Ward 8 Democrats Endorse The Honorable
Vincent Orange he Ward Eight Democrats overwhelmingly voted on Saturday, March 19, 2011, in favor of the Honorable Vincent Orange as their candidate in the April 26, 2011 Special Election! Mr. Orange received a landslide 87%, 141 votes (out of a possible 162 votes) with the next closest two candidates receiving only 6 votes each. In addition to supporting and campaigning for Mr. Orange, the Ward Eight Democrats will provide Mr. Orange with poll coverage at all 16 Ward Eight precincts on Election Day!
T
Next Regularly Scheduled Ward 8 Democrats Meeting Saturday, April 16, 2011 – Noon to 2PM Matthews Memorial Baptist Church, 2616 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE.
SAVE THE DATES: Ward Eight Democrats Convention Saturday, October 15, 2011 Matthews Memorial Baptist Church 2616 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE.
Ward Eight Democrats Annual Red & White Ball Saturday, October 1, 2011 Location TBD
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#5 on the Ballot! The Pannell Platform: If elected, I will focus on four areas: 1) Safety & Truancy. 2) Parental Engagement, Involvement & Accountability. 3) Promoting Reading as a Community Mission in to Raise Student Reading Scores. 4) Expanding Both Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Opportunities & Activities.
Elect PHILIP PANNELL 8 Consistent... Persistent...for Ward
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
202.562.2726 www:pannellforward8.com Philippannell@comcast.net Pannell for Ward 8, Michael Sainte-Andress,Treasurer
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | APRIL 2011 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 10 ............Go See Do 12 ............East of the River Calendar 18 ............The Bulletin Board 22 ............The Man from Anacostia • by CHarles E. Wilson 24 ............The Struggle for Employment • by Alice Ollstein 26 ............The Race is On - Council At-Large • by Alice Ollstein 28 ............Ward 8 State Board of Education • by John Muller 30 ............Anacostia’s Art District • by John Muller 32 ............The Numbers - Strengthen DC’s Pipeline • by Ed Lazere 34 ............DC Time Bank - Stronger Community • by Steve Lilienthal
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 36 ............Old Street Names - East Washington • by John Muller
39
38 ............Capital Losses - Cutural History • by John Muller 39 ............Critical Exposure • by Emma Scott
40
KIDS & FAMILY 40 ............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 44 ............Summer Camps
HOMES & GARDENS 46 ............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton 48 ............The Classifieds 50 ............The Nose • by Anonymous
36 ON THE COVER: April Harrison, “Dwell” speaks to a family’s joyful feeling of home ownership and dwelling on the land acquired through patience and perseverance, 24 x 24, Mixed medium collage
Aritst Statement: “With Eyes Closed” is the title of my life’s work. To “walk by faith and not by sight” is the message I’ve been given to share with the world. The focus of my work is to spread the gift of abundant life by recreating special moments, inner spirituality, fond memories, reflections and the healing power of the human touch. Quite simply, my work is LOVE. website: www.aprilsonggallery.com or www.aviscafineart.com
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 7
HILL RAG MIDCITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES
SOUTH CAPITOL STREET EIS COMMUNITY UPDATE MEETING The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration invites you to a public meeting to discuss the South Capitol Street Project. www.southcapitoleis.com April 26th 2011 Amidon-Bowen Elementary School 401 I Street SW Washington DC 20024 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF
HOMES & GARDENS
MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com KIDS & FAMILY EDITOR: Susan Braun Johnson schools@hillrag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Mary-Frances Daly maryfrances@hillrag.com
Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com
NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS
ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com THEATER: Brad Hathaway • brad@potomacstages.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com THE JAZZ PROJECT: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com
CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, DC NORTH & EAST OF THE RIVER: Hill Rag & East of the River Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner BULLETIN BOARD EDITOR: Mary-Frances Daly calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT
April 28th 2011 Savoy Elementary School 2800 Shannon Place SE Washington DC 20020 6:30 to 8:30 PM The purpose of the meeting is to provide the community with an update on the status of the project, provide an opportunity to review the preferred roadway and bridge alternatives, and to submit comments concerning the project. Please RSVP to Joseph Dorsey DDOT, at 202-543-1231 or email Joseph.Dorsey@dc.gov or Tracee Strum - Gilliam at 202-550-6373 or email strum@pbworld.com.
Monica Cavanaugh • monica.cavanaugh@gmail.com Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Mary-Frances Daly • maryfrances@hillrag.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Tanya Synder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Paul D. Shinkman - pdshinkman@gmail.com Melanie Sunukjian - melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway - holloway.shannon@gmail.com
WARD 1: Mark Johnson • ward1@hillrag.com WARD 2: Amanda Abrams • ward2@hillrag.com WARD 4: Tanya Snyder • ward4@hillrag.com ANC6A: Tanya Snyder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com ANC6B: Kyle Johnson • kylejoh@gmail.com ANC6C: Kyle Johnson • kylejoh@gmail.com ANC6D: Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com WARD 7: Virginia Spatz • ward7@hillrag.com WARD 8: Virginia Spatz • ward8@hillrag.com BARRACKS ROW: 202-544-3188 H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com
PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD DESIGNER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com
ADVERTISING & SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Deborah Bandzerewicz 202.543.8300 X13 • deb@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com MARKETING ASSISTANT: Giancarlo Fagon gbfagon@gmail.com
DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Andrew Lightman DISTRIBUTORS: David Sledgister and Southwest Distribution DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION: distribution@hillrag.com
BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS
WEBSITE
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com
WEB MASTER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • webmaster@hillrag.com
KIDS & FAMILY Mary-Frances Daily • kidsnotebook@hillrag.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
DEADLINES & CONTACTS ADVERTISING: sales@hillrag.com DISPLAY ADS: 15th of each month CLASSIFIED ADS: 10th of each month EDITORIAL: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
PUBLISHER: JEAN-KEITH FAGON • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
capitalcommunitynews.com 8 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
COMING THIS SPRING! Featuring: The Finest Selection of Oysters & Chops on The Hill A Fifty-Foot Long Marble Oyster Bar Twenty-Four Wines by the Glass Sixteen Fine Ales on Draft
Senart’s is Proud to Welcome
Executive Chef Brian Klein Formerly of Brasserie Beck & the Four Season Hotels of Berlin and Philadelphia
Senart’s • 520 8th St. SE (202) 544-1168 • www.SenartsDC.com
GO.SEE.DO. Shakespeare’s Birthday Open House at the Folger Library. OOn Sunday, April 17, noon-4:00 PM, help celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with jugglers and jesters, music and theater performances, sword fights, birthday cake, and a tour of the Folger’s reading rooms and Elizabethan Garden. This family-friendly event is free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu
Unicyclist on East Capitol Street. Photo: Claire Duggan
The Washington Ballet: Sleeping Beauty (Suite). This month, the rising stars of The Washington Ballet’s Studio Company present an elegant rendition of the classic ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. This family-friendly program is perfect for balletomanes and ballet newcomers alike, and gives all audiences an up-close-and-personal view of the dancers. $50. Saturday, April 16 at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM and Sunday, April 17, 2:00 PM. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-362-3602. washingtonballet.org Dancers Amber Lewis and Jong-Suk Pak in The Washington Ballet Studio Company production of Sleeping Beauty (Suite)
Frager’s Fourth Annual Spring Convention. Frager’s Hardware’s annual Spring Convention starts off with a parade from Frager’s at 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE to the Eastern Market North Hall with an women’s drum band in the lead, kid’s school sports groups, the Eastern High School Marching Band and the BID following along for the clean-up. Captain Apollo is in charge. If you need repairs done on your house or are contemplating a renovation, the Convention gathers together plumbers, electricians, carpenters, contractors, landscape gardeners and other tradesmen who all want your business. Saturday, April 16, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. For info email Apollo@fragersdc.com or call 202-543-6157.
Glass Artist, Nina Falk’s nest bowl
Takoma Park Art Hop. OOn April 7-10, Main Street Takoma’s second annual Art Hop will showcase the work of more than 40 artists throughout the businesses in Old Takoma. On display will be a variety of art including wearable art, photography, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and painting. They promise to keep your self-guided tour of the unique shops and businesses lively with artist demonstrations, artist talks, music, street performers and kid activities. This 100% volunteer driven event which began on a paper napkin over lunch at Mark’s Kitchen is considered one of the best things to do in Old Takoma. 240-253-4229. arthoptakoma.com
Trout Fishing in the Yellow Breeches Watershed. Located in Southcentral Pennsylvania, the Yellow Breeches watershed offers some of the finest trout fishing in the United States. Fishing is a time-honored tradition here and endless opportunities exist year round for the angler. It is an ideal destination for a family outing or some peaceful time alone on the stream. To fish, you will have to buy a Pennsylvania fishing license for about $20 at any sporting goods store in the area. Your destination, Boiling Springs, PA, is about three hours from DC. 717-240-7812. cumberlandcd.com
Yellow Breeches Creek in Boiling Springs. Photo: Courtesy of Cumberland County Conservation District CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 11
CALENDAR
White House Kitchen Garden. Photo: Courtesy of The White House
White House Garden and Grounds Tours Saturday, Apr. 9, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM and Sunday, Apr. 10, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. The Kitchen Garden will once again be accessible to tour guests. Garden Tours are free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E sts. on each tour day beginning at 8:00 AM. Tickets will be distributed, one ticket per person, on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the Garden Tours may be cancelled. Please call the 24-hour information line at 202-456-7041 to check on the status of the event. whitehouse.gov EASTER Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24, 6:15 AM (but get there much earlier). The Easter Sunrise Service on at the Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater will begin with a musical prelude. There is no rail service at this hour but parking is free. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org The Great Vigil of Easter at National Cathedral. Saturday, Apr. 23, 8:00 PM. This is the night when Christ broke the bonds of death… and rose victorious from the grave. Tonight we hear the ancient stories of God’s redeeming work, moving from darkness to light, from solemn chant to joyful song, as we celebrate the glorious Resurrection. Intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW. 202-5376200. nationalcathedral.org
12 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Solemn Easter Vigil Mass at National Shrine. Saturday, Apr. 23, 8:00 PM. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Easter Sunday Mass at National Shrine. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM. Spanish Mass at 2:30 PM. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Easter Arts and Crafts. Saturday, Apr. 23, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM. Make your own Easter hats or bonnets and design your own wooden Easter egg. Materials for construction and decoration are available for exploration. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Good Friday and Easter at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. Friday, Apr. 22, 6:30 PM. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24, 10:45 AM. 3000 Penn| APRIL 2011
sylvania Ave. SE. 202-581-1500. pabc-dc.org St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24, Masses at 7:30 AM and 9AM. 1244 V St. SE. 202-678-3709. stachurch.org Union Temple. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24, Services at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. 1225 W St. SE. 202-678-8822. uniontemple.com Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Mass, 10:00 AM. Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, Apr. 23, 4:30 PM. 3411 MLK Ave. SE. 202-562-7070. assumptionchurch-dc.org Inner Light Ministries. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Service at 10:45 AM. 1912 Q St. SE. 202332-7750. Church of the Incarnation. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Mass, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, 4:00 PM. 880 Eastern Ave. NE. 202-396-0942. josephite.com
Grace Memorial Baptist Church. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Services at 10:00 AM. 2407 Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-581-1713 Our Lady Queen of Peace. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Mass, 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Holy Saturday Mass, 4:00 PM. 3800 Ely Pl. SE. 202-5828600. parishes.org/queenofpeace Galilee Baptist Church. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Service at 9:00 AM. 2252 Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-583-4030. galileebaptistchurch.net Allen Chapel AME Church. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Services, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2498 Alabama Ave. SE. acamec.org Campbell AME Church. Easter Sunday, Apr. 24. Services, 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2562 MLK Ave. SE. 202-889-3006. netministries.org St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Easter Vigil, Apr. 23, 7:00 PM. Easter Sunday, Apr.
