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Glover Park April 2019

The Monthly Newsletter of the Citizens' Association

RandyThe Rieland Revival of n its own way, Holy Rood Cemetery is coming back to life. This fall, after roughly six months Iof restoration and construction, it will again become a final resting place for the newly departed. In November, urns containing their cremated remains will be placed in niches in either a newly constructed columbarium or the renovated brownstone crypt that’s been a landmark of the cemetery. They will be the first interments at Holy Rood since the 1990s. It’s the latest chapter in the tangled tale of what is probably the most historically sig- nificant slice of Glover Park. The six-and-a- According to research by Glover Park But once they learned of their church’s half acre site on the hillside where 35th Street resident and historian Carlton Fletcher, there past ties to Holy Rood, Bateman and a group intersects with became a have been more than 7,300 burials in Holy of other parishioners began, in 2010, to ex- graveyard 187 years ago, one of three parish Rood, plus an unknown number of unidenti- plore how they could revive those ties. “Most cemeteries serving Holy Trinity Catholic fied graves in the northwest corner of the urban parishes don’t have cemeteries,” said Church in Georgetown. But since the Jesuit cemetery. This section, set aside for the poor, Bateman. “It’s a wonderful asset.” Negotia- priests at nearby oversaw likely is where slaves who were Holy Trinity tions among Holy Trinity, the archdiocese, the church, the school’s name is on the deed parishioners are buried. and were complicat- for the property. Elsewhere, marked graves offer a ed, and there were plenty of stops and starts. The situation changed in 1942 after Holy window into 19th century Washington. At the Finally, last October, an agreement was Trinity became part of the newly formed western edge is the tombstone of a Revolu- signed. A key component was the establish- Archdiocese of Washington. The university tionary War veteran, Joseph Nevitt. There ment of the endowment from the sale of the wanted the archdiocese to take over the are descendants of John Tennally, the tavern memorial niches. It will be used to ensure operation and maintenance of Holy Rood (a keeper who founded Tenleytown. There are that the cemetery is well maintained. Between Scottish term meaning Holy Cross), but the dozens of Civil War veterans there, along with the columbarium wall and the crypt, a total latter balked. So, Georgetown remained the numerous graves of freed blacks, includ- of 645 niches will be available. The niches are owner, albeit not happily. In 1984, it seri- ing family members of Anne Marie Becraft, available to everyone; as of last month, more ously considered exhuming all the bodies and an African-American nun who started a than 170 had already been sold. developing the property, but a lawsuit by the school for black girls on Dumbarton Street in The new structures will be officially survivors of people buried there stymied that Georgetown. All around are the tombstones dedicated on November 2—All Souls Day. “I plan. of many who arrived in the early waves of like to say we’re resurrecting our cemetery,” Ultimately, Georgetown University European immigration—from Ireland, Ger- said Holy Trinity Pastor Kevin Gillespie. “It’s a agreed to keep the cemetery open to visitors many, Italy and other countries. way for families here to be connected to those and maintain the grounds, although not very who went before us, in a spiritual way. That’s diligently. The grass was cut, but weeding and Something Rare why I say it’s a resurrection.” other landscaping has been sporadic, and the Yet many Holy Trinity parishioners had no After its facelift, Holy Rood will remain grounds are now dotted with toppled tomb- notion of the historical connection between accessible to neighborhood residents, even stones. That said, Georgetown did spend $1.5 their church and the increasingly dilapidated for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, million in 2002 to replace the deteriorating cemetery on a Glover Park slope. Grace Bateman noted. “We have no problem with stone retaining wall along Wisconsin. Bateman was among them. “Most of us had that, as long as you’re respectful of the sur- no idea,” she said. “There was no sign there, roundings,” she said. “Cemeteries have long A View into 19th Century Washington and it was never talked about in the parish.” been gathering places.” 2

