APRIL 2014
EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | April 2014 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
CALENDAR
08......... What’s on Washington 10......... East of the River Calendar
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 16......... The Bulletin Board
21......... Strictly Business • by Miriam Savad 22......... District Beat • by Andrew Lightman 25......... Bill Proposes Funds for East of the River BIDs by Charnice A. Milton
26......... The Numbers • by Kate Coventry and Jenny Reed
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28......... Community Leaders Support Responsible Banking Ordinance • by Charnice A. Milton 30......... OCTO Does Digital Inclusion with Connect.DC by Charnice A. Milton
32......... Anacostia Watershed Society Celebrates 25 Years by Charnice A. Milton
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
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34......... In Your Kitchen • by Twyla Alston
37......... Transit Union to Hold First Annual Robeson Universal Unionist Awards • by Charnice A. Milton 38......... From Brussels to Anacostia • by Ferzana 39......... Former NCAA Star Helps Feed the Community by Jonathan Neeley
40......... Fitness Returns to Ward 8 • by Candace Y.A. Montague 43......... Jazz Avenues • by Steve Monroe
REAL ESTATE
44......... The L’Enfant Trust Continues Rehabilitation of Historic Homes • by John Muller 47......... Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
KIDS & FAMILY
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48......... Kids & Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 53......... A Home Run! • by Jonathan Neeley 54......... Setting Sights Higher • by Stephen Lilienthal
THE CLASSIFIEDS 56......... The Classifieds
CROSSWORD 58 ........ The Crossword
ON THE COVER:
Kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after select Sunday home games. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals. Story on page 48.
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Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Look for Next Issue of East of the River on May 10 Online Daily, Printed Monthly | www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com
Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Mariessa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Rindy O’Brien • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Kyungmin Lee • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Billing: Sara Walder, 202.400.3511 • Sara@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to editorial@hilllrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
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Trying to get a
Business License?
Certificate of Occupancy?
Corporate Registration Process
What Category does my business fall under?
SBRC’s New One-on-One Sessions: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License During this session, the DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff will provide one-on-one assistance with navigating through the regulatory process. You will gain in-depth knowledge of registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and with the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Additionally, you will receive assistance with the zoning application process (i.e. Certificate of Occupancy and or Home Occupancy Permit).This opportunity is geared towards future and current business owners looking to conduct business in the District of Columbia. To Register Go To: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/Welcome.action Sessions available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday by appointment only. If you need further assistance with registering please email us at jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov or claudia.herrera@dc.gov. You can also contact us at (202) 442-4538.
SBRC’s Money Smart for Small Business Program: Financial Management and Credit Reporting Workshop What: When: Time:
If you want to gain basic financial management and credit reporting concepts of how to run your own business, these sessions are for you. Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
SBRC’s Money Smart for Small Business Program: Banking Services and Insurance Workshop What: When: Time:
If you want to learn basic banking services and insurances concepts of how to run your own business, these sessions are for you. Thursday, April 17, 2014 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free! What:
If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice clinic. You can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice. When: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Time: 5:00 pm 7:30 pm
What Effects the Affordable Care Act Tax Law Will Have on Your Company What:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced new tax changes ranging from new taxes, limits to tax deductions, tax breaks and tax credits. Come and listen to what business owners should know about finalizing 2013 taxes and begin planning for the 2014 tax season. Topics discussed will include tax credits, W2 reporting of health costs, additional Medicare withholding of wages and employer shared responsibility. Join us for this free listening session. When: Thursday, April 24, 2014 Time: 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
Non-Profit Seminar: Presented by DCRA’s Corporations Division, Office of Tax and Revenue and DC Bar Pro Bono Clinic’s Non Tax Act Where:
1100 4th Street SW, Washington DC, 20024 To Register: http://bizdc.ecneterdirect.com Assistance: Call (202) 442-4538
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see our website for more events! www.whatsonwashington.com
National Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale
This year, the National Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale is on Friday, Apr. 25, 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, Apr. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual event features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. On Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the Washington Revels Gallery Voices will entertain with madrigals and some traditional Revels songs, dance the Maypole and invite fairgoers to join in Maypole dancing. Free admission. The National Arboretum is located in NE, approximately ten minutes from the Capitol Building. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and the other at 24th & R Sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Road. The Garden Fair & Plant Sale is in the parking lot of the New York Avenue entrance. Call the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) at 202-544-8733 for more information. usna.usda.gov Last year’s fair attendees browsing the plants. Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum
Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery
On Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 6:15 a.m., all are welcome to attend the traditional, non-sectarian sunrise service at Arlington National Cemetery in the amphitheater. The service, hosted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Command Chaplain, supports the Command Master Religious Program and provides spiritual support for Service Members and their families. There is no Metrorail service at this hour but parking is plentiful and free. Tram transportation within the cemetery is provided to the amphitheater. Even though this is late April, expect it to be chilly and/or rainy and dress accordingly. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org LEFT: Approximately 3,500 people will attend the Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo: Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery
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T. rex Coming to Natural History Museum
This month, Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum welcomes a 7-ton, 38foot long new resident--a 66 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, which will serve as the centerpiece for the museum’s new 31,000-square-foot national fossil hall, slated to open in 2019. Thanks to a 50-year loan from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a spectacular real T. rex specimen will arrive on Apr. 15. This T. rex will be one of the stars of the new National Fossil Hall which opens in 2019. From Apr. 15-Oct. 20, come visit the Rex Room to see them studying, conserving, photographing, and 3D scanning its bones--and dozens of other fossils being prepared for the new exhibition. National Museum of Natural History, First Floor Special Exhibits Gallery (Off the Rotunda in Mammals Hall). mnh.si.edu Smithsonian Associates Presents “The Nation’s T. rex Is Coming…Look Out!”. Apr. 17, 6:45 p.m. in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. A discussion of the discovery of one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. $25. For tickets and information, call 202-633-3030 or visit smithsonianassociates.org. Jack Horner, Curator of Paleontology at Museum of the Rockies, provides scale for Tyrannosaurus rex fossils at excavation site near the Fort Peck Reservoir, Fort Peck, Mont., June 1990. Photo: Courtesy of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Filmfest DC
The Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) returns for the last time April 17-27, celebrating nearly three decades of bringing award-winning movies to Washington, DC theater goers. Among its extensive program of over 80 features, documentaries, comedies, shorts, award winners and discoveries, the District’s premiere film festival will highlight audience favorite series Trust No One: Espionage and Thrillers, The Lighter Side and Justice Matters. Feast Your Eyes will be a special series of full-length features whose fun, inventive and original stories all revolve around the theme of food. For more informationcall their hotline 202-234-FILM (3456) or search filmfestdc.org.
RIGHT: The Bachelor Weekend. Directed by John Butler Ireland
Exploring the Sky @ Rock Creek
Exploring the Sky is an informal program that for over sixty years has offered monthly opportunities for anyone to see the stars and planets through telescopes from a location within the District of Columbia. Sessions are held in Rock Creek Park once each month on a Saturday night from April through November, starting shortly after sunset. They meet in the field just south of the intersection of Military Rd. and Glover Rd. NW, near the Rock Creek Nature Center. A parking lot is located next to the field. Beginners (including children) and experienced stargazers are all welcome—and it’s free. Remaining dates and times this year are May 3, 8:30 p.m.; June 21, 9 p.m.; July 19, 9 p.m.; August 23, 8:30 p.m.; September 20, 8 p.m.; October 18, 7:30 p.m.; and November 1, 7 p.m. Call the Nature Center at 202-8956070 with any questions or check out nps.gov/rocr or capitalastronomers.org. Joe Morris, President of National Capital Astronomer Association, with his telescope just outside the Nature Center. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service
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CALENDAR
EASTER The Great Vigil of Easter at National Cathedral. Apr 19, 8:00 PM. This is the night when Christ broke the bonds of death…and rose victorious from the grave. Tonight we hear the ancient stories of God’s redeeming work, moving from darkness to light, from solemn chant to joyful song, as we celebrate the glorious Resurrection. Intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. NW. 202-537-6200. nationalcathedral.org
Bedazzling Beads! at Anacostia Community Museum. Apr 16 (repeats May 18 and 31), 10:30 AMnoon. Join artist Deidra Bell as she leads a hands-on workshop making personal bead ware for different occasions. Free. For more information or to attend, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Solemn Easter Vigil Mass at National Shrine. Apr 19, 8:00 PM. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery. Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 6:15 AM (but get there earlier). The Easter Sunrise Service on at the Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater will begin with a musical prelude. There is no rail service at this hour but parking is free. 703607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial. Apr 20 (rain or shine), 6:30 AM. Easter morning, over 6000 people gather annually at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the sun rises over the Capitol dome, the mall rings with sounds of joyful celebration as we proclaim together that Christ as risen. Lincoln Memorial. Festival Holy Eucharist at National Cathedral. Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM (free tickets required). 4:00 PM, Evensong on Easter Day. 5:15 PM, Organ Recital. Intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW. 202-537-6200. nationalcathedral.org Easter Sunday Mass at National Shrine. Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM. Spanish Mass at 2:30 PM. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Easter Vigil, Apr 19, 7:00 PM. Easter Sunday, Apr 20. Masses at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-582-5021. parishes. org/stfrancisxavierdc Inner Light Ministries. Apr 20. Service at 10:45 AM. 1912 Q St. SE. 202-332-7750.
documentary examines three Black brothers in the 1970s who defied the musical conventions and racial stereotypes of their time by forming a punk-rock band. Surviving band members tell their story while preparing for a reunion show in their hometown of Detroit. Discussion follows. Free. For more information or to attend, call 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Double Time Jazz @THEARC Theater presents Bobbi Humphrey
Apr 25, 8:00 PM. “First Lady of the Flute” Bobbi Humphrey live at THEARC as a part of the Double Time Jazz concert series! $20-$30. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Bobbi Humphrey. Photo: Courtesy of THEARC Church of the Incarnation. Apr 20. Mass, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, 7:00 PM. 880 Eastern Ave. NE. 202396-0942. josephite.com Allen Chapel AME Church. Apr 20. Services, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2498 Alabama Ave. SE. acamec.org Union Temple. Apr 20. Services at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. 1225 W St. SE. 202-678-8822. uniontemple.com St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Apr 20. Masses at 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. 1244 V St. SE. 202-678-3709. stachurch.org Campbell AME Church. Apr 20. Services, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2562 MLK Ave. SE. 202-8893006. netministries.org
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Good Friday and Easter at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. Friday, Apr 18, 6:30 PM. Easter Sunday, Apr 20, 10:45 AM. 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202581-1500. pabc-dc.org
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Solomon Northup’s Washington DC at Frederick Douglass NHS. Apr 12, 2:00-4:30 PM. Solomon Northup was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the heart of DC (his book 12 Years a Slave was made into the Academy Award winning movie). This DC Emancipation Day we will take a closer look at Northup’s Washington with historian C.R. Gibbs. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site,
1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960. nps.gov/frdo DC Bass Choir Musical Performance. Apr 13, 2:00 PM. Join them for a special performance in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, where bassist Herman Burney--leading his DC Bass Choir--will pay tribute to “those who came before us & celebrate those who come after us.” Selections will include compositions by Keter Betts, Steve Novasel, Julian Euell, Christian McBride, James Ling, Michael Bowie, Victor Dvoskin, Corcoran Holt, Rashan Carter, Tarus Mateen and others. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/ francis A Band Called Death at Anacostia Community Museum. Apr 13, 2:00-4:00 PM. This
What You Can Do Without an Attorney. Apr 17, 6:30 PM. Are you a self-starter residing in the District of Columbia? Does your interest fall in the area of landlord-tenant or trust & estates (wills) or bankruptcy law? Join local attorney Leslie O. Perry for a presentation on free online resources, free legal services and more. Capitol View Neighborhood Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE. 202645-0755. dclibrary.org/capitolview Artist Studio Tour: Washington, D.C., and Columbia, Maryland. Apr 19, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Visit the studios of painter and mixed-media artist Dr. Camellia Blackwell, painter Leah Taylor, and sculptor Wilfredo Valladares. Bus leaves promptly from the Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. $10 transportation fee. Call 202-633-4844 for information or to attend. anacostia.si.edu Spring Bird Walk at Kenilworth Park. Apr 19, 8:00-10:00 AM. Join a Park Ranger as they explore the diverse wildlife found at Kenilworth Gardens and Marsh. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps. gov/keaq Author Talk with Poet, CeLillianne Green. Apr 21, 6:30 PM. Join them for a poetry reading and special discussion with poet, CeLillianne Green, author of That Word, a provocative poem about the harmful impact “that word” has on those who hear it and use it. Celebrate National Poetry Month and AfricanAmerican heritage by exploring the unconscious damage a simple word can have on a person’s race and cul-
ture. Copies of That Word will be available for purchase, with an autograph session following the discussion. For more information, call 202-698-6373. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-6986373. dclibrary.org/francis Conserving Your Textiles, Part II (Beaded Work). Apr 23, 10:30 AMnoon. Maria Fusco, Associate Conservator for Collections, Textile Museum, explains the do’s and don’ts of caring for your personal beaded items. Free. For more information or to attend, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Wrapped in the Rhythm of Words: Poetry for Adults. Apr 23, 6:00 PM. Adults are invited to share personal work or recite favorite poems. Poetry night is hosted by The D.C. Poetry Project’s Michael Ingram. Light refreshments. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-2812583. dclibrary.org/benning Stories from South Africa with Bill Grimmette. Apr 24, 10:30 AM-noon. Master storyteller Grimmette tells stories on the topic of “Resurrection of Possibility and the Triumph of The Optimist.” The stories recount the tales of how ordinary people, inspired by incidental encounters, became extraordinary citizens of the world through optimism, hope, courage, and forgiveness. Free. For information or to attend, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu DC Poetry Project Traveling Open Mic Poetry Reading. Apr 26, noon. The doors and sign-up lists open promptly at 11:45 a.m. So please come to share or just to listen and have fun! Poems may be on any subject, and you may read more than one, but they ask that you keep your time on the mic to three minutes. The open mic will go for as long as they have participants or until 1:30 p.m. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Pond Tours. Saturdays and Sundays, starting Apr 26, 9:30-10:30 AM. Come and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Aquatic Gardens of Kenilworth. See many aspects of pond life including varieties of plants, turtles, frogs, dragonflies and birds. Free. For all ages. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps.gov/keaq Rhythm Cafe: Sassy Sarah Vaughan. Apr 27, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Experience an afternoon of Sarah Vaughan’s EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 11
CALENDAR music by Brooklyn, New York native Barbara King. Her electrifying performance last year set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable and enjoyable afternoon of entertainment. Free, but space is limited. For more information or to attend, call 202-6334844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Primary Urges-Brad Fesmire, Vanessa Irzyk & Sarah Boyts Yoder at Honfleur Gallery. Through Apr 25. Though singular in voice, the work of Brad Fesmire, Vanessa Irzyk, and Sarah Boyts Yoder shares a sense of urgency imparted through the handling of their selected materials. In their distinct compositions, each artist makes clear that bringing their engrossments with color, line, and fabrication into the tactile world is paramount to their practice. Primary Urges brings together works by each artist that highlight conversations about process, narrative, and the handmade that resonate between them. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com Adrian Loving-Fade 2 Grey at Vivid Solutions. Through Apr 25. Fade 2 Grey is a groundbreaking new solo art exhibition by artist Adrian Loving. His works explore androgyny, gender roles, fashion and the sensationalism of style in 80’s pop music. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsgallery.com Home Sewn: Quilts from the Lower Mississippi Valley. Through Sept 21, 2014. The first in a series of collections-focused exhibitions, Home Sewn features quilts created by Annie Dennis (1904¬¬–1997) and Emma Russell (1909¬¬–2004). Quilts represent classic American quilt patterns and techniques passed down through five generations. This exhibition examine the generational, social, and economic fabric of an African American quilting community in rural Mississippi. In addition, fieldwork and interviews with present-day African American women quilters give voice to the continuing tradition of quilting in these communities. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Nara Park at Honfleur Gallery. May 7-June 27. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com Mambu Badu: Allison McDaniel, Danielle Scruggs, Kameelah Janan Rasheed & Yodith Dammlash at Vivid Solutions. May 9-June 27. May 9 from 6:00-9:00 PM. Mambu Badu is a photography collective founded in 2010 by Allison McDaniel, Danielle Scruggs, Kameelah Rasheed, and Yodith Dammlash. The collective’s mission is to find, expose, and nurture emerging selfidentified woman photographers of African descent. “Mambu Badu” is an adaptation of the Swahili phrase “Mambo Bado” which is loosely translated as “the best has yet to come.” At this moment, we dwell in an exciting space of possibility where we can grow as artists. We invite other Black/African American female photographers to join us in this journey. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-3658392. vividsolutionsgallery.com
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Knitting and Crocheting at Francis A. Gregory Library. Mondays, 6:30 PM. Come to the weekly knitting/crocheting meeting. Knitting will be the primary focus, but crocheting lessons and support will continued to be provided. All levels of experience welcome. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Deanwood Adult Book Club. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Come make new friends and reconnect with old friends. Engage in thoughtprovoking conversations and share your interests. At each meeting, the book for the month is chosen. The Deanwood Library will provide a copy of the book to check out if you have a DC Public Library card. Light refreshments served. Deanwood Neighborhood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Tours are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Ranger led tours are the only way to see the inside of the Frederick Douglass house. Tours are ticketed, and there are a limited number of tickets available for each tour. Tour tickets are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee their place on the tour. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. 1411 W St. SE. 202426-5960. nps.gov/frdo What’s Blooming at the US Arboretum in April and Early May? Daffodils, magnolias, Japanese-andromeda, forsythias, Japanesequince, early crabapples, flowering cherries, azaleas, woodland wildflowers, springblooming camellias, flowering cherries, redbuds, arisaemas. The grounds are open to the public Fridays through Mondays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. They look forward to seeing you at the National Arboretum, where science meets beauty. Free. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and 24th and R sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. 202-2454521. usna.usda.gov
MUSIC AROUND TOWN Music at The Howard. Apr 12, Southern Soul Assembly Tour; Apr 13, LIV Warfield and the NPG Hornz; Apr 14, The Trillest Tour; Apr 18, Tank; Apr 19, Los Amigos Invisibles; Apr 20, William Fitzsimmons; Apr 23, Tech N9ne; Apr 24, Musiq Soulchild; Apr 26, Kindred the Family Soul; Apr 27, Nappy Roots; Apr 28, Raul Midon; Apr 29, Strunz & Farah; Apr 30, The Lox; May 2, The Foreign Exchange and Young Thug; May 3, Sevendust Acoustic; May 7, Noa (Achinoan Nini) in Concert; May 8, Paul Mooney; May 10, Balkan Beat Box. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Music at the Library of Congress. Apr 12 (2:00 PM), “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band; Apr 24, Daniel MüllerSchott, cello / Simon Trpčeski, piano; May 2, Koussevitzky Legacy Celebration. Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are at 8:00 PM in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov
Music at Sixth and I. Apr 13, Daniel Rossen; Apr 19, An Evening with Cloud Cult; Apr 24, Brad Mehldau Trio; Apr 26, LoFang; May 11, Keren Ann. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-408-3100. sixthandi.org Music at 9:30. Apr 14, London Grammar; Apr 16, Pat Green; Apr 18, The War On Drugs; Apr 19, The Revivalists and Moon Taxi; Apr 20, Tycho; Apr 21, Boy George; Apr 22, Christina Perri; Apr 24, Galantis; Apr 25 and 26, Alabama Shakes; Apr 27, Better Than Ezra; Apr 28, Band of Skulls; Apr 29 and 30, CHVRCHES; May 1, Future Islands; May 2, The Both (Aimee Mann & Ted Leo); May 3 and 4, Nickel Creek; May 6, Wye Oak; May 7 and 8, HAIM; May 9 and 10, Papadosio - 2 Night Pass. 9:30, 815 V St. NW. 877-435-9849. 930.com Music at Black Cat. Apr 14, Odonis Odonis; Apr 15, Black Lips; Apr 16, Cloud Mothings; Apr 17, We Are Scientists; Apr 18, DJ Rekha; Apr 19, Awesome Con-Cert; Apr 23, Avers; Apr 24, Chuck Regan & the Camaraderie; Apr 25, New Order.Duran Duran Dance Party; Apr 26, Dot Dash; Apr 27, Toadies; Apr 29, The Stadnells; May 1, Say Hi; May 2, Chelsea Peretti; May 3, Matt Pond Pa; May 10, Graveyard. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com Music at the Lincoln. Apr 16, The Best Of Rufus Wainwright; Apr 17, Stephen “Ragga” Marley; May 8, Johnny Hallyday. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org Music at the Atlas. Apr 25, Martha Redbone; Apr 26, Sō Percussion; May 3, I Draw Slow. All performances, 8:00 PM. Atlas performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org Jazz Night (and fish fry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Every Friday night. Expect a large, fun and friendly crowd. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/jazz Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:308:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-4847700. westminsterdc.org/blues Sunday Gospel Brunch Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. Every Sunday, 12:30-2:00 PM. $30-$45. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com
SPORTS, DANCE AND FITNESS Ranger Fit Challenge at Anacostia Park. Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 PM at the Anacostia Park-Skating Pavilion. Challenge fitness course along the river trail with Rangers available to advise, encourage and promote healthy lifestyles. Free. For all ages. 202-472-3884.
