2019 was another great year on the Hill. Residents came together to celebrate, and help one another. We welcomed many new businesses, notably the Eastern Wine Bar and Kevin Tien’s Emilie. We celebrated life together with John ‘Peterbug’ Matthews and Joseph ‘Joe’ Cwiklinski, who were both assisted by their neighbors after suffering heart attacks in the spring and summer.
We also planned for the future, working together throughout the year on the design for the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park Project, construction on which is expected to begin in February, 2020.
The Hill Rag has been honored to be a part of the community and to tell its stories for the past 43 years. We want to offer everyone our best wishes for a safe, happy and positive 2020!
We are looking forward to sharing more stories of the people, places and events that make the Hill a great little village in the New Year.
Jan to June 2019. Click to enlarge
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Shutdown Meals organizer Allison McGill, pictured Jan. 10 with her son Gavin and a sign used at home to track the days of the shutdown. By Jan. 21, the Federal government had been shut down for 31 days, and McGill was organizing carry-out family meals for the employees, who had not been paid since the end of 2018.
Volunteers are pictured at Hype Cafe (1129 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), including ANC 6B10 Commissioner Denise Krepp (2nd from L) and Hype Cafe owners Samuel Mengistu (far R) and Hanna Tesfamikael (far L)
After 15 years, Dawn Price announced that the Dawn Price Baby stores would be closing. The first, the Reston location, closed Dec. 26, 2018. The Eastern Market location served customers into 2019.
A woman tells First District Commander Kane her feelings about police at a Jan. 15th meeting between MPD, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B and the community after seven police stopped three boys on the 1300 block of E Street SE Dec. 22. The stop, recorded by a neighbor, sparked demands for answers about the length and circumstances of the detention of the minors, all of whom were black boys under the age of 12.
The Blessing of the bread at Hill Havurah. Howard Crystal, Rabbi Hannah Spiro (with bread) and long-time an -newer welcoming Shabbat. The Capitol Hill Congregation entered its 20th year of gathering in 2019. Credit: Nate Crystal
On March 3, the Eastern High School Lady Ramblers made Capitol Hill a Neighborhood of Champions when they won the DCSAA State Basketball Chamoiionship. Photo William Jenkins
Residents gather March 31 to picnic as part of the first of several monthly street events held to the K Street Road Diet. Some of the desired work was implemented in the fall. Attendees included cycling activist Dave Salovesh, who was killed on April 19 by the driver of a stolen van. He is visible, third from the left in a pink hat. Courtesy: Robb Dooling
Reverand Cara Spaccarelli, Rector of Christ Church Capitol Hill (Sixth & G Street SE) said farewell at the end of March. Spaccarelli was a 2018 winner of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation Community Achievement Award. Photo: N. Broers
On April 5, Mars Incorporated announced a $20,000 grant to the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) and Humane Rescue Alliance to help make Southwest D.C. a better city for pets and people living in the neighborhood. Announced in partnership with the SWBID during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, where Mars serves as a Host Sponsor, the grant builds on Mars’ 2018 Grant from the Mayor’s Office of the Clean Cities and is an extension of the company’s Better Cities for Pets program.
The sign inside Chat's Liquors (503 Eighth St. SE) is exposed to the elements after a vandal smashed the plate glass in four shop windows. The glass was repaired within three days.
In April, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, Tonya Porter Woods and Guy Martin were named the winners of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation 2019 Community Achievement Awards. Photo: Courtesy CHCF
A child eyes a photographer at Bike to School Day, held May 8, 2019 in Lincoln Park. The event, held by Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization in partnership with the National Center for Safe Routes to School, was particularly poignant in light of the deaths of cyclists and pedestrians earlier in the year, and participants were encouraged to wear white in remembrance.
JO Wilson Cheerleaders are photographed after their performance at the May 8, 2019 Bike to School Day.
Captain Steven Boehm of the Metro Transit Police (L) speaks as First District Commander Morgan Kane (R, out of uniform after suffering a broken foot) listens at the First District Citizen's Advisory Council meeting May 1. Officers said 40-year-old Jamal Ferrell, the victim in a stabbing homicide at Potomac Metro Station April 28 was fleeing down the escalator towards the station when he was stabbed, and police captured one of the two juvenile suspects later that year.
