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October 29, 2026 · 12:18 pm

Reminders for The Weekend

Reminders for The Weekend

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 29, 2026

Friday, October 30

Hill Center

VERONNEAU in Concert: From Paris to Rio & Beyond

In-person

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $23.00

From Paris to Rio & Beyond blends soulful French, American & Brazilian repertoire and a touch of bluesy originals. In songs and stories, vocalist Lynn Veronneau & guitarist Ken Avis travel in time through tempos rich and mellow, swing and samba.  Often described as “a mini Pink Martini” VERONNEAU’s multilingual show is captivating, engaging and exquisitely performed. With special guests Karine Chapdelaine & Dave Kline.

For more and to get tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4iIQEHo

Friday, October 30

Eastern Market/7th Street

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Hilloween at Eastern Market

Go here for details:  https://www.hilloweendc.com/

Saturday, October 31

North Hall Eastern Market

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s annual House Expo aims to connect homeowners with service providers and contractors who can help.  This year’s Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9am to 3pm, in the North Hall of historic Eastern Market.  The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 31

National Museum of the American Indian

10am – 5pm

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life.  Visit the National Museum of the American Indian and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances by Grupo los Tecuanes, making paper marigolds to be placed on a Catrina statue, and making papel picado (perforated paper decorations) with David Amorozo. Learn how pan de muerto (bread of the dead) is made with Neil Vargas, Jr.  Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality by interacting with live Catrinas roaming the festival .  Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.

Go here for more info:  https://bit.ly/3UlZfXk

Sunday, November 1

Congressional Cemetery

11am – 3pm

Día de los Muertos

“Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery.  In collaboration with special guest and Capitol Hill resident, Rosa Moreno, and Death Doula-in-Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, we will transform the chapel in the center of our grounds into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”

Día de los Muertos is a tradition that honors loved ones who have passed, celebrating the ongoing bond between the living and the dead. Millions in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond celebrate by creating colorful ofrendas (altars) with photos, flowers, food, and mementos to welcome spirits back to the earthly world. Many also gather in cemeteries or at festivals to share music, meals, and remembrance in a joyful celebration of life.

Now in its second year, Congressional Cemetery’s Día de los Muertos celebration invites the public to join us on Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the historic chapel to collectively build a large-scale ofrenda honoring our departed loved ones.

Sunday, November 1

Lincoln Park – 7:00pm

Friends of Lincoln Park (FOLP) hosts a showing of CoCo, the animated Disney film about The Day of the Dead.

From Wiki :  Coco is an American animated musical fantasy film about a 12-year-old boy in Mexico who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family and reverse their ban on music.

The Facebook page for the event is here:  https://bit.ly/3WT1vWK

FOLP will have popcorn, snacks and drinks available

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October 25, 2026 · 10:10 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 25, 2026

District 7 Bar & Grill, an Argentinian-American BBQ fusion coming to 1500 East Capitol. The restaurant will be open for:  Breakfast-Lunch-Brunch-Dinner.   One of the owners told CHC they hope to open on November 7.  We’ll see.  Want to help them open?  Here’s their kickstarter link:  https://bit.ly/4z2rqJU

Friday night, 1st District MPD and Friends of Lincoln Park hosted Movie Night, featuring a seasonally timely moving, Monsters. Inc.  There was a pretty good turnout.  Here’s a photo from the rear of the crowd. 

And here’s the reverse shot.

There’s some new service oriented retail coming to 532 Barracks Row. 

Worth checking out: Triple Candies latest installation depicts a state of precariousness. 

The left side of the installation – best viewed through the glass doorway of the space containing it –is a political trompe-l’œil (pronounced trump loy) – presenting an illusion of normalcy but referencing the instability depicted in the rest of the installation.

Triple Candies’ monthly installations are displayed in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Triple Candies is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett. 

The Week Ahead…

Highlight:  Café 8 is on the agenda of ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday.  A Café 8 representative is scheduled to attend. 

Monday, October 26

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

Agenda: 

  • 1st District Safety Update with MPD Captain Adam Crist.
  • Discussion of recent events at Café 8 with Elif Sam from Cafe 8.
  • Possible discussion of past events at Ginza Karaoke and BBQ Lounge (late invitation to Ginza to send a representative).