Hopkins vs Shumenov Light Heavyweight Championship Unification. Apr 19, main event 9:00 PM. IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins faces WBA World Champion Beibut Shumenov in an attempt, at 49-years-old, to become the oldest fighter in boxing history to unify world titles. $25, $50, $75, $200 and $300 are on sale at ticketmaster. com or 800-745-3000. DC Armory, 2400 East Capital St. SE. Washington Nationals Baseball. Apr 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 at Nat’s Park. Tickets, $5, up. washington.nationals.mlb.com 5 Mile Disco Roll Or Run (on the waterfront). May 3, 8:00 AM. 5 Mile Disco Roll Or Run at the Waterfront in Hains Point West Potomac Park. You can take a break from just running at this fun 1st year event where you can roller skate or run. They will have 80’s music playing and want you to wear your best 80’s skating /running gear. $45. active.com 2014 Public Service 5K. May 4, 8:00 AM. To kick off Public Service Recognition Week 2014, government employees, their families and friends, and area running enthusiasts participated and showed their support and appreciation for our country’s dedicated public servants. Anacostia Park. publicservicerecognitionweek.org Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month at noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703-5053567. dcroadrunners.org The Washington Ballet Adult African Dance Classes at THEARC. Thursdays, 11:00 AM-noon. $12 ($6 for residents with 20020 and 20032 zip codes). THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org The Washington Ballet Zumba Classes at THEARC. Mondays, 7:15-8:15 PM and Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 AM. $12 ($6 for residents with 20020 and 20032 zip codes). THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Yoga @ the Library. Every Saturday, 10:00 AM. Wear some comfortable clothing and bring a mat, but if you don’t have one, yoga mats are available for use during the class. The classes are taught by Yoga Activist and are held on the lower level of the library in the Larger Meeting Room. This class is free and open to the public. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-2812583. dclibrary.org/benning Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. dpr.dc.gov Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Cen-
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CALENDAR yard sales. All over the neighborhood, in individual seller’s yards. brooklandbridge.com Grant Avenue (flea) Market in Takoma Park. May 11, June 8, Sept 14 and Oct 12, 10:00 AM3:00 PM. The market is at the intersection of Grant Ave. and Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park, MD with antiques, collectibles and funky finds. grantavenuemarket.com Ward 8 Farmers’ Market (save the date). Opens for the season on June 7. The market is at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Market. Thursdays through Dec 18, 3:00-7:00 PM. North end of 8th St., between D and E, NW. freshfarmmarket.org H Street FRESHFARM Market. Saturdays, 9 AM-noon, Apr 19Dec 20. The H Street Market is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted. 13th and H Sts. NE. freshfarmmarket.org RFK Stadium Farmers’ Market. Open Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting), 8:00 AM3:00 PM. The market also has merchandise vendors. It can be seen in the RFK parking lot from the interestion of Benning Rd. and Oklahoma Ave. NE.
DC United at RFK
Apr 12, 7:00 PM vs. New York; Apr 26, 7:00 PM vs. FC Dallas. RFK Stadium. dcunited.com
Soccer with DC United at RFK, Apr. 12. Photo: Tony Quinn
ter, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-6713078. dpr.dc.gov
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Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10:00-6:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Closed for the season. It re-opens June 30. For more information, call 202-584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org
SALES AND MARKETS Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church “It’s History” Sidewalk Sale. May 10, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church at 201 4th St. SE. capitolhillpreschurch.org Great Brookland Yard Sale. May 10, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (individual times can vary). 70+
Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays. Set up (depending on the weather) after 10:00 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3:007:00 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 AM8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, yearround food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com
Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Opens for season on Apr 19. Open Saturdays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7:00 AM-9:00 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722.
CIVIC LIFE Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Apr 22, 5:00-7:30 PM. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. Clinis ia at DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Small Business Resource Center, 1100 4th St. SW (scond floor). Call 202-737-4700 ext. 3369 or email dmaxwell@dcbar.org for more information. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Monthly Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:308:00 PM at Kenilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202450-3155. Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. Third Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Big Chair Coffee and Grill, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible. Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560. Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185. Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900. Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. UPO-Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday.
6:00 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202-388-1532. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.
ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 u
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BULLETIN BOARD Free Performances and Live Music at Anacostia Arts Center
Washington Improv Theatre (WIT). Smart actors. Quick wits. Absolutely no script. WIT will perform on April 29. Additionally they will be doing an improv workshop on May 27. Photo: Darian Glover
Hillcrest Civic Association Art Auction and Wine Tasting
Saturday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m., the Hillcrest Community Civic Association will host its annual Art Auction and Wine Tasting fundraising event at the North Hall of historic Eastern Market, 225 7th St. SE. In addition to art pieces, there will be sports memorabilia, other collectibles and home accents in all price ranges. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now at eventbrite.com or by check to Hillcrest Community Civic Association, C/O Michelle Peete, 2332 33rd St. SE, Washington, DC 20020. If you have questions, contact Michelle Peete at 202-291-1974, Earl Williams at 202-584-2703 or Sheila Brown at 202-575-1896. To place an ad in the program, contact Ann Curtsinger 202-415-4526.
New Hospital to be Built on St. Elizabeths East Campus
Mayor Gray has announced a plan to invest approximately $300 million in a brand-new hospital on the St. Elizabeths East Campus designed to replace the aging District-owned United Medical Center on Southern Ave. SE. Mayor Gray said the plan will ensure both the availability of high-quality medical care on the east side of the District and the fiscal health of the District--with 16 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Anacostia Arts Center, with the support of the Kresge Foundation, is offering 13-weeks of free arts events. Eclectic Tuesdays offers a variety of performances from burlesque, to improv, to spoken word. Live Wednesdays offers music from local DC bands, from funk to rock. Eclectic Tuesdays and Live Wednesdays started Mar. 11 and runs through June 4. Anacostia Arts Center is located at 1231 Good Hope Road SE. Events are free and reservations are recommended. Shows begin at either 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. Visit anacostiaartscenter.org/events for event details and to make reservations. Remaining Eclectic Tuesday performances are Apr. 15, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington; Apr. 22, TBA; Apr. 29, Washington Improv Theatre Road Show; May 6, TBA; May 13, TBA; May 20, Burlesque with Candy Del Rio; May 27, Washington Improv Theatre’s Intro to Improv Workshop; and June 3, TBA. Remaining Live Wednesday performances are Apr. 16, TBA; Apr. 23, Eliah Jamal Balbed (curated by Twins Jazz); Apr. 30, Color School; May 7, Black Masala; May 14, Immaletchufinish; May 21, Black Notes; May 28, BOOMscat; and June 4, Louis Weeks. the added bonus of helping to catalyze further economic development on the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus. Mayor Gray listed several reasons for investing in a new hospital rather than capital improvements at the current UMC facility: Even after making a minimum of a $100 million capital investment in the nearly 50-year-old facility, the District would still be forced to cover $6-8 million annually in facilities maintenance--twice what a new facility would cost in maintenance costs; the current site is not Metro-accessible; and none of this investment would meaningfully increase the chances of the District attracting a high-quality operating partner for the hospital.
DC Sustainable Energy Utility POWER LUNCH
The DC Sustainable Energy Utility is preparing to host the city’s most energizing lunch break--the POWER LUNCH on Friday, Apr. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Half Street Fairgrounds (just outside Nat’s Park main entrance). The focus of the event is to provide Navy Yard workers and District residents with information on how they can reduce energy use in the District through a fun lunch hour with food trucks. They’re partnering with WMATA, DDOE, DDOT, and Capital Riverfront. There will be a hybrid bus, a solar display, music (live and DJ) and
great raffle prizes from local businesses. For more information, visit dcseu.com/powerlunch.
Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market Re-opens for Season, April 19
Situated in the large parking lot at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Ave. and Pleasant St. SE (2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE), the market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday from Apr. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. Neighborhood organizations will be offered free space as the community enjoys this new neighborhood gathering place. bigchairmarket.com
DC Water Opens Visitor Center at Blue Plains
On Mar. 26, DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins, staff and executive team members celebrated the opening of DC Water’s new Visitor Center and warehouse—an environmentally friendly building at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 30,000 square foot building is the first stop for the more than 1,000 visitors who tour the plant each year. It houses an educational classroom, Security, the
end the Pre-Applica13 at 3:00pm at the r. Ave SE, Suite 304, VP contact Cherise org. The application 1, 2013 at 3:00pm
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. 15th ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE!
S T R O N G FA M I L I E S B U I L D S T R O N G C O M M U N I T I E S ! GUEST PANELIST - RAHEEM DEVAUGHN Live Entertainment | Madden/PlayStation Tournament Informative Workshops | Vendors Raffles Moon Bounce Free Childcare & Free Lunch | Plus so much more! Offering (1) One Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Licensed Professional Counselors and Social Workers For more information, contact:
Far SouthEast Family Strengthening Collaborative, INC. 2041 MLK, JR. Ave. SE Suite 304 WDC 20020 • www.fsfsc.org • 202.889.1425
Sat. Apr. 26, 2014 9 am - 4 pm • A. Kiger Savoy Elementary School • 2400 Shannon Place, SE Washington, DC 20020
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BULLETIN BOARD Office of External Affairs’ Community Outreach team and a new warehouse. The modern design incorporates recycled materials, plant life and a large wall display that explains water and wastewater collection and treatment processes. To schedule a tour of the Blue Plains facility, visit dcwater.com/about/tours.cfm.
East of the River Exhibition Call to Artists
Honfleur Gallery presents The Seventh Annual East of the River exhibition this summer, highlighting the creative minds of Wards 7 and 8. Throughout the last seven years, Honfleur Gallery has changed the format only slightly, always keeping with the goal of supporting local artists for this group exhibition. Artists living, working or who have roots in the areas East of the Anacostia River may submit up to 10 images for review. Emerging and established artists all are encouraged to apply. Visual artists working in any media may apply. Works created from January 2010-present will be accepted. Selected artists must be present for opening reception on July 11, 2014. The deadline is May 16 at 5 p.m. The exhibit opens July 11. Apply at honfleurgallery.com.
Community of Hope’s Conway Health and Resource Center Opens
On Mar. 17, Mayor Gray and community leaders cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open Community of Hope’s new Conway Health and Resource Center, 4 Atlantic St. SW. The state-of-the-art, 50,000 square foot center will provide medical and dental care for approximately 10,000 District residents a year. Completed in December and opened to patients in January, the Conway Health and Resource Center features 20 medical exam rooms, 11 dental chairs, 6 rooms for behavioral health services, and a large conference room for community use. It serves as the new headquarters for Community of Hope’s administrative and permanent housing staff and also will house Breast Care for Washington who is bringing the only 3-D mammography machine east of the river. communityofhopedc.org 18 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Deanwood Neighbors are Talking on Deanwood Nextdoor
Join Deanwood’s private neighborhood website that helps neighbors connect with each other to build stronger neighborhoods. Over 30,000 neighborhoods across the country already use Nextdoor to track down a trustworthy babysitter, get the word out about a break-in, organize a neighborhood garage sale, ask for help finding a lost pet or plan for an emergency.
Ward 8 Farmers’ Market
The Ward 8 Farmers’ Market starts its 2014 season on Saturday, June 7. They will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com
Streetcar Environmental Assessment Report Released for Comment
The District Department of Transportation has released the Anacostia Streetcar Extension Environmental Assessment (EA) and Section 106 report for public comment through 5 p.m. on Apr. 18, 2014. The studies evaluate the environmental and cultural effects of extending the streetcar’s initial Anacostia Line into historical Anacostia. The reports outline three transportation alternatives proposed as the result of information and public comments gathered throughout the study. The alternatives include a no-build option and two scenarios for improving the multi-modal transportation network along the proposed streetcar extension, which would run from the Anacostia Metro Station to the foot of the 11th Street Bridge at Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. and Good Hope Rd. SE. The reports are available online for public review at dcstreetcar. com/projects/future-lines/anacostia-extension. Comments should be submitted to Senior Transportation Planner Circe Torruellas by email at circe.torruellas@dc.gov, by phone at 202-671-2847 or by mail at District Department of Transportation, 55 M St. SE, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20003. Comments can also be sent to info@ dcstreetcar.com.
Black Women and AIDS: A Growing Concern
Every 35 minutes a woman tests positive for HIV in this country. Yet the impact of HIV among black women and girls is even more startling. Learn why and how this devastating disease affects one of the fastest rising at-risk populations in the nation. Justin Goforth, director of Community Relations at WhitmanWalker Clinic, leads the discussion. Wednesday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Free. For information or to attend, call 202-6334866. anacostia.si.edu
Bright Beginnings Development Plans
Families with young children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population in Washington, DC. Bright Beginnings is a nationally-accredited child and family development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Bright Beginnings serves about 186 children annually whose families are living in crisis shelters or transitional housing. Their educational, therapeutic, health and family support services prepares these children for kindergarten and stabilizes their families. Bright Beginnings is planning to develop the parcel across the street from Ballou SHS. brightbeginningsinc.org
Park 7 Development Opened
On Mar. 17, Mayor Gray, Ward 7 Councilmember Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Hoskins and members of the Blue Skye/Donatelli Development team opened the newly constructed Park 7 at 4020 Minnesota Ave. NE. Park 7 is a $67 million mixed use development that features affordable and market-rate housing and retail amenities.
District Officials Break Ground on Skyland Town Center
On Wednesday, Mar. 12, Mayor Gray, Ward 7 Councilmember Alexander, Ward 2 Councilmember Evans, Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie, Ward 4 Councilmember
Bowser, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Hoskins and members of the Rappaport and W.C. Smith development teams broke ground at the site of the future Skyland Town Center, 2646 Naylor Rd. SE. In the last 36 months, the Gray Administration worked to clear all legal issues and resolve all tenant-relocation concerns in order to bring Skyland to the point of being ready to break ground. Upon completion, the Skyland Town Center will feature a new Walmart, local retailers, restaurants, and quality affordable housing.
Nash Run Trash Trap Cleanup Volunteers Needed
Since its inception in 1989, AWS staff and volunteers have removed tons of trash from the Anacostia River each year. Their Nash Run Trash Trap cleanups have been a huge success in helping to make progress towards their goal for a trash free Anacostia River. Located adjacent to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC, this trash trap catches trash before it ends up in the River. At this event, volunteers will remove trash from the trap and sort it into 5 categories; bottles and cans, Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags, lumber, and “other”. The data collected will be used to educate the public and advocate for a better practice such as Bottle Deposit Bill. The task requires squatting down for a relatively long time, and may be physically demanding. It is not suitable for young children or the elderly. The clean-up is on Apr. 26, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is required. Please register at least two days before in order to receive additional information regarding proper clothing, etc. This event may be canceled suddenly due to high flow rain events effecting Nash Run Stream. For more information, contact Masaya Maeda at mmaeda@anacostiaws.org or call 301-699-6204 x110.
Trinidad Art in the AlleyCall for Artists
Art in the Alley is a one-day art festival celebrating local art in local places. It is held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall in the
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BULLETIN BOARD alley behind 1200 block of Florida Ave. NE, Trinidad, DC. The next event is Saturday May 10, 6-10 p.m. Art in the Alley is open to artists living in the greater DC metro area. Preference is given to artist from the Trinidad Neighborhood and Northeast DC. All mediums are accepted. The submission deadline is April 26. Artists will receive confirmation by May 1. Art is displayed along alley walls and fences. Limited additional display panels are available. There is no limit to the number pieces or size of artwork. Artists are welcomed to create artwork during the event. Apply online at artinthealleydc.wordpress.com.
Household Hazardous Waste and E-cycling Drop-off Every Saturday
The DC Department of Public Works will accept household hazardous waste and e-cycling at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station every Saturday (except holidays) starting Saturday, Apr. 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. DPW will continue to accept documents for shredding the first Saturday only (except holidays) of the month. District residents may bring toxic HHW items such as pesticides, batteries and cleaning fluids to Ft. Totten, along with e-cycling items such as computers, televisions and other unwanted electronic equipment. On the first Saturday only, residents may bring up to five boxes of documents to be shredded. No business or commercial material will be accepted. To accommodate residents whose religious beliefs prohibit them from using the Saturday drop-off, DPW will accept household hazardous waste and e-cyclables the first Thursday of the month, 1-5 p.m. Ft. Totten is at 4900 John F. McCormack Dr. NE. To get there, travel east on Irving St. NW, turn left on Michigan Ave., turn left on John F. McCormack Dr. NE and continue to the end of the street.
Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour
On Saturday, May 3, 10:30 a.m.3 p.m., be a part of this annual event sponsored by the District’s world embassies. Tour includes access inside various embassy buildings coupled with a tour of the Anacostia Community Museum’s exhibition Ubuhle 20 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence. Bus departs promptly from and returns to Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. $5 transportation fee. For information or to attend, call 202-633-4866. anacostia.si.edu
Trinity at THEARC General Studies Information Session
Come to an information session on Apr. 23, 6-7:30 p.m. at THEARC to learn more about Trinity’s Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies. Trinity at THEARC is currently accepting applications for their upcoming summer and fall semesters. There is a new concentration in early childhood education. Classes offered evenings and weekends. For more information, call the office of admissions at 202-884-9400.
On Freedom’s Trail Bus Tour
On Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., join historian C.R. Gibbs for a unique historical experience tracing the path from fetters to freedom in the nation’s capital. On this bus tour, you will visit places where slaves were sold, freedom seekers escaped, and laws were written to secure the abolition of
slavery in Washington, DC. Bus departs promptly from and returns to Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Free, but space is limited; for information or to attend, call 202-633-4866. anacostia.si.edu
Spring Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Ups
Join your neighbors from 10 a.m.1 p.m. on Saturdays, Apr. 26, and May 17. Meet at picnic tables near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Aves. SE. Gloves, bags, and light refreshments will be provided. Wear boots and clothes you can get dirty. Since 2011, they’ve removed tens of thousands of pounds of trash and invasive species. The 205 acres of Shepherd Parkway are the cleanest they’ve been in decades, but there is much work still to be done. For more information, contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@ yahoo.com or 301-758-5892.
202-426-6905. nps.gov/keaq
H Street/Benning Road Overhead Wires Are Now Fully Energized
The overhead wires on the H Street/Benning Road NE line are fully energized on a permanent basis. Having power on at all times will allow the design-build team to continue necessary testing as DC Streetcar prepares for passenger service. The public, including all District service agencies and utility companies, should use caution around OCS wires and poles. The overhead wire or “catenary” is energized at 750v DC. Do not attempt to climb the poles, touch the wires, or throw things at them. Remain 10’ away from live wires at all times. Streetcar power substations are prohibited from entry for your protection. Electricity flows through the substation to the Overhead Catenary System of wires to supply power to the streetcars. dcstreetcar.com
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Spring DC Looking to Replace Graffiti Nature Walk On Apr. 19, 8-10 a.m., join a Park Tagged Walls with Free Murals
Ranger and explore the diverse wildlife found at Kenilworth Gardens and Marsh. Free. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE.
Volunteers at last year’s Earth Day. Photo: Javier Barker
Eastland Gardens Flower Club Earth Day Clean-up
Eastland Gardens Flower Club Earth Day clean-up is on Saturday, Apr. 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Arrive at 40th and Lee NE (Kenilworth and Nannie Helen Burroughs Aves.), and check in at the registration table. An Eastland Gardens Flower Club member will give you gloves and trash bags, and instruct you where to go and to leave the trash bag for pick-up. Trash accumulates year round, not just on Earth Day, which is why EGFC will have continual cleanup programs to assault litter in the community.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is seeking wall donations for its graffiti prevention initiative MuralsDC. Funded by DPW in cooperation with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, MuralsDC replaces tagged walls with original works of art. DPW will consider submissions for this free program that meet the following criteria: Donated space must be for commercial use (cannot be a private residence) and located in the District of Columbia. The program will consider concrete and brick surfaces only. Donated space must be highly visible by vehicles and/or pedestrian traffic. Property owners can download a MuralsDC Authorization and Release Form at dpw.dc.gov by selecting “Sanitation Services” in the left navigation menu, then “Litter and Graffiti Prevention” and then “MuralsDC”. Further information is also available by contacting Nancee.lyons@dc.gov or visiting muralsdcproject.com.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Opens in Arlington
On Thursday, Mar. 6, Ben’s Chili Bowl opened the doors of its first new stand-alone location in over 55
years at 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. Ben’s has been seen on Man vs. Food, CNN, Oprah, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Good Morning America, Larry the Cable Guy, Pauly Shore, The Daily Show, and countless other national and international shows. People often think of Bill Cosby when they think of Ben’s because he has been a longtime friend and Half Smoke aficionado. For 55 years, Ben’s has graciously served the people, and every guest has always been embraced as family. When segregation was still alive, Ben’s offered a peaceful gathering place and safe haven for all people, regardless of any differences in background or perspective. Society has grown and changed, but Ben’s remains the same and continues to celebrate people from all walks of life as they come together to eat, laugh, and discuss life as they see it.
Foreclosure Prevention and Legal Services Hotline
DC residents who find themselves behind on their mortgage, being sued by their lender, or confronting a potential mortgage scam are urged to call a new hotline set up by Housing Counseling Services, Inc. and funded by the DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking. Depending on your circumstances, DC residents may receive free housing counseling from a HUD approved, non-profit housing counseling agency and free legal services. The hotline (202-265-2255) is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Messages will be taken during all other hours and returned by the end of the next business day. You may also send an email to info@ housingetc.org. u
Licensing Madness by Miriam Savad
Strictly Business is a column for small businesses in Washington, DC, examining individual cases and exploring how the city could be more small business friendly.
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cquiring a business license is one of the final, and costly, hurdles to jump through when starting a business. Most businesses need a Basic Business License (BBL) or a Professional License from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Licenses must be renewed every two years, and DCRA licenses more than 30,000 small businesses citywide in over 150 different categories. Of course, prior to applying for a BBL, there are a number of steps to take that are required for all licenses business activities, including: Obtaining a valid Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN); registering with the Office of Tax and Revenue and showing that you’ve filed an FR500 for DC business tax; obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy for your business premise or a Home Occupation Permit if you work out of your home; submitting a Clean Hands Self Certification form attesting that you do not owe more than $100 to the DC government ; and, if you are a corporation, partnership or limited liability company you must be registered in the District, be in good standing and have a Registered Agent To file for a new BBL you can apply online, mail in an application or go in person to the Business License Center at DCRA. BBL fees include an application fee of $77, an additional $27.50 per endorsement (business activity) fee, and “license category fees” that relate directly to business activities. While many businesses will just require a General Business License, there are also specialized license categories for food establishments, industry, and specific service with separate fees. These specialized license fees vary greatly. For example, a bakery has a category license fee of $375, in addition to application, endorsement and technology fees, which bring the total to $517. A grocery store has license fee
of $289, with a total cost of $422.40. An ice cream manufacture license has a license fee of $2,730, with the total cost around $3,107. (Does this explain why we have so few ice cream shops in the District?) According to DCRA spokesperson Matt Orlins, “The District’s intent is to set business licensing fees that reflect the government’s actual cost in processing the licensure request. For example, the fee for a restaurant, which requires health inspections, ought to higher than the cost for a street photographer’s business license, which would not require a health inspection. In the case of a bakery versus an ice cream manufacturer, an ice cream manufacturer may be more akin to a dairy, which has historically cost much more to license than many other food providers. When the Council enacted Title 47 in 1996, the biennial fee for a bakery was set at $222, and the annual fee for a dairy was $3,300. An ice cream manufacturer fell in the middle at $1,050, annually.” Lourdes Morales of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has provided technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs in the DC Metro area for many years. She tells the story of one individual who put 20 years of his personal savings into opening a restaurant. But, by the time he signed a lease and obtained all the permits, he didn’t have the $500 needed to pay for his license. Constrained by language barriers and little credit, he had limited access to capital and had difficulty in planning properly for the expense. Morales has seen many entrepreneurs stuck by these barriers and costs. As the licensing fees can prove to be a significant cost, some entrepreneurs look to the surrounding jurisdictions when preparing their business plans and doing cost-benefit analyses. Arlington County has a very different approach than the District (all Northern VA counties have similar policies). The actual business license cost for the majority of businesses in Arlington County depends on the amount of business activity each year as measured
by gross receipts:
• If your gross receipts for an activity are less than $10,000, you owe no tax • If your gross receipts for an activity are between $10,001 and $50,000, you owe $30
• If your gross receipts for an activity are between $50,001 and $100,000, you owe $50
• If your gross receipts for an activity exceed $100,000, the tax rate is based on the type of business (for example, for retailers/wholesalers the rate is $.20 for every $100)
Similarly, in Maryland, business licensing is done on the county level and through the county court house, although some licenses can be applied for online. Fewer types of businesses require licenses, so generally unless an auctioneer, plumber or laundry service, many small businesses owners would actually be exempt. In Montgomery County a restaurant would have to pay $25 for a 12-month license and a cleaning/laundry service with fewer than 10 employees would have to pay $15. Given that DC licensing fees are predominantly consistently higher and a more complex than the surrounding counties, I encourage DCRA, as per Mayor Gray’s Business Regulatory Task Force recommendations, and the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs chaired by Councilmember Vincent Orange, to review and compare licensing fees, analyzing any adverse effects on potential and current small businesses. Like in Virginia, business fees should be determined by a business’s revenue, rather than an outdated system based on costs to the District. DC’s current licensing fees were set in December 2010 under Mayor Adrian Fenty and can be changed either legislatively by the DC Council or by rulemaking. Miriam Savad is an activist for community economic empowerment living in Washington, DC. u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 21
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Primary’s Over!
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he District Democratic electorate has spoken. Councilwoman Muriel E. Bowser garnered 35,899 votes, a 44.24 percent plurality, to secure the Democratic mayoral nomination, though despite the spring weather, only 22.5 percent of registered Democrats bothered to go to the polls. To put this in perspective, Bowser’s winning coalition constituted a mere 10 percent of her party and eight percent of the total electorate. In com-
by Andrew Lightman
parison, the ever-popular City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson garnered 58,711 votes on the same day. How did Bowser manage to win a plurality with such low numbers? Many of Gray’s 2010 supporters stayed home.
Gray Supporters Stayed Home
In 2010, Gray won by generating large turnouts in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8. Not surprisingly, given the ongoing
federal investigation into his 2010 campaign, Gray lost an enormous amount of support between 2010 and 2014 in these wards, an average drop of 17.55 percent in overall turn out. Most of these defections were in the city’s eastern regions. In Ward 7, between 2010 and 2014, Gray lost 9,687 votes. In Ward 5, he saw his tally reduced by 9,939. Similar reductions occurred in Wards 4 and 8. Where did the 2010 Gray voters go in the city’s eastern Wards?
“In 2010, people got animated about voting against Fenty,” says J.R. Meyers, a political consultant from Ward 5 and former Chief of Staff to Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. In 2014, “people ultimately decided that they didn’t care. The City would operate equally well whether Vince or Muriel won,” Meyers says. “There have been so many regular and special elections that voters are fatigued. Even if the numbers were higher, the percentages would have re-
Voters gather at Thankful Baptist Church on Capitol Hill. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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A Comparison of 2010 and 2014 Turnout Among Gray Supporters
mained constant,” Meyers continues. “[Any] candidate of any party, who was competent and honest, and could deliver economic opportunities, he or she would have gotten a substantial amount of votes east of the river,” Greg Rhett, a resident of Eastland Gardens in Ward 7. “The mayor’s campaign underperformed,” Meyers states.
Breaking Down Bowser
Fueled by Machen’s revelations involving Gray’s 2010 campaign, Bowser racked up votes in the city’s western wards. In Ward 1, a 45.92 percent win at the polls brought her 4,654 votes. In Ward 2, she received slight majority of 50.53 percent garnering 3,398 votes. Bowser’s big win was in Ward 3. There, buoyed by multiple Washington Post endorsements, she secured 64.15 percent of the vote totaling 7,736 ballots. In Ward 6, she squeaked by favorite son Tommy Wells with 4,850 votes or 37.72 percent of the total. Together the city’s western wards constituted 57.77 percent of Bowser’s total haul. Clearly, her campaign’s message of eliminate Gray at all costs resonated. “(US Attorney) Ronald Machen was the decider. He killed Wells and Evans. He got
voters to think strategically,” says Meyers. “Voters valued their vote and used it to pick a winner,” he continues. “Voters were not affirmatively voting for Muriel, but defensively against Gray,” concurs Elissa Silverman, former Loose Lips, who ran in the 2013 special election for the At-Large seat. After romping through the city’s western wards, Bowser secured an additional 7,439 votes on her home turf of Ward 4. This was roughly the same amount she received in the 2008 and 2012 primaries. Interestingly, Bowser got 1,000 fewer votes than her mentor, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, garnered in the 2010 Primary. Bowers fell just short of securing a majority in Ward 4 with only 49.98 of the total. By holding steady in her home ward and bring in the western wards, Bowser cobbled together a large enough plurality to secure the Democratic nomination. “Muriel executed her plan and got her target numbers,” states Meyers. “She needs to embrace the Gray supporters and continue to campaign on the same high level.”
Catania’s Challenge
In most years, victory in the District’s Democratic primary would all but guarEAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 23
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antee one’s election. The November general election, usually held a few weeks after the primary, was regarded as a mere formality. All of this changed when the date of the primary was moved to April in 2012. The gap between April and November provides sufficient time to mount an Independent or Republican campaign against the Democratic nominee. Petitions can be picked up in mid-June and must be filed a month later. Long summer days provide excellent conditions for campaigning. Recognizing the opportunity afforded by the change in schedule, the At-Large, Independent, Councilmember David A. Catania declared his intention to run for mayor on March 12. First elected as a Republican in a 1997 special election, Catania, who shed his party affiliation in 2004, has been elected a total of five times. It is important to remember that voters for the AtLarge council member can vote for two candidates. Many vote for the Democrat without selecting a second choice. For example, in 2006, this so-called ‘under vote’ totaled 65,387. So those who vote for Catania are likely to be more committed to him. In the last three November general elections, Catania has averaged 55,000 votes. This constitutes an average of 30 percent of the total votes cast. In contrast, Phil Mendelson, the Democratic candidate, received an average of 95,000 votes or 51 percent of the total. Catania’s strength is greatest in Wards 3, 4 and 6 where he routinely gets an average of 9,000 votes. In 2006 and 2010, he received more votes in Ward 4 than Bowser. In Ward 3, he received more than 11,000 votes in all three previous elections. So it is clear that Catania has the base to run on.
From Ethics to Policy
“I think the vote on April 1 showed that there is a great desire for a change in the way the city is governed. As we get into
a new campaign in which voters are judging who should be mayor rather than who should not be mayor, more attention will be paid to issues and records,” said former Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon C. Ambrose, Chair of Catania for Mayor. Issues of homelessness, education, taxation and finances, healthcare and emergency services, buried under the weight of Machen’s investigation, are likely to reemerge over the next few months as Bowser and Catania step up to each other. “Muriel and David Catania are very similar on economic policy. Where they differ is on social policy, where David is more liberal. Running against Catania is going to force her to come up with a vision for a Bowser administration.” observes Silverman. Always the policy wonk, “David is going to try to convince voters that he is the smartest person in the room,” concurs Meyers. Bowser, for her part, will be busy mending fences with the city’s many Democratic constituencies. Feelings wounded in the cut and thrust of the campaign will have to be set aside to foster unity in the face of Catania’s Independent challenge. In the meantime, voters will be working to get over their fatigue. Barbara Savage, a longtime resident of Hillcrest, has yet to make up her mind about her choice in November. She looks forward to hearing from both candidates. “I believe that our vote should be based on what’s most important to this city. Not about gender. Not about race. Not about sexual orientation. But about the ability of the person to govern the District. I have always voted that way. We can’t be one city if we are not being inclusive,” says Savage. u
Bill Proposes Funds for East of the River BIDs
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n January, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans introduced the Business Improvement District Economic Development Act of 2014, a bill to bring more business improvement districts (BIDs) east of the Anacostia. “It’s hard to believe that when I first advocated for BIDs, I had to agree to limit them to Ward 2 in order to convince my colleagues to lend their support to my legislation,” said Evans in a press release. “Now that we have seen what a great idea BIDs are, I am hopeful we will be able to implement them in all areas of the city.” However, some question if Evans’ proposal changes the legal definition of a BID.
What is a BID?
The DC BID Council, an association serving the city’s BIDs, defines a BID as a “commercial area where private property owners approve a property assessment for services above and beyond what the city provides.” In other words, property and business owners tax themselves to pay for services including cleaning, safety, promotions, and event planning. Every BID is considered to be a nonprofit organization with its own board of directors. BIDs in DC were established in 1996 when the DC Council passed the Business Improvement Districts Act, a law helping establish the process through which interested partners may create and maintain BIDs. The first two BIDs were Downtown DC and Golden Triangle, and the District now has nine. The most recent, the Anacostia BID was established in 2012.
The Current Bill
“My only caution is it takes businesses to create business improvement districts,” said Councilmember David Grosso during
by Charnice A. Milton
the March 12 public hearing. “If we try to put them in places where they’re not quite as developed or prepared for a BID to be in, it will be hard for that BID to succeed.” Evans’ bill attempts to solve this problem. According to its terms DC government could provide potential BIDs in Wards 7 and 8 with financial assistance up to $500,000 per year for up to five years. The bill also amends the Howard Town Center Real Property Tax Abatement Act of 2012 by redirecting money from the suspended project to use as funding.
What’s in a Name?
While the BID Council supports the creation of new BIDs east of the river, they are wary of using the term to describe something publicly funded. “We think it’s very important to make a distinction between publicly funded commercial corridor revitalization/place management efforts and those supported by a BID structure,” wrote Natalie Avery, executive director of the BID Council. “The publicly funded entities [Councilmember] Evans seeks to create in Ward 7 and 8 are not based on a BID tax, do not have the full involvement of the commercial business community and do not fit the legal definition of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).” While she mentioned that some BIDs receive public funds to help supplement programs, they are still supported by a BID structure. Some witnesses agreed with the BID Council’s stance. “Simply calling neighborhood revitalization efforts ‘Bids’ will not automatically replicate the success of BIDs, because the key to the BID model is the fact there is demonstrated commitment from the commercial property owners and business owners” said Kristen Barden, executive director of the Adams Morgan BID.
“We think that it’s critical to retain the legal definition of BIDs so that all stakeholders understand what it takes to fund and sustain a BID and the fundamental role played by the commercial sector in shaping their activities.” Michael Stevens, president of the DC BID Council and the Capitol Riverfront BID, suggested a new name for Councilmember Evans’ bill: Commercial Corridor Investment Program. “I think that kind of gets to the gist of the matter in terms of naming and a separation of names between BIDs and this program,” he said. Stevens suggested that the Commercial Corridor Investment Program would be training for proposed BIDs. If successful, the program could extend throughout the city. Tom Brown of the East Washington Development Alliance worked with Stevens and others to create this proposal. “We felt this would set the tone for the kind of thing that could be established” he testified. “We wanted to make sure that we could undergird our efforts and proposals with the kind of support that you all just discussed.”
