East of the River Magazine April 2016 by Capital Community News

A P R I L 2 0 16

ALEXANDER MOVES WARD 7 $400 MILLION FORWARD 2007 TO NOW:

$400 MILLION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS New Recreational Facilities: • The Ridge Rd Recreation Center • Kenilworth Recreation Center • Benning Stoddert Recreation Center • The Marvin Gaye Recreation Center • Fort Dupont Ice Arena Expansion • The Washington Nationals Baseball Academy • The Washington Tennis & Education • Foundation Tennis Academy • The Deanwood Recreation Center

New Affordable & Market Rate Housing: • 180 Housing Units Under Construction at Parkside. • 40 Phase I Townhouse Sold at Parkside • K Hovanian Homes Underway at Parkside Phase II • 600 Units at Hill East Work Continues on a Tax Abatement for Another 400 Workforce Units at Parkside. Stay Tuned for the 2017 Ground Breaking!

New Government Facilities & Projects:

New Libraries: • Anacostia Public Library • Dorothy Height Public Library • Francis Gregory Public Library

• The Benning Road DMV • Parkside Pedestrian Bridge • The New Department of Employment Services • Educare Learning Center • H.D. Woodson High School

on June 14th, RE-ELECT

To Join Her Effort to Move Ward 7 Forward

Call 202.550.0029

Paid for by The Committee to Re-Elect Yvette Alexander 2016 | 4508 B Street, SE, Unit 8, Washington, DC 20019 | Derek Ford Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

Next Issue: May 7

Spring arts & dining

9 Ways to put a Spring in Your Step

Raising Awareness through Theater

Jazz Avenues

by Kathleen Donner

by Phil Hutinet

by Steve Monroe

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

The Bulletin Board

Archer Park Breathes New Life into Congress Heights by Shaun Courtney

Igniting Economic Development in Ward 7

Six Candidates Step into the Race for Ward 8 Councilmember

In Every Issue What’s on Washington

East of the River Calendar

The Classified The Crossword

by Jonetta Rose Barras

by Christine Rushton

What’s in a Name?

What Happened to Zo?

The Numbers

by Angela M. Copeland

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

by Soumya Bhat

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

ON THE COVER: Sharon Wise Self Portrait. Story on page 26.

At the Crossroads: To ‘Change Our Streets’

Scoring Home Runs on the Field and in the Classroom

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

by Christine Rushton

AmeriHealth Caritas DC Empowers Members Through Technology by Candace Y.A. Montague

REAL ESTATE

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY

58 Da ily on l in e . Mon th ly in prin t.

Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

E as tof th e R iv e r D C News.c om

East of the River Magazine April 2016

DCRA FREE WORKSHOPS

EST.

1976

FOR EXISTING AND ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES DCRA’s Small Business Week 2016 Save the Dates: Monday, May 2 – Thursday, May 5, 2016 For more information: Call (202)442-4538 or http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com

Senior Entrepreneurship Program Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016 Time: 10:15 am – 11:45 am Location: Bernice Fonteneau 3531 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20010 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/41358

Money Smart for Small Business Workshop: Recordkeeping & Time Management Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016 Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/41939

How to Open a Non-Profit Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/41237

SmartStart Integrated Licensing and Money Smart for Small Business Program Date: Monday, April 18, 2016 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/41078

The Regulatory Process of Starting a Business Date: Monday, April 18, 2016 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library 3160 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20010 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/41345

Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC Date: Thursday, April 28, 2016 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42132

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Kids & Family

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aRts, dininG & enteRtainment

Homes & GaRdens

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

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Filmfest DC From April 14 through 24, the Washington, DC International Film Festival, aka Filmfest DC, returns with a new lineup of the best cinema from around the globe. This year’s Filmfest DC features engrossing thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, social justice revelations and other award-winning quality work from some of the world’s leading filmmakers. Now in its 30th year, The Washington, DC International Film Festival brings the finest in contemporary world cinema to the nation’s capital. The festival has introduced over 1,000 feature and short films from over 55 countries to an ever-growing audience. filmfestdc.org. They are currently looking for volunteers to help them in the theaters. Those interested should fill out the Volunteer Application Form at filmfestdc.org/volunteer. Much Loved. Photo: Courtesy of Celluloid Dreams

DC Emancipation Day April 16, 1862 marks the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the South. DC Emancipation Day activities include a parade along Pennsylvania Ave, NW, on Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.; a concert at Freedom Plaza at 6 to 8:30 p.m.; and fireworks at 8:45 p.m., also at Freedom Plaza. The Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration at Hill Center features talks on Friday, April 15, 7 p.m., Race and Democracy in Washington, DC: Civil War through WWII; on Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m., African American Women during Slavery and Freedom; on Sunday, April 17, 3 p.m., Racial Passing in American Life. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. RIGHT: The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will bring African American Music from the Civil War Era to life on Sunday, April 17, 6 p.m., at Christ Church, 620 G St. SE. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Georgetown French Market The Georgetown French Market is a DC tradition that marks the arrival of spring. This popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—returns Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, noon to 5 p.m. The market is along Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road in the Book Hill section of Georgetown. Each year, Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting Parisian style, open-air market. Neighborhood restaurants also offer specials and French fare including: sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons. On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Ave. becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more. georgetowndc.com. Photo: Sam Kittner for the Georgetown BID

Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival The Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival on Saturday, April 30, noon to 8 p.m., is a musical celebration of spring in DC that raises money for the Living Classrooms Foundation. The main entrance for Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is on the west bank of the Anacostia River. This entrance is at the back of RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6, approximately 0.1 miles south of Benning Road NE. As an environmentally friendly festival, guests are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation. Parking is available for a fee in RFK Lot 7 and the closest metro to the park is the Stadium-Armory station with a free shuttle. General admission is $15; children under 13, free. kingmanislandbluegrass.com. The Hackensaw Boys get the crowd going on the Bluegrass Stage at the Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival. Photo: Matthew Brazier

Washington Nationals Baseball Begins Most people reading this can walk to Nat’s Park. What baseball offers is three solid hours of entertainment, a lot of silliness, a chance to catch a fly ball or a tee-shirt, standup patriotism and no-judgement chili dogs. The season begins on April 7 and, if there’s no post season, ends on Oct. 2. So consider becoming a fan this year and please pay attention to our Bulletin Boards and Kids and Family Notebooks throughout the season wherein we alert you to $1 hot dogs, giveaways, chances to run or walk the bases (kids and old people) and to bring your dog to the park. washington.nationals.mlb.com. PS: Unfortunately, there’s only one fireworks display this year on Friday, July 1, after the 6:05 p.m. game vs. the Reds. Nat’s celebrate Scherzer no-hitter. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

East of the River Magazine April 2016

CALENDAR

calendar APRIL

Earth Day, naturE anD garDEning

National Arboretum Tram Tours. Weekends and holidays; noon, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM. $4, adults; $2, kids for to 16; free under four. Tickets must be purchased the day of the tour at the Information Desk in the Administration Building. usna.usda.gov. Lunchtime Tours of the Botanic Garden Conservatory. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 1 PM; Tuesdays, 2 to 3 PM. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will connect the exotic plant world to everyday life. usbg.gov.

1ď&#x2122;&#x192;

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. April 16, 9 AM to noon. Find a site and details you need to help at fergusonfoundation.org. Celebrate Earth Day Open House at the Botanic Garden. April 22, 10 AM to 2 PM. Come enjoy engaging hands-on activities and meet with representatives of environmental organizations from throughout the region. Drop by and learn all the ways that you can make the planet a healthier place and become a more active steward of the plants that support life on earth. usbg.gov. Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup. April 23, 9 AM to noon, cleanup at 31 sites along the

l d

y m e e t

. e

ANACOSTIA RIVER FESTIVAL April 17, 1 to 5 PM. Activities include: kayaking, boating, fishing workshops, hands-on art projects, musical performances, bike parades, pop-up stores and other unique programs engaging families with the river, its history and ecology. Held in Anacostia Park, Anacostia Dr. and Good Hope Rd. SE. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. Photo: Courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Anacostia River. Noon to 2 PM, celebration at RFK Stadium. Sign up at anacostiaws.org/earthday2016. Earth Day Cleanup at Kenilworth Park. April 23, 9 AM to noon. Join 200 fellow volunteers who will clean the park and the bandalong litter trap. Read more at anacostiaws.org/earthday2016. Groundwork Anacostia River DC is at 3939 Benning Road, NE. 202650-5651. groundworkdc.org. Earth Day at the National Zoo. April 23, 10 AM to 2 PM. Celebrate Earth Day with the National Zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sustainability Committee. Learn about the many green achievements and continued efforts across the National Zoo. nationalzoo.si.edu. National Arboretum Azalea Collections Tours. April 27, 10 AM to noon; April 29, 4:30 to 6:30 PM; May 4, 10 AM to noon; May 8, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, 1 to 3 PM. Stroll along wooded hillside trails amid a brilliant spring display of thou-

East of the River Magazine April 2016

CALENDAR

EASTLAND GARDENS FLOWER CLUB ANNUAL CLEANUP April 23, 9 AM to noon. Join your neighbors at the entrance of Eastland Gardens on Lee Street and lend a hand during their annual Earth Day cleanup. Photo: Javier Barker

sands of blooming azaleas while learning about the origins and culture of these popular shrubs. $12. Email registration required. usna.usda.gov. Annual National Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale. April 29, 1 to 4 PM and April 30, 9 AM to 4 PM. Sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. Sale is in the Grove of State Trees parking lot (new location). usna.usda.gov.

spECial EvEnts EMULSION--Third Annual East City Art Regional Juried Exhibition. April 9 to 16. Opening reception, Saturday, April 9, 8 to 11 PM; awards ceremony, 8:30 PM. Show features the work of 28 Washington-Baltimore area artists. Gallery O on H, 1354 H St. NE. eastcityart.com/emulsion. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. April 16, 10 AM to noon. Parade route is Constitution Avenue, Seventh to 17th Streets NW. Blessing of the Fleets. April 16, 1 to 5 PM. Passed down through generations of sailors and navies around the world, the centuries � old ceremony is intended to safeguard crews and ships from the danger of the seas through a traditional blessing given by a clergyman at the water’s edge. United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. navymemorial.org. Celebrating Shakespeare’s Birthday at the Folger. April 24, noon to 4 PM. Join the Folger for this annual tradition, as they celebrate the birthday of the Bard with a day full of festivities. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

arounD thE nEighBorhooD Theatre Prometheus Presents “MacBeth” at the Anacostia Arts Center. April 14, 7:30 PM and May 1, 8 PM. Theatre Prometheus kicks off the season with an all-female production of Macbeth, directed by Artistic Director Tracey Erbacher. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. theatreprometheus.com. Double Time Jazz@THEARC: Kim Jordan. April 15, 8 PM. Double Time Jazz@THEARC features Kim Jordan “In Tribute to Gil Scott Heron.” Kim, an extraordinarily gifted artist, keyboardist, producer, vocal coach, engineer, preacher � teacher and entrepreneur received her BA in music from Howard University. $20. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Fate of a Salesman Film and Discussion. April 19, 11 AM to 1 PM. The H Street NE shop Men’s Fashion Center, once the choice outfitter for local legends like Chuck Brown and even some city politicians closed its doors in 2012 after six decades in business. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. A Change is Gonna Come at THEARC. April 22, 8 PM and April 23, 3 PM. A Change Is Gonna Come is

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

East of the River Magazine April 2016

the true-to-life depiction of a pastor’s wife’s agonizing journey to conceal a false image of a blissful marriage in public, while enduring physical, emotional and verbal abuse behind closed doors. $35. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Kwame Ture (aka Stokley Carmichael) Talk. April 22, 2 to 4 PM. Howard University Professor Rhone Fraser examines how the theoretical perspectives of the Washington Post and Peniel Joseph’s biography of 1960s political activist Turé differ from the perspective of his autobiography “Ready For Revolution.” Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Free Shipping Exhibition. April 23 to May 15. Exhibition by graduating Corcoran BFA students. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. theatreprometheus.com. Fringe Music-Donvonte McCoy. April 23, 2 PM. Donvonte McCoy is one of DC’s most agile trumpeter and composers. Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning. Double Time Jazz@THEARC: Black Alley. April 29, 8 PM. This edition of Double Time Jazz will see Black Alley in a very rare fusion of R&B, Jazz and Go-Go. Special Guest-Nicholas Ryan Gant. $20. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Metro Mambo-Chocolate in “Chocolate City.” April 30, 2 to 4 PM. Join host Jim Byers (WPFW 89.3 FM) for a celebration of the late, great Cuban trumpeter Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros. Free. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. theatreprometheus.com.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Laura Vucci 202-400-3510

or laura@hillrag.com for more information on advertising. 14

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Levine Music Community Sing at THEARC. May 7, 2 to 5 PM. Led by Levine artist-in-residence Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell, formerly of Sweet Honey in the Rock, you will be singing gorgeous five-part harmonies shortly after you arrive. Free to participate and attend. RSVP at levinemusic.org/communitysing. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org. Capital C Is For Color-The Washington Color School. May 8, 2 to 4 PM. Art historian Lisa Lipinski talks about the art and artists involved in this Washington, DC centered art movement of the 1970s. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

MUSIC AROUND TOWN Music at The Howard. April 9, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton; April 10, Hallelujah-The Story of the Clark Family; April 14, Construction Rocks; April 16, El Gran Combo; April 17, Luther Vandross Re-Lives Brunch and Steel Pulse with Special Guest Jah Works; April 19, Jazz is Phish; April 22, Alice in Wonderland; April 24, Sunday R&B Brunch featuring X-Factor Band and The King’s Court Tour-An Official J. Dilla Tribute; April 25, Walter Trout; April 26 and 27, Floetry; Aprl 28, Bunny Wailer; April 29, Colors DC; April 30, Majah Hype; May 1, Harlem Gospel Choir; May 5, The Afro-Cuban All Stars; May 6, Buckcherry and Big G and Backyard Band Birthday Bash. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com. Music at 9:30 Club. April 9, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors; April 10, Magic Man & The Griswolds; April 12, Napalm Death & Melvins; April 13, The Joy Formidable; April 14, Lissie; April 15, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down; April 16, The Feelies; April 17, The Dandy Warhols; April 19, Esperanza Spalding presents: Emily’s D+Evolution; April 20, Good Charlotte; April 21, Tokyo Police Club and Dirtyphonics & Funtcase; April 22, Murder By Death; April 23, Tribal Seeds; April 24, Houndmouth; April 25, Puddles Pity Party; April 26, POLIÇA; April 27, Bob Mould; April 28, Elephant Revival; April 29, The Residents present Shadowland and Miami Horror; April 30, Maggie Rose & The Morrison Brothers Band and Slander; May 1, M. Ward; May 3, Young Thug; May 4, Parachute; May 5, The Brian Jonestown Massacre; May 6, Super Furry Animals; May 7, The Sonics. 815 V St. NW. 877-435-9849. 930.com. Music at the U Street Music Hall. April 9, Run River North and Prince Fox; April 10, The Knocks (DJ Set); April 14, Eleanor Friedberger and Mano Le Tough; April 15, Le1f and Gigamesh & Solidisco; April 16, Coasts and DJ Tennis; April 17, Prof; April 20, Gryffin (Live); April 21, Aurora and Sliink & Brenmar; April 22, Steffi (Live) & Martyn; April 23, Gent & Jawns; April 28, Father; April 29, Yuna and Hudson Mohawke; April 30, Fat White Family/Dilly Dally and Big Wild; May 1, The Wild Feathers; May 4, Freddie Gibbs; May 5, Del the Funky Homosapien and Âme (DJ Set); May 6, Lou Doillon and Grum. U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 202-588-1889. ustreetmusichall.com. Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. April 9, Go Cozy Official Album Release; April 10, Legendary Shak Shakers; April 12, The Subways; April 14, Unearth; April 15, Yuck; April 16, DC Brau 5 Year Anniversary and Small Black; April 17, Big D and The Kids Table; April 18, Denzel Curry; April 19, Little Green Cars; April 21, Future Rock; April 21,

The Intrinsics; April 24, The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band; April 26, American Authors; April 29, Elliphant. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. Music at the Lincoln. April 10, The Smashing Pumpkins-in Plainsong; April 18 and 19, Welcome to Night Vale; April 22, !Hay Jarana en al Calleion!; May 1, Children of the Gospel Choir & Children’s Chorus of Washington. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolndc.com. Music at Black Cat. April 10, Damaged City Fest; April 11, Red Room Open; April 13, Geographer The Crookes; April 14, Harry & the Potters; April 15, Chairlift and Al Night Long; April 16, Right Round; April 17, Har Mar Superstar; April 18, Paperhaus and Crushnpain; April 19, Michael Che; April 20, White Denim; April 21, Dag Nasty and Lewis Del Mar; April 22, Eugene Nirman, Robyn Hitchcock; April 23, Into it. Over it.; April 25, This was my night & this was a lot of other nights; April 26, Parker Millsap; April 28, Hemlines; April 29, Little War Twins, Alex Van’s Bad Business; April 30, The Thermals; May 1, Wild Belle; May 4, The End of America. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com. Sunday Concerts at the Phillips. April 10, Ingolf Wunder, piano; April 17, Paul Huang, violin; April 24, Lawrence Power & Simon Crawford-Phillips, violins; May 1, Jennifer Koh, Ursula Oppens, Frederic Rzewski, 75th Anniversary Commission; May 8, Metropolis Ensemble; May 15, United States Navy Band; May 22, JACK Quartet; May 29, The Phillips Camerata. $30, $15 for members, students, and visitors 6 to 18; includes museum admission for day of the concert. Reservations recommended. phillipscollection.org/music. Blues Night in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. April 11, Tom Newman Blues Band; April 18, Mark Wenner’s Blues Warriors; April 25, Jacques & Margie Live! $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-4847700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. April 12, I Dilettosi Fiori; April 19, Martin Labazevitch piano; April 26, Beau Soir Ensemble; May 3, Washington Bach Consort. Free, but offering taken. 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. April 15, The Next Generation of Jazz; April 22, Special Attraction-Charles Covington Organ Trio; April 29, Tribute to Wes Montgomery; April 30, 1 to 3 PM, Thinking About Jazz, Wes Montgomery. $5 cover. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

CALENDAR 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. “Notes from the Crypt” Chamber Music Concerts at Congressional Cemetery. April 17, May 22, and June 19; 4 PM. These one-hour concerts are held about once a month in the historic Chapel. The program is followed by a wine and cheese reception. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org. Music at Sixth and I. April 20, Brad Mehldau Trio. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-4083100. sixthandi.org. Music at the Library of Congress. April 20, noon, Esma Redzepova & Folk Masters: Romani (Gypsy) and Macedonian Music. This free concert is in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov. Jazz at the Atlas. April 22, 8 PM, Joanna Wallfisch; April 23, 8 PM, Tizer Trio; April 23, 7 PM, Brad Linde: The Lonely Poet Project. Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.

