The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 7, 2025

The Folger celebrates the season with the Frost Fair – a month-long winter festival.  Here are some photos from Sunday morning, circa 11:15am. 

For Fair details, see here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/folger-frost-fair/ and here:  https://www.hillrag.com/2024/11/26/folger-frost-fair-kicks-off-friday/

As CHC has noted elsewhere in reference to artist Anke Neumann’s spectacular handmade paper sculpture in the East Stairwell, paper means everything to the Folger.  That theme is carried forward in the holiday decorations in the form conifers formed from cones made of pages of text from Shakespeare’s plays.  And carried further by the decorations around the trees formed from more pages of Shakespearean text.

 A holiday tree over the East Entrance to the Folger is framed by the Library of Congress and the dome of the US Capitol.

One of the presenttions of the Folger Frost Festival is Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal, December 5-14, $20-65.  Folger Consort performs early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal.  For more and for tickets, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/resplendent-joy/  Here’s a photo of the stage set.

Here’s a photo from Sunday at Congressional Cemetery’s Holiday Market.  The cloud formations above are similar to rarely-seen roll clouds.    

The Week Ahead…

Monday, December 8

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

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

Agenda: 

  • Renovation Update from DC Public Library
  • Update on Arthur Capper efforts.

Tuesday, December 9

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

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:

Consent Agenda

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Consent Items

  • as you are. – 500 8th Street SE, Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment Endorsement.

Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out

  • Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
  • Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office
  • Metropolitan Police Department
  • Congressional Cemetery

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

  • Presentation of the 2025 ANC 6B Outstanding Public Service Award
  • [LATE BREAKING] Update on Exhaust, Rat, and Mechanical Noise Mitigation at Taco Bell (411 8th Street SE) and Popeyes (409 8th Street SE)

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

ABC Renewals

  • New Applications/Substantial Changes.  Good Stuff Eatery – 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  (Substantial Change from a Retailer’s Class “D” Restaurant to a Retail’s Class “C.”

Protests/Other Updates

  • High Demand (11th Street SE): Request to Modify/Extend Hours.
  • Ambar – 523 8th Street SE.  Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing.  Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
  • ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE.  Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest.
  • Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning.

Planning and Zoning Committee

  • 232 Kentucky Avenue SE, 6B06, Historic Preservation Application for renovation of interior and adding a partial third floor. 
  • 1427 D Street SE, 6B07, Zoning Adjustment Application seeking zoning relief … to build a one-story accessory structure, as well as a second floor addition above an existing one-story sunroom at the property.
  • 311 E Street SE, 6B01, Historic Preservation Application for new parapet wall roof enclosure and roof deck on existing 1-story masonry garage. 
  • Casino near new Commanders stadium See https://www.fox5dc.com/news/pittsburg-based-developer-wants-put-casino-next-commanders-new-stadium-dc

Southeast Library Taskforce

  • Renovation Update from DCPL
  • Update on Arthur Capper Efforts

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

  • Letter Regarding Eastern Market Bollards (Previously Approved by ANC 6B)

ANC 7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

Elected District Government Official Updates

  • Eboni-Rose Thompson, State Board of Education (SBOE) Ward 7 Representative
  • Letisha Vinson, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder
  • Latisha Atkns, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)
  • Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Updates
  • Districts 1, 5, 6 and THRIVE [invited]

Community Presentations/Discussions

  • Marshall Heights Community Development Organization [invited]
  • RFK Roundup

Opportunity for Commission to raise awareness around RFK Development Issues

Introduction to 7D06 Commissioner-Elect Dominic Pacheco

Committees

  • Transportation/Public Space Committee
  • Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee (EDHJABCA)
  • Community Outreach and Grants Committee

Wednesday, December 10

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

Among items on the draft agenda:

Commissioner announcements

DC agency informational announcements

Other community announcements/public comment

Consent agenda:

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development

  • 315 A Street NE – Application for concept approval to demolish and replace a two-story rear addition to an existing two-story row dwelling. 

Plenary agenda

Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee

  • Comments on proposed ABCA cannabis regulations

Thursday, December 11

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentation:

  • Mr. Robert Hoyle (Invited) New Site Manager for Sherwood Recreation Center to provide a brief introduction and share vision for Sherwood moving forward.

Consent Agenda

Economic Development and Zoning

  • Letter to BZA in support of a special exception for the roof top or upper floor element requirements at 1378 C Street NE to construct front and side additions, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.

