The NorThwesT CurreNTWednesday, December 23, 2015 Serving Chevy Chase, Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, Brightwood, Crestwood, Petworth & 16th Street Heights Vol. XLVIII, No. 51

INDEXCalendar/16Classifieds/21 District Digest/2Exhibits/17In Your Neighborhood/14Opinion/6

Police Report/4Real Estate/15School Dispatches/8Service Directory/19Sports/9Week Ahead/2

Tips? Contact us at newsdesk@currentnewspapers.com

By MARK LIEBERMANCurrent Staff Writer

Marelise Voss was born with a significant hearing impairment. Over the years, it’s improved somewhat, but she continues to communicate partly by lip-reading.

She’s also a trained musician with a strong grasp of pitch and a deep knowledge of choral traditions.

“I quite literally function in the whole world through rhythm,” she said.

Voss will be demonstrating her skills as a choral group singer — and also as a neighborhood leader — on Thursday morning, when she gathers a group of carolers to spread holiday cheer up and down the Chevy Chase commercial strip.

Carolers, ideally clad in festive attire and silly

hats, will meet up at the Chevy Chase Starbucks, 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW, around 11 a.m. this Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome, whether from Chevy Chase or elsewhere, knowledgeable about singing or a total amateur, young or old.

See Carols/Page 22

Carolers set to serenade Chevy Chase passersby

Brian Kapur/The CurrentMarelise Voss and her family are bringing a musical Christmas Eve tradition from Capitol Hill to their new neighborhood of Chevy Chase.

By MARK LIEBERMANCurrent Staff Writer

Cleveland Park residents and community leaders remain con-flicted about the revised design plans for the new neighborhood library, following a unanimous vote from the D.C. Historic Pres-ervation Review Board calling for further revisions.

Critics say the designs for the Cleveland Park Library, located at

the convergence of the neighbor-hood’s residential and commercial districts, will disrupt the area’s historic character. Specific points of contention include a large, ele-vated porch entryway on Newark Street, and an overall feeling that the materials and modern appear-ance of the new building will clash with surrounding storefronts.

The existing 1950s library building is slated to close to the public this winter. As proposed, the new $18 million building would be comprised mainly of wood, limestone and brick. While

See Library/Page 5

Preservation board requests adjustment to library design

By BRADY HOLTCurrent Staff Writer

Now just under a year from its planned closure date, the Wash-ington Home & Community Hos-pices is facing continued concerns that some of its elderly residents will be forced into an inferior

facility. With some stakeholders ques-tioning the availability of other adequate housing for seniors, Washington Home officials said they will work with D.C. govern-ment agencies to ensure that the facility can close on schedule Dec. 15, 2016. The nonprofit announced in September that it will shut down its nursing home at 37th and Upton streets NW and shift

resources toward providing in-home care, which officials said has proved to be more cost-effec-tive and economically viable. Sidwell Friends School will pay $32.5 million for the property — adjacent to its existing middle and high school campus — and con-vert it into a new lower school. At the time of the closure announcement, the Washington Home had 126 long-term residents

See Closing/Page 12

Washington Home concerns linger

Brian Kapur/The CurrentChildren of all ages came to the Washington National Cathedral for Saturday’s annual Nativity pageant. Participants dressed as shepherds, angels and animals told the story of Jesus’ birth.

C O M E A L L Y E

By CUNEYT DILCurrent Correspondent

A late proposal to house Murch Elementary School students at Lafayette Elementary’s trailers during the modernization of the former has drummed enough controversy for one city agency to publicly shy away from the option.

D.C. Public Schools, which will decide by Jan. 12 where to house Murch students for the following two school years during construction, is weighing four options. The one that now seems most popular with parents is to build new trailers for Murch classrooms on fields at the University of the District of Columbia in Van Ness.

That’s also the proposal endorsed by the D.C. Department of General Services, which manages the city’s portfolio of government buildings. Others include installing trailers on the Murch campus dur-

See Murch/Page 12

Murch swing space options draw debate

■ Public health: Facility works to finalize closure plan

Brian Kapur/The CurrentThe cheapest of four options in play for Murch Elementary’s swing space is use of the temporary trailers that Lafayette Elementary students are due to vacate after this school year.

■ Cleveland Park: Proposed entrance faulted as uninviting

St. John’s offensive coordinator gets head coach post

— Page 9

Agency proposes dedicated bus lanes on 16th Street NW

— Page 3

NEWS SPORTS

FreshPAC, you say, and return of Gray: Our politics in rhyme

— Page 6

SHERWOOD

2 wedNesday, deCember 23, 2015 The CurreNT

Budget bill calls for input on flight paths D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton secured language in the 2016 omnibus appropriations bill approved last week regarding flight path changes, including those for Reagan National Air-port. The amendment requires the Federal Aviation Administration to “take a more proactive role in engaging communities that are impacted by the new departure and arrival procedures that have been made to accommodate FAA’s NextGen initiative,” according to Norton’s office. Many residents of neighbor-hoods along the Potomac River have complained of increased air-plane noise due to changed flight paths at the airport, and Norton has been pushing the issue in Congress. “Many communities across the country, like those here in the District, are suffering from new and outrageous airplane noise

during sleeping hours as a result of the FAA’s new NextGen flight paths,” Norton says in a news release. The delegate also has request-ed a congressional hearing on air-plane noise.

Metrobus implements route adjustments As of Dec. 13, a number of bus routes in D.C. saw changes to schedules and stops. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority says it made the adjustments to provide faster travel times and improved on-time performance. In North-west, the modifications include:■ elimination of the northbound bus stop for the 64 route on Mis-souri Avenue at New Hampshire Avenue NW;■ elimination of the southbound bus stop at 16th Street at Riggs Place NW (affecting the S1, S2 and S4 lines serving 16th Street NW);■ addition of a bus stop at K

Street NW at 13th Street for the southbound S9 16th Street line;■ new timetables for the 30N and 30S routes from Friendship Heights to Southeast and for the 31 and 33 routes along Wisconsin Avenue;■ an earlier departure time of 3:25 p.m. at Coolidge High School for the 62 bus (changed from 3:40 p.m.); and■ new timetables for the D32 Deal Middle School route. In addition, for the 90, 92 and 93 buses serving Adams Morgan and U Street, southbound bus ser-vice will permanently reroute on Florida Avenue NW at North Capitol Street NW, on 1st Street NE at Florida Avenue NE, and on 1st Street NE at O Street NE before resuming its regular route to the Anacostia and Congress Heights Metro stations. The bus stop at North Capitol Street at P Street NW will also be eliminat-ed. More information about the route changes is available at tinyurl.com/wmata-bus-changes.

Office on Aging gets permanent director Laura Newland, who has been serving as interim executive director at the D.C. Office on Aging since early November, will now take over the position in a long-term capacity, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last week. Newland previously served as the agency’s interim general counsel and as a special assistant in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “In her short time in District government, Laura has proven herself to be an innovative and forward-thinking leader,” Bowser says in a news release. “Her experience and skills will ensure

that District seniors and their caregivers are connected to gov-ernment resources, and that older residents are able to age indepen-dently and comfortably in their communities.” Newland, who has also worked for AARP and various other non-profits, has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Cen-ter and a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College.

15 firefighter/EMT recruits graduate Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke at a recent ceremony for 15 dual-role firefighter/emergency medi-cal technician cadets graduating from D.C.’s nearly yearlong train-ing academy. During her remarks, Bowser also announced the results of a new fire department entrance exam, which about 4,000 people took in June, 3,774 of them pass-ing. The department will consider other factors as well in accepting recruits, and officials expect that 30 will start training early next year. In recent years, cadet school — available to D.C. high school graduates — has been essentially the only way to join the force; the entrance exam provides a new path. “We changed the system and created the entrance exam so that even more District residents can participate,” Bowser says in a news release. “I applaud the grad-uates of Cadet Class 18 for their courage and compassion to help others, and I look forward to wel-coming another group of first responders to our team.”

Glenbrook cleanup to resume in february The U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers plans to resume removing

World War I-era debris from Spring Valley in February, upon moving a protective tent at 4825 Glenbrook Road NW to its third and final location. The tent will be moved at the Glenbrook site above the former basement of the home that once stood there. The Army previously demolished that home after the site was found to be contaminated by the munitions testing station formerly located on the land of present-day American University. The Army has suspended its “shelter in place” emergency response program until the tent is moved, but the program will be tested about 30 days before the work resumes.

WIS student receives Eco-Hero recognition Washington International School student Mikaela Matera-Vatnick recently won an honor-able mention in the nonprofit Action for Nature’s 2015 Interna-tional Young Eco-Hero Awards. Matera-Vatnick, 15, submitted a film project titled “Are we unconsciously destroying our environment? A vision from two hemispheres.” It documents the scientific collaboration between two labs in different countries that are both testing how the crop herbicide Atrazine affects com-mercially important crayfish. Her project will be honored this week at a reception in San Francisco. Since 2003, Action For Nature has recognized young people who are “taking important steps to solve tough environmental prob-lems,” according to a release.

Corrections As a matter of policy, The Cur-rent corrects all errors of substance. To report an error, call the manag-ing editor at 202-567-2011.

District Digest

The CurreNTDelivered weekly to homes and

businesses in Northwest Washington

Publisher & Editor Davis KennedyManaging Editor Chris KainAssistant Managing Editor Beth CopeAdvertising Director Gary SochaAccount Executive Chip PyAccount Executive George Steinbraker

Advertising Standards Advertising published in The Current Newspapers is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and ser-vices as offered are accurately described and are available to customers at the advertised price. Advertising that does not conform to these standards, or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any Current Newspapers reader encounters non-compliance with these standards, we ask that you inform us. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without permis-sion from the publisher. Subscription by mail — $52 per year

Telephone: 202-244-7223E-mail Address

newsdesk@currentnewspapers.comStreet Address

5185 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Suite 102Mailing Address

Post Office Box 40400Washington, D.C. 20016-0400

Friday, Jan. 1 Mayor Muriel Bowser will host her second annual “Fresh Start” 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. at the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station, 192 19th St. SE. Registration is free; visit fitdc.com. Tuesday, Jan. 5 The Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation will hold a public hearing on an application to combine five assessment and taxation lots into a single, buildable lot of record in a private alley in Square 1230, located between N, O, 33rd and Potomac streets NW in the Georgetown Historic District. The applicant claims that the failure to approve the requested subdivision would cause unreasonable economic hardship. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Suite E650, D.C. Office of Planning, 1100 4th St. SW. Thursday, Jan. 7 The National Capital Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Suite 500 North, 401 9th St. NW. Tentative agenda items include the proposed modernization of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library downtown. Tuesday, Jan. 12 American University President Neil Kerwin will hold a town hall meeting for neighbors at 7 p.m. in Room 201 of the Katzen Arts Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. A New Year’s reception will follow at 8 p.m. in the building’s second-floor rotunda.

The week ahead

“They’ve helped me feel alive again.” The caring experts at Community Hospice have helped with what matters most to Ricardo at the end of his life – to feel better, about himself.

By controlling his pain and o�ering emotional and spiritual support, they’ve changed more than his outlook. They changed his life.

How can we help you?

WhatMattersToMe.org866-234-7742

©2015 The Washington Home & Community Hospices

, with Dr. McDonald, Community Hospice

medical director

WHAT MATTERS MOST TO

The CurreNT wedNesday, deCember 23, 2015 3

By MARK LIEBERMANCurrent Staff Writer

The Park Van Ness project will open in April at 4455 Connecticut Ave. NW after several months of delays, representatives from the developer told community mem-bers at the area’s advisory neigh-borhood commission meeting last week.

The new timetable means a longer wait for the reopening of the heavily traversed Connecticut Avenue sidewalk.

Construction crews broke ground for the mixed-use project in 2013, razing the former Van Ness Square and Chevy Chase Ice Palace building to make way for 271 residential units and ground-floor retail, including a Soapstone Market deli and Italian restaurant Sfoglina. The new building will stand 65 feet tall, with six stories facing Connecticut Avenue and 11 levels at the rear looking out over Soapstone Valley Park.

The project was generally sup-ported by the community, but many residents have chafed at the impact of the extended sidewalk closure required by the construc-

tion — particularly coming in tan-dem with the nearby closure of a Van Ness Metro station entrance. The Connecticut Avenue sidewalk will reopen in front of the project site around Feb. 26, project offi-cials said at last week’s meeting, though a portion near Yuma Street will intermittently close to allow construction crews to move across it.

Park Van Ness was originally slated to open in January. “We underestimated the amount of time, energy and resources that are necessary, so we’ve fallen behind schedule,” developer B.F. Saul senior vice president of construc-

Delays push back reopening of sidewalk at Park Van Ness By NATHANIEL KRESH

Current Correspondent

Rush-hour bus lanes and off-board bus fare payment were among possible transit improve-ments along 16th Street NW that the D.C. Depart-ment of Transportation presented in a meeting last week.

The agency was sharing its preliminary prefer-ences for addressing issues with reliability, over-crowding and overall performance along the busy corridor. This “draft preferred alternative” out-lines which elements of previous proposals the Transportation Department is now favoring.

Perhaps most notable would be reserving a lane exclusively for bus traffic during rush hours. The proposal calls for creating dedicated south-bound lanes from 7 to 10 a.m., and then north-bound lanes from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The city esti-mates this change could save riders up to 2.7 minutes of travel time.

Additionally, off-board payments would be available for all 16th Street bus stops, buses would receive traffic signal priority at 20 intersec-tions, automated enforcement measures would combat driving and parking in bus lanes, and some routes and stops would be modified or relo-cated.

The Transportation Department is not currently backing various previously considered options, including replacing parking with a bus lane all day, providing dedicated towing service to remove illegally parked cars, and removing midday park-

ing. Residents and community leaders at the meet-

ing had a generally favorable response to the agency’s proposal, though some raised concerns about specifics.

Kishan Putta, a former Dupont Circle advisory neighborhood commissioner who has advocated for bus lanes for years, praised the city’s consider-ation of dedicated bus space during peak periods.

“It’s always weighing pros and cons,” said Putta. “During rush hour, it seems clear to me pros outweigh cons. During the middle of the day, I don’t know that the pros outweigh the cons, because it would impact parking.”

Parking is a particular concern for residents and businesses along 16th Street. Gale Black, a Crestwood neighborhood commissioner, praised the “good news” that midday parking wouldn’t be affected under the current proposal.

Even so, Putta expressed worry about the bus lane’s proposed evening hours.

“While I’m glad morning rush-hour parking restrictions are being expanded until 10 a.m., I am not sure we need to extend evening parking restrictions until 7:30 p.m.,” Putta said. “That’s a long time to wait for people who drive home around 6:30 p.m. and can’t afford to pay for their own parking space.”

Some proposals have attracted little contro-versy, such as allowing riders to pay for their rides before boarding rather than queuing to pay the driver, and allowing them to board the bus at any

Agency eyes rush-hour bus lanes on 16th St.

By MARK LIEBERMANCurrent Staff Writer

A pivotal step in the Walter Reed redevelopment project has reached the D.C. Council, with final approval of the city’s land acquisition scheduled for the new year.

The legislation under consider-ation, proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in early November, would authorize the transfer of 67 acres of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus from the U.S. Army to the District. The law would also establish a redevelop-ment fund for collecting tax reve-nue, and would grant the devel-oper a nearly 30-year lease. “I don’t know that I want to say this is the final act the council would be taking, but this is clearly a significant step in completing what the city needs to do in order to ensure that the redevelopment of the Walter Reed site can pro-ceed,” Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said at a Committee of the Whole hearing Thursday.

A team of developers seeks to transform the site into “The Parks at Walter Reed,” a vibrant mixed-use community with residences, retail and office space, public buildings and parks. The team has already received zoning approval for the plans and hopes to begin construction by the end of 2016.

Passing this legislation would be one of the last hurdles for the project before the more conven-tional redevelopment process can

begin, Mendelson said.Ward 4 Council member Bran-

don Todd spoke passionately about the Walter Reed project at the hear-ing, noting that he was a staffer for Bowser — then the Ward 4 council member — when the process began. He called it “the greatest economic development opportuni-ty that our city will see for many years” and said he hopes the coun-cil will “move swiftly” to enact the key legislation.

The project, expected to yield more than 2,000 housing units, is seen as a catalyst for re-energizing the Georgia Avenue corridor. Many of the new residences will offer support for low-income resi-dents, seniors and the city’s home-less population.

“This development will hope-

fully honor the site by providing much-needed benefits to the Ward 4 community and the entire city,” Todd said.

Victoria Davis, president of the Urban Atlantic development firm, testified that the Army is prepared to sign off on the land but requires D.C. Council approval to proceed. The earlier the legislation passes, the better, Davis said, in order to maximize tax credits for homeless services that will expire by next fall.

“Time is of the essence,” Davis said. “We would like to be able to be in a position to close the acqui-sition and transfer on the property this spring.”

Once the transfer is complete, the developer will carve out par-

Council hearing looks at Walter Reed plans

Brian Kapur/The CurrentThe Park Van Ness project is slated for completion in April.

See Buses/Page 5

See Van Ness/Page 22

See Council/Page 22

Rendering courtesy of Hines-Urban Atlantic-TridenMuch of the former Walter Reed campus will become a mixed-use community with new construction and adaptive reuse.

ch n

Police Report

4 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenTch

This is a listing of reports taken from Dec. 14 through 20 in local police service areas.

PSA 101

Assault with a dangerous weapon■ 500-599 block, 14th St.; 9:40 p.m. Dec. 17 (with knife).■ 1200-1299 block, New York Ave.; 10:36 a.m. Dec. 18.

Theft■ 1200-1299 block, G St.; 4:47 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 1200-1299 block, G St.; 10:41 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 600-699 block, 11th St.; 4:35 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 600-699 block, 13th St.; 10:33 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 1000-1099 block, H St.; 3:07 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 600-699 block, 11th St.; 5:14 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 1200-1299 block, G St.; 8:47 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 900-999 block, F St.; 6:52 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 1000-1099 block, H St.; 12:07 p.m. Dec. 19.■ 1000-1099 block, H St.; 12:18 p.m. Dec. 19.■ 1200-1299 block, G St.; 8:58 p.m. Dec. 19.