24. Masses at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5825021. parishes.org/stfrancisxavierdc
CHERRY BLOSSOMS, GARDENS, TREES AND CLEAN-UPS Han-Mee Artists: Celebration of DC’s Cherry Blossom Trees. Through June 11, in celebration of the Cherry Blossom Tree, the Historical Society of Washington, DC and the Han-Mee Korean American Artist Association have partnered to present Han-Mee Artists: Celebration of DC’ s Cherry Blossom Trees. The exhibit contains approximately 23 painting and interpretive works made to celebrate spring in Washington and the national Cherry Blossom season. Historical Society of Washington D.C., 801 K St. NW, (at Mount Vernon Square). 202-3831850. historydc.org Macy’s Cherry Blossom Show. Through Apr. 10 at Macy’s Metro Center. Thirty cherry trees each week, ranging between 12 and 18 feet tall, will welcome both shoppers and arborists alike, elegantly guiding them along the main aisles of Macy’s Metro Center. 212-494-4495. macys.com Free Valet Bike Parking at the Tidal Basin. In an effort to get people to the blossoms without their cars, the Washington Area Bicycle Association is offering free valet bike parking on Apr. 9 and 10 at the Jefferson Memorial. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org Anacostia River Earth Day Clean--up. Saturday, Apr. 9, 8:30 AM-noon. Kingman Island as well as other locations. For details contact swendel@anacostiaws.org or 301-699-6204. Spring Garden Market at River Farm. Apr. 15, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM and Apr.16, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. More than 20 local vendors will be at the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters selling a wide variety of plants— including natives, perennials, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, and annuals—as well as garden supplies and unique garden art. Visitors are also welcome to tour River Farm’s 25-acre grounds, which will be in full spring bloom with thousands of bulbs, flowering trees, and shrubs. An art exhibit will also be on display in the Estate House. Free. 7931 E. Blvd. Dr., Alexandria, VA. 703-768-5700. ahs.org Earth Day Celebration at US Botanic Garden. Friday, Apr. 22, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. The USBG celebrates the 41st anniversary of Earth Day! Come enjoy a cooking demonstration with Chef Tania Mercer and meet with representatives of environmental organizations from throughout the region. Learn all the ways that you can make the planet a healthier place and become a more active steward of the plants that support life on earth. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov
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CALENDAR Fort Dupont Earth Day Clean-Up. Apr. 23, 9:00 PM. Volunteers should come to Fort Dupont Visitor’s Center at Randle Circle, SE. nps. gov/fodu Arbor Day Tour of the National Garden. Friday, Apr. 29, noon-1:00 PM. This year, the USBG will celebrate Arbor Day with a stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the Mid-Atlantic region. Hear related folktales and stories. Please Note: This tour is held outdoors. They suggest wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and bringing water. The tour is canceled if it rains. Free but pre-registration required. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-1116. nfusbg.org Casey Trees Open House 2011. Saturday, Apr. 30, noon-5:00 PM. Join them for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, demonstrations, building tours and neighborhood tree walks as they celebrate the official opening of their new headquarters and National Arbor Day. Street parking and bicycle valet will be available. It is a ten minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metro and serviced by the H8 Metrobus line. 3030 12th St. NE. RSVP to caseytrees.org. 202833-4010. National Arboretum Spring Celebration Garden Fair. Saturday, Apr. 30, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. This early season shopping extravaganza promises thousands of plants, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs for every garden. Plant experts will be available to answer your questions and assist you with plant selection. There will be garden-related items for sale, free lectures, free activities for kids and food vendors. Free admission. U.S. National Arboretum, New York Avenue Parking Lot, 3501 New York Ave. NE. 202-245-2726. usna.usda.gov National Garden Tour. Saturdays, Apr. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1:00-2:00 PM. Stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the Mid-Atlantic region. This tour is held outdoors. They suggest wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and bringing water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat. Free. No pre-registration required. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov Azalea Collection Tour at National Arboretum. Sunday, May 8, 10:00 AM-noon. Amid a brilliant spring display, learn about the origins and culture of azaleas from Barbara Bullock, the knowledgeable, long-time curator of the Azalea Collection. Get expert advice on growing these spring beauties and discover how arboretum scientists have developed new varieties for gardeners. $12. 202-245-2726. usna.usda.gov
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Folktales from Africa to the Americas. Saturday, Apr. 9, 10:30 AM. Baba-C, D.C. griot and master storyteller, will share his unique blend of interactive storytellings, featuring West African, Afro-Brazilian and Gullah tales. Tales spiced with remarkable animals and life lessons feature Anansi the Spider, Bossy Elephant, and other memorable characters. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu
14 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, Apr. 9, 10:00 AM-noon. 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. Rhythm Café (discussion). Sunday, Apr. 10, 2:00 PM. Join renowned radio programmer Tony Requsters of WPFW radio as he discusses Antonio Carlos Jobim. The legendary Howard University Jazz Ensemble will perform under the direction of Fred Irby. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4866. anacostia.si.edu One of 75,000 Union Volunteers. Apr. 10, 1:00 PM. Historical program and lecture. Fort Dupont Visitor’s Center, Randle Circle, SE. nps.gov/fodu Clear New Daze at Honfleur Gallery. Apr. 15May 20. Opening Reception April 15, 7:00 PM. The New Clear Daze exhibit is an exploration of similarities and differences in the work of four emerging Baltimore visual artists. David Fair, Matt Bovie, Eamon Espey, Andrew Liang focus heavily on color and pattern in their work, yet each has a unique and visceral approach. The media employed by these artists ranges widely, from textile-based to illustration and mixed media to painting. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-536-8994. honfleurgallery.com A Home Run in Oxen Run Park. Friday, Apr. 15, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM. Join THEARC, Fannie Mae, William C. Smith + Company and partners in a day of community service. Volunteers are needed to help restore the ball field and rake, trim brush, pick up trash, lay sod, and plant trees and flowers. 202-465-7047. thearcdc.org Destino the inexorable journey across Mexico to El Sueño Americano. Apr. 15-June 3. Opening reception Apr. 15, 6:00 PM. Destino, meaning both “destination” and “destiny” in Spanish, portrays Central American migrants who endure a host of adversities in a desperate, gauntlet-running journey across Mexico. In a wandering odyssey, they travel on foot and by rail, often relying on the network of freight trains lurching across Mexico in an attempt to enter the United States illegally. the Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 MLK Ave. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com How the Leopard Got His Spots. Saturday, Apr. 16, 10:30 AM. When the other animals moved away, the hungry leopard was forced to follow them down into the striped, spotted forest. But, with his bright skin, the leopard didn’t stand a chance to hunt—unless he acquired spots himself. Narrated by Danny Glover. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Family Across the Sea (video). Saturday, Apr. 30, 10:30 AM. Family Across the Sea traces the connection between the Gullah people of South Carolina’s Sea Islands and the people of Sierra Leone as uncovered by linguist Lorenzo Dow Turner. The film illustrates how African Americans, through speech, songs, and customs, maintained ties with their homeland over centuries of oppression. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Jazz Appreciation Month Concert. Apr. 30, time TBA, Fort Dupont Amphitheater, Fort Dupont, Randle Circle. nps.gov/fodu
| APRIL 2011
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS DC United Home Matches. Apr. 9 and 21. $23$52. $15 college night tickets available on Apr. 21. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. Apr. 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. May 1 and 2. 7:05 PM (Sunday games at 1:35 PM). $5, up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. washington.nationals.mlb.com Spring Public National’s Ballpark Tours. Tuesday-Saturday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals.mlb.com Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia. From Reconstruction to the second half of the 20th century, baseball, the great American pastime, was played in Washington, D.C., on segregated fields. “Separate and Unequaled” looks at the phenomenal popularity and community draw of this sport when played by African Americans. Featured are such personalities as Josh Gibson and “Buck” Leonard, star players of the Negro Leagues most celebrated team, the Washington Homestead Grays. The show also highlights community teams that gave rise to the various amateur, collegiate and semipro black baseball teams and leagues. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate weekends, sunrise to sunset. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour free skate “rental” starts on Apr. 30 but sizes and supplies are limited. From Apr. 14-25, the facility will be closed for maintenance. During summer months, open daily. Go east on Penn. Ave. across Anacostia River and make the first right turn onto Fairlawn Ave. and another right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202-472-3873. Ferebee Hope Aquatic Facility Indoor Pool. Open weekdays, 3:00-8:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents (have ID). 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov/dpr Deanwood Aquatic Center Indoor Pool. MonFri 6:30 AM-8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. Have ID. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov African Dance Class. Every Monday, 7:15-8:30 PM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome. THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Yoga Class. Every Saturday, 10:00-11:15 AM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome. THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov/dpr Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts.Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. www.dpr.dc.gov/dpr Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month, noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703505-3567. dcroadrunners.org Race to Stop the Silence 8K. Saturday, Apr 23, 9:00 AM. Also 5K and 1K kids race. Race to help stop child sexual abuse. Freedom Plaza, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. $25 ($5 for kids). 301871-0400. stopcsa.org or runwashington.com Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public. Closed for the season for maintenance. Will re-open July 5. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free. Reggie Glass’ The Movement in Human. Apr. 23, 8:00 PM; Apr. 24, 7:00 PM. This project explores the intricate ways we experience one another and how we are affected by the life lessons we must face. Human is a dance theater work, choreographed by Reggie Glass, about people who work to let their past inform them as they strive for progress in the future. $10-$20. Joe’s Movement Emporium World Arts Focus, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd. Mount Rainier, MD. 301-6991819. joesmovement.org Kung Fu and Tai Chi at the Historical Society of Washington, DC. Every Saturday (rain or shine). Kung Fu, noon; Tai Chi, 1:00 PM. Suitable for all ages. Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. The ancient art of Tai Chi is a style of Kung Fu that emphasizes internal energy. Free. No RSVP required. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square). 202-3831850. historydc.org East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered
stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. golfdc.com Langston Driving Range. Open every day except Christmas, sun-up to sun-down. In addition to the driving range, Langston has an 18 hole course, snack bar, pro shop and offers golf lessons. 45 balls, $4.75. 180 balls, $14.25. $2, golf club rental. 26th and Benning Rd. NE. 202-397-8638. golfdc.com Mason Rhynes Productions & Joe’s Movement Emporium presents Late Night Expressions. Saturday, Apr. 30, 10:00 PM. This Late Night features AftaShock, Reggie Glass, Gesel Mason Performance Projects, A. Suttlar Martin and other special guests! $15-$20. (mature audiences). Joe’s Movement Emporium World Arts Focus, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd. Mount Rainier, MD. 301699-1819. joesmovement.org Clinton Christian School: The Train... A Journey of Choices Through Dance. Saturday, Apr. 30, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Clinton Christian School presents their dance recital, “The Train...A Journey of Choices Through Dance. “Before we leave this earth everyone must decide who will lead their life. The question, is will you ride this train of life filled with parties, so called “good times”, a life filled with “Its MY way”. Or will you choose to get off this train and follow Christ and the path he has laid for you.” $25. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
MARKETS Liberty North Community Market (new market). Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. The market will have 80-100 vendors selling art, crafts, food, and produce. Fifth and Eye sts. NW. libertynorthcommunitymarket.com Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Market. Open Thursdays, 3:00-7:00 PM. North end of Eighth St, between D and E sts. NW. freshfarmmarket.org
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Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-6:00 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 7th St. SE. 202-544-0083. easternmarketdc.com Marc tus Creative Market at Yards Park. First Sunday of every month in summer (Except July, which will be second Sunday); May 1, June 5, July 10, Aug 7, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Marc tus, a monthly creative market, will be a multidimensional event different than any other to reach the District. Marc tus invites you to come out for a day to enjoy the sounds of live music,
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CALENDAR smells of exotic foods, eye candy of art, to hunt for creative treasures, or simply to relax on the Great Lawn and take in the picturesque views of the Anacostia River. 202-465-7079. capitolriverfront.org FRESHFARM Market by the White House. Opens May 5. Thursdays, 3:00-7:00 PM. 810 Vermont Ave. NW (between H St. and I St.). freshfarmmarket.org Foggy Bottom FRESHFARM Market. Wednesdays, 3:00-7:00 PM. I St. between New Hampshire and 24th St. NW. freshfarmmarket.org H Street FRESHFARM Market. Saturdays, 9 AMnoon. Open Apr. 16 through Nov. 20. Parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. freshfarmmarket.org Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE (north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202-399-6040. Dupont Circle FRESHFARM 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). 202-362-8889. 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. 202-7753532. or georgetownfleamarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7:00 AM-9:00 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722.
Giant Amazonia lilypads in early morning light. Photo: Jim Thackaberry
Help Clean-up Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Saturday, Apr. 9, Earth Day, 9:00 AM-noon. Volunteers engage in a wide variety of activities including invasive plants removal, painting, lily pond restoration, trash removal (land based and river borne), planting, pruning, and other duties as assigned. These activities require the ability to kneel, squat, lift, and perform routine gardening and clean up functions over a period of three to four hours. Volunteers are required to wear clothing appropriate for the work at hand--long sleeved shirts, long pants, and no open toe shoes. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps.gov/kepa
CIVIC LIFE
| APRIL 2011
Ward 7 Democrats Monthly Meeting. Fourth Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. Ward Memorial AME Church, 241 42nd St. NE. 202-584-8477 or info@ ward7democrats. ward7democrats.org 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 Monthly Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. UPO-Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. 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. First Baptist Church of Deanwood, 1008 45th St. NE Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202-388-1532. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 6th District Citizens Advisory Council. Second Monday, except July and Aug. 7:00 PM. 6th District HQ, 100 42nd St. NE. ANC Meeting for 7-A. Third Tuesday. 7:30 PM. Benning-Stoddard Rec. Center, 100 Stoddard Pl. SE. 202-727-1000. 7A@anc.dc.gov. www. anc7a.org ANC Meeting for 7-B. 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. www.anc7b.us ANC Meeting for 7-C. Second Thursday. 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net
Congresswomen Norton’s Government-to-go in Your Neighborhood. Thursday, Apr. 21, 5:007:00 PM. Safeway Supermarket, 2845 Alabama Ave. SE. Get answers and information on federal programs and policy such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and other federal benefits. 202-225-8050. norton.house.gov
ANC Meeting for 7-D. Second Tuesday. 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov
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
ANC Meeting for 8-A. First Tuesday. 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. www.anc8adc.org
Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560.
ANC Meeting for 8-B. Third Tuesday. 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. www.anc8b.org
Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services
16 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185.
ANC Meeting for 7-E. Second Tuesday. 7:008:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov
ANC Meeting for 8-C. First Wednesday (June meeting is on the nineth because of the holiday). 6:30 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC Meeting for 8-D. Fourth Thursday. 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC Meeting for 8-E. Third Tuesday. 7:00 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov
Meet Brendan Tharp The New Executive Chef at Lola’s
OUT OF TOWN Earth Day @ Loudoun. Sunday, Apr. 10, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. The Earth Day Family Festival, the official Earth Day Celebration of Loudoun County, will feature live music, Bash the Trash from NY, square dancing, kids workshop to build instruments, live wildlife exhibits, petting zoo, market place with local artisans arts and crafts, beer and wine garden, over 100 exhibitors; eco friendly products, services of all kinds. Willow Creek Farm by Clyde’s, 42920 Broadlands Blvd., Broadlands (Loudoun Cty.), VA. 703-725-8040. earthdayatloudoun.org
Lola’s welcomes Executive Chef Brendan Tharp, formerly of Blue Hill Tavern. Chef Tharp is introducing a new exciting menu of a new seasonal offerings that will include Charcuterie, local salads and a variety of daily specials. Don’t worry regulars! The Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos are staying with the addition of Brendan’s homemade Salsa Verde. Lola’s is expanding! Look for an intimate upstairs bar and game room.
Maryland’s Largest Civil War Exhibit. The Maryland Historical Society’s Museum will open Maryland’s largest and most comprehensive Civil War exhibit on Apr. 16. The impact of the war on the people of Maryland will be told in personal terms in “Divided Voices: Maryland in the Civil War.” The largest Civil War exhibit in the museum’s 167-year history will occupy over 5,000 square feet and tell the story of a tragedy in three acts: the romantic war, the real war and the long reunion. $6. Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument St., Baltimore, MD. 410-685-3750. mdhs.org
Lola’s Barracks Bar & Grill 711 8th Street, SE (202) 547-5652 www.lolasdc.com
WIDE SHOE OUTLET
Leesburg Garden and Flower Festival. Apr. 16 and 17, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Witness the Historic District of Leesburg as it is transformed into a garden of delights! Walk through award winning landscape displays and shop for fresh flowers, gifts, trees, fountains, garden furniture, and much more! Enjoy lively music, and bring the kids to visit our hands-on art and education area featuring puppet shows, story telling, and unique art projects. Rain or shine. King, Market, and Loudoun sts. (Leesburg Historic District) Leesburg, VA. 703-777-1368. idalee.org Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland. Saturday, Apr. 30, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM (rain or shine). This is the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland. More than 50 clans and societies have information to share. $15$20. Festival on the 560-acre Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, Prince Frederick, MD. 443-975-0972. cssm.org/festival Birthplace Marker of Harriet Tubman. Tubman was called “The Moses of Her People” because of her courageous work on the Underground Railroad. She helped more than 300 slaves escape to freedom. Greenbriar Rd. Cambridge, MD. (Dorchester County). 410-228-0401. ●
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BULLETIN BOARD Ward 8 Democrats to Elect State Committeeman On Saturday, May 21, noon-2:00 PM, Ward 8 Dems will elect one male representative to serve on the DC Democratic State Committee to fill the vacancy for the term ending September 2012. Interested candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for placement on the ballot by the nominating committee: Must reside in Ward 8, be male, be registered in Ward 8 as a Democrat with the DC Office of the Board and Elections and Ethics 30 days prior to the election, complete a “Statement of Candidacy” which includes the candidate’s name, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail, and statement to affirm that he has been registered in Ward 8 a minimum of 30 days, mail the “Statement of Candidacy” to Mary J. Cuthbert, 3325 MLK Ave. SE, #12 Washington, DC 20032, postmarked no later than Friday, Apr. 29, or email to Sandra “S.S.” Seegars at anc8e02dcgov@aol.com no later than Friday, Apr. 29, midnight.
