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September 14, 2025 · 9:52 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 14, 2025

A Japanese Lantern Park outdoor installation at Eastern Market Metro Plaza for Art All Night on Friday night.

The night’s program started in early evening with a performance by Samurai Sword Soul – a samurai theater company – with a drama portraying the struggle between good and evil.  Samurai Sword Soul is a samurai theater company, founded by Yoshi Amao in 2003.  Their mission is to spread the Bushi-Do, The Way of the Samurai, and to introduce authentic Japanese sword stage fighting to people who are not familiar with it.

They regard the Samurai Virtues: Rectitude (義 gi), Courage (勇yū), Benevolence (仁 jin), Respect (礼 rei), Honesty (誠 makoto), Honor (名誉 meiyo), and Loyalty (忠義 chūgi) as the code of conduct that is still relevant in our time.  For more, go here:  https://www.samuraiswordsoul.com/  

Gabriel of Freestyle DansFit leads a K-Pop line dance class for Art All Night.  So many kids – and adults – knew the moves.  Here’s some follow up:  
https://freestyledf.com/about/  
https://www.facebook.com/FreestyleDF/  
The Taiko Drummers of Japan performed and led volunteers from the audience in a demonstration of Taiko drumming.

Sunday was the second day of the Capitol Hill Art Walk, sponsored by the Capitol Hill Art League.  Here’s the stop at 10th and East Capitol – one of the 70 locations on Capitol Hill where artists showed their art.  Photo credit:  Deb Hernandez

Here’s an update from last week – progress on the floor installation at St. Georges Boulangerie at 7th and C Streets, SE, across from Eastern Market.  Photo credit:  Maggie Hall. 

The Week Ahead….

Monday, September 15

ANC6D will hold an IN PERSON meeting at 7:00pm.

  • Location:  203 N Street, SW.

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Public Safety Report
  • Consent Agenda – TBA
  • Youth Initiative Discretionary Fund
  • SMD Updates
  • Chair’s Report

ANC6A Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda.

Old Business

  • Update on TSIs from the first half of the year and Vision Zero Hardening at Maury Elementary School.

New Business

  • Strategic Bike Plan – Christopher Berg from DDOT gives an overview of the Strategic Bike Plan initiative.
  • Living Streets – Greg Zielinski will share a proposal for 5th and 12th Streets on Capitol Hill
  • New Stop sign at 9th and K Streets NE – This was knocked over during a high speed chase and replaced with one that no longer has lighting.

ANC6B Parks and Recreation Taskforce will hold an IN PERSON ONLY meeting at 7:00pm.

  • Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda: 

  • The Taskforce will continue a discussion of TBA items from the last meeting before the August recess. 

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

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Update on renovation of Southeast Library.  Jaspreet Pahway, DCPL, and Terri Bosnick, Whiting and Turner.
  • Discussion of progress on maintaining & expanding access to the interim library at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th St., SE.

Tuesday, September 16

​​ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee ​will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  http://bit.ly/3ImoWkw

Agenda:  TBD

Wednesday, September 17

ANC6A Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

Old Business

  • 12th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception to construct a penthouse with roof deck to existing dwelling unit.  The proposed project would remove a turret to allow for the remodeling of the residential property.
  • 628 15th Street, NE.   Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a new, detached, two-story accessory building unit which would accommodate a 2 bedroom secondary dwelling at the rear of the property.
  • 916 D Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception from requirement and allow 66:%lot occupancy to add a front porch to an existing single family dwelling. 

New Business

  • 1231 F Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.   Special Exception to construct a second story accessory dwelling unit to an existing, detached, accessory garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit. 
  • 1207 H Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.   Time Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse, dwelling unit, mixed-use building.
  • 1332 Corbin Place, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a third story and a three-story with basement rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit..
  • 307 15th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a two-story with basement rear addition, and a garage with second story accessory dwelling unit, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling.

ANC7D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 

Friday, September 19 – 5:00 to 6:30pm.

Spanglish Latin American Band – continues celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. 5:00pm – 6:30pm. 

Spanglish delivers a dynamic blend of Latin genres—including salsa, samba, and bachata—infused with the heart of American jazz, R&B, and pop.  Led by vocalist and founder Elle Jay, Spanglish is a musical reflection of lived identity and cross-cultural experience.  

See previews here:  https://www.youtube.com/@Spanglishlatinamericanband

Congressional Cemetery Event

New Adaptation of Frankenstein to be Staged at Historic Chapel at Congressional Cemetery September 18 – October 12.  8:00pm (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) 2:00 PM (Saturdays and Sundays).  Location:  Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, SE.