Maury ES Students visit the Anacoatia Boathouse in May 2019. The trip was facilitated by Hill-based non-profit Serve Your City DC. Photo Courtesy E. Nelson
The blue building that housed Frager's Hardware from shortly after the 2013 fire that destroyed the historic building is pictured April 30, 2019, days before the store moved home to Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Frager's Hardware employees move items from the blue building at 1323 E St. SE to the rebuilt Pennsylvania Avenue Store on May 3, 2019.
Gina Schaefer, owner of Frager's Hardware, stocks the shelves to prepare for the reopening of the store at its original address (1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). The store reopened May 3.
Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson cuts a cake in the Eastern Market North Hall June 9, at the conclusion of three days celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the re-opening of Eastern Market following a devestating 2007 fire.
Mayor Muriel Bowser is pictured with former DC United player Wayne Rooney at the June 8, 2019 ribbon-cutting for The Fields at RFK. “Hopefully we’ll see more little children over the next weeks, months, years improving their soccer skills and always hoping to be the next superstar for the U.S. team," said Rooney at the event. Rooney announced that he was going back to England in August, after scoring 23 goals and 14 assists in 43 games during his only season with the United, who placed fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Children try out the fields and the balls after the 2019 ribbon-cutting at The Fields at RFK. The improvements added three multi-purpose turf fields for kickball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball & softball, a celebration pavilion and plaza, restrooms, and a playground and picnic area to the RFK Campus.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi poses with fans as she s the congressional team at the Congressional Women's Softball Game June 19, held at Watkins Elementary School (420 12 St SE). Photo: Maryrose Costello
Press defeated Congress at the women's softball game, the first to include a candidate for the Presidential Nomination, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The game raised more than $300,000 for charity. Photo: Maryrose Costello
The DC Water Wizards, who have been participating in the Senior Games since 2005, sent a record number of competitors to the National Senior Games held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from June 14-25, 2019. Courtesy: DC Water Wizards
In the summer, Hans Capozzi met Senator Kamala Harris, (D-CA) then running for Democratic candidate for President, while working at Bower's Fancy Dairy Products at Eastern Market. Photo Hans Capozzi. "We ended our conversation the same way about ninety percent of people in my generation say farewell to a new friend," he wrote for the Rag, "--with a selfie." Photo: Hans Capozzi
Two children show their colors at the Capitol Hill July 4th parade, held along Barracks Row (Eighth Street SE). The 17th annual parade featured the The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, accompanied by the USMC Color Guard, as well as the Eastern High School Blue and White Marching Machine, accompanied by the dance team as well as numerous schools, businesses and organizations.
Two exceedingly intelligent July 4th parade-goers watch proceedings from under a shady tree along Eighth Street SE.
“He or she that is up there in the sky wasn’t ready for me yet,” said John 'Peterbug' Matthews. On Dec. 5, the 70-year-old Capitol Hill resident thanked the people who had saved him after he was found unresponsive on the stoop of his shoe repair shop, Peterbug Shoe Repair Academy, at 11:22 on the morning of on May 30. He had suffered a massive heart attack, said Fire Chief Gregory M. Dean, left, pictured with Peterbug at the event.
The July 15th Potomac Gardens youth open mic kicked off with talented teenaged rappers. The event, hosted by the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) and the Potomac Gardens Resident Council, was designed to be a positive space for youth to gather together and express themselves.
Karen Ho Hall, a resident of Capitol Hill, won the 2019 American Classic Woman of the Year Pageant at the historic Lincoln Theatre on Sunday, July 21. The pageant, created by senior activist Leatha Blount 19 years ago, showcases the artistic talents and creativity of Washington, DC women age 55 and above. Photo: Pleasant Mann/ACWY
HillVets founder Justin Brown stands in the HillVets house on 12th Street SE. moved into the Capitol Hill neighborhood to offer veterans and service temporary housing and to enable them to begin a career in policy. The Capitol Hill house is a home to a rotating group of HillVets fellows that spend up to eight months living together as they search for a permanent job in government. Through their system, HillVets empowers participants to continue to serve the government after their military service. Photo: Sarah Cymrot
July to December 2019. Click to enlarge
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The Eastern Wine Bar opened on Seventh Street SE July 30. Executive Chef Walter Hernandez worked with the manager and owners to develop the menu, adding a little of his native Guatemala. Photo E. O'Gorek CCN
Ashley Little cuddles her daughter Princess Evans, Friday, Aug. 9. The baby was born Monday, Aug 5 in the office of Barracks Row Fire Engine #18, Truck # 7. She returned four days later to say thank you to those who helped her mom bring her into the world.
Zeke Dziekan, Larry Evans, Kyyng Evans, Ashley Little (holding Princess Evans) and Donna Tidaback pose with the firefighters at the Barracks Row station.