Join In • Make a Difference Glover Park Participate • Get Involved • Engage

Glover Park Citizens' Association (GPCA) President Karen Pataky ([email protected]) The Revival of Holy Rood Cemetery....1 1st Vice President Jack Everett ([email protected]) 2nd Vice President Allen Tomlinson ([email protected]) Treasurer Maggie Simpson ([email protected]) President’s Report...... 3 Secretary Sally Everett ([email protected]) Sergeant at Arms Frank Martorana ([email protected]) GPCA April Agenda...... 3 Federation Reps Patricia Clark, Frank Martorana, and Karen Pataky Membership Director Allen Tomlinson ([email protected]) GPCA March Minutes...... 3 Glover Park Day Amanda Gant and Cheri Meyer ([email protected] and [email protected]) Business Community Liaison Paul Holder ([email protected]) ANC3B March Meeting...... 4 Stoddert Liaison Lisa McCluskey ([email protected]) Gazette Staff Dig This!...... 5 Editor Sheila Meehan ([email protected]) Contributor Randy Rieland Design and Production Lisa McCluskey Poem...... 5 Contacts Advertising Maggie Simpson ([email protected]) Glover Park History...... 6 Editorial [email protected] Delivery Dick & Elaine Sullivan ([email protected]) Parenting in the Park...... 6 The Gazette is distributed throughout Glover Park by volunteers. If you do not receive the Gazette and/or would like to volunteer, contact Elaine Sullivan at [email protected]. Celebration of Dorothy Biondi Ezrow..6 Responsible letters to the editor will be published as space allows. What’s new in Glover Park? Check us out on both Facebook and Twitter! Call us at: 202-379-4824. Guy Mason Programs...... 8 Visit www.gpcadc.org to keep up with community news!

If you love living in Glover Park, get involved! Join the Glover Park Citizens' Association today! Generously support the group that takes care of your neighborhood. Preserve the family-friendly quality of our community. Communicate your ideas to improve your neighborhood. Act locally to get things done.

1 Adult / Glover Park Resident = $20 Return form and fee to GPCA, P.O. Box 32268, Washington, DC 20007 2 Adults / Same Address = $35 Make check payable to GPCA. 3 Adults / Same Address = $50 4 Adults / Same Address = $60 1 Senior / Glover Park Resident = $15 Name(s) 2 Seniors / Same Address = $25 1 Adult / Non-Resident / Non-Voting = $20 Address 1 Senior / Non-Resident / Non-Voting = $15 Business / Corporation / Non-Voting = $75 US Military Veteran / Active or Retired = $5 Discount Total Enclosed: $____ / Date:______Email

Glover Park Gazette 3 President’s Report Glover Park Citizens' Association Save the Date June 1, Glover Park Day #30 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Karen Pataky GP Community Center at Stoddert e are planning some extra special including the mechanical bull, a petting zoo Police Report th events for Glover Park Day's 30 (goats or lambs), and face painting. Property Tax Discussion and Q & A, Office year, including more bands and the Save your appetites for a feast of cuisines of Tax and Revenue, Nathalie Wilson Wreturn of William Smith, the neighborhood from the many ethnic offerings on Wisconsin Treasurer's Report troubadour now of Hardy Middle School, who Avenue. And vendors will have fine arts and Membership Report made his debut last year. crafts for those seeking very special gifts. Secretary’s Report The Humane Rescue Alliance, formerly As is our tradition, historic photographs Election of 2019-20 GPCA Officers the Washington Animal Rescue League, will and discussions will highlight our wonderful Guy Mason Activities be returning with dogs and cats hoping to Glover Park neighborhood. Shredding Event at Guy Mason, April 4, be adopted. The rules for adoptions have And don't miss out on our instantly col- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. improved, with the current emphasis on mak- lectible Glover Park Day t-shirts, which will be Glover Park Day 2019 ing pet adoptions less complicated. It’s now on sale that day. New (and historic) Restaurant Reviews possible to meet the pet your heart has chosen So stay tuned. Much more is in the works New Business and take him/her home with you on Glover and volunteers are still needed to help plan the Check www.gpcadc.org and the Park Day! event and lend a hand day-of. Glover Park list serv for updates. There will again be kids activities galore, Happy Spring to All!