Transportation and Public Space

  • Letter to DDOT urging action to reduce traffic speeds and accidents along 11th Street NE between Florida Avenue and East Capitol Street. The letter will also reference ANC 6A’s prior requests on this street.

New Business

  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A authorize Commissioners Wethington, Gove, and Giertz to finalize its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve the testimony that was presented to the DC Council Committee on Facilities on December 3, 2025 regarding Bill 26-113 “Department of Parks and Recreation Hours Expansion Amendment Act of 2025” and other issues related to the Sherwood Recreation Center.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve Rachael Loper as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.
  • Single Member District reports

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Monday, December 8, 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Repeal Day Tour 2025.  Repeal Day History (and Drinks) sponsored by The Hill is Home and Barrel DC. 

Meet at Union Pub, 201 Massachusetts Ave, for an inaugural cocktail and introductions. Then historian, Robert Pohl, will conduct a tour of Prohibition sites and delve into the confusing, entertaining and wacky history of how America shunned alcohol until December 5, 1933.

Tour will end at Barrel, 613 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, with a post-Prohibition cocktail. Your ticket includes a drink both at Union Pub and at Barrel. 

For tickets and more info, go here:  https://bit.ly/4aCW9nn

Wednesday, December 10

An Evening with Melanie D.G. Kaplan, Author of “Lab Dog”  6:30pm – 8:00pm.

Northeast Neighborhood Library.  Free.   

For more, go here:  https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/14963144

Friday, December 12

Hill Center Event 7:00 pm – 9:00pm. 

Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Joe Troop’s “Whirlwind.” 

Joe Troop is a GRAMMY- nominated  multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter hailing from the Piedmont. He is one half of the acclaimed panamerican folk duo Larry & Joe, and founder of Latingrass stringband Che Apalache. His music is deeply inspired by a decade living in Buenos Aires and traveling throughout Latin America and the world.  Drawing from a kaleidoscope of influences – Latin jazz to R&B, classical music to samba, rock and roll.

$20 | Register here:  https://bit.ly/3KEdodp

Saturday December 13

Congressional Cemetery Event

Wreaths Across America – Help Raise Funds for Veterans Wreaths

This year, Congressional Cemetery invites community members to gather at Congressional Cemetery at 11:00am for Wreaths Across America Day—a truly special occasion to honor our veterans and strengthen our community bonds through remembrance. After the ceremony at 11, we will collectively lay wreaths at veteran graves.

For more info, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/events/

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Book Talk: Lab Dog by Melanie Kaplan – NE Library – Dec. 10 – 6:30pm  

Book Talk:  Lab Dog by Melanie Kaplan – NE Library – Dec. 10 – 6:30pm  

Posted December 3, 2025

Capitol Hill author and journalist Melanie Kaplan discusses her book about her beagle Hammy’s laboratory past in conversation with Mary Hollinsworth, former DOJ attorney on US vs Envigo.  The case resulted in a historic resolution where the animal breeder’s entities pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy charges related to violating the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act. This followed a 2022 federal investigation and civil suit that led to the rescue and surrender of over 4,000 beagles from their facility in Cumberland, Virginia.

Free.  Register here:  https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/14963144

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Brent Holiday Sale – Dec. 4 – 7 at Canal Park

Posted December 2, 2025

Brent Holiday Tree Sale – December 4th- 7th at Canal Park

The Brent Elementary School PTA will hold its annual Holiday Sale from December 4th- 7th at Canal Park while Brent is under construction.  Proceeds from the sale are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.

Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at www.brentholidaysale.org.  In addition to trees the outdoor, on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have an  option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.

In addition, Brent is partnering with Van Ness Elementary for the poinsettia sales where all proceeds from those sales will go to their PTO.”

The sale is also partnering with Everyone Home DC – a local nonprofit working to ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable, and comfortable home – the “Donate a Tree” program delivers trees, ornaments and lights to approximately 40 families in need this holiday season. Donation trees may be purchased online here.

This year’s on-lot sale will be open at Canal Park at 190 K Street SE on the following days and times:

  • Thursday,    December 4th  – 4pm – 7pm
  • Friday,         December 5th – 12pm – 7pm
  • Saturday,    December 6th – 9am – 5pm
  • Sunday,       December 7th – 9am – 5pm

For more information, please email brentholidaystore@gmail.com.

