knitting, Quilting, Cer·workshops in the visual and performing arts amics, Tap Dance, Hip-Hop, Ballroom & Latin beginning Feb. 7. Classes include Advanced Dance, Yoga, Pilates and more. New workshops Acting, Photographing People, include Introduction to Scrapbooking and Watercolor/Acrylic, Watercolor, Drawing, Life Musical Theater. For a complete list of classes, Drawing, Knitting, Quilting, Ceramics, Tap workshops and registration information visit Dance, Hip-Hop, Ballroom & Latin Dance, www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. Yoga, Pilates and more. New workshops include Introduction to Scrapbooking and Musical February 12: ART OPENING & GALLERY TALK: Theater. For a complete list of classes, work-The Capitol Hill Art League presents A Private shops and registration information visit Passion, a juried show featuring works in all www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. media. The judge for the show is Joyce McCarten, award winning Washington DC area February 3: THEATER: Catalyst Theater presents abstract artist and teacher. 5 - 7 p.m. at the Cloud 9 written by Caryl Churchill and directed Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street, SE. by Helen Hayes Award-winning actor Halo For more information, visit www.chaw.org or Wines. Various times at the Capitol Hill Arts call 202-547-6839. Workshop, 545 7th Street, SE. Through Feb. 19. For show times and tickets, please call 1-800-February 23: FILM: February is romance 494-TIXS or visit www.chaw.org/catalyst.htm. month! Films on the Hill presents Tell It to the Marines directed by George W. Hill. 7 p.m. at February 5: CALL FOR ARTISTS I: The Capitol the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street, Hill Art League SE. $5 admission at is seeking sub- the door. For more missions for its information, visit February juried www.filmson show A Private thehill.com or call Passion. The 202-547-6839. judge for the show is Joyce February 25: FILM: McCarten, February is romance award winning month! Films on the Washington DC Hill presents The area abstract Pride and the Passion artist and directed by Stanley teacher. Kramer. 7 p.m. at the Entrants must Capitol Hill Arts be Art League Workshop, 545 7th members; mem- Street, SE. $5 admis·berships can be sion at the door. For purchased at the time of receiving. 9:30 a.m.-more information, visit www.filmsonthe hill.com 1:30 p.m. Additional receiving time on Feb. 7, or call 202-547-6839. 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St., SE. For entry guidelines, February 26: SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP: The visit www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents a 4-week Introduction to Scrapbooking workshop. 9:30-February 7: CALL FOR ARTISTS II: The Capitol 11:00 a.m. at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Hill Art League is seeking submissions for its 7th Street, SE. For more information, visit February juried show A Private Passion. The www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. judge for the show is Joyce McCarten, award winning Washington, DC, area abstract artist February 26: FILM: February is romance and teacher. Entrants must be Art League mem-month! Films on the Hill presents a Carey bers; memberships can be purchased at the Grant double feature with The Last Outpost time of receiving. 9:30-11:30 a.m. 545 7th directed by Charles Barton & Louis Gasnier and Street, SE. For entry guidelines, visit When You're in Love directed by Robert Riskin. 6 www.chaw.org or call 202-547-6839. p.m. (note earlier starting time) at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street, SE. $5 February 7: ADULT ARTS CLASSES BEGIN: The admission at the door. For more information, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is currently register-visit www.filmsonthehill.com or call 202-547-ing adult students for classes in the visual and 6839. performing arts beginning Feb. 7. Classes Twisted, Fragrant Winter Dreams BY MARK HOLLER ake a moment to breathe and plan your new spring garden. Now is the time to make room for a new shrub, a tree, or to finally decide where you will transplant that shrub that would really look better in the back of your garden (or even in the neighbor's garden), and not the front border. Just don't take more than a moment, though, as the w inter solstice fades quickly into late winter blossoms. Suddenly, a gardener awakes and the winter sun seems to be warmer than ever before.....spring green leaves are emerging, sap is rising, and crocus and winter aconites are in full glory.... And it's March and now you must march on into the season full Wintersweet is hardy to zone 6, thusly it performs steam ahead. Wow - the winter break was short, well in Washington, DC. To see the shrub in winter but oh so sweet. Enjoy winter's brief visit, but plan glory, you might be able to spy on one near the cor-wisely as you fumble the catalogs and dream of sun-ner of 9th and Massachusetts Avenue, NE. If this drenched islands - an island that can exist in your one eludes you, by all means go the National own back yard. Arboretum to view wonderful specimens in bloom. Yes, you can create a winter island filled with win-There is one near the main administration bldg. ter garden surprises. Perhaps the sun won't be as adjacent to a path, and I know of another magnifi· warm as a tropical island, but a winter garden in cent specimen in Asian valley. It, too, is sited per-bloom can certainly warm the cockles of a true gar-fectly along the path. The best viewing time is prob-dener's heart. With a little knowledge, next winter ably during a warm spell of at least two or three your garden will not be totally dormant. Allow me days. Simply follow your nose. to arm you with the knowledge of a few of my Chimonanthus is propagated by seeds or cuttings. favorite winter delights. Full sun exposure is best for this shy beauty, and old Fragrant wintersweet is a shrub that deserves canes should be pruned out to allow for new growth recognition. Imagine having blooms beginning in to keep the shrub vigorous and blooming well each December with these sporadic pleasures lasting into season. Also, this shrub will adapt to many soils as February and March. The waxy light yellow blos-long as they drain well. It really doesn't seem to fuss soms open to reveal purplish centers all the while about much of anything. Seek it out for your own emitting a sweet aroma, which is just enough to pleasure. Wintersweet is a planned addition for my sweeten the corner of the garden or your dining own garden next year. room, if branches are cut and forced into flower inside. The blooms are small, about the size of a A Twist on the Story dime, but powerful in beauty and fragrance. Having revealed one of my fragrant winter secrets, I Chimonanthus praecox is a native of China and has now must reveal my twisted side. Have you ever been in cultivation since 1766. Chimonanthus is noticed a shrub or tree in midst of winter that really Greek for winter flower, and praecox translates into never said hello to you previously? You may not precocious or early. Wintersweet grows as a loose notice them while they are fully robed, but when upright deciduous shrub that can reach heights of naked, they really stand out. One such being is the ten to 15 feet, with a spread of ten feet. I know this is contorted filbert, known as Harry Lauder's Walking large for some city spaces, but tuck it into a sunny Stick. corner, or near a path or porch or entrance if possi-Corylus avellana "Contorta" is the Latin name for ble for true wintertime delight. Harry Lauder. Harry attempted to remain I have seen this shrub pruned into a hedge, and it unknown--to live out his life in anonymity. As luck still provides a winter performance. While the sum-would have it though, he was discovered growing in mer appearance is that of a shrub with papery green amongst a hedgerow in England somewhere about leaves, the fall color is at least a dull yellow with the the mid 1800s. Being such an unusual find meant winter flower being the annual prize. In summer, that Harry was destined to be propagated for his the shrub can be underplanted with summer annu-unique habit. Before this creature was spotted, fil·als, perennials, groundcovers, and the like. In win-berts were grown and valued for delicious nuts. ter, I advise having some pansies planted under-However the spiraling sculptural patterns created by neath or some of your favorite spring bulbs popping Harry's branches put him in demand. Harry into flower at the base just as the wintersweet is fin-Lauder's Walking Stick, is a spectacular winter inter·ishing with its last standing ovation. est shrub. The contorted filbert has been traced to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. I