East of the River Magazine April 2015 by Capital Community News

APRIL 2015

EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE

East of the River Magazine April 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

The Bulletin Board

Breaking Down the Eight Pack

Clearing the Confusion on the Minnesota Avenue Extension by Charnice A. Milton

District Beat

The Numbers

Our River

United Medical Center Hears You

AYT Institute Trains New Auto-Mechanics

by Jonetta Rose Barras

by Wes Rivers

by Bill Matuszeski

by Candace Y.A. Montague

by John Muller

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE In Every Issue

A Visit from Auntie Oye’

Eastland Gardens Flower Club

by Charnice A. Milton

What’s on Washington

East of the River Calendar

The Classified

Earth Day to-Do

The Crossword

illennial Filmmaker, a Victim of DC’s M Crack Epidemic, Breaks Silence and Embraces Future by Christina Sturdivant

No Opportunity Wasted Inc.

JazzAvenues

by Charnice A. Milton

by Catherine Plume

by Charnice A. Milton

by Steve Monroe

REAL ESTATE

ON THE COVER:

New Housing Development in Congress Heights Adds over 100 New Units by Phil Hutinet

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY

Volunteers helping to restore and stabilize the trails the historic ponds filled with lilies and lotus at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Photo: Courtesy of the Friends of Kenilworth Gardens. Story on pg 20. O n l in e Da ily, P rin te d Mon th ly

Kids & Family Notebook

Ward 8 Gets First Power Lunch Program

by Kathleen Donner

by Christina Sturdivant

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

DCRA FREE WORKSHOPS FOR EXISTING AND ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES

Money Smart for Small Business: Financial Management & Credit Reporting Date:

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Time:

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/DhyGDM

Affordable Care Act and Third Party Payers

Understanding Business Structures

Senior Entrepreneurship Program

Date:

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Date:

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Time:

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Time:

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, DC 20024

To Register: http://goo.gl/Qg6gTz

To Register: http://goo.gl/JocPsN

Regulatory Process of How to Open a Small Business in DC

The Regulatory Process of Starting a Business

Date:

Friday, April 10, 2015

Date:

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Date:

Monday, April 20, 2015

Time:

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Time:

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Time:

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, DC 20024

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024

Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Library 901 G Street NW, Room A-3 Washington, DC 20001

To Register: http://goo.gl/GB3SUf

To Register: http://goo.gl/8wqgYj

To Register: http://goo.gl/IIghwl

Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free! Date:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Time:

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/Ifb5k4

Money Smart for Small Business: Banking Services and Insurance

The District of Columbia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (DC PTAC) Series

Date:

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Date:

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Time:

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Time:

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024

To Register: http://goo.gl/zYuDQe

To Register: http://goo.gl/9pxvNr

Money Smart for Small Business: Organizational Types & Tax Planning and Reporting

A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Planning Date:

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Time:

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/YMBL8s

For further information, please contact: Jacqueline Noisette (202) 442-8170 jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera (202) 442-8055 claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas (202) 442-8690 joy.douglas@dc.gov

Date:

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Time:

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/rKO7ir

East of the River Magazine April 2015

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F A G O N

MIDCITY MID

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 • 202.543.8300 • capitalcommunitynews.com Executive Editor: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2015 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

EastofthERivERDCNEws.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS

Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Food Editor: Annette Nielsen • annette@hillrag.com

Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com

KIDS & FAMILY

Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

HOMES & GARDENS

Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com

COMMENTARY

Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com The Last Word • editorial@hilllrag.com

CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD

M AY

sAVE THE DATE Look for Next Issue of East of the River on

SAT. 05.09.15

PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN

Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Jeffrey Anderson • byjeffreyanderson@gmail.com

ADVERTISING & SALES

Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com Billing: Sara Walder, 202.400.3511 • sara@hillrag.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT

Jeffrey Anderson • byjeffreyanderson@gmail.com Jonetta Rose Barras • jonetta@jonettarosebarras.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Damian Fagon • damian.fagon@gmail.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com

DISTRIBUTION

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DEADLINES & CONTACTS

Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; editorial@hilllrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

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

O n l in e Da ily, P rin te d Mon th ly

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E astofth eR i verD CNews.c om

East of the River Magazine April 2015

Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival The Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival is on Saturday, April 25, noon-8 p.m. The entrance is at the back of RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6, south of Benning Rd. NE. Attending guests may bring kids, dogs on leashes, soft-sided coolers, food, beverage, chairs and blankets. $10 suggested donation; free parking. kingmanislandbluegrass.com The Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival highlights DC’s local bluegrass tradition and engages community with the revitalization of Kingman Island and the Anacostia. In the last five years, the event has grown to become the largest all-local music festival in the region, attracting over 13,000 attendees in 2014. Crowds at last year’s festival

US National Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale The US National Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale is on Friday, April 24, 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Plant experts will be on hand to give advice, 21 vendors with great products and plants will be here as well. Bring the children and look for the Washington Youth Garden’s booth. They will help children pot strawberry plants to take home. The National Arboretum is in the northeast section of Washington, DC, approximately ten minutes from the Capitol. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and the other at 24th & R Sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. The sale and related activities are in the New York Avenue parking lot. usna.usda.gov Photo: Courtesy of the US National Arboretum

