East-of-the-River-Magazine-2011

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2011 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08 ............Go See Do 10 ............East of the River Calendar 16 ............The Bulletin Board 20 ............District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 22 ............The Numbers • by Jenny Reed 24 ............SE Models Green Resources • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 26 ............Library Name Disputed in Bellevue • by John Muller 27 ............The Man from Anacostia • by Charles Wilson 28 ............DCHD Requests Permit • by John Muller 29 ............Barry Farm Activist’s Message • by John Muller 30 ............St. Elizabeths Meeting • by John Muller

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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 32 ............The Synetic Experience • by Amanda Wilson 34 ............Hometown Girl Makes Ward 8 Proud • by John Muller 35 ............A Musical Tribute to MLK • by Candace Y.A. Montague 37 ............GIVING - CFC

KIDS & FAMILY 38 ............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner

HOMES & GARDENS 43 ............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton 44 ............The Classifieds 46 ............The Nose • by Anonymous

ON THE COVER: The Fighting Season at Honfleur Gallery

Through Dec. 16. Honfleur Gallery presents award-winning photographer Louie Palu’s work The Fighting Season which was completed as several related studies of Kandahar and the surrounding region of Southern Afghanistan. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-536-8994. www.honfleurgallery.com

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DC’S CHARTER SCHOOLS: LEADING EDUCATION REFORM IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL! Ward 1

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights Campus • Capital City Public Charter School • Cesar Chavez PCS--Bruce Prep Campus Community Academy PCS - Butler Bilingual Campus • D.C. Bilingual PCS • E.L. Haynes PCS - Georgia Avenue • Howard University Middle School PCS • Meridian PCS Shining Stars Montessori • Booker T. Washington PCS • Carlos Rosario International PCS • Capital City PCS Next Step-El Proximo Paso PCS • YouthBuild LAYC PCS High School

Ward 2

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Riverside Campus • Center City PCS - Shaw Campus • KIPP DC: Grow Academy • KIPP DC: WILL Academy • Mundo Verde PCS • Options Academy

Ward 4

Bridges PCS Elementary • Center City PCS - Brightwood Campus • Center City PCS - Petworth Campus • Community Academy PCS - Amos I • Community Academy PCS - Amos II Community Academy PCS - Online • E.L. Haynes PCS - Kansas Avenue • Education Strengthens Families PCS • Hope Community PCS - Lamond Campus • Ideal Academy PCS Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS (LAMB) • Paul PCS • Roots PCS • Washington Latin PCS • William E Doar PCS - Soldier’s Home • Hospitality SHS PCS

Ward 5

Center City PCS - Trinidad Campus • Community Academy PCS - Amos III • Community Academy - Rand Campus • D.C. Preparatory PCS - Edgewood Campus Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS • Friendship PCS - Woodridge Campus • Hope Community PCS - Tolson Campus • Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS Mary McLeod Bethune PCS • Potomac Lighthouse PCS • Tree Of Life PCS • Washington Yu Ying PCS • William E Doar PCS - Edgewood Campus Perry Street Prep - (formerly HYDE PCS) • Washington Math Science and Technology High School

Ward 6

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln Campus • Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus • Eagle Academy PCS - SE & New Jersey Avenue Campus Friendship PCS - Chamberlain Campus • Options PCS • St. Coletta Special Education PCS • Two Rivers PCS • Cesar Chavez PCHS for Pubic Policy - Capitol Hill Campus

Ward 7

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Amidon Campus • AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma Avenue (NE) Campus • KIPP DC: LEAP Academy • Friendship Junior Academy - Blow-Pierce D.C. Preparatory - Benning Campus • Arts and Technology Academy PCS • KIPP DC: Promise Academy • KIPP DC: KEY Academy • Cesar Chavez PCS - Parkside Campus Maya Angelou PCS • Cesar Chavez PCS • Parkside Campus • Friendship Collegiate Academy - Woodson Campus • IDEA- Integrated Design and Electronic Academy Maya Angelou PCS • Richard Wright PCS • SEED PCHS

Ward 8

Achievement Preparatory Academy PCS • AppleTree Early Learning - Douglass Knoll Campus • AppleTree Early Learning - Parkland Campus • Center City PCS - Congress Heights Campus Early Childhood Academy PCS • Excel Academy PCS • Friendship PCS - South East Elementary Academy • Friendship PCS - Tech Prep High School Howard Road Academy PCS - Martin Luther King Av. Campus • Howard Road Academy PCS - Main Campus • Howard Road Academy PCS - Penn Ave Campus Imagine SE PCS • KIPP DC: AIM Academy • KIPP DC: Discover Academy • KIPP DC: Heights Academy • Septima Clark PCS • KIPP DC: College Preparatory National Collegiate PCS • Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS

Visit Our Website: www.dcacps.org or email us: redelin@dcpcsa.org

HILL RAG MID CITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES THE EDUCATION EDITION

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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

KIDS & FAMILY

MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com SCHOOL NOTES EDITOR: SUSAN BRAUN JOHNSON SCHOOLS@HILLRAG.COM KIDS & FAMILY NOTEBOOK EDITOR: KATHLEEN DONNER KATHLEEN.DONNER@GMAIL.COM

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HOMES & GARDENS

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com HIT THE CITY: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com RETAIL THERAPY: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

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NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:

Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES

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| NOVEMBER 2011

Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

GO.SEE.DO. BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show The largest upscale African American department store on the East Coast features holiday cards, black angel tree toppers, African artifacts, fabric and clothes, unique home decor, collectible dolls, books, calendars, toys, designer clothes, shoes, hats, fine art and crafts, bath and beauty products, leather goods, adornments, jewelry, Negro League collectibles and Black memorabilia. Nov. 26 to 27 and Dec. 7, 11, 18 and 23; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shilow Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth St. NW. For more information, call 202-610-4188 or visit www.bzbinternational.com.

Andile Ndlovu as The Frontiersman in The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Photo: Tony Powell

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker Celebrate The Washington Ballet’s golden anniversary with their holiday classic! For fifty years, generations of Washingtonians have grown up loving—and introducing loved ones to--Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker. In this 50th anniversary year, Septime Webre pays homage to Washington Ballet founder Mary Day’s 1961 production, restaging her original, a historic jewel, in his lush Washington-themed staging. Discover, rediscover, and celebrate this one-of-a-kind Nutcracker production set in 1882 Georgetown and starring George Washington as the Nutcracker, King George II as the Rat King, Anacostia Indians, frontiersmen, and all-American delights. Whimsical waltzes, glittering snowflakes, and gorgeous music, The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker is a magical journey not to be missed! $29. Nov. 25 to 27. For tickets, call 202-889-5901 or visit www.thearcdc.org

Fairlawn Christmas Tree Lighting The Fairlawn Christmas Tree Lighting is Saturday, Dec. 3, but the fun starts much earlier on the Friday. The fire department will help string the lights and the public is invited to help with the decoration. The Saturday festivities start at about 4 p.m. with hot cider. The switch is flipped at 5 p.m. You can’t miss it. Look for theMayor and the biggest tree in Fairlawn Park at the intersection of Good Hope Road and Minnesota Avenue, SE.

Three Art Weekends at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum Overload with art! Learn cool dance movements on Saturday, Nov. 12 with “Da’ Originalz featuring Beat Ya Feet” at 10:30 a.m.; Decorate yourself at “Henna Body Art” on Sunda, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m; Tour “Public Art East of the River” on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 9:30 a.m.; Explore the answer at “What Color is This?” on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m.; and “Make Them Walk” in sculpture workshop with BK Adams on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 10:30 a.m., plus visit his exhibition, “Exercise Your Mynd” any day through Nov. 27. See program details in this month’s EOR calendar or visit the museum online at www.anacostia.si.edu.

See the Supreme Court in Session Oral arguments are open to the public, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis. Before a session begins, two lines form on the plaza in front of the building. One is for those who wish to attend an entire argument, and the other, a three-minute line, is for those who wish to observe the Court in session only briefly. Seating for the first argument begins at 9:30 a.m. and seating for the three-minute line begins at 10:00 a.m. The locations for these lines are marked with signs and there is a police officer on duty to answer your questions. November oral arguments can be heard on Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29 and 30. If you just want to tour the building and learn something about the court, docents lead 30-minute tours, Monday through Friday every hour on the half-hour, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. First St. NE between E. Capitol St. and Maryland Ave., adjacent to the US Capitol and the Library of Congress. 202-479-3000. supremecourt.gov Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 9

CALENDAR

Standing in dust from improvised explosive device blast, Nakhonay, Panjwa’i District, Kandahar, Afghanistan.” 2010 Photo: Louie Palu

The Fighting Season at Honfleur Gallery.

Through Dec. 16. Honfleur Gallery presents award-winning photographer Louie Palu’s work The Fighting Season which was completed as several related studies of Kandahar and the surrounding region of Southern Afghanistan. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-536-8994. www. honfleurgallery.com THANKSGIVING Villagekeepers Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship at Union Temple. Nov. 12, noon. Provided

by Village Keepers (homeless ministry). Villagekeepers is in need of volunteers, clothing, turkeys and cash donations to make this meal for about 250 people possible. Set and prep begins at 8 AM. Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W St. SE. 202-678-8822. uniontemple.com Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade.

Nov. 19, 9:30 AM. 50 foot balloons, floats and marching bands. Downtown Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue from Sligo to Silver Plaza. silverspringdowntown.com Help with SOME (So Others May Eat) Holiday Gift Baskets. Nov. 19, 9 AM-1 PM. Basket drop off and deliveries to homebound low-income seniors from 1667 Good Hope Rd. SE. You can also assemble baskets. Sign up with Jenna at 202-797-8806 ext. 1306 or jjones@some.org.

Potomac Valley Track Club Cranberry Crawl 5K & 10K. Nov. 19, 7:30 AM. $20. East Potomac Park Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 301-

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292-1441. pvtc.org Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing. Nov. 23, 11 AM-2:30 PM. The program will offer a complete sit down Thanksgiving meal, opportunities to explore the possibility of gainful employment; health screenings; and also information on achieving and maintaining good health. Center. Please help get the information out to seniors, churches, senior housing residences and especially to individuals and families in need.

Free. No reservations required. Washington Convention Center.

Thanksgiving Service at Union Temple. Nov. 24, 10:30 AM. All are welcome. 1225 W St. SE. 202-678-8822. uniontemple.com

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 9 AM, 10:30 AM and noon. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-5268300. nationalshrine.com “Season’s Greenings” at the US Botanic Garden. Opens Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 10 AM-5 PM. The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov

Thanksgiving Service at Washington National Cathedral. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 10 AM. The Cathedral will reopen Saturday, Nov. 12, for the first time since the Aug. 23 earthquake. Free. Cathedral at the intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org

Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Mile. Nov 24, 10 AM. The thirty six annual Thanksgiving Day Alexandria Turkey Trot is taking place in the Del Ray area of Alexandria with some exciting new additions. With a starting line change, this year’s race will be metro accessible, the start line is 2 blocks from the Braddock Metro Station. The DC Road Runners Club sponsors the event and proceeds will benefit the the A.L.I.V.E foundation. $20. alexandriaturkeytrot.com

Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine.

National Mall Museums Open Thanksgiv-

| NOVEMBER 2011

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

EARLY CHRISTMAS National Zoo Gin-GRR-bread Habitat Contest. Register through Friday, Nov. 18, 4 PM. (Note, the contest is limited to 80 entries, registration will close after 80 entries are received.) Calling all bakers, artists, animal lovers and holiday enthusiasts! Let your imagination run wild and enter today to build a Winter Wonderland Kids’ Farm Habitat, as part of the second annual FONZ Gin-GRR-bread Habitat Contest sponsored by Starbucks. All habitats will be displayed in the Visitor Center Auditorium as part of the annual ZooLights event from late November through Jan. 1, 2012.

Register online at nationalzoo.si.edu and go to “Zoolights.”

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s. Nov. 18Dec. 31. (no performance Thanksgiving Day). Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption.

Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge in the production The Washington Post hailed as “musically high-spirited” and “infectiously jolly.” $35-$75. 202-3474833. fordstheatre.org The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker at THEARC. Nov. 25-27. Discover, rediscover, and celebrate this one-ofa-kind Nutcracker production set in 1882 Georgetown and starring George Washington as the Nutcracker, King George II as the Rat King, Anacostia Indians, frontiersmen, and all-American delights. Whimsical waltzes, glittering snowflakes, and gorgeous music, The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker is a magical journey not to be missed! $29.

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Nov. 25, 26 and 27, 5-8 PM. Experience includes a candlelight tour, singing around a campfire, costumed characters, hot cider and cookies. $14-$20.

Mount Vernon, VA (at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway-16 miles from DC). 703-7802000. mountvernon.org The Garden of Lights (Winter Garden Walk) at Brookside Gardens.

Nov. 25-Jan. 8, 5:30-9 PM, weekdays; 5:30-10 PM, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday. 940,000 twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. $20-$25 per car. It’s a walk-through, however.

Brookside Gardens Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallan Ave.,Wheaton, MD. montgomeryparks.org/brookside Old Town Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nov. 25, 7-9 PM, (rain or shine). Enjoy musical entertainment, caroling with a community sing along, and greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus. Historic Market Square in Old Town, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show. Nov. 25 and 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 23; 10 AM-7 PM. Two floors of shopping at the largest African-American Department Store on the east coast. Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth St. NW. 202610-4188. bzbinternational.com First Ever Capital Holiday Parade.

Nov. 26, 11 AM. In hopes of becoming one of Washington’s beloved holiday traditions, the Capital Holiday Parade will serve as the kick-off to a season of celebration. The Capitol Holiday Parade & National Band Festival travels east down the National Parade Route on Constitution Ave. with a reviewing stand on Third St. directly in front of CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 11

CALENDAR noon-8 PM. The annual Downtown DC Holiday Market offers seasonal outdoor shopping with a festive atmosphere. It features nearly 180 rotating exhibitors and artisans with approximately 50 each week, offering distinctive gifts for sale including fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, photography, clothing and specialty foods. Centered at Eighth and F sts. NW. downtownholidaymarket.com Zoolights. Starts Dec. 2, 5-9 PM. Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment. Free. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dec, 3, 4 PM. Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Alexandria’s Historic Waterfront at the foot of Cameron Street Alexandria, VA. visitalexandriava.com.

703-838-5005.

Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Concert. Dec. 3, parade 11 AM-1 PM; massed band concert 1-1:30 PM. Parade route Begins at the corner of Wilkes and South Saint Asaph sts. in Old Town and ends at King and Royal sts. Concert at King and Royal sts. in front of City Hall at Market Square. Alexandria, VA. scottishchristmaswalk.com

Former Mayor Fenty crossing the finish line at a previous Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger.

Photo: Visual Initiatives, LLC

Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K. Nov. 24, 9 AM. Kids fun run at 8:30 AM. Start and Finish on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 12th St. and 13th St. Event benefits So Others Might Eat 202-797-8806. some.org the Capitol. The parade will feature 18 high school and college marching bands, 25 professionally designed floats, large balloons, clowns, equestrian units, cheerleaders, dancers and celebrities. Bleacher seating, $10$15. capitalholidayparade.com National Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec. 1, 5 PM. Tickets distributed by lottery, Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 AM-Monday. Nov. 7, 9.59 AM. Go to thenationaltree.org or call 877-444-6777 during this time period. There is no stand-by line.

Union Station Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec. 1, 6 PM. The tree is a gift to the people of Washington, DC and is a symbol of friendship between the United States and Norway. Join the Norwegian Embassy and DC as the 8,000 lights on Washington’s official holiday tree are lit and enjoy live musical performances.

Sewall-Belmont House Holiday Bazaar. Dec. 1, 11 AM-8 PM. Do not miss this opportunity to pick up great gifts, such as the Votes for Women ornaments, while supporting the Sewall-Belmont House & Museum. A variety of artisans will sell their wares, ensuring you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. 144 Constitution Ave. NE. 202-546-1210.

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sewallbelmont.org Rosslyn Lighting the Washington Skyline Lighting Ceremony. Dec. 1, 6:30 PM. Rosslyn property owners participate in LIGHT UP Rosslyn by placing holiday lights along the rooftops of their buildings. Skyline lit through Jan. 31. Rosslyn, VA. Living (Gospel) Christmas Tree at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. Dec. 2, 7 PM; Dec. 3, 6 PM; and Dec. 4, 4:45 PM and 7:45 PM. $12. Tickets on saleWednesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 PM. You can also send a money order to the church for tickets. This event sells out !!! 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5811500. pabc-dc.org Christmas Concert at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Dec. 2, 7:30 PM (but get there earlier). The National Shrine invites you to their Annual Christmas Concert for Charity featuring the voices and sounds of the Catholic University of America Choir and Orchestra. Free will offering. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Downtown DC Holiday Market. Dec. 2-23, | NOVEMBER 2011

National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Dec. 3-4, 10 AM-5:30 PM. The NMAI Art Market offers one-of-a-kind, handmade, traditional and contemporary items directly from the artisans. More than 35 Native artists from North and South America will participate in this annual weekend market featuring a wide selection of items for purchase including handmade jewelry, beadwork, pottery, prints and sculpture.

Free. Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202633-1000. nmai.si.edu Black Nativity at H Street Playhouse. Previews begin Dec. 3, 8 PM. Langston Hughes’ retelling of the Christmas story from an Afrocentric perspective, infused with rich gospel, blues, funk, jazz music and dance with griot style story telling from an ensemble cast.

Now, today, here in this place, nineteen centuries removed from Bethleham — in a land far across the sea from Judea — we sing His songs and glorify His name. Tickets on sale now at $35. Discounts for under 18, students and seniors. theateralliance.com St. John’s Greens Sale and Christmas Bazaar.

Dec 3, 10 AM-3 PM. This benefit for St. John’s mission features beautifully hand-decorated wreaths, gourmet foods, greenery, holiday plants, gift items and more. A “Vintage Christmas and Collectibles Shop” will offer holiday decorations and items from years gone by, children’s holiday dresses and outfits, unique antiques, jewelry and collectibles. A delicious lunch will again offer a time for relaxing with friends during the event. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3240 O St. NW. 202-338-1796.

Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. Dec. 4, 1-5 PM. Ticket pick-up at 12:30 PM at the Studio Theatre. Wassail reception, at Studio 3-5:30 PM. $30. LoganCircle.org US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec. 6, 5 PM. West Lawn of the Capitol. Arrive early

because there will be a security line. No tickets required.

National Museum of the American Indian Holiday Tree. Arrives Dec. 6. The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians from Tuolumne, CA are bringing the official NMAI holiday tree to Washington, D.C. The public, representatives from Congress and museum staff are invited to decorate the tree with provided ornaments and enjoy a dance performance by members of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-1000. nmai.si.edu Daughters of the American Revolution (family-friendly) Christmas Open House. Dec. 7, 5:30-8 PM. Live holiday music, tour 31 period rooms, cider, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa (bring a camera). DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D sts. NW. 202-572-0563. dar.org Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Santa Express. Holiday season festivities take on an old world charm in the nearby Maryland Mountains. The history filled small cities of Cumberland and Frostburg host traditional community tree lighting ceremonies on the Thanksgiving weekend. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates Santa Express trains with morning and evening departures from Cumberland during the holiday season. More information about visiting Mountain Maryland, about two hours west of the Beltway on I-68 can be found at mdmountainside.com.

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Some Account of Lacock Abbey at the Gallery at Vivid Solutions. Through Dec. 16. Lisa McCarty exhibits photographs taken at Lacock Abbey, the home of William Henry Fox Talbot.

Both site and subject of the first photographic negative, the Abbey is hallowed ground in the history of photography and became a point of pilgrimage for McCarty. 2208 MLK Ave. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com Exercise Your Mynd, BK Adams IAMART. Through Nov. 27. BK Adams’s IAMART motto and works of art have appeared in public places and in galleries in Washington, DC., and have attracted a broad and devoted following. Using exuberant color, toys, and objects scavenged from everyday life, Adams’s work poses a call to the viewer to get involved with art. This exhibition is his latest effort to share with the viewer the landscape of his imagination. There are some familiar motifs and links from Adams’s life—bicycles, airplanes, and the nuclear family—that steadfastly travel through these imaginary landscapes. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Avon Dews: An Evening of Elegance and Cool.

Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 PM. Jazz musician, Avon Dews returns to THEARC this fall for another evening of smooth jazz with special guest performers, Valerie Moten and Carolyn West. For tickets, contact 202-562-4556. THEARC, 1901

Mississippi Ave. SE. thearcdc.org

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

Henna Body Art. Sunday, Nov. 13, 2-4 PM. For over 5,000 years, the people of Africa, the Middle East, and India have practiced the art of painting on the body with preparations derived from the henna plant.

Henna specialist Samirah Ali, a Trinidadian by birth, presents the history of henna art and explains the special properties of the henna plant. Participants will plan and apply designs on their hands and arms with the temporary paint. For reservations, call 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

What’s Blooming at the US Arboretum in November? Conifer foliage and cones, dogwoods in fruit, viburnums in fruit, ornamental grasses, fall foliage, fall blooming camellias, chrysanthemums, native witch-hazels. Free.

There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and 24th and R sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. 202-245-4521. usna.usda.gov

SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness. Nov. 17, and Dec, 15, 5-7 PM. The SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness is a free six session training series, taught by exceptional and experienced medical practitioners including several pediatricians and a dentist. Participants who attend all six sessions receive a $100 gift card. Those who attend 5 sessions receive a $50 gift card, and $25 if you attend 4. Participants must be at least 18 to be eligible for the gift card. All attendees also receive a certificate. For more information or to register, contact Ellen Wiggins at 202-436-3076. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org The Exposure Group Photographic Exhibition. Opening Reception, Nov. 18, 6:30-8:30 PM. The Exposure Group African American Photographers Association is a membership driven non profit professional organization open to photographers worldwide. Center for Green Urbanism, 3938 Benning Rd. NE. 202462-9099. exposuregroup.org Public Art East of the River. Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. Some of the most exciting public art in the District of Columbia is on view east of the river. The artworks make bold statements and reflect the diversity and craftsmanship of artists through mosaics, paint, and a variety of sculptural materials.

Join us on a guided tour as we travel to select sites and view art by Martha Jackson-Jarvis, Roderick Turner, Uzikee Nelson, and others.

Mixed-media artist Deidra Bell will serve as your guide. A surprise gift is in store for one lucky participant. For registration, call 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu What Color Is This? Sunday, Nov. 20, 2-3:30 PM. Artist Peter Krsko of the art and design group Albus Cavus leads a workshop that examines the phenomenon of color. What is it and how do we perceive it? Why is a sunset red and a rainbow always same? To answer these questions, we will “look” at color from the perspective of an artist, physicist, neuroscientist, and biologist. Together we will discover the beautiful and unexplored world of color around us. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Make Them Walk Workshop. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Become inspired by the museum’s Exercise Your Mynd exhibition where you will find the Walking Exhibit. Artist BK Adams will lead you on a creative journey where you will make your own 3-dimensional model of a walking figure. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Da’Originalz featuring Beat Ya Feet. Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, 10:30 AM-noon. Learn how to create your own movements in the dance form of “Beat Ya Feet.” Based on an original DC dance form, this five-session workshop will provide demonstrations and group practice supervision by Da’Originalz. If self-expression through movement is your preference, then Beat Ya Feet is for you. For reservations, call 202-633-4844; group size is limited. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Free Yoga Class at Anacostia Library.

Thursdays, 7-8 PM through Dec. 1. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind, and get grounded. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, this class is for you. Open to people of all abilities, ages and body types. All you need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE or call 202-7157707. dclibrary.org/anacostia The Hydrocephalus Association National Capital 5K Run/WALK. Nov. 20, 8 AM. 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run to promote awareness and raise funds for medical research to eliminate the challenges of Hydrocephalus. walk4hydro.kintera.org Adult Dance Classes. Mondays, 7-8:15 PM, African dance; Tuesdays, 8-9:15 PM, Ballet; Saturdays, 9-10 AM, Zumba. The Washington Ballet @ THEARC offers three adult classes this year. Classes are $10 each or you may purchase a $100 class card for 12 classes.

Classes are only $5 for residents who live in the 20020 or 20032 zip codes. (Valid ID required.) THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open Thanksgiving Day. Mid Nov. through Mid Mar. (depending on the weather). Monday through Thursday, 10 AM-9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10 AM-11 PM; Sunday, 11 AM-9 PM. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating. Open Thanksgiving Day and daily through midMar. 10 AM-11 PM. $7-$8. $3 for skate rental. 1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, VA. 703CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

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418-6666. pentagonrowskating.com Adult Zumba Class. Northeast Performing Arts Group. $7 per class or $45 per month. 3431 Benning Rd. NE (next to the Chateau). 202-388-1274 The Hydrocephalus Association National Capital 5K Run/WALK. Nov. 20, 8 AM. 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run to promote awareness and raise funds for medical research to eliminate the challenges of Hydrocephalus. walk4hydro.kintera.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; KenilworthParkside 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 Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun, 9 AM-5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10-6 PM. Closed weekends.

Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov

• • • •

Personal Training Customized Meal Plans Wellness Lectures Boot Camps For more information 888.899.5320 • info@justefitness.com www.justefitness.com

East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10 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 daily 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

MARKETS Ward 8 Farmer’s Market. Saturdays (through Thanksgiving), 9 AM-2 PM. Farmers and vendors will be selling their fresh produce in THEARC’s parking lot every Saturday. There will also be free food samples and expert advice from a UDC Nutritionist. WIC Coupons, Senior Coupons, and Food Stamps accepted. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Ward8FarmersMarket.com

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| NOVEMBER 2011

Parkside-Kenilworth Farmers Market. Closed for the season. Will reopen in spring. This new market is at the corner of Burnham Pl. and Kenilworth Terr. NE, one block from the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station pedestrian bridge on the Kenilworth Ave. side. pkfarmersmarket.com Aya Community Market. Nov. 18, (third Saturday of every month through Nov.), 11 AM-5 PM, Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The market will provide resources for healthy and sustainable communities through farm fresh produce; educational health speakers and live musical performances; locally produced handmade crafts and baked goods; art, youth activities and more. 202-714-5568. dreamingoutloud.net H Street Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 AM-noon. Open 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 Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays.

Weekdays, 7 AM-7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM-6 PM; Sundays, 9 AM-5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM6 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

CIVIC LIFE Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 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.

Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 5-7:30 PM. The Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) and the DC Bar Pro Bono Program are working together to offer this free legal clinic. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-737-4700 ext. 3369. dcbar.org/ced Free Seminar for Federal Employees. Nov. 16, 10 AM-2 PM. Seminar will discuss critical human resource and training issues hosted by Gradu-

Pain & Rehab Center

ate School USA. Box lunches will be provided; seating is limited. Preregistration with a valid government email address is required by Nov. 9.

Capital Gallery Building, 600 Maryland Ave. SW, 2nd floor. 1-888-744GRAD. graduateschool.edu

nity Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

Community Meeting on DC Government-Run Internet Gambling. Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30 PM. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-7157707. dclibrary.org/anacostia

MPD 7D Citizens Advisory Council Meeting. Third Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7-9 PM. 7D Police Station Community Room, 2455 Alabama Ave. SE. For details, contact Lendia Johnson at 202-698-1454.

We accept Workers Comp and Medicare

PSA 703 Meeting. Last Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:30-8 PM. St. John CME Church, 2801 Stanton Rd. SE. For details, contact Lt. Edward Aragona at 202-698-1446.

2041 MLK Ave SE Ste 106 Washington DC 20020 202-610-0260

Ward 8 Community Meeting with Councilmember Barry. Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30 PM. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM6 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-7835065. norton.house.gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. 2524 Penn.

Ave. SE. 202-581-1560.

6th District Citizens Advisory Council. Second Monday, except July and Aug. 7 PM. 6th District HQ, 100 42nd St. NE.

Dr Nesley Clerge, DC Heon Jang, PT , DPT Auto Accidents and other injuries

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. anc7a.org

Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM-5 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185.

ANC Meeting for 7-B. Third Thursday, 7 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us

Ward 7 Democrats Monthly Meeting. Fourth Saturday, noon-2 PM. Ward Memorial AME Church, 241 42nd St. NE. 202-584-8477 or info@ward7democrats. ward7democrats.org

ANC Meeting for 7-C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-3985100. anc7c@verizon.net

Animal Clinic of Anacostia

Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900.

ANC Meeting for 7-D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov

Candace A. Ashley, DVM

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, 7-9 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 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:308:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol. com or 202-388-1532.

Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Commu-

ANC Meeting for 7-E. Second Tuesday, 7-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC Meeting for 8-A. First Tuesday, 7 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org

20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)

2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE

202.889.8900 American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted

ANC Meeting for 8-B. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-6101818. anc8b.org 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. 202388-2244.