Theft from auto■ 1200-1299 block, L St.; 7:47 a.m. Dec. 15.■ 1200-1299 block, L St.; 11:32 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 1100-1199 block, G St.; 2:05 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 1000-1049 block, New York Ave.; 9:46 a.m. Dec. 17.■ 900-999 block, New York Ave.; 5:48 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 1000-1091 block, 11th St.; 8:22 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 900-999 block, 11th St.; 2:35 a.m. Dec. 19.■ 500-599 block, 10th St.; 8:26 a.m. Dec. 19.■ 1000-1019 block, 10th St.; 7:29 p.m. Dec. 20.

PSA 201

Theft■ 2700-2799 block, Military Road; 4:49 p.m. Dec. 17.

Theft from auto■ 2600-2699 block, Military Road; 4:24 p.m. Dec. 15.

PSA 202

Burglary■ 4200-4299 block, Butter-worth Place; 11:53 a.m. Dec. 14.

Motor vehicle theft■ 4800-4899 block, 41st St.; 1:36 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft■ 4100-4199 block, Albemar-

le St.; 1:26 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 5100-5199 block, Massa-chusetts Ave.; 3:15 a.m. Dec. 17.

Theft from auto■ 4200-4211 block, 38th St.; 7:08 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 5100-5199 block, 42nd St.; 6:59 p.m. Dec. 18.■ 5300-5399 block, Wiscon-sin Ave.; 1:41 a.m. Dec. 20.

PSA 203

Theft■ 4200-4399 block, Con-necticut Ave.; 9:43 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 4400-4499 block, Con-necticut Ave.; 9:36 p.m. Dec. 18.■ 3900-4099 block, Wiscon-sin Ave.; 9:26 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft from auto■ 3600-3699 block, Newark St.; 8 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 3600-3699 block, Ellicott St.; 9:05 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 3600-3699 block, Daven-port St.; 9:16 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 3600-3699 block, Daven-port St.; 9:49 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 3100-3399 block, Rodman St.; 5:07 p.m. Dec. 20.

PSA 204

Robbery■ 2111-2199 block, Wiscon-sin Ave.; 6:11 a.m. Dec. 20.

Theft■ 3000-3199 block, Connect-icut Ave.; 8:38 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 2600-2649 block, Con-necticut Ave.; 10:51 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 3800-3899 block, Massa-chusetts Ave.; 12:41 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 2200-2298 block, Wiscon-sin Ave.; 5:21 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 2200-2298 block, Wiscon-sin Ave.; 10:07 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 2900-3099 block, Cathe-dral Ave.; 7:38 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 2300-2315 block, Calvert St.; 1:35 p.m. Dec. 18.

Theft from auto■ 2900-2998 block, Cleve-land Ave.; 4:19 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 4000-4299 block, Cathe-dral Ave.; 9:48 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 2900-2999 block, 39th St.; 4:16 p.m. Dec. 18.■ 3900-3999 block, Cathe-dral Ave.; 8:47 a.m. Dec. 19.

PSA 205

Motor vehicle theft■ 2222-2398 block, 48th St.; 9:29 a.m. Dec. 14.

Theft from auto■ 4600-4699 block, Garfield

St.; 9:45 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 1500-1543 block, 44th St.; 3:31 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 2900-2999 block, 45th St.; 9:19 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 5032-5135 block, Tilden St.; 10:10 a.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 401

Burglary■ 6900-6923 block, Maple St.; 2:56 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 6600-6699 block, 5th St.; 8:12 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 6800-6899 block, Georgia Ave.; 9:17 a.m. Dec. 17.

Theft from auto■ 6600-6699 block, Luzon Ave.; 9:15 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 1200-1299 block, Fern St.; 3:14 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 300-399 block, Van Buren St.; 6:05 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 200-399 block, Carroll St.; 2:20 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 6600-6699 block, Luzon Ave.; 10:55 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 7524-7679 block, 12th St.; 3:35 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 7700-7799 block, Eastern Ave.; 8:16 a.m. Dec. 18.■ 6900-7099 block, Georgia Ave.; 12:51 p.m. Dec. 18.

PSA 402

Robbery■ 6500-6599 block, Georgia Ave.; 1:03 a.m. Dec. 18.

Burglary■ 1300-1399 block, Ritten-house St.; 7:28 p.m. Dec. 17.

Motor vehicle theft■ 700-799 block, Roxboro Place; 12:21 a.m. Dec. 19.

Theft■ 6100-6199 block, 16th St.; 1:51 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 700-799 block, Sheridan St.; 6:10 p.m. Dec. 19.

Theft from auto■ 800-899 block, Ritten-house St.; 7:02 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 1300-1399 block, Somer-set Place; 10:54 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 1300-1399 block, Tucker-man St.; 11:48 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 800-899 block, Ritten-house St.; 2:15 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 800-899 block, Tewkes-bury Place; 7:24 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 6500-6599 block, Georgia Ave.; 2:36 a.m. Dec. 15.■ 6500-6599 block, Georgia Ave.; 5:11 p.m. Dec. 15.

PSA 403

Robbery■ 5500-5599 block, Illinois Ave.; 3:33 a.m. Dec. 14.■ 5600-5699 block, 8th St.; 6:52 p.m. Dec. 16.

Theft■ 1200-1299 block, Hamilton St.; 9:01 p.m. Dec. 19.

Theft from auto■ 1300-1399 block, Nichol-son St.; 10:17 p.m. Dec. 14.■ 1300-1399 block, Jeffer-son St.; 12:36 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 300-399 block, Kennedy St.; 6:27 p.m. Dec. 15.

PSA 404

Burglary■ 4500-4599 block, Georgia Ave.; 3:49 a.m. Dec. 17.■ 3800-3899 block, 14th St.; 7:59 p.m. Dec. 17.

Theft■ 3800-3899 block, Georgia Ave.; 10:49 a.m. Dec. 17.■ 3800-3899 block, Georgia Ave.; 12:57 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 3800-3899 block, Georgia Ave.; 6:06 p.m. Dec. 17.■ 4600-4699 block, 16th St.; 12:40 p.m. Dec. 18.■ 3700-3799 block, 14th St.; 8:35 p.m. Dec. 20.

Theft from auto■ 828-899 block, Quincy St.; 2:59 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 4000-4099 block, Georgia Ave.; 11:21 a.m. Dec. 16.■ 4100-4199 block, 16th St.; 9:43 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 1500-1599 block, Allison St.; 11:13 a.m. Dec. 17.■ 4000-4099 block, Arkan-sas Ave.; 12:06 a.m. Dec. 19.

PSA 407

Assault with a dangerous weapon■ 500-699 block, Farragut St.; 7:08 p.m. Dec. 15 (with gun).

Burglary■ 4500-4599 block, Georgia Ave.; 8:44 a.m. Dec. 16.■ 4500-4599 block, Georgia Ave.; 8:57 a.m. Dec. 17.

Theft■ 5000-5059 block, Georgia Ave.; 2:01 a.m. Dec. 15.■ 600-699 block, Emerson St.; 9:05 a.m. Dec. 15.■ 4100-4199 block, 4th St.; 5:05 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 3800-3804 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 11:53 a.m. Dec. 17.■ 4900-4999 block, 3rd St.; 4:21 p.m. Dec. 17.

Theft from auto■ 600-699 block, Allison St.; 6:56 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 4000-4099 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 9:03 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 4000-4099 block, 3rd St.; 9:14 p.m. Dec. 15.■ 500-699 block, Varnum St.; 3 p.m. Dec. 16.■ 4100-4199 block, 3rd St.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

psa 201■ chevy chase

psa 202■ Friendship heights tenleytown / aU park

psa 204■ MassachUsetts avenUe heights / cleveland parkwoodley park / glover park / cathedral heights

psa 205■ palisades / spring valleywesley heights / Foxhall

psa 401■ colonial villageshepherd park / takoMa

psa 404■ 16th street heightscrestwood

psa 203■ Forest hills / van nesscleveland park

psa 407■ petworth

psa 402■ brightwood / Manor park

psa 403■ brightwood / petworthbrightwood park16th street heights

psa 101■ downtown

The CurreNT wedNesday, deCember 23, 2015 5

door. The city estimates that all-door boarding could save riders almost one minute, depending on the bus line.

“I think that will speed things up quite a bit,” agreed Michael Upright, a Dupont Circle neigh-borhood commissioner involved since the first public meeting.

Putta also supported those improvements.

“I think it’s worked in a lot of places. It’s worked really well in New York, and I’m looking for-ward to implementation in D.C.,” Putta said. “It will take work and technology, but it’s worked else-where, and it’s long overdue for D.C.”

Some of the service improve-ments proposed were noted for both their positive and negative impacts. One of these is truncation of the S2 and S4 lines, which would no longer run past McPher-son Square. Transit planners say that change would improve reli-ability and reduce bus bunching due the greater predictability of a shorter route.

“It’s a route that residents do use to get to the Mall area, the museums and so on,” Upright said. “I hate to see it being made more difficult in ways, for people to have to switch bus lines or fol-low an alternative route.”

Another contentious change was the removal and consolidation of bus stops to speed up service.

Evelyn Brewster, who lives near 16th and Lamont streets NW, said seniors may have difficulty walking to the bus if the stop there is eliminated, as is currently pro-posed.

“Don’t think the effort is not appreciated or understood, but we’re not just a city of young people,” Brewster said. “Old peo-ple like me are paying taxes, rais-ing money, and we feel like we’re being left out. When I was 25, shoot, I’d walk 40 blocks. Now, I

don’t want to walk an extra block and a half. Sometimes I can’t.”

Black, the Crestwood neigh-borhood commissioner, echoed Brewster after the meeting.

“It may not seem like much to have to walk three blocks to get to your stop,” Black said. “But if you’re on crutches, or have a walker, it’s huge.”

Upright agreed that certain stop removals should be re-examined to make sure seniors or others aren’t being too greatly inconve-nienced. But he added that with any plan like this, there will be trade-offs — and in the case of 16th Street, the tradeoffs are justi-fied.

“I think we need to try it, just because things have gotten so con-gested on that line. If we don’t try something, it’s just going to get worse,” said Upright. “There are going to be adjustments for peo-ple, but I also think they are adjustments we can all make with-out a relatively great deal of pain.”

Upright encouraged residents to make their voices heard to the Transportation Department as its plan moves forward.

The agency will hold its final public meeting from 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Washington DC Jewish Commu-nity Center, 1529 16th St. NW, an open house-style event that will allow further community com-ment. At 4 and 7 p.m., transporta-tion planners will provide an over-view of the project, present the draft of optimal improvements and discuss a timeline for how their proposed changes would be implemented.

Putta said residents can be opti-mistic that the city will value their feedback.

“The study process has been extensive, comprehensive and thorough. It’s involved a lot of transparency, and a lot of public meetings and public input,” Putta said. “I have to say, I saw that the public input mattered to them.”

BUSES: Improvements discussedFrom Page 3

the entryway on Newark would be more pronounced, the main entrance is designed as a large, flat rectan-gular archway on Connecticut Avenue, with a “Cleve-land Park” sign above the door.

Preservation board chair Gretchen Pfaehler noted that the new plans, revised from the initial concept design in October, seem to reflect several goals that don’t quite gel together. She urged the project team to return to her board in the future with a plan incorpo-rating feedback from the Historic Preservation Office. That agency’s staff report (available at tinyurl.com/CPLibraryReport) suggests the possibility of reduc-ing the height of an upward-sloping portion of the new building, perhaps shifting that elevation to match neighboring buildings along Connecticut Avenue.

Perkins-Eastman architect Matt Bell explained at Thursday’s preservation board hearing that placing a large porch entranceway on Newark Street was a strategic decision to avoid building atop several large metal grates associated with the Cleveland Park Metro station on Connecticut Avenue. But board member Nancy Metzger criticized the dissonance between the building’s appearance on Connecticut versus its Newark Street side.

“I thought the entrance [on Connecticut] was pretty grim. Part of it was because it’s all flat,” Metzger said. “It just wasn’t an inviting spot to me, whereas the Newark Street [entrance] is very invit-ing.”

Cleveland Park advisory neighborhood commis-sioner Nancy MacWood testified at the hearing that several residents have complained that the overall building design doesn’t look like it belongs in Cleve-land Park. The neighborhood commission voted last week to encourage a warm, welcoming exterior design for the library, and a project that maintains the neighborhood’s established scale.

“We think there is nowhere in the city that has retained the village quality that’s in Cleveland Park,” MacWood testified. “We think that is difficult to achieve if the design does not emulate the scale and form of the existing area.”

In contrast, the Cleveland Park Historical Society is less opposed to the modern design, executive direc-tor Carin Ruff told The Current yesterday. The soci-ety’s Architectural Review Committee expressed minor concerns about the Newark Street entrance, but

the group opted not to testify before the preservation board because its objections weren’t that strong. Ruff said her group is “much happier with the design as a contemporary statement that reflects the Connecticut Avenue existing buildings than the ANC.”

The library will be the first new building along Connecticut in the Cleveland Park Historic District “in a long time,” MacWood said at the hearing. Zon-ing regulations in effect at the site restrict building heights from topping 40 feet and strictly cap the non-residential density.

Architect Bell pointed to a number of deficiencies in the existing library building, which doesn’t match with all of the historic district regulations that took effect well after its construction. The nature of the library’s interior space doesn’t lend itself to the vibrant range of activities that will be possible in the new building. And on the outside, the 1950s architec-ture fades into the background, Bell said.

“The current building does not assert much of a presence. It’s very simple, and there are some things about it to appreciate, but its presence is not one of them,” Bell said. “It certainly has the potential to be more in that location.”

The old library building offers 15,000 square feet of interior space, while the new facility will boast 5,000 square feet of meeting space in addition to 20,000 square feet of library space. In contrast to the recently built Tenleytown library, which Bell criti-cized several times, he said the Cleveland Park build-ing will feature large windows, natural light and an inviting appearance that will attract passersby.

“If they can see something going on inside, they may be more inclined to go in there, even if they weren’t inclined to do that in the first place,” Bell said.

Going forward, library officials plan to continue negotiating with neighborhood groups with the goal of arriving at a design that pleases the largest number of stakeholders, according to D.C. Public Library spokesperson George Williams.

“We take all of that feedback and look at it to see what the sentiment of the community [is] and how that can be expressed in the library design,” Williams said.

As planned, a temporary library site would serve the neighborhood until the new library opens, likely in fall 2017. The location for that interim space has not been determined, Williams said.

LIBRARY: ANC wary of proposed modern designFrom Page 1

ch n g

“One Of �e Largest Carwashes in America”“One Of �e Largest Carwashes in America”

Best Wishes for a

Wonderful Holiday and Happy

New Year

Davis Kennedy/Publisher & EditorChris Kain/Managing Editor

Envisioning safer streets As part of the city’s “Vision Zero” plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2024, officials recently rolled out a slate of increased fines for drivers. Unsurprisingly, many motorists are protesting the proposals. We support the big-picture effort to reduce injurious traffic incidents, and some changes in penalties seem like a reasonable approach for increasing safety. People have been balking in particular at the new $1,000 fine for driving in excess of 25 mph over the speed limit. We wonder if those objecting are looking simply at the dollar amount and not thinking hard about the violation. On most District roads, speeding to that degree is patently dangerous. Research shows that a pedestrian’s chance of sur-viving being hit by a car increases from 25 percent at 50 mph to 94 per-cent at 20, and many of our roads don’t warrant speeds much above that. Our answer to those complaining about the stiff fine for egregious speeds would be simple: Don’t drive like that. The plan also significantly boosts the fine for turning right on red without first coming to a full stop, from $50 to $200. Some Upper Northwest residents have complained that this rule isn’t always properly enforced. They point in particular to receiving automated tickets when stopping over the crosswalk line — but not actually turning — during a red light at Nebraska Avenue and Fessenden Street NW. Enforcement ought to focus on the right infraction, but we do agree that crosswalks should be sacrosanct, and thus fully able to protect pedestrians from incursions by vehicles. We also appreciate the increased focus on drivers who overtake another car stopped at a crosswalk or intersection for a pedestrian (the penalty increases from $250 to $500). That sort of behavior is extremely hazardous to people crossing the street. The risks cars pose to pedestrians are something to keep in mind when we consider criticisms — such as those raised by the motorist organization AAA — that the new penalties should have a more diffuse focus, to include stricter rules for pedestrians and cyclists as well. We agree that officials should better enforce rules on jaywalking and biker misbehavior, considering heightened fines for both. But the primary fault in most traffic incidents lies with drivers. There’s no absolute right to drive, and people in cars should be aware of the power they wield. We do think some concerns about some of these fines warrant more consideration. For instance, stopping or parking in a bike lane would yield a $200 ticket for regular drivers. The rule seems fair for parking, but a brief stop to drop someone off? What if it’s an elderly or disabled passenger, and there’s nowhere else to stop? This one is too strict. Overall, we hope officials will take a careful look at the feedback they receive over the next month during the public comment period. We wonder if there isn’t some way to bring drivers on board with the plan without abandoning the city’s important safety goals. “If we can accom-plish the safety benefits at a lower dollar value, I’m fine with that,” D.C. Department of Transportation director Leif Dormsjo told The Post. The question is whether we can.

The right call We’re pleased that a federal appeals court recently sided with the District on the city’s concealed-carry law, which requires individuals applying for permits to state a “good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property” or another reason for carrying a concealed weapon. New York Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. had rejected the local law. But the District argued that Judge Scullin did not have jurisdiction to hear the case, and the higher court agreed. U.S. Chief Justice John Rob-erts had assigned Judge Scullin to hear only an earlier gun case in D.C. Both D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton cheered the news. Mr. Racine said the decision “increases the likelihood that the case will be heard before a judge from our community — something that we have argued is crucial to understanding the public-safety issues at stake.” He also noted that the law is comparable to those of Maryland, New Jersey and New York, all upheld by federal appeals courts. Del. Norton said the city — or at least its courts — should get to make decisions on D.C. gun laws. The case will now go back to the lower court, where it will be assigned to a new judge. We agree with both Mr. Racine and Ms. Norton, and we hope this decision will end challenges to a reasonable and important law.

Currentthe northwest

ch n6 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

The Notebook wishes everyone a happy and hopeful new year.

