EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2011 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08 ............Go See Do 10 ............East of the River Calendar 16 ............Voices 18 ............The Bulletin Board 22 ............The Incumbents’ Advantage • by Martin Austermuhle 24 ............Making Sense of the Dollars Spent • by Kwame Boadi 26 ............Ward 7 Election • by Barrington Salmon 30 ............Benning Post Office Closing? • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 32 ............Older DCers Return to Schools • by Steve Lilienthal 33 ............Changing Hands • by Don Denton
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 34 ............Holiday Spirit Illuminates Congress Hts • by John Muller 35 ............The Life of Kelly Miller • by John Muller
8 34
36 ............Giving Locally Charity Listings 38 ............ The Big C • by Candace Y.A. Montague
KIDS & FAMILY 40 ............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 42 ............St. Francis Xavier Catholic School • by Alice Ollstein 44 ............The Classifieds 46 ............The Nose • by Anonymous
38 ON THE COVER:
HILL RAG MID CITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES THE EDUCATION EDITION Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF
KIDS & FAMILY
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 KATHLEEN.DONNER@GMAIL.COM
Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
SOCIETY & EVENTS Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com
HOMES & GARDENS
ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Hiring an Executive Director The DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative’s (www.dcpni.org) mission is to increase the number of children who complete their education from cradle to college and enter adulthood as productive participants in the 21st century economy and in the civic life of their communities. Top candidates must bring a deep commitment to social justice, an understanding of the education landscape, and a proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. To learn more and apply, visit www.goodjob.org.
Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)
2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com 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 RETAIL THERAPY: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, MIDCITY DC & EAST OF THE RIVER: CALENDAR EDITOR: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Melanie Sunukjian • melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway • holloway.shannon@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Amanda Abrahams • manda.abrams@gmail.com Lex Kiefhaber • lexk24@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com
Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com
NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:
Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES
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Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com
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 lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
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capitalcommunitynews.com 6 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
Success starts
NOW.
Enroll your 3 or 4 year old at AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School & prepare your child for success in school! (Free to DC residents!) AppleTree’s evidence-based program helps children develop the strong academic and social skills needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. AppleTree campuses offer: •
Lincoln Park 138 12th Street NE 202.621.6581
•
Oklahoma Avenue 320 21st Street NE 202.525.7807 Columbia Heights 2750 14th Street NW 202.667.9490
•
CARING AND ENGAGED TEACHERS who receive extensive training on early childhood learning & development STIMULATING AND FUN CLASSROOMS where children learn important skills & a positive approach to learning AN EVIDENCE-BASED CURRICULUM that increases academic & real-life knowledge for students and supports their individual needs
Southeast - Douglas Knoll 2017 Savannah Ter. SE 202.630.6805
We are hosting Open Houses on the following dates: Southeast - Parklands 2011 Savannah St. SE 202.630.6805 Southwest – Amidon 410 I Street SW 202.646.0094
December 7, 2011 - 10am-11am January 1, 2012, 11am-12pm February 16, 2012, 4pm-5pm March 6, 2012, 9am-10am March 22, 2012, 2pm-3pm
April 17, 2012, 9:30am-10:30am May 3, 2012, 4pm-5pm May 31, 2012, 11am-12pm June 12, 2012, 5pm-6pm
Southwest - Riverside 680 I Street SW 202.646.0500
RSVP for an open house by calling a campus or applying online at: AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School prohibits discrimination on the basis of a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, language spoken, intellectual or athletic ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or status as a student with special needs.
www.AppleTreePCS.org/Enroll If required, a public lottery will be held on Thursday April 7, 2011 at all campuses.
Apply Today- Now enrolling for the 2012-2013 school year.
FREE
foreclosure counseling credit repair homebuyer counseling tenant purchase counseling
UNIVERSITY LEGAL SERVICES Offices at Marshall Heights CDC 3939 Benning Road, NE | Washington DC 20019 202.396.1201x 131 | www.uls-dc.org CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 7
GO.SEE.DO. Black Nativity at H Street Playhouse This is Langston Hughes’ retelling of the Christmas story from an Afro-centric perspective, infused with rich gospel, blues, funk, jazz music and dance with griot style story telling from an ensemble cast. Today, nineteen centuries removed from Bethleham — in a land far across the sea from Judea — we sing His songs and glorify His name. Performances through Jan. 1. Tickets on sale now at $35. Discounts for under 18, students and seniors. H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE. 202-396-2125. theateralliance.com
This year’s Black Nativity cast. Photo: C. Stanley Photography
8 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
“Season’s Greenings” at the US Botanic Garden The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Season’s Greenings is on display through Jan. 2, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. There is live holiday music and extended hours until 8:00 PM every Tuesday and Thursday in December. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov
The Garden Court tree stands 30’ tall and is surrounded by a display of landmark buildings of our nation’s capital, all made from plant materials. This year’s new addition is a model of the Bartholdi Fountain. Photo: Courtesy of US Botanic Garden
A Kwanzaa Celebration Beginning with a drum call, the Farafina KanYouth Ensemble brings to life a festive Kwanzaa celebration. The program offers a historical overview of this special holiday season and audience participation that includes a libation, naming ceremony, interactive drumming, and a family and community values observance. A 30-minute concert includes a seamless fusion of traditional African music and dance, infused with the creative genius of the music of the African Diaspora: reggae, blues, jazz, funk, and hip hop. Dec. 29, 10:30 AM-noon. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1600 Morris Rd. SE
Ivy Hilton dances with Tiaune Wilson, center, during last year’s Anacostia Community Museum’s Family Kwanzaa Adventure program. Photo: Susana Raab CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 9
CALENDAR
Photo: Courtesy of THEARC
Through Darkness Came Light at THEARC Dec. 11, 6:00 PM. Roosevelt Productions presents “Through Darkness Came Light,” a gospel drama stage play that tells a story of faith, strength, the love of a child and your belief in God. Follow the journey of a young woman, Nya Walker, who is battling breast cancer and suffering in a domestic violence relationship. She wants nothing more than true love and support from her significant other but always dwindles under his forceful spell over her. As she tries to cope with her decision to stay with him because of their child, she is learning how to allow God’s glory walk her out of the darkness and into his light. $25. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Church, Lafayette Square, 16th and H sts. NW. stjohns-dc.org
CHRISTMAS, KWANZAA AND CHANUKAH Holiday Comedy Jam at Lincoln Theatre. Dec. 10, 7:00 PM. Hayes Entertainment presents the 2011 Holiday Comedy Jam. Featuring The DC Comedy Dream Team with Mike Brooks, Tony Woods, and Teddy Carpenter. Hosted by Lazee Lamont. $25-$30. St John’s Christmas Toy Drive. Through Dec. 14. You can be an angel by donating gifts, books, or gift cards for any age child. If you have questions, contact Patty Cole at PattyCole@me.com. 202-347-8766. St. John’s
10 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting. Visit the tree through New Years Day. The US Capitol Christmas tree is considered by many to be the most beautiful Christmas tree in the city. Capitol west lawn. capitolchristmastree2011.org Downtown DC Holiday Market. Through Dec. 23, noon-8:00 PM. The annual Downtown DC Holiday Market offers seasonal outdoor shopping with a festive atmosphere. It features nearly 180 rotating exhibitors and artisans with approximately 50 each week, offering distinctive gifts for sale including fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, photography, clothing and specialty foods. Centered at Eighth and F sts. NW. downtownholidaymarket.com | DECEMBER 2011
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18; 5:00-8:00 PM. Experience includes a candlelight tour, singing around a campfire, costumed characters, hot cider and cookies. $14-$20. Mount Vernon, VA (at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway-16 miles from DC). 703780-2000. mountvernon.org Honor an American Hero at Arlington National Cemetery with a Holiday Wreath. The National Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10. Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreathlaying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, is working hard this holiday season to fulfill its goal to honor every veteran buried at Arlington — 220,000 in total — with a memorial wreath. The organization continues to seek donations and volunteers and
encourages individuals to visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show. Dec. 10, 17 and 23; 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. Two floors of shopping at the largest African-American Department Store on the east coast. Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth St. NW. 202610-4188. bzbinternational.com National Museum of the American Indian Holiday Tree. Arrives Dec. 6. The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians from Tuolumne, CA are bringing the official NMAI holiday tree to Washington, D.C. The public, representatives from Congress and museum staff are invited to decorate the tree with provided ornaments and enjoy a dance performance by members of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202633-1000. nmai.si.edu
O Magnum Mysterium-Christmas Music from Renaissance Spain. Dec. 9-18. Folger Consort celebrates the holidays with the rich treasury of Christmas music from 16th-century Spain, including stunning works by Victoria, Morales, and Guerrero. Ethereal motets, brilliant instrumental pieces, and spirited peasant songs offer a fresh and festive celebration of the season in the Folger’s beautifully decorated theatre. With Piffaro the Renaissance Band, singers Roger Isaacs, Rosa Lamoreaux, François Loup, William Sharp, and Aaron Sheehan, and instrumentalist Joseph Gascho. $45. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu “It’s All About the Little Things” Art Exhibition. Dec. 9-18. Tiny, diminutive, miniature, but not microscopic. Show features 8”x10” or smaller artwork in 2- and 3-dimensions. Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA TheDelRayArtisans.org Fort Dupont Ice Arena Holiday Show. Dec. 10, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. This year’s holiday show will feature guest performances from Olympic Ice Dancers Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, up-and-coming international champion Emmanuel Savary, holiday numbers by FDIA’s Kids on Ice® Learn to Skate students, and the 2011Grassroots to Champions (G2C) Young Artists Showcase (YAS) choreographer’s competition finals along with other surprise guest stars. $5 suggested donation. 3779 Ely Pl. SE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org
UNITED PLANNING ORGANIZATION
28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Saturday, January 14, 2012 • 7:45 AM JW Marriot Hotel Washington DC
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC TICKET INFORMATION: Individual Ticket $100 All proceeds are greatly appreciated and are used to support UPO scholarships. Thank you for supporting our mission uniting people with opportunities. To purchase individual tickets or sponsorships visit http://mlkjrbreakfast.charityhappenings.org/
Holiday Caroling at the National Gallery of Art. Dec. 10-11 and 1718; 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Caroling in the seasonally decorated rotunda has become a favorite family activity of the holiday season. Guest choirs lead afternoon sing-along caroling. Singers and listeners of all ages are welcome. Free. West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art, Sixth St. and Constitution Ave. NW. nga.gov Zoolights. Fri.-Sun., through Dec. 11; Dec. 16-Jan. 1, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31; 5:00-9:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment. Free. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu Stories and Carols at Congressional Cemetery. Dec. 11, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Following the mission of celebrating the American heritage represented by those interred here, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery will hold a Christmas celebration featuring stories from the past. Cemetery “residents” will arise for the occasion to share stories of their Christmases past. Caroling and hot chocolate. Congressional Cemetery on Capitol Hill 1801 E St. SE. 202-543CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 11
CALENDAR 0539. congressionalcemetery.org Holiday Soiree at International Spy Museum. Dec. 14, 4:00-8:00 PM. The mission of the Community Night program is to spread goodwill and reach underserved communities. These free, fun-filled events are offered the last Wednesday of each month. Each month offers a different theme. In addition to the museum visit, guests have an opportunity to win prizes and test their spy skills with fun filled activities like the super-size cipher wheel, SPY trivia and much more!. Each month, the Spy Museum hosts a local organization co-sponsor to promote community unity. 800 F St. NW. 202-393-7798. spymuseum.org reel Holiday Dessert Party. Dec. 15, 7:00 PM. There will be lots of cupcakes, cookies, pies cobblers, music and several chances to win amazing prizes just in time for the holidays. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to dance, network and just have an all around good time with other East of the River residents. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for their toy drive. Honfleur Art Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Tour. Dec. 15, 1:00-2:00 PM. Ever wonder what Christmas decorating was like before there were plug-in lights, tinsel and stockings? Join the Assistant Curator of Education on a special tour of the period rooms for a look at earlyAmerican Christmas decorating. Available for groups of 5-15. Contact 202879-3341 or museum@dar.org. Advance reservation required. $3. DAR Museum, 1776 D St. NW. 202-628-1776. dar.org Celebrate Light-Celebrate Freedom. Dec. 15, 8:00 PM. A unique holiday concert with special guests--The Soldiers Chorus and The Pentagon Winds of the US Army Field Band, A taste of klezmer, ancient Sephardic songs, stunning spirituals, dreidels, Handel, and a woodwind quintet. Free but reservation suggested. Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St. NW. 301-963-3462. zemerchai.org Minor Thoughts Quartet Presents Holiday Jazz. Dec. 15, 5:00-7:00 PM. Who couldn’t use a little more jazz and pizzazz in their holidays? This local DC quartet includes Jerome Meltzer on keyboard, Gary Hacker on drums, Dan Griffin on bass, and Joey Whitney on sax; Maureen Mullaney provides the vocals. The group’s festive tunes and fresh Latin take on some of the season’s favorite songs make it impossible to resist the holiday spirit. Free. American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-7970. americanart.si.edu Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Tour. Dec. 15, 1:00-2:00 PM. Ever wonder what Christmas decorating was like before there were plug-in lights, tinsel and stockings? Join the Assistant Curator of Education on a special tour of the period rooms for a look at early-American Christmas decorating. Available for groups of 5-15. Contact 202-879-3341 or muse-
12 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Corridor, Lacock Abbey. Pigment print from color negative, 2011. Photo: Lisa McCarty
Some Account of Lacock Abbey at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions Through Dec. 16. Lisa McCarty exhibits photographs taken at Lacock Abbey, the home of William Henry Fox Talbot. Both site and subject of the first photographic negative, the Abbey is hallowed ground in the history of photography and became a point of pilgrimage for McCarty. 2208 MLK Ave. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com um@dar.org. Advance reservation required. $3. DAR Museum, 1776 D St. NW. 202-6281776. dar.org Gay Men’s Chorus “Red and Greene”. Dec. 16-18. DC’s perennial favorite is back with a very special guest, Broadway and television star, Ellen Greene (Little Shop of Horrors, Pushing Daisies). Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s no place like homo for the holidays. Bold production numbers and glittering holiday songs from a Chorus of more than 250 men will make your days merry and bright. Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. gmcw.org
| DECEMBER 2011
Carols by Candlelight at National Cathedral. Dec. 17, 6:00 PM; Dec. 18, 4:00 PM. (Choral prelude starts about 20 minutes before the service.) Bible readings are interspersed with Christmas music, candle-lighting, and prayers in this holy service inviting the peace of the season. Washington National Cathedral (intersection of Wisconsin and Massachusetts aves. NW). 202-537-6200. cathedral.org Remembering Christmas Variety Show. Dec. 18, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Travel back in time this holiday season and remember Christmas in the era of 50’s rock n’ roll bands and Sinatra-toned melodies. You’ll ex-
perience the style of Mad Men and the musical excitement of Glee in this family-friendly production. Free. Atlas Performing Arts Theater, 1333 H St. NE. Chanukah on the Ellispe. Dec. 20, 4:00 pm. Enjoy potato latkas and donuts, Dreidelman and The Macabees and fun for the entire family on the Ellipse. Free tickets are required and available online at nationalmenorah.org. 202-332-5600 Holiday Arts and Crafts. Dec. 20, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Join them for a morning of arts and crafts where participants design and make holiday objects. All materials will
be provided. For reservations, call 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia. si.edu Hanukah Happy Hour on the Hill. Dec. 20, 6:00 PM. Don’t miss out on all the Hannukah fun! Join more than a dozen organizations for the biggest party of the year that brings in hundreds of Jewish young adults from all over the DC area. Be sure to bring winter gloves, socks, scarves, hats, shampoo, lotion and hand sanitizer (travel sizes). All items will be donated to the December 25th Day of Service at the Washington DCJCC and given as holiday gifts to the DC homeless community. $5. The Pour House, 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O at the Atlas. Dec. 21, 8:00 PM. It was a snowy day in May when Matt Wilson, Jeff Lederer and Paul Sikivie gathered at Maggie’s Farm recording studio to spread Christmas cheer. The result of that gathering is Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O, a collection of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes that’s destined to be added to holiday music collections all over the globe. $25. Atlas performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org Latkes & Learning at Sixth and I. Dec. 22, 7:00 PM. Study text and reflect on the miracles of Chanukah over a holiday-themed dinner. For those in their 20s and 30s. $8. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-408-3100. sixthandi.org Kennedy Center Messiah Sing-Along. Dec. 23, 8:00 PM. Join the Kennedy Center House Orchestra, a 200 voice choir, a professional soloist and fellow audience members in a glorious “sing-along” of Handel’s beloved masterpiece. This is Washington’s most popular free holiday event. One ticket per person available two hours before performance (6:00 PM) in front of Concert Hall. kennedy-center.org Seven Nights of Light at the Franciscan Monastery. The luminaries (seven-day candles) will be lighted in the churchyard on Christmas Eve and continue glowing for seven days and nights until New Year’s Eve. Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE. 202-526-6800. fmgg.org Christmas at Washington National Cathedral. Dec. 24, Lessons and Carols, 6:00 PM, Midnight Eucharist, 10:00 PM. (Both services require free tickets but there will be a stand-by line that usually gets in.). Dec. 25, Festive Eucharist (televised), 9:00 AM; Festive Eucharist, noon; Christmas vespers (Evensong). 4:00 PM; Christmas organ concert, 5:00 PM. Intersection of Wisconsin and Massachusetts aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org Celebration of Christmas at the National Shrine. Dec. 24, Children’s Mass with Gospel Pageant, 5:00 PM; Musical Meditations on the Nativity, 10:00 PM; Solemn Vigil Mass, 10:30 PM. Dec. 25, Masses, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM; Solemn Mass, noon; Spanish Mass, 2:30 PM. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com