GPCA March 2019 Minutes Ariadne Henry The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. Glover Park’s commercial strip and led to the Jackie also noted that Glover Park needs Crime Reports. A neighbor from the formation of the Alliance—a group of citizens to create an identity for its strip and make it a 3600 block of Davis Street attended the meet- and businesses that has been meeting for destination. We need neighborhood boosters ing to report the robbery of her home. Appar- several months now. The Alliance is forging a and to work with landlords. Reviving the busi- ently the thief gained entrance when he found relationship with the Glover Park Community ness column in the Gazette, she said, would be the outside key. He then got past her dogs Fund that will allow the Alliance to solicit a nice start. (probably by giving them treats), went directly charitable donations and file an application Real Property Tax Workshop. President to the bedroom, and stole all the jewelry. Evi- for a Main Street grant. The effort is currently Karen Pataky announced that the DC Govern- dence from the security camera indicated that waiting to see if the mayor’s proposed new ment is holding this pop-up event on March he was in and out of the house in 7 minutes. budget includes money for another “Main 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Library, The homeowner shared a close-up photo of Street” in DC (there are already 20). If funding located at 3160 16th St NW. the thief, who was wearing scrubs and might is available, the application will be submitted Treasurer’s Report. Maggie Simpson have been a home health aide working in the this summer. provided her monthly report, which indi- area. A key component of a Glover Park Main cated that total assets are reduced by about Another neighbor walking his dog on Street is the requirement to hire a full-time $4,000 because the remainder of the money 39th Street reported seeing a car following a executive director, who would coordinate for benches and their installation has been UPS delivery truck, which then parked in the marketing of the Glover Park business area expended; accounts receivable is a little higher middle of the street, grabbed packages from and events to attract patrons. The Alliance’s than this time last year because a substan- the houses, and threw them into his car. The application will need to show community tial check has been received from a Gazette neighbor reported the incident to the police, engagement—notably, an ability to solicit advertizer. but had not been able to get the license plate small donations and also collect pledges from GPCA 2019 Budget (available on GPCA of the car. building owners and developers. The Alliance website online). Karen Pataky and Maggie Glover Park Alliance. Guest speaker, plans to hold community meetings in May Simpson had presented the budget at the Jackie Blumenthal—the ANC3B Commis- to present their plans to the neighborhood at February meeting. Jack Everett made a motion sioner for the eastern part of the neigh- large. Among their immediate tasks are de- to approve it as presented, and the motion borhood, which includes the commercial veloping a website, setting up a bank account, passed. strip—reported on the Glover Park Alliance. and submitting an incorporation application. Membership Report. Membership The group is working to inject greater vitality For more information, contact Jackie via email Director Allen Tomlinson announced that the into the commercial area through a “Main at: [email protected]. GPCA has 378 members with 252 households. Street” grant. That DC-government program She added that much could be learned He sought another volunteer to help with provides funding to re-energize traditional from existing Main Streets. The Alliance has membership. urban neighborhoods, attract new businesses, consulted with a number of them, with each Secretary’s Report. Karen Pataky asked and improve the attractiveness of commercial helpful though distinctive. The Glover Park members to review the February meeting areas. The program provides a structure that Main Street would need to create a board and minutes in the Gazette. Melissa Lane made a will benefit small businesses. draw a larger number of participating local motion to accept the minutes, with a correc- A forum last May attracted many businesses, but they expect results to draw tion in the timing of “Remembering Dorothy neighbors concerned about the state of more participation. Continued on page 4