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 1, 2025

Holiday Display at the US Botanic Garden

The theme of this year’s US Botanic Garden Holiday Display is “Dino-mite” featuring large-but-mostly-not-life-size models of dinosaurs which ruled during the Cretaceous Period from 145 million years ago to 66 million years ago.  As with the displays of models of Washington landmarks inside the conservatory, the models are all made from plant parts.  Some of the animals depicted in the outdoor landscape which also features a G-gauge model train display are shown below.  The exhibit is free and runs through January 4th (closed Christmas Day).  For more, go here: https://www.usbg.gov/holiday

Pterodactyl – smaller than you might think, it had a body about a meter long.  Not a true dinosaur, but belongs to a group of flying reptiles. 

Parasaurolophus – belongs to a genus of duck-billed dinosaur.  Known for its sizable cranial crest which was likely used to enhance communications and hearing.

Triceratops – the name means “three horned face.”  Recent interpretations claim the horns and face shield were more likely associated with courtship and dominance displays that for defense.

Argentinosaurus – at 100 feet long and 150,000 pounds, one of the largest animals that ever lived.  Discovered in 1987.

Tyrannosaurus rex – 40 feet long and 18,000 pounds.  Diet:  carnivore.

Here’s the 2025 Congressional Holiday tree – a 53 foot Red Fir from Nevada – awaiting its illumination at 5:00pm on Tuesday, December 3.  If you’re think that this year’s tree sooks smaller than last year’s tree, you’re correct.  Last year’s tree was an 80 foot Sitka Spruce from Alaska.  The tree will be lit from dusk until 11:00pm, through January 1. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 1, 2025

The Week Ahead…

Monday, December 1

ANC6b Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:

  • Historic Preservation Agenda for 232 Kentucky Avenue SE

ANC6C Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee usually meets on the first Thursday of the month but has not yet posted a notice on its website.

Tuesday, December 2

ANC6b Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

ABC Renewals

  • as you are. – 500 8th Street SE.  Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment Endorsement.

New Applications/Substantial Changes

  • Good Stuff Eatery – 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (ABRA-078027), Substantial Change from a Retail Class “D” Restaurant to a Retail Class “C” Restaurant.

Protests/Other Updates

  • High Demand 11th Street SE. Request to Modify/Extend Hours.
  • Ambar – 523 8th Street SE. Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing.  Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
  • ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application). 539 8th Street SE.  Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest.
  • Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable PlanningFinalization of Roster for Barracks Row Roundtable

MPD 1st District Community Advisory Committee Hosts an In-Person and Online Community Meeting for public feedback on safety, security and policing from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. 

Location: Autozone Building at 1208, H Street, NE.

Agenda:

  • Chinatown
  • The Wharf
  • The Navy Yard SE
  • Capitol Hill, Old City, H Street NE Shooting
  • 1300 block of H Street and update on drug arrests on 8th Street, NE
  • G Street and K Street NE safety concerns
  • H Street NE crime and drug concerns
  • Follow up on burglaries, car jackings/stolen auto and homicides
  • Policing update on 14th Place NE and other areas
  • Update 15th and Independence SE
  • North Capitol Street, NE and NW

Wednesday, December 3

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee usually meets on the first Thursday of the month but has not yet posted a notice on its website.

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

Agenda:

  • Traffic Issues in Intersections in 6B05.

MPD 1D CAC will hold its monthly virtual meeting from 6:00pm – 7:15pm.

For info on how to access the virtual meeting, go here:  https://1dcac.com/

Among items on the agenda:

  • Crime trends
  • Community engagement
  • How to prepare for a safe holiday season
  • Looking ahead into 2026.

Thursday, December 4

ANC6C Transportation Committee usually meets on the first Thursday of the month, but has not yet posted a notice on its website.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in-person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market

  • How to join the virtual meeting:  TBA

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Now through Sunday, Jan 4, 2026

The Folger Frost Fair

Celebrate the season with a month-long winter festival at the Folger. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, free activities, and more.

For details, see here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/folger-frost-fair/

Now through March 1, 2026

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Skating Rink is open.

For more info, go here:  https://bit.ly/3XqWBh2

Thursday, December 4

19th Annual “Brickie” Awards –6 to 8 p.m. at Skyline 609, located at 609 H Street NE.  Free.

“Join Councilmember Charles Allen for the 19th Annual “Brickie” Awards to celebrate the Ward 6 neighbors, organizations, groups, and businesses that go above and beyond to make Ward 6 a great place to call home.

Brickie Awards will be presented in five categories:

  • Neighbor
  • Community Organization
  • Business
  • Public Service
  • Civic Pride

The evening will include free delicious food and drinks, plus support from .Ward 6 businesses.

