The Week Ahead…French Bakery Update & Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted March 2, 2025

French Bakery Update – a source tells CHC that the progress on the opening of the long-awaited St. Georges Boulangerie across from Eastern Market is bogged down in the city’s interminable and increasingly stringent permitting process.  The owner must be anxious to open, but timing is uncertain. 

Razom for Ukraine appears to have set up camp at 603 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Razom is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) which seeks to help build a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine. In 2023, Forbes Ukraine declared Razom one of the top 10 nonprofit organizations in Ukraine. (Wiki)  Charity Navigator gives Razom a four star rating.  Here’s a link for more info and to donate:  https://www.razomforukraine.org/

DC’s first Mushroom Church is open on Barracks Row.  An Instagram post for the “Entheogenic* Temple” says it wants to “bring the Divine to all people through our Sacred Sacrament the Mushroom.  Mushrooms are only available for purchase for members of our Church through verified membership on location or through a Member Portal.” 

*Entheogens are psychoactive substances, including psychedelic drugs (such as magic mushrooms) used throughout history in sacred contexts. (Wiki)

The Church is located in the space formerly occupied by Metropolitan Wellness Center and then by Mr. Nice Guys, over the former and future Popeyes on Barracks Row at 409 8th Street, SE. 

Here’s a capture from the Mushroom Church’s Instagram page illustrating one of their products.  On March 15, 2021, DC’s Initiative 81 went into effect, which did not legalize psychedelic mushrooms, but made policing and prosecution for use of them a low priority.  Some groups seek a religious exemption from the DEA for use of psychedelics but there’s an application process – not just declaring yourself a church.  The IRA as well may be curious about the legal status of an organization declaring itself a church. 

Razom for Ukraine appears to have set up camp at 603 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Razom is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) which seeks to help build a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine. In 2023, Forbes Ukraine declared Razom one of the top 10 nonprofit organizations in Ukraine. (Wiki)  Charity Navigator gives Razom a four star rating.  Here’s a link for more info and to donate:  https://www.razomforukraine.org/

ABCA continues the crackdown on the illegal weed gifting shops, issuing a Notice of Closure to The U Smoke Shop at 607a Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

The Week Ahead…

Highlight:  Multiple representatives of the federal and local criminal justice system (maybe including Acting US Attorney for DC Edward Martin) will appear at Tuesday’s MPD’s 1^st District Community Advisory Committee meeting – see below). 

Monday, March 3

ANC6B Transportation Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion:  DDOT Lincoln Park Study, in partnership with ANC6A. 
• Discussion:  WMATA Better Bus Initiative.

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm. 

• To view the meeting, contact 6D@anc.dc.gov

ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Follow up on testimony to the DC City Council.

Tuesday, March 4

MPD 1D Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:00pm.

• For info and for info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://1dcac.com/ 

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Introduction of Acting US Attorney for DC Edward Martin (pending availability).
• US Capitol Police Assistant Chief of Police Ashan Benedict report and preparations for upcoming State of the Union Address. 
• US Office of DC Attorney for the 1st District Doug Klein and Chris Wade – community outreach report. 
• Metro Transit Police – Captains Aaron Donald and Beau Perrizo – police enforcement on buses and trains.
• Mayor’s representatives report on Rental Act and resolution of Capitol Hill Towers issues.
• Office of DC Attorney General Juan Ulloa.
• CSOSA Report
• 1^st District Overview with Commander Colin Hall and 1^st District officials and officers.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Agenda:

• Alcohol License and follow-up for Acqua al 2, 212 7^th Street, SE.

Wednesday, March 6

The ANC6CPlanning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee usually meets virtually on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm.  TBA. 

Thursday, March 6

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion:  Closing the Barney Circle Historic District nomination. 
• Discussion:  Comprehensive Zoning Plan Review.

The ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee usually meets virtually on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm.  TBA. 

ANC6C Community Walk with 6C Commissioners, CM Charles Allen, and MPD.

• 5:30pm on March 6, 2025
• Meet at 7th & G St NE
• There will be a post-walk community safety conversation with MPD at Fresca Taqueria, located at 7th and H Street, NE.

Here’s a link to register:  https://bit.ly/3XnYWJM

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Tuesday, March 4

Folger Theater presents A Room in the Castle.  On Stage through April 6.  Tickets:  $20 – $84.

How does a woman survive the court of Denmark? How does anyone? A Room in the Castle finds Ophelia, her handmaid, and Queen Gertrude on the other end of a wild prince’s antics and realizing just how dangerous life in this castle has become.

For more info and tickets, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/a-room-in-the-castle/

Thursday, March 6

Folger Library Book Club.  Virtual.  6:30pm.  Free. 

The Tower, by Flora Carr

About The Tower:  A bold, feminist debut novel, reimagining Mary, Queen of Scots’s darkest hour, when she was held hostage in a remote Scottish castle with a handful of loyal women while plotting a daring escape to reclaim her country and her freedom.

Register here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/folger-book-club-march-2025/

Thursday, March 6

Congressional Cemetery Death Café. 6:00pm – 7:30pm. 

Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel 1801 E Street, Southeast.

Death Cafe is a global movement to encourage discussion about the often-taboo subject of death. These are intimate informal gatherings where we discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea to remind us of comfort and sweetness even in difficult times.

For more and to reserve a seat, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-cafe-at-congressional-cemetery-3-2/2025-03-06/

Friday, March 7

Folger Library Pres-show talk.  6:30pm. 

Creative conversation: A Room in the Castle.  $25.00. 

For more info and tickets:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/creative-conversations-room-in-the-castle/