SPORTS AND FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball. April 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28. washington.nationals.mlb.com. DC United at RFK. April 9, 4 p.m. vs. Vancouver; April 16. 7 p.m. vs. Toronto; April 23, 4:30 p.m. vs. New England. dcunited.com. Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. April 10. Verizon Center. capitals.nhl.com. Washington Wizards Basketball. April 10 and 13. Verizon Center. nba.com/wizards. DC Rollergirls. April 30, doors open at 3 PM; first bout starts at 4 PM. DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol St. SE. dcrollergirls.com. Zumba at THEARC. Mondays, 7:15 to 8:15 PM. Ditch the workout, join the party! Latin Dance-Fitness fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org. Adult Yoga at THEARC. Saturdays, 8:45 to 10 AM. Vinyasa Yoga is a practice where postures or asanas are connected through the breath for a transformative and balancing effect. it builds heat, endurance, flexibility and strength. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org. Adult African Dance at THEARC. Wednesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Taught by Sylvia Soumah, founder of Coyaba Dance Theater and teacher at The Washington Ballet SE Campus, Adult African Dance classes provide a friendly environment to learn West African dance. Come feel the beat. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org.

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Adult Kundalini Yoga at THEARC. Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:45 PM. Come experience Kundalini Yoga, a science that works on your energy system using various hand and finger positions (mudras) body postures (asanas), and chants (mantras). $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org.

ic Park, 121 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA. 703549-2997. carlylehouse.org.

Free Weekly Jazzercise Class. Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Jazzercise is a 60-minute workout that incorporates cardio, stretch and strength-training exercises. Bring weights and a mat. 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs in the ground floor community room.

National Cathedral Flower Mart. May 6 and 7 (rain or shine), 10 AM. This annual outdoor spring festival sponsored by the Cathedral’s All Hallows Guild features locally grown plant sales and international floral displays in the Cathedral nave. More than 80 unique boutique booths, local and international foods, music and entertainment. Fun activities for children including rides on the antique carousel. Free admission. cathedral.org.

Yoga @ the Library. Saturdays, 10 to 11 AM. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Yoga mats are also available. Classes are taught by a Yoga Activist and are held on the lower level of the library in the Larger Meeting Room. Free. Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning.

MARKETS AND SALES H Street NE FRESHFARM Market. Opens for season Saturday, April 16, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Located at H and 13th Streets NE. freshfarmmarket.org. SW Library Spring Book Sale. April 16, 10 AM to 3 PM; and April 17, 1:30 to 4 PM. Sale proceeds support events and supplies for the SW Library. Have Books to Donate? Email them at friendsofswlibrary@gmail.com. Southwest Neighborhood Library is at 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-724-4752. dclibrary.org/southwest. Social Justice Book Fair. April 16, 10 AM to 3:30 PM. Fair features the critical work of socially engaged poets, writers, organizations, progressive presses, literary magazines and independent newspapers. Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives, Room 300, 1201 17th St. NW. St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church Rummage Sale. April 16, 8 AM to 2 PM. 4700 Whitehaven Pkwy. NW. stpatrickschurchdc.org. Arlington Festival of the Arts. April 16 and 17, 10 AM to 5 PM. One hundred of the finest artists in country will converge upon North Highland Street in Clarendon this spring for a two-day juried outdoor gallery style art exhibit and sale. 3003 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. artfestival.com. Smithsonian Craft Show. April 21 to 24. Show and sale of 120 of the premier fine craft artists in the United States. The work of these artists represents all facets of contemporary design and craft: jewelry, wearable art, basketry, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wood, and ceramics. Daily admission is $20. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. smithsoniancraftshow.org. Carlyle House Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale. April 23, 8 AM to 4 PM. Celebrate spring at Carlyle House’s Annual Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale where culinary and decorative herbs and plants from Mount Vernon will be available for purchase. Listen to performances by area musicians throughout the day, bring your garden questions to our Master Gardeners, and shop for items made by local artisans and crafters. Carlyle House Histor-

Northeast Library Children’s Book Sale. April 23, 10 AM to 1 PM. Most books are $1 to $2. Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary. org/northeast.

Great Brookland Yard Sale. May 7, 10 AM to 2 PM. Sales all over the neighborhood. Map at greatbrooklandyardsale.org. Friends of Southeast Library Book Sale. Monthly on the second Saturday (April 9), 10 AM to 3 PM. Most books are $1. Proceeds benefit children’s programs. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. 202-698-3377. dclibrary. org/southeast. Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com. Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org. Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting). Set up after 10 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com. Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays, 8 AM to 4 PM. 1819 35th St. NW. georgetownfleamarket.com.

CIVIC LIFE Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30 to 8 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202-450-3155.

Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon to 2 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-8894900. Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org. Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7 to 9 PM. UPO Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday, 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R Streets SE. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

anC monthly mEEtings ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b@earthlink.net. ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net. ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov. ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. DC Scholars Public School, 5601 East Capitol St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov. ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE. ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org.

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ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244.

ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Streets, SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org.

ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202-561-0774. Have an item for the Calendar? Email calendar@ hillrag.com. ◆

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

Ways to put a Spring in Your Step W by Kathleen Donner

hen Six Flags, King’s Dominion and Myrtle Beach ads hit the TV screen, it is spring. The cherry blossoms arrive and depart. Winter coats go off to the cleaners. There are farmers markets, yard sales, flowers popping up and that remarkable new green on the trees. Here are nine events to enjoy Washington at its most beautiful.

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Three Centuries of American Prints from the National Gallery of Art, through July 24. Since opening in 1941, the Gallery has amassed an outstanding collection of American prints representing the history of American art from the early 18th century to the present. Timed to coincide with the Gallery’s 75th anniversary, this first comprehensive exhibition of American prints encompasses three centuries highlighting some 160 works from the Gallery’s collection. Visitors can enjoy an diverse display ranging from John Simon’s Four Indian Kings (1710) to Kara Walker’s no world (2010). nga.gov.

three Four Dragon Boats Racing in the Potomac River. Photo: Steve Tan.

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DC Dragon Boat Festival, Thompsons Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, May 21 and 22 (rain dates, June 18 and 19). The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now celebrating it’s 15th year, is a two day event held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course...dragon boat racing. Sponsored by the Chinese Women’s League. The festival promotes Chinese culture. Parking can be tricky. dragonboatdc.com.

Mary Cassatt, Woman Bathing, 1890-1891, color drypoint and aquatint on heavy laid paper, plate - 36.5 x 26.6 cm (14 3/8 x 10 1/2 in., sheet: 47.9 x 31.2 cm (18 7/8 x 12 5/16 in.), National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald.

All the Way at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, through May 8. President Lyndon Baines Johnson had a way about him. He could massage a victory with one hand and twist your arm with the other. But brokering a deal is like playing with dynamite. With the country still reeling from President Kennedy’s assassination, and a rising tide of bitterness over Civil Rights, it will take more than politicking to hold America together. It will take red, white and blue-blooded leadership. arenastage.org.

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Jack Willis as President Lyndon Baines Johnson in All the Way, which runs through May 8 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Photo: by Jenny Graham Courtesy of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

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FEATURED AUTHORS:

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Riverfront BID.

Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concerts at Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE, Fridays, starting May 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This free concert series is back for its sixth Season, this year on the Great Lawn of Yards Park! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverages. There are a large variety of great restaurants within a five-minute walk from the park. Familyfriendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. yardspark.org.

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SUNDAY

MAAMY- 3 P1M

Nick Auclair Jonathan Bardzik Louis Bayard Karen Branan Ruben Castaneda Christopher Chambers J.N. Childress Christopher Datta Teri Cross Davis John DeFerrari

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Samuel Fromartz Patricia Gray Kathryn Harris James Herbert M/R Johnson Katy Kelly George Koors Jonathan Lewis Scott Magnuson & Shaaren Pine Nick Mann

Chuck McCutcheon & David Mark Laura Krauss Melmed Jean Nordhaus Diane Onwuchekwa Garrett Peck Quintin Peterson Robert Pohl Bill Press Frederick Reuss Valeria Rind

EXHIBITORS & VENDORS: Beltway Poetry Quarterly Capitol Hill Books DC Public Library East City Bookshop Fairy Godmother Books & Toys Folger Shakespeare Library Green Kids Press The Hill Center Library of Congress

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NEW THIS YEAR!

POETS’ CORNER @ TUNNICLIFF’S 3PM on the patio at Tunnicliff’s Tavern across from Eastern Market Readings by noted local poets followed by open-mic poetry readings (sign up at the poetry table at the BookFest or, after 3pm, at Tunnicliff’s)

The Earth Harp at the Kennedy Center, May 17 to June 5. William Close is an installation artist and musician who has developed over 100 new types of musical instruments. Close will create a special Earth Harp to fill the Hall of States. Visitors will be able to view this stunning installation, as well as hear it played during daily short performances (times to be announced). This installation is open from 10 a.m. until the building closes at midnight. kennedy-center.org.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

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Formed in the wake of this unprecedented tragedy, Lakou Mizik is a collection of musicians representing a cross section of generations, faiths and musical styles. Photo: Thomas Freteur.

Lakou Mizik at Dance Place, April 23, 8 p.m. Lakou Mizik is a multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. The group includes elder legends and rising young talents united in a mission to honor the healing spirit of their collective culture. They communicate a message of pride, strength and hope to their countrymen and the world. The band is making their Washington, DC debut on April 23, at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org.

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Spontaneous music at the Washington Folk Festival.

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Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD, June 4 and 5 (rain or shine), noon to 7 p.m., both days. The 36th Annual Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in the Washington area. All musicians, storytellers, dancers and craftspeople live in the the greater Washington metropolitan area; and volunteer their talents to put on a first class festival. With performances representing cultures from around the world as well as around the country, it is your chance to find out what is going on in local folk performance communities. fsgw.org.

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Photo: Rob McDogall.

Riverdance at Wolf Trap, June 23 to 26. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day. Capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures, Riverdance is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland — in rock, music, theater, and film — nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. wolftrap.org.

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Image: Courtesy of the Folger Shakespeare Library.

District Merchants at the Folger, May 31 to July 3 (Pay-What-You-Will Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.). District Merchants is a variation on William Shakespeare’s The Mechant of Venice. Love and litigation, deep passions and predatory lending are taken to a new level in this uneasy comedy, which wades fearlessly into the endless complexities and contradictions of life in America. Set among the Black and Jewish populations of an imagined time and place, simultaneously Shakespearean, post-Civil War DC and today, District Merchants is a remarkable tale of money, merchandise, and mercy brought to the stage by fourtime Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. folger.edu. u

East of the River Magazine April 2016

Raising Awareness through Theater

Sharon Wise

Ward 8 Playwright Sharon Wise Focuses her Art on Societal Issues and Mental Health Problems

article by Phil Hutinet photos by Sharon Wise

new production at the Anacostia Playhouse titled Dinner at Tuesday’s sheds light on critical issues facing a growing senior citizen population. Focusing on domestic violence and prescription drug abuse within this segment of society, Ward 8 resident Sharon Wise, 53, found inspiration for writing the play by pulling from the deep well of her life experiences. Wise’s life experiences have ranged from surviving childabuse, addiction and chronic homelessness to flourishing as a counselor, behavioral expert, mental health advocate, visual artist and now a playwright and actress.

to live on the streets all the while beginning a downward spiral of self-medication through substance abuse to cope with her pain. Wise was institutionalized 15 times in either hospitals or jails because of her addiction to drugs and alcohol and three suicide attempts.

A Painful Beginning

Recovery through Art

Wise had a precarious start to life having suffered sexual abuse at the unimaginable age of five. “At five years old I was describing that I was being abused. People thought I had a mental illness which is what it may have been because I was experiencing trauma. Trauma is something your carry inside you,” Wise explains. At nine, the Chicago native began to run away from a home filled with violence and discord. She ate scraps she found at outdoor cafés, slept under bridges and in abandoned cars. By 18 Wise had two children and continued

Wise came to DC in 1990 and continued to live on the streets. At the nonprofit My Sister’s Place, Wise had the chance to begin anew, become sober and start her life on a solid footing with art playing a central role in Wise’s recovery. Wise puts it plainly, “Art saved my life.” “It was negative, but what happened to me was expressed through my art.” Drawing allowed Wise to simultaneously express both her pain and to describe what had happened to her as a child while coming to terms with her adolescence “my vibrant colored self-portraits il-

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lustrate my traumatic experiences and journey.” The importance of “visual language,” as Wise calls it, allows her to understand trauma in both herself and in others. Her self-taught fluency in this form of communication is a gift which facilitates counseling others and interpreting horrific, traumatic experiences that do not conform naturally to verbal expression. In addition to excelling as a prolific visual artist, Wise has completed a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in developmental psychology. But Wise has not stopped there. She now seeks to use playwriting as a means to

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educate others about mental health and societal problems.

PlAywRiting foR sociAl chAnge “I wrote a play three years ago called meet me on the moon which was performed at THEARC,” says Wise. The success of the production led Wise to continue on this path. True to form, Wise uses theater to impart important information about difficult topics such as substance abuse or physical abuse. She conveys in universal terms the impact these experiences have on people’s mental health and the toll they take on the individual level. This year, Wise has written a play titled Dinner at Tuesday’s which focuses on domestic violence in aging populations. Wise explains “I use role play, social theater to communication a message.” In addition to writing and producing the play, Wise will play the role of Constance Tuesday, the protagonist. Wise believes that difficulties seniors face often derive from a lack of financial resources including access to proper heath care and social services. In addition to touching upon the perils of prescription medication abuse, Wise’s play also focuses the societal stigma placed on seniors who seek new love interests after the death of a lifelong partner. In Dinner at Tuesday’s, Constance Tuesday—a “young 64 year old” as Wise puts it—now lives with her sister Nadine Strong after years of living apart and independently from one another. Constance begins a relationship with Percival, a neighbor whom Wise describes as a “player.” Constance doesn’t want her sister to know that she and Percival are dating. To complicate matters, the relationship takes an abusive turn as Percival sometimes hits Constance who rationalizes his behavior as victims of violence often

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

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Sharon Wise Self Portrait

do. Everything comes to a head at a dinner when Nadine can no longer hold her tongue and passes judgement on her sister decrying a relationship she believes is dangerous. For Wise, “The inspiration for this play is didactic. It’s like show and tell.” Wise believes seniors can still be sensuous and sexy and that we, as a society, should begin to reassess our perceptions of them. The cast includes Sharon Wise as Constance, Jeremy Jay Sams as Percival and Sharon Coffee as Nadine. Mercedez Webb is the co-director and stage manager, Nancy Ingles provides support and wardrobe. Adele Robey, Executive Director of the

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Anacostia Playhouse, also offered extensive support to Wise for the realization of this play Dinner at Tuesday’s is Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE | Free Parking on street and lot. Tickets for individuals and groups: $15 (advance) or $20 at the door. Proceeds from this event support efforts to start an art school in Rwanda and the Congo. For more information go to www.anacostiaplayhouse.com. Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, a publication dedicated to DC’s visual arts. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com. u

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

Jazz Avenues

by Steve Monroe

“But despite it all, the musical journey that began in the dance halls and saloons and street parades of New Orleans in the early years of the twentieth century continues into the twenty-first – and shows no sign of slowing down. Jazz remains gloriously inclusive, a proudly mongrel American music, filled with brilliant echoes of the past but still brand new every night.” “Jazz: A History of America’s Music” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns

Double-Time Jazz JAMS Away at THEARC East of the River Jazz fans and others can enjoy appreciating America’s music during Jazz Appreciation Month in April at the Double Time Jazz concerts at the Town Hall Education Arts Center (THEARC), featuring Kim Jordan on April 15 and Black Alley on April 29. Double Time Jazz at THEARC Theater is provided by the THEARC’s collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Jazz Touring Network and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The program is one of those at THEARC that fulfills the mission of Building Bridges Across the River, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that built and now operates THEARC “to improve the quality of life for children and adults who reside east of the Anacostia River …” See www.thearcdc.org or call 202-889-5901.

