Wednesday, December 27, 2023 On Monday, January 1, District Government will observe the New Year’s Day holiday. While some services will be affected, many District employees will continue serving to maintain essential District operations. Mayor Bowser will also host residents and visitors at the Fresh Start 5K on New Year’s Day. Residents can register for the 5K in advance at fitdcfreshstart5k.com. In-person registration begins at 10 am on January 1 and the race begins at 11 am, beginning at Freedom Plaza. WHAT’S OPEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 1 Access to Emergency Shelter All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round. All low-barrier shelters remain open 24 hours and will remain open all day on Monday, January 1. Individuals and families seeking access to homeless services should call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311 at any time of the day or night. The Downtown Day Services Center (The Center) located at 1313 New York Ave NW, is providing walk-in services to guests with no appointment required. Center hours of operation are 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Entry will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be provided with a wristband that must be worn while in the Center. Available walk-in services include showers, laundry, medical & mental health treatment, computer access, electronic/mobile device charging, housing case management, employment counseling, harm reduction services, legal counseling and other vital services. Full capacity lunch services will continue Monday through Friday 11 am – 1 pm. Zoe’s Doors Youth Drop-In Center located at 900 Rhode Island Avenue NE, is providing walk-in services for residents experiencing homelessness. Center hours of operation are from 2 am – 8 pm on Monday, January 1. DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) services and supports are available during this holiday season. Community members experiencing mental wellness challenges or crises may call 988 anytime to connect with a trained counselor. The following resources are also open on Monday, January 1: The DC Stabilization Center, located at 35 K Street NE, is a 24/7 safe place for people experiencing a substance use disorder crisis to get the help they need and is open to individuals 18 years and older at no-cost, and with no insurance necessary. The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) provides 24/7 emergency psychiatric services and extended observation beds for individuals 18 years of age and older by calling (202) 673-9319. The Community Response Team (CRT) provides 24/7 support to adults who are experiencing emotional, psychiatric or substance use vulnerabilities, including on-the-spot assessment and referral to behavioral health care. The response team is available by calling (202) 673-6495. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) outdoor parks, playgrounds, athletic courts, and fields will be open. All previously permitted events on these outdoor spaces will take place as scheduled. Modified Service Adjustments The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash and recycling on Monday, January 1. Trash and recycling collections will “slide” for the remainder of the week into Saturday. For example, households that normally receive trash and recycling collections on Monday, will be serviced on Tuesday, January 2. Leaf collection will operate on schedule. Bulk trash removal will be suspended on Monday, January 1 and will resume on Tuesday, January 2. The Benning Road Transfer Station is closed for renovations until further notice. The Fort Totten Transfer Station is always be closed to the public on Mondays. It will be open on Tuesday, January 2 for normal residential drop-off. Construction: The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work in roadways, alleys, and sidewalks within the District’s right of way. This includes manhole access and construction-related deliveries. Approved construction activities may r

