East of the River Magazine November 2013

NOVEMBER 2013 EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE

Maurice Hines, in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

IS A DID YOU KNOW? If you knowingly collect benefits by intentionally providing false or inaccurate information when you filed your claim, you are committing FRAUD. Examples include: • An individual returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits.

• An individual works a part-time job but does not report his or her earnings to the state, thereby collecting more benefits than he or she is allowed.

UI Fraud is punishable by law!

PENALTIES Can Include: • Criminal prosecution • Penalties and fines • Forfeiting future income tax refunds • Ineligibility to collect UI benefits in the future Don’t make your unemployment problem worse. If you think you may have committed UI Fraud, let us help you address the issue.

• An individual performs temporary work while collecting UI benefits, but does not report the earnings when filing his or her weekly claim.

• An individual holds back information or gives false information to the state UI agency.

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1.877.372.8360 Call us today or visit does.dc.gov to read more about UI Fraud.

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 3

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08.............What’s on Washington

12.............East of the River Calendar 20.............The Bulletin Board 24.............District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 26.............The Numbers • by Wes Rivers 28............. Shutdown Pushes Mental Health Services to Edge • by Jonathan Neeley 29............. E on DC • by E. Ethelbert Miller 30............. Pavilion Opens on East Campus of St. Elizabeths

by John Muller

32............. Ward 8 Barber Named NABBA President

by Charnice A. Milton

36.............Student Rights Alliance • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 38............. Central Union Mission • by Charnice A. Milton

42

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 42.............In Your Kitchen • by Annette Nielsen

44.............Mama’s BBQ, Blues & Pizza Relocates • by John Muller

46

45.............Jazz Avenues • by Steve Monroe

REAL ESTATE

40.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton 46............. L’Enfant Trust Begins Restoration of Historic Anacostia Homes • by John Muller

KIDS & FAMILY

48.............Kids & Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner

THE CLASSIFIEDS

32

52.............The Classifieds

COMMENTARY

54 ............The Nose • by Anonymous ON THE COVER: Maurice Hines, with John and Leo Manzari, in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater Nov 15-Dec 29. Photo: Tony Powell. Story on page 12.

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Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com

Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

Look for Next Issue of East of the River on December 14 Online Daily, Printed Monthly | www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com

Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com

BEAUTY, Health­­& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Mariessa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Rindy O’Brien • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Kyungmin Lee • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to editorial@hilllrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

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a month-by-month guide to events

The Washington Ballet “The Nutcracker” at THEARC

The Nutcracker tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker as a gift at a Christmas Eve party in her family’s 1882 Georgetown mansion. Later that evening she encounters a battle of Revolutionary War soldiers led by the Nutcracker (George Washington) battling the frightful King Rat (King George III). After winning the battle, the Nutcracker, now a handsome prince, leads Clara on an exhilarating and wondrous journey with the Snow Queen and King, Sugar Plum Fairy, cherry blossoms, Anacostia Indians, a frontiersman, cardinals and more. Performances are on Nov 30 and Dec 1, 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM. $30-$45. $15 discounted tickets available for residents of Ward 7 and 8. Call 202-889-8150 for more information. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org nutcracker Snow Scene. Photo: Paul Zambrana

EMULSION: First Annual East City Art Regional Juried Show

An emulsion combines two seemingly incompatible ingredients to produce a third yet entirely new substance. In this spirit, East City Art’s EMULSION seeks to combine the culturally different yet geographically close regions of Washington and Baltimore and to combine a wide array of art forms and mediums from two-dimensional work to performance based pieces. East City Art envisions EMULSION as an annual event that will exhibit the brightest talent from the Mid-Atlantic region. They expect EMULSION to grow over time to include more entries, an increase in prize money and visibility beyond the Mid-Atlantic to the national and international level. You’re invited to the opening reception on Saturday Nov. 9, 7-10 p.m. The exhibition runs through Jan 18, 2014. EMULSION is at the Gallery O on H, 1354 H St. NE. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday. noon-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. or by appointment. eastcityart.com Selin Balci “Contamination ii” microbial growth on Board - 70x100. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

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Fuego Flamenco IX (flamenco festival) at GALA Hispanic Theatre

Stunning! Sensual! Sizzling! GALA’s acclaimed flamenco festival Fuego Flamenco IX is an exploration of traditional flamenco, its breadth and diversity through contemporary expressions. This year’s attractions include the world premiere of Uno Más Uno created by Edwin Aparicio and Aleksey Kulikov for D.C.’s Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company, and the United States premiere of Templanza, performed by the sensual duo José Jurado and Isabel Rodríguez from Madrid. In addition, the festival will include Flamenco en Familia, free interactive demonstrations of various aspects of flamenco for children and families. New this year is a special screening of the documentary Sobre las Olas-A History of Flamenco in the US. November 8-17. Gala Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. 202-2347174. galatheatre.org Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company, presenting “Uno mas uno.”

Photo: Lonnie Tague

Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger

You’re invited to trot, run, walk, stroll or just watch the runners at the 12th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. Proceeds from the 5K benefits So Others May Eat by providing much-needed food, clothing and healthcare for the people they serve. The trot is on Thanksgiving Day at Freedom Plaza (corner of 13th Street, NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW). The Kids’ One Mile Fun Run is at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K run/walk starts at 9 a.m. So Others Might Eat has served Washington, DC for over 40 years, working to feed and clothe DC’s homeless and poor; treat ill, homeless people at their medical, dental and mental health programs; train people for jobs; and house homeless families and single adults. some.org

10,000 “trotters” gathered at Freedom Plaza on Thanksgiving morning of last year. Photo: Derek Parks

Old Town’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Courtesy of Campagna Center

On Dec 7, starting at 11 a.m. (rain or shine), more than 120 Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region as well as terriers and hounds of every description, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus during the Campagna Center’s annual Scottish Christmas Walk. The parade begins at the intersection of Wilkes Street and South St. Asaph Street, then heads north on South St. Asaph Street to Queen Street. It turns right on Queen Street to North Fairfax Street, then right on North Fairfax Street. The parade will then turn right on King Street, and pass the reviewing stand at Market Square to the ending point at the intersection of King and Pitt Streets. Parking, always tricky, is best avoided. Take Metro to King Street and a Dash bus to the parade route. visitalexandriava.com EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 9

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CALENDAR

Maurice Hines, with John and Leo Manzari, in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater Nov 15-Dec 29. Photo: Tony Powell

Maurice Hines is Tappin Thru Life at Arena.

Nov 15-Dec 29. Broadway legend Maurice Hines tells the story of his life in show biz through song and dance with the help of his cohorts from Sophisticated Ladies, the unforgettable Manzari Brothers. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org VETERANS HONORED Library of Congress to Display Copy of Gettysburg Address. Veterans Day Weekend-Nov 19. The Nicolay copy, presumed to be the first draft of the Gettysburg Address, will be displayed in the Great Hall on the first floor of the Jefferson Building from Veteran’s Day weekend, Friday, Nov 8, through Tuesday, Nov 19, which is the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s delivery of the speech at the dedication of a national cemetery at the Gettysburg battlefield (Nov. 19, 1863). The Great Hall display and Civil War exhibition are free and open to the public Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. loc.gov Service and Sacrifice at National Cathedral.

Nov 9, 1:30 PM; Nov 10, 1:30 PM, Nov 11, 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. In this one-hour tour, examine iconography in Cathedral sculpture, stained glass, and needlework that pays tribute to many significant events in our nation’s history and honors those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The tour also chronicles members of the military who were instrumental in the planning and

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creation of the Cathedral. Reservations are required; space is limited. The tour meets at the west-end docent station, nave level, just inside the main doors. $10. Washington National Cathedral, intersection of Wisconsin and Massachusetts aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org Veterans Day 10K & Tidal Basin Walk. Nov 10, 8:00 AM. Honor America’s veterans with a run through West & East Potomac Parks along the Potomac River. Fast, flat course.

T-shirts, refreshments, random prizes. Generous awards structure: 10 deep overall & 3 deep in 5-year age groups; top masters male & female. 301-840-2042. runwashington. com/veterans10k Veterans Day Wreath Laying at Arlington.

Nov 11, 11:00 AM. President Obama will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. The public is invited to watch this ceremony and to listen to the speech that follows. There is standing room at the wreath laying and seating in the adjacent amphitheater for the speech. Get there early. The better the weather, the earlier you should arrive. Security will be tight so leave

umbrellas and backbacks at home. Parking and the ride to the ceremony site are free. arlingtoncemetery.mil Library of Congress Main Reading Room Open House. Nov 11, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room for a special public open house. The fall open house has been rescheduled and will take place on the federal Veterans Day holiday, Monday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov Women Veterans ROCK! Rally at THEARC. Nov 11, noon-3:30 PM. The Women Veterans ROCK! Rally and Veterans Day Celebration is specially created to celebrate all women veterans, active duty, National Guard, reserve service women and military families.

This Veterans Day Rally honors their sacrifice, celebrates their service, and connects all women veterans to resources, services and other community-based networks.

This event is free and open to the public.

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org

Marine Corps Worship Service. Nov 10, 3:30 PM. A brass and percussion ensemble from “The President’s Own” will perform a prelude for the service. The worship service itself will begin at 4:00 PM. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-5376200. cathedral.org Veterans Day Observance at The Wall. Nov 11, 1:00 PM. Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

202-393-0090. vvmf.org Wreath Laying at World War II Memorial.

Nov 11, 9:00 AM. 17th St. between Constitution and Independence aves. NW. 202-6197222. wwiimemorial.com Free Newseum Admission for Veterans. The Newseum offers free admission to members of the military and their families on Veterans Day weekend. Active and retired members of the military and up to three family members are invited to visit the Newseum as the country pauses to recognize their service. Service members should present military IDs or another form of military-service credentials, or wear their uniforms. No IDs will be required for family members. newseum.org.

THANKSGIVING Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. Nov 23, 10:00 AM. 50 foot balloons, floats and marching bands.

Downtown Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue from Sligo to Silver Plaza. silverspringdowntown.com Potomac Valley Track Club Cranberry Crawl 5K & 10K. Nov 23, 8:30 AM. $20.

East Potomac Park Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 301-292-1441. pvtc.org Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing.

Nov 27, 11:00 AM-2:30 PM. The program will offer a complete sit down Thanksgiving meal, opportunities to explore the possibility of gainful employment; health screenings; and also information on achieving and maintaining good health.

Please help get the information out to seniors, churches, senior housing residences and especially to individuals and families in need. Free.

No reservations required. Washington Convention Center.

The Arlington Turkey Trot. Nov 28, 8:00 AM. The race’s mission is to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy a fun, healthy Thanksgiving activity together, and to raise support for three local charities: Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH), Doorways for Women & Families, and Arlington Food Assistance Center. ccapca.org/ turkeytrot Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Mile. Nov 28, 9:00 AM. The annual Thanksgiving Day Alexandria Turkey Trot is taking place in the Del Ray area of Alexandria with some exciting new additions. With a starting line change, this year’s race will be metro accessible, the start line is 2 blocks from the Braddock Metro Station. The DC Road Runners Club sponsors the event and proceeds will benefit the the A.L.I.V.E foundation. alexandriaturkeytrot.com Washington National Cathedral Thanksgiving Service. Nov 28, 10:00 AM. Cathedral at the intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org National Shrine Thanksgiving Mass.

Nov 28, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and noon.

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202526-8300. nationalshrine.com Bilingual Thanksgiving Mass at St Matthews. Nov 28, 10:00 AM. Join them in celebrating a bilingual (English and Spanish) Mass on Thanksgiving Day. Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW. 202-347-3215. stmatthewscathedral.org EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 13

CALENDAR Faith Presbyterian Church Thanksgiving Service. Nov 28, 10:00 AM. This is a joint worship service of Faith Presbyterian Church (Rev. Bernice Parker-Jones), Higher Ground Prayer Ministries (Apostle Angeloyd Fenrick), Living Word Church (Rev. Eugene Shepherd), S.E. Tabernacle Baptist Church (Rev. Daryl Flood) and Regeneration House of Praise (Rev. Cheryl Gaines). Services will be held at Faith Presbyterian, 4161 So. Capitol St. SW. 202-562-2035.

Union Temple Thanksgiving Service. Nov 28, 10:30 AM. All are welcome. 1225 W St. SE. 202-6788822. uniontemple.com

FOUNDATIONS FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY needs you become a therapeutic foster parent.

Learn more at our next orientation in Washington, D.C.

Call 202.654.5126

National Mall Museums Open Thanksgiving Day. US Holocaust Memorial Museum is open. The National Zoo is open. The national monuments are all available for viewing but Washington Monument is closed. All Smithsonian museums are open. Newseum, National Archives, US Capitol Visitors Center and Corcoran Gallery of Art are closed.

Visit Our Pardoned National Thanksgiving Turkey. Immediately following President Obama’s “pardon” of the National Thanksgiving Turkey, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens welcomes the turkey with a ceremony featuring a trumpet fanfare and proclamation read by Washington’s farm manager, “James Anderson.”

The turkey is on display through early Jan. After the holiday season, the turkey will live at Mount Vernon’s nationally-recognized livestock facility. mountvernon.org

EARLY CHRISTMAS “Holiday Mail for Heroes” Mailbox. Through Dec 6. Americans can create and send cards to service members, veterans and their families who will receive cards across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross invites the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by mailing them to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. redcross.org/holiday

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A Christmas Carol at Ford’s. Nov 21-Jan 1. (no performance Thanksgiving Day). Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. $35-$75. 202-3474833. fordstheatre.org Old Town Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nov 23,

7:00-9:00 PM, (rain or shine). Enjoy musical entertainment, caroling with a community sing along, and greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus. Historic Market Square in Old Town, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA

third floor of the Mansion. George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $17/adult, $8/child, 5 and under free. 703-780-2000. mountvernon.org

“Season’s Greenings” at the US Botanic Garden. Opens Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28 through Jan 1, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov

Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Nov 29-Dec 22 (Saturdays and Sundays), 5:00-8:00 PM. Join “Mrs. Washington” as she hosts an enchanting evening of candlelight tours, fireside caroling, and festive treats.