consider it to be a shrub rather than a small tree growing up to about ten feet tall. Mostly I see it as a multistemmed shrub approx. six feet tall and wide. Its size and somewhat easily controlled growth makes it an excellent choice for small gardens. Harry is hardy to zone four and can perform well in a variety of soils in full sun or in light shade. Propagation is by grafting scion wood of the cultivar onto rootstock of the species. The sucker growth shoots of the understock must be removed to prevent their fast overgrowth of the cul·tivar. Harry's leaves are dark green, three to four-inch long coarse and hairy beauties which are also some·what contorted. After the leaves fall, revealing the twisted sculptural growth, there is another show in preparation. Flowering occurs in late winter while in the deciduous phase. Male flowers are borne on longer narrow catkins while the female flowers are borne on shorter thicker catkins. The yellow male flowers are the showiest as they dangle from this twisted, gnarly growth in late winter before the new leaves emerge. The female flowers are more subtle, but they have carmine-colored floral parts. Both male and female are beautiful shrubs providing year round garden interest. Harry Lauder's Walking Stick can be considered a dramatic living sculpture useful for a focal point in an entryway, a courtyard, along a path, and can also be highlighted with evening garden lighting creat·ing a silhouette on your garden wall. Further inter·est can be attained by carefully selecting perennials and bulbs as underplantings, with a bloom time to coincide with the winter starkness of this shrub and/or the showy late winter flowering period. Snowdrops, crocus, winter aconites, and dwarf daf·fodils all look great under this twisted beast, espe·cially if it is slightly mounded when planted. Finding it tough to make a choice for your gar·den? I understand. The choices are endless and the plant kingdom is a vast array of constantly chang·ing beauty. Enjoy the winter form of trees and shrubs, their bark colors and textures, the changing color of the leaf and flower buds as they develop, and even the varying shades of green as the spring leaves develop and mature. Take notice of how snow grabs onto deeply furrowed bark crevices and the glistening of ice particles on the bud scales of your trees and shrubs. Soon you will come to appreciate the winter garden as much as the other seasons. Shhh! I hear something. Spring is knocking. Mark Holler has been designing and installing Capitol Hill gardens for twenty years. He is the owner of Ginkgo Garden Center on Capitol Hill. You may contact him by email at mark@ginkgogardens.com. www.voiceofthehill.com New Opportunities to Make a Difference BY PATTY BR OSMER ime flies when you're having fun. This month marks my second anniversary as executive director of the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID), and as strange as it may sound, it has been lots of fun. I believe that a good measure of one's success is being able to do something that makes you happy and allows you to feel fulfilled. In that respect, I con·sider myself truly successful, and also a bit lucky to have so many opportunities to make a difference through the work of the BID. In those two years, the BID has gone from being the "new kids" to actually becoming a part of the Capitol Hill community--and that's a great thing. Last holiday season, some people were still trying to figure out what the BID was all about. This year, many businesses acknowledged the BID workers with a holiday treat or a handshake and good wish·es. Debbie Danielson, owner of the Forecast on 7th Street even invited the entire team in and prted them each with festive Santas that they could take home and add to their personal festivities--a very generous and much-appreciated act. To all those who expressed their support and paid their BID taxes this year, we thank you very sincerely. As we go full-force into the new year, there is much to look forward to. The following are some of the latest BID initiatives. Y.E.S (Youth Empowerment for Success) The BID will be launching a new program for youth offenders called Y.E.S. whose primary function is to provide constructive work for youth who are court ordered to complete hours of community service. Some community service projects that Y.E.S. par·ticipants may be involved in include: · cleanups in the business community of Capitol Hill; · green space beautification; · removal of graffiti and posted bills; · clean National Park Service areas and DC public space such as tree boxes, Metro bus stops or parks; · painting storm drain markers for environmental conservation (see below). The mission of Y.E.S. is to help youthful offenders connect to their communities, understand the impact of their behavior, and develop useful skills and abilities that allow the offender the opportuni·ty to give back in a positive way. Y.E.S. Program Goals: · Promote positive attitude toward work. · Build bonds with individuals and their commu·nity and give them a sense of responsibility. · Recognize the consequences of their actions in their community. · Introduce youth offender to positive police role models. · Superior Court will assign up to 15 youth offenders to Y.E.S. on Saturdays, two times per month. Storm Drain Marker Program The Clean and Beautification committee partnering with the DC Soil and Water Conservation District Citizen's Advisory Committee sent out a public awareness flyer on the Storm Drain Marker program in January. Part of this program is to place 60 storm drain markers in each of the eight wards in the city. In the "Housing First" to End Chronic Homelessness The BID recently formed a sub-committee on home·lessness to assess the homeless situation on Capitol Hill and to look for some long-term solutions. The sub-committee is different from the active Safety and Homeless Issues Committee which already works with program providers on Capitol Hill. Recently, the Safety and Homeless Issues Committee launched its anti-panhandling cam·paign "It's OK to say NO to Panhandlers." By working with the Downtown BID and other groups, the sub-committee on homelessness will look at the bigger and longer-term picture. A plan being promoted by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) called "Housing First" claims that the key is to stop making housing a reward of a person's recovery, and begin making it the first step toward recovery. Mayor Williams' office is formulating a strategy to end homelessness in Washington, DC called "Homeless No More" that is incorporating the ICH's "Housing First" model. The Capitol Hill BID Sub-Committee on Homelessness will be working with the Downtown BID to identify best practices and help model a workable plan. These are just three innovative programs the BID will be introducing this year to make a cleaner, safer and more vital commercial district for Capitol Hill. With baseball coming back and the revitalization of the M Street corridor, there is plenty more to look forward to in 2005. NOTE TO BID MEMBERS: Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 2005 Annual Membership Meeting being hosted for the third year by The Heritage Foundation on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. The order of business is to elect the board of directors but it is also a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and get a preview of upcoming BID initiatives. Notices and proxy ballots were mailed to all mem·bers (commercial property owners and businesses within the BID area) the last week of January. Please fill out the ballots and mail or fax them back even if you plan to attend. This helps to ensure that we have a quorum and can conduct the business of the meeting. 