Tax Season Help
Photo byGeorge Oakley
Brighter Day Minsitries Shrove Tuesday Supper On Mar. 8, a team of volunteers spent the afternoon preparing the feast; not only pancakes, but also bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, French toast, and applesauce. At 6:00 PM the guests began to arrive. All together, 101 people attended the dinner. For years, Shrove Tuesday pancakes were a tradition at Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church in Hillcrest. Congregant Helen White, who joined the church in 1988, remembers these celebrations well. All the church members were invited, as well as residents of Dwelling Place, a nearby transitional shelter for senior citizens. Although the food wasn’t served until early evening, White says, there would be lines out the door of the church kitchen as early as 3:30 PM. The pancake supper fell by the wayside when Ryland Epworth joined a collective of United Methodist churches, Brighter Day Minsitries, in 2009. The Brighter Day’s Hunger and Homelessness Committee brainstormed. “We were saying everybody does everything around Thanksgiving time. We were thinking what we could do in February or March”, White says. Reviving the pancake supper was a perfect opportunity to bring church members and homeless DC residents together.
18 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
Ward 7--AARP Tax Aide Programs, Francis Gregory Library, 3600 Alabama Ave. SE, Tuesdays, 10:30 AM-3:30 PM and Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE, Tuesday, 10:00AM-1:30PM, Thursdays, 10:00AM-1:30PM. DC Saves, Ophelia Egypt Program Center, 3933 Minnesota Ave. NE, Saturdays 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (families under $42,000, individuals below $22,000). Ward 8--AARP Tax Aide Programs, Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Road, SE, Tuesdays, 1:00-5:00PM and Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 MLK Ave. SE, Mondays, 10:00 AM-2:30 PM. DC Saves, UPO Petey Greene Community Center, 2907 MLK Ave. SE, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:007:30 PM.
DC Creative Writing Workshop The DC Creative Writing Workshop, based in Congress Heights, has united parents, teachers and stu-
dents to create a literary renaissance in this often ignored part of the city. Since 1995, when Charles Hart Junior High became the first school in Washington to have an extra-curricular creative writing program, the Workshop’s writers-in-residence have introduced thousands of students to the joys of self-expression and the written word, opening for them a world of opportunity that exists outside of the historically neglected area in which they live. While continuing to serve Hart, now a middle school, the Workshop expanded its programs in 2004 to neighboring Ballou High School and Simon Elementary. Students from the three schools have attended readings, plays and other literary events, won dozens of writing awards, and enjoyed a wealth of new experiences not otherwise available to young people in Ward 8. DC Creative Writing Workshop has just launched a newsletter, “Write On Time.” It’s not yet available as a link on their website but call them and ask to be on their newsletter listserve. DC Creative Writing Workshop, 601 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-445-4280. dccww.org
A Night of Broadway Stars at THEARC On Thursday, May 19, Covenant House Washington presents its signature event A Night of Broadway Stars in honor of The Honorable Vincent C. Gray, Mayor of the District of Columbia and Covenant House Washington’s first Executive Director. This unforgettable evening kicks off with a pre-show reception, followed by a dazzling show featuring incredible performances of songs and show tunes you know and love, all followed by a dessert reception where sponsors and guests can mingle with the Broadway stars. The evening is hosted by renowned lyricist and composer, Neil Berg, creator and co-producer of 100 Years of Broadway, now the number one Broadway touring concert in the United States. All proceeds raised by A Night of Broadway Stars will benefit the homeless young people served by Covenant House Washington.
To learn more about this event, become a sponsor or purchase tickets, visit covenanthousedc. org/events. 202-610-7897.
Men’s Fast Pitch Softball At Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Rd. SE, Sundays, 1:00-8:00 PM (game times rotate). $650 per team. For more information contact the APA office 202-671-0314 or Luna Harrison at 202-6982249. luna.harrison@dc.gov
Chess Night @ Deanwood Library Join an informal gathering of chess players every Monday, 6:00-9:00 PM. You may bring your own chess set. Ages 6adult. Deanwood Library, 1350 49th. St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood
Lane Closures and Parking Restrictions at Fairfax Village DC Department of Transportation as a part of the Pennsylvania Ave Great Street Project has implemented lane closures on the south side of Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The lane closures start in the outbound lanes of Pennsylvania Ave. between Fort Davis St. SE and Southern Ave. SE to allow for the reconstruction of the curb, gutter and sidewalks in that area. Parking on the Fairfax Village side of Pennsylvania Ave. will be restricted until all work is completed. The Fairfax Village driveway on Pennsylvania Ave. that leads to the Fairfax Village parking lot will remain open for resident parking. Residents and motorists are advised to look for “No Parking” signs posted in the affected area. Lane closures and parking restrictions will remain in place for approximately 90 days. a. If you have any questions please contact DDOT Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649. greatstreetspennave.com
Seasonal Sustainable Responsible Chef Robert Wood is inspired by seasonal offerings from the waters of the Mid-Atlantic and farms and vineyards of the Virginia and Maryland hinterlands. Visit his restaurant to truly taste the bounties of spring. Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily 11 AM to 10 PM Weekend Brunch 10 AM to 3 PM Late Night Dining Available Until 1 AM Daily Patio Open Daily – Available for Private events!
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Fruit Trees Planted at THEARC On Apr. 6, THEARC partnered with Casey Trees to add 24 apple, pawpaw, pear and plum trees to THEARC campus. Casey Trees provides the trees, tools and technical assistance free of charge through their community tree planting program.Trees provide a number of environmental, social, communal and economic benefits such as cleaner water, cooling shade, lower utility bills and reduced stress. This planting is part of Building Bridges Across the River’s efforts to launch a community teaching garden on THEARC’s grounds. THEARC’s community garden offers local youth and adults who participate in THEARC’s programs the opportunity for hands-on learning about health and wellness as well as entrepreneurship. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Total Fitness Fair to Promote Physical and Financial Health for DC Families Just in time for National Financial Literacy Month, the CAAB Total Fitness Fair will be held April 9, 12:303:30 PM, at Benning Road Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE to provide DC area families with tools and motivation to get physically and financially fit. Presented by Capital Area Asset Builders and Ophelia Egypt Program Center with invited special guest Councilmember Yvette Alexander, the Total Fitness Fair will feature free financial coaching on budgeting and saving, credit counseling, healthy food demonstrations, HIV testing, a Wii Fit challenge, low-cost banking options, a kids corner and more. 202419-1442. dceitc.org/Fitness_Fair
meet for the last time at the Benning Stoddert Recreation Center on Tuesday, Apr. 19 at 7:30 PM.
Potholepalooza 2011 Launched Potholepalooza is the District’s annual campaign to aggressively repair damaged roadways across the city. A pothole is formed when the roadway temperatures fluctuate. As the roadway expands and vehicles drive over compromised sections, the area of the road separates or buckles forming a hole in the surface of the road known as a pothole. Pothole erosion increases during rain and the growth of the hole can become accelerated as the water causes further damage to the bottom and side of the pothole. How to report a pothole--call 311, or use the On-line Service Request Center at 311.dc.gov, or text message or Tweet to twitter.com/DDOTDC, or e-mail to Potholepalooza@dc.gov. Callers must identify the location including the correct quadrant (NW, NE, SE, SW) in the city and as much detail as possible about the hazard, including the approximate size and depth of the pothole. DDOT crews will also be out and about proactively identifying potholes. ddot.dc.gov/potholes
National Air and Space Museum Extended Spring/Summer Hours The National Mall building will be open until 7:30 PM and the Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport until 6:30 PM, daily through Sept. 4. nasm.si.edu
Casey Trees volunteers Be a Casey Trees Volunteer. Casey Trees offers volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Everyone can play a role in restoring the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Volunteer activities include: Tree plantings (March-April; October-December); Tree inventories (May-October); Tree care (May-October); Advocacy (year-round). You can volunteer once or often. Those interested in playing a more active role at Casey Trees, can be come a Citizen Forester by taking one of three qualifying classes each season – Trees 101, Stand Up for Trees or Tree Planting. Citizen Foresters teach new volunteers how to properly plant and care for trees and spread the word about Casey Trees and the importance of trees. 202-833-4010. caseytrees.org
The Art Around Us Website
ANC 7A has decided to move its regularly scheduled monthly meeting from “super Tuesday,” which is the third Tuesday, to the first Tuesday of the month. The meetings will move from the Benning Stoddard Recreation Center to the Benning Road Library located in downtown Ward 7. The new meeting time will be 6:30 PM. The official change will begin on Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 PM at the Benning Road Library. ANC 7A will
Are you looking for art in your neighborhood? Do you want to know more about that statue downtown or artists local to your area? Look no further. Art Around is a comprehensive map of all art in DC and it’s curated by you. That means, not only can you search by the type of art you’re looking for (murals, statues, guerrilla art, museums, etc.), you can also play a role in keeping this insideout museum alive. So, don’t just look at art: comment on it. Share your stories, ask artists questions, and update information about the works you find listed. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even add to the map: use the curate feature to share witty graffiti you
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| APRIL 2011
ANC 7A Meeting Location and Day of Month to Change
Courtesy of Casey Trees
find downtown or that odd gallery behind your house. Your contributions to this budding project, funded by the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities in partnership with the Washington DC Economic Partnership, will help make even bigger contributions to the public archive of our common space. theartaround.us
Volunteers Needed for First Battle of Manassas Event The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to help with the First Battle of Manassas 150th commemoration event, Thursday, July 21-Sunday, July 24, at Manassas
National Battlefield, in Manassas, VA. Help is needed for each of four days and shifts can range from four to eight hours. All volunteers will be provided identification. Community, educational, and fraternal groups are encouraged to volunteer. Students interested in service learning hours will be granted opportunities that may last longer than the event to fulfill their needs. Those wishing to volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Elisa Kunz at 202-619-7137 or elisa_kunz@nps.gov. Job descriptions and volunteer applications can be found at volunteer.gov/gov.
National Black Memorabilia, Art, Doll & Collectible Show The National Black Memorabilia, Art, Doll & Collectible Show will be Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, MD. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission is $6. There will be many vendors from across the United States with black memorabilia, fine art, dolls and collectibles for sale including historical artifacts and documents, books, stamps, paintings, prints, textiles, autographs, toys, advertisements, photos, political and civil rights memorabilia, kitchen collectibles, coins, posters, sports and entertainment memorabilia, postcards and much more. 301-649-1915. johnsonshows.com
DC Natural Hair Expo On Saturday, April 16, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM, 4275 Sixth St. SE. 202-255-8703. asaze2000@hotmail.com
“100 Bowls of Compassion” Gala to Benefit Miriam’s Kitchen To continue serving over 200 area homeless men and women daily with homemade meals and comprehensive case management services, Miriam’s Kitchen of Foggy Bottom will host its 10th Annual “100 Bowls of Compassion” gala and auction on May 12, 6:00-9:30 PM, at the National Building Museum. Tickets are $275 and can be purchased online, over the phone at 202-452-8926 x 227, or by sending a check to 2401 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037. miriamskitchen.org
Capital Bikeshare Launches New 5-Day Membership In anticipation of the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected at this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, and with tourist season right around the corner, Capital Bikeshare has introduced a new 5-day membership option. The new 5-day membership, priced at $15, is geared specifically towards visitors
to the nation’s capital and offers significant savings over the purchase of five individual day memberships priced at $5 a day. The membership is available for purchase at all Capital Bikeshare stations. CapitalBikeshare.com.
Civil War at Sea Symposium at the Navy Memorial On Saturday, April 23, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, the United States Navy Memorial is holding a symposium to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The US Naval Institute and the US Naval History & Heritage Command will co-host the event, highlighting the US Navy’s role in, and contributions to, the outcome of the war. The event will kick off with keynote speaker Craig Symonds, renowned author of award-winning books Lincoln and His Admirals and The Civil War at Sea, and will include historians and authors who can speak about the blockading efforts, riverine warfare, and the major sea battles of the four-year war. In addition, historic memorabilia and artifacts from the war will be on display. Free and open to the public. United States Navy Memorial Naval Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org
Be a Visions in Action Host Family this Summer Visions in Action is looking for families to host high school students aged 15-18 and their teachers from French-speaking West and Central Africa as part of a youth leadership and international exchange program supported by the State Department. The participants have been carefully selected by the Public Affairs sections of the various United States embassies, and represent the best in their countries. The 20 participants this spring are from Mauritania and Burkina Faso, and will be in the Washington, DC area for 4 weeks, from June 18-July 17. Interested families should contact Samuel Bong, Kadiatou Diallo or Brielle Seitelman at exchange@ visionsinaction.org or 202-6257402. visionsinaction.org ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
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Pain & Rehab Center
Uniontown Bar & Grill Sets a New Standard
Dr Nesly Clerge Auto Accidents and other injuries
by Charles Wilson Uniontown, you feel good…good enough that you tell your friends about it so they will come.
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ave you visited Uniontown Bar & Grill yet? If not, what are you waiting for? I have become one of the regulars, going at least once a week since its grand opening in January. It feels great that I get to show-off something in my neighborhood -- a quality establishment that adds another reason to make me feel proud to live in Historic Anacostia. Though there are many reasons why Uniontown is a success, there are three reasons why I think it has had such an impact in such a short period of time.