Starting the Conversation
Now that the Committee on Finance and Revenue has the bill under consideration, the discussion will continue beyond just a name change. For instance, Barden suggested creating a competitive application process in which organizations must meet a series of criteria to be considered for funds. However, the committee must also discuss which DC government entity will handle the process: the BID Council, the Department of Small and Local Business Development, or both? “This is a good way to start the conversation,” said Councilmember Grosso. “I’m not sure if we’re ready yet, but I’m ready to listen.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 25
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
theNUMB3RS 3.327.649.10
Making Sure There’s A Place To Call Home
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huge spike in families seeking shelter this winter caught DC’s leaders by surprise – and highlighted major shortcomings in the city’s homeless services. Instead of moving out of shelter quickly, hundreds of homeless families remain stuck in a rundown city shelter, budget motels, and until recently, rec center gym floors. The failures have been so monumental that homeless services became a major issue in the Democratic mayoral primary. But the end of the political primary season is not a time for attention to wane. This year’s homeless problem has its roots in a broken system – one that left our main shelter nearly full even before winter – and a tremendous lack of low-cost housing. How DC government responds as the weather climbs above freezing – and how it prepares for next winter – is extremely important to ensure that what happened this past winter doesn’t happen again. The solutions include better program management, increased funding for selected programs, and stepped-up efforts to create a supply of affordable housing. None of that will happen without leaders who see this as an urgent problem that they take responsibility for.
Dc Should Do Better By Homeless Families Next Year
DC’s family shelters start to
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by Kate Coventry and Jenny Reed
swell every November, because city law gives families a right to shelter when temperatures are below freezing. Yet this winter, the main emergency shelter at the former DC General Hospital was nearly at capacity when winter started. That led to a number of unfortunate steps. First, the city began to place homeless families in low-cost motel rooms. Then, after concerns were raised from officials in the Maryland suburbs about motel placements there, DC began to turn to recreation centers as shelter. Mayor Gray and his team saw rec center gyms not only as last-ditch shelter but also as a way to discourage families from seeking shelter by offering deplorable living conditions. The rec centers had flimsy partitions that did not provide privacy, sleeping spaces without doors, lights that were often kept on all night, and no access to showers. Families in rec centers also had to reapply for shelter in person every day, and were not allowed in any night when temperatures stayed above 32 degrees. The conditions were so deplorable, in fact, that families placed in recreation centers took legal action -- and won. DC Superior Court judge. Judge Robert Okun issued an injunction against using rec centers, noting the irreparable harm that would be caused to the families if they continued to stay there. The city argues it does not have space beyond rec centers. So the mayor’s plan is to put out all fami-
lies that came into shelter after January 30, when the weather warms this spring. Remember that all of these families came into shelter because they had no safe place to go. Most still do not and yet will have no access to shelter until next winter. Leaving families with no safe and stable place to go is bad not only
for them but for the city as a whole. The de-stabilizing impacts of homelessness make it hard for parents to get back on their feet and hard for children to succeed in school. Failure to help families also would likely result in a repeat next year of this year’s crisis. Instead of putting families with
children on the street, the city should place families in stable shelter, provide services to address the problems that led to homelessness, and allow them to stay in shelter until they help the family secure housing – undoing the harmful effects of homelessness as quickly as possible.
500 Families, 100 Days
In response to growing pressure, Mayor Gray announced a new effort to identify 500 apartments for homeless families by June – over a period of 100 days. Most families would receive short-term subsidies with supportive services, but the most troubled families would get long-term help. This effort will reduce the number of homeless families in shelter so that DC General is not full next winter, making it easier to absorb the inevitable increase in homeless families that will occur. Mayor Gray said it was a “call to arms” to the wider community—including landlords, realtors, developers, banks and the faith community—to identify low-cost apartments for these families. DCFPI applauds this effort and has advocated along with others for just such an approach. But it is important that this be seen not as a one-time event but instead that is followed up with long-term reforms to the way homeless services are provided.
Avoiding A Crisis Next Winter
Given the District’s breathtaking loss of moderately or low-priced housing, the city needs a system to address the inevitable problem of homelessness. That includes better implementation of programs that work, increased funding, and a better supply of low-cost housing for families trying to exit shelters.
Those key steps include the following:
Better staffing and operations of key programs. The District aims to serve most homeless families with “rapid re-housing,” a program that moves families from shelter into housing quickly with temporary subsidies and social supports. But the program is under-staffed and training is inadequate to ensure all providers use best practices. Mayor Gray pledged to hire more staff, but that is moving slowly.
Better use of supportive housing for most troubled families. Permanent Supportive Housing uses the successful “housing first” model to place families into long-term housing and then provide wraparound services. Yet while the city budget provided funding since last October to place 20 families, the Gray Administration has not moved a single family. The District should not only use those budgeted slots but also identify more funding to serve the remaining families in need. Targeted efforts to keep families from becoming homeless. The District could adopt the “Homebase” model from New York City to target emergency rental assistance funds and to provide supports to families on the verge of seeking shelter. DC also can look to the Cleveland Mediation Center for ways to help families avoid shelter by safely reconnecting with relatives and friends. Offering access to shelter beyond the winter. As noted, families have access to shelter only in cold weather. Opening up shelter access year round would help avoid a crush of families seeking help each winter. It also would enable families to get help when they need it, thus undoing the effects of homelessness as quickly as possible. Homelessness doesn’t depend on the weather, and neither should DC’s policy to shelter families with no safe place to go. Developing a real effort to create lowcost housing. No effort to reduce homelessness can be successful in the long-term without increased resources for affordable housing. Rapid re-housing depends on a sufficient number of low-cost units for families to move into. And most poor families spend more than half their income on housing, leaving thousands at risk of homelessness. Our city can do a much better job than it did this year to help families reestablish their lives in the community and regain the stability needed to take proper care of their children. Getting as many families out of shelter this spring and summer will help thousands of children and allow the District to start next winter on the right foot. Kate Coventry and Jenny Reed are analysts with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. u
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Community Leaders Support Responsible Banking Ordinance
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by Charnice A. Milton
s the executive director for the Washington East Development Alliance, Ward 7 resident Tom Brown has seen how difficult it is for residents living east of the Anacostia to find a good bank. “While there are local banks here, there are fewer major bank branches in Wards 7 and 8,” he said. “That’s ridiculous to me.” Along with other community leaders he supports passage of a responsible banking ordinance (RBO) that aims not only to encourage accountability among financial institutions, but also bring more financial services to low-income areas.
Background and Model
In 1977 Congress enacted the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which aimed to encourage banks to help meet financial needs in the low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities they serve. The CRA requires federal agencies periodically to evaluate financial institutions’ community records, which affect applications for mergers and acquisitions. However, Joshua Silver, vice president of research and policy for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), feels that CRA did not go far enough in keeping banks accountable. “The Act only looks at metropolitan areas,” he said. “There’s nothing on a local level.” As a result NCRC created a model for RBOs. According to this model a bank must submit information regarding residential, small business, and community development loans 28 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Three East of the River community leaders who support the proposed responsible banking ordinance: Washington East Development Alliance founders Ambrose Lane Jr. (left) and Tom Brown (right) and ANC 7A02 Commissioner Eboni-Rose Thompson in front of the Minnesota Avenue Bank of America. Photo: Charnice A. Milton
as well as the number of branches and ATMs and annual deposits. Every two years the bank must submit a community reinvestment plan, explaining goals for loans, investments, and services. The plan must also describe foreclosure-prevention efforts, best service practices, and targets for serving distressed borrowers. Afterward a Reinvestment Review Committee, a group that includes the City Treasurer, the directors of the Department of Economic Development and Department of Community Development and Housing, two city
councilmembers, and six community leaders, would review each plan and determine if a bank can be designated as a city depository. Cleveland was the first city to pass an RBO based on NCRC’s model in 1991. Other cities with RBOs include Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Portland, and San Diego. Last year Boston became the latest city to adopt an RBO, which NCRC’s president and CEO, John Taylor, applauded. “Local responsible banking ordinances empower local governments to hold
banks accountable and help to ensure that they are investing in our communities in a responsible way,” he said in a statement. “NCRC is proud to support the efforts of communities and our members across the county to get these ordinances passed at a local level.”
The Need in DC
Last year NCRC conducted a lending analysis report. Using data from the 2011 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and CRA-required infor-
mation, the organization looked at the city’s six major banks. In terms of home loans the NCRC found that the lenders were least likely to issue loans to African-Americans, LMI borrowers, and females. “This could be due in part to supply and demand factors including creditworthiness, affordability, or marketing or underwriting factors,” stated the report. The analysis also stated that the lenders made 20.34 percent of their smallbusiness lending in low-income areas. Frank Demarais, vice president of Manna Mortgage, explained that many mortgage brokers and bank branches closed east of the Anacostia River because of the economic downtown. “The banks haven’t stepped up to replace those brokers,” he said. One reason why banks tend to do less business in Wards 7 and 8 is because loans would most likely cost less and have a longer process time. “There were some banks who made an effort, but they’re no longer trying,” he said. With few to no community lending programs, fewer players in the marketplace, and limited resources, he worked with other organizations to gain more support for a DC RBO.
The Community Development Amendment Act
On Oct. 28, 2013, Councilmember Jack Evans (Ward 2) introduced the Community Development Amendment Act. If enacted the bill would amend the Community Development Act of 2000, which states, “A financial institution shall have a continuing and affirmative obligation to meet the credit needs of its local communities, including low-income and moderate-income areas, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the financial institution.” The original law required banks to submit a community development plan to the commissioner of the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, who would assess each bank’s record and rate it. The commissioner would also give the mayor and city council an annual report to assess the banks’ ability to adhere to their plans. The proposed amendment would change the process to reflect the NCRC RBO model. Instead of submitting a community development plan every year, banks would submit one every two years. The amendment also allows for public commentary on each plan during a 30-day period. Also, the DC treasurer can consider the DISB commissioner’s rating when awarding deposits and other contracts to banks; the treasurer would then explain the reasoning behind those decisions in an annual report to the
mayor and city council. On Feb. 28 the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs held a public hearing on the bill. Not only did it receive positive testimonies from community leaders, it also received support from DISB. With a mark-up scheduled soon, supporters hope that the bill will move from committee to the full council in the coming weeks.
Animal Clinic of Anacostia
More Accountability
With the CRA as a foundation, supporters for the proposed RBO believe that it complements the federal law by making data publicly available. “When you can see who is doing what, you can make better decisions,” said Demarais. During the hearing he argued that while banks are federally required to support their community, there is no incentive for them to do so. “The financial industry needs encouragement, scrutiny, and incentives to invest in the people and infrastructure to provide financial services where the loans are smaller, take longer to complete, and involve support from public programs,” Demarais testified. “Banks will explain they have programs and people to serve the market, but that the business just isn’t there. We know that the business is there, and responsible loans made in these neighborhoods performed well through the crisis. It just takes more effort and focus to make it work.” However, Brown believes that there is one weak spot in the bill: a lack of oversight from DC government. “There needs to be more accountability,” he said. The issue is who wants to own it? Who has the capacity to oversee the process?” Brown’s questions make sense: while the CRA also requires a 30-day period for public comments on strategic plans, there is almost no way of knowing if this is enforced.
Doing the Right Thing
Like the movement that inspired the bill, support for the Community Development Amendment Act has been growing. “Considering that this is an election year, it’s not a bad thing,” said Demarais. “Hopefully there is enough time for the council to do the right thing.” With more development and businesses arriving east of the Anacostia River, Brown believes that more banks will do the right thing. “We want a fair opportunity from a legislative standpoint,” he said. However, he has a message for banks who will not comply with the bill if enacted: “If a bank doesn’t respect the residents, it doesn’t deserve our business.” u
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
OCTO Does Digital Inclusion with Connect.DC by Charnice A. Milton
O
n March 25, nonprofit executives, community leaders, and technologists convened at Arena Stage for “Do Something Better: A Nonprofit Technology Summit.” The summit, according to a press release, was “designed to help local nonprofits and community-based organizations leverage technology to improve their operations and productivity and support the District of Columbia’s effort to provide affordable Internet access to unconnected
DC residents and close the digital divide.” It was one of many ways that Connect.DC, an offshoot of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), is trying to address this problem.
DC’s Digital Divide
“Digital divide” refers to the gap between those with access to broadband and other digital resources and those without. Usually those
with limited or no access vary by income, education, and age. According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, there are four main reasons why some adults do not use Internet resources. First, they believe that the Internet is not relevant to them. Second, they feel it is not easy to use. Third, the cost of owning a computer and paying for an Internet connection is too high. Last, there is a physical lack of availability or access to the Internet.
Connect.DC’s Mobile Tech Lab parked outside of Arena Stage, where “Do Something Better: A Nonprofit Technology Summit” was held on March 25. Photo: Charnice A. Milton
30 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
While almost 77.4 percent of DC residents have broadband access, the proportion is slightly lower in Wards 5, 7, and 8. In fact, only 65 percent of residents in those three wards have access, compared to the 85 percent in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. “Some would say that 65 percent isn’t too bad,” commented Delano Squires, executive director of Connect.DC. “However, that’s the same rate as the whole city four years ago. Yes, the rate’s over 50 percent. But what about the other 35?” In total, about 150,000 residents lack Internet access at home.
Connect.DC
Created in 2010 by OCTO and funded by a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Connect.DC is a digital inclusion initiative. It focuses on five areas: training, public technology access; affordable computers and Internet service; programs, partners, and tools; and public awareness. “We don’t just focus on providing access, but how people use the Web to get informed and empowered,” said Squires. Examples of this include the Bridge, a text messaging service that updates users on upcoming events, products, and services, the Mobile Tech Lab (MTL), which provides free computer and Internet access to the general public, and the Tech Locator, a map that allows the user to find the nearest public tech center (such as a library, school, or recreation center). Almost 500 residents signed up for the Bridge in its first month, and the MTL held 60 events as of Feb. 7. Thanks to the Tech Locator residents can visit one of 82 public tech centers and use one of 963 computers. According to its track record, Connect.DC helped train 7,982 residents, with each resident receiving an average of 34 training hours. Some residents who finished their training were rewarded with a new PC. Since the initiative began the training programs have awarded 1,201 PCs to their students. Finally, thanks to discounted offers, the city now has 5,220 new broadband subscribers.
Partnerships
“Bridging the digital divide isn’t a job for just one program,” said Squires. That is why Connect.DC partners with government agencies, small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits to help its mission. For instance, Connect.DC and OCTO partnered with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) for the Small Business Success Project, which established a
series of classes teaching entrepreneurs how better to use technology tools for business. “Over 10 months we connected more than 200 DC entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to better integrate technology into their business operations,” said Gustavo Velasquez, executive director of LEDC, during his keynote address at the Nonprofit Tech Summit. “Through trainings on topics like basic computing, website development, and social media, many businesses created their digital toolbox. With LEDC’s help, they familiarized themselves with these tech tools and started to vision their digital profiles.” Another program partner is EveryoneOn, a national nonprofit that works with major Internet providers to provide affordable Web services and equipment. EveryoneOn co-sponsored the Nonprofit Tech Summit. “Our missions are very much aligned,” said Sheila Dugan, the marketing and communications manager for EveryoneOn. “We understand what a huge problem it is that there are pockets of the population that are still not able to have access to the Internet.” Thanks to this partnership residents can purchase discounted devices and Internet access for as little as $10 a month. EveryoneOn also plans to connect 1,000 households and set aside $25,000 worth of refurbished devices. While providing quality devices and service is good, raising awareness is better. “I think it’s important to talk about how the digital divide impacts the communities we work with everyday,” said Dugan. “Internet access is no longer a luxury good.... For us it’s important to drive the issue home.”
Do Something Better
While “Do Something Better” was the sixth summit Connect.DC hosted, it was the first exclusively aimed at nonprofits. “Today we are showing how nonprofits can integrate technology into their work,” explained Jill Melnicki, media specialist for Connect.DC. “We’re also putting out a call for partners as well.” Since nonprofits have direct contact with the community, Connect.DC hopes that the message would be better received coming from a trusted source. “It’s not always about putting an event together,” said Melnicki. “Their audience is our audience.” Chief Technology Officer Rob Mancini agreed in his lunchtime address. “Just as our friends in the nonprofit community do each and every day, OCTO is always looking for an opportunity to make things better and to make a difference,” he said. “We also seek to leave some-
thing better behind us. One day when we move on there’s got to be something tangible, got to be something living. That’s why we’re doing things like this today. While we want to be able to help nonprofits understand how to use technology, we recognize you as important partners, because as technologists we want to reach residents who don’t adopt broadband and other technologies. And nonprofits represent a relatively untapped opportunity for OCTO in the city to partner with folks who work closer to those residents and can help us make a tangible difference.”
The Need for Community Leaders
One of the largest barriers is convincing residents about the relevance of Internet access. That is why OCTO and Connect.DC promote the idea of digital citizenship, or the ability to use digital tools to reach goals. “We would like to align our activities with what’s relevant, like searching for jobs,” said Squires. “That’s how we can make the link.” For instance, last December’s “Get Connected” campaign featured community leaders describing how digital tools and skills helped their organizations. Ultimately it is up to community leaders, especially those working in the nonprofit sector, who can help bridge the digital divide. “Nonprofit leaders in the room, we are the feet on the ground,” said Velasquez. “We have the credibility to have conversations about technology with our constituents. We do the one-on-one work that helps our clients not only understand the benefits but realize their potential. You’ve got a great partner in DC OCTO to help bridge the digital divide.” The Connect.DC office is located at 200 I St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. Call 202-CONNECT (266-6328) or visit www.connect.dc.gov. Connect. DC is also available on Facebook, Twitter (@connectdotdc), Instagram, Slidshare, and YouTube. u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 31
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Anacostia Watershed Society Celebrates 25 Years Join the Earth Day Cleanup on April 5 by Charnice A. Milton
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ith a motto that promises to “clean the water, recover the shores, honor the heritage,” the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) stands as one of the first organizations created to protect and restore the Anacostia River. This year, AWS celebrates its 25th anniversary, starting with its annual Earth Day Cleanup on April 5. The organization prides itself on its history of advocacy, educational outreach, and restoration, and has exciting plans to increase its efforts in communities east of the River.
History
In 1989 environmentalist Robert Boone founded AWS to bring more awareness to the problems plaguing the Anacostia River; he would serve as president until 2009. At the time, the Anacostia was considered one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Since more attention seemed to be directed to the city’s other river, the Potomac, Boone called the Anacostia “the Forgotten River.” AWS’s advocacy for the river ranges from tree-planting and clean-ups to campaigns against potentially damaging developments. For instance, during the 1990s, AWS joined lawsuits to prevent chemical dumping from the Navy Yard (which resulted in a massive clean-up) and prevent construction on the proposed Barney Circle Freeway, arguing that the project would bring more air, noise, water pollution to the area. When Boone stepped down from the presidency, James Foster succeed32 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
ed him. “We haven’t changed much since then,” Foster said. “We’re still implementing the same work we’ve been doing for years.” But there are some new initiatives. The Environmental Education Program teaches children and adults living east of the river about environmental issues. AWS encourages people to see the Anacostia as a place for recreation. During the summer, AWS hosts “free paddle nights” on Thursday nights, allowing firsttime and experienced paddlers to use the organization’s canoe Two volunteers at the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup in 2013. Photo: Anacostia Watershed Society fleet. “The issues have changed,” said Foster. “Back then, we were more worried about dumping. Now, the problem is more personal, so it should be easier to solve.”