Mary Shelley’s Monsters.  The author of the infamous novel faces her creations and comes to understand the lasting impact of her radical and horrific story in this new retelling of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.  Directed by Alex Levy, Artistic and Managing Director at 1st Stage in Tysons, VA, and featuring Katrina Clark as Mary Shelley; Jon Beal as the Creature; and JC Payne as Victor Frankenstein

Tickets are available online only at www.bob-bartlett.com

Contact: Bob Bartlett                         

(301) 643-4099

bobbartlettjr@gmail.com

www.bob-bartlett.com

Congressional Cemetery Event

General Alexander Macomb Reinterment Ceremony, Saturday, September 20.   11:00am – 1:00pm.

A ceremony and commemoration honoring the life and service of Major General Alexander Macomb, Commanding General of the United States Army from 1828 to 1841.  Presented in partnership with representatives of the United States Armed Forces, this event will also commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. 

To RSVP and get free tickers, go here:  https://bit.ly/467obVK

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September 12, 2025 · 3:24 pm

NE Library Book Sale Saturday, September 13

Friday afternoon, Friends of NE and SE Libraries set up for tomorrow’s booksale at NE Library.

NE Library Book Sale Saturday, September 13

The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, September 13.  The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.

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 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.

Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.

Got the ability to recirculate this message on other lists? That would be much appreciated.

Questions? bob@bobgellman.com

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September 12, 2025 · 11:18 am

Ward Six FreeDC Pushes for Community Involvement

Ward 6 Free DC organizers and Ward 6 co-leaders Anjali and Allegra

Ward Six FreeDC Pushes for Community Involvement

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night some 200 residents turned out for the Ward 6 FreeDC September meeting in Reformation Lutheran Church a block from the Capitol Grounds on East Capitol Street.  The purpose of the meeting was to update current and prospective FreeDC members on DC home rule and the occupation of DC by federal law enforcement agents and the National Guard.

The focus of the group has continued to evolve in response to changing circumstances.  Initially their goal was to encourage Congress to restore DC’s authority to spend its own revenue by correcting an oversight which dropped that authority from a law which continued spending for agencies whose appropriation bills had not yet been passed.  Since then, the Mayor found ways to work around most of that lack of authority. 

While that was under discussion, there was a movement in Congress to repeal several DC council-passed laws, including laws on police reform, juvenile justice, and local residents’ voting rights. (Those bills and another 11 bills restricting DC Home Rule passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government on Wednesday afternoon.) 

In addition, administration declared a 30 day emergency and moved to takeover DC MPD.  Separately, federal agents including ICE and the National Guard were deployed to DC’s streets.  The emergency action by which the President took over MPD expired Wednesday night and Congress has no plans to renew that authority.  The deployment of federal law enforcement agents including ICE could continue and the National Guard presence in DC could last at least through November given the administration’s extension of the Guard’s activation through December.  

In response to these many developments, Free DC has expanded and organized several of its efforts around resistance to authoritarianism.  The Congress Working Group has been relentless in personal outreach to lobby members of Congress.  (Their other working groups include accessibility, arts and culture, communications, DC local government, popular education, safety, and tabling.) 

FreeDC is working to reach a critical number of residents who are willing to participate in “non-cooperation,” an idea based on what is known as the “3.5% rule’ in political theory.  Research shows that campaigns which engage at least 3.5% of the population in a sustained, nonviolent protest can be successful.  The figure specifically refers to nonviolent resistance because the theory goes, nonviolent movements are more likely to attract and sustain large-scale participation and support.  For DC, that number is 24,500 residents, or 3,100 per ward. 

FreeDC is providing non-cooperation training sessions.  Attendees must attend a FreeDC Orientation session prior to registering.  See Events on FreeDC at https://freedcproject.org/events

There is a Ward Six Orientation Meeting on Sunday, October 5, at 1:00pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, SW.  Register here:  https://bit.ly/3IbChvZ  

Since mid-January, when the group’s email list stood at 3,000, it has grown to more than 30,000 today. Sign up for the email list here https://freedcproject.org/  to learn more about upcoming events, actions, and ways to get involved.  (The email list does not necessarily reflect the number of those engaging in non-cooperation.) 

The presentation included emphasis of FreeDC’s Tenets:  Prioritize joy, take up space, i.e., be seen and heard, and organize.

Free DC’s Code of Conduct includes:  Respect everyone, refrain from hate speech, provide constructive feedback, and encourage participation. 

