JUNE 2013 EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE
DCRA’s Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) Celebrates Small Business Week 2013 Small Business Restaurant Symposium and Expo “Capitalizing on the Thriving Restaurant Industry in the District of Columbia” (FREE OF CHARGE)
When: June 17, 2013 Where: Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University 800 Florida Ave, NE, Washington DC 20002 Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Registration and Continental Breakfast begins at 8:30 am) Topics will include: • The D. C. Government Regulatory Processes
How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process When: June 19, 2013 Where: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite 200; Washington DC, 20024 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Featuring DCRA’s
• How to Open a Restaurant (in Spanish) • Financial Management • New Frontiers in Restaurants, Catering and Pop-Up Restaurants • How to get Financing to Open a Restaurant • Building Lease Agreements
• Business Licensing Division • Corporations Division • Occupational and Professional Licensing Division • Permits and Inspections Division • Weights and Measures Division • Zoning Division
• New Development Hot Spots in the District
To register for the SBRC workshops go to: https:bizdc.ecenterdirect.com For assistance with registering for the SBRC workshops call: 202-442-4538
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 2 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | june 2013 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08.............Go See Do
11.............Staycation • by Kathleen Donner 20.............East of the River Calendar 25.............The Bulletin Board 30.............District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 32.............The Numbers • by Ed Lazere 34............. The Problem with Reservation 13 • by Charnice A. Milton 36............. Mixed-use Development Proposed for Congress Heights Metro Station • by Charnice Milton 38............. Ward 7 Resident Erman T. Clay Celebrates 90th Birthday • by Charnice A. Milton 39............. E on DC • by E. Ethelbert Miller
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
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40.............DC Goes Pink for Breast Cancer • by Candace Y.A. Montague 43.............We Broadcast, We Act • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 44.............In Your Kitchen • by Annette Nielsen 46.............A Farmer’s Market On Wheels • by Monica Z. Utsey 48.............District Greening • by Annette Nielsen 50............. Framing Love in Southeast • by
Michelle Phipps-Evans
51............. Art Installation Enlivens Good Hope & MLK • by John Muller
KIDS & FAMILY
52.............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 56............. Local Children’s Book Authors Bring DC To Life • by Stephen Lilienthal 58.............Phillip Pride • by John Muller
HOMES & GARDENS
59.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
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60.............The Classifieds 62.............The Nose • by Anonymous
ON THE COVER:
Tamika LOVE Jones sings at The Party Behind the Big Chair during LUMEN8ANACOSTIA April 14, 2012. This show was produced by Verbal Gymnastics and SE Trinity. Credit is David Y. Lee, courtesy ARCH Development Corporation
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Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Don’t Miss our July EOR Health Issue
A Special Publication on Black Wellness Publishing on July 6
Online Daily, Printed Monthly | www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Mariessa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com
Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Travel: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com
General Assignment Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ralph Brabham • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Linda Samuel • indabsamuel@yahoo.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com
Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Rindy O’Brien • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com
Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Kyungmin Lee • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
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GO.SEE.DO. LUMEN8ANACOSTIA 2013
ARCH Development Corporation brings LUMEN8ANACOSTIA back to Historic Anacostia for a second year, kicking off seven full weeks of programming with a music-themed all-day festival on Saturday, June 22. LUMEN8ANACOSTIA will continue through Aug 10 with weekly themed programming including a film week, a fashion week and a closone of many performances at the lightbox. Photo: david Y. lee. Copyright arCH development Corporation ing celebration on Aug 10. The June 22 kickoff festival runs from 1 p.m. to midnight. The noon-6 p.m. programming will be concentrated at the new Anacostia Arts Center and the 6 p.m.-midnight programming will take place at 2235 Shannon Pl. SE in the old police evidence warehouse. The first part of the day will include local ward 8 artists selling work, children’s programming produced by art collective Albus Cavus, a Gallery Operator Contest at the Anacostia Arts Center, the first open day of the Public Studio Project among other programming that includes music and food. In the evening, the fun moves to 2235 Shannon Pl. SE, with a list of local musicians lined up including the Funk Arc and local favorite Thayobleu. This warehouse space, to be transformed by creative lighting, will also house a Busboys & Poets pop-up restaurant and a cash bar. lumen8anacostia.com
Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
last year’s crowd enjoying Yards Park music. Photo: Courtesy of Yards Park
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Friday evening concerts at Yards Park have become a summer tradition. This year the concerts will feature bands selected by OnTap magazine, as well as delicious tastes, sweets, beverages provided by Pepe, mobile sandwiches from Jose Andrés’. OnTap will bring a wide range of live musical performances to Yards Park including top-40, country, salsa, pop, bluegrass, and reggae. Here’s the lineup: June 7, J.P. McDermott; June 14, Cazhmiere; June 21, Nayas; June 28, The Reserves; July 5, Scott’s New Band; July 12, Texas Chainsaw Horns; July 19, 40 Thieves; July 26, Practically Einstein; Aug 2, Sam O; Aug 9, 19th Street Band; Aug 16, Crowded Streets; Aug 23, Alma Tropicalia; and Aug 30, Framewerk. Yards Park is in the Capitol Riverfront at 355 Water St. SE, three blocks from Nationals Park. Take the Green Line to Navy Yard (New Jersey Avenue exit). Concerts start at 8:30 p.m. yardspark.org
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Community Forklift Turns Seven and a Half
The all-day celebration will feature activities for kids, live music from local bands, and half-smokes on the grill. They’ll have half-price discounts on modern and vintage building materials throughout the 34,000 sq. ft. warehouse, as well as free do-it-yourself workshops to inspire you to complete the half-finished projects around your house. Community Forklift is an unusual organization that has attracted loyal customers and donors from all over the region. In 2013 Community Forklift was voted “Best Hardware Store” by readers of The Washington City Paper; in 2012 it was voted “Best Home Store” by readers of The Washington Post Express. Join them from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the Forklift’s Edmonston warehouse, 4671 Tanglewood Drive (near the D-Prince George’s line in the Hyattsville area). For details and updates on the Half-Birthday Party visit CommunityForklift. org. Community Forklift, the DC area’s largest thrift store of surplus and salvaged building materials, opened in 2005. Their name reflects their mission: to lift-up local communities by keeping waste out of landfills, creating green jobs, and making renovation supplies affordable. Hours are noon-6:00 p.m., Tuesday; 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. This couple loads up an iron fence and vintage shutter. Photo: Edward Jackson
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship
Photo: Rebecca Hale/National Geographic
Discover the perils and privileges of 18th-century pirate life as you explore artifacts recovered from the Whydah, the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters. One of the most technologically advanced vessels of her day, the Whydah was built and launched as a slave ship and captured on her maiden Atlantic voyage by legendary pirate Sam Bellamy and his crew. After a few alterations and a quick hoist of the Jolly Roger, the Whydah became the flagship of Bellamy’s flotilla, leading raids throughout Caribbean waters and up the Atlantic coast. Then on April 26, 1717, the perfect storm sank the Whydah with most of her crew aboard, as well as the bounty from more than 50 captured ships. Almost 300 years later underwater explorer Barry Clifford and his team managed to locate the wreck and painstakingly unearthed her treasures. In Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship dive into the wreck to discover the true stories of Capt. Bellamy and his crew through fascinating artifacts in the world’s first exhibition of authentic pirate treasure. Touch real pirate treasure and marvel at gold and silver coins from all over the world, and discover the advanced technology that revealed these treasures to the modern world. National Geographic, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. nationalgeographic.com
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Fireworks as seen from the Truman Balcony of the White House
July 4th Fireworks on the Mall
Any spot is a good one if you can see the top half of the Washington Monument. The fireworks start at about 9:15 p.m. (full darkness), last about 30 minutes and are always worth the effort. If you want to make a day if it, park yourself on the west lawn of the Capitol mid-afternoon with picnic (no alcohol), lawn chairs, blanket, water for the 8 p.m. for the National Symphony Orchestra concert with fireworks to follow. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on except in the case of extremely bad weather. Your best source for up-to-the-minute information is local TV and radio stations. nso.org
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Twelve Great Ways to Do a DC Summer by Kathleen Donner
W
hether you’re a long-time resident, summer intern, or first-time visitor, the Washington area offers an incredible array of entertainments, adventures, and opportunities. Summer is no different. One obvious way to enjoy DC in the summer is the National Mall. It speaks for itself. Four of the ten most visited museums on Earth are here – Air and Space, Natural History, American History, and the National Gallery of Art – and you
shouldn’t miss them. Listed below, however, you’ll find places to visit, things to do, and experiences to have that are classics, like an evening at Wolf Trap, or “I didn’t know that” destinations like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s gravesite in Rockville, or the closest place to go “pea-ing” (pea-picking), or something else a little off the beaten path. They may be just down the street, in the nearby burbs, or a manageable drive away but they won’t disappoint. So, what’s your poison?
Staycation n. a vacation spent at home or nearby; blend of stay and vacation.
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The lawn at Wolf Trap. Photo: Nathan Adams
I. Eat Local
A. Litteri Italian grocery store is a legend. It’s also hard to find if you’re not familiar with the wholesale food distributors area just north of the intersection of Florida Ave. and 6th St. NE. Heading north on 6th, make the first left just before the Metro. It’s the second business on the left (517 Morse St. NE). There you’ll find every imaginable olive oil, vinegar, pasta, and wine import from Italy and a great deli. Walking out of Litteri’s, past chainlink fences and an abandoned truck, stop at the equally remarkable Union Market. It’s new and fast becoming DC’s premier foodie hangout. Litteri’s is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Union Market is open Wednesdays through Sundays. litteris.com and unionmarketdc.com Picking our own produce is the closest most of us will ever get to being farmers. They say farmers have very satisfying jobs because they extract something of value from the soil. You’ll feel the same way picking peaches, spinach, peas, and berries. We’re going to send you to a clever website where (we believe) a wonderfully eccentric and dedicated person keeps a labor-of-love listing that you can sort by state and county: go to pickyourown.org. This site will also lead you to pumpkin patches in the fall and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms. Nothing says summer like a squeaky floor, a brown paper table cloth, and a hammer. Don’t miss out on a crab-shack dinner on Chesapeake Bay or a tributary river. Capt’ Billy’s Crab House, 11495 Popes Creek Rd, Newburg, Md., is the place we suggest. Old-timers will remember Robertson’s (closed now), which was next to Capt’ Billy’s. Their famous “backrub” cocktail could keep you from driving legally for a week, and it’s hard to find a yard sale that doesn’t have a pilfered Robertson’s glass. Capt’ Billy’s is about 25 miles from the DC border, south on Rte. 301 about 20 miles and then right on Popes Creek Rd. You can’t miss it: captbillys.com. 12 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
A Local Tourism Guide
“All the President’s Pups” explores five different historic locations on the estate. Photo: George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
PS. The St. Mary’s County Crab Festival in Leonardtown, Md., is June 8 this year with a June 9 rain date.
II. Listen to the Music
If you’re of a certain age and attended parochial school, there’s a good chance that you chipped in for National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception construction costs. The shrine has a lovely way to end a summer weekend during July and August, Sundays at 6:00 p.m. – organ recitals in the sanctuary. The music is relaxing and contemplative, all the more so because of the basilica’s spectacular mid-60s architecture. Free but an offering is appreciated. All are welcome and there’s plenty of parking. The National Shrine is at 400 Michigan Ave. NE on the Catholic University campus. nationalshrine.com The quintessential summer evening out is an evening of music at Wolf Trap. And for this, lawn seating is best because (1) you can bring a picnic with wine (2), the sound is just as good, and (3) the tickets are cheaper. Lawn seating is first-come, firstserved, but you’re making an evening of it anyway. From Interstate 66 West take exit 67 to Rte. 267 (Dulles Toll Road), follow signs for local exits, pay a $1.75 toll, and exit at the Wolf Trap ramp. It’s not a far as you think and the parking lot empties out quickly following the show. wolftrap.org Listen to the music at LUMEN8ANACOSTIA 2013 ( June 22-Aug 12). This is an eclectic and fun festival of the arts in Anacostia. The Saturday, June 22, 12-hour kick-off is a free day and night of art, light, music, chess, classes, theater, dance and performance art. The kick-off festival is followed by six weeks of creative events many of which are family-friendly. Much of the action is at or near the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Good Hope Road. LUMEN8ANACOSTIA is defined as LUMEN, a measure of light; 8, Ward 8 and ANACOSTIA, an amazing historic neighborhood in Washington, DC’s Ward 8. lumen8anacostia.com
III. Survive the Dog Days
Hirshhorn “Summer Camp” movies this year are “The Breed” (2006), June 6; “Man’s Best Friend” (1993), June 13, and “Cujo” (1983), June 20. All movies are shown at 8:00 p.m. in the Ring Auditorium. In case you haven’t figured it out, these are all doggie horror movies. They’re free (no tickets) and fun. The Hirshhorn is at the corner of 7th and Independence, SW. hirshhorn.si.edu George Washington’s Mount Vernon invites all dogs and their two-legged friends to explore the estate through a new guided walking tour devoted to dogs! “All the President’s Pups” takes place on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m., through June 29. This special walking tour covers 1.25 miles of Mount Vernon terrain, stopping at five historic locations including the West Gate. Learn about canine life at Mount Vernon, from the first president’s dogs to the dogs that live at Mount Vernon today. The walking tour costs $5 in addition to general admission for humans. Admission for dogs is free. All dogs must be leashed with their owner at all times. Mount Vernon is about 16 miles from DC. Take the George Washington Parkway east. MountVernon.org Midcity Dog Days Sidewalk Sale and Street Festival, traditionally the first weekend in August, is an annual event where retailers along U and 14th streets NW have “open houses” and offer up deals and freebies. This includes restaurants, bars, galleries, gift shops, florists, and anyone else who wishes to jump in. Goods are out on the sidewalk. Live music permeates the experience, and Studio Theater, 1501 14th Street NW, has its popular annual “garage” sale. PS. The last Washington Nationals “Pups in the Park” until fall is June 9, 1:35 p.m., at the Nats vs. Minnesota Twins game. Bring your wellbehaved dog (on a leash). Tickets for you and your dog are $30, which includes an $8 donation to the Humane Society. washington.nationals.mlb.com
IV. Have an Adventure
Terrapin Adventures in Savage, Md., among other thrills offers Zip Line. They want you to experience the thrill of gliding through the trees 30 feet in the air at speeds up to 20 mph as you travel on their 330 ft.long zip line. They call it nosweat adrenaline. It’s $15 per ride. Upon arrival add an additional zip line ride for just $10 and try it backwards. Must be 8 years old, at least 48 inches tall, and weigh between 60 and 275 pounds. You can book online. Take I-95 North to exit 38A, Rte. 32 East toward Ft. Meade. Follow signs to Savage Mill. Take exit 12B, Rte. 1 South. At 2nd light take a right on Gorman Rd. Take right at Foundry St. Take 2nd left on Baltimore St., 2nd left at Fair St. and enter parking lot (takes about 40 minutes). terrapinadventures.com Carderock is probably the most climbed cliff in the eastern United States. It’s located nearby in Maryland just north DC. The west-facing cliff, 25 to 60 feet high, offers lots of easy and moderate top-rope routes. If you are interested in making the jump from contrived healthclub walls to a real rock, this is the place. We suggest that you go there and have a look first. On the weekends the area is full of climbers. There’s always an obnoxious 17-year-old, barefoot with no ropes, who scampers to the top, effortlessly, in seconds. Never mind. Watch their route. From I-495 take exit 13 and drive north on the Clara Barton Parkway to the first exit for Carderock Recreation Area and then follow the signs. nps.gov Take a biplane ride before or after the Flying Circus Airshow in Bealeton, VA. Most Sundays through October (check their website) the gates open at 11:00 a.m. and the show begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 ($7 for ages 3-12). An enclosed-cockpit ride is $50 and an open-cockpit ride is $80. There’s an open-cockpit
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Stay.ca.tion aerobatic ride for $140 but make sure you have a strong stomach. Take I-66 West, Rte. 29 toward Warrenton, and a left on Rte. 17. It’s about an hour and a half. flyingcircusairshow.com
V. Connect with the Potomac
Fishing on the Potomac is regulated by the District Department of the Environment. Here are the rules. The striped bass season begins May 16 each year. The minimum possession length is 18 inches. Anglers may possess no more than two fish in the following combinations of lengths: two fish between 18 and 28 inches or one fish between 18 and 28 inches and one fish greater than 28 inches. (We told you this was government.) There are no bait restrictions. They do, however, take licensing seriously and you can get one online at takemefishing.org. Fragers, 1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, sells bait. The Potomac Riverboat Company operates a water taxi between Alexandria and National Harbor. It’s a fun and effortless way to get out on the river and particularly beautiful after sunset. The roundtrip fare is $10-$16 and all three destinations are worth a stop: Alexandria, National Harbor, and the Gaylord National Hotel. The boats run frequently, and the one-way trip across the river takes about 25 minutes. potomacriverboatco.com DC Sail is the community sailing program of the National Maritime Heritage Foundation. Their mission is to promote and sustain affordable educational, recreational, and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment. They operate out of the Gangplank Marina in SW. They’ll get you out on the water and give you the confidence to handle a boat. dcsail.org
VI. Do July 4th Differently
In honor of International Mine Action and Awareness day, on July 4, LandminesinAfrica.org will host the second annual “This Frisbee Clears Mines Tournament,” an ultimate Frisbee tournament, with support from 14 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
the Washington Area Frisbee Club to benefit MAG America‘s landmine clearance activities. This year’s tournament will take place at Anacostia Park. Participants should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. for registration and team assignments. An open tournament, it will be great fun to play in or to watch. lendyourleg.org.
A Local Tourism Guide special fireworks display on the beach at sunset. Take Rte. 4 South into Calvert County, then Rte. 260 (another 9 miles) to Chesapeake Beach. There will also be post-game fireworks on July 3 after the Nats vs. Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. The game starts at 6:05 p.m., which means that the fireworks will start at
Flying Circus Airshow
Potomac Riverboat Company taxi
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas hiked the length of the C&O Canal in 1954 when its neglected remnants were threatened by the construction of a scenic highway. Photo: National Park Service
Chesapeake Beach asks us to remember the fireworks we saw when we were children. There are always fireworks on July 3 at the Chesapeake Beach Water Park. They invite us to spend the morning celebrating our Independence and the afternoon playing at the water park, then join family, neighbors, and friends at the
about 9:00 p.m. You don’t have to be at the ballgame, just be where you can see the top of the park. DC comes pretty close to being a small town on the 4th of July with its two neighborhood parades, Capitol Hill and Palisades. The Capitol Hill parade starts at 10:00 a.m. and marches along 8th St. SE from I St. north.