Christmas Dinner For Those Who Are Alone or In Need. Dec. 25, 12:15-2:00 PM. Dining Room of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This is a walk-in meal. Just show up. To Volunteer, call: 202-526-8300. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com All Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam. Dec. 25, 6:00 PM. December 25 always brings this popular annual event. Free. Kennedy Center. 202-416-8340. kennedy-center.org Chinatown Restaurants are Open Christmas Day. National (White House) Christmas Tree. Through Jan. 1. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, as a local choir and a “quartet” from the US Marine Band performed. 89 years later, this American holiday tradition continues to bring citizens together to share in a message of hope and peace. Musical groups perform nightly, weekdays, 6:00-8:30 PM; weekends, 4:00-8:30 PM. The Ellipse (south of the White House). 202-208-1631. thenationaltree.org New Holiday Model Train Display at Union Station. Through Jan. 2, in the main hall. The model train displays are made up of O Gauge trains from the steam and modern eras. Every train is outfitted with stateof-the-art electronics capable of recreating the sounds, lights and smoke of their reallife counterparts and each display is controlled by the MTH. DCS Digital Command System providing hands-free control of the railroad by starting, stopping and running the trains independent of a human “engineer”. mthtrains.com A Christmas Carol at Ford’s. Through Dec. 31. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this musicinfused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge in the production The Washington Post hailed as “musically highspirited” and “infectiously jolly.” $35-$75. 202-347-4833. fordstheatre.org Ford’s Theatre Partners with Miriam’s Kitchen. The Ford’s Theatre Society announced that the cast of the production of “A Christmas Carol” is partnering with Miriam’s Kitchen to create a donation drive inspired by the themes of charity in Dickens’s holiday classic. During the curtain calls for performances of “A Christmas Carol”, the cast will collect monetary donations on behalf of the Washington-based non-profit Miriam’s Kitchen. Patrons can also make donations through the Ford’s Theatre Box Office. All donation checks should be made payable to “Miriam’s Kitchen.” “A Christmas Carol” plays at Ford’s Theatre though Dec. 31. miriamskitchen.org The Garden of Lights (Winter Garden Walk) at Brookside Gardens. Through Jan. CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
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CALENDAR 8, 5:30-9:00 PM, weekdays; 5:30-10:00 PM, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. 940,000 twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. $20-$25 per car. It’s a walk-through, however. Brookside Gardens Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallan Ave.,Wheaton, MD. montgomeryparks.org/brookside African Heritage Dancers & Drummers Kwanzaa Celebration. Dec. 26, 7:00-10:00 PM. Event features traditional candle lighting ceremony, guest speakers, performances by African Heritage Dancers & Drummers and guest artist. Free. Donations accepted. African Heritage Center, 1320 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-399-5252 Kwanzaa Arts Workshop. Dec. 30, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM and 1:30-3:30 PM. This twohour craft workshop will focus on designing and producing your own Kwanzaa gift. All materials will be provided. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Creative Content Artisans Style Group Holiday Pop-Up Events. Dec. 9-18. Millee Spears of Khismet Wearable Art, Charita Powell of Amazulu & Chaya Designs, Stef N’ Ty and Nicole Summers will all be there! @ Blank Space SE, 1922 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. blankspacese.com Make a Fabric Mosaic Piece. Dec. 10, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM. Maria Goodwin returns with a new Lo-Sew/No-Sew project. Learn the basics of the mosaic technique with fusible webbing, fabric, scissors, marking tools, templates, and an iron. No experience needed! For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Artuaré at the Anacostia Community Museum. Dec. 12-Mar. 18, 2012. The second exhibition in the Call & Response series presents the works of artists Steven Cummings and the work of Creative Junkfood, a multi-media production studio. In Artuaré, artist Steven Cummings looks at the power of representation and how images shape our ideas of who we are; he also shares his response to the philosophy and artistic vision of artist B.K. Adams. Their collaboration created a unique dialogue of creativity and exploration that spurred the creation of several works of public art and that continues today to inspire both Adams’s and Cummings’s work. The artists of Creative Junkfood, under the creative direction of Candice Taylor and Nabeeh Bilal, present Conversations in the Contemporary, a multi-media installation of animation, video, poetry, and sound that explores personal
14 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
identity in the immediacy of the political, social, and cultural environment and calls upon viewers to craft their own response. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Louie Palu, The Fighting Season at Honfleur Gallery. Through Dec. 16. Honfleur Gallery presents award-winning photographer Louie Palu’s work The Fighting Season which was completed as several related studies of Kandahar and the surrounding region of Southern Afghanistan. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202536-8994. honfleurgallery.com Linoleum Block Printing. Dec. 17, 10:30 AM-1:00 PM. Artist Katherine Watson teaches you how to carve your own design into a soft linoleum block and print the design onto paper and fabric! Recommended for ages 13 to adult. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness. Dec, 15, 5:00-7:00 PM. The SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness is a free six session training series, taught by exceptional and experienced medical practitioners including several pediatricians and a dentist. Participants who attend all six sessions receive a $100 gift card. Those who attend 5 sessions receive a $50 gift card, and $25 if you attend 4. Participants must be at least 18 to be eligible for the gift card. All attendees also receive a certificate. For more information or to register, contact Ellen Wiggins at 202-436-3076. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org Momma She Can’t Sing at THEARC. Dec. 17, 4:00 PM. Hot Spots Entertainment Productions presents “Momma She Can’t Sing,” a gospel stage play comedy/drama that follows the adventures of Momma, a female preacher who holds her church and hair salon in her living room while raising three daughters and dealing with dramatic patrons every day. Featuring Ray, Goodman & Brown as well as The Moments. $25. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Ballou International 5K. Dec. 10, 9:00 AM. Run around the block and help Ballou students run around the WORLD! All proceeds from the Ballou International 5K go toward International Education programs offered at Ballou Senior High School. $50. Ballou Senior High School, 3401 Fourth St. SE. 202656-9334. active.com Capital Running Company Jingle All the Way 8K. Dec. 11, 9:00 AM. Seventh annual holiday-themed event moves out of the parks and offers a flat, fast course down Pennsylvania Ave. ChronoTrack timing offered with awards to top 10 male and female finishers, and top 3 M/F finishers in 5 year age groups. Fun event also includes colorful long sleeve t-shirts, team competition, and jingle | DECEMBER 2011
bells to all runners! Jingle All the Way! Near Freedom Plaza, Between 12th & 13th St. on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $30. All ages welcome. 301-871-0400. runwashington.com
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
Washington Capitals Hockey. Dec. 13, 20, 28 and 30; 7:00 PM. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-266-2277. capitals.nhl.com Washington Wizards Basketball. Dec. 16, 19, 21, 23 and 26, 7:00 PM. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-397-SEAT. nba.com/wizards Christmas Caper 5K & 10K. Dec. 17, 7:30 AM. East Potomac Park, Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr. 301-292-1441. pvtc.org Cuban Salsa Classes at Trinity University. Every Saturday, 1:00-3:00 P.M., Alumnae Hall, Room B1. The classes are open to the public, drop-in, very friendly and informal. $10/class. No dance experience needed, but the class will cover all levels from beginners to advanced. 301-980-6043. DanceInTime.com Adult Dance Classes. Mondays, 7:00-8:15 PM, African dance; Tuesdays, 8:00-9:15 PM, Ballet; Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zumba. The Washington Ballet @ THEARC offers three adult classes this year. Classes are $10 each or you may purchase a $100 class card for 12 classes. Classes are only $5 for residents who live in the 20020 or 20032 zip codes. (Valid ID required.) THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open through Mid Mar. (depending on the weather). Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating. Open daily through mid-Mar. 10:00 AM-11:00 PM. $7-$8. $3 for skate rental. 1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, VA. 703-418-6666. pentagonrowskating.com
CIVIC LIFE Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, Dec. 10, 10:00 AM-noon. Big Chair Coffee n’ Grill (upstairs). All are welcome to attend and discuss what’s happening East of the River. 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. 202525-4287. Metrobus Route W4 Public Meeting. Dec. 13, 5:30-8:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to show some ideas for improvements to the W4 route, hear your feedback on the ideas, and listen to your suggestions for additional improvements to the W4. The format of the meetings is “open house” style, meaning that there will not be a presentation at a set time. Simply arrive anytime between 5:30-8:00 PM on the day of the meeting, and the project team will explain Metro’s preliminary ideas for improvements to the W4. Petey Greene Center, 2907 MLK Ave. SE (at Lebaum St., just north of the W4 Route at Malcolm X Ave. SE). Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. 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. Ward 7 Democrats Monthly Meeting. Fourth Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. Ward Memorial AME Church, 241 42nd St. NE. 202-584-8477 or info@ward7democrats. ward7democrats.org 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.
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 Center, 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
Capitol View Civic Association Monthly Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org
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
Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th
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.
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. 6th District Citizens Advisory Council. Second Monday, except July and Aug. 7:00 PM. 6th District HQ, 100 42nd St. NE. MPD 7D Citizens Advisory Council Meeting. Third Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7:00-9:00 PM. 7D Police Station Community Room, 2455 Alabama Ave. SE. For details, contact Lendia Johnson at 202-698-1454. PSA 703 Meeting. Last Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:30-8:00 PM. St. John CME Church, 2801 Stanton Rd. SE. For details, contact Lt. Edward Aragona at 202-698-1446. ANC Meeting for 7-A. Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM. Benning-Stoddard Rec. Center, 100 Stoddard Pl. SE. 202-7271000. 7A@anc.dc.gov. anc7a.org ANC Meeting for 7-B. 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 Meeting for 7-C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC Meeting for 7-D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC Meeting for 7-E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC Meeting for 8-A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-8896600. anc8adc.org ANC Meeting for 8-B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC Meeting for 8-C. First Wednesday (June meeting is on the nineth because of the holiday), 6:30 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC Meeting for 8-D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC Meeting for 8-E. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-5616616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 15
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
VOICES: Donatelli Project Should Not be Built by Gregori Stewart
T
he planned Donatelli project at Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road should not be built. I say this because as presently designed it is a residential project placed into a commercial corridor that is already saturated with residents. Council Chairman Kwame Brown stated at recent hearing this project is getting something “built.” Is the goal to get something built? Just trying to get something built does not equate to economic development. The plan for the Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road intersection should be to bring in a significant daytime and evening population that would give businesses a reason to locate into the area. Many people, as well as myself, think that the Community College of the District of Columbia Ward 7 campus should be located at that corner of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road which would serve as the anchor destination to spur further positive and much needed development. DOES and CCDC both have significant numbers of employees and with the constant flow of students and others utilizing the services of both the area would be a vibrant hub of activity similar to near GWU, Howard and UDC. One of the chief advocates for this idea is ANC 7D Chair Willette Seaward who has proposed, under testimony before Chairman Brown, that the site be used as the location of the CCDC Ward 7 campus. She was supported in this by several of the constituents of 7D who also submitted letters of testimony. And fellow ANC 7D resident Tom Brown who is challenging embattled Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander also agrees with this great idea and has submitted testimony in support as well. They wisely want Smart Growth in their community. Smart Growth is about providing a sustainable economic ecosystem at or near major transit centers. Good examples include Columbia Heights, Gallery Place Chinatown, NOMA and the SW Waterfront. All of these areas benefitted from having projects of varying scope and size located next to their Metrorail accessible properties and all of those Wards experienced significant growth from those projects and are now highly desirable locations. That same philosophy and common business sense applied in Ward 7 at this site, which is near the Minnesota Ave Metrorail station, would have the same result, a vibrant thriving business corridor located adjacent to transit. The Community College is the centerpiece of the recently announced Walmart associate training initiative. This initiative is being spearheaded in collaboration with the Department of Employment Services (DOES) whose headquarters is already located near the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road. Community Colleges typically do not have career centers so the placement of these complimentary organizations in such close proximity to each other just makes sense. DOES would act and become the career center for CCDC. These two entities being charged with reducing the East of the River’s stubbornly high unemployment rate being located immediately next to each other, providing convenience to the customer, is a no-brainer and a unique op16 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
portunity that needs to be taken advantage of. Ward 7 needs economic development that makes sense and what makes sense is transit oriented and sustainable development. Let’s see Smart Growth finally win out East of the River versus just “getting something built”. Gregori Stewart is a Ward 7 Resident residing in Capitol View
It’s About Time for a Change! by Alicia Renix
T
here is never enough time; only 24 hours in a day, and for most students, a quarter of that day is spent in school. But what if what we have always known and accepted as the school day is just not enough to yield the results we know we need to see? Today, more than ever, educators across this nation are focused on extended time in school as one of many of the missing ingredients needed to improve academic success in neighborhoods where schools have traditionally been low performing. In fact, there are nearly 2,000 schools across the country in which extended time programs have been implemented. At a time when some schools are scrambling to explain and respond to a cycle of low performance, these schools are using more time to help close achievement and opportunity gaps. But, what does more time in school really mean? I would contend that more time in school means there will be more time to prepare students for college; more time to maximize learning; more time to anchor instruction and deepen students’ understanding and engagement; more time to promote a culture of accountability for learning; more time to foster a learning environment where students know it is okay to make mistakes when teachers will be there for them when they have questions; and more time means more time for individualized instruction. School leaders have determined that the relentless pursuit of excellence must extend past 180-days school year calendar, and 6 ½ hours school day. In some schools primarily charter and/or private institutions, extended time consists of longer school days, or additional after school programs that supplement the traditional instructional day. There are some schools that have extended their 180 day school year, to year round school calendars. Extended time could also take the form of afterschool programs, attending school on Saturdays, out-of-school learning activities, and even summer school programs. According to the Center for Extended Learning Time’s Report, “Time for a Change: The Promise for Extended-Time Schools for Promoting School Achievement” notable extended time initiatives have produced gains in high stakes test scores and even increased graduation and college attendance rates. This report highlighted the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), and the Massachusetts 2020 initiatives. Specifically, KIPP schools have extended the amount of time students spend in school by nearly 60%, resulting in an unparallel track record of success. Over the last five years, the Massachusetts 2020 has been a lead partner in launching eight major initiatives in Massachusetts public schools. This initiative included extended school year, and after school programs with literacy specialists. In 2005, Massachusetts 2020 was instrumental in helping state legislatures restructure public schools to extend their day and year, and appropriated state funds for schools to support that reform. When others make excuses and say some kids just can’t learn, both KIPP schools and the Massachusetts 2020 initiatives have proven what’s possible
when kids have more time. If we are serious about closing the achievement gap and ensuring children of color are receiving a quality education, regardless of their zip code, I cannot think of a more valuable resource to support teaching and learning than extended time. The time is now and our kids cannot afford to wait any longer. It’s about time to make a change! Alicia Renix is a second-year doctoral student in the Education Administration and Policy program at Howard University in Washington D.C. Feedback on this article can be sent to Alicia.renix@kippdc.org.