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

The Lincoln Tribute at Ford’s Theatre This around-the-clock event will mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination. During the day on April 14 and 15, Ford’s Theatre will present ranger talks, the one-act play One Destiny and panel discussions about the life, assassination and legacy of the 16th president. On the street outside, throughout the day and night, living historians will provide first-person accounts about the end of the Civil War, the experience of being inside the theatre at the moment of the assassination, medical reports from the Petersen House, and the impact of Lincoln’s life and death. Starting the evening of April 14, Ford’s will host Civil War living historians on Tenth Street to recreate the vigil for Abraham Lincoln. The public will be able to visit the Ford’s Theatre campus throughout the night. Free tickets are available at fordstheatre.org. The morning of April 15, Ford’s will mark Abraham Lincoln’s death at 7:22 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony; church bells will toll across the city, just as they did in 1865. fordstheatre.org The Presidential Box at Ford’s just as it appeared the night Lincoln was assasinated. Photo: Alice Rose

Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration Explores African American Life & Culture During the Civil War On April 16-19, Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will host the first annual Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration--The First Freed: Exploring African American Life & Culture in Washington, DC during the Civil War. Hill Center will present four days of celebratory and unique scholarly programs. These public events will bring together a group of prominent scholars, artists, and public figures for programming that will engage attendees in a deeper understanding of the African American experience during the Civil War. There will be conversations on reparations and the meaning of emancipation, poetry, a walking tour, and closing concert. Free tickets are required for each event and are available at benjamindrummonddc.org. doors or weather permitting, along the luminaria). Light refreshments served afterwards. Call 202-2444833 for more information. The Franciscan Monastery is at 1400 Quincy St. NE. myfranciscan.org Statue of the Emancipation, Freedman’s Memorial to Abraham in Lincoln Park. Photo taken in 1876.

Historic World War II Commemorative Flyover of the National Mall “The Arsenal of Democracy: World War II Victory Capitol Flyover” is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 8, 12:10 p.m., when as many as 70 World War II aircrafts will fly along the National Mall in historically sequenced warbird formations representing the war’s major battles, from Pearl Harbor to D-Day, and concluding with a missing man formation to “Taps.” On the 70th anniversary of VE Day, this event honors the heroes who fought in the war and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships and aircrafts that enabled the US and its Allies to achieve victory. Preceding the flyover will be a ceremony at the National World War II Memorial from 10:30-11:45 a.m. ww2flyover.org The vintage aircraft will fly over the Mall at about 1,000 ft. Photo: Courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force

East of the River Magazine April 2015

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

East of the River Magazine April 2015

day of THe dog aT congreSSionaL cemeTery May 2, 10 AM-3 PM. Day of the Dog is an annual festival in celebration of man’s best friend. On this day, the cemetery is open to all dogs and is a special opportunity for dog lovers to experience this historic site along with local pet vendors and services. Congressional Cemetery is at 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org

day of THe dog 5k and kidS fun run May 2, 11:30 AM (11:35 AM for the kids run). Walk it, jog it, or race it. 2015 brings the first annual Day of the Dog 5K and Kids Run. Anyone is welcome to run alone or with a beloved pup. Registration is $40 ($10 for kids run). congressionalcemetery.org Day of the Dog. Photo: Courtesy of Historic Congressional Cemetery

calendar SPECIAL EVENTS Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration Explores African American Life & Culture During the Civil War. April 16-19. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will present four days of celebratory and scholarly programs. These public events will bring together a group of prominent scholars, artists, and public figures for programming that will engage attendees in a deeper understanding of the African American experience during the Civil War. Free tickets are required for each event and are available at benjamindrummonddc.org. Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom. Predicted to be April 11-14. The Peak Bloom date is defined as the day on which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. The Blooming Period is defined as that period when

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

20 percent of the blossoms are open until the petals fall and leaves appear. Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day. April 18, 11 AM-7 PM. Featuring No Doubt, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Mary J. Blige, Train, and My Morning Jacket. Washington Monument Grounds. globalcitizen.org/2015earthday Shakespeare’s Birthday Open House at the Folger. April 19, noon-4 PM. Celebrate Will’s birthday with jugglers and jesters, music, song, dance, and more. Take the opportunity to perform famous lines of Shakespeare on the Folger stage, and enjoy tours and treasure hunts of the Folger’s reading rooms. Try out some crafty Elizabethan activities to take home. Plus, birthday cake for all, cut by Queen Elizabeth. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. folger.edu

APRIL

RIL

Anacostia Watershed Society 2015 Earth Day Cleanup and Celebration. April 25, 9 AM-noon (cleanup); noon2 PM (celebration at Bladensburg Waterfront Park). Join 2,000 volunteers as they remove thousands of pounds of trash from neighborhoods, streams, and the Anacostia River. Cleanup is at approximately 20 sites around the Anacostia Watershed in Washington DC, and Montgomery and Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Counties in Maryland. Registration is required at anacostiaws.org/earthday2015. anacostiaws.org Riverdale ArtsFest 2015. May 3, 11 AM-5 PM. Enjoy a day of live music, see and meet local artists, meet local authors and enjoy food produced by local restaurants. 4650 Queensbury Rd. @Marc Station, Riverdale, MD. rpartscouncil.org

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD The Norwegians at Anacostia Playhouse. Through April 19. In this con-