The Palisades parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and marches along MacArthur Boulevard. They’re both open-participation parades, and you can expect all the mayoral candidates to do Capitol Hill and then streak up to Palisades.
VII. Experience History
Take a trip back in time to the 1870s. Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience the feel of rising eight feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. Enjoy life at a slower pace. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is located at 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, Md. The boat tours are offered April through October, Wednesday through Sunday. Rides are $5-$8. 301-767-3714. nps.gov/choh The “Gettysburg: A New Birth of Freedom” Commemorative Ceremony will be on Sunday, June 30, 7:309:00 p.m. It marks the 150th anniversary of the historic battle and will take place on an outdoor stage near Gen. Meade’s Headquarters. The ceremony will include music, a keynote address, and “Voices of History,” a dramatic reading of eyewitness accounts written by soldiers and ordinary people swept into the events of the battle and its aftermath. Keynote speaker will be historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Country music artist Trace Adkins will sing the National Anthem accompanied by the United States Military Academy Orchestra. The ceremony will end with a procession to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery to see luminaries marking each of the more than 3,500 graves of soldiers killed in the battle of Gettysburg. Take George Washington Parkway West to I-495, then I-270 north, Rte. 40 west, Rte. 15 north, and Rte. 134. Watch for signs. It’s about two hours. nps.gov/gett The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia preserves the home and legacy of runaway slave, abolitionist, civil rights advocate, author, and statesman Frederick Douglass. He was a towering historical figure in the 19th century and his home, “Cedar Hill,”
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Maryland historic covered bridge
is preserved as closely as possible to the way it was when he lived there. Frederick Douglass was born on a plantation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland around 1818. He died 77 years later at Cedar Hill. The rangers are happy to take you on a tour but you should reserve first. nps.gov/frdo
VIII. Take a Road Less Traveled
The National Arboretum is practically in our own backyard and it has nine miles of roads suitable for biking. It’s a wonderful way to spend a summer morning. You can picnic (no alcohol) at the Grove of State Trees. Due to recent sequestration budget cuts the Arboretum is closed Tuesdays through Thursdays. But the rest of the time it’s open, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., welcoming and underappreciated. Enter the Arboretum at 3501 New York Ave. NE or Bladensburg Road NE. Find out what’s blooming at usna.usda.gov. Northern Frederick County is home to three historic covered bridges. All three are listed in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. The Utica Mills, Loy’s Station, and Roddy Road covered bridges all cross streams within 12 miles of one another. Besides their beauty the bridges are also structurally interesting, as each has a different truss system (which is what keeps a bridge standing). Start your tour in Frederick. Visit visitfrederick.org for the intricate directions. Back in DC, sections of Beach Drive are closed on weekends (Saturday, 7:00 a.m., to Sunday, 7:00 p.m.) and holidays for bikers, rollerbladers, hikers, and joggers (no horses). The closures run from Broad Branch Road to Military Road, from Picnic Grove 10 to Wise Road, and from West Beach Drive to the DC line. Enjoy. nps.gov/rocr
IX. Explore the Underworld
TThe author of the great American novel and his wife Zelda are buried in a small cemetery at St. 16 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
A Local Tourism Guide
Mary’s church at the intersection of Maryland Rte. 355 (Rockville Pike) and Viers Mill Road. It’s a quiet place and rarely visited, but on Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald’s birthday, Sept. 24, visitors find their way to the gravesite and leave flowers, packs of cigarettes, martini glasses, and gin bottles. The grave is adorned with the familiar “Boats against the current” quote from “Gatsby.” The best way to get there is to take Metro to Rockville. The cemetery is adjacent to the station. Edgar Allen Poe lived and worked in Baltimore (think Baltimore Ravens) for a good part of his life. In addition to his home (closed and under renovation) and his gravesite, traces of Poe’s life and death can be found throughout the city. The gravesite is at Westminster Cemetery on the southeast corner of Fayette and Greene. Before you leave for Baltimore in search of Poe, have a look at the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore website at eapoe.org. About two hours from DC in Luray, Va., is Luray Caverns, an active cave where new deposits accumulate at the rate of about one cubic inch every 120 years. Take a one-hour walking tour along well-lighted, paved walkways that lead through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. The enormous chambers are filled with towering columns, shimmering draperies, and crystal-clear pools. Getting there is a pleasant drive through the Virginia countryside and over the mountains. Take I-66 West to Gainesville, US 29 South to Warrenton, US 211 West to Luray Caverns, 45 minutes from Warrenton, 90 minutes from Capital Beltway. luraycaverns.com
X. Reach for the Stars
The Air and Space Museum has an observatory with a 16-inch telescope on the east terrace. Weather permitting, you can look through it Wednesdays through Sundays, noon-3:00 p.m., and see spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), craters on the moon, or the phases of Venus. Often overlooked as people rush past to enter the building, it’s definitely worth a few minutes. airandspace.si.edu The best way to watch a meteor shower is by getting out of the lights of a big city. A meteor shower is a spike in the number of meteors, or “shooting stars,” that streak through the night sky. The next meteor shower is the Perseids on Aug. 11 and 12. Under dark skies you might see 15-20 “shooting stars” per hour. The Moon sets by late evening. Other meteor showers in 2013 are the Orionids on the night of Oct. 21, Leonids on Nov. 16, and Geminids on Dec. 12 and 13. According to the Air Force Times, because of budget cuts due to the sequestration the Andrews Air Show has been cancelled. Officials at Joint Base Andrews near Washington say budget cuts are forcing them to turn a popular annual air show into a biennial event. The Air Force says about 200,000
people attended last year’s free show. They’ll have to wait until 2014 for the next one. It costs about $2.1 million to produce an air show and the military needs to save money.
XI. Meet Some People
One Brick (volunteering made easy) brings volunteers together to support other nonprofit organizations by adopting an innovative twist to the volunteer experience: they create a friendly and social atmosphere around volunteering, and after each event they invite volunteers to gather at a local restaurant or cafe where they can get to know one another in a relaxed social setting. Their commitment-free volunteering allows you to choose when you volunteer, rather than having to make commitments for a certain number of volunteer hours, or agree to be available every week at a specific time. washingtondc.onebrick.org Take a Sunset Sail aboard a schooner every other Friday evening, June 14 through September, from the Gangplank Marina on the Southwest waterfront. The sail lasts about three hours, and you can bring along a picnic, champagne, and snacks (whatever you please). The boat accommodates 35 people. It’s $50 and you register online. Please be kind and wear soft-soled shoes and (they’re adamant) no open toes. dcsail.org Every third Thursday ( June 20, July 18, and Aug. 15), at 5:00 p.m., Relax and Take 5 with free, live jazz in the Kogod Courtyard of the American Art Museum. The Courtyard Cafe is open and you can borrow a board game to play during the concert. Feeling inspired to create? During concerts ArtJamz sets up a temporary studio, offering registered participants an opportunity to paint while the audience mingles. For registration information visit artjamzdc.com. The American Art Museum is at 8th and F streets NW. americanart.si.edu
XII. Have Quiet Moments with a Great Man
The memorial to Albert Einstein is situated Hubble’s Ultra Deep Field. Photo: NASA
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Albert Einstein by sculptor, Robert Berks. Photo: Alex Jamison
in an elm and holly grove at the southwest corner of the National Academy of Sciences grounds, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW. Einstein is depicted seated on a three-step bench of Mount Airy (North Carolina) white granite. The bronze figure, weighing approximately four tons, is 12 feet in height. Three caissons, totaling 135 tons, sunk in bedrock to a depth of 23 to 25 feet, support the monument. George Mason is also seated on a bench. The George Mason Memorial is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The memorial stands in West Potomac Park, near the intersection of Ohio Dr. and E. Basin Dr. SW. In terms of placement, the memorial occupies a highly symbolic and important position on the National Mall, within sight of the more prominent tributes to two of Mason’s Virginia contemporaries, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. nps.gov/gemm The memorial garden to Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) is on Massachusetts Ave. NW, midway between Dupont Circle and the National Cathedral. Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu. The memorial garden must be visited in summer when the fountains are on, otherwise it’s rather bleak. Here’s a favorite line of his poetry: “Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.” ◆
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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
CALENDAR
Post Game Fireworks at Nat’s Park. July 3. Game begins at 6:05 PM. Fireworks about 9:00 PM. Watch from inside the park or anywhere you can see the top of the park. washington. nationals.mlb.com
Docent-led Tour of Congressional Cemetery. Every Saturday (Apr-Oct), 11:00 AM. Free. Tours begin at the Chapel in the center of the cemetery. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org
July 4th National Symphony Orchestra Concert Full Dress Rehearsal. July 3, 7:30 PM. US Capitol west lawn. You will find a much smaller crowd at the concert rehearsal. You will be allowed on the Capitol grounds starting at 3:00 PM. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. Free. nso.org July 4th Fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Fireworks at about 9:15 PM. No one will be allowed on the Capitol west lawn until 3:00 PM. Come early with a picnic and a blanket to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for the National Symphony Orchestra Annual Independence Day Concert. The fireworks can be seen from all over the mall, from many rooftops and from across the river. Just make sure that you have a clear view of the top half of the Washington Monument. You will go through security and alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on except in the case of extremely bad weather. Your best source for up-to-the-minute information is local TV and radio stations. Free. nso.org Capitol Hill July 4th Parade and Festival Picnic. July 4. Parade,10:00 AM. Festival, 11:00 AM. Parade route is along 8th St. SE between Penn. Ave. and I St. SE. Festival is at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Free. America’s Independence Day Parade. July 4, 11:45 AM (sharp). Parade begins at Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW and proceeds on Constitution Ave. to 17th St. The parade consists of about 20 marching bands (including fife and drum corps), 15 floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian units, drill teams, municipal entries and celebrities. july4thparade.com The National Archives Celebrates the Fourth of July. July 4. Band performance, 8:30–9:45 AM; Ceremony, 10:00-11:00 AM; Family activities, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical reenactors, and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages. Free. Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW. 202-357-5400. archives.gov Independence Day Celebration and Air Force Band Concert. July 4, 8:00 PM (fireworks over Washington Monument follow). 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 and crowds.) Contemporary and patriotic tunes and spec-
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Gallery tours, select workshops, demonstrations, and performances for all ages. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202-6391700. corcoran.org
OUTDOOR SUMMER MUSIC AND MOVIES DC Jazz Festival. Through June 16. With more than 100 performances in dozens of venues across the city, the DC Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in Washington, D.C. and one of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the nation. The Festival presents year-round music education programs and concerts for DC students and residents by local, national and internationally-known talent at venues across DC, promotes music integration in school curricula, and supports outreach to expand and diversify the audience of jazz enthusiasts. dcjazzfest.org “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”. July 4, 11:00 AM-noon. On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass climbed onto a stage in Rochester, NY and into the history books. His audience that day came to hear just another 4th of July speech. What they got was as brilliant indictment of slavery and of those who would not lift a hand to attack “the accursed system” as the country had ever seen. On July 4th hear the speech ring out from the steps of Frederick Douglass’s own home in Washington, DC. Frederick Douglass national Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE, (corner of 15th and W). nps.gov/frdo
Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service
tacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org
SPECIAL EVENTS DC Government “Truck Touch”. June 15, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM., at RFK, Lot 7, 2400 E. Capitol St. NE. The DC Department of Public Works invites the public to attend DC’s annual free, citywide “Truck Touch”. DC government agencies will demonstrate and explain the vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, fix potholes, clear snow, provide emergency services, and more. Mayor Vincent Gray’s official summer kick-off event will take place in the adjacent Lot 6 and will offer activities for youth of all ages, as well as family services and information until 5:00 PM. Free, familyfriendly event is city’s official summer kick off and offers something for all ages. Safeway Barbecue Battle. June 22, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; June 23, 11:00 AM-7:30 PM. $10-$12. Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 9th & 14th sts. bbqdc.com
Smithsonian Folklife Festival. June 26-30 and July 3-7. 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening events at 6:00 PM. Festival features programs on Campus and Community, Citified, and Creativity and Crisis. Free entrance. National Mall between 7th and 14th sts. folklife.si.edu/center/festival Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings through Aug 30. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw. usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil Free Summer Saturdays at the Corcoran. This summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, enjoy special exhibitions and programming free of charge in addition to
Adams Morgan Summer Concerts. Saturdays, through July 6, 5:00-7:00 PM at the corner of Columbia and 18th NW. adamsmorganonline.org NoMa Summer Screen “Outlaw Heroes”. 7:00-11:00 PM. June 12–The Italian Job; June 19–Goonies; June 26-Breakfast Club; July 3-The Fugitive; July 10-Bridesmaids; July 17-Moonrise Kingdom; July 24-True Grit; July 31-Hunger Games; Aug 7-Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Aug 14-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Aug 21- (rain date). Movie location at L St. between 2nd and 3rd, NE. nomabid.org Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Yards Park Marine Band Thursday Night Concerts (before the movie). Thursdays, 7:30 PM, through Aug 29 (not Independence Day). Yards Park is in the Capitol Riverfront at 355 Water Street SE, three blocks from Nationals Ballpark. Take the Green Line to Navy Yard (New Jersey Avenue exit). yardspark.org Postgame Concerts at Nationals Park. Blues Traveler (June 8), Thompson Square (July 6), Gavin DeGraw (August 31) and Montgomery Gentry (September 21) will comprise the lineup for the 2013 NatsLive Free Postgame Concert Series following select Nationals home games throughout the summer. The performances will begin approximately 15 minutes after the final out of each Nationals game. Fans who wish to attend the free con-
certs must have a valid ticket for that day’s Nationals game, which can be purchased at nationals.com/NatsLive. The Double Play Giveaway & Concert Packs are also available at nationals.com/flex for those who want to ensure their seat for each of the four postgame concerts.
program. National Buildiong Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org
Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays starting June 11, 7:30 PM (new time). US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202737-2300. navymemorial.org
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Canal Park Outdoor Movies. Thursdays at sundown. June 13, Iron Man; June 20, Batman and Robin; June 27, The Hulk; July 4, no movie because of the holiday; July 11, Batman Begins; July 18, Thor; July 25, The Dark Knight; Aug 1, The Avengers; Aug 8, The Dark Knight Rises. Every week there will be trivia for each comic, as well as special giveaways on designated theme nights and more. Canal Park is accessible from the New Jersey Avenue entrance of the Navy Yard Metro. Canal Park is at 200 M St. SE. canalparkdc.org
Water Songs with Kwelismith. June 9 (rescheduled from Mar 17), 2:00-4:00 PM. Inspired by the Reclaiming the Edge exhibition, Kwelismith sings water songs, accompanied by guitarist, EL nathan Starnes. From a repertoire of spirituals, folk songs, popular songs, and jazz standards, Kweli sings that the river has been a symbol of everything from baptisms, betrayals, and love relationships to freedom, identity, and even death. Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series. Fridays, 8:30 PM. Here’s the lineup: June 14, Cazhmiere; June 21, Nayas; June 28, The Reserves; July 5, Scott’s New Band; July 12, Texas Chainsaw Horns; July 19, 40 Thieves; July 26, Practically Einstein; Aug 2, Sam O; Aug 9, 19th Street Band; Aug 16, Crowded Streets; Aug 23, Alma Tropicalia; and Aug 30, Framewerk. Yards Park is in the Capitol Riverfront at 355 Water Street SE, three blocks from Nationals Ballpark. Take the Green Line to Navy Yard (New Jersey Avenue exit). yardspark.org Air Force Band Concerts. Fridays in June, July and Aug. 8:00 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. Free. airforcememorial.org
Hillcrest Garden Tour. June 15, 11:00 AM2:00 PM. Meet at 33rd and Camden Sts. SE. Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance, $15 if purchased day of the tour. Tickets available at hillcrestdc.com.