Democracy Cannot Operate in Secret by David Grosso
O
nce again, the conduct of one councilmember has cast an ethical shadow over the entire D.C. Council. Late last year, with scant public notice and no public hearings, Councilmember Michael A. Brown quietly modified a supplemental budget bill to legalize on-line gambling. The first public hearing on the provision, now called iGaming, was not held until months after the bill became law. According to The Washington Post and The Examiner, Councilmember Brown had a financial stake in the law when he rushed it through, and he did not reveal his firm’s financial interests. As a D.C. native, a former Council staff member, and a candidate for an atlarge seat on the Council, I find this entire episode offensive. We cannot continue to accept this devolution of the political process a process designed to ensure public involvement into a scheme that prevents public involvement and hides the truth until it is too late. At recent public hearings, I have heard angry demands that iGaming be repealed, requests by Councilmember Jack Evans that the Inspector General investigate, and outrage among those of us who believe it is wrong to pass controversial, self-dealing legislation in secret. I can only imagine that the public outcry now resonating throughout the city is exactly the reaction that Councilmember Brown sought to avoid before he quietly changed the law. Behind that outcry is this inescapable point: Councilmember Brown was wrong. To be clear, the quick, quiet legalization of gambling did not come from public demand for on-line poker. This subversion of the political process was not meant to curtail some sort of major underground gambling epidemic. There is no evidence that the Council deliberately avoided public comment as a means to increase services for the poor, expand job training, or improve public education. In fact, the proceeds from iGaming, while likely to generate significant profit for out-of-state corporations, are insufficient to justify this rush to make the District the first in the nation to legalize on-line gambling. We have no independent verification, outside the D.C. government, that this scheme does not violate federal gambling law. We only know that the gambling industry, represented, when the bill was passed, by Councilmember Brown’s law firm, stands to benefit. And when this law is challenged, District taxpayers, not private gambling interests, will pay the exorbitant legal costs to defend a law we did not ask for. Our councilmembers should know better than to enrich private interests at the expense of D.C. taxpayers. It is an indictment of the ethics of the Council that a councilmember with a financial stake in this law could push it through in secret. This is only the latest evidence that we need a strong ethics law, with real penalties, to ensure that councilmembers cannot continue to profit from their votes. Self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and divided loyalties are inconsistent with the moral and legal duties we require of our elected officials. This scandal must be investigated fully before the law can go into effect. District residents deserve to know the truth. David Grosso is a candidate for the City Council At-Large seat. ●
Are Dog Parks Just For the White and the Rich? by Nikki Peele
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ne fall Saturday I loaded up my little fur baby and headed over to Northwest to the Shaw Dog Park. In the car it takes 30 minutes to drive to and from the dog park. To justify the time and gas I try and stay a few hours so Teddy (my dog) can take full advantage of one of the few times he gets to run off leash. I’ve written about the lack of East of the River dog parks before. What I wanted to touch on briefly is the resistance from some River Easters when it comes to certain amenities like dog parks and bike lanes. Those “white people things” as some folks have been known to say. Call me greedy (I prefer “ambitious”), but I am a person who wants all the wonderful things life has to offer -- especially when my taxes pay for them. I much prefer the “and” over the “or.” Don’t give me a choice between two great things because I will try to find a way to have both. I wantl (and expect) East of the River to have all the nice things D.C. has to offer. East of the River may sometimes may get the short end of the stick due to outside forces, but what about the psychology of self imposed limitations? I am looking to the small (but vocal) group of folks who at the first mention of dog parks and bike lines start making insinuations that dog parks and bike lines are for the rich and the white. Try as I might I have never understood that type of logic or selfimposed limitations. To be fair, not having dog parks is not the end of the world and is not even in the top 10 list of issues facing East of the River. I am not so sure I would even have paid this much attention if I didn’t have a dog, but I do, so I notice. I feel the same way about bike lanes. I don’t bike but I see the logic and benefits of having a safe place to do so. Now I will say that anything that gets people out and into the community where they can interact is a good thing. In the Shaw Dog Park I always notice people standing in groups, talking, and communing with one another. It goes beyond race, age, or paycheck. Everyone can relate. If someone not of my ethnic or geographic background were to tell me that something was beyond my reach (e.g. a neighborhood, a nice car, a quality education) I would think they didn’t know me very well. If someone who looked just like me and lived in the same community told me that something was beyond “our” reach I would think they didn’t know themselves very well. I am a black woman living East of the River and I want it all - dog parks and bike lanes included. ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 17
BULLETIN BOARD Old market House Square park is officially opened. Photo: Courtesy of DDOT
Restoration of Old Market House Square Completed On Nov. 9, the District Department of Transportation, Ward 8 councilmember Marion Barry and community leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of Old Market House Square in historic Anacostia. The small park, in the median on 14th St. SE between U and V sts., now boasts new lighting, benches, paths, handicap ramps, grass and trees. DDOT also installed new sidewalks and curbs and repaved the roadway around the square. The restoration cost $480,000 and was funded in part by DDOT, Earmark funds provided by Councilmember Barry, and a grant from the TKF foundation of Maryland. This median park was renamed John A. Logan Park in 1908, but the community has requested that it once again be known by its historic name, Old Market House Square. Some of the new features include chess tables, a meditation and reading area, and a bench made from recycled wood from 200-year-old pickle barrels.
History of Eastland Gardens Told Through Photographs The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Eastland Gardens from the Eastland Gardens Flower Club. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by. Eastland Gardens, a little-known treasure in Northeast Washington, DC, is preserved and cherished by the generations who have called it home. Though development was initiated in 1928 by a white-owned real estate investment company, black families and individuals seeking a suburb in the city were able to purchase double lots for singlefamily houses and gardens. They relied on the expertise of African American builders and designers—sometimes the owners themselves—to create their dream homes. The authors--Javier Barker, Regina King, Althia Harris, and Zerline Hughes--are officers and webmaster, respectively, of the Eastland Gardens Flower Club. With support from the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, and the DC Historic Preservation Office, they collected memories 18 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
and photographs from the personal collections of residents who value the powerful history of their neighborhood. Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at arcadiapublishing.com or 888-3132665.
Bread for the Soul Toy and Book Drive DC Water and the District Department of Public Works (DPW) are teaming up to host the 10th Annual Bread for the Soul Toy and Book Drive, a charity drive that delivers food baskets, books, toys and cash donations to families across the District impacted by HIV and AIDS. Bread for the Soul is an annual, employee-driven. From now through December 14, DC Water and DPW employees will be collecting toys, books and cash donations. Collection bins for gifts will be placed in designated locations at all DC Water and DPW facilities. Citizens may also bring new, unwrapped toys and books to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at 901 G Street, NW. All food baskets and gifts will be delivered to the fami| DECEMBER 2011
lies on Saturday, December 17, 2011.
Randall Neighbor Day at the Corcoran Gallery of Art On Dec. 10, all ANC 6D residents (ZIP codes 20024 and 20003) can visit the Corcoran for free. The annual event came about due to the community benefits package the ANC negotiated with the Corcoran in 2007 when they planned to redevelop Randall School at Half & I Street as a college and apartment complex. When the Telesis/Rubell team took over the project in 2010, the subsidy was maintained. In addition, once the new museum planned for Randall School opens, the Corcoran will be free every day for ANC 6D residents. Special exhibitions at the Corcoran include 30 Americans, which showcases works by many of the most important African American artists of the last three decades. The Corcoran will be open on Dec. 10, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 510 17th St. NW. 202-639-1770. corcoran.org
National Symphony Orchestra
Coming to THEARC Save the date. The National Symphony Orchestra returns to THEARC on Jan 7 with another exciting concert that celebrates the work of African American composers. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org
Volunteer at the Anacostia Community Museum Dedicated volunteers are needed to assist the museum in a variety of research, educational, and collections activities. Interested persons are urged to contact Shelia Parker at 202-6334823. anacostia.si.edu
Innovative “Eco-friendly” Office Building Opens in Ward 8 On. Dec. 2, Chiaramonte Construction Company (CCC) opened new office space at 2260 Minnesota Ave. SE. Expressing enthusiasm regarding the new location, CCC Vice President, Frank Chiaramonte commented, “We are thrilled to bring in the New Year in our new space on
Minnesota Ave. and celebrate the support we consistently receive from our Ward 8 neighbors. We are extremely thankful for the partnerships and friendships blooming between us and area businesses, churches and schools. CCC is delighted to be part of the swell of private development projects that foster thriving business and employment opportunities in this area. Ward 8 has our continued support and investment in the place we call “home.” The event included tours of the newly renovated, eco-friendly building and featured light fare from a neighborhood restaurant and cupcakery. As well, the occasion offered an opportunity for donations to be made to Children of Mine Youth Center (childrenofminedc.org). The Center is a volunteer-based, after school program dedicated to providing a clean, safe and loving environment for all youth across the Washington, DC area. CCC matched all monetary donations made to the Center during the event. cc-builder.com.
Annual Black History Month Luncheon Tickets Available The luncheon is Saturday, Feb. 25, 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the Washington Renaissance Hotel. Dr. Johnnetta Coleis the featured speaker. Before assuming her current position, Johnnetta Cole had a long and distinguished career as an educator and humanitarian. Her work as a college professor and president, her published works, her speeches and her community service consistently address issues of racial, gender, and all other forms of inequality. $75-$125. asalh.net
Wacky & Whimsical Tea to Benefit THEARC The “Wacky & Whimsical Tea to Benefit THEARC” is a fun-filled Sunday afternoon that will include high tea, a silent CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 19
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Clean-up day volunteers Photo: Torey Hollingsworth
Ward 7 Community Clean-up On Nov. 5, dedicated Ward 7 residents spent their Saturday morning picking up trash in Deanwood and Kenilworth. Residents from around the ward collected twenty-four bags of trash along Kenilworth Ave., cleaning up one of the main gateways to the neighborhood from I-295. Armed with trash grabbers, gloves and trash bags, participants enjoyed spending time getting to know other Ward 7 residents while also giving back to their community. The event was sponsored by HandsOn Greater DC Cares, a regional non-profit specializing in mobilizing people interested in serving. Food was provided by Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts and Harris Teeter for the hard-working volunteers to snack on after a few hours of picking up trash. More Ward 7 clean-ups will be happening in spring. It anyone is interested in joining their neighbors in making the community a cleaner and more beautiful place to live and work, please contact Torey Hollingsworth, Ward 7 Liaison at HandsOn Greater DC Cares at 202-777-4453 or thollingsworth@greaterdccares.org. auction and creative games for kids of all ages and their families, including magic tricks, hat decorating, exciting games, special entertainment and other surprises. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Sunday, Feb. 12, 2:004:00 p.m. $125, adults; $75, 13 and under. Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Access to the Frederick Douglass Home The Douglass Home sits atop Cedar Hill. The home is reachable by taking 85 stairs or by using a long ramp. The first floor of the home is wheelchair accessible (after traveling up the ramp from the bottom of the hill). The second floor is only attainable by ascending a flight of stairs. Staff will provide 20 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
a photo tour of the second floor for any visitors unable to reach it. With staff permission it is possible for personal vehicles to drop a visitor off at the top of Cedar Hill. Please enquire in the visitor center before driving up. No vehicles larger than a 15 passenger van will be granted access. The visitor center (at the bottom of the hill) is accessible and the 17-minute film “Frederick Douglass: Fighter for Freedom” is closed captioned as well as having both assisted and descriptive listening devices (maximum four devices available at one time). If you would like a sign language interpreter for your tour please notify us two weeks in advance. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5961. nps. gov/frdo
Nash Run Trash Trap Cleanup The Anacostia Watershed Society has been experimenting with a stationery device built to strain the | DECEMBER 2011
trash from the flowing waters of Nash Run, located adjacent the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This cleanup is an excellent opportunity to learn about the trash challenges of the Anacostia-and what is being done to address it. They need about 4-5 people for this cleanup.The task needs squatting down for a relatively long time, and may be a little physically demanding. For more information, contact Masaya Maeda at mmaeda@anacostiaws.org or at 301699-6204 x110. Dress for field activities. Saturday, Dec. 17, noon-3:00 p.m. at around the intersection of Anacostia Ave. NE and Douglas St. NE. This site is about an 8 minute walk from the Deanwood Metro station on the Orange Line. Please RSVP because they may want to communicate with you. This event might be canceled suddenly because the trash trap lies across a small stream and they cannot work on high flow events. Also, there may be no trash at the end of the month if there is no intense rainfall event by then. anacostiaws.org
count. For lost books, cardholders can speak with a library employee to have their account cleared. For many years, the Library has not charged fines on overdue children’s books. Additionally, library cardholders are encouraged to visit any DC Public Library during this period to update their customer account with changes in email addresses, mailing addresses or phone numbers.
Solar Living in Ward 7
Corcoran ArtReach at THEARC
If you want to go solar or have already gone solar and live in Ward 7, please contact Solarcoop@yahoo. com. There’s literally ‘power’ (electric) in numbers and in the solar cooperatively coming together, everyone benefits! Join them to learn more! The EmpowerHouse Collective is working in partnership with DC Solar United Neighborhoods and Groundwork Anacostia River DC to build and strengthen the Ward 7 Solar Cooperative! 202-575-1469
DC Public Libraries to Forgive Overdue Fines Through Feb. 5, 2012, the DC Public Library system will forgive fines on overdue, lost or damaged books, CDs, DVDs, and other library materials. The campaign, entitled “Check it In” aims to encourage users who have avoided the library because of outstanding fines or fees to return and use the library. To have a fine forgiven, cardholders can return overdue or damaged books or other library materials to any DC Public Library and speak with a library employee to update their ac-
DPR Grass Fields Close for Winter The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has announced the closure of all grass fields for the winter season. DPR grass fields will be offline until Saturday, Mar. 17, 2012. Artificial turf fields will remain open and available for permits during the season except when severe weather makes the fields unplayable. For more information, visit the DPR athletic fields information page on Twitter @DCDPR.
As one of Washington, DC’s oldest art museums and the city’s only college of art and design, the Corcoran is proud to reside as the visual arts partner at THEARC through the Corcoran ArtReach program. Corcoran ArtReach, a year-round museum outreach program, is designed to empower DC youth and families to explore and trust their own creativity within the context of art making and art history. ArtReach, founded in 1992, provides free arts instruction such as family workshops, after-school and summer art classes based on the Corcoran’s renowned collection. ArtReach makes a special effort to foster visual literacy, critical thinking skills, and creative expression among its participants while encouraging them to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives. In addition to ArtReach, the Corcoran oversees the Community Gallery at THEARC, which serves as an exhibition venue for program participants, local artists, community organizations, and schools. thearcdc.org
WIDE SHOE OUTLET Free HIV Testing There is a new public-private partnership between the DC Department of Health, Department of Human Services and Family and Medical Counseling Services, Inc., supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc., to offer free HIV testing at the Department of Human Services Anacostia Service Center, 2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE, in Ward 8. The tests and delivery of test results will be conducted in a confidential space at the offices. Family and Medical Counseling Services will make sure that any persons who test positive are immediately scheduled with an appointment for a full medical evaluation. The confidential results will only be disclosed to the person who was tested. Building on the success of the national model of HIV testing at the DC Department of Motor Vehicles’ Penn Branch Office, the public-private partnership will evaluate the effectiveness of the program with a view to expanding HIV testing to other DHS service centers. Family and Medical Counseling Services is one of the District’s leading providers of HIV medical care, testing and prevention services. Trained staff will be offering residents oral rapid tests during business hours Monday through Friday.
DC Hypothermia Hotline Every winter, homeless people die on the streets and in the parks in the District of Columbia. When the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or when the “Wind Chill” makes it feel as if the temperature is 32 degrees or below, people who are inadequately protected can suffer hypothermia. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person’s body temperature falls below 95 degrees. It is particularly dangerous for persons who are disabled by substance abuse or mental illness and may be unaware that their body temperature has fallen to the point of danger. Once a person is suffering from hypothermia, he or she must be removed from the street. Usually, medical intervention is re-
quired. At times, a person at risk of becoming hypothermic will accept help voluntarily, but sometimes she or he must be helped involuntarily. To get help for a homeless person in extremely cold weather, please call the DC Hypothermia Hotline at 1-800-535-7252. If you are not sure about the temperature, but the weather feels cold, very windy/rainy or otherwise dangerous to you, do not hesitate to call. Homeless people may also make the call themselves, if they have access to a telephone.
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Homesaver Program for the Unemployed The DC government, through the Homesaver Program, now offers forgivable loans to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgages because of unemployment. If you own a home in DC, are receiving or have received unemployment benefits at any time during the last 6 months, and are behind on your mortgage because you were laid off, you may be eligible for a loan to help bring your mortgage current. Call 202-6677006 or attend a free foreclosure clinic to find out more about this program and other realistic options for avoiding foreclosure. Clinics are on Wednesdays, Dec. 14, noon; Dec. 21, noon; Dec., 6:00 p.m. at Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW, Suite #100. 202-667-7006.
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21
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS District Beat
The District Beat The Incumbents’ Advantage by Martin Austermuhle
O
n November 15, candidates for the 2012 races started picking up their nominating petitions. Over the next few weeks, they’ll be out there gathering signatures to get themselves on the ballot, raising money and sharpening their attacks against the incumbents they seek to unseat.