Before we take a holiday break, we offer a few doggerel thoughts.

A ReFresh Button. For Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The mayor’s first year was good overall,Though the homicide

spike cast a big pall.One big stumble, a

money-grab attack.Her “friends,” they

labeled their new scheme FreshPAC.

For anyone else, it only fell flat.

At minimum, it was done with her consent,Developer friends chasing dollars and cents.FreshPAC was to be her million-dollar shield,Against all who, ’fore Bowser, declined to kneel.Her too-soon anxious eye fixed on re-election,Should have left some time for a bit more

reflection.

By year’s end, even Post editorial friends,Were asking quite seriously where it would end.Pepco and Exelon, merger already suspect,Got caught up in the odd doings of dear ol’

FreshPAC.

The mayor did finally say,the PAC most foul would go away.No, not a bad-idea retraction,Just that it became a big distraction.FreshPAC, it smelled bad right from the start,In ending it, at least Bowser looked smart.

It’s an old lesson, one ever relearned.In politics, it’s friends who get you burned.Some folks see Bowser as the route to riches

untold.It’ll be up to her to keep them out of the fold.Her promise to bring prosperity to all eight

wards,Holds headaches galore, if she won’t slam that

sleazy door.

A Restart Button. For Vincent Gray.

Yes, surely it’s even a cliche to say,But Christmas came early for dear Vincent Gray.Years in the sights of prosecutors who snooped,Came word in December, their probe was just

pooped.Now the once mayor eyes a council victory tour,Around town at-large, or at least Ward 7 for sure.

And out of that legal “shadow,” and back on the trail,

Maybe it’ll be time for Mr. Gray to detail,How his closest supporters, wanting him to win,Cheated and schemed and, somehow, it was news

to him.

A ReBoot. For Everybody.

Soon all the tinsel we strung will be down,

Gone in the trash with barely a frown.And the glow of all the New Year’s Eve blingWill be just a memory starting ’16.

The issues and problems and hopes won’t go away,

We’re just getting started, heading every which way.

Income disparity, between the haves and have-nots,

A problem to solve; in D.C. we’ll give it a shot.

The voters might vote, if given the chance,For $15 an hour, the wage to enhance.

And babies, yes they are all cute without compare,

But many new parents struggle with unpaid care.So maybe 16 weeks’ paid leave for mom or pop,Could become the new standard unless it is

stopped.

And for potheads in town (you know who you are)

Who wish for pot parties in clubs with a bar,You’ll have to wait till the council no longer fearsInterference from Congress coming down severe.

And before we leave you, our bad rhyming all done,

We must mention tickets, bane of everyone.New ways to ding you, to flatten your wallet,Are just straight ahead, no matter what you call

it.Even sweet Santa, who is now on his way,Had better watch out or they’ll ticket his sleigh.

Tom Sherwood, a Southwest resident, is a politi-cal reporter for News 4.

A holiday ‘poem’ …

TOM SHERWOOD’S NotebooK

Vandal won’t stop local Little Library This past spring we installed a Little Library in front of our home on Yuma Street NW in Tenleytown. Peter assembled it, Rhoda painted it and Peter figured out how to set its base permanently into the ground. Rhoda then stocked the Little Library ini-tially with a supply of our old children’s and adult books of likely interest to others. Over the past months our Little Library has become popu-lar not only with the neighbor-hood children and their parents but with the workers who walk by on their way to and from the

American University law school construction site, with contrac-tors assisting in nearby homes and with students and others who happen to be passing by. Some take books — fiction and nonfiction; some leave for oth-ers books that they have read. We are told that some in the neighborhood have begun to refer to our house as “the one with the red Little Library in the front.” On late Sunday afternoon, Dec. 20, someone took the books that Rhoda recently added to the library. Then either those borrowers or someone else vandalized the library. They ripped off the front door of the structure and pulled out its hinges. And they pulled from the ground the nearby night-light. Why would anyone engage

in such an antisocial act? We will repair the Little Library quickly and promise that it will again be fully functional. There are, to be frank, few precautions that we can take to prevent a recurrence of the vandalism. We will ask the neighbors to watch with us. If you damaged our Little Library and read this letter, we ask that you think about the children and many others who benefit from using it. We for-give you for what you did. Please consider making amends by leaving a few good books for a neighbor. And feel free to take one or more books for yourself. We want you to appreciate why our Little Library deserves to be left alone to carry out its modest mission.

Peter and Rhoda TrooboffTenleytown

Letters tothe eDitor

The currenT Wednesday, december 23, 2015 7

initial PArCC scores show D.C. inquality Yes, we should be concerned that only 25 percent of D.C. stu-dents scored proficient on reading tests they took last spring, as Robert L. York argues [“District’s poor English scores require action,” Letters to the Editor, Dec. 2]. That figure applies not only to the high school tests Mr. York wrote about, but also, as we now know, to tests given in lower grades as well [“Lower grades struggle on PARCC,” Dec. 2]. But Mr. York’s letter betrays some fundamental misunder-standings of what the new PARCC tests measure and how they’re administered. He suggests, for example, that students did poorly because some material on the tests was “unfa-miliar.” But these aren’t tests of material students actually study in school; they’re standardized read-ing comprehension tests. That

means students are given reading passages on a random variety of subjects, designed to test their general reading ability, not their grasp of any specific material. Mr. York also wonders “how D.C. students were recruited to take the test.” But students weren’t recruited. Federal law requires D.C.’s traditional public and charter schools to administer the tests to all students in grades 3 through 8, and once in high school. In fact, not all students did equally poorly: White students scored far better (about 80 per-cent proficient) than minority and low-income students. One major reason is that reading comprehen-sion exams are essentially tests of general knowledge and vocabu-lary. If you don’t have enough background knowledge to under-stand the reading passages — and the PARCC tests contain sophisti-cated passages — you can’t answer questions about them. White and affluent students generally enter school with larger vocabularies and a broader base of knowledge than low-income

and minority students do, and they continue to acquire more vocabulary and knowledge both at home and at school. For decades, elementary schools serv-ing poor children have focused on improving students’ general read-ing comprehension skills rather than on building their knowledge and vocabulary: Students practice “finding the main idea” and “making inferences” on a random variety of books, when what they need is immersion in a single topic for weeks in order to absorb it and acquire related vocabulary. By the time these students get to high school, they’re so far behind in acquiring background knowl-edge that they’re often unable to understand high-school-level texts. If we want to boost reading scores for poor and minority chil-dren, we need to ensure that ele-mentary schools start building their knowledge systematically, beginning in the earliest years.

Natalie WexlerEducation blogger, dceduphile.com

Education editor, Greater Greater Washington

Letters tothe eDitor

Letters to the eDitorThe Current publishes letters and Viewpoint submissions representing various points of view. Because of space limitations, letters should be no more than 400 words and are subject to editing. Letters and Viewpoint submissions intended for publication may be sent to letters@currentnewspapers.com. The mailing address is Letters to the Editor, The Current, Post Office Box 40400, Washington, D.C. 20016-0400.

“It all started right here in Sunday School” at Georgetown’s Dumbarton United Methodist Church. So says Justin Eldridge Otero, co-

founder of the Organization for Youth Empower-ment, a nonprofit that helps the youth of Honduras overcome poverty and violence. Last month, the group received the International Spotlight Award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the only international orga-nization to be so honored this year. The group’s youth leaders accepted the award at a White House ceremony hosted by first lady Michelle Obama. In the 10 years since its birth, the Organization for Youth Empowerment has expanded from a scholarship program to an organization that provides safe space, mentors, job training, peer group discus-sions, recreational activities, a radio station and a wide range of life skills training to over 100 young people. In Honduras, the organization is known as OYE, which means “Listen up.” Justin and Ana Luisa Ahern were just teens and attending the Georgetown church when they first visited Honduras on a mission trip, going to the city of El Progreso. Honduras has been identified as one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world, and El Progreso, just 30 minutes from San Pedro Sula, is currently identified as the most vio-lent city. With a population of around 300,000, El Progreso is located along the northern border where Mexican drug cartels routinely ply their wares and target youths as both workers and victims. As volunteers in mission, Justin and Ana support-ed the work of the Copprome Orphanage, where they lived among the children they served, heard their stories and shared stories of their own lives. They discovered that when the children reached the age of majority (16 years), they were turned out on their own, usually without any training for what

they would encounter in the real world. Many of the girls ended up on the streets, easy targets for drug warlords. Returning to the U.S., the young teens were haunted by the stories and memories. They began to think about ways to make a change for the children they met. They decided to ask their church family for help. One Sunday morning during sharing they asked for donations to fund scholarships that would allow five young women to go on to school rather than to the streets. They easily raised the modest sum, but pulled by their yearning to make a differ-ence, and encouraged by Christ’s teachings of help-ing the poor and seeking justice for the marginal-ized, they returned to El Progreso after college to spend a year volunteering. Ana and Justin continued to collect information, interview students and find out more about Hondu-ran life. They realized that access to education was one of the biggest roadblocks to overcoming the cycles of poverty and violence. But more than scholarships, they knew that the youth needed train-ing in basic life skills, leadership, public speaking and managing money. They envisioned a program that would empower the young people to help them-selves. They thought that a nonprofit group might be the way to carry out that dream. OYE was born. Over the years, the organization has changed the lives of hundreds of young people. This year the group awarded 75 scholarships that allowed more students to go to college. Moving into the future, OYE is working to engage businesses and the gov-ernment to support its mission and hopes to award 95 scholarships next year. Its latest campaign, #Reason2Stay, encourages young Hondurans to plan a future in Honduras rather than head north, work-ing to turn the negative cycles around. You can find out more about the group at oyehonduras.org, including what a contribution of $600 can do to change the life of a young Honduran student. Mittie Quinn is a member of Dumbarton United Methodist Church.

Award-winning nonprofit has D.C. rootsVieWPoiNtMiTTiE quinn

Spotlight on Schools8 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

Annunciation Catholic School Last Thursday, Dec. 10, our school hosted this year’s Christ-mas pageant and eighth-graders, including me, were assigned to demonstrate the Nativity scene to the whole school. All the classes performed great music and it related to the whole story. One performance was when the pre-K class sang “Somebody’s Knock-ing at Your Door” after the scene where Mary and Joseph jour-neyed to Bethlehem. The way everyone performed their songs was definitely awesome. Our cos-tumes were about 30 years old, yet they still look brand new. Those old yet new costumes make the Christmas pageant feel like a tradition for a long time. Overall, performing in the Christ-mas pageant felt like we were in the timeline itself.

— Bettina Henares, eighth-grader

Eaton Elementary There was a great boys basket-ball game between the Eaton Eagles and the Murch Mustangs last week. The game was at Eaton Elementary and there were a lot of fans there for both sides. Peo-ple were cheering and Eaton had its Eagle mascot for good luck. The Eaton boys had an excel-lent start by scoring quickly and taking the lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Murch started to score some points and the Eaton boys turned on their defense. They had extraordinary blocking, which kept Murch from scoring a lot. Also, the Eaton boys stole the ball many times. In the second half, Eaton continued

to play well by passing quickly and making fast breaks where the boys moved the ball really quick-ly down the court to shoot bas-kets. During the fourth quarter, Eaton held the lead and kept up the pressure. In the end, Eaton got the win. What a great start of the season.

— Katheryn Carline, Lilly McCarthy and Alice Newnham,

fifth-graders Hearst Elementary This past week we participated in many activities to celebrate the change in season from fall to win-ter and also learned about differ-ent traditions practiced and holi-days celebrated in the month of December. We cooked latkes and learned about the Hanukkah menorah; they were so yummy! Most of us ate ours with apple-sauce. Some of us were even brave enough to taste them with sour cream like our teachers. We also played with “snow” that was actually shaving cream. It was a great sensory activity! Yesenia said, “I love shaving cream. I like to play with it.” Jonatan loved it too; he said, “It’s soft. I touched it with my hands.” On another day, we also made applesauce and cinnamon orna-ments. We loved cutting out gin-gerbread men and candy canes from the squishy mixture. It smelled wonderful! Jason picked out a special cookie cutter and said, “I made a snowman.” Last-ly, we made snowmen from rice krispy treats. We learned to mea-sure and follow a recipe. We

counted how many eyes, arms, noses and scarves to put on each snowman. It was sticky and squishy, but lots of fun!

— Ms. Marber, Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Montgomery’s K-2

CES (Communication and Education Support) class

Lafayette Elementary Happy holidays from Lafay-ette! How do you celebrate the holidays? Do you have any tradi-tions? Lafayette does! Every year we throw a holiday party for each class. So each kid is excited for sweet treats, games and whatever fun teachers and room parents have planned. Every class is expecting a visit from our very own Lafayette carolers. Lafayette carolers are a group of teachers who come around and sing holi-day songs and jingles. Some teachers have “White Elephant” or “Secret Santa” planned. Not to mention everyone is giddy for winter break, even the teachers! Last week we had our winter con-cert in which our bands, drum line and ensembles performed. The title was “Warm Begin-nings,” because of the warm weather we have been having. We even won both our basketball games, a Christmas miracle! Many kids are already parading around in Santa hats and holiday sweaters. To wrap things up, we wish you will be as jolly, giddy and in the spirit as we are, and we wish you happy holidays, Lafayette style!

— Addy Darnell, fifth-grader Maret School In third grade, we have many

different activities. Recently, our class studied Japan. On the first day, our class thought about dif-ferent topics to research. Then we started studying. The class got facts on the computers and in books. Every one of us had to have at least 10 facts about our topic. The next step is putting some of the facts on posters, so that it is colorful and has the facts. Finally, our class will have Japan Day! We will do all the Japanese traditions, for example, taking off our shoes in school! Then we present our projects to the grade. I’ve learned so much, and I can’t wait to learn more!

— Loretta Talbott, third-grader PE this year is awesome! On Monday through Thursday, we do a physical education unit, and then on Friday it is Game Day! On Game Day, we sometimes play dodgeball, and pin dodge is one of my favorite games. One unit we did was a fitness unit to get those abs going. Another one was the jump rope unit. One time we did Frisbee golf, and believe it or not I got three holes-in-one! Now we are doing a volleyball unit on setting and serving, but no spiking. I just wanted to give you a peek on the inside stuff of Maret PE.

— Asante Jenkins, third-grader

Murch Elementary Do you like riding bikes? Do you like the feeling of the breeze in your hair and the sound of your bike wheels turning? Well, D.C. Public School second-graders are experiencing that right now. A! B! C! Air! Brakes! Chains! The 2015 second-graders are the first to take part in the D.C. pro-gram “How to Ride a Bike.” In certain parts of the city, fewer kids are learning how to ride, but now they can learn at school as part of the second-grade physical education curriculum. The idea is that the skill will have a lasting impact, for fun and for the future. When they are adults, there may

be more bike lanes so they might be able to bike to work and cut down on pollution. Camille Jack-son, a Murch second-grader, says, “I like biking because it’s excit-ing. We get to learn signals like putting your hand out to the left, which means you’re turning left.” “It’s a fun thing to learn at an early age,” says Tim Johnson, PE teacher at Murch. And Andrew Bennett also says, “I love riding bikes. It’s fun going long distanc-es and knowing you’re getting muscles.” Elizabeth Schafer, sec-ond-grade teacher, is also excited. “It’s incredible watching kids grow and learn the skills. When they come to me and say, ‘Ms. Schafer, I just learned how to ride a bike!’ it’s just amazing.”

— Naomi Rea and Yohanna Murawiec, fifth-graders

Our Lady of Victory School On Monday evening, Dec. 14, Our Lady of Victory School held its annual Christmas program. All of the students from pre-K to eighth grade participated. The program included performances by the school bands and two choirs and a play, “Jingle Jury.” The beginner band started the program off with four songs, including the holiday favorite “Jingle Bells.” They have only been playing for a few months, but they played well. Next, the advanced band played. We played three songs, including the very timely “Star Wars” theme. My friend Adelaide and I played a duet of “Let It Snow” on our flutes. Then both choirs, the Cherubs and the advanced choir, sang. The Cherubs are in grades one through three. They sang very enthusiastically! The advanced choir sang a beautiful rendition of “Hail, Holy Queen” from “Sister Act.” Finally, the eighth-graders performed their play, “Jingle Jury.” The whole school was involved in the play. After each scene, a grade would

School DISPATCHES

See Dispatches/Page 13

Photo by Ben ZweigRabbi Aaron Alexander, associate rabbi of Adas Israel Congregation, lights the Hanukkah menorah this month as kids from the synagogue’s Gan Hayeled preschool look on.

l I G H T o n E C A n D l E

At Washington Episcopal School, our job is not complete until we have helped every child build a strong moral foundation based on ethics, kindness, and character. Students are challenged daily in a balanced, joyful environment that lets kids be kids.

l Sopal Sc ourery c

eth

ourery cn eth s, kin

aily inbe k

s, kindaily in

be k

ss, ss, are challen

nt thatare challeng

ent that

hod ev

on enged

kids be kids.

spirit of

By BRIAN KAPURCurrent Staff Writer

On most days after Visitation’s Alexis Gray finishes practice with the Cubs, she heads to George-town Prep. The senior then contin-ues to hone her craft while her father, Larry Gray, serves as an assistant coach for the Little Hoyas in Bethesda. “I come here every day pretty much, and after practice I’m here,” said Gray. “This is kind of like my home court in a way. It’s fun to play here.” That familiarity showed as Gray led the Cubs with a game-high 13 points in a victory over Holy Cross at Prep Sunday after-noon. The game, which pushed the Cubs’ record to 6-1, was part of the annual Shepherd Foundation Hoops Classic. The Cubs are defending as Independent School League and D.C. State Athletic Association champions, and Sunday’s state-

ment win over a Washington Cath-olic Athletic Conference team was a chance to remind everyone of Visitation’s potential. “We can be really good,” said Cubs coach Mike McCarthy. “Last year everything went our way — we won every close game and had great chemistry. This team is get-ting there. We’re doing a lot of great things, but we’re just not scoring. This team can be just as good as last year.” One of the biggest reasons for McCarthy’s confidence is fresh-man forward Ellie Mitchell, who replaces graduated post player Kate Delaney. “It’s amazing having Ellie because she plays like she’s been playing high school basketball for a while now,” said senior forward Maddy Reed. “A lot of freshmen are scared to handle the ball, but Ellie is just so comfortable around the basket that it’s just a blessing to have her.” On Sunday, the freshman

scored 10 points in the post, including a critical putback that resulted in a four-point possession in the second half when Holy Cross tied the game. “That was big,” said McCarthy. “We’ve had trouble scoring at times. We’re playing the best defense I’ve seen us play, but we aren’t able to get separation.” While Mitchell, who also plays tennis and lacrosse for Visitation, adds new sizzle to the lineup, the Cubs return a bevy of contributors from last year’s title team. They’ll again be led by sharp-shooting Gray from the point guard position. Visitation’s floor general, known for her strong out-side shot, has worked to add new wrinkles to her arsenal for her final year at Visitation. “I’ve gotten stronger with the ball and have started to drive more,” said Gray, who will play for Loyola University Maryland next year. “I’m not just taking the