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays, through Aug 30 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202289-3360. nga.gov Live American Roots Music. Friday and Saturday nights in summer. The National Building Museum has partnered with Hill Country Barbecue Market to present Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue, a unique branded outdoor experience featuring Hill Country’s award-winning Texas-style barbecue, icecold Shiner beers, and signature cocktails on the Museum’s spacious and picturesque West Lawn. Throughout the summer, the space features live American roots music on Friday and Saturday nights, presented by Hill Country Live, Hill Country’s Austin-inspired music
Wednesday Lunchtime Concerts at Canal Park. Wednesdays, Through July 31, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Canal Park is located at 202 M St, SE. canalparkdc.org
Anacostia Playhouse Open House. June 9, 1:00-3:00 PM., 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.com
Ward 8 Book Festival. June 15, 10:00 AM4:00 PM. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. between the corners of W St. and Chicago St. SE; on the parking lot located near “The Big Chair”. On Freedom’s Trail Bus Tour. June 22, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM. Join historian C.R. Gibbs for a unique historical experience tracing the path from fetters to freedom in the nation’s capital. On this bus tour, you will visit places where slaves were sold, freedom seekers escaped, soldiers trained, and laws were written that together culminated in the abolition of slavery in Washington, DC. (for ages 16 to adult). Tour repeats July 20, Aug and Sept 28. Bus departs from and returns to Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Free, but space is limited; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. anacostia.si.edu Unsung Jazz by Antoine Sanfuentes at Vivid Solutions. Through June 28. Unsung Jazz by Antoine Sanfuentes brings together the photographer’s ongoing project of documenting the local jazz performers who have had a substantial impact on jazz in Washington, DC but are relatively unknown outside the area. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, now located upstairs at 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE above Honfleur Gallery. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsgallery.com Islamic Marriage Event for Single Muslims. June 29, 1:30-5 PM. Event features light refreshments in a safe Islamic environment. $20 ($5 per chaperone). For more information, contact 240-686-5292. America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, 2315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. muslimsinamerica.org This Frisbee Clears Mines Tournament. July 4, 9:30 AM. at Anacostia Park. In honor of International Mine Action and Awareness EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 21
CALENDAR day, on July 4, LandminesinAfrica.org will host the second annual This Frisbee Clears Mines Tournament, an Ultimate Frisbee tournament, with support from the Washington Area Frisbee Club to benefit MAG America‘s landmine clearance activities. All participants should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. for registration and team assignments. This is an open tournament and will be great fun to play or to watch. lendyourleg.org. Ranger tours of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Every Saturday through Sept 7, 10:00 AM-noon. Join a Ranger for tours of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. They will lead visitors to some of the remaining Civil War forts in the Nation’s Capital. Visitors are asked to contact Ranger Kenya Finely at 202-4267723 for more information on the specific program themes. Fort Dupont Park. nps.gov/fodu Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement. Through Sept 15. Based on research by the Anacostia Community Museum on the history, public use, and attitudes toward the Anacostia River and its watershed and on review of urban waterway developments in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Louisville, London, and Shanghai, Reclaiming the Edge explores various issues regarding human interaction with natural resources in an urban setting. It looks at densely populated watersheds and at rivers as barriers to racial and ethnic integration. The exhibition also examines civic attempts to recover, clean up, re-imagine, or engineer urban rivers for community access and use. 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Tour Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Open daily, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is about 700 acres and is part of Anacostia Park. The park includes the gardens, Kenilworth Marsh, ball fields and recreational facilities. It is the only National Park Service site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. Stop by the visitors center and ask if a ranger is free to show you around. You can also borrow a guidebook and binoculars if you leave a driver’s license. Free.1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. www.nps.gov/kepa A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover, or see with new eyes, this traditionally African American enclave in Far Northeast when you follow “A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail.” Fifteen poster-sized street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood. To pick up the trail go to Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. and Division Ave. NE. Walk one block south to Foote Street, at the edge of Marvin Gaye Park. The 90-minute, self-guided tour will bring you along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, up 49th St. and along Sheriff Rd. back to Minnesota Ave. and the Metro station. Walk the trail at your own pace and take time to enjoy this small town in the city. Don’t forget to pick up a free trail guide from businesses along the way. 202661-7581. culturaltourismdc.org Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Tours are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Ranger led tours are the only way to see the inside of the Frederick Douglass
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house. Tours are ticketed, and there are a limited number of tickets available for each tour. Tour tickets are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee their place on the tour. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960. nps.gov/frdo
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Mystics Basketball. June 8, 16, 27 and 30. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com/mystics Nats Baseball. June 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. Wednesday-Sunday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12-$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals.mlb.com Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia. On view indefinitely. From Reconstruction to the second half of the 20th century, baseball, the great American pastime, was played in Washington, DC, on segregated fields. “Separate and Unequaled” looks at the phenomenal popularity and community draw of this sport when played by African Americans. Featured are such personalities as Josh Gibson and “Buck” Leonard, star players of the Negro Leagues most celebrated team, the Washington Homestead Grays. The show also highlights community teams that gave rise to the various amateur, collegiate and semi-pro black baseball teams and leagues. For special viewing hours and tours, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Washington Nationals Pups in the Park. June 9, 1:35 PM. Nat’s vs. Minnesota Twins. Bring your well-behaved dog (on a leash) to the ball park. Tickets for you and your dog are $30 which includes a $8 donation to Humane Society. washington.nationals.mlb.com DC United Soccer Home Matches. June 15 vs. Toronto; June 22, vs. San Jose; June 29 vs. Vancouver. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-5875000. dcunited.com Purple Stride 5K. June 15, 7:00 AM. Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 13th and 14th)...raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. 310-725-0025. purplestride.kintera.org DC Running Club 5 Mile Disco Roll & Run. June 15, 8:00 AM. Hains Point. 240-4729201. dcrunningclub.com Father’s Day 8k. June 16, 6:30 PM. C&O Canal Towpath. fathersday8k.com
NSBC Boxing, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-7:00 PM. Self defense/PVA boxing class. New Samaritan Baptist Church, 1100 Florida Ave. NE. Contact Coach Odell Montgomery, 202-905-5215 for more information. Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate weekends, sunrise to sunset. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour free skate “rental” has started but sizes and supplies are limited. During summer months, open daily. 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. Fort Dupont Ice Arena. reopens July 1. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-5845007. fdia.org Free Yoga Classes at Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Every Thursday, 7:00-8:00 PM. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind and get grounded. Even if you’ve never done yoga before--this class is for you. Open to people of all abilities, ages and body types. All you need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library or call 202-715-7707. 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary.org/anacostia
DC Public Outdoor Pools Opened Memorial Day Weekend. They will be open weekends only until school is out. After school is out they will be open daily. All outdoor pools are open weekends, noon-6:00 PM. Weekday hours are 1:00-8:00 PM. Every pool is closed one day a week for cleaning and maintenance. All pools are free for DC residents. Have picture ID. dpr.dc.gov Anacostia Pool. 1800 Anacostia Dr. SE. 202724-1441. dpr.dc.gov Barry Farms Pool. 1230 Sumner Rd. SE 202645-5040. dpr.dc.gov Benning Park Pool. Southern Ave. and Fable St.SE. 202-645-5044. dpr.dc.gov Douglass Pool. Frederick Douglass Ct. and Stanton Ter. SE. 202-645-5045. dpr.dc.gov Fort Dupont Pool. Ridge Rd. and Burns St. SE. 202-645-5046. dpr.dc.gov Fort Stanton Pool. 1800 Erie St. SE. 202-6781798. dpr.dc.gov Kelly Miller Pool. 4900 Brooks St. NE. 202724-5056. dpr.dc.gov Oxon Run Pool. Fourth St. and Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-5042. dpr.dc.gov
Free Exercise Classes at Kenilworth Elementary School. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:00-7:00 PM. Bring your own mat, water and towel. 1300 44th St. NE. For more information, email peppypromotions@gmail. com or call 301-395-1013
MARKETS
Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202645-6242. dpr.dc.gov
Aya @ SW Waterfront. Saturdays, 9:00 AM1:00 PM. On the grounds of Christ United Methodist Church, 900 4th St. SW.
Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a firstcome, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-6713078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10:00-6:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov
Ward 8 Farmers Market. Open Saturdays, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com
H Street FreshFarm Market. Saturdays through Dec 21, 9:00 AM-noon. H St. and 13th St. NE. Vendors are Atwater’s; Blueberry Hill; Cedarbrook Farm; Dolcezza Gelato; Full Cellar Farm; Garden Path Farm; Gordy’s Pickle Jar; Keswick Creamery at Carrock Farm, LLC; Quaker Valley Orchards; Red Apron Butchery; Richfield Farm. freshfarmmarkets.org Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com
CIVIC LIFE 2013 Small Business Restaurant Symposium and Expo. June 17, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. On the subject of “Capitalizing on the Thriving Restaurant Industry in the District of Columbia.”Free. Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE. To register, go to bizdc.ecenterdirect.com. For help with registering, call 202-442-4538. dcra.dc.gov DDOT Semi-Annual Circulator Forum. June 18, 6:00-8:00 PM. At the forum DDOT will solicit feedback from passengers on the strengths and weaknesses of the bus system to ensure the DC Circulator continues to meet
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the needs of current and future riders. Studio Theatre, First Floor Lounge (P Street Entrance), 1501 14th St. NW How to Open a Small Business by Navigating DCRA’s Regulatory Process. June 19, 5:30-7:00 PM. Free. DCRA, 1100 4th St. SW, Suite 200. dcra.dc.gov All Politics is Local with NBC4’s Tom Sherwood featuring Chancellor Kaya Henderson. June 19, 7:00 PM. NBC 4 reporter Tom Sherwood welcomes Kaya Henderson, Chancellor of DC Public Schools to June’s edition of All Politics is Local. Together, they will discuss current issues facing the DC public schools. Free. RSVP online at hillcenterdc.org or call 202-549-4172. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. hillcenterdc.org Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. Third Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Big Chair Coffee and Grill, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible. Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560. Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185. Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900. Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. UPO-Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202-388-1532. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. u
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BULLETIN BOARD
Lesole’s Dance Project and the South African Embassy Celebrate South Africa’s Youth Day and Juneteenth
L Photo: Nehemiah Walker
The HOTSPOT - Ward 8 Book Festival
Join in the fun on June 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for The HOTSPOT-Ward 8 Book Festival. This will be the first of its kind east of the Anacostia River. It will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue between the corners of W Street & Chicago St. SE; on the parking lot located near “The Big Chair”. The festival is being presented by Lamont Carey and Councilmember Marion Barry.
Hillcrest Garden Tour
The Hillcrest Garden Tour Committee announces the 20th Annual Hillcrest Garden Tour. On June 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., meet at 33rd and Camden Sts. SE to find out why they call Hillcrest the “best kept secret in Washington.” Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance, $15 if purchased day of the tour. Tickets are available at hillcrestdc.com.
East of the River Easy Riders
East of the River Easy Riders meet every fourth Saturday of the month in Anacostia Park 10 a.m. They meet in the parking lot near the swimming pool/fitness center building and take a slow familyfriendly bicycle ride along community paths and trails. Must bring bicycle, wear helmet and kids under 18 must have adult supervision. Also, please check our website for other rides East of the River www.waba.org/get_involved/eastoftheriver.php in which free bicycle rentals may be available! For more information on group bicycling East of the River contact Kim Davis at 202-450-8144 or kim. davis@waba.org.
Moving Wisdom Classes Return to THEARC
esole’s Dance Project (LDP) in partnership with The South Africa Embassy is honoring South Africa’s Youth Day and Juneteenth during their 10th anniversary and 7th annual Freedom of Expression celebration on June 22 at 7 p.m. Freedom of Expression will be held at THEARC located at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. LDP will immerse the audience into South African Culture and take them on a journey through the American South with song, dance, and poetry. The audience will learn world history through artistry. The audience will travel south of the Mason-Dixon with the uniquely talented young voices of The Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS) Children of the Gospel Choir to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States through song. This event will also include works such as Khoba (a traditional dance from Botswana made possible by Maryland State Arts Council), Ethekweni (a Fusion of Bharatanatyam Indian dance and Nldamu Zulu dance) with The Natananjali Dancers. $20 and $15 (children under 12, students and seniors). Tickets may be purchased online at freedomofexpression2013.eventbrite.com
The Washington School of Ballet @ THEARC (TWSB@ THEARC) announces the return of its highly popular adult Moving Wisdom classes beginning in June 2013. Classes are free and open to DC residents. Funded by the DC Arts Commission, the Moving Wisdom program encourages senior citizens to improve their quality of life and overall health through participation in dance classes that provide physical, mental, and social stimulation in an artistically enriching environment. This six-week course was created by Sylvia Soumah, founder of West African Dance Company’s Coyaba Dance Theater. Ms. Soumah is trained and has experience in working with adults with developmental and physical disabilities and modifies instruction based on each student’s needs. By attending Moving Wisdom dance classes, seniors are provided with physical activity that improves coordination, flexibility, balance, and cognition, all of which are important to the health of individuals as they age. Participants learn African and other traditional dances, as well as the history and culture behind their origins. They also learn and create the traditional music associated with these dances (through singing, drumming, and playing percussion instruments), choreograph their own dances, design costumes, and present a culminating performance in THEARC Theater at the end of each session. The six-week classes are taught at The Washington School of Ballet @ THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Anacostia Playhouse Construction Update
It’s been quite awhile since they last updated their website at anacostiaplayhouse.com and that’s because they got slightly delayed throughout the permitting process. Now they are on track for hosting the DC Jazz Festival on June 10 and the DC Black Theatre Festival, June 21-30. Theater Alliance, who was in residence with them on H Street, will begin rehearsals in July for a mid-August opening of the DC premiere of BROKE-OLOGY. If you’re interested in producing a show at the Anacostia Playhouse, now is the time to contact them! Our rates are located online and they do have a special pricing structure for groups operating East of the River. There is an Open House at the Playhouse is June 9, 1-3 p.m. at 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.com
New Anacostia Riverwalk Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Complete
DDOT has announced the completion of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that provides new Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connectivity between South Capitol Street and Benning Road east of the Anacostia River. The 1,185-foot-long, fiberEAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 25
glass-reinforced-polymer-decked, or FRP, bridge offers a safe, scenic way to cross above CSX Railroad tracks just north of the John Philip Sousa Bridge in Anacostia Park. Both the bridge deck and its weathering steel frame will reduce long-term maintenance costs and environmental impacts in keeping with the Mayor’s sustainability goals. This is the second of two FRP bridges built as part of the Riverwalk and among the longest such fiberglass-decked bridge structures in the nation, according to its manufacturer. To date, 12 of the ultimate 20 miles of the Riverwalk are open for use. Once complete, the trail will allow seamless pedestrian and bicycle travel between the Tidal Basin and Bladensburg Marina Park in Maryland. The Riverwalk is one of a series of transportation, economic development, community and recreation projects included in the city’s larger 30-year, $10 billion AWI Program. For more information, visit anacostiawaterfront. com/AnacostiaRiverwalk. To join the community contact list or ask questions, email ddot.awi@dc.gov or call 202-741-8528. For more information on the Sustainable DC, visit sustainable.dc.gov.
Shuttle Anacostia Rides Again
The Shuttle Anacostia is once again offering free weekend roundtrips to the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum from the National Mall now through Labor Day. Organizations east of the river can reserve the shuttle for free group transportation to the museum also. For shuttle schedule, visit anacostia.si.edu. For reservations, call 202-633-4844.
Saturday Service Day at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
On June 22, 9 a.m.-noon, 25 plus volunteers are needed to assist National Park Service staff with park improvement projects. Volunteer registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Registration will take place near the main green house just inside the park’s interior fence 26 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
line (if you’re in the main parking lot you won’t be able to miss them!). This event is run rain or shine-severe weather as forecast on WTOP (103.5 FM or WTOP. com) cancels. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is located at 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE and the phone number for the park is 202-4266905. The closest Metro station is Deanwood on the orange line. RSVPs recommended. Please contact Tina O’Connell at tina@ friendsofkenilworthgardens.org.
Verbal Gymnastics at Anacostia Community Museum
On Tuesday, June 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., poet and playwright John Johnson hosts an interactive workshop that incorporates poetry and storytelling. Participants use their observation of community and personal experience to create a unique and original piece, unlocking the poet and wordsmith inherent in all of us. Johnson also shares some of his poetry and tips that highlight the creative spirit of the spoken word. This program is also geared to promote awareness and civic engagement in the communities surrounding the Anacostia River. This program repeats July 9 and Sept 10. Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Stephen King Film Series at Francis A. Gregory Library
In celebration of Stephen King’s ground-breaking novels, please join them every other Saturday in June and July for a Stephen King film series showcasing his most famous film adaptations. June 15: Secret Window (2004) 96 min. Rated PG13. A recently divorced writer is accused of plagiarism by a strange man, who stalks him to seek justice. June 29: Creepshow (1982) 130 min. Rated R. A collection of five tales of terror, this film inspired by comics from the 1950s, features work by Stephen King and George A. Romero. July 13: Needful Things (1993) 120 min. Rated R. A mysterious shop opens in a small town, but the coveted items it sells come with steep price
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) “Choice Planning Coordinator” Solicitation No. 0010-2013 DCHA is in need of a qualified consultant (“Choice Planning Coordinator”) to coordinate all necessary research and manage and complete the DCHA CHOICE planning process. This includes coordinating activities to develop a Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Transformation Plan for HUD’s approval, in concert with simultaneous activities to develop a Small Area Plan for District Council’s approval. The Choice Planning Coordinator will work with DCHA, DMPED, OP and the selected Team, as well as other District agencies and community stakeholders (“DCHA Choice Team”). DCHA encourages proposals from individuals/firms with thorough knowledge and experience in the goals, objectives, requirements and processes of Public Housing, Community Development, HOPE VI, Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Programs, and the District’s Small Area Planning process. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 300, Administrative Services/Contracts & Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, May 13, 2013. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00am on Thursday, June 13, 2013. Contact the Issuing Office, Adrienne Jones on (202)535-1212 or by email at agjones@dchousing.org for additional information. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 27
BULLETIN BOARD talking with the people next door. We are Nextdoor. We are simply you and your neighbors, together.”
Waste-to-Energy in DC at Anacostia Community Museum
A key strategy to create a sustainable DC is to explore waste-to-energy opportunities. The question is how. Citizens who have traditionally found facilities of this nature in their communities question the concept. However, waste-to-energy has been used successfully in Europe. How can waste-to-energy be part of other efforts, including composting and recycling, to create a Green D.C.? Come and join the discussion On Tuesday, June 11, 7-9 p.m. at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4844. anacostia.si.edu
Space Available for Events at the Nest
Figures in Jazz Closes June 28
Figures in Jazz by John K. Lawson at Honfleur Gallery presents large-scale vibrant collage portraits of jazz legends, including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Wynton Marsalis, and Miles Davis. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com Nina Simone by John K. Lawson, mixed media, collage, 2012
tags. July 27: Firestarter (1984) 115 min. Rated R. When a couple participates in a medical experiment that makes them gain telekinetic abilities, they inadvertently pass down pyrokinetic powers to their young daughter, played by Drew Barrymore. All films start at 1 p.m. Call 202-698-6373 for more information. Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis
deanwood.nextdoor.com
Their Manifesto: “We are for neighbors. For neighborhood barbecues. For multi-family garage sales. For trick-or-treating. We’re for slowing down, children at play. We’re for sharing a common hedge and an awesome babysitter. We’re for neighborhood watch. Emergency response. And for just keeping an eye out for a lost cat. We believe waving hello to the new neighbor says, “Welcome” better than any doormat. We believe technology is a powerful tool for making neighborhoods stronger, safer places to call home. We’re all about online chats that lead to more clothesline chats. We believe fences are sometimes necessary, but online privacy is always necessary. We believe strong neighborhoods not only improve our property value, they improve each one of our lives. We believe that amazing things can happen by just 28 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
In these tough economic times it is convenient to have a place where you can have a small gathering. The Nest is located in an urban yet serene location in Washington, DC close to the 295 and the Beltway. They are 45 minutes from Thurgood Marshall Airport and 20 minutes from Reagan National Airport. They can accommodate 25 people in a table meeting or 30 people in a classroom setting. The setting is an intimate one. If you need to host a small gathering the Nest is the place to be. Call Director W.C. Outlaw at 202-489-3752 to schedule a site visit for your meeting, set, or retreat. The Nest is at 4127 Anacostia Ave. NE.
DC’s Largest Hydroponic Greenhouse Farm Launched in Ward 8
As part of Mayor Gray’s Sustainable DC Initiative, the District government is partnering with BrightFarms, which will build a 100,000-squarefoot greenhouse farm at Oxon Run Park near the intersection of S. Capitol St. and Southern Ave. SE. In partnership with the D.C. Department of General Services, the hydroponic farm will promote local and sustainable food production in Ward 8. The farm will operate year ’round and will grow up to 1 million pounds of local produce per year-including tomatoes, lettuces, and herbs – further establishing the District as a leader in sustainability and fresh-food initiatives. The entrance to the area for the greenhouse farm is behind the Bank of America, which is located at 4675 So. Capitol St. SW.