Timed tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under.

George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. 703-780-2000. mountvernon.org

Downtown DC Holiday Market. Nov 29-Dec 23, noon-8:00 PM. The annual Downtown DC Holiday Market offers seasonal outdoor shopping with a festive atmosphere. It features nearly 180 rotating exhibitors and artisans with approximately 50 each week, offering distinctive gifts for sale including fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, photography, clothing and specialty foods. Centered at Eighth and F sts. NW. downtownholidaymarket.com National Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting. Nov 29, 5:00-7:00 PM. Waterfront Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland. The waterfront community will kick off the holiday season by lighting up the sky with fireworks and a 65ft Christmas tree decorated with 20,000 lights. Sip some hot chocolate and enjoy story-telling, an ornament-making workshop and holiday music.

The Garden of Lights (Winter Garden Walk) at Brookside Gardens. Nov 29-Jan 5 (except Dec 24-25 and Jan 1-2), 5:30-9:00 PM, weekdays; 5:30-10:00 PM, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. 940,000 twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. $20-$25 per car. It’s a walk-through, however. Brookside Gardens Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallan Ave.,Wheaton, MD. montgomeryparks.org/brookside Zoolights. Nov 29-Jan 1, 5:00-9:00 PM nightly except Dec 24, 25 and 31. Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment. Free.

National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu Christmas at Mount Vernon. Nov 29-Jan 6, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Holiday visitors will enjoy themed decorations, chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th century dancing, plus a rare opportunity to tour the

A Commedia Christmas Carol at Gallaudet University. Nov 29-Dec 22. A Commedia Christmas Carol, presented by Faction of Fools Theatre Company, is a modern retelling of the Dickens holiday classic with masks, acrobatics, humbug, and holiday cheer. $25. Elstad Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave. NE. factionoffools.org Union Station Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec 3, 6:00 PM. The tree is a gift to the people of Washington, DC and is a symbol of friendship between the United States and Norway. Join the Norwegian Embassy and DC as the 8,000 lights on Washington’s official holiday tree are lit and enjoy live musical performances. unionstationdc.com US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec 4, 5:00 PM. The public is invited to attend the lighting ceremony on the Capitol west lawn.

No tickets required. Visit the tree through Dec 26. capitolchristmastree.com Daughters of the American Revolution (family-friendly) Christmas Open House. Dec 4, 5:30-8:00 PM. Live holiday music, tour 31 period rooms, cider, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa (bring a camera).

DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D sts. NW. 202-572-0563. dar.org National (White House) Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec 5, 5:00 PM (probably). Watch our website, capitalcommunitynews.com, for date confirmation and ticket lottery dates and details. There is no stand-by line but you can visit the tree anytime thereafter. thenationaltree.org Christmas Concert at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Dec 6, 7:30 PM (but get there earlier). The National Shrine invites you to their Annual Christmas Concert for Charity featuring the voices and sounds of the Catholic University of America Choir and

Orchestra. Free will offering. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Concert. Dec 7, parade 11:00 AM-1:00 PM; massed band concert 1:00-1:30 PM. Parade route Begins at the corner of Wilkes and South Saint Asaph sts. in Old Town and ends at King and Royal sts. Concert at King and Royal sts. in front of City Hall at Market Square. Alexandria, VA. scottishchristmaswalk.com Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dec 7, 4:00 PM. Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Alexandria’s Historic Waterfront at the foot of Cameron St., Alexandria, VA. 703-838-5005. visitalexandriava.com Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long. Dec 7, 4:00 PM. “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and members of local choirs and vocal groups perform. wolftrap.org National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Dec 7-8, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM. The NMAI Art Market offers one-of-a-kind, handmade, traditional and contemporary items directly from the artisans. More than 35 Native artists from North and South America will participate in this annual weekend market featuring a wide selection of items for purchase including handmade jewelry, beadwork, pottery, prints and sculpture. Free. Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202-6331000. nmai.si.edu Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree. org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.

HANUKKAH National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Nov 27, 4:00 PM. Festivities at the lighting ceremony include musical performances and hot latkes and donuts. This year’s celebration will feature the US Air Force Band. The menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah. The Ellipse, near the White House (at the NW end, near Constitution Ave.).

Hanukkah Lights Reading with NPR’s Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

Dec 2, 7:00-9:00 PM. Free. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5494172. hillcenterdc.org

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, Nov 9 and Dec 14, 10:00 AM-noon.

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CALENDAR Big Chair Coffee n’ Grill (upstairs). All are welcome to attend and discuss what’s happening East of the River. 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. 202-525-4287.

Winter Recap-Honfleur Gallery Collection. Nov 9-Dec 20. Since opening in January 2007, Honfleur Gallery has produced more than 50 exhibitions, presenting the work of local, national and international artists. This winter, the gallery will showcase a mix of its collection including work

by Cyril Anguelidis, Stephan LaPlanche, John K. Lawson, Arie Mandelbaum, Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, Delphine Perlstein, Ben Skinner, and Gustavo Diaz Sosa. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-3658392. honfleurgallery.com

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AM-12:30 PM. Courting Justice looks at the challenges seven South African women judges face as they serve in New Democracy appointments. It is a story that unveils the previously all-male institution and the sacrifices women judges make to achieve the South African constitution’s human rights promises. The film’s creator and executive producer, Ruth Cowan, introduces the film and hosts a discussion. Free; for information, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia. si.edu

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

RAW Files Worn Magazine. Nov 9-Dec 20.

To celebrate FotoWeekDC 2013, Worn Creative is putting its RAW Files on display at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. On the heels of Worn Magazine’s sixth issue, the show will feature the most stand out images from the past five issues of Worn Magazine, a sneak preview of images from the upcoming Issue 6 “The Raw Issue” before its official release, behind the scenes video showing the magazine printing process, and a selection of unpublished images from past editorial shoots. Worn Magazine’s RAW Issue will be released in November, following the exhibition at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions.

The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, (upstairs) 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsgallery.com

Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Nov 12, 17, 20, 22, 27 and 29; Dec 3 and 7. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-628-3200. capitals.nhl.com

Origins of the Afro Comb Project. Nov 12, 10:30 AM-noon. Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, curator at the Fitzwilliam Museum of the University of Cambridge, UK, discusses her recently curated exhibition, Origins of the Afro Comb: 6,000 Years of Culture, Politics, and Identity, and shows artifacts from the exhibition. Participants are encouraged to contribute to the Afro Comb online project to create archives of shared stories relating to using the Afro comb. Free, but reservations required; call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

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

Bead Workshop. Dec 10, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Join jeweler and entrepreneur Elena Crusoe Aikens in a bead workshop as we celebrate the Ubuhle community of South African women. The workshop covers a brief history of bead art and craft before participants create their own beaded project. All tools and supplies are provided. For middle school students to adults. Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Art of Designing. Dec 11, 10:30 AM-noon.

Leading this workshop is designer Januwa Moja, who has dedicated herself for the past 40 years to celebrating the African diaspora through the creation of wearable art. Moja, a Baltimore native who now lives in Washington, D.C., refers to her designs as “regalia.”

Free; for information, call 202-633-4844.

Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Film: Courting Justice. Dec 12, 10:30

Washington Wizards Basketball. Nov 16, 19, 23, 26 and 30; Dec 2 and 6. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-397-SEAT. nba.com/ wizards DC Rollergirls. Nov 23, 4:00 PM. (Doors open at 3:00 p.m.) Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for children 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance at ticketmaster.com or at the door on bout day. Individuals with a valid military ID can purchase tickets for $10 at the door.

Bouts are at DC Armory. dcrollergirls.com

Free Yoga Classes for Adults at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library. Every Saturday, 9:30 AM. This program is free and open to the public.

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. 202645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Canal Park Ice Rink. Won’t open until Dec this year due to a ruptured pipe in the rink’s pump room. canalparkdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open min-Nov through mid-Mar (weather permitting). MondayThursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM9:00 PM. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and

Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating Public Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon-1:50 PM and Saturdays 11:45 AM-12:45 PM. Children (12 and under) and seniors are $4, adults (13 and older) are $5. Skate rental is $3. For more information, call 202584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org Washington Harbour Ice Skating. Open mid-Nov through mid-Mar (weather permitting). Monday-Thursday, noon-9:00 PM; Friday, noon-10:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. At 11,800 square feet, the new Washington Harbour Ice Rink is DC’s largest outdoor ice skating venue, and is also larger than New York City’s Rockefeller Center rink.

Adults, $10; children/seniors/military, $8. Skate rental is $5. 3050 K St. NW. thewashingtonharbour.com Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating.

Open mid-Nov through mid-Mar, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM. $7-$8. $3 for skate rental. 1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, VA. 703-418-6666. pentagonrowskating.com

MARKETS AND SALES Thread at Union Market. Nov 29-Dec 1. Thread is Union Market’s fashion event-a retail salon located in Dock 5, Union Market’s second-floor event space-featuring more than 30 local and national unique and independent brands from around the country. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Ward 8 Farmers Market. Open Saturdays through Thanksgiving, 9:00 AM2:00 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. easternmarketdc.com Union Market. Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. The newly-opened Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays,

Help Niko!

Niko, a foster at Rural Dog Rescue, has a Cruciate Ligament tear, miniscal damage and a fractured tibia. The vet costs to return him to health are substantial. Rural Dog Rescue needs your help to help Niko recover. All donations are tax deductible.

Rural Dog Rescue

www.ruraldogrescue.com www.facebook.com/ruraldog 410-310-4420

Help Save A Homeless Dog! Donate Now! www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/Up-To-Our-Tails-In-Medical-Bills-/48023

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 17

CALENDAR 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Saturdays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country.

During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM. The crowd is as diverse as the items for sale! Antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books and photographs are an example of the available items. 1819 35th St. NW. 202-775-3532. or georgetownfleamarket.com

Maurice Hines, with John and Leo Manzari, in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater Nov 15-Dec 29. Photo: Tony Powell

Nassim Solemanpour’s White Rabbit, Red Rabbit.

Dec 2, 8 and 16, 7:00 PM. Theater Alliance continues its 11th season with this original play from Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour which distills the experience of an entire generation while also serving as a deep exploration of isolation, censorship, communication, manipulation, and the awesome power of spontaneity. All performances are name your own price. Just arrive up to an hour before the curtain time, and you can decide how much you pay for the performance. If you would like to pre-reserve your seat you can do that by paying a $15 reservation fee that is non-refundable.

Visit theateralliance.com or by calling 202-241-2539. Performances at Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. 18 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

CIVIC LIFE Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. Third Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Big Chair Coffee and Grill, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible.

Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 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, 202834-0600.

Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6:00 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202388-1532.

Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-3985258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360.

7E@anc.dc.gov ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202889-6600. anc8adc.org ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244.

ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC 8E. First Monday, 7:00 PM. 3400 Wheeler Rd. SE, Eagle Academy 202-561-6616. 8e02@ anc.dc.gov ◆

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 19

BULLETIN BOARD Randall Neighbor Day 2013

On Saturday, Nov 30, as part of Randall Neighbor Day 2013, anyone who can prove he or she lives in zip codes 20024 or 20003 can visit, for free, the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Corcoran admission usually costs $10. On Saturdays, the museum opens from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202-639-1700. corcoran.org

Photo: Jacob Rodriguez-Noble

Urban Waterways Panel Discussion

On Nov 19, 7-9 p.m., join us for a panel discussion focusing on issues and concerns associated with the Anacostia River, our urban waterway, as well as on waterways in other urban centers.

Free; for information, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu District Gallery of Decorative Arts Opens on Nanny Helen Burroughs Ave. NE The District Gallery of Decorative Arts opened on Nov 5. It is a venue committed to providing local artists a free space to display and market their creative works. The gallery will feature a variety of creative expressions from noted artists including new contemporary impressionism of Deirdra Linewater, custom jewelry by Mark Thompson, Joe Revas’ urban photography as well as an exhibition from the Turkish Policy Group “It all started with a tree.” The District Gallery of Decorative Arts is at 4912 Nanny Helen Burroughs Ave. NE.

Wells Introduces Capitol Riverside Sports Park Plan for RFK

Councilmember Tommy Wells has introduced the Sense of the Council Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park Resolution of 2013 to reclaim the parking lots at Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium. This resolution, which was co-introduced by Councilmember David Grosso, would direct the District to explore the conversion of the parking lots at RFK Stadium to playing fields, a youth sports complex, and green space.

In 2006 the National Capitol Planning Commission completed and approved planning studies that determined the site should be used for parks and recreational activities, and to serve as a gateway to the District from the east. Conversion of this space would not interfere with the possible reuse of the RFK Stadium site as a professional stadium in the future. At the suggestion of the D.C. Office of Planning, the design provides for passive grass parking for big events, similarly to event parking at Carter Barron Amphitheatre. The property where the parking lots are located is currently owned by the federal government. It is leased to the Government of the District of Columbia for uses restricted to parks and recreational activities.