Smithsonian, HU, Levine, UDC, Atlas Host JAM Events The Smithsonian Institution, the originator of Jazz Appreciation, is celebrating the legacy of musician and bandleader Benny Carter this year with concerts at the American History Museum on Thursdays: April 14, US Air

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Force Band Airmen of Note Ensemble; Saxophonist Andrew White appears at Blues April 21, SmithsonAlley with the Zorro Sax All-Stars, April 26. ian Jazz Masterworks Photo: Andrew White Ensemble; April 28, George Washington University Latin Jazz Band. Also, Piano in LeFrank Lobby concerts featuring pianists, April 25, 26, 27 (Harry Appelman), and 29 for noon concerts. Jazz art displays in the museum feature Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and the Blue Note photographs of Francis Wolf. See www.smithsonianjazz.org. Howard University events include Gary Bartz on April 10 and the HU Jazz choirs on April 27 at Childers Recital Hall. Levine Music School’s Jazz Fest 2016 includes a Latin Jazz Workshop, a piano and vocal program, a jam session and a Pat Martino master class. See www.levinemusic.org. Events at the University of the District of Columbia include the UDC Small Jazz Ensembles on April 12 and the Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival on April 25, and Jazz at Van Ness Celebrates International Jazz Day on April 30, See www.jazzaliveudc.org. And there is a Jazz Appreciation Mini-Series at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street NE on April 21-24. See www.atlasarts.org.

Reminder: The 705network Wants YOU! Among the groups we thank for fostering, promoting, and presenting the music is the 705network, led by Marie and Cathy Stanley, who bring us the television show on DCTV and other channels and live streaming that features performers “on tour in the nation’s capital.” See www.705network. com. “If your band is making music in the Washington DC area let us know at cs.705network@hotmail … Check out our YourTubeChannel at YouTube.com/705network.”

Coda for BC … Thank you Omrao Brown and Bohemian Caverns … for frontlines that swayed and swung high and low, for bopping, rippling pianos, twanging, tickling guitars, throbbing bass lines, searing trumpets, and golden, rumbling saxophone chords, with the whipping, whipping, rapping, chiming drums all the while. Long live (and we will long hear …) the Caverns. April Highlights: ... Marty Nau, April 10, Twins Jazz ... UDC Small Jazz Ensembles, April 12, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall ... Integriti Reeves/Billie Holiday Tribute, April 14, Montpelier Arts Center ... The Bad Plus Joshua Redman, April 15, Kennedy Center ... Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA, April 15, Montpelier Arts Center ... John Russell Lamkin III Quartet, April 15-16, Twins Jazz ... Orrin Evans Quartet, April 16, Caton Castle/Baltimore ... Japanese Jazz Series, April 1820, Blues Alley ... Esperanza Spalding, April 19, 9:30 Club ... Brad Mehldau, April 20, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue ... Peter, Will Anderson, April 22, Kennedy Center ... Jeff Antoniuk, April 22-13, Twins Jazz ... Todd Marcus Quintet/Tribute to John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, April 16, Caton Castle ... CapitalBop/Vijay Iyer/Wadada Leo Smith, April 23, Abramson Family Auditorium … Chris Grasso Trio/w Vuyo Sotashe, Lyle Link, April 24, Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club ... Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival, April 25, University of the District of Columbia Auditorium/Bldg. 46 East ... Andrew White & The Zorro Sax All-Stars, April 26, Blues Alley ... Lena Seikaly Celebrates Ella, April 27, Blues Alley ... SF Jazz Collective, April 27, Music Center at Strathmore ... Jason Moran+Charles Lloyd, April 29, Kennedy Center .... Buster Williams, April 28-30, Blues Alley ... April Birthdays: Harry Carney 1; Booker Little 2; Jimmy McGriff 3; Stanley Turrentine 5; Randy Weston, Gerry Mulligan 6; Billie Holiday, Freddie Hubbard 7; Carmen McRae 8; Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau 12; Gene Ammons 14; Richard Davis 15; Bennie Green, Herbie Mann 16; Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente 20; Slide Hampton 21; Charles Mingus 22; Johnny Griffin, Joe Henderson 24; Ella Fitzgerald 25; Teddy Edwards 26; Connie Kay 27; Duke Ellington 29; Percy Heath 30. Steve Monroe is a freelance writer based in Washington, DC. He can be reached at steve@jazzavenues.com or @jazzavenues. u

H y p e r L o c a l | hīpər

. lōk(ə)l |

Hyperlocal connotes information oriented around a well defined community with its primary focus directed toward the concerns of its residents

synonym: eastoftheriverdcnews.com

Daily online. Monthly in print.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news / bulletin board

“nEar thE rivEr” community Forum On Saturday, April 16, 2 to 5 p.m., there will be a screening and discussion of the documentary film “Near the River” that examines the cultural and environmental heritage of the Anacostia River. The film, based on the DC-WE project by the Eco Hermanas organization, was funded through a grant from the DC Community Heritage Project of the Humanities Council of Washington, DC. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

small businEss dEvElopmEnt Workshop Are you thinking of starting your own business? Don’t know how to begin? On Saturday, May 7, 2 p.m., come to this free two-hour seminar by the DC Small Business Development Center. This workshop will give you an overview of the thought process that goes into the development of a business plan. Please pre-register at dcsbdc.org to attend this free program. Anacostia Neighborhood Library is at 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202715-7707. dclibrary.org/anacostia.

FrEE tax hElp Saturdays through April 16, 10 a.m., meet with a qualified AARP tax aide at William O. Lockridge Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW, to help answer your tax questions and prepare your 2015 income tax filing. Tax help is also available at Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE, on Tuesdays through April 12, 11 a.m.; and at Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE on Mondays and Wednesdays through April 18, 10 a.m. dclibrary.org.

hElp rEstorE historic WoodlaWn cEmEtEry Volunteers are sought to help restore historic Woodlawn Cemetery, 4611 Benning Rd. SE, on April 16, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Work teams will remove brush, trees and debris. Head-

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stones will be moved to historic locations. Please bring appropriate clothing and work gloves. Lunch provided. RSVP to Alexander.t.austin@uscg.mil.

opEn call For artists: immErsion Anacostia Arts Center seeks proposals for unique arts projects to inhabit one of its 500 square foot galleries for an artist residency program called IMMERSION. This project is aimed at individual artists or groups of artists who enjoy the challenge creating site-specific installations and need time and space to create and share their work. IMMERSION asks artists to create an installation experience where they actively create work. The exhibition should inspire visitors to come back to see an evolution or make a discovery. The objectives of the program are to offer visitors a highquality experience that allows artists an opportunity to further their practice through experimentation. Each exhibition will take place over eight to 10 weeks including installation and de-installation. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $3,500. Exhibitions must take place between July and December 2016. There is no application fee. The application deadline is May 1. Apply at goo.gl/forms/jHH9AIpc4l.

Ward 8 FarmEr’s markEt at nEW location The Ward 8 Farmer’s Market will operate every Saturday starting June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a new location in the parking lot behind Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3200 Sixth St. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com.

voluntEEr For Earth day at kEnilWorth park On Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to noon, Kenilworth Park holds its annual Earth Day event in partnership with the Anacostia Watershed Society. You will spend the morning removing invasive plants, picking up trash, planting native plants and perform-

Strong Leadership for the Communities of Ward 7

ing other park projects. Volunteers are then invited to join the watershed wide Earth Day celebration at RFK. The celebration will include free food and drink, live music, local exhibitors and speakers. SSL credits can be earned. Register online at friendsofkenilworthgardens. eventbrite.com.

Eclectic Tuesdays at Anacostia Arts Eclectic Tuesdays is a 13-week performance series with an array of performers ranging from dance, music, poetry, magic, theatre and more. Eclectic Tuesdays is free and open to the public. Upcoming performances are 7 to 9 p.m. on April 12, Chocolatease Burlesque Performance (Ages 18 and up); April 19, David Meneses Performance Magic; April 26, HBC Theatre Playback Theatre; May 3, Noah Getz Jazz; May 10, Chocolatease Burlesque Dance; May 24, Mini Metro Mambo with Cubano Grooves Latin Jazz Performance and Discussion; May 31, The WopBops Upbeat Doo Wop and Rock; and June 6, CC Hill Jam Session Acoustic Music. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com.

Delmar Chesley has always been an active participant in the Ward 7 community through his involvement in community associations, and as a vocal advocate for economic development, strategic planning and healthcare initiatives that would benefit the residents of Ward 7, and D.C. as a whole. Having watched much of D.C. flourish while communities east of the river were left behind, Delmar became increasingly frustrated with the decades-long lack of leadership on council from the people who had been elected to look out for his neighbors and the neighborhoods he has always considered home. Never content to sit on the sidelines when action was needed, Delmar announced his campaign to represent Ward 7 on City Council in December of 2015.

Delmar Chesley was born in D.C. and raised in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7. The youngest of 10 children, he credits the Hillcrest Recreation Center and his parents—Walter and Agnes Chesley—with giving him a solid foundation and values, including a commitment to his community.

Once on council, he plans to finally give Ward 7 residence a strong voice in their city government, and to stand up for the long-time residents who have been neglected for too long. Delmar is currently an active member of the Pigskin Club of Washington DC, and The Academic Empowerment Group.

Growing up, Delmar delivered the Washington Star and Washington Post to the communities of Hillcrest and Naylor Gardens at a young age until he graduated from Anacostia High School in 1985. Delmar participated was a star athlete, winning several championships in baseball, basketball and football at Fort Davis and Hillcrest Rec Centers. He was named the 1985 D.C. Football Player of the Year award, representing Anacostia Senior High School, before going on to play football at The University of Southern California. Delmar received a full scholarship to USC and graduated with a degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning in 1989. After a 2-year stint in the National Football League with the Detroit Lions, Delmar returned to the D.C. area and built a 20-year career in the healthcare industry.

www.delmarchesley2016.com /chesleyward7

@DelmarWard7

@delmarward7

Paid for by Chesley for City Council, PO Box 6828, Washington, DC 20020, Samuel Hughes, Treasurer. A copy or our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.

Overdrive Drop-In Clinic Own a Kindle, Nook or iPad? Download thousands of titles for free with a DC Public Library card? On April 17 and 30; May 1 and June 1; 1 p.m., at Francis A. Gregory Library. Explore the digital catalog and get hands-on help with using Overdrive to access DC Public Library’s electronic collection of fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks and videos. Instructional East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news / bulletin board

sheets are provided. Call 202-698-6373 for more information. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library is at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. dclibrary.org/francis.

hElp rEstorE shEphErd parkWay Volunteer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9 and Aug. 13. Shepherd Parkway’s 205 acres are home to two Civil War forts, two bald eagle nests and some of the oldest forests in DC. Help remove trash and invasive species from this important, but neglected, natural area in Ward 8. Meet at the picnic tables near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Avenues, SE. Gloves, bags and light refreshments will be provided. Wear boots and clothes that can get dirty. For more information, contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@yahoo.com or 301-758-5892. Visit shepherdparkway. blogspot.com.

primordial planEs and FrEnch doors Vivid Solutions Gallery presents Primordial Planes by emerging local artist Alexandra Chiou. Chiou creates delicate, collaged cut paper paintings that mimic the natural world. Using inspiration from studies at National Geographic, Chiou has brought to life ethereal images that can at once suggest intergalactic formations or unseen microcosms. Honfleur Gallery presents French Doors, a never before seen show by influential artist and educator, Aziza Claudia Gibson-Hunter. In this series, Gibson-Hunter questions the implication of opulence in Parisian architecture with large-scale mixed media works. The artist juxtaposes the ornate doors prevalent in Paris against West African patterns. The resulting works explore wealth, power, and exploitation in relationship to personal and national sovereignty. Both exhibitions run through May 13. Galleries are at 1231/1241 Good Hope Rd. 202-631-6291. archdc.org.

The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is seeking dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers to help at their table at the Anacostia River Festival. Spread the word about the AWS mission to clean the water, recover the shores and honor the heritage of the Anacostia River. Only adults may volunteer. There will be AWS Staff present at the table to assist and provide additional information and answers. Visit anacostiaws.org for more information.

stop and brEathE: mEditation Workshops

zEro strEEt harassmEnt proJEct public art rFp

Join DC Public Library and CALMFIDENCE Institute for meditation workshops on Thursdays, April 28, May 26 and June 23, 7 p.m., at Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Silence is a way of reconnecting with ourselves and promoting overall wellness in our minds. Throughout the day, we easily become too distracted with everything in our lives; work, traffic, family, dinners, groceries, bill payments, kids, school, etc.

doEE launchEs anacostia rivEr ExplorErs program Anacostia River Explorers offers area residents of all ages the opportunity to engage di-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

accEssing businEss capital Learn about accessing capital for your business. The DC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and business resource partners host “POWER UP DC 2016: Get Money, Get Movin’... Accessing Capital to Start and Grow Your Business With Non-Traditional Funding Resources,” a free small business forum, on Tuesday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Marriot Marquis Hotel, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Reserve a space by April 22 at DCHealthLink.com/powerupdc2016/registration. For more information, contact Linda Currie at 202638-7337 or at lcurrie@dcchamber.org.

voluntEEr at thE anacostia rivEr FEstival Floating World (2015), acrylic, ink and cut paper. Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Chiou

rectly with the Anacostia River and local wildlife through free, guided boat tours. These educational tours will provide an overview of the river’s history, associated wildlife, environmental threats and will highlight District initiatives to restore and protect the city’s two major waterways. Tours, offered in one or two-hour options, are conducted on motorized boats or canoes. The program is funded by the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund and participation is open to anyone, no matter their age, ability, or language — increasing accessibility to the river for residents in all eight wards. Tours launch from several locations along the Anacostia River; and are available to public and private groups. Special arrangements may be required for minors, individuals with disabilities and participants needing translation services. Visit doee.dc.gov/service/anacostia-river-explorers or call 202-645-4231 to sign up or get more information.

In partnership with the District Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero Initiative, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and Age-Friendly DC announce the Zero Street Harassment Public Art Project, a new public art and place-making campaign designed to discourage and abate street harassment of DC residents, workers and visitors. Activation sites include 14th and U Streets, NW and First and Columbus Circle NE. Submission deadline is April 28, 5 p.m. For details, visit dcarts.dc.gov/node/1150317.

apply For a dc community hEritagE proJEct grant The Humanities Council wants to help you pre-

Invitation for Bid

Food Service Management Services Rocketship Education D.C., Public Charter School, Inc. Rocketship Education D.C., Public Charter School, Inc. is advertising the opportunity to bid on the delivery of breakfast, lunch, snack and/or CACFP supper meals to children enrolled at the school for the 2016-2017 school year with a possible extension of (4) oneyear renewals. All meals must meet at a minimum, but are not restricted to, the USDA National School Breakfast, Lunch, Afterschool Snack and At Risk Supper meal pattern requirements. Additional specifications outlined in the Invitation for Bid (IFB) such as; student data, days of service, meal quality, etc. may be obtained beginning on April 8, 2016 from Alex Murillo at 877-806-0920 ext. 210 or amurillo@rsed.org: Proposals will be accepted at 2335 Raynolds Place SE, Washington DC, 20020 on May 2, 2016 no later than 3 p.m. All bids not addressing all areas as outlined in the IFB will not be considered.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news / bulletin board

Denise Stanley Honored as Ward 7 Woman of Excellence

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Kenilworth Courts Resident Council President Denise Stanley was honored at the 2016 Ward 7 Women of Excellence Awards on March 31. Stanley, the president of Kenilworth Courts Resident Council for over 10 years, has been a resident of the community for over 40. She’s made her mark running programs focus on seniors and children including a back-to-school backpack giveaway, a summer meals program, a Mother’s Day luncheon and a Christmas toy giveaway.

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serve the history of your community. They are accepting applications for the DC Community Heritage Project (DCCHP) grant, a unique opportunity to document Washington’s landmarks, neighborhoods and culture. The maximum grant award has been increased to $2500 this year. To apply, visit grantapplication.wdchumanities.org; proposals are due May 8. Attend a DCCHP grants workshop before applying. There is a Grants/Oral History Best Practices Workshop at Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW on Monday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and another at TenleyFriendship Neighborhood Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW on Wednesday, April 13, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

DOEE Needs Citizen Scientists The Department of Energy & Environment’s Fisheries and Wildlife Division is monitoring the population of eastern cottontail rabbits and eastern chipmunks in the District. Become a Citizen Scientist by recording rabbit and chipmunk sightings and sharing them with their biologists. Help protect and conserve rabbits and chipmunks in the city. For more informa-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

tion on the program and how to become a volunteer, contact Lindsay Rohrbaugh at citizen. science@dc.gov.

