East of the River Magazine July 2015

JULY 2015

...INSIDE

HEALTH

SPECIAL SECTION

East of the River Magazine July 2015

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East of the River Magazine July 2015

health special section 15

Combating Teen Pregnancy

16

Synthetic Marijuana Threatens Health

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‘Serve DC’ Offers Free First-Aid/CPR Training

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Our River: The Anacostia

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Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease by Candace Y. A. Montague

by Yvette M. Alexander

by Candace Y.A. Montague

by Candace Y.A. Montague

by Bill Matuszeski

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

In Every Issue

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The Bulletin Board

33

DC Flag day

34

The District Beat

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The Numbers

by Jonetta Rose Barras

by Ed Lazere and Ari Schwartz

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

What’s on Washington

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East of the River Calendar

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E on DC

The Crossword

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The Classified

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‘Chocolate Girl,’ Courtesy of the DC Black Theater Festival

by Christina Sturdivant

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Summer in the City

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Saris Connect Anacostia and Bangladesh

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Local Teen Awarded for Perseverance and Leadership

by Christina Sturdivant

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Jazz Avenues

by E. Ethelbert Miller

by Rindy O’Brien

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

by Steve Monroe

REAL ESTATE

46

Nourishing Families and Food Imaginations

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

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Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY

ON THE COVER: Cycling The Trails of The Anacostia.

Story on page 22.

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Kids & Family Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

E as tof th e R iv e r D C News.c om

FOR EXISTING & ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES

Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free!

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/GQPRT9

Senior Entrepreneurship Program

SmartStart Program The Regulatory Process Integrated Licensing and Money of Starting a Business Smart for Small Business Program Date: Monday, July 20, 2015

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015 Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: 3001 Alabama Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20011 To Register: http://goo.gl/0VS9sm

Date: Monday, July 20, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-268) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/5Oa2sz

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Lamond-Riggs Library 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE Washington, D.C. 20011 To Register: http://goo.gl/UXw6Xg

How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process

Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC

SBRC’s Navigating through Business Licensing and Corporations Process

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/ootmml

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/ygP9VU

Date: Monday through Thursday Time: By Appointment between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-268) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com

For further information : Jacqueline Noisette (202) 442-8170 jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera (202) 442-8055 claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas (202) 442-8690 joy.douglas@dc.gov East of the River Magazine July 2015

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F A G O N

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

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Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com

Kids & Family Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

arts, dininG & entertainment

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Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

Homes & Gardens Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com

Commentary Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com The Last Word • editorial@hilllrag.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board

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Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

General assiGnment

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

202.889.8900

American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted

Jeffrey Anderson • byjeffreyanderson@gmail.com Jonetta Rose Barras • jonetta@jonettarosebarras.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Sharon Bosworth • sharon@barracksrow.org Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Damian Fagon • damian.fagon@gmail.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com

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Brew at the Zoo (Drink Beer-Save Wildlife) On Thursday, July 23, 6-9 p.m., join the lions in drink and raise a glass to conservation! Join FONZ at the National Zoo’s annual beer fest, where visitors can sample beers from more than 70 craft breweries. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment by local band The Bachelor Boys, lawn games, and animal demonstrations.

Plus, purchase fare from popular food trucks that will be on site.

Proceeds benefit animal care and conservation science at the zoo.

So raise a glass and toast to the animals! $65 admission ($30 sober ride admission). Tickets are on sale now at nationalzoo.si.edu.

African Lion Cubs on Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Photo: Connor Mallon, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Fort Dupont Summer Concerts The much-awaited Fort Dupont Concert dates have been announced. This year the concerts are Saturdays, July 18 and 25; Aug. 1 and 8 (rain or shine); 7-9 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The National Park Service wants visitors to enjoy themselves but requests no alcohol, glass containers or grills. Coolers will be checked upon entry. The main driving entrances to the park are Fort Davis Dr. and Ridge Rd; Fort Davis Dr. and Massachusetts Ave.; and Randle Circle and Fort Dupont Dr. Watch for signs. nps.gov/fodu Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service

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“Nationals at 10: Baseball Makes News” at Newseum In partnership with the Washington Nationals, the Newseum presents “Nats at 10: Baseball Makes News,” a exhibit spotlighting 10 memorable moments of the Nats first decade in the nation’s capital. On display July 31-Nov. 29.

“Nats at 10” will bring back memories of some of the most unforgettable moments in Nationals history, with artifacts including the bat and ball from Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off home run in the inaugural game at Nationals Park in 2008, the pitching rubber and rosin bag used by Stephen Strasburg during his record-breaking 14-strikeout major league debut in 2010, the jersey worn by 19-year-old Bryce Harper in 2012 in his first major league game and the home plate used during Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter in the last game of the 2014 regular season.

P.S. The Nationals will offer fans who visit “Nats at 10” a special discount of up to 25 percent on select game tickets purchased online. newseum.org Bryce Harper wearing his Nationals at 10 uniform.

Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals

Living in the Age of Airplanes IMAX at Air and Space Living in the Age of Airplanes is a story about how the airplane has changed the world.

Not long ago, traveling between continents was a migration. Now, on any given day, 100,000 flights transport people and things between any two points on Earth in a matter of hours. Filmed in 18 countries across all 7 continents, it explores the countless ways aviation affects human lives (even when people don’t fly). With stunning visuals, the film renews an appreciation for one of the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring aspects of the modern world. The documentary is produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger (One Six Right), narrated by Harrison Ford, and features an original score by Academy Award winning composer James Horner (Avatar, Titanic). Shown daily at 12:45 p.m.; 3:25 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. $7.50-$9. airandspace.si.edu Photo: Brian J. Terwilliger, courtesy of National Geographic

First-Ever Alexandria Live Music Week This summer, music fans can take part in the first-ever Alexandria Live Music Week from July 10-19, with 10 days of live music at more than 30 restaurants and venues hosting musical performances. Live Music Week will feature acts ranging from jazz to bluegrass, folk rock, country and more at venues including the legendary Birchmere music hall, Blackwall Hitch opening soon on the waterfront, plus Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, the Fish Market, 219 Restaurant and the Old Town Farmers Market.

Live Music Week’s kick-off weekend includes the Alexandria Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 11, featuring performances by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks over the Potomac River, with the second weekend culminating with The Bacon Brothers at the Birchmere on July 16, 17 and 18. visitalexandriava.com

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WARD 8 FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, 9 AM-2 PM. St. Elizabeth’s Gateway Pavilion, 2730 Marlin Luther King Ave. SE. They accept EBT or SNAP. They also accept WIC coupons and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. ward8farmersmarket.com Photo: Courtesy of Ward 8 Farmers Market

SpeCial eventS DCHA 5th Annual Basketball Tournament and Life Skills Event The District of Columbia Housing Authority Basketball tournament originally scheduled for June 26 and 27 has been postponed until July 31 and Aug. 1. The event will still take place at Trinity Washington University, 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017.The star-studded event will be the agency’s largest tournament and will have participants, ages 8 to 16, and their parents, registered to attend. The children are from families who receive some type of housing subsidy or live in public housing. Contact Jennifer Porter at the District of Columbia Housing Authority for more information.

The BEACH at the National Building Museum. Opens July 4. Spanning the Great Hall, the BEACH, created in partnership with Snarkitecture, will cover 10,000 square feet and include an “ocean” of nearly one million recyclable translucent plastic balls.

National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Ford’s Theatre History on Foot Walking Tours. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through August (except July 4), 6:45 PM. This tour occurs rain or shine and lasts approximately two hours. The distance walked is 1.6 miles from outside of Ford’s Theatre to the White House. Tickets are $17 and can be reserved through Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or by visiting fords.org.

Truckeroo Food Trucks. July 10, Aug. 21 and Sept. 11, 11 AM-11 PM. Half St. and M St., SE, near Nat’s Park. Truckeroodc.com

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Alexandria/USA Birthday Celebration. July 11, 7-10 PM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic and enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra plus cannon firing, birthday cake, food trucks and a fireworks display. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA. Capital Fringe Festival. July 9-26. Capital Fringe Festival creates a city filled with non-stop theatre, dance, music, visual art, and everything in-between. Audiences enjoy nonstop, creative cultural experiences and artists develop their artistic visions in total freedom without any curatorial barriers from bringing that work to adventurous audiences. capitalfringe.org Post-game Fireworks at Nat’s Park. Aug. 7, 7:05 vs. Rockies. Fireworks just after the end of the game. Games take about 3 hours. washington.nationals.mlb.com Art Walk in the Park at Glen Echo.

Aug. 7, and Sept. 4, 6-8 PM. Glen

Echo invites the public to visit all the Park’s resident visual arts studios in one evening in order to learn about their programs, meet resident artists and instructors, view artists at work in their studios, purchase unique artwork and gifts, and enjoy the beauty of the park.

Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 301-634-2222. glenechopark.org

OUTDOOR SUMMER MUSIC AND MOVIES Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. July 18 and 25; Aug. 1 and 8; 7-9 PM (gates open at 5:30 PM). The main driving entrances to the park are Fort Davis Dr. and Ridge Rd; Fort Davis Dr. and Massachusetts Ave.; and Randle Circle and Fort Dupont Dr. nps.gov/fodu Navy Memorial Concerts on the Avenue. Tuesdays, through Sept. 1, 7:30 PM. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NE. navyband.navy.mil Air Force Band Concerts at the Air Force Memorial. Fridays in summer, 8 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs.) Expect a pleasing mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. airforcememorial.org Military Band Concerts at the Capitol. Weeknights throughout summer, 8 PM. West side of the Capitol. There’s plenty of parking near the Botanic Garden.

NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, through Aug. 19. Free outdoor film series featuring music, giveaways, food trucks, picnicking and great movies. NoMa Summer Screen at Storey Park Lot, 1005 First St. NE, which will be temporarily transformed for 2015 into a mural-filled urban park. Here’s the remaining lineup: July 8-Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo; July 15-Singing in the Rain; July 22-Save the Last DanceJuly 29-Moulin Rouge; Aug. 5-Stomp the Yard; and Aug. 12-Footloose. Movies start at dark and are screened with subtitles. Coolers, children and friendly (leashed) dogs are welcome. They encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, blankets, Frisbees, and picnic coolers to connect with friends and neighbors starting at 7:00 PM. nomabid.org Jazz in the Garden Concerts at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Aug. 28, 5-8:30

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CALENDAR PM. July 10, Hendrik Meurkens (vibes and harmonica); July 17, Lao Tizer (keyboards); July 24, Sin Miedo (salsa); July 31, Incendio (acoustic guitar); Aug. 7, Miles Stiebel (jazz violin); Aug. 14, Origem (Brazilian jazz); Aug. 21, Seth Kibel (clarinet); Aug. 28, Afro Bop Alliance (Latin jazz). Concerts may be cancelled due to excessive heat or inclement weather. For up-todate information, visit nga.gov/jazz or call 202-2893360.

KENILWORTH PARK LOTUS & WATER LILY FESTIVAL 2015 July 11 (rain or shine), 10 AM-4 PM. The Lotus & Water Lily Festival is an annual event to celebrate the profusion of flowers all around the garden and the cultures around the world that celebrate these flowers.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. nps.gov/keaq Visitors of all ages enjoy the crafts at the Lotus & Water Lily Festival. Photo: M. Marquez

2015 Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer. Wednesdays, through Aug. 19 , 7 PM with preceremony pageantry starting at 6:45 PM. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hourlong sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial times to the soldier of the future. The Twilight Tattoo will be performed on Summerall Field from through June, and on Whipple Field, July through August. twilight.mdw.army.mil Marine Barracks Row Evening Parades. Fridays through Aug. 28, 8:45-10 PM. Performance features music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. Reservations suggested. barracks.marines.mil Yard’s Park Friday Night Concert Series. Fridays, through Sept. 11, 6:30-8:30 PM. Come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. The Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. yardspark.org Glen Echo Park Free Summer Concerts. 7:30 PM. July 9, QuinTango; July 16, Lilt; July 23, Only Lonesome; July 31, Seth Kibel Quartet; Aug. 6, Trio Caliente, Aug. 13, Terraplane; Aug. 20, Quiles & Cloud; and Aug. 27, US Air Force Strings. Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. glenechopark.org Bethesda Outdoor Movies-Stars on the Avenue.

July 21- 25, 9 PM. July 21, Sixteen Candles; July 22, Chef; July 23, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part I; July 24, Mrs. Doubtfire; July 25, Imitation Game. Movies are at the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Aves. in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. For more information, call 301-215-6660 or visit bethesda.org.

American Root Music Concert Series at the Botanic Garden. July 9 and 23; 5-7 PM. June 11, Clarence “The Blues Man” Turner, Blues; June 25, Zydeco Crayz, Louisiana Roots Music; July 9, Big Daddy Love, Appalachian Rock; July 23, Moonshine Society, American Blues. Concerts are outside but go inside in bad weather. usbg.gov Golden Cinema in Farragut Park. 7:30 PM. Here’s the remaining lineup: July 10, Nine to Five; July 17, Miss Congeniality; July 24, Italian Job; July 31, The Wedding Planner. Farragut Park is at Connecticut Ave. and K St. NW. goldentriangledc.com

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Cinematery Movies at Congressional Cemetery.

July 18 and Sept. 26, 7:30 PM, gates open; Movie begins at 8:30 PM. July 18 movie is North by Northwest and July 26, Psycho. Bring food, drinks, blankets and chairs and enjoy a movie in a creepy yet picturesque setting. $10 cash is suggested donation. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org Hot 5 @ Hill Center: (outdoor) Jazz on a Summer’s Eve. July 19, Rochelle Rice; Aug. 16, Sine Qua Non; Sept. 20, Nasar Abadey; 5 PM. Free concerts on the Hill Center grounds. Performances are preceeded by a short Q&A with the artists. Sponsored by Stella Artois. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org “Tunes in the Triangle” Lunch and Dinner Experiences. July 23, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM and 6-8 PM, Andrea Pais (Soul/R&B/Pop). The concerts are free and guests are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring a blanket or chair, friends, family, kids and pets. Evening concerts will include popular games--corn hole, hula hoops, bubbles and more--with free lemonade available and food offered for sale by favorite food trucks.

Lunchtime concerts at 5th & K St. Plaza, NW. Evening concerts at Milian Park at Massachusetts Ave. and 5th St. NW.

arounD the neighBorhooD Todrick Hall Live at THEARC. July 7, 7:30 PM. After 200 million views online, viral YouTuber Todrick Hall is taking his brand new tour on the road. Come see Toddy and his wacky cast of characters sing, laugh and twerk the night away. The show includes appearances from famous internet personalities. $25$80. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org We Are Not Targets at the Anacostia Arts Center.

July 7-8, 7:30 PM. Pastor George Johnson, motivational speaker and founder of the Way of Success Christian Fellowship, will host the conference and deliver a life-changing message both nights. Jonathan Johnson will unveil his new show, Make it Home. This one act play tells the story of a family trying to reclaim their life and find hope after the recent death of their son.

Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202631-6291. AnacostiaArtsCenter.com American Moor by Keith Cobb at Anacostia Playhouse. July 17-Aug. 16. Thursday-Saturday at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM. Fresh off a run at Phoenix Theatre Ensemble in New York City, Keith brings this powerful, personal piece that is full of both humor and heartbreak as it examines race relations, American theater, actors and acting and the nature of unadulterated love. $25. Anacostia Playhouse. 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. 202-290-2328. anacostiaplayhouse.com Conserving Your Diaries and Journals at the Anacostia Community Museum. July 19, 2-4 PM. Conservator Mary Oey, from the Library of Congress talks about the process and techniques of both scientific and basic everyday conservation methods involving materials made from paper. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia. si.edu Late Night Pool Party at Oxon Run Pool. July 25,

8:30-11:30 PM. DPR’s Aquatics Division hosts a free late night pool party for the community. 501 Mississippi Ave. SE. How the Civil War Changed Washington Exhibition. Through Nov. 15. This exhibition examines the social and spatial impact of the Civil War on Washington, DC and the resulting dramatic changes in social mores, and in the size and ethnic composition of the city’s population. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Hand of Freedom: The Life and Legacy of the Plummer Family. Through Dec. 27. This exhibit looks at the life and legacy of the Plummer family in Prince Georges County, MD in the 19th century. Adam Francis Plummer (1819 - December 13, 1905), enslaved on George Calvert’s Riversdale plantation, began to keep a diary in 1841 and maintained it for over sixty years.

Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Bridging the Americas: Community and Belonging from Panama to Washington, DC. Open indefinitely. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

SPORTS AND FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball. July 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22. washington.nationals.mlb.com Washington Mystics Basketball. July 9, 17 and 29; Aug. 5. Verizon Center. nba.com/mystics Bastille Day 4 Miler. July 14, 7 PM. Fletcher’s Boat House, 4940 Canal Rd. NW. dcroadrunners.org DC United. July 26, 5 PM vs. Philadelphia; Aug. 1, 7 PM vs. Real Salt Lake. RFK Stadium. dcunited.com East of the River Outdoor Public Pools. Anacostia Pool--1800 Anacostia Dr. SE. 202-724-1441; Barry Farms Pool--1230 Sumner Rd. SE 202-645-5040; Benning Park Pool--Southern Ave. and Fable St. SE. 202645-5044; Douglass Pool--Frederick Douglass Ct. and Stanton Ter. SE. 202-645-5045; Fort Stanton Pool--1800 Erie St. SE. 202-678-1798; Kelly Miller Pool-4900 Brooks St. NE. 202-724-5056; Oxon Run Pool-Fourth St. and Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-5042. Ft Dupont pool is closed this season for renovations.

All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; KenilworthParkside 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. 2026710314. dpr.dc.gov Barry Farm (indoor) pool. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 AM-8 PM; and Saturdays

and Sundays from 9 AM-5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1230 Sumner Rd. SE. 202730-0572. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun, 9 AM-5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. Closed weekends.

Free for DC residents. 3999 8th St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate weekdays in summer, 11 AM-5:45 PM and weekends, 11 AM-6:45 PM. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free.

One-hour free skate “rental” has started but sizes and supplies are limited. Go east on Penn. Ave. across Anacostia River and make the first right turn onto Fairlawn Ave. and another right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202-472-3873. nps. gov/anac

MARKETS

nilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202-450-3155.

Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202889-4900.

Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7-9 PM. UPO Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600.

The Farm Stand@THEARC. Saturdays through Nov. 14, 3-7 PM. The stand features fresh produce grown both locally. It also accepts WIC, SNAP and Produce Plus. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE.

Market SW “night market”. July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23, 4-9 PM. Bills itself as “an evening of arts, food, flea & fun, live music.” Market is at 4th and M Sts. SW. marketswdc.com

Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM-7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM-5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM-5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM-6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com

ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS

H Street NE Farmers Market. Saturdays, through Dec. 19, 9 AM-noon. Located at H St. and 13th St. NE. EBT/Food Stamps can be redeemed at the information table. All EBT customers and WIC/Senior coupon customers will receive “Double Dollar” coupons to match their EBT dollars or WIC/Senior coupons redeemed up to $10. freshfarmmarket.org Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 10 AM-1 PM. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting). Set up after 10:00 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD

ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b@earthlink.net ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@ anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov

Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3-7 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-6985253. easternmarketdc.com

ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE

Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM-8 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM-8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 5th St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com

ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org

Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8 AM-4 PM. 1819 35th St. NW. georgetownfleamarket.com

ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org

Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7 AM-9 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722.

Fashion Trucks on U. Sundays, noon-5 PM. Fashion Trucks offer a mix of crafts, clothes, accessories and jewelry at the former home of the Sunday U St Flea in the parking lot, next to Nellie’s Sports Bar at 912 U St. NW. ustreetflea.com

ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244.

ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202-561-0774. u

CIVIC LIFE Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560.

Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM-6 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30-8 PM at Ke-

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HEALTH SPECIAL SECTION Combating Teen Pregnancy

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by Yvette M. Alexander, Ward 7 Councilmember

reventing pregnancy among teenagers has always been a part of my platform. While reports frequently cite a decline in teen pregnancy throughout the city, statistics show that this is not the case east of the river. While having a child can be a joy, having one as a teenager can make progressing in life incredibly difficult, and not just for ill-equipped young mothers. It also puts a burden on the families and communities that have to help support them. But, while being a teen mom is challenging, it is not all doom, especially with organizations that work to not only prevent teen pregnancy, but include a support system for teen mothers.

Based in Ward 7, the Elizabeth Ministry works with young women, many who are teen moms who have aged out of the foster care system. The organization, which includes two 15-unit cooperative apartments, works with the young women by focusing on education, employment, financial literacy and family and child development. During a visit to the Elizabeth Ministry, I was able to meet a few of its residents and was proud to learn that being a teen mom did not hinder their goal of finishing high school and with the help of the Elizabeth Ministry, they are able to push further with their goals and on their way to being self-sufficient.

I also speak for the great work that Crittenton does in our high schools east of the river with their “Sneakers & Pearls” program. The program addresses the issue of teen pregnancy through education on prevention, while at the same time providing support for teenage mothers and educating them further to delay additional pregnancies. Notably, 100 percent of the program’s participants graduate from high school, with the majority attending college.

Stories of successful progress of teenage mothers are a testament that the work of organizations like the Elizabeth Ministry and Crittenton are needed. In prior years I allocated money towards teen pregnancy prevention and for fiscal year 2016, I continued to do so. As the Chair

of the Committee on Health and Human Services, I provided $569,000 in grant funding to continue supporting programs that have a history of promoting the healthy development of girls attending public and charter schools in grades 9-12 located in parts of the city with the highest rates of teen pregnancy. Additionally, with the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy as a lead agency, I provided $1.3 million to teen pregnancy programs that have a proven track record of decreasing teen pregnancy through their programs. These funds replace federal grants and private funds that ended last fiscal year.

Also included in the budget for fiscal year 2016, is $157,000 in grant funds to support teen peer educators who provide sexual health information and condoms to youth, with the understanding that while adults often want to do all that they can to help, that message is often more effectively delivered when it comes from someone their own age. Through such a program, teens can ask questions and get accurate information from other teens that are properly educated on these life-changing topics.

Going a step further, this year I put forth legislation that requires the Mayor to create a program that serves minor parents. Currently there is no program to serve minor parents without requiring them to enter “the system.”

When given a safe place to sleep, and provided with appropriately tailored reunification services, minor parents can be reunited with their families of origin within a month. With this program, I was able to fill a large gap in services by providing $500,000 for this very vulnerable population.

As a legislator, I want to do all that I can to educate teens and prevent them from becoming a statistic. I commend the work all of the organizations that continue to educate our youth on sexual health and preventing teen pregnancy. Through education, support and a genuine outpouring of love, we can help re-write the narrative of a teen who is considering sex or who has become pregnant. u

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July 2015

health Special ISSUE

Synthetic Marijuana Threatens Health rise of a new ‘drug’ puts the community on edge

by Candace Y.A. Montague

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2, Spice, Scooby Snax, and Bizarro. Clever names printed on small packages containing a deadly substance. Synthetic marijuana has been making its rounds among residents in the District. In May 2013 the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) launched its first social marketing campaign to warn youth about this substance. It was the alternative to natural marijuana because it was legal to consume and relatively easy to get. The department hoped that they could stall K2’s popularity by alerting the general public of its “zombie” effect. The District, along with 40 other states, banned the sale and distribution of the synthetic drug. Now DBH is launching phase two of the campaign, aiming at adults and youth. The expectation is to save people from this drug through education.

Adult Consumption Adult consumption of fake weed is being reported more in the media though it is certainly not new. The first reports came in 2011, when midshipmen in the US Naval Academy were expelled after being caught using Spice. Earlier last month the District saw a spike in overdoses among the homeless population in a shelter located downtown.

However, the use of K2 is not limited to the homeless or the downtown area. Many adults across the District have been risking their health and life for a K2 high. Dr. Barbara Bazron, interim chief of the DBH, urges people not to take the risk. “Consuming these products can be deadly from a health perspective. It can cause panic attacks, psychotic episodes, hallucination, rapid heart rate, seizures, brain damage, loss of motor skills. The bottom line is it is dangerous and deadly.”

The other side of adults and K2 is the bevy of concerned citizens who in December 2012 organized themselves and, along with DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, protested the sale of K2 at an Exxon gas station on

Aloha, the newest synthetic marijuana, is “flavored’ with bubble gum scent.

Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague

Benning Road in Ward 7. The owner promised to stop selling the drug, but he is just one of many dealers that infuse the community with this manufactured product.

Councilmembers Yvette Alexander (Ward 7) and LaRuby May (Ward 8) are committed to stopping dealers from distributing K2 in their neighborhoods. Alexander, who is also chair of the District Council’s health committee, says she wants the community to continue to be more involved in the crackdown. “I need community members to report retailers and people who sell it. Let the police know about it. Let the Council members know about it. Educate each other about the effects of it.”

A Moving Target Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Cathy Lanier speaks about the dangers of synthetic marijuana. Photo: Lateef Mangum, Office of the Mayor

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From a health perspective, not only does synthetic marijuana have severe health effects but treating a user can be difficult. Synthetic marijuana

has over 200 different varieties, and its chemical composition frequently fluctuates. Users don’t know what they’re getting when they purchase a package. This makes K2 hard to detect in a drug test but it also makes it hard for doctors to treat when a person takes ill. “The problem is that nobody knows what’s really in these products,” says Dr. Cathleen Clancey, associate medical director at the National Capital Poison Control Center and an emergency room physician. “It’s sold as K2 or spice. But there are very different agents in them. It’s a bit of a moving target.” She warns, “In a way I think it’s more dangerous [than natural marijuana] because what’s in those packets are unknowns. You could put anything in those packets. People are treating themselves like guinea pigs. People are really experimenting.”

The National Capital Poison Control Center has been fielding phone calls from people who have ingested unknown chemicals that made

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health Special iSSUe

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Synthetic marijuana is often packaged in colorful appealing packages to lure youth.

them sick. Dr. Clancey says that lately the calls have been from medical professionals who are unsure about how to treat people who have used a brand of synthetic marijuana. “Most of our calls are from medical facilities,” she explains. “They are seeing an increase in acuity; people are sicker than before. The treating physicians call to see what’s going on. Is there something new? Is there a special antidote?” The answer is yes, there is something new. But it continues to change all the time, making it difficult to identify a consistent treatment plan.

AppeAls to A younger AudienCe There is a bit of a tug-of-war when it comes to the youth in the District. Dealers market synthetic marijuana in colorful, funny packaging to attract the eye and pique the curiosity. It is inexpensive ($10-$15), accessible, and undetectable in drug tests. The chemicals have been synthesized and supposedly bind with cannabinoid receptors the same way natural marijuana does. And while the sale of this product is illegal, possession of it is not. A DC survey found that by the time teens have reached tenth grade 1 in 5 has tried synthetic marijuana.

Health and city officials have renewed education efforts about the dangers of K2. DBH has launched the second phase of its zombie campaign, which includes more bus and Metro train signage.

Charles Dark, director of the Prevention Center housed in Sasha Bruce House, states that from the

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prevention aspect education is the best weapon: “We hear a lot about kids passing out and becoming dehydrated, having psychotic episodes. This problem has been growing for a while. What we do is try to educate youth before they get into the use of these synthetics. If you haven’t started this habit, don’t even go there.”

Additionally parents need to get involved with the conversation around drugs. While it may be difficult to begin “the talk,” Dark recommends that parents break the silence sooner than later. “We know that parents need help discussing drugs with their kids. In the communities we serve it’s looked upon as taboo to even talk about drugs. The best thing to do is to address it without sugar-coating it: ‘This is what I think and see. If I’m wrong, tell me.

But we have to talk about this.’ The sooner you intervene the better the chances you have of getting your loved ones out of the addiction.”

Synthetic marijuana won’t go away quickly or quietly. It will take a united force of parents, community leaders, and health professionals to shut it down. Only time will tell if conversations and legislations will eliminate this drug from vulnerable populations in the District. Everyone must play a part.

For more information about synthetic marijuana visit www.k2zombiedc.com. You can also call the DC Department of Behavioral Health, 8887WE HELP (793-4357). u

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health Special ISSUE

‘Serve DC’ Offers Free First-Aid/CPR Training five reasons why you should learn these life-saving skills

by Candace Y.A. Montague

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icture this: you’re riding the Metro train and the woman in front of you begins gasping for air and falls to the floor. She complains of chest pains and shortness of breath and asks for someone to call for help. Another passenger alerts the conductor to call the paramedics. What can you do for her while you wait for first responders?

This scenario is quite possible in the real world, and the person who gasps for air has no time to wait. Serve DC, the Mayor’s Office of Volunteerism, has partnered with the American Red Cross to get more people trained in basic CPR and first aid to help in times of emergency. The program is a part of Mayor Bowser’s F.R.E.S.H. Summer of Training initiative. Free trainings will be held from June to September. The goal is to certify at least 100 residents in each ward.

Janis Hazel, communications and special initiatives director for Serve DC, says training can prepare people for many different situations.

“We’re providing the training for free, which is helpful for people who need the certification for their job as well as for everyday life. You never know when you might have to save a life through CPR or first aid at a given moment or until a first responder gets to the site.”

If that isn’t enough motivation, here are five more reasons why you should be one of the 100.

Reason 1: Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Can Save Someone’s Life Heart attacks are sudden and in most cases deadly. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association found that only 8 percent of people who suffer a heart attack survive. Most heart attacks are a direct result of a person having heart disease. In Wards 7 and 8 heart disease is the number one cause of death. What if you could intervene and save a life? It’s possible if you are trained in CPR and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an elec-

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Teresa Smallwood practices chest compression during CPR training.

Reason 3: First-Aid Training Can Cut Down on Emergency Room Visits First-aid trainings help fill in the “What if ” gaps of an emergency and help people make informed decisions about the next steps. What if the first responders can’t get to the person fast enough?

What if a person really doesn’t need a paramedic at all? The average wait time for a paramedic to arrive is 8-12 minutes. What if you can handle it on your own? First-aid training can help residents make fast decisions without hysteria on how to care for someone in need of medical assistance. In some cases it may be possible to take care of the emergency without calling 911. Firstaid-training participants learn how to control external bleeding, stabilize a person with a broken limb, alleviate pain from burns, and recognize the signs of a stroke.

Reason 4: Children Are, Well, Children Children are accident prone. They fall, get into fights, run into things, cut themselves, burn themselves, have asthma attacks. Caring for wounds tric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. Easy to operate, it can restore a person’s heart rate in minutes.

Reason 2: Heart Attacks Are Not the Only Reason You Would Need CPR People generally associate CPR with heart attacks. However, there are several other reasons why someone would need mouth-to mouth-resuscitation. Drowning is one of them. Drowning doesn’t have to happen in a swimming pool. It can happen in a bathtub, sink, or in open water.

Choking on food – in restaurants, public spaces, or at home – is another reason. Also, someone could suffer from a stroke and need help breathing. Diabetics can suffer from insulin shock and need to be rescued. Even accidental events such as drug overdoses, allergic reactions, or injuries from accidents may warrant use of CPR.