April 2019 4 ANC3B March Meeting Melissa Lane

Police Report. Lt. Ralph Neal provided DDOT. Mr. Thomas agreed the 311 process letter to DDOT supporting some additions crime statistics for ANC3B from February needs improvement and he and top officials in DDOT’s revised draft but cautioning that 11 to March 14, noting no violent crimes have been meeting weekly on reforms to be in- several provisions on design, public review, but 15 property crimes—up 1 from the same troduced this spring. DDOT is also introduc- and safety and health concerns still needed to period last year (but down from 23 property ing an online interactive map as part of the be addressed. The letter was approved. crimes reported in the previous 30 days this Mayor’s PaveDC program, allowing users to Wingo’s Request to Extend Weekend year). The property crimes included 3 stolen “pin” an address that needs repairs, so crews Hours to 3 a.m. Commission Blumenthal vehicles, 4 thefts from autos and 8 general have an easier time finding the location. He introduced Wingo’s owner Mike Arthur, who thefts including package thefts. Lt. Neal urged also suggested multiple 311 requests for the asked to change his closing time from 2 a.m. residents to report all crimes, regardless of same service might help get priority attention. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to compete how small, so MPD can assign more patrols. Several requests remain open in 3B, but Com- with nearby businesses that stay open until 3 Call 311 if a crime has occurred; 911 about missioner Young commended Donise Jackson a.m. Commissioner Blumenthal talked with a crime in progress; or text 50411 to alert a for her efforts in getting action on local service neighbors, who wanted assurances about watch commander. requests. noise, smoking, illegal parking in the alley, and DDOT Status Update and Service Ted Van Houten spoke about DDOT’s odors affecting nearby residents. Mr. Arthur Requests in ANC3B. John Thomas, DDOT Rock Creek Far West Livability Study. The first committed to meeting those concerns. The Chief Performance Officer; Donise Jackson, of three community-wide public workshops ANC voted to adjust the hours in its Voluntary DDOT Office of Community Engagement; was held in February where citizens had a Agreement with Wingo’s. and Ted Van Houten, DDOT Ward 3 Planner chance to highlight local transportation safely Liquor License Application at 2300 and Project Manager for the Rock Creek Far concerns. The second will be held at Stod- Wisconsin Avenue. The owner of the property West Livability Study, addressed the meet- dert Elementary School, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., on has applied for a liquor license at 2300 Wis- ing. Mr. Thomas said DDOT received about May 18; residents will have the opportunity to consin where Starbuck’s is closing on March 150,000 service requests last year, including discuss additional concerns and comment on 22. The landlord hopes the license will attract 14,000 in Ward 3. On average, 311 cases took the initial draft recommendations DDOT will prospective lessees. If a new restaurant or café 22 days to close, but DDOT lists a case as issue at that event. In early September, third leases the space and wants to serve alcohol, the “closed” when staff determines that service workshop (location TBD) will present revised license will be transferred to the tenant and is needed; at that point, the request is sent to recommendations for final comments. In ad- the ANC will negotiate any specific require- an operations office to order the actual work. dition, citizens can provide input at DDOT’s ments with the tenant at that time. The resolu- Sidewalk repairs—the subject of repeated table at Glover Park on June 1 and explore tion was approved. ANC3B requests for Cathedral and Idaho Av- DDOT’s website to learn more and provide ANC3B approved Letters of Support to enues and 4000 Tunlaw—may take three years. comments: https://rockcreekfarwest.com DPR for Glover Park Day on June 1 and a Commissioner Blumenthal said a large Letter on Revised Draft Design Guide- Shredding and Recycling Day at Guy Mason part of neighbors’ frustration could be allevi- lines for 5G, “Small Cell Technology.” Com- Recreation Center on April 27. ated through better communication from missioner Mladinov introduced a follow-up

GPCA March Minutes continued from page 3 Biondi Ezrow.” The event runs from 6 to 9 Election Committee. Marsha Goldberg at the sorting facility in Tenleytown. Because p.m. announced that the current slate of officers the USPS is part of the federal government, Upcoming Guy Mason Activities. Marsha has announced its intention to run again. They complaints must be addressed to Eleanor Goldberg mentioned an Art Talk on March 6; are President, Karen Pataky; 1st Vice Presi- Holmes-Norton’s office.` Tips on Accessing Information at Georgetown dent, Jack Everett; 2nd Vice President, Allen Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Library on March 6 and 20; and a Friday Free Tomlinson; Treasurer, Maggie Simpson; Sec- for All on March 15. Also on the 15th is a talk retary, Sally Everett; and Sgt-at-Arms, Frank on “Heroes of the Underground Railroad Martorana. Anyone interested in serving as an EIGHT BROTHERS around Washington DC.” officer may also put his/her name forward or Shredding Event. Lenore Rubino will be be nominated from the floor. Send any ques- Home painting, interior- hosting this event at Guy Mason Rec Center tions to Marsha Goldberg at mslonegoldberg@ exterior masonry work, on April 27 from 9 a.m. and noon. Papers and gmail.com old computers accepted. New Business. Members recommended home design and build Glover Park Day. Karen Pataky an- Old Europe (2434 Wisconsin Ave) for a very nounced that more volunteers are needed, nice St Patrick’s Day menu and Eerkin’s for www.eightbrothers.com with an urgent need for someone to organize its Uyghur Cuisine and excellent teas (2412 crafters. Regular planning meetings are held Wisconsin Ave). 202-669-4606 every other Saturday at Guy Mason, with the Other members raised concerns about 202-333-3099 next meeting on the 16th. poor mail delivery, which they thought arose