If history serves as a guide, it won’t be easy. Like in any other place in the country, incumbency in the District certainly has its advantages. Just by virtue of being an elected official, an incumbent has powers, privileges and access that any challenger could only hope for. Every hearing they chair, every law they pass, every press conference they hold, every ribbon they cut and every newsletter they send out is a constant reminder to their constituents that they’re there, working for their interests on a daily basis. Even more importantly, incumbent councilmembers have at their disposal their Constituent Services Funds, with which they can help pay bills, cover expenses and otherwise help their constituents in troubled times – no matter how close to the election those times may come. All the same, incumbent mayors run the government, and a few renovated playgrounds and clean parks go a long way towards re-election efforts. A look at the current composition of the council would seem to indicate that incumbents are particularly hard to beat. A February 2011 report by the Pew Charitable Trusts comparing the legislative bodies of 15 U.S. cities found that councilmembers serve an average of 7.5 years, putting the District in sixth place relative to its counterparts. More importantly, though, the report found that only 23 percent of the council is made up of new members, putting us towards the bottom of national rankings. In 2010, no incumbent on the council lost his or her respective race. (Of course, 2010 saw an incumbent mayor lose; more on that to come.) The same goes for 2008. In 2006, the 22 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
power of incumbency was such that Kathy Patterson’s endorsement of Mary Cheh to replace her as Ward 3’s councilmember sealed the deal for Cheh, even as Patterson lost the race for council chair. In fact, the last time that incumbents on the council actually lost it was in 2004, when now Mayor Vince Gray defeated Kevin Chavous for the Ward 7 seat and Marion Barry bested Sandy Allen for the Ward 8 seat. Before that, it was in 2000 that Charlene Drew Jarvis lost to Adrian Fenty. It should certainly be of solace to the people running in 2012 that all of the recent elections where incumbents have lost have included races for the wards 2, 4, 7 and 8 seats – the very ones up for grabs now. So what does it take to beat an incumbent, and how can those lessons be applied for 2012?
You Can’t Have Enough Time First and foremost – and, at this point, in shortest supply – is time. In almost every case where a challenger won, they jumped into the race early. Real early. Fenty was notorious for how far ahead of the primary election he would announce his intentions, both in his 2000 victory over Drew Jarvis and his 2006 mayoral win. Time allows for fundraising, and it allows for candidates to better connect with voters. The two are intricately linked – the more a candidate becomes a familiar face, the more likely it is that they’ll receive campaign contributions. For Fenty, time ended up being more important than money, though – his aggressive and timeconsuming door-knocking campaign bested an incumbent that raised substantially more than he did. For 2012, though, time isn’t something that many incumbents have. Because of a requirement in a new federal law, the District’s primary was moved from September to April, and few incumbents or challengers even seen to have realized it. The first who did, filing his paperwork in
| DECEMBER 2011
April? Evans. Had challenger Fiona Greig opted to stay in the race – she dropped out in early November – she would have been far enough behind the curve to make winning even more of an uphill challenge than it would normally be. By October, Evans had raised over $230,000 for his re-election campaign; at the time, Greig was still in exploratory mode, severely limiting her fundraising capabilities. Time is important enough that David Grosso, who is running to unseat Councilmember Michael Brown (I-At Large), made a strategic decision to get himself more of it – he changed political parties. By registering as an independent, Grosso will avoid the April primary and skip straight to the November general election, giving him a full year’s worth of campaigning that his Democratic colleagues won’t have. Ron Moten, who is running in Ward 7, made much the same calculation when he opted to run against Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) – or whoever wins the Democratic primary – as a Republican. Moten has picked up a Republican opponent in Ron Folden Sr., though, so he’ll still have to expend resources to survive until November, but he’ll be competing in a much less crowded field. Of course, time alone won’t do it. Presenting a strong alternative to a faltering incumbent is certainly important. When Gray defeated Chavous, the incumbent was mired in controversy. Even worse, he was painted as out of touch. Fenty similarly painted Drew Jarvis as being unaware of the ward’s problems. That was a strong message for all the door-knocking he did. This is where we need to stop and consider Fenty the mayor. Even though he had significantly more money than his challenger, Fenty failed to do the one thing that had worked so well for him before – start early. By sitting idly by waiting for a challenger to come along, he allowed the narrative of the mayoral contest to be defined for him – and lost for it.
Looking Forward to 2012 At this point, Alexander seems most vul-
Now Open! nerable in 2012. Earlier this summer The Washington Times reported that a group of Ward 7 political honchos were unhappy with Alexander’s tenure and were looking for someone to replace her. They may not have found that one person yet, but a crowded field of contenders is looking to try – including Chavous’ son, Kevin Jr., and others. Alexander may benefit from the sheer number of contenders she faces, though; should they split the vote, she could cruise to re-election with a simple plurality of the votes. Brown is also a ripe target, though his fundraising prowess and union support will certainly prove a challenge to Grosso. Additionally, though Brown has been dinged for some ethical indiscretions – his outside employer was said to have been linked to firms with interests in the District’s online gaming system – there isn’t much of an outcry for him to go. Evans doesn’t have a challenger at this point, and even if he got one, time and money will certainly be working against them. With his money and track record of winning elections, Evans has gained an air of invincibility, Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) faces a strong progressive upstart in Max Skolnik, but Skolnik also faces six other contenders for the seat. Two asides need to be made, though, when considering the 2012 races. First, Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8). The mayor-for-life hasn’t even filed his paperwork for re-election, despite already having racked up a number of challengers. Moreover, he seems about as outof-touch as you could get – earlier in the fall, he was criticized for referring to Ward 8 as the “ghetto.” But still, this is Barry we’re talking about. The man hasn’t met a comeback he won’t make or an election he wouldn’t do his damndest to win. He defies political predictions. Second, Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5). Though he’s
technically the incumbent, he’s only been in office since May, after he beat Councilmember Sekou Biddle, who was also technically an incumbent at the time, in the April 26 Special Election. Orange has name recognition dating back to his service as a Ward 5 councilmember a repeated citywide candidate; Biddle enjoys his own citywide base, though smaller. The rematch between Biddle and Orange would have been significantly closer had it not been for Peter Shapiro, a former Prince George’s County Councilman and current Ward 4 resident who jumped into the race in mid-November. Shapiro claims to be running as a progressive – as is Biddle – likely tipping the scales towards Orange, the incumbent. (Ironically enough, in September Orange complained of “entrenched incumbency” when introducing a bill imposing term limits.) Orange also enjoys a significant advantage in fundraising. If the Special Election is to serve as a guide, Orange should be able to attract big money – for the April contest, he raised over $325,000, the majority from out of town, and a good chunk from Jeffrey E. Thompson, a local healthcare mogul and notorious campaign bundler. All told, incumbency is certainly a huge advantage. But it also has a shelf life, and not just any councilmember can feel immune because they possess it. With enough time and the right political context, any challenger can have a real shot. It’s been done before, though not often. Looking forward to 2012, Alexander seems most at risk, and should she lose, it will again prove that the years in which the wards 2, 4, 7 and 8 seats are up for grabs are the most volatile – and best for challengers.
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 23
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS The Numbers
Making Sense of the Dollars Spent on Business Property Tax Breaks by Kwame Boadi
H
ow would you feel if you received a letter from the District government informing you that you didn’t have to pay property taxes on your home for 10 years? You would probably jump through the roof and immediately start thinking about how you would spend that money to do things like make overdue investments in your home, save for a child’s college education, etc. If you’re a renter and your landlord received such a letter, hopefully he or she would be kind enough to pass their savings on to you by lowering your rent. As residents, we don’t get to petition the DC Council for tax breaks, but businesses do, and they often receive them in the form of property tax abatements and exemptions. This isn’t to say tax abatements are all bad. They represent one of several tools that the District uses to promote economic development in ways that can support job growth or development in under-served areas of the city. This isn’t to say tax abatements are all good, either. They can be very costly. The District granted business tax abatements with a future cost of $166.1 million last year. The critical question is how do we know if a particular abatement proposal is critical to economic development or just a giveaway to a favored developer? The truth is, until now, the District has taken a “firstcome, first-serve” approach to business tax breaks, rather than a systematic approach to determine which abatements are worthwhile and which are not. Below are nine key questions that should be asked every time a commercial property tax break is proposed. Some of them will be answered thanks to the “Exemptions and Abatements Information Requirements Act”, which was adopted this year. The others are not yet part of any formal review process, but should be.
24 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
What does DC ask about all abatements? Under legislation adopted this year, the District will gather information on the following questions any time a property tax exemption is proposed. 1) Does the project need a subsidy from DC? How much? Some tax breaks awarded by DC make you scratch your head, like the $6 million awarded to the View 14 residential development in Ward 1, which recently was sold as DC’s most expensive housing development ever (per square foot). For future proposals, the Exemptions and Abatements Information Act requires the DC Chief Financial Officer to determine whether a project really needs financing help. That is just common sense. 2) Have the developers sought private financing before seeking assistance from DC? In 2008, the District approved a $35 million subsidy to redevelop the O Street Market in Shaw, before the developer had said how much they would put up and before they tried to line up private financing. The Exemptions and Abatements Act now requires the CFO to identify a developer’s efforts to seek private financing and to assess the factors behind the developer’s inability to obtain adequate financing. In other words, if private market investors are skittish about a project, shouldn’t DC policymakers know why? 3) How much will the abatement cost in terms of lost revenue? In some cases, proponents of a tax abatement try to suggest it will not have a cost, particularly when the abatement promotes development on vacant property. However, the District has one of the most desirable commercial real estate markets in the country, which means that it is crazy to assume that vacant land will sit around until the District subsidizes its development. 4) What community benefits will DC get in return? The District should provide tax subsidies for a | DECEMBER 2011
project only if there are clear benefits relative to the costs. How many jobs will there be during construction and when the project is done, and will the developer train and hire DC residents? What are the wages and benefits, and will they be full-time? Will the project include affordable housing or other amenities? Answers to these questions are critical to deciding whether a tax break makes sense. Fortunately, developers seeking abatements going forward will have to provide this information before a hearing on their tax break. This will have the added benefit of encouraging developers to beef up the community benefits they offer.
What should DC ask about all abatements? Here are some other really important things to know about any tax abatement that the District does not routinely ask, but should. 5) Does this project address an economic development priority? DC ought to get the most bang for its economic development subsidy buck. Will a project jumpstart development in an economically depressed area of the city? Will it promote an industry that will help the city’s economy grow and bring quality jobs? Will it support a specific kind of development that DC needs, such as retail or residential? 6) Are any costs of the abatement hidden? Some tax abatement proposals are designed to push the full cost beyond the CFO’s four-year fiscal window, which allows sponsors to claim there is no official impact on DC’s finances. For example, the District approved a $10 million loan to Arena Stage but deferred it for four years. If the costs of any tax subsidy are deferred intentionally to hide the costs, this is reason to oppose the legislation or to modify it so that its full costs are reflected. 7) Does this abatement have a clawback provision? Subsidies are intended to produce results. Some
communities include “clawback” provisions for property tax abatements, so that if property owners don’t live up to their end of the bargain, they have to repay the subsidy they received. DC has rarely done that. 8) Is the cost of the abatement capped? When a project gets a 100% tax break for a specified number of years, the costs in lost revenue can skyrocket when property values rise faster than projections. To avoid this, the District should cap the dollar amount of any tax abatement. This way, the developer still gets the subsidy they expect and the District is not on the hook for giving away more in tax dollars than it expected to. 9) Does the abatement have a sunset and subsequent review process? Like any other government spending, tax abatements should be reviewed from time to time to gauge their effectiveness. A “sunset” or expiration date would trigger an evaluation of the abatement, and can lead to revisions if the abatement is not achieving its stated goals. This may seem like a lot to ask, but in the end it is the best way for city to offer business tax breaks sensibly – and maybe even the best way for developers to actually get them. There is a natural skepticism in many people’s minds about “corporate welfare.” Requiring developers or business owners to demonstrate that a tax subsidy will help their project move forward and provide tangible benefits to DC residents and neighborhoods may help overcome these doubts. Getting more information on the merits of proposed tax subsidies is good public policy that will be good not only for DC residents but also for the businesses that most need public support for their projects. Boadi is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. ●
Bulletin Boars Continued from 21 Kenneth Council at 202-575-3601. Please complete the survey and drop it in the box in the office. If there is no box, ask the Property Manager to provide a “space or place for it to be collected.” Many Resident Council officers and members of the Citywide Advisory Board are working to make the Health Needs Survey Initiative a resounding success. Mr. Council, who is chairing this project, asks that you “Please take a few minutes and do something that makes a difference. This survey is being done by the residents, for the residents. It’s an empowerment piece so that we can become more self-sufficient. With your help we can help ourselves improve our health, our children’s health and the lives of people in the communities where we live.”
DOH Recommends Regular Influenza Immunizations, or “Flu Shots” “Influenza,” more commonly referred to as the flu, is a viral infection that presents as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever, body aches, and fatigue or feeling more tired than usual. “Flu season” typically begins in the fall and last until spring. Influenza is contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets from your cough or sneeze. If you cover your cough with your hands the virus may be spread through contact such as shaking hands. “The flu vaccine prevents the most common influenza viruses and is still available to and recommended for DC residents,” said Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the District’s Department of Health. “Good hygiene is our best defense against the flu, so cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands well with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others during the first three to seven days of your symptoms.” DC Residents should call their doctor or clinic to receive the flu vaccine. If their doctor does not have the flu vac-
cine or if they do not have a doctor, they may receive the vaccine at the DOH Express Clinic. The flu vaccine is available at the Georgia Avenue Express Clinic, 6323 Georgia Ave. NW, on Monday and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Flu shots are also available at many pharmacies. dchealth.dc.gov
DDOT Planting More Than 3,500 New Trees As part of an ongoing effort to expand the urban tree canopy in the District of Columbia, the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) is planting more than 3,500 new street trees across all eight wards. UFA plants during tree dormancy from late fall to spring. The locations are largely based on requests residents make to the Mayor’s 311 Citywide Call Center before June 15 of each year. Research has shown that trees provide critical benefits to cities far beyond aesthetics, air quality and storm water control. “One of the most effective ways to improve the social, ecological and economic value of a neighborhood is to help ensure new trees get established in their first two years,” said John Thomas, DDOT’s Chief Forester. “We ask residents to share that responsibility by adopting young trees through our Canopy Keepers program.” Residents who agree to sign a partnership agreement to water and monitor the well-being of specific street trees in the first two years after planting will receive a free slow-drip watering tub for every tree adopted. The final planting locations and Canopy Keeper adoption form can be found at ddot. dc.gov/trees or by calling 202-6711533. UFA has planted a total of 35,875 trees on public space in all 8 wards since FY 2005 and UFA’s planting in public space accounts for nearly half of all trees planted in the District each year. ●
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 25
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Ward 7 2012 The Incumbent Faces Many Challengers by Barrington M. Salmon
A
t a Nov. 17 fundraiser, dozens of Yvette Alexander supporters mill around in the rear of Georgia Brown’s, schmoozing, sipping drinks, and snacking on hors d’œuvrés. Alexander, Ward 7’s councilmember, is among friends at the event hosted by her colleague DC Council Chair Kwame Brown. When she arrives, she works the crowd, smiling broadly, laughing out loud and throughout the evening posing with friends and supporters for snapshots. At the end of the night, the Alexander campaign has raised $19,200.
“Yvette is a friend of mine, a neighbor, someone I’ve known for a long time,” Brown, 40, says. “She supported me early in my campaign. She loves her community. I think she has a heart for the city. She works hard every day, doing what’s best for her ward and fighting in Ward 7.” Alexander thanked Brown and her supporters. “It is an honor to have you all to come out for me,” said Alexander to the group which formed a semi-circle around her and Brown. “My former [Dept. of ] Insurance colleagues came
out to support me. I quit my good government job to run for elected office and they said, ‘we support you.’ Twenty-six people ran for that seat. It was a passion for me to represent the ward I grew up in. I was determined to win. “The past five years have been a joy to me … I know all of you are taking a chance to believe I can win this for four more years. No Johnny-comelately will take this from me until I say I’m done with this.” Alexander faces five challengers in next April’s elections, but perhaps her greatest challenge remains convincing
Republican candidate Ron Moten, Eugene Kinlow with DC Vote, and Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. Photo: Andrew Lightman 26 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
voters she deserves a second term. She will have to beat back the challenges of Kevin Bass Chavous; the Rev. William Bennett; Dorothy Douglas; Tom Brown; and Ron Moten, who recently switched political parties to run as a “Civil Rights” Republican. One wag quips, “Ward 7 is so divided that a ham sandwich would get 30 percent of the vote.”