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 a 19-year -old son. She can be reached at pbrosmer@capitolhillbid.org or by calling 202-842-3333. Debbie Danielson, Owner of Forecast, gives a holiday thanks to BID Clean and Safe Team members with unique Santas. spring members of the Clean & Beautification Committee along with members of the DCWCDCAC will start marker installations along Pennsylvania Avenue and then con·tinue throughout the CHBID. Participation in this Storm Drain Marker Program will be the second water conservation project in the CHBID. The first water conversation project is the Raingarden that was installed in front of the 1st District Substation. The Capitol Hill BID was awarded a grant from the DC Department of Health to install this Raingarden and to continue to edu·cate the public about the importance of water runoff management and river preservation. Computer Corner continued from page 48 concerned about security. The information in this article is most relevant if you are running XP on your computer. Those of you who are using Windows 2000 have many of the same security fea·tures as XP IF you have added all the updates. However, Windows 2000 does not have a built-in firewall. As stated in prior columns, those of you still run·ning ME, 98 or 95 (heaven forbid), need to give seri·ous consideration up upgrading your computers. Security in these versions of Windows is practically nonexistent. Fay Singer is a lifelong resident of Capitol Hill with over 20 years of experience as a computer professional. She is the owner of a Capitol Hill-based computer consult·ing company called Small Business Data Solutions. She can be contacted at 202-841-9928 or by e-mail at fsinger@sbds.biz. The View from Barracks Row continued from page 51 srow.org. And, with another grant, the Design Committee is hoping to professionally design and print the guidelines. Everyone has different ideas about what a "good façade improvement" is, but using historic photos and understanding period architecture makes restoration decisions less subjective. Old buildings always leave clues as to what they looked like, and it is the role of the Design Committee to educate busi·ness and building owners to restore the best of the past. Physical improvements are vital for a traditional commercial district to be competitive with the glut of retail outlets in this country: shopping malls, strip centers, catalogs, television shopping net·works, and now internet shopping. Retail is always changing, and the goal of BRMS is to help business owners be relevant in today's retail environment by reusing historic buildings sensitively. Bill McLeod is the executive director of Barracks Row Main Street. You can contact Bill by calling 202-544-3188 or emailing bmcleod@barracksrow.org, or visit the website at www.barracksrow.org to learn more. Baseball on the Hill... Catch I t ! CapitalKids Third Annual Children's Opera Night on the Hill BY STEPHEN NORTON oung music fans will have a special oppor·tunity to hear the strains of operatic sign·ing at a performance of Englebert Hump-erdinck's immortal opera, Hansel & Gretel, on Friday, Feb. 25. The performance highlights the third annual Children's Opera Night sponsored by the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA, in association with Peabody Conservatory Opera Outreach. The 50-minute condensed version of the opera is aimed at children who are still discovering the wide variety of music in their world as well as seasoned opera lovers. In previous years, the Peabody Conservancy presented Papageno! a short version of the Magic Flute, and an adaptation of The Three Little Pigs set to the music of Mozart. Rising talent from the Baltimore Opera will be showcased. The concert is free, but donations are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Cluster School Arts Initiative, a new effort to bring the arts to local students and to encourage learning and discovery through artistic expression. The idea for an opera night came from Cluster School parents and opera fans Lisa Tate and Ben Harrison. The Capitol Hill Cluster School is a three-campus public school for children from pre-school to eighth grade. It is made up of the Peabody Early Childhood Center, Watkins Elementary and Stuart Hobson Middle School. In addition to the regular curricu·lum, which offers a stresses literacy and independ·ent thinking, the school offers Reggio Emilia instruction to children at Peabody and a Montessori from age three to the fourth grade. Watkins Elementary students will be treated to an afternoon performance Feb. 25. At 6:30 that evening, doors open to the community at the Stuart-Hobson Middle School Auditorium, 410 E St., NE. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a question and answer session with the performers after the production. For more information, call Lisa Tate at 202-544-0382. Take a Chance on Fun Our children's education is nothing to gamble with but that is not to say a little gambling can't help it. The Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA is sponsoring its second annual Casino Night on Feb. 5 and looks for·ward to hosting friends and neighbors for a night of casino-style games of chance, food and music. The fun gets going at the Shakespeare Theater Rehearsal Hall on 8th Street SE. and goes until 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. There will be 15 tables of Casino style gambling and food provided by area restaurants. Beer and wine will be served, as part of the ticket price. A DJ will get the place jumping and there will be a raffle at the end of the night for approximately 15 themed gift baskets ranging from crafts, and home remodel·ing. Gift baskets will have an average value of $150 to more than $1,000. The more you win at the tables, the better your chances will be to win. Tickets can be obtained by calling 202-230-4588 or emailing sharonboesen@gmail.com. BABE RUTH BASEBALL 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15 age groups GIRL'S FAST PITCH SOFTBALL 9-12 age group 202.546.7000 ext.251 Go to....www.sportsonthehill.org! Kids'Sports Tired of DC Baseball Headlines? Relax and Watch a Kids' Baseball Game BY LARRY KAUFER eems like the Expos are coming to town as the Nationals and to the stadium near you. But there has been and will continue to be youth baseball at a field nearer to you-- and at a better price: free. The Capitol Hill Baseball and Softball League (CHBSL) will offer co-ed baseball teams in the 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15-year-old age groups. Practices will begin the last week of March, and games will be scheduled from early April through the middle of June. League affiliations for the younger groups may be with DC Babe Ruth and/or Arlington Babe Ruth. The older group will play with the Georgetown Baseball Association. So get your gloves oiled up, and start throwing with your kids so your arms get limbered up. This is competitive baseball. Kids should have a serious interest in learning and playing baseball and the commitment to make most of the team's prac·tices and games. Registrations should be submitted by March 11th. The registration fee is $50. You can pick up a form at Pardoe Real Estate, 605 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, or call John Parker at 202-546-7000, Ext. 251. This is kid pitch with three strikes to out and four balls to walk. Stealing is permitted, but for the younger ages, the runner cannot leave the base until the pitch crosses home plate. The 9-10-year-old teams use a RIF 10 (soft) baseball for safety. The older teams use a regular baseball. Games will last about two hours. The 13-15-year-old teams play on a full-sized field with normal high school rules. Playing age is determined by the player's age on July 31, 2005. For example, a player who will be 10 years old on July 31, 2005, will play with the 9-10 year old teams. The CHBSL emphasizes good sportsman·ship, learning fundamentals, team play, and having fun with the game. Games may be scheduled on weekday evenings, Saturdays or Sunday afternoons. Practices will be at Tyler Field (10th and G Streets, SE) for the 11-12 year old teams and at Payne Field (15th and D Streets, SE) for the 9 -10 year old teams. The 13-15 year old team will practice at Tyler Field and games will be played at Guy Mason Field at Calvert St. and Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown. Teams will have 1-2 practices per week, depending on the game schedule. Normally there will be 3 games or practices per week. NOTE: Payne field is undergoing renovation cour·tesy of Jon Crittenden, coach of the 9-10 year old teams. He is organizing the work and looking for help. There are still some finishing touches to be done, so don't hesitate to volunteer your time or some money. Contact him at c_crittenden@yahoo.com. The CHBSL provides uniforms, bats, balls, hel·mets, and catcher's equipment. Players need to sup·ply their own gloves and shoes, which must not have metal spikes. Baseball or soccer-style shoes with rubber cleats are permitted. Kids playing www.voiceofthehill.com catcher must wear a protective cup. Volunteers are always needed for coaching, administration, and field preparation. Team spon·sors and donations are always appreciated. For more information, call CHBSL Commissioner John Parker at 202-546-7000, Ext. 251. Information on all league programs is available at www.sportsonthehill.org. Sports on the Hill Has Spring Options Consider the Following: SOCCER: The Soccer on the Hill division of Sports on the Hill, Inc., offers co-ed soccer for kids 4-16 years old and girls' soccer for 11-year-olds. The age date is July 31, 2004. For those not familiar, deter·mine the age of your child on this date, and then consult the age brackets. The "U" of the age bracket means 'under.' For example, a player who was eight on July 31, 2004, would play in the U10s, not the U8s. The age date changes once a year. Practices will begin the week of March 28. Games will be played on Saturdays starting April 2 and fin·ish on June 4, except Memorial Day Weekend. The season finale will be celebrated with a picnic at Providence Park on June 4 at 1 p.m. Players who reg·istered for the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 season will be notified by their coach of practice and game schedules. New players need to be registered to play. The spring fee is $50 except $15 for the U6 program. To get a registration go to www.sportsonthehill.org and click soccer at the page bottom, then click reg-istration/fees at the top right. Players are assigned to teams by the age group commissioner. So contact them as soon as you decide. The U12 girls' team will practice on Capitol Hill and play their games with the Stoddert league on Saturdays in Northwest DC. Contact Vira Sisolak at 202-546-2534 for information. The U6 coed program meets once per week on Saturdays at Providence Park, 3rd and E Streets, SE from 9 to 10:15 a.m. The commissioner is Patrick Coyne. Registration can be done on arrival and the fee is $15. The U8 coed program practices weekday evenings at Providence Park, with games on Saturday morn·ings at Kingsman field, D Street NE between 13th and 14th Streets. The commissioner is Keith Murphy, who can be contacted at 202-546-5635. The U10 coed program practices two evenings per week at Providence Park, with games on Saturday mornings at Payne field, 15th and D Streets, SE. The commissioner is Laurie Heim, 202-547-0977. The U12 and U14 coed program practices two evenings per week at Providence Park. Games will be played mostly on Saturdays at Anacostia Park or with Suburban Friendship League, with home games at Kenilworth Park and away games in Northern Virginia. The commissioner is Mike Godec, who can be reached at 202-547-2477. For kids older than U14, call Larry Kaufer at 202-543-4582 for information. SOCCER SUMMER CAMP: Back by popular demand for the fourth year, Soccer on the Hill has arranged a soccer camp from Challenger Sports, a UK company that operates youth soccer camps throughout the US. Their coaches are experienced soccer players and coaches from the UK. Many are also school teachers. They are specially selected for an instructional summer in the US at a series of youth soccer camps. They are well skilled at soccer and notably liked by the kids. Participation was very strong last year, so the camp is again offered for two weeks this year, July 18-22 and July 25-29, to accommodate expected demand. You may choose either or both weeks. There is no longer the need to send your kids off the Hill for a quality soccer camp. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced player, this is an excel·lent way to learn and improve skills with daily instruction and reinforcement. The camp location will be Tyler field, 10th and I Street, SE, or other fields around Capitol Hill. The camp is open to kids from 4-15 years old. For 4-5-year-olds, there is a session from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for $71 per week. There is a 9 a.m. to noon session for 6-15-year-olds for $96 per week. Those 8-15 years old can stay on for the afternoon 1- 4 p.m. session at a total cost of $146 per week. You will not beat these prices for a soccer camp. Bring plenty of water, and bring your own lunch when enrolled for the full day session. A family dis·count of $5 for the second child and $10 for the third child will apply. All kids will get a free ball and T-shirt. But don't be late; a $10 late fee will apply after July 9. Want to save some money and get to know the coaches? Host a coach, and your fee will be waived. To register, go to the Challenger Sports website: www.challengersports.com. Look for the menu of camp locations and register under Soccer on the Hill. Also check www.sportson-thehill.org for more details. TRACK: This program is entering its fifth season and attracts an increasing number of athletes every year. The coach is Ben Bonham, a longtime Hill res·ident, who ran track in high school and college and coached high school track in DC. Practices will begin in the first week of March at Eastern High School track (enter at the driveway behind the school at 17th and A Streets, NE). They will start at 5 p.m. and possibly later when daylight savings time begins. During the summer, practice location will shift to the nearby Springarn High School track. Meets will be on weekends at school tracks around the metro area. The meet events are varied so kids can train for what they prefer. The sea·son will conclude in early August. Boys and girls of any school age, 5-17, are wel·come to register and participate. The registration fee is $40 and covers regular team expenses. Some meets charge a small participant fee that will be paid by those attending. For more information and to obtain a registra·tion, please contact Ben Bonham by phone at 202-388-5247 or email at benjaminbonham@cs.com. Sports on the Hill is a 25-year-old youth sports, volunteer run, non-profit 501c(3) organization and is always in need of volunteers, coaches and assis·tants, team managers, and field maintenance help. And donations are always welcome. For more infor·mation, go to www.sportsonthehill.org. Hill resident Larry Kaufer writes about sports opportu·nities for Hill youth each month in this newspaper. 20 years. The monthly potluck give out 2005 applications. online at www.arenastage.org. architect's enchanting and HILL GOINGS ON is the first Sunday of each Call 202-546-4471 or email Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth eccentric work. With a mini-BY JULIO ARGUELLO month at 6:30 p.m. For more info@tworiverspcs.org. Two Street, SW. mum of narration, Teshigahara information call 202-543-5560 Rivers Public Charter School, uses expressive camerawork JR or visit 1830 Constitution Avenue, February 3-- and evocative music to cap-Calendar Editor www.wmpennhouse.org. NE, 8:30-9:30 a.m. The National Building Museum ture the whimsy and fantasycalendar@voiceofthehill.com William Penn House, 515 East presents a Colonial Revival of Gaudi's designs. To intro- Capitol Street, SE, 6:30 p.m. February 28-- House lecture. The colonial duce the film, Guido Come to Two Rivers Public revival is one of the most per-Francescato, professor of MUNICIPAL February 12-- Charter School's Open House. vasive and persistent themes architecture, University of MEETINGS Barracks Row Main Street Volunteers will lead tours and in American culture. Richard Maryland, will discuss Gaudi Second Saturday. 4-10 p.m. give out 2005 applications. Guy Wilson, University of on Capitol Hill. Call 202-546-4471 or email February 8-- info@tworiverspcs.org. Two and his influence on such Virginia professor of architec-artists as Picasso, Miró, and tural history, will discuss how ANC 6B: Old Naval Hospital, February 15-- 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Come to Two Rivers Public 7 p.m. Charter School's Open House. The school serves preschool February 9-- age 3 through Third Grade, ANC 6C: NPR, 635 with a new Fourth Grade in the Dali. $8 Museum members Rivers Public Charter School, Americans have defined them-and students; $10 nonmem·1830 Constitution Avenue, selves by creating an idealized bers. Registration required. NE, 8:30-9:30 a.m. nationalistic expression in National Building Museum, architecture, decorative arts, 401 F Street, NW, 1-2:30 p.m. painting, literature, and gar-For more information, call dening. He will explore some Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 7 2005-2006 school year. ARTS AND 202-272-2448 or visit p.m. of the myths and symbols of www.nbm.org.Volunteers will lead tours and ENTERTAINMENT the colonial revival--the February 10-- give out 2005 applications. February 1-- Pilgrims, the "New England" February 7-- ANC 6A: Miner Elementary Call 202-546-4471 or email School, 601 15th Street, NE, info@tworiverspcs.org. Two The Shakespeare Theatre village, the hearth, Mount The Shakespeare Theatre Rivers Public Charter School, presents Lorenzaccio, a play Vernon, sturdy yeoman farm-presents A Busy Day by Fanny 7 p.m. Burney as part of The by Alfred de Musset. This play ers, and spinning women-- February 14-- 1830 Constitution Avenue, is a gripping tale of political that have persisted across Rediscovery Series. A sharply ANC 6D: Millenium Art Center, NE, 8:30-9:30 a.m. intrigue, moral dilemmas and nearly two centuries of observant satire of society in 65 I Street, SW, 7 p.m. February 17-- American artistic production. Regency London, A Busy Day individual heroism. De Musset centers the play on the com- After the lecture, he will sign tells the story of two heiress- Come to Two Rivers Public es, one from old money and COMMUNITY Charter School's Open House. plex character of Lorenzo de copies of his book The one from new, who wish to EVENTS The school serves preschool Medici, friend and cousin to Colonial Revival House (Abrams). 