A New Standard In talking with neighbors and friends, the one theme I continue to hear is that they are so happy that Uniontown B&G has brought a sense of quality. They are talking quality in the sense of food, atmosphere, and service. When you come into Uniontown, you have the choice of sitting at 18-foot bar or alongside tables. There are two large screen televisions in front of nice liquor set up. The staff is professional and the food is good. One of my pet peeves about restaurants is dirty bathrooms, but here the bathrooms are always clean. Every time I visit and observe the crowd, people have smiles on their faces while enjoying the atmosphere. That tells me that people feel good about being there. When you leave 22 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
I used to ask friends who live outside East of the River to come spend their money in our neighborhoods. Then I thought to myself, “Is there anything in our neighborhoods that actually would attract people to come across the river to spend a couple of dollars that they already did not have in their own neighborhood?” One day after work I walked into Uniontown and had a major surprise. I spotted a co-worker having drinks and a burger. He told me that he heard about the place through a Washington Post article and as a result was thinking of buying his first home in Anacostia. What this told me was that Uniontown actually attracts people who do not live East of the River. It is refreshing that people want to come to my neighborhood to eat at a restaurant, and for once it’s not me wasting my gas to go to a restaurant somewhere in northwest.
Appreciates Historic Preservation I have always believed that Economic Revitalization in downtown Anacostia begins with the appreciation of Historic Preservation…even outside the existing boundaries of Historic Anacostia. Uniontown hit the mark in this effort. You can start with the name of the facility…”Uniontown.” That was the original name of the neighborhood. Then there is the signage, lights and exterior of the building. Typically, when you hear developers talk about redeveloping Anacostia they come with ideas that are so out-ofscope with that of the existing neighborhood that you get architectural disasters such as the Salvation Army Building. Not Uniontown. The idea behind Uniontown began with a vision of combining the rich history of the neighborhood with the modern style of today. Going a step further, you will find old photos hung throughout the restaurant showing off what Anacostia used to look like back in the day. Now if we can just get other developers to follow Uniontown’s lead, there are brighter days ahead! ●
ALL OF US WILL LEARN Join the KIPP DC family! KIPP DC is now enrolling Pre-School through 11th grade! Apply online at www.kippdc.org today! KIPP DC schools are tuition-free, public schools open to all students living in Washington. At KIPP DC, we approach education differently. We have an extended school day and year, Saturday enrichment programs, and teachers who are available by cell phone to answer questions after school. We offer rigorous, college-preparatory instruction and believe that all of our students will attend and graduate college. We have been DC’s highest performing network of charters schools since we started in 2001 and together with our students and their families, we are proving the possible in public education.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
A services fair where CSOSA and its partners explained various training and education programs.
The Struggle for Employment A new push to convince DC businesses to hire ex-offenders article & photos by Alice Ollstein
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tudy after study shows that stable employment drastically reduces recidivism, yet barely 50 percent of those on parole or probation in DC have found work. With housing prices climbing and jobs and training scarce, ex-offenders in DC face an uphill battle to re-enter society and support their families. “How do you begin to rebuild when you don’t have options for employment?” asked Our Place DC director Ashley McSwain, who runs a center for female ex-offenders. “All the opportunities in DC are rooted in having education and access to resources, and it’s creating a sense of hopelessness with our clients. They are disenfranchised; they are not part of all this growth.” D.C.’s Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) hopes to tackle the problem head on. Their VOTEE program (Vocational Opportunities, Training, Education and Employment) offers assistance in everything from achieving basic lit-
eracy and English fluency to resume writing and interview skills. CSOSA also runs a faith-based mentorship program to support ex-offenders seeking work. Lafayette Davis says the VOTEE program helped him find stable work in construction. “I had been incarcerated basically my whole life,” he said. “But this was the first time I came home and found a program that could actually help transfer me into real life. [Through VOTEE] I got my GED and good training, but they also talked to me about responsibility, life skills, and how to keep a job. Nobody had ever talked to me about that before.” Davis’ story shows the program’s effectiveness, but the majority of the thousands under CSOSA’s supervision have not been as fortunate. Even when ex-offenders are fully trained, tested and ready to work, the job offers are not exactly pouring in. CSOSA Public Affairs Specialist Leonard Sipes is trying to find out why. “We are having conversations
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with local employers, and asking them to be brutally honest with us about whether they would hire people under our supervision,” he explained. Some businesses described bad experiences in the past with ex-offender employees, but many, said Sipes, simply do not want to touch the issue. “Because of the high liability, and the perception within the community, most companies are reluctant to even talk about hiring exoffenders,” said Sipes. “Their criminal history serves as a major impediment in the minds of some employers.” To counteract this, CSOSA recently launched a campaign to reach out to government, non-profit, and private employers in D.C.—to convince them that hiring an ex-offender can benefit the individual, the company, and the greater community.
Roadblocks and Stumbling Blocks D.C.’s job market has been touted as the best in the country, but for those with criminal backgrounds, the outlook is fairly grim. “There are multiple barriers for ex-offenders, including prejudice,” said City Councilman Phil Mendelson, who chairs the Judiciary Committee. “As a felon, they’re barred from public housing. They can’t find a job, and it’s hard to survive without an income. Basically, as a society, we do a lousy job helping ex-offenders rehabilitate.” CSOSA Employment Specialist Tony Lewis agrees: “Even if our clients didn’t have a criminal history, they would still struggle to find employment,” he said. “They dropped out of high school, they have mental health and addiction issues, they have few skills and resources. When you add a crime on their record, it becomes nearly impossible for them to find a job. CSOSA runs programs to address many of these factors, understanding that an individual is not employable if they struggle with issues such as anger management, substance abuse, or homelessness. “Nothing is looked at in isolation,” said Sipes. “Everyone coming into the criminal justice system has problems, and unless we help them stabilize, he or she is not going to
make the best employee.” Davis agrees, saying that a lot of ex-offenders he knows have “messed up” employment opportunities due to the destabilizing forces in their lives. “They came out of jail and they made mistakes,” he said. “They had so many problems they couldn’t focus on working.” But many, said Davis, “want to work, want to eat, and want to live,” but still have difficulty finding a willing employer. Sipes expressed frustration with employers who refuse to give ex-offenders a chance. “We’re not asking anyone to hire someone fresh out of prison, untested and untrusted,” he said. “We’re offering the low hanging fruit—people who are clean and skilled and obviously ready for work. It’s a bit of a tragedy when a bricklayer can’t find a job as a bricklayer, just because he has a criminal record. We need to break down those stereotypes.” Kenneth Glover, an ex-offender who now employs ex-offenders, believes finding work depends 50 percent on the economy and 50 percent on personal drive. “I found a job the first day I got out of the halfway house,” he said. “I was determined. I was motivated. Yes, the job market is really bad right now, but we exoffenders also make it hard for ourselves half the time.”
A Personal Connection Though most ex-offenders in DC find work with the city government or a non-profit organization, a few private sector businesses have stepped forward and partnered with CSOSA. Glover works in the Human Resources department of Miller and Long Construction. As an ex-offender himself, who served six years in prison, Glover knows firsthand both the difficulties and importance of finding a steady job. While most employers wait for CSOSA to select the most skilled and trustworthy people for them, Glover goes directly to halfway houses to recruit workers. “I want them to be as successful as myself—not just in our company, but in general,” he said. “Just because they’re ex offenders doesn’t mean they can’t be productive. And if a guy
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Looking Forward DC’s City Council recently passed legislation making it illegal to ask for criminal history on a job application for city government jobs—a step that Mendelson says is “too controversial” for the private sector. This will certainly curb discrimination against exoffenders, but with deep budget cuts on the horizon, CSOSA knows it needs to look beyond the local government. Sipes is hopeful that the new partnerships forged through the agency’s “frank and honest conversations” with the business community will bear fruit. In his opinion, companies have every reason to want to work with CSOSA. “Of the 16,000 ex-offenders under our supervision, there are literally thousands with marketable skills, who are years away from their last crime and last positive drug test,” he said. “They’re abiding by the rules and would make perfectly good employees. There’s little risk in hiring them.” As an added incentive, the government offers federal tax credits for companies that hire ex-offenders. Still, all these positive factors often cannot outweigh both the stigma of a criminal record and the reality of an unemployment rate just over 10 percent in the District. Sipes feels the urgency of the situation: “If we’re ever going to come to grips with the situation and reduce the cost to society of crime and recidivism, these individuals need employment,” he said. ●
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p. 202 545-0515 f. 202 545-0517 www.bridgespcs.org
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is working, he’s less likely to be committing crimes.” Glover plans to start a support group for all of his ex-offender employees in the coming months, where he can serve as both a mentor and a role model. “I want to give them a place to vent their feelings. Most guys have low self-esteem because of the stigma of being an ex-offender,” he said. “I want to tell them, ‘All these doors opened for me because someone gave me a chance. Now I’m giving you a chance.’ All I can do, as a HR guy, is give them an opportunity to make their lives better.” In addition to reaching out to employers, CSOSA partners with DC’s faith community to find mentors for the men and women under their supervision. These mentors offer everything from practical job-hunting advice to a sympathetic ear. Nathaniel Garvin was released from prison in December of 2009, and was paired with Metropolitan AME church administrator Anthony Hawkins through the mentorship program. With Hawkins’ support and guidance, Garvin found stable employment working at a local Giant supermarket. He hopes to one day go back to school for photography—his passion. After a year of working with Hawkins, Garvin received one of the “Mentee of the Year” awards at CSOSA’s Citywide Reentry Assembly. “Nathaniel came a long way,” said Hawkins. “He’s a young man with dreams, and my job is to help him achieve them, and to not give up faith. Whenever he needs me,
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Illustration
A GED class in the VOTEE job readiness program.
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 25
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Race is On April 26 Primary for the City Council At-Large Seat by Alice Ollstein
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hen former City Council Chair Vincent Grey became our new mayor, the at-large seat holder Kwame Brown became the new Chair—leaving his seat wide open. The primaries for the special election for the at-large seat are set for April 26, and nine candidates are in the ring: six Democrats, one Republican, one Independent and one Statehood Green Party member. Education and the District’s deficit are the key issues of the day, though candidates are putting forward their thoughts on everything from transit and sustainability to tax brackets and unemployment. With such a crowded ballot—albeit overshadowed by a few frontrunners—the candidates are struggling to stand out. A March poll by the Clarus Research Group showed Vincent Orange far in the lead with 28 percent of the vote, followed by Patrick Mara and Sekou Biddle at six percent each — though 49 percent are still undecided. Here’s the Hill Rag guide to who’s who in the April 26 showdown.
The Dems Sekou Biddle (D) Sekou Biddle (D) won the Interim Councilmember spot, and got official backing from the Democratic Committee, Mayor Vince Gray, and new Council Chair Kwame Brown— but these endorsements could either help or hurt him. All the support has given him a massive fundraising and credibility boost, but his opponents say he’s entrenched in the Democratic Party establishment. Biddle’s climb from Teach for America volunteer to charter school activist to Interim Councilmember is
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impressive, as is his 17-year track record working for education reform in the District—notably as Director of Community Outreach for KIPP DC. Biddle has also represented Wards 3 and 4 on DC’s Board of Education, and calls education the city’s “number one issue” and the “civil rights issue of our time.” Yet his flip-flops on raising taxes on DC’s wealthiest versus cutting the budget have drawn some criticism. Website: www.sekoubiddle.com
Tom Brown (D) Washington native Tom Brown (D) is another candidate with his eye on unemployment. With the campaign motto “Getting Our City to Work,” Brown is reminding voters of his long history of working with DC’s disadvantaged populations, including the homeless, mentally challenged, and refugees. A teacher and father in Southeast Washington, Brown is also known for founding Training Grounds, Inc., an organization that provides job training undereducated and underemployed youth and young adults, and serving on the board of the thriving charter school program KIPPDC. Website: www.whytombrown.com
Dorothy Douglas (D) Dorothy Douglas (D) is the only woman in this race, and brings a long and varied resume to the table. She has been a teacher in DC’s Public Schools System, an employee of the Department of Corrections, the Chairperson for ANC 7C and 7D, and a current Ward 7 school board member, among other credentials. She is also the mother of three, grandmother of five, and a former foster parent of four of her own nieces and nephews. Website:www.FriendsofDorothyDouglas.org | APRIL 2011
ddouglasdorothy@yahoo.com
Joshua Lopez (D) Joshua Lopez (D) is both the youngest candidate in this election and the only Latino. A former Adrian Fenty campaign aide, he ran the former Mayor’s unsuccessful-yet-impressive write-in campaign. Born in DC to Guatemalan parents, Lopez wants to represent the District’s immigrant population, which he says currently has no voice on the Council. He also has a good chance with young voters, former Fenty supporters and Latinos. Since he doesn’t have the most money and he’s not the best known, Lopez hopes to win by “outhustling” the competition. Lopez’s priorities are implementing a progressive tax to help balance the budget, encouraging more parent involvement in public schools, and creating more jobs for DC residents. Also an advocate of public transit, he says he relies on a BMW to get around: “bus, Metro, and walking.” Website: www.domainphresh. com/jlopez2011
Vincent B. Orange (D Vincent B. Orange (D) is perhaps the next highest-profile contender after Biddle. The Former Ward 5 council member has both name recognition and serious funds. Orange, a former PEPCO executive, has lost his fare share of elections: first the mayor’s race to Adrian Fenty, then the Council Chair to Kwame Brown, then the Interim seat to Biddle. Yet Orange is still a candidate to watch for April. Orange’s major focus is jobs. He wants to create a “Job Czar” to tackle unemployment in the District, boost job training, and create programs match local businesses with local workers. These ideas earned him an endorsement from the Ward 8 Democrats, the union AFSCME and the DC Building & Construction Trades Council. He says he is not in favor of raising taxes, and believes the budget can be balanced through other means,
such as claiming Medicaid reimbursement. Orange runs into more trouble on social issues. He drew ire during his mayoral campaign for saying his opponents who supported gay marriage were not “morally fit to run this city,” but later declared his support for DC’s marriage equality law. Website: www.orangeatlarge.com
Bryan Weaver (D) Bryan Weaver (D) has activist credentials dating back to his work as an aide on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s presidential bid. Since then, he has been an organizer for the SEIU, founded a non-profit for at risk DC youth, and served eight years as an ANC commissioner in Adams Morgan—which earned him the Washington City Paper’s “City’s Best ANC Commissioner” title in 2007. Weaver has taken a strong progressive stance on a variety of issues—from securing permanent funding for public transit to equal marriage rights for LGBT couples. He has publicly also declared his desire to create three new tax brackets for top wage-earners to make the income tax more progressive. Website: www.bryanweaverdc.com
The Republican Patrick Mara (R) As the sole Republican in this race, you would think Patrick Mara (R) wouldn’t stand a chance in this heavily Democratic town. But with all the Democrat candidates splitting the vote, and with such low turnout expected, Mara just might be able to rally the Republican and Independent troops behind him. A member of DC’s Board of Education, a DC voting rights activist, and a volunteer with many local public schools and non-profits, Mara is a self-identified socially progressive, fiscally conservative Republican. He’s actually trying to distance himself from Republican label by stressing his “independent” voice—saying he supports gay marriage and green energy—though
Don’t Become a Victim of Fraud!! REPORT QUESTIONABLE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID CHARGES AND PRACTICES Has this happened to you or someone you know? he’s sticking with familiar party platforms, such as a no-tax-hike pledge. The Washington Examiner even dubbed him “the most viable District Republican politician.” Website: patrickmara.com
The Independent Arkan Haile (I) Arkan Haile (I) is running as an Independent because, he says, that’s how he makes decisions. An immigrant from Eritrea, Haile co-founded a minority-owned boutique corporate law firm here in the District, and is also serving on the Economic Development and Zoning Committee of ANC 6A. A Capitol Hill resident with a son in DCPS, Haile says he’s committed to improving education and “fiscal responsibility” in the District, and that his legal and busi-
Ward 6 Community Forum for the At-Large Special Election Candidates Tuesday, April 19th 6:30 - 8:00 pm North Hall of Eastern Market Moderated by WTOP’s Mark Segraves Co-sponsors: Ward 6 Democrats The Hill Rag CHAMPS North Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association and many more...