Residents practice wrapping a wound during first-aid training.

is a skill that parents need to know in case of the unexpected. First-aid training can help determine what is a true emergency and what can be taken care of at home. Also, administering CPR to a child is different than working with adults. Proper training will help teach how to differentiate between the two.

ATTENTION: Current & Future Trusted Health Plan Members

reAson 5: refresHers Are neCessAry to mAintAin CertifiCAtion

Medicaid and Alliance Benefit Provider

If you were certified in CPR/AED and first aid once before, you may need to do it again. Certification is only valid for two years. After that you may forget a few things here and there. In addition procedures change over the years and you may need to learn the latest techniques on how to save a life. “If you don’t use it frequently you may forget it,” warns Janis Hazel. “That’s why it’s good to have a refresher every two years. People who have taken the class in the last couple of years or so may want to take the class to remind themselves of how to respond.” Bonus reason: Training is free. The cost of a standard CPR course can be $70-$110.

Trainings are open for anyone who works, lives, or congregates in the District. For more information visit www.serve.dc.gov or call 202727-7925.

Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u

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TO ENROLL, CALL (202) 639-4030 WWW.TRUSTEDHP.COM East of the River Magazine July 2015

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health Special ISSUE

Cycling the Trails of the Anacostia our river: the anacostia

by Bill Matuszeski

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ummertime! And time to get out and oil up that bicycle for some wonderful rides along the Anacostia River and its feeder streams.

All along the main stem of the River and nearly all its tributaries, we have been blessed by generations of thoughtful city, county and federal officials who preserved the banks in parks and natural areas, and built trails for hikers and bikers.

The trails are nearly all paved and generally level, so perfect for cycling at a leisurely pace. Some are along roadways, some deep in the forests, and all have lots of bridges and banks and curves as well as benches and picnic tables at regular intervals.

Down along our parts of the River in DC, we have the Riverwalk on both sides from the South Capitol Street bridge to Benning Road, with a few spots still a bit rough, but improvements underway. And above the

New trail bridge in Anacostia Park.

Photo Credit: americantransportationawards.org

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Bladensburg Marina and Park in Maryland there are many miles of trails suitable for biking. But a lot of us don’t use those trails right now because there is a gap of about three miles along the River between Benning Road and the marina. That is about to change, with a connecting trail currently under construction along the east bank and through the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. It is promised to be open by next spring.

But there is no need to wait! The secret to accessing those upper trails is Metro. You can take your bike on Metro at no extra charge from 10 to 4 on weekdays and all day weekends; just use the

elevators and the ends of the cars, where there is more space to handle bicycles.

Many of the trails described below end at the Bladensburg Marina and will tie in with the new trail connection into the District. But for now, you have some perfectly viable options to get home. By bike, head south on Bladensburg Road a few blocks and then cut over west on any of a number of quiet residential streets to the Catholic U Red Line Station. From there you can head home via Metro or take the new Metropolitan Branch Trail to Union Station and bike back home from there. Alternatively, a little less than two miles above Bladensburg Park on the West Branch lies West Hyattsville Metro on the Green Line, which serves the Navy Yard area and neighborhoods east of the River.

Now, as for the Trails themselves and what they offer:

Sligo Creek Trail This one is the Gold Standard, whether you are looking for length, number of bridge crossings or beautiful gardens. Starting at the end of the Red

Bikers o Photo C

H y p e r L o c a l Bikers on an Anacostia Trail.

Photo Credit: anacostiatrails.org

| hīpər

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connotes information oriented around a well defined community with its primary focus directed toward the concerns of its residents.

synonym: eastoftheriverdcnews.com Line in Glenmont, it is a good 15 miles to Bladensburg. From the Metro, follow surface roads to Brookside Gardens, a horticultural masterpiece in Montgomery County with display gardens and greenhouses to wander. Head through the Gardens to the back entry gate to Wheaton Regional Park and bike to the other side. After a couple blocks of residential neighborhoods and a school you reach the beginning of the Trail, which follows a rolling and twisting course through the woods along a stream. After a couple miles you pick up the Sligo Creek Parkway, which comes alongside occasionally; but generally you have a clear and quiet trail along the stream in the forest with occasional playgrounds and recreational centers all the way to the intersection with the Northwest Branch Trail a few hundred yards above West Hyattsville Metro.

nortHWest BrAnCH trAil If you want to feel on your own and isolated from the world, this trail is for you.

The advantage is that it has the deepest valley and the thickest forest of any of the trails. The disadvantage is that there is no Metro access to the top, so it must be done as a round trip. But the top end is at the Beltway and only sev-

en miles from Bladensburg. The lower end looks a lot like the Sligo Creek Trail, but after passing by the Adelphi Mill, and a beautiful old restored structure that serves as a community center, you head upstream into a deep wooded canyon with hillsides of forests tumbling into a rushing stream, and without a building in sight. The spell is broken near the end of the trail where the noises of the approaching Beltway on a bridge high overhead overcome the sounds of falling water. Just turn around and enjoy it again!

Daily online. Monthly in print.

pAint BrAnCH trAil This trail can’t be beat for variety over a short distance. It is only three miles from the top to its confluence with the Northeast Branch Trail; but in combo with the latter, it is nearly seven miles to the Bladensburg Marina. Add to that a rather long ride of a mile and a half from the closest Metro Station (Greenbelt) on Lackawanna Street and Cherry Hill Road to the trailhead near the Beltway. Once on the trail, you pass a natural area laid low by a cyclone that hit a few years ago and a portion of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, before entering along the University of Maryland campus. The trail meets the Northeast East of the River Magazine July 2015

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Branch Trail at Lake Artemesia, a man-made lagoon with parks and gazebos scattered around.

Northeast Branch Trail From Lake Artemesia it is only a little over 3 ½ miles to Bladensburg Marina, but there is lots to see, starting with the Lake itself. The trail passes by the historic College Park Airport and Museum, well worth a stop.

It follows the stream through a series of community parks and recreation areas serving a large Latino population, and joins the Northwest Branch a mile or so above the Marina.

The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) While this is not an area served by trails, it is a vast rural landscape in the Anacostia watershed with many roads suitable for biking. To get there, take Metro to Greenbelt Station on the Green Line, and cross the Beltway to Greenbelt, a 1930’s Federal experiment in compact community living that retains much of its design and charm in this era of seeking sustainability. There are a number of options to bike through Greenbelt and then into the BARC countryside. At the end of your explorations, bike back to the Greenbelt Metro and head home.

Many more bike trails are in the planning stages. One will come out New York Avenue to the Arboretum and connect with a new bridge to be built for hikers and bikers over the Anacostia, for the first time connecting the Arboretum and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. It will tie into the trail now under construction to connect Benning Road to Bladensburg. Others will connect the Anacostia trails to Bowie and Annapolis and eventually all the way to Maine!

But don’t wait for all that! Get on your bike, get out and explore Our River’s watershed! Those trails are just waiting for you.

Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, current Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River u

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health Special ISSUE

Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease families struggle for resources to cope

by Candace Y.A. Montague

I

Cost of Care

t started off with small, inexplicable acts like leaving raw chicken in the microwave or putting bread in the freezer. But Angela Byrd knew that something wasn’t right about her 67-year-old mother Shirley. It escalated to car accidents where Shirley would hit another car and argue that it wasn’t her fault.

Then one day Byrd got a call from her grandmother explaining that Shirley was lost in Takoma Park, Northwest. She had no recollection of how she got there. The Byrds live on Alabama Avenue in Southeast.

“That’s when I took her car keys away,” said Byrd. “I just couldn’t take it anymore.” With the support of her aunt, her grandmother, and her mother’s best friend, Byrd convinced her mother to go to a doctor, who diagnosed her as having the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. “I think my mother already knew this. She just wasn’t telling everybody else about it. She’s a strong woman.”

Now Byrd is her mother’s primary source of care. She works from home so that she can take care of her mom and keep her safe. “My mother’s a wanderer. Sometimes I’ll wake up in the morning and she’s gone.” Byrd stays with her mother to care for her day and night.

Byrd is one of thousands of people in this country who are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. In the District there are resources to help.

Medicare plans vary according to which specific drugs they will cover and how much the co-payment will be. The healthcare reform law requires that all Medicare drug plans cover at least two cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which are among drugs commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s. When selecting a Medicare plan the Alzheimer’s Association says to consider things such as: • Drug coverage. Check that the current drugs and the proper doses are covered.

Also see if there are limits set by “prior approval” requests.

• Out of pocket expenses. Check the monthly premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing for the drugs currently taken. If it’s not on the plan’s list, it’s not covered.

• Pharmacy network. Each plan has a network of pharmacies. Check that your pharmacy is in the network to avoid surprises.

Many caregivers struggle with daycare for their loved ones. The Washington Business Journal estimates that the average cost of in-home care in the District is $20 an hour, while assisted living facilities average $52,500 a year, and private nursing homes average $108,000 a year. Eligible persons can use their Medicare Home Health Benefit to pay for services in the home.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s Dementia is an umbrella term that signals loss of memory and certain brain functions that can interfere with daily living. There are several types of dementia including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive disease that affects the memory and other brain functions. Many people believe that memory loss is a normal part of the aging process. Although seniors may have occasional issues with memory, it is not normal to lose memory with age. Alzheimer’s causes a memory loss that grows worse over time. Approximately 9 percent of District seniors have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Afri-

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Caregiver’s Burden

Shirley Byrd enjoys her Sunday afternoons at her home in Southeast.

Photo: Candace Y. A. Montague

can-American Network Against Alzheimer’s, blacks are approximately two times as likely to be diagnosed with it.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s varies as researchers are developing drugs that can treat some of the symptoms of dementia. No medication can slow it down and there is no cure, but it is highly recommended to see a doctor during the onset phase.

In the African-American community identifying who the caregiver is for a person with Alzheimer’s can be an arduous task. Blacks don’t always take to the caregiver label. Brittany Kitt, LCSW and federal grant project lead for the DC Office of Aging, explained that the label means more than you think. “In the African-American culture we just think, this is my loved one, it’s just what I do. They don’t necessarily think of themselves as caregivers. But when you identify yourself as a caregiver you qualify for certain services like respite care and training programs. If you bathe

or groom them, prepare meals and take care of their home, handle their finances, then you are a caregiver.”

Caregivers in the District do not have to go it alone anymore. The DC Office of Aging offers several programs, among them a behavior symptom management program to train caregivers, professionals, social workers, and home health aides on the symptoms of dementia and how to navigate them. A new money management program will assist people with early onset dementia.

It helps with things such as bill paying,

budgeting, and assistance with the rent.

In addition there is a Saturday Respite Program for residents in Wards 7 and 8.

The program offers up to four hours’ relief for caregivers of people who are 60 years or older with mild to moderate dementia and memory loss.

For more information about available services in DC for people with Alzheimer’s and their families visit www. dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5622.

Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s 1. Memory loss that disrupts life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Also forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, or increasingly needing to rely on memory aids.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than before.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure. Trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

4. Confusion with time or place. Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Becoming impatient more often. Forgetting how a destination was reached.

Stopping in the middle of a conversation and having no idea how to continue, or repeating oneself.

Struggling with vocabulary, having problems finding the right word, or calling things by the wrong name.

7. Misplacing things or having trouble retracing steps. Putting things in unusual places. Losing things and being unable to retrace the steps to find them. Accusing others of stealing.

8. Poor judgment. Using poor judgment when dealing with money; giving large amounts to telemarketers. Paying less attention to grooming or keeping clean.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Experiencing difficulty in keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. Avoiding being social because of the changes experienced.

5. Trouble understanding visual/spatial relationships. Difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.

10. Changes in mood or personality.

Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Being easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places outside one’s comfort zone.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Trouble following or joining a conversation.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association, http:// www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_ signs_of_alzheimers.asp#signs

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neighborhood news dents participated in IMPACT Day. Please visit www.WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org for additional information on WOLCF.

mAnnA “PAinted tHe Block” in deAnWood On June 12, Manna, Inc., a 33-year old DC nonprofit housing developer and educator, kicked off its first Paint the Block event, which focuses on bringing together volunteers and communities to identify and meet community needs. In partnership with the Deanwood Citizens Association, Training Ground Inc. and other Ward 7 residents, and with almost 100 volunteers from national organizations and businesses, this event kicked-off the clean up of Nash Creek in Deanwood. Mattresses were dug up, tires were dragged out, and even some of the creek water was uncovered. The community hopes to use this event to restore as much of the creek as possible.

AnAcostiA WAtersHed society sAFAri series river tours

The State of Confusion by James Terrell (artist), acrylic on canvas, 32 x 46”, 2014

celeBrAte Art eAst oF tHe river one nigHt, tHree oPenings ARCH Development Corporation announces a night of art and culture coming to Historic Anacostia on Friday, July 10. Anacostia Arts Center, Honfleur Gallery, and Vivid Solutions Gallery will all host receptions for the openings of respective gallery exhibitions. Apotheosis of One Humankind runs from July 10-Aug. 16 at Anacostia Arts Center. The 8th Annual East of the River Exhibition, with work by seven Ward 7 and 8 artists, at Honfleur Gallery and Innocent Eyes of Tierra Bomba at Vivid Solutions Gallery both run from July 10-Aug. 28. The festivities run 6-9 p.m. at all locations and are free and open to the public. Anacostia Arts Center is at 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. Honfleur Gallery and Vivid Solutions Gallery are at 1241 Good Hope Rd SE.

lockridge FoundAtion And deloitte consulting Host imPAct dAy in WArd 8 On Friday, June 5, the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF), in partnership with Deloitte Consulting, hosted the second STEM “What if There Was An App for That?”

IMPACT Day in Ward 8. Students were given 40 minutes to create an idea for an app. Approxi-

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mately 60 Deloitte employees were on site to help students apply techniques to this process.

The initial focus was for the students to create apps to address bullying, school lunch and homework. However the creativity of the student expanded beyond these three core areas to others, including, but not limited, to how to determine what field trips to take and getting to school on time. Between the two schools, over 250 stu-

The Anacostia Watershed Society announces their Summer 2015 Anacostia Safari Series--Yoga Paddle, Lotus Paddle and Moonlight Tour.

These events offer three unique ways to experience the Anacostia River. Tours are $55-$57, plus fee. anacostiaws.org Yoga Paddle is a meditative, nature-tuned tour of the Anacostia that includes an hour of yoga in a beautiful setting on the river. A certified yoga instructor will facilitate a short warm up activity before the session begins. Attendees will launch from one of the Anacostia’s many access locations and enjoy an informative paddle to a location where the yoga instructor will facilitate an hour of yoga on land. After a meditative and rejuvenating yoga experience they will paddle back to the starting location. Yoga Paddle dates are July 11 and 25; Aug. 8, 16 and 29; Sept. 12 and 19; and Oct. 3 and 17.

Those participating in the Lotus Paddle event will see the Anacostia River by experiencing the blooming Lotus at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens via the Kenilworth Marsh. Participants will get first-hand experience of some of the Anacostia Watershed Society’s successful wetland restoration efforts. Lotus Paddle dates are July 18; and Aug. 1, 2, 8, 14 and 22.

The Moonlight Tour is an opportunity for twenty participants to paddle the Anacostia River under the light of the moon and stars. This group will experience the Anacostia River in a way that few others have—without the distraction of daily traffic and boater activity - but with the nightlife of the wild. Participants should have basic paddling experience. Moonlight Tour dates are July 17 and 31; Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.

WArd 8 FArmers’ mArket oPen For seAson The Ward 8 Farmers’ Market is open for the season on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at St. Elizabeth’s

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Gateway Pavilion, 2730 Marlin Luther King Ave. SE (across from Friendship Charter School, the Car Wash and Georgena’s Restaurant). They accept EBT or SNAP, from DC and Maryland.