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Bluegrass Music Meets Modern Dance at the Anacostia Arts Center

Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia

On Nov 14, 6:30-9 p.m., explore the history of Negro Leagues baseball during an evening with Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City. Kendrick discusses the achievements, significance, and demise of the Negro Leagues in this informative and entertaining presentation for sports enthusiasts, historians, former players, and their families, and anyone interested in baseball. Free, but reservations required; call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

Ken Downing’s Holiday Shop at Neiman Marcus Benefits THEARC

Leave it to the Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus to find 37 fabulous gifts that no holiday list should be without. In the spirit of giving, 10% of the proceeds from The Ken Downing Gift Collection will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC)--dedicated to supporting arts education. Neiman Marcus of Mazza Gallerie is at 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The holiday shop is open Nov 20-Dec 25. The holiday shop opening celebration is Wednesday, Nov 20, 6-8 p.m.

Verbal Gymnastics at Anacostia Community Museum

On Friday, Dec 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., poet and playwright John Johnson hosts an interactive workshop that incorporates poetry and

Blue Mountain Express is the debut evening-length choreographic venture for DCbased dancers Eleni Grove and Matina Phillips.

It will be presented at the beautiful, new Anacostia Arts Center on Nov 9, 8 p.m. and Nov 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and are available at bluemountainexpress.bpt.me. Anacostia Arts Center is at 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com Blue Mountain Express is where contemporary dance and bluegrass music collide. Four people board a train. Where they are going-only they know. During their journey, their personal stories are revealed and become interwoven.

They discover similarities with one another and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make them individuals. Join us for the ride. Who knows what you’ll learn about yourself along the way. 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 Sept 10.

Free; for information and reservations, call 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

National Make A Difference Day

On Oct 26, more than 300 volunteers came together in the Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood to participate in a day of community ser-

vice coordinated by City Year Washington, DC and DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative (DCPNI). Volunteers beautified DCPNI’s parent academy and out-of-school time youth center located at the site of the former Kenilworth Elementary School. Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of community service. Service projects included painting, landscaping, cleaning and organization.

DCPNI is one of 57 Promise Neighborhoods across the United States selected by the Department of Education to develop a cradle to career pipeline for children to ensure that they obtain a quality education, graduate from college or a vocational school and grow up to have successful careers and communities.

City Year partners with schools and teachers to place trained young adults in schools where they are needed most to provide individual support to students who need extra care and attention. Working with teachers, City Year corps members use research-based tools and techniques to help students who are struggling, so more kids stay in school and on track to graduate.

New St. Elizabeths East Gateway Pavilion Welcomes Public

The ribbon was cut on Oct 23, signaling the first time members of the public have been welcomed onto the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus. The Gateway Pavilion is an innovative, flexible and aesthetically unique structure designed to serve a wide range of interim uses, including food vendors, pop-up retail, community events and other uses that will stimulate economic development in Ward 8 and provide amenities to the community and to visitors and workers who frequent the area. The structure will allow residents, visitors and employees at the new federal EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 21

BULLETIN BOARD District Establishes New Stormwater Fee Discount Program

DC tree planting season begins.

Photo: Lateef Mangum

Mayor Gray Kicks off Tree-Planting Season

On Oct 18, Mayor Gray and officials from the District Department of Transportation Urban Forestry Administration kicked off the District’s tree-planting season by planting trees in the 2600 Block of Birney Pl. SE. As part of this year’s tree-planting campaign, UFA will plant 7,500 trees throughout the District. The District’s annual tree-planting campaign is aimed at expanding the tree canopy and establishing the District as one of the world’s preeminent green cities. Through late spring, DDOT’s UFA will fill as many street-planting spaces as possible, across the District’s eight wards, with sizable, diverse and safe trees. Planting locations are identified largely by requests received from residents. For more information about DDOT’s UFA tree-planting initiatives and services, visit ddot.dc.gov/trees. offices on the St. Elizabeths West Campus the opportunity to experience the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus before its Phase I redevelopment into a full mixed-use site is complete.

Harvesting a Winter Vegetable Garden at Anacostia Community Museum

On Nov 23, 2-4 p.m., come meet Fox 5’s Derek Thomas, the Garden Guy, and learn about popular vegetables suited for fall planting 22 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

and what vegetables will last through winter. Learn about the importance of soil care and preparing your garden for winter. The workshop ends with a vegetable distribution to participants in celebration of the end of the current growing season and the beginning of the winter holiday season.

Local farmers from various farmer’s markets will also be on hand to discuss which winter seasonal vegetables are available to shoppers. All materials will be provided. Free, but reservations required; call 202-633-4844.

Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

Become an Exhibitor at the Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market

Situated in the large parking lot at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Ave. and Pleasant St. SE, the market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market also features local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages.

Neighborhood organizations are offered free space as the community enjoys this new neighborhood gathering place.

The market accepts all types of arts, crafts and collectible products.

Additionally, fresh produce, preserved and dried goods, prepared foods and beverages, plants and flowers, breads, diary and meats are also welcome. 10’x10’, 10’X20’, and larger spaces are available. Vendors supply their own tent, tables and other display items. Tents should be weighted.

No electricity is available on site.

Read more at bigchairmarket.com.

DDOE has launched the RiverSmart Rewards program, which provides District property owners and tenants who install systems that retain storm water runoff, with discounts of up to 55% on its storm water fee. The financial incentive is to encourage installation and maintenance of storm water retention best management practices (BMPs) that prevent pollution from entering the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and their tributaries. Eligible BMPs include green roofs, bioretention, rainwater harvesting, and permeable pavement. Discounts are calculated based on the total volume of stormwater that a BMP, or combination of BMPs, retains on site.

For application forms and more information on RiverSmart Rewards, visit ddoe.dc.gov/riversmartrewards.

The final Stormwater Fee Discount Program rule and Response to Comments document is available at green. dc.gov/page/notice-final-rulemaking-establish-stormwater-fee-discount-program.

DC’s New Online Database for Volunteer Opportunities

Serve DC is proud to present NeighborGood, a new tool to help residents engage in meaningful service and connect with the causes and organizations they care about.

NeighborGood is a free, online DC-specific volunteer opportunity database and search engine. NeighborGood connects residents with meaningful DC-based volunteer opportunities and connects community-based organizations with the city’s cadre of dedicated, experienced volunteers. For more information, visit bit.ly/welcometoneighborgood.

DMV Moving to Central Issuance Process

Beginning Nov 26, 2013, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles is moving to a central issuance process. DC DMV will no longer issue driver licenses and identification cards over the counter. Customers will receive a temporary paper license or identification card valid for 45 days, and the new driver license or

identification card will be mailed to customers. The agency will not mail to P.O. boxes. With the new issuance process, DC DMV is also changing the design of the driver license and identification card. The credentials have different features that are designed to reduce fraud. They include, but are not limited to: two photos on the front and one on the back, signature on front and back, veteran identifier, and organ donor symbol.

Details about the new process and new credentials are available in DC DMV’s brochure. It is available online as well as in DC DMV’s service centers. The agency will also mail the brochure to customers in their driver license and identification card renewal notices.

Weekly Residential Street Sweeping Ended - Leaf Collection Begun

Weekly residential street cleaning ended for the season on Oct 31. “No Parking/Street Cleaning” restrictions are lifted and motorists may park on posted, alternate-side, daytime sweeping routes without moving their cars on street-cleaning days. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect. Residential street sweeping will resume Monday, March 3, 2014, weather permitting.

Overnight sweeping along the District’s major roadways, e.g., Pennsylvania, Georgia, Constitution, and Independence Avenues, will continue all winter, as weather permits. Motorists should obey the street sweeping signs posted along these streets.

By suspending the street sweeping program, DPW personnel can focus on leaf collection, which runs through Jan. 11, as well as the upcoming snow removal season. Leaves will be removed from neighborhood tree-boxes at least twice. Loose leaves raked into the tree-boxes or bagged leaves placed there will be collected and composted. During the last two weeks of leaf collection season (Dec 29-Jan 11), DPW will collect holiday trees and other greenery from residents whose trash is collected by DPW. The trees and greenery should be placed where their trash is collected. Please remove all ornaments and lights and do not put the tree(s) in a bag. The 2013-2014 leaf collection season brochure will be mailed to residents. ◆

HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY COMMUNITY Fresh produce from local farmers, plants, art, food-preparation workshops, children activities, nutrition and more...

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OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER 23RD Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat.

To be eligible to win a tasty prize, TEXT 313131 and ENTER W8FM. We will send you occasional texts about our farmers’ market, including special offers!

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.

1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | NOVEMbER 2013 H 23

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Your Vote Doesn’t Count

DC City Council delays first-ever election of DC Attorney General

I

n early November, aspirants for public office in D.C. will pick up nominating petitions from the D.C. Board of Elections, starting a process that will end with the April primary and November general election. Candidates will vie for mayor; D.C. Council chair; for an At-Large seat; for seats representing wards 1, 3, 5, and 6; for delegate to Congress and for two spots on the shadow delegation.

One seat, though, won’t be up for grabs—D.C. attorney general. In ear-

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by Martin Austermuhle ly October the D.C. Council passed a bill delaying the first-ever election of the city’s top law enforcement official by four years; if all goes as planned, D.C. residents will elect an attorney general, who is now appointed by the mayor, in 2018, instead of 2014 as was originally envisioned.

Referendum Reversed

The move wasn’t merely some technical tinkering, though, but rather a direct affront to the will

of District residents. In 2010 some 90,000 voters—75 percent of all those casting ballots—chose to approve an amendment to the Home Rule Charter making the position elected rather than appointed. Advocates of the change—and candidates for the office—readied themselves for the historic first election in 2014.

Last July, though, that plan unraveled. Amidst debate over the authority and structure of the newly elected office, Councilmember (and now mayoral contender) Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) introduced legislation delaying the vote by four years. (He was joined by fellow mayoral candidate Muriel Bowser, while Tommy Wells voted against.) According to Evans, and enough of his colleagues, D.C. simply wasn’t ready to elect an attorney general. In October that bill passed, and was quickly signed by Mayor Vincent Gray.

Don’t let anyone tell you that D.C. politics isn’t richly imbued with irony. In a city that regularly fights for its own voting representation in Congress, local elected officials put off the heavy lifting of helping determine what an elected attorney general’s office would look like and instead punted the election four years down the road. The city’s voters may have spoken, they reasoned, but we speak louder. We may trust D.C. residents with the right to vote, but we don’t have to trust them with the result those votes produce.

Even the current attorney general, Irv Nathan, could see through his own concerns over the structure and the authority of the office his elected successor would fill, to recognize that while the Council was legally entitled to delay the election, it probably wouldn’t look very good.

“The District’s voters by a substantial margin supported the Charter amendment creating an elected Attorney General and did so with the justifiable expectation of voting for one in 2014 who would take office in January 2015 concurrent with the next Mayoral term,” he wrote in a letter to Evans and the Council. “In my view, their expectation should be respected and fulfilled.”

Well, it’s looking like it won’t be.

And it’s not the first time, either. In 1994, a majority of D.C. residents voted to limit Council members to two consecutive terms in office. In 2001, though, Evans and a majority of his colleagues decided that they didn’t want to have to abandon the perks of political power, so they simply passed a bill undoing the voters’ will. Had the results of the referendum been respected, well, many of our current Council members would be in another line of work.

This isn’t to say that an elected attorney general or term limits are the best policy. They may not be. But that’s an issue to be decided during a campaign and at the ballot box.

It’s simply sour grapes to lose an election and then work the legislative process to undo it. It’s true that

the Council didn’t do away with an elected attorney general altogether, but given October’s vote, what’s to stop them? That’s not a healthy assumption to have in a city that has enshrined the right of residents to use initiative and referenda to decide on important policy issues.

The matter isn’t totally settled yet, though. Shortly after the Council voted on the bill delaying the election, attorney (and former At-Large contender) Paul Zukerberg filed a lawsuit trying to stop the Council from stopping the 2014 election. “If the Council can cancel the election for Attorney General, they can cancel the election for mayor, or their own election, and we will be left with nothing but tyranny,” said Zukerberg in a statement. His case will be heard on Nov. 7.

Should Zukerberg prevail, D.C. will be in the uncomfortable position of having to rush an election it originally had three years to prepare for. Walter Smith, the executive director of D.C. Appleseed and one of the main proponents of the attorney general’s election, says it can be done. Given the potentially short time frame that would result with all the delays, he has proposed pushing the election to November 2014 and running it as a special election, meaning that any candidate from any party could run. Come 2018 the election would be run the way every other one is: with a primary and then a general election.

Whichever way it pans out, the Council has royally screwed D.C. voters: either they won’t get an election they originally voted for, or they’ll get one that will have to be improvised at the last minute because of the Council’s unnecessary intervention.

Primary Posturing

The attorney general election isn’t the only place that

the Council has been inserting itself. In recent months various Council members have attempted to change the date of the 2014 primary from April 1 to something later, likely in the second week of June.

According to proponents of the idea, an April primary forces candidates to gather signatures to get on the ballot in the dead of winter—and during the holidays, to boot—and allows for extra-long lame duck periods for incumbents who lose. But critics rightfully point out that while changing the date may eventually be a good idea, it’s much less so this close to the next primary. To them, any such move smacks of changing the rules of the game as the game is taking place.

Is April too early for a primary? Yes. Should it be changed?

Well, that’s complicated. The April date came about after D.C. was forced to abandon its traditional September primary due to a federal law strengthening protections for absentee voters. Lawmakers chose April because they wanted the local primary to coincide with the presidential primary; that way, they reasoned, turnout would be highest. Of course, presidential elections only happen every four years, leaving D.C. with an awkwardly early primary during offyear elections.

Should the Council want to change it, they need to let the 2014 cycle run its course and quickly call a series of public hearings to debate the issue. Our legislators delay discussions on far too many important issues—see “Election, D.C. attorney general”—and this is an opportunity for them to jump ahead and let a possible change be widely discussed and intelligently implemented.