District DMV Late Wednesdays All District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles locations now open an hour later every Wednesday. The change in hours will improve customer service by allowing the agency to provide consistent training and accurate communication to all employees. On Wednesdays, the Service Centers, Adjudication Services, and the Brentwood Road Test and CDL Office will open at 9:15 a.m. During the spring/summer hours that start on the first Tuesday in June, the Inspection Station will open at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays. The Fall/Winter hours begin on the first Tuesday in September, and the Inspection Station will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Pepco Provides Free Trees Pepco has announced that it will provide 1,350 free trees to residential customers in the District of Columbia through the Energy-Saving Trees program. It’s the sixth year of the partnership that helps customers conserve energy and reduce household electric bills through strategic tree planting. Since 2011, Pepco customers will have received more than 13,000 free trees thanks to the partnership between Pepco and the Arbor Day Foundation. Pepco residential customers can request up to two free trees by visiting arborday.org/pepco, or by calling 1-855-670-2771. The 18 to 36 inch trees that will be delivered directly to customers include Eastern Redbud, Crepe Myrtle, River Birch, Red Maple, Northern Red Oak and are in small containers that allow for the growth of a better root system.

For the Record: Changing Exhibition Opens The Historical Society of Washington, DC’s annual juried competition and exhibition, “For the Record: Changing DC,” opens April 14 in the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. The opening reception on Thursday, April 14, 6 to 8 p.m., is free and open to the public. This is the second year of this annual program created to preserve scenes of the District’s cityscape. Pre-registration is requested at dchistory.org/ events/record-changing-d-c/. The artwork is available for purchase through an online auction. All proceeds benefit the Historical Society’s mission. The auction will close at the organization’s 122nd anniversary celebration on May 26. The exhibit will remain open until Saturday July 16, 4 p.m. For additional information and auction details, visit dchistory.org.

Quilting Workshop In the spirit of the Twelve Years exhibition, members of the esteemed quilting consortium, Daughters of Dorcus and Sons will demonstrate making a quilt block inspired by the 1970s DC Washington Color School of art on Saturday, April 30, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Art from the Washington Color School was distinguished by its generous application of color and bold, geometric shapes. Kits will be provided and will contain pre-cut and marked fabric squares, hand-needles and thread. Participants are encouraged to bring their own BSK (Basic Sewing Kit). Please note: This is not a beginner’s workshop. Participants should have basic sewing or quilting knowledge and experience. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Hop! On Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., catch the Anacostia Community Museum shuttle and

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visit Embassy Row. Participants will have the opportunity to visit different embassies during the day for this popular annual open house sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC. Participants get dropped off at an embassy then reboard the bus at the prescribed time to visit the next embassy. There is a $10 transportation fee. To pay the transportation fee, visit anacostia.si.edu EVENTS listing and follow instructions. Can’t pay online? Pay with cash on the bus, or write a check payable to Anacostia Community Museum. Participants gather inside the museum before boarding the bus. The bus will leave promptly at 10:30 a.m. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Potomac River Health Best in Decades The Potomac Conservancy has released its ninth State of the Nation’s River report. Using an established baseline and set of benchmarks, Potomac Conservancy measured progress to date and has upgraded the Potomac River to a B-. The grade is up from a C in 2013 and D in 2011. The Potomac River is on its way to recovery. In fact, the Potomac is the only major Chesapeake Bay tributary to achieve shortand long-term nutrient reductions in its headwaters. Read more at potomacreportcard.org.

DPR Wheelchair Tennis Develop skills and refine reflexes by playing wheelchair tennis. No special equipment or modifications to the court are necessary. Compete against other wheelchair users and/or their able-bodied partners. Learn the serve, the forehand, and backhand groundstrokes, and volley. Participants will learn how to combine stroke production and wheelchair positioning and movement. All skill levels are accepted and will be accommodated. Junior and adult classes available. DPR Wheelchair Tennis is April 12 to June 9 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), 3 to 6 p.m., at Turkey Thicket Recre-

ation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. Email jeri.ingram@dc.gov for more information.

Call for Graffiti and Aerosol Mural Artists The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in partnership with the DC Department of Public Works is seeking graffiti artists and artist teams to design, create and install aerosol murals. Selected artists will be required to work with youth, ages 14 to 18, interested in graffiti art by introducing and refining each student’s artistic skill in the discipline of graffiti style sketch work and aerosol mural painting. The work is budgeted at $3,000 to $15, 000 per mural. Find details at dcarts. dc.gov. The application deadline is Friday, April 22, 4 p.m.

Nationals “Pups in the Park” Pups in the Park Games this year are Saturday, April 23, 1:05 p.m. vs/ Twins; Saturday, May 14, 7:05 p.m. vs. Marlins; Friday, May 27, vs. Cardinals; Monday, June 13, 7:05 p.m. vs. Cubs; Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:05 p.m. vs. Phillies; and Saturday, Oct. 1, 4:05 p.m. vs. Marlins. The event supports the Washington Humane Society. All Pups in the Park attendees must print, sign and bring the Waiver Form with them to Nationals Park. Tickets are $26 for owners and $10 per dog. For more information, visit washington. nationals.mlb.com.

Foreclosure Prevention Help Behind on a mortgage? Being sued by their lender? Behind on property taxes? Confronting a potential mortgage scam? Call the foreclosure prevention hotline, 202-265-2255, at Housing Counseling Services, Inc. Get free housing counseling from a HUD approved, non-profit housing counseling agency and free legal services. The hotline is staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages are taken during all other hours and returned by the end of the next business day. Alternatively, email info@housingetc.org. East of the River Magazine April 2016

Oxon Cove Park Day On Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, bird walks, music, farming demonstrations, kid’s crafts and much more. Meet community partners, costumed historical figures and special guests. Find out all the ways to FIND YOUR PARK at Oxon Cove Park. Oxon Hill Farm is on Bald Eagle Road, Oxon Hill, MD.

DPR Opens Natural Grass Fields The DC Department of Parks and Recreation has opened all grass fields. DPR’s natural grass fields undergo yearly scheduled maintenance for re-seeding, re-sodding and re-lining. DPR offers 116 athletic fields for community use and organized play. Visit dpr.dc.gov for a location suited to your interest.

Cancer Patients Need Volunteer Drivers For many cancer patients, getting to and from treatment is the toughest challenge. The American Cancer Society (ACS) needs volunteer drivers in the DC area to help provide transportation for people undergoing treatment. Schedules are flexible. To volunteer, call 410-781-6909 or email jen.burdette@cancer.org.

Spring Cleaning Water Pipes Begins Through May 2, the disinfectant in drinking water temporarily switches from chloramine to chlorine. The annual switch in water disinfection is part of a routine program to clean and maintain drinking water systems in the DC area. Every year for six to eight weeks, disinfectants are switched from chloramine back to chlorine to flush out the water distribution system and improve water quality. Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine. Individuals with special health concerns should consult a health care provider on the use of tap water. During this time, individuals may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of their drinking water. Local wa-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

ter authorities recommend running the cold water tap for approximately two minutes and refrigerating tap water to reduce the chlorine taste and odor. Water filters are also effective for reducing chlorine taste and odor. DC Water can be reached at 202-612-3440, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 202-612-3400, 24-hours.

Ward 7 Safe & DrugFree Communities Coalition Town Hall The Ward 7 Safe & Drug-Free Communities Coalition is sponsoring “The Blunt Truth” on Monday, April 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Department of Employment Services, 4058 Minnesota Ave. NE. Topics to be covered are: Is marijuana harmful? Is marijuana legal to have and use? How does marijuana impact the community? Candace Montague, health reporter for Capital Community News and freelance journalist, will interview experts on the law and the health impacts of marijuana. A question and answer period will follow. Light refreshments and prevention information will be available.

NGA Turns Seventy-Five In 2016, the National Gallery of Art will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the museum with a variety of public programs, including concerts, films, educational programs, a new published history of the Gallery and an on-site sketching program. Through Sunday, April 24, the Art Information Room, located in the West Building on the Mall entrance side, will be transformed into a “Sketching is Seeing” orientation space. Building on the time-honored tradition of artists who sketch to explore ideas and the world around them, “Sketching Is Seeing” is a program that offers an experience for visitors, providing inspiration to sketch from original works of art. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Art Information Room to pick up materials, including a complimentary 75th anniversary sketchbook and pencil. The program is designed for all ages. Have an item for the East of the River Bulletin Board? Email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

Archer Park Breathes New Life into Congress Heights A New Development Will Transform an Empty Lot into Affordable Housing. by Shaun Courtney

y 2017 residents of Congress Heights will see Archer Park, a 190unit, affordable housing development, take the place of an empty lot on the 1200 block of Mississippi Avenue just three blocks from the Congress Heights Metro Station. WC Smith is developing the Ward 8 site, formerly home to the Trenton Terrace apartments, which were razed in 2004. As the first phase of redevelopment for the site, Archer Park will include 190 units affordable to residents with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). At least 14 units will be rented to families or individuals earning 30 percent or less of the AMI. Residents will have access to free assigned parking spaces in the 128-car garage as well as 80 bicycleparking spaces. The two buildings, of four stories each, will be connected by a one-story center structure that includes a fitness room, business center, and meeting room. In September the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determined that the median income for FY2015 in the Washington, DC, area was $109,200 for a family of four. Units at Archer Park would have to be priced so that a family of four making $65,520 or less would spend no more than 30 percent of their monthly income on rent. “Archer Park is a continuation of the work that WC Smith has done in Ward 8, including Parklands, THEARC, and cleaning up Oxon Run Park,” said Brad Fennell, senior vice president of WC Smith, in a statement to East

of the River. “We are very excited to be bringing 190 new affordable apartments to the neighborhood.” WC Smith has a footprint in Ward 8, where it has renovated the 84-unit Park Vista just across the street as well as 19 units of permanent supportive housing at 1320 Mississippi Ave. The new building is being constructed to meet DC green building standards and will include a green roof and solar panels. The solar panels will produce at least a portion of the building’s electrical power. The project’s designer is SK+I Architect. The two-phase project begins with Archer Park’s 190 rental units and will be followed eventually by a 74-unit development of for-sale townhouses. The first phase of the project should be complete by September 2017. The for-sale units, both market-rate and affordable, will be sited to the north of Archer Park. The second phase is in pre-development stage and will be developed by a yet-unnamed national homebuilder other than WC Smith. The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is providing funding for acquisition and construction through $28.2 million in DCHFA short- and long-term tax-exempt bonds. Financing also comes from equity raised through syndication of low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) to the tune of $19.6 million. Shaun Courtney is a freelance reporter and real estate writer. Shaun has called DC home since 2002 and now lives in Ward 7’s Kingman Park with her husband and son. u

East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news

Igniting Economic Development in Ward 7 Who Is Best Prepared to Take Wards 7 & 8 to the Next Stage? by Jonetta Rose Barras

Vincent Gray and Yvette Alexander at the ribbon-cutting of Rays the Steak which opened to great fanfare in Ward 7 in April 2010 and closed two and a half years later.

ith each local election for the past decade residents in Ward 7 have loudly demanded economic development. Yet according to Paul Savage, a long-time community leader, the top two candidates in the June 14 Democratic primary election for the DC Council – incumbent Yvette Alexander and challenger and former mayor Vincent C. Gray – “have done very little to provide leadership to get economic development in Ward 7.” “We’ve been left standing when the rest of the city – from Ward 1 through 6 – is being developed,” adds Savage, a resident of the Hillcrest neighborhood and one of those who helped draft Anthony A. Williams for mayor in 1998. How difficult is it to bring fine dining restaurants, boutique shops, a fullservice, quality supermarket, and other businesses east of the river? Not difficult at all if the government invests strategically, according to Stan Jackson, director of the Anacostia Economic Development Corpo-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

ration and a former deputy mayor for planning and economic development under Williams. “If the approach is holistic and implemented in a thoughtful way, you can stimulate assets to achieve a win-win proposition,” says Jackson. He cites development along U Street NW, H Street NE, and in NoMa as examples of economic development that happens when the government makes “focused investments and [when] resources were committed over a sustained period. What we see now in those corridors is the marketplace has exploded.” Neither H Street nor any of the corridors mentioned by Jackson were overnight wonders. Mayor Marion Barry employed construction of

the Frank Reeves Municipal Center, not just as recognition of the work of a civil rights leader, but also to help support small businesses along 14th and U streets through lean times brought by riots and Metro construction. Development is the long game. Sometimes people see progress, like what occurred downtown, for example, and “don’t realize it’s been in the making for a while,” says Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. Under Mayor Adrian M. Fenty the city rebuilt H Street NE from the Hopscotch Bridge to the Starburst Intersection. It was a very complicated and expensive investment designed to create the environment to fuel economic growth. The construction’s long duration devastated existing businesses. Former Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, working with H Street Main Street’s Anwar Saleem, fought for tax forgiveness for small businesses along that corridor and funding for a shuttle bus to help bring in potential customers. City subsidies helped legacy businesses survive and prosper. Now H Street is thriving. Developers are flocking to build supermarkets and condos. H Street, however, was not the city’s heaviest lift. It took three mayors – Williams, Fenty, and Gray – to finally realize City Center, the hip retail destination located on H Street NW between Ninth and 11th Streets. Savage and other Ward 7 residents understand the work that goes into producing change. They began working during the Williams administration, believing they were on the road to success. “Pennsylvania Avenue, from 23rd Street, was the first street to be designated a ‘Great Street,’” points out Savage. “We had a plan that was put together by us, by the residents. We have been ill-served from a political standpoint by those elected to represent us and by others on the council,” he adds bitterly.

Old-Fashioned Hustle The dissatisfaction of Ward 7 residents is understandable, particularly since experts who spoke

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with East of the River assert that the economic development process can be complex but not necessarily complicated. Here is the template they describe: deploy government economic subsidies and tax incentives; fund business improvement districts (BIDs) to keep corridors safe and clean; form main street organizations to market and organize retail. Then there is plain old hustle. “You do whatever it takes to make business comfortable,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, who with civic leaders in Logan Circle and Shaw helped instigate economic development along the U, 14th, Ninth, and Seventh street business corridors. These new dining destinations are the envy of many residents longing for even one decent sit-down restaurant and a well-run supermarket. “You woo companies,” continues Evans. “I went after Whole Foods.” The company initially decided to locate on P Street near 14th Street NW. Then it reversed itself. Evans stepped in after learning they were concerned about a local law that prohibited a company with more than one store from selling alcohol in each store. He persuaded the council to change the law. That Whole Foods is now “one of the highest grossing stores per-capita in the chain,” he says. He also pushed to have the new Walter E. Washington Convention Center constructed in Shaw. He lobbied for a new hotel near that site and for the Market at O Street, which includes a substantially improved Giant Supermarket. Evans’ drive and aggressive advocacy were the keys to generating an economic renaissance in the city’s central neighborhoods. But, says Jackson, one of the challenges in the east end “is that you have geography, but you don’t have a base.” Is that reality or myth?

Ward 7: thE gEm Ward 7 is a hidden gem, replete with enviable amenities like the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Fort Dupont Park, Kingman Island (a budding environmental oasis), state-of-the-art recreation and leisure facilities like Deanwood Recreation Center, the Nationals’ Youth Baseball Academy, and the ice-

skating rink. It has easy Interstate access and multiple Metro stations. “We have solid communities from the north to the south and the east to the west,” says Savage. Home values in sections of the ward are keeping pace with or even exceeding those in some of the more popular neighborhoods in the city. Despite the assets and the new Park 7, a $67 million mixed-use development dominated by “affordable apartments” and moderate retail in the heart of its downtown corridor at Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road NE, residents consider their community a stepchild in the city’s renaissance. “People are getting anxious because they see two big holes – the Capital Gateway and Skyland,” said Alexander, during a recent conversation with East of the River. (Gray declined to comment when asked to be interviewed for this article about his record of economic development in Ward 7.) Walmart was to anchor Skyland Town Center, a deal secured by a handshake during the Gray administration. However, the retail giant announced earlier this year that it would not move forward with more stores in the nation’s capital because its urban model had not produced expected sales and profits. Walmart’s departure left Skyland, now abandoned, in a worse situation than in 2004 when residents pushed Gray to run for the DC Council. In 2006 he was elected chair of the council. Alexander, selected by Gray, joined the council in 2007 after winning the special election to complete Gray’s first term. Then in 2010 Gray became mayor. Alexander is now finishing her second full term. What precisely was accomplished under the tenure of incumbents Gray and Alexander? Did they follow the recipe of employing strategic governmental investments, subsidies, and tax incentives to drive private development?

chEcking thE tapE In 2013 Mayor Gray held an economic summit in Ward 7. In March 2014 the Gray administration produced “Start It in 7: Ward 7 Entrepreneurship Week.” That second event was more focused on job training and placement, along with small-business development, including

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A rendering of the proposed development at Skyland. Photo: DC Gov.

the shoulders of their management. “A lot of residents didn’t even know about Ray’s,” says Alexander. Many customers were inclined to treat the place “like a carryout. People were ordering to go, and it was a sit-down restaurant.” But is Alexander correct? Ray’s and Yes! are well-established businesses with many successful outlets in other locations in the metro area.