11th Street Bridge Scenic Overlooks
As construction of the 11th street local bridge progresses and new ramps continue to open, crews are also busy constructing pedestrian and other recreational amenities to the project. These additional bridge elements will add a touch of elegance and design to a major infrastructure project that is being constructed to be as beautiful as it is functional. The two scenic overlooks extend out from the shared use pedestrian and bicycle path along the local 11th
Street bridge on the downstream side of the Anacostia River. The overlooks, which use the old bridges foundations, extend 80 feet out over the river and feature a 10 foot-wide walkway ending in an round 20-foot wide overlook platform. The overlooks will include benches and lighting and will provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Anacostia River from Poplar Point to the Washington Navy Yard and downstream to the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and the Washington Nationals Ballpark. What a great place for cyclists and pedestrians to stop for a moment to take in some spectacular views! anacostiawaterfront.org
The Fridge Call for Entry-DC Street Sticker Expo
This August, The Fridge will present the DC Street Sticker Expo as part of The Elements of Hip Hop, a month-long look at all things hip hop featuring three exhibitions, b-boy competition and numerous workshops including 3D printing graffiti lettering, screen printing and more. The DC Street Sticker Expo is a highlight of adhesive art from around the world. Over 500 artists will be represented in a 10,000 sticker combo piece. 30 Featured artists will create and sell framed one-of-a-kind 8 X 10 stickers. Highlights of the show are a one-of-akind zine with submission highlights, Black Book Session, Sticker Swap Meet and random drawings to win crusher packs and other prizes and supplies. Curator IWILLNOT has a call out for stickers to be included in the combo wall. The deadline to send in stickers is July 4. Please direct questions to iwillnotart@gmail.com.
Langston Terrace-Nation’s Second Oldest Public Housing Development Turns 75
Langston Terrace, opened in 1938, was the first US Government-funded public housing community in Washington and the second in the nation. It was designed by African American architect Hilyard Robinson, a native Washingtonian. Construction began in 1935 as part of the New Deal relief work initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. African American workers performed most of the construction work. The finished complex of 274 units provided affordable housing to working-class families who competed for the opportunity to live there at a time of extreme housing shortages. With its handsome art and style, it embodied Robinson’s belief in the ability of fine buildings and art to inspire and uplift residents and generated news coverage across the US. After 75 years, Langston Terrace is still here and the community still buzzing. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites in 1987. Last year, DCHA received a $300,000 grant for a feasibility study to redevelop the Langston power plant, which sits adjacent to the property. The plant has been inoperative for more than 30 years, and DCHA would like to make it a model for renew-
able energy generation in the 21st century.
Inclusionary Zoning Affordable Housing Lottery
Looking for an affordable housing option in DC? DC government now provides incentives to developers to set aside certain units for affordable purchase and rental through the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) program. The IZ program allows low-to moderateincome households to lease or buy these properties for below market prices through a centralized lottery run by the Department of Housing and Community Development. You can register for the lottery at dhcd.dc.gov and find out more about how this program works by attending an Inclusionary Zoning Orientation. The next orientation will be held on June 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Housing Counseling Services, Inc., 2410 17th St. NW. Call 202-667-7006 for more information.
DC DPR Statement on Water Bottle use in District Pools
Current District of Columbia Department of Health regulations cite that “…no food, drink, glass or animals [are allowed] in the pool area,” (25-C DCMR § 6403). DOH is the agency responsible for licensing and inspecting all pools within the inventory of the DPR. The current regulations are designed to keep pools safe and free from any harmful substances that may contaminate pool water, as well as to eliminate clutter and other potential hazards from the pool deck. DOH and DPR are currently reviewing these regulations in light of the recent questions regarding the use of water bottles by pool patrons. Both DOH and DPR understand the importance of pool patrons maintaining maximum hydration and encourage patrons to continue to enjoy the District’s pools. DPR and DOH will temporarily allow the use of non-glass, non-breakable, water bottles in the pool area at District aquatic facilities, pending a review of the regulations by both agencies. u
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Kira Means 202-400-3508
or kira@hillrag.com for more information on advertising. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Corporate Contribution-Free Campaign by Martin Austermuhle
R
unning a citywide campaign is expensive. Begging friends, family, supporters, and total strangers for cash to run a citywide campaign is a thankless and timeconsuming task. Put the two together, and it becomes no surprise that candidates for elected office in D.C.—and just about everywhere else—have been happy to take money from corporations and well-connected contributors over the years. This year, though, at least one candidate has pledged to do exactly the opposite. As part of his nowofficial mayoral run, Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) has promised not to take money from any corporations, much less accept contributions that are bundled together by lobbyists looking for outsize influence in the Wilson Building. Even more specifically, Wells says that the money that fuels his campaign for the city’s highest office will be traceable back to the individuals who gave it. “For every contribution I get, there will be a name on there, someone you can call, a person that’s contributing to our campaign,” he said at his campaign kickoff in midMay. It is important to remember that this does not prevent Wells from accepting a handful of checks from a single person provided the contributions are made by individuals. Given what happened with Mayor Vince Gray’s 2010 shadow
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campaign and the persistent concerns that the city’s elected officials are beholden to the developers and corporate interests that fund their campaigns, it’s a smart way for Wells to set himself apart from his competitors, which at this point includes Councilmember Muriel Bowser (DWard 4), with Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) expected to jump into the race this month. For the first-time citywide contender hoping to become the city’s first white mayor, the pledge to steer clear of the usual campaign finance shenanigans isn’t just about money, though—it’s also about message. Will it make a difference for him?
Money Won’t Buy You Love, Much Less An Election
If it seems like Wells could be hamstringing himself in what could be a tough year-long campaign, consider this: money—the presence of lots of it, that is—doesn’t win elections. It doesn’t take much digging through campaign finance reports to find that the best-funded candidates don’t always come out victorious. In the recent At-Large special election, Republican contender Patrick Mara raised oodles of money, including hefty sums from parking interests and realtors, but only managed a third-place finish. In fact, he scored fewer votes than fellow contender
Elissa Silverman, a first-time candidate who did exactly what Wells is doing: she refused corporate campaign contributions. The 2010 mayoral election stands in even starker contrast: incumbent Mayor Adrian Fenty had a $5 million war chest, the biggest in the city’s history, and still couldn’t manage to beat Gray, who only had $1.7 million to work with. Sure, you could say that Gray had the assistance of an illicit $653,000 shadow campaign, but even that money put his total bankroll at half of what Fenty had. Or how about Pete Ross? The furniture magnate dumped $200,000 of his own money in a 2012 bid for one of the city’s unpaid shadow senator seats, but still couldn’t manage to unseat incumbent Michael D. Brown, who raised less than a tenth of that amount. It’s also worth noting that while corporate and bundled contribu-
Councilmember Tommy Wells launches his campaign by pledging to forego corporate contributions. Photo: Andrew Lightman
tions—which usually come from multiple LLCs registered at the same address and controlled by the same people—are an easy way to inflate fundraising totals, they have the pernicious effect of giving the candidate an inflated sense of popularity and political relevance. (It also affects media coverage: absent reliable polling, we tend to go with money as an
indicator of popularity, sometimes mistakenly so.) Having to raise small amounts from more contributors is an important—albeit time-consuming—way to build a base. Silverman seemed to prove this point, using her anti-corporate stance as a means to attract support from progressives and run a lean—though efficient—campaign. All of this is important to Wells. In making his pledge, Wells has said that he’ll only need between $1 million and $1.5 million to run his campaign, generally less than what most mayoral contenders have raised. Still, he insists, that money coming from lots of small contributors will be more powerful than a larger war chest filled with corporate dollars. His exploratory committee’s fundraising offers a hint of what he has in mind: he raised $150,000 from 500 contributors, for an average of $300 per donor.
Money and Message
For Wells, the anti-corporate pledge isn’t only about the money— it’s also about the message. He knows he’s up against a tough contender in Bowser, who isn’t only a proven fundraiser, but has also indicated that she’ll make ethics and integrity one of the key planks of her campaign. In pledging to steer clear of corporate dollars, Wells is trying to drive a wedge between what Bowser—and any other contender that jumps in the race— says and does. His first step has been to challenge those contenders to follow in his footsteps. Last month he launched the “Leadership Challenge,” a pledge under which all candidates for office would decline corporate and anonymous contributions. “It’s the only way the politicians can prove that they haven’t been bought, and that government decisions aren’t for sale to the highest bidder,” he explains. The challenge is squarely aimed at Bowser and Evans, both of whom have benefitted from the largesse of deep-pocketed business interests over the years. (Both raised over $300,000 for their 2012
re-election campaigns; Evans ran unopposed, mind you.) It’s doubtful that either one will completely swear off corporate contributions, though, nor will they quietly let Wells take the ethical high ground. Evans has long argued that it doesn’t matter where you get your money, as long as you disclose its source. As for Bowser, she’s likely to say much the same, and note that it was her efforts that led the D.C. Council to pass a 2011 bill that strengthened ethics rules and created the city’s first Board of Ethics and Government Accountability. She also won’t shy away from defending her own campaign—at a recent fundraiser, she refused money order contributions, the very type of contributions that fueled Gray’s shadow campaign.
The Corporate-Free Campaign
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) “Property Management Services” Solicitation No. 0015-2013 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide property management services to one (1) or more of DCHA’s property. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, May 13, 2013. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00am on Friday, June 14, 2013. Contact the Issuing Office, LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod on (202) 535-1212 or by email at lmcleod@dchousing.org for additional information.
Despite those very legitimate arguments, Wells has taken a strong first step in his aspirations to be mayor. Given Gray’s shadow campaign and nagging concerns that the city’s politicians are far too close to the people that provide the most in campaign contributions, Wells isn’t only claiming he’ll be more ethical than his competitors or his predecessors, but he’s taking a step in that direction—while putting his competitors on the defensive. Silverman proved it was possible to take in less money from more small contributors and still run an effective campaign. In fact, the decision made her campaign that much more compelling, and left her only a few thousands votes short of victory. The issue won’t be limited to the campaign trail, though. On July 11, a council committee will hear testimony on a bill introduced by councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and David Grosso (IAt Large) that would allow D.C. to establish a public financing system for local elections. Martin Austermuhle is a web producer and reporter for WAMU 88.5 FM and freelance writer. He lives in Columbia Heights. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 31
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
the NUMB3RS 3.327.649.10
Let’s Get Started Now on Ending Homelessness in DC
M
any were saddened this year to learn that 600 children were living in DC’s largest family emergency shelter. That crisis may be out of the news but it is still with us. Now that the cold weather is gone, the District is working to move families out of shelters and motels. But most newly homeless families will be turned away from shelter until next November, when hypothermia season starts. Even worse than 600 children in shelter is 600 homeless children on the street. DC’s practice of denying shelter to families with children for half of the year is both a moral and a policy failure. The number of families in desperate situations – staying with an abusive partner, living with friends or relatives in seriously overcrowded conditions, or sleeping in cars or under bridges – accumulates during the summer. These families then flood the shelter system in the winter, an overwhelming crush that makes it hard for the city to act humanely and effectively. There is broad agreement about what we need to do to fix this problem. A promising new national practice gets families and individuals out of shelters quickly and brings many to a reasonable level of stability with short-term housing and social service assistance. Beyond this the District needs a plan for helping chronically homeless residents such as those who have severe mental illness but few social supports. Ending and preventing homelessness also will require a consistent investment to maintain a stock of low-cost housing in the face of ex-
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by Ed Lazere
panding gentrification. DC’s leaders deserve credit for starting to move in this direction. The recently adopted budget for 2014 includes new funds for all of these elements, and both Mayor Gray and the DC Council directed resources to these efforts. Council members Mary Cheh and Jim Graham just announced legislation to end homelessness in DC. The hope is to fund it with sales tax collections on online sales, assuming Congress adopts legislation to allow DC and the states to do so. That’s an iffy proposition, though, and even if it happens Council Chair Phil Mendelson has other plans for those new tax dollars. We don’t need to wait for Congress to get started on ending homelessness. There are things the District can do to make progress, building on the budget the Council just adopted.
Get Homeless Families Out of Shelter Quickly
A key tool to getting the number of children in shelter below 600 is “rapid rehousing,” under which families are moved into housing quickly and get rental help and services for one to two years. Early findings on this approach suggest that it often is enough to get families back on their feet. DC has started to use rapid re-housing, but the program needs to spell out rules that define the benefits, rights, and responsibilities of participants. The rules have been drafted but not finalized, and the
program cannot be fully implemented until this is done.
Expand Supportive Housing for Chronically Homeless Residents
A small share of homeless residents face challenges, such as severe mental illness, that lead to long-term homelessness. DC’s Permanent Supportive Housing program follows the successful “housing first” approach of placing residents into housing and then using that stability to address the challenges that led to homelessness. The District placed several thousand individuals and families in permanent supportive housing before the recession, but funding dried up in the downturn. The justadopted budget for 2014 will house about 100 more families and individuals, but that is just half the pace needed to end chronic homelessness over the next seven years, a goal set by DC’s Interagency Council on the Homeless.
Keep More Residents from Losing Their Homes
DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance program helps families facing eviction due to a temporary crisis – such as loss of a job or illness. For some families one-time assistance is enough to avoid homelessness. The 2014 DC budget includes the first funding expansion for emergency rental assistance in years, but it is likely that demand will remain greater than
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the resources available. And assistance today is only available to certain categories of residents; single adults are excluded, for example.
Help Families with the High Cost of Rental Housing
Efforts to reduce homelessness in the long term must address the wide gap between low-wage work in DC and the high costs of housing. A parent currently needs to earn $29 an hour to afford a decent two-bedroom apartment in DC, but half of working DC residents earn less than that. As a result the typical low-income family in DC spends more than half of its income on rent every month. Homeless families that go through rapid re-housing will lose their housing subsidies within a few years and find themselves in the same place as other working poor families, struggling each month to pay the rent while meeting other basic needs. Rapid re-housing thus works best if thwere are longer-term affordable housing options available for those who have the hardest time paying the rent. Mayor Gray pledged $100 million to affordable housing this spring, mostly to DC’s Housing Production Trust Fund, which
supports construction and renovation of low-cost housing. It is part of the mayor’s goal of creating 10,000 affordable homes. That will make a tremendous difference, but because housing construction can take years it won’t do much to address the immediate need. Another DC program, Local Rent Supplement, provides rent subsidies through nonprofits that offer supportive services, as well as vouchers that go directly to families so they can move into privatemarket housing. Housing vouchers are the fastest way to get help to the lowest-income families. The DC Council provided funding for 120 new vouchers in the 2014 budget, a step in the right direction but not at the right scale to help the 30,000 households with severe housing cost burdens. Ending homelessness requires a sense of urgency and willingness to try new approaches. The good news is that the District has both of those right now. It also takes a high level of collaboration among many partners, and lots more resources. Those are things to work on next. Ed Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. u
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) “Paint Plaster & Drywall Service” Solicitation No. 0014-2013 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (“DCHA”) invites proposals from qualified contractors/firms to provide painting, plastering and drywall services to assist DCHA in keeping its commitment to maintain aesthetically pleasing affordable housing. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 300, Administrative Services/Contracts & Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, May 20, 2013. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00am on Thursday, June 20, 2013. Contact the Issuing Office, Darcelle Beaty on (202)535-1212 or by email at dbeaty@dchousing.org for additional information.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 33
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Problem with Reservation 13 by Charnice A. Milton
A rendering of Donatelli Development and Blue Skye Construction’s proposal for Reservation 13. While they submitted a proposal during in 2008, they are the only team to submit one in 2012. Photo Courtesy: Donatelli Development
T
his spring, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) in Wards 6 and 7 hosted representatives from the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and development partners Donatelli Development and Blue Skye Construction, giving updates on development proposals at the Hill East location known as Reservation 13. What they received were questions that highlighted doubts and frustrations. After almost a decade, and three mayors, residents are demanding answers.
The Area
Located on the east end of Capitol Hill, Reservation 13 is 67 acres of land bordering the Anacostia River. Created by the L’Enfant Plan in 1791, the area was one of many federally-owned parcels set aside for public usage. As a result, Reservation 13 became home to DC General Hospital (which was federally-owned until its closure in 2001), the Central Detention Facility (DC Jail) and other services throughout the years. Under President George W. Bush, the DC government gained control of Reservation 13. Plans to redevelop the area failed in 1974 and the area has remained unchanged since the DC Jail opened in the 1980s.
The Master Plan
In 2002, DC City Council passed the Budget
34 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Act, requiring a draft for a Master Plan, outlining plans for improving Reservation 13 before they used Capital Improvement funds. Congress approved the budget with the planning requirement, adding a deadline for March 31, 2002. What followed was “... the first community-based planning process in the history of Reservation 13,” wrote then-Mayor Anthony Williams. With an aggressive timeline, DC held three public meetings, a three-day planning workshop and a weekend review session for residents to participate. In the end, over 15 government agencies and over 300 residents helped craft the Master Plan. The Master Plan aimed to create “an urban waterfront district that serves the District of Columbia and connects the surrounding neighborhoods to the Anacostia River via public streets and green parks.” Key concepts included connecting the area with the waterfront, creating a mixed-use, mixed-income, and sustainable community, and finding new uses for the older buildings.
A Promising Start Ruined
The year 2008 saw Adrian Fenty in the mayor’s office and a request for developers to bring their best proposals for Reservation 13, now renamed Hill East. Four developers submitted their best plans, but it was Hunt Development Group that had the most community support. East of the River newspaper reported in the April 2012 issue that, “The plan maintained the low-
rise character of the neighborhood and included most of what residents had asked for.” However, with the economy worsening and limited funding, the city downsized the project in 2010. “We realized that as we worked with the developers, there were a lot of conditions put on the site, even before we could start building,” said Ketan Gada, the supervisory Project Manager from the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), during a May 21 7F Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) meeting. “They wanted to make sure that the infrastructure was put in day one; they wanted to make sure the existing users on site were removed before they started building.” Instead of developing the full site all at once, they will focus first on the two parcels surrounding the Stadium-Armory Metro Station, named F-1 and G-1. When presenting the new plan to the four developers, the administration offered the right of first refusal, meaning that the city will go to those same developers first if and when they redevelop the rest of Hill East. Two of the development teams, including Hunt, dropped out, halving the number of candidates.