Beyond Words | Week of December 30, 2024 New Year, same fantastic Library programming New Year, New Stories: Join Us for Author Talks in 2024! Happy New Year, book lovers! 2025 is moments away, and we're kicking off the year with another exciting season of author talks at DC Public Library! It's the perfect time to connect with talented authors, dive into their latest works, and get inspired by their creative journeys. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of literary events, there’s something for everyone! Upcoming talks include: Opening the Road with Keila Dawson | Saturday, Jan. 11 at 12 p.m., MLK Library MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose | Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m., Tenley-Friendship Library What is My Legacy? | Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., MLK Library The Literary Village | Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Library 999: The Forgotten Girls | Monday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m., MLK Library Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony with M.K. Asante | Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., MLK Library Black in Blues with Imani Perry and Clint Smith | Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., MLK Library Explore All Upcoming Author Talks Library 2024 Wrapped: Dragons, Excel and Creative Journeys In 2024, DC Public Library patrons showed an incredible range of interests - from epic dragons to Excel tutorials, and daily art practices. With more than 5.5 million checkouts and renewals across books, magazines, streaming media, and online learning platforms, the library remains a central hub for both creative exploration and professional development. Fiction Trends: Dragons and Must-Reads Readers in DC flocked to newly released fiction, with books like Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, and Happy Place by Emily Henry making their mark. However, it was Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing that truly captivated the community, dominating circulation in both e-book and e-audiobook formats. The thrilling fantasy novel about dragons became a must-read for many, sparking conversations throughout the year. Digital Magazine Preferences: Intellectual Insights Magazine readers turned to thought-provoking content in 2024, with The Economist, The New Yorker, and New Scientist leading digital circulation. Patrons also showed a keen interest in intellectual discourse, with The New York Review of Books and The Guardian Weekly rounding out the top picks for those looking to stay informed and inspired. Learning and Creativity: From Excel to Art The library’s online learning platforms also saw diverse engagement. LinkedIn Learning's most popular courses included practical technology skills, with Rust Tips and Tricks and Excel Essential Training at the top. Meanwhile, Creativebug’s courses provided an outlet for artistic expression, with daily art practice programs like drawing and watercolor workshops capturing the imagination of creative learners. Music Trends: Top Artists and Favorite Tunes In the realm of music, library customers streamed over 480,000 songs in 2024, downloading tracks from their favorite artists for offline listening. Beyoncé, Hozier, and Bob Dylan were the top downloaded musicians, showcasing a blend of contemporary hits and timeless classics. Thank you to all our patrons for making 2024 a memorable year, and we look forward to seeing what sparks your interest in the year ahead! See The Full List of 2024’s Greatest Hits Public Defender Film Screening and Workshop Kick off the new year with a powerful evening of connection, conversation, and storytelling at DC Public Library! On Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, we are excited to host a two-part event with filmmaker Andrea Kalin and executive producer Richard Schiff (The West Wing, The Good Doctor). The evening begins with a 60-minute Interactive Listening Workshop led by Peoplehood, a pioneering organization focused on fostering relational health. Through guided breathing exercises and dialogue, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate differences, build stronger relationships, and find clarity in challenging conversations. T

All hands, Gerard Leval, a Washington lawyer and author, has a disturbing OpEd in today's Wall Street Journal describing how a check he mailed to DC for a tax payment was stolen and cashed by a thief. According to Leval, DC, bank and postal authorities had to be dragged into any kind of action. It's another instance in what has become all too common a crime followed by a half-hearted response. I wonder if United Parcel Service is a good substitute when sending a substantial check by mail. Using electronic means to transfer funds is a good alternative, when available. Aggressively going after mail pirates apparently isn't on, according to Leval. https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-authorities-shrug-at-bank-fraud-5efe5368?st=QGuEsg&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink John N.