Martin Austermuhle is a freelance writer living in Columbia Heights. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 25

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

theNUMB3RS 3.327.649.10

Obamacare in DC Working Well To Keep Us Well

T

he District is different from many other parts of the country in significant ways.

We don’t have a voting member in the House or two senators. Our local laws have to be approved by Congress—a fact highlighted recently by the federal government shutdown.

But another difference that has gotten little attention since October 1 is that DC’s health care exchange — www.dchealthlink.com — is working quite well.

The success of DC Health Link is demonstrated by the fact that more than 12,000 residents and 400 small businesses have created online accounts and started shopping for affordable health plans in the first three weeks with relatively few problems.

By contrast, the federal health insurance exchange has experienced a series of high profile “glitches” and temporary service delays, fueling criticism of all aspects of health reform efforts. However, the District-run DC Health Link has experienced relatively few technology setbacks since its roll out at the beginning of last month.

For more than a year, the District worked diligently to create a competitive marketplace and robust IT system within DC Health Link, and a broad network of brokers and community organizations that can provide assistance to residents new to insurance. As a result, the city’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act provides a model for other states and the federal government.

DC’s Online Marketplace: Open for Business and Residents

Under Obamacare, DC had the option to create its own health exchange. DC Health Link came online on-time, and residents have been able to purchase health coverage that will start January 1, 2014.

By clicking on www.dchealthlink.com, residents can compare plans based on services, size of doctor networks, and cost with relative ease. They can also apply for subsidies that make health insurance more 26 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Wes Rivers affordable or find organizations that are certified to provide assistance.

Unlike the federal exchange, DC Health Link was also up and running for small businesses on October 1. Small business owners can choose to shop or find a broker to help them through the options. DC Health Link also lessens the administrative burden for small businesses – in a few steps, a business owner can register an account, set contribution levels for employees, select a plan, and make a first payment. Business owners also have the opportunity to offer their employees multiple plans through the portal and not face additional expenses or administrative red tape.

There were a few glitches, but they have been relatively minor issues. The biggest kink is that shoppers cannot automatically learn if they qualify for credits and subsidies to help pay for a health plan. Officials at DC Health Link expect to resolve this by early November, and they emphasize that eligibility can still be determined with a short wait-time. Still, this does not delay coverage and has not deterred more than 300 people from completing the purchase of their plan. A second issue was that, initially, the system coded all individual applicants as tobacco users. This glitch was quickly fixed and did not affect the application process or the health plan prices and options available to shoppers.

Like any start-up, there will be technological issues and hiccups. So far, DC Health Link officials have proven the ability to get their designers and IT contractors to address bugs and glitches in a timely manner. And although the main marketplace is online, exchange officials communicate daily with a network of community assisters to identify problems and stumbling blocks.

Better Quality, Lower Prices

DC Health Link has not only made plans accessible through a well-functioning system, it has

improved the quality and affordability of what is offered in the market. A common critique of health reform is the inability to grandfather most existing health plans, i.e., “The President said I can keep my plan that I have had for several years, but now my insurer isn’t offering it.”

While not everyone will be able to keep the plan that they had last year, the plans offered on DC Health Link will guarantee consumer protections and coverage of certain services that may not be available in many residents’ current plans. Most important, the benefits will be comprehensive and include preventive services and requirements on the number of doctors available in a plan’s network.

The District has also taken steps to create better access to mental health services. As we better understand the linkages between untreated mental health issues and violence, the District has created standards for health plans that allow residents to seek mental health and substance abuse services without day or visitation limits. The District is the only known state to cover mental health services so comprehensively.

Then there’s the cherry on top: these higher quality benefits also come with more competitive prices. DC Health Link’s transparency and choice have added a level of competition among health plans that has not existed before. Residents can make real apples-to-apples comparisons when plans are side-by-side. Already, three insurers have dropped prices since submitting plans in the summer, evidence that competition is putting downward pressure on premiums.

DC Health Link’s Helpers

DC Health Link offers residents choices they have never had before – but greater choice can bring confusion about the differences between plans and the optimal plan for a particular person or business. So DC Health Link has created a network of 150 assisters

placed at 32 community organizations who are doing exactly that—assisting with those sometimes difficult choices — as well as helping consumers determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or for subsidies that help with out-of-pocket costs.

For small businesses, DC Health Link tapped the experience and knowledge of the District’s broker community, forming partnerships with broker associations and incorporating their services into the site. DC Health Link also partnered with DC Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to perform outreach to hard-toreach employers and minorityowned businesses.

The cornerstone principle of the Affordable Health Car Act is ensuring that all Americans have access to health care. The District makes this principle a reality by creating a reliable, sophisticated online marketplace, promoting competition and quality among health plans, and providing assistance to all who need it. DC has been a leader in making health care accessible to residents, and DC Health Link continues to make DC a model for states around the country in this area.

Wes Rivers is a policy analyst at DC Fiscal Policy Institute. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 27

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Mental Services In DC On The Edge Pushed to the Brink During Shutdown

O

n October 9th, eight days after the start of the federal government shutdown, the Latin American Youth Center reduced its services to essential operations only. The Columbia Heights non-profit, which provides mental health services, job support, and substance abuse counseling to some of DC’s most vulnerable residents, relies on federal and local government funding for its $13 million yearly budget. With Congressional Republicans refusing to pass a national budget for the 2014 fiscal year and the District unable to spend its own money because its budget must be appropriated by Congress, LAYC furloughed a total of 80 employees—including all senior staff and the Center’s mental health counselor— and was unable to make payroll on the 15th.

“It was extraordinarily stressful,” said LAYC president and CEO Lori Kaplan. “[It is] most important to us that kids know that we’re going to be there for them. We’ve built that trust over 45 years and nothing like this had ever happened.”

Fortunately, LAYC was able to re-open its doors on October 15th thanks to a Capital One grant of $250,000. The bank is a long-standing corporate sponsor of LAYC. The shutdown ended two days later, and LAYC turned out to be the only one of the District’s 34 mental health providers that had to furlough. But had the shutdown lasted much longer, many of DC’s most essential safety nets might have disappeared.

28 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Jonathan Neeley

A Bullet Dodged

According to Shannon Hall, executive director at DC Behavioral Health Association, there are about 28,000 mental health patients in the District, the collective care of which costs about $285,000 per day and is covered largely by Medicaid. Like all other US states and territories, the District receives Medicaid funding by paying all care costs upfront and then being reimbursed by the Fed. But DC would have had to make those initial payments without local spending authority, and with Medicaid costs in the District adding up to nearly $90 million in the shutdown’s first week alone, covering the costs by leaning on its $140 contingency fund was unrealistic. Mental health providers were left to rely on cash reserves and lines of credit to stay open.

“We don’t have a huge reserve,” said Pathways to Housing executive director Christy Respress. Pathways works with DC residents who are both homeless and dealing with mental health issues, and over 50% of its mental health budget comes from Medicaid. “Had [the shutdown] gone on another month we were not in a position to continue paying all of our salaries.”

Pharmacies would also have run the risk of being unable to provide essential medications had the government not re-opened. Robert Keisling, a psychiatrist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, stressed that patients suffering from common mental health afflictions like depression, bi-polar, and schizophrenia become

extremely vulnerable when they go off of their regular drugs. “Most people we see have been off their meds for a few weeks, which is why they’re psychotic or becoming suicidal. If a bunch of folks go off their meds, we’re going to see a big influx into emergency rooms.”

Keisling went on to note that halted medication cycles could lead to an increase in involuntary psychiatric admissions known as FD-12s.

Issued to people who are deemed to pose an imminent danger to themselves or others, FD-12s can be made by any of the Department of Behavioral Health’s 150 certified agents as well any District police officer or licensed physician or clinical psychologist. The DBH reports that its Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program had 2,259 FD-12 incidents in 2012. “All the time, people go off their meds and wind up getting involved with the criminal justice system because during their psychotic episode they violated the law,” said Keisling. “[Discontinued access to medications] would be a disaster.”

A Long-Standing Challenge

Hall stressed that mental health providers in the District have long faced difficult financial realities. To illustrate, she noted that when a patient in DC goes in for a routine primary health consultation, a doctor is paid $154; psychiatrists are paid only $45 for equivalent mental health visits.

“This is one along a long line of times when we’re not getting paid like we should,” said Yavar Moghi-

mi, a psychiatrist at WhitmanWalker Health who connected the budget freeze to last spring’s collapse of Medicaid claims processor D.C. Chartered Health. In that case, the Health Care Finance reimbursed mental health providers only after hospitals and primary care providers were covered. During the shutdown, providers also bore an increased burden because the DHCF had scheduled in 2014 payment for services rendered during the last few months of 2013.

Beyond health services, providers like Pathways to Housing were without funding from institutions like the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which meant the possibility of missed November rent payments for housing assistance.

“It was a horrible feeling,” said Respress. “We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality services to people whose lives are already chaotic and unpredictable. To not provide that safety net was incredibly unsettling.”

“Many of our staff are living paycheck to paycheck,” she continued.

“For them it was incredibly unsettling as well. We didn’t know day to day, and that was the most uncertain part: not knowing the end.”

LAYC’s Kaplan reported that while furloughed, a number of her employees continued to report to work as volunteers, and Respress said that a number of Pathways to Housing staff had prepared to do the same.

It was a sentiment shared across the mental health sector. “We have an

ethical obligation to continue to provide services,” said Karen Ostlie, director for behavioral health services at Catholic Charities, one of the city’s largest providers. “Whenever they pass the budget, we can bill for the services, but we’re not getting paid,” she said a few days into the shutdown.

“We came far too close to comfort,” said Hall of the shutdown. “The basic things that government is supposed to do, it would have been unable to do,” said Hall. “The populations we work with for housing and basic services were in jeopardy.”

A Need for Home Rule

Perhaps most frustrating is that during the shutdown, the money that mental health providers rely on simply idled in the bank. Midway through the shutdown, Turnage said that his department was ready to make payments as soon as it received authorization.

“The District raises nine billion dollars in a fiscal year and we can’t spend a dime until Congress tells us we can,” said Turnage. “Anyone with a sense of governance should understand how difficult it is for a jurisdiction as sophisticated as DC to manage a city without the authority to spend its money.”

When Congress finally passed the 2014 budget, it included a provision giving DC budget autonomy through September of next year. But if a shutdown were to happen in 2015 or funding were to be cut for any other reason, the city’s mental health providers would once again be pushed to the brink. It’s a scary thought for a sector that is already challenged by perpetually thin financial margins. u

Dear God

T

oo many of us are missing.

Across the country people will celebrate Thanksgiving this month without their loved ones sitting around the table. Their absence will not be the result of illness or old age, but instead it will be the result of gun violence in our society. How much have things changed over the years? I’ve never fired a rifle or hand gun in my life.

I’ll be 63 this month.

Meanwhile, no office building, no school, no neighborhood or city is out of bounds or can be defined as sacred grounds like Eden or Never Never Land. Bullets have no manners. They never knock first. They come through windows and walls.

Bullets are always hungry. They never seem to be satisfied. They love young flesh and eat children. Bullets are not vegetarians.

How do we go on about our lives without remembering each day those who have been taken from us?

After the tragedy at the Navy Yard, I listened to a worker being interviewed as he was returning to the facility. It was only two days after the horror and the guy spoke like a military man trying to overlook the civilian casualties. It was another work day and there was work to be done. “This is what the dead would want us to do,” was the guy’s last remark. We must go on living our nor-

by E. Ethelbert Miller

mal lives; maybe this is what I find so upsetting. What is normal these days? How numb have we become to shootings?

Should we all place an empty plate on our tables this month? A plate in anticipation of more violent deaths? Should we bow our heads in silent prayer? There are too many of us missing. I wonder if at times God turns his back on us? Does he get tired of our excuses and stories?

What if God had a vote? Would this change anything?

I want to be thankful and give thanks this month. Sometimes I need to practice a little mindfulness.

Every life is precious. Each breath taken is a reminder of how fragile things are or how unpredictable logic can be and every day our shadows tip around chaos.

We rise and go to work – thankful that we are blessed to return home without incident or accident. But there is so much crying lately that the way home has been flooded and I fear our humanity might now be homeless.

I think I finally understand why my mother was always thanking the Lord under her breath. She often called on him to give her strength – to find a way out of no way. My mother never explained her faith to me. I really only saw her on her knees when she was clean-

ing the house. Yet this woman who was a housewife and seamstress understood the thin fabric of life. She understood how quickly all could be lost or simply stolen or taken. My mother never had a kind word for the devil. These days when I look around there is much to do. We can blame the devil or we can blame ourselves. Which is easier?

This month I will say a short prayer at Thanksgiving for all those who remain believers in love, believing in their fellow human being. A prayer for those who show kindness to strangers and do not forget the poor. I will say a prayer for every heart wounded by gun violence and wounded by hatred. Someone please tell me how to fix the levee before the next home is destroyed. There are a few cracks in American society --hairline fractures and small bullet holes. Yet each day is one of hope and transformation. Each day is a day of healing and forgiveness. Nothing can grow out of our bitterness and sadness. Anger must become a lonely weed. Dear God, please tell me the tears falling are simply rain.

E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He is the author of two memoirs and several collections of poems. Mr. Miller is the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University. www.eethelbertmiller.com u

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 29

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Pavilion Opens on East Campus of St. Elizabeths

A

s Mayor Vincent Gray arrived at the ribbon cutting of the 400-foot long St. Elizabeths Pavilion, christened Gateway DC last month, a cluster of city officials and bureaucrats, architects,

by John Muller

officials are optimistic that the adjacent faded stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue will be revitalized as thousands of federal employees begin settling into the new headquarters of the United States Coast Guard.