ANC Meeting for 8-D. Fourth Thursday, 7 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC Meeting for 8-E. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov ●

Now Open!

Our mission is to empower inner city at risk teenage girls by providing them with the tools to achieve academic success, social competence, self esteem, and self worth.

www.highteensociety.com 202-271-1865 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE Suite 316 WDC, 20032 CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 15

BULLETIN BOARD Feet in the Street Event Participants Exercising at Fort Dupont. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service

Feet in the Street Attracts 400 Participants It was a perfect autumn day for Feet in the Street this year. The sun was out and the breeze cooled everyone down from all the running around. The rock climbers and cherry pickers probably felt the warmest, since they were closer to the sun. However, it wasn’t so bad for the runners, the hikers, or the bikers. Kids got their faces painted and parents got their arms tattooed (airbrushed). Passers-by saw the Farmer’s Market and then partook of locally grown pumpkins, apples and honey. Visitors learned about bike safety and organic gardening. Feet in the Street had a lot going on this year, and if you did not make it out, bookmark your calendars for next year’s event, on Oct. 13, 2012. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s event, and the organizers look forward to seeing you again next year.

Olivia’s Cupcakes Opens Olivia’s Cupcakes offers gourmet cupcakes that are made from scratch daily. They use the highest quality ingredients--creamy butter, whole milk, eggs, cream, and fresh fruits-to create the perfect cupcake! Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-7:30 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM 2318 Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-506-7596. cupcakesbyolivia.com

New Library at Charles Hart Middle School

eracy. Approximately 50 Capital One volunteers worked at the school over a two-day period to help build out the library--from assembling furniture and decorating, to sorting books and stocking shelves. In addition to the more than 1,000 books provided for the library, including 50 financial literacy themed books, Capital One donated four books for each of the school’s 530 students to take home to add to or begin building their own home libraries.

Previously, there was no library facility at the school. Charles Hart Middle School, 601 Mississippi Ave. SE.

Hart Middle School celebrated the grand opening of its new library on Oct. 20. Through a generous grant from Capital One Bank, The Heart of America Foundation READesign team worked with the Charles Hart Middle School staff to build out a new library with a vibrant learning area and age-appropriate reading material for students, and a focus on financial lit-

Announcing Neighborhood Project Micro-Grants

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| NOVEMBER 2011

Have a great idea for a volunteer project or program but you don’t know how to fund it? Apply for a HandsOn Greater DC Cares Ward 7 micro-grant!

Ward 7 residents are encouraged to apply for up to $250 to create a project that utilizes the neighborhood’s assets,

skills and talents toward the fulfillment of community priorities. The application is available on greaterdccares.org under “Neighboring Now.” For more information, contact Torey Hollingsworth at 202-777-4453. Applications are due by 5:00 PM, Friday, Dec. 5.

Harris Teeter Makes Community Connection with Jan’s Tutoring House Barely two years into entering DC, the Harris Teeter supermarket chain is making its presence felt, not only to appreciative shoppers, but also to the broader community in the city, including at its Capitol Hill store at Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE. SE. This commitment was recently demonstrated with a $10,000 Harris Teeter check presented to Jan’s Tutoring House, the 21-year-old youth tutoring and mentoring program, nearby on Capitol Hill, founded by political and

social activist Jan Eichhorn. Councilmember Tommy Wells, a former chair of the JTH Board, accepted on behalf of the program. “We welcome this contribution for JTH and for Jan’s legacy,” he said. “Contributions like this, big and small, will make sure JTH thrives for another 20 years.” The Harris Teeter delegation was led by Regional Vice President Dan Marett, who said: “JTH is just the kind of community activity we want each of our stores to support.”

Tonya Woods, the JTH executive director, welcomed the pledge of an on-going partnership. The event also featured a tour of the tutoring house by two youths who are in the JTH program.

Urban Waterways and Waterfront Development Community Forum The Anacostia Community Museum is conducting a research and educational initiative that focuses on urban waterways, especially rivers, their watersheds, and associated creeks and

streams. The project explores, among other things, social conditions, environmental burdens, citizen concerns and involvement, and cultural and recreational traditions associated with urban rivers. This discussion focuses on waterfront development projects including the Yards Park and development in other localities. Free. Tuesday, November 15, 7:00 PM Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

will be given away at Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W St. SE., to Ward 8 residents only. Call 202-6981668 for more information.

George Washington Carver Nature Trail Tour On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, walk the museum’s Dr. George Washington Carver Nature Trail and learn about the benefits

Uniontown Bar & Grill Happy Hour Happy Hour at Uniontown means $5 cocktails and selected appetizers and $1 off beer and wine on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:00-7:00 PM and on Thursdays from 7:0011:00 PM. Uniontown Bar & Grill’s Cajun-style menu pairs a natural ingredient menu with a vibrant atmosphere, bringing an urban-inspired ambiance to deliciously fresh foods. 2200 MKL Ave. SE. 202-678-8824. utowndc.com

New Southbound DC 295 Flyover Bridge Opens The District Department of Transportation has opened the new southbound DC 295 flyover bridge in SE Washington. The opening of the new flyover bridge, which entails the realignment of the southbound lanes of the Anacostia Freeway (295) between Pennsylvania Ave. and Howard Rd., represents the first major phase of completed work on the 11th Street Bridge Project. The flyover bridge is 1368 feet long and rises 68 feet in the air at the highest point. For more information about this work or the 11th Street Bridge Project, contact DDOT Project Manager Ravindra Ganvir at 202-359-6948 or visit ddot. dc.gov/11thStreetBridge.

Ward 8 Turkey Giveaway On Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, 2,000 turkeys

NOTICE OF COMMUNITY HEARINGS PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY’S RATE APPLICATION, FORMAL CASE NO. 1087, IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO INCREASE EXISTING RETAIL RATES AND CHARGES FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE This Notice informs the public that the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (“Commission”) seeks input on the rate application submitted by the Potomac Electric Power Company (“Pepco”) requesting authority to increase existing distribution service rates and charges for electric service in the District of Columbia. Pepco proposes a revenue requirement increase of $42.1 million. Pepco is the sole distributor of electric power to homes and businesses in the District; hence the Commission will set Pepco’s distribution service rates in this rate case and not the cost of electricity itself.

• Pepco requests authority to earn an 8.64% Rate of Return, including a Return on Equity of 10.75%. Per the PSC’s decision in Formal Case No. 1076, rendered in March 2010, Pepco’s current allowed Rate of Return is 8.01%, including a Return on Equity of 9.625%.

• Pepco proposes a Reliability Investment Recovery Mechanism (“RIM”) surcharge that would provide for annual rate adjustments to recover the reliability related costs of certain investments in Pepco’s distribution system.

• Pepco seeks cost recovery for its investments in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (“AMI”).

• Pepco proposes to recover incremental customer care expenses relating to initiatives that Pepco is undertaking to enhance customer service. Pepco states that this initiative includes four major components: personnel, telecommunication infra structure (hardware and software), storm readiness, and customer education/market research.

• Pepco’s proposals would add about $5.00 to the monthly bill for the typical residential customer and increase the minimum monthly customer charge from $6.65 per month to $10.40 for the standard (R) class and from $6.65 to $12.39 for the All-Electric residential (AE) class.

The Commission published a Public Notice on July 22, 2011, regarding this application in the D.C. Register to allow interested persons to intervene in Formal Case No. 1087, the formal case established to adjudicate Pepco’s application. The Public Notice can be accessed online at www.dcpsc.org or viewed at any public library. A hard copy of the Public Notice can be obtained by calling (202) 626-5150.

Feet in the Street Event Participants Exercising at Fort Dupont. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service

Mississippi Avenue Apts. Renovated Through a unique public-private partnership, 19 formerly homeless families and individuals will now have a place to call home in Ward 8. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Mississippi Avenue Apartments took place on Oct. 13 at 1320 Mississippi Ave. SE. The development is the result of a successful partnership involving multiple District agencies, developer William C. Smith and Co., and DC nonprofit Community of Hope. The District-owned building, a former police station, was vacant for almost twenty years. Government partners include the DC Department of Human Services, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, the DC Housing Authority, and the DC Department of Mental Health. William C. Smith and Co. developed the property and serves as the property manager; rental subsidies for families are supplied by the District; and Community of Hope will provide case management and social services.

The Commission will convene eight (8) community hearings at the following locations on the specified dates: Ward 1 Columbia Heights Recreation Center 1480 Girard Street, NW Monday, November 21, 2011, 11:00 am

Ward 2 D.C. Public Service Commission Hearing Room 1333 H Street, NW, 7th floor East Tower Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 11:00 am

Ward 3 Chevy Chase Recreation Center 5601 Connecticut Ave, NW Friday, November 18, 2011, 11:00 am

Ward 4 Emery Recreation Center 5801 Georgia Ave, NW Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 6:30 pm

Ward 5 Bethesda Baptist Church 1808 Capitol Ave, NE Monday, November 21, 2011, 6:30 pm

Ward 6 King Greenleaf Recreation Center 201 N Street, SW Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 10:00 am

Ward 7 Deanwood Recreation Center 1350 49th Street, NE 2427 Saturday, November 19, 2011, 11:00 am

Ward 8 Thurgood Marshall Public Charter School Martin Luther King, SE Tuesday, November 8, 2011, 6:30 pm

Those who wish to testify at the community hearings should contact the Commission Secretary by the close of business three (3) business days prior to the date of the hearing by calling (202) 626-5150. Representatives of organizations shall be permitted a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentations. Individuals shall be permitted a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentations. If an organization or an individual is unable to offer comments at the community hearings, written statements may be submitted to the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 200, West Tower, Washington, and D.C. 20005.

Any person who is deaf or hearing-impaired, and cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English, and persons with disabilities who need special accommodations in order to participate in the hearing, must contact the Commission Secretary by close of seven (7) business days prior to the date of the hearing. Persons who wish to testify in Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, or Korean must also contact the Commission Secretary by close of business three (3) business days before the day of the hearing. The number to call to request special accommodations and interpretation services is (202) 626-5150.

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Hillcrests Sophisticated Walkers vist the MLK Memorial.

Photo by Andrew Lightman

of natural recycling, the insect community, medicinal plants, and other outdoor offerings. The museum’s trail walk is co- sponsored by the George Washington Carver Outdoor School Inc. Recommended for ages 8 to adults.

For reservations, call 202-633-4844.

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

Wacky & Whimsical Tea to Benefit THEARC The “Wacky & Whimsical Tea to Benefit THEARC” is a fun-filled Sunday afternoon that will include high tea, a silent auction and creative games for kids of all ages and their families, including magic tricks, hat decorating, exciting games, special entertainment and other surprises. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Sunday, Feb. 12, 2:00-4:00 PM $125, adults; $75, children 13 and under. Four Seasons Hotel 18 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

Georgetown, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

Tubman-Mahan Gallery at the Center for Green Urbanism After The Center for Green Urbanism opened as a green business incubator, its substantial wall space, inviting light and creative air, inspired the creation of the Tubman-Mahan Gallery. Over the past year, the gallery has hosted a variety of shows highlighting local artists and surrounding broad themes including “Making Herstory6” and “Mama Earth.” The Gallery’s Environmental Art Advisory Group is currently working on a Strategic Plan to ensure a successful future!

If you are interested in sponsoring an event, becoming a partner, or have questions, send an e-mail to tubmanmahangallery@gmail.com.

3938 Benning Rd. NE. 202-5063867. centerforgreenurbanism.org

| NOVEMBER 2011

Public Housing Residents’ Health Needs Initiative Surveys If you are a public housing resident of DC Housing Authority, please step forward and be counted. The Citywide Advisory Board needs you to complete your household Health Needs Initiative Survey as soon as possible. The survey is anonymous, so you do not have to place your name on the survey.

For a blank copy of this survey, go to your Property Management Office, or contact Kenneth Council at 202-5753601. Please complete the survey and drop it in the box in the office. If there is no box, ask the Property Manager to provide a “space or place for it to be collected.”

Many Resident Council officers and members of the Citywide Advisory Board are working to make the Health Needs Survey Initiative a resounding success. Mr. Council, who is chairing this project, asks that you “Please take a few minutes and do something that makes a difference. This survey is being done by the residents, and for the residents. It’s an empowerment piece so that we can become more self-sufficient. With your help we can help ourselves improve our health, our children’s health and the lives of people in the communities where we live.”

New DC Jazz Website CapitalBop is a website dedicated to promoting Washington, DC’s vibrant, varied and surprisingly underappreciated jazz scene. This site is designed to help everyone from novices to hardcore bopheads find live music that will fit their preferences on any given night. capitalbop.com

Anacostia Watershed Volunteering If you are looking for a good cause that deserves your time and effort, look no further! At the Anacostia Watershed Society no contribution is more valuable to them than your hard work. They offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that will engage your hands, your head, and your heart in the protection and restoration of our local lands and water. Volunteers are accommodated individually and in groups. Help them with one of these outdoor stewardship projects—river and community trash cleanups; non-native, invasive plant re-

moval; native tree planting and maintenance; storm drain stenciling. Regularly scheduled volunteer events are listed on their event calendar on anacostiaws. org. 301-699-6204

Randall Neighbor Day at the Corcoran Gallery of Art On Dec. 10, all ANC 6D residents (ZIP codes 20024 and 20003) can visit the Corcoran for free. The annual event came about due to the community benefits package the ANC negotiated with the Corcoran in 2007 when they planned to redevelop Randall School at Half & I Street as a college and apartment complex. When the Telesis/Rubell team took over the project in 2010, the subsidy was maintained. In addition, once the new museum planned for Randall School opens, the Corcoran will be free every day for ANC 6D residents. Special exhibitions at the Corcoran include 30 Americans, which showcases works by many of the most important African American artists of the last three decades. The Corcoran will be open on Dec. 10, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Corcoran Gallery of Art, 510 17th St. NW. 202-639-1770. corcoran.org

THE ART OF WARD 8 Blog Charles Wilson has become a blogger. THE ART OF WARD 8 is his way of applying the strategic principles in the book the Art of War to everyday life, particularly in Ward 8. Mr. Wilson is a consultant, 8A04 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, Ward 8 State Committeeman, President of the River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) and Historic Anacostia Block Association. artofward8.blogspot.com

Traffic Shift Planned for Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has shifted traffic to the south side of Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE between Minnesota Ave. and Hayes St. One lane in each direction will continue to remain open along this stretch of Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. The work that is currently underway on the south side of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue between Hayes Street and Eastern Avenue will continue to advance. DDOT encourages all motorists and pedestri-

ans to stay alert as they travel through this corridor. More information about the Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Great Streets Project is available at: nhbavenueproject.com.