East of the River Magazine April 2015

CALENDAR temporary comedy, two women meet in a Minnesota bar and lament the struggle “to find a lover before the first freeze” as well as the not-so-nice men who have recently dumped them. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. scenatheater.org Larry Lairson “User Error” at Honfleur Gallery. Through May 1. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com A Sultry Jazz Evening with...Phaze II at THEARC. April 12, 7:30 PM. One of DC’s Best Live Smooth Jazz Bands with special guest Valerie Moten. $20. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Performing Arts and the Queer Aesthetic. April 12, 2 PM. Two local performers lead a discussion about contemporary gay performing artists’ expression of their identity through their art. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Bridging the Americas: Community and Belonging from Panama to Washington, DC. Opens April 13. Using images and narratives, this exhibition presents the various ways in which Zonians and Panamanians in the D.C. metropolitan area think about home and belonging in and in-between Panama and Washington, DC. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu The Art of Rap (2012; 106 min) at ACM. April 14, 2-4 PM. Rapper and actor Ice-T’s probing documentary is a study about hip-hop music, consisting mostly of interviews with many of his friends in the rap genre. This film contains graphic language. Discussion with a museum educator follows. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Double Time Jazz @ THEARC Theater featuring Take 6. April 17, 8 PM. Six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony, against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Strayhorn on Strings. April 19, 2 PM. The SynchroniCity ensemble performs a suite of Strayhorn composition. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Prince George’s County and the Civil War at ACM. April 25, 2-4 PM. Researcher and writer Nathania A. Branch Miles talks about how the citizens of Prince George’s County found themselves on the front lines of the Civil War--as Maryland’s largest slave-owning county. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Day Dream: A Dramatic Reading. April 26, 2 PM. Written by Jazz vocalist Barry Morton and HIV activist Rodderick Sheppard, Day Dream is a play inspired by the life of jazz artist and composer Billy Strayhorn. Contrasting Billy’s journey with the journey of Andre, an aspiring jazz vocalist, the play is set in two periods: Billy in 1965 and Andre in 2015. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis “Then Sings My Soul” at THEARC. May 2, 3 PM and 8 PM. Then Sings My Soul is a live musical performance created to bring the audience face to face with the true stories of women and men suffering from domestic violence. $35. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Speakeasy DC presents “Home Sweet Home,” East of the River. May 8, 7 PM. Eight individuals selected from the Home Sweet Home, East of the River storytelling series will perform in a final showcase. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

Hand of Freedom: The Life and Legacy of the Plummer Family. Through Dec. 27. This exhibit looks at the life and legacy of the Plummer family in Prince Georges County, MD in the 19th century. Adam Francis Plummer (1819 - December 13, 1905), enslaved on George Calvert’s Riversdale plantation, began to keep a diary in 1841 and maintained it for over sixty years. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu The Adam Francis Plummer Family (L-R) Standing: Robert, Nellie, Maggie, and Saunders. Sitting:

Madonna and Child with Saints Elizabeth of Hungary, Catherine of Alexandria, Peter, and John the Evangelist with Angels from the Museo degli Innocenti, Florence. National Gallery of Art, West Building, Mail Floor Galleries. nga.gov

social and spatial impact of the Civil War on Washington, DC and the resulting dramatic changes in social mores, and in the size and ethnic composition of the city’s population. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Ships, Clocks & Stars: The Quest for Longitude at the Folger. Through Aug. 23. This award-winning exhibition, produced by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, celebrates the 300th anniversary of the British Longitude Act of 1714, which offered huge rewards for any practical way to determine longitude at sea. The longitude problem was so difficult that—despite that incentive—it took five decades to solve it. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu

“Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History” Exhibition at National Archives. Through Jan. 10, 2016. “Spirited Republic” invites visitors to look at the government’s tolerance, oversight, and control of alcohol throughout our history. National Archives, Constitution Ave. at Ninth St. NW. archives.gov

IMPORTANT EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN

HOT TO COLD at the National Building Museum. Through Aug. 30. HOT TO COLD: an odyssey of architectural adaptation, takes visitors from the hottest to the coldest parts of our planet and explores how BIG´s design solutions are shaped by their cultural and climatic contexts. More than 60 three-dimensional models will be suspended at the second-floor balconies of the Museum’s Great Hall in an unprecedented use of this public space. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-2722448. nbm.org

Piero di Cosimo: The Poetry of Painting in Renaissance Florence. Through May 3. Forty of the artist’s most compelling paintings will be on view, including beguiling mythologies and religious works, as well as one of his greatest works, the

How the Civil War Changed Washington Exhibition. Through Nov. 15. This exhibition examines the

Rush Baker at Honfleur Gallery. May 8-June 26. Opening Reception is May 8, 6-8 PM. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

“Pointing Their Pens: Herblock and Fellow Cartoonists Confront the Issues” at the Library of Congress. Through March 19, 2016. This new exhibition will look at how editorial cartoonists, often with divergent viewpoints, interpreted the divisive issues of the 20th century—the U.S. intervention into World War II, McCarthyism, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal and events in the Middle East. Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov

SPORTS, DANCE AND FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball. April 6 (home opener), 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23. washington.nationals.mlb.com

East of the River Magazine April 2015

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

DC United. April 11, 7 PM vs. New York Red Bulls; April 18, 7 PM vs. Houston Dynamo; May 2, 7 PM vs. Columbus Crew SC; May 9, 7 PM, Sporting Kansas City. RFK Stadium. dcunited. com Yoga @ the Library. Every Saturday, 10 AM. Wear some comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Yoga mats are also available for use during the class. Free. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; KenilworthParkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first come, first served basis for one hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 2026710314. dpr.dc.gov Barry Farm (indoor) pool. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 AM-8 PM; and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM-5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1230 Sumner Rd. SE. 202-730-0572. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. MondayFriday 6:30 AM-8 PM; Sat-Sun, 9 AM-5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 8th St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Closed for season. It reopens July 4th weekend. fdia.org

MARKETS H Street NE Farmers Market. April 18-Dec. 19, Saturdays, 9 AM-noon. Located at H St. and 13th St. NE. EBT/ Food Stamps can be redeemed at the information table. All EBT customers and WIC/Senior coupon customers will receive â&#x20AC;&#x153;Double Dollarâ&#x20AC;? coupons to match their EBT dollars or WIC/ Senior coupons redeemed up to $10. freshfarmmarket.org

East of the River Magazine April 2015

Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM-7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM-5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM-5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM-6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-6985253. easternmarketdc.com

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

Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 10 AM-1 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

Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7-9 PM. UPO Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600.

Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting). Set up after 10 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM-8 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM-8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 5th St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8 AM-4 PM. 1819 35th St. NW. georgetownfleamarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7 AM-9 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722. Fashion Trucks on U. Sundays, noon-5 PM. Fashion Trucks offer a mix of crafts, clothes, accessories and jewelry at the former home of the Sunday U St Flea in the parking lot, next to Nellie’s Sports Bar at 912 U St. NW. ustreetflea.com

CIVIC LIFE Ward 8 Special Election. April 28. Candidates for City Council are Greta Fuller, LaRuby May, Leonard Watson, Sr., Natalie Williams, Stuart Anderson, Sheila Bunn, “S.S.” Sandra Seegars, Marion C. Barry, Keita Vanterpool, Eugene D. Kinlow, Jauhar Abraham, Anthony Muhammad and Trayon “WardEight” White. dcboee.org

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Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. 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). 202-5843400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b@ earthlink.net ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-3985100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-5826360. 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

Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-5811560.

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

Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM-6 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton. house.gov

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

Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30-8 PM at Kenilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202-450-3155.

Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org

ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202-561-0774. u

BASIS DC Annual Stars Gala Saturday April 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm @ the Historic Wonder Bread Factory • 641 S St, NW Please join BASIS families and friends in celebrating BASIS teachers and a world-class education. All proceeds support the BASIS DC Annual Teacher Fund.

Ticket Price: $80

Open Bar • Hors d’oeuvres • Silent Auction contact: Basisdcgala@gmail.com Buy tickets or become a sponsor at: squareup.com/market/basisDCboosters East of the River Magazine April 2015

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

WiLLiam o. Lockridge/ BeLLevue LiBrary SPring Book SaLe The Friends of the William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library are holding their annual Spring Book Sale on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, April 19, 1:304 p.m. at the library, 115 Atlantic St. SW. All proceeds from the sale go directly to supporting programming and equipment needs of the branch. Books will be discounted and most will cost $2 or less. For more information, call 202-561-8611.

muLTi-miLLion doLLar inveSTmenT in inTerSecTion aT mLk & maLcom X

ponds filled with lilies and lotus Volunteers helping to restore and stabilize the trails the historic of Kenilworth Gardens at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.Photo: Courtesy of the Friends

earTH day voLunTeer evenT aT keniLWorTH Park Join the neighbors on Saturday, Apr. 25, 9 a.m.-noon, for the Kenilworth Park annual Earth Day event, held in partnership with the Anacostia Watershed Society. They will spend the morning removing invasive plants, picking up trash, planting native plants, and performing other park projects. When the work is done they hope their volunteers will join the watershed wide Earth Day celebration at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. The celebration will include free food and drink, live music, local exhibitors, and speakers. RSVP recommended to tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. SSL credits can be earned.

Penn BrancH ciTizenS civic aSSociaTion yard SaLe and fLea markeT Join members of the community for the annual PBCCA community yard sale on Saturday, April 25 (May 2, rain date), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 30th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Rent a vendor table for $20 or donate gently used household goods to the association’s community table. Come to shop or volunteer. All proceeds benefit the programs of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association. To rent a table, donate items to sell or volunteer to help, contact Joan McKenzie, joanemck@aol.com or Susan Hormuth, susanhormuth@verizon.net. pennbranchdc.org

Mayor Bowser, Director of Planning Shaw, DDOT Director Dormsjo and Deputy DDOT Director Gillis have announced a $5 million investment for the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X Aves. SE to improve the safety of the intersection. The investment is part of the District’s Vision Zero initiative. Vision Zero is a part of Mayor Bowser’s response to the US Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take action, and promoting partnerships to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety. In the last three years, the roads near Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X Aves. SE have seen over 90 crashes and nearly 40 crash-related injuries. Over the next two years, DDOT designed and installed intersection safety improvements will be road realignment, new medians, road reconstruction, new sidewalks and crosswalks, new ADA compliant ramps, streetlight improvements, traffic signal upgrades, utility upgrades, green infrastructure, and new bike facilities.

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East of the River Magazine April 2015

Honfleur Gallery’s Eighth Annual East of the River Exhibition Call to Artists

Weekly Afro-Beat Dance Party Class at William O. Lockridge/ Bellevue Library

Honfleur Gallery presents the Eighth Annual East of the River exhibition this summer, highlighting the creative minds of Wards 7 and 8. This year Honfleur Gallery has announced plans to focus the exhibit with showing multiple pieces from up to five artists. Small grants will be provided to selected artists. Grants will be in the range of $250-$500. The deadline to apply is May 15. Visit honfleurgallery.com for details.

Looking to add a fun workout to New Year’s resolutions? Saturdays at noon, try this dance workout based on traditional African dance, Samba, Salsa and more. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels. A signed copy of the Agreement of Release and Waiver of Liability form is required. For ages 16 and older. William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW. 202243-1185. dclibrary.org/bellevue

Community Change Forum at Anacostia Community Museum

Help Restore Shepherd Parkway in 2015

The discussion, on Saturday, May 9, 2-4 p.m., will focus on community change issues and the impact such issues have on local neighborhoods in regards to economic development, and quality of life for east of the river communities. Moderating the panel will be Andrew Lightman, Managing Editor of the Hill Rag. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Groundbroken on Capitol Gateway Marketplace On Tuesday, March 24, Mayor Bowser, along with A&R Development, Clark Builders Group, the DC Housing Authority and Walmart broke ground on a mixed-use, transit-oriented development project at 5800 E. Capitol St. NE. This ceremonial groundbreaking begins phase two of a 40-acre community--Capitol Gateway Marketplace--that includes a 312-unit apartment building and a Walmart Supercenter.