A view from the rooftop of the Pavilion looking down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue towards the West Campus of Saint Elizabeths.

A host of city and federal officials help Mayor Gray cut the ribbon on Gateway DC last month.

members of the press corps and Side profile of the 400-foot community residents greetlong Pavilion with the historic 'Reading Tree' preserved. ed him as he worked his way through the crowd. Only one person was conspicuously wearing a tiara; ANC 8C 03 Mary Cuthbert, who was also holding a placard proclaiming the Pavilion “Cuthbert’s Castle.”

“This is a great day for Congress Heights,” Cuthbert, Chairman of ANC 8C, said. “It’s been twelve years in getting the St. Elizabeths East Campus zoned and it’s been 60 years since anything new has been built here.” With Also, in coming years the West Camthe new structure, Cuthbert and city pus of Saint Elizabeths will begin to 30 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

house employees of the Department of Homeland Security. To access the Pavilion, a tunnel beneath MLK Jr. Avenue has been opened that will link the East and West campuses every day from 10 am to 2 pm. During Mayor Gray’s remarks he endorsed a possible expansion of the Congress Heights Metro station, which currently has a single exit with less than a half-dozen faregates. “ W e had something to prove with this project and I sure hoped we proved it to everybody,” said Catherine Buell, a resident of Historic

Anacostia and Executive Director of St. Elizabeths East within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development. “We had 29 days of rain this summer and we still met a 90-day construction schedule.”

After acknowledging various partnerships between and within city agencies that collaborated to complete the Pavilion and establish its many amenities, such as a free Wi-Fi hotspot provided by the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Buell said, “Most importantly we have had the support of an amazing community, a community who advocates for us, who supports us and challenges us.

This would not be possible without the Ward 8 community.”

With banners hanging on street lights of the East Campus proclaiming “Future of Technology,” residents like Cuthbert are optimistic the neighborhood will see change for the better. “We’re getting some quality new development,” Cuthbert

said. “It’s important we begin to get retail to come back after 30 or 40 years. We want a diversity of stores, quality stores, no dollar store.”

Features of the Pavilion

Constructed in a matter of months, the Pavilion offers features that have the potential to make it a destination for residents the city’s “East End,” a term regularly used by city officials during the ribbon cutting ceremonies and communities in Maryland, just over Southern Avenue.

The ground level offers more than 16,000 square feet of open air market space of custom wooden flexible kiosk seating and vending space complimented by an enclosed, climate-controlled space of more than 3,000 square feet.

Just yards from the planned market space is a curb-side design planned to accommodate mobile vendors such as food trucks.

The roof-top amphitheater, which provides panoramic views of the East and West campuses, covers more than 20,000 square feet and has capacity for concerts, festivals and other gatherings of more than one thousand people, according to materials distributed by the city.

A Sunday Food Market (SFM), a pop-up food market, is planned to occur on the first Sunday of each month through March; December 1, 2013, January 5, 2014, February 2, 2014 and March 2, 2014. The SFM is planned to feature up to five stalls of local food vendors providing samples and dining options. Vending stalls will be rented to qualified businesses for a rate of $1.00 per market. According to information available online, 200 guests are anticipated to attend each Sunday pop-up.

Vendor information and applications can be accessed online at www.gatewaydc.com u

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 31

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Ward 8 Barber Named NABBA President

by Charnice A. Milton

F

or Derek Davis barbering is not just a profession, it is a family tradition.

“My grandfather, my father, my brother, my nephew, my aunt, my daughter, and my fiancée are all barbers,” he explained. In fact the National Association of Barber Boards of America (NABBA) inducted his father, the late Willie Roscoe Davis, into the Barber Hall of Fame in 2009. Four years later Derek would be elected as NABBA’s president, an honor that he considered the culmination of a lifelong journey.

Davis’ Career

that most people would want to have. And I’m my own boss,” he laughed. Today he is following in his father’s footsteps as co-owner, with his brother Marsten, of Davis Barber and Beauty Services. He has also trained others, as the only certified special education and cosmetology teacher in the District’s public school system for 26 years.

cosmetologists, three body artists, and two consumer members.

However, there are currently seven members, which poses a problem as the board needs a quorum, or minimum, of eight members to vote.

“We got a lot of stuff on the table and we can’t move legally without a quorum,” Davis explained.

Despite this setback Clifford Cooks, program manager for the Office of Professional Licensing, has no doubt of Davis’ leadership ability. “He always makes sure that the board reaches certain goals,” he said. “There hasn’t been any challenge he wasn’t able to accomplish.” In September Cooks attended the NABBA fall conference in Oklahoma City, Okla., and witnessed Davis’ induction as president. “The speech that he gave was fantastic,” he said. “He’ll do a fantastic job. There’s no doubt.”

DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology

NABBA

Derek Davis, Ward 8 barber, was elected president of NABBA.

“I never thought I was going to be a barber,” Davis remarked. When he was 12, Davis worked as a shop kid, helping barbers like his father by sweeping floors. After graduating from Anacostia High School he attended the University of Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in three years. Degree in hand, Davis “sent out a hundred resumes. I got letters from every company I applied to: under-qualified, over-qualified, or not enough experience.” However, Davis did have something that secured his career. “In high school my father thought enough about my future to send me to barbering school,” he explained. “So when I graduated from high school I had a high school diploma and a barbering license.”

“I thank God today for this trade,” said Davis. “I was able to send my daughter to college, I have my own home and all those material things 32 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Another way Davis emulates his father is as an appointed member of DC’s Board of Barber and Cosmetology, serving as chair since 2009. The board is responsible for regulating standards and practices for all barbers, hair dressers, body artists, and cosmetologists. This includes issuing licenses as well as establishing and enforcing ethics and health codes. The board usually has 14 members: three barbers, three cosmetologists, three specialty

Founded in 1926, NABBA is a national organization dedicated to serving state boards, officers, administrators, and other related industry members. According to NABBA’s website the organization has “over 110 active members that work to maintain the barber professional standards and policies of the barber and hair care industry.”

Davis, who has been a member of NABBA for almost eight years, had to go through a lengthy pro-

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 33

cess to become president. First, delegates nominate then vote for their candidates for vicepresident. NABBA’s executive board has five vice-presidents, each serving each successive office until he or she becomes president.

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While being the head of a national organization is an honor, Davis continues to give back to the Ward 8 community. Not only does he work as a Pretrial Services Agency facilitator and take an active role in his Advisory Neighborhood Commission, he does his best work as an ambassador for the barbering community. As a small business owner and head of a local and national legislative body, Davis works toward showing that barbering is a profitable and viable profession. “As you can see, my barbers are working,” he pointed out. “That’s what I’ve been trying to get the mayor and everyone in this city to realize.”

He argues that while transient and part-time jobs are good for a limited time, training in a skill like barbering can help secure a steady career.

“This particular trade – barber, cosmetology ... braiding ... natural hair people – has been a part of our community for years,” Davis said. “The jobs aren’t going anywhere.

We’re going to be here.” The same can be said for Davis; even as the head of a national organization, he and his family’s shop will continue to serve Ward 8. “We’ve been through drug wars, gangs, good and bad, but we’re still here,” declared Davis. “We can’t run from this community.”

Davis Barber and Beauty Services is located at 4646 Livingston Road SE, Washington, DC 20032. Call 202-563-5270 for more information and to make appointments. u

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 35

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Student Rights Alliance Addressing School “Push Out,” Creating Alternatives

S

tudent Doe had already missed 25 days of school, serving a 45-day suspension, when Courey Mascagni, part of the new Student Rights Alliance (SRA), entered the case. Mascagni, a special education attorney, arranged a hearing. The hearing immediately determined that DC Public Schools (DCPS) had issued too severe a suspension and ruled the student eligible to return to school. The judge’s final report declared Doe entirely innocent of charges. Time to drop the case and move on, right?

Not so fast, says Mascagni.

What about the 26 days of school the high-schooler had already missed? How could Doe ever catch up? And what about the larger issues involved? The attorney launched a due process complaint against DCPS, arguing that Doe had been denied a “free and appropriate public education.”

Awards in the case provided for attorney fees and “compensatory education” in the form of vouchers to supply tutoring and other support compensating for the student’s missed school days.

DCPS regularly issues harsher than necessary punishments, according to a recent study, and due process is often ignored.

This general pattern must be changed, insists SRA. Facing cases like Doe’s is one way to educate DCPS about the law, Mascagni argues, and enough such cases will prompt a reevaluation

36 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Virginia Avniel Spatz of the system. “That’s when the dialogue can begin.” As of press time DCPS had no comment.

“Push Out” and Inequality

Earlier this year the Every Student Every Day Coalition prepared “District Discipline,” a report that led to establishment of SRA. The report notes a correlation between pushing students out of school and “decreased academic performance, dropping out, substance abuse, and criminal activity.” It also highlights inequalities in this downward spiral, often called the “school to prison pipeline.”

DCPS suspended 11,000 of its 46,000 students in 2011-12. But students in some areas of town were far more likely to be suspended. A middle school in Ward 3 suspended 7 percent of students, for example, while middle-schools in other parts of town suspended between 25 and 72 percent of students.

In Wards 7 and 8, where over 40 percent of children live in poverty, DCPS suspended 35 percent of students during 2011-12. In Wards 2 and 3, where child poverty rates were 8.5 and 1.9 percent, respectively, DCPS suspended students at rates of 7 and 9 percent. Throughout the country, the coalition’s research shows, administrators disproportionately exclude students with disabilities, students who are homeless or in foster care, students of color, and students in poverty.

In DCPS special education

students are three times more likely to be suspended than their general-education peers. In addition “the extra set of procedural safeguards” for such students are often overlooked, says Geno Donney, deputy director of Took-Crowell Institute for At-Risk Youth at the University of the District of Columbia’s law school.

Alternative Discipline Strategies

Mascagni met Student Koe 35 days after a “suspension warning” was issued. Koe had been in a fight with another student and led from school in handcuffs. The fight demanded disciplinary action, Mascagni reports. However, an alternative to suspension – assignment to an anger management program, for example – would have improved outcomes for all. Instead, the attorney explains, the student, out of school and without a support system for weeks, “picked up charges while in a shelter situation.” Mascagni is still fighting for compensatory education for Koe. Koe’s suspension was never formalized. Instead the student was told to enroll elsewhere. De facto expulsions like this are common, according to SRA, and more frequent for students with special education needs.

SRA advocates use legal education and, where necessary, litigation to protect students like Doe and Koe. But they also hope their work will prepare the way for a dialogue with DCPS and eventually

other LEAs in DC and beyond about the educational disasters of suspension and about alternatives to “push out.”

“Help Yourself”

Donney, Mascagni, and others are working with the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area (ACLU-NCA) on a multi-pronged approach to DCPS’s discipline issues. Lawyers and law students assist students and families on specific cases. In addition an interactive and detailed “Help Yourself ” action kit is available on SRA’s website.

SRA hopes to train community members, including high school students, especially in schools flagged with high suspension rates. Once familiar with “Help Yourself ” strategies, they can help students protect their own rights, calling in legal assistance as necessary. “Right now, nothing much happens,” says Mascagni, in the face of harsh, sometimes illegally imposed suspensions. “If every student is printing out a form from our website and asking for an appeal, administrators may think twice about suspensions.”

(Student names and schools were changed or withheld for juvenile privacy reasons.)

Virginia Spatz is the feature reporter for We Act Radio’s Education Town Hall, WeActEd.wordpress.com. The Oct. 24 edition included an interview with SRA’s Geno Donney. u

Education Committee Initiatives

The DC Council’s Education Committee has introduced several legislative initiatives relating to SRA concerns.

The Attendance Accountability Act was enacted earlier this year. It requires the State Superintendent to issue a report on suspensions and expulsions in all LEAs and suggest alternatives. This will help inform future action in this area, says committee director Brendan Williams-Kief. In addition the Parent and Student Empowerment Act would establish a new advocate’s office and a newly funded ombudsman.

“Both offices would exist outside DCPS and the charters, fire-walled, outside of the to-and-fro between agencies,” says Williams-Kief. Independent offices, “dedicated to being very informed and up to speed,” will provide a stable system of recourse not currently available. This will better address a range of issues including special education and suspension/expulsion.

“The committee has heard a lot about the challenges of being a special education student and a special education parent,” the committee director adds. “There are many issues at play in the movement to try to get students into least restrictive environments, and even the most well-informed and well-resourced parents face challenges.” At press time the committee was hosting a Special Education Roundtable.

Williams-Kief concludes, “We look forward to meeting with the Student Rights Alliance.”

Facing suspension? Leave a message at 202-670-1486.

A trained Student Rights Alliance member will respond.

Learn more at www.StudentRightsAlliance.org. u

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Call 202.654.5126 EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | NOVEMbER 2013 H 37

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Central Union Mission A New Location, Same Important Work

by Charnice A. Milton

A

few blocks away from Union Station is the historic Gales School. Built in 1881, the building’s condition deteriorated due to vandalism and extreme weather conditions. Recently, the building has been under renovation, thanks to Central Union Mission. This month, the non-profit plans to reopen the building as its new central homeless shelter after closing their R Street location. Central’s executive director, David Treadwill, said that the move will fulfill a major goal: “...to turn one of the city’s eyesores into a sight for sore eyes.”

Central Union Mission

Central’s current transition is not the first for the faith-based non-profit. Founded in 1884 by a coalition of area churches, Central Union Mission originally began in a room at 909 Pennsylvania Avenue to serve homeless Civil War veterans. When Central’s opened its first shelter in 1891, it not only gave homeless men a place for the night, but also provided supportive services such as literacy and job skills training with spiritual services to combat issues like substance abuse and anger.