Solid Support Alexander’s supporters are passionate about the changes she’s made. Rhonda Blackshear, an Alexander
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS friend and former co-worker, gushes as she talks. “Yvette is absolutely amazing. She is a very caring individual. She always goes the extra mile. That’s what I like about her. She would go like crazy to advocate for someone but that message sometimes gets lost.” Letitia Janifer, a childhood friend who attended the fundraiser with her husband David, said she believes in Alexander and trusts her 100 percent. “I totally disagree with the critics. She loves her community. She is a strong woman with an agenda for the ward. She is concerned about the betterment of the community. I have seen the highs and lows in the ward, there have been lots of changes since the ‘60s. She has definitely turned it around.” “She’s done all of the real-world work,” said one man who speaks on condition of anonymity. “We needed a new high school, she got it. She brought YES Organic. A lot of people worked on that, but her contribution was major. “If we had a beat-up Woodson (High School), no one would come. We have four new libraries and a new high school. Kenilworth has the finest kindergarten in the country, Educare Early Learning Center, which will open in February, and ground has been broken for a tennis center and a baseball academy. You have to build the infrastructure before other people will come.” “Is the complaining objective? There is more development now than in the history of the ward. I would stack up what she’s done against any other ward. People would have reason to complain if none of what she’s done was done. In Ward 7, you only get your chops by being a naysayer. It’s tough to build consensus and to build bigger things, you need consensus.” In a recent interview, Alexander ticks off a list of the accomplishments that mark her tenure. Among them, bringing $350 million to the ward for extensive renovations and the modernization of H.D. Woodson Senior High School ($100 million); money for a building which houses offices for the Department of Employment Services; bringing a YES Organic store to Ward 7’s gateway; the refurbishment of the Anacostia and Benning Road libraries; and financing the Great Streets and 28 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Streetscapes programs. “Development is underway,” Alexander says. “There is movement on Skyland. We’re finally making settlements and pushing through on this project which will offer a retail and residential mix. Community engagement and involvement is so important and people have access to my office. They are kept aware of legislative matters, development and community concerns.” The incumbent is also the proud sponsor of new legislation to extend the school day one hour, and to limit the class size to 20 students. Alexander – who Mayor Vincent Gray (D), chose after Carrie Thornhill declined to run – says her connection to the mayor has enabled her to produce on behalf of the ward. “It’s a positive that I have his support,” said Alexander. “We have to get things done through the executive. That relationship has helped me tremendously … the movers and shakers in Ward 7 are very active, civic-minded and vocal in the ward. They have played a crucial role in the (city’s) political structure. They drafted mayors, [council] chairmen, and they determined the outcome of the (Mayor Anthony) Williams and Gray races.” “Everyone always saturates Ward 7 because that’s where the votes are.” Alexander adds that the first-term mayor still garners a great deal of support in the city, “a lot of which is centralized in Ward 7.” According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, Yvette Alexander raised $42,405 for the reporting period. She had $6,500 on hand before and with expenditures has $28,256.46 in campaign coffers.
Fractured Opposition Far away from the restaurant and across the Anacostia River, sentiment about Alexander ranges from adoration to undisguised disgust. Despite any opposition Alexander faces, she has the power of incumbency and that makes it extremely likely that she’ll be reelected. Observers described politics in the ward as a ‘tough environment’, ‘blood sport’, akin to the Hatfields and McCoys, ‘scorched earth’, and ‘parents eating their young.’ Making | DECEMBER 2011
a foray into politics here is not for the faint of heart. Alexander’s critics are incensed by her embrace of a City Council redistricting plan that among other things has seen the eastern section of the Fairlawn community go to Ward 8, and has saddled Ward 7 with Reservation 13 and the DC Jail. Others complain that Alexander is not a forceful leader. They say that she is disinclined to speak out for the ward’s interests and add that the quality of her representation leaves much to be desired. “Nothing has happened here, yet the city is on a trajectory in six wards that is unbelievable. But Ward 7 is standing still,” said longtime Ward 7 and Hillcrest resident Paul Savage. One way the rumblings for change have manifested themselves is in the Ward 7 Concerned Citizens Coalition. The group, comprised of former government officials, civic association presidents, advisory neighborhood commissioners, lawyers and former school board representatives, voted recently to find a suitable candidate to run against and hopefully replace Alexander. Savage, instrumental in the group’s creation, declined to say to whom it would give its blessing. “We’re looking for a viable candidate to replace Alexander but we have not come to a final conclusion,” said Savage, who chaired former Mayor Tony Williams’ reelection campaign. “She is not on-point with ward needs, knows nothing about economic development and is not doing a good job. It’s a striking contrast (between Ward 7 and other wards); by any measure we’ve been left behind. She had the unmitigated gall to bring Reservation 13 to Ward 7 … there is no fight in that woman. The library is fine and good, but we need private investment and the government needs to create incentives for this.” Alexander’s retort: “Styles are different. Sometimes, the loudest isn’t always the most effective. The job is being done. You don’t have to flaunt it or flash it. Some people like to sit on a soapbox but I’m so busy getting things done that I don’t have time to worry about that. I am committed to getting it done.” Alexander acknowledges the rough and tumble nature of politics in her ward, and laments that her critics
are not more nuanced in their criticism of her. “Some support me, some don’t. One disagreement on an issue will cause one person to withhold their vote; that’s not good,” she says. “One issue that you disagree with could be the breaking point. No one is going to agree with anyone 100 percent of the time. Look at the overall picture, that’s what I ask.” Deanwood resident Sylvia Brown is a long-time critic. “I think it’s less about particular issues and more about the progress, future and direction of the ward,” says Brown, a fulltime graduate student at Georgetown University and a public policy consultant and advisor. “We need someone who has an inclusive, transparent process of involvement in Ward 7. Yvette has not done as good a job on inclusiveness and transparency.” Brown says she’d like to have seen Alexander entice more stores to Ward 7, attract cross-boundary dollars and introduce more economic development projects. Of the individuals running to replace Alexander, she says: “We’re not enamored with the slate of candidates.” Longtime Ward 7 resident Jeri Washington says she hasn’t decided who she’ll vote for next April but she says she sees no strong candidates in the field. “Ward 7 has the highest crime rate and the highest unemployment outside of Ward 8,” she said. “Education is dismal with our schools rated probably at the bottom of the barrel, economic development is scant and public safety is an issue. Education has to be driven by parents, but parental involvement and community engagement is low. The politicians sit around and pontificate instead of making things happen. If I’m running something, my neighborhood would be the best.” “You’d think that with the mayor, city councilmember and ward representative from Ward 7, the ward would be in better shape. What do we have to show for it?” Washington says, ‘even those who’ve been here haven’t done much. I don’t think I’m a minority. People say you have to choose the lesser of two evils, but I don’t have to do that. That’s not how I will base my choice.” Washington says she filed a case against Alexander relating to the
spending of constituency services funds because when she enquired as to how the money was spent, Alexander ignored her. “She thumbed her nose at us and we filed for an investigation. It was found that she had 19 violations, including checks not reported or not properly reported and robocalls made for political reasons,” Washington explains. “Oh no, you don’t ignore me. A personal theme is we are your constituents. That’s why she had to answer charges and has a cloud over her head. She has to contend with this on the campaign trail.” Alexander downplays the allegations and findings. “I was cleared, it was overblown,” she asserts. “Ten citizens who are not my supporters filed the complaint. I still had to go through the investigation even though I did nothing wrong. I’m glad it’s over. Our residents can say who received assistance and where the money went. I don’t know where the concerns were rooted.”
Tom Brown: Democrat Tom Brown firmly believes he has what it takes to be an outstanding councilmember. A proud resident of River Terrace, he joins Yvette’s critics in their disappointment over her leadership. “I feel like I offer services to Ward 7 residents that they are lacking – community inclusion and accessibility. My background primarily speaks to workforce and small business development. I have done that for more than a decade.” Brown is a former teacher at Anacostia Senior High School, and is one of the founding teachers of KIPP charter schools. He last ran in the special election for an at-large seat in November and placed third. “It’s definitely a tough crowd,” he says of Ward 7 residents. “Politics is hard to predict, but I will give it everything I’ve got. It’s a big challenge – giving people confidence in government again. We have to have people pool their energies to push us in the same direction. Everyone wants the same thing – schools, public safety, jobs – quality of life issues.” According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, Tom Brown
raised $2,850.51 for the reporting period and after expenditures has $613.08 in hand.
Kevin Chavous: Democrat Kevin Chavous, at 26, is running for the seat his father once held. Some who have talked to him say he represents youth, and has energy that could go a long way to his securing the seat. He also has the benefit of name recognition, his father’s advice and counsel and a group of influential supporters behind him. Born and raised in Ward 7, Chavous works at the Black Alliance for Educational Options, a DC-based non-profit. “People are hungry for fresh leadership and new ideas,” he says. “The ward needs someone with advocacy skills and someone who will fight. I personally think (Councilmember Alexander) could do more in terms of being more vocal on our behalf. I have never had a problem speaking my mind, voicing my opinion. That’s what we need more than ever. We need someone who will negotiate and build consensus.” As he’s walked the ward and spoken to residents, unemployment is the most oft- stated concern people have, Chavous states. “People are not able to find jobs and we need job training, vocational education, and training programs to give the people the skills. People are struggling to get work.” According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, Kevin B. Chavous raised $20,935 and after expenses has $12,594.70.
The Rev. William H. Bennett II: Democrat Rev. William H. Bennett wants to shake up Ward 7. “She’s in it for the perks of the position,” he says of the incumbent. There is a lack of responsiveness and follow-through. She’s a nice person but she’s not getting the job done. The Mayor, council chair and ward rep live here so there’s no reason why we can’t get more support for what needs to be done here. It’s not happening in Ward 7. ”Politics is about delivering for your constituents. I don’t care about the money or people behind her. We’re
going to beat her despite the David and Goliath situation. This election is not about Yvette Alexander. It is a referendum on Vince Gray.” Bennett, 56, former director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, said if elected, he will shift constituent services to ANCs. He also promises to appoint an Economic Czar whose sole focus would be on economic development and job creation. “I’m running because my life is about caring and people so in the 18 years I’ve served as pastor and community leader, I have come to respect this community,” said Bennett, founder and Senior Pastor of the Good Success Christian Church & Ministries (GSCCM) in Washington. According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, the Rev. William Bennett raised $6,522 and spent $2,562.95. He has $3,959.05 in hand but the campaign has a debt of $686.65.
Dorothy Douglas: Democrat Dorothy Douglas currently serves as the Ward 7 representative of the DC State Board of Education. Several telephone calls seeking comment were not returned. According her campaign literature and bio, Douglas, 62, is a native Washingtonian and has lived in Ward 7 for 30 years. Douglas is the Director of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization board and is a former employee of District of Columbia Public Schools and the DC Department of Corrections. When she ran for an at-large council seat, she ran on a platform of ‘Getting DC Straight’ in terms of governance, employment, transparency with decency and compassion. She promised to “return DC to an era of accountability, financial stability, and honesty.” According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, there are no records for Douglas’s campaign.
Ron Moten: Civil Rights Republican Moten, co-founder of Peaceoholics, says he decided to become a Republican to create balance. He reiterates what he stated in an October 21,
2011 Washington Post op-ed piece that any progress African Americans in the District have made has come at an enormous price. Putting all their eggs in the Democratic basket has left them powerless and vulnerable, he said. “There needs to be some balance. If you go too far in one direction, it’s not beneficial to residents,” he said. “Most black people can’t say what Democrats have done for them. It’s poor leadership to push people to one party without asking what have they done.” According to the Office of Campaign Finance’s Report on Receipts and Expenditures for August 11, through Oct. 10, 2011, Ron Moten has receipts of $940.00 and spent $159.00 leaving him with $781.
Incumbents Are Hard to Beat As one resident, deeply involved in ward affairs, observes wryly, “I think that there will be a lot of factors in place. It’s anybody’s game,” she says. “The more people in the race, it favors the incumbent. As long as there are all these candidates – viable or not, it’s hard to call. There are so many variables and factors. For example, you have people who [want] anybody but Yvette. The thing is that they are unpredictable. They may not even vote or vote for someone else.” “People are not on the same page. Then you have people who say ‘stay with the devil you know versus the unknown.’ None of the challengers has a body of work. I didn’t know Chavous existed and I am everywhere, she adds. In recent history, voters have turned out of office two ward councilmembers and one at-large member: Ward 4 Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis, Ward 7 Councilmember Kevin Chavous and At-Large Councilmember Harold Brazil. The three successful insurgent campaigns shared important commonalities: a strong candidate who stared early in a relatively narrow field of challengers and secured unified community support earned by burning shoe leather. With her critics failing to unite behind a single challenger, with the financial and political advantages conferred by incumbency, Alexander retains the advantage in a crowded field. ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Benning Post Office Closing? Downtown Ward 7 Caught in Sweeping USPS Changes by Virginia Avniel Spatz
F
ifty years ago this month, “Please Mr. Postman” became Motown’s first #1 pop single. Much has changed since the Marvelettes – with Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers – playfully blamed the Post Office for lack of word from a distant boyfriend. But today, as then, citizens have less playful concerns about the Post Office. And today, as in the 1960s, mail delivery faces major reorganization. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is proposing to shutter thousands of postal facilities. In July, 19 DC post offices were listed for “discontinuance study,” although some have since been removed from the
for discontinuance are in residential areas, at least a mile from another post office, and are the nearest facility for residents of public housing: Southwest Station (Ward 6) and Benning Station (Ward 7).
30 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
Boxes would be relocated to this facility, which is closed on Saturdays and each weekday from 2-3:00 p.m. The 3-page proposal lists three disadvantages: loss of a retail outlet, fewer hours at the new location, and “the potential of some to have to travel additional distance.” Advantages: no Benning Station Proposal The discontinuance process be- change in street delivery; mail-order gins with a study period, including a availability of stamps; “stable postage customer survey. A proposal is then rate and savings for customers” in the posted for 60-day review. This is fol- long-run; and no change in P.O. Box lowed by a“final determination,” and, numbers. The last is directly contradicted later in the proposal. if so determined, “close-out.” “Effect on the Community” inOn Nov. 10, USPS proposed discontinuing Benning Station, located cludes one paragraph of demographics, concluding (exactly) at 3937-1/2 as follows: “The area is 97% Black, mostly headed by females. Many residents commute to work in Washington DC or nearby Prince Georges County.” Following a few other notations – the building is not a historical landmark, e.g. – the section closes with (exactly) this: “Based on the information obtained in the course of this discontinuance study, the Postal Service concludes this proposal will not adversely affect the community and every effort will be made to maintain ing Station osal to close Benn op pr PS US the identity.” to n Nov. 10, liste at Height Library, ed er th ga “Economic Savs, er Community memb . ings” off ers three diff erent fi gures for ce fi Benning Road, NE, post of list. Eleven in East River Park. Customers would discontinuance savings: $3,569,414 are inside Federal buildings. Several be directed to Northeast Station, in the introduction and $2,821,659 are within a few blocks of another 1353 Benning Road, NE (Hechinger as the sum of line items – rent, utilipost office. Only two still proposed Mall), about two miles away. P.O. ties, labor etc. – which actually total
$3,600,199. (See proposal at Benning Station or visit “Ward 7 Connections” blog. Copies are unavailable from 1800-ASK-USPS, Customer Affairs, or the USPS press office.)
Community Feedback A community meeting – required in the discontinuance process – was held at the Height Library on Nov. 10. The above proposal was mentioned but not shared at the meeting. Residents raised concerns about transportation and parking at Northeast Station and the next nearest post offices. Long-time resident Benjamin Thomas noted that Ward 7 is home to many seniors and that Benning is “the only post office between here and the Maryland line....Somebody didn’t consider us at all.” Some customers suggested that poor service was responsible for any drop in USPS business. Several added that inconvenience of traveling to Northeast could further reduce revenue. Concern about the effect of one closing on service at other post offices was also raised. Councilmember Yvette Alexander spoke about the new DOES building two blocks from Benning Station and plans for further re-development of Downtown Ward 7. “This is our Main Street,” she explained. “We don’t intend to lose this post office.” Several community members, including Eboni-Rose Thompson (ANC 7A) and Margaret Labat of the Fort Dupont Civic Association, asked how USPS would use feedback and what steps the community could take to appeal a final determination to close. Labat added that USPS “only has a bird’s eye view” of the situation and seemed uninterested in engaging with the community. “You guys have got to give us
a chance,” DC Postmaster Gerald Roame responded. He said USPS is fighting to “maintain postal service as we know it.” Roame insisted that meeting input would be considered in the final determination, adding: “Don’t leave out here mad, and say ‘They’re gonna close our post office.’ Leave out here mad and write letters... put the same passion in your writing. That’s what we’re asking.” However, “rally[ing] around the local Post Office...makes no business sense,” according to U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. His Nov. 21 speech at the National Press Club, declared, “The reaction from attempting to close a low-activity Post Office and provide another option is something to behold.... that demonstrates the power of our brand and the extent to which our customers feel connected to the Postal Service. But on the other hand, it makes no business sense.”