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September 7, 2025 · 11:07 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  September 7, 2025

Last Wednesday, September 3, more than a thousand supporters attended a news conference at the “House Triangle” outside the House wing of the U.S. Capitol which featured a bipartisan assortment of House members and eight victims of Jeffrey Epstein who demanded the release of the Epstein files by the Department of Justice.  Legislation to force the release is sitting in the House Judiciary Committee.  Rep. Massie, (R-KY) has filed a petition to force the bill to the House floor.  The petition requires the signatures of a majority of House members and Massie is two short.  If the bill were to come to the floor it would require a majority in the House and then a majority of the Senate to pass.  The bill would then go to the President who could sign it, veto it, or let it become law without his signature after ten days. 

Over at Eastern Market Metro that same morning, the National Guard was getting ready to deploy from mezzanine near the escalators.  Another group about the same size was stationed on the Plaza above.

Sunday, Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, was holding its annual used board game sale. 

Once a year, Labyrinth holds the sale, the proceeds of which go to DC schoolteachers to buy board games for the schoolroom.  Staff regulated access, keeping the numbers of shoppers manageable.

Here’s the line of shoppers at 1:00pm – it stretched from East City Books on Pennsylvania Avenue all the way to Labyrinth’s rear door on D Street, SE.  A staffer said that at one point the line extended to CVS on the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania.  Another staffer said that the line had never gone down from where it was at 1:00pm. 

It seemed touch and go for a while – whether the driver could get this 18 wheeler into the 700 Penn loading dock.  It took some skill, but the driver was successful.  Might have been a difference story if cars had been parked in front of Peregrine across the street.  

BTW Peregrine celebrated its 17th anniversary Tuesday, September 2, with free 12 oz cups of coffee all day.  CHC was there when Peregrine opened on Friday, August 29, 2008.  Here’s a photo about two weeks later, on September 12, 2008.  That’s owner Ryan Jensen in the center.    

And on Thursday, August 28, one of the most powerful women in France and the global financial world dropped by Bowers Fancy Dairy Products in Eastern Market.  Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank and the former woman head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was shopping for cheese – her daughter in law is from Wisconsin. Bowers seized the opportunity to memorialize the moment.   She’s second from left next to Bowers.  Photo source:  Mike Bowers

The Week Ahead…

The Week Ahead…

The week is suffering from option overload..  See “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About” below.

Highlights: 

Tuesday: 

FreeDC Ward 6 Meeting. 

Wednesday:

Consequential Conversations at Hill Center.  The Erasure of Black History.

Friday: 

Art All Night – The Art of Otaku & Japan, featuring the Lantern Park outdoor installation at Eastern Market Plaza. 

Friday:

Consequential Conversations at Hill Center.  The rise and fall of the Sassoon family. 

Saturday, September 13:

Friends of NE and SE Libraries hold a book sale at NE Library.  “CHC Would Like You to Kno

Saturday and Sunday September 13 and 14:

Capitol Hill Art Walk – 135 artists in 70 locations.   

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, September 9

ANC6B will hold its hybrid monthly meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out

Office of the Mayor

Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office

Presentations

  • [LATE BREAKING] MPD Update from 1st District Commander Colin Hall & Captain Adam Crist.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

NEW APPLICATIONS

  • [LATE BREAKING] Request for stipulated license – Awakening Bar & Grill, 520 8th Street, SE.

PROTESTS/OTHER UPDATES

  • Ambar (Currently Protesting for failure to abide by their Settlement Agreement).
  • [LATE BREAKING] Aloha/Tobacco King Re-Application.

Transportation Committee

  • Motion to support a request from Hill Family Biking to consolidate the two 11th Street, SE bike lanes to two protected bike lanes on the west side of 11th Street from Lincoln Park to M Street, SE. 

ANC7D will hold its virtual monthly meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

DC Government Updates

Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder

Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Updates

  • Resolution concerning Rosedale Library Construction/Improvement Project.
  • Discussion concerning Reservation 239 Naming & Funding.
  • Resolution concerning RFK Stadium Redevelopment.  

Wednesday, September 10

ANC6C will hold its virtual monthly meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Commissioner announcements

DC agency informational announcements

Other community announcements/public comment

Consent calendar TBA

Plenary agenda

Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee  

  • Misaki Sushi, LLC, 517 H Street NE, Class C restaurant license.

Transportation and Public Space Committee

  • DDOT proposed installation of EV chargers in DC, including 700 Constitution Avenue, NE.
  • Request to change to one-way traffic on 5th Street, NE .