They also accept WIC coupons and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. ward8farmersmarket.com

Community Forum: Park and Land Improvements Along the Anacostia On Saturday, July 11, 2-4 p.m., join community park and land improvement activists and supporters as they discuss current projects such as the Anacostia Park & Kenilworth Park, the Pepco Plant at Benning Road, the Bower’s commitment Reservation 13, Plans for RFK Stadium site (Capitol Youth Sports Park Project) and other planned developments. Panel moderator will be Doug Siglin of the Federal City Council and the Anacostia River Trust. Panelists include Bob Coomber, ANC 7D01 Commissioner and Capitol Youth Sports Park Project Board Member. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Community Wellness Center Yoga Classes Community Wellness Center Yoga Classes are Saturdays, 10:15 a.m., for “Mind & Body Flow with Samaa” and Sundays, 10 a.m., for Sunday Mornin’ Yoga with TanO. Classes are $5, and the first class is free. The Community Wellness Center is at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-631-6291.

Trinity at THEARC Information Sessions Trinity’s associate’s degree program at THEARC is an excellent choice for anybody that needs college credit for employment or is working towards a college degree. There are information sessions on Wednesdays, July 22, Aug. 5 and 19; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Trinity at THEARC features classes held during the evenings and on weekends; small class sizes for individualized attention; and affordable tuition and financial aid for those who qualify. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 202-884-9400. trinitydc.edu

Final DC United Soccer Stadium Agreement Mayor Bowser has announced a final agreement between the District government and DC United that clears the way

for DC United to build a new soccer stadium in the District of Columbia. The signed agreement includes improved deal terms which will result in better financial protections for District of Columbia residents, clarifies the size and timeline of the stadium, and strengthens community engagement. The Bowser Administration will submit legislation to the Council of the District of Columbia for final review.

In March, Mayor Bowser joined Local 25 Union and D.C. United to sign a Labor Peace Agreement that will create middleclass hospitality jobs and expand the positive impact of the District’s investment in the stadium. In December, as Mayor-Elect, Bowser delinked the Frank R. Reeves Center from the soccer stadium deal.

Anacostia Heritage Trail Launch (save the date) The launch/ribbon cutting for the Anacostia Heritage Trail is on Saturday, Aug. 15. Go to culturaltourismdc.org/ portal/neighborhood-heritage-trails for more information.

Paddle Nights on the Anacostia Thursdays, through Sept. 24, 5-7:30 p.m., discover Anacostia by joining the Anacostia Watershed Society in the free Paddle Nights on the Anacostia Program. AWS provides the canoes, life jackets, paddles and safety lesson: everything needed to have a great paddling experience. The events are first-come firstserved, so come early for a better chance of getting out on the water. Paddle Nights leave from different locations--July 30, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10, Paddle Nights leave from Kenilworth Park, 4000 Deane St. SE. July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 3 and 24, Paddle Nights leave from Ballpark Boathouse, Diamond Teague Park, First and Potomac Ave. SE. July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept.

17, Paddle Nights leave from Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD. July 23 and Aug. 20, Paddle Nights leave from the Anacostia Community Boathouse, 1900 M St. SE. Please register for this event at anacostiaws.org. Registration does not guarantee a canoe, but it guarantees a notification if the event is cancelled.

Rik Freeman Wins East of the River Distinguished Artist Award ARCH Development Corporation and the Gautier Family are pleased to announce Rik Freeman as the winner of

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neighborhood news / buLLetin board the fourth annual East of the River Distinguished Artist Award. ARCH will host an awards ceremony on July 18 at Honfleur Gallery to formally present Freeman with his $5,000 prize. The following individuals made up this year’s panel: Sharon Gautier (art collector and family representative), Noah Getz (saxophonist and Musician-in-Residence, American University), George Koch (artist; President and CEO, Center for the Creative Economy; Founder, Artomatic), Luis Peralta Del Valle (artist; 2013 EotRDAA recipient), and Adele Robey (actor; Founder and CEO, Anacostia Playhouse).

The East of the River Distinguished Artist Award honors one artist with the $5,000 award each year. The award is open to all artists in all disciplines who currently live in neighborhoods East of the Anacostia River. The award is designed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of East of the River artists who have enriched the arts in Washington, DC.

mArtiAl Arts WitH sensei Jenkins At tHe AnAcostiA Arts center Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., join Sensei Jenkins to learn real world self-defense, ju-jitso, tai chi, kickboxing and other forms of martial arts. Appropriate for ages 14, older. $50 a month. Email tjenkinsmanagement@yahoo.com with questions or to schedule a private session. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202631-6291. AnacostiaArtsCenter.com

community And collection: Prince george’s county memory And tHe neW negro oPinion neWsPAPers The Prince George’s County Memory Project is the brainchild of O.F. Makarah and Matt White, a pair of filmmakers with a shared interest in community media documentation. On Sunday, July 12, 2-5 p.m., both will be on hand at the Anacostia Community Museum to look at artifacts brought in by attendees that could be used as part of the Memory Project. Especially needed are photos or films (in 8mm or other analog film media) depicting PG County citizens between the periods 1940s onward. Call 202-633-4844 to register.

On Thursday, July 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m., join museum Chief Curator, Portia James as she talks about rare documents in the museum’s permanent collection which highlight the early struggle against discrimination in employment--particularly in Black Washington, DC neighborhoods.

The Anacostia Community Museum is at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Call 202-633-4844 to register for these programs. anacostia.si.edu

PeAce gArden For WoodlAnd terrAce Residents of the Woodland Terrace in SE came together on May 30, to beautify their neighborhood by planting a peace garden. Children with shovels

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were guided through the process of moving soil and planting various flowers, herbs and vegetables. Event organizers Beautiful U Yes U and Vegan In The Hood hope to ultimately bring a sense of hope to the youth of Woodland Terrace. The peace garden was sponsored by Rocketship Education, Green Scheme and the District Running Collective.

sHAkesPeAre tHeAtre comPAny’s Free Will ticket ProgrAm Free Will is a program that continues STC’s commitment to Free For All all year long. Tickets are open to anyone. They will reserve 1,000 total tickets to every main-stage season Shakespeare Theatre Company production. Tickets will be made available in person, online and over the phone every Monday at noon for the performances that week. Tickets will be distributed on a first-comefirst-serve basis completely free of charge until they run out--after that the program will do its best to get tickets through the low-cost ticket options STC has always offered—such as othe Under 35 discounts, $25 rush tickets and the $20 tickets already available for all performances. Read more at shakespearetheatre.org/info/free-will.

liBrAry oF congress releAses tAlking Book APP For Android devices People who are blind, visually impaired or have a physical disability may now download talking books to their Android phone or tablet, if they are registered with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress. The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) Mobile app is now available through Google Play for devices running Android OS 4.1 or later. The free app allows readers to download talking books from their NLS BARD accounts. Access to BARD is provided through local cooperating libraries.

BARD contains nearly 65,000 books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily. loc.gov Through its national network of cooperating libraries, NLS mails digital audio players and books and magazines—in audio and in braille— directly to enrollees at no cost. Music instructional materials are available in large-print, braille, and recorded formats. Select materials are also available online for download. To learn more, call 1-888-NLS-READ or visit loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead.

tHe civil WAr on celluloid On Sunday, July 26, 2-4 p.m., Jeffrey McClurken, University of Mary Washington talks about the historical representations (both good and bad) of the Civil War in film. From caricatured stereotypes in movies such as Gone with the Wind, and Birth of a Nation to the thinking man’s historical drama in 1989’s Glory, and 2014’s Lincoln, McClurken gives an academic spin on how the war’s historical narrative in the movies has

Photo: Courtesy of Arcadia Food

ArcAdiA moBile mArkets in WArds 7 And 8 Arcadia’s Mobile Markets are farm-stands-on-wheels that distribute local, sustainably produced food to underserved communities. In Ward 7, Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE, on Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1.p.m.; Smothers Elementary, 4400 Brooks St. NE, on Fridays, 2-5 p.m.; Riverside Healthy Living Center, 601 Division Ave. NE, on Mondays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Deanwood Recreation Center, 4800 Minnesota Ave. NE, on Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon.

In Ward 8, Hendley Elementary, 425 Chesapeake St. SE, on Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.; Children’s WIC Clinic at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, on Wednesdays, noon-2 p.m.; Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Rd. SE, on Fridays, 2-5 p.m.

evolved. Glory actor Mel Reid will be on hand to participate in an audience Q&A. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu

dc government HyPertHermiA Hotline Anyone who sees someone who needs help may call the hyperthermia hotline at 1-800-535-7252. Residents and visitors are encouraged to find a nearby cooling center. Recreation centers, DC public libraries, and senior wellness centers are all places to beat the heat and are open to the public. These locations provide a cool place to rest and also provide water and activities.

A hyperthermia alert is issued and the Heat Emergency Plan is activated whenever the temperature or heat index reaches 95 degrees. In response to this potentially dangerous heat, the District Government will open cooling centers throughout the city. Visit hsema.dc.gov/publication/dc-2015-heatemergency-plan to view the 2015 Heat Emergency Plan and find information on cooling center locations.

colin PoWell to sPeAk At dAniel k. inouye lecture series The Library of Congress has announced a distinguished lecture series in conjunction with the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, a program fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, which was established in 2013 to honor the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Highlighting the importance he placed on bipartisanship and moral courage, the first annual lecture, in a series of five, will address shared values in U.S. foreign policy. The speakers

will be Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell, and the moderator will be Andrea Mitchell, chief foreign affairs correspondent with NBC News.

The lecture, “Finding Shared Values for U.S. Foreign Policy,” will start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, in the Coolidge Auditorium on the ground level of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not needed.

tour tHe lincoln cottAge On Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m., catch a bus from the Anacostia Community Museum and visit the historic Lincoln Cottage located near the neighborhoods of Petworth and Park View. It was not just the home of President Lincoln during the peak of the Civil War, but the site where he developed the Emancipation Proclamation. Exhibits on view at Lincoln Cottage include Not an American Practice: Lincoln’s Life at Risk, and Can You Walk Away?, an exhibit on modern slavery in the US. The shuttle bus will depart from the Anacostia Community Museum parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Call 202-6334844 to register. Lincoln Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. There is a $12 entrance fee for the Lincoln Cottage tour payable at the site. There is no fee to ride the ACM shuttle to Lincoln Cottage.

summer oF trAiningFirst Aid/cPr clAsses Serve DC is offering First Aid/CPR classes in each of the eight wards through September. This free training will be provided to 100 residents in each ward. When emergencies happen, this basic training can provide critical support to first responders, immediate assistance to victims and can help organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.

Trainings are located in each ward at accessible times to fit most schedules and are open to anyone who lives, works or congregates in the District of Columbia. To register for any of the trainings, visit DCSafetySummer.eventbrite.com or serve.dc.gov. For more information about the training, scheduling and locations, call 202-727-7925.

HumAnitini (WHere HAPPy Hour meets tHe HumAnities) Humanitini, a free monthly happy hour program, brings Washingtonians together to discuss issues that are timely, engaging, entertaining, and usually all of the above. Humanitini is the name of

the drink and the name of the program.

These happy hour conversations bring panels of academics, culture curators, musicians, experts, or whomever the occasion might call for into bars and restaurants for lively conversation and intellectual debate. The next Humanitini Happy Hour will be Tuesday, July 21, 6:30-8 p.m. Location TBA. Attendees will be discussing the role that religion plays in shaping public policy. Visit wdchumanities.org for more information.

neW dc circulAtor nAtionAl mAll route lAuncHed The new DC Circulator National Mall route will begin at Union Station with a total of 15 stops just steps away from some of DC’s most popular attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and National Air & Space Museum, as well as the National Gallery of Art and the U.S. Capitol. nationalmall.dccirculator.com

neW reservAtion Procedures For West PotomAc PArk volleyBAll courts Responding to nearly 500 comments about its new reservation system for the West Potomac volleyball courts, the National Park Service announces updates designed to improve the process and make the distribution of court time more equitable. The changes include: (1) Reservations can be made no more than seven days in advance of play. (2) Reservations are limited to no more than four courts per individual per day. (3) Four of the 11 courts (court numbers 7-10) will not be available to reserve in advance and will be held at all times for open play as “challenge courts.” The challenge courts are open to all on a first come, first serve basis and may not be saved, used for warm up or practicing. Reservations under the new system can be made at recreation.gov starting on Monday, July 6.

The new fees, determined through a comparability study of similar court fees in a half-dozen area localities, will be used to maintain the courts to a high standard, including nets, proper lines, sufficient sand and proper drainage; and to defray the cost of managing the reservation system. The National Park Service has completed initial maintenance of the courts; major renovation work will take place from November through March. u

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“Wedding Traditions”

Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

by Myles Mellor Across: 1. Primitive wind instruments 9. Deadly snakes 15. Milan’s La ___ 20. Deviant 21. Apprehension 22. Mason, at times 23. Wedding eve event 25. Kind of artery 26. Certain topographies 27. Dance step 28. “Surfin’ ___” 30. Beguile 31. ___ Navy 32. Fan sound 34. Tie 38. Hotel freebie 39. Japanese-American 41. Filmmaker 42. Repeating 47. Stag bash 49. Blue-ribbon 50. Wee 51. Island rings 52. Roman god of the underworld 53. Sleep-related hormone 55. Reddish-brown gem 56. Sudden burst 57. Floor coverings 58. Inebriate 61. They’re expected 62. Dad often does it 66. Door part 68. Malodorous 69. ___ doozy 70. Black, in poetry 71. Half a matched set 73. Kind of triangle 77. P.I. 78. Look (over) 79. Pontificate 82. Herbal tea variety 83. Pledges allegiance, in a way 86. Photogs 87. Take on anew 88. Devil 89. Good, in the ‘hood 90. Egyptian deity 91. German resort 92. Waiting period, seemingly

93. Some showdowns 98. Undertake 101. Ashes holder 102. Dig 103. Alaskan native 106. Pop the question 110. Zitone, e.g.

111. Myanmar natives, e.g.

112. Didn’t malfunction 113. Run out 114. Second of two 115. Negotiators

Down: 1. Anorak 2. Crosswise, on deck 3. Jacket type 4. Newspapers 5. Boiling 6. Links numbers 7. Military rank, abbr.

8. Paper clip alternative 9. Slanders 10. Groove-billed ___ 11. Chess pieces 12. Wailer 13. Offshore 14. Lord’s worker 15. Cowboy’s gear 16. Class of protozoa 17. “Mârouf” baritone 18. Pasture 19. Compass doodle 24. Sprout 29. Tick, e.g.

31. Datebook abbr.

32. “Casablanca” cafe owner 33. Pasty-faced 35. Greenery 36. Syndrome 37. Assignations 38. Chant 39. Indian bread 40. Nervous 42. Ideal ending?

43. Kind of time 44. Pipe fitting 45. Put back in proper order 46. On the move 47. Coal holder

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 48. Robert Burns’s “Whistle ___ the Lave O’t” 50. Clashed 54. Taboos 55. Fifth note on an ascending major scale 56. Irreverent 58. Lagasse catchword 59. Watch closely 60. Sloppy digs 61. Pellagra preventer 62. Italian dumpling 63. Functioned as 64. “My man!”