RSVP by Monday, December 1 here:  https://bit.ly/4plJV76

December 5 – 14

Folger Library Event. 

Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal, December 5-14, $20-65

Folger Consort will perform early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal.

For more and for tickets, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/resplendent-joy/

Sunday, December 7

Hill Center Event:  Sunday, December 7 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm – $20  

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center: Make the Yuletide Gay Featuring Crys Matthews, Heather Mae, and Flamy Grant.

Register Here:  https://bit.ly/49K9wSs

Sunday, December 7

Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market

Celebrate the Season at Congressional Cemetery’s Third Annual Holiday Market!.

Join us on Sunday, December 7th from 11:00am – 4:00pm for one of DC’s most charming holiday traditions.

Now in its third year, our Holiday Market has grown into a festive gathering of local artisans, neighbors, and visitors.

For more and a list of vendors, go here:  https://bit.ly/3XuLwLM

Leaf Collection in underway.  Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker. https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf  On Monday, December 1, leaf pick up will start in Section 6C. 

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, November 23, 2025

Hundreds of community members showed up for the lighting of the Capitol Hill Tree on Saturday night.

Members of the Capitol Hill Chorale performed, leading up to…

…the countdown and illumination.
The annual lighting ceremony features the evergreen tree “Sonny” in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, honoring the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community. Members of the Didden family were on hand to flip the switch.

ANC6B is holding a Special Call Meeting on Monday night to discuss the ANC’s protest of the application from Aloha for a license to sell medical cannabis at 539 8th Street, on Barracks Row. Recent changes in ABCA regulations could spell trouble for Aloha. See details below in The Week Ahead….

Here’s the first glimpse of the interior of the Taco Bell  coming to Barracks Row at 411 8th Street, SE. A source tell CHC the plan is to open in December or early January.

Blackbird Salon at 8th and Virginia Avenue, SE (which occupies the ground floor corner space at far right in the photo) was probably happy to see the city’s treatment of the scruffy empty lot in front of their store. When the city cleaned up the pile of cut stones salvaged from the demolition of the CSX tunnel and stored underneath the freeway next to Garfield Park, they moved them to this corner. Over the past month, they became the basis for a landscaping project.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, November 24

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean ups in 6A01
  • Keep K Street Clean
  • H Street Online

ANC6B SPECIAL CALL VIRTUAL MEETING: ABC Committee Aloha Protest – 9:00pm

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

Agenda:

  • ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer – 539 8th Street SE.  Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest. 
  • For additional information, please contact Ellen Opper-Weiner, Resident Member Chair of ANC 6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee at eowlaw@aol.com and Commissioner Samuel Pastore Vice Chair of the ABC Committee at 6B05@anc.dc.gov

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Now through Sunday, December 7

4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange

For more see here:  https://bit.ly/3JO8c6F

Friday Nov 28, 2025 – Sunday, Jan 4, 2026

The Folger Frost Fair

Celebrate the season with a month-long winter festival at the Folger. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, free activities, and more.

For details, see here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/folger-frost-fair/

Native American Heritage Day Featuring Hoop Dancer Joseph Secody

Friday, November 28

National Museum of the American Indian: 11:30am – 4:00pm

Learn about the art and power of the Hoop Dance with performances by award-winning dancer Joseph Secody (Navajo). Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. 

At 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM join curator Anya Montiel (Mestiza/Tohono O’odham descent) for a closer look at the museum’s special installation Making a Statement, featuring custom Gucci gowns worn by actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at the 96th Academy Awards.

For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/3K66bCQ

Friday, November 28

Eastern Market & Hill is Home Holiday Time Machine (21+ only)

6:00pm – 10:00pm

Eastern Market’s Holiday Time Machine promises to be a homegrown, historic antidote to the impersonal shopping experience of Black Friday: a festive gathering of local makers and artists, plus the introduction of delicious, social-media ready hot chocolate drink by Melt by Hippie Sippin.’ Republic Restoratives, a small batch, women-owned distillery will be at the event, offering samples of their award-winning spirits.

The event – co-hosted by local blog The Hill is Home – is a preview of the entire holiday experience.  For only $30 at the door or $25 for early-birds who buy online, you can attend a holiday party you actually want to go to…  Go here for more https://www.thehollydays.com/ and      here for tickets https://bit.ly/4rfcftn

Saturday, September 29

Small Business Saturday on Capitol Hill For more see here:  https://bit.ly/3JO8c6F

Also, at 10:00am on Saturday:

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots. Staff members bake cookies (subsidized by management).  Customers eat the cookies, vote for their favorites with donations and the cookie that earns the most wins. All of the donations go to Toys for Tots.

