18 minute read
Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner
Chinatown Celebrates the Year of the Rabbit The DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade is on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. Join in on the celebration by wearing the color red to ward o evil spirits and bring in good fortune. People born in the Year of the Rabbit usually have soft and tender personality traits. They keep a modest attitude and maintain a pleasant relationship to people around them. Years of the Rabbit include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927. The parade starts at “I” and Sixth streets, NW and takes a circuitous route and ends Sixth and H. Find the exact parade route at dcparade.com.
by Kathleen Donner
portunities, with a goal of receiving a Certi cate of Completion and job readiness. Young adults can register for the vocational program by walking into either Achievement Center or calling 202-576-7299. The next program begins in January 2023 and will focus on tattoo artistry and microblading. dyrs.dc.gov.
MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade
The Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade is in-person on Jan. 16, 11 a.m. The staging area is at The R.I.S.E. Center at St. Elizabeth’s, 2700 MLK Ave. SE. The parade reviewing stage is at MLK and W St. SE. The walk ends at a festival and health Fair at Anacostia Park. Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along
MLK Ave. in Southeast DC.
Masks and social distancing required. mlkholidaydc.org
Career Development at DC’s Achievement Centers
The Achievement Centers, at 2101 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE and 450 H St. NW, offer a range of career development programming led by expert sta who help young people develop their strengths and con dence. The programming is free and open to all District youth ages 14 to 21. There is a seven-week vocational program for 18- to 21-year-olds that provides young adults with training to be able to pass recognized industry certi cations. The training includes preparation for industry-recognized exams and participation in work-based learning experiences that transition into employment op-
Anacostia Playhouse Seeks New Plays for Festival
Anacostia Playhouse is seeking new, non-produced plays from local playwrights for its New Voices New Works Play Festival. Submissions are being accepted through Jan. 15 and should address this year’s theme Love: Make Ya Do Right / Make Ya Do Wrong, be set in an East of the River neighborhood and have a maximum of four characters. The festival will run over three consecutive Monday evenings beginning April 28 at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. This project will introduce new and seasoned playwrights to Washington’s theater com-
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District. DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.2023 - New Year, New Home DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.
DC Open DoorsDC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia. DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia. DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages. You are not required to be a firsttime homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down District of Columbia. a home in the District of Columbia. serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program. HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program. HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia. Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to program. years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program. up to $202,000 combined. DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program. years or older who have fallen behind on insurance Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. down payment assistance to D.C. government Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to DC4ME employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia. DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District District government employees, including employees and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's government-based instrumentalities, COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months. of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia. COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia. COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months. DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia. independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia. Homebuyers Info Sessions are Back at DCHFA Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to Register at bit.ly/dcopendoors 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 2Visit www.DCHFA.org those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of0001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months. 815 Visit www.DCHFA.org FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.OREAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE JANUARY 2023 G25 how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
munity; as well as, and establish relationships among writers, producers, and directors. Send submissions to the Anacostia Playhouse by email to info@anacostiaplayhouse.com.
Wacky & Whimsical Tea at THEARC
Celebrate Building Bridges Across the River’s years of serving residents East of the Anacostia River at the Wacky and Whimsical Tea for THEARC. This Sunday afternoon tea party, an event for the whole family, features games and activities for kids, exciting performances, door prizes, and more. All proceeds will bene t THEARC, a 203,000 square-foot campus located on 16.5 acres in DC’s Ward 8. THEARC is home to fourteen of DC’s nonpro t agencies who work collaboratively under Building Bridges’ leadership to provide $30 million worth of human services annually in cultural arts, health, recreation, and educational programs. Save the date, Sunday, March 12, 2 to 4 p.m. for THEARC’s, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, annual Wacky & Whimsical Tea party. Sponsorships are available. bbardc.org.
Fire & Ice at the Wharf
On Saturday, Jan. 21, 1 to 4 p.m., join The Wharf for the third Fire & Ice, featuring the WAFF Ice House. Stop by the House on District Pier and help support the Washington Area Fuel Fund in their mission to raise funds to keep our neighbors warm this winter. Sit in the House and get your “Bring the Heat” thermal photo. There will also be a DJ, whiskey sampling stations, re twirlers, an ice sculptor and s’mores at the repit. This event is free and open to the public, must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Sampling tickets will be sold on-site. wharfdc.com.