Anacostia Riverwalk Trails The Anacostia Riverwalk is a planned 20-mile multi-use trail along the east and west banks of the Anacostia River in DC.The vision for this continuous Riverwalk is a key component of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) Framework Plan. It realizes several AWI goals such as enhancing parkland, improving water quality, and increasing access to waterfront destinations. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has taken the lead in planning and constructing the Riverwalk as a recreational amenity and transportation alternative for Washington residents. The trail will vary in width from 10 ft to 12 ft to ensure comfort for a wide range of users including bicyclists, inline skaters, pedestrians, disabled people, and others.

Periodic waysides will provide seating, system maps, bike racks, and interpretive exhibits.

When completed, it will connect sixteen waterfront neighborhoods to the Anacostia National Park and the Anacostia River. Washington residents and visitors will be able to walk and bike on the Riverwalk to several popular destinations, including the Fish Wharf, the new baseball stadium, Poplar Point, the Navy Yard, historic Anacostia, RFK stadium, Kingman Island, and National Arboretum.

At either end, the trail will connect to the National Mall at the Tidal Basin and to the Bladensburg Marina Park in Prince George’s County, MD. Construction started in Aug. 2008.

Targeted completion date is Jan. 1, 2015. For more information, visit ddot.dc.gov or call 202-671-4595.

able Housing Development Initiative and their commitment to providing safe, dignified housing to those who are most in need. Mr. Conway chairs SOME’s Affordable Housing Development Initiative Campaign and is also a member of SOME’s Corporate Advisory Board.

With Bedford Falls’ 78 units, SOME has developed 296 (30%) towards its goal of 1,000 units of affordable housing for homeless men, women, and children. Under the Initiative, SOME has developed 10 properties: four of the them serving a total of 68 families, including 160 children, and six properties serving a total of 226 single adults. In addition, 204 units of affordable housing, and a family community center are under development or in the pipeline. The properties that SOME acquires are generally abandoned and in severe disrepair. SOME has dramatically transformed Bedford Falls into an attractive, residence for 78 homeless and low-income men and women in the District. Bedford Falls is located at 350-360 50th St. SE.

DC Water, Officials Break Ground on Clean Rivers Project The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has broken ground on a massive construction project to nearly eliminate combined sewer overflows into area waterways. The groundbreaking ceremony—and first construction projects in the series– occur at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Southwest. The Clean Rivers Project includes giant Metrosized tunnels more than 100 feet underground that will serve as storage for combined sewage during heavy rainstorms. The first tunnel will run along and under the Anacostia River. dcwater.com

SOME Opens Affordable Housing for Weekly Residential Street Sweeping Has Ended for Season 78 Homeless Men and Women DPW has ended weekly residenOn October 25, SOME (So Others Might Eat) celebrated the opening of Bedford Falls, which will provide affordable and dignified housing to 78 homeless men and women in Washington, DC. The building is named in honor of William E. Conway, Jr. of the Carlyle Group and his wife, Joanne, for their support of SOME’s Afford-

tial mechanical street cleaning for the season. “No Parking/Street Cleaning” restrictions will be lifted and motorists may park on posted, alternateside, daytime sweeping routes without moving their cars on street-cleaning days. Residential street sweeping will resume Mar. 1, weather permitting. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

19

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS District Beat

Half-Way to Ethics

by Martin Austermuhle

Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser. Photo: Andrew Lightman

ven though it lasted seven-and-a-half hours and focused in on 10 different legislative proposals, the long-awaited October 26 D.C. Council hearing on ethics ended with a whimper.

Throughout the day’s proceedings, both witnesses and councilmembers disagreed about how extensive the District’s ethical failings were, what type of tools would be needed to remedy them and how quickly the body should act.

The 10 pieces of legislation introduced by a number of councilmembers to do everything from impose term limits to ban bundling of campaign contributions were often set aside in a broader discussion of what, if anything, the real problems and solutions were.

But in sensing the need to act, Councilmember Muriel Bowser (DWard 4) pledged to move forward quickly, working a comprehensive bill through her Committee on Govern-

E

ment Operations by the end of November and through the D.C. Council as a whole before the end of the year.

She didn’t let on much of what would be in the final bill, but she did repeatedly indicate that a central proposal would be splitting up the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics into two separate entities, one to deal exclusively with running the city’s elections, the other with centralizing ethics regulation and enforcement.

“When everybody’s responsible, nobody’s responsible. We need to make somebody responsible. There needs to be a single line of accountability,” she told WTOP’s Mark Plotkin on October 28.

Regardless, there was a sense amongst some witnesses and councilmembers that while a new office to deal with ethics would be a necessary component, it simply wouldn’t be enough to deal with the allegations of corruption and pay-to-play scandals

20 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

that have dogged the District’s government throughout 2011.

Councilmember Jack Evans (DWard 2) said that in his 20 years of service, he had seen all manner of ethics-related legislation, and that the only thing that worked was more extensive disclosure requirements and harsher penalties for failing to meet them.

Roderic Woodson, a former director of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration and currently an attorney with Holland & Knight, argued with Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) over whether registered lobbyists should be able to offer free or discounted legal service to councilmembers. Wells has pushed a proposal that would ban the practice; Woodson seemed to think that professional standards of conduct would be enough to forestall any abuse of the relationship.

The situation seemed to speak

directly to Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), who herself was recently represented by David Wilmot, a high-powered lobbyist for Comcast and Walmart. (Wilmot also threw Bowser a campaign fundraiser recently.)

But in her only comments of the day, Alexander seemed to imply that things were OK. “People start to question things where they really don’t really need question things and I think the worst thing we can do is nitpick and micromanage everything,” she said.

Former At-Large councilmember Bryan Weaver was one of the few witnesses to stress the need to crack down on the bundling of campaign contributions, but with election season in full swing, it remains to be seen if a measure proposed by Wells to ban it will go anywhere. (According to a review of campaign finance reports, Bowser has collected $24,300 in bundled contributions this year.)

Councilmember Vincent Orange’s (D-Ward 5) proposals for term limits and bans on outside employment provoked spirited opposition, with Evans, Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and David Catania (I-At Large) passionately arguing against any measure that would restrict their ability to hold a second job.

Even proposals from various groups to do away with Constituent Services Funds seem in question – various councilmembers and witnesses argued instead for better disclosure of donations to the funds and regulations on how they can be used.

More broadly, political consultant Chuck Thies argued that the council was failing to recognize the “ethics emergency” that existed in the District. His proposal that any member facing indictment lose their committee chairmanship and voting privileges was met with lukewarm support; some witnesses and councilmembers argued that legislators should enjoy the presumption of innocence too.

One of the main challenges before Bowser is that she faces pressure to move quickly, despite whether or not all of the proposals before her enjoy a full airing. For Orange – who, it should be noted, proposed emergency ethics legislation in early October

– this is a problem.

“We’re on such a fast pace right now; I’m unsure of the final quality of the product. I’m a little bothered by the fact that both Bowser and [Kwame] Brown have indicated that they’ll have a bill by the end of the year. I’m more concerned about getting it right,” he said.

Yes, He Cain On October 22, the D.C. GOP got its first candidate for the 2012 race – but it wasn’t whom most people would have expected.

On that day, Peaceaholics cofounder and longtime political activist Ron Moten not only formally entered the race against Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), but he also switched parties and announced that he’d be running against her – or whomever wins the April 2012 Democratic primary – as a Republican.

In an op-ed published the next day in The Washington Post, Moten explained his quixotic decision by saying that Democratic dominance of District politics had led to corruption and an inability to creatively tackle the city’s toughest challenges.

“A lack of political balance has created an alarming trend in our city. With only one cookie-cutter template from which to bring about change, we have created a local political class who all think, act and support the same platform. We seem to be afraid to change the status quo.

We support corrupt leadership and blame the messengers who expose the truth, rather than facing facts and withdrawing our support,” he wrote.

As a means to blunt the shock of jumping to the GOP, Moten recounted the long history of the party in promoting African-American equality – Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass were members, he noted – and coined himself a “Civil Rights Republican.”

Moten is nothing if not the consummate showman, known for his creative promotion of Adrian Fenty’s 2010 re-election campaign, so the political jump seemed to make some sense. It will likely be remembered as the most memorable campaign rollout of the season, no less so since he held it in a cemetery. But there was also some

strategic value hidden within.

Had Moten run as a Democrat, he’d be faced with an uphill race.

Currently, three people are challenging Alexander for the seat. With Alexander having taken in $42,000 in campaign contributions through October, Moten was trailing the money race badly – he could only account for $940. Now, he’s got a well-heeled pool of 29,000 Republicans citywide to collect money from.

Additionally, as a Republican, it’s all but assured that he’ll sail through the primary without competition and be able to focus his efforts and fundraising on the November general election. He essentially bought himself an additional six months. (He’s not the only one, either – David Grosso, a longtime Democrat, chose to challenge Councilmember Michael Brown as a fellow independent to extend the time he’ll need to become a known face around the city.)

At the same time, Moten has attached himself to a particularly difficult brand to sell in the overwhelmingly Democratic District, even more so when one considers that it’s a presidential election year. Furthermore, no ward has a larger disparity between the number of Democrats and Republicans – 1,400 Republicans to 47,000 Democrats.

Regardless, this could prove to be a winning move for both Moten and the D.C. GOP. Ever since Councilmember David Catania (I-At Large) left the party in 2007, local Republicans have been looking for a winning candidate. While they’ve fielded some creative hopefuls and came within 2,000 votes of defeating Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) in the April 26 Special Election, they haven’t managed to send a member to the council since Carol Schwartz was defeated in 2008 primary – by another Republican, no less, who went on to lose to Brown.

Still, Moten will have to show that his showmanship can extend beyond his campaign rollout, because he’s got a lot of selling to do.

Martin Austermuhle is the Associate Editor of DCist.com and a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. He lives in Mt. Pleasant. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

21

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS The Numbers

The Congressional Supercommittee and Its Power to Impact Local DC

by Jenny Reed

S

ince the end of summer, you’ve probably heard the word “Supercommittee” tossed around quite a bit. No, this isn’t a new Aaron Sorkin sci-fi adventure about a group of crime fighting Senators, but a group of 12 members of Congress charged with reducing $1.2 trillion from the U.S. deficit by Thanksgiving. There’s been a lot of speculation about how the Supercommittee’s actions will impact the federal government’s budget. But what many people don’t realize is that the decisions made by the Supercommittee will also have an impact on state budgets too.

What will that impact look like?

Well, it could be quite big.

In the current fiscal year, DC expects to get close to $2.6 billion, or just over one-quarter of its budget, from federal grants. DC, like every other state, receives federal grants to help support critical state services like health care, education, transportation, workforce training, and law enforcement.

With state budgets still hurting from the recession, significant cuts to these areas could put the brakes on states’ recovery efforts, including the District’s. In fact, some areas under consideration for cuts, like education and workforce training, are the District’s top priorities for investment to help our residents and our city move forward out of these tough economic times.

The Supercommittee is actually the second major step in an effort to reduce the US deficit. Toward the end of summer, when Congress

22 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

ultimately decided to increase the nation’s debt limit, they simultaneously called for $2.2 trillion in reductions to the federal deficit.

About $1 trillion in reductions took effect immediately by placing “caps” on spending in discretionary programs — like education, low-income housing assistance, and national parks — the other $1.2 trillion will be decided by the Supercommittee.

With important states services already on the chopping block, it’s important that DC pay close attention to where, and how, the Supercommittee decides to find the additional $1.2 trillion in savings.

What Exactly is A Supercommittee?

Is it faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive? It might not have the physical attributes of Superman, but it might have a powerful impact on DC’s ability to fund important programs and services. This Supercommittee is made up of 12 members of Congress — six from the House of Representatives and six from the Senate with an even split of Democrats and Republicans. The Supercommittee even includes one representative from the local DC area, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who represents parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

The Supercommittee is charged with coming up with a plan to find $1.2 - $1.5 trillion in savings over the next 10 years. This is on top of

| NOVEMBER 2011

the $1 trillion in cuts already made to the deficit by placing “caps” on annual spending on discretionary programs — programs that include defense, education, low-income housing assistance, the FBI, medical research, and workforce training, among others.

The Supercommittee, though, can look for savings on both sides of the budget — spending on discretionary programs and entitlement programs, like Medicaid and Medicare, or revenues like closing tax loopholes and adjusting tax rates.

If the Supercommittee fails to come up with at least $1.2 trillion in savings, or if its plan is not passed by Congress or the President, then across-the-board reductions in spending would automatically be triggered to make up for the shortfall.

Impact On State and Local Budgets While much of the focus of the Supercommittee has been at the federal level, a reduction of federal dollars directly impacts state and local governments that have seen big budget reductions in the past few years.

The federal government provides support to states in many critical areas like education, law enforcement, transportation, and health care. In 2010, the federal government delivered $683 billion to states in grants to support these, and other, critical areas. For its current budget, DC

expects to receive about $2.6 billion, or just over one-quarter of its total, from federal grants.

State budgets have been hit hard by the Great Recession, because residents lost jobs, real estate values plummeted and people spent less.

That impacts what budget analysts call the big three: income, sales, and property taxes. In fact, in DC, revenue collections still remain below pre-recession levels while unemployment has more than doubled and poverty has risen by nearly 20 percent.

The District has begun the slow road to recovery, although it hasn’t been felt evenly across the city — some neighborhoods are still struggling with record unemployment.

While DC recorded its first surplus this year since the recession began, we’re still not collecting what we were before the recession hit, and many DC agencies’ budgets are stretched thin as their funding is still well below pre-recession levels.

Moreover, DC’s Chief Financial Officer projects that revenue collections in the next few years to be lower than initially expected.

How Could DC Be Impacted?

If the Supercommittee, and Congress, agree on how to find the $1.2 trillion in savings, the impact on DC and other states would depend on how much, and where, the savings come from. If they do not agree on a plan, $1.2 trillion in across-the-board cuts would automatically be triggered. This could have a significant impact on DC.

The good news for DC, and other states, is that if across-the-board cuts are enacted many key mandatory programs that serve the most vulnerable residents are exempt from cuts. These include: Social Security, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), Supplemental Security Income, and refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, among others.