Sunday, November 30

11:00am – 1:00pm

Eastern Market.

The Betty the Yeti Welcome and Parade (all ages!) 

Santa Claus – who will appear Saturdays from 11am to 1pm  at the Market, and iconic cryptid Betty the Yeti – who will appear Sundays from 11am to 1pm.

Monday, December 1

Leaf Collection in underway.  Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker.  https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf   (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections. Monday, December 1, leaf pick up will start in Section C.)  

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Tonight:  Tree Lighting on Eastern Market Metro Plaza & Schedule for Capitol Hill’s Holiday Events

Tonight:  Tree Lighting on Eastern Market Metro Plaza & Schedule for Capitol Hill’s Holiday Events

By Larry Janezich

Posted November 22, 2025

The Capitol Hill Holiday Tree Await’s Tonight’s Illumination at 5:30pm on Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Saturday, September 29th – Small Business Saturday – Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots.  (See below)

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, Nov 22

Capitol Hill BID’s 19th Annual Capitol Hill Tree Lighting. 

5:30pm

Eastern Market Metro Park

  • “Men in Blue” will serve hot chocolate and doughnuts while local musical groups perform.
  • Entertainment: Joyous Voices, Washington Men’s Camerata, Capitol Hill Chorale, and Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Suzuki Strings
  • Masters of Ceremonies: Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood
  • All festivities will be held at the tree known as “Sonny” in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza (Corner of 7th and D St SE). Members of the Didden family will flip the switch to illuminate the tree that was planted to honor the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community.

Also, launching of 4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange running Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 7, 2025. 

Sunday, November 23

Eastern Market Novemberfest. 

10:00am – 3:00pm. 

Outside on 7th St. SE and NC Avenue SE.  During the outdoor market from 10am until 3pm, shoppers can find the Jazz Café – green bistro tables and chairs at the north end of 7th Street, SE.  

  • 10am-12pm Herb Scott. 
  • 1pm-3pm Sequoia Redwood Snyder

You can find more info here: https://www.thehollydays.com/

Friday, November 28

Eastern Market & Hill is Home Holiday Time Machine (21+ only)

6:00pm – 10:00pm

Eastern Market’s Holiday Time Machine promises to be a homegrown, historic antidote to the impersonal shopping experience of Black Friday: a festive gathering of local makers and artists, plus the introduction of delicious, social-media ready hot chocolate drink by Melt by Hippie Sippin.’ Republic Restoratives, a small batch, women-owned distillery will be at the event, offering samples of their award-winning spirits.

The event – co-hosted by local blog The Hill is Home – is a preview of the entire holiday experience.  For only $30 at the door or $25 for early-birds who buy online, you can attend a holiday party you actually want to go to…  Go here for more https://www.thehollydays.com/ and      here for tickets https://bit.ly/4rfcftn

Saturday, September 29th Small Business Saturday

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots. 

10:00am

Members of  the staff bake cookies (subsidized by management).  Customers eat the cookies, vote for their favorites with donations and the cookie that earns the most wins. All of the donations go to Toys for Tots.

Sunday, November 30

11:00am – 1:00pm

Eastern Market. 

The Betty the Yeti Welcome and Parade (all ages!)  Santa Claus, who will appear Saturdays from 11am to 1pm  at the Market, and iconic cryptid Betty the Yeti, who will appear Sundays from 11am to 1pm. 

Monday, December 1

The Barrack’s Row and Eastern Market Main Street’s Sip and Shop.

5::00pm – 8:00pm – with wine tastings and exclusive in-store specials.

Monday, December 15

The Annual Menorah Lighting

6:00pm

Co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah, the annyual event celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE). This year’s celebration will take place on the second night of Hanukkah.

The 9-foot Menorah was gifted to the Capitol Hill Community in 2014 by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District in honor of past Chairman of the Board and Community Leader, Paul L. Pascal, Esq. The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa. 

For more, go here:  https://capitolhillbid.org/do/12th-annual-capitol-hill-menorah-lighting

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Capitol Hill’s Small Business Gift Card Exchange Starts Saturday, November 22

Capitol Hill’s Small Business Gift Card Exchange Starts Saturday, November 22

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 21, 2025

A slew of Capitol Hill business organizations are sponsoring the 4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange running Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 7, 2025.  The event is one of two local promotion efforts to encourage community support for local small businesses this holiday season.  This Saturday launches the holiday season with the lighting of the Capitol Hill Holiday Tree at Eastern Market Metro Park starting at 5:30pm. 

