Reminder: NE/SE Library Book Sale Saturday June 8, 10am – 3:pm
“The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, June 8. The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.
===> Note that the location is at the NE Library <===
The sale begins when the library opens at 10:00 am. We begin to pack up around 2:45 pm and are done by 3:00 pm.The sale is on the lower level of the library.
Entrance to the sale is through the library (and down the stairs or elevator).
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. We have music CDs and movies on DVDs. We usually have a few books on disk too.
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
If you have books to donate, we’d be happier if you brought them after the sale, but we will take donations at the sale if you must. The donation bin is located on the lower level.
Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. CDs and DVDs are fine, but NO VHS tapes or cassettes.”
June 7th Friday Night Jazz at EM Metro Features Herb Scott Band – 5:30pm
by Larry Janezicn
Posted Friday , June 7, 2024
Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features the Herb Scott Band at 5:30pm.
Scott is a star on the Washington, D.C. Jazz scene. While studying at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the award-winning educator Davey Yarborough, he performed with renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. For more, go here: https://bit.ly/3PzUeCI
The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation. CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.
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Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Tonight: CM Charles Allen hosts the meeting which will be tonight from 6pm – 7:30pm at Northeast Library. The purpose is to update the community on the budget and provide an opportunity for feedback before the Council takes a final vote on June 12. RSVP here. https://bit.ly/4e4LUYB
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The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosted a Garfield Park Construction Kickoff meeting Monday night. Christopher Dyer, Community Engagement Manager for DC DPR (center above) told a crowd of about 50 community members that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the final design for upgrading the park and to provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback and input.
Dyer and Nick Kushner DPR Community Planner and project manager fielded questions and took suggestions. Construction will start in June and be complete by the end of September.
CM Charles Allen attended the meeting and credited the immediate neighbors of the park including the Friends of Garfield Park for their role as caretakers of the space and their sense of stewardship and ownership. Allen successfully pushed the city to budget $1.3 million for the renovation.
Many of those in the crowd were there to support the installation of pickleball courts on the now- deadend portion of Virginia Avenue which is adjacent to the park and under the SE/SW Freeway. The site is owned and controlled by the DC Department of Transportation, and a group of pickleball supporters have been working with ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery to petition DDOT to designate the space for pickleball use. The application is currently wending its way through the DDOT bureauacracy. WDCP Advocacy Director Eileen Dougherty elicited a pledge from Dyer to continue a conversation to explore ways for DPR to be helpful in accommodating the needs of pickleball enthusiasts.
Here’s the project overview and the currently scheduled improvements:
2 – 5 year old’s playground: New pour in place rubber playground surfacing surface (PIP), new equipment, existing swings to remain.
5 -12 year old’s playground: new PIP & Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) surface; existing rope structure, jungle gym, and swings to remain; centeral rope-play area to be replaced in kind, new equipment.
Bocce Court: refurbish edging and new shells.
Volleyball Court: refurbish edging and new sand, new net and poles.
Tennis Court: new court surfacing, nets, and poles; repair damaged fencing.
Additional Park Improvements: Improvements to grass to east of the playground, power washing of benching and tables, minor repairs to benches as needed, replacement of plant beds removed during construction activites.
Here’s the Construction Timeline:
June: Mobilization and demolition begins.
July/August: Tennis Courts completed and re-open.
August/September: Consturction complete and park reopens.
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ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder Will Not Seek Re-election
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 3, 2024
ANC6B08 Commissioner and Chair Edward Ryder. Photo: Edward Ryder from X
Edward Ryder, Chair of ANC6B announced Monday on X that he will not seek re-election. Last week, Commissioner Matt LaFortune said he too has decided not to run. Both commissioners cited relocation as a deciding factor.
As posted on X by Edward Ryder: ·
“ANC boundaries are really small. Currently we’re in the process of looking for a new home. If we move across the street that’s a different district. All this is to say, I’m not running again this year since I can’t guarantee I’ll find something in my SMD.
I plan to stay in the neighborhood, so I’m not going anywhere and hope to stay involved as much as possible. If you’re interested in running for ANC in 6B08, I’m happy to give you insights and support.