Glover Park Gazette 5 Dig This!

StephanieIs This Shain a Weed? here may be no more common ques- currently considered “bad” simply because tion that gardeners ask themselves than they show up uninvited and “don’t grow in “Is this a weed?” The answer depends rows”? Ton who is asking and answering the question. You won’t find a better plant for dry, There are many charming quotes about otherwise uninviting sunny places than weeds that counsel taking a broader view: “A the gorgeous, bright orange Butterfly Weed weed is but an unloved flower,” Ella Wheeler (Asclepias tuberosa). A few years ago, plant Wilcox; “What is a weed? A plant whose champions gave it an image makeover by call- virtues have never been discovered,” Ralph ing it “Monarch Flower” to dispell aversion to Waldo Emerson; and “A weed is a plant that the word “weed.” Butterfly Weed (bottom left) fares well in dry and otherwise uninviting spots. has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows,” Doug Larson. What Is That Plant? websites as too often they focus solely on what For some plants, having “weed” in their Before you pull up a plant of unknown will grow fast (even when that is an invasive common name can doom them. Take the origin in your own garden space, give it a few plant that kills off much-needed native plant now beloved Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a minutes of investigation. My favorite (and species). A quick internet scan urges that flower that has gained so much popularity for by far the easiest) resource for identifying you get rid of the common blue violet (Viola its unique support of the Monarch butterfly volunteer plants in my yard is the Capital sororia) with “targeted herbicide use,” but this caterpillar that it is treasured even by those Naturalist Facebook group. There you will find little beauty is native to our Chesapeake Bay with a near zero interest in planting anything. enthusiasts from all over our region who love watershed region and is highlighted by the But that wasn’t always the case. A University to play the helpful “what plant is this?” game. US Fish and Wildlife Service as a plant that of Minnesota study estimated a more than You can also use our own University supports songbirds (oh, and gives you free and 80% drop in milkweed in farm fields because of the District of Columbia (UDC) website very pretty little purple flowers each spring). of herbicides and herbicide-resistant crops. to find the most common invasive weeds My own personal definition of a “weed” How does this relate to your tiny Glover Park wreaking havoc in the District and surround- is anything that isn’t supporting native bug/ plot? The concept behind “kill ‘weeds’ to make ing areas. UDC has published two versions of bird/mammal species and is likely to crowd room for ‘wanted’ plants” is the same. We’ve “Plant Invaders”—both available for free on out beneficial plants or spread out of control. realized the error of our ways with milkweed, their website. My greatest lesson? Don’t pull too but what other beneficial plant treasures are I would avoid general “gardening” quickly. Learn first. Call CARLOS 240-328-4906 . Gutter Cleaning spring fling— . Leaf Removal . Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping her wheelchair . Seasonal Mulching & Weeding or Year-Round Care circulates . Interior & Exterior Painting . Deck Painting References available upon request Edna Small Also available in and Virginia ree stimates

Ariadne knows that people are at the heart of every transaction. Personal, professional service, knowledge VeronicaHousecleaning Service of the business and 20 years experience. Call your Glover Park neighbor for all your Announcing our Monthly Special for j Thorough housecleaning needs in DC & VA. April – our “Cherry Bomb Wings” – 1 lb. of grilled marinated chicken wings in Glover Park for 25 years for $8.99 in honor of the j Many references Cherry Blossom season! j Great Prices 2418 Wisconsin Avenue, NW NOW ACCEPTING The small office with the big reputation NEW CLIENTS Your Hometown Barbeque Since 1990! Monday through Saturday 301.593.0131 (202) 965-8800