ness background gives him the skills to do so. He is going after the votes of DC’s sizable Ethiopian population, but is still largely unknown to the greater community. Website: www.arkanfordccouncil.com
• • •
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The Statehood Green Party Member
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Alan Page In a race that’s all about standing out, attorney, artist and activist Alan Page does an excellent job. A Ward 6 homeowner and single father with a daughter in DCPS, Page is making his mark by rejecting corporation donations and running a truly grassroots campaign. He’s an advocate of a progressive tax, more job opportunities for local youth, and affordable solar power. Website: alanpagedc.blogspot.com
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The Takeaway You can register to vote, update your voter information, and search for your polling place at the DC Board of Elections and Ethics site: www.dcboee.org. Even with all the drama surrounding this race, turnout is expected to be low. The last special election involving a citywide race—in 1997—saw just 7.4 percent of voters come out and cast a ballot. So even though there are a few clear leaders in this battle, it’s anyone’s guess how this could turn out. And remember, whomever wins on April 26 won’t get the seat for a full term — only what was left of Kwame Brown’s original term — so they’ll have to campaign again next year. And with the District’s primaries likely getting moved up to the first half of 2012, they’re really only going to have a few months to settle in and start working before challengers start emerging from the woodwork. Happy voting, DC. ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
27
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The field of candidates seeking the Ward 8 SBOE position includes first-time office seekers and long-time community activists who have served in a public capacity before. With Mayor Gray’s recent appointment of Kaya Henderson, previously a deputy under Michelle Rhee, as Chancellor of DC Public Schools, the education reform efforts started under the administration of Mayor Fenty will be continued under the new administration. There will be collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders invested in the future of the city’s schools from private foundations to classroom teachers to the parents of DCPS students to the elected members of the SBOE.
Anthony Muhammad Muhammad, a graduate of Ballou Senior High School, has been an elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 14 years and is a former truancy officer at Anacostia Senior High School. As a former vocational teacher, Muhammad will advocate for transparency in teacher evaluation. Muhammad supports public school education reform and is an advocate for the immediate improvement of the elementary school reading proficiency rate and math proficiency rate through an enhanced curriculum.
Trayon White, Sr. / www.trayonwhiteforward8.com
Ward 8 State Board of Education Election Preview by John Muller ith the recent passing of William Lockridge, a vacancy for Ward 8’s representation on DC’s State Board of Education has opened attracting a field of more than a half dozen candidates for the April 26th special election
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that will also decide the crowded race for the at-large City Council seat. Ward 8 has two senior high schools, Anacostia and Ballou, an External Diploma program and night-school at Ballou STAY, fifteen elementary schools and three middle schools.
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White, a native Washingtonian, is a 2002 graduate of Ballou Senior High School. An honor roll student in high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. White has served as an outreach worker for the East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership. In November 2007, White founded a youth-focused nonprofit called Helping Inner City Kids Succeed, Inc. White has coached the No. 11 little league football team for the Boys & Girls Club and served as President of Praise Fellowship. In college he founded an
organization called “Bold Brothas for Christ.”
Tijwana Philips Philips is a native Washingtonian and a graduate of Birney Elementary School. After graduating from Montgomery Blair High School in 1985 in Silver Spring, Philips attended Howard University. In 2004 she moved back to DC with her children and asked herself, “Where will my children attend school?” Philips has served as Parent Advisory Council President and a member of the Chancellor Parent Advisory Council. She is currently the ANC of District 8B05.
Cardell Shelton Shelton is the most senior of the candidates, but his age has not diminished his energy and advocacy for Ward 8. Shelton, a native Washingtonian and long time resident of Ward 8 is master builder by trade and reportedly worked with his hands all of his adult life. An advocate for vocational and technical trade focused curriculum and career development Shelton is a lifelong learner himself. A product of the Washington Public School system, Shelton has continued his education at American University, Howard University, and Maryland University to learn about new methods of specialty training. Shelton wants to implement outreach to senior crafts people to teach and foster intergenerational interaction with city youth.
Sandra Williams Williams, a native of Cincinnati, came to the Washington area in 1973 to work as a Blood Bank Medical Technologist at the former DC General Hospital. After working in the Allied Health profession, in the fall of 1991 Williams was hired as a counselor with DC Public Schools under the DropOut Prevention Program. In 1993 Williams was assigned to Patricia R. Harris Education Center where she counseled junior high students before transferring to Anacostia
Senior High School in 2006. In the fall of 2009 Williams moved to Duke Ellington School for the Arts in Georgetown where she was forced into retirement in October 2010. Her recent experiences working within DCPS provide insights that would be valuable to the next Ward 8 representative on the SBOE. Williams is a graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville and UDC.
Larry T. Pretlow II / www.larrypretlow2.org Pretlow is a native Washingtonian, growing up in the River Terrace community with his parents and siblings. As a young adult he moved to his current home in Congress Heights. Pretlow’s mother was a DC Public School teacher for nearly 23 years before recently retiring. He ran for Advisory Neighborhood Commission (8C-03) last year. Pretlow, who was homeschooled, currently attends Strayer University pursuing his degree in Information Systems. He is a former President of the DC chapter of the National Youth Rights Association where he offered public testimony to the City Council. Pretlow believes the DC Public charter school system should be equally funded and is an advocate for parents and students by supporting the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. He supports interim DC School Chancellor Kaya Henderson and her continued efforts at implementing education reform.
Eugene Dewitt Kinlow / www. kinlowforkids.com Kinlow is a native Washingtonian living in the Bellevue section of Far Southwest. He is an alumnus of UDC, earning his BA in Business Administration in 1987. Kinlow is currently the Public Affairs Director for DC Vote, where he develops and strengthens relationships with elected officials, community members, and coali-
tion partners and with key opinion leaders in an effort to bring full voting representation to the residents of the District of Columbia. Kinlow is a former trustee of UDC where he served as Secretary and Chair of the Facilities Committee. He is a former trustee of Cultural Tourism DC, and Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the past president of the Bellevue Civic Association, a former Commissioner of the D.C. Commission for National and Community Service. Kinlow ran for an at-large seat on the DC City Council in 2002.
Philip Pannell / www.pannellforward8.com Pannell is a long time community activist known for his commitment to education through service to Ballou Senior High School as treasurer for the Parent, Teacher, and Student Association and his ten years as a Trustee of the DC Public Library. As a past President of the Ward Eight Democrats, current President of the Congress Heights Community Association and with his advocacy as the Executive Director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council Pannell has been long entrenched in neighborhood politics in southeast Washington. Pannell obtained his BA in Political Science from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York in 1975. Pannell’s platform focuses on safety and truancy, parental engagement, involvement and accountability, expanding co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and promoting reading as a community mission in order to raise student reading scores. With former Mayor Fenty’s 2007 takeover of the DC Public School system the oversight authority the State Board of Education once had has since been diminished. However, the position still offers a guardianship role to better advise and direct DCPS’s resources and attention to matters that impact neighborhood schools and families in Ward 8. ●
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS think anyone should come into the discussion thinking they have less of a role than someone else.” Akeju says the well-attended event was an opportunity to “air things out” and “all for the benefit of the community” that continues to dialogue about how best to work together for the betterment of itself.
DCCAH Support
March 2010 exhibition of Brad Ulreich inside The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. Photo courtesy of ARCH Development Corp
Anacostia’s Arts District New Opportunities and Old Challenges by John Muller
“W
e already have an arts district in Anacostia,” says wellknown local poet Fred Joiner. “What makes an art district is not a government designation; it is individual artists and arts organizations working together to add life to a community and making it a destination.” Beginning with the February 2007 opening of the Honfleur Gallery at 1241 Good Hope Road, Historic Anacostia has slowly evolved into an emerging arts corridor. The organic growth of arts’ venues along Anacostia’s two main commercial thoroughfares has included local artists, city government, non-profits, and development firms. Joiner says “every discipline and genre is represented” with “fine artists, painters, photographers, dancers, choreographers, and literary artists” laying claim to Anacostia. “We have both ends of Historic Anacostia covered with Honfleur Gallery on Good Hope and Vivid Solutions on Martin Luther King,” observes Joiner, who says the galleries coordinate their openings so art lovers can walk from one to the other and enjoy both.
In 2007 Joiner began leading a monthly poetry and reading workshop at Honfleur Gallery that generated buzz within the neighborhood and attracted attention from artists in other areas of the city. “The arts presence makes the neighborhood unique. As an investor, it makes the area more interesting and compelling,” says Stan Voudrie with Four Points LLC, a development company with a large portfolio in Anacostia. “We have a lot of room to grow and improve,” contends Voudrie, who says it is a time tested axiom that where art happens commerce follows. Last month the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum on Morris Road hosted a discussion about the arts’ impact and future in communities east of the Anacostia River. “Everyone is trying to carve out their role,” says Camille Akeju, director of the museum since late 2005. “There is a division between the grassroots activists who have been entrenched in the community versus the “Johnny Come Lately’s” that have recently discovered the community,” says Akeju with diplomacy. “I don’t
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“The arts movement is developing in Anacostia and the influx of new investment is raising the neighborhood’s profile,” says Ayris Scales, the Interim Director of the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, a city agency that awards grants to individual artists and arts organizations. Scales, a Ward 7 resident, previously a project manager for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development before moving to DCCAH, says the development of an arts district in Anacostia “has everything to do with economic and community development.” Over the past five fiscal years, 2007-2011, DCCAH awarded approximately 224 grants totaling $3.8 million to arts organizations and individual artists in wards 7 and 8. DCCAH operates 16 competitive grant programs; one of which is the East of the River grant program. Of the 224 grants awarded, 131 were designated EOR grants which are specifically for artists and organiza-
tions located in or providing direct arts services to communities and residents east of the river. Tendani Mpulubusi, appointed in 2008 by Mayor Fenty as a Ward 8 DCCAH Commissioner, started a directory and social network, www.eastoftheriverarts.com, in the fall of 2009 to promote area artists. Although he has served on DCCAH grant panels for the EOR and Public Arts grants, Mpulubusi says there is a disengagement point between individual artists and the arts institutions that operate east of the river. “Individual artists can’t compete with the institutions and the opportunities often go to the institutions that are not run through the grassroots and facilitated by people from the community,” says Mpulubulsi. “Residents shouldn’t wait for the government to build an arts corridor; they should build it for themselves.” However, he warns the “community has been disenfranchised for years” and needs to “build confidence and reinvest its grassroots energy to repair the disconnect between the new artistic opportunities and area residents being able to take advantage.”
ARCH An established member of the neighborhood for nearly three decades, the ARCH Development
East of the River exhibit 2009 at Honfleur Gallery. Photo courtesy of ARCH Development Corp
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Art Breathes Life branding campaign. Photo courtesy of ARCH Development Corp
Corporation has been a catalyst for “cultural development and revitalization” in Anacostia. Led by Duane Guatier, ARCH has been a stakeholder in the development of Anacostia’s arts district before there was one. Working with the Office of Planning in 2004 on a strategic plan for Anacostia, the first signs of the arts appeared in 2006 when the Honfleur Gallery broke ground. In a little under five years, ARCH has opened two separate arts spaces, ‘Blank Space’ Gallery at 1922 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue as an affordable option for individuals and groups looking to secure their own gallery for two to seven weeks and The Gallery at Vivid Solutions which focuses on photography and digital arts. They have also kick-started an Artist Residency program and with support from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development helped to engineer neighborhood development through small business assistance and a program that helps small business owner design new or upgrade their existing storefront.
Integrated Design & Electronics Academy 1027 45th St, NE Washington, DC 20019
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Earlier this year ARCH opened “The HIVE” at 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, an affordable resource center for emerging small businesses. The location in a federally and DC government enterprise community allow preferential consideration when applying for government contracts. In the upcoming year ARCH will partner with Gate Post, a faithbased organization, to rehabilitate the 2800 square foot building at 1306-1308 Good Hope Road into a café and performance space on the first floor and office space on the second floor which Guatier says will be a “business incubator for artists.” Guatier says the use of arts and culture to spur economic development in Anacostia is “very strategic” and “does not interfere with other developments.” With low rents and an established community of grassroots artists the deliberative organizing, planning, funding and programming will continue to keep cultural development at the forefront of Anacostia’s measured commercial growth. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS The Numbers
Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me a Match How a Workforce Intermediary Can Strengthen DC’s Pipeline to Jobs for the Unemployed by Elissa Silverman
W
hich of the following statements is true about the District’s economy? 1. Nearly one out of every 10 DC adults is searching for work but can’t get a job. 2. There are twice as many jobs in the District as there are adult residents. Both are true, as incongruous as that might seem. So how come so many DC residents can’t find work when so many jobs are available? The question is a top concern to both Mayor Vincent Gray and DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown—and for good reason. Lowering our city’s unemployment rate has many benefits: for individuals, for families, for neighborhoods, and for the city as a whole. One answer to the question is that there is a skills mismatch between DC residents seeking work and the jobs available in the city. There is also a networking gap, in that people who have been out of the job market for a while aren’t connected to others who can share information about jobs and job opportunities. DC is a competitive employment market, because jobs here attract applicants from surrounding states. So having both job skills and a way to find out about job openings are crucial to finding a living-wage job. In short, the District government needs to be as dynamic in creating in-demand workers as it is in to creating vibrant economic development and in-demand jobs. One way to do that is to follow a workforce development approach that is getting results in cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis and Boston. These cities have created what’s known as a workforce intermediary to help fill the skills and networking gaps. The intermediary connects with employers that are getting ready to hire and then works with local training programs 32 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
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to train residents for those jobs. Legislation currently before the DC Council would create a workforce intermediary as part of First Source reform.