Here’s how the exchange works: shop at any of the 31 participating business (see below) between 11/22 and 12/7 and receive a free gift card from another local favorite.  Some terms apply and gifts are available while supplies last.

Participating Businesses include:

Eastern Market Pottery, Clothes Encounters, Relume, Photopia, La Casina, Music on the Hill,

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, Hill’s Kitchen, East City Bookshop, Mr. Henry’s, Barrel, Little District Books,  Awakening Bar & Grill, DCANTER Wine Boutique, Ambar, Frame of Mine, The Miracle Theatre, Bistro Cacao, Café Berlin, The Queen Vic, Granville Moore’s, The Pug, City Dogs, Jade Fitness, Hill East Burger, The DC Dentist, Ginkgo Gardens, Santa Rosa Taqueria, Good Stuff Eatery, We, the Pizza, Hawk & Dove.

Here’s a map:  https://capitolhillbid.org/bettertogether

Launched by Kathleen Donahue, owner of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, during the post-COVID recovery, Better Together celebrates the strength and spirit of Capitol Hill’s small business community.  Shopping local means investing in your community – supporting the people, schools, and organizations that make Capitol Hill thrive.

The second event is The Barrack’s Row and Eastern Market Main Street’s Sip and Shop on Monday, December 1 from 5pm to 8pm with wine tastings and exclusive in-store specials. DCanter will be providing different wines to each location so it will be a walking wine tasting.

Participating businesses include: 

Clothes Encounters DC, Eastern Market Pottery, Refume, Capitol Hill Books, Groovy DC Cards and Gifts, Paris Bleu, Spin Time Records, East City Books, Labyrinth, Hills Kitchen, DCanter. 

Here’s a map locating participants:  https://bit.ly/47Rvth3

Capitol Hill Corner will post a comprehensive list of additional Capitol Hill holiday events on Saturday, November 22. 

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Update on Spotify’s Purchase of 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE

440 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Update on Spotify’s Purchase of 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 19, 2025

Last week, ANC6B discussed the Historic Preservation Application by the $137 billion Spotify Corporation (headquartered in Stockholm but operating in the US through one of its subsidiaries, Spotify USA).  The company recently purchased the residence at 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE, along with the adjoining garage/carriage house at 435 1st St SE.  The company plans to renovate the property.

According to ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Vince Marino, “…the renovations themselves are minor and clearly designed to respect the property’s history, so no one on the ANC objects to them as such.”

Some members of the Committee, however, are concerned about Spotify’s claim that it does not need an exemption from zoning regulations for the residential property, because they fear Spotify will use the property for commercial purposes at the expense of the residential fabric of the neighborhood – as has happened with other residential properties on the block. 

Marino says, “One may suspect that Spotify might succumb to the temptation to use the home as an employee hotel, or as a lobbying office.  Spotify denies that it will.  But that’s certainly what we seem to be seeing with many other Capitol Hill homes owned by corporations and advocacy groups. … We need to have a neighborhood-wide conversation about whether more areas should be upzoned for mixed use and/or higher density.

ANC6B went on to unanimously approve a proposal to designate ANC6B Commissioner Tyler Wolanin – in whose single member district 440 New Jersey is located – to attempt to reach a settlement agreement with Spotify. 

Marino says, “We hope that such a settlement agreement would confirm that Spotify will indeed use 440 New Jersey Avenue SE as a residence rather than as a hotel or office.  This would provide Spotify with the reassurance that we are not trying to evict them, and it would provide the neighbors with the reassurance that ANC6B is trying to contain the situation, one home at a time, while the BZA and the City Council work on a broader solution to the tight property market.”

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 16, 2025

Awakening Bar and Grill on Barracks Row, at 520 8th Street, opened on Friday, November 7.  Weekend brunch features a local saxophonist. 

Here’s a view of the bar and a link to their menus.  https://awakeningdc.com/

Last Friday, CM Wendell Felder presided over the unveiling of Elmore-Friendship Court in the back alley of 1608 East Capitol Street, NE.  The naming was necessary so a residential property located there can be completed and hooked up to utilities.  The court was named to honor long time former residents of the neighborhood, Morgan Elmore and his wife – now deceased.  Elmore operated a community-serving upholstery enterprise in the alley.  The City Council passed legislation naming the alley last summer.  ANC7D shepherded the legislation through the process and Felder brought it before the council.  The alley in is the Single Member District of ANC7D Chair, Brian Alcorn.  CM Felder is at left center above, and to his left is Linda Elmore, Morgan Elmore’s daughter.  Brian Alcorn is at far left. 