1.5 CEU. $10 marry the same man. February 3-- age 3 through Third Grade, the notorious Alexander de Museum members and stu-Commissioned by Richard with a new Fourth Grade in the Medici, Duke of Florence. At St. John's Church holds First 2005-2006 school year. the price of his moral and dents; $15 nonmembers. Brinsley Sheridan, the play Service, a casual, intimate Volunteers will lead tours and physical integrity, Lorenzo Registration required. National was written by novelist, play- Building Museum, 401 F wright and diarist Fanny worship in a beautiful, historic give out 2005 applications. allies himself to the duke in Burney, who in her time was setting. Post-party follows, Call 202-546-4471 or email order to kill him, hoping to lib-Street, NW, 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, call 202- more widely read than the including light supper and info@tworiverspcs.org. Two erate Florence from the duke's wine. This service is held on Rivers Public Charter School, tyrannical rule. The Theatre 272-2448 or visit author she inspired, Jane Austen. After lying neglected the first Thursday of every 1830 Constitution Avenue, presents the first professional www.nbm.org. month. For more information NE, 8:30-9:30 a.m. production of the play in February 4-- for nearly 200 years, Burney's work has received new inter- call 202-347-8766. Lafayette Washington with a world pre-The National Museum of est as readers and scholars Square, 16th and H Street, February 19-- miere translation by Women in the Arts presents discover her biting w p.m. The DC Emergency Washington playwright John "Feminist Works on Paper" shrewd social commentary. Management Associations Strand. Jeffrey Carlson from the Permanent This event is free and open to February 6-- (DCEMA) presents "Are You (Broadway's Tartuffe and The Collection. The feminist move-the public. However, reserva- William Penn House presents Prepared for a Major Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?) makes its monthly Pot Luck & Disaster?" This program is his Shakespeare Theatre ment in the 1970s was about tions are required. RSVP more than just art--women online at www.shakespearethe- Dialogue Series. Bonnie part of DCEMA's series of debut in the title role opposite were undertaking to transform atre.org/rediscovery.html orPeregoy of Annapolis Monthly community emergency man-Robert Cuccioli (Broadway's society and their own lives. call 202-547-1122 option 4.Meeting will present a dia-agement tabletop exercises Jekyll and Hyde) in his These five artists were among The Shakespeare Theatre, logue entitled "Positively for residents of neighborhoods Shakespeare Theatre debut as the many women who sought Peaceful: Understanding in Wards one through six, the Duke. Artistic Director to have equitable representa-450 7th Street, NW. behavioral science to make beginning Jan. 8, and continu-Michael Kahn directs this clas-tion in museums and gal-February 7-- peace work effective." ing on selected Saturdays sic French play, considered leries, and challenged audi-The Washington National Behavioral science is relatively through March 12, 2005. The one of the greatest works of ences with new and startling Opera's presents Opera Goesyoung and not widely under-exercises are designed to test Romantic theatre. Tickets subject matter. Personal and to the Movies film series. stood. It is rarely used effec- the community emergency range from $48 to $61.75. powerful, these works on London's famed Covent tively to shape behavior. There management plans developed Call the box office for ticket paper vary in both style and Garden production of Salomeare principles that effect by DCEMA for these neighbor-availability and show times at subject matter, but all draw by Richard Strauss. Starring behavior which are scientifical-hoods. If you live or work in 202-547-1122 or visit attention to the contributions Ewing, Devlin, Riegel, Knight, ly proven and have entirely the District of Columbia you www.shakespearedc.org. The and accomplishments of Leggate. Salome standspredictable results, and are should attend this FREE Shakespeare Theatre, 450 7th women throughout history. naked at the end of her scintil·universal to all mammals; but Informative Planning Session Street NW. $10 for adults; $8 for stu-lating Dance of the Seven we are generally ignorant of for our Community. them, or just have enough Refreshments will be served. February 2-- dents, visitors 60 and over, Veils. Conductor Sir Edward peripheral knowledge to use To register or to find out more, Arena Stage presents and free for NMWA members Downes conducts the Royal Opera House Covent Garden them ineffectively, or to the please visit www.dcema.dc.gov Hallelujah, Baby! This musical and youth 18 and under. To opposite effect of what we or call 202-673-2101 follows a young woman named learn more call 202-783-5000 Orchestra, and Sir Peter Hall desire. Truly understanding ext.2200. Sherwood Georgina from decade to or visit www.nmwa.org. The directs. German with English National Museum of Women in subtitles. Passes to each behavioral science will change Recreation Center, 640 Tenth decade as she dreams of trad- Embassy reception and film your approach in your relation- Street, NE (between Tenth & G ing in her maid's mop for the the Arts, 1250 New York ships and make your spiritual Streets), 1:30 p.m. excitement of the stage. Along Avenue, NW, Monday-Saturday, are $90 each. To purchase work effective as you follow the way, she faces head on 10-5 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m. tickets online, visit www.dc- opera.org/operamovies.asp. your leadings. This is true for February 25-- the challenges of a society February 6-- For more information, please individuals in our daily interac-Come to Two Rivers Public struggling with segregation, The National Building Museum tions and for groups working Charter School's Open House. two world wars, and the call 202.295.2437 or e-mail for peace and social justice. The school serves preschool momentous fight for civil presents the film Antonio operamovies@dc-opera.org. Bonnie owns a dog grooming age 3 through Third Grade, rights. Tickets prices range Gaudi (1984, 72 min.) as part Private screenings at the AFI of their Film & Lecture series. Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville business on Capitol Hill and with a new Fourth Grade in the from $52-$67. To order tick-Japanese filmmaker Hiroshi Road, Silver Spring, MD. has been a professional dog 2005-2006 school year. ets, call the box office at 202-Teshigahara takes viewers on trainer and exhibitor for over Volunteers will lead tours and 488-3300 or order tickets a grand tour of the Catalan February 9 -- www.voiceofthehill.com Community calendar Dan Flavin: A Retrospective, p.m. daily. Closed every February 15-- Frank Sinatra and Sophia the first comprehensive exhibi·tion of Flavin's full career, presents 46 objects and installations, most of which use the medium of fluorescent light along with 110 drawings, Tuesday. Extended hours on Thursday evenings until 9 p.m. except Thanksgiving. The museum is closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Arena Stage presents Intimations for Saxophone. Against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, Lily Laird is stuck in a loveless marriage. All the while signs of the coming sex- Loren star in this historical drama set in Spain during the Napoleonic wars. A love trian·gle develops as they drag a huge cannon across Spain. Based on the novel by C.S. Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School Holding Two Open Houses in February The Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School ("Ms. Francis") is hosting Open Houses on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 10-11 a.m. Reservations are required. Interested persons may contact Ashli Richens at sketches, and collage-con-structions by one of the most innovative artists of the sec·ond half of the 20th century. The exhibition will remain on view through Feb. 9. The National Gallery of Art, 3rd and 7th Streets, at Constitution Avenue, NW, is open Monday through Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11-6 p.m. February 10-- Catalyst Theater presents February 13-- The Studio Theatre Secondstage is proud to announce the opening of the first production in its new home, called Stage 4. The Death of Meyerhold, American playwright Mark Jackson's 2003 hit play, follows the spectacular life and death of visionary theatre artist Vsevold Meyerhold, whose avant-garde work flouted Stalin's regime. The play is the ual revolution become more and more apparent to her. As Intimations for Saxophone pro·gresses, playwright Sophie Treadwell's heroine breaks free of her marriage and sets out to find herself on her own. Arena Stage, Fichandler Stage, 1101 6th Street, SW. Ticket prices range from $46 to $60. Call the Sales office for times and ticket availability at 202-488-3300 or visit www.are-nastage.org. Forester and photographed in Spain with thousands of extras. TECHNICOLOR! For more information call 202-547-6839. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh Street, SE, 7 p.m. February 26-- Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents a Cary Grant Double Feature: The Last Outpost and When You're In Love (1937). Cary Grant stars with Claude Rains in The Last Outpost, set Tickets: $12. To learn more "Five Friends from Japan: ashrichens@aol.com (preferred) or by phone at 202-531-2821. Sibling registration is March 2, from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parents with siblings of alumni should bring an application downloaded from the website (www.monarchsolutions.com/ chcns) to Ms. Francis's classroom in Watkins, with a check for $25 for the application fee (made out to CHCNS). Open registration is March 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Bring by an application and $25 fee and look for the envelope outslassroom. Please make sure to use the application form dated "2005-2006." A non-public lottery will be held after March 9 to allocate spots not assigned to siblings. More information is available on the website. Cloud 9: Race. Gender. Sexual fifth event in The Studio February 16-- in the Middle East, as they about Folger family programs Children in Japan Today." Free. orientation. Everything is up for grabs in Churchill's fierce and funny exposé of colonial- Theatre's Russian Winter, a seven-play season within the season that features theatri- The Folger Theatre presents Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Two star-crossed lovers. rescue an Armenian tribe from Kurds. Cary Grant stars with opera singer Grace Moore in call 202-544-7077 or visit www.folgertheatre.org. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol All ages. National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW, 11:30-2:30 p.m. For more ism, repression and well-man-nered brutality. Ticket prices range from $15-$30 and price includes a $1.75 fee. Seating is general admission. For more information call 800-494-TIXS or visit www.cata-lysttheater.com. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Black Box Theater, 545 Seventh Street, SE, 7:30 p.m. February 11-- cal events spanning more than one hundred years of Russian theatre. Tickets are $25. To order tickets, call 202-332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre. org. The Studio Theatre, 1501 Fourteenth Street NW, 7:30 p.m. February 13-- The Folger Theatre presents its Folger Poetry seminar One family feud. Certain tragedy...Young lovers embrace passion, denying the bitter rivalry between their families. A risky plan is hatched that leads to the untimely end of an unforget·table romance. Ticket prices range from $30-$48. To buy tickets, contact the Folger Box Office at 202-544-7077 or visit www.folger.edu. When You're In Love, a roman·tic musical. Grace has trouble with immigration and marries American Cary Grant to get into the U.S. Will they fall for each other? For more informa·tion call 202-547-6839. Cap·itol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh Street, SE, 6 p.m. JUST FOR KIDS Street, SE, 10-12 p.m. February 6-- The National Building Museum presents Japanese Architec·ture. Visit the exhibition "Five Friends from Japan: Children in Japan Today" and explore how culture, climate, location, and natural resources affect the way people live. After·wards, build a model of a tra·ditional Japanese house. $7 information, call 202-272-2448 or visit www.nbm.org. February 19-- The National Building Museum and The National Engineers Week Committee welcome families, groups, and young guests to ZOOM(TM) into Engin·eering Family Festival. Meet cast members of the hit PBS series ZOOM(TM) and discover how engineers make a world The Corcoran Gallery of Art series. Winner of the 2003 February 23-- February 5-- per house for Museum mem-of difference. Future engineers bers; $10 nonmembers. Ages will participate in many stimu· presents "Inventions: Recent National Book Award for his Capitol Hill Arts Workshop The Folger Theatre invites you 8 and up. RegistrationPaintings by Caio Fonesca" collection The Singing, C. K presents Tell It To the Marines to attend "Shake Up Your lating hands-on activities and Exhibit. Caio Fonseca's monu-Williams creates works that, in (1927) starring Lon Chaney Saturdays" a performance required. National Building meet professional engineers. Museum, 401 F Street, NW, Try on a space suit; watch stu-mental canvases and works the words of Robert Pinsky, (The Man of a Thousand workshop for families that pro-2-4 p.m. For more informa·on paper are among the "include every emotion, every Faces) in a rare straight role vides a morning of drama, dent-designed robots com·grandest and most profound bit of evidence that has a nat-with his own handsome face. improvisation, and fun. tion, call 202-272-2448 or pete; build skyscrapers in the LEGO(TM) construction zone, and contemporary statements in ural claim on our attention." Lon plays a tough marine ser-Children ages 8-14 and their visit www.nbm.org. the abstract genre. Using his C.K. Williams reads from his geant who has to straighten parents are invited to attend. February 12-- much more! Free; $5 donation own vocabulary of elemental work in celebration of out wisecracking recruit The National Building suggested. Ages 5 to 13.Discover the world of Shakes-Drop-in program. Registration forms, Fonseca's paintings-- Valentine's Day. Reception, William Haines. An exciting cli-peare's Romeo and Juliet-- with their sensuous color, tac-book sale and signing follows. Museum presents Amazing not required. Scout groups max in which the leathernecks explore its music and laughter, Animation. Discover Japanese tile surfaces and structured Williams is the author of rescue Americans held should call 202-272-2448 or its tragedy and tears. Your anime (animated cartoons) e-mail scout@nbm.org to regis- compositions--present an numerous books of poetry, hostage by a Chinese warlord chance to act on the Folger through short films and create ter. National Building Museum, alternative universe; one that including Flesh and Blood and (Warner Oland). This film is stage! Purchase tickets for your own thaumatrope, a sim-401 F Street, NW, 10-4:30 is surprisingly resonant with Repair, which won the 2000 silent with recorded music Folger Theatre's afternoon ple motion toy that was the the everyday world that sur-Pulitzer Prize. Reception, book accompaniment. For more matinee and make a day of it. predecessor to modern anima-p.m. For more information, call rounds us. Although grounded sale and signing follows. 202-272-2448 or visit information call 202-547-in tradition, Fonseca's Tickets: $10; seminar, supper, 6839. Capitol Hill Arts Designed for young people tion technology. Presented in www.nbm.org. approach is unusual: After an and reading, $45. To learn Workshop, 545 Seventh (ages 9-14) and their families, conjunction with the exhibition "Shake Up Your Saturday" initial division of the surface more about Folger Poetry sem-Street, SE, 7 p.m. workshops actively engage all into areas based on the gold-inars call 202-544-7077 or in the play of Shakespeare en section, he applies several visit www.folgertheatre.org. February 25-- and his times. No previous layers of pigment to create The Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Hill Arts Workshop acting experience necessary what Fonseca calls "a ground Capitol Street, SE, 7:30 p.m. presents The Pride and the -- just bring your imagination!of tones." The final composi-Passion (1957). Cary Grant, tion consists of the forms that take shape as he paints over and around the colors and tones already applied under·neath. To order tickets call 202-639-1770 or visit SMOKEY'S BARBERSHOP www.corcoran.org. Admission: $6.75 for individuals; $4.75 We Sell CDs and Cassette Tapes for senior citizens and stu·dents; $3 for students ages 13-18; and $12 for family groups of one or two parents and children under 18. Open 1338 H Street, NE Members and Children under Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Washington, DC 20002 12 are free. Admission is free on Mondays, and on Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (202) 396-2377 Thursdays after 5 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (202) 399-9726 Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th Street, NW, Hours: 10-5 STARRY DAYS Eastern Standard Time Edition Your Astrological Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness BY JEFFREY HOWARD © All rights reserved STARRY DAYS observes the daily rearrangement of those ancient symbols we call plan·ets, and offers an interpretation that works for everyone. Using this calendar can help us all in our pursuit of happiness. STARRY DAYS is written for each time zone to help everyone find the shifting tides of opportunity. May you be happy. Tuesday, February 1 Thursday, February 10 Sunday, February 20 If you were struck by sudden A fortunate day for everyone. Take this day one slow irrevocable change -- what Fortune will wear a different minute at a time. Clean. would you most desire? smile for each of us, so be Dust. Reorganize. Review. 