Don’t Forget the Basics

high-quality, diverse retail. Just before leaving office Gray released a compendium of his accomplishments. According to that report, dated Dec. 14, 2014, Gray came into office “resolved to heighten the District government’s focus on the part of the city that lies east of the Anacostia River.” Mayor Gray stated, “the easternmost parts of the city deserve the kind of intensive economic, education, infrastructure, and human-services investments that other parts of the District had seen in recent years.” Aside from the summit, Gray modernized several Ward 7 schools including Kelly Miller Middle School, Kramer Middle School and Anne Beers. He funded the baseball academy. During his council chairmanship and mayoral tenure he helped finalize land acquisition for Skyland, a process that had begun with an eminent-domain lawsuit filed by Mayor Williams. Mayor Gray secured Walmart as an anchor tenant for both Skyland and Gateway, a deal that unraveled after he left office. As council chair Gray forced the addition of Lincoln Heights to the list of public housing developments slated for renovation under the New Communities project. He was involved in bringing Ray’s the Steaks to downtown Ward 7. Still, for a man who held powerful offices including the chief executive for over a decade, is Gray’s record of economic development in Ward 7 paltry? “I think he took Ward 7 for granted,” says Alexander. “I think he was depending on a second [mayoral] term to deal with some of the issues. But it basically was not a priority for him. I think he felt we were his home base and ‘I already have their support.’” In his Ward 7 stump speeches Gray mostly talks about what he did as mayor in other wards. “He is very proud of Costco [part of the Shops at Dakota Crossing in Ward 5] and City Center [located downtown],” says Alexander. “It wouldn’t have taken much for Penn Branch to be developed. It wouldn’t have taken much for the Capital Gateway. The most aggressive I saw him was around Walmart.” “I don’t understand the logic,” continues Alexander, adding that Gray forced Walmart’s hand, asserting that unless it located in Skyland it would have trouble building in other parts of the city. “Why not go all the way and push for development in Ward 7 first?” What is Alexander’s own responsibility? Did she aggressively push for her ward’s economic development agenda? Did she help secure strategic government investments? After all, she has spent nearly a decade as Ward

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7’s representative. Alexander defends her record by claiming to have used the governmental economic development tools available to a ward councilmember. “With most of the development I’ve introduced tax incentives,” continues Alexander. “Developers are looking at that as part of their financing.” Park 7 on Minnesota Avenue, Parkside, and even Skyland required help from the government. Alexander places the blame for the failures of two Ward 7 marquee businesses, Ray’s the Steaks restaurant and Yes! Organic Market, squarely on

“Basic building blocks have to be put in place,” says Evans. That sentiment was echoed by Robert Bobb, former DC City Administrator under the Williams administration and president of the Robert Bobb Group, a nationally recognized management consulting firm. “Ward elected officials have to connect with the overall municipal vision. They need the executive and other elected officials to help get things done,” Bobb says. The chief of police, quality of service from emergency services, and solid schools also play a part in creating the safe and clean environment necessary for economic takeoff, he adds. Peter Tatian, an expert at the Urban Institute, has been examining issues affecting the District for more than a decade. Infrastructure and development of human capital are crucial to longterm development, he says. “Public transportation needs to be developed to better connect between east of the river and the rest of the city, even Maryland.” While there are two stations within Ward 7, they are not easily accessible to parts of the community, he points out. Further, says Tatian, the city has to connect people with the available jobs, while also offering training or skills development. Unemployment in Ward 7 is 11.7 percent, according to a report released in February by the Department of Employment Services. A year ago it was 12.5 percent. Absent an infusion of private cash, Tatian

says the city government could invest directly. “It could use new market tax credits or help make equity investment loans to commercially distressed areas.” Two years ago Evans met with business owners in Ward 7 to do just that. They wanted to launch a business improvement district (BID). BIDs have proved essential to restoring commercial corridors. The program allows property owners to tax themselves to help finance improvements, including facade and landscape changes, enhanced street cleaning, and public safety. The cost is then shifted to tenants through so-called triple-net leases. After a series of conversations with Ward 7 businesses Evans realized their fragility made it impossible to sustain the increased costs of a BID. He introduced legislation permitting the government to subsidize the cost of BIDs east of the river for five years. “Vince, when he was mayor, knew [the legislation] was there. The council knows it’s there. But no one has done anything,” adds Evans. Alexander supports BIDs for Ward 7 commercial corridors. However, she recognizes they require buy-in from property owners and businesses, who are concerned about increased expenses. “The closest thing we have gotten to [a BID] has been clean teams. We’re expanding our clean teams,” she says. She did not recall the details of Evans’ BID legislation or its approval pending the availability of funds. While there have been two years of surpluses and two annual budgets approved by the legislature, not one elected official has proposed allocating money for a Ward 7 BID. “I’m going to have to revisit that Evans legislation,” says Alexander.

Just Around the Corner Despite stagnation the wish for more economic development may be closer than Ward 7 residents think. Earlier this year the Washington DC Economic Partnership, a nonprofit organization that works to “position, promote and support economic development and business opportunities,” bused more than 40 investors and business owners to tour communities east of the river. “That’s a good thing,” says Alexander. “People just hear east of the river and they don’t have a picture of what it is.” She continues, “We need something to prove we are ready,” noting that the recently opened Sala Thai Restaurant is “doing well. The mix of new residents coming to the ward is bringing

the numbers up.” If reelected Alexander intends to focus on Penn Branch, Capital Gateway, Reservation 13, and Skyland Town Center. She claims to be working with developers to find smaller retailers that might be willing to come to the former Walmart site. Alexander has a firm ally in Mayor Bowser. When officials go this summer to the international conference of retailers, the mayor has instructed them to look at “bringing home a project for Ward 7,” Alexander says, adding she expects to attend the conference and will be working hard to bag a large retailer. “A councilmember is an ambassador for businesses,” Alexander says. “That is part of my job to sell Ward 7.” Residents like Savage are not optimistic, however. “We need a total commitment from the Ward 7 councilmember and the rest of [the elected officials],” he says, “and that has not happened since Mayor Williams.”

The Impact of the Coming Election

ROCKETSHIP EDUCATION PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT

Teacher Residency Program Rocketship Education Public Charter School intends to enter into a sole source contract with Urban Teachers for their Urban Teachers Residency Program. The agreement is for 2 Urban Teacher Residents and the cost of this contract is $50,000. The decision to sole source is due to the fact that we’d like to create a talent pipeline of strong teachers to serve our students as we grow. Urban Teachers provides a pool of highly motivated teachers who can learn to be effective teachers within our program.

As the June election approaches and residents ponder their choice, many have worried about what might happen if Gray is elected to the Ward 7 council seat. The former mayor has a very cool relationship with the current incumbent, whom he declined to actively support after his loss in the Democratic primary. “If we put [Gray] in, we’re toast,” says Ward 7 resident Greg Rhett. The former mayor won’t have good relations with the current mayor and there likely will be tension, he adds. “You have to embrace the mayor,” said Evans, who was also a candidate in the 2014 race. He has sought to work closely with Bowser since that loss. “The mayor has all the power. You have to make it work because that’s your job. It isn’t about you.” “If there is mistrust in the relationship between the administration and respective ward representatives, people are going to be nice, but down in the trenches things aren’t going to move,” observes Bobb. “People need to learn from hockey: When you act nasty in the rink you can be put in the penalty box,” Bobb says. The executive doesn’t have to respond directly, but “it can just put you in the penalty box, slowing down your initiatives.” In June voters will choose either a close Bowser ally or her critic. “Dissent is good,” says Bobb, “dissension is not.” jonetta rose barras is a freelance writer. u East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news

Six Candidates Step into the Race for Ward 8 Councilmember Community Leaders Look for Plans on Economic Development, Crime, Jobs, Education, and Affordable Housing by Christine Rushton

esidents of Ward 8 have started building a stronger community identity over the last few years. Now they need a councilmember to represent that voice in the District. “People no longer want to be the last and the least. They want Ward 8 to be able to prosper for the residents now and on the pathway forward,” said local advocate and Congress Heights on the Rise blogger Nikki Peele. Six Ward 8 residents announced their candidacy for the ward’s councilmember position at the primary election on June 14 and general election on Nov. 8. The candidates are incumbent Councilmember LaRuby May; former Ward 8 representative for the DC School Board of Education Trayon White Sr.; business entrepreneur Aaron Holmes; former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Christopher Hawthorne; and Ward 8 residents Bonita Goode and Maurice T. Dickens. The main issues the candidates plan to campaign on include economic development, education, crime, quality affordable housing, and jobs. Although more candidates ran in past elections compared to the 2016 group of six, Peele said this election reflects a “political awakening” for Ward 8 voters. “There have been a lot of promises made to Ward 8, and those promises pretty much haven’t been fulfilled,” she said. “We want to move from a community of what happens to us to engaging and making decisions.” Peele moved to the ward in 2007 but started living in DC about 20 years ago. She built her own blog to advocate and share news for the local community because she felt that no one else was giving her new neighbors a voice. From her experience she knows the residents want the ability to live affordably and make a decent living in the area. Right now residents of affluent neighborhoods in the area typically live in the ward and commute to the District downtown for work. Lower-income residents also leave the ward for their jobs because of a lack of employment opportunities, she said. Peele hopes future political leaders in the community can find a way to keep disposable income in the ward to support its own economic growth. “The next four years are going to be really telling,” Peele said. “The councilmember that Ward 8 wants or needs might not be the one we elect immediately, but is something to work toward.” Some residents welcome potential economic development, but others fear trends like gentrification they see in other parts of the city, said Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 8A(05) Charles E. Wilson. The community knows it needs to build retail and draw income from across the Anacostia River. They don’t want to lose their identity, though. It’s a chicken-and-egg dilemma, he said. If development succeeds it could bring more jobs and higher income, but

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if it brings higher income that could price people out of housing. “Ward 8 is still one of those places where it’s still untouched by the city,” Wilson said. “People can feel the economic development is coming, it just hasn’t arrived yet.” Residents also worry about crime rates in their neighborhoods, he said. In 2015 the DC homicide rate climbed 54 percent from 2014, most of those killings coming in Wards 5, 7, and 8, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. “People want to be able to walk down the street and not fear getting mugged,” Wilson said. As a commissioner he wants to see the new candidates running for DC Council not only advancing creative ideas on improving the quality of life but also engaging in conversation with their constituents.

Candidate Bios LaRuby May is the current councilmember for Ward 8, originally elected to fill former District Mayor and Councilmember Marion Barry’s position after he died in November 2014. She also serves as chairman for the DC Council Women’s Group (CWG). In her term May has focused on developing connections to engage the residents of Ward 8 in order to solve problems of affordable housing, employment, youth development, and economic development. She helped create the Ward 8 Lifeguard Academy, open the Malcolm X Opportunity Center, register more than 700 youth for the Summer Youth Employment Program, and bring in more than $500,000 in grant funding for

local programs. Her more than 65 legislative actions include introducing the Children of Incarcerated Parents Assessment Act, the Tuition Assistance Grants (TAG), the University of DC (UDC) Graduate Act, and the Social Equity Empowers Dreams Act (SEED Act). “The greatest privilege in life is to serve,” May says. May was born in Florida and graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a law degree. She spent her first years in DC advocating for education and workforce training for youth and college students in the area. She previously served as executive director of the Vision of Victory Child Development Center in Ward 8 and chair of the Board of Commissioners for the DC Housing Authority, and currently serves as the co-vice chair of the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church board of trustees. To contact May visit may4ward8.com or call 202-813-9896.

Trayon White Sr., a former protege of the late Marion Barry, announced his candidacy after serving as the Ward 8 representative to the DC Board of Education in 2011 and 2012. He previously ran against LaRuby May in the 2015 special election for council. On the education board White concentrated on engaging parents and de-

v s e h d g t H p f W a m a

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veloping parent organizations to help families support their children’s education, and rallied efforts to keep Ward 8 schools open. He also helped found several organizations designed to develop employment skills, work ethic, civic engagement, spiritual development, and critical thinking. They include Bold Brothas for Christ, Helping Inner City Kids Succeed Inc., and Manpower DC. Currently he coaches a Little League football team for the Boys and Girls Club. “Mr. White prides himself on being a servant leader and an example for young people, a mentor for many, and a support for all youth in Ward 8 and across Washington, DC,” he says. White graduated from Ballou Senior High School in Ward 8 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. He most recently worked in the Office of the Attorney General as a community development specialist. If elected White plans to focus on the impacts of crime, violence, drug abuse, educational disparity, and poverty. To contact White visit www.trayonwhite8. com or call 202-759-3583.

Aaron Holmes launched his campaign on the basis that Ward 8 deserves a safe, inclusive, and interconnected community. Graduating from Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, he launched his career as a businessman and entrepreneur by founding Triple Star Soundstage, a live-performance production company dedicated to offering affordable quality entertainment. He then moved his career to manage a travel program for a Fortune 15 company. Holmes grew up in a working-class family where he learned the value of serving the community through his work as a Sunday Post newspaper seller. If elected he plans to use his professional experience to invest in stronger education and schools; develop relationships with local law enforcement for social justice; and build a community that can rely on its social, educational, economic, physical, and cultural resources. To contact Holmes visit holmes4ward8.com.

Christopher Hawthorne served as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 8A(05) for more than eight years and plans to continue his support of local government by running for the council seat. As a commissioner he focused on helping attack issues of affordable housing, put on job fairs to encourage employment opportunities, and developed commission resolutions for the city’s legislation on behalf of Ward 8 residents. If elected he plans to address several issues his neighbors share. Wages, cost of living, new development, and the current area media income (AMI) put obstacles in the way of some Ward 8 residents struggling to find employment in the community. He plans to invest in job skills development for all ages to help residents stay in the ward without fear of eviction or foreclosure. He also wants to develop itemizations for homeowners and renters to combat rising property taxes and housing costs. As for homelessness, Hawthorne agrees in an investment to remodel District shelters and include job training, life skills training, and job replacement opportunities for those in need. On education Hawthorne suggests introducing new legislation giving the Board of Education more oversight over charter schools. To contact Hawthorne call 202-425-0563.

Bonita Goode started living in the District about 21 years ago when she moved from Chase City, Va. She prides herself on staying accountable to the residents of DC and not taking campaign money from corporations or developers. “Leaders must have a vision that voices the needs and aspiEast of the River Magazine April 2016

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River Terrace Rec Center & Elemantary School 420 34th St , NE CVS - East River Park 320 40th St , NE Safeway – NE 322 40th St , NE 6th District Police Dept - Main 100 42nd St , NE Ward Memorial AME 240 42nd St NE Kennilworth Elementary School 1300 44th ST NE Unity East of the River Health Center 123 45th ST NE First Baptist Church of Deanwood 1008 45th St NE Deanwood Public Library 1350 49th ST NE Hughes Memorial United Methodist 25 53rd St NE Capitol Gateway Senior Apts 201 58th St , NE Marvin Gaye Rec Center 6201 Banks Pl NE Watts Branch Recreation Center 6201 Banks St , NE Langston Community Library 2600 Benning Rd , NE Anacostia Neighborhood Library 1800 Good Hope Road SE Benning Branch Library 3935 Benning Rd NE Marshall Heights CDC 3939 Benning Rd , NE Kelly Miller Recreation Center 4900 Brooks St , NE Tabernacle baptist Church 719 Division Ave NE Randall Memorial Baptist Church 4417 Douglas St NE East Capital Church of christ 5026 E Capitol St NE Seat Pleasant CARE Pharmacy 350 Eastern Ave , NE 7-Eleven 950 Eastern AVE NE Riverside Center 5200 Foote St , NE Mayfair Mansions 3744 ½ Hayes St NE Citibank: East River Park 3917 Minnesota Ave , NE Chartered Health Center NE 3924 Minnesota Ave , NE Vending Machines – Deanwood Metro 4720 Minnesota Ave , NE The Minnicks Market 4401 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE Lederer Gardens 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE Suburban Market 4600 Sherriff Rd NE Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 4601 Sheriff Road NE Dave Brown Liquors 4721 Sheriff Road Northeast Dave Brown Liquor 4721 Sherriff Rd NE A & S Grocery 4748 Sheriff Rd NE St Rose Pentecostal Church 4816 Sherriff Rd NE Malcolm X Rec Center 3200 13th st SE St More Catholic Church 4275 4th St SE Fort Davis Recreation Center 1400 41st St , SE Ferebee Hope Recreation Center 3999 8th St , SE Emanuel Baptist Church 2409 Ainger Place SE IHOP Restauarant 1523 Alabama Ave, SE Giant Food Store 1535 Alabama Ave , SE SunTrust Bank 1571 Alabama Ave , SE Parklands-Turner Community Library 1547 Alabama Ave , SE Manor Village Apartments Leasing Office 1717 Alabama Ave , SE Garfield Elementary 2435 Alabama Ave 7th District Station 2455 Alabama Ave , SE 6th District Police Dept - Satellite Station 2839 Alabama Ave , SE Service Cleaners 2841 Alabama Ave , SE Safeway – SE 2845 Alabama Ave SE Pizza Hut 2859 Alabama Ave , SE America’s Best Wings 2863 Alabama Ave , SE M&T Bank 2865 Alabama Ave , SE Washington Senior Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Ave , SE