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Community Resource Round Robin
  • Community Presentation: DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Janelle Peoples
  • Community Discussion: Friends of Lincoln Park Grant Request – Jeni Shoemaker
  • Wrap Up

ANC7D Community Outreach and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, October 27

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee has scheduled a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

Agenda:

New Business

Alcohol Applications

  • Discussion of the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license for Adams Market, 700 F Street NE.
  • Discussion of the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license for Aldi, Inc.,801 H Street NE.

Cannabis Applications

  • Application for a new cannabis retailer license for The Dispensary, 1383-1385 H Street NE.

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

Agenda:

The standard business of the Executive Committee is adoption of upcoming meeting agendas.

Wednesday, October 28

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

  • For info on how to join the meeting, go here: TBA

Agenda:  TBA 

ANC7D Community Outreach and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, October 29

ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Friday, October 30

Hill Center

VERONNEAU in Concert: From Paris to Rio & Beyond

In-person

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $23.00

From Paris to Rio & Beyond blends soulful French, American & Brazilian repertoire and a touch of bluesy originals. In songs and stories, vocalist Lynn Veronneau & guitarist Ken Avis travel in time through tempos rich and mellow, swing and samba.  Often described as “a mini Pink Martini” VERONNEAU’s multilingual show is captivating, engaging and exquisitely performed. With special guests Karine Chapdelaine & Dave Kline.

For more and to get tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4iIQEHo

Saturday, October 31

Eastern Market/7th Street

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Hilloween at Eastern Market

Go here for details:  https://www.hilloweendc.com/

Saturday, October 31

North Hall Eastern Market

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s annual House Expo aims to connect homeowners with service providers and contractors who can help.  This year’s Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9am to 3pm, in the North Hall of historic Eastern Market.  The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 31

National Museum of the American Indian

10am – 5pm

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life.  Visit the National Museum of the American Indian and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances by Grupo los Tecuanes, making paper marigolds to be placed on a Catrina statue, and making papel picado (perforated paper decorations) with David Amorozo. Learn how pan de muerto (bread of the dead) is made with Neil Vargas, Jr.  Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality by interacting with live Catrinas roaming the festival .  Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.

Go here for more info:  https://bit.ly/3UlZfXk

Sunday, November 1

Congressional Cemetery

11am – 3pm 

Día de los Muertos

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery.  In collaboration with special guest and Capitol Hill resident, Rosa Moreno, and Death Doula-in-Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, we will transform the chapel in the center of our grounds into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”

Día de los Muertos is a tradition that honors loved ones who have passed, celebrating the ongoing bond between the living and the dead. Millions in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond celebrate by creating colorful ofrendas (altars) with photos, flowers, food, and mementos to welcome spirits back to the earthly world. Many also gather in cemeteries or at festivals to share music, meals, and remembrance in a joyful celebration of life.

Now in its second year, Congressional Cemetery’s Día de los Muertos celebration invites the public to join us on Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the historic chapel to collectively build a large-scale ofrenda honoring our departed loved ones.

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July 6, 2026 · 12:04 pm

Southeast Library to Reopen Thursday September 10th

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 6, 2026

“DC Public Library will celebrate the reopening of the fully modernized and expanded Southeast Library on Thursday, Sept. 10! 

About the Southeast Library Modernization

The Southeast Library, a historic Carnegie landmark, has undergone a transformative modernization. This renovation preserves and restores the building’s historic character while vastly expanding the amount of usable space and introducing modern elements.

Major Enhancements Include

•           Expanded space for children, teens and adults

•           More space for books, computers and seating

•           A new universally accessible entrance (as well as maintaining the original historic    entrance)

•           Restored landscaping

•           Environmentally friendly design

•           Improved sight lines

•           More meeting, collaboration, and study space

Transition from Interim Services

Arthur Capper TechExpress will close on Friday, July 31 so equipment and technology can be moved into the renovated building ahead of its reopening. This transition ensures that the new Southeast Library will be fully equipped and ready to welcome customers on opening day.”

ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn posted the announcement to the ANC6B SE Library Taskforce. Sobelsohn, in whose single member district the Library lies, says “We are still working to keep minimal services through August at Arthur Capper, especially the “holds” bookcase & the return bin. Let Ward Six Councilmember Allen know you appreciate his work to get us the interim library two years ago, & how you feel about keeping a nearby place to pick up & return books through August (callen@dccouncil.gov ). Our Southeast Library Taskforce will next meet on Monday, July 27, in person at 700 Pennsylvania Ave., SE (second floor), at 6:30, with a virtual option (for the link go to https://anc6b.org/ after July 14). Let me know if you’ll join us in person so we can make sure we meet in a big enough room: anc6b03@gmail.com

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June 11, 2026 · 5:55 am

Five Reminders for this Weekend

Five Reminders for this Weekend

by Larry Janezich

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2026

Friday, June 12 – CM Charles Allen Hosts Office Hours on H Street, NE

9:00am – 10:30am. 