A Matchmaker for the Job Market We know that successful matches don’t always happen spontaneously. That’s why services like Match.com and eHarmony are so popular. There’s a need for matchmaking in the business world too. Mortgage brokers, for example, work to coordinate buyers, sellers, agents and lending institutions, all of whom have the goal of getting a house sold but come to the table with very different motivations. The broker makes the process as efficient and gainful as possible for all those involved. A workforce intermediary is a broker or matchmaker in the jobs market. An intermediary works with employers, job trainers, and those looking for work so that a successful job match can be made. On the job seeker end, the intermediary helps with skills assessment, coordinates with trainers, and helps with networking. On the employer side, workforce intermediaries help businesses recruit and retain qualified workers and work toward creating a stronger workforce pipeline. It’s a win-win for everyone. How do they do that? An intermediary identifies employers with upcoming hiring needs to identify the types and number of jobs that will be created, and the skills and certifications needed for them. The intermediary then coordinates with government job training programs, community colleges, and nonprofits to create a plan to train residents for those jobs and offer additional workforce supports, like child care and transportation. An
intermediary can also screen possible workers to create a ready-made pool of qualified residents for an employer. For a business that wants to hire or is expected to hire DC residents but doesn’t know how to find them, this can be a big help. A few common misperceptions: First, an intermediary is not a training provider but a neutral matchmaker between trainers and employers. And an intermediary is not separate from other workforce development efforts, such as OneStop centers and community college programs, but an additional tool to further enhance these programs.
Do we really need a workforce intermediary in DC? In many ways, the job market works fine naturally, with job seekers finding jobs and employers filling positions on their own. But in parts of the District, this clearly is not the case. In Ward 8, which includes neighborhoods such as Anacostia, Congress Heights and Barry Farm, one out of every 4 residents is searching for work. Education and skill level are a big factor. Many of the city’s hardest to employ residents lack basic literacy skills so even those jobs with the least formal education requirements are simply out of reach. Access to information on jobs is another challenge. Even qualified workers sometimes have difficulty finding out about jobs opening up. Workers in construction, for example, often access jobs through professional or social networks, such as a foreman telling workers from a previous project about a new one. These informal networks put newly trained workers trying to break in at a disadvantage. A workforce intermediary can help overcome these barriers. And in some cases, an intermediary helps prospective workers address special obstacles, like securing transportation to a job site. A director of a workforce intermediary in Baltimore was told by an employer that all the job applicants his group was providing were problematic, and it had nothing to do with skills or job habit. None of the applicants had access to a car—or even a drivers’ license in some cases—which made it
hard to get them to job sites. The intermediary was able to quickly figure out a solution—which allowed these workers not only car loans to purchase cars but also established lines of credit for many who never had a credit history. Once again, it’s a win-win.
Why not just enforce First Source? DC’s First Source law requires contractors doing work for the city and those receiving taxpayer-financed assistance to make a “good faith effort” to hire DC residents for at least 51 percent of new jobs created. Unfortunately for more than a quarter century, the law has not been emphasized or enforced, and both employers and job seekers complain that the law doesn’t meet their needs. Recently there has been a renewed focus on First Source. Mayor Gray signed an executive order earlier this year assigning enforcement duties to his Deputy Mayor’s office, and Chairman Brown has introduced a bill reforming First Source, including the establishment of the workforce intermediary. Certainly First Source needs to be enforced so that the city can benefit from public investments. But First Source cannot be improved by better regulation alone. Providing a list of unemployed and underemployed DC residents to employers, as occurs under First Source, shouldn’t be the first and only part of the process. Instead, First Source should be part of a workforce development continuum that starts with anticipating hiring needs and helping train workers for the jobs created through the city’s public investments. Contractors with the city need help finding skilled workers for their jobs, and job seekers need better networks and supports to gain access to these jobs. A workforce intermediary can help make that happen. Elissa Silverman is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www. dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect lowand moderate-income DC residents. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★
33
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Tezerash Menisher, left, and Almaz Gelaye, right, of Cafe Collage are organizational members of the DC Time Bank. They earn Time Dollars by offering the cafe’s basement for community groups’ meetings, and spend Time Dollars by receiving help with the cafe’s social media. Cafe Collage is located at 1346 T Street, NW, and provides a quiet atmosphere and healthy food.
Putting Time on DC’s Side DC Time Bank Strives to Create Stronger Community by SteveLlilienthal reg Bloom of Northwest DC was looking for someone to help move some furniture. His wish was answered via the DC Time Bank webpage. Winston Lofton answered Greg’s request. The two spent a few hours pushing furniture around and becoming better acquainted. Winston’s help, writes Greg in an e-mail, made the “moving fast, easy and fun, while it otherwise would have been a daunting solitary task.” Greg was pleased to become better acquainted with Winston. Winston expresses pleasure that the time he spent helping Greg move enabled him to “invest in...alternative currency.”
G
No money was exchanged,, but Greg’s debt to Winston requires him to “pay it forward.” DC Time Banks’ webpage describes time banking as “simply about spending an hour doing something for someone else in your community. That hour goes into the Time Bank as a Time Dollar. Then, you have a Time Dollar to redeem by having someone else do something for you. It’s a simple idea, but it has powerful ripple effects in building community connections.” If you are looking for someone to help in your garden or someone to provide a lift for an elderly person who is home-bound or to provide some instruction on how to use Twitter, then the place to look is the DC
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Time Bank webpage. Time banking is a different concept than barter which exacts strict reciprocity for the services. Time Banking expects recipients of services to “pay it forward” by helping someone else in need. So the shut-in may pay back the lift by tutoring a child. The recipient of the lesson on using Twitter may reciprocate by teaching someone to bake. It’s a concept that has great potential to build a greater community in D.C., perhaps eventually helping to erase lines between transients and long-time residents and the East of the River/West of the River divide. DC Time Banks has been making small - yet significant -- progress in becoming a real fixture in
Northwest DC life. With next to no money, the Time Bank has been able to sign up approximately 200 volunteers to exchange services on a voluntary, non-monetary basis. DC Time Bank founder Allison Basile hopes to pull together the volunteers this spring or summer to an outdoor event so people will get to know each other better. Driving Basile, a graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in economics, is her vision of a vibrant Time Bank in DC that engages the community and changes how services are delivered. Time Banks are already making a difference in a number of U.S. cities and the UK, and what is being done in Madison, Wisconsin and in New York City can make a difference in Washington, D.C. too. Basile became interested in Time Banks after hearing Edgar S. Cahn discuss his idea at a campus program. She was inspired by his vision of creating a movement that places greater emphasis on people, not bureaucracies, and time, not money. Cahn, founder of TimeBanks USA and the co-founder of Antioch Law School (now the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law) has written books about Time Banks and views the organizations that exist nationally and internationally as spurring a “movement” to create stronger communities by increasing the participation of individuals. Cahn does not see Time Banks as replacing professional social workers, but maintains the efforts of volunteers and the “pay it forward” philosophy will help service providers to build stronger communities. Cahn notes that Time Banks USA offers open source software which permits members of a local Time Bank to transfer their credits if they move to another community. Not only can Time Banks build a community of sorts among DC’s forever changing population of strivers in politics and government, Basile is clear that DC Time Banks welcomes diversity in age, and older Washingtonians can certainly benefit in the giving and receiving of services. Last summer, Michael Williams of Southwest DC managed a
neighborhood Time Bank in which local kids earned Time Bank hours. Cahn, writing a post in August 2010 on the Clarke Law School webpage, profiled one of the participants, Anthony Jackson, then 20, who’d been in serious scrapes with the law, even surviving having been shot. Hooking up with Williams, Anthony started earning Time Dollars by helping out at a bingo game at a senior center. “Once I get a job, I’ll continue with community service...[W ]hen I was in a wheelchair, people helped me. I like helping people,” Anthony asserts. When Cahn told a DC superior court that the failure to prosecute young offenders was unintentionally giving them a green light to commit more crimes, the judge urged him to develop a solution. Cahn’s thinking led to a “Time Dollar Youth Court” in which teen jurors give the young offender a ‘jury of their peers.” Jurors are teens and earn time dollars for their service and can sentence those judged guilty to community service, restitution, counseling, apologizing, or jury duty. Dane County Time Bank serves as an inspiration to the members of the DC Time Bank. A recent Chanell3000. com story reports 1,700 Time Bank participants have exchanged 50,000 hours of service since the mid-1990s. DC TIme Bank hopes eventually to work more closely with organizations reliant on volunteer services. First, funding for a staff member to be responsible for organizing must be secured, and there is hope that will happen soon. Cahn asserts that given the economic problems of the last few years, Time Banks are an idea whose time is arriving because “people are waking up” to the importance of civic engagement.
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 35
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE Scene of the Navy Yard Bridge from 1862, now the 11th Street Bridge.
Old Street Names
East Washington History by John Muller
The streets of East Washington have a hidden history that reveals insights into its unique character and place in the larger narrative of the city, and, in fact, the narration of the nation. 36 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
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A
fter mortally wounding President Lincoln on the evening of April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in downtown Washington, John Wilkes Booth escaped on horseback, crossing the Navy Yard Bridge, now the 11th Street Bridge, where he came to Harrison Street, now Good Hope Road. Booth galloped through what was then known as the new subdivision of Uniontown up Harrison Street to the intersection with Marlboro Road, now Naylor Road. He then rode the one and a third miles east on Marlboro Road into Maryland where he would continue his escape, eventually leading him into Virginia. Good Hope Road’s role in one of the greatest tragedies in American history is understandably not celebrated today, but it is a footnote that connects today’s everyday life of walking the main streets of Anacostia with a past that pre-dates the Civil War. With the methods of transportation changing from horses to street cars to personal automobiles, there were increased demands for the continual improvement of the streets and roadways. In an August 1898 article from The Times, under “Commissioners’ Orders” there is a brief note reading, “The District Commissioners issued the following orders yesterday: That Nicholas Avenue, from Stickfoot Branch to within 100 feet of the Government Hospital of the Insane,
be repaired at an estimated cost of $1,300, chargeable to the appropriation for repairs of roads. “That the following work be done, chargeable to the appropriation for paving Harrison Street from the Navy Yard Bridge eastward. Relocate basin on west side of Harrison Street eighteen feet south of south rail of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, so that it will be 10 feet from rail; estimated cost, $50. Relocate basin at the intersection of the east curb of Monroe Street and south curb of Harrison Street; estimated cost, $75. Relocate basin on south side of Harrison Street 285 feet east of east curb of Monroe Street, estimated cost, $50. Relocate basin on the north side of Harrison Street opposite Fillmore Street; estimated cost, $25.”
of the Columbia Historical Society. “Uniontown was bounded by Monroe Street (Nichols Avenue, now Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue) on the west, Harrison Street (Good Hope Road) on the north, Taylor Street (16th Street) on the east, and Jefferson Street (W Street) on the south. The other streets were also named after presidents: Fillmore Street (13th Street), Pierce Street (14th Street), Adams Street (15th Street), Jackson Street (U Street) and Washington Street (V Street). The presidential names were changed in 1908 for use in other parts of town, and the usual numbered and alphabetical designation made Anacostia’s street names consistent with the city-wide scheme,” writes Thomas Cantwell in the early 1970’s records of the Columbia Historical Society.
Old Street Names
Asylum Road
The presidential-themed street names appeared with the planning of the Uniontown subdivision. “Uniontown was between the fork created by the Upper Marborough road and the Piscataway road. To the thoroughfare eastward a part of the Marlborough road, was given the name Harrison Street and to the thoroughfare southward a part of the Piscataway road was given the name Monroe Street. The other streets of Uniontown were named in honor of the Presidents,” writes Charles Burr in the 1920 records
The other main historic thoroughfare in Anacostia is the three and a half mile Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue that extends from Good Hope Road all the way through southeast and southwest where it ends near the Bald Eagle Recreation Center. Construction of Asylum Road, named for the manner in which it ran past the new United States Insane Asylum, which would later come to be known as Saint Elizabeths, began in the 1850’s. The road’s name was changed to
CLOCKWISE from TOP 1. Baist plat map showing new and old names of streets in Anacostia – Harrison (top center) is now Good Hope Rd; Jackson is now U Street; Washington is now V Street. 2. Closeup of Good Hoop Road street sign. 3. A cartoon from the Washington times 1908 showing the potential confusion among residents of these newly renamed streets.
Nichols Avenue in the 1870’s after Henry Nichols, the superintendent of Saint Elizabeths. The hill which the campus sits on came to be known as Asylum Hill. “It was a lovely day, and his car went up Asylum Hill without an effort, which made him think of the old bicycle days of 40 years ago, when many of the strongest riders found it convenient to dismount when half way up the hill,” writes John Clagett Proctor in an article in The Sunday Star from the first half of the 20th century. Since April 27, 1971 the street has been known as Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue following the passage of a bill by the D.C. Council.