My biggest ask for the next 6B08 commissioner, beyond anything else, is to keep a focus on Potomac Gardens and Hopkins and keep that relationship strong. I’ve made a lot of progress in advocating for residents with DCHA and I want that momentum to continue.”
Ryder was elected in November of 2020 and then elected chair of the ANC for the 2023-2024 term. If re-elected, he could have served one more term as chair under Commission by-laws.
Prospective candidates for the ANC6B08 seat can pick up petitions on July 1st from the DC Board of Elections to get on the ballot for the November election.
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ICYMI: On May 30, ANC6B09 Commissioner Matt LaFortune announced on X that he will not seek re-election for his seat on the ANC. LaFortue was elected in November of 2022 and chairs the ANC6B Transportation Committee.
From X: “I won’t be running for another term as ANC commissioner but if you live in 6B09 and might be interested, let me know! The BOE will release ballot petitions on July 1st.
It’s not for everybody but I’ve found some satisfaction (and plenty of frustration) in the role. With our family likely moving elsewhere in DC in the next year or so, its time to hand things off to someone else for 2025-26.
Shout out to all the ANCs out there for doing the continued hard work of the community as well as all the neighbors in 6B09 who contribute so much for our little part of the District without the fancy title (or endless meetings).”
On Wednesday, officials from the Department of General Services, DC FEMS, and the non-profits Every Second Counts and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Zoll Medical cut the ribbon signifying the installation of DC’s first Safe Station Defibrillator Tower. The public-accessible defibrillator is located at the NW Corner of Eastern Market, on the west side of the building.
The unit is user friendly and even those unfamiliar with how to administer CPR or use the defibrillator can follow the verbal instructions “spoken” by the machine, which start after removing the yellow pack inside the tower and pressing the power button (visible on the upper left of the pack above).
DC FEMS provided demonsttations on administering CPR and those present were d to participate in a hands-on experience. Here’s a link to SaveStations video on how to administer CPR and use the Defibrillator: https://qrco.de/bcc1PB
Saturday afternoon, artist Tsomon Damba was at his stall at Eastern Market. Tsolmon Damba is a Mongolian Asian Modern & Contemporary artist who was born in 1970 in Northern Mongolia. He has been a regular vendor at Eastern Market – off and on – since 1999. Few vendors have more seniority. His expressionist depictions of traditional Mongolian images are the subjects of his paintings and calligraphy. He shows his work at Caso on F Street – 923 F Street, NW.
“Tender-3” by Tsolman Damba, 2018. Oil on canvas. 48”48”. Photo: Damba via Facebook.
“The Nomad Spirit” series.. by Tsolman Damba, 2014. “Archer Warrior” 2014. Ink on rice paper. Photo: Damba via Facebook.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, June 3
ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
DC Department of Recreation will host a Garfield Park Construction Kick-off meeing, 6pm – 7pm. Garfield Park Playground (near 2nd, F, and South Carolina, SE). DPR expects the park improvement work to begin this summer. See here for more:https://garfield.splashthat.com/ (Last week’s meeting was postponed because of weather.)
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
411 8th Street, SE Project: Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to permit a fast-food establishment use in an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the MU-4/CHC zone. Owner(s): Taco Bell of America, LLC/Zusin Development LLC, ilya@zusin.com Applicant: Christopher S. Cohen, christopher.cohen@hklaw.com
229 8th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. TBD.
629 South Carolina Ave, SE Project: To construct a three-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached three-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit.
718 7th Street ,SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. TBD
Discussion Regarding Investhome – Investment homes being constructed in 6B08
Discussion Regarding Ebeneezer Row Construction
ANC 6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 5:30pm. Herb Scott Band
Saturday, June 8
Friends of Southeast and Northeast Library will hold their (mostly) monthly used booksale at Northeast Library from 10am until 3:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Wednesday, June 5. Hill Center Event: Former Architect of the Capitol, Alan M. Hantman, Discusses His New Book Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architecture at the United States Capitol. 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm; $10:00.
Friday, June 7. Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 5:30pm. Herb Scott Band
Saturday, June 8. Friends of Southeast and Northeast Library will hold their (mostly) monthly used booksale at Northeast Library from 10am until 3:00pm.
Sunday, June 9. Hill Center Film Event. 5pm – 7pm/. A Presentation of film Making on Capitol Hill.