Athletics in northwest wAshington December 23, 2015 ■ Page 9

By BRIAN KAPURCurrent Staff Writer

For the first time in 12 seasons, the St. John’s football program will be led by a new head coach. The school last week dis-missed Joe Patterson from the position and elevated Joe Casamento, who served as the team’s associate head coach and offensive coordinator last season. “I had the best job in D.C. I was the asso-ciate head coach, so that meant the head coach had all the responsibility, but I was next in command,” Casamento said in an interview with The Current on Thursday. But “when the opportunity presented itself, and if [St. John’s] was going to be excited about me, why not step up to the plate instead of letting them go out and hunt for somebody?” he said. Patterson had been part of the Cadets’ football coaching staff for nearly two decades before his ouster last week. “We are grateful to Joe Patterson for the 17 years he has dedicated to coaching the young men in our football program,” St. John’s president Jeff Mancabelli said in a release from the school on Wednesday. In taking over the position, Casamento brings a wealth of experience. Before join-ing the Cadets’ coaching staff earlier this year, he was the head football coach for 17 seasons at the Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, N.Y., where he compiled a 143-27 record and captured a state title. He also earned a spot in the school’s hall of fame for his contributions and served as dean of students. He had previously coached at Henninger High School in Syracuse. Casamento earned a number of promi-

nent accolades for his coaching in Syracuse, including recognition as one of the best high school coaches in the country by USA Today and one of the 12 National Sports Ethics Fellows by the Institute for Interna-tional Sport and the Positive Coaching Alli-ance at Stanford University. At St. John’s, though serving on the coaching staff was part of his initial job description last season, Casamento was drawn by the school’s opening for a director of its Entrepreneurial Center for Innovation and Leadership. “I took the opportunity to come down here because of the Entrepreneurial Center and then they offered me the opportunity to work with football as well, so that was nice,” he said. “There is a big vision here for everything, and to be here for it and to be part of it is great.” The Cadets’ new head coach has a back-ground working with nonprofits, and the chance to build that type of program at the Chevy Chase school was part of the allure. “I was the executive director of a non-profit for 14 years that did leadership and character development,” Casamento said of his work off the field in Syracuse. When asked about the widespread specu-lation that he was brought in to St. John’s with the idea of becoming the team’s coach if they moved on from Patterson, Casa-mento, who was 67 when he took the job prior to the 2015 football season, dismissed the rumor. “Look at me — I’m old,” he joked. “I wasn’t thinking of head coach in waiting.” But Casamento does have a bit of a head start after serving as second-in-command this past year, when he designed the Cadets’

offense and called the team’s plays. He aims to use an attack that can thrive in a variety of circumstances — from using wide-open formations that take advantage of speed to bringing bigger bodies onto the field to pound the ball on the ground. “We will still be a team that spreads it

out to throw and run,” the coach said. “But we also have to have the triple-option game. We will probably be a bit broader, more than last year, because the kids understand it better.” Perhaps more importantly, the Cadets’

Cadets name new football coach

Photo courtesy of Matt SealJoe Casamento, right, takes over as the Cadets head football coach after serving as the team’s associate head coach and offensive coordinator last season.

Cubs reload for a repeat championship run

n ch g

Brian Kapur/The CurrentVisitation expects junior Maeve Carroll, right, to take a step forward and emerge as a go-to offensive player for the Cubs.

See Cadets/Page 10

See Cubs/Page 10

10 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

Northwest Sports n ch g

jumpers anymore, but driving to the basket [as well].” The Cubs will also return ver-satile senior forward Maddy Reed, who will play for Cornell Univer-sity next year. Like Gray, Reed has taken on more of a leadership role, a position both girls relish. “We really enjoy having more of a say on how plays are run and the energy on the court,” said Reed.

In addition, the Cubs bring back senior guard Keelyn Leon-ard, who McCarthy said is “play-ing really good, smart basketball; she really just fills up a stat sheet.” And the coach said fellow senior guard Lauren Martin “has been giving us a lot of good minutes. She’s smart and rebounding well.” In addition to the strong senior class, one returning player whom McCarthy points to as a potential X-factor is junior Maeve Carroll. “Maeve’s been great for two

years, and now she’s gone to another level,” he said. “She’s now a go-to player on offense. When we need a basket inside, we feed her.” With a loaded roster that lost only two key contributors from last year’s championship squad, the Cubs have a simple goal: repeat. “We just want to win champi-onships,” said Gray. “We want to win the ISL and try to go back and win D.C.”

CUBS: Visitation aims to repeat as ISL, state champsFrom Page 9

new head coach already has a feel for the school and the direction of the program. “The culture here is great,” said Casamento. “It’s a very diverse school, and I think kids from all differ-ent types of backgrounds have an opportunity to thrive here. For the longest time I was a teacher and a dean of students in Syracuse, but we didn’t have the opportunity to offer as many things as St. John’s.” The new coach also has an appreciation for the level of competition in the rugged Washington Catho-lic Athletic Conference. “This conference is deeper than any of the leagues I’ve been in,” said Casamento. “You normally have one or two teams that are powerhouses. But here all of these teams are deep and talented. That’s the big-gest difference.” Casamento has a tough act to follow with the

Cadets. Patterson closed out his tenure with a strong season that included wins over top local competition. During the 2015 season, the Cadets knocked off their biggest rival — Gonzaga — which was ranked No. 1 by The Washington Post at the time, and also beat the then-No. 2 Good Counsel. Patterson guided the Cadets into The Post’s rank-ings each season for at least one week during 11 of his 12 years, and he helped them reach the Washing-ton Catholic Athletic Conference playoffs 10 times and the league finals in 2013. Although Patterson will no longer be on the side-lines at the games, he will remain at the school as a full-time member of the English Department. “Coaching is a special profession that allows for tremendous relationships and tremendous growth for both the player and the coach,” Patterson said. “I’m humbled by the sacrifices that the players and coach-ing staff made over the years.”

CADETS: St. John’s makes change after 12 yearsFrom Page 9

The D.C. State Athletic Association released its Fall All-State teams yesterday. Football coaches from across the District voted to determine the selections.

AA FOOTBALL

OffenseQuarterback Steven Williams, Wilson; quarterback Khalil Wright, H.D. Woodson; wide receiver Max Fisher, Gonzaga; wide receiver Delontae Moore, Ballou; wide receiver Sean Savoy, Wilson; tight end Patrick Hesse, Gonzaga; offensive lineman Eligah Hunter, Friendship Collegiate; offensive lineman Johnny Jordan, Gonzaga; offensive line-man Daquann Kerns, Ballou; offensive lineman Micah Royster, St. John’s; offensive lineman Jauan Williams, Carroll; running back Tyree Randolph, Gonzaga; running back Jamal Speaks, Ballou; kick returner Nykeim Johnson, Friendship Collegiate; kicker Brian Johnson, Gonzaga.

DefenseDefensive lineman Jamar Bolden, Coolidge; defen-sive lineman NaSheed Bridgeman, Gonzaga; defensive lineman Jerome Brooks, Carroll; defen-sive lineman Terrell Hall, St. John’s; defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, H.D. Woodson; line-backer Phillip Morgan, Dunbar; linebacker Kha-mal Peterson, Wilson; linebacker Trevon Shorts, Carroll; linebacker Kyle Taylor, Gonzaga; defen-sive back Marquis Hamilton, Ballou; defensive back Deon Jones, Carroll; defensive back Luke McCaleb, Gonzaga; defensive back Parnell Mot-ley, H.D. Woodson; punt returner Lawrence King Jr., Carroll; punter Brian Johnson, Gonzaga.

A FOOTBALL

OffenseQuarterback Ted Hefter, Sidwell Friends; quarter-back Jarome Johnson, Eastern; running back Charles Brooks, Bell; running back Mark Chiches-ter, Sidwell Friends; offensive lineman Ronnie Brooks, Maret; offensive lineman Nathaniel Jack-son, Sidwell Friends; offensive lineman Peter Jerome, St. Albans; offensive lineman Malik Smith, Roosevelt; offensive lineman Marquis Stubbs, Cesar Chavez; wide receiver Traevon Battle, East-ern; wide receiver Maurice Edwards, Cesar Chavez; wide receiver Dylan Greynolds, Sidwell Friends; tight end Greg Gaskins, Bell; kick returner Alonte Sanders, Richard Wright; kicker Mahineyaa Kao, Roosevelt.

DefenseDefensive lineman Jeff Dandridge, National Col-legiate; defensive lineman LinDon Harris, Sidwell Friends; defensive lineman Jah-Quan Meadows, KIPP DC; defensive lineman Juwan Morris, East-ern; linebacker Michael Broadus, Cardozo; line-backer Damon Quigley, Bell; linebacker Cheyenne Snead, Cesar Chavez; linebacker James Tyler, National Collegiate; defensive back Garrison Bur-nett, Maret; defensive back John Johnson, Eastern; defensive back Ja’Quan Spriggs, Cardozo; defen-sive back Tykivis Hunter, KIPP DC; punt returner Demonte Hines, Roosevelt; punter Devon Brown, Bell.

The Current will include the girls soccer, boys soc-cer, volleyball and cross-country honorees in next week’s issue.

DCSAA All State Teams (Part I)

TheCurrenT Wednesday,deCember23,201511

Your Support Is Stacking Up

Paid for by Exelon Corporation.

For more information or to show your support, visit PHITomorrow.com.

The merger will provide $72.8 million for bill credits, low-income assistance, renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs in the District. Millions more will go to local charities and workforce development. That’s why tens of thousands of DC residents support the Pepco Holdings-Exelon merger.

The Pepco Holdings-Exelon Merger: Affordability, Reliability and Sustainability for DC.

40,000 petition

signatures

6,500 letters of support

12 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

— many of whom had expected to stay there for the rest of their lives. Even three months later, relatives who attended a meeting of the home’s family council last Wednesday said some of them are still reeling from the news and struggling to find alternative placements, citing long waiting lists at desirable facilities. Many called for the Washing-ton Home to exercise a six-month leaseback option, which would keep the facility open until mid-May 2017, but officials from the home said that shouldn’t be neces-sary. “We’ve given the residents and the families 15 months,” nursing home administrator Janine Finck-Boyle said in an interview. “We can’t make the decision for them, and we understand that families feel that some of the facilities are not comparable or accessible to them. … We have pretty much an idea of families or residents that might not be accepting.” Mary Mason, co-chair of the family council, said she’s worried that other nursing homes will be selective in accepting patients from the Washington Home — and that those with the most diffi-cult needs, such as her own moth-er, will still have nowhere else to go next December. She also alleged that the home staff already hasn’t been providing the prom-

ised assistance to help residents move out. “The people left at the end will be the hardest to place,” she said. Added another relative: “We cannot control who the other nurs-ing homes select, ultimately, but we can control what is the drop-dead date that the resident has to move out of the Washington Home.” In an interview, Finck-Boyle and Washington Home executive director Tim Cox fired back against most of the criticisms lev-ied at the home at last Wednes-day’s meeting, saying the attend-ees were not necessarily represen-tative of the general attitude. For instance, Finck-Boyle said that the home’s social work staff has attempted to reach every fam-ily affected by the closure, and was successful except for those who “didn’t want to receive that message.” She also said there are many beds available at other area nursing homes and noted that the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance — which is responsible for resi-dents on Medicaid — will allow Washington Home residents to move to select Maryland and Vir-ginia facilities, rather than requir-ing them to stay within the District to continue their D.C. coverage. During the three months since the sale was announced, 22 resi-dents have already moved out and six have died, leaving a population

of 98 as of Monday, she said. The facility hasn’t been accepting new residents since March. In the final days before Wash-ington Home closes, any residents who remain would be the subject of daily meetings with family members and D.C. government

agencies to find a suitable replace-ment site, Cox said. He’s confi-dent each resident will match up with a suitable facility in time, and that the half-year delay won’t be necessary. “The leaseback [option] was for us as an organization if we couldn’t get everyone placed, not for everyone to stay for another six months as a luxury,” Cox told The Current. In fact, the Washington Home hopes that everyone will have already moved out by Oct. 2, pro-viding about two months for the facility to remove furniture and records without disturbing any elderly residents, Cox said at the meeting. That new date prompted an outcry from attendees, who had

never heard it before; a D.C. Department of Health official at the meeting, Sharon Lewis, said it was not enforceable. “We cannot be surprised by new dates, and the date that we have in the original letter that was sent was December,” Lewis said at the meeting. “This facility will have to stay functional until December.” The Health Department is responsible for approving the clo-sure plan for Washington Home, which is now in the process of responding to the agency’s requests for further information. In the interview, Finck-Boyle said the Washington Home board arrived at the October date in response to previous family coun-cil concerns about patients remain-ing there in the final days. At the meeting, relatives suggested that the board hasn’t been properly engaged on this issue. “As these decisions are made, how involved are the board mem-bers with the residents that are being put out? … Do they visit, do they know these people?” asked one woman, to a chorus of no’s. Lynne Person, the D.C. long-term care ombudsman in the AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly, said in an interview that what she saw at last week’s meet-ing pointed to systemic flaws in the Washington Home’s commu-nication and planning. “The clock really started ticking

once the Washington Home gave the written notification about the closure, and it just doesn’t seem that they were prepared to follow through from that day forward to ensure that it could be a seamless transition,” Person said. “It just doesn’t appear as though there is a plan even in the absence of an approved plan — there is no sys-tematic way of doing business.” Finck-Boyle did concede that Washington Home’s communica-tion efforts could improve, and said outreach in the new year will include monthly updates via mail and email and a more detailed website. The home has also hired an additional social worker and a director of nursing with closure experience, which Person lauded. There is precedent in D.C. for the closure of a nursing home, with the Washington Home’s deci-sion coming just eight years after Beverly Living Center announced it would shut down in Cleveland Park just a few blocks away. Located at 3333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Beverly was then the Dis-trict’s largest nursing home, with more than 300 residents. Person said that facility placed its residents efficiently and with less of the turmoil that last week’s Washington Home meeting revealed. Many were relocated outside of D.C., however, and Per-son expects the same will occur again despite some families’ oppo-sition.

CLOSING: Families, residents urge Washington Home officials to extend deadline From Page 1

❝It just doesn’t appear as though there is a plan even in the absence of an approved plan … .❞

— Lynne Person

ing construction, installing trailers at a For-est Hills church and — most controversial — to use trailers already in place on Lafay-ette’s field.

That expansive — and expensive — setup was constructed to accommodate Lafayette’s own renovation, which is set to be completed this coming August. But many Chevy Chase community members said co-locating two large elementary schools in a quiet residential area would be dangerous and disruptive, and it would also deprive students and residents of open space for another two years.

Proximity of any temporary site to Murch is another key consideration. Swing space at UDC would be roughly 0.7 miles away from Murch and closer to a Metro station and bus lines than Lafayette, which is about 1.3 miles from Murch. Murch is located at 4810 36th St. NW, Lafayette is located at 5701 Broad Branch Road NW, and the UDC athletic field is located near the corner of Van Ness Street and International Court NW.

Many parents have warned that adding roughly 600 additional students from Murch to Lafayette’s campus would bring the traf-fic, infrastructure and logistical issues that come with effectively merging two schools at one site.

That the option is even on the table incensed Lafayette parents after the city assured them less than two years ago, when their renovation began, that the trailers would be removed from the school’s field

by the 2016 school year. Last week Ward 4 D.C. Council member

Brandon Todd called the proposal to use Lafayette’s trailers “unacceptable.” And in an online community survey in Chevy Chase, 649 respondents, 89 percent, said they strongly oppose using that option.

“We find the safety risks are terrifying for both [groups of] kids,” one Lafayette parent said at a meeting last Thursday on the Murch project, emphasizing the potential increase in car traffic at the school.

The General Services Department agrees. “[Lafayette] is an option, but DGS has rec-ommended this not be the option because of the safety concerns,” the agency’s Kenneth Diggs told more than a hundred residents at the Murch meeting.

The proposal has led to an at-times testy back-and-forth between Murch and Lafay-ette parents on Internet message boards, which Lafayette’s principal directly addressed at another public meeting on the topic last Tuesday.

“I think our biggest risk at this point as a community … is that we get sucked down the rabbit hole of Internet nastiness,” princi-pal Carrie Broquard told over a hundred residents gathered at Lafayette last Tuesday. “I’m gonna be just real frank with you, nobody who is making this decision is monitoring anybody’s listserv or any [DC Urban Moms and Dads] site. So any posts that are posted there at this point are damag-ing communities.”

The $68.3 million project at Murch is slated to begin this summer and last roughly two years. Through multiple phases, the

modernization will renovate the existing main building and construct an addition with a cafeteria and gym to hold 700 stu-dents.

In the interim, the top choice for the General Services Department — and many Murch parents — is building trailers over two soccer fields at the UDC’s Van Ness campus.

The two other options under consider-ation are keeping students on the Murch site in trailers, next to an active construction zone, or combining trailers with a shift of the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms to Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church at 3150 Chesapeake St. NW.

“Of options under consideration, DGS suggests to DCPS that UDC would be the best option in terms of location, student drop-off [and pickup], space available for play/field use,” Diggs wrote in an email to The Current. “However, the [estimated] cost is an issue with respect to Murch’s overall project budget.”

That estimate for the UDC plan is $6 million, the highest among all four options and $1.5 million more than using Lafay-ette’s trailers. Another obstacle for the city would be the proximity of the swing space to several embassies in Van Ness. Diggs said conversations would need to be held with the U.S. State Department before mov-ing forward.