Two Hon eur Artist-in-Residency Grants Awarded
In a non-conventional residency, the artists-in-residency can work for over a year in their own space. This annual program is a realization of the vision of the late Sharon Hughes Gautier to provide artists with the necessary time and funding to create their work. This residency comes with both speci c project funding and a monthly stipend. Two grants for FY23 were awarded. Melani N. Douglass: During her tenure, Melani will collaborate with community organizations to use art to activate communities east of the river, focusing on Anacostia. She will work to establish the Family Arts Museum as an intergenily Arts Museum as an intergenerational center of creativity and connection. Rik Freeman:Mr. Freeman will execute a series of paintings based on the subject matter of African American beaches during segregation and Jim Crow. Honfleur Gallery is a contemporary art space in the Historic Anacostia neighborhood, between Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE and 13th St. SE. Hon eur maintains a rigorous schedule of exhibitions and programming focusing on cuttingedge contemporary exhibitions by artists from the USA and abroad. hon eurgallerydc.com.
Capital City Go Go at the Entertainment & Sports Arena Through March 25, enjoy watching Washington’s own NBA G League Capital City Go Go in the 4,000-seat Entertainment & Sports Arena with sight lines designed for an exceptional spectator experience. Here are the remaining game dates: Jan. 18 and 29, vs. Long Island Nets, Jan. 25 and 27, Windy City Bulls; Feb. 1, vs. Maine Celtics, Feb. 10, vs. Wisconsin Herd; Feb. 15, vs. Westchester Knicks, Feb. 25 and 27, vs. Delaware Blue Coats; and March 17 vs. Texas Legends, March 23, vs. Wisconsin Herd and March 25, vs. Westchester Knicks. The arena is a three-minute walk from the Congress Heights Metro at 1100 Oak Dr. SE. Tickets are $15. eventsdc.com.
NPS Decision for Kenilworth Park Land ll Site Issued
The National Park Service has released the Record of Decision (ROD) for the future environmental cleanup to take place at the Kenilworth Park Land ll Site. The site was used as a municipal waste land ll beginning in 1942. It has been used for recreational purposes since the 1970s when the land ll was closed and covered with soil. The cleanup plan will include the placement of a one-footthick, clean soil layer on certain areas within the northern portion of the site. The NPS evaluated risks to human health within the site and determined
that the placement of a clean soil layer will eliminate health risks for visitors who engage in high-frequency activities such as playing contact sports on athletic elds for more than two hours per day and for an extended time period of time (26 years). The NPS will conduct a review of the site at least every ve years to ensure that the clean soil layer remains in place and continues to provide protection to human health. The NPS will post updates on the progress on nps.gov/anac/learn/management/kpls.htm.
Death Doula Days at Congressional Cemetery
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and a sense of humor as we sit around the table at the gatehouse (almost) every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in 2023, to explore the worries and wonderment about mortality. Join Congressional Cemetery’s new death doula in residence for a weekly series of conversations and workshops about the end of life. Guests will include those who sit with the dying, care for our bodies, and help those we will leave behind. Participants will work on projects like organizing their digital lives, documenting their wishes, and telling their life stories. You will play games, do projects, hear musicians, meet artists, and hear from scholars who explore the end of life in their work. The goal is to explore a “death positive” way to think about our mortality. You never know who you’ll meet around the table, but each person who enters the room is a gift to the event. Cake and tea provided. Donations to Historic Congressional Cemetery are warmly encouraged. Reserve your chair today at congressionalcemetery.org.
Ward 8 Wood Volunteer Programs
Ward 8 Woods volunteers work in the woods removing trash and cutting invasive vines. If you like to be physically active, spend time in nature, and immediately see the results of your work, you might enjoy working with them. The simplest way to get involved is to attend one of their regularly scheduled public events. Ft. Stanton Park Volunteer Day is every rst Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at Ft. Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Up is every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at 555 Newcomb St. SE. Register at ward8woods.org/volunteer.
Photo: Shepherd Parkway volunteers.
DC Holds DC Teacher Summit in February
The Bowser Administration, through the O ce of the Deputy Mayor for Education, and CityBridge are partnering to hold a DC Teacher Summit for educators from DC public schools and public charter schools on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit is themed, “Teachers Teaching Teachers (T^3): Lessons from Classroom to Community,” and will bring together teachers from across the city to connect and share strong instructional practices through teacher-led sessions. Teachers interested in attending can express their interest at linktr.ee/teachersummit2023.
HBCU Scholarship Opportunities
DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance Higher Education Initiative will award ve $1,000 scholarships to incoming freshmen during fall semester. All applicants must be from DMV, Baltimore or VA/MD Eastern Shore. Applications are due by Feb. 17, 2023. Read more and apply at Bit.ly/ Higher/Education/Scholarship/Awards2023.
