neighborhood news
ber-23-volunteer-event. www.kenaqgardens.org/calendar
Clean Up Shepherd Parkway
Ward 8 Woods volunteers hold their signature community clean-ups every second Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meet at 555 Newcomb St. SE. Gloves, bags and water are provided. Wear work clothes and boots. Documentation of community service hours is provided upon request. Read more at www.ward8woods.org/shepherdparkway.
Volunteer at Fort Stanton Park
Choose from apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and a sea salt chocolate chess pie. Photo: Abigail Seiler
Food & Friends’ Pie Sale
Now in its 15th year, Slice of Life has become a District tradition. Pie sellers and Pie teams come together to raise money to ensure neighbors facing serious illnesses can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal complete with two delicious pies. Each is baked fresh by gourmet bakery Whisked and picked up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at conveniently located sites. Choose from apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and a sea salt chocolate chess pie. There is no easier way to give back during the holidays. www.sliceoflifedc.org ed best of the night and will compete for a grand prize in December. Busboys and Poets is at 2004 Martin Luther Kings, Jr., Ave. SE. www.busboysandpoets.com
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Through Oct. 15, compete in DC’s First Annual Evil Laugh Contest. Submit a 10-second video of yourself doing your most wicked, spine-tingling evil laugh. Trophies will be awarded in categories such as Best Vocals, Art Direction and Dramatic Performance. For inspiration, check out Evil Laughs on Film at www.dclibrary. org/node/68802. For more Evil Laugh Contest details, visit www.dclibrary.org/evillaughcontest.
New Health Options Coming East of the River
On Sept. 30, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Thomas LeBlanc, president of George Washington University, Dr. Barbara Bass, CEO of the GW Medical Faculty As30
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
sociates and dean of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Kimberly Russo, chief executive officer of the George Washington University Hospital, to announce a historic partnership to bring high quality medical care to Wards 7 and 8 residents. Physicians of the GW Medical Faculty Associates and the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences will provide comprehensive healthcare service for adults at the new acute care hospital at St. Elizabeths and two urgent facilities to open in Wards 7 and 8. To learn more, visit www.newhospitals.dc.gov.
Volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
On Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, for invasive plant removal, litter collection, flowerbed weeding and trail maintenance. Some activities involve working in shallow ponds. Registration required. For more information, visit www.kenaqgardens.org/event/octo-
Fort Stanton Park was created in 1926 to preserve the hilltops where the Union army constructed Fort Stanton and Battery Rickets to defend the nation’s capital during the Civil War. The park’s more than 150 acres of forest include dramatic hills and ravines, stream valleys and stands of towering poplar trees. Sadly, years of littering and dumping have polluted the landscape. Invasive plants such as kudzu, bittersweet, Asian wisteria and Japanese knotweed have destroyed whole areas of forest and threaten others. Volunteer on Saturday, Nov. 6, and/or Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wear boots, durable pants and clothes you won’t mind getting dirty. Documentation of community service hours provided upon request. For questions, contact Nathan at 202-520-2742 or nathan@ward8woods.org. For more information, visit www.ward8woods.org.
Soul Strolls
On Oct. 15, 16, 22 and 23 (rain or shine), trespass into the past and discover the secrets of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls explores the stories of individuals buried there through guided tours and costumed interpreters. The hour-long tour departs every 15 minutes between 6 and 10 p.m. Adult tickets are $35; children 12 and under, $15; beer, wine and cider for purchase. Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as are flashlights. Tours will not stay on the paths, so be prepared for uneven terrain. Congressional Cemetery is at 1801 E St. SE. www.congressionalcemetery.org
Donate A/C Units
Considering getting rid of an old air-conditioner? Donate it to Community Forklift. Every year, the organization provides dozens of free air-conditioners to households with limited incomes. Window or in-room