The tight deadline for the city to decide on a path forward also worried parents at Thursday’s Murch meeting, particularly that the timeframe allows less time to complete a traffic study for whichever swing space is

selected.“This is incredibly frustrating,” Ari Zent-

ner, a Murch parent, told Diggs on Thurs-day. “You called us here to get our feedback and you don’t have anything close to com-plete answers.”

Diggs wrote in an email that while the decision may appear to be last-minute, the city reviewed over 15 potential sites over the last year, “and due to logical challenges, budgetary pressures, timeline coordination, or school-specific needs such as play spac-es, most of these have been determined to not be suitable.”

Rejected sites included the Intelsat build-ing at Van Ness, Fannie Mae’s headquarters, American University, art centers, churches and other places that all for a variety of rea-sons didn’t fit the project, according to Diggs. D.C. Public Schools criteria for the Murch swing space calls for 35 classrooms, parking, a gym, and room for a cafeteria and outdoor play, among other considerations.

At the Murch meeting, the UDC option was the most well-received, drawing applause from attendees. “This is a clear winner,” said one parent.

MURCH: Parents bemoan idea of relocation to Lafayette trailersFrom Page 1

Brian Kapur/The CurrentConstruction at Lafayette Elementary is slated to wrap up in August.

ch n

The currenT Wednesday, december 23, 2015 13

come out and sing a song. My favorite was the pre-K and kin-dergarten kids who were dressed in star costumes and sang “Away in the Manger.” The play was about a boy named Jim Dandy who has lost the holiday spirit and how he gets it back. The play ended with Santa coming down the church aisle and surprising everyone. The Christmas program is always very special and puts me in the holiday spirit. It is one of my favorite events at OLV!

— Kate L., eighth-grader Oyster-Adams Bilingual School Every year before winter break, we have a Peace Concert for students and teachers to per-form and show off their talents. The Peace Concert this year was amazing. Talents included stu-dents playing the violin, students singing, students playing the sax-ophone and teachers dancing! It was also a great opportunity to support our friends and to con-gratulate them for their courage to perform. This week was also Spirit Week to help close out the year. On Monday, we had Pajama Day. Students came in wearing their comfiest pajamas and onesies. On Tuesday we had Thankful Twin Day, where pairs dressed up together. On Wednesday, we had Sport Day. There were lots of soccer fans present that day! On Thursday, we had Spanish Char-acter Day. Some costumes includ-ed Salvador Dalí, Sonia Sotomay-or, Mafalda and Selena. On Fri-day we had Tiger Pride Day, where we show our school spirit. This is been an amazing way to end 2015.

— Jennifer Quispe-Lopez and Blanca Morales, seventh-graders

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School Every year at St. Patrick’s, the whole school participates in the Christmas pageant. Second-grad-ers play the roles of the three kings — who sing solos during the song “We Three Kings” — and Mary and Joseph (we use a baby doll to play Jesus). First-graders back them up, playing sheep and angels. Third-grade students dance and sing, and stu-dents in fourth through seventh grades make up the choir. Lead-ing up to the pageant, our chapel slowly becomes decorated, start-ing simply with an advent wreath and then gradually transforming into a whole new setup of chairs and bleachers. As a sixth-grader, I am part of the choir. Choir members sit on both sides of the Nave, and our job is to support the fourth- and fifth-grade choir members. We sing every single song throughout

the pageant, and lead the younger kids throughout. We have per-formed in this event year after year, and it is still amazing that we all come together to create this magical performance.— Kate Chamberlin, sixth-grader Sheridan School Every year Sheridan School has one of the best and one of the most musical winter assemblies in the D.C. area. We call it the Win-ter Assembly because it encom-passes all cultures. We always start the assembly with a kinder-garten and first grade perfor-mance, and then move up to 8th grade. Every year every class does something new and differ-ent. This year the seventh- and eighth-graders are combining “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a popular song by the Beatles, and “Carol of the Bells,” a holiday song by Mykola Leon-tovych. We are doing “Carol of the Bells” because it’s a holiday song, plus it’s kind of festive. We are playing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” because it repre-sents giving back, as well as some deep thinking. It makes you think about who you are, your identity and your privileges. Between performances, two students from each class, and sometimes teachers, talk about their holiday traditions, and why they do what they do. It’s great because you get insight into other

people’s holiday traditions. Some people have some quite interest-ing traditions. It’s fun to learn about them. Every year every class does a different song or performance

than they did last year. But there are always two songs that stick around: “One Candle Lights the Way” and “Encircle the Earth With Peace.” The chorus that sings those two songs includes

third- through eighth-graders. Even though it’s optional, there are always a lot of people who want to sing.

— Benjamin Adomaitis, seventh-grader

DISPATCHESFrom Page 8

Hippies: the members of a subculture who made a significant revolution in the United States during the ’60s. These flower children, as demonstrated then and now, donned their long hair and beads and brought their bohemian lifestyle into the world, fighting for peace, and freedom, while using hallucinogenic drugs. In November, Wilson High School delivered a timeless performance of this subculture through the revolutionary rock musical “Hair.” “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,” abbreviated to simply “Hair,” is a rock musical with a book and lyrics authored by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music composed by Galt MacDermot. The musical tells the story of the “Tribe,” a group of hippies living in New York City fighting against being drafted into the Viet-nam War. It follows Claude and his fellow hippie friends, including Berger and Sheila, as they balance growing up and taking part in the revolutions of the world around them. Claude’s introspection about his life becomes wrenching as he must decide whether to follow the Tribe and resist the draft or to follow the conservative society set before him and serve in Vietnam. “Hair” is a defining musical in the genre of rock musical, as it uses an integrated cast and deals with many controversial issues in its time, like profanity, use of illegal substanc-es and disregard for the American flag. It is still considered one of the most daring and phenomenal shows in musical theater histo-ry.

Filling the theater hall with his astound-ing portrayal of Claude, Ben Topa led the show spectacularly. Harnessing stunning vocals and constantly staying in the moment, Topa connected with his character in a way not many actors can do. He grew with his character, feeling Claude’s emo-tions and demonstrating an introspection that the audience could feel. Zac Nachbar-Seckel, depicting the role of Berger, stole the show with his smooth idiosyncrasies, dedication to his character and overall hip-pie persona. Topa and Nachbar-Seckel syn-chronized with one another as Claude and Berger; their relationship felt real and in-the-moment, as both actors grew off of one another and created an indescribable bond. As Sheila, one of the many flower chil-dren, Joey Schulman brought an engaged personality and was dedicated to her role as the hippie fighting for change. Playing the role of Jeanie, Eva Schulman had consistent pregnant mannerisms and clear-cut vocals that brought out the soft, kind character all could sympathize with. Kellik Dawson portrayed Hud, the proud African-American, and gave the audience an entertaining yet thought-provoking expe-rience. His defining words and personality made him a standout revolutionary. Lorin Kayla Holland, playing the role of Dionne, truly hit the hearts of the audience with her gorgeous voice that spread throughout the auditorium. While the principals were breathtaking, what brought together the entire show was the Tribe. Each member was in the moment

as their characters, and not one person seemed out of place or undedicated to their role of the group. From vibrant flashing lights, flowery clothes and a psychedelically designed set, each facet of the show meshed and inter-weaved to capture the true 1960s aesthetic. The orchestra, otherwise known as The Hair Band, consisted of only five members who together became a powerhouse that harmo-nized with the actors and the mood of the show. “Hair” is, in complete candor, an emi-nently intricate and difficult show to per-form. But Wilson High School went above and beyond in touching the audience on a personal level and leaving each member with a feeling of admiration and wonder.— Lucy Dolcich, South Lakes High School

This review was prepared as part of the Cappies program through which high school students are trained as critics and attend shows at other area schools.

Wilson’s ‘Hair’ flashes back to the ’60s

Brian Kapur/Current file photoWilson High’s production transported audiences to an age of rebellion.

An Ingleside Community

3050 Military Road, NW Washington, DC 20015

Everydaymoments

Ingleside at Rock Creek is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community.

Visit us at www.ircdc.org

Learn about Ingleside at Rock Creek at our monthly informational coffee & dessert gathering!

Call 202-407-9685 to learn more!

ANC 3CCleveland ParkWoodley ParkMassachusetts Avenue Heights The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the 2nd District Police Head-quarters, 3320 Idaho Ave. NW. For details, visit anc3c.org. ANC 3ETenleytownAmerican University Park The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW. For details, visit anc3e.org. ANC 3FForest Hills At the commission’s Dec. 15 meeting: ■ Lamond-Riggs advisory neigh-borhood commissioner Judi Jones urged the commission to pass a resolution in opposition to the Pepco-Exelon merger, which she said threatens D.C. ratepayers and the city’s environmental efforts.■ commissioner Mary Beth Ray announced that the second round of interviews for the new director of Van Ness Main Streets would begin Dec. 16. The initial appli-cant pool had 22 contenders, with seven heading into the second round.■ commissioner Sally Gresham announced that the Italian restau-rant Sfoglina and the prepared food deli Soapstone Market will be moving into the under-con-struction Park Van Ness complex

at 4455 Connecticut Ave. NW.■ commissioner Sally Gresham announced that the west staircase at the Van Ness Metro station will close once again in February or early March because of an escala-tor replacement project, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.■ B.F. Saul senior vice president Don Hachey announced that the sidewalk along the Park Van Ness construction project at 4455 Con-necticut Ave. NW will open on or around Feb. 26, with the overall project scheduled to wrap up by April. Hachey and other B.F. Saul staffers also offered detailed explanations for numerous delays to the project, including infra-structure failures in underground ducts and manholes; a surprising number of inclement weather days; and general construction complications.■ representatives from Sidwell Friends School at 3825 Wisconsin Ave. previewed plans for the new facility in the former Washington Home building at 3720 Upton St. NW. The plans include new bus routes and other measures to address increased traffic stemming from the consolidation of the school’s two campuses into the single location. ■ commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a grant of $3,000 to Friends of Peirce Mill to rehabili-tate its historic water mill.■ commissioners voted 5-0 to establish a technical review com-mittee of two commissioners and several local residents with spe-cialized knowledge to work with Chick-fil-A on engineering plans and applications for its new Van

Ness location at the current Burger King location at 4422 Connecticut Ave. NW.■ commissioners voted 5-0 to urge the Office of Planning to widely disseminate its Van Ness Com-mercial District Action Strategy in order to let local businesses know about the possibilities for the area. The resolution also urges city offi-cials to consult this document and act upon it in the process of devel-oping the Van Ness neighborhood in the years to come. The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Forest Hills of DC, 4901 Con-necticut Ave. NW.

For details, call 202-670-7262 or visit anc3f.us. ANC 3/4GChevy Chase At the commission’s Dec. 9 meeting:■ commissioner Rebecca Maydak announced that Chevy Chase Christmas caroling will take place on Christmas Eve, during the eve-ning hours. ■ commissioners voted 7-0, with two proxy votes from absent com-missioners, to oppose the Pepco-Exelon merger in light of the new settlement agreement drawn up after the D.C. Public Service Com-mission denied the original terms of the merger in July. Pepco vice president Marc Bat-tle presented the case in favor of the merger, followed by a presen-tation from Ward 3 D.C. Council member Mary Cheh on the poten-tial downsides of the arrangement. Betsy Cavendish, a representative of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, restated the mayor’s support for the new agreement, arguing that it will be in the best interest of D.C. residents for the long-term health of the city’s electricity market. Exelon’s senior vice president for federal government affairs, David Brown, assured attendees that the company supports efforts to improve the environment and insisted that its public reputation ought to be that of a savvy, sus-tainability-conscious power gen-erator.■ commissioners voted 5-0 to sup-port an application for a zoning variance from rooftop-structure, retaining wall and screening requirements for Lafayette Ele-mentary School at 5701 Broad Branch Road NW.■ commissioners voted 5-0 to sup-port a zoning application for a special exception for the residence

at 3621 Jocelyn St. NW. The resi-dents plans to construct a small new addition that will extend nine feet into the rear yard.■ commissioners voted 5-0 to sup-port a zoning application for a special exception for the residence at 3620 Kanawha St. NW, where the owners intend to enclose their existing deck.■ commissioners discussed but did not vote on a D.C. Department of Transportation notice of intent to install a reserved residential parking space for a disabled resi-dent in the 5500 block of 30th Place NW. Commission chair Randy Speck noted that the issue didn’t require a vote, and he want-ed to get involved only if any community members had strong objections. The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the Chevy Chase Community Cen-ter, Connecticut Avenue and McKinley Street NW. For details, call 202-363-5803, email chevychaseanc3@verizon.net or visit anc3g.org. ANC 4AColonial VillageShepherd ParkCrestwood The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1300 Van Buren St. NW. For details, call 202-450-6225 or visit anc4a.org. ANC 4CPetworth/16th Street Heights The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the lower-level community meet-ing room at the Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. For details, call 202-723-6670 or visit anc4c.org.

14 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

Northwest Real Estate

Chevy Chase Citizens Association Both of our local public elementary schools, Lafayette and Murch, have been waiting many years for renovation, and things finally seemed to be on track, with Lafayette’s construction ongoing now and Murch’s scheduled to start next summer. Now, D.C. agencies have started a controversy with their last-minute suggestion that Murch stu-dents might attend classes for two years in the trailers now occupying Lafayette’s ballfield and play area. Community reaction has been swift, loud and contentious. Local residents question the timing and reasons for the Lafayette trailer option. Murch families expressed concern that the school system didn’t appear to have a good plan for their children to be relocated. And Lafayette neighbors were concerned about the safety of potentially locating two schools with 1,300-plus students in a very small area inside a residential neighborhood, and moving children away from their home area. D.C. Council member Brandon Todd, whose Ward 4 includes Lafayette, opposes the Lafayette trailer proposal, and Council member Mary Cheh, in whose Ward 3 Murch is located, supports put-ting the Murch students temporarily at the Univer-sity of the District of Columbia.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson have pledged transparency in government, but they and their staff have not explained why the Lafayette option for Murch suddenly was added to the list just before winter break, after months of officials saying that the idea was not on the table. Senior school leaders were nowhere to be found at local meetings this past week, and the D.C. Department of General Ser-vices didn’t support the Lafayette idea. Residents may comment to the school system and General Services Department about the pro-posed plans for Murch through Dec. 31. A survey form is provided at lafayettehsa.org, or you can send a message to sit.info@dc.gov. On Jan. 6, the two agencies will post a summary of those com-ments, and the school system is expected to make a decision by Jan. 12. To see PowerPoint slides from D.C. agencies about the options, visit tinyurl.com/hearst-plan. More information about the Murch renovation plan can be found at murchschool.org. Also, remember to join the Christmas caroling organized by our member Marelise Voss at 11 a.m. tomorrow starting at the Starbucks store at Con-necticut Avenue and Livingston Street NW.

— Jenny Backus

ch

ANC 3C■ cleveland Park / woodley Parkmassachusetts avenue heiGhtscathedral heiGhts

ANC 3/4G■ chevy chase

ANC 3E■ american university ParkfriendshiP heiGhts / tenleytown

ANC 3F■ forest hills / north cleveland Park

ANC 4A■ colonial villaGe / crestwoodshePherd Park / briGhtwood16th street heiGhts

ANC 4C■ Petworth/16th street heiGhts

Swim and Entertain All Year Round with Heated, Indoor Pool

o: 202.491.1275m: 301.943.0314

For a row house renovated from top to bottom, check out the listing at 404 Emer-

son St. NW in Petworth. Over the

past few months, the property has been gutted and completely replaced with a contemporary space geared toward modern liv-ing. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house is on the market for $749,900. The updates extend behind the walls, with new plumbing and wiring, but they’re also visible from the sidewalk. The company VTR LLC redid the whole front of the house, creating a legal basement in the bottom level and a new cement front porch with new railings. Inside the decorative front door, the first floor is an open space containing a front living area, a kitchen in the middle and a den in the rear, all topped by a coffered ceiling. The first eye-catching feature here is an 11-foot slab of gray-

swirled granite, which tops an island and runs down either side. It demarcates the kitchen and pro-vides both prep and eating space, with a sink in its middle and room for at least four or five stools. The cool granite contrasts with the new cherry on the floors here and upstairs. White cabinetry and stainless LG appliances fill out the kitchen space, and a metallic backsplash adds further detail, as do distinctive lights hanging over the island. The second standout feature of this level is a floor-to-ceiling fire-place and entertainment center on the rear wall. Covered in custom ceramic tiles, it encases both an electric fireplace with different light effects and a 65-inch, curved-screen TV above. It’s easy to imagine friends lounging around the screen while others chat over the kitchen’s island, and still more entertaining goes on in the front living space. Across from the kitchen are a powder room and two closets with room for pantry goods, coats and electronic equipment. The latter includes a system of sur-veillance cameras that feed onto a

built-in screen above the closets. There are also speakers installed in the ceiling here and out back, in a small patio area located just outside glass doors next to the fireplace. Behind this is a two-car garage. Up a flight of stairs near the front door, the master bedroom sits in the front of the house, offering three windows overlook-ing the street as well as a skylight and high ceilings. Three closets provide plenty of storage space, and an en suite bathroom features

a glass-topped double vanity and a dual shower with glass door. Two more bedrooms offer windows toward the rear, and a hall bath has a glass-enclosed stall shower. A closet contains an LG washer and dryer. Two levels down, the bottom floor could be a rental apartment or simply an extension of the owner’s space. The main room is a kitchen/living space, and there’s a bedroom with its own bath.

Materials are similar to above, though the floors are wood-style tiles. There’s a full-size fridge and dishwasher, and a stacked washer-dryer. As well as the front entrance, there’s an exit to the garage out back. This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house at 404 Emerson St. NW is listed for $749,900. For details contact Iris Aponte of Avery-Hess Realtors at 202-378-3850 or iaponte@averyhess.com.

A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington December 23, 2015 ■ Page 15

Extensively renovated row house fits neatly in Petworth

Photos courtesy of Avery-Hess RealtorsThis four-bedroom row house in Petworth is priced at $749,900.

ON THE MARKET betH coPe

Wednesday, Dec. 23

Class■ The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center

will host a weekly class on meditation. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $6 to $12. Vajrayogini Bud-dhist Center, 1787 Columbia Road NW. 202-986-2257.