CM Charles Allen hosts Neighborhood Office Hours on H Street at Maketto (1351 H Street, NE) the morning of Friday, June 12.  RSVP here: https://www.charlesallenward6.com/calendar

Friday, June 12 – Friday Night Live on Eastern Market Metro Plaza

5:00pm – 6:30pm. 

African American Music Appreciation Month – Too Much Talent Band  https://www.toomuchtalentband.com/

Saturday, June 13:  NE Library Book Sale.

10:00am – 3:00pm

Friends of SE and NE Libraries will hold their 2nd Saturday Book Sale this Saturday

Set up on Friday, June 12th at 1pm – Volunteers welcome.

Sale on Saturday, June 13th from 10am to 3pm

Saturday, June 13:  Lincoln Park Tree Labeling Fundraiser.

11:00am – 3:00pm

Friends of Lincoln Park host a Tree Labeling Fundraiser to turn Lincoln Park into an eco-learning space for kids and families. The goal is to raise $650 to label a unique selection of Lincoln Park’s trees. By adding these educational plaques, we hope to spark curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards right here in our neighborhood.

Event Details

When: Saturday, June 13th, 2026, from 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: Lincoln Park

Who: Kids of all ages and their families!

What to Expect

We will have:

Fun games and family-friendly activities

Snacks

Prizes

How You Can Support

If you feel inspired to help us reach our $650 goal and create this educational space, there are a couple of ways you can contribute:

Donate Online: Visit our GoFundMe Page to make a direct contribution here:  https://bit.ly/3QeKeEH

Saturday, June 13:  Discover Virginia Avenue Park

11:00am – 2:00pm

Friends of Virginia Avenue Park host this Community Day with tours, lively Caribbean music, games and snacks and beverages.

VAP is along the south side of 1-695 between 9th and 11th Streets SE.

The oldest feature in the park is a community garden so popular it has a constant waitlist. A large dog park was added as part of the community benefits resulting from the CSX rail tunnel project.

The most recent addition to the park is a children’s playground donated by the National Community Church.  With an open view of the Washington Monument, the park is a good place watch fireworks. 

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May 26, 2026 · 3:40 pm

Updates on Rumsey, Sherwood, and Kingman Field/Dog Park

Updates on Rumsey, Sherwood, and Kingman Field/Dog Park

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 26, 2026

May 21, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation held a virtual meeting to update the community on the 8 current on-going capital projects in Ward 6.

Among them are three in ANC6B and ANC6A:

Update on Rumsey Aquatic Center:  DPR continues working through the design process.  As of April, approvals by the Commission on Fine Arts and the Historic Preservation Review Board have cleared the way for design work to continue. There will be two more community meetings on this project and DPR says they will “let everyone know when the meeting will be.  DPR is looking for construction to occur between 2027 and 2028.  Pool design is under review and efforts are being made to to get as much water as possible.  Mitigation of issues associated with alley and vendor access is underway.  ANC6B’s Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will discuss the update and a proposed letter to encourage any community meeting proposed over the summer be scheduled at a time other than August.  The image of the proposed design does not reflect recent changes which will be presented in the next community meeting.

Update on Sherwood Recreation Center:  DPR is going through the process of hiring a design/build firm to start the design.  Once the design is vetted with the community and agreement reached, the design/build team can go into construction.  DPR will work with ANC6B and community and will have community meeting in August.  This will provide an opportunity to give the design team the results of the survey and to work up an initial concept.  DPR will have a total of three community meetings to talk about designs and provide an opportunity for feedback. 

Kingsman Field and Dog Park Update:  Project is construction and nearing completion which is rain dependent.  DPR’s goal is completion of all work by end of June but that may push into July, depending on weather.

Here’s a list and status report on all eight projects. 

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April 24, 2026 · 10:22 am

Three Reminders for Saturday and Sunday

Three Reminders for Saturday and Sunday

Posted April 24, 2026

Reminder:  Saturday, April 25 – Benefit for Migrants and Immigrants – St. Mark’s Church

7:30PM

Internationally celebrated group VERONNEAU will perform for a Benefit Concert for Good Neighbors Capitol Hill and Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid – Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 pm, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A Street SE.