Center for Nonprofit Advancement Programs at THEARC “Measuring Social Media Effectiveness” on Wednesday, April 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Learn how to measure results from social media. “Basic Budgeting for Nonprofits” on Wednesday, Apr. 22, 1:30-3 p.m. This interactive presentation will explore hands on concepts in budgeting for a nonprofit. “Event-Based Fundraising” on Wednesday, April 29, 10 a.m.noon. Create a strategy for planning a fundraising event. $89 fee. $25 for nonprofits serving east of the river communities. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

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Volunteer from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays, April 18, May 16, June 13 and July 18. 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 Aves. 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

Free Tax Help at Capitol View and Anacostia Libraries AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available free to taxpayers with low and moderate incomes, with special attention to those 60 and older. Through a group of trained volunteers, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has helped low-to moderate-income individuals for more than 40 years in every state and the District of Columbia. Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE, has tax help on April 13 and 15 at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE, has tax help on April 14 at 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Trinity at THEARC Information Session Trinity’s associate’s degree program at THEARC is an excellent choice for anyone that needs college credit for employment or is working towards a college degree, . There are information sessions on Thursdays, April 16 and May 28, 6-7:30 p.m., at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Applications are being ac-

cepted for the 2015 summer and fall semesters. Trinity at THEARC features classes held during the evenings and on weekends; small class sizes for individualized attention; and affordable tuition and financial aid for those who qualify. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions 202-884-9400. trinitydc.edu

Ribbon-Cutting for Transitional Housing that Supports Young Adults Mayor Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Donald hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26, at 165 Mississippi Ave. SE, for a transitional home for young people who need support to live independently and succeed. A partnership between the Child and Family Services Agency and the Department of Behavioral Health, the 18-month program will help young people between the ages of 18-24 who might otherwise be homeless build the skills they need to be self-sufficient.

DC Circulator Summer Hours Started The DC Circulator has extended its service hours by two hours on week nights and added Saturday service on the Union Stationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Navy Yard Metro and Potomac Avenue Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Skyland via Barracks Row routes. Both routes will run Mondays-Fridays from 6 a.m.-9 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. The extended hours will run until Saturday, Oct. 3. Buses at Union Station headed in the direction of Navy Yard now only serve the stop at Massachusetts Ave. NE, and Columbus Circle, NE, before turning right at Columbus Circle to head south on Second St. NE. Buses on this route no longer service the First St. and Massachusetts Ave. NE, or Second St. and Massachusetts Ave. NE, bus stops headed eastbound. For every Washington Nationals night game (beginning at 4:05 pm or later), the Union Station-Navy Yard route operates until midnight. For Sunday home games, the route will operate from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The Circulator costs one dollar a ride, with additional discounts for seniors and District students. More information is available at dccirculator.com. East of the River Magazine April 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS / BULLETIN BOARD neW PHoTo enforcemenT SPeed cameraS dePLoyed The Metropolitan Police Department has announced the deployment of new speed camera locations. The locations for the new Photo Enforcement Units will be sites where speeding has been identified to be a problem. The 30 day educational phase, or “warning period” started on Mar. 23. During this period, violators will receive warning citations. After the warning period, MPD will begin issuing live moving citations to violators. The new photo enforcement locations are 6100 block of Eastern Ave. NE, southeast-bound; 3200 block of Fort Lincoln Dr. NE, southbound; 1900 block of Branch Ave. SE, southbound; 1400 block of So. Capitol St. SE, northbound; 1400 block of So. Capitol St. SW, southbound; 600 block of Kenilworth Ave. NE, southbound. All new camera locations have a 25 mph speed limit. For more information, visit mpdc.dc.gov/page/dc-streetsafe-automated-traffic-enforcement.

Donated space must be for commercial or public use (cannot be a private residence) and located in DC. The program will consider concrete and brick surfaces only. Owners must consent to donate wall space for at least one year and leave the mural intact for that year. Donated space must be highly visible by vehicles and/or pedestrian traffic. Ideally, the donated wall has been defaced with graffiti, has been tagged in the past, or is located in close vicinity to property that has been tagged. dpw.dc.gov MuralsDC also seeks graffiti artists and artist teams to design, create and install aerosol murals that inspire the various communities in which they will be placed. Review the official Call for Artists at dcarts.dc.gov for specific instructions.

caPiTaL roWing LauncHeS 27TH year WiTH roWing for aLL ageS

WaSHingTon naTionaLS “PuPS in THe Park” gameS

The Capital Rowing Club began its 27th year of rowing in March. The community program, located on the Anacostia River, offers a variety recreational and competitive sweep and sculling opportunities for experienced rowers, as well as beginners. As a community program, Capital welcomes metro area residents with multiple opportunities to get out on the water. The club offers both sweep and sculling programs. Sweep rowing is four or eight person shells where each person has one large oar; sculling is double and single boats where each person has two small oars. The Capital Rowing Club is the home of community rowing for more than 400 area residents. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) founded in 1988, Capital offers sweep and sculling programs for all ability levels, ranging from learn to row programs for people of all ages to competitive programs for veteran rowers. Capital is managed solely by volunteers and is devoted to bringing rowing opportunities to youth, adults and families. For more information, visit capitalrowing.org.