Dear neighbors, It was quite a holiday! I hope you can say the same. No. 2 daughter came from her home across the sea, we rented a car and drove the endless turnpike to Massachusetts to celebrate with the rest of the family. We laughed a lot, ate too much, starting with the cookies made from my mother’s traditional recipes—fondly remembered flavors of my youth—anise, ginger, sesame, citrus, a wee bit of rum, chocolate and especially butter! We exchanged gifts, some silly, some I will cherish forever, though maybe never need. What do you give an eighty++ grandmother who wants nothing? Chocolate!!! Attending Christmas Eve service sitting between my two daughters surrounded me with a warmth and security I had not felt in a long time. Not since I was a little girl sitting between my parents, to keep me from squirming I believe. I closed my eyes and it was 6:30 PM on Christmas Eve in a little German Lutheran congregation on the East side of Detroit. The fathers in their best suits, the mothers with an extra splash of Midnight in Paris all over themselves. The children lined up according to height in the basement Sunday school room ready to troop up the stairs, through the pastor’s study (the only time we would ever see this room, an ordinary study, btw,) except for the few boys who would some day be married in the little church. Like the children on Christmas Eve, grooms, about to be married would enter the Sanctuary from the Pastor’s study. We were fascinated by the vestments that hung in a narrow cabinet in a corner and the silver chalice and several salvers in a cabinet with glass doors brought from Europe before anyone now living could remember. We were all eager to get a closer look but no one dared to step out of line. The line wiggled and squirmed but it held. All the while the organist was playing every Christmas hymn in the book. The pastor in his flowing robe and with the proper colored stole draped over his shoulders comes in and creates a momentary calm. He smiles (pastors are always good with little kids who are not his). He tells us we are celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus like folks all over the world this night. Some of us think that is special. Some of us think that is awesome! Some of us just want to get this over with to get home and see our presents. We all knew that Santa was putting our presents under the tree while we were suffering all this anxiety lined up the cellar stairs into the pastor’s study. Back then, while the bombs were reshaping the geographic boundaries of Europe, Santa, or the Christmas Child, (das Christkind) still brought presents to most of us on Christmas Eve. When the organist pulled out all the stops and lit into "Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant…" the littlest child stepped into the sanctuary and we knew the show had begun. If the path to the rear of the church seemed daunting for a three-year-old, a patient parent or perhaps one of the ushers took her hand--it was usually a little girl--and led her part of the way around the back of the congregation, all standing and singing their hearts out, then down the center aisle where a loving Sunday School teacher was waiting for her and pointing out where she should sit. At some point two or three little boys would get into a shoving match to see how fast they could all three reach the same spot in the pew and sit down. If there was a tableau, and there usually was, the children in costume came toward the end. The three boys portraying the Wise Men preferred to call themselves The Wise Guys, usually brought up the end, and rightfully so. After all they came from afar following yonder star. The Pastor, clever fellow that he was, had taken an empty oatmeal container and punched a series of holes in the pattern of a star into it, placed a small light bulb behind them and propped it between two organ pipes. From there it shone brightly on the congregation below, watching for their children to come marching in line like the docile little sheep they were supposed to be. Only one character was missing from this assembly, the

Hello, Can anyone recommend a vetinarian in DC only? My cat has thyroid disease and also needs his blood pressure checked. Are there also labs that do blood work for pets if you have a vet order already? I presume not possible but just want to confirm -- I definitely need a good vet recommendation for here in DC. Thank you and Happy Holidays, Everyone!! Janice Curreri jamesapie @ yahoo dot com

Real Estate Assistance: The 2025 Real Estate market begins this Friday with new listings coming out right after the start of the year. If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, please reach out for a confidential conversation. To learn more about me check out my social media or biography in the links below. Homes For Sale: Cleveland Park – Open By Appointment 2731 Ordway Street NW #2 $629,900 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo with Parking! Video of Property: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbuJiSStq7/ Website: https://www.atproperties.com/DCDC2160810/2731-ordway-street-nw-2-washington-district-of-columbia-20008-brightmls ========== Petworth – Open By Appointment 5200 Kansas Avenue NW $1,000,000 7 Bedroom + Den, 3-1/2 Bath Fully Renovated End-Unit Townhouse Video of Property: https://www.instagram.com/p/DC453TTRfwM/ Website: https://www.atproperties.com/DCDC2165744/5200-kansas-avenue-nw-washington-district-of-columbia-20011-brightmls ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Uptown Theater T-Shirt & Sweatshirt, Tote Bags, Mugs, Stickers, Bookmarks and More: https://www.bestaddress.com/joe-s-merch ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Top Instagram Posts: Bedroom vs. Den . . . What’s the difference? https://www.instagram.com/p/DC-DZxTRWJw/ Exposed Brick Walls . . . The Things You Should Know https://www.instagram.com/p/DCzvtlvyfIO/ Historic Fire Doors https://www.instagram.com/p/DCsEqdJy0JN/ Iconic Victorian House Details https://www.instagram.com/p/DCo_JIexK9q/ Antique Hoosier Cabinet & Dining Set – Very Rare https://www.instagram.com/p/DCj6HI6xlFE/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Upcoming Walking Tours: March 29, 2025: Kalorama: “Center of Politics & Power” https://www.bestaddress.com/event-details/kalorama-walking-tour-center-of-politics-and-power April 12, 2025: Southwest: “Mid-Century Modern and More” https://www.bestaddress.com/event-details/southwest-mid-century-modern-more-walking-tour Joseph Himali (He, Him) BEST ADDRESS® Group, LLC Mobile: (202) 669-4656 Email: Joe@... [Joe @ BestAddress dot com] Buy with Joe: Walking Tours & Events | Merch | Amazon Storefront Joe’s Social Media: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube |Facebook | Threads Other: Website | Reviews | Biography | Awards | Press RLAH @properties Chevy Chase Office: 4600 N. Park Avenue #100 | Chevy Chase MD | 20815 | 301-652-0643 Licensed Real Estate Broker in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia Licensed Tour Guide in Washington, DC Cleveland Park Listserv Sponsor