After eminent domain forced the organization out of its original location in the 1970’s, Central moved to its recent location: 1350 R Street. Today, Central has seven locations in the metropolitan area, with programs that benefit men, women, children, families, and the Hispanic community.

The New Shelter

While the 34,000 square-foot building will have traditional housing 38 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Pastor James Lewis of Central Union Mission at the Gales School entrance in October. Photo: Charnice A. Milton

spaces and residential suites for those who work night shifts, the shelter will have two day rooms, giving residents a place to stay during the day. The site will also house medical, dental, and legal offices, as well as a classroom, meeting rooms and staff offices.

While the shelter will open this month, the official opening ceremony will be in January. This would allow time for the staff and residents to get used to the new space and to add more programs as needed. For now, some have been relocated to Gospel Rescue Ministries (810 5th Street) or Central’s administrative office (2600 12th Street).

Working at Central

While local groups and churches volunteer at Central every night, staff members, like Pastor James Lewis, keep the organization running. “I wasn’t searching for a job,” he said. “I was called to serve here.”

As a student at the Howard Uni-

A look into Central Union Mission’s housing space.

David Treadwill, Central Union Mission’s executive director, hopes that this space will be open in time for Veteran’s Day. Photo: Charnice A. Milton

versity School of Divinity, Lewis was “...praying and waiting for an assignment from God.” While Lewis planned to work at a local church, he felt God calling him to work at Central. “The rest is history,” he said, “and I have been here for 13 years now.”

As the senior director of ministry, Lewis acts as a senior administrator,

overseeing daily programming. “I’m really excited for this move,” he said.

“To see this building come, to know we’ll have this permanent housing, it’s really exciting.” After selling the 14th Street location, Central has been running their programs from Gospel Rescue Ministries. Despite working in a smaller place, he is proud of the work he and Central is doing. “God

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Bid Package No. 4 Renovation of Scattered Sites located at 1452 Euclid Street, N.W, and 1312 Irving Street, N.W., Washington, DC RFP No. - DCHE 2013-6 THE DC HOUSING ENTERPRISES (“DCHE”) is seeking to solicit proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction services for substantial rehabilitation of scattered site row house dwellings located at 1452 Euclid Street, N.W. and 1312 Irving Street, N.W., Washington, DC. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS will be available at the DC Housing Enterprises Procurement Office, 1133 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services, Washington, D.C. 20002-7599 (Issuing Office); between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Tuesday, October 15, 2013.

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SEALED BIDS ARE DUE: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 @ 11:00 a.m. at the Issuing Office identified above.

Please contact Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at 202-535-1212 for additional information.

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 39

THEY SERVED OUR COUNTRY

TO PROTECT US. LET’S

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CHANGING HANDS

Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIs, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

Neighborhood

ANACOSTIA

2670 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE 1649 U ST SE 1328 V ST SE 1633 W ST SE

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 446 OAKWOOD ST SE 162 UPSAL ST SE 4213 WHEELER RD SE 3829 1ST ST SE

DEANWOOD

421 60TH ST NE 5737 BLAINE ST NE 223 46TH PL NE 5108 HAYES ST NE 5732 SOUTHERN AVE SE 4917 FITCH PL NE 5076 JAY ST NE 1021 51 ST NE 809 48TH PL NE 5065 SHERIFF RD NE 4631 30TH ST NW 3209 E ST SE 3915 C ST SE 4335 E ST SE

HILL CREST

Paula L.Ross-Haynes GRI, ABR,SFC,CIN, NOTARY

6725 Suitland Road, Ste 104 • Suitland, Maryland 20746 Office:301-736-2449 • Cell:301-442-2188 www.essentialpropertiesrealty.com paularhaynes@comcast.net

2910 W ST SE 3381 DENVER ST SE 2328 36TH ST SE 1613 27TH ST SE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5040 B SE 5305 D ST SE 5111 ASTOR PL SE 859 51ST ST SE 5038 DRAKE PL SE 192 54TH ST SE

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2217 NAYLOR RD SE 2205 HARTFORD ST SE 1510 TUBMAN RD SE

$299,900 $195,000 $176,000 $150,000

4 7 4 3

$217,000 $200,000 $130,000 $96,500

4 3 3 3

$375,000 $200,000 $200,000 $193,000 $179,000 $150,000 $135,000 $110,499 $101,000 $80,000 $1,179,000

5 3 4 2 3 3 2 4 3 2 5

$259,000 $215,000 $130,000

3 3 2

$440,000 $399,990 $300,001 $196,000

3 3 4 3

$320,000 $289,900 $196,000 $194,000 $122,000 $106,000

4 4 3 4 4 2

$375,000 $225,000 $245,000

4 3 4

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 450 CONDON TER SE #T-1 120 DANBURY ST SW #120E

helps men and women with mental illness achieve the highest level of personal success and independence in our community.

$600,000 $37,000

2 1

DEANWOOD

200 43RD RD NE #B3

$78,000

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HILL CREST

3930 SOUTHERN AVE SE #A 2111 SUITLAND TER SE #201

$100,000 $53,000

2 1

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RANDLE HEIGHTS

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40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

rescued me,” said Lewis. “Now, He wants me to help rescue others.”

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“Sitting comfortably in 1998, in my new office at 14th and R, I looked out and saw a changing neighborhood,” Treadwell reminisced. There were two issues with the 14th Street location. First, the building, originally a car dealership in the 1920’s, was completely outmoded for the demands of needed service and activities today, and was extremely costly to maintain.

Second, ongoing revitalization efforts in the 14th Street Corridor had attracted affluent residents and forced poor and needy neighbors to other areas in the city.

“I had two goals: finding a state-ofthe-art facility and a new location,” said Treadwill. The organization successfully campaigned to receive the Gales School, which the DC government had set aside as a potential homeless shelter, as its new location. The move means a return to “the heart of the city,” in a better location and a more welcoming neighborhood.

How to Help

Treadwill hopes that work on the Gales School will be finished before his target date, November 11 (or Veteran’s Day). However, Central needs to raise more funds to pay for the building. “We’ve already raised up to $12 million,” Treadwill explained.

“The total cost in $15 million, so we have $3 million to go.” Central has many opportunities to give. Through its Campaign for Compassion, the organization gives potential donors an opportunity to make named gifts, ranging from small items like bricks and floor tiles, to rooms like the chapel or offices. Also, the campaign will give donors a chance to buy furniture and other furnishings. Finally, Central will accept donations through its website (missiondc.org/partner) or mail (P.O. Box 96763 Washington, DC 200906763).

To learn more about Central Union Mission, call 202-745-7118 or visit missiondc.org. u

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 41

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Twyla Alston

G

rowing up in Washington, DC, with a family of cooks, Twyla Alston says she likes to create all sorts of things, not only food. Her dining room shows her creative flair, from heartfelt sayings on the wall to beautiful fabric strips draped from a modern-style crystal chandelier.

Alston and her husband Clarence moved to Anacostia almost 10 years ago. For nearly a decade Alston has worked as an IT management professional, now enjoying the time between contracts to prepare her son for a transition to preschool. In a cheery, sun-dappled kitchen that looks out onto her garden she makes multitasking look easy – talking about her family, how she wants to transition her garden to one with four-season growing, describing the recipes she’ll prepare, and checking in with her two young children, Janay and Trey, ages six and two.

Alston says that when she was in elementary school her grandmother always seemed to want her help in the kitchen. “My father had a few things he would make, too – and when he brought out the air popper for popcorn, it made an event. I always had fun cooking with my dad, whatever it was.” She recalls that her mom’s biscuits were legendary. “Her cornbread and corn muffins were really delicious. However I haven’t been able to get them exactly right, the way she prepared them. My love for her cornbread and quest to recreate it has sort of fueled my passion to taste and make delightful food.”

Alston’s sister, Kim, studied culinary arts at Burdick Vocational School and used to invite her to taste gourmet dishes from restaurants where she worked. As she learned new skills, she’d share them.

As a young adult, Alston also worked at area restaurants. “I had waitressing jobs at places like

42 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Annette Nielsen

Twyla Alston and family in their Anacostia home. Clarence, Janay, and Trey are at the table with everything good. Photo: Annette Nielson

Heart and Soul Café, Cheesecake Factory, and Hogate’s. I really learned so much about different palates like Creole, Southwestern, French, Asian, and Italian, what sort of spices should be used or what edible garnishes should accompany a dish – it took my interest in

cooking to the next level. I learned about eating good food and serving good food.”

Alston has adopted a vegan diet but says, “I try to stay away from the extremes – while I like eating live food, it’s important overall that it’s good food – I try to juxtapose the ridiculous with the sensible and maintain a balance in all that we eat.”

She began a ministry at Metropolitan Baptist, but she now serves as an associate minister at the East Friendship Baptist church where her husband is also a deacon. It was at a fellowship supper that she first tasted a dish called corn soufflé. “There was a really long line for this particular dish and it was served with a pico de gallo. While it is egg based, it’s not puffy like a traditional soufflé. It’s really an easy dish to make and always seems to come out perfectly.”

Alston’s children like to help her in the kitchen. She instructs daughter Janay how to scoop and level dry ingredients, letting her know that three teaspoons is equivalent to a tablespoon. Janay’s younger brother, Trey, is thrilled to be up on a stool where he can turn on the standing mixer (with careful handholding by his mom) and pour in the corn.

As the meal is served, it’s a feast – similar to one you’d have at Thanksgiving with braised chicken, the corn soufflé, and a vibrant kale salad. Like other dishes in Alston’s repertoire, the kale salad is modeled after a version she enjoyed at a restaurant. For a seasonal riff on the pumpkin pie she baked a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, using pumpkin purée.

She serves the meal on the dining room table, decorated with seasonal linens, pumpkins, and gourds, while Trey recites the blessing.

Alston adds, “I am a foodie because I like to eat and I love that cooking is elemental. If you bring together the right ingredients, you get

powder in a separate bowl; add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir well.

Add thawed corn. Pour mixture into a 3-quart baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown with crisp edges. The soufflé should be sizzling and bubbly. Increase the surface area to get more crisped parts by using a larger, 9 x 12-inch pan.

Best served right away; good warmed over.

Option: Pico de gallo (fresh salsa).

Pumpkin Cheesecake Twyla Alston assists son Trey in learning how to mix and stir ingredients into a corn soufflé. Photo: Annette Nielson

something amazing. It’s a myth that manufacturers do something magical that consumers can’t achieve.

Before I began this culinary journey I thought that the best cakes, pancakes, hot chocolate, sausage, etc. came from mixes or the store. As I learned that nothing all natural in the grocery store is beyond my reach, I felt empowered.” She’s passionate about bringing wholesome, fresh, and affordable meals to her family. “I see my kitchen as a place from which to hug and heal my family.”

Corn Soufflé • Yield: 10-12 servings • 28 ounces frozen yellow corn kernels, thawed • 6 ounces (1½ sticks) butter, melted • 1/3 cup sugar • 10 ounces heavy whipping cream • 5 eggs • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 5 tablespoons flour • ½ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Add melted butter to a large bowl. Blend in sugar (about 4 minutes at medium-high speed, if using a standing mixer).

Gradually stir in cream. Continue stirring and add beaten eggs.

Whisk together flour and baking

• • • • • •

Yield: 8-10 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Inactive prep time: 4½ hours Cook time: 1 hour Crust: 20 graham crackers, crumbled (two whole packs from a box) • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon of melted, salted butter

Filling:

• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature • 15 ounces fresh puréed pumpkin* (see note below) • 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk • ¼ cup sour cream • 1½ cups sugar • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg • 1/8 teaspoon ground clove • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 16 whole pecans (for garnish)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For crust and water bath: To crumble the graham crackers and mix crust you can hand crumble or place crackers in a food processor and pulse 20 times. In a medium bowl combine crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat and up the side of the pan, about 1/3 the way up the 9-inch spring-form pan. Oil the pan above the crumb crust with cooking spray.

Prepare the pan for the water

bath. To keep water from seeping into the pan use aluminum foil to cover the bottom of the spring-form pan at least 2 inches up the side. Lay the foil flat and then center the pan in the middle. Use your hands to contour the foil by pressing the foil against the pan from the bottom up.

Place the prepared pan in the center of an empty shallow pan (use a roasting pan or cookie sheet). Fill the shallow pan with an inch of water, taking care to keep water from entering the foil covering.

For filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin purée, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, and spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.

Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place the cheesecake with water bath into the oven for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and open the door for 1 minute and then close for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will be slightly browned with minimal jiggle (do not fork). Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours. Arrange pecans on top for garnish.

Note: If you’d like to prepare your own pumpkin purée, Twyla Alston offers an easy way to enjoy the seasonal bounty of pumpkin – to use now or freeze for later use.

Bake. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line a sheet with non-stick foil. Place the pumpkin pieces skin-side up on the sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until the skin softens and separates from the flesh and the flesh is soft (like a well-cooked potato). When forking the flesh the texture will not be fibrous and dense but smooth and flexible. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and, once it is cool enough to touch, peel the skin from the flesh.

Drain. Purée in a food processor (in batches if needed) until smooth. To remove excess water open the container (bowl or pitcher with lid), place the cloth in the bowl with the sheet draped over the edges. Place the pumpkin on the sheet and raise it so it is suspended like a hammock with space for the water that will drain (2 inches or so).

Hold the hammock by hand until you can replace the lid to keep the pumpkin suspended. You can use a glass bowl or blender pitcher to do this, and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to drain. Be sure to use sturdy, full-sized paper towels (not perforated).