USPS, High-Risk Agency “America needs a postal service that can operate more like a business,” Donahoe says. The Postal Service needs “greater flexibility to quickly reduce costs and respond to a dynamic marketplace for mailing and shipping services.” From 1789 until 1970, the Post Office was a cabinet-level department of the Federal government. USPS records show the Department experiencing annual operating losses during most years after 1819. By the mid-1960s -- when the Marvelettes were “waiting so patiently for a just a card or a letter” -- the Post Office was in crisis. The United States Postal Service was established in 1971. Federal subsidies to USPS were phased out by 1983, and expenses have continued to exceed income. While other shippers can tailor services for profit, Federal law prohibits USPS from dropping services in unprofitable areas. Most of the 32,000 post offices lose money each year. Packages are now more frequently delivered by FedEx or UPS. And today, electronic messages for personal and business use have substantially replaced first-class mail. USPS lost $5.1 billion last year and is near its legal borrowing limit. Unique requirements to pre-fund employee retirement and health benefits further stress the organization’s
budget. A recent report of the U.S. watch-dog General Accounting Office (GAO) labels USPS a “high-risk agency” in “dire financial conditions.”
Postal Reorganization
The Future of Benning Station Regarding Benning Station, “the proposal, comment sheet for the proposal and final determination, if it goes forward, is posted at the Post Office,” a spokesperson for USPS says. “Notice of final determination to close would be mailed to customers. USPS identified a 10year savings of $3.5M. These savings are mostly from lease expense and labor costs.” USPS says discontinuing Benning Station involves only one employee. That
The PRC recently remanded two appeals – from Innis, LA, and Monroe, AR, both rural communities -- for further consideration. The Innis appeal claims USPS ignored alternatives proposed by the community; the Monroe appeal hinges on procedures surrounding a postmaster’s retirement. (For details on the discontinuance and appeals process, visit www.prc.gov and/or www. savethepostoffice.com.) Tom Brown, candidate for Ward 7 Councilmember, said after the Nov. 10 meeting that he was hoping to organize a rally f o r
USPS proposes to consolidate many operations and change service standards. Proposals include dropping Saturday delivery and “eliminating the expectation of overnight service.” Resulting cost reductions are essential to profitability, USPS argues, and without such changes the postal service as we’ve known it will become impossible. (Visit www. usps.com for details.) Changes would mean the loss of thousands of jobs nationwide. Isaac Downs, a 38-year employee at the Eastern shore processing plant, was among those protesting outside the National Press Club during Donahoe’s speech. Of his plant’s 131 employees, he said, 56 would lose their jobs in a consolidation; others will have an option of moving to Baltimore. “Jobs Isaac Downs are needed, and , G eneral Patric38-year U S PS employee the community , joins protes k Donahoe sp t outside Nat eaks. ional Press C needs mail serlub, Nov. 21, where Postm vice. We will aster fight to keep the plant open.” USPS is promoting “retail alter- individual “would be natives” to preserve customer access placed in accordance with our colwhile reducing costs. Stamps are now lective bargaining agreements,” and Benning Station. Willette available for purchase at many loca- savings would be realized because Seaward (ANC 7D) is encouraging tions -- CVS, Safeway, Giant, banks - “that the one position for Benning citizens to return their surveys and - as well as on-line, by phone and mail. Station would not have to be re- write to USPS. She is among those already looking ahead to an appeal. The GAO urges additional planning placed/funded.” When Universal Music releases Up to 30 days after a final deand measuring of these efforts as well its retrospective, “The Marvelettes: termination for close-out, an appeal as attention to “price-sensitivity.” Forever More,” this month, many Non-USPS mail boxes are fre- can be filed with the Postal Reguin Ward 7 and beyond may again be quently more than twice the cost of latory Commission. The PRC can singing, “wait a minute, Mr. Postthose in the post office. A small fee dismiss the appeal, affirm the USPS man. Wait a minute...” is associated with on-line and phone determination, remand it for further Correspondence about Benning stamp purchases, and “approved ship- consideration, or declare closing “not Station can be sent, before January pers” also charge additional fees. Us- warranted.” Nationally, hundreds of 11, to Donalda E. Moss, District ing USPS.com or self-service kiosks post offices on the discontinuance Discontinuance Coordinator, 900 requires a credit card, “which could path have closed. Many are in the Brentwood, NE. 20066-7300. ● disproportionately affect low-income appeals process, but most appeals have failed. customers.” CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 31
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Older DCers Return To Elementary Schools Experience Corps Members Make A Difference Helping Young Students In Dc Public Schools by Steve Lilienthal
B
ea Graham is working with two little girls at Orr Elementary School in Southeast DC. The girls are playing the literacy game, Hangman’s Bluff. One of the girls incorrectly guesses “C” to fill in a blank space. “Give me a vowel,” urges Graham, AARP Experience Corps team leader at Orr. Slowly, the words that comprise the phrase “the beginning of a new day” become apparent. It’s also the beginning of a new year for the AARP Experience Corps and its tutors, who are helping students in several DC schools. The Experience Corps tutoring program had previously operated in Washington, been reorganized , and relaunched this academic year.
Experience Corps in DC and America AARP Experience Corps is a nationwide tutoring program that recruits, trains, and places adults 55 years or older as tutors and mentors in elementary schools nationally. It is primarily recognized among educational experts for its effectiveness in helping children to improve their reading. The program currently has some 2,000 members serving 20,000 students in nineteen cities. Recently, it became part of the American Association of Retired Persons. AARP Experience Corps tutors have been helping children and teachers at Orr Elementary (SE DC/Ward 8), and Garrison Elementary (NW/ Ward 5) since October. November saw Kenilworth Elementary (NE/Ward 7) and Neval Thomas Elementary (NE/Ward 7) receive assistance from Experience Corps’ tutors as part of a partnership with the DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive services and supports for students in the Parkside-Kenilworth community. All of these are schools that had posted relatively low scores on the 2011 DC-CAS (Comprehensive Assessment System) reading test. Deborah Stiller, the DC branch’s executive director, explains that the idea of the corps came from John Gardner, the founder of Common Cause and Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson. At age 76, Gardner proposed forming an organization that tapped the experience and knowledge of older Americans to help their communities. “Members commit for an entire school year,” she explains. Many tutoring programs have members 32 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
AARP Experience Corps tutors students. The tutoring program has acheived national recognition for its success in improving the reading of students.
who tutor sporadically. “That’s not the time commitment we expect. This is what sets AARP Experience Corps apart from the other programs.” Not only is the consistency important for providing effective learning, Stiller explains. “The teacher serves as a role model for the whole class,” she says, but the tutor may be the only positive role model who works closely with the child day-in, day-out. Tutors spend between five and fifteen hours a week at their schools, and the majority of that time will be spent working with the students on literacy activities. Some tutors may work one-on-one with specific students who need extra assistance, others will work with small groups of students. Tutors keep a daily log, fill out weekly reports to their team leader, and meet over lunch monthly. Older adults interested in joining AARP Experience Corps should not be deterred if they lack a college degree. Holders of a high school diploma or its equivalency are welcome to apply. All applicants will need to pass a short reading and writing assessment as well as a criminal background check
| DECEMBER 2011
required by the school system. Some AARP Experience Corps tutors receive modest stipends from AmeriCorps,which is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Today’s Schools Tutors learn that today’s schools are very different from the ones they attended. “Differentiated instruction” helps students work at their own pace and in the style that best suits them -- whether it is by hearing, seeing, or touching. Sherry Holland-Senter, lecturer at Morgan State’s School of Education and Urban Studies, says teachers have more demanding challenges and more time is spent meeting the needs of individual students. A teacher and her students, who are usually divided into four or five groups, can benefit from having Experience Corps tutors assisting in her classroom. AARP Experience Corps tutors can provide more time and individual attention to students and help to demonstrate qualities such as perseverance
and resilience. Often, says Senter, families are too busy working or simply unable to provide the educational help that children need. The stakes are high, as Stiller commented in an interview late last summer, “Children who are not reading by the third grade have a much higher chance of dropping out of school and engaging in other negative behaviors.”
Take Orr As An Example Only 24% of Orr’s students scored “proficient” or higher on the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DCCAS) reading test for 2011. Eighty percent of Orr’s students come from low-income homes, but Bea Graham, the Experience Corps team leader at Orr, and a retired public school music teacher, emphasizes she is impressed by the level of parental involvement she has seen. “Reading,” stresses Graham, “is our major thrust.” What makes it tough, she says, is that kids are often more attracted to information sources such as television and computers. Graham started reading even before she started school so it is difficult for her to identify with the children, who sometimes have little interest in reading. In one case, for example, she expects to start working soon with a young student who reads words well but often fails to comprehend the meaning of what she has read.
The Benefits of Tutoring “There was a lull in my life,” explains Graham about her decision to join Experience Corps, which, she said, helped give her life renewed purpose. “I see Experience Corps benefitting the children,” says Graham. “When you can work with children, especially one-on-one, you can see their weaknesses and work on them and help them improve.” Stiller stresses that an added benefit of the AARP Experience Corps is that it helps the children to dispel “myths and fears about aging” and serve to “foster respect, responsibility, and compassion for others.” Elaine Neal, a tutor who
worked with Experience Corps in DC a few years ago and is now at Orr, considers the one-on-one interaction to be very helpful for students. Ms. Neal, a retired federal employee, spends 12 hours a week at Orr. Neal and Irving Wilson, another tutor at Orr who had rejoined the re-organized Experience Corps and is one of the few male participants in the DC program, recount the pride they feel in helping students progress over time. When Neal and Wilson first started, the program featured more one-on-one sessions with students and used a different curriculum than the school system. Now, more time is spent assisting the teachers, using the school curriculum. “When you’re dealing with 20 little people who have very different learning styles,” explains Neal, “it is a challenge for one teacher. So I see a need for Experience Corps.” Studies by Washington University in St. Louis and Johns Hopkins University show AARP Experience Corps tutors do benefit students. Experience Corps tutors help students particularly when it comes to sounding out new words and comprehension. Reviewing the results of the Washington University study, Washington Post education columnist Jay Matthews credits the “careful screening” and instruction of its tutors in building relationships and reading. That separates Experience Corps from “the make-the-participants-feelgood tutoring stints that many of us have volunteered for.” Neal, for her part, noted a significant difference in her own life during the past year she was not tutoring with AARP Experience Corps. Citing the stairs she regularly climbs at Orr, Neal says her tutoring “forces me to get up and exercise more. I did miss Experience Corps the year it was not operating.”
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. Neighborhood FEE SIMPLE
Closing Price
BR
3305 ALABAMA AVE SE 1369 BRANCH AVE SE 3501 HIGHWOOD DR SE
ANACOSTIA 1533 U ST SE 2256 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1321 W ST SE 1724 W ST SE 1416 YOUNG ST SE
$115,000 $85,250 $60,000 $55,000 $40,000
3 4 0 3 2
$158,777
2
$210,000 $154,350 $105,000 $75,000
3 2 4 3
$243,000 $237,000 $185,000 $181,500 $175,000 $175,000 $175,000 $153,000 $140,000 $83,650 $70,000 $55,500
4 4 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 4 2 2
$205,000 $65,000
3 3
BARRY FARMS 1522 HOWARD RD SE
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 25 HALLEY PL SE 23 DANBURY ST SW 3218 4TH ST SE 862 YUMA ST SE
DEANWOOD 4525 EADS ST NE 5006 NASH ST NE 525 47TH ST NE 511 47TH ST NE 819 51ST ST NE 5086 JUST ST NE 213 62ND ST NE 5221 CLAY ST NE 4127 MINNESOTA AVE NE 1023 48TH ST NE 904 52ND ST NE 221 62ND ST NE
HILL CREST $365,000 $334,000 $280,000
4 4 3
$289,900 $145,000
3 3
$128,950 $117,000 $66,000
3 2 2
$485,000 $384,000 $290,000 $285,000 $140,000
5 4 3 6 3
$249,900
3
$95,000
2
LILY PONDS 4001 MEADE ST NE 4261 NASH ST NE
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1805 18TH ST SE 3407 24TH ST SE 3433 24TH ST SE
WOODRIDGE 2936 MILLS AVE NE 1727 FRANKLIN ST NE 3118 ELM ST NE 2901 KING PL NE 2505 QUEENS CHAPEL RD NE
CONDO ANACOSTIA 1380 TALBERT CT SE #UNIT A
FORT DUPONT PARK 3956 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #T-2 ●
FORT DUPONT PARK 1630 40TH ST SE 1681 FORT DUPONT ST SE
Steve Lilienthal is a freelance writer living in Washington, DC. He is a board member of DC LEARNs, a coalition that promotes increased literacy for city residents. AARP Experience Corps is a member of the DC LEARNs coalition. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
33
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Holiday Spirit Illuminates Congress Heights Street article and photos by John Muller
“Y
ou handing out candy canes?” a man on the sidewalk asked as he passed the incandescent home at 513 Newcomb Street SE. For the past seven years, Barbara Thomas’ home on a quiet residential street in Congress Heights has lit up the neighborhood with an eclectic abundance of Christmas themed decorations. From Santa riding in a NASCAR to Santa in a hot air balloon, to Santa leaning back in a recliner reading a book, to a six foot inflated Tigger from Winnie the Pooh wearing Santa’s ubiquitous red stocking cap, Thomas estimates her front lawn is adorned with more than 30 pieces of Christmas themed ornaments. “I would love to keep it up all year,” Thomas says, laughing. “But I haven’t got my electric bill yet.” Appreciation has come from both neighbors and the local police, who have recognized Thomas with an award. “The police say they like it because it lights up the block,” said Thomas, retired from the DC government. Set to light up at 5:15 p.m. and light down at 6:45 a.m., Thomas says people in the neighborhood begin asking her, “Is it time for the yard to go up?” as early as September.
Stockpiled in the backyard, the materials to design the display that includes a five foot inflatable snow globe, a fleet of reindeer, multiple Frosty the Snowmans, and Disney characters take about three days to put up according to Thomas’ daughter, Terry. Throughout the years hundreds of children and their families have asked to take pictures posing by the decorations. Thomas always welcomes them. Anytime you’re in the neigh- The Thomas Family at 513 Newcomb Street SE is known for lighting up the neighborhood every Christmas season borhood, you’ll be welcomed, too. ●
34 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
Kelly Miller, A Life No Longer Forgotten by John Muller
I
n April 1950, a little over ten years after his death, an article appeared in Negro Digest about Kelly Miller entitled “America’s Greatest Unknown Negro.” The same year, Kelly Miller Middle School on 49th Street NE was dedicated, yet many school children did not recognize the significance of the school’s namesake. Most still don’t. A new full-length biography, the first ever published, The Heart of the Problem: The Life of Kelly Miller by Dr. Ida E. Jones seeks to give Miller, one of the most prominent “race men” and African American educators in the first half of the 20th century, his long overdue recognition. Jones, Assistant Curator of Manuscripts at the Moorland Spingarn Research Center, skillfully frames Miller as a “daysman”—a figure from the Bible’s Old Testament who served as a harmonizer between disparate ideas. In Miller’s generation, this divergence was represented most vividly in Booker T. Washington’s emphasis on industrial education and W.E.B. DuBois’ promotion of classical training. The first African American admitted to Johns Hopkins University in 1887, Miller would teach at the M Street School (later Dunbar High School) and at his alma mater, Howard University, for more than forty years, and become one of the foremost lecturers, essayists, and authors of his time. From the country to the city On the same day, July 18, 1863, that black Union soldiers from the famed Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry Regiment stormed the Confederate battery at Fort Wagner on Morris Island, South Carolina, in the northeast corner of the state, Kelly Miller was born. The sixth child of “Big Kelly” Miller, two generations free and a servant under Captain John Bell in Company F of the 12th South Carolina Infantry Regiment, and the recently emancipated Elizabeth Roberts, Miller would spend his first seventeen years within five miles of his family’s farm in Winnsboro, South Carolina. “He was the first of his generation to learn the use of letters without penalty of law,” according to Jones. “As a child Kelly had never seen a newspaper or even heard anyone talk about affairs outside of daily life in Fairfield County.” Although his parents employed all of their children to support the day-to-day life on their tenant farm, they nurtured Kelly’s intellectual curiosity, allowing him to attend school whereas other parents were not so supportive. At 15, Miller, displaying an aptitude for mathematics, enrolled at the Freedmen’s Institute of Winnsboro. The Institute had been established with help from Reverend Willard Richardson, a Northern missionary. Backed by Richardson, Miller, at the age of 17, received a scholarship to attend Howard University. With excerpts from Miller’s unpublished autobi-
ography, Jones provides unique insights into seminal moments of Miller’s life. “Imagine a rustic lad from the backwoods of an upland county in South Carolina suddenly transplanted to the City of Washington in the year of 1880,” wrote Miller. In the summer of 1884, after passing the newly adopted civil service examination, Miller was appointed a clerk in the Pension Office at a salary of $900 a year. Balancing his full-time work schedule and coursework, Miller was one of three graduates of the Howard University College Department in 1886. Showing his deep appreciation and affection for his parents, after graduating, Miller paid $800 in cash to buy the 100 acre farm that his parents had worked but not owned. Although it depleted his savings, Miller had vindicated his parents’ investment in his education. On his return to Washington, Miller sought the
advice of the distinguished mathematician and astronomer Simon Newcomb, who facilitated his admission to Johns Hopkins University as a Ph. D. candidate in mathematics. In 1887 Miller became the university’s first African American student, but an increase in tuition in 1889 proved to be prohibitive and Miller withdrew. Soon thereafter Professor Francis Lewis Cardozo, principal of the M Street High School, offered Miller a position teaching math. Within a year Miller would join the faculty of Howard University where he would remain until 1934. Miller’s maturation as a leading “race man” During Miller’s tenure at Howard, he changed direction and became the university’s first professor of sociology. Fervently confronting the racial tensions of the day head on, Miller became a leading voice locally and nationally. Although he was often criticized for being a “straddler,” taking positions in between those who advocated for the steadfast education of the hand, like Booker T. Washington, and those who argued the preeminence of the education of the head, such as W.E.B.