Volunteer on Earth Day!
One Resident’s Story
One person who is helping solve the problem is Congress Heights resident Vaughn Perry. In what he called his “previous life,” Perry worked in IT management, but wanted to do something more to help his community. Attending a conference on clean water initiatives, he found he was the only attendee of color. “I was thinking, ‘I’m
Join the Anacostia Watershed and 2000 volunteers for the annual Earth Day Cleanup. It will take place at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 20 sites along the Anacostia Watershed in DC and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. A celebratory gathering follows at RFK Stadium, parking lot #7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with free food and drink prepared by Seafarers Yacht Club, our long-time Earth Day partner. There will also be live music, local exhibitors, and notable speakers. All volunteers are welcome! Registration is not required for the celebration. To register for the Clean Up and for more information, visit anacostiaws.org/earthday2014.
sure there are other people of color who are interested in this. Why aren’t they here?” It was during a breakout session on diversity in the field that things “clicked” for Perry. “I met Jim Foster at the workshop. We started talking about getting out of our comfort zones to show our passions,” he said. After accepting Foster’s invitation to speak during a later panel, Perry knew what he wanted to do. “That was an ‘a-ha’ moment for me,” said Perry. “I can share information about the environment so that others can get it. I’m not an outsider; people could relate better to me.” Today, he serves as manager of adult education at AWS, after previously working as program director at Groundwork Anacostia River DC (GWARDC). “I was hesitant to leave at first,” Perry said, crediting GWARDC’s executive director, Dennis Chestnut, for giving him his first opportunity in the field. “However, I was a student of the Watershed Stewards Academy and I’m in school for teaching. This opportunity fell in line with my goals.” He said that working at AWS gives him a larger audience: “Until now, I have been working primarily with youth. With AWS, I’ve been working with adults as well.”
Training Stewards
AWS reaches residents mostly through its education programs. In the current school year, they have worked with seven schools east of river: Kelly Miller Middle, Excel Public Charter, H.D. Woodson Senior High, Hart Middle, Phelps ACE High, Sousa Middle, the SEED School, and Thurgood Marshall Academy. In fact, in February, Excel and Kelly Miller were chosen as two of five schools to participate in the RiverSmart Schools program. RiverSmart Schools, a partnership with the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), is a two-year program that helps students create green space on school grounds and provides training and resources for teachers. The program is designed
to help students apply what they learn in a real-world situation. “We’re teaching children to become better stewards,” said Elissa Feldman, Chair of the AWS board. “A very young child can see how beautiful nature is, but others need a behavioral change to do so.” The Watershed Stewards Academy is how that behavioral change starts in adults. Aimed at community leaders, the course helps participants recognize and address pollution issues in the river. “Right now, we have two classes going,” said Perry. “We’re focusing on the Watts Branch, the largest tributary in the Anacostia River.” The Watts Branch begins in Capitol Heights, Md., and flows approximately five miles through Ward 7 and into the Anacostia. AWS offers two tracks for the course: traditional and faithbased, which caters to both Christians and Muslims. “This has allowed us to reach into a larger base,” said Perry. “When we reach the pastors, they will communicate this information to their congregations and the effect is more powerful.”
Reaching Across the River
“AWS does a lot east of the river, but I think they could do more,” Perry said. “Regardless of what we do, there’s always an opportunity to do more.” Feldman, a Capitol Hill resident, agrees with this sentiment. “We’re working hard to engage communities east of the river,” she said. “It’s been difficult because priorities don’t always lend themselves to environmental causes.” This is why AWS works with schools and faith-based communities to help spread their message. While AWS expects a diverse crowd for their annual Earth Day Cleanup, AWS hopes to engage each volunteer to become an ongoing caretaker of the once “Forgotten River.” The Anacostia Watershed Society is located at 4302 Baltimore Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710. Visit anacostiasw.org, call 301-699-6204, or email info@anacostiaws.org for more information. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 33
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Completed Vegan Tuna Rolls with Miso Soup.
Cooking with Cornell and Kristen Coulon by Twyla Alston
C
limbing the steps of the hillside home of Cornell and Kristen Coulon is like ascending from the left side of a sunken scale to its center, a place of balance. Each step is a regal prance through the feeling of years of quiet tradition and virtue, a hallmark of the Hillcrest community. This is an evening affair, but the brightly lit kitchen feels almost sunny as I approach the island. I peer from the island’s dining side to its working-class alter ego – a deep sink, marble counter, and cooktop. It is in this space, decorated with professionally photographed food and children’s art etched in crayon, that we spend the rest of the evening. The running players of team Coulon (three children ranging from ages 2 to 8) are tucked in bed, never making a peep as we chat, laugh, and cook. During the evening I get the distinct feeling I’ve been permitted to 34 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
sit in on a date night of sorts. For the couple, sharing good food has always been a type of courtship, a place of discerning, responding to, and enjoying each other.
A Tale of Two Palates
Despite two very different cultural upbringings, a mutual love for good food seems to have been calling them to a place of oneness, a balance. Balance is a word of French origin from which the word ballet is derived. Truly their movements were a dance. Cornell Coulon’s distinctive palate and focus on exquisite preparation are born of a rich cultural tradition, exemplary technical training, and deep culinary exposure. Kristen Coulon’s palate, poised for experimentation and a focus on food quality, comes instead from a laissez-faire history with food, specific culinary
exposure, and a commitment to caring for her family. From New Orleans, LA, and Seattle, the tale of both palates moves gracefully toward the flavors of France. Cornell Coulon describes his Louisiana Creole upbringing, revealing that his grandmother began teaching him cooking “as a life skill” at a very early age. “I’ve known how to cook basic things as long as I can remember. I knew how to cook eggs, sausage, bacon when I was six.” He recalls that there was no summer camp in the Coulon household. He and his sister spent their free time watching “Great Chefs” on TV and “raiding” Mom’s kitchen, trying new dishes. Later in high school he began to work food-related jobs to get his first car. Kristen Coulon’s household in Seattle was very different. To say her mom didn’t like cooking would put it mildly. Akin to her mom’s distant
desire to cook was Kristen’s distant desire to eat. She describes spending much of her teenage years “picking over food options,” often packaged and take-out.
The French Connection: Dancing toward a Balance
Their stories converged gracefully in French cuisine between 1994 and 1996. Cornell Coulon majored in biochemistry, but in 1994, his junior year, he decided to take a break. While hesitant to tell his parents, he admits knowing then that he wanted to be a chef. During the “break” he attended the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana. He describes this school as smaller than some of the more prestigious, but more heavily “focused on the technical side of cooking” French cuisine than merely history.
Cornell Coulon demonstrates the process of rolling sushi on towel.
in preparing meals she learned. She fell in love with the flavors and quality of French food. “Everything tasted better in France,” she exclaimed. Even cafeteria lunch was exceptional. For example, she describes being served braised rabbit, and teachers sitting at a lunch table sharing a carafe of wine. After a year in France, Kristen returned to the states and graduated in 1996. That year she moved to Washington to attend Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. She graduated in 2000.
Cooking in a Melting Pot
In 1996, near the end of the 16-month program, Cornell did a weekend stage (stagiaire: unpaid training for cooks) at one of Emeril Legasse’s restaurants. Legasse offered him a job “on the spot.” He began working for him a week after graduating from culinary school. In three short years Cornell mastered all the stations, beginning as a line cook with his work culminating as the restaurant’s chef tournant – jack of all trades. Although next in line for promotion to souschef and to open Emeril’s fifth restaurant, at 24 he decided to travel. Moving to Colorado, Alaska, Mexico, Texas, and Florida he worked usually as executive or opening chef. Finally in 2002 he moved to the District. Also in 1994, Kristen, during her junior year in high school, went to France. She recalls, “I told myself that I would not be picky [about food], that I was going to try ‘whatever’ to get the full cultural experience.” Her French host family cooked, and as she joined them
According to Cornell Coulon the French connection in Creole cooking goes back to southern France where the cuisine is a marrying of French, African, and Spanish cooking traditions. Similarly Creole culture developed from a melding of French, African, and Spanish peoples in Louisiana. People from these groups crossed social boundaries at a time when it was taboo to do so. He adds that traditional French cuisine differs from Creole in the foods used to accomplish the same dishes. The result of using non-traditional foods with French techniques is a distinct difference in taste. In 2002 Cornell and Kristen met in DC at Mimi’s American Bistro, where he worked as a chef and she a server. Their relationship began and evolved as they explored tastes together with French food as a common thread. They visited and tasted the best foods DC had to offer, ultimately falling in love with what they cooked together most. The two dated just over two years before getting married.
Never “Forget Paris”
In the movie “Forget Paris,” a comedy about love after marriage, when Ellen Andrews woefully discusses her disappointment with Billy Crystal’s lack of being romantic EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 35
Get Your East of the River Location
Cornell and Kristen Coulon (from left).
“Tuna” Filling ½ block firm tofu (about 8 ounces), crumbled 1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (to taste) ½ teaspoon agave nectar
Address
River Terrace Rec Center & Elemantary School 420 34th St , NE CVS - East River Park 320 40th St , NE Safeway – NE 322 40th St , NE 6th District Police Dept - Main 100 42nd St , NE Ward Memorial AME 240 42nd St NE Kennilworth Elementary School 1300 44th ST NE Unity East of the River Health Center 123 45th ST NE First Baptist Church of Deanwood 1008 45th St NE Deanwood Public Library 1350 49th ST NE Hughes Memorial United Methodist 25 53rd St NE Capitol Gateway Senior Apts 201 58th St , NE Marvin Gaye Rec Center 6201 Banks Pl NE Watts Branch Recreation Center 6201 Banks St , NE Langston Community Library 2600 Benning Rd , NE Anacostia Neighborhood Library 3935 Benning Rd NE Benning Branch Library 3935 Benning Rd NE Marshall Heights CDC 3939 Benning Rd , NE Kelly Miller Recreation Center 4900 Brooks St , NE Tabernacle baptist Church 719 Division Ave NE Randall Memorial Baptist Church 4417 Douglas St NE 5026 E Capitol St NE East Capital Church of christ Seat Pleasant CARE Pharmacy 350 Eastern Ave , NE 7-Eleven 950 Eastern AVE NE Riverside Center 5200 Foote St , NE Mayfair Mansions 3744 ½ Hayes St NE Citibank: East River Park 3917 Minnesota Ave , NE Chartered Health Center NE 3924 Minnesota Ave , NE Vending Machines – Deanwood Metro 4720 Minnesota Ave , NE The Minnicks Market 4401 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE Lederer Gardens 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE Suburban Market 4600 Sherriff Rd NE Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 4601 Sheriff Road NE Dave Brown Liquors 4721 Sheriff Road Northeast Dave Brown Liquor 4721 Sherriff Rd NE A & S Grocery 4748 Sheriff Rd NE St Rose Pentecostal Church 4816 Sherriff Rd NE Malcolm X Rec Center 3200 13th st SE St More Catholic Church 4275 4th St SE Fort Davis Recreation Center 1400 41st St , SE Ferebee Hope Recreation Center 3999 8th St , SE 2409 Ainger Place SE Emanuel Baptist Church IHOP Restauarant 1523 Alabama Ave, SE Giant Food Store 1535 Alabama Ave , SE SunTrust Bank 1571 Alabama Ave , SE Parklands-Turner Community Library 1547 Alabama Ave , SE Manor Village Apartments Leasing Office 1717 Alabama Ave , SE Garfield Elementary 2435 Alabama Ave 7th District Station 2455 Alabama Ave , SE 6th District Police Dept - Satellite Station 2839 Alabama Ave , SE Service Cleaners 2841 Alabama Ave , SE Safeway – SE 2845 Alabama Ave SE Pizza Hut 2859 Alabama Ave , SE America’s Best Wings 2863 Alabama Ave , SE M&T Bank 2865 Alabama Ave , SE Washington Senior Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Ave , SE St Timothys Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave SE Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library 3660 Alabama Ave , SE National Capital Parks--EAST 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE Kid smiles 4837 Benning Road SE 4405 Bowen Rd SE Pimento Grill East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Ave ,SE St Johns Baptist Church 5228 Call Place SE Capitol View Branch Library 5001 Central Ave , SE Marie Winston Elementary School 3100 Denver St , SE
MIDCITY
FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
Subway 4525 East Capitol St Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 3800 Ely Pl , SE Anacostia Museum for African Amer History 1901 Fort Pl SE - Back Door Smithsonian Anacostia Marcia Burris 1901 Fort Place SE - Back Door DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation 3030 G ST SE ARCH 1227 Good Hope Rd , SE Anacostia Pizzeria 1243 Good Hope Rd , SE SunTrust Bank 1340 Good Hope Rd , SE Unity Health Care Inc 1638 Good Hope Rd , SE Bread for the City 1640 Good Hope Rd , SE Marbury Plaza Tenants Assoc 2300 Good Hope Rd , SE Dollar Plus Supermarket 1453 Howard Rd , SE Ascensions Psychological and Community Services 1526 Howard Rd SE Dupont Park SDA Church 3985 Massachusettes Ave SE Orr Elementary School 2200 Minnesota Ave SE 601 Mississippi Ave , SE Hart Recreation Center Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave , SE The ARC 1901 Mississippi Ave , SE Neighborhood Pharmacy 1932 Martin Luther King Jr , SE PNC Bank 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Bank of America 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Animal Clinic of Anacostia 2210 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Max Robinson Center of Whitman-Walker Clinic 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE The United Black Fund 2500 Martin Luther King Ave SE The Pizza Place 2910 Martin Luther King Ave SE Metropol Educational Services, 3rd Floor 3029 Marin Luther King Jr Ave , SE National Children’s Center Southeast Campus 3400 Martin Luther King Jr , SE Assumption Catholic Church 3401 Martin Luther King Ave SE Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Congress Heights Health Center 3720 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE CVS - Skyland 2646 Naylor Rd , SE Harris Teeter 1350 Pennsylvania Ave SE Thai Orchid Kitchen 2314 Pennsylvania Ave SE St Francis Xavier Church 2800 Pennsylvania Ave SE Pennsylvania Ave Baptist Church 3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE CVS – Penn Branch 3240 Pennsylvania Ave , SE 100 Randle Pl , SE Congress Heights Recreation Center Johnson Memorial Baptist Church 800 Ridge Rd SE Ridge Recreation Center 800 Ridge Rd , SE Savoy Recreation Center 2440 Shannon Pl SE PNC Bank 4100 South Capitol St , SE Rite Aid 4635 South Capitol St , SE United Medical Center 1310 Southern Ave , SE Benning Park Community Center 5100 Southern Ave SE Benning Stoddert Recreation Center 100 Stoddert Pl , SE Union Temple Baptist Church 1225 W ST SE Senior Living at Wayne Place 114 Wayne Place SE Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library 115 Atlantic St , SW Bald Eagle At Fort Greble 100 Joliet St SW Covenant Baptist Church 3845 South Capitol St Faith Presbyterian Church 4161 South Capitol St SW Henson Ridge Town Homes Office 1804 Stanton Terrace, SE The Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW CCN office 224 7th ST SE Eastern Market 225 7th St SE YMCA Capitol View 2118 Ridgecrest Court SE 301 53rd Street, SE CW Harris Elementary School DC Child & Family Services Agency 200 I Street SE
For more distribution locations, contact 202.543.8300 x.19
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Additional Items
A clean kitchen towel or sushi mat wrapped in plastic wrap (must be larger than the seaweed wrapper) A sharp knife (not serrated) and sensitive after they married, her friend chimes in, “Forget Paris! He was courting. They’ll do anything when they’re courting.” Not so for the Coulons, whose love for good food has followed them well into their marriage. Cornell adds that he can cook food from many cultures, so he does. Much of his cooking these days is simply to support his wife by helping with the children. The family’s focus is often on organic and vegan options. A far greater emphasis is given to balance and to healthy choices than to excluding specific foods. They continue to respond to each other and the needs of their whole family. They can prepare so much more from the world’s cuisines that it’s hard to stay within French cooking. Even so, they will never forget Paris.
Vegan Spicy “Tuna” Rolls
6-8 servings 4 cups sushi rice prepared according to the rice-maker’s instructions 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar ½ English cucumber, julienned ½ avocado, julienned seaweed wrappers
Prepare Tuna and Rice
In a bowl combine tofu, Bragg’s, Sriracha, and agave nectar and set aside. Pour rice vinegar on the rice and combine with a large spoon.
Roll the Sushi
Place a seaweed wrapper on top of the sushi mat (or a kitchen towel). Dip hands in lukewarm water, then spread a thin layer of rice over ⅔ of the seaweed wrapper’s surface. Next spread a thin layer of tofu mix across ¼ of the rice layer (the end closest to you). Top the tofu layer with a thin layer of any combination of julienned vegetables (cucumber and avocado). Note: when adding fillings, less is more. Too much will make the roll too large to roll. Finally, begin by rolling filling side first, pressing and rolling as you go, until it is a tight, complete roll. Use the sushi mat or towel to help tightly roll and tuck the wrapper around the filling. Finish the roll by moistening the uncovered end of the seaweed wrapper with a thin layer of lukewarm water and continue the roll so that the wrapper seals. Slice the roll in the middle first, then work your way out on each side, creating about ½-inchthick rolls. u
Transit Union to Hold First Annual Robeson Universal Unionist Awards by Charnice A. Milton
S
idney Davis, a Metro bus operator and union member, is known for his work in the community; however, he feels that his union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, could do more. “The union is an untapped resource that could be used for the empowerment of families...giving [young people] something viable and meaningful to do when school’s out for the summer,” he said. “...[the community] are our customers. They ride our buses and we see it firsthand.” To help instill a sense of community accountability, he and fellow union members P. L. Dates, Jr. and Shelia Boswell, planned the first annual Robeson Universal Unionist Awards, a celebration which will be held on April 12.
Paul Robeson
Davis named the award after Paul Robeson, an African-American performer, athlete, and activist, whose birthday is April 9. Robeson was also a scholar, learning over 25 languages. However, Davis wanted to highlight Robeson’s activism, as he supported civil rights and unionism. “A lot of people don’t understand that he was for unions,” said Dates. “They remember him for his singing, they remember him for his athleticism as far as playing in the NFL...” However, due to his political beliefs, Robeson was often at odds with the federal government during the 1940’s, which culminated in the State Department confiscating his passport. As a result, Robeson could not perform outside of the US, which interrupted his career. “He was the highest-paid black entertainer at the time. He went from making $110,000 a year to making $4,000 a year,” Dates explained. However, he believes that revoking Robeson’s passport had a larger effect than just a pay cut: “He’s considered to be a ‘citizen of the world...’ As long as he was able to reach the masses, he became more and more dangerous.” However, Robeson continued performing for union events, even donating his purse to the cause.