Today’s Street Names On Sunday, September 27, 1908 The Washington Times ran a headline, “Wouldn’t It Make You Peevish to Have Street Names Changed in a Night? Congress Forgets To Heed Requests” “Since the memory of the oldest inhabitants runneth not to the contrary, Anacostia has prided itself on its high sounding street names. George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson, all of them were there.” “Ah, ha!” said Congress, “Here’s a bunch of high-sounding statesmanlike names in use out there at Anacostia. What if they have been doing business for about sixty years and are a little shop-worn. We’ll transfer them over to Mt. Pleasant, our thriving fashionable suburb, and send a bunch of letters and figures over Anacostia way to be distributed wherever there’s an empty space.” Following which ukase, a benevolent ladder climber from the District building came over and tore down William Henry Harrison, James Monroe, Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, and a few others, and decorated the lamp posts 13, 17, W, X, Y, Z, or any other old letter he drew out of the bag.” The alphanumeric named street grid in today’s Anacostia can be seen in review of a 1927 Baist plat map available for public research at the Historical Society of Washington at 801 K Street NW. Further research on the old street names of East Washington can be done at the Martin Luther King Library’s Washingtoniana Division at 901 G Street and the Library of Congress. ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 37
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Opening in the late 1910’s, the Georgia Theater’s distinctive sign and building shell stood until early 2008. Photo by John Muller
Ruff & Ready Furnishings, 1908 14th Street NW, is an important architectural reminder of old Washington. Photo by John Muller
Capital Losses A Cultural History of Washington’s Destroyed Buildings by John Muller
fter witnessing the demolition of the Hitt House, “a limestone-faced neoclassical structure,” at 1501 New Hampshire Avenue on Dupont Circle in 1970, local historian James Goode began researching and gathering material and photos for a book, “Capital Losses: A Cultural History of Washington’s Destroyed
Buildings,” that would become one of the most definitive books for city preservationists. Beginning his research in December of 1973, before publishing Capital Losses in 1979 with the Smithsonian Institution Press, Goode, the former curator of the Old Smithsonian Castle and current archivist and historian for the BF Saul Company, looked over more than one million photographs in 225 public and private collections. “In DC in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s people looked at Victorian architecture as something that should be removed,” says Goode, who observes there is a greater awareness and appreciation today of historic architecture which “adds charm and character to a neighborhood.” More than merely a strict architectural history, Capital Losses gives insights into the personal history of each building or landmark and how its presence contributed to the livability of the city. The construction of new com-
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POP_Condos (circa 2009) 3422 GA Ave. NW. Photo by PrinceOfPetworth.com
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mercial buildings and residential properties throughout downtown and mid-city over the past decade has altered the cityscape, but has not fundamentally obscured the city’s historic Victorian heritage. With the District of Columbia’s Historic Landmark and Historic District Preservation Act, enacted in 1978, regarded as one of the strongest preservation laws in the country, the maturation of the “You Can’t Tear it Down” organization which grew into today’s non-profit DC Preservation League, and the Historic Preservation Review Board, Goode says the city has a well entrenched preservation community. “Capital Losses has certainly helped get a number of historic districts established in the city,” said Goode. The Office of Planning recognizes 46 distinct historic neighborhoods and districts, from Anacostia across the river to LeDroit Park which borders Howard University to the south. Updated in 2003, Capital Losses focuses on residential and non-
residential properties and structures that have since been lost. The residential properties are broken into Georgian and Federal houses, Greek Revival houses, Early Victorian houses, late Victorian houses, post-1890 houses, row houses, hotels and apartment buildings with nonresidential structures broken into churches, clubs and organizations, commercial buildings, early government buildings, post-civil war government buildings, office buildings, theaters, schools and hospitals, transportation buildings, fire stations, temporary government buildings, and street furniture. Goode mentioned efforts in certain city neighborhoods to decorate call boxes, once used for public safety communication, as an interesting development in more contemporary preservation. From the old Washington Jail (built in 1839 and razed in 1874) at 4th and G Street NW to the Center Market (built by Adolph Cluss in 1871 and razed in 1931) at 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue, where the National Archives currently stands, to horse troughs that were at major intersections throughout the city until the mid 1950s, Capital Losses chronicles historic Washington with more than 250 individual entries. Goode cites “government expansion, private real estate development, urban renewal, freeways, commercial growth, and the enlargement of institutions such as universities, hospitals, and churches” as factors that led Washington to lose a “large number of architecturally significant buildings, ranging from Federal structures of the 1790s to art modern landmarks from the 1930s.” Goode, author of “Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation’s Capital” and “Best Addresses” is working on a new book about historic houses of DC expected to be published in three years. “Dedicated to those Washingtonians who continue to fight to save the architectural heritage of the nation’s capital,” Capital Losses, more than three decades after its initial publication, remains necessary reading for anyone who cares about preservation in 21st century Washington. ●
cRiTiCaL eXpOsUrE article and photos by Anthony Marsh
The important thing that I think about this picture is the creativity of the image. It’s art, me and my reflection together. Art is important to me now, because it’s about thinking... I used to think pictures are just pictures but when an artist is taking a picture, there are ideas, a lot of creativity. It’s not as easy as it looks.
This article is a reflection from Anthony Marsh after he and a few other students presented their photos and opinions to the entire faculty of Luke C. Moore Academy.
Classes at Luke C. Moore are two and a half hours long with no breaks. Many students and teachers complain that it’s hard to keep kids engaged and that many end up in the halls during class. This photo was taken during a period when our class was photographing in the halls. Many of the students in the photo are members of our class, but the ones walking past are missing their own class because they’re in the halls. You know, students like to get hall passes just to be in the hallway, they go to the bathroom when you know they’re gonna be in the hallway, talking to their friends, text-messaging on their cell phones. We feel that if we could get a five minute or ten minute break, there’s no excuses for you to go back in the hallway, there’s no excuses.
I
was going to night school at one point in time, Spingarn Night School. My fault, couple of excuses, but at the same time I got a couple of credits so it was not a waste of my time. I just knew I wanted to take it to the next level and go back to a public school, and get better, high quality teachers. Because of the presentation we gave in front of the teachers and staff, they feel that I have potential so I’m going to take advantage of that and hopefully I’ll be class president next year. That just lets me know that we’ve been heard. And the metal detectors have been going a little more smoothly than usual, we started getting greeted more, and things just started coming together and we are making a better school like we said we would. I feel in general like I’ve been heard. I feel more confident to do things like this now, to give a speech, to make a presentation. This is my first [time] ever speaking in front of important people who can hear my opinion and actually do something about it. It’s my first time talking in a public school about something like that. I want to hear student’s opinions about how they feel about this school, and I’m going to voice their opinions for them. I just want to be involved with a lot of things in the school. If something’s being changed, I want to at least hear about it and put my opinion on it.
I came from [a different] High School and art, we would just go to class and draw something and pass like that. But [at Luke C. Moore] we got a great teacher like Ms. Hutchinson, she’s a high quality teacher, and I learn things like taking a picture is not just taking a picture. Sometimes you can tell stories about it, you can do something, you could protest about it, and I’m glad I have a teacher like Ms. Hutchinson.
This photo essay was created by Anthony Marsh, a student at Luke C. Moore, during a program that he participated in with Critical Exposure. Critical Exposure is a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. that teaches young people to use the power of photography and their own words to advocate for education reform and social change. Over the years, Critical Exposure has worked with students to document issues such as poor school facilities, homelessness, teen pregnancy, school lunches and the
dropout crisis. During last semester, Critical Exposure partnered with a Luke C. Moore art class to investigate ways to improve the school, while also forming a conversation about the overall success that the school is having in creating a second chance for many students who have struggled to get through high school in the past. For more information about Critical Exposure’s work, visit: www. criticalexposure.org or contact us: info@criticalexposure. org). -Emma Scott ●
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 39
KIDS & FAMILY
Jaquann Glosson, 11, works with the Young Playwright’s Theatre at Merritt Middle School on creating artworks based on a trip to Woodlawn Cemetery. Photo: Susana Raab, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, July 2010
Creativity and Youth Culture in SE Community Forum This community forum explores youth and creative expression as developed through the work of such groups and organizations as Junk Yard Band, Facilitating Leadership in Youth, Life Pieces to Masterpieces, Multi Media Training Institute, and others. This forum is part of the “Call and Response: Community and Creativity Project,” which is documenting creative expression in Washington, DC.’s Wards 7 and 8. Wednesday, Apr. 27, 7:00 PM. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu
Notebook by Kathleen Donner
ScoutReach ScoutReach is a year-round program that brings scouting to boys, ages 6-13, living in the most underserved and distressed DC neighborhoods. The majority of the boys in the local Scoutreach program come from families with extreme financial hardship. Without financial support most of these boys would be unable to join the Boy Scouts. Scoutreach is currently focused on expanding outreach in Wards 7 and 8 and plans recruitment drives this spring and in the fall aiming with the goal of increasing the number of participants by 5% in 2011. Currently, there are 358 boys in the program that operates in 16 schools in DC, including: MC Terrell, Langdon Elementary, Patterson Elementary, Davis Elementary, JC Nalle, Simon Elementary, Smothers Elementary, Winston Education Ctr,
40 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
Amidon Elementary and Randle Highland Elementary. 202-659-7922. scouting.org
Raising Voices Not Victims Empowering Youth To Speak Against Violence On Thursday, Apr. 21, 6:00-8:00 PM, New Horizons, the arts education and cultural enrichment program at Children’s National Medical Center presents a special theatrical performance by The Duke Ellington School of the Arts: SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event will feature a performance by youth who have witnessed or experienced violence in their community along with an art exhibition in the Corcoran Outreach Gallery. Free. THEARC
Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org
2011 Septima Clark Oratory Contest for Teenage Girls Teenage girls in the DC metro area have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the world’s many great public speakers (Septima Clark, Mary McLeod Bethune, Barbara Jordan, Dorothy Height, Ella Jo Baker, Frederick Douglass, and Barack Obama to name a few) by participating in the African American Women’s Resource Center’s 2011 Septima Clark Oratory Contest for Teenage Girls. This competition provides contestants with the opportunity to exercise not only their public speaking skills but their skills in research and analysis. The application deadline
Preparation for College... and for Life
A Great Way For Children To Learn - Grades Pre k - 8
The William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts (WEDJ PCS)
2011 Open Houses NE Campus: All at 1:30 pm Saturdays: May 21, Jun. 4 Accepting Applications for Pre-K – Grade 10 for 2011-12 School Year WE’VE MOVED to a newly-renovated, state-of-the-art, high-tech school at 1800 Perry Street NE, Washington, DC 20018! A • • • • •
Hyde Education Emphasizes: The discovery of one’s deeper potential Courage, Integrity, Concern, Curiosity and Leadership A self-confidence and enthusiasm for life The importance of family A sense of community Admissions Info Sessions every Tuesday
Visit www.hydedc.org or call 202.529.4400 for dates and times
WE’RE NOT JUST A SCHOOL... WE’RE A COMMUNITY!
Grades Prek3 - 8th (accepting applications through 8th grade) 705 Edgewood Street, NE • Washington, DC 20017 (202) 269-4646 • (202) 269-4155 fax
NW Campus: At 1: 30pm Saturday: May 21 Grades Prek3 - 5th Armed Forces Retirement Home 3700 N. Capitol St. NW • Washington, DC 20011 (202) 882-1980 • (202) 882-1936 (fax)
www.wedjschool.us (202) 269-4646 WEDJ PCS CFC # 76494 United Way # 9485 Friend WEDJ PCS on Facebook and Follow WEDJ PCS on Twitter!
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 41
KIDS & FAMILY
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals
Kids Run the Bases at National’s Park Immediately following every Sunday home game, kids 12 years and younger get to run the bases at Nats Park. Sunday home games this season are Apr. 3 and 17; May 1, 15, and 29; June 19; July 3, 10 and 31; Aug. 21; Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. All Sunday home games start at 1:35 PM. washington.nationals.mlb.com
The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, a tuition-free private school serving boys in Southeast DC, hosted a Citizens of the World Symposium on April 5. The symposium was aimed at building positive self-image among African-American males. The objective of the symposium was to combat negative stereotypes of African-
American males and to encourage a positive self-image. The symposium featured age appropriate activities about the African-American journey from Africa to the United States, the African-American impact on the United States, and the state of African-American males in today’s society. 202-591-3073. bishopwalkerschool.org. The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, a tuition-free Episcopal private school currently serves junior-kindergarteners through second graders living east of the Anacostia. The Bishop Walker School seeks to nurture the development of each student in a Christian community of learners that welcomes boys of all faith traditions. For inquiries about admissions, contact DeChelle Harris at 202-678-1515 or dharris@ bishopwalkerschool.org.
42 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
is May 9. Please pass the information to teenagers and organizations that work with teenagers. The date of the contest is Saturday, May 21, at Howard University. In addition to the three cash prizes in each division, a special award for the most creative topic will be given. 202-450-5327. aawrc.org
The Bishop John T. Walker School Citizens of the World Symposium
$1 Kids Days at National’s Park Purchase up to four tickets for children ages 3-12 for $1 each, with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket on Apr. 16 vs. Brewers, June 23 vs. Mariners, Sept. 8 vs. Dodgers or Sept. 11 vs. Astros. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the box office on the day of game. Select seating areas and subject to availability. Online sales will begin in April. 202-675-6287. nationals.com
Smithsonian Sleepovers Spend the Night at the National Museum of Natural History A night of adventure awaits you as you enter the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, just as the doors are closing, the lights dim, and the crowds shuffle out...the wonders of the museum’s
Hall of Dinosaurs, Mammal Hall, and new Sant Ocean Hall are yours to explore. Follow Indiana Jane on a tour of the exhibits, search for clues on a scavenger hunt, create your own fossil and coral reef, and view the IMAX film Galapagos 3-D. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums... sleeping with the dinosaurs, whale, and the giant squid! Fridays, May 13, June 17, July 8 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19. $125. 202-6333030. smithsoniansleepovers.org
Youth Engagement through Science Internships The 2011 Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) program is currently accepting applications. The National Museum of Natural
Community Child Development Center History is committed to helping youth from communities underrepresented in Smithsonian science research areas to develop the science skills necessary to be competitive in today’s knowledge-based society. Rising 10th & 11th grade students from the Washington,DC, area with an interest or aptitude in science are invited to apply for this unique, paid internship. The goals are to help participants to build their science and communication skills, explore careers in science by working side by side with scientists, and to prepare for the next step in their education through a college preparation course. 202-633-0815. mnh.si.edu/education/yes
Pendragwn Youth Film Festival Call for Entries On May 15, the first Pendragwn Youth Film Festival will be held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The festival will feature short films in 4 categories; documentary, music video, narrative and a super short (public service announcement). All films are created by students ages 1118. It’s free and easy to enter. Submissions must be postmarked by Apr. 11. Get details on pendragwnyouthfilmfest.org.
Boy Scout Troop 380 and Summer Camp St. Peter’s Troop 380, for fifth grade and higher, provides leadership and character development for boys of all faiths and backgrounds on Capitol Hill and beyond. They meet Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM, and have monthly outings that include camping, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and skiing. Troop 380 will go to summer camp at Goshen Scout Reservation in southwestern Virginia, June 25-July 2. A week of room and board and outdoor fun costs $290 (by April 29) or $330 (by June 3). For more information, contact Hank Brothers, Scoutmaster at 202-457-7081 (ofc) or hank. brothers@hklaw.com.
Spring “Camporee” Adventure Weekend On the weekend of April 10-11, the Washington DC District of the Boy Scouts of America, the Federal Government and the DC Government will partner for a rare DC camping and emergency preparedness adventure. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Venturers & Explorers will gather for a Spring Camporee on the grounds of the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, West Campus. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all
participating Scouts and visitors to learn and have fun. $5-$12. Contact Richard Lambert with questions at 202-553-7010 or lambertra@gmail.com. dccamporee.info.