Suggested donation $25 or more if you can afford.  Tickets available at the door or online – go here:   https://bit.ly/492r8rk

Fronted by multilingual vocalist Lynn Veronneau and superb guitarist Ken Avis, with special guest, violinist Dave Kline, the VERONNEAU trio weave a tapestry of sound that transcends borders and genres seamlessly blending acoustic bossa nova, swing, folk, and French chanson rooted in melody, groove, and emotional resonance. Don’t miss this wonderful evening of goodwill and good times with friends in our community.  Reception following the performance.

For more on VERONNEAU, go here:  https://veronneaumusic.com/

***

Reminder:  Saturday, April 25 – Mosquito Control Meeting at NE Library

12:30PM – 4:30PM

Itty Bitty Mosquito Population Committee sponsors public meeting at NE Library

Biogents reps, including at least one of their scientists, are joining us for the Ward 6 Spring Clean. They’ll spend the morning out in the neighborhood meeting neighbors where they live, getting a feel for our blocks, and helping think through trap placement strategy live. Afterward, they’ll head to the Northeast Library for a drop-in session where you can come learn more about how the traps work, ask questions and geek out with their scientist if the mood strikes.

For more, go here:  https://www.ittybittymosquitocommittee.org/calendar/biogents-open-house

***

Reminder:  (CORRECTED: SUNDAY, April 26) Congressional Cemetery Spring Fair

11:00aAM – 4:00PM

For more, see here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/spring-fair-2/

Activities include:

11:30   Bee Talk with the Keepers Alliance

1:00     Tree Walk Through History

3:45     Batalá Washington DC – this all woman drum band shares dynamic samba reggae rhythms from the vibrant city of Salvador, Bahia.  If you haven’t seen them perform, here’s a sample video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMiSeu9cl-c

Vendors:

30 vendors featuring natural products, sustainable gifts, handmade crafts, and wholesome eco

treats.

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April 20, 2026 · 4:03 pm

Retail on Capitol Hill: Part I

Retail on Capitol Hill: Part I

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 20, 2026

“Why can’t we have something on Barracks Row besides bars and restaurants?” 

–CHC reader comment 

Small-scale retail – brick and mortar businesses* – are essential to the charm and desirability of the Capitol Hill community.  Even locally owned bars and restaurants are important for the quality of the lifestyle of neighborhood. 

Walking Capitol Hill’s commercial corridors one encounters numerous empty store fronts on Barracks Row, Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and H Street, NE.  New occupants tend to be restaurant chains.  For many residents, retail on Capitol Hill is less vibrant and less interesting.

The DC Office of Planning has launched a new H Street Land Use and Market Study covering 3rd to 15th Streets NE. The goal of the study is to help shape what gets built, what kind of businesses residents support, how public spaces are designed, and how to strengthen H Street’s identity for the long term.  For more on the study, go here:  https://engage.dc.gov/w68032

So far, how to bring that help to Barracks Row and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, has not been the coordinated focus of the city or its local institutions.  

ANC6B has floated the idea of a roundtable to bring together commercial stakeholders to brainstorm ideas as to why a better retail mix seems unachievable on Barracks Row.  This is not a new idea. In 2019, ANC6B formed a Working Group on Barracks Row to address challenges facing commercial/retail outlets on 8th Street, SE.  After an initial burst of enthusiasm, the effort dwindled and then faded away without resolving anything.  A proposed moratorium on bars and restaurants on Barracks Row in 2009-2010 likewise went nowhere.  

CHC conducted several interviews to try to better understand the issues in play.  Here are some of the most commonly cited factors that make it difficult for local retail business to survive on Capitol Hill. 

Amazon

It’s easy – just click and buy something on Amazon.

High Rents

According to a former Capitol Hill business owner, “it is incredibly difficult for small retail to be successful – rent for retail space on Capitol Hill is astronomical.”  A real estate broker told CHC rents can range from $30 to $80 per square foot, depending on the buildout.

Triple Net leases

According to a former small business owner, many commercial retail outlets on Capitol Hill have what is known as “triple net leases” – “so that’s really, really scary for a small business.”

Triple net means that a lessee not only pays base rent but also pays property taxes, insurance and upkeep for the building – property owners don’t pay anything.  Potential tenants may know their base rent but have no idea what annual costs of maintenance or property taxes will be. 