But the bad news for DC and other states is that close to $40 billion in cuts would be made to discretionary programs, many of which support critical functions in DC. Across the board cuts would be made in areas like: education, which could include support for low-income students, students with special needs, and Head Start; child welfare services; low-income energy assistance; low-income housing assistance; workforce development; and law enforcement programs, among others. These cuts would be made on top of the nearly $1 trillion in cuts already made in these areas.

Additional cuts in these areas could put a significant strain on DC’s already tight budget. Making matters worse, the overall reduction in spending has raised some alarm bells for the bond rating agencies. And areas like DC, Virginia and Maryland— whose economies depend heavily on the federal government — have had been put on ‘negative watch’ for a possible downgrade. Lower ratings means higher interest payments on debt and could put even more pressure on the District’s budget.

A Balanced Approach While it isn’t clear what the Supercommittee will do, it is clear that a cuts only approach would be devastating for states. The automatically triggered across-the-board cuts would fall heavily on discretionary programs, areas that have already been targeted for reductions. Assistance to states for education, housing, law enforcement and child welfare programs, just to name a few, could be at risk at a time when states have little-to- no flexibility to make up for the shortfalls.

Instead, the Supercommittee should adopt a plan that has a balance of spending cuts and revenue increases. By adopting this approach, they lessen the likelihood for need for deep cuts to discretionary and entitlement programs — like Medicaid and Medicare — and can potentially avoid derailing DC, and other states, as we struggle to stay on the road to recovery.

Reed is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. ●

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23

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Southeast Models Green Resources National Association Tours East of the River

Affordable Housing Can Be Green

article & photos by Virginia Avniel Spatz

Mark James discusses green and healthy affordable housing with national public health advocates.

S

ome of the most influential public health champions in the U.S. are focusing on Wards 7 and 8 for models of “what is possible.”

“This area offers a wealth of resources and shows what is possible in promoting public health,” explains Azibuike Akaba, who helped organize a recent tour of Southeast for members of the American Public Health Association (APHA). “Healthy practices in affordable housing, gardening and fresh food options, places to exercise, cultural venues that bring people outdoors....Wards 7 and 8 are booming in these areas.”

APHA, founded in 1872, promotes public health and equity in health status. A sub-group explores ways in which “built” elements – roads, shelters, gardens and other human efforts to shape the environment – affect public health: Do building materials out-gas dangerous chemicals? Are molds and other allergens present? Is an area walkable? At each 24 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

James_Ward_APHA.jpg. Caption: Jackie Ward, of the Ward 8 Environmental Council, addressing American Public Health Association tour at Wheeler Terrace, Oct. 30.

annual conference – which draws over 10,000 health professionals – a “Health and the Built Environment” tour explores these elements in the host city.

Akaba, a health policy associate in Oakland, CA, grew up east of the river. He and Tony Delucia, profes| NOVEMBER 2011

duce this area’s great diversity of infrastructure from the lens of a person who lives in Southeast.”

sor at East Tennessee State University, organized this year’s tour with help from the Ward 8 Environmental Council and Wholeness for Humanity, a local organization focusing on “the connection between health, watersheds and estuaries.” The tour, Akaba says, was designed “to intro-

First stop: Wheeler Terrace Apartments, 1217 Valley Ave., SE. This 116-unit complex, originally built in 1947, was renovated by the non-profit Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) between 2007 and 2009.

It became the first affordable housing community in the District to achieve US Green Building Council LEED®-Gold certification and to meet Enterprise Community Partners’ “Green Communities” criteria.

Improvements include a geothermal heat pump, dual-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads, reflective vinyl roofs, innovative clean-air systems and energy-efficient insulation and appliances. Renovations preserved 99% of the existing structure, conserving costs and materials.

Energy consumption in the units was reduced by 30% and potable water use by 40%. This means lower bills for residents, as well as savings for the developer in the long run.

There is a perception that “green” buildings are a kind of luxury for the affluent, suggests Irv Sheffey of the Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice and Community Partnerships Program. This project proves otherwise.

It is “creating a model for individual apartment dwellers, homeowners and similar complexes across the nation to follow.”

Wheeler Terrace was also featured in a Ward 8 Environmental Council tour, earlier in October, supporting the City’s new “Sustainable DC” initiative. “Council Member Barry wanted to demonstrate that developers are going green in Ward 8 in a very big way,” says Brenda Richardson, Barry’s deputy chief of staff.

But “green” was not originally a top priority for Wheeler Terrace residents, according to Mark James, who headed the project for CPDC. Moreover, energy-efficiency alone does not guarantee residents’ health.

So, CPDC needed an expanded vision of “green.”

Does Green Mean Healthy?

The average person in the U.S.

spends about 50% of any given day indoors, James explains. Jobless individuals and those who can’t afford a variety of cultural offerings frequently spend even more time in their residences. Therefore, formaldehyde-free flooring and other elements promoting indoor air quality – such as ventilation, moisture control and pest management – are particularly important to low-income residents.

A Housing and Urban Development “Healthy Housing” grant allowed CPDC to incorporate indoor air and pest management features. In addition, the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is tracking health measures in the units. In addition, 50 residents are enrolled in a health study. NCHH’s study is one of the few evaluating health outcomes to help determine the value of various renovation elements. APHA tour participants noted the importance of this type of research for future policy and practice.

“This project shows that we can live decently and don’t have to live in sick buildings,” Jackie Ward of the Ward 8 Environmental Council told the APHA tour. The Council has arranged tree-plantings and clean-ups in the adjacent Oxon Run Park. Together with the Wheeler Terrace renovation, such developments are contributing to a renewed sense of community and improved public safety. “Mark’s work has really revitalized this area, and we’re looking at three additional spots now.”

Next Stops The Wheeler Terrace project, the NCHH study and the recent APHA tour are part of a “national conversation about the responsibilities of developers and how the government can support developers to provide healthier housing conditions,” says James. He wants his new company, Urban Green LLC, to build on CPDC’s success, “working for decent and sustainable healthy housing.”

The APHA tour also made Southeast’s relationship to its natural resources part of a national conversation about “what is possible.”

Tony Thomas, of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, recapped DC’s river history, describing jurisdictional and funding issues which have contributed to leaving the Anacostia “one of the ten most polluted in the country...running right by the Capitol.” He described some of the City’s efforts to make the Anacostia “swimmable by 2032” and outlined work with other cities to see how they have revitalized their river fronts.

Julie Kutruff, Site Manager for Fort Circle Parks-East, met the tour at Fort Dupont. Earlier in the day, National Park Service director, Jonathan Jarvis, had addressed the conference, calling NPS “an ideal partner to promote the health of the human community by protecting and harnessing the power of green spaces.” Kutruff related Fort Circle history and described some specific efforts: The community garden, outdoor music series, high school trail ambassadors and other programs “bring the National Park Service to new populations and offer new opportunities to promoting healthy living and eating.”

Among tour participants was Andrew Dannenberg, affiliate professor at the University of Washington with faculty appointments in environmental health and in urban design and planning.

“I was impressed with what they have done east of the river,” he said after the tour. “The ability to build parks and trails and renovate low income housing to meet green standards has multiple health benefits and could be a model for similar renovations elsewhere.

They had good leadership to make it happen which is essential.”

The National Center for Healthy Housing (www.nchh.org, 410-992-0712) offers extensive information on the Wheeler Terrace study and related resources.

Contact American Public Health Association (www.APHA.org, 202-777-2742) for additional resources. Dannenberg is co-author of Making Healthy Places: Designing and Building for Health, Well-being, and Sustainability (Island Press, 2011). ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

25

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Library Name Disputed in Bellevue article & photos by John Muller

The view of the new Bellevue Library from Atlantic Street SW.

“I

n keeping with William’s legacy, it wouldn’t be right if there wasn’t a little controversy,” Ward 6 Councilmember and Chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation Tommy Wells said at a September hearing. The session revolved around a proposal to rename the Washington Highlands Library after the recently deceased William Lockridge, a sitting member of the DC State Board of Education at the time of his death.

Wells called the hearing to re-

spond to swelling community opposition to the name change in the neighborhood of Bellevue located in the far southwest corner of Ward 8.

The renaming “would directly contradict the wishes of the Board of Library Trustees, the Bellevue Library Friends, and most importantly, the community and neighborhood organizations to be served by the future Bellevue Library,” Wells wrote in a memo to his colleagues.

With the support of Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown, Wan-

26 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

da Lockridge, the widow of William Lockridge and a Washington Highlands resident, has championed the library’s name change.

Bellevue & Its Library Abundant green space, stable families, and a diverse housing stock define the Bellevue neighborhood, according to lifelong resident Eugene Dewitt Kinlow. Bounded by the Potomac River, Joilet and First Streets SW, and South Capitol Street, Bellevue, meaning “beautiful view” in French, offers stunning vistas of the Potomac River.

“I have been telling people for years this neighborhood is called Bellevue,” says Kinlow, a “neighborhood kid” who grew up delivering The Washington Post in the morning and The Washington Star in the evening.

In 1959, the Washington Highlands Library opened its doors at 115 Atlantic St. SW. A location, according to land records dating back to the 1880s, which placed the library squarely within the neighborhood boundaries of Bellevue.

The misnomer was overlooked by a community eager to host the open-

ies after their respective neighborhoods. In fall 2010 the Bellevue Civic Association and the local library’s Friends organization submitted a formal request to DCPL Chief Librarian, Ginnie Cooper seeking to change the neighborhood library’s name to Bellevue.

ANC 8D voted to oppose renaming the library for Lockridge and formally support the Bellevue name last month.

President of the Board of Library Trustees John Hill has not wavered in his opposition to the Lockridge name. “[W ]e respectfully request this bill not be given A sign announces the reopening of the new library. further consideration on the grounds that Mr. Lockridge did not tirelessly work on ing of the second public library libraries in his community,” Hill ever to be located east of the Anaoff ered in written testimony to the costia River.

DC Council in September.

In the fall of 2008, interna“I think it’s very personal,” tionally renowned architect David Mrs. Lockridge says characterizA. Adjaye was selected to design a ing Hill’s position.

Her husband replacement for Washington Highand Hill had sparred in the past, lands. At a cost of $15 million, the she states. new 22,000-square-foot library will William Lockridge “opposed host 40 computers, a private study the construction of the new library space, two small conference rooms, saying the money could be better a meeting room that can accomspent on social service programs,” modate upwards of 100, an outdoor states ANC 8D07 Dionne Brown, terrace, as well as separate areas for president of the Friends of the children, teen, and adult programs.

Bellevue Library (FOBL). “Mr. The multi-story structure will host Lockridge had an opportunity to over 40,000 books, DVDs, and make library advocacy part of his other library materials with the polegacy.

He refused to support the tential to expand its collection to construction of the new building over 80,000 items. It is scheduled to when asked to do so directly. Nor open in early 2012. did he speak up as DCPL’s operating budget was cut by $10.2 Opposition to Lockridge The Bellevue name change was million over the last three fiscal first requested publicly by neigh- years,” Brown adds. borhood groups in the fall of 2008 during a DC Public Library sponsored planning session. In 2009, the Board of Library Trustees adopted a policy to name librar-

Asked about her husband’s widely reported opposition to the new library, Mrs. Lockridge replied, “I honestly can’t remember.” ●

Redistricting is a Contact Sport

by Charles Wilson

“R

edistricting is a contact sport.”

That’s what they said when I signed up to participate in the redistricting process and that is exactly what I got. To quickly recap, every ten years the U.S. Census conducts a count of all residents in the country. The count in DC concluded that the District’s population has grown but Ward 8’s population decreased in size. The City Council members bargained on how to redistrict the Ward, and Ward 8 ended up with some parts of Ward 7 that included the areas near Anacostia Library and Marbury Plaza.

After new Ward boundaries were established, it was time for Ward residents, as part of a Ward Redistricting Taskforce, to get involved and redraw the Single Member District (SMD) boundaries. This was a very important step in the process because each SMD is represented by an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) and these boundaries will stay the same for the next 10 years . In order to do well in this process, the Taskforce Members needed to know their neighborhoods well, because certain neighborhoods have specific boundaries like Bellevue, Congress Heights and Historic Anacostia. There were some enthusiastic and spirited conversations on keeping neighborhoods together, and of course, there were some residents trying to position themselves as leading voice for future development.

What did I learn?

Process Never Fair There were at least 28 residents on the Ward 8 Redistricting Taskforce. Their involvement in the Ward ranged from being an ANC Commissioner, Civic Association President or simply a concerned resident.

Dealing with that many personalities there is bound to be some conflict and someone is going to be disappointed in the outcome. Although we strived to get as much as we could, we all realized that we had to compromise in the best interest of moving forward.

Closer together One of the benefits of serving on the Taskforce was the opportunity to get to know other Ward 8 residents.

We see each other at community meetings or pass each other and give a quick hello. Serving on the Taskforce afforded some to spend real quality time with folks who live in adjacent neighborhoods. Conversations extended beyond counting census tracts. I got to know that the Citizens Association President was also a D.J., while another colleague had comedic talent. I learned a little about the Muslim faith, and I now know who I would consider the best dressed person in Ward 8.

Technology You had to actually serve on the Taskforce to understand this next point. If we can put people on the moon and bring them back to earth, then there has to be some computer program out there that can allow Taskforce members the ability to tally numbers without using a handheld calculator. We learned that if you make one change to the map it affected the entire process. At times we started over to make sure we were within our allotment of residents in the SMD. In closing, I think we all learned that we have a great deal of passion for our Ward. We also have a great deal of passion for our own neighborhoods. That puts Ward 8 in a great position. There are leaders on every level with the enthusiasm to push us to another level. ●

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

27

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

DHCD Requests Raze Permit For 2228 MLK article & photos by John Muller

ised community members it would stabilize the crumbling homes before the onset of winter. The agency, however, has failed to perform any repairs. For example, no effort has been made to minimally cover the open crown of 2228 MLK’s roof with a canvas sheet.

“DHCD continues to work with the maintenance crew to monitor site conditions,” states Najuma Thorpe, the agency’s Public Affairs Specialist. “DHCD’s overall plans for the property have not changed.

We are using the input gathered from the community meetings to move forward in preparing the Solicitation for Offers.”

However, according to a public notice posted on the fence in front of 2228 MLK in late September, DHCD has drastically changed course and is now seeking a raze permit for the property.

“There has been no BCIB recommendation to raze [2228 MLK]. In any case, the city must comply with its preservation law,” states Dennee.