Concerts■ The Encore Chorale, a dynamic

ensemble formed by first-time or return-ing musicians over the age of 55, will perform crowd-pleasing holiday music. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The Kennedy Center will present its annual “Messiah” singalong, led by conductor Barry Hemphill and featuring members of the Opera House Orchestra, professional soloists, a chorus of 200 and enthusiastic audience members. 8 p.m. Free; tickets distributed in the Hall of Nations beginning at 6 p.m. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ French violinist Julien Chauvin and soprano Rosa Lamoreaux will join the Folger Consort to present “The Season Bids Us: Christmas Music Featuring Gui-do’s ‘Four Seasons.’” 8 p.m. $40 to $50. Lutheran Church of the Reforma-tion, 212 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

■ The Gypsy Sally’s Holiday Grass Show will feature the Woodshedders, the Plate Scrapers and Brandy Station Company. 8 p.m. $10. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

■ Jazz musician Elijah Cole will per-form. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ Herb Scott will host a weekly Capi-tol Hill Jazz Jam. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum. Mr. Hen-ry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

Performances■ Pointless Theatre will present “A

Very Pointless Holiday Spectacular: The North Pole’s 239th Annual Talent Show,” an irreverent winter cabaret fea-turing puppetry, improv and a reindeer band. 8 p.m. $17 to $22. Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. pointlesstheatre.com/holiday. Perfor-mances will continue through Jan. 2.

■ Theater Alliance will present “Black Nativity,” Langston Hughes’ soul-ful musical of faith, endurance and the birth of blackness. 8 p.m. $25 to $35. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE. theateralliance.com. Perfor-mances will continue through Jan. 3.

■ Dwayne Lawson-Brown will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets, 1025

5th St. NW. 202-789-2227.

Service■ “Carols by Candlelight” will feature

holiday music. 6 p.m. Free; passes required. Washington National Cathe-dral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin ave-nues NW. 202-537-6200. The event will repeat Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Special events■ The 11th annual Downtown

Holiday Market will feature exhibitors, local food and live music. Noon to 8 p.m. Free admission. Sidewalk of F Street between 7th and 9th streets NW, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. downtownholidaymarket.com.

■ “ZooLights” will feature environ-mentally friendly LED displays, a light show set to music, a model train exhibit, three 150-foot-long “snow tubing” tracks, the Conservation Car-ousel and live enter-tainment. 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu. The event will repeat daily through Jan. 2 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31).

Sporting event■ The Washington Wizards will play

the Memphis Grizzlies. 7 p.m. $18 to $899. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Support■ Widowed Persons Outreach — a

community program sponsored by Sibley Memorial Hospital, Iona Senior Services, Capital Caring, the William Wendt Center for Loss & Healing and Joseph Gawler’s Sons — will host a meeting of its Bereavement Ongoing Support Group. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free; reservations request-ed. Metropolitan Memorial United Meth-odist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-4942.

■ Widowed Persons Outreach will host a twice-monthly meeting of its Younger Widows Support Group (for ages 69 and younger). 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Second-floor Conference Room 5, Sibley Medical Building, 5215 Lough-boro Road NW. 202-364-7602.

Thursday, Dec. 24

Children’s program■ Upshur Street Books will host a

singalong for children with John Ray. 11 a.m. Free. Upshur Street Books, 827 Upshur St. NW. upshurstreetbooks.com. The event will repeat Sunday at 11 a.m.

Concerts■ The Beltway Brass Quintet will per-

form jazzy and cheerful arrangements of holiday favorites. Noon. Free. Millennium

Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.■ “An Evening at

the Garden” will fea-ture Tony Craddock Jr. and Cold Front per-forming jazz. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Mary-land Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

■ The Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ will present the 18th annual Christmas Eve Jazz Vespers, led by Peoples Jazz Society artistic director Davey S. Yarborough and featuring spe-cial guest artists Tre Mezzi. 7 p.m. Free. Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. NW. 202-829-5511.

■ Opera star Alessandra Marc, the Universalist National Memorial Church Choir and the Maytime Symphonette will perform joyful and inspirational holiday music. 8 to 10 p.m. Free; reservations required. Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th St. NW. universalist.org/opera.

Discussion■ National Gallery of Art lecturer

David Gariff will discuss “The Christmas Story in Art.” 1 p.m. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Film■ The Angelika Pop-Up at Union

Market will present Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart. 5 p.m. $7. Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market, 550 Penn St. NE. angelikafilmcenter.com.

Services■ The Contemporary Choir will per-

form a Christmas Prelude, at 4 p.m.; the Rev. W. Ronald Jameson will celebrate the Vigil Mass of Christmas, at 4:30 p.m.; the Rev. Rafael Barbieri will cele-brate a Spanish-language Mass of Christmas, at 6:30 p.m.; the Schola Cantorum and Festival Singers will per-form a Christmas prelude; and Cardinal Donald Wuerl will celebrate the Solemn Mass of Christmas, at 10 p.m. Free. Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW. 202-347-3215.

■ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafay-ette Square, will present Carols and Anthems, at 4:30, 7 and 10:30 p.m.; a Pageant and Choral Eucharist with choir, at 5 p.m.; and the Festival Choral Eucha-rist, at 7:30 and 11 p.m. Free. 16th and H streets NW. 202-347-8766.

■ The National Presbyterian Church will host a Family Nativity Service with a narrated re-enactment of the Nativity story with music, at 5 p.m.; and Candle-light Services with carols, at 8 and 10 p.m. Free. National Presbyterian Church,

4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-0800.

■ The Choir of the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart will perform a choral prelude, and the Rev. Walter Rossi will lead a Children’s Mass with pageant, at 5 p.m.; a choir will offer Choral Meditations on the Nativity, at 10 p.m.; and Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the apostolic nuncio to the Unit-ed States, will lead the Solemn Vigil Mass of Christmas Eve, at 10:30 p.m. Free. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michi-gan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300.

■ The Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church will host a Family Christmas Eve Service with a live Nativi-ty and carols, at 5 p.m.; a Candlelight Communion Service, at 7:30 p.m.; and a Candlelight Service with musical pre-lude, at 10:30 p.m. Free. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-363-4900.

■ The Washington National Cathe-dral will celebrate Christmas Eve with a Festival Holy Eucharist service. 10 p.m. Free; passes required. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-2228.

Special event■ A Chevy Chase Christmas Caroling

event will organize local residents to spread holiday cheer through song. 11 a.m. to noon. Meet outside Starbucks, Connecticut Avenue and Livingston Street NW.

Friday, Dec. 25

Concerts■ Washington National Cathedral

organist Benjamin Straley will perform a Christmas Day recital. 4:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Washington Nation-al Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wis-consin avenues NW. 202-537-6200.

■ The 17th All-Star Christmas Day Jam will feature host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson,

trumpeter Tom Williams, bassist James King and vocalist Delores Williams. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

Services■ The Washington National Cathe-

dral will celebrate Christmas with a Fes-tival Holy Eucharist service, at 11 a.m.; and the Blessing of the Crib: A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols, at 3 p.m. Free. Washington National Cathe-dral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin ave-nues NW. 202-537-6200.

■ Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, will lead the Solemn Christmas Day Mass, at noon; and Car-dinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, will lead the Spanish-language Christmas Day Mass, at 2:30 p.m. Free. Basilica of the Nation-al Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300.

Special event■ The Washington DC Jewish Com-

munity Center will hold its 29th annual Day of Service, featuring events at doz-ens of sites throughout the area. Various times. $10 to $20 fee; registration required. washingtondcjcc.org/d25.

Saturday, Dec. 26

Book signing■ Sandra O’Connell will sign copies

of her book “An American Family in World War II.” Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Mall Store, National Museum of American History, Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th streets NW. 202-633-1000.

Children’s programs■ Keegan Theatre will present “How

to Catch a Lepre-chaun,” its new chil-dren’s musical based on an Irish folk tale (for ages 3 and older). 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $15. Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202-265-3767. The perfor-mance will repeat Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetari-um program about the season’s bright-est stars, planets and constellations (for ages 5 and older). 1 to 1:45 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070. The program will repeat Sunday at 1 p.m.

■ The Kennedy Center will present “Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!,” a vaudevillian romp of a musical based on Mo Willems’ children’s book (for ages 3 and older). 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $20 to $25. Family Theater, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Performances will con-tinue through Jan. 3.

■ A park ranger will lead a planetari-um program about distant galaxies, neb-ulas and other deep space objects (for ages 7 and older). 4 to 4:45 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6070.

Class■ The Mount Pleasant Library will

present “Saturday Morning Yoga.” 10 a.m. Free. Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. 202-671-3122.

Concerts■ Family of Praise, a Richmond-

Events&Entertainment16 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

Thursday DeCemBer 24

Wednesday DeCemBer 23

Wednesday, DeCemBer 24■ Concert: The Washington DC Jewish Community Center will present “Stars of David: Story to Song,” a concert musical celebrat-ing the lives of favorite Jewish pub-lic figures and featuring Joshua Dick, Sherri L. Edelen, Emily Levey and Aaron Serotsky (shown). 7:30 p.m. $27 to $52. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. The performance will repeat Thursday at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sat-urday at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

See events/Page 17

Friday DeCemBer 25

Saturday DeCemBer 26

THE NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH4101 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

202.537.0800 www.nationalpres.org

Family Service 5 P.M.Candlelight Services 8 & 10 P.M.

hristmas veC E come celebrate

THE NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH4101 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

202.537.0800 www.nationalpres.org

Family Service 5 P.M.Candlelight Services 8 & 10 P.M.

hristmas veC E come celebrate

based gospel music group, will perform gospel and holiday music. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ The Yeonas Brothers Band will per-form. 8 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

■ The Rick Alberico Jazz Project will perform. 8 and 10 p.m. $15. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ Katita and the Fajitas, Projected Man and West Main will perform. 8:30 p.m. $10. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Films■ National Geographic Museum will

present “Jerusalem 3D,” featuring the first-ever large format aerial footage of the Old City. Noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. $7. Grosvenor Auditorium, National Geo-graphic Museum, 1600 M St. NW. 202-857-7700. The film will also be shown Sunday through Thursday at the same times.

■ “Twenty-Five Years of Milestone Film” will feature Philip Haas’ 1988 film “A Day on the Grand Canal With the Emperor of China,” about two tableaux of antique bustling streets and water-ways. 12:30 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present the Washington premiere of Randall Wright’s 2014 film “Hockney,” about British artist David Hockney. 2 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Performance■ The “Chinese Menu” comedy show

will feature an all-star mash-up with local improvisers performing with D.C. ex-pats. 7:30 and 10 p.m. $10 to $12. DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. decmenu.bpt.me.

■ Stand-up comedian Erin Jackson will perform. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $20; two item minimum. DC Improv Comedy Club, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008. The performance will repeat Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Special event■ The Washington Harbour ice skat-

ing rink will hold a weekly “Cartoon Skate” event, from 10 a.m. to noon; and a weekly “Rock n Skate” event, from 8 to 10 p.m. $9 to $10. Washington Har-bour, 3000 K St. NW. 202-706-7666.

Sporting event■ The Washington Capitals will play

the Montreal Canadiens. 7 p.m. $71 to $398. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Tours and walks■ “Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the

Winter Garden” will feature a tour led by Hillwood horticulturist Bill Johnson. 11 a.m. $15 to $18; tickets distributed at the Visitor Center upon opening each day. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gar-dens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. The tour will repeat Tuesday at 11 a.m.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present a “Picture This! Audio-Described Art Tour” for individuals with impaired sight or who wish to enhance their art

experience with verbal descriptions. 1 to 2 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-842-6905.

Sunday, Dec. 27

Children’s program■ A park ranger will use the story of

Goldilocks to explain what exoplanets are and discuss the search for another Earth. 4 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6227.

Class■ Dumbarton House will host an

“English Country Dance” workshop. 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. $5. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW. 202-337-2288.

Concert■ Brothers Todd and Shawn Simon

will perform a holiday concert. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

Discussion■ National Gallery of Art lecturer

Dianne Stephens will discuss “The Kaufman Collection of American Furni-ture.” 1 p.m. Free. Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Films■ The National Gallery of Art will

present the Washington premiere of Paolo and Vit-torio Taviani’s 2015 film “Wondrous Boccaccio,” about a circle of young friends who flee plague-ravaged Flor-ence for a private villa. 2 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

■ The National Gallery of Art will present Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira’s 2001 film “I’m Going Home,” about a Pari-sian actor in his late 70s who has to care for a young grandson when his wife and daughter are killed. 4 p.m. Free. East Building Auditorium, National Gal-lery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Performances■ “Holiday Vaudeville” will feature

Cajun cellist Sean Grissom, magician Mark Mitton and klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet. 6 p.m. Free. Millenni-um Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. The performance will repeat Monday at 6 p.m.

■ Petworth Citizen will host a come-dy showcase. 8 to 11 p.m. Free. Reading Room, Petworth Citizen, 829 Upshur St. NW. petworthcitizen.com.

Walk■ Park rangers will lead a “Winter at

Fort DeRussy” hike to the Civil War installation and explain how soldiers passed the cold winter months in the forts surrounding Washington (for ages 10 and older). 2 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW.

202-895-6070.

Monday, Dec. 28

Children’s program■ D.C.-based singer-songwriter Mar-

sha Goodman-Wood will present “Rise + Rhyme,” a storytelling and performance series for ages 5 and younger. 9:30 to 11 a.m. $5 per child. Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St. NW. 202-726-0856.

Classes and workshops■ Yoga Activist will present a weekly

yoga class geared toward beginners. 7 p.m. Free. Second-floor meeting room, Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecti-cut Ave. NW. 202-282-3080. The class will also be offered Tuesday at 7 p.m.

■ Poets on the Fringe will host a weekly poetry workshop. 7 to 8 p.m. Free. Stoddert Recreation Center, 4001 Calvert St. NW. passapamela@aol.com.

Concert■ The Philadelphia-based septet Live

at the Fillmore, a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, will perform. 7:30 p.m. $15 to $23. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. thehamiltondc.com.

Discussion■ National Gallery of Art lecturer Eric

Denker will discuss “The Golden Legend Illustrated: Saint Nicholas.” Noon. Free. Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. The talk will repeat Tuesday through Thursday at noon.

Film■ The Music and Poetry Club will

screen the 1985 film “That’s Dancing,” starring Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli and Gene Kelly. A performance by the Blues Muse ensemble will follow. 7:30 p.m. Free. St. Mary’s Court, 725 24th St. NW. 202-393-1511.

Performances■ The Anacostia Community Muse-

um’s Kwanzaa celebration will feature a performance by the mime and perfor-

mance group Crazee Praize Nation based on the seven guiding Kwanzaa principles. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; res-ervations required. Fort Stanton Recre-ation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. 202-633-4844.

■ Busboys and Poets will present an open mic poetry night hosted by Drew Law. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. 202-636-7230.

Sporting event■ The Washington Wizards will play

the Los Angeles Clippers. 7 p.m. $27 to $899. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Children’s program■ A Kwanzaa program for children

and families will feature arts and crafts workshops. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE. 202-633-4844.

Classes and workshops■ A certified yoga instructor will lead

a class targeted to ages 55 and older. 10 a.m. Free; reservations required. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. geoyogarsvp@dc.gov.

■ The Georgetown Library will pres-ent a yoga class practicing introductory viniyasa techniques. 11:30 a.m. Free; reservations required. Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. geoyogarsvp@dc.gov.

Concerts■ The Holocaust Survivor Band — a

duo formed by drummer Saul Dreier and accordionist Reuwen (“Ruby”) Sosnowicz — will present “L’Chaim to Life, a Senti-mental Journey of Music and Song.” 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “An Evening at the Garden” will feature Project Natale performing jazz. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Garden Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

Events&Entertainment The currenT Wednesday, december 23, 2015 17

See events/Page 18

Continued From Page 16

“Art of the Airport Tower,” featur-ing 50 photographs of air traffic con-trol towers by Smithsonian photogra-pher Carolyn Russo, opened recently

at the National Air and Space museum and will continue through November 2016. Located at 6th Street and Inde-pendence Avenue SW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 202-633-1000.■ “Louise Bourgeois: No Exit,” pre-senting 21 works by Bourgeois that explore her grounding in surrealism and ties to existentialism, opened recently at the National Gallery of Art and will continue through May 15. Located at 4th Street and Consti-tution Avenue NW, the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11

a.m. to 6 p.m. 202-737-4215.■ “Age of Lawyers: The Roots of American Law in Shakespeare’s Brit-ain,” offering a close-up look at the rapid increase of lawyers and legal actions during the time of William Shakespeare, opened recently at the Folger Shakespeare Library, where it will continue through Jan. 3. Located at 201 East Capitol St. SE, the library is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 202-544-4600.■ “Photo Ark,” a multiyear project by National Geographic to create por-traits of the world’s species before they disappear, is featured in an exhibit that opened recently at the National Geographic museum. Continuing through April, the exhibit highlights the work of photographer, speaker, author, teacher and Nation-al Geographic fellow Joel Sartore. Located at 1145 17th St. NW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to

6 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, students and military personnel; and $10 for ages 5 through 12. 202-857-7588.

Exhibit highlights airport towers

On exhiBiT

Carolyn russo’s “Birmingham Airport, United Kingdom” is part of an exhibit at the National Air and Space museum.

Sunday DeCemBer 27

Monday DeCemBer 28

Tuesday DeCemBer 29

Advent Mass

“Magni�cat” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Foundry choirs, soloists, and Baroque orchestra will celebrate this time honored Advent cantata. Lead by Stanely Thurston, Director of Music Ministries.

Sunday, December 13, 2015 Part I at 9:30 AM & Part II at 11:00 AM

■ Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge will host its weekly open mic show. 8 p.m. Free. Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Discussion■ National Gallery of Art lecturer

Bela Demeter will discuss “Dragons in Art.” 1 p.m. Free. Meet in the West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Films■ “Tuesday Night Movies” will fea-

ture Billy Wilder’s 1960 romantic come-dy “The Apartment,” starring Jack Lem-mon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred Mac-Murray. 6 p.m. Free. Room A-5, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321.