April 2019 6 Glover Park History Apprenticeship Carlton Fletcher An apprentice—indentured to learn “the The little boy—who urgently needed to Trustees of the Poor of Georgetown, John Bap- art and mystery” of a trade—occupied its secure his freedom papers while those who tist, a colored orphan, is apprenticed to serve bottom rung and in the District of Columbia, knew the status of his deceased mother were until January 1, 1853 with Christian Yearbour as in many other places, apprentices were still available—reappears in the records nine of Georgetown, to learn the trade of butcher.” often orphans. Although their lives left few years later. “John Baptist, an orphan negro In short, John Baptist, an orphan who documentary traces, and many details are now child who was 9 on January 1 instant, is ap- had been set to work at age 9, could begin to lost to us, the case of one local apprentice, who prenticed until age 21, with John Barnaclo to be paid for his labor when he was 24. appears repeatedly in the records over a span learn the art of gardening and farming.” of four decades, provides a general idea of In return for feeding and clothing the (District of Columbia Free Negro Reg- apprenticeship in action. boy, and giving him a place to sleep, John Bar- ister 39, October 3, 1831; Register of District In the first document, a leading citizen naclo—the warden of the Georgetown Poor of Columbia Indentures of Apprenticeship, vouches for the legal status of an orphan child House, where Guy Mason Center is today— 1801–1893, 1998: no.1824, January 21, 1842; and his mother. “John Threlkeld of George- got 12 years of work from John Baptist, at the no. 2135, August 19, 1850) town certifies that (John) Baptist was born end of which he transferred the young man to free and that he knew his mother, Mima, alias work for a German butcher who lived south For more information, go to Diana, alias Mary Baptist (also free born).” of the Poor House. “With the consent of the gloverparkhistory.com.

Parenting in the Park

PaigeTransforming Trevor Communication ooking for a new parenting tool to deal spectfully—nagging and yelling at you to wake clutter and re-boot this area. with conflict, upset, and drama? Are up every morning. It must be really discourag- When we have something important to you tired of saying the same thing over ing to start the day with so much negativity.” communicate, our children will be more likely Land over? Here are a few new communication Kids will certainly be much more interested in to receive our messages if we speak quietly, in techniques to calm you down, mix-it up, get what we have to say if we begin with a heart- a normal tone of voice, and at their eye level. you thinking and create the change you are felt apology and sincere acknowledgement of Communicating effectively takes a lot of prac- hoping for. Our words are only a very small our contribution to the problem. tice, skill, and patience. Mutually respectful portion of what we are communicating; I Before. “Put your dirty clothes in the laun- communication is a relationship-building tool include some actions that will communicate dry bin! It’s not that hard.” and worth our while. our values and our mutual respect to our kids After.“I am unwilling to buy any more Sign up for the weekly Nifty Tip and/or more than any words. clothes until the current clothes in your room check out my event page at www.paigetrevor. Before. “It’s time to wake up. I’ve told you are reliably picked up once a week. I am willing com/events or email me at paigetrevor@mac. a 1,000,000 times. Get up, get up, get up! We to help you tidy every Sunday at 4 p.m. if you’d com to see upcoming events. are going to be so late . . . again!” like my help. I promise to help and advise, and After. “I am willing to come upstairs once n o t l e c t u r e .” Consider training anyone 11 or in the morning to make sure you have woken over to do their own laundry. Be sure the up to your alarm clock. I am unwilling to nag or laundry basket is where the kids like to take The Ezrow Family Invites Friends yell at you anymore.” Consider offering anyone off their clothes, not necessarily where it looks and Neighbors to 6 and over $25 to buy an alarm clock of their best to you. Laundry baskets with lids are choosing (not their phone!). Offer it this way, subliminally asking kids to chuck their clothes “I’m really sorry, I’ve been treating you disre- on the floor right next to them. A Celebration of the Life Before. “I need you to put your shoes on.” After. “The car is leaving in 10 minutes, of Dorothy Biondi Ezrow