8:45 p.m. is a good time toalert for areas of your great-Catalog. Before bed write a take action to gain your est personal interest, and desires. be open to being surprised. Monday, February 21 Wednesday, February 2 Friday, February 11 You may appear like a In ancient times, people A burst of energy around Hollywood star in last night's from societies around the 10:22 a.m. can kick-start dreams. Make notes of your world, took time to pause for success for you, be alert, memories of those dreams a moment facing each of the and go with the flow. when you awaken this morn-four major directions. Why ing and the results may sur-would they do this? Try it Saturday, February 12 prise you. yourself. Get up early. Try your hand at something, especially Tuesday, February 22 Thursday, February 3 something challenging. The Your idea machine will be The solution to a problem at doorway for adventure opens turned on 4:24 p.m. work, home or in a relation-at 10:28 a.m. but get up as Sharpen your pencil, and ship might be found during early as you can. have paper handy. an early morning walk. Sunday, February 13 Wednesday, February 23 Friday, February 4 Projects begun today, espe-Full Moon at 11:54 p.m. To Do: Try again to bring cially around 3:19 p.m., are Pretty much a magical day; dreams into reality (3:14 blessed with a sturdy foun-the kind of day when dreams p.m.). dation. can come true, so reach for your glory. Saturday, February 5 Monday, February 14 Live life like a magician's Get close to your sweetie at Thursday, February 24 apprentice -- look for the 7:47 p.m. At least talk on Act like a Greek philosopher sparkly stuff. the phone at that time. If thinks: Moderation in all possible, hold hands for the things. Sunday, February 6 rest of the evening. Lots of energy for all of us. Friday, February 25 If you have challenging tasks Tuesday, February 15 A sweet day to snuggle with to do, you can make good Was your heart ever broken? your sweetie. progress today. You can Space for healing arrives at hang it up earlier, but for 7:17 p.m. Saturday, February 26 sure stop work by 8:48 p.m. Spend time with the people Wednesday, February 16 you cherish most. Monday, February 7 First step to world peace is Be cool! Attune your walk, dependent upon our conceiv-Sunday, February 27 hairstyle, dress... just a little ing the idea. Second step is Luck comes looking for you shift...to the general mood talking about it, and today, early today. Stay alert and of cool, aloof, syncopation. ears are open. receptive, and maintain an open mind regarding Luck's Tuesday, February 8 Thursday, February 17 looks. Think of your body as a Early morning dreamtime dowsing rod that knows could be interesting. Try to Monday, February 28 where to go, and when, and take notes. If at 1:57 p.m., Things can get lost in the exactly what to do when you you can find a moment to fog of our overburdened get there. Slow down, the reconnect with those minds. Today happily, intu· better to feel your way dreams, you might discover ition can help us find lost through this day. Play hunch-happiness. things. es. Friday, February 18 Jeffrey Howard loves Wednesday, February 9 Focus on events for the Aquarians, and can be Take notes of your nighttime whole family. reached at and daytime dreams. Be mayyoubehappy@aol.com alert for little hints; the Saturday, February 19 nuances of change. What we do just before we sleep can improve our dreamtime. True every night, but especially this night. Books For Sale HOMESCHOOLING? If you are homeschooling, or Wanted to purchase "Only Child Dolls" thinking about homeschool·ing, you are warmly welcome Quality used books. Single vol- of Capitol Hill. 22" one of a to visit Christian Home umes or entire library! Call kind, handmade, beautiful Educators of DC, Inc. (CHE Steve at Riverby Books, 202-cloth and vinyl children of all DC). We feature monthly 544-1925. races. Come and choose your meetings with great guest "only child." Call designer at speakers, a newsletter, fellow-Books Bought and Sold. 202 546 3423 or email at ship and encouragement, tips We want what you can give, shatzsoft@msn.com & advice, curriculum fairs, we pay what we can afford. field trips, play dates, a Capitol Hill Books. Capitol library, achievement testing Hill's used bookstore across For Rent for children of members, and the street from Eastern much more. For more info, Market. 657 C Street, SE, please call Antoinette 202-544-1621. Garage for Rent Kearney at 202-526-4108. GARAGE 1 block Lincoln Park, 1/4 block East Capitol. Cleaning Service Employment Vehicles only. $165 - $220/ Residential and commercial month 410-991-0038. cleaning. Reasonable rates, Radio DJ references available. Carpet Internet Radio DJ Needed for Storage/Garage Space cleaning, move in, move out, New WorldWide Radio Available. construction cleanup. Statio/Dance Music/Email: Secure, 24 hour easy access. Licensed, bonded and insured Call Rosemary Clean-4U, 202· yourentertainmentgroup@ Capitol Hill, 1 block from yahoo.com/www.e-radiobiz. metro. 10x20 garages. 320-0805 or 202-518-9449. com $125/month. 202-543-3370 or mberman@his.com. Help wanted-- Able to grow--Fragers. Services Fragers Just Ask Rental needs management trainee to learn about all rental equuipment Masonry and computer system. Repointing/Brickwork, General Mechanical minded, with Repair. Free estimates. unbroken work history, valid Licensed and Bonded Vacation Rentals driver's license. Apply in per-Dave Masonry son at 1107 Pennsylvania 242-473-0217 Beach Vacation/Golf Ave., SE. Ask for Jay. Reserve for this season or a fall golf outing. Cherry Grove Build Your Own Business Moving Section, No. Myrtle Beach, Ever consider a lucrative busi-1 RATE MOVERS has eliminat-South Carolina. 3BR 2BA ness in real estate sales? ed the need for misleading home, 1 block from beach Come learn how agents are estimates. $850 per truck-with dock and channel at earning incomes of $65,000-load (most homes require one back door. Over 100 golf $600,000. Learn what is truckload). No hidden fees. 6 courses nearby, and more involved in getting started and men/24 foot truck. For an mini-golf than you can play. building your business. Learn appointment, call 301-808-Rent the Robeys' beach cot-how soon you can start. Learn 0388. Visit www.1rate-tage....call 202-546-7410 for why some brokerage firms are movers.com for more informa-rates or www.voiceofthehill/ better for beginners than oth-tion. cricket.htm. ers. 1 hour, FREE career semi·nars are held most Tuesdays VCS Chimney Sweeps at 1p.m. You must register to We specialise in chimney Other attend. 202-393-8271x155. cleaning & repairs Larry.Kamins@Prudential Call 301-408-8422 Overeaters Anonymous Carruthers.com. http://www.vcschim- Meets on the Hill Prudential Carruthers REAL- Call for meeting locations and TORS, Capitol Hill office. neysweeps.com. Massage Therapy ELEMENTAL THERAPY, LLC - "The Art and Science of Alternative Health Care" is your out-call professional service. Certified massage directions. · Non-holiday Mondays at lunchtime - 12:10 p.m.