■ The Washington DC Jewish Com-munity Center will present Evgeny Ruman’s 2015 film “The Man in the Wall,” a psy-chological drama that unfolds over the course of a single eve-ning in a Tel Aviv apartment. 7:30 p.m. $13. Gold-man Theater, Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org.

Performances and readings■ The Washington Improv Theater’s

“Harold Night” will feature performances by the ensembles Blot and Richie, at 8 p.m.; and by Discoteca! and a second ensemble, at 9 p.m. By donation. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org.

■ The Beltway Poetry Slam will pres-ent a featured reading and open slam. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE. 202-636-7230.

■ Busboys and Poets will present an open mic poetry night hosted by Khadi-jah Moon. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

Special event■ “WWE SmackDown Live” will fea-

ture stars such as Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler and Roman Reigns. 7 p.m. $20 to $110. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Wednesday, Dec. 30

Classes and workshops■ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock

Creek, will host a weekly tai chi class. 2 p.m. Free. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek, 201 Allison St. NW. 202-726-2080.

■ The Vajrayogini Buddhist Center will host a weekly class on meditation. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $6 to $12. Vajrayogini Bud-dhist Center, 1787 Columbia Road NW. 202-986-2257.

Concerts■ Herb Scott will host a weekly Capi-

tol Hill Jazz Jam. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum. Mr. Hen-ry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

■ Jazz guitarist Jack Waugh will per-form. 8 and 10 p.m. $10. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ A pre-New Year’s Eve concert will

feature the Brooklyn-based funk/soul/dance pop band Pimps of Joytime and DC’s funky neo-soul group Aztec Sun. 8:30 p.m. $20 to $25. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Performances■ “Comedy at the

Kennedy Center” will feature Nate Bargatze performing stand-up. 6 p.m. Free. Millenni-um Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Busboys and Poets will host an open mic poetry event. 9 to 11 p.m. $5. Cullen Room, Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th St. NW. 202-789-2227.

Sporting event■ The Washington Capitals will play

the Buffalo Sabres. 7 p.m. $55 to $341. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Thursday, Dec. 31

Concerts■ A New Year’s Eve Celebration will

feature soul/funk artist Sir Joe Quarter-man and FreeSoul, as well as the young soulful singers Michael Mwenso & the Shakes featuring Brianna Thomas. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “A Jazz New Year’s Eve” will cele-brate the centenary of Frank Sinatra with a perfor-mance by pia-nist and vocal-ist Diane Schuur accom-panied by a jazz quartet and a full complement of strings. 7 and 9 p.m. $90. Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ “New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center” will feature international music icon and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 8:30 p.m. $55 to $149. Concert Hall, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Twins Jazz will present a New Year’s Eve dinner and concert with jazz artist Kelly Shepherd. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $85. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com.

■ A New Year’s Eve concert will fea-ture Pimps of Joytime and the Ron Hol-loway Band. 9 p.m. $30 to $38. Gypsy Sally’s, 3401 K St. NW. gypsysallys.com.

Performance■ The DC Improv Comedy Club will

present stand-up comedian Orny Adams. 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. $35 to $75. DC Improv Comedy Club, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008.

Special events■ “Noon Yards Eve,” a family-friendly

New Year’s Eve festival, will feature music, dancing, balloon artists, inflata-bles, trackless trains, face painting, kids’ crafts and a balloon drop at noon. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. theyardsdc.com.

■ A Family Yoga NYE Party led by Geneva Moss will feature partner poses, shared laughter and breath, and medita-tion on goals for 2016 (geared to fami-lies with children ages 3 and older). 4 to 5 p.m. $25 per family; reservations required by Dec. 29. lil omm yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW. lilomm.com.

■ “Neo Year’s Eve at Woolly Mam-moth!” will feature a performance of “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” by the Chicago Neo-Futurists, with a pre-show happy hour and a post-per-formance party with a Champagne toast, dessert by Milk Bar and unlimited beer and wine. 10 p.m. $115 to $150. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939.

■ ArtJamz will host its annual New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball, featuring art materials, a canvas, studio time, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight Champagne toast. 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $65 to $75; $95 to $105 per couple. ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave. NW. artjamzdc.com.

Friday, Jan. 1

Class■ “New Year Detox and Rejuvenation

Workshop” will offer a chance to reset for 2016 with asanas and pranayama to detoxify body, mind and soul. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $30 per person or $50 per pair. lil omm yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW. lilomm.com.

Concerts■ Balladeer Anthony Compton will

perform jazz and blues. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover; two item per person minimum. Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylva-nia Ave. SE. 202-546-8412.

■ Kelly Shepherd and NoMad Stories will perform jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. $15. Twins Jazz, 1344 U St. NW. twinsjazz.com. The performance will repeat Satur-day at 9 and 11 p.m.

Performances■ The Culkin School of Irish Dance

will celebrate Irish culture with a perfor-mance of Irish music and dance. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.

■ Beny Blaq will host “Live! From Busboys” open mic and talent show-case. 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. $5. Langston Room, Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 202-387-7638.

Sporting event■ The Washington Wizards will play

the Orlando Magic. 7 p.m. $19 to $899. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 800-745-3000.

Events&Entertainment18 Wednesday, december 23, 2015 The currenT

Continued From Page 17

Thursday, DeCemBer 31■ Concert: A New Year’s Eve concert will feature local musicians Rosa Lamoreaux (shown), J. Reilly Lewis, Ann Colgrove, John Hurd and Diane Heath performing “Bach Through Modern.” 6 p.m. $30 donation suggested; free for students. St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle St. NW. columba.org.

Wednesday DeCemBer 30

Thursday DeCemBer 31

Friday jANUAry 1

THE CURRENT Service Directory % 202/244-7223 (FAX) 202/363-9850

THE CURRENT NEWSPAPERSService Directory Department

5185 MacArthur Blvd. N.W., Suite 102, Washington, D.C. 20016

Categories listed in this issue

The Current Service Directory is a unique way for local businessesto reach Northwest Washington customers effectively. No matterhow small or large your business, if you are in business to provideservice, The Current Service Directory will work for you.

AD ACCEPTANCE POLICYThe Current Newspapers reserves the right to reject any advertising or advertising copy at any time for any reason.

In any event, the advertiser assumes liability for the content of all advertising copy printed and agrees to hold theCurrent Newspapers harmless from all claims arising from printed material made against any Current Newspaper.

The Current Newspapers shall not be liable for any damages or loss that might occur from errors or omissions inany advertisement in excess of the amount charged for the advertisement. In the event of non-publication of any ador copy, no liability shall exist on the part of the Current Newspaper except that no charge shall be made for the ad

For information about the licensing of any particular business in Washington, D.C., please call the DistrictDepartment of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs at (202) 442-4311. The department's website iswww.dcra.dc.gov.

HaulingHome ImprovementHome ServicesKitchens & BathsLandscapingLawn CareLocksmith

Masonry

Painting

Plumbing

Roofing

Tree Services

Windows

Air ConditioningCabinet WorkCarpet CleaningChimney ServicesCleaning ServicesDoors & WindowsElectrical ServicesFloor ServicesHandyman

Electrical Services Flooring Services

It’s “AlwaysSomething”

X Carpentry X Drywall RepairsX Caulking X Light Electrical & Plumbing

X Deck Repairs X StormDoorsX Ceiling Fans X General Repairs

X SomeAssembly Required

703-217 6697 / 703 217 9116Licensed Chris Stancil Insured

Always Something Inc.

Handyman Services

X No Job Too SmallX Very ReliableTo Do List

It’s “AlwaysSomething”

Home Improvement

ANGEL’SHAULING

TRASH • BASEMENTS & GARAGES • DEMOYARD CLEANING • CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS

WOOD & METALS • MOVE IN/ OUTRESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALSIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

H: 703-582-3709 • Cell: 703-863-1086www.angeljunkremoval.com

CABINET WORK

CLEANING

$20 OFFFIRST CLEAN

With This Coupon(New Clients Only, Please)

Serving Northwest DC / Chevy Chase / Bethesda Trained, Bonded & Insured Personnel

S I N C E 1 9 7 9

Green Cleaning for Healthy LivingCall for Free Phone Estimate

301-946-5500www.maidbrigade.com

Mike's Hauling Service and Junk Removal

Commercial and Residential Serving NW DC since 1987

Fast, friendly service. Insured & Bonded

We recycle and donate.

240-876-8763www.mikeshaulingservice.com

Trash & Junk Removal

Gutter Cleaning

Doors & Windows

Door DetailOld Door Hardware Specialist

Funiture Restoration

Chevy Chase Floor Waxing Service

POLISHING, BUFFING, WAXING, CLEANING,ALL TYPES OF FLOORS, PASTE WAX SERVICE

FOR WOOD FLOORS. WORKING OWNERS

ASSURES QUALITY. OVER 30 YEARS OF CAREFUL,KNOWLEDGEABLE WORKMANSHIP IN THE AREA.

HISTORICAL RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

301--656-9274, Chevy Chase, MD

Lic., Bonded, Insured

WD Women owned and operated for over 20 years

Specializing in custom cabinet work, moulding installations & kitchen refacingReferences available. Contact Terry and Diane at:

301-461-9150 • DCwoodwork@verizon.net www.dcwoodwork.com

esigncraftoodworking

INC.

Hauling

Gutter Cleaning

FREE ESTIMATESBonded & Insured • Member, International • Window Cleaning Association

IWCA

RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS

Window Washers, etc.202-337-0351Serving Upper NW

In the heart of The Palisades Since 1993

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!Fully Insured • Interior/Exterior • Storms/Screens

Power Washing

Hauling

ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME WITH DESIGN, FUNCTION & CRAFTSMANSHIP IN WOOD

Avan t i Wood wor k s.c o m

Avanti Woodworks, LLC John 202-544-3235

Come see my work at

• Built-in wall units • Organization & Storage in • Custom Furniture your office and play areas

Since

2000

THE CURRENT

Hightower Floor Service, Inc.T he Wood Floor Experts • Serving the DMV area since 1948

Sand – Stain – Finish – Repair- Install Hardwood Floors

202-726-6795

FREE ESTIMATES

BONDED AND INSURED

Flooring Services

THE CURRENT

WWW.CURRENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THE CURRENT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 19

Call 301-947-6811 or 301-908-1807 For FREE Estimate30 years Experience — Licensed & Insured — MD Tree Expert #385

APPALOOSA CONTRACTORSDrainage Problems • Timber • Walls • Flagstone • Walkways • • Patios • Fencing

Landscape Design & Installation • Tree Service

— With The Boss Always On The Job —

e-mail: scrubnik@verizon.netwww.scrubnik.com

Scrubnik Lawn& Landscape, Inc.

ALWAYS RELIABLE & COURTEOUS SERVICE• Cleanups/Mulching • Seeding/Sodding • Landscape Maintenance• Mowing • Installation of Trees, Flowers and, Shrubs

Many References / Fully Insured

CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE 301-864-6020

FREE ESTIMATES

Outrageous Offers!!! • Yard Clean Up & Mulching $299*

• Lawn Mowing Service $29*• We also deliver bulk mulch, top soil, and straw!

*annual contract required & 5000 square foot lot or less

Call 202.362.3383 for a FREE estimatewww.tenleyscapes.com

Landscape Design & Year-round Maintenance Mulching Stone & Brickwork Patios

Walls New Plants & Trees Outdoor Lighting

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.WWee SSppeecciiaalliizzee iinn

CCoonnccrreettee DDrriivveewwaayyss •• PPaattiiooss •• PPooooll DDeecckkssBBaasseemmeenntt WWaatteerr PPrrooooffiinngg •• WWaallllssBBrriicckk,, SSttoonnee,, FFllaaggssttoonnee && PPaavveerrss

RReeffeerreenncceess AAvvaaiillaabbllee UUppoonn RReeqquueesstt

(301) 316-1603

C U S T O MC U S T O M M A S O N R Ys i n c e 1 9 8 5

L i c . • B o n d e d • I n s u r e d703-827-5000

FLAGSTONE/BRICK/CONCRETE/PATIOS/RETAINING WALLSSIDEWALKS/DRIVEWAYS/ WATERPROOFING

Stone and Brick, New and Repair, Walks, Walls, Patios, Fireplaces, housefronts, hauling and bobcat work. Historic Restoration SpecialistRJ, Cooley 301-540-3127Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

# MHIC 127301

THE CURRENT Service Directory % 202/244-7223 (FAX) 202/363-9850

Home Improvement Masonry

Painting

TENLEYTOWN PAINTINGTENLEYTOWN PAINTING“We grew up in your neighborhood –

ask your neighbors about us.”

Interior/Exterior PaintingPower Washing • Deck Cleaning

Gutter Cleaning • General Carpentry202.244.2325Bonded • Insured • Since 1980

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR FREE ESTIMATES

DC LIC. # 2811• MD LIC. # 86954 LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

301-933-1247

BKB ree Landscaping Handyman Service

Quality Work,Very Cheap Prices

Safe removal of LARGE DANGEROUS TREES

Landscaping, Mulching, Seeding/ Sodding,Power Washing, Light/Heavy Hauling,

Demolition for Residential and Commercial

Gutter Cleaning

Excellent References

202-497-5938202-621-9526

Fall Cleanup Discount25% off

Landscaping

Landscaping

SCORPION GROUPCONTRACTORS

WE ARE SPECIALIST ON

We bring the show roomto your door step!

240 793 6534www.worldgreenremodling.comDCHIC #68006231 MDHIC #127045

BETTER USINESS UREAUM ETROPOLIT WASHINGT DC

Metropolitan Paint & Home Improvement, Inc.Custom DesignDecoration & Paint

CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

IN THE NEXTISSUE!

202.244.7223

Marathon General Contractors• Kitchen & Bath Remodeling• Additions, Decks, Patios• Painting and Wall Covering• Finished Basements• Carpentry & Tiles

Lic/Bonded/Ins301-814-8855 / 301-260-7549

Advertising in

THECURRENTgets results!

Call now to get your business promoted:

202-244-7223

THE CURRENT

20 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 THE CURRENT WWW.CURRENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

Family ROOFING

Over 50 years Experience • Featured on HGTV

202-276-5004www.FamilyRoofingLLC.com • Serving DC & Surrounding Areas • Member NRCA

4 FreeEstimates4 Emergency Service4 Competitive Low Costs

Experts in:4 Slate and Flat Roofs4 Gutters 4 Roof Coatings4 Shingles and Copper4 Member BBB4 Lic. Bonded Insured

We Take Pride in Our Quality Work!

Family

WINDOW WASHERS, ETC...Celebrating 15 years

RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTSSERVING UPPER N.W. 202-337-0351

Residential Specialists Windows • Gutters • Power Washing

DC • MD • VA

IWCAFREE ESTIMATES Fully Bonded & Insured

Member, International Window Cleaning Association • In the heart of the Palisades since 1993

In the heart of the Palisades since 1993

Service DirectoryRoofing

Windows

Classified Ads

Tree Services

Branches Tree

ExpertsCertifi ed Arborist

• Full Service• Diagnostic Tree Care

• Pruning• Insect & Disease Control

• Fertilization

301-589-6181Licensed Insured

10% off

July and

August

Ace Window Cleaning

• We also offer glass, screen, and sash cord repair service.

• Ask about our gentle, thorough no damage, low pressure,

power washing.

301-656-9274 Chevy Chase, MDLicensed • Bonded • Insured

Family owned and operated Over 30 years. Careful,

knowledgeable workmanship.Historical Residential Specialists

For information about the licensing of any particular

business in Washington, D.C., please call the District

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs at

(202) 442-4311. Their website is www.dcra.dc.gov.

Say You Saw it in

THE CURRENT

More Classifieds on

the next page

WWWWWW..CCUURRRREENNTTNNEEWWSSPPAAPPEERRSS..CCOOMM THE CURRENT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 21

Petsitting Services, Inc.JULE’S

[202] 277-2566PO Box 25058Washington, DC 20027 jule@julespetsitting.comwww.julespetsitting.com

Setting the Standard for Excellence in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Since 1991

• Mid Day Dog Walks • Kitty Visits • In-Home Overnight Pet Sitting and other Pet Care Services • Insured and Bonded

Pets

CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

IN THE NEXTISSUE!

202.244.7223

ELSIE WHITLOW STOKES PCS RFP: Project Management, Architectural, or General Contractor Services Interested parties may submit proposals to provide either project management, architectural, or general contractor services for a full HVAC and roof replace-ment. Proposals are due no later than 12:00pm on January 15, 2016. For complete RFP, contact Erika Bryant at erikab@ewstokes.org

Public Notice

Antiq. & Collectibles

SeatWeaving – All typesCane * Rush * DanishRepairs * Reglue

Referencesemail: chairsandseats@aol.com

CHAIR CANING

STEVE YOUNG • 202-966-8810

Cleaning ServicesHOUSE CLEANING service, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly. Customer satisfac-tion 100%. ask about organic cleaning. Excel. Ref’s. Solange 240-478-1726.

HOUSECLEANING SERVICE: weekly and bi-weekly, excellent customer sat-isfaction. Good references. Please call (202)345-2267 or 240-464-8348.

MGL CLEANING SERVICE 15 yrs. exper. • Same Team Everytime

Lic. Bonded, Ins.Excellent DC References,

Free Estimates Our customers recommend us25% off your first clean!

202-491-6767-703-798-4143

MY EXCELLENT cleaning lady is avail to clean your house, incl laundry. Ex-perienced, excel Ref’s, low rates. Call (240)330-5999.

Computers

Computer problems solved,control pop-ups & spam,upgrades, tune-up, DSL /Cable modem, network,wireless, virus recovery etc.Friendly service, home or business. Best rates.

Call Michael for estimate:202-486-3145

www.computeroo.net

New computer or smartphone?Over 15 years’ experience tutoring adults on all types of technology. I can help you with PCs or Macs as well as iPhones/iPads, Kindles, and all other de-vices. I also provide technical support, help choosing, purchasing, setting up, and troubleshooting devices. Call Brett Geranen at (202) 486-6189 or email ComputerTutorDC@gmail.com.

Handyman

Cunningham 202-374-9559 Handyman• Drywall • Carpentry• Interior/ Exterior Painting • Deck & Fence Repair and more

Ask for Cliff (202)374-9559

Help Wanted

ARTS JOB!Nonprofit seeks customer service pro for ticketing department. Hourly (usually 30-35 hours per week). See job description for Patron/Tick-eting Services Assistant at washingtonballet.org/employment

Help Wanted

WASHINGTON INTERNATIONALschool is seeking a boys Varsity Tennis Coach for Spring 2016.