New Administration, New Problems
By 2010, a new mayor came into office and plans for Hill East stalled. However, residents continued to advocate for the project. “We were pretty boisterous about Mayor [Vincent] Gray
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY 1133 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-7599 202-535-1000
finishing what Fenty began,” said Brian Flahaven, ANC Commissioner for single-member district 6B09, which borders Hill East. However, residents were upset when Gray suggested bringing a new training facility for the Redskins to the area, noting that it did not fit the Master Plan. “Ward 6 helped create a vision for the Master Plan, which was approved,” said Villareal Johnson, a community activist who served as the ANC 7A Chair at the time. “They wanted to protect their interests.” When those plans fell through, the DC Attorney General advised DMPED against continuing with the two development teams left from the original Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI). Considering the change in scope in the last three years, a legal challenge could hold the project back. Some residents, like Commissioner Flahaven, felt that the reasoning behind the explanation was faulty and that DMPED only wanted to make the prospect less attractive. By 2011, Reservation 13 was redistricted to Ward 7, angering many Ward 6 residents. By 2012, DMPED launched another RFEI for the area. This time, only one development team, Donatelli and Blue Skye, answered. “I’m fairly confident that there was no intervention to prevent anyone from bidding,” said Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. “I do think that the one bidder puts the District in a tough spot for negotiation. So, the District will have to decide whether they can get the best deal going forward when there’s only one bidder.”
The Only Response
Donatelli and Blue Skye’s presented a two-building plan that would be located on 19th Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The project would include 356 residential units, 30 percent of which would be available to residents earning lower than 60 percent average median income. It would also feature at least 20,000 square-feet of ground floor
retail along 19th, featuring a mix of local and national retailers and a quality sit-down restaurant. There will also be 225 underground parking spaces and a street plaza for a farmer’s market and special events. As a Matter of Right Development, it does not require zoning changes; this means that if chosen, the construction timeline would go quicker. Other benefits include creating 175 permanent jobs and over 30 apprenticeships in construction and other industries.
Concerns and Frustrations
While some residents are happy that the project is finally underway, others are frustrated with the long process as a whole. “One concern is the piece meal approach being taken,” explained Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. “Many residents are anxious to get the massive acreage of development underway simultaneously. By doing the development in phases, some worry that there will be major delays and it may take several years to complete.” One of the biggest concerns among citizens is whether or not the proposed plan fits with the original Master Plan. “I think the project fits with the Master Plan,” said Kenan Jarboe, former ANC 6B Chairman. “However, I hope that the rest of Reservation 13 isn’t forgotten.” While the current proposal is presented as “Phase 1” of the Hill East redevelopment plan, Jarboe noted that dealing with the other land parcels and rehabilitating historic buildings like the Anne Archbold Hall will be more difficult. Since the project was billed as “community-based,” residents have made their questions and concerns known through their ANCs and other community meetings, such as the initial development presentation on April 25. Although many Ward 7 residents are still learning more about the plans, Johnson noted that in terms of affordable housing and other amenities, “Ward 6 and 7 are on the same page.” u
Adrianne Todman, Executive Director
DC Housing Authority Public Hearing Notice The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of
a Public Hearing to discuss and solicit comments on the agency’s proposed
2014 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan. The Public Hearing will take place on
Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 6:00 PM at 1133 North Capitol St., NE in the 2nd floor Board Room. The MTW program is a U.S. Department of Hous-
ing and Urban Development (HUD) program that allows select public hous-
ing authorities to design and implement innovative programs and policies with the intent to 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage
residents to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for low-income families. To request a copy of the plan, please contact the DCHA Office of Public Affairs at (202) 5351315. Written comments on the proposed plan initiatives can be submitted
via e-mail by June 24, 2013, to MTW@dchousing.org or by mail to Kimberley Cole, Deputy Chief of Staff, DCHA, 1133 North Capitol Street, NE,
Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002. Information on the MTW program is available on the DCHA web-site at www.dchousing.org.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 35
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Mixed-use Development Proposed for Congress Heights Metro Station by Charnice Milton
A rendering of the proposed Congress Heights Metro Station development. Photo Courtesy: Geoffrey Griffis
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hen Geoffrey Griffis, the managing member for CityPartners, LLC, reminisces about living in the Congress Heights area, he recalls how close his multiethnic and multigenerational neighbors were. “Everyone looked out for each other,” he reminisced. “I go back all the time and talk to my old neighbors.” Recently, CityPartners partnered with Sanford Capital LLC, who owns several apartment buildings in the area, and submitted plans for a transit-oriented development anchored by Congress Heights Metro station.
Congress Heights
This is not the first time a developer has shown interest in the area. Monica Ray, executive director of the Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (Congress Heights CTDC), explained that the former 36 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
owner proposed placing a Community Residential Facility (CRF) for homeless youth on the property. “In our neighborhoods, there is a perception that we have been unduly burdened with homeless shelters, drug facilities, and all the ills of our community have been concentrated in and around Ward 8,” she said. “The ANC commissioners in that SMD [single member district] expressed their outrage and basically said that this property should not be used for that type of project.” Although the former owner did not succeed in bringing a CRF to the area, Congress Heights is experiencing a development boom. In fact, Congress Heights Main Streets, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the area, notes that Congress Heights is the most economically diverse neighborhood east of the Anacostia River and has the largest commercial district in Ward 8. Past projects such as The Shops at
Park Village Retail Center, as well as current projects to redevelop St. Elizabeths East Campus and bring the Department of Homeland Security to St. E’s West Campus are proof of this. Since St. Elizabeths is closer to the Congress Heights Metro, the developers will be working with them to create a more cohesive streetscape.
Original Plans
In 2011, Sanford City Partners I, LLC bought three parcels of land located on the corner of Alabama Avenue and 13th Street, which included the southern entrance to Congress Heights Metro station. “Because of its small size, lack of vehicular ingress/egress, and Metro operational constraints, the property has limited marketability and independent utility as a stand-development,” stated the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) report approving the $3 million sale.
“Selling the property will maximize revenue to Metro by allowing the adjacent landowner, Sanford City Partners I, LLC, to span buildings across property boundaries, thereby maximizing the development density of both Metro’s property and Sanford City Partners I, LLC`s, adjacent land.” The report later explains that the group planned to combine the two properties and “...surround the station entrance with a mixed use, transit oriented development.” “We had a big idea,” Griffis said. “We wanted to partner with Achievement Prep and build them a new school, in addition to bringing the retail and residential aspects.” However, plans changed when Achievement Prep agreed to partner with Malcolm X Elementary School, which is located a few blocks away from the Metro station. “We’re small developers, but we can come up with big community-based projects,” Griffis said. “With the school, we had a great idea, but we’re not in control of all elements.”
What to Expect
Designed by Maurice Walters Architect, PC, the project, which Griffis calls “Congress Heights Town Center,” aims to anchor the up-and-coming neighborhood. The is separated into two components: an eight-story office building and an over 200-unit residential building with a large courtyard. Both 90 foot tall buildings will feature rooftop terraces, giving residents a chance to enjoy city views. The Metro station entrance would be surrounded by a courtyard flanked by ground level retailers. Other amenities include un-
derground parking, a Capital Bikeshare Station, and larger sidewalks for pedestrians.
Project Status
In May, the development team, known as Square 5914 LLC, submitted their planned-unit development (PUD) application to the Zoning Commission. Griffis reported that the application has already met basic requirement and will be sent to the Office of Planning, who will give comments and, possibly, recommend it for a hearing. After receiving that recommendation, the Commission will review the application and decide whether or not to grant a public hearing. If all goes well, Griffis believes that the hearing could be set as early as October. If Square 5914 receives a hearing, then they will need the community’s support.
Building Community Support
“This is the time for us to reach out,” Griffis stated. “We really want to share our vision with the community.” One of the ways they are doing so is through the Congress Heights CTDC, a non-profit dedicated to economic development east of the Anacostia River. When the organization was looking at development opportunities in the area, they met with the developers and offered to help. “Oftentimes, transit-oriented doesn’t include affordable housing,” Ray explained. “So, this opportunity was a win-win for our neighborhood.” Not only does the Congress Heights CTDC acts as part of the development team, but also as community liaison. “With our involvement in the project, they have an advocate that’s going to make sure that the community gets its best bang for its buck,” Ray explained. “To have us as a part of the project means going to have someone on the inside that’s going to make sure that some of the concerns the community typically has are at least heard.” So far, they presented the possibility receiving affordable transit-oriented housing to the surrounding ANCs and Ray said that they “...accepted it wholeheartedly.”
Giving Feedback and Concerns
The development team believes that if the community is involved throughout the process, the finished product will be better. While the PUD application process can be long and unpredictable, the community’s, especially the ANCs’, input during public hearings can help make a difference. Also, the developers will make their presentations at community meetings, where they expect community members to give feedback. “We’re constantly changing the plan based on community needs.” Griffis said. Despite not receiving any negative responses to the project, the developers understand that some would have some concerns. “Unfortunately, development doesn’t represent a win-win-win for everybody all the time,” Ray stated. “Our job is to try to get the best possible opportunities and make sure that all stakeholders’ input is on the table.” When reviewing the proposal, she suggested doing so with an open mind. “Negative perceptions are not always reality,” she said. However, community members should understand that there are things that the developers can do as a matter of right, meaning they can only do so much according to zoning laws. “There are some things that we absolutely have the power to change and there are things that may not be under our control,” she explained.
The First of its Kind
One of the reasons why Ray feels that residents should support the proposed Congress Heights Metro project is because it would be the first transit-oriented development located east of the Anacostia River. “We need to support things that create communities for us that are cutting-edge,” she explained. “Often when we get stuff, we’re the last to get it. This is our opportunity to create a vibrant, walkable, safe new community that is transitoriented in our neighborhoods.” Griffis agreed, saying “There’s a real community here, but it’s been terribly underserved. This is a chance to bring more opportunities for retail and employment.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 37
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Ward 7 Resident Erman T. Clay Celebrates 90th Birthday by Charnice A. Milton
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n May 11, Eastland Gardens resident Command Sergeant Major Erman T. Clay, Sr. celebrated his 90th birthday. His party at the Navy Yard attracted attention from Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilmember Yvette Alexander, as well as greetings from Congresswoman Eleanor Norton and President Barack Obama. “In noting this magnificent milestone,” Congresswoman Norton wrote, “we are grateful for the wisdom, service and experience you have gained through the years and have imparted to others.” A DC resident since 1947, Clay dedicated his life to serve his country and community as a soldier, veteran and community leader.
Military Career
In President Obama’s birthday greeting, he said, “Our veterans represent what is best about this country, and each day, we see the enduring spirit of America reflected in their service and sacrifice.” This is true of Clay, who served during World War II as a Staff Sargent of the 544th Quartermaster Battalion. Initially stationed in Northern Ireland to train in 1944, the all-black battalion of 88 was responsible for providing supplies to the Army as well as monitoring Russian prisoners who worked with the Germans. He also helped prepare for the June 6, 1944 invasion of Normandy, France (also known as D-Day) and stormed its shores the day after. For his work on the battlefield, Clay was given multiple awards, including the EuropeanAfrican-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the French Croix De Guerre with Palm, France’s fifth-highest honor. After leaving the Army in December 1945, Clay joined the DC National Guard in 1953. There, he would achieve what he calls his greatest achievement: becoming the first African-American promoted to the rank of Command Sergeant Major in the DC National Guard in 1973; he was also the second African-American to reach this rank in the United States. “When you get to that position,” he 38 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
explained, “the only person you [have to] answer to is the commanding general.” Clay also led federal troops (1,750 of them from the National Guard) during the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. The military intervened on April 5 until it was considered pacified three days later. It was the largest occupation of an American city since the Civil War. “Every time the city was in trouble, they called us,” he said.
Command Sergeant Major Erman T. Clay admires his framed World War II medals, which he received during his 90th birthday celebration. Photo by Dennis McLeary
Civilian Life
After a distinguished military career, Clay began working for the US Veterans Administration, where he met his wife, Vanetta Murray. They went on to have two sons: Paul and Erman, Jr. Ten years later, Clay moved on to the US Treasury Department, working there until his retirement in 1983. However, he made his mark as a community leader, serving as president of the Eastland Gardens Civic Association, Far Northeast Southeast Council, as well as other community organizations. “When I became president of the Far Northeast Southeast Council and the Civic Association, I brought some of my military experience to them,” Clay remarked. “We kept everything well-organized.” He is also active at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, working part-time in finance and sitting on multiple boards. “Mr. Clay is a community jewel and a humble and honorable man that I’ve come to know as a staple at different community meetings,” said Janis Hazel, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for single-member district (SMD) 7D05 and mistress of ceremonies for his party. She presented Clay with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of ANC 7D. He also received the inaugural Chairman’s Award from the DC Housing Finance Agency, in recognition of his work on the Board of Directors. Clay also received tributes from past presidents of the Eastland Gardens Civic Association and Major General Errol Schwartz of the National Guard. Finally, Mayor
ANC Commissioner Janis Hazel and Mayor Vincent Gray pose with Erman Clay during Clay’s 90th birthday celebration on May 11, 2013. Photo by Dennis McLeary
Gray presented a proclamation naming May 11, 2013 as “Erman T. Clay Day.”
Looking Back
Today, Clay is enjoying retirement; he is an avid gardener and writing a book. “I started it some time ago, but I’m nowhere near done,” he said. As the oldest person in his family, he felt that writing about his experiences growing up in Piney Point, Md. was a way to teach generations the values he learned. For instance, selling fruit he picked and crabs he caught taught him the value of hard work and independence. Another lesson he learned at a young age is the importance of community. “When I was in school, teachers would call on older students to help in the classroom,” he reminisced. “And the men in the community always helped the children.” Even at 90 years old, Clay is still active, enjoying family up to the third generation. Despite suffering from gout, he is still healthy. When asked about the secret to living a long life, his answer was a simple list: “Live a clean life, proper eating and exercise, keep a right frame of mind, stay positive, and set a good example for others.” u
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hen June arrived back in the South Bronx in the early 1960s, schools went the way of the yoyo. I ran across the street to the playground next to PS 39. It was where I played baseball. It was where I fell in love. How did this begin? It might have started with baseball cards, pink Spaldings, and a good broomstick. Yes, there is such a thing as seduction. Little did I know. I thought I was just collecting cards with my heroes’ pictures. Today people draft reports about why there are few African Americans playing baseball in the major leagues. How many young black kids are collecting cards? How many kids are playing stickball in the streets of Washington? I don’t see them. Back in April, as the cherry blossoms were trying to bloom, I found a greenish-yellow softball on Georgia Avenue across the street from Howard University. At first, from a distance, I thought it might be a tennis ball. I seldom find baseballs in the streets of our city. No one is hitting a ball over a fence. Why? My father never took an interest in any sport except boxing. His favorite fighters were Kid Gavilan, Kid Chocolate, and sweet Sugar Ray Robinson. It was my mother who purchased my first baseball glove. I was blessed to have a cousin who lived upstairs in our apartment building on Longwood Avenue who had been bitten by the baseball bug. Even in the snow we played catch, throwing the ball until our arms grew tired or the sun did. My mother only knew the name Jackie Robinson. She was a closet Dodgers fan only because she once lived in Brooklyn. Baseball might have been in my blood, but I didn’t get it from anyone who sat around the dinner table. While my brother was discover-
ing Thomas Merton, my sister was into Sam Cooke. Not the best siblings to discuss RBIs and strikeouts with. In June 2010 my son and daughter treated me to a Washington Nationals game for Father’s Day. It was hot, very hot. My children’s clothes were sticking to their seats. I looked at both of them and knew on that day they were not baseball kids. I also knew how much they loved me. They were willing to suffer sunstroke for their dad. It would be nice if love was simply as round as a baseball. You could toss it into the air and always catch it. My children rarely played baseball. Is it because they were DC kids growing up before the Nats came to town? There is an emptiness in the streets these days. Not the playgrounds or the gym – but the streets. When was the last time you saw a Spalding? When was the last time you saw 12 or 18 kids with bats and gloves? Where is the addiction to the game? How many kids imagine themselves pitching a no-hitter in the big leagues? Maybe it should begin with the baseball cards and the collection of memories and dreams. But who would invest in them? It’s sad to see young boys this summer ignoring the American pastime. I’m afraid something might be forever lost. Why must the number 42 remain so lonely? There are many black people playing baseball. They just happen to be black people who speak Spanish. This reflects our changing nation. What’s good for the American and National leagues should be good for all of us. Maybe we need to embrace language the way we keep embracing color. There was a time when the ball I played with in New York was pink. Si! Pink. u
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 39
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
DC Goes Pink for Breast Cancer A New Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Paints the City Pink by Candace Y.A. Montague
C
ancer continues to be one of the biggest health threats in the Nation’s capital. According to the DC Cancer Consortium more than 2,700 DC residents were diagnosed with cancer in 2008 alone. African-American women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer and are more likely to die from it that white women. Why is there a disparity? What are the barriers? What will the local government do to help change the statistics? The DC Department of Health has launched a new campaign that will remind women that one exam can save their lives if done on a regular basis.
DC Goes Pink
During the month of May, businesses and community organizations promoted the DC Goes Pink campaign. This campaign, sponsored by the DC Department of Health, United Medical Center, the DC Cancer Consortium and George Washington University, was created to increase breast cancer awareness and promote the importance of regular cancer screenings. The campaign will include enrolling 1,000 women in a citywide mammography reminder system. This system is designed to remind women to make 40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Mayor Vincent C. Gray opens the DC Goes Pink campaign with a proclamation. Photo: DC Cancer Consortium.
an appointment for their mammogram one month before they are due. The women have a choice of being notified by email, telephone, or US mail. The enrollment period will carry on for the next six months and work in parallel with other programs around the city that promote breast cancer awareness such as the
Test My Breast Campaign at United Medical Center. Dr. Amari Pearson-Fields, Acting Chief, Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease for the DC Department of Health explained that this reminder system is important for all women no matter what kind of insurance they have. “Any
woman whether she’s insured or uninsured can sign up for a reminder call so that every year they will get an automated call to remind them to make an appointment. The literature shows that only 50 percent of the population is actually getting regular screening. By using automated reminder systems we anticipate in-
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 41
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE creasing the regular screenings by up to 50 percent.”