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development

  • 1125 3rd Street NE – Redesign exterior elements of hotel structure; add hotel as a permitted use of the ground floor of the National Capitol Press Building at 3rd and D Streets, NE; modify hotel  penthouse to add eating and drinking establishment within the penthouse.
  • OP proposed amendments to zoning regulations for rear additions.
  • OP proposed amendments to zoning regulations for alley lots.

New Business MedStar Urgent Care facility at 301 N Street, NE.

Response to federal police presence in DC.

Need for FOIA

ANC 6C logo change

Certificate of appreciation for Steve O’Neal, long-time ACL Committee chair

Thursday, September 11

ANC6C will hold its monthly virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation Sherwood Recreation Center – Robert Robinson, Recreation Manager 

Consent Agenda

  • Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to BZA in support of a special exception to construct a new, detached, two-story, accessory dwelling unit.   
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to BZA in support of a special exception to add a front porch to an existing single-family dwelling.

Economic Development and Zoning

  • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support of a special exception to construct a penthouse with roof deck to an existing, semi-detached, two-story plus basement, principal dwelling unit at 828 12th Street, NE. in the RF-1 zone.

New Business                                                                                              

  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a Resolution to the DC Council condemning federal overreach in the District of Columbia.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter toDC Council regarding a review of the DC Alcohol and Cannabis Laws and Regulation.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a Resolution to the DC Council to advance legislation requiring immigration enforcement and other law enforcement deputized to perform immigration enforcement functions to display their surnames and prohibit the use of non-medical face coverings.
  • Suggested Motion: Request for an Entertainment Endorsement inside the premises only. Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro, 709 H Street, NE.  
  • Suggested Motion: New Class “C” License, Nanglo, 1301 H Street, NE, Unit C-1.
  • Suggested Motion: New Class “C” License, 618 Productions, 1353 H Street, NE, Unit C-1.
  • Suggested Motion: High Class DC, 1320 H Street, NE. The proposed medical cannabis facility with approximately 880 square feet of space will provide cannabis flowers, cannabis concentrates, and a line of edible products and home delivery services to registered patients in Washington, D.C.  The applicant is requesting a delivery endorsement.  

Single Member District reports.

Community Comments.

ANC6D Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  Not available. 

CAPITOL HILL CORNER WOULD ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW ABOUT: 

Tuesday, September 9: 

FreeDC  Ward 6 Hybrid Meeting

7:00pm  8:30pm – Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street, NE. 

“During this meeting, we’ll discuss the current moment, present about the Ward 6 Team’s structure, and share opportunities to get more involved with our work.”  Go here for more info and to register:   https://freedcproject.org/event-list/ward-6-team-september-meeting

Wednesday, September 10

Consequential Conversations at Hill Center:

At Issue: The Erasure of Black History Featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning Historian Marcia Chatelain and New York Times White House Correspondent Erica L. Green.

“Since taking office, President Trump has tried to reframe the country’s past involving racism and discrimination by de-emphasizing that history or at times denying that it happened. As historian Marcia Chatelain notes, “When you erase history, you make people more vulnerable to abuses of power.”

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $10 | Register Here.  https://bit.ly/4n1QdI3

Friday, September 12:

Art ALL NIGHT – Japanese Pop Art – 5:00pm – 11:00pm

  • Japanese Lantern Park outdoor installation at Eastern Market
  • Samurai Sword Soul Show – 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  • K-POP Dance Class – 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Japanese Taiko Drummers Performance – 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  • SHAOLIN JAZZ Show – 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm

For details and for more Barracks Row Art All Night Activities, go here: 

https://www.barracksrow.org/artallnight2025 and here: https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/artallnight

Friday, September 12:

Consequential Conversations at Hill Center:

Joseph Sassoon Discusses his book The SASSOONS: The Great Global Merchants and the Making of an Empire in Conversation with New York Times Writer Binyamin Appelbaum.

Against the monumental canvas of two centuries of the Ottoman Empire and the changing face of the Far East, across Europe and Great Britain, Joseph Sassoon gives us a riveting generational saga of the making of this magnificent family dynasty.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $10 | Register Here https://bit.ly/4pbOvFx

Saturday, September 13:

Northeast Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, December 14, 2024.  The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.

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.