A small locally owned retail outlet like the former Radicci related their monthly payment was $17,000 a month (which appears to have included triple net).  One locally owned bar on Barracks Row is reportedly paying $25,000 a month in rent and triple net. 

Financing Issues

Many of residents pass by empty storefronts and wonder why the landlord does not respond to the market by lowering rent.  A knowledgeable source says that part of the reason for high rents is financing. A commercial building’s value is directly tied to income from the lease. If a landlord signs a long-term lease at a lower rent, the property’s appraised value drops.  Commercial loans generally come up for renewal every five or ten years so landlords are very reluctant to lower the rent because it’s going to affect the amount for which they can finance their properties.  This could trigger a refinancing and result in out of pocket expenses for the landlord. 

Preference for Restaurants

Landlords often let a building sit empty, waiting for a long lease from a national franchise fast food place – say a tenant like Taco Bell.  Leasing to a local tenant at a lower rent precludes leasing to tenant with deeper pockets.  The former Capitol Hill business owner says:  “I definitely think that has been a problem on Capitol Hill…When I was looking for a place I had multiple landlords tell me that they wanted restaurants to go in which I think is hilarious because most of the restaurants need highly engineered spaces.” 

City Obstacles

Many current, prospective, and former tenants agree that the city’s permitting process is too burdensome, especially when compared other jurisdictions.  The former business owner says “it’s very difficult to find out what you need to do to open and every time you talk to somebody they will tell you something different.”

Michael Warner, co-owner of DCanter with his wife Michelle, who recently opened an outlet in Old Town Alexandria, says that “the regulations in Virginia and DC are not that different – what is different is the ease of complying with regulations in Virginia.  Within one or two phone calls you are on the phone with the person who can help you walk through the X, Y and Z that needs to be accomplished to get that permit.  In DC by comparison it tends to be a bit of a rabbit hole and you spend a lot of time and a lot of effort trying to get through to the right people.”

*Some current and former brick and mortar include apparel stores (the former Bitter Grace), gift shops (Groovy’s and the former Monkey’s Uncle), second-hand dealers (Clothes Encounters), book shops (Capitol Hill Books), artisanal goods (the former Fridge and the former Homebody), antique shops (the former Capitol Hill Antiques and the former Found on the Hill), and consignment boutiques (Clothes Encounters), specialty food shops (the former Souk and the former Mason & Greens ), barber shops (Ja-Jo’s), hair stylists (Blackbird), florists (the former Ophelia’s), hardware stores (the former 8th Street Hardware), leather goods, (the former Quavaro), and custom furniture (the former Septcarres).

Next:  Retail on Capitol Hill Part II

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January 25, 2026 · 10:30 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 25, 2026

Trader Joe’s bread cases at 3:00pm on Friday afternoon. 

The Second Address Restaurant opens at 303 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (To see their story and the menu, go here:  https://www.secondaddressdc.com/ ): 

As you enter.

View of first floor looking out.

One of the two upstairs dining rooms.

Budz – the latest medical weed dispensary to open in ANC6C will open soon at 312 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. 

Garfield Park – DDOT Phase 2 construction of the Garfield Park-Canal Park Connector Project, which includes the space beneath the freeway connecting the two parks is scheduled to begin (?) Monday, Jan. 26, and is expected to last six to eight weeks.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, January 26

CANCELLED ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meeting CANCELLED

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

  • Appointment of Secretary.
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes.
  • Renovation Update.
  • Neighbor Issues.
  • Arthur Capper Interim Library.
    • Flyer distribution.
    • Days & hours.

Tuesday, January 27

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

ANC6B Executive Committee with hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:  The agendas for the February ABC, Transportation, and Planning & Zoning Committee meetings will be voted on as will the agenda for the February Full Meeting of ANC 6B.

Wednesday, January 28

ANC6B Public Safety Committee is scheduled to hold a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual) at 6:30pm. 

The in-person meeting is scheduled at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (entrance next to Trader Joe’s), second floor conference room #1. 

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about events which as of this writing are scheduled for the coming week: 

Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC:  https://freedcproject.org/

Wednesday, January 28

Hill Center Event

Natan Last, The New Yorker Crossword Contributor, discusses his new book, Across the Universe, in conversation with writer Stefan Fatsis

Wednesday, January 28 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm |  $12 | Register here  https://bit.ly/4pZptsn

On-going: 

Explore the Folger on a Guided Tour!