Two shorts: “Men at Work’ and “John Philip Sousa’ – and – a 12 minute documentary: “On the Waterfron with Arthur Cotton Moore”. This film centers on the development of the Georgetown Waterfront National Harbor and its architect, Arthur Cotton Moore. Q&A follows, with wine and refreshment.
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Here’s an image of how the street looked in 2017 when 411 8th was the Lake Arbor Dental Clinic
Taco Bell Bid to Open on Barrack’s Row Comes Up at ANC P&Z Committee June 6
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 28, 2024
Next week, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee will consider Taco Bell’s Bureau of Zoning Adjustment application for an exception to the ban on fast food restaurants on Barracks Row. The restaurant wants to open at 411 8th Street, SE, the former site of the Lake Arbor Dental Clinic, which was gutted and renovated back in 2017 in anticipation of locating a restaurant there. The owners – Zusin Development – finally found one, but getting that exception may not be easy.
The location for the proposed restaurant is between a Chipotle – which got around the fast food ban by applying to operate as “fast-casual restaurant” (a cut above “fast food”) and a currently closed Popeye’s. (The Health Department closed the Popeye’s in November 2021 after a well-publicized rat infestation.) The restaurant has announced its intention to re-open.
Applying for an exception to the ban involves public hearings, the first step of which is consideration by the ANC Committee. Here, the public will have its first opportunity to weigh in. When the Committee forwards its recommendation to the full ANC for consideration – which could be at the ANC6B full committee meeting on June 11 – the public can weigh in again before the application goes to the Burau of Zoning Adjustment for a final hearing.
The heavily-trafficked 400 block of Barracks Row has a reputation for being a “troubled” block. It features several closed store fronts, a 7-11, a hookah bar, three currently illegal weed gifting shops, a Dunkin’ Donuts, three pizza carryouts and a fire station. It also has a Starbuck’s, Yes! Organic, and Chiko.
The restaurants on the west side of the block have only a fence separating them from the back yards of the residences on the east side of 7th Street, behind them, with no intervening alley. Those neighbors have otganized in the past to exact settlement agreements with restaurants regarding restrictions of odors, noise, and indoor trash storage.
Capitol Hill Corner will post additional details on the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meeting on next Sunday’s The Week Ahead….
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Here’s a capture from last mid-week of crews setting up the fabric concert hall on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol for the Memorial Day Concert.
And here’s what it looked like from the back side. Flags above the Senate and House wings indicate both bodies are in session.
And an image from the concert on Sunday night in honor of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. The screen elevated so it appears next to the Washington Monument allows the audience on the West Front to see performers facing the stage, showing the Capitol in the background. Image courtesy of WETA/PBS
ICYMI. Pasha Cafe to Open Sweet Shop at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in the space formerly occupied by Angleo Nails. Pasha Café – a sister restaurant to Pasha Castle on M Street in Georgetown, bills itself as a Mediterranean Dessert Shop. Here’s the menu for Pasha Castle Sweets, Tea & Ice Cream: https://bit.ly/44Zt8h1
The Joint Chiropractic chain is moving into 721 D Street, SE, the space formerly occupied by T Mobile across from Eastern Market Metro and right next to Starbucks. Here’s their home website: https://www.thejoint.com/
Update on Mezeh Mediterranean Grille – work on the buildout continues. Here’s early February (above).
And four months later at the end of May.
As You Are – Barracks Row’s LGBTQ café and bar has been closed for a couple of weeks now. Word is that the restaurant suffered interior water damage and business owners Jo McDaniel and Rach Pike are negotiating repairs with the building’s owner. The restaurant opened in April of 2022. Last February they launched a GoFundMe appeal for funds to keep operating, citing unexpected financial issues related to overhead costs and a slow recovery from the covid’s hit on eateries.
Envisage, by Kirk Shiflett. Oil on canvas. 2022
The Week Ahead:
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day.
Tuesday, May 28
ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the June meeting of the full Commission on Tuesday, June 11.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society a Virtual Preservation Café at 6:30pm.