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St Timothys Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave SE Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library 3660 Alabama Ave , SE National Capital Parks--EAST 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE Kid smiles 4837 Benning Road SE Pimento Grill 4405 Bowen Rd SE East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Ave ,SE St Johns Baptist Church 5228 Call Place SE Capitol View Branch Library 5001 Central Ave , SE Marie Winston Elementary School 3100 Denver St , SE Subway 4525 East Capitol St Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 3800 Ely Pl , SE Anacostia Museum for African Amer History 1901 Fort Pl SE - Back Door Smithsonian Anacostia Marcia Burris 1901 Fort Place SE - Back Door DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation 3030 G ST SE ARCH 1227 Good Hope Rd , SE Anacostia Pizzeria 1243 Good Hope Rd , SE SunTrust Bank 1340 Good Hope Rd , SE Unity Health Care Inc 1638 Good Hope Rd , SE Bread for the City 1640 Good Hope Rd , SE Marbury Plaza Tenants Assoc 2300 Good Hope Rd , SE Dollar Plus Supermarket 1453 Howard Rd , SE Ascensions Psychological and Community Services 1526 Howard Rd SE Dupont Park SDA Church 3985 Massachusettes Ave SE Orr Elementary School 2200 Minnesota Ave SE Hart Recreation Center 601 Mississippi Ave , SE Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave , SE The ARC 1901 Mississippi Ave , SE Neighborhood Pharmacy 1932 Martin Luther King Jr , SE PNC Bank 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Bank of America 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE

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FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E

rations of the people of DC. I hope to be that voice,” Goode says. If elected she plans to address joblessness, crime, youth violence, a lack of youth programs, and unequal distribution of city resources and funding. Goode intends to form partnerships with residents, businesses, and faith communities to find solutions to these problems. To contact Goode call 202427-9604.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Animal Clinic of Anacostia 2210 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Max Robinson Center of Whitman-Walker Clinic 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE The United Black Fund 2500 Martin Luther King Ave SE The Pizza Place 2910 Martin Luther King Ave SE Metropol Educational Services, 3rd Floor 3029 Marin Luther King Jr Ave , SE National Children’s Center - Southeast Campus 3400 Martin Luther King Jr , SE Assumption Catholic Church 3401 Martin Luther King Ave SE Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Congress Heights Health Center 3720 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE CVS - Skyland 2646 Naylor Rd , SE Harris Teeter 1350 Pennsylvania Ave SE Thai Orchid Kitchen 2314 Pennsylvania Ave SE St Francis Xavier Church 2800 Pennsylvania Ave SE Pennsylvania Ave Baptist Church 3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE CVS – Penn Branch 3240 Pennsylvania Ave , SE Congress Heights Recreation Center 100 Randle Pl , SE Johnson Memorial Baptist Church 800 Ridge Rd SE Ridge Recreation Center 800 Ridge Rd , SE Savoy Recreation Center 2440 Shannon Pl SE PNC Bank 4100 South Capitol St , SE Rite Aid 4635 South Capitol St , SE United Medical Center 1310 Southern Ave , SE Benning Park Community Center 5100 Southern Ave SE Benning Stoddert Recreation Center 100 Stoddert Pl , SE Union Temple Baptist Church 1225 W ST SE Senior Living at Wayne Place 114 Wayne Place SE 115 Atlantic St , SW William O Lockridge/Bellevue Bald Eagle At Fort Greble 100 Joliet St SW Covenant Baptist Church 3845 South Capitol St Faith Presbyterian Church 4161 South Capitol St SW Henson Ridge Town Homes Office 1804 Stanton Terrace, SE The Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW CCN office 224 7th ST SE Eastern Market 225 7th St SE YMCA Capitol View 2118 Ridgecrest Court SE CW Harris Elementary School 301 53rd Street, SE DC Child & Family Services Agency 200 I Street SE

Maurice T. Dickens comes into the race as a lifelong resident of Ward 8. He grew up in Congress Heights and the Douglass area and then pursued his bachelor’s of political science at Texas Southern University. Dickens previously ran for an advisory neighborhood commission position on the issue that the ward and District need stronger, unified leadership based on the people’s voices. “I believe that it is time that we embrace a new era, working harder toward this opportunity for collaborative partnerships and social development that directly affects us,” Dickens said in a statement to voters. If elected Dickens plans to focus on economic development, equal education opportunities, job creation, and a reduction in crime. He also wants to invest in projects like building retail and entertainment locations in Ward 8. To contact Dickens call 202-341-3097 or visit his Facebook page, “Maurice Dickens for Ward 8 Council 2016.” u

What’s in a Name? A Name Change Proposed for Ballou HS by Angela M. Copeland

here has been passionate debate about the proposed renaming of Frank W. Ballou High School in Ward 8 in honor of Mayor for Life, now Mayor Forever, Marion S. Barry Jr. The discussion – zealous, unapologetic, and unyielding, like Mr. Barry – proves that the four-time mayor continues to excite public debate even from the hereafter. Alumni of the school have circulated an online petition to keep the name. They hold dear the name of their alma mater despite Mr. Ballou’s legacy as the superindentendant of the District’s public school system who said no to Marian Anderson. It was Ballou’s refusal in 1939 to allow the operatic great to use then-Central (now Cardozo) High School as a concert venue that helped rouse a movement that would eventually land Anderson a national stage at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial and throw a gut punch to racist Jim Crow practices in the District. Recent media coverage regarding the name change has reignited the spewings from legions of Barry haters who knew the man only through sensationalized, tabloid-style reporting. Generations of District residents know and appreciate him beyond the headlines. That man – school board member, councilmember, and mayor – is the public servant to be honored. In addition to the Student Center of the University of the District of Columbia in Van Ness, the Reeves Building on U Street, and other options, the Commission to Commemorate and Recognize the Honorable Marion S. Barry, Jr. offered the renaming of Good Hope Road in Anacostia. One neighbor opposing the change argued that the name should remain for historic reasons, stating that it was via Good Hope Road that presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth made his doomed escape into Maryland. This is true with

one important addendum. At the time of his deed the road taken by Booth was called Harrison Street. Presidential street names were removed from the area in 1908. Public honorings of historical figures change all the time. Our efforts to honor those who influenced history evolve. I’m sure the people who named the newly established high school after Mr. Ballou in 1958, just four years after the official end of segregation in the District’s public schools, felt they were doing the right thing. Interestingly it was also in 1958 that 10,000 students participated in the first of two demonstrations, known as the Youth March for Integrated Schools, held in the District to protest the continuation of separatist practices in education around the nation. It is ironic that in what was proudly referred to as Chocolate City, in a ward that is overwhelmingly African-American, and regarding a school that was created to serve students in historically black neighborhoods, other AfricanAmericans are petitioning to preserve the honor of a man who would set them apart and not in a good way. Those in favor of keeping the school named after Ballou might take note of a national trend to rename educational edifices that honor bastions of our country’s racialized past. Protests have taken place at Harvard and Yale universities, and designations have been changed at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. I appreciate the vigor of the discussion among my neighbors. I also wonder why the conversation has been so keen only in Ward 8. Since Barry was a four-time mayor of the District, these conversations should be occurring across the city? Angela M. Copeland can be found at angelac105@ aol.com. u

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

I N V I TAT I O N F O R B I D S ( I F B ) SOLICITATION NO.: 0013-2016

AUTHORITY-WIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) equires qualified Fire Extinguisher maintenance and repair companies to provide fire extinguisher services for DCHA Authority-Wide for various properties throughout the District of Columbia in accordance with the Scope of Services outlined in the solicitation. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, March 28, 2016; and on DCHA’s web site at www.dchousing.org SEALED BIDS are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00am on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Contact the Issuing Office, LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod on (202) 535-1212 or by email at lmmcleod@dchousing.org for additional information. East of the River Magazine April 2016

neighborhood news

What Happened to Zo? Frustrated Family, Supporters Fear Cover Up by Virginia Avniel Spatz

“Everything is a secret. They still refuse to release the identity of the officers involved in my son’s death,” says Beverly Smith, five months after 27-year-old Alonzo “Zo” Smith died in confus-

ing circumstances at Marbury Plaza in Southeast. Around 4 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2015, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to calls of a disturbance. They found Alonzo Smith (then unidentified) unconscious in the custody of Marbury’s security. An MPD body-cam video shows a Blackout Security special police officer (SPO) viewing a cellphone while using knee restraint on Alonzo, who is face-down, hands cuffed behind his back. The MPD officers attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead an hour later. On Dec. 14 the death was ruled “homicide,” with “compression of the torso” as a “contributing factor.” Beverly Smith fears that MPD’s Internal Affairs, which is investigating instead of Homicide, worries more “about covering for those SPOs” than obtaining justice for her son. “We cannot see what they are submitting to the grand jury. So if they want to submit evidence that supports no indictment, they can.” Alonzo Smith had been charged with no crime; no weapons or drugs were found. Beverly Smith and her attorney have yet to discover what led to the SPOs’ encounter with Alonzo.

A Poet and a Teacher

Zo in his teaching years. Photo: Smith family

Alonzo “Zo” Fiero Smith was born on Jan. 2, 1988, to Alonzo Clemons and Beverly Smith. He was father to Mekhi Cherry, born in 2009. In 2013 Smith published a book of poems written from ages 14 to 22; he was reportedly working on a second volume. He studied social work at Morgan State University and was planning to return to school in January 2016. Alonzo had just texted his mother to share excitement about some upcoming modeling work, recalls Beverly, but his true calling appeared to be teaching. He was a co-teacher and dedicated aide at Accotink Academy Learning Academy in Springfield, Va. The school serves students with emotional and learning disabilities. During his three years there he worked in the classroom and in the academy’s Behavioral Crisis Center. A school statement called him “a very kind-hearted teacher who put a smile on everyone’s face and made each day at work very pleasant.”

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The academy held a memorial shortly after the funeral. Months later his mother is still warmed by students’ comments. “The whole school attended – and there wasn’t a dry eye there,” she said in a March interview. Her son connected particularly well with “young people who were troubled like he was,” and a number spoke of him as a father and friend. “That was a proud moment, to hear those kids talk about my son in that manner.” That proud moment is surrounded by myriad distressing ones, as a grieving mother battles for justice.

Questions and Support What little Beverly Smith has learned includes contradictory and incorrect information: paperwork with erroneous date and gender (later corrected); contradictory reports about Alonzo’s condition and treatment. An early claim that SPOs “were trying to save my son’s life,” says Beverly, is “contradicted by the [body-cam] video. They’re worrying about the phone, probably trying to erase something!” It all began with an initial determination of “justifiable homicide,” amended after media inquiries and later called an MPD “error.” “The real mistake,” Beverly says now, “was them thinking no one would care about one more black man’s violent death. But they didn’t know who his mother was.” She added, “After my son’s death, I automatically became an activist … I be-

Alonzo “Zo” Fiero Smith, age seven. Photo: Smith family

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Beverly Smith, at home in Ward 8 with homicide paperwork, continues to seek justice for son Zo. Photo: V. Spatz

come very knowledgeable” on evidence, accountability, and police-involved deaths of unarmed black men. “I had no choice.” Support comes from many quarters. Amnesty International and the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent both demand prompt, independent investigation into Alonzo’s death. Cousin Malcolm Fox and Pan-African Community Action seek a fundamental shift in power, including complete community control of all police. “Unfortunately,” Fox says, “Alonzo’s murder has awakened all of us to a point of mistrust of socalled leaders in the District to include the mayor and police chief.” Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May and others call for greater transparency, better training, and accountability for SPOs in response to the case. Maurice Dickens, Ward 8 DC Council candi-

316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20003 www.tjcocpa.com

date and an SPO himself, wants more training and support for SPOs. Specifically, officers in the case “did not follow proper training protocols which resulted in fatality. Quite frankly, the security company ought to be fined and their business closed.” Blackout Security referred inquiries to their attorney, Michael Smith, who did not respond. Questions have also been raised about the responsibility of MPD and Marbury. MPD spokesperson Alice Kim says only, “At the moment, we do not have any additional updates and cannot comment on the case as it is still an ongoing investigation.” Marbury Plaza did not respond to a request for comment. Virginia Avniel Spatz continues to follow Alonzo’s case and plans additional stories on Marbury Plaza, on community relations with law enforcement, and on SPO certification, licensing, and training in DC. u

Beverly Smith has found crucial support from groups like National Unity Against Police Brutality and others whose members have lost children to police violence. She stresses that she is surviving on God’s strength and values every prayer and offering of positive energy during this dark time. Supporters are considering an organized prayer network as the six-month anniversary of Alonzo Smith’s death approaches.

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

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neighborhood news / The Numbers

Who Pays the Price When Child Care Assistance Is Too Low? Ways to Reinforce the Early Care and Education Economy in DC by Soumya Bhat

ll families should have access to high quality care and education for their children. We know that quality care in the District is expensive, but also critical for our youngest residents, under age three, if they are to enter school healthy and ready to learn. Many of the District’s low-income families rely on the city’s child care subsidy program to access quality child care while they are pursuing work, education, or training opportunities. That means many child care providers in lowincome neighborhoods rely on the city’s child care subsidy program to operate successfully. So how can we ensure that community-based providers offering early care and education to mostly low-income families are adequately funded to offer high quality care? This was the focus of the new report jointly released by DC Fiscal Policy Institute and DC Appleseed – Solid Footing: Reinforcing the Early Care and Education Economy for Infants and Toddlers in DC. The study looks at the cost of providing quality child care for infants and toddlers in the District, based on interviews with providers serving families in DC’s child care subsidy program. Families who qualify can receive financial assistance from the government to help offset the costs of child care. However, many early care and education providers struggle to make ends meet because of a large gap between the costs of providing quality care and resources available from the city through its subsidy program. This creates an unsustainable business model, which threatens the ability of low- and moderate-income families to find a high-quality center for their children that is close to home or work. In order to assure quality programs are available to all District residents – particularly children from low-income families – the District must invest strategically to build more sustainable business and service delivery models, and invest strategically in the child care workforce. Here are a few recommendations from the report that can help the District achieve these goals.

Increase Child Care Subsidy Rates Our analysis shows that current child care subsidy rates from the District cover only 66 to 70 percent of the typical annual cost per infant or

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toddler for care in an accredited environment. In addition to subsidy, early care and education providers can receive support from private-paying families, other government sources, fundraising efforts, or in-kind resources. However, in some neighborhoods few families earn enough to pay the market rate and must rely on the subsidy program. In these neighborhoods, many providers struggle to make ends meet on the low reimbursements from the subsidy program, while meeting standards for quality. Many providers we interviewed reported operating at a loss, paying low wages to staff, or even going into personal debt to float their business operations. Child care providers serving our most vul-

nerable children should not have to be forced to choose between paying staff a competitive wage and covering the cost of caring for a child whose family cannot afford to pay. That’s why one of our recommendations is to increase child care subsidy rates and other government services to cover the gap for high-quality providers. For the highest rated (gold) centers, we estimate the total investment needed is $38 million, which can be phased in over time. For all centers, the cost would be at least $70 million.

Differentiate Child Care Subsidy Rates In addition to increasing the amount of subsidy, we recommend implementing differentiat-

ed subsidy rates that take other factors into account beyond a child’s age and program quality. For example, providers could receive additional funding for operating programs in census tracts with highest poverty rates, or for providing services during non-traditional hours.

Help Child Care Centers Share Services Some providers in the District struggle to manage the business and administrative side of running a child care center and could benefit from outsourcing certain parts of the business that are not central to developing children’s cognitive and social-emotional development. We recommend the District continue to explore “shared service” arrangements which offer providers access to third-party professionals to handle administrative and business tasks for their child development center or home. This allows small businesses to reduce costs and save time on operations, such as payroll and purchasing.

Incentivize Specialized Professional Development

more capacity to serve children and families.

Supplement Salaries We also recommend that DC create a salary supplement program for teachers and directors based on education levels and longevity. Increases in reimbursement rates alone may not change compensation levels for the child care workforce. However, there are programs, like the Child Care WAGE$ model from North Carolina, that invest in workforce compensation directly through annual supplements to early care and education teachers and directors based on education and time spent in the industry or their current program. This type of program could help DC improve retention and recruitment efforts while improving outcomes for children. We hope some of these recommendations can be accomplished during the FY 2017 budget season. You can find the full report at http://www.dcfpi.org/solid-footing-reinforcing-theearly-care-and-education-economyfor-infants-and-toddlers-in-dc. Bhat is an education 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. u

The District should adopt or design specific professional development tracks, such as serving children with special needs, and then incentivize providers to pursue these opportunities with bonuses to staff who participate. Financial incentives reward providers and staff who choose such specializations and help them build East of the River Magazine April 2016

East washington life

Prayer March from East Washington Heights Baptist Church, March 13.

At the Crossroads: To ‘Change Our Streets’

s part of an ongoing series exploring worship east of the river I joined a March 13 “Stop the Violence Prayer March and Rally” at a busy Southeast crossroads. This prayer event honored the memories of Ivy Tonett Smith and Charnice Milton, shot to death in separate incidents at the same intersection, and called for “unified community response.” Such gatherings can be pro forma or they can be powerful moments of mourning and reflection, important in community-building. This one inspired genuine prayer and tears. At this writing the District has suffered additional homicides since March 13, including another in a busy transit spot. Each death leaves an irreparable hole in the lives of loved ones. Each contributes, moreover, to a network of cracks in the city’s life. Opportunities to respond as part of a community are crucial to the health of the District. As Psalm 30 suggests: Does joy come in the morning, where weeping has not tarried for the night? Can we dance together, if we have not yet joined in lament?