Separate 15 ounces for the cheesecake. Pumpkin purée can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. u

Pumpkin purée • 4-5 Pie Pumpkins (15 ounces is needed for the cheesecake) or one medium or large pumpkin of another variety • shallow baking sheet • cooking spray or non-stick foil • container with tightly fitting lid (bowl or blender pitcher with lid) • food processor or blender • paper towels

Clean the Pumpkin. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the top from the pumpkin and discard. For smaller pumpkins, cut into quarters.

For medium to large pumpkins, cut into eight pieces. Using a spoon scrape the inside to remove the seeds and pulp. Reserve the seeds for roasting if desired.

Twyla Alston in her cheerful kitchen guides daughter Janay in the preparation of a corn soufflé. Photo: Annette Nielson

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 43

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Mama’s BBQ, Blues & Pizza Relocates

by John Muller

Melvin Holloway stands in front of the former Mile Long, a popular neighborhood eatery in the 1960s and 1970s. The space was most recently Mama’s Kitchen.

Relocating down the street, Mama’s BBQ, Blues & Pizza opened in September at 2028 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.

M

elvin Holloway, a longtime resident of Anacostia, stands on the corner of the triangle lot at the junction of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Pleasant Street and Maple View Place and points to a sign. “See; March 27, 1961,” Holloway says singling out a date on the side of the neon sign’s shell, “that’s about when the Mile Long opened. It closed, probably, in the late ‘70’s but their memory is still strong.”

According to Holloway, Mile Long, “was the spot to come to at night, the spot to come to when it opened up early in the morning, and anytime in between. You could smell the fried onions they’d put on the steak sandwiches blocks away.”

The reverence that still exists in the hearts and stomachs of longtime Anacostians for the Mile Long, decades after its closing, may be replaced soon by Mama’s BBQ, Blues & Pizza, which opened in early 2012 as Mama’s Kitchen at 1208 Maple View Place, the former spot of the Mile Long. It has recently re-located to 2028 Martin Luther King Jr. Av-

44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

enue, in the former location of the Fireside Restaurant.

On a recent Saturday afternoon the interior of Mama’s was populated by the local postman, neighborhood children, and a group of young men watching a college football game on one of the two flat screen televisions.

With a slightly larger seating area than the previous location, there are two booths lining each wall with a total of eight tables and eight chairs.

While speaking with co-owner Musa Ulusan, 49, who runs the restaurant with his wife, many people in the neighborhood referred to him as “Pops” and “Papa” and patted him on the back in a show of respect. “We are part of the community,” Ulusan said. “My wife and I share some of the same problems and have been through hard times. We are sensitive to the community and thankful for their support.”

In 1992 Ulusan founded The Original Italian Pie in New Orleans.

Within a decade Ulusan had a dozen restaurants in New Orleans and franchisees throughout the South

from Tallahassee, Florida to Jackson, Mississippi. “At one time I had 2,000 employees,” Ulusan says, “then Hurricane Katrina hit and we were wiped out” After a couple of unsuccessful real estate investments, Ulusan moved to the Washington area looking to make a fresh start.

“I was looking everywhere in DC for where would be a good location to open,” Ulusan says. “Anacostia seemed like a good place, because I knew what the future was going to be and the budget was right.” In their previous location Ulusan says he was on a month-to-month lease; in their current location at the corner of MLK Jr. Avenue and V Street, Mama’s has signed a ten-year lease which will help establish the brand in the neighborhood for the foreseeable future.

While single slices of cheese pizza are the preferred choice of Andre Williams, 20, a music producer and loyal customer of Mama’s since their opening on Maple View Place, the menu consists of sub sandwiches, salads, lasagna, ribs, speciality pizzas, plates served with a roll, coleslaw and

baked beans, and “heavenly cakes” of lemon, strawberry and red velvet.

“If it’s not a carry-out or Chinese Food, these places are few and far between this side of town,” says Duane Sneed, 29, who patronizes Mama’s twice a week while visiting family in the neighborhood.

With a growing number of positive reviews of Mama’s on Internetbased food websites and word of mouth continuing to spread east of the river, Ulusan hopes he may be able to start a chain of Mama’s. Decades from now, residents of Anacostia could be reminiscing about the early days of Mama’s in the same way the Mile Long is still remembered.

In other local eatery news, after years of management turnover and questionable service the Big Chair Cafe Bar & Grill has closed. Meanwhile, as previously reported in East of the River, Uniontown Bar & Grill has re-opened under new ownership.

Mama’s BBQ, Blues & Pizza is open 7 days a week, 11am - 11pm, and delivers. Phone: (202) 678-6262. u

jazzAvenues

by Steve Monroe DeAndrey Howard on trumpet and Lyle Link blowing a hot tenor sax led the band on “Laura” and other tunes before Key appeared in her bright red dress and delivered some fine romantic phrasing on “Don’t Go to Strangers,” “Got the World on a String,” and other tunes. She highlighted her set with an especially heartfelt “I Remember You,” as well as a down-home “No More Blues,” drawing applause, shouts, and smiles from the large crowd.

Giving thanks for Bobby Felder

November is our traditional month for giving thanks, and we in the music world have the opportunity to give mucho thanks for the life and work of Robert “Bobby” Felder, not just once but twice this month.

I had the opportunity to dance to the jamming sounds of the Bobby Felder band way back in the day, and later Felder personally helped me. First, when this Jazz Avenues column was just starting 10 years ago, he sat for a generous, informative interview on his life and times and then, just a couple of years ago, gave me insight for a story on Davey Yarborough.

Yarborough, of course, a renowned musician and educator in his own right, is only one of the many young people Felder touched in his career as an inspiring musician, bandleader, and educator. So catch him at the JazzAlive Forum on Nov. 13 at the University of the District of Columbia’s Recital Hall, Bldg 46-West, where he will share his “background and experiences as a performer, arranger and music educator that include 23 years as Director of Instrumental Music at the University of the District of Columbia where he played a key role in the establishment of the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives.” Then you can hear Felder in action, live, with his big band on Nov. 29 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Other highlights this month include Sharon Clark on Nov. 15 and Lena Seikaly on Nov. 22 at the Loews Madison Hotel downtown, with that elegant venue again hosting live jazz. See chrisgrassomusic.com for more information. And pianist Fred Hersch and guitarist Julian Lage are at Blues Alley, Nov. 22, following the release of their duo CD, “Free Flying,” an impressive, melodic, and innovative collection of originals and standards.

In Person … Willard Jenkins

Speaking of the JazzAlive Forum series at the University of the District of Columbia – and many thanks again to Dr. Judith Korey and her staff there – Willard Jenkins, our inimitable radio programmer, scholar, journalist, and producer held forth last month at the university with W.A. “Bill” Brower as moderator. Jenkins entertained and informed a nice crowd with a review of his life and times in the

Coda for Butch Warren

Time to hang your tears for Butch Warren out to dry Cause he’d not want us to cry too long He’d say just play Dexter’s record with his sax Singing hard and with Butch grooving his bass And hang your tears out to dry Cause mourning time has its place But the groove is king forever So hang those tears out to dry And play those Dexter and Butch blues One more time.

Percussion maestro Nasar Abadey is to appear with his quartet at the Washington Court Hotel on Nov. 16.

forefront of advocating, reporting, and promoting our music.

During his talk Jenkins spoke of his “optimism” about the future of WPFW radio, in the midst of its recent tribulations. “I’m one who is always an optimist … the fact that we have survived to this date shows reason” for optimism, said Jenkins, who does a 10:00 p.m. Wednesday show for the station.

He also said he favors a change in how the station is supported, preferring reaching out for underwriting by small businesses and not just relying on listener donations. “I think the listener-only support model is broken,” said Jenkins.

In Person ... Kristine Key

Songstress Kristine Key sparkled when the Collector’s Edition appeared at Westminster Presbyterian Church one Friday last month, with Key performing several tunes from her debut recording, “Nice ... as Can Be.”

November Highlights: Claudio Roditi, Nov. 12, Blues Alley ... Sean Jones, Nov. 13, Blues Alley ... JazzAlive Forum, Bobby Felder, Nov. 13, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall, Bldg 46 West ... Sharon Clark, Nov. 15, Loews Madison Hotel ... Ron Carter, Nov. 15-16, Bohemian Caverns ... Nasar Abadey Quartet/Sankofa Celebration, Nov. 16, Washington Court Hotel ... UDC Small Jazz Ensembles, Nov. 19, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall ... Fred Hersch & Julian Lage, Nov. 22, Blues Alley ... Greater U Street Jazz Collective, Nov. 22, Westminster Presbyterian Church ... Lena Seikaly, Nov. 22, Loews Madison Hotel ... Kenneth Whalum III, Nov. 2223, Bohemian Caverns ... Bobby Felder Big Band, Nov. 29, Westminster Presbyterian Church ... Tim Whalen Septet, Nov. 29-30, Twins Jazz ...

November Birthdays: Lou Donaldson 1; Phil Woods 2; Arturo Sandoval 6; Hubert Laws 10; Ernestine Anderson 11; Sam Jones 12; Hampton Hayes, Idris Muhammad 13; W.C. Handy 16; Don Cherry 18; Coleman Hawkins 21; Teddy Wilson 24; Paul Desmond, Nat Adderley 25; Randy Brecker 27; Gato Barbieri 28; Billy Strayhorn 29. u

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 45

REAL ESTATE

L’Enfant Trust Begins Restoration of Historic Anacostia Homes

by John Muller

I 1347 Maple View Place SE was built by Henry A. Griswold, a friend of Frederick Douglass, and will be restored by the L’Enfant Trust.

2010 14th St. SE, built in 1912, was recently acquired by the L’Enfant Trust.

46 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

f all goes according to plan two vacant and blighted homes in Historic Anacostia – 2010 14th St. SE and 1347 Maple View Place SE – will be fully restored and placed on the market within the next nine to twelve months by the L’Enfant Trust, an organization founded in 1978 to preserve the historic streetscapes of Washington. Although the Dupont Circle-based organization is a newcomer to the neighborhood, it has moved with a professionalism and quickness previously unseen, according to neighbors and community leaders.

In March the Trust received a $50,000 grant from the 1772 Foundation to launch DC’s first historic preservation revolving fund.

By this fall the Trust had worked with numerous neighborhood leaders and a host of city agencies including the Office of Planning’s Historic Preservation Office and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to gather background on the two properties and establish relationships. The Trust does not anticipate a hearing before the Historic Preservation Review Board because no significant alterations to the exterior of the properties are being proposed.

“This is the shortest amount of time that I’ve seen anyone go after a property and get it,” says Greta Fuller, a 12-year resident of Maple View Place SE and ANC 8A 06. “They went after properties that nobody else would touch because of existing tax liens and other long-standing complications.”

Unlike property speculators, who have dabbled in the Anacostia market in recent years, the Trust immediately cut the overgrown trees and vegetation as soon as it acquired the historic homes, and fenced in the lots to keep out squatters known to roam the

neighborhood. “What’s most important to me and my neighbors,” Fuller told East of the River, “is that they have kept their word. Their presence is good for everyone in the Historic District because these properties are being restored, which will remove the blight and increase our property values.”

Sara Hayden, the Trust’s director of real estate development, says, “We are really at the beginning of learning about the neighborhood heritage, and speaking with neighbors who share their knowledge is a huge resource for us.”

Revolving Fund Program

Over the past decade cross-town commercial and residential markets along 7th Street NW, 14th Street NW, U Street NW, H Street NE, and 8th Street SE have seen a revitalization that has largely evaded neighborhoods in East and South Washington. While notable public works projects have touched Historic Anacostia and the surrounding neighborhood, such as a new library, bridge, and headquarters of the Department of Housing and Community Development at the corner of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, private capital has been slow to arrive. In the coming years market forces will likely begin to invest in Anacostia, but meanwhile the L’Enfant Trust is filling a preservation gap that has been unable to halt the deterioration and demolition of dozens of the neighborhood’s distressed 19th- and 20thcentury properties.

“There is no profit incentive to restore these two properties, which are on the verge of demolition by neglect,” says Hayden.

“And a homeowner who relies on traditional

financing – mortgage and construction loan – would be unable to get financing on a distressed property like 1347 Maple View.

So the Trust is using its own resources and is actively fundraising to finance the acquisition and construction costs for these properties.” Proceeds from the sale of the properties would recycle back into the revolving fund.

2010 14th Street SE

Three years ago newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Sampson purchased 2006 14th St. SE as their first home. Unknown to the young couple a squatter was living next door in 2010 14th St. without worries – ownership of the property had been mired in the court system for years. Sampson regularly called police about men who would drink and loiter in front of the vacant home, and asked the city to board up the rear entrance. Despite his efforts the squatters would regularly return with no end in sight.

Earlier this this year the Sampsons attended a community meeting where members of the L’Enfant Trust offered introductions and stated their interest in acquiring and rehabilitating vacant and blighted residential properties in the neighborhood. “After the meeting I reached out to Sara over email, telling her about 2010 14th Street,” Sampson says. “From then on we’ve kept open the lines of communication.”

The two-story, cottage-style wood frame house, built in 1912, has now seen its last squatter. The Trust acquired the property in early September and then boarded up the openings and secured the perimeter with a fence. The restoration effort will include the original front porch, which has crumbled.

“We are excited that we are going to have actual neighbors, not just a vacant house,” Sampson says.