Saturday and Sunday, September 13 & 14:

Capitol Hill Art Walk Sponsored by Capitol Hill Art League

Noon to 4:00pm.  Free

“Walk to more than 70 locations on Capitol Hill to enjoy art and crafts made by 130+ local artists and crafts folks.  Meet the makers while visiting and enjoying the ambience of Capitol Hill.  Look for jewelry, baskets, ceramics, textiles (up-cycled clothing, dolls, and rugs).  All styles of art, paintings, prints, photographs, mixed-media art and drawings by both up and coming and established artists are for sale.  A group of military veterans will be stationed at the historic Hill Center selling their remarkable, award-winning work.  Don’t miss buying your 2026 art calendar produced by Capitol Hill’s Young Marines at the Hill Center. 

The free two-day community-focused event is a celebration of creativity at its very best, home grown and spun.  Easily accessible by Metro (Capitol South, Eastern Market, Potomac, Union Station on the redline).  Sponsored by the Capitol Hill Art League, a 35+ year old art project of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Hill Rag Newspaper, Capitol Hill Restoration Society, and Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital.”

Where:  70 locations, front yards, alleys, sidewalks, homes and studios around Capitol Hill, SE, and NE.

For a map, go here:  https://bit.ly/469Ldtw  

For more Information including list of artists, go here:  https://www.hillrag.com/2025/09/01/art-walk-2025/

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September 5, 2025 · 11:22 am

Reminder:  Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Reminder:  Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Posted September 5, 2025

Tonight’s concert at Eastern Market Metro Plaza celebrates the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month and features La Rumbera Mayor.  From the band’s FB Page: 

“La Rumbera Mayor (Ingrid Ingrid Margot Noel) was born from the fusion of her Peruvian and Venezuelan roots, which shape the vibrant style and energy of this salsa orchestra.  From the very beginning, Ingrid stood out for her charisma and powerful stage presence.”

https://www.facebook.com/people/La-Rumbera-Mayor/100027766736161/

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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September 2, 2025 · 1:32 pm

Building Community at Congressional Cemetery

Building Community at Congressional Cemetery

Building Community at Congressional Cemetery

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The wrought iron entrance to Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, SE. The gate house is at left.

Anthony “A.J.” Orlikoff, Interim Director of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery

It’s easy to overlook the community building attributes of Congressional Cemetery.  In truth, the cemetery is powerful unifying force on Capitol Hill. 

CHC interviewed Anthony “A.J.” Orlikoff, Interim Director of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery:  “Cemeteries need to be places of solemn contemplation of grief or mourning – they need to be that space – but what we’re seeing now across North America is cemeteries more as places of community, engaging people in different ways.  There are a lot of reasons for that and it comes out of communities themselves organizing and using these places.”  

We take cemeteries for granted until they fill up and are taken for granted.  Their fortunes wax and wane, driven by demographics and other factors, and Congressional Cemetery’s history has been one of periods of prominence and affluence and then periods of decline. 

Orlikoff says, “Congressional cemetery was in decline in the 1980s and when you look at the cemetery as a community building organization it really starts with a group of neighbors who lived nearby in the late 1980s that began walking their dogs here and they realized, ‘Hey, this amazing historic place that I’m walking my dog in is really overgrown and it’s dangerous and there’s open-air crime.’”

Asserting that this was not something they wanted in the neighborhood, neighbors began organizing the first group of community dog walkers and started thinking about raising money to hire a landscaper and about alerting MPD on some of the criminal activity on the grounds.  As the conditions improved, the cemetery started filling with people who appreciated the green space and cared about the community.  Orlikoff said, “And so it really was from this kernel of community that you can chart the activity that led to calls to Congress to save the cemetery and the later appropriation of funds.”  Congress now provides matching funds for the Congressional Cemetery Endowment administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

And the dog walkers are now organized as the K-9 Corps.  They have a committee made up of K-9 members which oversees the dog walkers’ use of the cemetery by the Corp’s 700 families and 1,000 dogs.  Those families constitute the core of the Congressional Cemetery community, but equally important (though more loosely organized) are the component parts of the community within the larger community.  This includes the large number of residents and visitors who attend and participate in the cemetery’s programs.  Some of these programs are the Cinamatery (the outdoor summer movie screenings), 5k races (including the upcoming Dead Man’s Run), tours (including the upcoming historically theatrical outdoor Soul Stroll Tours), the Death Awareness program, the Bee Keeping program and the Book Club.  In addition to the attendees, there are hundreds of community volunteers ranging from tour guides to Adopt-A- Plot volunteers to Association Board members.