65. Took five 66. Straight

67. Wild goats 71. Mistake type 72. Piece of work?

73. “___ De-Lovely” 74. Escape 75. Helm heading 76. D.C. V.I.P. 78. ___ lobe 79. Egg cell 80. Enormous birds of myth 81. Shock’s partner 84. Fuzzy 85. Make sure 86. PC linkup 89. Bit of wit 92. Before, before

93. Guinea corn 94. Eastern Christian church member 95. Related on the mother’s side 96. Account book 97. Flexible Flyers 99. Memorable 1995 hurricane 100. Bear in the sky?

101. Red letters?

102. Peach or beech 103. Big brute 104. Calif. airport 105. Precognition 107. Way to stand 108. Singleton 109. When D.S.T. begins

Save the Date • August 1st - 9th Annual Celebration of Gaming & Storewide Sale Huge used game sale & auction, tournaments, and giveaways!

Check out our website for a full calendar of events

www.labyrinthgameshop.com 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202.544.1059

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DC FLAG DAY!

W

e the people of the District of Columbia deserve to be treated fairly. We deserve to be treated equally. We deserve statehood. Flag Day is a reminder of a symbol that unites all Americans, our flag, still leaves out those of us who live and pay taxes in the nation’s capital. The American flag, like American democracy leaves out the people of the District of Columbia. Thus on Flag Day, we the citizens of the District of Columbia are celebrating our flag, the District’s flag, because it unites us and leaves none of us out. The District flag has become a great symbol of pride in ourselves and our city, a symbol of protest against the unjust and undemocratic system we live under, and a symbol of hope that if we work together we can achieve equality through statehood.

Our country, founded by a rebellion against a system of taxation without representation, still subject’s the citizens of its capital to such a system. So on Flag Day 2015 we are celebrating our own flag, the DC Flag, because it is ours. It represents us and thus we will honor, celebrate, and unite around it.

We the citizens of the District of Columbia are just like you.

We come from diverse backgrounds from across the country and around the world. We have 5th generation Native Washingtonians and we have over a thousand new people moving in each month.

We debate education, taxation, criminal justice reform, and pretty much everything under the sun but we are united as one under the DC Flag. To our friends and neighbors around the country our message is simple: We Deserve Statehood.

We deserve statehood because while we might live in the capital of America we are tired of being the unkept promise of America. We simply want to be treated equally and fairly with our friends and neighbors in the 50 states. Our tax dollars are spent, our daughters and sons are sent off to war, Supreme Court Justices are given lifetime appointments, and even our own local budget can be manipulated by Congress all without our advice and consent.

Statehood is the only way to make us equal partners in this wonderfully complex experiment that is American democracy. Statehood is the only path to full and equal congressional representation and full control over our local budget and local affairs. Statehood is the only irrevocable path forward that makes us full and complete members of the United States of America.

To our friends across the District we need continue to organize and advocate for full equality as the 51st state in the union.

And to our family, friends, and neighbors across the country we implore you to contact your members of Congress and urge them to support statehood for the people of the District of Columbia. We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for equal treatment and what could be more American than that? On Flag Day and every day please help us become the 51st state and thus become the 51st star on the American flag.

Neighbors United for DC Statehood

#DCFlagDay

www.the51st.org

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neighborhood news / the district beat

A Hiring Spree could the next election be the motivation?

by Jonetta Rose Barras

K

eep your friend close, but your enemies closer,” Marion Barry, the now deceased Ward 8 DC council member and ‘Mayor-for-Life’ advised. Barry often went out of his way to cultivate people or organizations who wouldn’t toss bouquets whenever he arrived. That philosophy always gave him an edge in the political arena, anticipating with fairly decent accuracy, what the opposition had planned for him.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Attorney General Karl Racine may be giving new meaning to Barry’s strategy. They have been hiring former political candidates, raising the puzzling question, who benefits? While the two took office only six months ago, already observers are predicting a faceoff in the next mayor’s race.

When asked directly, Racine has repeatedly denied any interest in becoming the chief executive. Still, no politician is injured by cultivating or expanding constituencies. That appears to be some of the motivation behind a few of the mayor’s and the attorney general’s hiring decisions. Both snagged individuals with strong ties to unions, the LGBTQ community, environmentalists, returning citizens, and seniors.

It’s been like watching a game of chess: The executive hires someone focused on Ward 8, for example. The AG ups the ante with his own hire.

“I kind of like the competition with the mayor,” Racine tells The District Beat, noting that as his office has moved to address critical issues, like synthetic drugs or juvenile justice reform, he sees the mayor taking stronger interest. Bowser recently announced a new drug strategy, promising to focus on suppliers rather than “low-level users.”

“We welcome that kind of healthy competition,” continues Racine.

“Citizens ultimately benefit.”

No Random Thing Bowser’s hiring of Edward “Smithy” Smith wasn’t random. Smith received the second highest votes—34,039-- against Racine in the 2014 General Election. Two things could happen: Smith, who understands some of the quirks and strengths of his former opponent, could help the executive play defense against an independent AG who, no longer a legal “yes man,” possesses his own powers and clout. Equally important, Smith could also use his time inside to hone his skills and make contacts with people who might be crucial to a future reboot of his political career.

That later proposition is aided by Smith’s appointment as the head of justice grants. He could use that office to enhance the juvenile justice platform on which he ran. Racine has carved out that same terrain for his administration. Advocates and ordinary citizens have strong interest in the topic, particularly with increasing conflicts around the country involving youth and law enforcement.

In turn, Racine hired Robert White. While not a direct counter to Smith, this former at-large candidate is a bright, articulate, hard-worker who is well-respected around the city. Many people have urged White to run again next year.

If Racine is interested in strengthening his citywide machine for a pos-

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sible matchup with Bowser, than having White in his corner can’t hurt. White is expected to work closely with the small and local business community around a variety of issues including contracting and procurement.

Racine has also added Lateefah Williams to his team. Williams ran against Racine in the November General Election receiving only 7.74 percent--13,736—of the votes cast. Her prime weakness may have been that she lacked sufficient experience as a litigator and manager.

She could use her time in the office to boost her skills in both areas Racine says. Williams is focused on unions and environmental issues and constituents. A member of the LGBTQ community, she certainly can help her new boss forge alliances there.

Some people think that’s why Bowser hired Courtney R. Snowden as the deputy mayor for economic opportunity. A former at-large candidate who is openly gay, she could soften whatever impact White and Williams might have, particularly since Snowden’s portfolio includes the Department of Small and Local Business Development. What’s more, as an east of the river resident, she can help the mayor solidify her voter base in Wards 7 and 8.

Snowden, not unlike Smith, may be biding her time, waiting to see who will announce in council races in 2016 or other offices in 2018.

Future Perfect If 2018 is on some folks minds, then east of the river is surely a focal point. No one has won a citywide election without a decent showing in Wards 7 and 8. That may be one reason Bowser, who already is plotting a re-election bid, went all in for LaRuby May during the Special Election. May also led Bowser’s Ward 8 campaign.

But while May had the mayor’s support and a bunch of cash, Trayon White diminished her dominance. His sharp organizing skills and intimate knowledge of Ward 8 communities helped him compensate for the cash and clout handicap, creating only whispering distance between him and May. Last month, Racine seemed to send Bowser a “don’t-get-comfortable-message.” He hired

White as his community development specialist, with a salary of nearly $74,000.White is expected to focus on juveniles, returning citizens and workforce development.

White, who won a seat on the State Board of Education only to resign for financial reasons, had been considered the likely candidate to challenge May next year in the Democratic Primary. Is his decision to step inside permanent or is he waiting for next year before pouncing on May? White did not return the District Beat’s calls requesting a comment. But one clue about his future could be that his job with the AG is temporary, according to an agency spokesman. It ends Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, another former Ward 8 candidate could be added to Bowser’s list of hires.

Her administration has been talking with Eugene DeWitt Kinlow about possibly coming on board. While he came in fifth in the crowded field, he continues to have significant support in the ward, particularly among middle– class voters.

Kinlow says he spoke with Snowden. “It’s heavy duty work [that] she’s going to be involved in. I’m excited about her charge and how she can make an impact.” He says the deputy mayor for economic opportunity has only “three or four staff ” “It’s an awesome task, and all eyes are on you,” continues Kinlow, adding that he “hasn’t received an offer.”

Will he be Bowser’s checkmate?

Jonetta Rose Barras is a Washington, DC-based freelance writer. She blogs at www.jonettarosebarras.com u

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neighborhood news / the Numbers

Unpredictable and Unsustainable how scheduling practices in dc’s service sector are wreaking havoc on workers

by Ed Lazere and Ari Schwartz

M

any of the people who work in the District serving us food, stocking store shelves and sweeping floors suffer from uneven weekly hours and unpredictable schedules that can change on a moment’s notice. The scheduling practices of retail stores, restaurants and other serviceoriented employers in the District make it incredibly hard for thousands of workers – mostly low-wage – to budget for their basic monthly expenses, arrange childcare, pursue education or training, or hold down a second job to try to make ends meet.

A DC Jobs With Justice survey of over 400 service-sector workers in DC highlights the “just in time” scheduling used by large service-sector employers to boost corporate profits and keep labor costs low. Companies make frequent schedule changes in an attempt to match staffing with customer traffic. This means employees receive their schedules just days or even hours before they are expected to report to work, are sent home early if business is slow, or even show up to work to discover that their shift has been cancelled.

Beyond that, many employers violate DC laws intended to protect parttime workers, the survey revealed, such as requirements to pay workers when they are sent home early. Even worse, workers frequently face retaliation when they seek more predictable hours and schedules – like getting fewer hours or being threatened with losing their jobs.

It is bad for workers – but also for our communities – when parents cannot be there for their kids, workers cannot get the education needed to improve their job opportunities, and families cannot consistently pay the bills.

That’s why DC policymakers should take action to help workers have fair and predictable schedules in ways that do not burden employers, starting with better enforcement of the scheduling laws already on the books.

Low Wages, Too Few Hours and Fluctuating Schedules Service sector workers are one-fifth of the local labor force. These workers play many roles and are a critical part of the city’s ever-growing vitality. Just consider the people who work in DC’s thriving and growing restaurant sector, or the group of workers who get started every night as we head home to keep our offices clean. Most are adults, and their service sector job is usually the main source of income to support themselves and their families.

Yet many of these workers who work hard to serve us are not served well by their jobs. The typical service-sector workers gets by on $10 an hour and 32 hours per week – meaning an annual income of under $17,000.

Not surprisingly, most service sector workers say they want more hours.

Beyond that, service sector workers find their schedules changed a lot from week to week, often with little notice, leaving their incomes to go up and down while their rent, food and other bills stay the same. The survey

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of DC workers found: • Work hours vary greatly from week to week: In a given month, the typical service sector worker receives as few as 25 hours in some weeks and a high of 38 in others.

• Little advance notice of work schedules: Nearly half of respondents reported first learning of their work schedules less than one week in advance. And 40 percent of workers find their schedules get changed after they have been set.

• Work shifts often are cut short: Half of respondents in the restaurant/food service industry reported being sent home early during a recent shift.

• Requirements to be on-call but not necessarily getting hours. A number of workers face “on-call” shifts where they might be asked to come in, but in reality that turns into paid work just half the time. That is a lot like uncompensated work.

You might imagine wanting to speak up if your schedule changes a lot without notice, but many workers know that is a risky idea. One of five service sector workers reported being pe-

nalized for requesting a different schedule or limiting availability, such as getting fewer hours or the worst shifts. This is especially a problem for women, who are five times as likely as men to be threatened with job loss when they speak up for themselves.

When employers use just-in-time scheduling, they essentially pass on business risks to their employees, but none of the rewards. Workers must hold time each week for the possibility of work, but with no guarantee and without compensation. Meanwhile, employers dodge the cost of regularly staffing their stores during non-peak times.

Service Sector Scheduling Practices Hurt Families and Communities Not surprisingly, uneven schedules result in unstable family incomes. Incomes of U.S. households have become more volatile since the 1970s, in part because the annual hours worked by household heads have become less stable..

This is evident in DC as well. One-fifth of workers surveyed by DC Jobs with Justice report that their work schedule negatively impacted their ability to budget. Ironically, uneven work schedules also make it hard to find a second job to

make up for low pay and hours.

Low-wage workers with uneven schedules have to scramble to arrange child care, relying on multiple sources and sometimes leaving their children in less than desirable situations. That cannot be healthy for a child’s development. Almost one-third of DC service sector employees with children under 13 or younger report that their work schedules negatively impacted childcare arrangements.

And unpredictable schedules impact low-wage employees’ ability to get a better job. One of eight surveyed service sector workers said their work schedules made it impossible to attend classes or job training. This means that scheduling practices contribute to a vicious cycle where employees are trapped in the low-wage jobs they want to leave by the demands of those very same low-wage jobs.

Moving To Fair Scheduling Practices Is Good for Workers and DC

part-time workers from being discriminated against with regard to pay, leave and promotion opportunities.

That’s likely to be good not only for workers, but also businesses and the city as a whole. Just-in-time scheduling practices may be touted as a costsaving tool for employers, but they also lead to increased employee turnover, which drives up costs. Employees with schedules that can be adapted to better align with life responsibilities are more productive and more engaged in their work, while having lower rates of absenteeism.

And when families are better able to take care of their children, pay their bills and take advantage of education or training opportunities to move ahead economically, our community is stronger and our economic future is brighter.

Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), and Ari Schwartz is lead organizer at DC Jobs with Justice (www.dcJwJ.org).

Their new report, Unpredictable, Unsustainable: The Impact of Employers’ Scheduling Practices in D.C,” can be found on each group’s website. u

In many ways, the service sector is the poster child for an economy that, no matter how successful it seems, is failing miserably at the goal of giving everyone an opportunity to succeed. Income inequality in DC is wider than in almost any other major city – and parttime, low-wage service-sector jobs are a major contributor..

DC’s elected officials can strengthen local scheduling laws to help workers gain access to fair and predictable schedules, including adopting new standards to give workers sufficient advance notice of their schedules, encouraging stable work schedules in place of just-in-time practices, and protecting East of the River Magazine July 2015

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East washington life

by E. Ethelbert Miller

My Pilgrim Note Dedicated to the 4th of July

W

hen I was a child I read about the pilgrims but I never thought I would become one. There comes a point in a person’s life when one either continues to lip-sync or composes one’s own melody. A few months ago I departed from an old world and embraced the journey to a sacred place. As an African-American I have often reflected on the contours of black history. Here is a black koan to meditate on: Which is worse, to be taken from the land or to have the land taken from you?

If you want to know the answer to this “riddle” simply be black on a corner near Howard University and survey the surrounding neighborhood. The black person taken from the land learned to compose the blues.

The black people who remained on the land soon found a European flag in their front yard. They discovered something else – the land was a sweet pastry waiting to be devoured by colonizers. Resistance comes with a price tag as expensive and as long as colonization.

The pilgrim (in me) thinks about what it might mean to travel to Mars.

The trip and the planet so far away one has to think about the journey as being a one-way ticket into forever … This is how an older worker feels when faced with unemployment. How surprising to show up for work just in time to be “launched” off the premises. The healthy thing to do is to view it as Independence Day and not just an ugly divorce.

Which brings me to “our” holiday this month. If I wore an Afro I would imitate Frederick Douglass and ponder what the 4th of July means today.

After months of black men being black and blue across the nation we are

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back to square one and elementary race relations. We are reduced to embracing a contagious simplicity with large philosophical statements like – “black lives matter” or “I can’t breathe” and “hands-up.” There is a sad frustration that leaks out of the bag of history when one begins to view all police officers as suspects.

When I departed from the campus of Howard University after 40 years of employment I pondered the E in front of Ethelbert. Did it stand for Emancipation? If so, where was I now going? Was I just another black man walking the dangerous streets? Was the campus land under my feet suddenly being prepared for the arrival of a corporate flag? Perhaps it’s best in the 21st century to be a pilgrim looking for a sacred place. One’s world should never become a frozen place with gravity as light as that on Mars.