Does anybody have a recommendation for a gutter cleaner? I need a service that will also bag the debris after it is clean. Thanks! Ron 34th Street ronaldngiam@... [ronaldngiam @ me dot com]

I’m looking for a kombucha scoby from a neighbor with extra! I’m restarting my brewing after taking a break. Please DM me - bzadina@... [bzadina @ aol dot com] - thanks! (I highly recommend making your own kombucha if you’re buying it bottled!) Barbara Norton Place

The appliance in my condominium unit leaked water into the appliance closet of the unit below. I would like to have someone assess whether there has been any mildew or mold issues caused in either closet and to complete any necessary repairs. Does anyone have any recommendations about a good contractor to do this? Thanks. Denise denise.cheung1 @ gmail dot com

Does anybody know of a good and reliable repairman who can repair, and has experience with repairing à Bosh dishwasher? The nice person I used over the years seems to have his phone disconnected. Many thanks. Farida faridawozniak @ gmail dot com

A Different Russia: Khrushchev and Kennedy on a Collision Course When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM to noon Price: Free! You need to register for this event by clicking on the link below. An email with a Zoom link will be sent to you before the event. https://nwnv.helpfulvillage.com/events/4500 Speaker: Marvin Kalb In the early 1960's, the most dangerous years of the Cold War, Marvin Kalb brought the curiosity and excitement of a young American journalist to Moscow, where he kept a record of his daily CBS broadcasts on the building confrontation between Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and American President John F. Kennedy. A Different Russia: Khrushchev and Kennedy on a Collision Course is an unusual memoir, professional but also personal. It relies on Kalb's daily broadcasts from Moscow, travels through the communist world, including Mongolia, and reporting on the Soviet leadership, especially Nikita Khrushchev, who often referred to Kalb as "Peter the Great," a story unto itself. It focuses on the darkest moments of the Cold War, when Khrushchev confronted President John F. Kennedy at the Vienna summit in June 1961, the building of the Berlin Wall, the break-up of the Sino-Soviet alliance, and the Cuban missile crisis, which brought the world to the edge of a nuclear war. The book, set for publication on January 15, 2025, and available for pre-order now, has been widely praised by many leading experts, scholars and journalists. TV anchor Ted Koppel described the book as "high drama, nuclear brinksmanship…the pulse-pounding stories of the 1960’s." And scholar William Taubman, who wrote the classic study of Khrushchev, said, "this wonderful memoir combines insightful recollections of Khrushchev’s harrowing clashes with Kennedy over Berlin and Cuba." Marvin Kalb has been a reporter, teacher and author for more than 70 years. He is the Edward R. Murrow Professor Emeritus at Harvard, where he was also the Founding Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Kalb has also been a visiting professor at Georgetown University and The George Washington University. He has covered and studied Soviet politics from Khrushchev to Putin, numerous wars from Vietnam to Ukraine, and American election campaigns from Ike to Trump. While working for 30 years at CBS News and NBC News, first as Moscow bureau chief and then as Diplomatic Correspondent and host of Meet the Press, Kalb moderated the Kalb Report at the National Press Club, an award-winning radio and television interview program broadcast nationally on PBS. In addition to many other awards, he is the recipient of a Gold Emmy for "excellence in journalism." He has been a contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, The Boston Globe and many other publications. NNV is a local non-profit that gives members the confidence and practical help to age in their community while staying healthy, engaged, and connected to neighbors and friends. Sal Selvaggio Northwest Neighbors Village https://www.nnvdc.org/ Cleveland Park Listserv Sponsor