Where the Affordable Care Act fits in
In October 2013, residents in the District who do not have health insurance will have the chance to select a health insurance provider thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Under this law, breast care mammography must be covered at no cost to the patient for women over the age of 40 every one to two years. So coverage for the exam should not be an issue for any female who needs it. Also, should a woman be diagnosed with breast cancer, her insurance company cannot drop her from her plan. They must continue to cover her treatment and doctor visits. What the Affordable Care Act does not cover is the other barriers to care that face women in the District. According to Michele Coleman, Manager of Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships at DC Cancer Consortium, there are several barriers that keep women form being vigilant about their checkups. “Women have issues with childcare, transportation, unemployment, housing, language and literacy and even fear of the test itself,” she stated in an interview. “The issue in the District isn’t necessarily an absence of care; it’s access to care. A lot of people need help accessing the care.”
Triple Negative and Black Women
There is one type of breast cancer that is a particular threat to African-American women specifically. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) affects AfricanAmerican women at a higher rate than their white peers. A Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosis means that there are nega-
tive receptors for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), Estrogen (ER), and Progesterone (PR) in a woman’s system. TNBC is tough to treat. The lack of those three receptors in the patient makes it hard for the cancer to respond to the traditional forms of treatment such as Tamoxifen or Herceptin. Luckily, only 10 to 20 percent of all cancers are Triple Negative. Studies have shown that being pre-menopausal, African-American or Latina can put a woman at risk for TNBC. According to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, women who are born with a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation are at increased risk for developing Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Genetic testing can determine whether or not the gene is mutated. However, women can answer some of their questions by examining their family history. If a woman has a family history of breast cancer, there is a slight chance that the mutation is in her bloodline. Regular self-breast exams and mammograms at the appropriately scheduled time are the first line of defense against TNBC and all breast cancers. Early detection is the key.
Resources for Breast Cancer Help Project WISH 899 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-442-5900 A free program that provides referrals for free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow up. Women, ages 21-64, who are uninsured or underinsured can get help here.
How you can get involved
One of the best ways to make a campaign successful is to spread the word. Using social media, you can make it happen. If you would like to share your stories and post your pictures, visit the DC Cancer Consortium on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dccancer. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter, use Twitter handle @DCCancer or use Instagram to post photos by visiting #DCGoesPink. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance health writer in Washington, DC. u
Capital Breast Care Center 650 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 230 Washington, DC 20003 202-784-2700 Provides cancer screenings for breast and cervix, navigation services, transportation assistance and education. Howard University Cancer Center 2041 Georgia Avenue, Suite 220 Washington, DC 20060 202-806-7697 Provides mammograms, pap smears, and education for women ages 40-64. MedStar Washington Hospital Center 110 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20010 202-877-7000 Provides digital mammography, breast ultrasounds, chemotherapy, and patient support services.
Planned Parenthood-Northeast Egypt Center 3937A Minnesota Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-388-4770 Provides breast exams, mammograms, and support services.
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DC Cancer Answers 5225 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015 202-821-1920 Provides cancer education, navigation services, and more for women with breast and cervical cancer.
Providence Hospital 1150 Varnum Street NE Washington, DC 20017 202-269-7000 Provides diagnostic screenings, education, and support groups. George Washington University Center for Breast Care Services 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037 202-741-2218 Provides screenings, treatment, navigation services, and education.
We Broadcast, We Act
Local Radio Station Promotes Alternative Views, Activism by Virginia Avniel Spatz educating about issues or are working for change on our program as guests.” A recent edition of Clearing the FOG, e.g., spoke with Don Yellowman, President of the Navajo Forgotten People, about uranium and coal mining on tribal land, attendant environmental and health consequences, and how the Forgotten People are fighting back.
Uniting to “Do Something”
Seema Sadanandan, of the ACLU-NCA, and Thomas Byrd, host of The Education Town Hall, on We Act Radio.
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e Act Radio’s storefront in Historic Anacostia is a long way from the “glass-enclosed nerve center” broadcasting just a few wavelengths away on the radio dial. The upper Northwest nerve center is one of 21 Hubbard Broadcasting stations; the five-city chain has over 700 employees, with nine current openings in DC alone. WPWC (1480 AM) operates out of the old Cole’s Cafe on Martin Luther King at Good Hope Road. It is co-owned by two local activists and run by a staff of two-and-a-half. The Hubbard station is known for traffic, weather and headline news. We Act Radio presents a range of home-grown programming, from “Clearing the FOG (Forces of Greed)” to “Politically Incorrect.” In addition to David Shuster’s “Take Action News” and the Rock Newman Show (both profiled recently in East of the River), We Act’s DC-based offerings include Mark Levine’s “Raucous Caucus” and “Inside Scoop.” This nationally-syndicated programming is the heart of what Congressman John Conyers calls “the most progressive AM station in North America.” Equally central to We Act’s mission, however, is its “Live Wire” programming. “Live Wire reflects the station’s commitment to be part of the community and give local people a voice,” says Ron Pinchback, who has been with the station since before its launch in early 2012. Passersby can watch Pinchback on the storefront mixing board. But they are also encouraged to callin on air, to visit, and to create their own shows.
Citizen’s Media
“The price of admission is a sincere desire to lend your voice and talents to...make strategic transformative actions,” host Thomas Byrd says about “The Education Town Hall,” one of the longest-running Live Wire programs. Parents, teachers, students, and community activists as well as local leaders and nationally-recognized voices on education all participate. Regulars include journalists covering education: Jonetta Rose Barras (Examiner), Emma Brown (Post), Deborah Simmons (Times) and citizen-journalists from forums like Greater Greater Education. (The author serves as feature reporter for the show.) Byrd wants the Town Hall to help local citizens “find their voice and then act on it.” He also seeks to provide a window into local education action so that activists around the country can join in community-supported endeavors. “Clearing the FOG” another long-running Live Wire program, offers listeners information they might otherwise miss, in the hope “that it inspires them to be active in some way, perhaps to get new ideas,” explains Flowers. The show tries “to cover issues that are not covered in the major media or that are covered in a misleading way. Our guests are people who are affected by what is going on today in our country that places corporate greed and profits before the needs of people and protection of the planet. We also have people who are
“The Politics of Health,” a newer addition to the Live Wire line-up, is “broadcast advocacy.” Host Samuel Jordan focuses on policy and budget decisions that affect health outcomes, particularly for low-income citizens and communities of color. One recent show discussed black women dealing with cancer-related hair loss; another focused on the disappearance of trauma centers from lowincome communities where need is often greatest. Like other shows on We Act (motto: Do something!), The Politics of Health seeks to connect with like-minded people around the country to foster coordinated action. Several other Live Wire programs focus on health: the Chronic Illness Foundation of America’s “Thrive Nation”; “Princess Best Speaks,” mental health and communication topics; and “Health + Wellness 101” with Dr Kokayi Patterson. Current Live Wire content also includes “AskCherado,” “Behind the Mind,” “State of Play with Maria Roach,” and “Politically Incorrect with D’Maz.” Flowers applauds station co-owner Kymone Freeman for “welcoming the community into the station,” through Live Wire and other efforts, including internships and a garden project. “We are very excited to be part of We Act Radio. We love the message of a station that inspires activism.” Kevin Zeese, Flowers’ co-host on Clearing the FOG, adds: “We are at a critical phase of mass media in the US where people are no longer trusting the corporate media and there are declining viewers and readers. We Act Radio is the kind of citizen’s media the United States needs to counteract the misleading myth-based media of corporate news.” WPWC’s signal remains weak in the DC area. Shows are streamed live at www.WeActRadio.com and recorded for listening at your convenience. Learn more at clearingthefogradio.org, weacted.wordpress.com, politicsofhealthdc.org, and weactradio.com. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 43
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
In Your Kitchen Katherine Womack’s Faith in Food by Annette Nielsen
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hile she only moved to DC a little under a year ago, Katherine Womack has already become an active participant in her community. She joins in on health, nutrition and exercise programming a few days a week at the neighborhood Washington Seniors Wellness Center, attends Seasoned Saints at Spirit of Faith Christian Center and spends as much time as she can with her daughter, Ebony Roebuck, a nurse midwife practicing at Washington Hospital Center. Katherine grew up in New Jersey, where her mom, a Georgia native, provided a strong foundation in cooking skills. Katherine always thought she might want to have a restaurant, but attended a college of cosmetology and worked many years in the industry, even running her own beauty salon. Katherine married, had children, worked in the corporate world, started a business, became a single mother of four (three sons and a daughter) and subsequently moved to California, following a few of her siblings already living on the West Coast. When Katherine moved to California, her mother followed. Her mother’s failing health was a trigger to make her examine the way she prepared food. “I started to learn how to cook for my mother in a way that was sensitive to her condition – instead of relying on salt for seasoning, I looked at using herbs and spices – including garlic and onion powder. I learned more about how diet has a direct impact on our health,” she states. While in California, Katherine became a licensed evangelist, ordained as an elder and started various food security initiatives – from feeding homeless and at-risk populations, cooking at a men’s home, and working with teens at Phoenix House. With this work, she ran a not-for-profit, 44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Katherine Womack in her kitchen, preparing the ground turkey to include with her 16 Bean Soup. Photo: Annette Nielsen
called Community of Faith. Ebony attributes her social justice calling (part of her practice involves working with at-risk populations) to the fact that her mother set such an example in this arena, “Following my mother’s lead, we were always feeding the hungry, assisting the elderly or helping out a neighbor with babysitting.” While Katherine has always worked to give back, she’s also faced her own health challenges – an early diagnosis of diabetes many years ago, and in 2011, congestive heart failure. “I knew I needed to slow down and start focusing on my own health. My work now is to take care of myself and that includes cooking healthful meals – food has become my medicine.” It was a scare with the more recent diagnosis that led her back to the East Coast to be closer to her daughter, a resident of Hillcrest. By participating in the Washington Seniors Wellness Center’s nutrition, wellness and exercise programming, she has eliminated the necessity for one medication
and is safely and steadily losing weight. Ebony enjoys being able to spend more time with her mother who lives only about ten minutes away. “When my mom first moved back, I kept her busy cooking – she’s always ready to cook for people, anyone, all you need to do is ask. I remember when I was little and our family was struggling financially, she’d be able to feed five of us on five dollars – she has always been able to turn modest ingredients into a great meal – that’s her specialty. And as a result of being diabetic for most of her life, she’s adept at making flavorful dishes, lower in salt, but really nutritious. And she’s known for her bean soup – and when it’s cooking, it fills the house with a great aroma.” Katherine says the versatile soup has become a fast favorite already in her new neighborhood. “I’ve brought it to friend’s homes, as well as when our senior group at church has potluck on Monday, called Seasoned Saints – it’s even been prepared for the team at my daughter’s workplace.”
Katherine Womack’s 16 Bean Soup Yield: Six to eight servings, depending on portion size Katherine says that it’s easy to start the beans in the crockpot the night before, that way you can add the other ingredients the next morning. Katherine Womack ready to serve up a healthful meal that includes her 16 Bean Soup and a bright green salad with vegetables. Photo: Annette Nielsen
• • • • • • • • •
1 pound beans (this can be any combination of beans) 1 piece of smoked turkey (leg or wing) ½ pound ground turkey ¼ large onion, diced or chopped 1 medium sweet green pepper, seeded, ribs removed and diced. 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt and ground pepper garlic or onion powder, optional
Place the beans in a crockpot and cover with water, an inch above the beans. Sprinkle with about a teaspoon of sea salt and half teaspoon of ground pepper. Add smoked turkey and cook on low setting overnight. If you don’t start the beans the night before you serve this dish, you may start the beans in the morning, cooking throughout the day to be ready for dinner. The following morning, turn the beans off and remove and discard smoked turkey. At this point you might sprinkle a small amount of garlic and/or onion powder over the beans. In medium-sized skillet, add olive oil and ground turkey and brown over medium-high heat. Remove turkey and set aside. Add diced green peppers and onion and sauté in the same skillet for a few minutes until vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized. Combine ground turkey and sautéed vegetables with the beans in the crockpot, simmering for approximately five minutes on medium heat or until thoroughly heated. Note: You may prepare only half of the beans with the meat and sautéed vegetables, reserving beans for another type of dish – perhaps serving as a side dish with tilapia or salmon, with corned bread or served with brown rice. As a variation, you can also add a half a cup of uncooked barley to the bean mix before cooking.
July
Health Issue A Special Publication on Black Wellness Publication Date: July 6th
• For over 15 years the East of the River, a monthly community newspaper, has empowered readers to beat the odds, with honest, affordable and culturally relevant coverage of fitness, nutrition, prevention and treatment for black men, women and children. • Our readers are managing a wide spectrum of health conditions, for themselves and their family members: Asthma | High Blood Pressure | Stroke | Diabetes | Obesity | Cancer | Hiv | Hepatitis | Lupus CIRCULATION: Ward 7, 8 | 15,000 copies
Distributed at metro, popular retailers, libraries, restaurants, doctor’s offices, hospitals, community centers, churches, and retirement communities in East Washington.
Want to Advertise? Call Now!
202.543.8300
Jenn x20 | Kira x16 | Andrew x19 | Carolina x12 EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 45
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
A Farmer’s Market On Wheels Mobile Market Carries Fresh Produce by Monica Z. Utsey
Mobile Market Assistant Manager JuJu Harris speaking with customers at the Deanwood metro Mobile Market stop.
The Mobile Market stand at Deanwood Metro.
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Mobile Market Director Benjamin Bartley checking out a customer at the Deanwood metro Mobile Market stop.
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n a city that has the highest grossing Whole Foods market in the country, there are people in the same city who do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables because they live in a “food desert,” a low-income neighborhood where residents do not have access to a large supermarket or grocery store. The Mobile Market, a farmer’s market on wheels, hopes to change this disparity. A brightly painted, 28-foot, refurbished school bus allows the Mobile Market to deliver local produce to where the need is greatest. “Folks want good food and they are going to seek it out. I am now one of those options,” said Benjamin Bartley, the Mobile Market Director. When the program piloted in 2012, Bartley anticipated that he would have produce left over. Instead, demand was so high he had to rearrange the operation to make sure there was a convenient place to restock because some days he was out of produce before the third stop. The Mobile Market makes nine stops through the DC metropolitan area, including four stops east of the Anacostia River. Twhe Mobile Market carries fresh produce at the peak of its season, in addition to farm fresh eggs, milk and meat from a network of local farmers within 80 miles of the Washington metro area. Another feature of the Mobile Market that boosts accessibility for low-income families is the Bonus Bucks program. In addition to accepting EBT, SNAP, WIC
vouchers and senior FMNP vouchers, these payment forms have been incentivized. For example, if a family spends $10 worth of EBT benefits with the Mobile Market, they get $20 worth of fruits and vegetables. For families that may be unfamiliar with the some of the produce, onsite cooking demonstrations, samples and education are available. Juliet Harris, a nutrition educator and the Assistant Mobile Market Manager, is on hand to explain ways of incorporating fresh produce into healthy meals for the family. “I talk with people about how to grocery shop, meal plan and I do cooking demonstrations to show them different ways to make the food they may not be familiar with,” said Harris. The community response to the Mobile Market has been overwhelmingly positive. Harris shares food knowledge and cooking stories with everyone from seniors to young children. “One of the kids from the United Medical Center was really interested in herbs. I study herbs and I bought him an herb book. It was really nice to feed that interest,” said Harris. For the seniors, the Mobile Market brings back memories of the good old days of living in the south and having access to fresh greens and other produce. “People say I used to eat like this but stopped because of living in the city. So being able to put people back into contact with the food that they know and that is affordable and right at their door step feels good.”
The Mobile Market is the idea of founder Michael Babin, a restaurateur who took notice of the gaps in the food system and wanted to do something about it. Babin’s idea had to address the issues of farmers’ hesitance to set up in neighborhoods that could not economically support a lot of sales. “I thought that the school bus had so many wonderful connotations. It’s an iconic vehicle, and it would be a cool project,” said Babin. Much of the produce sold on the Mobile Market is from Arcadia Farm, a non-profit that operates three programs: the Mobile Market, Farm to School and the stand-alone Arcadia Farm. The Farm-to-School program visits schools twice a week teaching children about Arcadia Farm market operations, where food comes from, agriculture, and how to make a healthy meal with whatever produce may be on the bus. The stand-alone farm program provides farmer training and introduces agriculture as a viable career. Each program contributes to expanding knowledge about the importance of food and each program compliments the Mobile Market, according to Bartley who worked out a way to turn chest freezers into refrigerators to store the food between stops. The Mobile Market, now in its second year, sold more than $43,000 worth of produce last year, with 40 percent of the transactions taking place with low-income customers. That is a huge proportion compared with traditional farmer’s markets, according to Pamela Hess, Executive Director of Arcadia Farms. “That’s because we go places where low-income people are likely to be able to get to us -- in front of WIC clinics, senior wellness centers, elementary schools.” Hess said long term plans include a second bus and the adoption of their concept by corner stores to carry fresh produce and accept EBT. “We’ll help them keep the food fresh and attractive, and offer periodic visits by cooks, and recipes, and our cookbook. Then we’ll move on to other neighborhoods, and repeat the process. We know people want this great food, and we know it needs to be affordable. And there are all these corner stores that could
meet their needs. So we want to transition our customers to them. Everyone wins.”
2013 Mobile Market Schedule
The 2013 Mobile Market season began on May 1st and runs through October 30th. Monday • 4:00 – 6:00pm The Overlook at Oxon Run 3700 9th St SE, Washington, DC 20032 Tuesday • 4:00pm – 6:00pm Circle 7 Express 740 Kenilworth Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20019 Wednesday • 9:00am – 11:00am South County Center 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY COMMUNITY Fresh produce from local farmers, plants, art, food-preparation workshops, children activities, nutrition and more...
STARTING SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST!
Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat.
To be eligible to win a tasty prize, TEXT 13133 and ENTER W8FM. We will send you occasional texts about our farmers’ market, including special offers!
• 1:00pm – 3:00pm Children’s National Medical Center WIC Clinic 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20310 • 4:00pm – 7:00pm LeDroit Park Corner of 3rd & Elm Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Thursday • 3:00pm – 6:00pm Mary’s Center 8908 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783 Friday • 10:00am – 1:00pm Deanwood Recreation Center 4800 Minnesota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019 • 3:00pm – 6:00pm National Children’s Center 3400 MLK Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032
Contact
Benjamin Bartley, Mobile Market Director, benjamin@arcadiafood.org Monica Z. Utsey is a freelance writer and President of the Southern DC Chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. u
We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (up to $15 per week, while funds last) Yes we accept EBT or SNAP, from DC, MD or any other state.