A child enjoys the temporary playground installed on the Northeastern quadrant of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza August 17. The playground will be integrated with renovations to all four quadrants including to Parcel 1, where it is located; Parcel 4, site of the Metro station entrance; and to smaller plots in front of Trader Joe's and Dunkin Donuts. Construction is slated to begin in Feb 2020.
Students cut the ribbon on the modernizations to Maury Elementary School by racing through the banner on the first day of school August 26. The $52 million renovation includes new classrooms for up to 540 students, a state-of-the-art media center and maker space in the glassed-in library above the corner of Constitution Avenue and 13th Street NE, indoor and outdoor play as well a green roof.
Maury ES Principal Helena Payne Chauvenet is photographed on the second floor bridge linking the historic structure to the new build. Since the renovations began, students were located at Maury “Village,” trailers on the east side of the Eliot-Hine Middle School campus, located on the 1800 block of Constitution Ave. NE.
the old sidewalks on Barracks Row? They were repaired in a project that started in late August and ended in September, 2019, leading to smoother trips down Eighth Street SE.
In early September, Latin Market La Cosecha (1280 Fourth Street NE) held a block party to celebrate its arrival in the Union Market Neighborhood. The market began soft opening hours Oct. 3.
The Kennedy Center’s $250 million addition, The REACH, opened on September 7 with a two-week free festival. Pictured are the Skylight Pavilion and EDS Building from South. Photo: Richard Barnes
Outdoor seating next to the River Pavilion and River Cafe at the REACH, adjacent to the Presidential Grove of gingko trees. Photo: Sarah Cymrot
At meetings held with the community prior to the August opening of EAT BRGZ (250 Seventh St. SE), owner Brandon Gaynor said he loves the Capitol Hill community and looks forward to being a part of it.
Various kinds of Eat Brgz burgers are snuggled in potato or cauliflower buns. In response to community , Gaynor added lettuce, tomato and roasted brussel sprouts to his menu in the fall. Photo Celeste McCall
Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at the House Committee hearing on DC Statehood. A House committee heard testimony on legislation that would make most of Washington DC into a state for the first time since 1993. Republicans pushed back hard on the idea, citing the financial mismanagement of the 1990s, the DC Council hearings on Jack Evans, among other things. “Yes, it is true that we are more brown and more liberal than some of you, but denying statehood would be unfair no matter who was affected,” said Bowser in her testimony. “It would be unfair if we were conservatives from a rural district built around agriculture or an industrial city in the heartland.” “This is America, and Americans are entitled to equal protection under the law.” Image: Screenshot EOM Broadcast Periscope
Trickling Springs Creamery employee Jessica Burdge holds an ice cream cone at the Eastern Market Store (350 C St. SE). Burdge and her husband, store manager Daniel Burdge, were among those affected when the company announced it would be shutting down operations by the end of September. Based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the company was put under investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities in late 2018. Photo: Celeste McCall
Joseph ‘Joe’ Cwiklinski said that he is only alive thanks to his neighbors.The 75-year-old Capitol Hill resident expressed his gratitude to those people and the first responders who saved his life after he suffered a heart attack August 12 near Potomac Avenue Metro Station. Cwiklinski offered his thanks and awarded individuals ‘Cardiac Arrest Save Coins’ at DC Fire Engine Company #8 (1520 C St. SE) Dce. 3.
About a week after the heart attack, Joseph ‘Joe’ Cwiklinski’s partner Thomas Kai put up a sign near Potomac Metro Station a week after the accident. “We wanted to thank everyone, but we didn’t know who to thank,” he said. Photos of the sign were widely shared on social media. Via: Twitter/@BarredinDC
The Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) celebrated their historic past and their present community with a party held Sunday inside and outside of the cultural, community, arts and learning center on the Hill. Here, attendees watch a blacksmith demonstration.
Turley the Magician works with a mini magician from the audience at Hill Center Community Days. For his last trick made a live rabbit appear. (When the animal didn’t show after the first wave of his wand, Turley joked, “Must have had a hare appointment.”)
Critically acclaimed chef Kevin Tien opened his new restaurant, Emilie’s, at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in the heart of Capitol Hill on October 10. The new 5,175-square-foot restaurant has 100 seats and shortens the commute for Tien, who lives in the area. Chef Tien left his acclaimed restaurant Himitsu (828 Upshur St. NW), which he co-owned with Carlie Steiner, to focus on Emilie’s opening.