Pups in the Park Games games this year are Saturday, Apr. 18, 1:05 p.m. vs Philadelphia Phillies; Saturday, May 23, 4:05 p.m. vs Philadelphia Phillies; Wednesday, June 3, 7:05 p.m. vs Toronto Blue Jays; Sunday, June 21, 1:35 p.m. vs Pittsburgh Pirates; Thursday, Sept. 3, 7:05 p.m. vs Atlanta Braves; and Saturday, Sept 26, 4:05 p.m. vs Philadelphia Phillies. Purchase a discounted ticket for the entire family and favourite family pet to support the Washington Humane Society. $10 of every dog ticket purchased will benefit the Washington Humane Society. All those with tickets purchased for Pups in the Park must enter through the Right Field Gate. Before entering the gate all pet-owners must drop off a signed waiver for the dog’s up-to-date shots. 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.

muraLSdc 2015 LauncHed, SeekS WaLL donaTionS and arTiSTS

The District Department of Transportation has announced the reception of a letter from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), which conducted a peer review of the H Street/Benning Road Streetcar system. The peer review panel concluded that there are no fatal flaws that would prevent the DC Streetcar from starting revenue service on the H Street/ Benning Road corridor. A draft report is due to be delivered in mid-April. DDOT is also undertaking maintenance and repairs to the system, including rail breaks and water drainage mitigation. This work requires that simulated service temporarily cease along the corridor.

MuralsDC 2015 is seeking wall donations and artists for the city’s MuralsDC project by May, 2015. A collaborative between DPW and DCCAH, the initiative was created to replace graffiti-ridden walls with original works of art. MuralsDC has produced more than 50 murals citywide, since 2007. Many of the program’s walls had been a constant target for graffiti. The program has been highly effective in ending the cycle of tagging on those sites, which has resulted in a significant cost savings for both the city and the business owners.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

aPTa Peer revieW findS dc STreeTcar can oPen

firST anacoSTia river feSTivaL concLudeS 2015 naTionaL cHerry BLoSSom feSTivaL On Sunday, April 12, noon-4 p.m., the first-ever Anacostia River Festival will celebrate the history, ecology and communities along the banks of the Anacostia River at Anacostia Park. The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the event, which will offer free kayaking and canoeing, musical performances, fishing and water filtration workshops, live birds of prey demonstration, a photography exhibition and a bike parade. The event will bring people from across the city and throughout the region to participate in hands-on art workshops, dragon boat rides, a community sing along, urban archaeology, community bicycle rides, boating and other fun activities to connect families with the natural world. bridgepark.org/ anacostia-river-festival There will be fishing and fishing demonstrations at the Anacostia River Festival Photo: Courtesy of the 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Cherry Blossom Festival

SPring cLeaning BeginS in THe region’S drinking WaTer PiPeS Through May 4, the disinfectant in DC drinking water will temporarily switch 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 District of Columbia, Arlington County and a portion of Fairfax County. During the temporary switch to chlorine, local water authorities will also conduct system-wide flushing to enhance water quality. This program is a common practice for many US water systems that use chloramine during the majority of the year. 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 water 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. For more information, contact DC Water at 202-612-3440.

Great Arboretum Cookout Each year in June, when the Arboretum grounds are in full bloom, the Friends of the National Arboretum welcome guests to an evening overlooking the Capitol Columns. Not just another black tie event, the Cookout brings together people from business, government and the community to support the gardens and programs at the Arboretum. Each year a different state is honored--in 2015 they salute South Carolina. This year’s cookout is on Tuesday, June 9, 6 p.m., reception; and 7 p.m., dinner. Single ticket is $225 ($125 for under 35’s). Casual dress. The US National Arboretum is at 3501 New York Ave. NE. fona.org

2015 Larry Neal Writing Competition The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has opened the 32nd Annual Larry Neal Writing Competition. The competition commemorates the artistic legacy and vision of cultural understanding of Larry Neal, a renowned author, academic and former Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The competition is open to emerging and professional writers of all ages who reside in the District of Columbia. Cash prizes are awarded to adults (aged 19 and above), teens (ages 13-18), and youth (8-12) for artistic excellence in unpublished poetry, short stories, or dramatic writing. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Apr. 17, 4 p.m. Application forms, submission guidelines and criteria can be found at dcarts.dc.gov.

DC Bar Pro Bono Program Presents Best Practices in Employment Law The DC Bar Pro Bono Program, in partnership with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) and the law firm of Crowell & Moring, is sponsoring a four-part employment law course for small business owners. The four sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 p.m. beginning Apr. 28. Participants will receive an overview of DC’s employment laws as they apply to small businesses, including: Hiring, Firing, and Performance Management; Employee Compensation and Classification; Wage and Hour laws; Distinction between Employees and

Independent Contractors; and Employment Discrimination. The sessions will take place at the offices of Crowell & Moring, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. There is a $25 charge for the series to cover the cost of materials. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for from the DC Bar Pro Bono Program, WACIF and the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development. To register, visit dcbar.org/marketplace/event-details. cfm?productcd=7522338. For any further questions, please contact Darryl Maxwell at dmaxwell@dcbar.org.

Residential Street Sweeping Resumes This seasonal sanitation program is scheduled to run each year from Mar. 1-Oct. 31. Signs are posted that identify the days of the week and hours of the day when parking restrictions will be enforced so the sweepers can clean the streets effectively. The fine for violating this restriction is $45.