“A Child’s World for Learning”
Au Pair Cultural Fair at Glen Echo Park On Saturday, Apr. 9, 1:00-3:00 PM, Au Pair in America, the nation’s first and largest au pair provider, will host a Cultural Fair at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. The fair provides a great opportunity for families who are looking for child care to learn more about the program. Au Pair in America host families and their au pairs (from more than 35 countries) will be in attendance along with Au Pair in America staff to answer questions. There will be activities and a parade on the promenade (costumes optional) for children in attendance. Free. 800-928-7247. aupairinamerica.com
Open Year round 6:30am to 6:00pm Ages 2 to 4 plus School age Developmentally Appropriate Programs Toilet Training • Certified Educators Hot Balanced Meals • Educational Field Trips Tuition Based on Income Two Locations 4021 Minnesota Ave NE Washington DC 20019
1105 50th St., NE Washington DC 20019
202-397-1170
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Free IT Training for Minority Youth If you know anyone with a high school diploma or a GED who are between the ages of 18-24 yrs old with an interest in IT, refer them to yearup.org to learn more about this free program. The program asks for a 1 year commitment between the hours of 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. They provide the student with a stipend and after six months, internships at companies such as Freddie Mac and AOL. Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate apprenticeship. yearup.org
“Exceptional Education for Exceptional Students!”
Now Enrolling Grades 6-12 Call 202-547-1028 today! to schedule an interview and tour of the school.
Summer Jobs in America’s Great Outdoors The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the country’s 553 national wildlife refuges, hopes to hire more than 2,000 young people this year, as it did in 2010. Apply online now for a job this summer on a national wildlife refuge or other public land. Youth job candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Most internships include a stipend, and others are volunteer positions. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. fws.gov. ●
1375 E Street NE Washington DC 20002 www.optionsschool.org
on THE
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 43
Summer Camp Fun! There is a camp for every interest, schedule and pleasure Casey Trees Summer Crew Casey Trees’ Summer Crew is a high school jobs program where students care for the District’s trees for eight weeks. The 2011 session runs June 20-August 12. Students earn $9 an hour and work 35-hours a week, M-F; gain employment skills; and get exposure to “green” careers. Eligibility requirements: Be 16+ years of age; enrolled in or a recent graduate of a DC-area high school; willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions; and a team player. No experience necessary. For information and to apply, visit www.caseytrees.org/education. Applications are due May 1.
DAR Museum Summer Camps At the DAR Museum’s Quilt Camp, your child can learn the art of hand-quilting through the use of appliqué and other sewing techniques. It’s a fun creative outlet with a beautiful keepsake to take home. At the Colonial Camp, children wear period costumes as they learn about Colonial life through foods, crafts, dance, and re-enactors. Camps are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and include special tours and hands-on activities. Quilt Camp (ages 10-17) is July 18-29, and a Colonial Camp (ages 8-12) is August 1-5. Registration closes May 2, but spaces fill up fast. Contact 202-879-3240, museum@dar.org or go to www.dar. org/museum for more information.
Having fun at CHAW’s summer camp. Photo: Courtesy Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
Camp Horizons ACA accredited, co-ed residential summer camp, located on 300 acres in the Shenandoah Valley, bordering the National Forest. Conveniently located 2 hours from Washington, DC (about 10 mi north of James Madison University). Welcoming children, ages 6-17. Offering adventure trips, aquatics, high/low ropes courses, climbing wall, performing arts, horseback riding, and much more. Also featuring three different specialty camps: Equestrian Camp (horseback riding/stable management intensive for girls ages 914, 1 week); Leadership Camp (co-ed, 4 weeks, for rising high school seniors); and Camp Up With People, a performing arts intensive camp (co-ed, 3 week session ages 14-17). www.HorizonsHospitality.com, 540-896-9947.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Camp Grab your passport and join the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) for its summer Island Arts Adventure Camps from June 20 to August 12, 2011. Each two-week camp will focus on the arts and culture of a particular island including Indonesia, Crete, Canary Islands, and Hawaii. Camps are for students ages five to thirteen (additional one-week Jr. Arts Adventure Camps are available for students ages four and five). For a full-day experience, CHAW hosts afternoon specialty camps. Recreation Camp option with trips to the swimming pool, parks, museums, local attractions, and more. Afternoon Specialty Camps take an in-depth look at artistic mediums and include two different Musical Theater Camps, Photography Camp, Rock n’ Roll Camp, Ceramics Camp (full), and Visual Arts Camp. Tuition assistance and payment plans are available. For more info, visit www.chaw.org or call 202-5476839.
Capitol Hill Martial Arts + Fitness Summer Camp The Capitol Hill MAFA summer camp is a fun, safe, and exciting way for your child to spend the summer. The age range is from 4 to 13 years old. The students not only learn martial arts but are also engaged in educational activities. We strive to help develop positive thinking skills and self-esteem within the children. MAFA Campers will participate in weekly field trips such as Day at the Park with Washington Nationals, Outdoor Plays and Movies, Six Flags America, Local Martial Arts Tournaments and much more. MAFA Campers will also get a chance to increase martial arts developement and technique with the ability to train up to 3x a day! Hours 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 1443 D St. SE, DC 20003; 202-455-4662.
44 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
DC Youth Orchestra Camp No one does music classes better than DCYOP!! We’ve been teaching music for 50 years and it’s TIME FOR CAMP at DCYOP! Band Camp – String Camp, All day, two-week session. Free t-shirt for Camp participants! Indoor performance on July 3 – Outdoor performance in the Capitol Hill Fourth of July celebration/parade on July 4! DCYOP is also offering beginning level classes for students age 8 and above. Early Registration discount available through May 1st. Please contact us at info@dcyop.org or 202-698-0123 with any questions. Check out our website at www.dcyop.org for more details about summer activities!!
Fillmore Art Center Camp Fillmore Arts Center is an award-winning District of Columbia Public School program providing training in dance, music, theater, visual arts, creative writing and media arts. The curriculum is child-centered and sequentially structured in accordance with the goals of the National and District of Columbia Standards for Arts Education. The core of Fillmore’s philosophy is a belief that all children should receive a skill-based, quality arts education. In addition, Fillmore teachers work with each other and classroom teachers to plan lessons and integrate the arts and academic disciplines. Visit our website at www.fillmoreartscenter.org or contact 202.465.2810 to learn more.
Friends Community School Summer Camp Friends Community School is a K-8 Quaker School that nurtures young people to be life-long learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. We welcome students of all backgrounds, and offer developmentally appropriate, experiential, interdisciplinary, and vigorous curricula. We also offer an Extended Day Program, Enrichment Activities, and Instrument Lessons. In the summer, we run specialty Summer Camps featuring Science & Art, Robotics & Technology, and Sports & Recreation. See our website for details: www.friendscommjnityschool.org. ●
Now Enrolling for 2011-2012 School Year ABOUT US: •
Founded in the fall of 1999
•
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
•
3 year old Pre-K– Grade 5
•
Independently run with a strong Board of Trustees
•
Recognized by US Department of Education as Outstanding Charter School
•
Challenging Curriculum
•
Exciting Creative Arts and Technology Program
•
Positive school culture
•
Open to all DC Residents
Pre-school 3 – 5th Grade Open to all DC residents April 15th deadline
5300 Blaine Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-398-6811
Please visit us at www.artstechacademy.org
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 45
HOMES & GARDENS 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
Price
BR
FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA 2213 RETTA GILLIAM CT SE 2211 RETTA GILLIAM CT SE 2237 14TH ST SE 2320 PAYNE TER SE 1603 FAIRLAWN AVE SE 1245 V ST SE 1340 TALBERT TER SE 1605 FAIRLAWN AVE SE
$370,000.00 $365,000.00 $232,000.00 $199,999.00 $175,000.00 $153,000.00 $92,500.00 $65,000.00
3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3
$259,500.00 $249,000.00 $190,000.00 $150,000.00 $95,000.00 $90,000.00 $40,000.00
3 4 3 4 3 3 2
$290,000.00 $285,000.00 $245,000.00 $230,000.00 $169,900.00 $166,000.00 $165,500.00 $97,200.00 $83,000.00
4 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 3
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3507 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE 1219 ALABAMA AVE SE 202 MALCOLM X AVE SE 4138 2ND ST SW 3219 6TH ST SE 708 CHESAPEAKE ST SE 622 SOUTHERN AVE SE
DEANWOOD 5713 EADS ST NE 1032 45TH ST NE 624 49TH PL NE 34 46TH ST NE 5100 HAYES ST NE 5068 JAY ST NE 533 45TH ST NE 3927 AMES ST NE 515 59TH ST NE
46 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
FORT DUPONT PARK 4018 E ST SE 1529 42ND ST SE 3913 C ST SE 1541 41ST ST SE 4219 FORT DUPONT TER SE 4304 GORMAN TER SE 1116 46TH ST SE 612 CHAPLIN ST SE
$205,000.00 $197,000.00 $188,000.00 $106,900.00 $100,000.00 $100,000.00 $88,000.00 $72,300.00
3 2 3 3 3 3 4 4
$385,000.00 $330,000.00 $175,000.00 $150,000.00 $92,100.00
4 4 3 0 3
$275,000.00 $180,000.00 $174,900.00 $42,599.00
3 4 4 2
$494,000.00 $199,900.00
5 5
$55,000.00
2
$9,000.00
1
HILL CREST 2711 33RD ST SE 3737 NASH ST SE 3127 LYNDALE PL SE 3305 ALABAMA AVE SE 723 CROISSANT PL SE
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5120 BASS PL SE 5345 D ST SE 5008 BASS PL SE 5347 BASS PL SE
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1524 MISSISSIPPI AVE SE 1707 MINNESOTA AVE SE
CONDO DEANWOOD 200 43RD RD NE #203
FORT DUPONT PARK 512 RIDGE RD SE #107 ●
6000 sq. ft. vacant lot on Capitol Hill Rare Opportunity at a Great Location! Two blocks from the Potomac Ave. Metro stop, the new Harris Teeter and the Anacostia Waterfront riverwalk. Near Pennsylvania Ave retail corridor, Eastern Market and Barracks Row
3 buildable lots totalling 6000 sq. ft., 3 two family flats or up to 6 condos possible. Blueprints available (McAllister Architects); 10' Easement provides all lots with parking. 13,000sf GBA. $950K
For more information, email tkaupp@cbmove.com or kkaupp@cbmove.com or call 202-741-1699
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 47
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.8300 x12 or email Carolina@hillrag.com
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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 49
THE NOSE
the NOSE
by Anonymous
Sometimes A Trout is Just a Fish When the Trout Report swam into his inbox on a mournful Monday, The Nose squirmed in his seat with excitement. Finally, all would be revealed. The Wizard would step out from behind the curtain. The Nose never considered Mayor Blackberry to be personally venal. Rather, much as President Ronnie had left the details of governance to Nancy’s psychic friend, he was convinced that Blackberry had abandoned the District to the Machiavellian machinations of Peter “Darth” Nickles. After all, a guy’s got to exercise. To keep his own body in peak condition, The Nose prefers to take the stairs to his eighth-floor perch. How else could he show his face at Remington’s weekly karaoke night? The Nose was not so certain about the physical fitness or ethics of Omar “Developer Über Alles” Karim and Sinclair “Not Licensed” Skinner, Mayor Blackberry’s fraternity BFFs (Best Friends Forever). Given the faultiness of their memories under oath, it is a wonder that either can find their car keys in the morning, much less remember the names of their pets. However, as our loose lipped friend at Washington’s City Paper recently pointed out, Skinner and Karim leveraged a cozy personal relationship with Mayor Blackberry into a position of valued minority partner at a major suburban construction firm. Then, working with a BFF in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED), they got the inside scoop on lucrative contracts for renovating the District’s parks. Strangely, in the absence of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) that would have established a price for the job, DMPED let Karim have millions of dollars in construction work on an unusually favorable basis. Karim hired Skinner’s firm to do the engineering work. Farming out jobs to suburbanites, Skinner inflated the cost of the projects by something in the order of $500,000, according to some estimates. Surprisingly, none of this mischief was caught by Karim’s minders at DMPED, an agency that under inattentive Blackberry’s tutelage seemed to have trouble tying its own shoelaces. In point of fact, had the DC Council not turned off the spigot, Karim and Skinner might
50 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2011
have siphoned several million dollars out of the city’s coffers. Our esteemed journalistic brethren on 15th Street, however, clearly never made it beyond the first few lines of Trout’s executive summary. How else could they have printed the headline, “Fenty Cleared in Parks Contracts Investigation”? Yes, The Nose knows that headline writing is beyond the pay grade of humble reporters such as himself. It requires the heavenly red pen of a true editor. Compounding inattention with incredulity and taking leave of their collective wits, the editorial page in that same publication thundered against the Trout report’s late debut. In the Alice in Wonderland world on 15th Street, an earlier release would have tipped the mayoral contest to Blackberry by exonerating him of corruption charges. Dear Readers, have my esteemed brethren forgotten who was running Blackberry’s reelection campaign? OK. The Nose has a few questions for 15th Street crew.
Who appointed the clowns at DMPED? Answer: Mayor Blackberry. Who hired Karim and Skinner? Answer: Blackberry’s DMPED clowns Dear Readers, exercise your judgment. While his compatriots over on 15th Street may have found the Trout Report to their emerald-hued political taste, The Nose found it scintillating reading. On behalf of his fellow citizens, he would like to thank its author, attorney Robert P. Trout. Having had the dubious pleasure of listening to A. Scott “The Go-To Guy” Bolden drone on during many political debates, The Nose knows that the experience of sparing with him across a conference table no doubt proved unpleasant. It certainly earns Trout, in The Nose’s humble opinion, a space on the Pope’s short list for canonization. Have a sanguine observation for The Nose? Email him at thenose@hillrag.com ●
MEET Molly’s NEW CHEF!
Molly’s Malone’s welcomes Executive Chef Brendan Tharp, formerly of Blue Hill Tavern. Chef Tharp is introducing a new exciting menu that includes his signature lamb shank and Irish potatoes, hardy Guinness Stew, and a variety of new sandwiches and new brunch items.
Pub Fare will Never Be The Same! Molly Malone’s 713 8th Street SE (202) 547-1222 www.mollysdc.com
WACIF
Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. WACIF helps small business owners succeed!
FREE Small Business Seminars and Technical Assistance Get to Know the SBA! Financing your Business!
Greening Your Small Business
April 7 6:30pm-8:30pm 961 H St. NE
April 28 6:30pm-8:30pm TBD
Small Business Loan Day
Small Business Loan Day
April 16 11:30am-1:30pm 4645 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE
April 30 11:30am-1:30pm 4645 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE
For more information or to RSVP please call WACIF at 529-5505 or visit www.wacif.org Interpretation services and accommodations for persons with disabilities are available. Contact WACIF one week prior to event for any special assistance needs. Support for WACIF’s programs and services is provided by: DC Department of Housing and Economic Development; DC Department of Small and Local Business Development; Neighborhood Investment Fund, Government of the District of Columbia, OfďŹ ce of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; U.S. Small Business Administration; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; American Bank; M&T Bank; TD Bank; The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation; D.C. Pro Bono Bar Program; and other corporate and individual donors and investors.