Here’s Mark Hudson, New Director of Congressional Cemetery.  Hudson was named Executive Director on August 29th and began serving in his new role on September 8.  Photo from Congressional Cemetery. 

Last Wednesday night, Hudson, introduced himself to ANC6B during the commission’s hybrid virtual/in-person November meeting.  Hudson came to the job after serving as Executive Director of Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Georgetown. Also pictured, from lower left:  Commissioner Sam Pastore, Hudson, Chair Edward Ryder, and Commissioner Vince Marino. 

He spoke to the ANC of wrapping up the on-going planning for the five-to-ten year master plan for enhancing the cemetery’s ability to serve its primary function of an active cemetery to find ways to better care for and sustain the cemetery’s resources.  He said he looks forward to being invited back before the commission to explain what those five-to-ten years will look like. 

Hudson will host a meet and greet this coming Saturday, November22, in the Chapel at Congressional Cemetery, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm.  For details, see below under “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:”

The Latest on St. Georges Boulangerie.  Here’s the latest photo on the build out of St. Georges across from Eastern Market.  Photo courtesy of a CHC reader. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, November 17

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Discussion:  11th Street NE and E Street NE. Traffic Study Initiative 25-00614939 is part of 2026 Q1 prioritization.  Speeding, pedestrian safety, and property damage continue to be an issue on 11th Street.
  • Constitution Avenue/13th Street NE/Tennessee Avenue NE. This area in front of Maury Elementary was the site of a recent installation of arts in the right of way which may be damaged by DC Water work that is also delaying the Vision Zero Hardening at this intersection.  DDOT will provide written update and may have a representative attend in person.
  • Atlas Court NE. This alley between 11th and 12th Streets NE and H and Eye Streets NE is extremely wide and the site of speeding and truck traffic. A resident’s alley dwelling was recently damaged by truck traffic. ANC 6A requested DDOT traffic calming here over the summer.

ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor – Conference Room #1 (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Public Safety Report
  • Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
  • Commissioner Announcements
  • Consent Agenda
  • Report of Task Force on Pedestrian Safety
  • ABC Matters
  • Merchants Marina
  • Owners of 801 Maine Ave are requesting a time extension for their PUD (Zoning Case).  
  • SMD Updates
  • Chairperson’s Report (Executive Session)

Tuesday, November 18

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  *Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.

Agenda: 

  • To set the agenda for the December meeting of the full ANC.

Wednesday, November 19

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Agenda: 

Old 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.   
  • Background: In September 2025 ANC 6A EDZ voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for subject request, which was approved in the Consent Agenda during the October 2025 ANC 6A meeting. A letter of support was submitted to BZA dated October 26, 2025.
  • Update: Dr. Daniel Kocevski and/or Ms. Eleanor Garretson will testify as the owners and occupants of the adjacent property at 1233 F Street NE, located immediately to the east of 1231 F Street NE, which is the subject of the application for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
  • Their testimony will describe the adverse impacts that the proposed ADU would have on the use and enjoyment of their property and their property value. In addition, their testimony will describe how the proposed ADU is not in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning regulations and zoning maps.
  • The BZA Hearing is currently scheduled for December 10, 2025.

New Business

1378 C Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for a Special Exception to construct front and side additions, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.

Thursday, November 20

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026

Contemporary Art at the Folger Library featuring the work of Missy Dunaway.

Blending acrylic ink with research, Missy Dunaway investigates the connections between art, literature, history, and the natural world.  Her ongoing project The Birds of Shakespeare visually catalogs every bird mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poems – at least 65 species – in consultation with an ornithologist and a scholar of early modern natural history.  Dunaway’s detailed work reminds us that wildlife destruction is a cultural loss as well as an environmental one.  For more, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/contemporary-art-at-the-folger/

Thursday, November 20

Folger Salon with Virginia Burnett, Dorothy Kim, and Mary Beth Long

4:30pm

Great Hall, Folger Library

Free; no ticket required.  Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discussion:  Caribbean Shakespeares. Chaucer’s Black London. Martyrdom.

Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time.  Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation. Arrive early to purchase food and drink from the Folger’s new café, Quill & Crumb.