Dash Revolutionizes the Dining and Going Out Experience Dash Software, LLC, a mobile payment platform for restaurants, bars, and clubs, has announced their expansion to Washington, DC, the company’s third city of operation following its October 2014 launch in Chicago and November 2013 launch in New York City. Dash has risen in popularity with app-savvy Millennials for transforming the check paying process by allowing diners to pay bar and restaurant tabs directly from their smartphones. Now, the app comes to 17 venues around Washington, D.C. including The Exchange, The Fainting Goat, Jake’s American Grille, Nick’s Riverside, Smith Commons, and more. To Use Dash: At any venue that accepts Dash, a customer must inform the waiter or bartender that they would like to “pay with Dash,” at which point the tab is connected to the venue’s POS system, allowing the items ordered to appear in real-time on the customer’s phone. Friends can invite each other to participate in one Dash bill to facilitate seamless bill splitting. Dash allows guests to easily set a tip using a pre-set percentage or by inputting a specific amount. The user is able to pay the bill using a credit card stored within the application. For more information and a full list of participating venues, download the app at PayWithDash.com. u

East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news

Breaking Down the Eight Pack by Jonetta Rose Barras

he lower-level room of the Thurgood Marshall Public Charter School on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE is standing room only. Candidates vying to fill the unexpired term of deceased Ward 8 DC Councilmember Marion Barry have gathered. This is merely one of many forums being held in advance of the April 28 special election. Questions from the audience written on white index cards float up to veteran television reporter Tom Sherwood, who is serving as moderator. “Given the events in Ferguson, Missouri, where an unarmed black man was shot by a police officer, what should the Metropolitan Police Department, the city’s men and women in blue, be doing?” he queries the candidates. “We need to disband the jump-out task forces that harass juveniles and get them involved in the criminal justice system,” answers Marion Christopher Barry, the son of the former “Mayor for Life.” He adds, “We need community cookouts, concerts. We need more positive interaction with the police.” Eugene D. Kinlow, long-time civic activist, radio commentator, and former chairman of the Ward 8 Democrats, echoes and augments Barry’s answer. “We need to make sure the jump outs stop. We need to make sure police officers are not just driving by but they are walking the beat so they have the opportunity to meet residents,” Kinlow states. The other candidates – Jauhar Abraham, Stuart Anderson, Sheila Bunn, Greta Fuller, LaRuby May, Anthony Muhammad, Sandra Seegars, Keita Vanterpool, Leonard Watson Sr., Trayon White, and Natalie Williams – don’t disagree. (Within two weeks, Abraham and Anderson would drop out of the race, throwing their support behind White.) “The first thing is we have to be honest. We need to police our own community and empower each other,” says White. Public safety is one of the top five concerns

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

for residents east of the Anacostia River; employment, economic development, education, and affordable housing are the others. Despite the large number of opponents, there is very little that separates them on those core subjects. “The issue of low-income housing goes straight to the top,” says Williams, the current head of the Ward 8 Democrats. The city must enforce its inclusionary zoning laws that mandate developers set aside a percentage of units for poor and working-class residents, she argues. “We need blighted properties to become homes for low-income residents,” says Fuller. She lambastes the government for allowing pub-

lic property to remain vacant, becoming a magnet for illegal activities or a repository for trash. The similarity between the candidates on the issues remains palpable a week later during yet another forum held at Ballou Senior High School and sponsored by as many as 29 individuals and organizations, including the Anacostia Coordinating Council, River East Emerging Leaders, Ballou High School Council, Congress Heights Community Association, Fairlawn Citizens Association, and East of the River newspaper. In fact, some candidates have even adopted aspects of other challengers’ platforms. The echo-chamber quality of the event

Voter Precincts in Ward 8. Photo: DC Board of Elections

East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news prompts an audience member to ask me privately, “Where are the questions about transportation, about the environment, about the pending merger between utility corporations PEPCO and Exelon?” “The community has been so stereotyped that the residents have bought into others’ perception of what is important to them,” says one civic leader, who requested anonymity. “They are stereotyping their own interests.”

The Vision Thing “The questions we were asked [in the forums] are very much in line with what I hear on my round of door knocking,” explains May, during a later conversation with East of the River. She claims that she has twice knocked on “every knockable door” in Ward 8, which she claims to be about 19,000. “I talk about transportation whenever I have the opportunity. It’s a regional issue impacting Ward 8,” states May. “Transportation is a high priority ... especially when they build the casino at the National Harbor. There will be jobs there that are available to residents and that they have to get to.” Although the area has two Metro stations it continues to be isolated with complicated bus routes that make it difficult for residents even to get to the local supermarket, points out May. “Sometimes many residents don’t bring [transportation] up because they don’t see it as political. Or they say it’s the way that it’s always been.” While there is agreement around affordable housing, Williams says there needs to be stronger focus and drilling down in the issue. Consider for example the median income used to determine the market rate for rental housing. “Therein lies the problem,” she continues, noting that using the numbers that incorporate Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, one of the richest in Maryland, “makes no sense. It’s certainly not fair to the folks in Ward 8.” Williams also says that having Mayor Bowser budget $100 million annually for the Housing Production Trust Fund is important. “But I’m going to be fighting for a larger percentage of that on behalf of Ward 8.” Alternatively, Kinlow built his campaign around a major economic platform. It calls for development of land near the Metro stations, particularly the station that sits at the edge of historic Anacostia. “People deny themselves the vision of what the ward could be based on what has happened in the past,” says Kinlow, who along with May, Williams, White, and Bunn are considered among the top candidates in the race. “I’m surprised the vision isn’t larger than what I hear. We have a beautiful waterfront; we have great people, great land, and great opportunities.” However, the short time frame for the April special election hampers the ability to fully discuss important issues, Kinlow observes. “The conversation is really abbreviated.” Agreement among the candidates has been the trope at the forums, says Bunn. “It’s hard

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

to provide substantive answers in 30 seconds. Consequently, rather than issues, Bunn touts her 19 years of experience and intimate knowledge of the inner-workings of government. She has worked for DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and more recently former Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “I can hit the ground running,” she states during an interview with EOR. “I learned what the legislative process is all about. I know what the budgeting process takes. Whoever gets elected will arrive right in the middle of that. That is going to be a key thing, and it is no joke,” she adds. “For me, that’s really important,” Bunn continues. “I did [the budget process] for three years. I am prepared.” Bunn’s assertions aside, all of the candidates for office in Ward 8 have strong records of service, some for a decade or more. Several, like Muhammad, Watson, and Seegars, have been advisory neighborhood commissioners for years. White is a former member of the DC State Board of Education and has been extremely active in the community. In other words, the candidates all have more than an adequate understanding of the legislative process and how the District government works.