Saturdays: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm At THEARC!! 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot
www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com Have Questions? Want to be on our mailing list? Contact us at ward8fm@gmail.com
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 47
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
District Greening
BrightFarms Greenhouse Space Will Grow Up To a Million Pounds of Produce a Year in Ward 8 by Annette Nielsen
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he District’s Department of General Services (DC DGS) Sustainability Manager, Mark Chambers, is enthusiastic about the department’s newest initiative – a partnership with New York-based BrightFarms that will create a 100,000 square feet of greenhouse gardening space with the capacity to grow up to a million pounds of produce, annually. “We started exploring ways to incentivize food-related access issues with a high yield project – one with a substantive impact,” says Chambers of the project to create a sustainable enterprise in Ward 8 at the Oxon Run Park site near the intersection of South Capitol Street and Southern Avenue. The model, which is already a BrightFarms’ success story in Pennsylvania, sees the facility there serving many local grocery stores. This fledg-
The BrightFarms’ site rendering of the greenhouse project for Oxon Run Park at South Capitol and Southern Avenue, SE. Image provided by BrightFarms.
Mark Chambers, Sustainability Manager for DC Department of General Services, at the Oxon Run site where a greenhouse will be built, targeted to be in production by early 2014. Photo: Nitya Chambers.
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ling company, a team of about ten that launched in 2011, has plans for more locations across the country, including the District. The site in Ward 8 will see a hydroponic greenhouse linked with an area grocery chain – the greenhouse producing greens, herbs and tomatoes, where the distance to travel to the consumer is minimized. Here, the growing is done year-round, locally, and consumed locally. A physicist by education with prior Hill experience and work with solar energy initiatives, Allison Kopf is the real estate and government relations point person for BrightFarms. She manages the site selection process and engages constituencies – in this case, the neighboring community, District government, and private enterprise. Kopf says, “In tying this project together, we’re able to improve the sustainability of the food sys-
tem as a whole – focusing in on projects where there currently isn’t a viable food source. Anacostia is a project that all of us at BrightFarms are very passionate about – and to make real change in a community, you need to make certain everyone is part of the process. DC DGS has made the process accessible – they’re a great partner.” A key community partner on the project is the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation, led by Stan Jackson. He’s excited about Ward 8 being the site selected for the greenhouse. “It’s a trifecta influence – you’ve got new and diverse jobs being created in a market that’s historically been challenged in regards to employment. There is also the opportunity to provide healthful food choices in a place that has been known as a food desert, and finally, with the jobs that will be created, they’ll be living wage jobs with a multiplier effect – creating healthy products and employment. You’ll see economics improving at the community level.” Solid economics are a part of the overall package that BrightFarms brings to the table. On a site where the land requires some rehabilitation, the company funds the clean-up, leases the land from the District, and finances the project. In this model, the greenhouse (in the Anacostia scenario, a $4-$5 million investment) is built specifically for the grocer, so the grocer’s profits aren’t diminished in an already low margin market. And, it’s a fairly quick schedule to get the project up-and-running – they’ll be identifying the grocery partner (to be announced shortly), breaking ground near the end of the summer and have production targeted for the beginning of 2014. Chambers notes that improving this parcel of land might serve as a catalyst to other initiatives,
a larger connection with Oxon Run and Oxon Cove and linkage to the trail system, through the National Park Service and associated park committees. “You can also see how we might envision an urban agricultural corridor throughout the city – implementing different models, like vertical greenhouses, increasing the efficiency of buildings we already have. It can all work if we create an environment in a neighborhood where the people are the beneficiaries.” Chambers is also excited about being able to track the benefit of projects such as these, establishing metrics so the extent of the outreach can be measured. “We’d need to look towards partnering with other agencies, like the Department of Health, so we can discuss the healthy food impact, and further localize positive influences that have been identified.” Jackson concurs, “We need to measure the impact of health transitions, where we see the multiplier effect. What happens on the school level, on menus, maybe the produce is used at universities and hospitals – but be able to track the impact the healthy food will have in challenged communities. This will lead to healthy habits and ultimately have an impact on health care costs. Being in the nation’s capital, we’re able to set a great example with this project.” While the Anacostia location will be visible on the national stage, the effects of the DC/BrightFarms project will resonate on the local level. Kopf states, “Food is as personal as it gets – the family dinner, social justice—food is at the helm of it. We have a unique opportunity to transform an unused piece of land into something usable. This really shows that urban food production can be accomplished close to the consumer.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 49
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
A
Framing Love in Southeast by Michelle Phipps-Evans
Two young visitors talk about the exhibit.
Two young visitors stand by the chalkboard and discuss their thoughts on love to one of the master’s students
Master’s student and photographer Amy Brothers stares out during the opening reception for “Framing Love,” which featured her work. To the right is organizer of the exhibit and master’s student Rebecca Harlan and a visitor.
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recent exhibit in Southeast used the theme of love in a come-as-you-are photo display in the gallery at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). The exhibit, “Framing Love,” featured 50 large portraits lined next to each other, which were taken by students at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. Smaller, more eclectic photos by east of the river residents were featured below. Mara Wilson, a Ward 7 resident, who contributed as both photographer and subject, enjoyed the assignment of taking photographs of someone she loved, and then passing on the disposable camera to someone else to do the same. “It was fun,” said Wilson, a native Washingtonian in her 30s. “I tried to get all my neighbors as it gave us time to catch up.” She took a photo of her mother who took one of her father and so on. Wilson was one of several members of Ward 8’s THEARC community who were given cameras to explore the meaning of love. The result was a beautiful collection of photographs with deep connectivity and meaning, said Tara Malik, coordinator of community partnership at the Corcoran Gallery of Art: Corcoran ArtReach, one of 11 resident partners at THEARC. “I think people loved it because entire families usually can’t participate in art making,” said Malik, 35, who’s been with Corcoran since 2011. “But it was good for people to see their art in that space, where they can be both artist and subject.” THEARC’s Corcoran gallery offers free exhibit space for local artists and others. Corcoran ArtReach is a community program that’s part of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. ArtReach is a year-round museum outreach program that provides free arts instruction based on the Corcoran’s collection. The Corcoran also includes the Corcoran College of Art + Design, the District’s only four-year
college of art and design that offers degrees and continuing education. As part of the project, nine students earning master’s degrees in new media photojournalism at Corcoran College spent an afternoon at THEARC in March. They held workshops for ArtReach students, and photographed anyone walking into the facility that afternoon. That day culminated in “Framing Love” with portraits representing THEARC community on top, and photos by Wilson and others below. “This was a great way for everyone to see the faces that represent this community,” Malik said. The photos varied from the front-desk workers to the students who frequent the other partners for specialized learning such as The Washington Ballet. Photojournalist student Amy Brothers did most of the photography. “I tried to get close to each person as I wanted to get people to relax,” said Brothers. “I wanted to get more of the real person.” The photos featured people laughing or smiling, staring into the camera, as they were. “The basic idea was for it to be participatory and to use actual visual representations,” said Rebecca Harlan, an exhibit organizer who also earned her master’s with Brothers at Corcoran. Harlan and Brothers joined seven other students who brainstormed and worked on this project since fall, she said. Harlan joined others at THEARC on May 3 for a reception to open “Framing Love.” Two chalkboards sat in the gallery for visitors to describe love. Some wrote, “fun,” or “family,” many drew hearts, and others wrote on post-it notes. By May 26, the gallery was cleared and portraits were given as keepsakes to the persons featured. “I’m so grateful for the students who organized the show and look forward to it, next May,” Malik added. u
After the Corcoran Gallery of Art received the disposable cameras back from THEARC community in April, it was such a surprise to see the photos that people had taken of their loved ones. Courtesy the Corcoran Gallery of Art
In conjunction with the Framing Love exhibit, a portrait workshop was conducted with ArtReach students. The students learned about different techniques for taking portraits and then used each other as models to try out their ideas. Dasjah Neal was paired up with Caitlin Caldwell who emphasized eye contact and getting close to her subject. Courtesy the Corcoran Gallery of Art
Art Installation Enlivens Good Hope & MLK by John Muller
Students from Ketcham Elementary School laud new art installation
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hile waiting at the foot of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE for a bus to take them cross-town to the National Air and Space Museum, a group of 3rd grade students from Ketcham Elementary School marveled at a new public art installation. “It looks exquisite,” said nineyear-old Heaven Nelson, taking in Journey Anacostia. “That’s a vocabulary word this week.” Edging to one-up his classmate, eight-year-old Maurice Welch enthusiastically said, “It’s a colorful boat; a design masterpiece.” Public art is supposed to inspire, or “dialogue,” in standard parlance. And if a recent survey of residents’ reactions is representa-
tive, this work by Wilfredo Valladares is really doing that across generations of Anacostians. “I like it,” says community activist William Alston-El, a presence in the neighborhood since 1967, standing underneath 15foot decaying Frederick Douglass poster across the street. “It’s well done. It represents the history of who was on this land before it was a modern neighborhood.” Before conceiving of a concept Valladares listened. “I remembered how proudly people spoke about Anacostia during the community meetings I attended,” he said. Known throughout the Washington region both as a teacher and artist, Valladares was able to take a differ-
ent approach with Journey Anacostia by meeting with residents prior to submitting a proposal. “In essence, their voices lead me to learn more about the history and culture of Anacostia. The Anacostia River was an inspiration for the sculpture not only because of its natural beauty, but the fact that historically it has witnessed the transition of the community and continues to inspire future generations. In the process I looked at architecture and traditional art forms from African American and American Indian culture.” After a year’s work, the sculpture, which is composed of copper, CORTEN steel and stained glass with approximated dimensions of 16’ h x14’w x 76’d, now defines the long vacant corner and has achieved its stated purpose of making people talk. “It takes time and hard work to make artwork and the only hope that you have as an artist is that people will have the same endurance,” Valladeres says. “I think if people invest time to observe the work, most likely they will establish a conversation or walk away with something.” Complimenting the sculpture, area youth, in a program run by the United Planning Organization, helped define the perimeter of the space with an original mural. Valladeres envisions this synergy continuing. “I would love to see initiatives geared to creating programming that will incorporate the sculpture, space and history of the neighborhood -- perhaps sto-
rytelling or integrating activities with schools.”
Timeline for Good Hope & MLK
“The long term vision for that corner is to have new development with residences or offices above ground floor retail,” says Michael Kelly, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The agency’s office overlooks the art installation. In order for that to happen, Kelly says, two dynamics must come together: DHCD must assemble enough of the adjacent properties to make the site feasible for redevelopment, and the market for residential, office, and retail space must be great enough to attract private financing for new development. Kelly is not tone deaf, recognizing, “The people who pass this corner every day can’t wait that long, which is why we got together with the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities to activate the space in the short term. Journey Anacostia will be a permanent asset for Ward 8, but it will only be located at this site temporarily.” For now the sculpture is projected to grace the corner for three to five years, until the property can be redeveloped, at which point it be will relocated within Ward 8. A dedication of Journey Anacostia is planned for Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities 202-724-5613 or http://dcarts.dc.gov/ u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 51
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Children’s Movies Based on Books at Deanwood
On Fridays at 10 a.m., join them at Deanwood Library for movies based on children’s books for ages 3-8. Here’s the lineup: June 14, A Pocket for Corduroy; June 21, A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, Frog, Where Are You!; June 28, Storybook Treasures, Harold and the Purple Crayon, A Picture for Harold’s Room, Harold’s Fairy Tale; July 12, Ralph S. Mouse; July 19, The Mouse and the Motorcycle; July 26, Dot, James Marshall’s Cinderella; Aug 2, In the Small, Small Pond, Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, Dem Bones; Aug 9, Peter’s Chair, Pet Show, A Letter to Amy; Aug 16, Storybook Treasures- James Marshall’s Favorite Fairy Tales, Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Three Little Pigs. Deanwood Neighborhood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary. org/deanwood
Youth Football Clinic at Anacostia High
Registration is now open for the NCAA Football Youth Clinic Hosted by the Military Bowl, Events DC and Positive Choices on Saturday, June 15, at Anacostia High School from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free clinic is open to boys and girls ages 7-14, and features instruction by college coaches and professional players. Participation is limited to children in grades 1 through 8 (participants cannot be in high school). Participants will run offensive, defensive and agility drills; learn proper techniques to promote on-field safety; and learn about the importance of their off-the-field behavior as well. Lunch will be provided as part of the full day of instruction. For more information, visit militarybowl.org/community/clinic. While a limited number of walk-up spaces will be available the day of the clinic, participants are encouraged to pre-register at ncaafootballclinics.com.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Summer Skating Camps
Fort Dupont Ice Arena offers several opportunities to keep cool in the summer. The Summer Skating School includes daily off-ice fitness classes, group skating lessons, and supervised practice-July 8-12 and July 29-Aug 2; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It is for ages 52 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Photo: Courtesy of the Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run Registration Open
On Oct 26, children ages 5-12 can experience the thrill of reaching the finish line in the onemile, just-for-fun Healthy Kids Fun Run, held the day prior to the MCM. The event includes a family fitness festival, mascots, healthy snacks, giveaways and music. You can choose from different start times between 10:00-11:40 a.m. $10 plus processing fee. marinemarathon.com entering 2nd through 7th grade in the fall of 2013 and for skating levels Beginners through USFS Basic Skills 5. The Figure Skating Camp includes daily on-and off-ice classes taught by highly-qualified coaches. Classes will focus on jumps, spins, MIF, dance, synchronized skating, artistry and choreography-July 8-12; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. It is for ages entering 2nd through 12th grade in the fall of 2013 and for Skating Level: Best for USFS Basic 6-8/Pre-Preliminary through Novice Moves in the Field or equivalent. First Annual Teen Camp for Girls includes daily off-ice fitness classes, group skating lessons, and supervised practice-July 29Aug 2, 9-5 p.m. It is for ages entering 8th grade through 12th grade in the fall of 2013 and for Skating Level: Beginners through Basic Skills 5. Registration forms are now being accepted. Camp registration deadlines are Friday, June 21, for camps staring on July 9th and Friday, July 19 for camps starting on July 29. Camp registration will be
closed once all spots are filled. Register early! A limited number of need based scholarships are available. Contact lmoreno@fdia.org for application. fdia.org
Story Time at Anacostia Neighborhood Library
On July 6, 10:30 a.m.-noon, join them for a wonderful Saturday morning program. Following the reading of a book and discussion with a community leader, children participate in an arts activity with visual artist Tamara Thomas. (for ages early childhood to 8 years old with parents). Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.
Showtime Movie Tuesdays @THEARC Theater (save the dates)
THEARC Theater presents Showtime Tuesdays, a showing of free movies each Tuesday from
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KIDS & FAMILY planned this summer and they’re all free! dclibrary.org
Photo: Courtesy of DC SCORES
“Breaking the Silence on Youth Violence” Youth Summit
Global Youth Service Day
On April 27, four school teams from DC SCORES, the largest afterschool program in the District, took part in Global Youth Service Day at Tubman Elementary School. Global Youth Service Day is a weekendlong event dedicated to service-learning projects created and implemented throughout six continents and 100 countries. All projects are led by youth. At Tubman, students from C.W. Harris and Aiton elementary schools in Ward 7, Thomson in Ward 2 and Bancroft in Ward 1 came together to fight childhood obesity as well as childhood hunger. Following the theme “Dance, Run, Play,” students showed off their dance moves to songs such as Beyonce’s “Move Your Body;” created snack bags full of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables; competed during the Presidential Fitness Test; and finally paraded around the Columbia Heights neighborhood chanting lines such as “When I say fruits, you say veggies. Fruits! Veggies! Fruits! Veggies!” The DC SCORES service project was made possible thanks to mini grants from the Sodexo Foundation, Disney Friends for Change and UnitedHealth HEROES. Learn more about DC SCORES at DCSCORES.org. July 9 through early Aug 13. All movies are rated G or PG. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m. and program includes a fun pre-show activity, snack and movie screening. July 9, Madagascar 3 (PG); July 16, Mirror Mirror (PG); July 23, Brave (PG); July 30, Rise of the Guadians (G); Aug 6, Escape from Planet Earth (PG); Aug 13, Ice Age Continental Drift (PG). These movies are free and open to the public. Registration required. If interested in attending or bringing your summer campers or class, RSVP to Kimberly Douglas at kdouglas@thearcdc.org. THEARC, 54 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org
“Dig Into Reading” and “Beneath the Surface” this Summer
All kids and teens in the District are invited to participate in Summer Reading at DC Public Library. This year’s Summer Reading theme for children is Dig Into Reading; the teens’ Summer Reading theme is Beneath the Surface. The program runs from June 1 through Aug 24. You can win prizes for reading. DC public libraries have lots of fun events
The 3rd Annual “Breaking the Silence on Youth Violence” Youth Summit will be held Thursday, June 27, at Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School, across the street from the Minnesota Ave. Metrorail Station. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the day will conclude at 4 p.m. This year’s event will focus on preventing the precursors of youth violence, including drug abuse, gang involvement, bullying, and sexual assault. The event will be full of important information, dynamic speakers, invaluable resources and entertainment. In addition, in an effort to show our youth that fun does not have to include negative behavior, the youth and adult participants will be having an “Old School/New School” DanceOff. All kids, ages 8-18, are invited to attend. If you have any questions or interest in bringing a youth group to the summit, contact, Lenney Lowe at 202-698-1452 or Lenney.lowe@ usdoj.gov.
Family Matters Announces Arts Collaboration with Kennedy Center
Family Matters of Greater Washington, one of the nation’s oldest, nationally-accredited social services organizations, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced a new collaboration to bring arts programming to low-income District seniors and youth. The collaboration is made possible through the generosity of philanthropist and arts patron Richard A. Herman, who passed away in Nov 2012 at the age of 100. The collaboration will include the introduction of several new programs designed to target the involvement of seniors and youth, including a “Seniors Night Out,” National Symphony Orchestra family performances and instrument “Petting Zoos,” and other programs. Once a month, “Seniors Night Out” will enable District seniors to enjoy an evening at the Kennedy Center, complete with dinner, a performance and an opportunity to interact with the performers. The
monthly events will begin this summer. Interested parties should check the Family Matters website at familymattersdc.org for a schedule and instructions on how to sign-up. In February 2013, Family Matters announced the receipt of $28 million from the estate of Richard Herman, the largest donation ever received by the organization or any social service agency in the District of Columbia. . The collaboration with the Kennedy Center is the first in a series of arts programs that will be launched in the coming year.
All-Day Read-In at Francis A. Gregory Library
On Saturday, June 15, As part of DC Reads, Francis A. Gregory Library is having a Read-In day. Bring family, friends or a stuffed animal in to share a book. Listen to the librarian tell a story or two. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to participate in this celebration of reading!