There’s considerable overlap with respect to the contributions of volunteers and Orlikoff says, “You need to have harmony – you need everybody in the symphony kind of playing together or it’s just going to be 21 notes.“

Congressional Cemetery held its Spring Fair on Sunday, March 30, featuring more than two dozen vendors, an Introduction to Green Burial in the Chapel, a tour of historical trees and grave sites, and a presentation on Equinox Gardening. 

Orlikoff is a historian by profession and came to Congressional Cemetery after working as a contractor for both the Navy and Army at several military museums.  He says, “I see myself as a history translator – someone who can help people find the meaning in those things that maybe otherwise could be inaccessible, and you do that through programming and education.  So when I heard about the opportunity here at Congressional Cemetery for a Director of Programming position it was a perfect fit for me.”  That was three years ago.  When the then-Director of the Association Jackie Spainhour left last January, Orlikoff was named Interim Director by the Association’s Board.  He says he is proud of his work since then, including supporting the team of professionals working at the cemetery even in areas outside of his expertise.  He also counts the collective effort of the team in the World Pride programming this year, and especially becoming part of and getting up to speed on the newly initiated Master Plan – an expansive project to chart the next two decades of the cemetery’s future which had just launched when he took the job of Interim Director.    

The Master Plan Initiative came about because one of the major issues facing Congressional Cemetery is the question of how to sustain the cemetery after running out of space – how to make it a place people will continue to want to support. 

Orlikoff says that many cemeteries have to figure out how to keep the cemetery going with a model that is ultimately unsustainable once capacity for full casket site burial is reached:   “How do you pivot – how do you change those revenues?   What we’re trying to do is pivot and become more of a nonprofit model.  And the strategy is to find ways to maximize what site space is left – because there’s not much (hundreds but not thousands of burial sites) – and then really adopt a nonprofit model that relies on programming and institutional giving and development.”   

There are three primary components addressed in the Master Plan:  storm water management (the cemetery has a drainage issue – never good in a cemetery), burial site expansion (including the development of columbariums for the interment of ashes), and enhancing the visitor experience (including things like gatehouse and chapel upgrade, signage, etc.).  

The Board will continue seeking community feedback on the Master Plan throughout the process; the next community meeting will be October 15 at Christ’s Church.  The Board is scheduled to receive a finalized Master Plan in February of 2026.  After that, Orlikoff says, the Board will be undertaking several fundraising initiatives to realize the plan.

Orlikoff says of the cemetery, “It’s a place for people who love history – it’s a place for people who want to walk their dog.  It’s a people place for people who love nature – it’s a place for people who want to attend our programs.  But most of all it’s a place where living people want to come and gather.  And we’re always going to be taking care of our first mission as a place of grief and solemn contemplation in mourning.  We always have to remember that we still serve families.  It’s our original mission.  But cemeteries can be so much more than just that and I think that’s something that we’re really helping chart for North American cemeteries.”

The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit who realizes its mission in large part through charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.  For more, including a calendar of events and programs and how to support, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/

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September 1, 2025 · 10:40 pm

The Week Ahead…(Awakenings Bar & Grill Comes To Barracks Row) & Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…(Awakenings Bar & Grill Comes To Barracks Row) & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 1, 2025

Extreme Pizza on Barracks Row has closed permanently at 520 8th Street after dropping hints for a couple of months.  But a new venue named Awaken Bar & Grill has stepped up and filed a stipulated liquor license with ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Committee.  If the Committee and the full ANC supports the license it could allow them to open quickly pending approval of a permanent license.   The ANC is still waiting to find out more about the new business.  Details are likely to be forthcoming at Tuesday night’s (September 2) virtual meeting of the Committee. See below.

Last Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm, the National Symphony Orchestra held a dress rehearsal for Sunday night’s nationally broadcast Labor Day Concert on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.  The rehearsal was open to the public.  Access wasn’t easy – you had to enter security at 3rd Street SW and hike back up the hill to the East Front. 

But it you wanted a front row seat it was there for the taking. 

Dos Torros Tacqueria at 205 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, has made progress on its buildout…

…as it inches closer to opening.

Over at the Supreme Court, protective screening has gone up while cleaning and restoration work takes place. The screens will be up until December.

On Sunday, August 24, the Friends of Lincoln Park (FOLP) hosted a community event in the park featuring the Abracadabra Alex Magic Show.  FOLP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to put on events for the community and invest in the upkeep of the park.  They conduct their activities in partnership with the National Park Service which manages Lincoln Park.  You can join the listserv here:  https://lincolnparkdc.net/about/   Bert Wyman, representing FOLP said the show drew several hundred – the biggest turnout for a FOLP event yet.  Photo credit:  Bert Wyman

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

  • List of FreeDC Events scheduled for the coming week.  See “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About.”

