Still occupied. National Guard in DC

While heading to the National Zoo in DC last week with our granddaughter, we once again encountered out-of-state National Guard troops.  Their presence is of no positive use to our community, and they patrol exclusively in areas where there is little or no crime. 

DC is occupied against the will or best interest of its citizens.

Petworth Klezmer | Petworth Porch Festival

Petworth Klezmer band jamming at the Petworth Porch Festival in Washington DC at the home of Mr. Levine. Some of the musicians included Richard Gladstein- clarinet, David Julian Gray- saxophone, Lauren Maunus- baritone horn, Abe Plaut- trumpet, Gary Rimar- keyboard. Plus a bunch of enthusiastic dancers. 

OUDC at Mt. Zion Female Union Band Cemetery

The participants of Operation Understanding DC (OUDC) recently attended a program at Mt. Zion Female Union Band Cemetery in Georgetown, Washington DC. They learned from Lisa Fager of Black Georgetown about the history, abandonment, and process of restoration of this resting place. Once a sheltering stop on the Underground Railroad, it also marks a significant era of Black life in the nation's capitol. 

Thanks to the staff of OUDC and to Ms. Fager.

DC Klezmer Workshop with Frank London

The DC Klezmer Workshop  recently held a well-attended and vibrant teaching session with Grammy-winner Frank London (of the Klezmatics, Hasidic New Wave, and Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars). The workshop was held at DC's Adas Israel congregation. 

Thanks to Howard Ungar, Judy Barlas, the many good folks of the workshop group, and to Frank London.

Frank London

National Guard patrolling in DC (still...)

While on my way to a restaurant in the quiet upscale Woodley Park neighborhood of DC with friends we saw National Guard troops 'patrolling.' 

There are areas in the city that could seriously use well-trained community policing resources to aid in reducing violence and doing other good works, but I have never once seen any of these out-of-state military troops in those areas - Congress Heights, Simple City, Clay Terrace, etc. This is all about a certain leader's ego, providing no benefit for challenged communities - or for the soldiers deployed in this way for months as showpiece occupiers with nothing whatsoever to do.

Ruth among the cherry trees | Tidal Basin, DC

With my dear one among the cherry blossoms along the Potomac.

EDCJCC- D25 volunteers 2025

The Edlovitch DCJCC (the Washington DC Jewish Community Center) held its annual D25 volunteer day to help those in need on Christmas.  I documented volunteers preparing food, serving meals, donating blood, organizing parties and giftingiving, and singing holiday  carols at  Central Union Mission,  DC Central Kitchen,  Christ House Loaves and Fishes, Sasha Bruce Network's Allen House, and at the JCC itself. 

This was my 31st year covering this citywide mission of charity, of tzedakah.

Thank you to Mira Smith of the EDCJCC volunteer/social action program,  to the hundreds of volunteers, to the staff members of these caring social service agencies, and especially to my dear partner Ruth Stromberg, who once again got up before dawn and provided the caption material needed for the press.