Tomorrow is hopefully filled with more than a glitter in the sky.

Once again we should ask ourselves, What is this place we call America? Every July we should renew our vows. Marriage is as difficult as love these days. We struggle to be worthy of the word beloved. Is there such a thing as intimacy and personal climate change? The pilgrim arrives on a new shore, and the first act is to give thanks for survival. Maybe this is the lesson (the take-home exam) that comes out of Ferguson and Baltimore.

Somehow we survive and our nation looks into the mirror and there is beauty to behold.

E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He was inducted into the Washington Hall of Fame in April 2015. Miller’s “Collected Poems,” edited by Kirsten Porter, will be published next spring by Willow Books. u

‘Chocolate Girl,’ Courtesy of the DC Black Theater Festival a celebration of black experiences and dc culture

by Christina Sturdivant

O

n Saturday, June 20, nine actors sat side by side on a stage at the outdoor East Gateway Pavilion in Southeast DC. In the audience were friends, family members, and an array of theater lovers. The gathering was for a reading of the play “Chocolate Girl,” written

by Betty Miller Buttram, a member of DC’s Black Women Playwrights Group. “Chocolate Girl” was one of 17 segments in the New Works Reading Series at the 2015 DC Black Theater Festival.

Hosted by nonprofit DC Drama Department, the festival is the first of its kind to provide an outlet for individuals to consume extraordinary stories told by people of African descent, as well as highlight and nurture a diverse group of outstanding theater artists – playwrights, actors, and directors.

One Woman’s Story Relived For nearly an hour in Congress Heights, the “Chocolate Girl” cast members took their audience through Washington during the late 1950s and 60s. A fictitious young woman, Charlene, orders a chilidog and fries at Ben’s Chili Bowl, back when only one location existed in the region. She stands on her uptown DC rooftop and witnesses rioting after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. All the while she battles the internal struggle of embracing her dark skin and oversized figure while classmates torment her throughout her adolescent years.

With a few additional storylines, Charlene’s story is akin to the playwright’s childhood memories of being teased because of her complexion, Buttram told the audience during her “talk back” session. Charlene’s ultimate triumph over negative perceptions was also the outcome for Buttram, who learned to find her inner beauty as an adult.

This was the third time Buttram has participated in the festival. On many stages, stories like hers often go untold.

Nurturing Black Matter “Many playwrights have spoken about the fact that sometimes their stories were not mainstream enough and they have to continuously modify them so they would be accepted or considered at other venues,” says August Bullock, the festival’s new works director. The 10-day festival, which also

includes full-length theatrical performances, workshops, and competitions, was chosen to inhabit venues east of the Anacostia River so that black artists would feel at home and residents of these communities have easy access to relatable performances.

The New Works Reading Series emerged six years ago as part of the festival and is significant because playwrights share background information during the talkback sessions – which are guarantees of this particular series – and also receive constructive feedback from audience members. “Many playwrights have said they were glad they had their story told here first because they can determine whether they want to go on with it or maybe try and write another one,” says Bullock.

From her session Buttram learned from several DC natives that she had truly captured the essence of the city during that time period. She also received suggestions to delve more into the topic of colorism, which was lightly broached in a scene between Charlene and her grandfather.

In an increasing effort to support emerging talent, participating playwrights also receive free admission to other readings, performances, and workshops. “A lot of our playwrights mention how that’s been a great benefit for them to see other productions without having to pay,” says Bullock. “We think that helps them to develop their craft and understanding and appreciation for other performances.”

In the wake of a nationwide outcry for the

protection of black bodies, the final day of the series featured a community reading that offered artistic expressions about the black experience and social justice. “We sent out invitations asking artists to share their poems, skits, and short plays about any of the experiences that have dealt with the black lives matter [movement],” says Bullock. “It is not a forum in the sense that we will be trying to look for solutions; it’s basically artistic expressions where maybe healing can come forth or other emotions can come out and that’s new for us this year.”

As the DC Black Theater Festival continues to provide relevant and relatable content for the black community, performers come from as far as Texas and California, says Bullock, but it will continue to remain a homegrown resource in the nation’s capital. “We never want to lose the focus of being a part of the local area and trying to feature and spotlight those artists.” u

Scenes fom the DC Black Theater Festival

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Summer in the City celebrate at kenilworth park and aquatic gardens article and photos by Rindy O’Brien

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n one of the East of the River parks summer means the return of a magical wonderland of water lilies and lotus blooms. On the east side of the Anacostia River, the National Park Service (NPS) manages Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. It is the only NPS park dedicated to cultivating water-loving plants. Located at 1550 Kenilworth Ave. NE and bordering the Anacostia River, the 12-acre park features over 45 ponds filled with a variety of tropical and hardy water lilies and lotus plants.

Tidal wetlands covering 70 acres of land and water are home to some spectacular local wildlife. Visitors feel as if they have gone down Alice in Wonderland’s hole and come out in a beautiful natural sanctuary.

Celebrating the Lilies on July 11

tomer demand. The stamps were made public on March 20, 2015. At the festival Dyer will talk about her photographs, and large reproductions of the stamps will be displayed.

Getting to the Park

For more than 30 years Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens has held a The festival happens festival in July to celebrate the beauty of the park and the culture associatrain or shine. The Kenilworth Gardens leads in the number of bird species counted in ed with the lotus and water lily. Park Ranger Barbara Watkins, recently asschedule of events our local area. A board in the visitor center keeps track of the count. signed to this park, is looking forward to the festival and the opportunities for July 11 is postit gives to connect metro residents to this park. Last year 6,500 people ated at the National tended the one-day festival, which starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts to 4:00 p.m.

Park Service website, day” so you may want to think twice about bring“This year we are honoring the founder of the park, Walter B. Shaw, www.nps.gov/keaq, and the Friends of Keing your pet. by having a Civil War enactment station that will feature medicinal plants nilworth Aquatic Gardens website, www.friendShuttle buses will run from the Minnesota from the war,” says Watkins. Shaw, a Civil War veteran, bought the 30 acres sofkenilworthgardens.org. Food and drink will Avenue Metro stop and also from the parking lot from his in-laws in the 1880s because of an unused ice pond and began a be available for purchase or you can bring your of the Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center to business that sold exotic water lilies around the world. He took his love own. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the help keep the flow of visitors from jamming up in of water lilies from a hobby to a thriving business. park. While dogs on leashes are allowed, NPS the parking lot adjacent to the park.

In 1938 Congress purchased eight acres to preserve this very special place staff suggest that “it is just a little crowded that The water lilies and lotus plants usually stay for the American pubin bloom through mid-August, if you cannot lic. “It is a way to tie hismake it out the day of the festival and want to tory to the natural elesee the park’s acres in bloom. “Photographers ofments of the park,” says ten come as soon as the gates open at 7: 00 a.m.

Ann Honious of the during the summer,” says Watkins, “so they can NPS’s National Capiphotograph the blooms just opening. But there tol Parks-East offices. are great photo opportunities all year, especially “And we also will be when the ponds ice over in winter.” making history at this year’s festival by unFriends Helping the Park veiling the new Forever US Postal stamps that Service feature four classic garAlan Spears, founding board member of the den water lilies from the nonprofit, Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic GarKenilworth Park and dens, will be helping the NPS on festival day as Aquatic Gardens. The well as rounding up volunteers to help throughstamps were designed out the year. “The Friends organization began using photographs in 2008, growing out of a community partnerfrom Alexandria-based ship program. It doesn’t have membership but photographer Cindy it does serve as a link between the National Park Dyer. The Postal SerService and the community,” says Spears. Sevvice has printed 500 en board members help raise funds and public million of them in anawareness, and schedule volunteer service for inAlan Spears, Ann Honious, and Barbara Watkins work in partnership to connect the people to the ticipation of huge cuspark through events like the July 11 Water Lily Festival.

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dividuals and groups of all sizes.

Honious says that the Park Service is thankful for the work of Spears and others. Over the course of a year the Friends group provides services the equivalent of four and a half full-time Park Service employees.

Volunteers perform a variety of activities such as helping with lily pond restoration, removing invasive plants, pruning, and trash removal. “We work with a lot of law firms and other DC companies that want to have a community service day for their staff,” Spears notes. For the festival the Friends group will count visitors as they arrive and help make sure that everyone has a good day.

Honious shares that “there is going to be something for everyone to enjoy on July 11 at the festival, and once they get to know the park we hope visitors will come back often.” Whether you come out to share in the fun on July 11 or wait until the park returns to a quieter pace, July and August are great months to go for an experience not to be missed and to be revisited time and time again.

Rindy O’Brien is a long-time friend of the park and can be reached for comment at rindyobrien@ gmail.com. u

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens has 45 ponds of lilies blooming in many different colors throughout the summer.

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East washington life

Saris Connect Anacostia and Bangladesh Unique Project Engaged Dozens at Anacostia Arts Center

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

of empowering women. “Women were immediately interested in creating art and decorating the saris, and also getting information about the project,” Johnson said, after the workshop organized by the artist for her group. “There was definitely a connection between what women at Calvary experience and what women in Bangladesh are experiencing. They really enjoyed the process and the narratives resonated with them.”

Johnson added, “I believe that the conversation that surrounds art is powerful,” noting that Calvary’s Life Skills, Education and Arts Program (LEAP) provides arts classes for women at Calvary and opportunities like this one that introduce women to art in the community. “Residents find out about themselves and about others in unique ways when they are part of those conversations.”

Anna said that the workshop made her think about what it would be like to live under conditions like those in Bangladesh, where women regularly have to face natural disasters like cyclones and flooding. “It made me think about all of the things that I have, compared to what those women have,” she said.

Literacy and Education

A

“Storytelling with Saris” at the Anacostia Arts Center, opening reception, May 8. Photo: M. Bose

nacostia and the remote Bangladeshi village of Katakhali are oceans and 10,000 miles apart, separated by language and culture. But artist Monica Jahan Bose crafted an unusual way to put the two communities in close touch at the Anacostia Arts Center. Through a multimedia project, “Storytelling with Saris,” 12 Katakhali women told about their lives and the impact of climate change on their home village. The installation included Bose’s artwork as well as specially decorated saris previously worn in Katakhali. But the project didn’t stop with one-way communication.

Workshop participants helped decorate saris, using a traditional blockprinting technique from Bangladesh. They added environmental pledges with the coastal area in mind: “I will bike to work,” wrote one, and “I will cut down on electricity.” Newly created garments will be used in a performance this fall. Finally, the saris will be worn by Katakhali women and eventually rejoin Bose’s art installation.

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LEAP to Conversation and Immediate Connection One of the earliest “Storytelling with Saris” participants, we will call her Anna, immediately recruited others. Anna lives at the Calvary Women’s Services, but when she was living in her own home she made an effort to turn off lights when they were not being used. She decorated a sari with a light-bulb print, adding a message encouraging others to think about energy use.

Anna told Elaine Johnson, Calvary’s education coordinator, about the project. Johnson decided a group workshop for residents and volunteers would align perfectly with Calvary’s mission

In addition to climate change another primary thread in this project is literacy and education, particularly for women and girls. The artwork incorporates both Bengali and English script to encourage discussion of literacy. The workshops also include stories about education in Bose’s ancestral village.

During the installation Bose spoke with students of Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School about education for girls and women.

She also discussed this topic with “Education Town Hall” at We Act Radio’s studio around the corner from Anacostia Arts Center. She told the “Education Town Hall” that her mother, Noorjahan Bose, and grandmother were born in Katakhali when it was still common for girls to marry quite young and receive little education. Her grandmother had only a fifth-grade education but insisted that her five daughters and son all be educated.

“My mother was the first ... she struggled to finish school, but my grandmother really advocated for her,” Bose related, describing how her mother lived with a variety of relatives in locations where schooling was available. “My mother was the first girl from the village to finish high school ... After that it was sort of a revolution, and many girls remained in school in that community.” Bose says that “in my grandmother’s legacy” she and her mother join with others to support

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“From My Love to Yours” sari created

by Calvary Women’s Services workshop.

Photo: M. Bose

a variety of educational and empowerment efforts in Bangladesh.

art and sOlidarity Bose described herself as “Bangladeshi and American, an artist, lawyer, mother, and activist on women’s issues and the environment.” She called her work – which includes painting, sculpture, printmaking, installations, and performances – “symbolic narratives” that “move strategically across media to address complex issues and engage diverse audiences.”

“Storytelling with Saris” builds on the work of Samhati (Solidarity), an organization of Bangladeshi women founded in 1984. Samhati’s Katakhali project, begun 15 years ago, empowers women and their families through adult literacy classes, skills training, leader-

ship development, scholarships for poor children, a pre-school, and free or sliding-fee health services.

Dozens of adults and children, from Anacostia and the wider region, participated in “Storytelling with Saris” workshops, intimately connecting the DC area with coastal Bangladesh.

To learn more about this ongoing project and upcoming performance visit StoryTellingWithSaris.com. The full interview with Monica Jahan Bose is available at EducationTownHall.org. For assistance or more on Calvary Women’s Services call 202-678-2341 or visit CalvaryServices.org. The Anacostia Arts Center is at 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. Virginia Spatz is feature reporter on We Act Radio’s “Education Town Hall” and blogs at songeveryday. wordpress.com. u

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East washington life

Local Teen Awarded for Perseverance and Leadership

by Christina Sturdivant

F

or over five decades the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has celebrated the extraordinary achievements of club teens through its Youth of the Year program. Last December 17-year-old Ayanna Holmes was selected as Youth of the Year at the Friedman, Billings, Ramsey (FBR) branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, housed at THEARC in Southeast. In March she was named DC/VA state representative, winning a $5,000 scholarship and advancing to the regional competition in Atlanta, Ga. “It was a long and tedious process,” says Holmes, a four-year member of the FBR branch at THEARC. She recalls sending drafts of her speech to advisors and visiting the club on weekend mornings for boot camp to polish her public speaking skills. Her final draft was a poem that revealed deep insecurities relating to the image she fostered early in life. “To combat those things I started writing my poetry,” she says of a passion that began at 12 years old. “I honestly didn’t understand what was going on so I didn’t know how to communicate the words to anyone else, and when I started writing my poetry I learned how to communicate my ideas. What I thought was going on, I put down on paper.”

At age 13 she locked her hair and connected with her natural beauty. “I said I don’t want to process my hair anymore, and I think loving my skin encouraged other females to love their skin and love who they are,” she says. Now at 17 she proclaims, “I am queen! Because over time, I learned to love myself.”

The Boys & Girls Club Impact Searching for a community service assignment in eighth grade, Holmes stumbled upon her neighborhood Boys & Girls Club, a place that ultimately became a second home. “The club has opened my eyes to so many different situations,” she says. “They’ve taught me things that I won’t learn in school like money management and how to build my resume. I’ve traveled with the club to California, Boston, Baltimore, Georgia, and Philadelphia. I’m a lot more confident, knowledge-

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other, and I want to teach them how not to look like that, because they look ridiculous on TV and I don’t want them to look ridiculous in real life.”

As she pours into those younger than her, she has also found wisdom at the club. “The first time that I had a breakdown at the boys and girls club was because I was having a lot going on – Youth of the Year, schoolwork, stuff at home – and Mr. LeVar looked at me and said, ‘Do you know with a lot of power there comes stress?’ I said no, and he said, ‘Well, you’re very powerful, you’re going to be stressed,’ and he told me do not forget to write, and he gave me my first traditional poem book. A day after he gave me that book, I’ve been writing in it ever since. That’s the biggest piece of advice someone has given me: With power comes stress.”