Tuesday, September 2

ANC6B ABC Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.

The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda:

New Applications

  • [LATE BREAKING] Request for stipulated license – Awakening Bar & Grill, 520 8th Street, SE.

Protests/Other Updates

  • Balkan Concepts t/a Ambar (Currently Protesting) (6B03)
  • [LATE BREAKING] Aloha/Tobacco King Re-Application
  • Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B (Repeat from July 2025)

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

Agenda:  The commission will discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the full commission on September 15. 

Wednesday, September 3

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Update from DDOT on Phase II construction at the new Pennsylvania/Potomac Avenue traffic circle (invited, TBC).
  • Discussion of National Guard accident at 8th and North Carolina Avenue on August 20 and the current situation with the federal takeover.
  • Continuation of Discussion on Zone Only Parking for Ives Place (and potential other blocks).

ANC C Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pn.

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Thursday, September 4

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • 624 C Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application.   
  • 1341 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.   
  • 409 E Cap Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Applications.   
  • 730 Rear 11th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application. 
  • 418 4th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application. 
  • Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About: 

Saturday, September 6

Opening reception for ABSTRACT Exhibit at the Frame of Mine shop and gallery at 545 Eighth Street, SE, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  The show will feature the works of Capitol Hill Art League members who were invited to delve into the abstract by sharing artwork that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve effects using shapes, forms, lines, colors, and textures.

Thursday, September 4

Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel 1801 E Street, SE.

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.

FreeDC project list of events for the coming week:

Federal Forces Out Now: Visits to Congress with Free DC

Thursday, September 4, 2025

9:00am  4:00pm

Rayburn House Office Building

45 Independence Avenue, SE.

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/federal-forces-out-now-visits-to-congress-sept-4

Communications Working Group monthly meeting

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00pm  7:30pm

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/communications-working-group-monthly-meeting-lf7zh

We Are All DC – A National March

Saturday, September 6, 2025

11:00am  4:00pm

Malcolm X Park

16th Stree, NW

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/we-are-all-dc-a-national-march

Refuse, Resist, Rebuild Town Hall

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00 PM  9:00 PM

John Wesley AME Zion Church

1615 14th Street, NW

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/save-the-date-refuse-resist-rebuild-town-hall

“The Last Battlefront” film screening

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00am  8:00pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 4th Floor Auditorium

901 G Street NorthwestWashington, DC, 20001United States (map)

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/the-last-battlefront-sept-4

For more, go here:  https://freedcproject.org/event-list

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August 24, 2025 · 10:28 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 24, 2025

Curious. Here’s a curious juxtaposition on the 1300 block of G Street, SE, just across from La Lomita.  The black building at 1322 G Street on the right is the proposed home of DC Garden Hill’s Medical Marijuana Dispensary.  The blue building next door is the home of the Fraternal Order of Police, U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee. 

ANC6B’s vote to support the application for a medical marijuana license from owner Mark Lumkpins, happened at a little-noticed meeting of ANC6B – an unusual make up meeting after the Commission ran out of time at the regularly scheduled June meeting.  In the aftermath, upset neighbors filed a protest but got lost in the hard-to-find procedures and the protest was ruled invalid.  We may not have heard the last of this. 

And in an entirely unrelated matter just down the block from DC Garden Hill’s proposed dispensary, MM2 LLC is erecting this apartment building, adding stories to a former one family home outside the Capitol Hill Historic District.  Design is being handled by MOREK Design. There are some similar apartment buildings in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue across the street.  Something in the appearance of the buildings reminds CHC of the controversial apartments which were constructed on K Street south of Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 15th Streets which became an issue in the community back in 2024.

Interior:  Here’s a photo of the build-out on the yet-to-be-named sushi counter restaurant concept coming to 325 7th Street, SE, between Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant and Randolph Cree Hair Salon.

Interior:  Here’s a photo of the substantial progress being made on the interior of a Popeye’s returning to 409 8th Street, Barracks Row.  The Popeye’s restaurant previously at that location under another owner, closed in November 2021. 

Interior:  Less progress is evident in the buildout for the proposed Taco Bell next door at 411 8th Street, Barracks Row.

And last week saw progress on the construction of the Garfield/Canal Park Connector Project, adjacent to Garfield Park. 

The Week Ahead….

None of the political, community, or civic organizations regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner is meeting this week – except:

Tuesday, August 26

ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the full Commission meeting on July 8.