- 202-882-4886 · Thursdays after work - 6:15- 7:15 PM - 202-544-4350 therapists serving the Additional National and N.Virginia, S.Maryland and International meeting listings Washington DC Metropolitan and information on www.oa.org. area. By appointment only. Visit our website at www. We work on self-defeating elemental-wellness.com or call attitudes that hamper keeping to schedule your session now our healthy eating resolutions, at 703-606-2226. Home/ whether we over-eat or under- Office Conference. NO Hotels. eat. To place a classified ad, log on to www.voiceofthehill.com and click on "newspaper" and then "advertising" and follow the prompts. Accounting Accounting, bookeeping serv·ices. QuickBooks®set up, training and consulting. Marina L. Martin, MBA QuickBooks®Advisor 202 251-3907, 547-9536 Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Tax & Financial Planning Corporation/Partnership 547-9004 See our ad on page 9 Antiques Antique and Contemporary Leasing, 709 12th St., SE 547-3030 Attorneys Rick Halberstein & Karen Byrne 705 D St., SE 543-1110 Arts Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th St., SE 547-6839 See our ad on page 37 Association The Chesapeake Bay Fou Anacostia River Initiative 725 8th St., SE (202) 544-2232 or email dsiglin@cbf.org. CHAMPS Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals 621 PA Ave., SE 547-7788 Bank National Capital Bank 316 PA Ave., SE 546-8000 wwwnationalcapitalbank. com See our ad on page 23 Bed and Breakfast Doolittle Guest House 504 E. Capitol Street, SE 546-6622 See our ad on page 5 417 A Victorian Townhouse 417 A St., SE 202-543-1481 See our ad on page 7 Books Capitol Hill Books 657 C Street, SE, 544-1621 Good Used Books Bought & Sold. Riverby Books 419 E. Capitol St., SE 547-3228 See our ad on page 23 Bookeeping Thigpen Hall & Associates Small Business Bookeeping Personal Property Appraisal Bobby Thigpen 202-546-7734 See our ad on page 44 Church Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Worship Sunday 11am, Sunday School 9:45am wwwcapitolhillpreschurch.org St. Peter's Church 2nd & C Street, SE 547-1430 See our ad on pages 17 & 22 Clock Repair 201 4th St, SE 547-8676 See our ad on page 4 HARRY FLOYD 202-543-6422 Christ Church + payneandcampbell@ Washington Parish 620 G St., SE 547-9300 See our ad on page 28 verizon.net See our ad on page 7 Clothing & Gifts Art & Soul Lutheran Church of the 225 PA Ave., SE 548-0105 Reformation 212 E. Capitol St., SE, See our ad on page 29 543-4200 Plaidwww.reformationdc.org See our ad on page 29 715 8th Street, SE 675-6900 St. James' Episcopal Church See our ad on page 45 222 8th St., SE, 546-1746 www.saintjameschurch.org The Village 705 N. Carolina Ave., SE 546-3040 see our ad on page 47 Computer Consulting Small Business Data Solutions A Solution Provider for all your computing needs Fay Singer 202-841-9928 See our ad on page 44 Drug Store Grubbs Care Pharmacy 326 E Capitol Street SE 543-4400 See our ad on page 25 Design Build Columbia Enterprises, Inc. 202-547-7979 Educational Services Sharon Negri, M.S. Academic tutoring, grades 1-8. Parent and school consulta ·tion. 543-3272, sharonlne- gri@aol.com Electrician Charlie Lucas 202-397-2273 Fax 202-397-2127 See our ad on page 11 Garden and Landscape Art Garden Design 546-6920, artgarden@ starpower.net Specializing in urban gardens with an emphasis on functionaland non-functional art elements. Cheryl Corson Design 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 9 District Cityscapes, Inc 202-544-4886 Frager's Garden Center 1115 Penna Ave., SE, 543-6157 See our ad on page 47 Gingko Gardens 911 11th St., SE 543-5172 See our ad on page 19 Serendipity Garden Design 202.544.7247 www.serendipitygarden design.com Gifts & Collectables Anatolia Bazaar 631 Pennsylvania Ave., SE (202) 543-7099 Tues-Fri: 11:00-6:30 · Sat-Sun: 10:00-7:30 Hoopla Traders 733 8th St., SE 202-544-3620 See our ad on page 45 Hardware Fragers Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave., SE 543-6157 See our ad on page 35 Health & Fitness G. I. Jane Fitness Bootcamp Open Mon-Thu 7am-8pm 202-547-7906 www.GIJanefit.net See our ad on page 38 Results the Gym 3rd & G Sts, SE 202-234-5678 See our ad on page 53 Home Furnishings Antique & Contemporary Leasing & Sales 709 12th Street, SE 547-3030 Home Repair K.C. Company Viewed to be the Best 12100 Baltimore Ave. Suite 1 Beltsville, MD 20705 301-419-7669 Email tallen@kc-pella.com See our ad on page 33 Handyman on the Hill Washington DC 206-7185 See our ad on page 50 Le Renovation No Job Too Big or Too Small 359-9971 Internet DC Access 118 Kentucky Ave, SE 546-5898 www.dcaccess.net -- a local ISP See our ad on page 7 & 43 Insurance Marilyn Riehl, CLU, ChFC State Farm Insurance Home, Auto, Life, Financial Services 301-951-0355 Landscaping Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St., SE 202-43-5172 Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm See our ad on page 15 Cheryl Corson Design Washington, DC 202-494-5054 See our ad on page 6 cheryl@cherylcorson.com Mason Michaliga Masonry 321 C Street, SE 544-4484 Mediation Capitol Hill Mediation Service 125 Tennessee Ave., NE 544-5675 CHMediate@aol.com Movers Great Scott Moving, Inc. 202-546-8190 www.greatscottmoving.com Painting David Mahoney Painting Co. 544-9577 See our ad page 23 Tech Painting 544-2135 See our ad on page 37 Pets Doolittle's Pet Supply Chateau Animaux 224 7th St., SE 544-8710 See our ad on page 4 Dogma 821 Virginia Ave., SE 202-543-77805 www.dog-ma.com See our ad on page 13 Picture Framing Capitol Hill Art & Frame 623 Penna. Ave., SE 546-2700 See our ad on page 21 Fulton Framing Framing and Preservation 544-8408 See our ad on page 29 Frame of Mine Do-It-Yourself and Custom Framing 522 8th St., SE 543-3030 See our ad on page 9 Newman Gallery and Custom Frames 511 11th St., SE 544-7577 See our ad on page 45 Plumbing Grayton Plumbing 544-4366 See our ad on page 5 Property Management Evolve LLC 202 359-RENT evolvellc.com See our ad on page 7 Yarmouth Management 309 7th Street, SE 202/547-3511 1/2 block from Eastern Market Metro E-mail: Rent@YarmouthM.com Real Estate The Smith Brothers John Smith and Aaron Smith 202-262-6037 or 202-498-6794 See our ad on page 9 Tom Faison REMAX Real Estate 220 7th St., SE 255-5554 See our ad on page 19 John C. Formant Sales and Rentals Todd Bissey 202-841-SOLD Peter Frias 202-744-8973 225 PA Ave., SE 544-3900 www.johncformant.com See our ad page 2 Hugh Kelly 202-588-2224 See our ad on page 61 Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See our ad on the back cover The von Schlegel Realty Team REMAX Real Estate 220 7th St., 547-5600 See our ad on page 49 Phyllis Jane Young Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See ad page 63 John Parker Pardoe Real Estate 605 PA Ave., SE 546-7000 See our ad on page 57 Prudential Carruthers 216 7th Street, SE 393-1111 www.prudentialcarruthers.com See our ad on page 31 Rob Bergman Residential and Commercial 262-3848 See our ad on page 13 John Janke Randall Hagner 546-9057 See our ad page 6 Sherlocke Homes Panchita Bello 708 G Street, SE 202-543-0954 We take the mystery out of real estate Call first for appointment www.sherlockehomes.com See our ad on page 49 Valerie M. Blake Prudential Carruthers Realtors 5025 Wisconsin Ave, NW 202-362-1348, x111, www.DCHomeQuest.com Real Estate Settlement Congressional Title 650 PA Ave., SE 544-0800 See our ad on page 9 Eastern Market Title 210 7th St., SE 546-3100 See our ad on page 7 Restaurants Aatish 609 Pennsylvania Ave., SE The City's Finest Pakistani Restaurant 202-544-0931 See our ad on page 32 Finn mac Cool's 713 8th St., SE 202-547-7100 Banana Café 400 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 29 Hawk 'n' Dove 329 PA Ave., SE 543-3300 Marty's Family Restaurant 527 8th St., SE 202-546-4952 Starfish 539 8th E 546-5006 See our ad on page 45 Tapatini's 711 8th Street, SE 546-8272 See our ad on page 43 Roofing Star Roofing 1159 4th St., NE 543-6383 See our ad page 31 Salons Bravado 655 C Street, SE 543-6118 Randolph Cree 325 7th St., SE 547-1014 See our ad on page 25 Schools Capitol Hill Day School 109 S. Carolina Ave., SE 547-2244 See our ad on page 56 Edmund Burke School 2955 Upton St., NW 362-8882 St Peter's School 422 3rd St., SE 544-1618 See our ad on page 55 Speech-Language Therapy Katherine T. Sullivan M.S., CCC-SLP Providing Services for Children from Birth to School-Ages. (202) 329-4444 ksullivan@dcspeech.com Theater Folger Shakespeare Theatre and Library 201 East Capitol Street, SE 544-7077 See our ad on page 31 Theater Alliance H Street Playhouse 1365 H Street, NE 202-396-2125 www.theateralliance.com Shakespeare Theatre Education 547-5688 Therapy Joseph Tarantolo, MD Individual, couples and group psychotherapy 543-5290 See our ad on page 29 Michelle Piquet Individual, couple and group psychotherapy 544-4480 See our ad page 5 Veterinarians Capitol Hill Veterinary Clinic 520 8th St., SE 546-1972 See our ad on page 52 JoAnne Carey, DVM Veterinary House Calls and Hospice Service 301-625-0723 Union Veterinary 609 2nd St., NE 544-2500 Web Design MSW Interactive Designs LLC 202-543-3312 Custom Website Design MSWInteractive Designs.com Yoga Studio Capitol Hill Yoga 221 5th St NE, 202-544-0011 See our ad on page 43 We're first on the Hill and we still try harder Pardoe Capitol Hill has led sales on Capitol Hill in 2004 and... 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 202-547-3525 Wondering about what you can qualify to purchase in this exciting www.MikeBrown.biz Washington D.C. residential market. 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