The Honorees
This year, the event will honor the union’s current president, Jackie Jeter, as well as past presidents James Thomas, James Allen, Jr., Charles Hicks, and Michael Golash. This will be the first time all the union’s presidents since 1983 will be in one place. “People love to made a part of history or something that never taken place before,” said Davis. “You can look back and reflect and say, ‘I was a part of that. I made this happen.’” The event will also honor past and present staff members as well. “It will be an inclusive piece of each administration,” said Davis. “Somebody from that person’s administration will be identified and we will award them with a certificate.”
“What Does Unity Looks Like?”
Dates and Boswell credit Davis with conceptualizing and organizing the event. “It’s amazing that we haven’t had it already,” said Dates. He explained that, like Robeson, the honorees had to give up their personal interests in order to advance the union. “Like any other concept or idea, if its positive, and it’s pro-union, and pro-unity, I’m always willing to fall in line for whatever participation I can bring.” Boswell agreed, saying “...I stepped in to also put forth an effort to help him make something happen that he really thinks that will be a big part of a first step for our union.” The event aims to encourage attendees to reflect on the past to ensure the future. “The question that we would like to make sure is addressed is “What does unity looks like?” said Dates. For Sidney Davis, it means creating a catalyst for
(From top) P. L. Dates, Jr., Sidney Davis, and Shelia Boswell spearheaded the effort to plan the Paul L. Robeson Universal Unionist Awards, which will honor past and present presidents of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689. Photo Credit: ATU Local 689
community discussion. For Dates, it means putting an idea in action, no matter the circumstance.
Reaching Out to the Community
Davis hopes that the event would help the union establish a greater presence in the community, especially since members often see the issues their customers face first-hand. “We know that people need help, but we can’t respond in that capacity,” he said. “So, we have to utilize the vehicle that God has given us, which is the union.” Davis believes the best way to serve is to be an example to others. “You have to serve as an instrument for them to see how they treat each other differently,” he said. “You have to gain enough respect so you can talk to them. And when you treat them that way, they respond to you in such a way that you can see healing because they needed someone to listen to them.” u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 37
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
From Brussels to Anacostia:
Mandelbaum at work with handmade gesso.
Arié Mandelbaum Returns for Third Artist Residency at Honfleur by Ferzana
A
rié Mandelbaum boarded a plane in Brussels with little more than a handful of oil paint pigments, some charcoal, and paint-stained work clothes for his third multi-week artist residency at Honfleur Gallery in historic Anacostia. Upon arrival he was provided with canvas, paper, and additional materials including raw eggs and a hot plate for his egg tempera paint and gesso mixtures. With folding tables, plastic containers, and disposable tarps Mandelbaum has set up a makeshift art studio in the second floor of the gallery. On stretched linen canvases and printmaking paper he is creating large-scale paintings out of handmixed, oil-based egg tempera, charcoal, and pencil. Long hours and dedication have propelled the Belgian painter to produce more than 20 paintings during the few short weeks he has been at the Honfleur. He prepares all of his egg tempera and gesso by hand, using glutinous egg yolks as a binder which he mixes with oil-based pigments to make egg tempera paints, commonly used during the Byzantine, medieval, and early Renaissance eras. Mandelbaum incorporates political messages and painful memories into every facet of his work, evoking a range of emotions with loss and injustice woven throughout. The spartan white of handmade gesso on gigantesque canvases belies the subtle complexity and raw power of the messages contained in the many layers of Mandelbaum’s work. Mandelbaum explains that he “creates art to better understand himself, hoping that in better understanding himself he might better understand those around him.” Born and raised in Brussels to a workingclass Jewish family of Polish origin at 38 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
the height of anti-Semitism and war, “LaDonna HarMandelbaum has difficult and painful ris: Indian 101,” at memories of these challenging times. the Smithsonian’s His childhood experiences guide his National Museum development as a person and an artist. of the American He has also buried two out of three Indian. Harris is sons and is haunted by the painful a Comanche and loss of a son murdered at age 25 and political and social another gone at age 49 from a car accident. Mandelbaum explains that he “had three choices when he encountered these difficulties: he could kill, go crazy, or confront the obstacle.” He has chosen the latter but not without sadness. Memories of Eggs to make tempera. these difficult times infuse and inform his Makeshift studio at the Honfleur work. While his art incorporates more modern political themes, such as Native American civil rights struggles, the past is always present, as shown in a fleeting likeness of his mother sitting in a small canoe. The world has changed many times over since Mandelbaum began painting. However, human oppression remains universal, and Mandelbaum adds layers to his artwork from US history. For example, he was excited to attend the DC premiere of a documentary film,
Mandelbaum working on a folding table
Former NCAA Star Helps Feed the Community activist. After viewing the film Mandelbaum was able to deepen the political messages on Native Americans in his paintings. Mandelbaum’s 29-year-old girlfriend, only a Skype chat away, has the most striking gray eyes and is perhaps a part of the reason that Mandelbaum keeps a supply of artificial sweetener packets in his pockets. Worried about his protruding midsection, Mandelbaum watches his intake so that he can “continue to please,” though he loves to indulge in a fine red wine, a double shot of espresso, and rich artisanal cheeses at the new NURISH Café in the Anacostia Arts Center. Since his previous residencies in 2009 and 2012, he notes, many more well-attended, cultural events are happening in Anacostia. On the business of art Mandelbaum explains that “selling is more than just selling. A sale means that the artist has convinced someone.” Of his value? Of the importance of his message? Perhaps. Mandelbaum has sold only one piece of artwork since his first residency in the District, and nothing since, he reports with a feeling of personal failure. Could it be that Mandelbaum has not convinced those east of the river and beyond? Mandelbaum is hopeful that this body of work will do well. Focusing on contemporary art, Honfleur Gallery has been located in historic Anacostia since 2007. After the completion of Mandelbaum’s residency, the Honfleur will show his work. Check for details at http://www. honfleurgallery.com. Ferzana is a thinker, writer, and blogger co-working from the Hive 2.0 in historic Anacostia. You can follow Ferzana’s ramblings at @byFerzana on Twitter or Facebook or check out her startup blog at www.byFerzana.com. u
I
by Jonathan Neeley
t is noteworthy in itself that $20 can buy you a pack of chicken, pork chops, ground turkey, four salmon filets, bags of onions, oranges, and potatoes, four zucchinis, two heads of broccoli, and a lemon. How about the fact that this deal is brought to you, in part, by a local basketball legend who once led the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, aka March Madness, in both scoring and rebounding. Now that’s a story! That’s Ollie Johnson, the operations manager at the SHARE Food Network. Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE) is a national network formed by the San Diego Catholic Diocese in 1983. Its DC branch, which is housed in a Hyattsville warehouse and sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and the Order of the Knights of Malta, was launched in 1990. SHARE provides healthy, affordable bags of food that are distributed in over 250 area neighborhoods each month, all with the simple mission of lowering grocery bills around the community.
Johnson’s Basketball Career
For the former star on the hardwood, it’s his third career. “Ollie Johnson brought USF back to the national limelight,” said Jim Borelli, a former teammate at the University of San Francisco, as Johnson’s jersey was retired alongside Dons greats like Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, and Bill Cartwright in January. “John Wooden said that Ollie Johnson was one of the best players in the country. He was a shot blocker, he was a rebounder, he was a scorer. He was the glue to bring that USF basketball program to the next level.” Johnson began playing basketball at 15, and he won a city title at Spingarn High School in Ward 5. He credits his high school coach, William Rooftree, with pushing him to develop both his skills and his value system. “He was a man ahead of his time,” says Johnson. “He was values-oriented and stressed education and family. The social justice is what stands out in my mind. That was instilled in me in high school.” In San Francisco he was pushed toward an even higher level of social consciousness. “The 60s were unbelievable,” he says. They were “the most interesting part of my life. Assassinations of King, Kennedy, Malcolm X – you saw it but you didn’t understand the impact until years later. College awareness started
at UC Berkeley, and I was 20 minutes away at 18, 19 years old.” In 1965 Johnson led the NCAA tournament in scoring and rebounding. When his career with the Dons ended he had amassed 1,668 total points and 1,323 rebounds (an impressive 19.9 and 15.8 average). After the Boston Celtics drafted Johnson in the first round of the 1965 draft with the eighth overall pick, he never suited up for the team. “They didn’t want me,” he says plainly. Johnson headed to Europe to play in Belgium. Johnson’s experience playing abroad, which also included the University Games in Budapest and a tour through South America with an all-star team, only fed a hunger for new people and cultures. After basketball Johnson spent 30 years as a human resources manager for Giant Foods. The discipline and organization that Johnson learned from basketball, along with his desire to reach out to those needing help, are pillars of life Johnson still leans on while working at SHARE. “Sports are a way of life,” he says. “The parallels – teamwork, getting along – are unbelievable. In athletics, I always chuckle that it’s just like a family with all types of people and personalities. A sports team is a reflection of society.”
Johnson at SHARE
It’s distribution day at SHARE, which means representatives from the network’s 250 sites, some with bulk orders in excess of 100 packages, will be coming to collect their food. Telling me that he and his crew are “getting ready to crank it up,” Johnson darts around the warehouse double-checking pallets and chasing down volunteers to ensure that everything is in its place. “I do everything,” he grins. “At a nonprofit, that’s what you do.” “He’s my guy,” says Jaynee Acevedo, SHARE’s executive director. “Teamwork, attitude, can-do,” she says, rattling off a list of Johnson’s endearing qualities. “He efficiently and quietly just takes care of stuff, and he’s the one who embraces new ideas.” On my way out of the warehouse I ask Johnson when he last played basketball. Five years ago, he replies, going on to explain that he had torn an ACL while playing in Europe. Revealing the boundless energy that, even his early 70s, keeps him going at SHARE, he says, “I just need to strengthen my knee and I can play again.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 39
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Fitness Returns to Ward 8
A New Wellness Center Seeks to Break Down Barriers to Fitness in Ward 8
P
by Candace Y.A. Montague
eople who happen to be walking by the Anacostia Arts Center may think it’s just another spot for artsy, eclectic people to gather and discuss paintings and theater. Little do they know that inside this center there is a space where you can sweat away calories, dance, stretch your limbs, learn about disease and what not to eat, and clear your mind. The vision of the Community Wellness Collective is to assist people east of the river to lead healthier lives through exercise and education. Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, founding member of the collective, seeks to bring that education to Congress Heights in an affordable, convenient way. There are three reasons why the Community Wellness Collective is well worth a visit.
Where Else Do You Get a Workout for $5 a Class?
Fitness options have all but diminished in Ward 8. After the closing of SPIRIT Health and Wellness Center at the top of the Salvation Army building on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in 2013, many residents were left in a lurch. Neigh-
Yoga classes offered several times a week regardless of skill level. Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague
bors had grown accustomed to the convenience of having a full service gym within walking distance of their homes. Dr. Fitzpatrick, an infectious disease physician at United Medical Center, said in an interview that her aim was to restore fitness options in Ward 8. “People will tell you that they don’t work out because they don’t have access or they can’t afford it. We eliminate those two excuses off the top.” The Wellness Collective is situated on the 92 bus route. There are day and evening classes. All are $5. The first class is free. Dr. Fitzpatrick says residents here do want to work out but they are stuck in a fitness desert without guidTanO Mazi instructs Yoga session for all skill levels. Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague 40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
ance. “There are people who want to exercise and be healthy but don’t know where to begin. You can go online and learn about heart disease or you can come to the Wellness Collective and actually talk to an expert who will bring pictures of an artery and show you what happens to your body when you eat McDonald’s for 10 years.” Young adult women are frequent visitors at local gyms. They want affordable options that won’t take them far from home. Lauren Grimes, 25, came to visit the Wellness Collective during a recent open house. So far, she is impressed with what the collective has to offer. “This is amazing! I’ve seen the building lots of times but I thought it was an art gallery.” Grimes has options for getting a workout but feels like having a place in her area will keep her consistent. “I like yoga a lot. It helps me calm myself. I like getting instruction from a real person. I like the energy that you get from other people too. Now I know this is a place I can come to on a regular basis if I want to get yoga in my area.”
Seniors Are Welcome
The modern-day “seniors” in the District are younger and more active than in years past. They have busy schedules and oftentimes want options other than a day center to stay healthy. Jourgette ReidSillah is a mother of two grown children and currently a student at the University of District of Columbia. The Congress Heights resident is a six-year breast cancer survivor who lost 80 pounds from cancer treatments. She was looking for something to inspire her to keep the weight off when she came across the Community Wellness Collective. “I’ve been cooking better since going through the treatments but I want to keep my body healthy too. I’m looking forward to getting healthier here. I have no excuse. I can get up on Saturday morning and come here to work out. It’s wonderful to have something in our neighborhood.” The collective offers classes like Gentle Flow Yoga for seniors to try as well as people with injuries or limited physical abilities.
According to the DC Department of Health Community Health Needs Assessment, in 2010 residents in Ward 8 had the highest obesity rates and were least likely to exercise. Ward 7 had the second highest rates. Barriers to exercise included lack of time and self-motivation and lack of support. Reid-Sillah says people underestimate the demand for fitness in her neighborhood. Residents want options, she says, they “do want to do something” for themselves. “We want to exercise and stay healthy. If there’s something in my neighborhood that will help me get healthy, then I need to support it.”
Men Can Do More Than Play Ball for a Workout
It’s perfectly normal to see black men (or men in general) getting their workout on the basketball court or on the field with a football and some buddies. But do black men do yoga? You bet they do. TanO Mazi has been enchanted with yoga since 2008. The
OUR MISSION: To Strengthen Families and Build Vibrant Communities in Washington DC
Michael Ashton instructs a class on Hand dancing on Monday nights. Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague
RISE uP client employed for more than six months.
Come join the Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative’s Employment Services programs: Readiness, Individualized Support Employment Program (RISE uP), serves DC residents 18 and older who meet program eligibility guidelines Fatherhood, Education, Empowerment and Development (FEED) Program, serves fathers 18 and older who reside in Ward 5 or 6 Both Programs offer: • Resume and interviewing skills preparation • Job placement assistance • Job retention support • Case Management services
Call 202-832-9400 x 127 to sign-up and energize your career search RISE uP is funded by the United Planning Organization (UPO) and is part of UPO’s Community Services Block Grant FEED is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (Grant #90FK0054-01-00) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative 200 K Street, NW, Suites 1 & 3 Washington, DC 20001 202-832-9400 (phone) 202-216-9263 (fax) | www.ebfsc.org
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 41
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Southeast resident and certified yoga instructor moved from taking yoga classes to teaching them in 2010. Mazi, along with all the fitness instructors, volunteers to teach classes at the collective. How does he get men to come out for class? Through one-onone conversation. “Men don’t think you can get a workout from it. It’s a lot of sitting still and chanting. Those things are incorporated but the style that I teach is more intense. Ultimately, in a community like Anacostia we have to be present to people in the barbershop, on the block, or wherever. It’s going to take a man to present to men face-to-face, eye contact, and engage them.” The collective offers other activities that men may enjoy such as hand dancing, Da-Gogo classes and total body conditioning. Seeing men engaging in alternative physical activity can inspire others to follow suit. Mazi says he is eager to see more men step up. “There haven’t been a lot of men in there so far. But with the weather breaking we can move to the park. I can be there doing my stances or head stands. Brothas might come around saying ‘What’s that dude doing?’ And then I take it from there.” The Community Wellness Collective’s vision is to raise awareness, lower obesity rates, and keep people on the road to wellness in Wards 7 and 8. One class at a time. One participant at a time. One pound at a time. The next time you pass by the Arts Center and wonder what’s going on in there, you will know that change is happening within. Feel free to stop by and join. The Community Wellness Collective is located in the Anacostia Arts Center at 1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020. For more information visit www.communitywellnesscollective.com. To donate to the collective visit www.gofundme. com/come-move-and-learn. u
jazzAvenues
The Calvin Johnson Big Band Festival, April 28, at the University of the District of Columbia, honors the university’s late, great trombonist, composer, bandleader, and educator.
by Steve Monroe
Celebrate Spring and Jazz Appreciation Month
Jazz Appreciation Month ( JAM) was officially kicked off a few days after the calendar said spring was here. The launch ceremony was at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and included recognition of the 50th anniversary of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” unveiling of the 2014 JAM poster of Coltrane by Joseph Holston, and the honoring of jazz photographer Chuck Stewart. The launch continued that night as Peter Fraize, head of jazz studies at George Washington University, led his GWU ensembles, who opened for The Ravi Coltrane Quartet at Lisner Auditorium. (See www.smithsonianjazz.org for more on JAM events for all ages this month.) Also that night Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) talked about his advocacy for jazz, which includes his new legislation, the National Jazz Preservation, Education and Promulgation Act of 2014, H.R. 4280. The bill would establish programs and provide funding for a National Jazz Preservation Program and a Jazz Education in Elementary and Secondary Schools program, and “contemplates” the establishment of a “Promulgation Program to support business and enterprise initiatives in the field of Jazz.” “This legislation builds upon H. Con. Res. 57, the landmark jazz legislation passed in 1987,” said Conyers, “which recognized ‘jazz as a rare and valuable national treasure.” Write/text/call/Facebook/tweet/ visit your congressperson to get this bill moving and passed, sooner rather than later. For more information go to conyers.house.gov. Among the performance highlights for this month of appreciation are Cyrus Chestnut at Blues Alley, April 10; the Howard University Jazz Ensemble at Westminster Presbyterian Church, April 11; trumpet star Jeremy Pelt at Bohemian Caverns, April 11-12; the UDC Small Jazz Ensembles at the University of the District
of Columbia’s Recital Hall, both on April 15; Nasar Abadey and SuperNova at Blues Alley, April 23; Double Time Jazz@THEARC presents Bobbi Humphrey, April 25 (www. thearcdc.org); and the Calvin Jones Big Band Festival at the University of the District of Columbia, April 28.
Women in Jazz Weaves a Windfall of Sounds
On a rainy late winter night, the evening before spring bloomed, a sterling ensemble of women musicians played at the Union Arts space on New York Avenue in Northeast for the Washington Women in Jazz Festival’s gala night co-sponsored by CapitalBop. Festival founder and pianist Amy K. Bormet and drummer Allison Miller led an all-star band with saxophonist Sarah Hughes, trumpeter Jamie Branch, bassist Karine Chapdelaine, and guitarist Mary Halvorson playing fiery, edgy sounds, including Halvorson’s “Hemorrhaging Smiles,” before a capacity crowd. Other highlights during festival week included shows by vocalist Integriti Reeves at Bohemian Caverns and the big-band sounds of Shannon Gunn and her Bullettes at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
ARTSdpc Is Here!
From Baiyina Abadey comes www.artsdpc.net for event planning and artist representation. “Meeting the needs of visual and performing artists is a priority of ARTSdpc® and we do it with style, grace and professionalism,” says the website. “Our consulting firm takes pride in specializing in socially conscious projects that uplift humanity by contributing to the greater good.”