Here are some items of interest regarding upcoming events.

Dog Days of August – Jazz Series at Eastern Market – Every Friday evening in August, from 5pm – 7pm.  Under the Farmer’s Line Shed at Eastern Market. 

Dog Days of August is live jazz series every Friday evening in August.  Join your neighbors and enjoy a relaxed summer vibe with your favorite take-out from local restaurants, or bring your own.  As this event is outdoors, your four-legged friends are welcome to join as well!

  • Friday, August 28th with Capital Bop: Zoey Jorgenson

Soul Strolls 2025: Grave Robbing and Resurrection.  Sale of Congressional Cemetery Soul Stroll Tickets Starts This Week

K9 Corps members or donors who’ve given $250+ between Jan 1–Aug 24, 2025, can purchase up to four pre-sale tickets (VIP or General Admission) before the public.

  • Pre-Sale for K-9 Corps Members and Donors Opens: Aug 25 at 5pm
  • Public Sale Opens: Aug 27 at 5pm

On Fridays October 17, 24 and 31 and Saturdays, October 18, 21 and November 1m Congressional Cemetery revisits the history of the cemetery in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of interred residents via our guided lantern tours.

“Unearth the dark tales of the cemetery’s residents, offering a window into a disturbing chapter of D.C.’s history.  Come and enjoy the captivating ambiance of an evening in the cemetery with live music, thematic cocktails, and witness history come alive as our skilled actors breathe life into these stories right where they rest.”

Support goes to helping keep Historic Congressional Cemetery a community sanctuary, place of remembrance, and historic landmark.

For more and to purchase tickers, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/soul-strolls

Again: Congressional Cemetery October 12 Dead Man’s Run Tickets Now on Sale

“Dead Man’s Run is Congressional Cemetery’s annual fall 5K fundraiser race!  We hope that you will join us Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 PM for the region’s most death defying and thematic 5k race. This bare bones run is the best way to stay ahead of your grave… by running among them! The race starts inside the cemetery and continues onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and other fun!

Please note, we raised the price of the race as a complimentary race shirt will now be included for all registrants who purchase a ticket by September 22!

Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best individual costume and best team costume! Form a team to compete with your friends – and we love to see creative team names.

Prizes will also be awarded to the top performing individuals, age groups, and best team time!

All proceeds from Congressional Cemetery events, including Dead Man’s Run, help support our 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark.”

Register here:  https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/DeadMansRun

Again: Tickets Now on Sale for Capitol Hill Restoration Society September Walking Tours

September 6                Alleys Part II

September 6                Notable People

September 7                One Block, Many Stories:  Building Capitol Hill

September 7                The Civil War and Before

For tickets ($15 per tour) go to Eventbrite here https://bit.ly/3JEdfWs

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August 21, 2025 · 6:39 am

Barracks Row BBQ Roadhouse To Open Next Year

The former Barracks Row Joey’s at 527 8th Street SE will become new Federalist Pig.

Barracks Row BBQ Roadhouse To Open Next Year

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 21, 2025

On Tuesday, the Washington Business Journal reported that restaurateur Steve Salis will open a Federalist Pig – a sister restaurant to his Adams Morgan barbeque place – on Barracks Row.  The location appears to be the former Barracks Row Joey’s (and before that Cava Mezze) at 527 Eighth Street, SE.  Salis acquired the property last year. 

Salis also owns Ted’s Bulletin on Barracks Row, Honeymoon Chicken, Kramers (formerly Kramerbooks & Afterwords), and Sidekick Bakery.  He also co-founded and later departed from &Pizza. 

WBJ reported that the new restaurant will be “more of an upscale culinary-forward roadhouse…featuring fish, steaks, chops, veggies” and more salads and sides.  Salis hopes for an opening by Labor Day, 2026.

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August 20, 2025 · 1:50 pm

Everything CHC Knows About Enforcement-Involved Traffic Accident on Capitol Hill

Posted August 20, 2025

As the Associated Press is now reporting, a National Guard military vehicle t-boned a regular passenger car (an SUV) early this morning at the corner of 8th Street and North Carolina Avenue SE.

At her press conference this morning, Mayor Bowswer was asked about this incident and said that she did not yet know the details, but she understood that one person was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

DC Fire and EMS update on this accident can be found on Twitter.

A vide of the immediate aftermath of this incident, orginally posted on Reddit, can be found here. According to a follow-up post on Instagram, the military vehicle involved in the crash is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicle.

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