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January 2, 2026 · 7:18 am

First Look at New Design for Rumsey Aquatic Court

First Look at New Design for Rumsey Aquatic Court

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 2, 2026

The first roll out of the city’s proposed design for the new Rumsey Aquatic Center in March of 2025 produced a strong negative community reaction and especially from CM Charles Allen who had specifically found funding for a second floor which was not included in the plans.

Allen launched a petition drive, ANC6B, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee and Barracks Row MainStreet sent letters of support for plan modifications on behalf of the community.  Allen announced that in response to the pushback the Department of Parks and Recreation would be coming back to the community with a revised design. 

Just before the end of the year, the concept plans for the new design became available.  DC law requires the Mayor to submit plans to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) for consideration before construction can begin on property within a historic district. 

The proposed new building will be a destination facility for DPR, serving as a place for competitive swim events, community gatherings, and senior center activities including physical fitness amenities and a maker space.  The project will provide approximately 29,000 square feet (up from 20,584) across two levels and will include the program elements outlined below.

Here are the concept renderings being submitted to HPRB – preliminary 3D visualizations showing the basic form, massing, and spatial ideas of the early-stage design. 

Birds eye view of existing building.

Birds eye view of new building.

First Floor Plan.

Proposed Programming Summary for First Floor:

  • Full size 8-lane lap swimming pool.
  • A smaller therapy pool.
  • Locker rooms, a family changing room, and bathrooms adjacent to the pools and splash   pad.
  • Staff office.
  • Tech lounge.
  • First aid room.
  • Life Guard room.
  • Lobby.
  • Storage.

Second Floor Plan.

Proposed Programming Summary for Second Floor.

  • Large Multipurpose/Recreation Room.
  • Senior center with tech lounge, and other amenities.
  • Small Fitness Room.
  • Meeting rooms.
  • Conference room.
  • Incubator / Maker Space.
  • Pool-overlook space.
  • Terrace overlooking North Carolina Avenue.
  • Toilets.
  • Storage.

View of Main Entrance from northeast Corner of the building.

View of the south side of the building from C Street.

View of the southeast corner and the Eastern Market Alley from C Street.

Here’s a link to the December 19, 2025 DPR Rumsey Aquatic Center – HPO Filing Package:  https://app.box.com/s/dhn9muwq7e6fqor5v5v40hn1w7yanfma/file/2084894430314

Next:  Expect DPR is likely to announce a community meeting to present the new plan to stakeholders.  The project team will continue to provide regular updates to a broad range of community stakeholders associated with the project, including Councilmember Charles Allen and his staff, ANC6B, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, and the DC Preservation League.  This will include on-going revisions to the plan up to and including final photo realistic renderings. 

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December 15, 2025 · 1:51 pm

Photo Essay: Wreaths Across America at Congressional Cemetery Honors Veterans

Photo Essay: Wreaths Across America at Congressional Cemetery Honors Veterans

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 15, 2025

It was cold Saturday morning, but some 200 community members turned out to pay tribute to the 1700 plus veterans – some dating to the Revolutionary War – interred at Congressional Cemetery.  The volunteers also served to place wreaths purchased by the community through donations to Wreaths Across America on the graves of veterans whose remains are buried here. 

The Presentation of Colors by members of the DC National Guard.

SGT Vicky Golding (vocalist) sings The National Anthem.

Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery, reminded those attending that at its core, Congressional Cemetery is a historic and active burial ground “and all of our efforts support the mission to preserve and protect these hallowed grounds while we respectfully celebrate the lives of those whose remains lie in eternal rest here.”

Hudson’s remarks were followed by Colonel Vincent A. Cummings, Command Chaplain for DC National Guard who stood in as keynote speaker for DC National Guard Commander Brigadier General Leland Blanchard II.  In his remarks, he said, “Our support of Wreaths Across American reinforces the unique role the National Guard plays in our community.  We’re part of the society we serve and those relationships build trust, strengthen connections, and ensure we remain ready and always there for the people of DC….

Congressional Cemetery’s Program Director A.J. Orlokoff called each service to step forward and place a commutative wreath to those assembled.

Volunteers receive wreaths to place on graves.

A member of the National Guard speaks the name and salutes the memory of a veteran after placing the wreath. 

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying at Arlington as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and across the country and abroad.

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