Habitat Restoration Workday at Kingman
On Monday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will join the Anacostia Watershed Society and National Links Trust for a Habitat Restoration Workday. During this workday, volunteers will help AWS with their invasive plant control and revegetation e orts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. This is part of a natural resources management plan for the golf course in partnership with National Links Trust. By participating you will not only have the opportunity to learn about invasive plants and the ecology of the Anacostia River, you will also help to improve the habitat for wildlife and the water quality of the Anacostia River. This event will involve lifting, bending, and walking. Participants are expected to wear closed-toed shoes for the duration of the event. Registration required at anacostiaws.org.
New Sensory Experience at Capital One Arena
Monumental Sports & Entertainment has partnered with KultureCity to make Capital One Arena and all of the programs and events that the arena hosts sensory-inclusive. The Costabile Family Sensory Room inside the arena now o ers an inclusive and positive experience for all fans. The sensory room is out tted with custom door and window treatments by SelectBlinds, bean bags from Yogibo, the visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, Sparkle Interactive Light (by NunoErin—therapeutically fun furniture embedded with soft glowing lights that respond
to motion), and bubble walls. The space is located at the Administrative Entrance on Level 1 across from section 115/116 and is available for all games and events. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. For more information, visit capitalonearena.com.
An Eight-Part Business Law Series for Small Business Owners
This eight-part course is hosted by the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development, and the DC Small Business Development Center. The course is designed for the non-attorney small business owner including sole proprietors, business partnerships, and owners of LLCs. Overview of setting up your business, contracts, employment law, risk/insurance, accounting, and intellectual property legal concerns. Registration includes all eight virtual sessions. There is a one-time $75 fee. Sessions are held on consecutive Tuesdays, from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of DC registration and corporate law, employment law, risk management, contracts, government contracting and certi cation, intellectual property, and accounting from experienced business attorneys at DC’s most prestigious law rms. Contact lpaley@dcbar. org with questions. Register at probono.center/smallbiz8part2023.
Winter Birdwatching on Kingman Island
On Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 to 11 a.m., join the Anacostia Watershed Society, Friends of Dueling Creek, and National Links Trust for a fun morning at the Langston Golf Course on Kingman Island looking for some of the Anacostia River’s prettiest and most secretive feathery friends— winter birds. The watershed is in the Atlantic Flyway. Learn about the di erent species of waterfowl and other wetlands birds that spend the winter at Kingman Lake and the Anacostia River. This event is open to birders of all levels. They will have some binoculars available on a rst come, rst serve basis and will have a couple of scopes to get a nice look at the birds. Bring your bird app and eld guides. Some hiking will be involved but mostly on at terrain on grassy and wooded terrain. Dress appropriately in layers and bring a warm beverage. Registration required at anacostiaws.org.
Behaving Boldly: Women Leading 21st Century Museums
On Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m., join the directors of the Hirshhorn, National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery, and Smithsonian American Art Museum as they look back at the Guerrilla Girls’ “Horror on the National Mall!” (2007) and discuss the 21st century responsibilities of museummaking. In-person, free and in the Hirshhorn Ring Auditorium. Registration required. Light refreshments available for purchase. hirshhorn.si.edu.
Rock the Rink at The Wharf
This year, there are two Rock the Rink days at The Wharf, Wednesday, Jan. 11. 6 to 10 p.m. (Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers) and Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 to 6 p.m. (Capitals at Boston Bruins). Skate at The Wharf Ice Rink with a DJ and Caps giveaways. The game will be broadcast on a jumbotron on the Transit Pier. Throughout the day, fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 o admission to The Wharf Ice Rink. wharfdc.com.
Foreclosure Prevention Webinars
The non-pro t Housing Counseling Services is conducting Foreclosure Prevention webinars in January to provide information about available options for people who are having di culty paying their mortgage, condo fees or property taxes. You may participate in the webinars by internet or telephone. Webinars, on Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at noon, are free: registration is required. Register at housingetc.org/webinar-registration. If you have questions, you may also call the Foreclosure Prevention hotline at 202-265-2255. housingetc.org.
Sign up to run the March 18, 2023 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon or 5k at runrocknroll.com/washingtondc-register.
Chamber Music at Noon at MLK Library
On first Thursdays at noon through June, enjoy an hour of beautiful music in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library auditorium with their Performance Lab: Chamber Music at Noon concert series. Curated by Vasily Popov and Ralitza Patcheva, each program features di erent musicians and includes background discussions on the works being performed. Free. MLK Library is at 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk.
Hypothermia Alerts
Hypothermia alerts are activated when the forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. ◆