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Mac support, consulting and training from an experienced Mac expert. More than 20 years of experience (including 10 years at macUpgrades in Bethesda MD), and excellent people skills. From setting up new computers and printers, and upgrading existing systems, to diagnosing and repairing severely damaged systems, I can help with just about anything you can think of. I can also help you figure out iPhones, iPads, Apple watches and all that other stuff. "Less expensive than Geek Squad and waaay better!" I work in the comfort of your home or small business, so you don’t have to schlep. Call or email me - kurtmacexpert@... [kurtmacexpert @ gmail dot com] to find out more or to set up an appointment. Phone: 301-646-0261 Bulk rates available. References available. -------- Kurt Foster Mac Support and Training “LESS expensive than Geek Squad® and waaay better!" iPhone: 301-646-0261 Email: kurtmacexpert@... Website: https://kurtmacexpert.com Hours: 3 PM to 11 PM EST, Monday - Friday Cleveland Park Listserv Sponsor

January 10 - 12, 2025, we're hosting a FREE Maternity Wellness Summit where wellness professionals share important information like: • Preparing your body for pregnancy • Natural childbirth, including home birth (I had home births with each of my littles!) • Mental health matters, such as breaking negative family cycles • Healing your body from the stress of pregnancy The Maternity Wellness Summit is a virtual event that you can attend from wherever you are so you can get your questions answered and learn about all the things you need to know to have a healthy childbirth experience for you and your family. Click here to join our Mama Matters private online community where the Maternity Wellness Summit will be hosted. And be sure to share this with a new or expecting mama you know. Mamahood is the hardest job in the world and I promise you, she needs more support than she's getting, even though she won't tell you. Our Mama Matters community and our Wellness Summit are here to provide her with the support she needs. v/r Jessica -- Jessica Fisher Golden Mama Matters Schedule a chat -- Cleveland Park Listserv Sponsor

Hello Neighbors, My daughter is home for the holidays from California with her (almost) 4 and 1.5 year old daughters and is seeking a daytime sitter on Thursday (Jan 2) and Friday (Jan 3) from 9am-5pm. We are wondering if there are any students home for the holidays who are hoping to earn some extra cash, or just anyone who might want to have fun playing with two (mostly) sweet girls (~4 year old is convinced she’s a princess and just wants to play dress up and pretend all day long, little one just wants to play with stuffed animals and eat snacks). My daughter and her husband will be working from home all day so will be available to help as needed (help make lunch, put them down for naps, get them ready to go a playground, etc.). The girls nap from 1pm-3:30pm-ish. Please reply to me and/or my daughter Leila (lwozniak@...) if you are available to sit this week. Many thanks, Farida faridawozniak @ gmail dot com

Hi neighbors, I am working with a senior who is preparing to downsize and then move in mid-January. Hoping to lessen her cost for packing supplies. If you have any moving boxes - located in NW DC - to give away, happy to pick them up over the next couple of days. She is especially looking for sturdy book boxes. Please reach by email to marciaaub@... [marciaaub @ hotmail dot com] Thank you! Marcia