“Elements of Life” Coming Soon
Trombonist, bandleader, and composer Reginald Cyntje, following acclaim for his CDs “Freedom’s Children” and “Love,” says of the genesis of
sity of the District of Columbia.
“Elements of Life,” his next CD: “In September of 2013 I began meditating on the relationship between the human spirit and elements of life. The Omnipresent Supreme Being in Fire, Earth, Sky, Water, Wind and every living creature.… When the elements are in balance, we have a harmonious environment for growth, health and happiness. In each of us, the elements are at work.…” See www.reginaldcyntje.com. April Highlights: ... Thad Wilson, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Twins Jazz ... Andriessen’s Piano/Andriessen’s Jazz: Brad Linde Ensemble, April 9, Atlas Performing Arts Center … Cyrus Chestnut, April 10, Blues Alley ... Kristin Callahan, April 10, Twins Jazz … Howard University Jazz Ensemble, April 11, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Rhythm Café: The Life and Music of Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman, with Willard Jenkins and Howard University Jazz Ensemble, April 12, National Portrait Gallery … Jeremy Pelt, April 11-12, Bohemian Caverns … Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures, April 13, Bohemian Caverns … Brad Linde’s Underwater Ghosts with Erika Dohi, April 13, 27, Twins Jazz … Bowie State Jazz Band, April 15, Blues Alley ... UDC Small Jazz Ensembles, April 15, University of the District of Columbia ... Jon Faddis, Terell Stafford, Lew Soloff, April 17-18, Blues Alley ... Tribute to Duke Ellington & Dizzy Gillespie, April 18, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Nasar Abadey & SuperNova, April 23, Blues Alley ... Michael Bowie plays Mingus, April 25, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Thinking about Jazz/Mingus Speaks!, April 26, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Calvin Jones Big Band Festival, April 28, Univer-
April Birthdays: Harry Carney 1; Booker Little 2; Jimmy McGriff 3; Stanley Turrentine 5; Randy Weston, Gerry Mulligan 6; Billie Holiday, Freddie Hubbard 7; Carmen McRae 8; Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau 12; Gene Ammons 14; Richard Davis 15; Bennie Green, Herbie Mann 16; Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente 20; Slide Hampton 21; Charles Mingus 22; Johnny Griffin, Joe Henderson 24; Ella Fitzgerald 25; Teddy Edwards 26; Connie Kay 27; Duke Ellington 29; Percy Heath 30. u
Jazz Appreciation Month poster honoring John Coltrane, by artist Joseph Holston.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 43
REAL ESTATE
The L’Enfant Trust Continues Rehabilitation of Historic Homes by John Muller
F
rom repointing the late 19thcentury foundation at 1347 Maple View Place SE to the installation of a new roof on the early 20th-century home at 2010 14th St. SE, The L’Enfant Trust has not let an unseasonably harsh winter and repeated snow accumulation slow the progress rehabilitating two long-vacant properties in Historic Anacostia. Since the 1970s hundreds of initiatives have been planned and launched by federal and city agencies, community development corporations, and economic and policy research institutions in an effort to revitalize the city’s first planned subdivision, gridded in 1854. Sweeping change does not happen overnight.
Recent neighborhood success stories such as the Office of Planning’s Historic Homeowner Grant program, which has awarded up to $35,000 to homes throughout Anacostia for exterior repairs, rehabilitation, and structural work, have been administered on a small-scale similar to the work the trust has undertaken for decades. This year the trust will take part in helping the Historic Preservation Office administer this program. The L’Enfant Trust, founded in 1978, has accumulated more than 1,100 conservation easements throughout the city, which allow the organization to protect properties against demolition, neglect, and insensitive alterations and to ensure
The new architect and builder take measurements and a look around 1347 Maple View Place SE.
44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
that the buildings maintain their historic character in perpetuity. In 2013 the trust launched Washington’s first revolving fund program, in Anacostia. The program focuses on neighborhoods where preservation efforts will have the greatest impact on community revitalization. The trust obtains distressed properties View looking at the front of 1347 Maple View Place SE in late February. which then undergo rehabilitation before being protected er grant of $100,000 from the 1772 with conservation easements and Foundation to support its work in put on the market. Sale proceeds are Historic Anacostia. In-kind material “revolved” back into the fund to pay donations from corporate sponsors for future historic rehabilitations. have been provided by Enviroshake Through this program the trust, (composite roof shakes), Marvin with financial support from the 1772 Windows and Doors, American CeFoundation, acquired 1347 Maple dar & Millwork (windows on both View Place and 2010 14th St. in the projects), and Architectural Ceramics (tile). Pledges of support have also late summer of 2013. Due to the trust’s familiarity come from additional friends of the with the building permitting process trust, SCW Interiors and Galliher and local requirements for working & Huguely, the city’s leading lumber on historic buildings, the necessary yard for more than a century. building permits were quickly applied for and granted. Initial work 1347 Maple View Place on both Anacostia properties comIn late March 1909 the New menced last fall while the construc- York Times published an obituary tion phase began in February. After for Henry A. Griswold. It noted his an initial grant of $50,000 in 2013 leadership of the Anacostia and Pofrom the 1772 Foundation, a national tomac River Railway Company and organization dedicated to historic ar- local real estate investments: “At one chitectural and cultural preservation, time he was practically the sole prothe trust announced receipt of anoth- prietor of the thriving town.” Homes
on Valley Place and Maple View Place that Griswold developed are remnants of his lasting legacy. Although the fate of the blighted and deteriorating home at 1326 Valley Place, constructed in the mid1880s and currently owned by the Department of Housing and Community Development, is uncertain, the structure at 1347 Maple View Place is being brought back to life. According to land records, including historic real estate maps at the Washingtoniana Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Griswold built 1347 Maple View Place between 1887 and 1894. After moving to Anacostia from Connecticut, Griswold subdivided his property for residential development in 1879; the tract which contained Maple View Place was referred to as “Griswold’s Addition.” Before being acquired by the trust the two-story Queen-Anne
style house was on the verge of collapse. In recent weeks contractors have stabilized the home and begun repointing the interior of the foundation, a process that involves renewing the mortar. They removed a non-original brick stoop, which will be replaced with a wooden stoop, and salvaged original wood siding that will be used during the rebuild. “We were surprised to find old cedar shakes under the metal standing seam roof. Instead of replacing the metal roof in-kind, which we intended to do, we are now going back to the home’s original look with recycled composite shakes generously donated by Enviroshake,” says Lauren McHale, director of preservation for The L’Enfant Trust.
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 45
A close up of the original wood siding, from 1912, at 2010 14th St. SE.
and located on the recently restored Old Market House Square. After acquiring the property last fall, the trust removed what remained of the porch, salvaging original spindle work to be used when a new porch is fabricated and rebuilt. Removal of faux brick asphalt siding which had been covered by aluminum siding revealed the original wood siding with limited sections of deterioration. The roof has undergone repair work and eventually new shingles will be applied. When fully rehabilitated, 2010 14th St. and 1347 Maple View Place will each offer three bedrooms and a bath and a half. Anacostia River Realty will list them based on neighborhood prices. Local real estate comparables will be significantly less than the cost of their acquisition and renovation, which is why historic properties such as these sit vacant and deteriorate year after year. Both homes will have an “owner occupied” requirement, and their historic exteriors will be protected in perpetuity by conservation easements held by The L’Enfant Trust. All sale proceeds will be returned to the revolving fund program, which according to the trust 46 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
will need charitable donations from Washington’s local foundations. “This type of program is crucial to the survival of irreplaceable historic properties in DC,” Sara Hayden, Director of Real Estate Development for The L’Enfant Trust, says. “It is clear just walking through the neighborhood that there are a number of great historic buildings that are vacant and vulnerable to demolition by neglect, including others on Maple View Place. We’re working now in identifying priority properties. Any input from the neighborhood, local organizations, and government is welcome and necessary.” Looking ahead to May, which is National Historic Preservation month, The L’Enfant Trust is hoping to participate in events that celebrate Historic Anacostia. Possibilities include workshops, walking tours, and presentations to schoolaged children. To follow the progress of The L’Enfant Trust’s rehabilitation efforts and learn more about the organization visit www.lenfant.org, facebook.com/LEnfantTrust or twitter.com/TheLEnfantTrust. u
Become A Real Estate Agent!!!
CHANGING HANDS
Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
The Next 7 1/2 Week Course Begins May 6, 2014 Tues. and Thurs. 6pm-10pm
Anacostia River Realty 1920 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020 www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com Contact 202-678-7325 or Info@AnacostiaRiverRealty.com for more info.
www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
Neighborhood
Price
BR
FEE SAMPLE ANACOSTIA
1340 VALLEY PL SE 2126 15TH ST SE 1409 RIDGE PL SE 2235 CHESTER ST SE 2335 GREEN ST SE 1430 V ST SE
CHILLUM
130 MADISON ST NW
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 830 HR DR SE 725 UPSAL ST SE 623 FORRESTER ST SE 307 ATLANTIC ST SE 612 BRANDYWINE ST SE 628 MILWAUKEE PL SE 521 FOXHALL PL SE
DEANWOOD
4640 BLAINE ST NE 5401 HUNT PL NE 215 56TH ST NE 1112 51ST PL NE 78 55TH ST SE 119 48TH PL NE 837 50TH PL NE 4430 FOOTE ST NE 1025 49TH ST NE 5214 CENTRAL AVE SE 190 35TH ST NE 564 48TH PL NE
$275,000 $250,000 $170,000 $160,000 $149,900 $108,000
3 3 3 3 8 3
$473,750
3
$260,000 $234,000 $222,000 $200,000 $96,950 $93,000 $85,000
3 4 3 2 3 2 3
$352,500 $269,000 $263,000 $240,000 $240,000 $200,000 $190,000 $189,000 $185,000 $160,000 $147,500 $140,000
4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3
4508 LEE ST NE 4531 EADS PL NE 4531 FOOTE ST NE 809 55TH ST NE 4939 NASH ST NE
HILL CREST
2810 FORT BAKER DR SE 2518 Q ST SE 3191 WESTOVER DR SE 3024 Q ST SE 3248 O ST SE 2924 M ST SE 711 32ND ST SE
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2220 Q ST SE 1925 ALABAMA AVE SE
$135,000 $135,000 $122,500 $108,750 $72,500
2 3 2 3 2
$499,000 $495,000 $465,000 $350,000 $230,000 $189,900 $125,000
3 4 3 3 4 2 2
$310,000 $95,000
4 2
$60,000 $58,000 $55,000 $53,000 $35,000 $30,000
2 1 2 2 1 1
$65,500
2
CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS
6 GALVESTON ST SW #301 3425 5TH ST SE #32 718 BRANDYWINE ST SE #301 4715 1ST ST SW #203 4721 1ST ST SW #301 4733 1ST ST SW #103
DEANWOOD
250 35TH ST NE #202 u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 47
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family
Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Douglass Playground Renovation Completed
On Friday, Mar. 28, Mayor Gray; Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry; Department of Parks and Recreation Chief of Staff Stokes; Department of General Services Director Hanlon and ANC 8E02 Commissioner Muhammad joined Douglass community members and students from Turner Elementary School for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Douglass Playground, 1898 Stanton Terrace, SE. The Douglass Playground design centers around the life of the historic abolitionist and District resident Frederick Douglass, whose home and national historic site is nearby in downtown Anacostia. It builds on a theme of “memorial groves,” which represent three key phases of Douglass’ life. The Douglass Playground is one of the original 32 play spaces renovated under Mayor Gray’s Play DC: Playground Improvement Initiative. New features at the Douglass Playground include: green roof pavilions, ground net climbers, a community garden, a freestanding rhythm spinner, a walking trail, fitness stations, basketball courts, and more. Douglass is also the first DPR play space to feature a zip line.
Easter at Capitol View Library
On Thursday, Apr. 17, 4 p.m., get ready to mark those cards, Easter BINGO is here! On Saturday, Apr. 19, 1:30 p.m., there will be an Easter ReadA-Loud and Easter Egg Hunt. Hear great stories, make baskets, hunt for Easter eggs and watch movies. Children ages 4-8 are welcome. Capitol View Neighborhood Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE. 202-645-0755. dclibrary.org/capitolview
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Summer Skating Camps
Figure Skating Camp camp ( July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) is a fun and challenging experience for figure skaters that culminates in an end of camp solo or group (skater preference) performance. Multiple highly-qualified coaches will be working with the skaters every day to help skaters reach their goals. Spaces are limited 48 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park
xxx
Kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after select Sunday home games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Remaining dates this year are Apr. 20 and 27; May 18; June 22; July 6 and 20; Aug. 3, 17 and 24; Sept. 7 and 28. An adult must accompany runners to the field. One adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com Kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after select Sunday home games. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals
so register today. Registration is $300 ($350 after May 1). Summer Skating School ( July 14-18; July 28-Aug. 1; Aug 11-16) offers a great way to stay cool and enjoy making new friends on and off the ice. One week is $325 ($300 for siblings); two weeks is $600 ($550 for siblings); and three weeks $875 ($800 for siblings). Synchronized Skating Camp ( June 30-July 2; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) is a great introduction for skaters new to synchronized skating or skaters already skating in beginning synchronized skating levels. This camp will give skaters the opportunity to improve upon and master skating technique needed for beginning level synchronized skating. Skaters will learn a program and perform it at the end of the camp. Eligible skaters must be 7 years of age and passed Basic 2 or equivalent skating level through Preliminary field moves. Registration is $225 ($250
after May 1). Fort Dupont Ice Arena is at 3779 Ely Pl. SE. For more information, contact Program Director Leticia Moreno Enos at lmoreno@ fdia.org at 202-584-5007 ext. 13.
First City-Wide Next Generation Chess Tournament
Rook to Bishop to Queen. Will you walk away with a tournament trophy? On Apr. 23, 5-8 p.m., Stoddert Recreation Center, 4001 Calvert St. NW, will host the first annual city-wide chess match for kids, 4th through 8th grades. Participants in elementary school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free, but registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Ronald Rice at 202282-2207 or ronald.ricejr@dc.gov.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 49
KIDS & FAMILY BIG BAND JAM! 2014
This is the only jazz festival in America specifically created by kids for kids. It is a celebration of America’s music on America’s Main Street. It has been selected as one of the “TOP 100” event destinations in the United States in 2014 by the ABA Tour Operators of America. This year’s theme is the “Count Basie Legacy” and the featured artist/clinician is internationally renowned saxophonist Bob Mintzer of The Yellowjackets. Mr. Mintzer will be conducting a free midday master class daily on Pershing Park plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue next to The White House. School ensembles will receive instruction daily from Apr. 22-25, noon-1 pm. In addition to these classes there will be clinics, workshops and adjudication for all participating ensembles. Additional venues that are partnering with them are Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, Ronald Reagan Building, National Press Club, Grace Episcopal Church, Westminster Church and The Church of the Epiphany. For the schedule, visit bigbandjam.org/calendar. Blues Alley Youth Orchestra
Young Ladies on the Rise Splash Party at Deanwood Recreation Center
On Apr. 17, 1-3:30 p.m., Young Ladies on the Rise participants from all wards will come together at Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE, for a pool party with music, fun and games. For ages 6-17. For more information, contact Tiffany Johnson at 202-285-4030 or tiffanym.johnson@dc.gov.
Kid-Oriented USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Convention Center
Don’t miss the 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo on Apr. 26-27, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (both days)–hosted by Lockheed Martin. Explore science & engineering with more than 3000 fun, hands-on activities in fields like robotics, genomics, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, space exploration and more. Other highlights include over 100 stage shows featuring Dirty Job’s Mike Rowe, Basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Grammy Award-Winners ‘They Might Be Giants’, and more. 50 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Free of charge and open to all ages. Pre-register now for a chance to win prizes. USAScienceFestival.org
Jackie Robinson Day at Nat’s Park
On Thursday, Apr. 17, 7:05 p.m., the Washington Nationals, in a game vs. the Cardinals, celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. Jackie Robinson was the first black major league baseball player. On this day, all, players will be wearing his famous number “42”. washington.nationals.mlb.com
DDOT and WMATA Roll Out “Kids Ride Free on Bus” Program
DDOT and WMATA announce the release of an electronic “Kids Ride Free on Bus” pass for District students. This electronic pass is now ready for use by District students who ride free on Metrobus and the DC Circulator during designated program hours. District students will be able to tap their registered DC One Card on the farebox target on a Metrobus and/or a DC Circulator until the end of the school year. DDOT will provide detailed information to schools, and WMATA will post information on its website, about the timeframe for District stu-
dents to “activate” the free electronic bus pass on their DC One Card. By Apr. 30, WMATA will require all students to “tap” their individual DC One Card on the farebox target to board the bus for free during weekdays only between 5:30-9 a.m. and 2-8 p.m. For more information, contact DDOT’s School Transit Subsidy Office at 202-673-1740 or visit ddot. dc.gov/node/537462.
Community Leaders are Readers at Anacostia Neighborhood Library
This popular ongoing program is open to parents, their children, and the general public to indulge in books and reading appreciation. After a local children’s author reads a book, each child creates an art take-away. It is for ages early childhood to 8 years old with parents. The Program is on Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free; for more information, call 202-6334844 or 202-715-7707.
Prom Come True at Rosedale Library
Rosedale and Bellevue Neighborhood Libraries are collecting gently-
used prom dresses and prom accessories for financially challenged DC are teens until Apr. 19. They want to accumulate 100 donated items for their Prom Come True event to be held at the Rosedale Recreation Center on Apr. 26. During this event, teens will shop, win prizes and learn DoIt-Yourself grooming tips any prom queen or king can use. From now until Saturday, Apr. 19, please donate gently-used prom/formal wear (all sizes welcome); prom shoes (for females and males); other formal wear accessories (for females and males); and in-kind prizes, certificates and services. For more information about contributing goods and services, contact Jasmin Jackson at jasmin.jackson@dc.gov or 202-727-5012. Rosedale Neighborhood Library is at 1701 Gales St. NE. dclibrary.org/rosedale
Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum
Founded in 1971, the Washington Youth Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum provides a unique, year-round environmental science and food education program for DC youth and their families. Using the garden and Arboretum as a liv-
ing classroom, the program teaches participants to explore their relationships with food and the natural world. See what the kids are doing at washingtonyouthgarden.org.
Family & Youth Casting Call Fishing in the C&O Canal
On Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., spend a day fishing at Fletcher’s Cove on the C&O Canal, 4940 Canal Rd. NW. Volunteer instructors will be available and all the gear you will need to catch fish will be provided! When not fishing, children can take part in activities including fish printing/art, knot tying, fly and spincasting instruction, watershed education activities, and fish hatching and local fish and animal displays. Partner agencies and organizations will have displays set up to learn about how they are helping fish and fishing across the country. Don’t miss this fantastic day of family fun. familyandyouthcastingcall.com. Free.