100 Years of Eastern High School. Jen Harris, Executive Director and Founder, and Erin Roth, Development Director, The Story of Our Schools will present a free, virtual Preservation Café “100 Years of Eastern High School.” In partnership with the Eastern High School community, The Story of Our Schools helped develop a permanent exhibit that celebrates the centennial anniversary of Eastern’s building on East Capitol Street. For more information and a Zoom link (scroll to bottom), go here: https://chrs.org/easternhs100-pc/
Wednesday, May 29
DC Department of Recreation will host a Garfield Park Construction Kick-off meeing, 6pm – 7pm. Garfield Park Playground (near 2nd, F, and South Carolina, SE). DPR expects the park improvement work to begin this summer. See here for more: https://garfield.splashthat.com/
Friday, May 31
Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – 5:30pm.
Taiko Drummers of Japan at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, 5:30pm. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Taiko Drummers of Japan: Taiko are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments.
Captol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
DC Primary Election on Tuesday, June 4
In-person voting will be on Election Day – June 4 – at centralized vote centers across the District (see Ward 6 list below)
Early Voting and Mail-In Voting Are Now Underway for 2024 Primary Election
Mail in ballot: Every registered DC vote automatically gets a ballot in their mailbox. Mail in ballots must be postmarked by June 4. The deadline for the Board of Elections to receive the ballot you mailed in on or before June 4 is Friday, June 14:
Early in-person voting: Now through Sunday, June 2, (8:30am-7pm) at Early Vote Centers. For ANC’s on or near Capitol Hill, the Early Vote Centers are at Greenleaf Recreation Center, Sherwood Recreation Center, Rosedale Recreation Center and Arthur Capper Community Center.
Voting on Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 4, 7am-8pm: with in-person voting at Vote Centers. Here’s a list of those in Ward 6.
J.O. WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 660 K Street, NE Multi-Purpose Room
STUART-HOBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 410 E Street, NE Gymnasium
EASTERN MARKET 225 7th Street, SE North Hall
PAYNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1445 C Street, SE Multi-Purpose Room
WATKINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 420 12th Street, SE Multi-Purpose Room
JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY 801 7th Street, SW Gymnasium
KING GREENLEAF RECREATION CENTER 201 N Street, SW Gymnasium
SHERWOOD RECREATION CENTER 640 10th Street, NE Gymnasium
WALKER JONES MS/RH TERRELL REC CTR 155 L Street, NW Gymnasium
You can also vote at any Vote Center in the District on Election Day.
Thursday, May 30
6th Annual DC Jazz Leaders in Service Awards Gala, 7:00pm – 10:00pm.
Hill Center Event – American Roots Concert Series: Sunny War 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
Quicksilver Productions Foundation presents Sunny War as part of the free, outdoor American Roots Music Series. “Los Angeles-based street singer, guitarist, and roots music revolutionary Sunny War has always been an outsider, always felt the drive to define her place in the world through music and songwriting.”
Capitol Hill Art League Exhibit Opens Saturday, May 25, at Frame of Mind
May 25– June 29, 2024
“THRESHOLD” at Frame of Mine Gallery 545 Eighth Street, SE.
Capitol Hill Art League members were invited to cross that creative threshold and share their vision in whatever manner they chose to interpret this theme.
The art is on display through June 29.
The following artists are featured in the show: Alicia Hierro Llanillo, Ken Bachman, Yvonne Levine, Victoria Perry, Tara Hamilton, Steve Mabley, Jenny Nordstrom, Carolyn Rondthaler, Kenya Smith, Anne Thompson, Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare, Ting Wang and Karen Zens.
The Capitol Hill Art League is a visual arts program of The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). For more information about the Art League, visit the website at www.caphillartleague.org
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Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – May 24 – 5:30pm – 6:30pm
On Friday, May 24th at 5:30 pm, SAPAN performs South Asian music and dance in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
SAPAN – The South Asian Performing Arts Network and Institute – is a performing arts company based in Washington, DC, which is dedicated to promoting and advancing all South Asian performing arts through dance, music and theatre. In Hindi, the term “sapan” means dream
The Friday Night Live programming will continue through the summer and comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation. CM Charles Allen secured funding for the artists.
series.. by Tsolman Damba, 2014. “Archer Warrior” 2014. Ink on rice paper. Photo: Damba via Facebook. 
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 