1347 Maple View Place SE

Near the top of Maple View Place SE, a street laid out nearly 150 years ago, is a vacant, two-story, Queen-Anne style house that over the past five years has been slowly succumbing to demolition by neglect. Not any more. The L’Enfant Trust acquired the property in late August with plans to fully restore the wood frame house, which features a cross-gable roof with an exaggerated overhanging eave that creates a covered front porch, the original, reeded drop siding, most of the original decorative window dressings and front bay window, and louvered ventilator.

In addition to distinctive features, the house has a history reaching back to a time when Frederick Douglass regularly walked the neighborhood. According to maps and building records the house was built between 1887 and 1894 by Henry A. Griswold, a prominent real estate investor and president of the local streetcar line. The tract of land was known as “Griswold’s Addition” before being subdivided in 1879 for residential development.

Letters and real estate documents show that Douglass and Griswold were friends and business associates for nearly two decades.

As the L’Enfant Trust restores these two historic properties it is resurrecting a spirit of collaborative neighborhood investment that Griswold and Douglass epitomized more than a century ago.

For more information on the L’Enfant Trust visit www.lenfant. org. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 47

KIDS & FAMILY

Kids & Family Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

Forward, 54th! Family Performance at the National Gallery of Art

A dramatic interpretation honoring the rich stories behind the people and events remembered in Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial. The performances complement the exhibition” Tell It with Pride: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment” and Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial, about the first African American unit to fight for the North in the Civil War. This is a great educational program for children and their families.

To complement the exhibition, the Gallery has produced the play “Forward, 54th!”, which highlights several characters from the Civil War era, including the “drummer boy” Alex H. Johnson (who was 16 years old when he joined the 54th Regiment); William H. Carney (the first African American to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor—Denzel Washington portrayed Carney in the movie Glory); Susie King Taylor (an African American nurse and author); and Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (the 25-year-old colonel that led the 54th Regiment into battle). For ages 8, up. Performances on Nov 16 and Dec 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and Nov 17 at noon and 1:30 p.m. in the West Building, East Garden Court.

Lasts 30 minutes. nga.gov

Ward 7 (virtual) Book Drive

Join Octo Consulting Group, Oliva Consulting, Project 7 Refocus and the Ward 7 Education Council for the largest book drive in Ward 7 history. Their goal is to deliver over 20,000 books and guarantee a new book for every elementary school student in Ward 7. They’ve targeted Ward 7 because its elementary school literacy rate is the lowest in the District at under 50%. This year, they’re partnering with First Book, a national organization based in Washington, DC that has distributed over 100 million free and low cost books in thousands of communities across the country. First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise organization that provides access to brand new books to schools and programs which otherwise would not have such access.

Your online donation will allow them to choose from best-selling children’s authors and culturally relevant titles so that elementary school 48 H eASToFTHerIverDCNeWS.Com

children in Ward 7 may have exactly the books they need at home to best encourage them to become lifelong readers. Every $10 you donate allows them to buy four new books for children in need, though any amount is appreciated. All donations are fully deductible and First Book will provide a receipt for tax purposes. For questions on donating via First Book, call 866-READNOW or email help@firstbook.org.

Young Artists Showcase at Fort Dupont Ice Arena

The Young Artists Showcase is a choreography contest for skaters from around the globe.

Created by Grassroots to Champions founder and Olympic Coach, Audrey Weisiger, the competition has choreography challenges that take place on-line by video submission. Skaters compete in two divisions: Grassroots Ages 13-20 and Champions Ages 21-30. Fans vote for their favorites until the two finalists from each division with the most points meet on the ice at the live grand finale on Dec 1 at FDIA. Celebrity judges and special guests for the live event will include skating champions Michael Weiss, Jo Jo Starbuck, Ryan Bradley, and Kimmie Meissner.

Internet celebrity Michael Buckley will be the master of ceremonies. This competition is being hosted at FDIA in support of Kids On Ice programming. Suggested donation, $20. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org

Family-Friendly Holiday Tree Trimming at THERARC

On Monday, Dec 2 from 6-8 p.m., join them for their annual tree trimming holiday party. There will be plenty of holiday activities, performances, pictures for children with Santa, and holiday treats. Free and open to the public.

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org

Children’s Movies at Deanwood Library

On Fridays, Nov 15 and 22; and Dec 6 and 13, 10:30 a.m., kids ages 3-7 can watch movies based on children’s books. Some of the titles are

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Image: Courtesy of Arena Stage

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” Family Fun Pack

Broadway and Arena Stage favorite Kenny Leon (every tongue confess) returns to direct Malcolm-Jamal Warner (in his Arena Stage debut) in a new adaptation of the beloved film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. A progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter, fresh from an overseas romance, brings her African-American fiancé home to meet them. Personal beliefs clash with the mores of the late 60’s in this warm and witty exploration of family and culture and knowing which of them has the greater hold on our hearts.

Bring the whole family to Arena Stage, Nov 29-Jan 5. The Family Fun Pack is four seats for only $125. Must include a minimum of two patrons between ages 5 and 17 per Fun Pack; cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets; limit two Fun Packs per household. All standard fees apply. Must be purchased by phone or in person. 202-488-3300. arenastage.org Wheels on the Bus, Where the Wild Things Are, Pocket for Corduroy and Noisy Nora. Deadwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood

Kwanzaa Celebrations at the Anacostia Community Museum (save the dates)

On Thursday, Dec 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Kwanzaa Kwanzaa! with Maria Broom. Although nationally known as an actress for her

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 49

First-Ever Ultimate Megafort. Photo: Courtesy of National Building Museum

First-Ever Ultimate Megafort! at National Building Museum

On Saturday, Nov 16, 2-4 p.m., build the Ultimate Megafort in the Great Hall. Learn about basic fort structures and then put your skills to the test. Bring boxes of any size or shape, or use ones provided. Registration fee includes a kit of Makedo connectors to continue the fun at home. $25 per child. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org

Moms On The Hill

2013 School Information Night

[ SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH ] [ 2:00–5:00 PM ]

[ CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL ] [ 210 SOUTH CAROLINA AVENUE SE ] The closest Metro stop is Capitol South on the blue and orange lines Preschool, Public, Charter, Private, Catholic/Parochial, Middle Schools and other programs. Come see all of your options!

More Info:

[ INFO@HILLSCHOOLINFONIGHT.ORG ] [ WWW.HILLSCHOOLINFONIGHT.ORG ]

ALL PARENTS (including non-members) OF THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME Organized by MoTH (Moms on the Hill)

roles in HBO’s The Wire and The Corner, Maria Broom is also a storyteller and dancer with over 40 years of performing and teaching in the U.S. and across the globe. Join them as “Miss Maria . . . the Story Dancer” offers a non-traditional, entertaining, and interactive introduction to the celebration of Kwanzaa.

With call-and-response singing, stories, and dancing, she brings alive the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba to families of all cultures. On Friday, Dec 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Kwanzaa with Coyaba Dance Theater. Coyaba Dance Theater is a contemporary West African dance and drumming company consisting of 10 versatile dancers, drummers, and singers. On Saturday, Dec 28, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts. Join artists Deidre Bell and Tamara Thomas as they activate the creative imagination in this workshop for families. All materials are provided. All programs are free, but space is limited; for reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

National Family Volunteer Day at Kenilworth Park

On Nov 16, 9-11 a.m., bring your family and participate in National Family Service Day. It’s a great 50 H eASToFTHerIverDCNeWS.Com

tradition to show your children the value of service and show gratitude for nature’s beauty. Projects will likely include separating and potting grasses, planting spring bulbs, raking leaves, and picking up trash.

There is no set age limit but parent supervision required for those 16 and younger. RSVP recommended.

Please contact Tina O’Connell at tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens. org. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-4266905. nps.gov/keaq

Free Parenting Classes

There are free parenting classes at East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Minnesota Ave. NE. For more information and to register, email kbroussard@erfsc.org or call 202-397-7300, ext. 230.

Frederick Douglass Annual Oratorical Contest Deadline

The application deadline for the 2013 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest is Nov 11 at 4 p.m. The goal of the contest is for students to experience the same transformative power of language that Frederick Douglass did as a young man. The contest is open to all students in grades 1-12 and is hosted in early December. Students memorize and present a portion of a Douglass

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 51

speech from a stage at his home of Cedar Hill. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. (corner of 15th and W). 202-4265961. nps.gov/frdo

Prep(Philadelphia, PA); Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA); Bullis (Potomac, MD); DeMatha H.S. (Hyattsville, MD); and St. Albans School (Washington, DC).

Community Leaders are Readers at Anacostia Library

Covenant House Sleep Out

On Saturday, Dec 7, 10:30 a.m.noon, children and their families listen to and discuss stories read by community leaders and participate in an arts activity with visual artist Tamara Thomas. This program is for ages early childhood to 8 years old with parents. Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free; reservations required, call 202-633-4844.

Performing Arts Group’s Dynamic Gospel Explosion

The Northeast Performing Arts Group’s 2013 Dynamic Gospel Explosion is a fundraiser at the Dorothy I. Height Community Academy Public Charter School’s at 1400 First St. NW (adjacent to Dunbar Senior High School), on Saturday, Nov 16, 6-8 p.m. Proceeds will be used to augment funding for NEPAG’s year-round performing arts and academic-related programs for at-risk District youth, with an emphasis on wards east of the river. nepag.org

Purple Puck Ice Hockey Tournament (save the date)

The first Gonzaga National Capital Hockey Tournament, known as the Purple Puck, was contested in December 1993. Father Bernard J. Dooley, S.J., Gonzaga’s president at the time, described the Purple Puck as “...both the first Gonzaga sponsored hockey tournament and the first hockey tournament for high school teams in the Washington, DC, area.” Nine teams competed in the first Purple Puck and the tournament has become a much anticipated part of Gonzaga’s season since. The 2013 tournament is Dec 26-31 at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. In additional to Gonzaga, 2013 confirmed teams are The Hun School (Princeton, NJ); St. Joseph’s

This November, business leaders across North America will spend one night on the streets to raise awareness for the plight of homeless youth. Here in Washington many will sleep out in solidarity and strive to raise $150,000.00 to make a difference for DC’s kids. The sleep out is Nov 21, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. at 2001 Mississippi Ave. SE. Contact Alexis Lindsay Phone at 202-610-9602 or alindsay@chdc.org to register.

DC to Revise Student Assignment Policies and DCPS School Boundaries

Th;ere is citywide process to revise student-assignment policies, including DC Public Schools school boundaries and feeder patterns. The goal of this process is to develop school choice and assignment policies that will result in clarity, predictability and continuity for families across the District. The District has not undertaken a comprehensive review of its student-assignment policies, including school attendance boundaries and feeder patterns, in over three decades. As part of this process, the DME has established a DC Advisory Committee on Student Assignment, which will incorporate public discussion, research, and analysis to provide fair-minded, thoughtful, and informed recommendations in May 2014. The final plan will be released in September 2014. Changes will begin to take effect for the 2015-16 school year. However, in an effort to ensure a smooth transition for families, “grandfathering” provisions will be included to buffer the immediate impact on many current students and their families.

Critical to the success of this Opportunities to provide input will include focus groups, online forum and surveys, and small-group meetings with parent s and stakeholders. dme.dc.gov u

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | November 2013 H 53

THE NOSE

A Politician’s Lot Is Not A Happy One

by Anonymous

T

he antics of the District’s political class have provided ample grist over the years for this poor scribbler’s musings, keeping him in whiskey, coffee and inexpensive small cigars. Soon mayoral gladiators will troop down to the DC Board of Elections to pick up their petitions marking their first major rite of passage on the treacherous odyssey to April’s quadrennial contest.

Shortly, campaign signs will spout on lamp posts. Armies of volunteers in the spirit of Mormon missionaries will fan out to knock on doorbells. Robotic voices will interrupt dinner conversations with pitches for their favorite son or daughter. In the waning days of winter, advertisements will fill the airwaves. The smell of the autumn leaves in DC, Dear Readers, is the odor of politics.

Even if offered all the tea in China, The Nose, would never step in the shoes of the victims of his erstwhile column.

If nominated, Dear Readers, The Nose will decline. If elected, he will refuse to serve.

Why can’t our pols make up their minds so easily?

First comes the ‘exploratory’ committee, a thinly veiled method of raising uncountable dough. Then, a ‘listening tour’ in intimate social settings packed with supporters, a form of group therapy. Finally, the politician gets up on his or her hind legs in front of some prominent District monument and tries to explain to a crowd their motivations for running for higher office.

Observing our mayor involved in this painful process most recently, The Nose has a few questions.

Is running for office really the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest?

Is love-bombing a necessary fuel to political ambition?

Does anyone ever beg one of these intrepid political explorers not to run?

It is hard, when watching this painful process, not to have sympathy for its protagonists. So, here is a re-penned version of The Policeman’s Song from the Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance that expresses the trials and tribulations of our mayoral candidates: 54 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

When a politician is not engaged in his employment Or maturing plans to run His capacity for innocent enjoyment Is just as great as any honest man His feelings he with difficulty smothers When electoral duties are to be done Taking one consideration with another A politician’s lot is not a happy one When an enterprising prosecutor is not indicting Or a constituent is not asking for something easier said than done He loves to hear the little Rock Creek a-gurgling And eat a chili dog from Ben’s on the run After shaking down contributors on his birthday He loves to lie a-basking in the sun Taking one consideration with another A politician’s lot is not a happy one When his treasurer cannot verify the origins of campaign donations He nobly bids all money orders farewell When the staff member to the clink went He denies all knowledge and refuses to tell When a favorite non-profit scams the city for millions He expresses outrage along with everyone Taking one consideration with another A politician’s lot is not a happy one When electoral duties are to be done, a politician’s lot is not a happy one.

Have a comment for The Nose, email thenose@hillrag.com. u