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A Crossroads Naylor Road SE is the borderline between Ward 8 to the east, and Ward 7 to the west. The intersection of Naylor and Alabama Avenue SE is a busy commercial area. On one corner DC Scholars Stanton Elementary serves nearly 600 students in preK-3 through fifth grade. Many popular bus routes, including several that carry passengers across the river, stop at this nexus. At the bus stop on the west side of Naylor at Alabama, when the street was filled with people, Charnice Milton, age 27, a long-time contributor to this publication, was shot to death on May 27, 2015. Her murder remains unsolved. At the bus stop across the street Ivy Tonett Smith, age 39, was shot to death at 1:30 on a Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2016. Police believe she was not an intended target. Charnice was a colleague whose voice is still sorely missed at Capital Community News. Ivy, a stranger. Like me and so many others, each was bus rider, just going about their ordinary business. Less than a mile away from the shootings is East Washington Heights Baptist Church

by Virginia Avniel Spatz

(EWHBC). Members of the church knew Milton. Reverend Damon Dozier, EWHBC’s social justice pastor, was nearby at the time of the more recent shooting and helped assist one of the victims. Many church members have experienced incidents of violence over the years, some on the property of the church. More than half of EWHBC’s members live in the vicinity of the church, according to Pastor Kip Banks. This is unusual for a DC church. It means that local struggles are experienced differently than in a congregation of many long-distance commuters. And it adds complexity to the crossroads of faith and community need.

Social Justice Ministry In a telephone interview Rev. Dozier discussed the genesis of the March 13 prayer event and EWHBC’s related plans. EWHBC had been working as a church, in both ad hoc and longterm efforts, on a variety of issues, including economic justice, workforce development, access to healthy food options, and an end to gun violence. There was a sense, however, that “we’re not do-

ing enough to make our voices heard in the social sphere.” In response, the position of social justice minister was established just a few months ago. After more than 10 years with the church, Rev. Dozier has taken up this post. Along with a committee including Rev. Barbara JohnsonBox and Rev. Elizabeth Wiggins, he seeks a more coordinated “approach to social justice efforts.” In the spirit of servant leadership Rev. Dozier expects the social justice ministry to be informed by members of the church as well as the wider community. He adds that the community is diverse and that issues facing it are not exclusive to any one population. The effort should involve other faith communities and be “as inclusive and egalitarian as possible,” he explains. “We want to examine the work from a diverse lens.” The March 13 prayer march and vigil was the first such event of the social justice ministry. Rev. Dozier stresses that he planned it in response to “a combination of things, not just the latest incident.” He called on members of other churches and the wider community to join EWHBC in seeking to “organize a unified community response to gun violence, demand leadership and intervention from elected local officials and law, and take other action.”

Change Our Streets The march began at EWHBC, 2220 Branch Ave. SE, and concluded on the east side of Naylor Road at Alabama Avenue. Among those sharing prayers at the gathering were Kenneth McClenton, stepfather of Charnice Milton and organizer of the Open Heart/Close Case campaign; Rev. Everette Burwell of Bridge Baptist Church in Ward 8; and Trayon White, long-time advocate for District youth (and Ward 8 DC Council candidate). Due to scheduling conflicts and some confused announcements a number of community members appeared toward the end of the gathering including Rev. Ralph Chittams Sr., long active in Ward 7; Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander; and Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May.

Rev. Kip Banks (left) and Kenneth McClenton, organizer of the Open Heart/Close Cases Campaign.

Prayer energy focused on those injured or otherwise affected by shootings, on the families of victims, and on calls for justice. In addition prayers were directed toward all who ride public buses and for the more general needs of the community that works, shops, attends school, and travels through that busy intersection. “Our community has been ravished by violence, which is a clear indication that somehow, somewhere our light is not shining,” said a member of EWHBC at the march’s launch. “God is calling us to ignite ourselves. God is calling us for such a time as this to do whatever we have to do to brighten up the darkest of nights.” “I appeal to You, who can make a way out of no way,” Rev. Dozier prayed at the bus stop. “I appeal to You, who can change our streets ....” Contact Rev. Damon A. Dozier, social justice minister, East Washington Heights Baptist Church, at 202-213-9399 or damon.dozier@ gmail.com. See also EWHBC.org or call 202582-4811.

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. Prayer gathering at Naylor Road and Alabama Avenue SE, site of two shooting deaths.

Virginia Avniel Spatz participates in a range of Jewish and other worship communities and interfaith efforts. She blogs on faith topics at songeveryday.org. u

East of the River Magazine April 2016

Scholar-Athletes in the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Find an After-School Home in Wards 7 and 8 article and photos by Christine Rushton

A scholar-athlete and softball pitcher takes the mound at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy on March 23.

A scholar-athlete and hitter makes contact with the ball at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy on March 23.

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ozens of elementary-school girls scatter onto the baseball diamond, some holding gloves and others carrying bats. A few wear outfits of pink and purple while others secure hip-length purses to their under-five-foot frames. The team of Wards 7 and 8 Nationals Youth Baseball Academy scholar-athletes have come prepared to pitch, in style. Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the school year and in six-week Summer Academy sessions, high school and college mentors, coaches, and volunteers give these third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders a place to learn about baseball and receive help on homework. The program operates out of an $18 million complex at 3675 Ely Place SE in Ward 7 with indoor batting cages, three outdoor fields, classrooms for study, and a “Field of Greens” garden. It serves around 36 students per grade, free of tuition – a maximum of 216 for the program. The scholar-athlete program was launched in October 2013 as a private-public partnership with the Washington Nationals Baseball team, the District, and several sponsors, said Tal Alter, the executive director of the academy. “We’ve designed the program to address the development needs that young people growing up in Washington, DC, have,” Alter said. “For a lot of youth living in Wards 7 and 8, those needs are even more evident.” Alter grew up in Montgomery County, Md., where he played baseball through high school. With the academy he wanted to help build a program dedicated to supporting students in a holistic learning environment through sports, developing interests, and learning. The program’s 12 fulltime staff reflect the diverse backgrounds needed to inspire each student to discover their passions, he said.

teaChing the Whole Child Some scholar-athletes don’t actually enjoy baseball, but they are free to spend their time exploring other interests, said Bryant Curry, program manager for the academy’s parent and community engagement program. For example, Lawny started with the program in 2013 and tags along with Curry inside and outside. The complex gives him a space to wander after school, he said. And he likes to play Minecraft and practice coding on the computer. “It’s a safe space where kids can be kids,” Curry said. “They can come through the doors and leave some of the worries and expectations they have in their home environment.” Most of the mentors and coaches have worked in child development programs and see the value in dedicating time and resources to youth. Curry, a former charter plane pilot and native of Detroit, moved his career to DC and is now getting the chance to see each student through the academy, from the day they walk in as third graders to when they finish. He also coordinates the academy’s family engagement programs to extend learning to the home. A cooking class starting on April 11 will help parents learn how to prepare healthy

meals. The academy provides care for the children including a family-style meal. “I like the idea that even though it’s a baseball program, it’s not our sole focus,” Curry said. “We’re more focused on academics and developing the child as a whole.” Curry also plans outings each month for scholar-athletes who show exceptional behavior and care for their teammates. In March he took one group to see “Zootopia,” the movie, and another to the White House Easter Egg Roll. He watches many take on the challenge to work for what they want in life, something he observes while following these students from day one at the academy. “It’s an understanding that in order to be good at something, you have to work at it everyday,” he said.

learning and sharing With mentors Alter and the academy wanted to invite dedicated volunteer mentors into the program so that both the scholar-athletes and other older students could benefit from interacting. Alter approached several District universities and high schools – Gonzaga High School, Georgetown, Gallaudet – about

spending a few hours each week at the complex. When Alter first called Gonzaga High School, baseball coach Andy Bradley jumped at the idea. His team buses out from Ward 6 to Ward 7, Monday through Saturday. On Tuesdays through Thursdays they play with and coach the scholar-athletes. Other days, they use the nine-acre complex to practice. “The best way to learn is to teach,” Bradley said. “By our guys being able to teach throwing, fielding, and hitting I think they start to process that and it helps them as players.” Gonzaga started an award system for good behavior with the academy students. Bradley recently remembered one young man named Antoine who got the chance to sit in Gonzaga’s dugout and throw the first pitch at a game. “He threw the pitch, and it was a strike,” he said. “Everyone in the dugout came out to celebrate, and you could just see the look on his face.” It’s those moments that show the Gonzaga students how they can impact at-risk youth, he said. After spending three years working with local schools and the Nationals baseball team, Alter said he hopes to continue expanding in the Ward 7 and 8 communities. He wants to add more staff and raise the level to eighth grade. The organization runs a budget of roughly $3 million, as projected for 2016, and supports the tuition of every student. The funds come from 10year donations from the District and the Nationals, but the academy also relies on fundraisers. In 2016 they hope to hold a Congressional staffer baseball game in an attempt to diversify funding, he said. “We are just one positive resource in a community of people who care about young people growing up in their neighborhood,” Alter declared. “We consider that a tremendous responsibility.” u

One of three playing fields at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy on March 23.

East of the River Magazine April 2016

easT washingTon life

Screenshots of AmeriHealth’s mobile app features. Photo: AmeriHealth Caritas DC

AmeriHealth Caritas DC Empowers Members Through Technology One Local Medicaid Plan Is Increasing Members’ Access to Their Own Health Information. by Candace Y.A. Montague

ow many lists does a person have to keep track of in their memory? Groceries, schedules, to-do items, passwords, financial transactions. There is no end to the amount of information one has to keep track of without the luxury of writing it down. When it comes to medications (how much, how often), medical appointments, and emergencies, the mind has little mental space left to keep account. Enter AmeriHealth Caritas DC and its innovations designed to make healthcare more streamlined for members. Recently the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rated the AmeriHealth

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Caritas DC Medicaid program highly for its ability to provide quality health education, support, and services. One of the services incorporates health information technology (health IT) that helps members handle their own health data and gain easy access as needed.

three the easy Way AmeriHealth Caritas DC has developed three digital paths for members to access health information. The first is the mobile app. The AmeriHealth app is compliant with provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and lets members search the provider directory, review medication lists for themselves or dependents, email or fax member ID cards, and use one-touch dialing to reach providers. Karen Dale, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas DC, says the app makes health data accessible and alleviates worries. “If the member is current-

ly on medication, our pharmacy management company is able to load their medication so it’s right there on their phones. That can be very important when someone goes to the doctor or a different doctor or has to go to the emergency room. Rather than trying to recall medications and doses from memory, they can just pull it up on their phone.” The asthma tablet is another healthcare management tool, for members who have children suffering from this chronic condition. Children who live east of the Anacostia River are 10 times more likely to be rushed to the emergency room due to asthma issues than chil-

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

dren who live in wealthier neighborhoods around the city. The tablet is an interactive tool built with a peak-flow monitor and medication reminder system. It also contains a system for tracking and measuring symptoms, as well as games, ebooks, and how-to videos for basic health literacy. Health surveys allow program staff to check in with families regularly. “We created a tablet,” explains Dale.” It has information to educate children about their condition. There’s a short video on how to use a nebulizer and how to use a peak-flow chart. It reminds them of the key components of the action plan, the things to discuss with the doctor. We built it to be easy to use for those who have low technology literacy.” In collaboration with Breathe DC and Children’s Law Center, AmeriHealth incorporates home visits and landlord education to reduce the home triggers. Text messaging isn’t just for social purposes anymore. AmeriHealth Caritas DC has implemented a system that enables messages to be sent to members for appointment and self-care reminders as well as to disseminate vital health information.

WhyHealth IT Matters Whether people embrace or reject technology, health information technology has vastly improved the efficiency of healthcare. Papers are so vulnerable. They get lost, destroyed, misread, and mixed up with others. The Obamacare era has ushered in a new wave of record keeping that helps medical professionals and consumers keep better track of information. Electronic health records, electronic prescribing, and personal health records online help get the job done with fewer errors. Are there some concerns about revealing too much information? Sure. But a couple of guidelines have been put into place to protect patients. First is HIPAA, which was revised in 2012. This act gives the consumer more rights over their

health records and who can see them. It also requires that patients/ consumers have more ability to download and print their information if necessary. Second are the new telemedicine rules. The DC Department of Health is in the process of proposing rules that would regulate things like teleconferencing, remote prescribing, and informed consent.

On the Horizon How else can health IT make healthcare more reachable? Dale describes the possibility of using apps like Skype to have tele-behavioral visits with a mental health professional. “People will be able to use Skype to have their appointments at home. If they don’t have a computer at home, we can make it available at the wellness center. The stigma attached to behavioral health makes it hard for some people. They may not want to be seen walking into a psychologist’s office. But they may come to the wellness center and use one of the private rooms for these appointments.” Taking advantage of the ever growing world of digital applications not only means better health management but better prevention and fewer trips to the emergency rooms. Dale says it’s only natural to use apps and computer programs to keep up with members. “We need to have our healthcare really meet members right where they are. They’re already using Skype and Facebook and Snapchat and other apps to communicate, so we wanted to find a way to make things just as easy.” With these innovations in place AmeriHealth Caritas members can take one of those everyday “lists” off their minds. For more information about AmeriHealth Caritas DC and their services visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com. For more information about health IT, privacy, and consumer rights visit www.healthit.gov. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u

neighborhood

Price Br

Fee SIMPlE 4275 HILDRETH ST SE Anacostia 1319 U ST SE 1327 DEXTER TER SE 1354 MAPLE VIEW PL SE 1438 RIDGE PL SE 1478 BANGOR ST SE 1617 BUTLER ST SE 1625 U ST SE

$336,500 $196,000 $510,999 $174,900 $152,000 $166,000 $385,000

4 2 3 2 3 4 3

$259,900

Hill Crest

2200 32ND PL SE $470,000 2517 PARK PL SE $249,900 2624 MINNESOTA AVE SE $215,000 3107 W ST SE $525,000 3117 MINNESOTA AVE SE $215,000 3126 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE $500,000 3305 HIGHWOOD DR SE $420,000 Chillum 111 QUACKENBOS ST NW $380,500 3 Marshall Heights 211 KENNEDY ST NW $590,000 4 4632 A ST SE $140,000

Congress Heights 154 FORRESTER ST SW 3307 OXON RUN RD SE 3506 BROTHERS PL SE 528 OAKWOOD ST SE 912 VARNEY ST SE

$329,000 $385,000 $240,000 $324,000 $190,000

3 4 4 4 3

Randle Heights 1805 18TH ST SE 1841 ALABAMA AVE SE 1915 21ST PL SE 2232 RIDGE PL SE 2310 Q ST SE

$330,000 $225,000 $195,000 $230,000 $345,000

3 8 3 3 5 2 3 6 2 3 2 2 3 4

Deanwood Condo 1115 50TH ST NE $399,000 4 217 42ND ST NE 4065 GRANT ST NE 4259 FOOTE ST NE 4334 GAULT PL NE 4408 LEE ST NE 4414 DIX ST NE 4429 FOOTE ST NE 4909 FITCH PL NE 5025 MEADE ST NE 5047 SHERIFF RD NE 5316 JAY ST NE 5322 AMES ST NE 533 59TH ST NE 5533 JAY ST NE

$203,000 $195,000 $349,900 $230,000 $190,000 $284,000 $130,000 $166,000 $280,000 $229,000 $234,900 $335,000 $270,500 $399,000

Fort Dupont Park 1615 FORT DUPONT ST SE 326 BURBANK ST SE

$310,000 $270,000

4 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 2

Congress Heights 210 OAKWOOD ST SE #301

$205,000

Deanwood 4610 KANE PL NE #101

$80,000

Hill Crest 3812 V ST SE #201 3812 W ST SE #202 3814 V ST SE #102

$98,000 $70,000 $95,000

Randle Heights 1631 GAINESVILLE ST SE #102 3070 30TH ST SE #201 3281 15TH PL SE #301 u

$95,000 $23,000 $135,000

East of the River Magazine April 2016

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

notebook by Kathleen Donner

organization Split This Rock, local area teens compete in a slam competition for prizes. This is the “best of the best” chosen from an open mic audition held earlier. Stop by and support local teen poets during this special National Poetry Month program. ACM Teen Slam is on Saturday, April 30, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202633-4820. anacostia.si.edu.

Twelve Years Tours to Treasure Families are invited to a docent-led tour of the exhibition: “Twelve Years That Shook and Shaped Washington (1963–1975).” Afterwards kids can go on a self-guided treasure hunt with an exhibition family guide to test their knowledge. They’ll receive a free gift for completing the hunt. Each Tours to Treasure program lasts approximately 60 minutes; recommended for families and children (six years and up). Tours are on April 17, 21, 20 and May 10; 11 a.m. to noon. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf! Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids, ages 4 to 12, can run the bases after select Nationals games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Dates this season are April 10 and 24; May 15 and 29; July 3, 17 and 24; Aug. 7, 14 and 28; and Sept. 11. An adult must accompany runners to the field. There must be one adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases while the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning. However, fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street SE. washington.nationals.mlb.com. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

“Boxes, Boxes, Boxes!” Two friends use their imaginations to build bridges, birds, a train, a plane and even a castle from cardboard boxes. Jump inside the world of a child’s imagination. Performances are followed by a “free play” session, allowing the audience to build their own creations using props from the show. Best for two to five-year-olds. Imaginations Stage’s “Boxes, Boxes, Boxes!” runs from April 23 to May 1 at the Atlas. Tickets are $9. Buy tickets at atlasarts.org.