The law requires a review by HPRB of the home’s contribution to the historic fabric of Anacostia neighborhood before a raze permit can be granted.

Is There A Plan?

CLOCKWISE 1. DHCD has failed to tarp the broken roof of 2228 MLK Ave. SE. 2. Large openings in the roof of 2228 MLK Ave. SE allow rain to stream into its interior.

3. A raze permit was recently posted on the fence in front of 2228 MLK Ave. SE.

W

hen Rosalind Wheeler Styles was a young girl growing up in the sixties on the 2200 block of Nichols Avenue SE, she often sat on the front porch. To her immediate right was a used car dealership. Ms. Ellie Beall, a denizen of Anacostia for more than a half century, lived to her left. Further down the block was Gertie’s Grocery, later Big K Liquors. Diagonally across the street was the 11th Precinct of the Metropolitan Police Department, now Whitman Walker Clinic’s Max Robinson Center.

“You could watch people going into the Safeway, going to the drugstore to get an ice cream float or go-

28 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

ing to the Curtis Brothers furniture store,” Styles recalls fondly.

The Anacostia recalled by Styles is long gone. Nichols Avenue has been renamed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Soon, the very house Styles grew up in may disappear as well.

Tearing Down The House In late September, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) applied for a raze permit for 2228 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. Due to the property’s location in the Anacostia Historic District, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), after being delayed a month by additional review, has scheduled a review of the permit | NOVEMBER 2011

during its November hearing.

The early 20th century homes, located at 2228, 2234, and 2238 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, have been active cases on the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Properties (BCIB) Property List for a couple of years, states Tim Dennee, with the Historic Preservation Office. According to city directories, 2228 MLK Ave. SE has been vacant since the late 1970s.

As previously reported in East of the River, DHCD acquired the socalled “Big K Lot” in July 2010. The property included the three dilapidated homes and the liquor store on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Morris Road SE. Over the summer, DHCD prom-

“It’s heartbreaking DHCD feels they cannot save the property,” says Charles Wilson, Historic Anacostia Block Association President and ANC 8A Commissioner. “As a neighborhood, we are wondering if this is part of a greater plan to have the remaining properties suffer the same fate.”

DHCD’s ongoing neglect of its own vacant properties undermines economic development in downtown Anacostia, Wilson strongly believes.

Over the past two years, Wilson has attended more than a half dozen meetings and sent around twenty emails to DHCD officials about the Big K properties with no tangible result.

“There’s been talk about stabilizing the properties but there seems to be a lack of urgency on the part of DHCD to actually do it,” Wilson says.

Styles joins Wilson in mourning the neglect of her old home. “It’s been a most dramatic thing to witness the deterioration of such an historic property before they even address its restoration,” she says. ●

Barry Farm Activist Spreads Message of Non-Violence article & photo by John Muller

by MPD according to Joel Maupin, Commander of the Seventh District.

“Our officers have really bonded with the community,” says Maupin citing a recent meeting in which the police received a standing ovation from residents. “We have a constant level of patrol, 24 hours a day,” Maupin confirms.

Regardless, Baldwin, a repeat survivor of gun violence, is not waiting around.

A Survivor Gives Back

Barry Farms activists Gregory Baldwin (right) and Tendani Mpulubusi.

“T

hey didn’t know we take vacations down here in Barry Farm,” local activist Gregory Baldwin scoffed. A crosstown listener might have assumed he was referring to some out-of-town jaunt, but in this forgotten locale it is a statement about the neighborhood’s reduced homicide rate.

According to Homicide Watch DC, a website that tracks every murder in the city, Barry Farm had not witnessed a murder this year until the third week of this October. In one of the most historically dangerous neighborhoods of the District, this is a palpable sign of progress.

Recent Deaths Mask Progress In the early morning of Oct. 17, 25-year-old Antonio Headspeth was found unconscious in the rear of the 1100 block of Stevens Road SE. He had been shot and was pronounced dead on the scene. Police

have yet to charge anyone with Headspeth’s murder.

On the evening of Oct. 20, Jodie Ward was found unconscious in a child’s bedroom in a home in the 1100 block of Eaton Road. The 30-year-old male had been stabbed and was pronounced dead on the scene. Police arrested 30-year-old Felicia Jones.

“It’s a struggling community that has tried hard to improve itself, and has had some successes. These two new slayings have shattered the peace,” says Lloyd Wolf, an intrepid photographer whose blog documents street memorials throughout the city.

“I trust that proper resources will arise from within the neighborhood, and within the city, to properly honor the lives that have been lost,” he adds.

Before the two October murders, the last homicide in Barry Farm occurred in November 2010. Within recent memory annual neighborhood murder statistics tended towards the double digits.

The sweeping reduction in Barry Farm’s murder rate, in part, reflects citywide reductions over the past decade. In the last two years, there have been less than 150 homicides recorded citywide.

Since 2004, when Mayor Williams identified Barry Farm as one of 14 “hot spots,” the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has moved aggressively to police the neighborhood. In 2006, the neighborhood, first inhabited and built by freedmen in the 1860s, was chosen as one of four New Communities foreshadowing what maybe an eventual transformation of the 600 plus public housing units within Barry Farm and Park Chester into more than 1200 mixed-use units.

In November 2007, under Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Barry Farm became a “Focused Improvement Area.” This program attempted to combine community policing with improved social service delivery. Barry Farm has now been designated a “focus area”

Baldwin employs bold tactics to deliver a message of non-violence to the residents of Barry Farms. Speaking to local youth, Baldwin often lifts up his shirt to expose the colostomy bag that filters his excrement.

“There’s a shock value,” says Tendani Mpulubusi, a multi-discipline artist and activist in Barry Farm. “Even those that might be desensitized because of all they’ve seen. Greg’s story hits them. It’s a reality check.”

Through Helping Hands Inc., his own non-profit and with the support of the United Black Fund, Baldwin backs his words with actions. At a recently organized back-to-school event, he distributed 100 backpacks to area youth. This month, he is preparing for his annual Thanksgivingthemed banquet held on the neighborhood’s basketball courts when talent from the region and National Basketball Association compete in the summer’s Goodman League.

“We need something we can put our hands on,” says Mike Taylor, Director of the Barry Farm Recreation Center on Sumner Road. With the pending re-development of Barry Farm there is “a lot of anxiety in the community,” Taylor points out.

To allay resident’s fears, community activists like Baldwin need to be given greater access to city officials to relay popular concerns, Taylor says.

“He can get the people involved.”

Baldwin’s efforts have drawn the attention of city officials. Mayor Vince Gray recently filmed a Public Service Announcement with Baldwin, who walked him through the neighborhood making recommendations on how the city could improve services.

“The coffin [Baldwin] carries in his truck helps send a message that resonates,” Maupin says. ●

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 29

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

St. Elizabeths Meeting Reaffirms Community Suspicions article & photos by John Muller

A lively conversation ensues among the participants at the third planning meeting for the development of St. Elizabeths East Campus.

D

escribing her vision of the ideal development of the city-owned Saint Elizabeth’s East Campus; fourth grader Lanaya Horne is effusive. She dreams of a Target with an enlarged toy section, a public hospital, Boys and Girls Club, and a public library that can host children to do their homework.

Lanaya, a student at Friendship Public Charter’s Southeast Elementary Academy, was one of four winners in a competition that sought input from children at eleven area schools. After receiving her $100 prize, Lanaya pulled out prepared remarks written on loose leaf papers.

Before an audience of more than one hundred gathered at Malcolm X Elementary School, she stood on her toes to reach the microphone to

thank teachers and family.

The auspicious beginning to the third and final public meeting on the Saint Elizabeth’s East Master Plan did little to diminish residents’ growing suspicions.

30 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

LEFT: Fourth grader Lanaya Horne lays out her vision for St. Elizabeths East Campus.

RIGHT: Fourth grader Lanaya Horne’s plan for the redevelopment of the East Campus of St. Elizabeths.

The Plan At the meeting, a presentation by the DC Office of Planning (OP) identified the need for a mix of land uses to support community requirements.

OP’s plan recognized the importance

of pedestrian access, the integration of public transportation and preservation of open space. Historic preservation was given precedence with limitations on vehicular access, the preservation of the historic Blackburn building and landscape improvements.

The desire to create a “sense of place,” stated Evelyn Kasongo, OP’s Neighborhood Planning Coordinator for Ward 8, was the primary principle behind the office’s two alternative plans for development.

OP’s plans for St. Elizabeths seem to be at odds with the office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED).

“Microsoft has toured the site, but has not made any decisions about its future plans,” said Jose C. Sousa, DPMED’s Director of Communications.

“We’ve been touring St. Elizabeths East Campus with many different organizations over the past few months,” said Sousa. “Our goal is to make sure that companies, institutions and universities are aware of what the site has to offer in the near future. It is important to make sure that these organizations have St. Elizabeths on their radar as they prepare for their expansion needs in the future.”

Many residents at the meeting questioned whether DMPED’s plans include them.

Community Skepticism “The cause is right, but inevitably you’re going to be pushing so many people out of DC,” said Jerome Petticolas, a maintenance worker at nearby Malcolm X Elementary School.

“I believe these meetings are important and necessary, but they need to move from appearing to be a wish list meeting and move into what’s actually in place now,” Alice Thornton of Congress Heights said. “There are things happening behind the scenes, and we need to be informed.”

“It’s hard watching this opportunity come and knowing the community might not benefit at all,” said John Harper, a resident of Anacostia and a journeyman electrician with Local 26. Harper has worked on the US Coast Guard construction site since February. He attributes his employment to “going to all the meetings and raising hell.” ●

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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 31

From King Arthur, 2010, Brynn Tucker as Guinevere and Ben Cunis as King Arthur

The Synetic Experience Drama Without Words

article by Amanda Wilson | photos by Graeme B. Shaw

It is 4 p.m on a weekday in Crystal City where the Synetic Theater box office opens onto a labyrinthine underground corridor. When a passerby tries to open the theater door to pick up a Synetic season brochure, she accidentally sets off the security alarm. Theater director Paata Tsikurisvili, hearing the alarm, goes to greet the woman at the door and kindly gives her a program. Synetic Theater is currently in the middle of its “Speak No More” silent Shakespeare Festival, running through December 23. Macbeth has closed, wordless Othello is running now, and Romeo and Juliet is up next.

“Come back and see us!” Paata calls. Paata and his choreographer wife, Irina, are the creative forces behind what Paata says is the United States’ only “physical theater,” the project they “built from scratch” in the years since arriving from the country of Georgia in the mid-1990’s.

Paata’s hospitality seems to reflect a broader 32 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

Synetic Theater conviction: that a theater style that has been called “avant-garde” can have broad appeal. So far, they’re doing something right. In 2010, about 38,000 people saw shows at Synetic where performances fuse the dynamic art forms of movement, acrobatics, dance, and fight choreography with music and acting.

Although only about 10 of its 50 productions have been wordless, the theater is perhaps best known for its take on Shakespeare-most of the productions it does without words.

Wordless Shakespeare When Synetic first put on wordless Shakespeare in 2002, a version of Hamlet in which Paata starred, “everybody was like ‘what the hell is this guy is doing?’” Paata recalls. They had established Synetic under the umbrella of the International Stanislavski Theater Studio in 2001, and Hamlet was the theater’s own first production. When the project was announced, some people saw it as heretical. ‘How dare you

“NOBODY is doing it,”JUST US in Washington, DC. - Theater director Paata Tsikurisvili touch Shakespeare’s works,’ they opined. It would be unconscionable, ‘like a meal without the food’ or like the ‘Bible without the text.’ Paata sees it in terms of boxes – some people were in a box. But if people couldn’t see, or hear, or imagine beyond the box, Synetic would show them.

The Synetic team was convinced that Shakespeare could be more than just words – the love, betrayal, hate, jealousy, and power--themes rich with symbolism--all of it was, according to Paata, so human, so boundless. The Washington Post wrote “this is the Hamlet we know in our bones.” As Paata describes the theater’s various productions, his eyes light up, and he uses his hands as much as his voice.

His hand cuts across a flat plane as he describes the theatre’s 2010 production of King Arthur, one of the theater’s non-Shakespearean wordless plays. Because King Arthur, an English story so rich with imagery of rain and water the production featured three inches of water covering the stage. It was adapted for dynamic theater with collaborator Ben Cunis, a fight choreographer who has been with the theater

for more than five years and brings influence from parkour, stage combat fighting, and gymnastics. As Paata describes it, it had the theatre’s trademark intensity of high-energy physical expression combined with “weapons, real swords, sticks, plus water – it was craziness, so dynamic, and it was dangerous,” Paata recalls. People have been injured. Actors have suffered broken legs, broken heads, arms, fingers and knees.

Many have described the theater’s style as “cinematic” and the scripts look more like film storyboards instead of scripts, which could be explained by Paata’s MFA in film.

Why the Board?

But why Shakespeare, exactly? In part, it’s because the Tsikurishvilis were counting on the fact that American audiences were already familiar with Shakespeare and could follow along. They also wanted to make it accessible. “I have heard from many people that [Shakespearean] English is not accessible anymore, especially to young people,” Paata explains, His hunch, and Irina’s, was that Shakespeare could be translated into the language of movement and dance “Whatever Shakespeare describes with words, translates into action, there is so much movement in it, so many things going on,” Paata explains.. And with Synetic’s production of Othello recently landing nine Helen Hayes Award nominations and three wins in 2011 - for outstanding director, outstanding costume design by Anastasia R. Simes, and outstanding ensemble - there are many who say they are right.

In the theater’s 2010 staging of Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra, sparks flew on stage as actors had real sword fights. The play also integrated dances, spinning and jumping from the Georgian folk dance tradition. The physicality of Georgian storytelling is a key influences on the theater’s style and during. an intense training period in the summer, actors learn Georgian folk dance. But although he and Irina were in Georgia when he promised her they would one Philip Fletcher, Irina Tsikurishvili, and Alex Mill as Iago day have their own theater,

Salma Shaw as Desdemona and Roger Payano as Othello

Paata insists, Synetic was born in America. “It’s my American baby,” he says.

Coming to America When Paata first came to America, Irina was already working as a choreographer in Baltimore.

Paata spoke almost no English and suffered from culture shock after landing in Washington, DC. Everything was different. It was a country he would eventually come to love – for its culture of philanthropy, for its openness to new art forms – but in 1995, the future was unknown. Paata suffered from a year of depression. Eventually, he decided to work solo doing something he knew--miming. Although in America miming “has no reputation whatsoever,” Paata says, it has a long tradition in Europe. So he painted his face white, put on his pantomime gloves, and went out into the city. An immigrant from the ex-Soviet Union who could barely speak English, Paata had few words, but he could speak the silent, motion language of the mime. He was discovered in a restaurant when someone asked him to perform at a children’s classical theater. He went on to start directing and never stopped.