Some experience recommended.If interested, pleasee-mail resume to

Tom O’Mara. Omara@WIS.edu.

Lost & FoundLOST AROUND Tenley Circle (Alber-marle area). Gold chain with a small 13 point gold star. Reward if found. Please call (301)229-2551.

Moving/Hauling

CONTINENTAL MOVERSLocal-Long Distance

Great References • Free 10 boxes Deliveries and Hauling available. 301-340-0602 • 202 438-1489

www.continentalmovers.net

GREAT SCOTT MOVING,Inc.

Local & Long Distance, PianosCall us for a great move

at a great price. 301-699-2066Highest rated in Consumer Check

Book, Better Business Bureau, Yelp & Angie’s List.

www.greatscottmoving.com

Personal Services

Get Organized Today!Get "Around Tuit" now and organize your closets,

basement, home o!ce, kids' rooms, kitchens, garages and more!

Call today for a free consultation!Around Tuit, LLC Professional Organizing

202-489-3660www.getaroundtuitnow.cominfo@getaroundtuitnow.com

EDUCATED, PERSONABLE,middle-age Man-Friday/Companion in NW, good references, avail. for trans-port, shopping, home & gdn work,swim lessons, other. Ross 202/237-0231.

Personal Services

PetsEXPERIENCED PETSITTER/ House-sitter available. Responsible 32/F, seeking long or short-term opportuni-ties. Employed non-smoker with car, can provide multiple references. Call 703-772-8848 or email kp105dc@gmail.com for more details.

Senior CareCAREGIVER AVAIL: also companion-ship. Weekdays, and nights and week-ends. 25 years experience. CNA cert., CPR and first Aid. Life-support train-ing, Oxygen trained. Can drive, light hskeeping/ cooking, groceries, er-rands, etc. Please call (240)277-2452.

22 wedNesday, deCember 23, 2015 The CurreNT

tion Don Hachey said at the meeting.Hachey said the site’s steep drop-off from

Connecticut Avenue proved more difficult to work around than initially anticipated. And more than 60 days of inclement weather, including “torrential downpours” and last win-ter’s frigid temperatures, exceeded the block of time the construction company had set aside in anticipation of weather delays.

The most recent setback for the project, Hachey said, came when the construction com-pany tried to excavate within the public right of way on the northern portion of the site. Crews anticipated working around existing duct banks and manholes, but they were surprised to find the ducts deteriorated, the manholes collapsed and live electric cables sticking out.

B.F. Saul contacted Pepco in October to inquire about repairs. Pepco representatives told the firm the area could be completely fixed within four to six months, which would have set the Park Van Ness project back even further. Instead, Hachey said, the developer took a

more proactive approach.“We chose to beg and plead and grovel and

agree to rebuild it at our expense,” Hachey said. The process took only two months.

D.C. Department of Transportation deputy associate director Matthew Marcou — who oversees the use of public space, such as the sidewalk closure — said at the meeting that nobody is harmed by these delays more than B.F. Saul, which is losing “tens of thousands of dollars.”

He assured residents that construction will continue and the stakeholders will do every-thing in their power to get back on track.

“This is not somebody that anybody’s tak-ing lightly,” Marcou said. “Everybody’s mov-ing as expeditiously as possible.”

Commission chair Adam Tope told The Cur-rent he doesn’t think the commission can do much to push the project forward, other than hold the developer accountable for finishing in the time allotted.

Fellow commissioner and Van Ness Main Streets president Mary Beth Ray takes a more optimistic view, particularly regarding the new

businesses.“While we’re frustrated with the sidewalk

delay, we appreciate BF Saul’s transparency and willingness to work with the community,” Ray wrote in an email. “As both an ANC Com-missioner and President of the Board of Van Ness Main Street, I predict it won’t be long before other developers ask themselves ‘why aren’t we in Van Ness?’”

Sfoglina is the latest restaurant from Fabio and Maria Trabocchi, who also own Fiola at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Fiola Mare at 3100 K St. NW; and Casa Luca at 1099 New York Ave. NW. According to media reports, handmade pastas will be the focus for the new eatery, which gets its name from the Italian word for a woman who makes pasta.

Soapstone Market will have indoor and out-door seating, a bar and several deli and meat counters, according to media reports. It comes from Tracy Stannard and John Fielding, also responsible for Broad Branch Market at 5608 Broad Branch Road NW in Chevy Chase.

Photos and renderings of the project are available at tinyurl.com/ParkVanNess.

VAN NESS: Mixed-use project delayed by weather, infrastructure issuesFrom Page 3

Voss will hand out songbooks she curated and printed herself, and the group — or groups, depending on how many people show up — will set off along Con-necticut Avenue to make merry through song. The carolers will also be encouraged to patronize Chevy Chase’s family-owned businesses after the singing.

Voss practiced this Christmas Eve tradition for several years on Capitol Hill, where she lived with her husband, James Soriano, and their son Jacob from 2010 to late 2013. Voss and Soriano wanted to move to Upper Northwest to take advantage of the well-regarded public elementary schools in the neighborhood, particularly Lafay-ette Elementary, which Jacob will enter as a kindergartner next fall.

“Chevy Chase is about as close to a warm, small-town village as you can get in the city,” Voss said. “People are very gracious and neighborly here, which I particu-larly appreciate.”

On the Hill, the annual Christ-mas caroling was an outgrowth of a program Voss hosted at the Southeast Library called “Booli-wah,” which helped young chil-dren gain basic learning skills

through sign language, movement and music. Jam sessions were a primary component of her classes, and Voss took great pleasure in designing lesson plans to maxi-mize rhythm and melody. For the caroling event, the focus was on children and their parents, but all demographics were welcome.

Former Capitol Hill caroler Nicole Bartels was such a fan of the event that after she and her family moved to Bowie, Md., in 2013, they returned to the city on Christmas Eve to continue the tradition.

“It was great because it was this eclectic group of littler kids, all races, coming together to cele-brate the holidays and trying to spread cheer to others,” she said.

Bartels has noticed her daugh-ter has recently developed a strong interest in the tradition, and she points to Voss’ energy as a factor. She noted that some carolers had never sung a note before, but Voss assured them that the point was to have fun, not to hit every note perfectly.

“Marelise is great at welcom-ing people and making people feel like they matter,” Bartels said.

Living and singing in Chevy Chase brings Voss full circle from her childhood. She grew up in

Illinois, but often visited family friends in the D.C. neighborhood with her mother, who had attended Catholic University. In the ulti-mate example of fortuitousness, the backyard of her new home is adjacent to the former home of the friends Voss visited as a child.

“If you’d told me I was going to live in D.C., I would have been ecstatic, but I think I would have been very surprised,” Voss said.

This year, in another effort to give back to the community, Voss and her family have also been participating in the “12 Days of Kindness” concept, which began on Dec. 12 and will culminate with the caroling event on Christ-mas Eve. Each day, the family participates in an act of kindness, like delivering cookies across the neighborhood or participating in a Ward 4 coat drive.

In the future, Voss is interested in introducing a version of Booli-wah to Chevy Chase, at a location yet to be determined. She’s also thought about hosting a Chevy Chase choral program where adults and children can simultane-ously learn basic singing tech-niques and music theory.

But for 2015, her focus is the caroling. In her ideal vision of the event, people walking down the street will spontaneously join in on the singing, as they’ve done during her previous gatherings.

“What is more joyous than singing?” Voss said. “I’m hoping this will be the purest expression of a true holiday spirit these folks will have this season.”

CAROLS: Local woman launches new Chevy Chase holiday traditionFrom Page 1

cels on different regions of the property for demolition, remedia-tion and new construction in phas-es. Each parcel will be sold to an individual component developer, according to Michael Jones, prin-cipal at Triden Development.

The development team, which also includes the Hines firm, is in talks with Wegmans for a new store in the designated spot for a grocer on the property. According to Jones, Wegmans is in the pro-cess of compiling a market study for the site, which it will complete by the end of January.

“The discussions that we’re having with them will be much more robust after the site analy-sis,” Jones said. “We believe there is strong interest in both parties to make that happen.”

In response to a question from Mendelson, Jones admitted that the timeline for the project means the grocery store likely won’t open until 2021 or 2022. The store would take over the former hospi-tal facilities at Walter Reed Build-ing 2, which requires a demolition process of three years. Then exca-vation would begin, taking up to another year before the retailer could move in.

Also moving into space at Wal-ter Reed is the District of Colum-bia International School, a collab-orative venture of five existing language immersion charters. The school could open doors to a new campus facility at the corner of 16th and Aspen streets in Septem-ber 2017. Ultimately the venture hopes to expand its Walter Reed campus to offer an International Baccalaureate program from grades six through 12.

Current student Gabriel Madi-son testified that students at the program’s incubator space in Mount Pleasant now have to walk 20 minutes to a nearby church for gym class. The problem will only get more severe as the program grows from 400 to 1,200 students over the next five years, according to a D.C. International School trustee.

“This is terribly inconvenient, and it means that students lose instructional time,” Madison said. “This will easily be resolved if we can retain our space on the Walter Reed campus.”

Jones said an earlier plan would have put the school in its new campus by next September, but various project delays affected the schedule.

Developers at the hearing also mentioned soliciting community feedback about the best use for the 20 available acres of green space. Possibilities include a farmers market and outdoor movies.

The public record on this legis-lation will close on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. After that, the bill will go to committee for markup before heading to the full council for a vote.

COUNCILFrom Page 3

Brian Kapur/Current file photoCarolers will meet at 11 a.m. Christmas Eve at the Starbucks at 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW.

ch n

THE CURRENT Classified AdsSenior Care

CNA SEEKS live-in position. Amy has worked for 4 generations of our family. Exp'd w/cancer and Alzheimer pts. Trustworthy, kind, cheerful.Can drive, light hskeeping/ cooking, groceries, er-rands. Call 973-634-4089 or Amy 240-481-3111.

KIND, TRUSTWORTHY caregiver/ companion available FT/PT. Refer-ences avail. Call 240-462-8528.

LICENSED RN in DC and MD is avail-able for priv. duty. Rotat shifts. 40 yrs exper., Ref’s avail Call (301)346-8859.

Slip Covers

CUSTOM SLIP COVERSEnd of year Sale

Customer Own Material or our fabricWe also do upholstery, draperiesCall A Slip Cover Studio Today

240-401-8535 • 301-270-5115aslipcoverstudiomd@gmail.com

Upholstery

THE CURRENT

TheCurrenT Wednesday,deCember23,201523

WASHINGTON, DC 202.944.5000GEORGETOWN 202.333.3320 LOGAN/DOWNTOWN 202.930.6868 BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE 301.222.0050POTOMAC 301.983.6400NORTHERN VIRGINIA 703.317.7000MIDDLEBURG, VA 540.687.6395LITTLE WASHINGTON, VA 540.675.1488

WFP.COM

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND OFFICES

MASS AVE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DCCharming home with gracious floor plan. 5 bed-rooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths, hardwood floors, crown molding, and original details throughout. Large master suite with sitting room, dressing room, and expansive master bath. $5,950,000Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

FOREST HILLS, WASHINGTON, DCStately five bedrooms with elegantly propor-tioned rooms with lots of charm and custom details. Large lot with level walkout to spectacu-lar garden. $1,795,000Margot Wilson 202-549-2100Marylyn Paige 202-487-8795

AU PARK, WASHINGTON, DCFabulous 5,000 plus square foot home with five bedrooms, four full baths and one half bath, a large double living room with attached sun-room, hardwood floors and rear patio with foun-tain.$1,495,000Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

BURLEITH, WASHINGTON, DCNEW LISTING! Charming brick row house, off-street parking for 2 cars. 3BR/3.5BA, hardwoods floors, fireplace, granite counters, finished lower level with separate kitchen, laundry, bath & en-trance. Lovely private, fenced back patio. $925,000W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

POTOMAC, MARYLANDGated estate on over three plus acres in Bradley Farms. Quality finishes throughout over 14,000+ square foot living area. Main level owner suite. Eight car garage. $5,250,000William F.X. Moody 202-243-1620Marsha Schuman 301-299-9598

KALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DCWonderful 3,400+/- square foot brick town-house with three bedrooms, four baths on Embassy Row! Open gourmet kitchen, private garden, gated courtyard, parking. $1,760,000William F. X. MoodyRobert Hryniewicki 202-243-1620

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DCTerrific East Village location! This sunny 2BR, 2.5BA house with garage, kitchen, DR/LR, all with access to the private garden on entry level and master with deck overlooking Rose Park, 2nd BR, office and access to flat roof up. $1,495,000Jamie Peva 202-258-5050

CHEVY CHASE, MARYLANDWell maintained and updated 3BR, 2.5BA home. Granite counters and stainless steel appliances including a Thermador range. Refinished floors, two fireplaces, gardens, driveway and street parking. Lower level rec room. $837,000Alyssa Crilley 301-325-0079

SPRING VALLEY, WASHINGTON, DCNEW PRICE! Magnificent stone manor home beautifully set on nearly an acre of mature gar-dens. Spacious & bright public rooms with high ceilings, 5+BR suites & multiple studies upstairs. All in pristine, move-in ready condition. $4,995,000Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

BETHESDA, MARYLANDLuxury semi-detached townhouse! Beautifully customized throughout with designer finishes. Spacious, turnkey, unsurpassed attention to detail. Finished lower level, private garden and rooftop terraces, two-car garage. $1,749,000Kay McGrath King 202-276-1235

CHEVY CHASE, MARYLANDGrand 6BR, 4.5BA colonial features spacious rooms, large windows, generous closets and a private cul-de-sac location. 4 large bedrooms on the second floor with three large full baths. Light filled sunroom. Two-car garage. $1,495,000Alyssa Crilley 301-325-0079

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DCStunning top-to-bottom renovation of two-level 2BR/2.5BA at Worland! Open gourmet kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinetry, stain-less appliances! Nicely proportioned DR, sunny LR with FP & built-ins. Garage parking. $775,000Kay McGrath King 202-276-1235

GEORGETOWN ,WASHINGTON, DCStylish Residence with double living room & two fireplaces opening to library. Deep garden with English boxwood and brick terrace. Master bed-room with fireplace & renovated bath. Renovated kitchen with commercial gas stove. $1,845,000W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DCFive bedroom, three and a half bath brick Victo-rian on tree-lined street, gracious entry hall, spa-cious living room and gourmet kitchen, separate in-law suite, private garden, high ceilings, original details and floors throughout! $1,595,000Jamie Peva 202-258-5050

BERKLEY, WASHINGTON, DCClassic home updated with over 4,000 square feet and open floor plan on landscaped level lot. 4 bedrooms plus den, 4 baths, two fireplaces, ga-rage with car lift and heated driveway. $1,299,000William F.X. MoodyRobert Hryniewicki 202-243-1620

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DCNEW LISTING! Sunny efficiency with large win-dows, ample storage, and monument views! Located one block from the bus stop and an easy walk to Whole Foods, shops, restaurants, and parks. $175,000Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING INTERNATIONAL OFFERING INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

24 Wednesday,deCember23,2015 TheCurrenT

5230 Elliott Road, Bethesda, MD 20816, $949,000. Great entry price for this sought-after neighborhood. Ready to enjoy but offers opportunities for improvements or expansion! Classic center hall, 3+ bedroom, 3.5 bath, brick Colonial in leafy Bethesda location near DC Line. Enjoy four finished levels and a beautiful yard! Call Keene Taylor for more information, 202.321.3488.

3827 Livingston Street NW, Washington, DC 20015 $999,500. The ultimate walk-able lifestyle is here for you! Just steps to everything you need on Connecticut Avenue, and a short walk to Friendship Heights Metro. This 4+ bedroom, 3.5 bath 1920’s home is overflowing with charm and flooded with wonderful natural light. This home is move in ready! Call Steve Agostino for more information, 202.321.5506.

Steve Agostino 202.321.5506Nancy Taylor 202.997.0081

Keene Taylor Jr. 202.321.34885506 Connecticut Avenue NW #28

Washington, DC 20015

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEARWe have exciting new listings that will be coming on the market in the New Year. Remember, If you are thinking of selling we have buyers ready to purchase today! Call us today for more information.

202.362.0300 or visit tayloragostino.com/walkthrough to schedule an appointment.

Please go to tayloragostino.com for more photos and links to MRIS for all of our featured the properties.

A C T I V E L I S T I N G

S O L D

5612 33rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20015 $849,000. As Bungalow as it gets! 1920’s Sears Walton model will pull at your heartstrings from the moment you step on the wide & wonderful front porch. Nice high ceilings, big windows & period detailing set the tone throughout. Practical features include a 1.5 car garage and a unique mudroom off the kitchen. All of this and just a block to Lafayette ES and Park! Call Steve Agostino for more information, 202.321.5506.

4419 Harrison Street NW, Washington, DC 20015 $769,000.Brilliant location near Friendship Heights Metro and shops! A Mid-Century modern semi-detached home with 3+BR and 2.5 BA. Open floor plan and a handy powder room on main floor. Potential in-law suite and off-street parking for 2+ vehicles complete this home. Call Keene Taylor for more information, 202.321.3488.

401 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 $659,500. 1849 End unit row house with great natural light. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a sweet screened porch opening to private garden. Call Steve Agostino for more information, 202.321.5506.

3730 Oliver Street NW, Washington, DC 20015 $1,580,000. 1910 Beauty - what everyone waits for! Sits on almost 1/4 acre near shops and Metro. Discover 5BR’s, 4.5 BA ’s surrounded by period charm. Read more on our website! Call Keene Taylor for more information, 202.321.3488.

3909 Virgilia Street, Chevy Chase MD 20815. Gracious center hall Colonial in wonderful, convenient location not far from Downtown Bethesda. 4BR & 3BA on second level

including 2 master suites, great kitchen/family room with nice screen porch & patio, recent 2-story addition. PRICE UPON REQUEST. Keene Taylor, 202.321.3488.

N E W Y E A R ’ S L I S T I N G

U N D E R C O N T R A C T

Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Happy Holidays