Saturday, November 22

Congressional Cemetery Event

Join Historic Congressional Cemetery’s Executive Director, Mark Hudson, for a fall afternoon of conversation and community. We’ll have hot cider, seasonal sweets, and light refreshments as you get to know the leader helping guide the future of this beloved historic landmark.

Time: 2:00–3:30 PM

Location: Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel

This informal meet and greet is a chance to:

  • Hear about Mark’s vision for Congressional Cemetery
  • Ask questions about upcoming projects and events.
  • Share your ideas, hopes, and stories about the cemetery
  • Connect with fellow neighbors, members, and friends in a relaxed setting
  • Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, you’re invited to stop by, grab a cup of cider, and say hello.

See here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/meet-and-greet-with-executive-director-mark-hudson/  

Leaf Collection in underway.  Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker.  https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf   (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections. This week, leaf pickup will start in Section B.)

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Neighbors Voice Discontent with Sherwood Rec Center

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 14, 2025

Sherwood Recreation Center at 640 10th Street, NE 

Last night, ANC6A heard the results of a survey conducted by ANC6A03 Commissioner Roberta Shapiro on neighbor’s use of the Sherwood Recreation Center.  She told commissioners that she probably gets more email from her constituents on Sherwood than any other topic, save parking.   Sherwood lies in Shapiro’s single member district. 

Shapiro said, “I’ve done my share of complaining up and down the food chain about the situation there but decided that we really needed more data to back up the complaints.”  So she conducted a survey and received 289 responses from nearby households comprising some 900 residents – 90% within a mile of Sherwood and 71% within a half mile.  She told the ANC that these responses are from people who have an opportunity to use Sherwood, but about 2/3 had never used the inside facility.

The main answers given to the question of why not, included lack of awareness, lack of cleanliness and maintenance, and concerns about safety.  The outdoor facilities – the playground, the tennis court, the basketball court, and the field running track were more broadly used.   

The survey showed that more than half of respondents said they get no communication from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) about the facilities.  And reacting to information provided about Sherwood programs, only 14% of the respondents said that programming choices were good.  Also, only 23% rated the equipment as good, and only 25% rated maintenance and cleanliness good.

Shapiro said that people have a fairly negative view of the facility, but there was “very strong interest in having expanded programming for little kids, preschoolers, and adult exercise programs.”

When asked what additional facilities people wanted, Shapiro said there was “a whole range of answers but 50% of respondents said they’d like to see a kid’s splash park like the one at Eastern Market Metro Park and 25% said they were interested in community gardens.”

There were 88 responses in which people took the time to write narrative answers to the question whether there was anything else they’d like to comment on or suggest. The number one topic was poor cleanliness and maintenance, number two was loitering, gambling, alcohol and drug consumption on the north side of the building. Those were followed by the need for more programming and expanded hours – people complained about being there with their kids on a Sunday and there’s no access to a bathroom facility.  (CM Charles Allen has legislation pending before the City Council to expand hours at DC Recreation Facilities, requiring minimum weekend hours and increased weekday hours.)  Also mentioned was the need for improvements in fixing equipment, ventilation, and cleaning.

Shapiro said, … ”there are other DPR facilities which are in really good shape and offer extensive programming and I don’t quite understand why Sherwood is the stepchild of the system.”

She referenced $4 million in the DC FY26 capital budget for improvements at Sherwood and said there needs to be a real effort to engage the community in terms of how those dollars get spent, and added that DPR says they are behind schedule but pledged community engagement. 

With respect to nest steps, Shapiro said she had shared the survey with CM Charles Allen’s office and DPR.  She said “we have written multiple times to Director Thennie Freeman (DPR) and we did not even get the courtesy of a response.  So I think we just all need to keep making noise.  I guess we could send another letter and copy the council and copy Director Freeman and copy DGS Director Hunter as well but I sort of feel like we are whistling into the wind.” 

Commissioner and former ANC6A Chair Amber Gove suggested a next step could be drafting testimony for thecouncil’s performance oversight hearing.  She added, “I would say that I very much recognize whenever I venture into NW that there is a huge difference in the quality of our facilities managed by DPR, and it would be wonderful if attention could be drawn to that … I don’t know if you recall but a couple years ago when this topic came up and in a letter to Director Freeman we actually did a comparison programming at all of the other DPR facilities … and Sherwood was at the bottom of the barrel in terms of … programming offered.”

Gove went on, “I think a conversation … identifying some of the discrepancies and showing them just what we’re seeing as commissioners, not just in our areas but in Ward 7 and 8, that the quality of facilities can be quite different than they are in the other parts of the city.

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