Party for the Planet at the Zoo
This year the Zoo is celebrating Easter Monday and Earth Day together on Monday, Apr. 21 (rain or shine), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please join them for special family-focused activities and live entertainment. They’ll have a traditional Easter Egg Hunt and animal demonstrations as well as visits from the Easter Panda! It’s also a Party for the Planet and you can bring your old cell phone to recycling stations in the Visitor’s Center and learn about green design and sustainability initiatives at the Zoo. Admittance is free. nationalzoo.si.edu
OK2TALK
Teens and young adults who suffer from mental illness can feel hopeless and alone. Many don’t know what’s wrong with them but feel like it’s their fault. Those who understand what is happening fear they can’t be helped. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, it’s often hard for those suffering and their families and friends to talk about what they’re going through. But help is available, and it works. The goal of OK2TALK is to create a community for teens and young adults struggling with mental health
problems and encourage them to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope. Anyone can add their voice by sharing creative content such as poetry, inspirational quotes, photos, videos, song lyrics and messages of support in a safe, moderated space. We hope this is the first step towards getting help and feeling better. ok2talk.org
Children’s Discovery Benches at Brookside Gardens
Hands-on activities, games, books and puzzles fill the Children’s Discovery Benches located in the Children’s Classroom. For more information, call 301-962-1400 or visit brooksidegardens.org. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD.
Blues Alley Youth Orchestra Performs on Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
The Orchestra is comprised of accomplished student musicians ranging in age from 14-17 years old with their mission to preserve and promote the big band jazz genre. Now in its 27th year the Orchestra has performed at such mainstay venues as The John F. Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian Institution, Voice of America, Carter Barron Amphitheater, Wolf Trap Farm Park, Blues Alley and elsewhere. The Orchestra was founded in 1985 along with its parent Blues Alley Jazz Society and performs varied musical selections by such successful jazz composers as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and others. The Orchestra typically contains a full accompaniment of brass, strings and percussion and attracts student musicians from Frederick to Fredericksburg. Students also take part in both civic and educational trainings as they perform in senior centers, at community functions and inside houses of worship. The Blues Alley Youth Orchestra will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center “Millennium Stage” on Sunday, Apr. 20 at 6 p.m. Read more at bluesalley.org/youthorchestra.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program
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April 24 May 1 *You must register to attend, limit of 20 people per session. Call (202) 545-0515 to register.
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Free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents.
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 51
KIDS & FAMILY Playable Art DC International Design Competition
The DC Office of Planning (OP) announced today the Playable Art DC international design competition, an innovative effort to bring artbased play spaces to underserved neighborhoods in the District. OP is currently requesting applications for three neighborhood sites and community partners to host playable artworks in DC neighborhoods that lack access to play. Playable Art DC promotes the use of art as a means of creating new types of play spaces in areas that are constrained by space, topography, or other barriers such as busy streets. Playable Art DC also seeks to engage the whole community in play as a way to promote fitness and exercise and create community landmarks and neighborhood gathering spots. The art works will also explore different themes of play including creative play, physical play, social interaction, and games. The application deadline is Thursday, Apr. 24, 2014. For more information about Playable Art DC, visit playableartdc.org.
“Explore the Universe Day: Everyone Looks Up” at Air and Space
Understand how different cultures see the sky. Learn about telescopes and do some daytime observations (weather permitting). This event is on Saturday, Apr. 12, 10 a.m.3 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum, Independence Ave. at 6th St. SW. 202-6332214. airandspace.si.edu
four football fields and features a ¼ mile boardwalk and a waterfall. It is the centerpiece of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood and The Yards development. The Lantern Making Family Day will include lantern making for kids and adults; a moonbounce and other games for kids and martial arts performances by Hapmudo. Yards park is at 355 Water St. SE (3 blocks south of the Navy Yard Metro Station and east of Nationals Ballpark). yardspark.org
Now, through this movement, families will come together to share their experiences and insights to help each other realize the benefits of family dinners. Together, they’ll figure out the resources needed-like tips for setting dinnertime goals, overcoming obstacles such as conflicting schedules and engaging everyone in meaningful conversation--to improve the frequency and quality of their mealtime interaction. Read more at thefamilydinnerproject.org.
The Family Dinner Project
Science, Naturally Mystery of the Month
The Family Dinner Project is a start-up grassroots movement of food, fun and conversation about things that matter. Over the past 15 years, research has shown what parents have known for a long time: Sharing a fun family meal is good for the spirit, brain and health of all family members. Recent studies link regular family meals with the kinds of behaviors that parents want for their children: higher grade-point averages, resilience and self-esteem. Additionally, family meals are linked to lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, eating disorders and depression. The Family Dinner Project believes in the power of family dinners to nourish ethical thinking.
Each month, they post a different mystery from their award-winning One Minute Mysteries book series for kids. Their three award-winning books feature one-page, literature-based math and science brainteasers. Each story takes just one minute to read and challenges a kid’s knowledge in a variety of science and math disciplines. Try one now at sciencenaturally.com/mystery_of_the_month. The brainteasers can be used as independent reading for kids, a guessing game for families, a springboard for school projects, a bell ringer for teachers, or an assessment tool for math and science knowledge and literacy. April’s mystery is “Cool as a Cucumber.” u
After School Drawing Club at Francis A. Gregory Library
On Fridays at 4 p.n., join us after school where books from their collection will be used to sketch, copy, draw and create artwork, manga and comics. Recommended for children ages 8-12. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-6986373. dclibrary.org/francis
Yards Park Lantern Making Family Day
On Sunday, Apr. 13, 10 a.m.2 p.m., celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival and the beginning of spring at the Yards Park, a Washington, DC waterfront destination. Like no other public space in the region, the Yards Park brings unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the river. The 5.5-acre park is the size of
Imagination Stage’s “Inside Out” Free Performances at THEARC
Inside Out is a production developed by Imagination Stage and Tell Tale Hearts Company (U.K.) under the direction of Kathryn Chase Bryer. The storyline follows two children who--instead of preparing for bedtime--use their imaginations to transform their room into fantastical world of play. In this interactive show, audiences will discover the joy of turning things “inside out.” Performance also includes a “free play” session, allowing show-goers to explore props from the show’s set. These production are most appropriate for children ages 1-5. There will be two shows Apr. 16, 17 and 18 at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. each day. For free tickets, visit thearcdc.org/events/imagination-stage-inside-out-thearc-theater.
52 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
A Home Run!
How Baseball Is Building a Brighter Future at Savoy Elementary
“T
oday is going to be a special day,” John McCarthy tells a class of 3rd graders at Savoy Elementary School. McCarthy and his Home Run Baseball staff are in the school gym to run Meaningful Monday, a session that, twice per week – they recently added Saturdays – replaces the normal physical education curriculum with baseball practice. McCarthy’s tone, addressing the group like adults with serious work ahead, commands attention and stokes excitement. The class takes a moment to meditate. Being asked to breathe deeply and listen to white noise intently works wonders for a 9-yearold’s focus, before launching into an hour of big swings, sliding practice, and hand-eye coordination work interspersed with laughter, jubilant shouts, and the amount of corralling you’d expect this age group to need. The day ends with a team huddle and praise for “one of the best sessions yet.” You get the impression that Home Run’s coaches have been trained in the power of positive praise, before a few minutes are devoted to a lively Q & A session with the visiting journalist. “Do they always have this much energy?” a new coach asks a more experienced colleague as we leave the building. “Always,” he laughs. “Always.”
The Good That Baseball Can Do
That budgets are tight and working hours are long explains both why kids in Anacostia don’t have as much access to sports and, why they need it. Structured and engaging activities encourage young people to flourish when they might otherwise go unsupervised. While Home Run’s programming at Savoy runs during and immediately after the school day, it is laying important groundwork in a number of young lives.
by Jonathan Neeley starting point. What is it you do well? Play baseball? Dance? Sing? Visual arts? Then I have a hook, then we can motivate you to do well in your other subjects.” “Sports give kids exposure to a ‘can do’ attitude,” adds Billie Ragsdale, Savoy’s PE teacher. “It’s an outlet, a break from the classroom. It’s all positive. They learn to listen, focus, and be part of a team.”
The Best Kind of Feedback Loop
Founded by McCarthy in 1994 with the motto “Talent is what you have, effort is what you give,” Home Run’s brand of baseball is as much about showing respect for teachers and eating healthy servings of vegetables – “If you don’t eat your vegetables, we won’t practice,” McCarthy tells students before lunch – as it is teaching the proper way to field a ground ball. “It’s a 50/50 split,” McCarthy once told the “Today Show” of his breakdown between coaching baseball and life lessons. “You come out and play the game, and the coach weaves in that learning to hit is a sign that you’re a hard worker, that learning your position is part of being a team player. It’s like slipping a little vitamin into ice cream. They’re getting some subtle, day-to-day spiritual nutrition.” Savoy principal Patrick Pope is happy to include baseball alongside his school’s nationally renowned music and arts programs. Last school year, Savoy garnered national attention after visits from Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the New York City Ballet’s Damian Woetzel. Pope notes that the discipline required to learn any craft transfers over to academics. “What’s unique about baseball and sports depends on what kids are drawn to,” he says. “That’s our
Twenty-one-year old Reggie Williams, a lifelong Anacostia resident and graduate of Anacostia High School who started coaching at Savoy last fall, says he felt baseball’s positive impact as soon as he took up the sport in 9th grade. He recalls a high school playoff game when, with his team down 6-0, he brought his teammates in and reminded them of how hard they had worked to get to that point. “Let’s show them how Southeast kids can play,” he told them, sparking an 18-0 run that advanced his team to the next round. Baseball taught him that “even when losing, you can’t give in.” “Baseball changed me a lot,” Williams continues. “It can make you a patient person, discipline you and get you thinking about your pros and cons. I was very shy and was really very bad at making friends, but playing baseball changed the way I talk, walk, and meet new people.” The first in his family to go to college, Williams is now enrolled at Montgomery College, where he’s majoring in health and fitness and is on the waiting list to play on the baseball team. He is a living example of how sport development programs pay dividends for communities when former players are inspired to return as coaches. “It’s a perfect circle,” says Pope. “I don’t think he knew any of the kids [before he started coaching] (continued on pg.55) EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 53
KIDS & FAMILY
Setting Sights Higher
East of the River Career Exposure Camp Introduces Kids to What’s Possible in Life by Stephen Lilienthal
J
ustice Wright’s first airplane ride last summer took her up into the air. More importantly it helped elevate her thinking. The flight was just one of the activities staged by last summer’s East of the River Career Exposure Camp that’s helping Wright think more seriously about adulthood. Bernard Suber, designer of the camp’s curriculum and its co-director, says he sees too many of DC’s young men and women failing to achieve their potential because they lacked the support and knowledge necessary to succeed when younger. Career Exposure Camp’s goal is to show middle school students, primarily from Wards 7 and 8, what’s possible in their coming lives and what they will need to do to achieve their aspirations. There is no charge to have a child attend the camp, but parents are expected to attend an orientation. The first two camps, held at the Southeast White House on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, concentrated on architecture. The 2013 camp explored careers in architecture and aviation.
Building upon an Idea
In 2010 Suber, an architect, served as president of the DC National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA), at a time when the organization was intent on expanding its Project Pipeline program, which seeks to interest middle school minority youth in the profession of architecture. It’s needed because a June 2012 NOMA blog post noted only 1.5 percent of licensed architects were AfricanAmerican. Suber met fellow co-director Kellie Armstead Didigu through River East Emerg54 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
ing Leaders (R.E.E.L.), an organization of community leaders in Southeast who want to promote greater community involvement in decision-making. R.E.E.L. and DCNOMA’s Project Pipeline forged a partnership.
What Justice Wright Learned
Wright, who exhibits a natural ease and confidence, is an 8th grader at the Friendship Public Charter School/Woodridge in Northeast. She once entertained dreams of becoming a singer. “That started to change as I got older,” she says. Wright enrolled in last summer’s camp, which lasted six days. Thanks to a partnership with the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, Wright and 16 other students started learning about how airplanes fly, toured the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport, and took plane rides at another airport. Seeing the control tower, she came to understand the great responsibility controllers have in helping planes to land safely, but also observed that the controllers appeared to enjoy their work. But there were exercises to complete, overseen by professionals and students from Howard University who serve as mentors and instructors. As Suber notes, “We expect a lot from our students.” The students drew planes and towers. They performed exercises on iPads to guide planes toward safe landings. Architecture was covered during the latter part of the week. Students learned about the history and terms of architecture. They learned about structural support. They learned to draw to scale, a skill that requires knowledge of fractions. They toured the construction site of the Community of Hope Conway Health and Resource Center in Ward 8.
(continued from pg.53) but his story of growing up and using baseball as his outlet [resonated with them].” “A lot of those kids are similar to me,” says Williams. “I wish I could have started playing that young.”
Coach Mac
McCarthy himself, “Coach Mac,” as kids across the city know him, is a key cog in Home Run’s benevolence machine. A DC native and Wilson High School graduate, McCarthy has been driven to extend Home Run’s reach beyond its Northwest home and into the lives of those on the city’s economic margins. You can feel the excitement in his voice when he talks about helping Williams apply for scholarships and a position with City Year, or his certainty when talking about baseball as an inner-city social tool despite dwindling urban participation. “Very few kids don’t want to play baseball,” he says with confidence. “It can be done.” To the pack of 3rd graders who flock to him as he walks through Savoy’s front doors McCarthy’s energy is infectious. “His keen interest in baseball and educating kids was something I had always admired and wanted to connect with,” says Pope, whose daughter attended Home Run’s summer camps in the early 90s and who crossed paths with McCarthy when he was at Ward 2’s Hardy Middle School. “It was natural for me to want to give him a call.”
“We’ll Compete”
Career Exposure Camp students tour a construction site.
As the camp’s end approached, student teams competed to design a restaurant. Wright’s team developed a restaurant with three levels including an underwater restaurant for children and a rooftop restaurant for adults. Wright now understood that columns and arches help support buildings, but she felt more comfortable with the interior design of the restaurant. Wright says team members presented different ideas but were able to reach a consensus. Part of the goal of the camp is to impart a professional mindset that can serve students well in any profession ranging from auto mechanics to zoology. Students learn about the importance of acquiring a profession’s vocabulary, completing tasks, recording events and observations, working together in groups, and how to make presentations. Wright’s team lost but there was a payoff. “When I started the school year, I heard many people say they wanted to do singing and dancing. I did not hear many people say ‘I want to be
a lawyer.’ There are more opportunities for you to make it big as a lawyer,” she says. Wright is still young and perhaps her career interest will change. She wants to attend the academically rigorous Benjamin Banneker Academic High School this coming fall.
Coming Attractions
Eventually Suber hopes to increase the number of professions covered by the camp and its student participation. Despite the academic rigor, Suber says students with less than stellar scholastic records should not be deterred from applying. The camp can help illustrate what students must learn in school applies to a career. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. For information about East of the River Career Exposure Camp visit http://eotrbrightfutures.org/ u
Just before Ragsdale’s class is dismissed, McCarthy makes a final announcement: next year the top 20 players at Savoy will be selected to play on a Little League squad that will challenge teams from all over the District. They’ll be called the Brooklyn Dodgers, a nod to Jackie Robinson, and will have quality jerseys, the best coaches, and will be fed lunch on game days, he tells them. He’s going to invite Jimmy Lee and Fred Claire, two former Major League Baseball executives, to serve as honorary president and general manager; both seem like realistic possibilities given McCarthy’s track record of bringing in big names like major leaguers Emmanuel Burriss and Josh Harrison and former mayor Adrian Fenty to speak to Home Run kids. “We just need a few really good pitchers,” McCarthy says matter-of-factly of his Brooklyn squad. We’ll settle the other team down then outscore them. We’ll compete.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 H 55
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202-223-ROOF (7663) EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 ★ 57
“It’s a Men Thing”
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:
90. Develop
18. Yemen gulf
1. Possessed, in the Bible
92. More, in Madrid
24. Remain unused
6. Holy text
94. Battery part
25. Not fresh
11. Antitoxins
95. Sour fruit
29. Brouhaha
15. Constellation bear
96. Performed a tailor’s job
31. Arranger
19. Send, in a way
99. Military chaplain
32. Introduction
20. Hells Canyon locale
100. Our sun
34. Anxieties
21. Author Turgenev
101. Knuckleheads
35. ___ l’oeil
22. Cousin of a herring
102. Fountain order
36. Dido’s love
23. Store area
104. Refine
37. Doings
26. Bone-dry
108. Honshu city
38. Some grenades
27. Terpenoid lipids
110. Kyushu city
39. Mount Vernon, for one
28. Car compartment
114. Hand over
40. Ocean menace
29. Coach
115. Great insightfulness
41. Old English letters
30. Cognizant of
118. Module
42. Cool
31. Advanced degree
119. Round building
43. Addition column
33. Pathet ___
120. Accomplishments
45. Conceited
35. Asian weight units
121. Correct
46. Sea flier
38. Constitutional add-on
122. Imposes
50. Small fort
44. Enlivens (with “up”)
123. Oil source
51. Basketball maneuver
45. Left-hand page
124. Rock debris
53. Brace
47. Posting at JFK
125. ___ Tomas de Castilla
56. Live and breathe 57. Born
48. Col. Sanders feature 49. Solitary
59. Prosthesis
50. Mexican shawls: Var.
Down:
62. Foods
52. Heels
1. Chops
65. Bow
54. Top Tatar
2. Gazillions
67. Nancy, in Nancy
55. Bad sign
3. Broad
68. Antediluvian
58. Remote stations
4. Insoluble substances
69. ___ office
60. Female benefactor
5. Mortise insertions
70. Couch
61. Chinese blossom
6. Buddy
72. Reflective power
63. German industrial city
7. Keats creations
73. Address book abbr.
64. Stand for Steen
8. Criminal charge
74. Oenophile’s concern
66. Growls
9. “Gotcha!”
76. Audition tapes
71. Inflammation
10. Certain directions
77. Camelot lady
75. Theorist
11. Feign
78. Teen bane
79. Cowardly one
12. Knotted up
79. Watch part
83. Academic ceremony
13. Stick in one’s craw
80. Narthex neighbor
85. Container weight
14. Pantry pest
81. Wrinkle remover
86. Group
15. “Back in the ___”
82. Grassland
88. Aswarm
16. Cassowary’s cousin
84. Intended
89. Frequently, in verse
17. Eastern attire
87. Indian herb
58 ★ EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com
91. Grant
107. Net balls
93. Cig
109. Convince
95. Seedless orange
110. Art subject
97. “All in the Family” role
111. “Indeed!”
98. African antelopes
112. ___ State University
99. Sites
113. Chinese leader?
102. Billiards move
115. Medicinal amt.
103. Ottoman officer
116. Datebook abbr.
104. Atlantic fish
117. “___ the glad waters of the dark blue sea”: Byron
105. Dessert ___ 106. Modify