Continuing the Legacy

Ayanna Holmes, Youth of the Year.

Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington

able, and aware of things around me.”

Around the club she is known as “Sunshine,” the girl who’s always smiling. She has also developed as a leader, unafraid to address issues that other club members face. “There’s an all-girls school upstairs from the Boys & Girls Club, and there was a lot of drama and negative energy so I went to the director and said we have to do something about these girls. So we started a program, the Girls Only Club,” she says. The most valuable component of the program is when each member has a chance to get in the hot seat. “One young lady sits in a chair, and I tell everyone you can say what you need to say to her but you cannot be mean, you cannot insult her, and you have to follow it up with a complement,” she explains. “I want them to understand that they need to love each other, because I know on TV we see all these talk shows and reality shows with African-American woman arguing with each

On June 18 stress returned for Holmes when she did not go further in the Student of the Year competition. “When they called the winner I was disappointed. When I got off the stage I started crying because I had worked so hard, but my mom said, ‘I know, but they’re not ready for your truth’ and I said ‘Thank you.’”

Even as a young person Holmes has recognized her ability to use disappointment as fuel.

“After I had my moment, I realized I still have to come back to my Boys & Girls Club in Southeast on Mississippi Avenue and be the leader that I’ve always been,” she says. “I can’t show the students at my club that I’m sad or shocked or depressed now because I didn’t win. No, there’s just something else for me to do, and I can train the next person after me.”

After high school graduation she hopes to attend Temple University in fall 2016 with the goal of becoming a high school social worker. “At the club you see adults work with the students every single day. That’s what I want to do, work with the students every single day and watch them progress and watch them become better people,” she says. “Even if I can’t fully help them in their situation I want to say I tried to help them in some way and that they took something from me.” u

Jazz Avenues

by Steve Monroe

Honoring Another Billy – Dr. Billy Taylor “Dr. Taylor had great stories about D.C., like checking out Jelly Roll Morton at the Jungle (above where Ben’s Next is), when [John] Malachi was the intermission pianist for Morton. Bringing attention to Washington jazz history was an important part of Dr. Taylor’s mission … he wanted to find ways to get people to look at Washington as an important center of jazz development.” —Bill Brower, “Jazz in Washington” The impressive honor the DC Jazz Festival bestowed on DC native drummer Billy Hart last month, its Lifetime Achievement Award, leads one to recall the achievements of one of our July birthday heroes, Dr. Billy Taylor (July 24), pianist and educator supreme. Taylor (1921-2010), whose family came to DC from North Carolina when he was a child, was a pianist for Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others.

“Taylor plays in an urbane, bebop-based style informed by Bud Powell melodically and Art Tatum harmonically,” says the 1989 book “Jazz Portraits” by Len Lyons and Don Perlo, “but his major role in jazz has been interpreting it, and especially jazz piano, through public-radio and television broadcasts.”

In 1965 Taylor helped form the Jazzmobile, a rolling stage and sound system that brought jazz to the streets of New York, then elsewhere to cities across the country including DC. Later he spread jazz to television and radio. “Pianist Billy Taylor became a mainstay jazz figure on TV, from his musical-directorship of NET’s first jazz series, ‘The Subject Is Jazz,’ in 1958, to his ongoing role as arts correspondent” for CBS’s “Sunday Morning” program, says the book “Jazz, the First Century,” edited by the Smithsonian’s John Edward Hasse. The book later notes that in 1977 the show “Jazz Alive” with Billy Taylor” began on National Public Radio. Later came Taylor’s “Jazz Alive at the Kennedy Center,” where he became artistic director for jazz in 1994. After Taylor passed on, pianist Jason Moran continued the legacy of jazz programming at KenCen. See www.billytaylorjazz.com for more information.

And we say Happy Birthday month! to other July birthday boys like Billy Eckstine, who grew up in DC, Lee Morgan, Sonny Clark, Kenny Burrell, Carl Grubbs, and of course Philly Joe Jones – remember his sets at Woody’s Hilltop Pub near HU?

Nomadic Jazz Back in July

Debbie Hodnett is at it again, producing a headliner jazz concert. On July 11 Hodnett’s Nomadic Jazz features sax man Elijah Jamal Balbed in a CD release party for his “Lessons from the Streets” at 7:00 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $20 online, $22 at the door. See www.nomadicjazz.com.

Over in Prince George’s County the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival is back for its sixth year with a scholarship dinner, cruise, and all-day concert, July 9-11. See www.lakearborjazz.com.

InPerson … DCJF Wows Us Again

Lots of finger-popping, head-shaking, foot-tapping jazz swung through the region when the DC Jazz Festival entertained thousands of fans for its 11th year last month. High points included Paquito D’Rivera’s musical trib-

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed performs at a CD release party for his “Lessons from the Streets” recording, July 11, for a Nomadic Jazz show.

ute to DCJF founder Charlie Fishman during a show at The Hamilton Live; Esperanza Spalding at the DC Jazzfest at The Yards; Thundercat at the CapitalBop show at the Hecht Warehouse; Nicole Mitchell’s sparkling set also at the warehouse; Sine Qua Non’s show before a packed house at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage; Greg Hatza’s rocking, bopping organ blues band show at the Uniontown Bar and Grill on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast; Bruce Williams’ smoking sax sounds with Allyn Johnson and the UDC JAZZtet at the University of the District of Columbia; Billy Hart and The Cookers at the 6th & I Historic Synagogue; and John Scofield’s hot band at the Hamilton – just to name a few!

July Highlights: …

Rick Whitehead/ Chris Vadala CD Release Party, July 6, Blues Alley … Greater U Street Jazz Collective, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Bohemian Caverns … Nicole Saphos, July 9, Twins Jazz … Sharon Clark, July 10, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Abdoulaye Ndiaye, July 10-11, Twins Jazz … Elijah Jamal Balbed, July 11, Torpedo Factory Art Center/Alexandria … John Lamkin’s Baltimore Swing, July 17, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Tony Martucci, July 17-18, Twins Jazz … Jamie Baum/ Jeff Antoniuk, July 21, Blues Alley … Jordon Dixon, July 22, Twins Jazz … Larry Coryell & Strings Attached, July 2325, Blues Alley … Collector’s Edition/DeAndrey Howard, July 24, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Project Natale, July 24-25, Twins Jazz … Nasar Abadey & Super Nova, July 29, Blues Alley … Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band, July 31, Blues Alley …

July Birthdays: Rashied Ali 1; Ahmad Jamal 2; Johnny Hartman 3; Hank Mobley 7; Louis Jordan 8; Billy Eckstine, Lee Morgan 10; Albert Ayler 13; Philly Joe Jones 15; Cal Tjader 16; Chico Freeman 17; Sonny Clark 21; Billy Taylor 24; Johnny Hodges 25; Carl Grubbs 27; Charlie Christian 29; Hank Jones, Kenny Burrell 31. u East of the River Magazine July 2015

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Real estate

Groundbreaking for Woodland Terrace Peace Garden, May 30.

Nourishing Families and Food Imaginations collaboration plants woodland terrace peace garden article by Virginia Avniel Spatz photos by Tre’ona Kelty-Jacbos

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oodland Terrace Peace Garden, launched on May 30, is growing a wide range of seeds: chocolate mint and self-sufficiency … tomatoes, watermelons, and healing … lavender and food awareness … curiosity. “We decided to start the garden because we have a lot of instances where our families are left without food, especially at the end of the month,” says Tre’ona Kelty-Jacobs, known as Miss Tree, founder of the youth group Beautiful U Yes U (BUYU).

The garden is also intended as a symbol of peace and healing for “youth ravaged by recurrent violent crime,” Miss Tree adds. Several of the BUYU youth have lost friends or family to gun violence, and the garden includes a flower section dedicated to the memories of youth who have been murdered. The garden itself “spells love” with innovative planting boxes shaped L-O-V-E. In addition the garden is an opportunity to help youth explore new ways of eating. And that, according to vegan soul-food chef Velvet KeltyJacobs, is a step toward food choices that promote health. “There are so many diseases that are treatable,” at least in part through nutrition, she says, “especially in the black community.” Chef V’s project Vegan in the Hood helps youth gardeners, as well as adults in the community, learn to cook with produce they grow.

Wide-Ranging Collaboration The primary movers behind the Woodland Terrace Peace Garden are Vegan in the Hood and BUYU. BUYU was established in 2007 “to empower and guide women and girls through the healing process from abuse, unhealthy relationships and self-hate.” Programs are offered at both Benning Terrace and Woodland Terrace in cooperation with Brown Boys Village, led by former State Board of Education member and Ward 8 Council candidate Trayon White.

To help launch the garden, funds and volunteer time were donated by District Running Collective, an urban movement to promote culture, community, and diversity through running and healthy living. Xavier Brown and Green Scheme helped with planting and continue to provide gardening support. Green Scheme is a nonprofit that works to end food deserts, promoting environmental sustainability, health awareness, and social justice.

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Get Your East of the River Location

Address

River Terrace Rec Center & Elemantary School CVS - East River Park Safeway – NE 6th District Police Dept - Main Ward Memorial AME Kennilworth Elementary School Unity East of the River Health Center First Baptist Church of Deanwood Deanwood Public Library Hughes Memorial United Methodist Capitol Gateway Senior Apts Marvin Gaye Rec Center Watts Branch Recreation Center Langston Community Library Anacostia Neighborhood Library Benning Branch Library Marshall Heights CDC Kelly Miller Recreation Center Tabernacle baptist Church Randall Memorial Baptist Church East Capital Church of christ Seat Pleasant CARE Pharmacy 7-Eleven Riverside Center Mayfair Mansions Citibank: East River Park Chartered Health Center NE Vending Machines – Deanwood Metro The Minnicks Market Lederer Gardens Suburban Market Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Dave Brown Liquors Dave Brown Liquor A & S Grocery St Rose Pentecostal Church Malcolm X Rec Center St More Catholic Church Fort Davis Recreation Center Ferebee Hope Recreation Center Emanuel Baptist Church IHOP Restauarant Giant Food Store SunTrust Bank Parklands-Turner Community Library Manor Village Apartments Leasing Office Garfield Elementary

MIDCITY

FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E

420 34th St , NE 320 40th St , NE 322 40th St , NE 100 42nd St , NE 240 42nd St NE 1300 44th ST NE 123 45th ST NE 1008 45th St NE 1350 49th ST NE 25 53rd St NE 201 58th St , NE 6201 Banks Pl NE 6201 Banks St , NE 2600 Benning Rd , NE 1800 Good Hope Road SE 3935 Benning Rd NE 3939 Benning Rd , NE 4900 Brooks St , NE 719 Division Ave NE 4417 Douglas St NE 5026 E Capitol St NE 350 Eastern Ave , NE 950 Eastern AVE NE 5200 Foote St , NE 3744 ½ Hayes St NE 3917 Minnesota Ave , NE 3924 Minnesota Ave , NE 4720 Minnesota Ave , NE 4401 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE 4600 Sherriff Rd NE 4601 Sheriff Road NE 4721 Sheriff Road Northeast 4721 Sherriff Rd NE 4748 Sheriff Rd NE 4816 Sherriff Rd NE 3200 13th st SE 4275 4th St SE 1400 41st St , SE 3999 8th St , SE 2409 Ainger Place SE 1523 Alabama Ave, SE 1535 Alabama Ave , SE 1571 Alabama Ave , SE 1547 Alabama Ave , SE 1717 Alabama Ave , SE 2435 Alabama Ave

7th District Station 2455 Alabama Ave , SE 6th District Police Dept - Satellite Station 2839 Alabama Ave , SE Service Cleaners 2841 Alabama Ave , SE Safeway – SE 2845 Alabama Ave SE Pizza Hut 2859 Alabama Ave , SE America’s Best Wings 2863 Alabama Ave , SE M&T Bank 2865 Alabama Ave , SE Washington Senior Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Ave , SE St Timothys Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave SE Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library 3660 Alabama Ave , SE National Capital Parks--EAST 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE Kid smiles 4837 Benning Road SE Pimento Grill 4405 Bowen Rd SE East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Ave ,SE St Johns Baptist Church 5228 Call Place SE Capitol View Branch Library 5001 Central Ave , SE Marie Winston Elementary School 3100 Denver St , SE Subway 4525 East Capitol St Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 3800 Ely Pl , SE Anacostia Museum for African Amer History 1901 Fort Pl SE - Back Door Smithsonian Anacostia Marcia Burris 1901 Fort Place SE - Back Door DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation 3030 G ST SE ARCH 1227 Good Hope Rd , SE Anacostia Pizzeria 1243 Good Hope Rd , SE SunTrust Bank 1340 Good Hope Rd , SE Unity Health Care Inc 1638 Good Hope Rd , SE Bread for the City 1640 Good Hope Rd , SE Marbury Plaza Tenants Assoc 2300 Good Hope Rd , SE Dollar Plus Supermarket 1453 Howard Rd , SE Ascensions Psychological and Community Services 1526 Howard Rd SE Dupont Park SDA Church 3985 Massachusettes Ave SE Orr Elementary School 2200 Minnesota Ave SE Hart Recreation Center 601 Mississippi Ave , SE Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave , SE The ARC 1901 Mississippi Ave , SE Neighborhood Pharmacy 1932 Martin Luther King Jr , SE PNC Bank 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Bank of America 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Animal Clinic of Anacostia 2210 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Max Robinson Center of Whitman-Walker Clinic 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE The United Black Fund 2500 Martin Luther King Ave SE The Pizza Place 2910 Martin Luther King Ave SE Metropol Educational Services, 3rd Floor 3029 Marin Luther King Jr Ave , SE National Children’s Center - Southeast Campus 3400 Martin Luther King Jr , SE Assumption Catholic Church 3401 Martin Luther King Ave SE Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Congress Heights Health Center 3720 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE CVS - Skyland 2646 Naylor Rd , SE Harris Teeter 1350 Pennsylvania Ave SE Thai Orchid Kitchen 2314 Pennsylvania Ave SE St Francis Xavier Church 2800 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Pennsylvania Ave Baptist Church CVS – Penn Branch Congress Heights Recreation Center Johnson Memorial Baptist Church Ridge Recreation Center Savoy Recreation Center PNC Bank Rite Aid United Medical Center Benning Park Community Center Benning Stoddert Recreation Center Union Temple Baptist Church Senior Living at Wayne Place William O Lockridge/Bellevue Bald Eagle At Fort Greble Covenant Baptist Church Faith Presbyterian Church Henson Ridge Town Homes Office The Wilson Building CCN office Eastern Market YMCA Capitol View CW Harris Elementary School DC Child & Family Services Agency

3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE 3240 Pennsylvania Ave , SE 100 Randle Pl , SE 800 Ridge Rd SE 800 Ridge Rd , SE 2440 Shannon Pl SE 4100 South Capitol St , SE 4635 South Capitol St , SE 1310 Southern Ave , SE 5100 Southern Ave SE 100 Stoddert Pl , SE 1225 W ST SE 114 Wayne Place SE 115 Atlantic St , SW 100 Joliet St SW 3845 South Capitol St 4161 South Capitol St SW 1804 Stanton Terrace, SE 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW 224 7th ST SE 225 7th St SE 2118 Ridgecrest Court SE 301 53rd Street, SE 200 I Street SE

For more distribution locations, contact 202.543.8300 x.19 East of the River Magazine July 2015

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READ ALL ABOUT IT!

EastofthERivERDCNEws.com

Trayon White, in green Beautiful U Yes U t-shirt, with District Running Collective and other volunteers building Woodland Terrace Peace Garden, May 30, 2015.