ACM Teen Slam Organized in collaboration with the Washington, DC youth spoken word and youth outreach

“The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf,” the musical by Val Cheatham, is a light-hearted musical featuring a large cast of local children. It is the Anacostia Playhouse’s first all-youth production. With a cast that includes characters like The Weasels (the Wolf ’s lawyers), Hogney Dangerfield (prosecutor), Prudence, Patience and Propriety Pig, plus the judge, jury and a wolf pack. Over 25 children who auditioned will be given the opportunity to participate. The production is directed by Renee Charlow. Using music styles of the 1950s, Val Cheatham’s The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf is a comic version of what might have happened if the Wolf had been tried for his offenses against the three pigs. The music is fun, the characters are funny and will delight audiences of all ages. On stage at the Anacostia Playhouse, May 19 to 22. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for kids 16 and younger. anacostiaplayhouse.com.

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suMMer TrAnsPorT insTiTuTe DDOT and Howard University are accepting applications for the Howard University Summer Transportation Institute (HUSTI). This program is designed to attract rising ninth and tenth grade students to career fields in transportation. HUSTI provides a stimulating introduction to all modes of transportation through hands-on projects, problem-solving techniques, field trips, classroom and enrichment activities. Participants will gain skills in mathematics, science and technology. The program runs June 27 to July 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, at Howard University. The program is free to all students and lunch is provided. To participate, students along with their parent or guardian must submit an application by May 6. Application materials and additional program information can be found at hutrc.howard.edu/index. php/hu-sti.

visuAl ArTs worKshoPs for Children Kuumba Expressions presents three two-hour visual arts workshops, led by its founder Afrika Abney, on April 16, May 21 and June 18, 2 to 4 p.m. The workshops are open to kids ages 6 through 12 including those with developmental disabilities. Participants receive instruction in painting, using traditional and non-traditional materials. The classes are at Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St. NW. One session is $15; three sessions are $30. For more information, send a note to kuumbaexpressions@ yahoo.com and visit them at kuumbaexpressions.weebly.com.

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo $2.2 Million for Infants and Toddlers in Wards 7 and 8 The Bainum Family Foundation announces funding support of $2.2 million for eight local organizations that provide direct services in the areas of early learning, health care, mental wellness, nutrition and home visiting to low-income families in Wards 7 and 8. These investments are designed to help the Foundation reach its goal of adding 750 high-quality early learning seats in Wards 7 and 8 by 2020. A December 2015 report commissioned by the Foundation revealed that young children living in the District’s Wards 7 and 8 disproportionately face obstacles that impede their educational, developmental and even survival potential. The analysis indicates that infants and toddlers in those wards are up to 40 times more likely to face these obstacles than their peers in

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the District’s more affluent areas. For more information, visit bainumfdn.org.

Earth Day Party at Deanwood Library On Saturday, April 23, 2 p.m., celebrate Earth Day at Deanwood Library. You’ll watch the Dr. Seuss classic video “The Lorax” and make Earth Day crafts. Deanwood Neighborhood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood.

Youth Step Competition The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presents the 14th Annual STOMP D.A.T. Youth Step Competition at HU’s Cramton Auditorium on Saturday, April 23, 4 to 7 p.m. This event combines youthful creativity with education about the dangers of substance abuse). There also will be a special award presentation at this event. Tickets are

On Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore science and engineering with more than 3,000 hands-on activities in fields like robotics, genomics, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, cryogenics, space exploration and more. Meet astronauts, inventors, paleontologists, neuroscientists, teen scientists, astrophysicists, and more. Other highlights include incredible stage shows including Grammy Award-Winners ‘They Might Be Giants’, Actor Wil Wheaton, Sick Science’s Steve Spangler, Science Cheerleaders, and Dr. Kaboom. This free event is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The USA Science & Engineering Festival is a national grassroots effort to advance STEM education and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Their exhibitors, performers, speakers, partners, sponsors and advisors are a who’s who of science and engineering in the United States from major academic centers, leading research institutes and government agencies to cutting-edge high tech companies, museums and community organizations. USAScienceFestival.org. Designed to inspire kids to explore STEM careers, more than 3000 fun, hands-on activities and incredible stage performances will be at the free fourth USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo, hosted by Lockheed Martin on April 16 & 17, at the DC Convention Center. Photo: Michael Collela

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$20 each and available at ticketmaster. com. Area residents are encouraged to not only attend but to purchase tickets that can be donated to church groups and schools. There is a pre-Mother’s Day Jazz & Gospel Cruise on the Spirit of Washington on Sunday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It includes a full brunch, dancing, great views, vendors and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 per person at premothersdaycruisefcac.eventbrite.com. Proceeds from both events will be used for the chapter’s annual scholarship and community service programs. Call 202-271-5534 with any questions. thefcacdst.org.

CherrY BlossoM fAMilY dAY On Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival at National Archives with fun, hands-on activities exploring the many ways countries show their friendship. Investigate treaties and learn about some of the interesting gifts countries have given our government. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW. archives.gov.

norTheAsT liBrArY Children’s BooK sAle On Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Friends of the Northeast Library are selling only children’s books. They expect to have thousands of high quality books board books and picture books, early readers, young adult fiction and everything in betweenmost of which will cost $1 or $2. This special sale takes place at the Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. Friends of the Northeast Library book sales raise money for the branch to enrich the experience for library patrons and staff. For more information contact Vincent Morris, President of the Friends of the Northeast Library at vsmorris@gmail.com.

Chess ChAllenge in dC The fifth annual Chess Challenge in DC Citywide Chess Tournament is on April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. NW. It is open to all DC Elementary and Middle School Students. The unrated tournament features five rounds of play with a blitz playoff. Over 200 students from

DC public, private, and charter elementary and middle schools are expected to take part. The top three finishers are awarded trophies and all participants receive ribbons. Registration includes a tee shirt, lunch, and raffle tickets for prizes. Registration has opened at ChessChallengeinDC.org.

The wiZArd of oZ This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an adaptation of the alltime classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, in a journey through the magical land of Oz. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys. The Wizard of Oz is at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., May 3 to 15. thenationaldc.org.

ChAnges To dPr TACKle fooTBAll The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has announced changes for the 2016 Youth Tackle Football season. For over 20 years, DPR has offered a youth tackle football league program. Most recently, DPR participated in the national Pop Warner football program. Starting this year, DPR will return to the DPR Youth Tackle Football League (YTFL) program. DPR’s YTFL will be offered to interested associations/teams for kids, ages 5 to 14. Both male and female players are welcome. DPR’s Youth Tackle Football League is open to interested associations/teams from the District, Maryland and Virginia. Five divisions, classified by age (not weight), will be offered. Registration is open. dpr.dc.gov.

looKing for roBerTo CleMenTe Sam and Charlie are best friends and baseball fanatics in Pittsburgh, PA, in the year 1972. Puerto Rican superstar Roberto Clemente is the hero of the Pittsburgh Pirates, having led the team to victory after years of losing. When a mysterious fly ball transforms Sam into a Little League Superstar pitcher, he is invited onto the most prestigious Lit-

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

tle League team in town, while Charlie is rejected for being a girl. Charlie forms her own team with the less athletic kids and her new friend Tommy, a boy with a disability. Sam and Charlie ultimately discover what it truly means to be a “hero” when their final game coincides with Clemente’s fateful decision to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Best for ages 5, up. Show runs April 13 to May 22 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-280-1660. imaginationstage.org.

Volunteer with KEEN KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is committed to providing free recreational opportunities to children and young adults with disabilities by pairing them with trained volunteers for fun, noncompetitive activities. KEEN seeks to develop each athlete’s self-esteem and confidence. Volunteers must be mature, responsible, at least 15 years old and able to provide three references at their first training session. Read more at keengreaterdc.org/volunteer-keen.

“Freedom in the Balance” The Newseum has launched “Freedom in the Balance.” This free online resource for teachers and students uses the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to examine the fragile balance between the First Amendment’s five freedoms - religion, speech, press, assembly and petition and concerns for personal safety, diversity and the public good throughout history. The new educational resource is available at newseumed.org. This website provides learners of all ages with free access to curated, standardsaligned content from the Newseum’s vast collection of more than 35,000 newspapers and magazines, 20,000 artifacts and 40,000 photographs. “Freedom in the Balance” is made possible with support by the For Action Initiative and the Families of September 11.

BEST Kids Superhero 5K & Fun Run The BEST Kids 2016 Superhero 5K & Fun run is a celebration of the everyday heroes that make a positive impact in the lives of kids in DC’s foster care system. There are many ways to participate including running/walking the race, becoming a sponsor or volunteering. This family-friendly and stroller-friendly race

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takes place on Saturday, April 23, 8 a.m. The annual run this year is held on scenic Hains Point. bestkids.org.

Bright Beginnings 5K The annual Bright Beginnings 5K raises funds that help provide educational, therapeutic, health and family services free of charge to homeless infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families in DC. All proceeds directly support programs that prepare children for kindergarten and help parents get back on their feet. Put on your running shoes, grab your friends and register today. Not a runner? Walkers and virtual runners welcome. Bring the whole family. Put your tots in a stroller and join the stroller brigade. The Bright Beginnings 5K takes place April 30, 8 a.m., at West Potomac Park. 202-842-9090. brightbeginningsinc.org/5k.

Kids Farm Month at the Zoo Celebrate Kids’ Farm Month, sponsored by State Farm, throughout April with special activities and events. Every day, there will be special animal encounters, keeper talks and demonstrations. Each weekend, the first 500 children can take home a special Farm sticker courtesy of State Farm. Visit the lion/tiger information booth to pick up your sticker every Saturday and Sunday in April. State Farm Day is Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. State Farm will present a variety of activities with arts and crafts throughout the day and giveaways for visitors to the Kids’ Farm exhibit. A special “Tend your Garden” program will feature ways to recycle used shipping pallets to easily create beautiful urban gardens. Meet members of the Zoo’s horticulture team and help them “plant” seedlings in the pallets. Special performances featuring children’s entertainment will take place on the lion/tiger stage. Girl and Boy Scouts receive a free Kids’ Farm patch. Wear your official sashes and vests and stop by the lion/tiger information booth to pick up your commemorative patch.

Moby Dick The courageous crew of the Pequod sets out to find a legendary whale. This inventive production features three actors who use their bodies, ever-switching hats and a variety of musical instruments to create excitement and suspense. For ages 7 and older. $20. Performances on Saturday, April 23, 11

a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday, April 24, 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. kennedy-center.org.

Happy Birthday, Will! at the Folger On April 24, noon to 4 p.m., join the Folger for their annual celebration of the birthday of the Bard. From Shakespeare performances to stage combat demonstrations and Elizabethan crafts, there’s something for everyone—including birthday cake. This is also the one day of the year when the historic Reading Rooms are open to the public. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.

Paper Trails Family Workshop at the Sackler In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, explore the importance of paper across Asian artmaking traditions. With educators from the Free/Sackler and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, use traditional Japanese papers and bookmaking tools and techniques to create your own artist’s book. This program is designed for children ages six to 12 and adults to enjoy together. Paper Trails Family Workshops are on Sunday, April 10 and Saturday, April 16; 1 to 4 p.m. Please register for this program at asia.si.edu.

NSO Family Concert Lights! Canvas! Music! In this new program unlike any other NSO Family Concert, internationally acclaimed “speed painter” Dan Dunn joins the orchestra to turn your favorite music into amazing visual artwork in a matter of musical measures. Come early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo,” a project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO. Immediately following the 4 p.m. performance, meet concert artists for a free Kids’ Chat. Performances on Sunday, April 24, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For ages 5 and older. $15. kennedy-center.org.

Sleepovers at Smithsonian The Smithsonian Associates presents true Night at the Museum experiences for children in the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.

Sleepovers are held April through August, beginning at 7 p.m. and ending at 8:45 a.m. The next morning, kids and their chaperones can choose their adventure, whether it is sleeping beneath a 50-foot whale, spending the night at the home of the Star-Spangled Banner or among thousands of aviation and space artifacts including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery. They will experience the museums in a whole new way during a night of fun that features tours, games, crafts and more. Children ages 8 to 12 may participate. There must be at least one adult for every three children in any group that registers. Chaperones must be 21 years or older. No adults without children. All participants must pre-register by calling 202-633-3030 or by visiting the Smithsonian Associates box office in the S. Dillon Ripley Center at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, Suite 3077. The $135 price includes exclusive access and activities in the museum, an evening snack, interactive exploration, arts and crafts activities and a light breakfast. T-shirts are available for purchase. For more information and a schedule of events, visit smithsoniansleepovers.org.

Day of the Dog Kids Fun Run The 2016 Day of the Dog at Congressional Cemetery is on May 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 5k begins at 9 a.m. near the east end of the cemetery. The kids run begins shortly after, at around 11:35 a.m. The untimed Kids Run is $10 and is a distance of about 2k. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.

Sleeping Beauty at Glen Echo Yet another elegant production created by the Puppet Co., “Sleeping Beauty” combines romance and adventure in a story of fairies, frogs, kings and queens, and of course, a sleeping princess and the gallant prince destined to find her. Told with rod puppets and wonderful special effects, the show is a real treat for princesses and princes, big and small. On stage at Glen Echo through May 29. Recommended for ages three and a half, up. Running time is 40 minutes. Coming soon are Li’l Red & the Pigs, June 2 to July 17; and Peter and the Wolf, July 21 to Aug. 28. thepuppetco.org. Have an item for the Kids and Family Notebook, email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

East of the River Magazine April 2016

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East of the River Magazine April 2016

“Planetary Diversions”

Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:

1. Mongolian cash 7. Drawer 13. Italian brandy 19. Iroquois Indian 20. Spiny cactus 21. Poster heading 22. Jupiter 26. Divorcees 27. Small canoe 28. Ceremonial splendor 29. One for the road 30. Secret ___ 31. Campus area 33. ___ a high note 34. Doodad 38. Kind of test 42. Not behind 44. Private 46. Piercing cry 48. New York team 51. Venus 55. Dress (up) 56. Encourages 57. Word with apple or cone 58. Foot part 59. Seaweed substance 60. Window type 63. Missouri river 65. Mars 71. Credit cards 72. Science 73. Alternatively 74. Variety 75. Fungal spore sacs 77. Underwater measuring instrument 79. Anonymous John 82. Mercury 89. Perspiring 90. Masked man with a stick 91. Passes 92. Leaves home? 93. Kin by marriage 95. Not smooth 96. Relating to a district 99. Majority 101. Lending letters 103. Cameron 104. Homecoming guest 106. Religious diets? 109. Way to the top 113. Pluto 118. Educates

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119. Investment option 120. Eye bank donation 121. Flowering bushes 122. Put together 123. Place for a plane

Down:

1. Puff 2. Alternative to Windows 3. Characteristic carrier 4. Fixes, in a way 5. Courtroom affirmation 6. “Amerika” author 7. Sore 8. Perlman of “Cheers” 9. Captured 10. Not in the pink 11. Furtive 12. Buccaneers’ home 13. Unrelenting 14. Cut the crop 15. Grass part 16. Italian violinist 17. Not humble 18. Increase 23. Farfetched 24. Pea container 25. Prince, to a king 30. Transporting costs 31. Crack 32. Mouse manipulator 33. Library catalog abbr. 34. Essence 35. Look ___ (study) 36. Loot 37. Ruin 39. Does not exist 40. “___ Is It,” Michael Jackson film 41. Partner, with “the” 42. Not fer 43. Cairo’s river 45. Prevent 47. Fraction of a ruble 49. Golden Horde member 50. City pollution sources 52. Claudius’s successor 53. Artifice 54. “Get the picture?” 59. Wanted-poster letters 60. Sean ___ Lennon 61. Fix

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 62. Frigid 63. More abhorrent 64. Freelancer’s enc. 65. Heather or Hayley 66. Off 67. Central points 68. Armrest? 69. Overhaul 70. Ooze 71. Compete (for) 75. Chip in chips 76. Eyelid woe 77. Met song 78. Old World duck 79. Art movement

80. Treats for Rover 81. Latin 101 verb 83. Multicellular animal 84. ___ of Sandwich 85. Hard work 86. Aaron or Williams 87. Addition 88. Nicotine’s partner 94. Fill up 96. Do sums 97. Laughfests 98. High wave 99. Sir, less formally 100. Shadow 102. Intimidate, with “out”

104. The “I” in “The King and I” 105. More or ___ 106. Pastry dough 107. Isn’t idle 108. Kind of terrier 109. Conflicted 110. Keg stopper 111. On the briny 112. Bring up 114. Standings stat 115. “You betcha!” 116. Navigator’s need 117. Bygone bird