In 2012, the company will present two pieces meant to “nurture new work and new artists in the Synetic style”, including Ben Cunis’ directorial debut, Genesis Reboot, in February. There are no stunt doubles and no lines to memorize, but the work is complex. Also on the schedule, in March, is a play by a Dadaism-inspired Czech physical theater group from Prague called the Spitfire Company. Synetic will also stage Taming of the Shrew at the Shakespeare Theater. “It is an amazing fact that they are going to let me in to do non-verbal Shakespeare there,” Paata says. The season will also feature an original play called Home of the Soldier, about a soldier recruited from California’s Georgian minority community.

With Synetic, theatergoers have the chance to see something that could very well be unique in the world. “Nobody is doing it,” Paata says. “Just us in Washington, DC. You don’t need to go to Europe, to Paris, to London, or Berlin to see that kind of thing.

It is right here. And it is world class.” ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 33

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Hometown Girl Makes Ward 8 Proud

by John Muller

J

essica Adair has come a long way from battling her twin sister, Jazmine, one-on-one every day on the asphalt basketball courts behind Charles Hart Middle School on Mississippi Avenue SE. Last month, Adair was instrumental in helping the Minnesota Lynx defeat the Atlanta Dream to win their first WNBA Championship, before a national broadcast audience.

Before her freshmen year at Anacostia Senior High School, Adair, already 6 feet tall, was playing a summer league game at Jelleff Boys & Girls Club off Wisconsin Avenue. “She grabbed a rebound above the rim and I saw the potential,” says Coach Frank Briscoe, who has been a surrogate father for Adair and her twin sister.

Under Briscoe, the Adair twins, Jessica with her finesse and Jazmine with her aggressiveness, became a dominating inside presence at Anacostia.

Although, a DCIAA championship evaded them twice, they were recruited by the top women’s college basketball programs in the country. Committed to staying together, they decided to attend George Washington University.

While at GWU, Jessica was a three-time All-Atlantic Ten First Team Selection and made two NCAA tournament appearances. After graduating in 2009, she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the 3rd round of the WNBA Draft. Less than two months later, four days before training camp began, Jessica was waived.

Out of basketball, she stayed in DC and worked for a non-profit while working out and playing pick-up games on the side. Unexpectedly, she received a call from Joe McKeown, her coach for her first three years at GWU, with an offer to help her get a second chance at the WNBA. McKeown had given the coach of the Minnesota Lynx her first professional coaching job and asked her to giver Adair a shot.

On April 22, 2010 Adair joined the Minnesota Lynx’s training camp roster.

Less than three weeks later she was, again, waived. Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx’s coach, had a message, “You never know 34 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

when the call is going to come so stay on top of it,” remembers Adair. “The call came and I was ready.”

While at GWU, Adair, who stands 6’4, was susceptible to chicken tenders and fries from the popular neighborhood Wingos. As a senior her playing weight was 270. To contend in the WNBA she would have to lose weight.

With a change in diet and strenuous training sessions, Adair dropped nearly 40 pounds.

Three days after signing a contract with the Lynx, on August 22, 2010, she made her WNBA debut against the Indiana Fever with 5 points and 8 rebounds. The Lynx did not make the playoffs, but Adair received an opportunity to play overseas where many WNBA players go during the offseason.

Last winter, Adair played for Samsun in the Women’s Turkish League.

In 25 games, she averaged 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds. She plans to return to Turkey this winter where she enjoys | NOVEMBER 2011

“learning about new cultures.”

After flourishing abroad, Adair was again invited to the Lynx’s training camp. Now just over 200 pounds, Adair competed for a roster spot and made the team as the back-up center.

Throughout the season she did the dirty work – boxing out on defense, grabbing offensive rebounds, blocking shots – and slowly moved up the depth chart. Coach Reeve told The Star Tribune. “And the reason that happened is she plays so hard and plays with so much energy. Teammates love playing with her.”

On August 18, Adair made her homecoming as the Lynx defeated the Mystics at the Verizon Center. She grabbed 2 offensive rebounds and had 6 points in twelve minutes. “We talked after the game,” says Coach Briscoe.

“It was like watching your child play at the highest level. There’s no greater feeling.”

“Growing up in DC and playing for Coach Briscoe impacted my game

by making me tough, with a bit of elegance,” Adair told East of the River.

“I like to call it aggression in its most elegant form.”

The Lynx finished the season as the best team in the Western Conference and made the playoffs for the first time in seven years. In 31 regular season games, Adair averaged more than 4 points and nearly 3 rebounds.

In the playoffs she stepped up as the Lynx coasted into the Finals. In game 2 of the Finals, Adair had her best game with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Lynx won in a three game sweep.

“Winning a championship is a dream come true,” Adair said. “I’ve been working so hard to get it for years.

The feeling is indescribable,” “Washington, DC has innateness,” says Coach Briscoe. “Once someone goes to the next level they become the pride of Washington, DC. Jessica persevered and did it the right way.” ●

A Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes a Night of Timeless Voices

by Candace Y.A. Montague

L

ast month’s highly anticipated dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial commenced with a night of accolades and music.

The Strathmore Music Center was the setting for the concert; which brought younger and older generations together for an evening of celebration. Morehouse College, a predominantly black and all male college in Atlanta, Georgia, presented the concert. Dr. King graduated from the institution in 1948. The concert was preceded by an awards presentation to two pioneers in the movement to make Dr. King’s birthday a holiday: Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Stevie Wonder. Morehouse President Robert Franklin lauded not only Dr. King but also others who have fought for civil rights. “I’m especially proud because this monument also recognizes countless others who helped advance the cause of freedom, justice and equality.”

Robert Davidson, president of the Trustee Board, presented the Morehouse Presidential Renais-

sance Medallion to Conyers and Wonder. John Conyers, in his acceptance speech, said that the holiday is not a day off. “It’s not a day in the sense that you can just figure it into your work schedule.” He recollected about how Dr. King came up through the ranks of the civil rights movement after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. He talked about how J. Edgar Hoover targeted King and spied on him through wiretaps and reading his mail. “This man deserved [to have] a holiday for the first African-American in the country. This great monument between Washington and Lincoln is such a great tribute. We have to continue to reignite the passion for justice as King did.” Stevie Wonder, also an honoree that night, said, “I touched the dream and it touched me. It should touch all of us in our hearts in a place that we hold close and sacred. Faith without sight is so powerful.” Wonder has been working for King’s birthday to become a holiday since the 1960s. He penned the famous “Happy Birthday” song CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

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in honor of the civil rights champion and worked tirelessly with King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, to lobby Congress.

“We must touch the dream of Dr. King. As we did with the dream of the monument, let us remember Dr. King’s dreams of peace and solidarity among all people. Let’s put our best love forward.” A video montage played to show how much work and progress was made to bring the monument into fruition.

R & B singers Eddie Levert, Dennis Edwards and Johnny Gill took the stage for a musical concert after the presentation of awards. Stevie Wonder did an impromptu concert before leaving the stage and was joined by Gill. Singing songs like “Love’s in need of love today” and the felicitous “Happy birthday to you”, Gill and Wonder used their voices to unite the crowd and send praises of gratitude for a monument that seemed like an intangible dream at one point. Eddie Levert and Dennis Edwards both spoke between songs about how Dr. King’s dream is a live and well and about how the audience must not let it go now.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the first African-American to have a monument created in his honor on the National Mall.

After graduation from Morehouse College, he went on to study theology and religion at Crozer Theological Seminary and at Boston University. He was a minister, civil rights leader, and social justice icon. His birthday became a national holiday in 1983. There are several highways, schools, and buildings named in his honor to this day. The question that remains after the celebrations for this historic monument have concluded is: is it enough?

Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance writer in DC. ●

36 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

Giving Access Housing, Inc. CFC #22663 Access Housing, Inc. (DC) operates the Southeast Veterans Service Center and Chesapeake Veterans House in Southeast DC. This agency provides support and housing to formerly homeless veterans, both male and females. Veterans from all branches and wars have been served by the SEVSC; which celebrated its 10 year anniversary last November. 820-840 Chesapeake Street, SE, DC, 202-5618387, Accesshousingdc.org

risk individuals and families in the Washington area to self-sufficiency through housing programs and supportive services. The Coalition fulfills its mission by operating and managing 12 program sites for men and families with children. 1234 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Suite C-1015, DC 20005, 202-347-7279, www.dccfh.org ●

They helped you, now it’s YOUR TURN to help them!

Capital Area Food Bank CFC #30794, United Way #8052 For 30 years, CAFB has been the D.C. metro area’s hub for food sourcing, distribution and nutrition education - serving over 478,000 people struggling with hunger. Through direct service and a network of 700 nonprofit partners, the CAFB distributed 27 million pounds of food last year, including 10.8 million pounds of fresh produce. For more on hunger, visit our website at CapitalAreaFoodBank. org. 645 Taylor Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, 202-526-5344, www.CapitalAreaFoodBank.org

Casey Trees CFC# 24598 Casey Trees is a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Since 2002, Casey Trees has planted more than 10,000 trees and educated thousands of youth and adults on the benefits of trees. For more information, visit www.caseytrees.org.

Coalition for the Homeless CFC #83436, United Way #8194 The Coalition for the Homeless was established in 1979. Our mission is to help transition homeless and at

Hear are some of the ways you can give back: • Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon Saturday, November 19th, 2011 • Give to the Max Day - November 9, 2011 visit: www.give2max.razoo.com • # 9533

# 22663

# 9533

To Register to walk visit: www.helpthehomelessdc.org Register Under Access Housing, Inc(DC) Code DC002 For more information on how you can assist please call

202-561-VETS (8387)

Get Involved!

COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS Our mission is to help homeless, at-risk individuals and families return to self-sufficiency and independent living, through a range of residential and social services.

In 2010 the Coalition served • 440 homeless individuals and families daily • 304 individuals and families were placed into permanent and stable housing • 203 adults were placed in employment • 9 families with children were prevented from becoming homeless

Rebuilding lives and strengthening communities Please support us by donating through the 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 83436 Suite C-1015, Washington, DC 20005 or United Way #8194 Main Office: (202) 347-8870 / Fax: (202) 347-7279 Open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm

For more details on our program and services, please visit our website at www.dccfh.org.

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 37

KIDS & FAMILY

Talented dancers of the Dance Institute of Washington. Photo: Courtesy of the Dance Institute of Washington

The Dance Institute of Washington In-School Program DIW is dedicated to building self-esteem, discipline, and the drive for excellence among children and youth through dance training, arts education, life skills, and youth employment; enhancing Washington’s rich cultural diversity. It is for DC residents, ages 14-21 who meet DOES income eligibility requirements. The program includes high-quality dance training, academic enrichment, life skills workshops, job readiness, youth employment and performances. You can be employed during the school year while taking dance classes. Contact Mary Connole at MConnole@danceinstitute.org or 202-371-9656. For DOES, information, visit does. dc.gov or call 202-724-7000. danceinstitute.org

The Kids & Family Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

Anacostia Gracious Arts Program Anacostia Gracious Arts Program (AGAP) is participating in Razoo.com’s “Give to the Max: Greater DC Cares” marathon online fundraising campaign for DC area nonprofits, on Wednesday, Nov. 9. AGAP is a Ward 7-Benning Heights/Terrace arts and faith organization. They meet on Mondays, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and hold classes in drawing and painting; photography; voice; drums; 38 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

dance; drama and spiritual discussions. Their current enrollment is 35 childen, ages 6-14. At AGAP, they encourage students to make life-affirming choices for positive self-expression via the arts, and through character and community-building exercises in personal spiritual development and the resulting societal change. Visit razoo.com/story/ Agap to learn more and to donate. They are also on Facebook.com; greatnonprofits.org; idealist.org,

| NOVEMBER 2011

good360.com, and volunteermatch.org. First Rock Baptist Church, 4630 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-3216502. admin@agapdc.org

Black Student Fund School Fair Learn about private schools options for students, pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Speak with representatives from over 50 day and board-

ing schools in the DC Metro area (DC, MD, VA) and beyond. Attend workshops in school admissions and personal finance. Free admission.

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW. 202-3871414. blackstudentfund.org

Register for Fall/Winter Dance Classes at Northeast Performing Arts Group Register your children for ballet technique, jazz, hip-hop, modern, tap, and liturgical dance. $20 registration fee; $45 per month for ages 3-7); $65 per month ages 8-18. Call 202-388-1274 or visit the studio at 3431 Benning Rd. NE (next to the Chateau). Children enrolled in the year round program will have first option in participating in Northeast Performing Arts Group Summer Arts Academy.

seum National Mall Building. 202633-2340. nasm.si.edu

BabyLove DC Volunteering BabyLove DC provides clothing, products, gear, and other necessities to pregnant mothers and their children from 0-6 in DC’s inner city. They can only accept items that are clean, in working order, and have all of their parts and pieces. If you have a manual please include. They can never accept used car seats, used breast pumps, used feeding supplies, drop-side cribs, or stuffed animals. They are always in need of volunteers to help sort and repair clothing and prepare gift baskets for their baby showers and various charity events. Volunteering is a great way to give back in your community and city. Contact them at info@babylovedc.org to learn more about how you can help distribute donations to children in need. babylovedc.org

Kids and Money Classes On Friday evenings, 6:00-7:15 p.m., kids can learn about and discuss earning, spending and saving money. Learn how to make money work for you, creative ways to earn money and banking and checking accounts. Learn abourt how the Bible sees money and whether or not the desire to make a lot of money is a bad thing. You will visit a bank, open a savings account and deposit $25 into an account if you meet certain participation targets. The class will include videos, workbook exercises and interactive games. Instructors are from the Church of The Resurrection. Southeast White House, 2909 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-575-3337.

Moving Beyond Earth Innovations in Space Family Day Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. As they mark the 50th anniversary of human spaceflight, come explore the role of invention and technology in space exploration and space history. Meet a real astronaut and enjoy an array of hands-on demonstrations and family-oriented educational activities occurring throughout the Museum.