The new garden is also supported by Dawn Moncrief, founding director of A Well-Fed World, an international organization dedicated to hunger relief and animal protection, and Sekisha Brown, creator of Heal’n Hoop, a handmade water-weighted hula hoop designed for adult exercise.

Many others planted and participated in the ribbon-cutting festivities, including Markus Batchelor of the Mayor’s office, Aquarius Vann-Ghasri of the DCHA Commission, Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May, representatives of Rocketship Education, which is building a new facility nearby, and Assistant Police Chief Diane Groomes.

riosity, and so the kids are willing to at least taste something new.” But not too new. “It’s not that ‘vegan chicken nuggets’ taste like chicken. It’s the spices and sauce. You want your taste buds to identify with something familiar.”

So far about 30 young people, for whom gardening and vegan cooking are new experiences, have been involved. Throughout the summer BUYU summer camp participants, girls ages 6-12, will explore both gardening and vegan cooking.

Older youth assist with the camp and the garden through the Summer Youth Employment Program

curiOsity and grOWth

Additional community support is welcome including donations of seedlings, other supplies, and books on gardening as well as volunteers to help with gardening and community members willing to share health-related activities like yoga. A drum circle is also forming in the garden. Visit the garden at 2361 Ainger Place SE. Follow its growth virtually via hashtag #WoodlandTerracePeaceGarden.

For more on the camp and Vegan in the Hood visit VsVegan.com. Find Beautiful U Yes U on Facebook, email treona.kelty@gmail.com, or call 202413-4083.

Chocolate mint and tomatoes appeared in the garden’s first three weeks. More produce will come later in the summer. “Whatever we harvest will go back to the families of the girls,” Miss Tree explains. “We started small. But the plan is to start gardens in other communities.”

Although the harvest is just beginning, Chef V is already working to expand food horizons for youth and their families. This is especially important in a food desert, she says, where residents are used to limited food options. She’s excited to see “inner city kids try dishes like ‘vegan mac & cheese’ and ‘vegan chicken nuggets.’” It helps, adds Chef V, that some celebrities – like Beyonce, Common, and Erika Badu – are vegan. “This causes cu-

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get invOlved

Virginia Spatz is feature reporter on We Act Radio’s “Education Town Hall” and blogs at songeveryday.wordpress.com. u

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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

CLOSE PRICE

BR

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA

1430 V ST SE 2268 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1427 S ST SE 2314 MINNESOTA AVE SE

CHILLUM

243 LONGFELLOW ST NW 6118 BLAIR RD NW 211 KENNEDY ST NW

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 831 XENIA ST SE 178 DARRINGTON ST SW 4124 1ST ST SE 841 XENIA ST SE

DEANWOOD

718 55TH ST NE 5823 FIELD PL NE 4500 CLAY ST NE 5719 BLAINE ST NE 1302 EASTERN AVE NE 59 55TH ST SE 5155 SHERIFF RD NE 4605 HUNT PL NE 16 54TH ST SE 4610 CLAY ST NE 14 BURNS ST NE 231 57TH ST NE 272 DIVISION AVE NE 5213 JUST ST NE 5103 JAY ST NE 805 44TH ST NE 4504 LEE ST NE

FORT DUPONT PARK $375,000 $320,000 $295,000 $289,000

3 4 4 3

$399,900 $345,000 $315,000

3 3 5

$290,000 $277,000 $207,000 $148,000

4 3 5 3

$375,000 $347,000 $320,000 $311,575 $309,269 $295,000 $245,000 $215,000 $195,000 $185,000 $175,755 $159,900 $146,700 $144,500 $123,000 $113,500 $105,000

4 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 0

4306 GORMAN TER SE 1131 45TH PL SE 3342 D ST SE 1660 FORT DUPONT ST SE 4227 FORT DUPONT TER SE 3951 ALABAMA AVE SE 3928 BURNS PL SE 539 HILLTOP TER SE 1648 40TH ST SE 478 BURNS ST SE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5122 E ST SE 4932 ASTOR PL SE

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2307 S ST SE 2223 NAYLOR RD SE 2344 Q ST SE 1605 22ND ST SE 2425 WAGNER ST SE

$245,000 $417,000 $360,000 $320,000 $315,000 $260,000 $255,000 $170,000 $160,000 $157,000

4 4 8 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

$350,000 $160,000

4 2

$375,000 $325,000 $235,000 $225,000 $220,000

4 3 3 3 3

$49,000

1

$96,900

2

$81,809

2

$62,000

1

CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3870 9TH ST SE #202

DEANWOOD

4212 BENNING RD NE #6

HILL CREST

2023 38TH ST SE #B

RANDLE HEIGHTS

1907 GOOD HOPE RD SE #7 u

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Laura Vucci 202-400-3510

or laura@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.

East of the River Magazine May 2015

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK Left to right: Hu Hu Zhu, Big Bird, Elmo.

Image: Courtesy of Sesame Street

notebook

by Kathleen Donner

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at Air and Space Join 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. Together they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in the views of the sky.

This program is presented at 10:30 a.m. every Friday and Sunday, plus the first Saturday of each month. Complimentary tickets are distributed at the Einstein Planetarium and Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater Box Offices on a first come, first served basis.

P.S. Fridays tickets are often gobbled up by school groups. Best chance for individual families is Sunday’s show. si.edu/imax/movie/14

New Mom Support Group at THEARC This group, which meets Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. through Aug. 25, is for pregnant women and new mothers who want to learn new ways to cope with stress, enjoy their babies more and meet other moms. Refreshments and childcare provided.

For more information, call Lynne McIntyre at 202-545-2061. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

Civil War Tours to Treasure at Anacostia Community Museum On Sundays, July 5; Aug. 1, 16 and 23; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., families get a personal docent-led tour of the exhibition How the Civil War Changed Washington, and participate in a self-guided treasure hunt activity. Kids receive a free museum token for finishing the hunt. Each Tours to Treasure program lasts approximately 90 minutes; recom-

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mended for families and children (6 years and up).

Call 202-633-4844 to register. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

Ward 7 Education Town Hall Meeting Councilmember Grosso will host a town hall meeting on education issues in Ward 7 on Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-noon, at Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. This meeting will give the Councilmember an opportunity to explain the new objective approach to the capital improvement plan and also to hear from residents about the recent report on the status of the school reform efforts in DC.

Showtime Tuesdays at THEARC Theater Showtime Tuesdays at THEARC, for ages 4-9, are July 7-Aug. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Here’s the schedule: July 7, Planes: Fire & Rescue; July 14, Dolphin Tale 2; July 21, Mr. Peabody & Sherman; July 28, Rio 2; Aug. 4, Penguins of Madagascar; and Aug. 11, Annie. This event provides a free movie and companion literary activity to kids, ages 4-9. The “ I CAN” Technical Theater interns will read stories and provide word challenges at the start of each production to encourage literacy through performance arts. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Program begins at 10 a.m.

Showtime Tuesdays at THEARC, for ages 10-17, are July 7-Aug. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Here’s the schedule: July 7, Guardians of the Galaxy; July 14, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; July 21, Night at The Museum: Secret Tomb; July 28, Into The Woods; Aug. 4, Maleficent; and August 18, Pitch Perfect.

THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org

Family Genealogy Workshop at the Anacostia Community Museum On Saturday, July 18, 2-4 p.m., Hollis Gentry, genealogist at the National Museum of African American Art, History and Culture will lead participants in the process of taking descendant information and constructing a genealogy map of their family tree. Space for this workshop is limited to 45 participants, so early registration is recommended. There is a $10 non-refundable pre-registration materials fee. Visit anacostia.si.edu and click on the sign up tab at the top on the right side and pay the $10 pre-registration fee. Credit or debit card required.

Nicolo Whimsey, Juggler, at Francis A. Gregory Library On Wednesday, July 8, 10:30 p.m., Nicolo the Jester combines juggling with storytelling, poetry, comedy, music, character acting, and audience participation. For ages 3-6. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis

America’s Islamic Heritage Museum Safe Summer Enrichment Camp The Safe Summer Enrichment Camp is July 6-Sept. 2, 3-7 p.m., Mondays-Wednesdays and Thursdays and some Saturdays. Camp features painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, drumming, storytelling, crafts, music and field trips.

For more information, call 202-610-0586. The America’s Islamic Heritage Museum is at 2315 MLK Ave. SE.

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK Creature Feature in Rock Creek Park Calling all kids: every Friday, 4-4:30 p.m. through Aug. 28, come meet Pokey, Atwee, Tiki, Oscar, and Fire during this informal program. Learn about park wildlife and then assist the rangers in feeding the Nature Center’s live critters. Geared for children ages 4-10. This program is at the Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd. NW. 202-895-6070. nps.gov/rocr

“Aquarium” at Bethesda’s Imagination Stage Through July 26, Imagination Stage brings back its popular production of Aquarium, which premiered in January 2011, for its youngest patrons.

Aquarium, best for ages 1-5, runs at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. Performances are Saturdays-Sundays at 10:00 and 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $14, with a $5 lap seat for children under 12 months. Tickets may be purchased at imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office or by calling 301-280-1660.

Developed by Lyngo Theatre (Italy) and Sprookjes Enzo (Belgium), Aquarium tells the story of islanders Jack and Calypso who lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.

Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague Park Friday nights through Sept. 4, 5-8 p.m., join Anacostia Riverkeeper at Diamond Teague Park (by the Nat’s Park at 100 Potomac Ave. SE) for catch and release fishing. This free event is a wonderful parent/child experience with the Anacostia River. ancostiariverkeeper.org

$1 Ice Cream and $1 Hot Dogs at Nat’s Park On Monday, July 6, 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Cincinnati Reds, $1 ice cream novelties will be available for purchase at select Nats Dogs stands until the start of the 6th inning, while supplies last.

On Monday, Aug. 3, 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks, $1 hot dogs will be available for purchase at all Nats Dogs stands and additional locations until the start of the 6th inning, while supplies last. washington.nationals.mlb.com

Teen Hip-Hop Summit at THEARC On Friday, July 31, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 1, noon-5 p.m., come learn about REAL Hip Hop. There will be workshops, rap battles, mixers, a block party and fun. Free. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org

Mars Day! at Air and Space Mars Day! is on July 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum. Mars Day! is an annual event that celebrates the Red Planet with a variety of educational and fun family activities. Visitors can also talk to scientists active in Mars research and learn about current and future missions. airandspace.si.edu

Newseum Summer Fun Deal for Kids The Newseum offers everything from the Berlin Wall and Pulitzer Prizewinning photos to interactive games. This summer, there’s one more great reason to visit--kids get in free through Labor Day, the Newseum waives admission for youth visitors age 18 and younger. Up to four kids visit for free with each paid adult or senior admission. Adult (ages 19-64) admission is $22.95 plus tax and senior admission is $18.95 plus tax. Newseum is at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org

Family-Friendly Community Forklift First Fridays Through Oct. 2, Community Forklift will stay open late on the first Friday of

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Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! at Capitol View Library On Tuesday, July 14, 2 p.m., kids will sing, shake and dance while learning a little Spanish and Latin American culture. The program combines music, Spanish and social studies, including geography and learning about other cultures. For ages 3-8. Capitol View Neighborhood Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE. 202-645-0755. dclibrary.org/capitolview 123 Andrés, music for children and family in two languages! Photo: Jonathan Edelman

the month (Aug. 3, Sept. 4 and Oct. 2), 6-8 p.m. to throw a party, and kids are invited too! Expect live music, games, food. Community Forklife is at 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Bladensburg, MD. communityforklift.org

“Saturday Morning at the National” Free Performances for Children On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. there are free live performances for children in the National Theatre Helen Hayes Gallery. Tickets are required and distributed first come, first seated.

Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202-783-3372. Here’s the remaining summer line-up: July 11, Andres Salguero, ¡Uno, Dos, Tres, con Andres!; July 18, Bright Star-Aesop’s Fables; July 25, Katherine Lyons: Transformations Imagination; Aug. 1, Rainbow Puppets: Pirate Party. Read more at thenationaldc.org.

Family Fitness Class at Canal Park with DCBFIT On every third Sunday this summer, 2 p.m., join the Capitol Riverfront BID and DCBFIT in the

middle block of Canal Park for a fitness class geared toward the entire family. DCBFIT will lead an action-packed workout for kids, and kids-at-heart, of all ages. Move through a series of stations featuring jump rope, stretches, and highenergy exercises for every fitness level.

Remaining dates this summer are July 19 and Aug. 16. Canal Park is at 202 M St. SE. 202-465-7094. canalparkdc.org

SportS FaMily FeStival at tHe aMeriCaN art MuSeuM On Saturday, July 11, 11:30 a.m., come meet players from some of DC’s professional sports teams and the Washington National’s Racing Presidents. This fun and sports-oriented afternoon will be full of crafts, scavenger hunts, and activities for all ages. Free. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts. NW. americanart.si.edu

kidS ruN tHe baSeS at Nat’S park Kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after select Nationals games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Remaining dates are: July 5 and 19; Aug. 9, 23, and 30; Sept. 6, 20 and 27. An adult must accompany runners to the field. One adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the 7th inning, however fans that would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com

Free SuMMer MealS proGraM For kidS The D.C. Free Summer Meals Program designated to support parents and families has begun. All kids and teens 18 years of age and younger can receive free meals at hundreds of locations across all eight wards. No questions asked. No parents required. No ID needed. Kids can walk into any open meal site and eat for free. To find a site, residents can visit dcsummermeals.dc.gov or text “Food” to 877877.

tHe puppet CoMpaNy at GleN eCHo When Snow White meets seven vertically challenged bachelors, she discovers that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and that friendship and teamwork make any challenge smaller.

Based on the Grimm fairytale, this production takes the Puppet Co.’s usual sideways view of the popular story, giving it timeliness and humor for adults as well as kids. “Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs” runs through Aug. 9. $10. Appropriate for preK-grade 4. Running time is 40 minutes.

The Puppet Company, a Center for Exploration of the Puppet Arts, is at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Mac Arthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 301-634-6380. thepuppetco.org

Bridges PCS is an expanding elementary school growing to serve grades Pre-K–5th by 2017-2018.

MariNe CorpS MaratHoN kidS ruN reGiStratioN opeN

• • • •

Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run registration has opened. The Kids Run is on Saturday, Oct. 24 and will be held in the Pentagon North parking lot. Nearly 3,600 children ages 5-12 will participate in the one-mile just-for-fun event.

All participants receive a T-shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line. Register at marinemarathon.com.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K to 3rd grade

Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program

Spaces available for students in K thru 3rd grade, enroll today.

Before & After Care Small classroom size and well trained staff Individual planning for each student Hands-on and project-based curriculum

Free and open to all DC residents Tuition paid by non-residents.

www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 e: info@bridgespcs.org Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Voted one of the Best Preschool in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013 -2015!

For the 2016-2017 school year Bridges PCS will be in our new location: 100 Gallatin St. NE, Washington, DC 20011.

www.bridgespcs.org

tHe bFG (tHe biG FrieNdly GiaNt) at tHe NatioNal tHeatre The BFG is the world’s only friendly giant. He operates in the strictest of secrecy to bring good dreams to the human world, while his nasty counterparts steal and have the despicable habit of eating children. Upon meeting little orphan Sophie through her window, he whisks her away to his home in Giant Country. Together they embark on an adventure to Buckingham Palace to get help from the Queen and save the children from the other giants! Nominated for eleven Helen Hayes awards; winner of two (Outstanding Set Design, Hayes Production and Outstanding Production, Theatre for Young Audiences). July 14-25. Best for ages 5, up. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202-7833372. thenationaldc.org ◆

East of the River Magazine July 2015

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