DuBois, Miller wrote that, “The difference is not essentially one of principle or purpose, but point of view.” Washington would later express to Miller his confidence in Miller’s capacity to serve as Howard’s first black president. However, Miller, first appointed a dean in 1907, would be passed over and later become critical of Mordecai Johnson, Howard’s first black president. Miller advocated for a national Negro library and an organization that could concentrate the power of smaller organizations such as the Urban League, NAACP, and the American Negro Academy. “Each is efficient in its sphere, but not one of them, nor yet all of them combined, can claim to be sufficient as concerns the general welfare of the race.” Always patriotic, during the buildup to World War I, Miller lobbied the government and aided in the creation of an Officers Training Camp in Des Moines, Iowa. According to Jones, “Unlike earlier wars this would be the first time that African Americans openly sought to become officers who would oversee the troops, black troops with black officers.” The camp eventually produced more than 700 black officers. However, Miller’s publishing of an open letter to President Woodrow Wilson in August 1917 demanding government intervention to thwart mob violence against black Americans made him a target of surveillance by the Intelligence Branch of the War Department. After twice meeting Miller, the black agent charged with investigating him, wrote in a report, “[I] will give him the benefit of the doubt until we should hear of some new activities.” Dubbed the “Sage of the Potomac” by Nannie Helen Burroughs, while writing his autobiography in the 1930s, Miller reflected on his decades in Washington. When he first arrived in 1880, “no airplanes pierced the clouds or were seen in silhouette against the blue sky; and no drone of motors came from above. No motor driven vehicle was in the streets and the clatter of horses’ hoofs was sweet music as compared with the roar of exhausts.” With the Second World War gearing up in Europe, Miller died of a heart attack at his home in Washington in December 1939. Although his omission “from the canon of African American intellectual scholarship is egregious and mysterious,” according to Jones, as new academic paradigms have formed, Miller’s life and scholarship have received renewed interest. With Jones’ long overdue analysis of Miller’s private, public, and polemic lives the awakening attention to this essential figure in local and national history will accelerate. For more on Dr. Jones visit www.portofharlem. net/iejones.html. To reserve a copy, email kellymillerbook@gmail.com. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 35
G I V I N G L O C A L LY Charity Listings Access Housing, Inc. CFC #22663 Access Housing, Inc. (DC) operates the Southeast Veterans Service Center and Chesapeake Veterans House in Southeast DC. This agency provides support and housing to formerly homeless veterans, both male and females. Veterans from all branches and wars have been served by the SEVSC; which celebrated its 10 year anniversary last November. 820-840 Chesapeake Street, SE, DC, 202-561-8387, Accesshousingdc.org
Association for the Preservation of The Congressional Cemetery, CFC #7537 In 1807 a burial ground for citizens in the east end of the new federal city was founded. In the first five years, 13 members of Congress, two vice presidents, and numerous military and government officials were interred, along with a number of ordinary citizens. The Association operates the 35+ acres, 14,000 headstones, and burial place of over 55,000 people. 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-0539, www.congressionalcemetery.org/
Capital Area Food Bank CFC #30794, United Way #8052 For 30 years, CAFB has been the D.C. metro area’s hub for food sourcing, distribution and nutrition education - serving over 478,000 people struggling with hunger. Through direct service and a network of 700 nonprofit partners, the CAFB distributed 27 million pounds of food last year, including 10.8 million pounds of fresh produce. For more on hunger, visit our website at CapitalAreaFoodBank.org. 645 Taylor Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, 202-526-5344, www.CapitalAreaFoodBank.org
Capitol Hill Group Ministry CFC # 36006 Supported by a coalition of Capitol Hill faith communities, CHGM has provided essential services for those in need for 40 years. Emergency Assistance, Family Shelter Program, an after-school program, free tax clinic for low income residents are some of the programs offered. 421 Seward Sq. SE, 202-544-0631, www.capitolhillgroupministry.com
Capitol Hill Restoration Society CFC #50747 CHRS provides guidance on the preservation of historic sites and buildings on the Hill and conveys the views of its 1,000 members to govern36 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
ments and other organizations on issues affecting the Capitol Hill community. CHRS convenes several forums annually on key community issues such as education, crime, transportation, development, zoning and the environment. 420 10th St. SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-0425, www. chrs.org
Capitol Hill Village CFC #55474 Capitol Hill Village is a nonprofit organization of neighbors working together to provide services Hill residents need to live safely and comfortably in their own homes throughout their lives. With one phone call or e-mail message, Village members gain access to professional and volunteer services and a variety of educational and social programs. Box 15126, Washington DC 20003, 202-5431778, www.capitolhillvillage.org
Casey Trees CFC# 24598 Casey Trees is a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Since 2002, Casey Trees has planted more than 10,000 trees and educated thousands of youth and adults on the benefits of trees. For more information, visit www.caseytrees.org.
Central Union Mission CFC# 85786 United Way#9617
Little Lights Urban Ministries, CFC # 89156 Little Lights provides award-winning programs to under-resourced children on the Hill. Recruiting 80+ weekly volunteers, Little Lights offers one-toone tutoring, enrichment, and youth job training. Chosen by the Catalogue of Philanthropy as one the “best small charities in DC,” Little Lights received the Keller Award in 2009. 760 7th Street SE, 20003, 202-548-4021, www.littlelights.org
So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E) CFC#74405 Since the 1970s, SOME has offered meals, a medical clinic, job programs and affordable housing programs to those in need. 1,000 meals are served each day in our dining room. SOME offers comprehensive programs that meet a full spectrum of needs while giving a sense of dignity to the poor and homeless of the District. 71 O Street, NW, DC 20001, 202-797-8806, www.some.org
The Arc of the District of Columbia CFC #35103 United Way #8032 The Arc is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) membership organization serving persons with intellectual and their families since 1950. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all persons with intellectual disabilities and their families through supports and advocacy. 415 Michigan Ave, NE, DC 20017, 202-636-2950, www.arcdc.net
Since 1884, Central Union Mission has continuously operated an emergency shelter for homeless men. The Mission also operates an18-month rehabilitation program, community programs that provide free food, clothing and furniture, a children’s program that includes summer camp, school supplies and Christmas presents for underprivileged children, and a Hispanic Community program. 1350 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) Mission www.missiondc.org
United Planning Organization CFC#90524
Coalition for the Homeless CFC #83436, United Way #8194
Washington Home & Community Hospices
The Coalition for the Homeless was established in 1979. Our mission is to help transition homeless and at risk individuals and families in the Washington area to self-sufficiency through housing programs and supportive services. The Coalition fulfills its mission by operating and managing 12 program sites for men and families with children. 1234 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Suite C-1015, DC 20005, 202-347-7279, www.dccfh.org
| DECEMBER 2011
Since 1962, UPO a nonprofit organization and the designated community action agency for Washington, DC, was established to coordinate human services programs. Our mission is Uniting People with Opportunities that addresses early childhood education; youth development; senior citizens; employment and training; health access; homelessness; and green technology. www.upo.org.
It’s not easy to find peace of mind when a family member is facing advanced illness or impending end-of-life. Fortunately for Washingtonians there is hospice where patients receive holistic comfort care and families enjoy emotional support. For 122 years, we have provided compassionate care in a patient’s own home, assisted living or wherever you call home. Hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Call 866234-7742 for complimentary consultation. ●
“Rebuilding Lives – Strengthening Communities” Our mission is to help homeless, at-risk individuals and families return to self-sufficiency and independent living, through a range of residential and social services.
In 2010 the Coalition served 440 homeless individuals and families daily. 304 individuals and families were placed into permanent and stable housing. 203 adults were placed in employment. 9 families with children were prevented from becoming homeless.
Please support us by donating through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 83436 or United Way #8194
For more details on our program and services, please visit our website at www.dccfh.org. Headquarters: 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW Suite C-1015, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-8870 / Fax: (202) 347-7279 • Open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
They helped you, now it’s YOUR TURN to help them! Hear are some of the ways you can give back: • Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon Saturday, November 19th, 2011 • Give to the Max Day - November 9, 2011 visit: www.give2max.razoo.com • # 9533
# 9533
# 22663
To Register to walk visit: www.helpthehomelessdc.org Register Under Access Housing, Inc(DC) Code DC002 For more information on how you can assist please call
202-561-VETS (8387)
Get Involved!
10th Annual Bread for the Soul Toy & Book Drive DC Water and the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) host the 10th Annual Bread for the Soul Toy and Book Drive, a charity drive that delivers food and gift baskets to District families affected by HIV and AIDS during the holiday season. From now through December 15th, citizens can donate new, unwrapped toys and books for children ages 2 and older. Collection bins for gifts are located at the DC Water Customer Service Center, 810 First Street, N.E. and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 901 G Street, N.W.
For more information, contact DC Water at (202) 787-2200 or DPW at (202) 673-6812
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 37
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
The Big C Prostate Cancer in the District by Candace Y.A. Montague
T
his is the first entry of a three part series on cancer that will look at the barriers and innovations that affect the rates in DC. Clifford Willis got the news he really didn’t want to hear in November 2010. He had been a relatively healthy man all his life. He knew his family’s health history and he got checkups accordingly. So when his urologist confirmed that he had prostate cancer, Willis tuned completely out. “I didn’t hear anything else after that quite frankly. I stared at the wall for a minute. I didn’t fall apart but it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.” Clifford Willis, then 53 years old, had two options for dealing with his diagnosis. He could face it head on with medical assistance or simply wait. Willis opted for surgery. “I came to that decision fairly quickly. Everyone reacts differently to surgery. I was fortunate. I had a pretty good recovery. I was in and out of the hospital in 24 hours. I didn’t even require stitches.” Willis, a real estate agent who resides in Ward 6, now continues to live his life and thrive in spite of prostate cancer. He also participates in The Brothers Prostate Cancer Support Group for Men at Providence Hospital to stay encouraged. Clifford Willis is a fortunate man. But there’s a need for more men like him in the District.
at age 50 but if there’s a family history of it, the screenings should begin sooner. If the PSA levels are elevated, the doctor, typically a urologist, may suggest taking a biopsy to see if there are cancer cells in the gland. Dr. Phillip Proctor, a urologist at Providence Hospital in Northeast, says there are options for treatment depending on whether the cancer is localized or if it has spread.
Prostate Cancer basics and options Prostate cancer has virtually no symptoms. In order to detect it one must have either a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) done. Screenings are suggested for men starting Clifford Willis
38 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
“There is surgery to remove the prostate, which can be done laproscopically or in other words with a robot. There’s chemotherapy. And there’s active surveillance, which is to simply monitor it. But that choice is usually an option for men in their late 80s and 90s where surgery would be harder on their bodies.” When caught early on, men have an excellent chance of survival.
If it is caught in an advanced stage, it will take more aggressive methods to treat and could be fatal.
‘It’s better to be seen and not viewed’ Dr. Phillip Proctor says one of the biggest barriers for getting checked out is getting men to the doctor’s office. “Typically after 40 we go through changes. For some men, the change has to be signifi-
December
cant before we start to heed the signs. In addition, we have this macho thing going on and we put credence into the horror stories that we hear about different types of exams and so that deters us from going to the doctor.” Some men experience extreme urination or erectile dysfunction which would bring them to the doctor’s office but this is not typical. Joe Madison, Sirius XM talk radio show host and political commentator, was diagnosed with a non-aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2009. He used his radio show to reach out for help and talk to specialists. He opted to go to California to receive proton therapy, a specialized form of radiation that puts higher doses of radiation directly into the tumor. Madison said that men simply don’t discuss their health. “We don’t talk about it enough. Men don’t like to go to the doctor. They’re busy. They don’t like to go to the doctor to get that type of exam. There’s also the fear factor. Men just don’t want to know. But not knowing will kill you.” Madison explains that he is happy he found out in time and says his life has never been better. “My life is very exciting and it hasn’t changed. The procedure was non-invasive and I continued to do my show. And I’m still here and in good health. I’m glad I caught it early. Someone once told me “It’s better to be seen than viewed.”
The distance between patients and treatment Wards 7 and 8 have some of the highest incidences of cancer in the city. The District has 11 health care facilities in total with a number of cancer treatment centers. However, United Medical Center, which has no oncology department, is the only hospital that is located east of the river. A man who lives on Benning Road in Southeast, for example, would have to take two trains and one bus ride on the Metro just to get to Howard University Hospital for treatment. That’s a total of two hours and $8 in fares round trip. Over a six to eight week period the cost of treatment out of pocket can subtract from his budget and his spirit.
There are other hurdles that make it difficult for patients east of the river to receive the best care. Issues such as cultural sensitivity, language, and literacy can be challenging when trying to link newly diagnosed patients to care. Insurance can be a force that works against patients that are poor. Medicaid covers only those who fall below 200% of the poverty level. Many residents in wards 7 and 8 are uninsured and must rely on DC Healthcare Alliance for help. There are no oncologists who have offices in wards 7 or 8 that work with the Alliance. The cycle continues.
The response to the call The DC Department of Health has some answers about the cancer crisis in the city. Diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes have offices established based on funding from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health. Prostate cancer does not. There are two prostate cancer-screening programs in the city. One is Men Take 10, a program that does PSA and digital screenings for men ages 40-75 offered at Howard University Hospital in Northwest. There is also the Men’s Health Program out of Providence Hospital in Northeast. This program includes outreach and education presentations throughout the community to encourage informed decision-making and screening when appropriate. DOH and the DC Cancer Consortium fund both programs. The best response to prostate cancer is to overcome the fear, take care of your health and most of all get screened. Joe Madison also offers his personal opinion, “Watch your diet. And women should encourage men to go get an exam and do it annually.” For more information about the Men Take 10 program, call 202-806-7697. For information about the Men’s Health Program, contact William Richie, 202-269-7795 william.richie@ provhosp.org. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance writer in DC. ●
SELF DEFENSE Workshops for Women! Focusing on Holiday Safety and Health
December 3rd and 17th 12:00-2pm at the MAFA Gym Bring your friends along!
1443 D Street Call 202-455-4MMA (4662) for more info www.mafadc.com
Try our Gourmet Cream Style Corn Larry’s Small Batch Sweet Corn 100%
No Preservatives No Additives All Natural
An Indiana favorite for over 40 years now available in DC. Grown on a small family farm, hand harvested and cut in its prime our sweet corn is quickly frozen in order to preserve all its nutritional value and natural flavor. Tender and juicy it has a unique sweet taste that you won’t find anywhere else.