A child pets a goat in the petting zoo at Barracks Row Fall Festival, held Sept. 28, drawing crowds to Capitol Hill’s autumn celebration. Community organizations, local businesses, vendors, performers and District agencies gathered on Eighth Street between E and I Streets SE to celebrate the changing season with the community.
Two boys show off their balloon Spider-man at Barracks Row Fall Fest. The Residences at Eastern Market offered face-painting and sophisticated balloon art together with small bottles of sunscreen and water that were nearly as popular and very necessary during a sunny and hot September day.
Pulled from the Fall Fest crowd to participate in the show, Elena reacts with astonishment at a trick performed by Noland the Magician on the main stage.
Delle Donne holds the trophy aloft after the Washington Mystics win the WNBA Championships Oct. 11. The team won the final game in the five-game championship series by a score of 89-78 to take the series versus the Connecticut Sun. The Mystics trailed at the end of the third quarter, but outscored the Sun 27-14 to take the game and the series. Small Forward Elena Delle Donne played with three herniated disks but nonetheless contributed 21 pounds and nine rebounds. Finals MVP Emma Meesemann scored 22 points in the game. Courtesy: Events DC
Joy and elation on faces as the Mystics win the finals in game 5 versus the Connecticut Sun. Photo: Events DC
Volunteers, dignitaries, students and players crowd together Oct. 25, when the Washington Nationals made a $25000 to field improvements at Payne Elementary School. The gift was made possible by the First Annual MLB Fall Classic Initiative.
Former Eastern Market Main Streets (EMMS) Executive Director Madeleine Odendahl (center) is pictured at a Jan. 25 community meeting about the Eastern Market Metro Plaza (EMMP) Park Project. Odendahl was a member of the Advisory Team before stepping down as ED to take a position with District Bridges Nov. 25. Charles McCaffrey is the new EMMS ED.
Van Ness Elementary School students and families get ready to march in the Nats Victory Parade Nov. 2. inaugural cohort of ten “Grand Slam” schools–a new program the Nationals announced earlier this year. Van Ness students marched alongside participants from the other nine Grand Slam schools for a once in a lifetime experience after the Nationals won the World Series Dec. 30.
Local entertainer Kidsinger Jim plays tunes for an audience of ghouls and boils in front of the haunted DC Circulator during the 2019 Hilloween celebrations. Photo: Sarah Cymrot
'Trump and the Whistle Blower' placed Second Place in the 'Homemade' category at the 2019 Howloween doggie costume contest held at Lincoln Park. The annual contest is sponsored by pet supply store Howl to the Chief (733 Eighth St. SE).
Local realtor, commmunity activist, prolific volunteer, Maleficent impersonator, sometime writer for Hill Rag and former organizer of the annual Hilloween event Heather Schoell won this year's Brickie for Civic Pride. The awards are an annual celebration of the people, places, and organizations that make the Ward 6 community great and are presented by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. Photo: Office of CM Charles Allen
Santa has a conversation about his list with three children during his Nov. 30 visit to Frager's Hardware (1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). Santa made two visits to the store, coinciding with two holiday open houses.
The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) Men in Blue gather around the Holiday tree Nov. 30, at the conclusion of the 2019 lighting ceremony. Photo: E.O'Gorek/CCN
Alicia Jimenez, who sang the anthem at a Washington Nationals World Series home game, performed two holiday standards at the tree lighting.
Babbo Natale made his annual visit to Radici Market Dec. 21 with a Kinder egg chocolate + toy & a jingle bell for all the kids who stopped to say hi.
Children sit on the steps of the Hill Havurah building at 200 East Captiol Street, shared with the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, during the Capitol Hill Community Menorah Lighting ceremony Dec. 22.
Richard Pascal smiles at Hill Havurah Rabbi Hannah Spiro after lighting the Capitol Hill menorah, a gift to the community in honor of his father, Paul L. Pascal.
“He or she that is up there in the sky wasn’t ready for me yet,” said John 'Peterbug' Matthews. On Dec. 5, the 70-year-old Capitol Hill resident thanked the people who had saved him after he was found unresponsive on the stoop of his shoe repair shop, Peterbug Shoe Repair Academy, at 11:22 on the morning of on May 30. He had suffered a massive heart attack, said Fire Chief Gregory M. Dean, left, pictured with Peterbug at the event.
All photos by Elizabeth O’Gorek/CCN unless otherwise noted. Reach out with your questions, comments or story ideas this year! Email [email protected]