Pirate Family Festival at National Geographic
Ahoy, me mateys! Tired of the same old pirate stories? National Geographic Museum brings Real Pirates to life with historical re-enactors, telescope making, and traditional pirate tunes. Create your own jolly roger, see a live pirate show and falconry demonstration, learn how to build a boat and dive into the world of underwater archaeology! Festival is on June 22 at 10 a.m. at National Geographic, 1145 17th St. NW. 202857-7588. nationalgeographic.com
High Tea Society “Because Street Skills Are Not Enough”
The High Tea Society is not a social club. They do not have any major donors. They also do not have the capacity to meet the current demand for programs for at risk girls. What they do have is a network of individuals who volunteer, contribute, encourage and recognize that are girls are too precious to be cast aside and ignored. They are looking for committed individuals who will help think through how HTS can broaden their reach to attract more volunteers and financial support that will
help institutionalize HTS social/ civil curriculum to promote positive behavior and fight against all forms of violence against girls. Contact Judge Mary Terrell (ret.) at marytea1997@yahoo.com or 202-841-5244. Their mission is to work with girls ages 8-18 from economically challenged communities to bridge the gap between the family and the civil and global communities and prepare the girls with social, life and critical thinking skills for successful passage into the civil and global communities. Afternoon tea, the symbol of social civility, was adopted as the backdrop for its immediate transforming effect of calmness, serenity that would enable the girls gain immediate personal insight and self-awareness about who they were. Join them on June 29, 2-4 p.m., at the The Woman’s National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW for high tea. highteasociety.org
Resource Room for Foster Parents Opens
On May 24, Mayor Gray opened a new resource room for foster parents at the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and dedicated it to the memory of the Honorable Eugene N. Hamilton (1933-2011), former Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, foster parent to more than 50 District children, and adoptive father of four. Room 1206 at CFSA headquarters, 200 I St. SE, is now the Honorable Eugene N. Hamilton Family Resource Center. CFSA is currently serving 3,138 children, including 1,755 at home and 1,383 in foster care. Of those in care, over 700 are in foster homes in Maryland that CFSA purchases via contracts with private providers. CFSA is working to recruit more homes in the District so that children can maintain some continuity by staying in their own communities. District residents interested in fostering should call 202-671LOVE. u
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 55
KIDS & FAMILY
Local Children’s Book Authors Bring DC To Life Summer Reading Can Be Fun and Promote Learning by Stephen Lilienthal
W
hen Elizabeth Jones, Metropolitan Police Department officer and grandmother, was with her grandson, Jack, last summer, “everytime we drove (down the 21st block of MLK Avenue) and would pass the Big Chair, he would shout, “chair, chair,” she said. Jack knew the landmark’s name because of a children’s book, “A is for Anacostia,” written by Courtney Davis. When DC author Rebecca Klemm made appearances last year at the Boys and Girls Club at Orr Elementary School on Minnesota Avenue, SE to tell kids about numbers, one boy liked a number so much he constantly carried a paper representation of it. Children and parents view summer as a time for cookouts, trips, sports and play. It’s easy to forget about the importance of reading. School is out, but reading and learning should continue. Having kids meet or attend talks by authors such as Davis and Klemm can ignite their interest in topics such as community, numbers, and African American history.
in other neighborhoods often harbor about an area that frequently falls victim to reporting that focuses on local problems while largely ignoring the good. “I want to help break down the barriers between neighborhoods,” she explains. “Folks might not live in our community. We want to encourage them to visit.” Davis, holder of a doctorate in special education, is following her mother’s career path by teaching in the public school system. Her work provided the genesis for “A is for Anacostia.” Teaching in the area, Davis tried without success to find a children’s book about Anacostia. “So I did what teachers do--I created it, figuring this would be an opportunity to teach the alphabet to children but also to have them focus on our community.” Davis has been learning lots about Anacostia by promoting her book in appearances at libraries and schools. “A is for Anacostia” is aimed at 3-6 year olds. Older kids can benefit by practicing reading it to their younger siblings and friends and
Davis: Living Anacostia
“I’ve lived here nine years. I have a stake in this community. I walk the streets, speak to people,” asserts Davis, an Anacostia resident, who expresses surprise that people sometimes wonder why she, a native of Chicago, is writing and speaking about Anacostia. Davis sees herself as an unofficial goodwill ambassador for southeast DC. She sees plenty in Anacostia that kids and their parents can take pride in, ranging from the Frederick Douglass’ home to the vitality of the children. Davis hopes to erase the negative views that kids and parents 56 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Courtney Davis, author of “A Is For Anacostia.”
learning more about rhyming. In Elizabeth Jones’ mind, summer is a great time to read “A is for Anacostia” because kids can enjoy seeing each place that is mentioned Courtney Davis and Rebecca Klemm (shown with children) are in the book when the local authors of children’s books. weather is nice. er,” says Klemm, who bills herself to Davis says when parents read children as the “Numbers Lady.” She books they are excited about to their wrote a play performed at the 2010 child, it helps kindle a love of readCapital Fringe Festival in which a ing in the child. Jones possesses that girl learns about math while trying to enthusiasm. “In lieu of baby shower bake chocolate chip cookies. cards, I’ve bought “A is for Anacostia” She was inspired to write her to give to expectant mothers,” she says. first book examining the relationship between numbers and DC when Numbers Can Be Fun parents who saw the play asked her: Like Davis, Dr. Rebecca Klemm “What would you do to keep my kid is passionate about her mission. Step- from hating math?” ping into her office downtown office Klemm’s “Numbers Alive! Books even reality-centered adults might for Young Travelers: Washington, think they’ve stumbled down Alice DC” book establishes the relevance in Wonderland’s rabbit hole. They’ll of numbers: nine Supreme Court discover a new world populated by justices, the Pentagon has five sides, numbers come alive such as “number the Vietnam Memorial has two walls. 7 -- the rogue.” “The learning takes place on many Though adults might consider levels (besides math),” she says. this silly, it is really a smart way to Plus, Klemm gives her colorful connect kids to numbers. numbers personalities to make them Just as kids who know phonics more than “abstract symbols on a and who read will be better able to page” but rather “fun and friendly” handle more complex reading as characters. they mature, kids who have basic Klemm road-tested her presennumber knowledge will do better at tation for kids at the Boys and Girls math and be better able to handle Club at Orr Elementary School on more complex calculations. Minnesota Avenue, SE. Klemm runs her own statistical Damion Parran, artistic adminisconsulting firm, the Klemm Analysis trator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Group, and is the author of studies and Greater Washington, says Klemm’s analyses for clients such as the Depart- book and her personality were able to ment of Justice, the Department of “connect with kids on a fun level and Veterans Affairs and the Centers for an educational level.” Disease Control and Prevention. Klemm’s Numbers Alive! website “But I’ve always been a storytell- showcases her number characters.
She’ll unveil soon a new book linking numbers to world cities and a series of books on individual numbers 0-9. A series slated for older readers will feature the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Squad led by Pi. Klemm thinks summer is a great time to read her DC book. Her website includes a sample project kids can do, walking around their neighborhood taking pictures of objects such as a stop sign and identifying the numbers involved. Klemm expects to have a table at the Anacostia Book Festival on Saturday, June 15 (rain date: June 16) 10-4 PM just off of 2100 MLK Avenue, SE at the corner of W Street, SE and Chicago St., SE. Children and parents can learn and have fun from reading both books. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. Visit www.aisforanacostia. com/ and www.numbersalive.org/ and www.dclibrary.org to learn about the books and the DC Public Library. More about the Anacostia Book Festival at: www.lamontcarey. com ❖
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WHY SUMMER READING MATTERS Research by University of Tennessee reading experts Richard Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen indicates that parents who ensure their kids have access to books during the summer can maintain their children’s reading skills. Eboni Curry, children’s librarian at the Anacostia library, says reading books like Davis’ and Klemm’s over the summer, even if only for 15 minutes daily, is important. Curry urges EOTR parents to check out DC Public Library branches this summer. Interesting programs are scheduled to spur learning and reading, including one to help kids start learning Spanish.
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KIDS & FAMILY
Valedictorian Phillip Pride & Dr. Arsallah Shairzay of Friendship Collegiate Academy
Phillip Pride
Friendship Collegiate Academy Valedictorian by John Muller
T
he announcement of Phillip Pride as valedictorian for Friendship Collegiate Academy Charter School’s 10th graduating class came as little surprise. Before 241 seniors were conferred diplomas last Thursday at Constitution Hall, Pride entered the 2012-2013 academic year ranked first in his class and ended the year in the same position with a 4.0 GPA. “Phillip is a model student who embodies the core values of Friendship Public Charter Schools. He has persisted in his commitment to learning, has shown confidence in his ability to succeed, thrived despite adversities, demonstrated a remarkable sense of responsibility and caring to his school and community, and has remained patient and reliable; qualities that earned him the respect of faculty and students alike,” said Dr. Arsallah Shairzay, Dean of Early College and Director of Advanced Placement. Pride, a self-ascribed “gamer” because of his intent to design video games for a living, did not succumb to any form of “senioritis” or other so-called afflictions that for generations have caused students in their last semesters to coast towards graduation. Although one of the top students in Friendship’s Advanced Placement Computer Science Class and not in need of further tutoring, Pride attended every tutorial session, including sessions held on Saturdays. “My future goals are to work as a game programmer for a large private company and eventu58 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
ally start my own company,” Pride told East of the River earlier this year. When it was formally announced that he was valedictorian, Pride said, “More than anything, I was gratified for the recognition knowing that this moment may not have been possible if it were not for working hard, and the support of my family and school. So I went to the podium enjoying and appreciating the moment.” Pride knows academic self-achievement is not solitary and gives special recognition to his close friend and fellow “gamer,” Kirk Murphy, classmates, and faculty at Friendship Collegiate Academy for not letting him become complacent. “The Friendship environment has always motivated me to succeed and push myself,” he says. “For me, Friendship is more than just a school, it has become the place where I have made friends, discovered myself, and it’s like a second home for me.” Augmenting the encouragement Pride has received from his family has been Friendship’s faculty. “The teachers have helped me considerably. I owe Dr. Shairzay a lot of credit for providing me with college opportunities and for writing several recommendations for scholarships and other programs.” Pride doesn’t anticipate taking the summer off and letting his mind gather dust. He’s awaiting his assignment for the Department of Employment Services Summer Youth Program, hopeful he’ll be placed
as a computer aide. Pride’s interest in gaming got a jolt last year at the National High School Gaming Academy’s pre-college summer program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. There he met a national network of “gamers,” those who specialize in role playing or war-themed video games. The program gave Pride an introduction to the industry of video game development through classroom lectures and creative instruction while giving guidance toward starting a career in the video game industry. He’s maintained many of the contacts he made and plans on making more this fall. If the past is prologue for Pride, a resident of Ward 7’s Fairlawn neighborhood who will be attending Sewanee University in the mountains of rural Tennessee this fall, he has more awards and recognition in his future. Located on Minnesota Avenue NE in the former Carter G. Woodson Junior High School, Friendship Collegiate Academy opened in the fall of 2000. Graduating seniors from the 2013 class will be matriculating to institutions of higher learning as various as Morehouse College, Spellman College, University of North Carolina, University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, University of Maine, University of Wisconsin, Bucknell University, Temple University, Penn State University, University of San Diego, University of Massachusetts, University of Maryland, and Howard University. u
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.
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Neighborhood
Close Price
BR
FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA
1311 T ST SE 1345 DEXTER TER SE 1922 15TH ST SE 2270 MOUNT VIEW PL SE
DEANWOOD
5038 JAY ST NE 1006 48TH ST NE 845 51ST ST NE 5511 NANNIE H. BURROUGHS AVE NE 4932 JAY ST NE 3915 CLAY PL NE 584 50TH ST NE 831 52ND ST NE 820 52ND ST NE 1050 44TH ST NE 641 49TH ST NE 4236 GAULT PL NE 4011 CLAY PL NE 5357 BLAINE ST NE 4216 CLAY ST NE 4815 JAY ST NE
FORT DUPONT PARK 4341 GORMAN TER SE 1511 FORT DAVIS PL SE
1195 46TH PL SE 1408 42ND PL SE 3317 CROFFUT PL SE $112,000 $170,000 $273,800 $280,000
2 2 3 4
$80,000 $90,000 $125,000 $125,000 $150,000 $174,000 $194,300 $205,000 $205,000 $215,000 $223,000 $225,000 $225,000 $240,000 $259,000 $270,000
2 3 2 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 4 4 3 3 4 3
$108,000 $185,000
2 3
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 134 53RD ST SE 5502 D ST SE 4675 A ST SE 5115 D ST SE
RANDLE HEIGHTS
2816 BUENA VISTA TER SE 3472 24TH ST SE 2425 MINNESOTA AVE SE 1900 R ST SE 2018 TREMONT ST SE 2418 T ST SE
$210,000 $245,000 $247,000
3 3 2
$80,000 $140,000 $225,000 $308,780
3 8 3 4
$175,000 $193,000 $200,000 $229,900 $237,500 $257,000
3 2 3 2 3 4
$64,900
2
$142,000
3
$98,000
2
CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS
3866 9TH ST SE #101
FORT DUPONT PARK
4101 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE #12
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5045 CALL PL SE #101 u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013 H 59
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THE NOSE
Pandering, A New Legislative Epidemic? by Anonymous
D
ial the Surgeon General! Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention! Grab a bugle and summon the US Cavalry! There is a dread malady, Dear Readers, blighting the lives of our hapless elected officials. The oft denigrated denizens of the dais are suffering a pernicious plague of PANDERING! No, the mendacious mandarins of the Wilson Building are not moonlighting as DC Madams or Pimps on the Pike! Dialing 311 does not guarantee a constituent a ‘good time.’ Content inappropriate for children is not being broadcast by The Office of Cable Television! This new scrounge on our body politic originates, not among Chinese pigs or waterfowl, but in the throes of the last heated election. Scrambling to gin up a few more votes late in the game, Anita ‘DC Mama’ Bonds (D-At-Large) floated the notion of exempting senior, long-term residents entirely from property taxes. To be more specific, residents over age eighty with 25 years in the District and an annual household income of $100,000 or less would get a free ride. These qualifications were changed to $60,000 and age 75 in the legislation introduced recently by Bonds and Evans. Terming it proper compensation for surviving the District’s dismal decades, the tax break, Bonds argues, is a necessary hedge against seniors with fixed incomes losing their homes to the taxman due to DC’s overheated property market. Eager to share the political dividends, undeterred by any negative effect on District finances, near mayoral candidate Jack ‘Can’t Read The Budgetary Fine Print’ Evans (D-Ward 2) joined Bonds in her full-throated call for senior tax relief. “Who does not love little old ladies?” Dear Readers, The Nose wants you to know that some of his best buds are old biddies and codgers. While sharing a love of the aged with Evans and Bonds, he thinks it important to reacquaint these two esteemed members with several essential truths: 1. The District protects long-term residents against rapidly escalating real estate values by limiting increases on property assessments and granting homestead exemptions. 2. District residents 65 years and older receive a 50% discount on their property taxes. 3. Seniors pay on average $1,129 in property tax-
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es while non-seniors pay $3,771, according figures provided by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. 4. The District already gives away an estimated $14.6 million in tax relief annually to seniors, an amount substantially expanded in the latest budget. 5. The District median household income is $62,000. In sum, District seniors already receive considerable tax relief. Moreover, “Why is 25 the magic number?” The Nose wonders. Are residents who have lived in the city for 24 years and 364 days no less deserving of protection from the rapacious taxman? Thus, it appears that the legislation devised by Bonds and Evans is directed not at the aged poor, but at garnering support from middle class residents of Wards 4, 5 and 7. This is the epitome of PANDERING, in The Nose’s humble opinion. Bonds and Evans are not alone in their legislative quest for votes. The District’s current plan to implement Obamacare is in serious danger of stalling. Yvette ‘Ms. Congeniality’ Alexander (D-Ward 7) has questioned requiring businesses of 50 or fewer employees to opt-in to the new insurance exchange. Her position mirrors that of David Wilmot, who lobbies for several major insurance plans and Walmart. Oddly, Wilmot has represented the councilwoman’s campaign in investigations over its finances. Alexander is joined in her skepticism by David ‘What A Long Strange Trip’ Grosso (I At-Large), whose former employer is CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, no proponent of healthcare reform. While both Grosso and Alexander voted with a majority of their colleagues to pass the emergency legislation establishing the exchange, which incorporated the small-business opt-in, it is unclear whether the mandate will survive into the law’s permanent incarnation. Perhaps Grosso and Alexander have never had to deal directly with the small business health insurance market. The Nose’s own experience is illustrative. His enlightened employer provides him with the choice of either a high or a low deductible plan from a single company. Under the proposed exchange, The Nose could choose among bronze, silver and gold alternatives from any participating insurer. Moreover, unlike the current situation in which the price of The Nose’s monthly premium is directly linked to the average age and general health
of his small group, his insurance rate would be calculated as a member of a much larger collective. Greater choice? Protection against sudden rate spikes? All this sounds good. So, The Nose pronounces both Grosso and Alexander guilty of PANDERING to the insurance industry. If he had found the stomach to dig through the reams of data recently unearthed by WAMU on the political contributions of DC developers, The Nose no doubt would have diagnosed more infections. However, the limitations imposed by his vigilant Editor leaves room only for a ditty penned to the tune of The Wanderer: Oh well, I’m the type of pol who likes to run around. Wherever old people gather, you know that I’m to be found. I glad hand ‘em and I schmooze ‘em ‘cause to me they’re all votes to gain. I eliminate their property taxes so they remember my name! They call me the Panderer, Yeah, the Panderer, I spread the tax breaks around, around and around. Oh well, I roam from ward to ward as happy as a lord. I dispense monies to any development not completely untoward. When stadiums are threatened I take up my sword. ‘Cause I’m a Panderer, Yeah, the Panderer, I spread the TIFs around, around and around. There’s old ladies on my left and developers on my right, But Dave Wilmot is the guy that I’ll be with tonight. And when he asks me, “What healthcare exchange do you love the best?” I tear open my shirt, I got a Blue Cross tattooed on my chest ‘Cause I’m the Panderer, Yeah, the Panderer, I vote around, around and around. Around and around we go, where the PANDERING stops, nobody knows. Have a bone to pick with The Nose, email thenose@ hillrag.com u
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