Now Available @ Marvelous Market of Capitol Hill • 303 7th St SE Questions? Email us at ggsweetcorn@comcast.net CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
39
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Child Car Seat Inspections
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from Zhima Jie, the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Show is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. and the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of each month, also at 10:30 a.m. Free. Tickets available at Planetarium box office. Tickets may be ordered by phone at 202-633-4629, however $2 per ticket fee applies for phone orders. National Air and Space Museum Planetarium. airandspace.si.edu
With a mission to ensure children are properly secured in safety seats and belts, DC Safe Kids in partnership with Children’s Health Project of DC is holding free child safety seat inspections at THEARC every Thursday, except the first Thursday of the month. Inspections take place in THEARC’s parking lot from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 202-441-8801. thearcdc.org
Academies at Anacostia Students to be Mentored by President Obama Two students at the Academies at Anacostia, Alonzo Tabron and Malcolm Ware, will be part of a mentoring program with President Barack Obama. In September 2009, former D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee invited Friendship Public Charter School to partner with DCPS to turn around the school now renamed the Academies at Anacostia. Since the partnership began the graduation rate has increased from 57 percent to 79 percent, with 90 percent of graduates being accepted to college. In addition, last year the attendance rate increased to 72 percent from 56 percent prior to the partnership. As part of the school’s turn around, Friendship has offered academically rigorous Advanced Placement courses. In the past year 150 more students took these courses than in the partnership’s first year. So far 40 students have earned Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded D.C. Achievers Scholarships, paying a full-ride through college, and one has been awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship, which fully funds an undergraduate and post-graduate degree.
Friendship Collegiate Academy Presents “Annie: The Musical” “Annie: The Musical” performed on Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2:00 p.m. $7 pre-sale; $10 at door. Friendship Collegiate Academy, 4095 Minnesota Ave. NE. 202-396-5500. friendshipschools.org
40 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Santa’s Workshop and National Christmas Tree Railroad at the White House During your visit to the National Christmas Tree, visitors are encouraged to also see Santa’s Workshop and the National Christmas Tree Railroad. Since 1994 the National Christmas Tree Railroad has provided special delight for children and adults, an electric train that encompasses the base of the tree. The trains have expanded each year and now include multiple tracks, trains, bridges and buildings. thenationaltree.org
The Calhoun family poses for a portrait around the Kwanzaa table after the Anacostia Community Museum’s 2010 program. From left to right are Akinyele Calhoun, Osei Calhoun, 9, Amma Calhoun, 15, Ayinde Calhoun, 13, Yao Calhoun, 7, mother Yejide Calhoun and Ife Calhoun, 11. Photo: Susana Raab
Camp Kwanzaa On Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m., attend this family-friendly program that celebrates the seven days of Kwanzaa through a variety of performances, handson activities, and crafts. Join Culture Kingdom Kids for fun and educational activities that include interactive music, drama, dance, and take-home crafts. Free. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Rd. SE.
National Wildlife Federation’s Kids Magazines Go Digital For over 40 years, National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick magazine has entertained and educated generations of children about the wonders of wildlife. Now Ranger Rick, and NWF’s other children’s magazines (Big Backyard and Wild Animal Baby) are going digital so they can be available to kids on their Nook by Barnes & Noble. The magazines will continue to be advertising-free, and each one comes with a 14-day free trial. Single issues are available for $3.50–$3.95, with annual subscriptions costing $15 for 10 issues.” These are the same prices as the paper version of the magazines, which continue to be available for those who want that hands-on experience. nwf.org/nookforkids
An American Girl Tea: Samantha and the Gilded Age Learn what it was like to grow up during the Gilded Age at this family tea, where excerpts from the Samantha books are read and discussed and
| DECEMBER 2011
children design their own ornaments to take home. Dolls are welcome! $5 per person and reservations required. Register online. Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17, 10:30 a.m. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Contact events@societyofthecincinnati. org for more information. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at the Kennedy Center The Kennedy Center production of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical is at the Kennedy Center Family Theater from Dec. 17-Jan. 8. With music by Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Silversher, six-time Emmy Award winning author/illustrator Mo Willems adapts his Caldecott Honor winning children’s book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale into a family musical. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical is directed by Rosemary Newcott with choreography by Paige Hernandez. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical tells the story of toddler Trixie
who has a beloved stuffed bunny, which she misplaces while on a trip to the Laundromat with her slightly disheveled dad. Luckily, she finds the stuffed animal and speaks her first words. This is a story about family, best friends, baby steps, and memories that last a lifetime. Recommended for audiences ages 4, up. kennedy-center.org
Youth Film Festival Announces Its Second Year The Pendragwn Film Foundation announces the second annual Pendragwn Youth Film Festival (PYFF). Created by the Pendragwn Film Foundation, PYFF seeks to contribute to society through the power of storytelling by helping talented youth grow as artists through film and video. PYFF is an educational experience geared towards exciting eleven to eighteen year olds about the arts. Each applicant will receive a graded rubric with feedback from film industry professionals with comments that give the student constructive criticism about their film. Finalists will be screened at the Festival but everyone can participate in the day’s events. PYFF 2012 will be held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Mar. 24, 2012, 1:00-6:00 p.m. Applicants can submit films three to five minutes in length in the following categories: documentary, narrative, or music video via mail or email. Applicants may also submit a 30 second public service announcement in the super-short category. The submission deadline is Feb.10. Participation is free. For more information, visit pendragwnyouthfilmfest.org. For more information about Pendragwn Productions and Pendragwn Film Foundation, visit pendragwn.com.
300 Kids Join in Help the Homeless Mini-Walk On Oct. 25 nearly 300 students from pre-kindergarten Kids and Family Notesbook continued on 43 CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 41
KIDS & FAMILY
St. Francis Xavier A Capital Catholic School by Alice Ollstein
O
n a Wednesday in late August, the staff of St. Francis Xavier bustled around the campus, preparing for the new school year. Grey and maroon uniforms lay in neat piles. The classrooms were getting a fresh coat of bright yellow paint. A few parents sat in the lobby filling out last-minute applications. The private Catholic school’s principal, Dr. Gladys Camp, had big plans for fall— including a new comprehensive reading program for all grade levels called “Castle in the Classroom.” As part of this guided reading and emerging literacy curriculum, each teacher has created a “book basket” based on the skill level and interests of his or her students, and classes regularly perform Reading Theater, where they act out a story while reading it. Even students too young to read learn to be active listeners who can retell a story, discuss the plot and characters,and create art based on what they’ve heard. “I call it ‘value-added pre-K.’ It’s more than just learning to tie your shoes,” said Camp. “We’re taking it to the next level.” “We want them to hear a story and make connections to their own lives,” added kindergarten teacher Kimberly McKinley. The school also hopes to expand its use of technology, and connect the student’s time in the computer lab to the Castle in the Classroom reading project. They are using the website Starfall.com, where students read and listen to works of fiction, non-fiction, poems and plays. “We want students to experience the story along with the technology,” said Shirley Rice, who teaches technology to grades 3 through 8. “We want the technology incorporated all the way around.”
From Page to Stage The teachers at St. Francis Xavier described the staff as a family, and said that closeness carries over into their work. “We believe in collaboration,” said McKinley. “I teach kindergarten, but it’s important that the pre-K teacher and I have a good working relationship. We talk a lot about what we’re doing with our classes, we plan field trips and activities together, and we talk about where our students are. That way, we make sure her children are ready for my class. And I talk a lot with the first grade teacher, to know what she’s expecting.” At the end of each school year, teachers sit 42 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
students, the school held a storybook character fashion show last year, in which teachers, students and their parents participated. Last year younger grade levels put on a musical of the classic children’s book Peter Rabbit. Every student from pre-K through second grade was in the “Bunny Chorus,” and teachers made each student read song lyrics, rather than just memorize them. “That was the jumping-off point for our whole literacy movement,” said Camp. The school plans to perform the Peter Rabbit musical again for the public. The event will serve as a fundraiser and an effort to help the community get to know the school better.
Elements of Faith
down and talk about each student one-by-one— discussing their strengths and weaknesses and how they learn best. “We have a wonderful staff here,” said Camp. “They’re always working together to move the school forward.” Rice, who teaches everything from basic typing skills to Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint, agreed. “The students really feel a connection with the teachers,” she said. “It’s a home away from home. I get students asking me all the time to pray for their family members.” Above all, the teachers hope to spur critical, analytic thinking. “We do a lot of project-based learning,” said McKinley. “It’s amazing to watch our students grow and develop and become more active.” Furthering the effort to make reading exciting to
| DECEMBER 2011
In addition to academics, arts and extra-curriculars, St. Francis Xavier emphasizes a religious experience for the students. The whole school attends Mass every Friday at the church just a block away. But teachers try to ensure that values taught during the service carry over to the classroom. “Our students have a love for God,” said McKinley. “They aren’t all necessarily Catholic, but they feel the spirit no matter what faith they are. They know how to pray and treat each other with respect. I think you can see that walking through our school, seeing students volunteering to help one another.” Every year, the students learn a different religious motto. This year’s is: “Standing on God’s word, growing in His light.” And this year, the school will also kick off the St. Francis Xavier Project, where students will research the life of the school’s patron saint. Because Saint Francis Xavier was a missionary who traveled all over the world, the school hopes to partner with different national embassies in DC to gain a deeper understanding of his experience and the historical context of his travels. “We want students to make a connection between who our patron saint is, and what we do here as a community,” said McKinley.
Off Capitol Hill, Under the Radar To apply to St. Francis Xavier, students must submit their academic record, including test scores, report cards and comments from teachers. Principal Camp interviews each student, to get a sense of their personalities and let them know what the school’s expectations. Older students also write a short essay about why they want to attend the school.
Kids and Family Notesbook continued from 41 to fifth grade, staff and parents from MV Leckie Elementary School joined together to participate in the first of three Help the Homeless Mini-Walks hosted by the Coalition for the Homeless. Two important components of the mini-walks are an awareness education program plus 15 minutes of some physical activity. The funds raised through the mini-walks go directly to help the Coalition’s homelessness prevention programs for families with children. In our region, close to 12,000 people are without homes and more than 40 percent are families. Shockingly, one in four is a child. Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program raises funds to support organizations working to prevent and end homelessness in the Washington metropolitan area. Since 1988, the Help the Homeless Program has raised more than $85 million. helpthehomlessdc.org
A Nordic Holiday Concert with Children’s Chorus of Washington The Children’ Chorus of Washington’s Holiday concerts explore the musical tradition of the Nordic countries, on Dec. 17 and 18 at 4:00 p.m. at National City Christian Church. This year, they introduce their newly formed Young Men’s Ensemble. $10$50. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202-237-1005. childrenschorus.com
A Holiday Story for Children of Divorce As the holidays approach, many
“It plants the seed that the school is all about a high academic focus,” Camp explained. “We’re trying to get students who are highly motivated, highly focused and who are trying to be the best they can be.” St. Francis Xavier offers grades pre-K through 8th, and most students go on to local Catholic high schools, such as Gonzaga, St. John’s and St. Mary’s. Though many families are from the Anacostia neighborhood, Dr. Camp is trying to get the school’s name out there as a “commuter school”—as parents driving into DC
children inevitably face the questions and disappointments that come from the first Christmas with their parents living apart. Evangeline’s Gift from Santa by Emily Ezell helps children during this difficult period in their lives through the story of Evangeline, who is going through her first Christmas without her parents in the same house. Santa tells Evangeline that “There are times when the greatest gift that mommies and daddies can give their children is two loving homes where there is no arguing,” asking her if she still gets to see her father and what it is like when she does. Evangeline realizes that the fighting has stopped, that she still gets to see her father often, and that he still reads her stories and does the other things that she remembers about when he was living with her and her mother. Once Evangeline realizes that her parents are doing what is best for her, giving her special time with both of them without having to hear the arguing and the fighting, Evangeline realizes that they are going to be okay. This children’s book offers a deep message in a manner to which children can relate, helping them through their first holiday without both parents under the same roof. Evangeline’s Gift from Santa is certain to become a treasured part of their Christmas libraries, while helping parents to convey an important lesson. $19.95 at Amazon. Reach the author at emily@bookstandpublishing.com. ● each morning can easily pass by the campus, just off Pennsylvania Ave. “It’s a ‘Kiss and Ride,’” she said. “You can drop your child off and go off to work, and feel assured that they’re in a safe, warm and nurturing environment and well taken care of.” Camp said that while most parents learn about St. Francis Xavier through the tight-knit parish community, she hopes to reach out to the wider community. “This is the best-kept secret in DC,” she said. ●
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THE NOSE
Can’t Outlaw Them? Elect’Em! by Anonymous
T
he District’s Annus Politicus Horribilis is nearly at an end. From the very first of the year, the city’s civic palette has steadily constricted into a depressing trifecta of oranges, browns and grays. Political scandal has followed faux pas followed by scandal. The city’s much maligned council dais has come to resemble a Damoclean farce. And, Dear Readers, writing this column, The Nose is in serious need of a stiff drink. Will this weary tale of ethical lapses and light fingers ever end? Councilmember Muriel “The Ethics Empress” Bowser has at long last brought forward her omnibus, comprehensive, everything-but-the-kitchensink ethics legislation. This bill, our fair councilmember claims, will put some lead in the wildly spinning moral compasses of her less savory colleagues. Hey, perhaps, it might even bring world peace! Dear Readers, you might well ask this poor scribbler, “Have you completely lost your effing mind spinning such satiric hyperbole?” The answer is a firm, “No!” Bowser’s bill is no cure-all for the moral failings that seem to dog our city’s poor politicians. In her race to fashion a new ethics bureaucracy and trim constituent service funds, Bowser has completely failed to tackle the source of the District’s double dealings, The Nose’s own favorite fraternity, The Lobbyinistas. The Lobbyinistas are super lawyers, who fund the city’s pols through unfathomable, bundled campaign donations, while simultaneously bending the civic bureaucracy to do their clients’ bidding. Alternatively, they can be found down at the Board of Elections and Ethics, or in Superior Court, defending politicians found with their hands in the cookie jar. Certain Lobbyinistas can even leap over the Wilson Building in a single bound; The Nose has it on good authority. Well, if you can’t outlaw the Lobbyinistas, The Nose suggests that we elect them! Yes, Dear Readers, the start of 2012 brings with it possibility of a mayoral recall. Here is The Nose’s prescription for an ideal administration: • Dave “The Valet” Wilmot for Mayor. Anyone who can operate a cityowned parcel as a parking lot paying minimal taxes and rent, and then develop it into a Walmart, is THE MAN. Dave, you have The Nose’s vote. • John “Bulldozer” Ray for Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. Even in these tough economic times, Ray has true vision. For example, take his plan to redevelop the Union Market into a sparkling new bowling alley complete with matching condos and hotels. Maybe The Nose will no longer have to drive to Atlantic City to play the slots. • Kevin “Full Chartered” Chavous for DC Public School Chancellor. Why waste all that money on public schools? We should task Chancellor Chavous with auctioning off DC public school property to developers. The proceeds can then be used to fund independent charters. • Kerry “Asphalt” Pearson for Director of the DC Department of Transportation. Given his close connections to Fort Myer construction, Pearson can pave the way for a new day in road building. Perhaps, he will even be able to
46 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| DECEMBER 2011
charm Amtrak into allowing city street cars through its H Street Tunnel. • Fred “Spring Them” Cooke for Attorney General. After spending many years saving the district’s politicians from their illegal foibles, Cooke knows exactly where the bodies are buried throughout the Wilson Building. No Councilmember will dare to tread over the line with Fred watching their shiny black shoes. Having dispensed with the Executive, it is time, Dear Readers, to turn The Nose’s attention to our sainted legislature, The DC Council. Rather than proposing a “Run Against the Incumbents” slate, The Nose has rephrased a famous Gil Scott rant: The Dais will not be Occupied! You will not be able to tweet, blog and or vote. You will not be able to lose yourself fingering your BlackBerry. You will not be able to balance your check book. Skip out for latte during the day, because the Dais will not be Occupied. The Dais will not be Occupied. The Dais will not be brought to you by Walmart on district cable without commercial interruptions. The Dais will not provide a platform for a lecture about chemistry; or a venue for Tommy “Light Fingers” Thomas and Michael “Lucky” Brown to eat half-smokes purchased from Ben’s, because the Dais will not be Occupied. The Dais will not provide a cover for trading votes for cash. The Dais will not be closed to the press. The Dais will not provide a place for you to play Angry Birds on your iPad, because the Dais will not be Occupied, Sucker. There will be no opportunity for the representative of Lower Caucasia to suck down mollusks catered by Clyde’s of Georgetown. The Dais will not be watched by bored FBI agents. Ploktin will not be able predict its occupants months before the election. Kojo will not invite them on the radio to prognosticate, because the Dais will not be Occupied. iGaming, tax increases, and fully loaded SUVs will no longer be so damned relevant, and voters will not care if Tommy finally gets down with Kwame or whether Michael gets lucky, because voters will be in the street looking for a brighter day. The Dais will not be Occupied. The Dais will be empty. Look out boys and girls on The Council. 2012 is coming. ●
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