Free. National Air and Space Mu-

An American Girl Experience at Mount Vernon On Nov. 13, American Girl fans of all ages are invited to bring their favorite dolls to Mount Vernon for a chance to meet the book series’ creator and one of its authors, Valerie Tripp. Guests enjoy a special presentation and book signing with the author plus a tour of the Mansion and grounds with Nelly Custis. The event also includes a colonial craft project, refreshments, plus a discount in the Shops. Share an audience with “Martha Washington”! This event is limited in capacity; tickets are $50 per person. Ticket Sales Begin at on Oct. 3, 10:00 a.m., at MountVernon.org or at the Mount Vernon Ford Orientation Center. 703-780-2000. MountVernon.org

Guitars, not Guns GnG conducts after-school music programs for youth ages 1018; children as young as 8 may be accepted if they have the maturity to learn how to play guitar; older students may be accepted if they are completing their high school education. Classes consist of up to 10 students and last for 8-10 weeks.

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

39

They meet once per week for a one hour lesson. Level 1 lessons are for beginners; Level 2 are geared to the student’s skills.

Their goal is to run Level 1 and Level 2 once per quarter; doing so is dependent on teacher and student availability. Lessons are free and guitars are loaned.

Find classes in DC at gngnca. org/dc-classes

Capitol Hill Day School Information Sessions

Community Child Development Center “A Child’s World for Learning”

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

202-397-8754

40 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

On Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library. There will be a presentation followed by Q&A with the Head of School, Jason Gray. Middle School Information Night is Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:008:30 p.m. and is for students entering grades 5, 6, and 7.

Students will perform scenes from Shakespeare and give tours to visitors. Learn about our Middle School curriculum, student leadership opportunities, and high school placement process.

Students and parents welcome. RSVP to their Admissions Office at plund@chds. org or call 202-386-9920. chds.org

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth CTY conducts the nation’s oldest and most extensive academic talent search and offers educational programming for students with exceptionally high academic ability. CTY parallels and complements a gifted child’s regular school experience. CTY is now accepting Talent Search applications from students in grades 2-8 who have scored in the nintyfifth percentile or higher on a subsection of a nationallynormed standardized test or the highest level of a state test.

To enroll a bright student in the Talent Search, go to cty.jhu. edu/discover. 410-735-4100.

covering the make-believe world of model trains.

Free. Open daily, Thanksgiving Day through Jan. 2, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m.every Tuesday and Thursday in December with live holiday music.100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov

Archbishop Carroll High School Open House for Prospective Students

Last year’s winner in the first-third grade category Brayden Wood.

Photo: Maureen Hsia

Frederick Douglass Annual Oratorical Contest Application Deadline Attention future political leaders. You have to know how to talk in front of people. Here’s a chance to hone your shills. The goal of this Oratorical Contest is for students to experience the same transformative power of language that Frederick Douglass did as a young man. The contest is open to all students in grades 1-12 and is hosted on Dec. 8, 9 and 10. Students memorize and present a portion of a Douglass speech from a stage at his home of Cedar Hill. Applications for the Oratorical Contest due on Nov. 14 by 4:00 PM. You just have to sign up by the 14th. You then have almost a month to learn your speech. Frederick Douglass National Historical Site, 1411 W St. SE, (corner of 15th and W sts.). 202-426-5961. nps.gov/frdo

Model Trains at Botanic Gardens “Season’s Greenings” The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child dis-

Now Open!

Our mission is to empower inner city at risk teenage girls by providing them with the tools to achieve academic success, social competence, self esteem, and self worth.

www.highteensociety.com 202-271-1865 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE Suite 316 WDC, 20032

Archbishop Carroll High School is holding its first prospective student Open House for the school year 2012-2013 on Sunday, Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m.1:30 p.m. on the campus at 4300 Harewood Rd. NE. Archbishop Carroll, serving grades 9-12, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school committed to serving a diverse student population since 1951. The Open House will give prospective parents and students the opportunity to participate in student-led tours of the building, and to meet the administration, faculty and staff. Visitors will also learn about the International Baccalaureate Programme, athletic offerings and other extracurricular activities. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 202-529-0900 ext. 134. archbishopcarroll.org

NASA Space Settlement Contest

This annual contest is for 6-12th graders (11-18 years old) from anywhere in the world. Individuals, small teams of two to six, and large teams of seven or more (often whole classrooms with teacher leadership) may enter. Grades 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12 are judged separately, except for the grand prize. Students develop space settlement designs and related materials. These are sent to NASA Ames

Our website just got a whole lot better!! www.capitalcommunitynews.com CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 41

o o

Inside the DC Water Mobile Water Quality Van, children learn first-hand about the equipment and tools used to conduct water monitoring tests, as well as the testing process. DC Water has three mobile water quality laboratory vans that are dispatched daily to provide on-site water monitoring services in the District of Columbia.

Photo: Courtesy of Ted Coyle, DC Water

DC Water Makes First Splash with Children’s Water Drop Festival The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) teamed up with the District Department of Parks and Recreation to host the first Children’s Water Drop Festival at Watkins Recreation Center on Oct. 28. This free environmental education event was designed to educate and engage students about a variety of water-related topics and environmental issues impacting the quality of our waterways. During the festival, staff from DC Water and several environmental organizations gave students a hands-on environmental lesson about drinking water, wastewater treatment, water quality, and the Anacostia watershed. Additionally, students learned how they can protect and conserve water resources.

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

for judgement. Submissions must be received by Mar. 15, 2012. For details, go to settlement.arc.nasa. gov

National Wildlife Federation Kids Photo Contest

We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (as long as funds last) Saturdays: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm At THEARC!!

1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot Our last Market is Saturday, November 19. See you next June.

Ward8FM@gmail.com • www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com

42 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| NOVEMBER 2011

Ranger Rick magazine, published by the National Wildlife Federation, has been delighting kids with amazing wildlife photography for over 40 years, and now kids have the opportunity to see their own cool nature photos in the magazine. Today, NWF is announcing its first ever Ranger Rick “Your Best Shots” Photography contest for kids under 13 years old. The contest is free to enter, and the winner could have their photo featured on the Rang-

er Rick web site and in the magazine. Judges will select a winner every month and children do not need to subscribe to Ranger Rick to enter the contest. Children can enter with parent’s or guardian’s permission at nwf.org/rrbestshot.

Two free printable picture frames are available for simply entering the contest. Even if you don’t enter the contest, you can vote for your favorite entries on the web site.

More info on Ranger Rick and the magazine can be found at nwf. org/Kids. ●

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.

ANACOSTIA RIVER REALTY Changing the face of east of the Anacostia River living. We’re showcasing the best the area has to offer in real estate and development.

Neighborhood

Price

BR

FEE SIMPLE $115,000 $90,000 $77,500 $60,000 $50,000

3 4 2 0 2

$195,000 $158,777

3 2

$235,000 $455,000

4 4

$220,000 $210,000 $204,900 $185,000 $169,000 $160,000 $42,600

4 3 4 3 3 2 2

$320,000 $280,000 $246,500 $243,000 $225,000 $210,000 $198,800 $188,000 $185,000 $175,000 $175,000 $172,000 $172,000

8 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 4

BARRY FARMS 1416 MORRIS RD SE 1522 HOWARD RD SE

CHILLUM 38 LONGFELLOW ST NW 6439 2ND PL NW

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 241 VALLEY AVE SE 25 HALLEY PL SE 3206 11TH PL SE 812 HR DR SE 1310 BARNABY TER SE 49 DANBURY ST SW 4130 4TH ST SE #6

DEANWOOD 4414-4416 JAY ST NE 820 48TH ST NE 4205 GRANT ST NE 4525 EADS ST NE 915 46TH ST NE 3936 CLAY PL NE 4045 CLAY PL NE 311 60TH ST NE 525 47TH ST NE 819 51ST ST NE 5086 JUST ST NE 839 52ND ST NE 4215 FOOTE ST NE

$149,000 $140,000 $75,430 $39,000

2 3 3 2

$245,000 $215,000 $205,000 $178,000 $150,000 $130,000 $120,500 $110,000 $87,000 $65,000

3 3 3 4 3 3 2 3 3 3

3955 S ST SE 27 ANACOSTIA RD NE 1630 40TH ST SE 503 HILLTOP TER SE 1548 41ST ST SE 1701 41ST PL SE 636 BURNS ST SE 4004 Q ST SE 3346 C ST SE 1681 FORT DUPONT ST SE

202-678-REAL(7325) www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com Call John Corrigan today 202-306-1822 for instant Pre-Approval!

WCS Lending proud to be ranked on Inc. 5000 for 2 Consecutive years!

HILL CREST 3355 FRANKFORD ST SE 3305 ALABAMA AVE SE 3238 T ST SE 3810 CARPENTER ST SE 3206 G ST SE 3831 POPE ST SE

2412 Minnesota Ave. SE, Suite 101 Washington, DC 20020

FORT DUPONT PARK

ANACOSTIA 1533 U ST SE 2325 CHESTER ST SE 1764 W ST SE 1321 W ST SE 1510 W ST SE

305 47TH ST NE 4127 MINNESOTA AVE NE 909 PORTER ST NE 244 56TH PL NE

$536,900 $365,000 $347,900 $342,000 $240,000 $280,000

5 4 4 3 3 3

$145,000 $128,950 $117,000 $66,000

4 3 2 2

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2800 BRUCE PL SE 1805 18TH ST SE 3407 24TH ST SE 3433 24TH ST SE

CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS 748 BRANDYWINE ST SE #204

$39,000

2

$119,900

2

$68,000

2 ●

Turkish Arts & Crafts Holiday Sale Saturday, Dec 3rd 10-5pm Washington Int School • 3100 Macomb St NW Your purchase supports low income artisans and keep traditions alive!

FORT DUPONT PARK 3956 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #102

HILL CREST 3810 W ST SE #202

Anatolian Artisans – 501c3 non-profit organization

www.anatolianartisans.org CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

43

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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THE NOSE

Corruption, Corruption! Corruption!

by Anonymous

W

hy is everyone so contorted by corruption? From the rarified heights of The Post’s 15th Street offices to the ethereal realm of the blogosphere, the pundits dun readers daily about the dismal District.

The Nose has developed a terrible allergy to grass cutting contracts.

Do citizens really want to know any more gory details about Councilmember Harry “Hand in the Cookie Jar” Thomas’s entertainment habits?

The Nose gets it. The underpaid, overworked members of his declining fraternity of scribblers are uniformly jealous.

While reporters chase councilmembers down hallways, barge into closed meetings courting arrest and risk repetitive strain injury redialing cell numbers, there are five lobbyists who never have any difficulty arranging quality time with District politicians: David “The Parking Valet” Wilmot, John “Bulldoze Litteri’s” Ray, Kevin “Lucky Lotto” Chavous, Kerry “Little Bundler of Joy” Pearson and Frederick “Get Them Off ” Cooke.

Yes, Dear Readers, The Nose’s brethren envy the access and privilege afforded the metropolis’s preeminent lobbyists. Hence their recent loud baying about corruption on the DC Council.

Yet, The Nose cannot help but admire so talented a group.

David Wilmot pivots from defending the honor of Councilmember Yvette “Miss Congeniality” Alexander before the Board of Ethics and Election to touting the virtues of Walmart.

Kevin Chavous shepherded the dreaded Lottery deal to fruition for Interlot. John Ray, who seems to have forgotten an antipathy towards gambling displayed in an earlier mayoral run, now defends gasoline magnate Joe Mamo. When not lobbying on behalf of clients such as Fannie Mae, Fred Cooke spends his spare time defending Marion “I Forgot to File (Again)” Barry and Councilmember Thomas. And, last but not least, is Kerry

46 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

Pearson, who according to Washington City Paper represents Clyde’s Restaurant Group among others, when not raising campaign funds for a bountiful bevy of DC politicians.

Speaking of Clyde’s, The Old Ebbitt Grill, one of the group’s many properties, famous for its raw mollusks, holds a special place in The Nose’s heart, an affinity it seems that is shared with Lower Caucasia’s councilmember, Jack “Mr. Undersight” Evans.

Not only did Evans hold a recent fundraiser at one of the group’s many establishments, but his current campaign finance report boasts identical $500 contributions from Clyde’s of Gallery Place, Clyde’s of Tyson’s Corner, Clyde’s of Columbia, Inc., Clyde’s of Broadland, Inc., Clyde’s of Mark’s Center, Inc., Clyde’s of Georgetown, and Clyde’s Incorporated. The Nose is sure that whenever Clyde’s expands to the moon, its lunar branch will show up on a future Evan’s campaign report as well.

The Nose didn’t even have to purloin Dorothy Brizill’s ruby reading glasses to figure this one out.

Clyde’s is spelled the same way in seven separate entries in Evans’s October campaign filing. This type of ‘bundled’ cash, while technically legal, is in The Nose’s opinion intrinsically questionable.

In the case of Clyde’s, The Nose opines, setting his usual cynicism aside, the cash probably was awarded in recognition of the hundreds of bivalves consumed during Jack’s many years of patronage of the group’s many establishments.

Rather than joining his colleagues in their loud complaint, The Nose prefers to celebrate talents of DC’s ‘lobbynistas.’ Gentlemen, in the spirit of The Fiddler, here is a song for you:

| NOVEMBER 2011

Lobbyist, Lobbyist, make me a match.

Find me a BFF, catch me a catch.

Lobbyist, Lobbyist, look through your book And make me a perfect match.

Lobbyist, Lobbyist, I’ll bring the cash.

You bring the Pol, I’ll throw a bash.

Bring me a deal, for I’m longing to be the envy of all I see.

For voters, make sure they don’t bother.

For Politicians, make their cell phones sing.

For me, well, I wouldn’t holler If my contributions weren’t limited by anything.

Lobbyist, Lobbyist, make me a match.

Find me a find, catch me a catch.

Deal after deal, in the dark, I’m alone.

So, find me a politician of my own.

The problem is not Wilmot and company’s talent for short-circuiting governmental bureaucracy. Rather, it is the corruption’s entire lack of transparency. All citizens, in The Nose’s humble opinion, should have the same access to politicians granted to these fixers.

To promote transparent and even handed influence peddling, each councilmember in the manner of Luther should nail to his door a list of fees for services rendered. At the bottom end, the schedule might start with the cost of making traffic infractions disappear and work its way up to more complex transactions such as land banking public property for private, tax-free gain. Throw in the prices for obtaining questionable permits, a prix fixe special for PUDs (Planned Unit Developments) and life in this metropolis would be perfect.

In The Nose’s sage opinion, the problem in The District is not corruption, but the secrecy of required fees. Let’s make the menu of incentives public so that all may contribute their fare share.

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