what do you need to be ready to go?” Pssst… Saturday, April 13 at 3 p.m.* if you live with anyone 5 and over, they know Reception to Follow they need their shoes on. Do not waste your precious life energy repeating things people The Little Sanctuary, St. Albans School know.” Or, with a friendly smile, point to your corner Mass. & Wisconsin Ave. shod feet. Or reach out to them and walk Rev. William Billow, celebrant them to their shoes (nary a word is necessary). And de-clutter your launching area (front hall, Parking available on Cathedral Grounds & in Parking Garage mud room, tiny nook by the most-used door) to support shoes on. Only one to two pairs *Time to be confirmed. of season- and fashion-appropriate shoes per person are in that area. Plan to regularly de-

Glover Park Gazette 7

REAL ESTATE WATCH

The Price is Right!

You know your home is one of a kind. Soon buyers growth over the last 12 months. By this time next year, will know too; you’ve just made the decision to sell. CoreLogic predicts that home values will have risen by The question now is: How do you price that unique 4.6%. With price increases slowing from their previous property? pace, it’s important to realize that pricing your home a little OVER market value to leave room for negotiation Pricing is often seen as just a numbers game – a sci- will actually dramatically decrease the number of buy- ence, if you will. But strategic pricing is very much an ers who will see your listing (see chart below.) art, relying on years of experience combined with in- tuition, a thorough understanding of where your local Instead of trying to ‘win’ the negotiation with one buyer, housing market has been, and an informed prediction consider pricing your house so that demand for the about where it’s going. home is maximized. By doing so, you will not be ne- gotiating with a buyer over the price, but will instead In a seller’s market, pricing to encourage multiple of- have multiple buyers competing with each other over fers can be quite lucrative. The best candidate for this the house. strategy is a well-maintained home in a desirable area where inventory is low, just like Glover Park. In this The key to selling your house in 2019 is making sure situation, the listing price should be set at the lower your house is priced right and will be seen by the most end of a price range that reflects the home’s fair mar- buyers. This will mean a sale at a great price before ket value to encourage competing offers. more competition comes to market! Thinking of selling? I’m happy to answer any According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, questions you may have. Call me for a quick home values have risen at over 6% a year over the conversation or a complimentary consultation. past two years, but have started to slow to 4.4% (202) 465-2062.

Source: National Association of Realtors

Maggie Simpson, Realtor Long and Foster [email protected] Christie’s International RE www.MaggieSimpsonHomes.com Licensed in DC, MD and VA (202) 465-2062 Broker’s Tel: (202) 362-1300

April 2019 April at Guy Mason Recreation Center Free Special Events & Programs 3600 Calvert Street, NW — 202 727-7527 GoodGuys Celebrating the Life of Dorothy Biondi Ezrow: Fine Dining & Exotic Entertainment An Evening of Music and Memories, April 26, 6–9 p.m. Join us for refreshments and a concert of vocal and in Glover Park since 1966 instrumental music in memory of our dear friend.

Events, Classes and Discussions April 12, Friday Free For All, 11 a.m. Scrabble; 12 p.m. 2311 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Lunch with friends and neighbors; and 1 p.m. Film, Grumpy Old Men. Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon rekindle a 10- www.goodguysclub.com year feud when they fall for Ann-Margaret. 202.333.8128 Wednesday, April 3, 4–5:30 p.m., Library Databases: What Do They Offer? With Wendell Keller. Monday–Thursday 11 am–2 am Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., The Reading Club will discuss Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee. Friday–Saturday 11 am–3 am Sunday 4 pm–2 am Mondays, 6 p.m. English as a Second Language with Abigail Bruhlmann. The kitchen is always open! Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m., Functional Movement with Gyrokinesis, taught by Nina Dunham. A Gentleman’s Club. Only 21 and over, please! Second and Fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m.—12 p.m., French Conversation with Maurice Schiff. Thursdays, 7 p.m., Yoga for Seniors.