G-O-T-V Spells V-I-C-T-O-R-Y So a distinguished record is no guarantee of victory. Consider the recent 2014 mayoral race, where challengers in both the Democratic primary and the general election had far more experience than Muriel Bowser. Yet she won both contests. The deciding factor, particularly in the November general election, appears to have been Bowser’s ground game. The strength of her political organization, which has come to be known as the Green Machine, is based on the fact that a number of its members cut their teeth in the council and mayoral campaigns of Adrian M. Fenty. This team of political operatives helped raised money and got her voters to the poll. One thing is certain: with 13 candidates, the April 28 special election is a hotly contested race. In the recent 2014 general election, only 13,609 people, or about 27 percent, of registered voters actually went to the polls. Many are predicting those totals could be even lower this time around. “There are still people in Ward 8 who don’t know there is an election,” says Bunn. “We don’t know who is going to win,” two veteran political leaders, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Mary Cuthbert and former DC Councilmember Sandy Allen confessed almost in unison to EOR about the Ward 8 special election. In a low-turnout special election a solid ground game will earn its candidate the Ward 8 seat. That means money and a strong organization will be key factors. May, Kinlow, and Bunn have thus far raised the most money since the vacancy on the council was announced. Most political observers in the ward say that while White may not have huge amounts of cash, he has a solid base of

supporters. The decision by Abraham and Anderson to terminate their campaigns and get behind White is one indication of his appeal. “I was surprised they picked me,” White told East of the River. While neither of those candidates were a threat, he says they were “credible” and can influence the outcome. Barry has his daddy’s name. His pole posters use the same color deployed by his father during previous campaigns. Further, instead of using his middle name, Christopher, he is using his first name, Marion. But the signs say only Barry, a name that could gain him more votes than anticipated by his opponents. Like others considered top candidates in the race, Bunn is engaging in retail politics, attending public events and knocking on doors, “making multiple contacts” with people she believes are her voters. Ditto for Kinlow, who says he also is sending out campaign mailers. “Each week we send out a new piece that talks about my vision for the ward. We feel confident that we’re doing the right thing,” continues Kinlow. “We have an experienced get-out-the-vote-staff of people who have worked in winning campaigns.” He adds, “We’re data driven and know exactly who we’re talking to, what party they belong to and who they are going to vote for.” May, who worked in Bowser’s mayoral campaign in Ward 8 last summer, is no slouch. Although receiving boos from some members of the audience at the Ballou High School candidates’ forum, May is running with the mayor’s endorsement. Her campaign is assisted by a number of Bowser’s operatives. “I have been blessed to have an infrastructure that I’ve been able to play an intimate role in building,” she says. “People in my infrastructure are not the everyday ANC commissioner or civic association leader,” continues May, noting her team is generally comprised of average citizens who, at some point in her work in the ward, “I’ve been blessed to serve.” It doesn’t hurt, however, to have Bowser’s physical presence. The evening of the straw poll at Ballou High School, May, like a couple of other candidates, including Williams, provided dinner for supporters who then went to cast their ballots. Bowser stood out in the street waving a sign for her favorite candidate. At Ballou, May won the poll with 179 votes. White had 79, Williams received 77, Bunn garnered 53, Kinlow earned 30, Seegars received 29, Abraham got 26, Barry had 21, Watson got 12, and the other candidates polled in single digits. Second place winner, White says he isn’t worried about his meager campaign coffers or even Bowser’s involvement, although some people have cast the decision by Abraham and Anderson to drop out as an antiMay/Bowser strategy. “I believe the power lies in the people. People power can beat money,” says White. He says he’s relying on his long years of work in the community. “We have always been strong in the field game and on the streets. Some people, including Williams, raise concerns about Bowser’s direct involvement in the May’s campaign. “I think the mayor’s over reaching. It’s unfortunate. LaRuby is supported by the current mayor. Sheila is supported by the past mayor,” says Williams. “I’m running this race on my own.” She says she isn’t fazed by the straw poll at Ballou. After all, she says, “I won the first straw poll that was conducted by D.C. Women in Politics. “So I won one and [May] won one. Now we’re going to see who is going to win on April 28th,” continues Williams. That first poll, taken after the forum where only the women in the race debated the issues, Williams won with 39 votes; May received 36 while Bunn received 14 and the others were in single digits. Williams says she is mounting a “very aggressive” campaign and boasts her service to the ward “even in the face of discomfort,” which is a reference to her bouts with cancer. “Leadership is not easy and change is even more difficult,” she adds. Those two factors are at the heart of the contest. As Bunn reminds everyone, “this is a serious decision we are making on the 28th. It will determine whether Ward 8 moves forward or remains stagnant.” Jonetta Rose Barras is a Washington, DC freelance writer. She blogs at www.jonettarosebarras.com. u

uring the March 23 meeting of the Deanwood Citizens Association (DCA) Ward 7 Planning Coordinator Deborah Crain-Kemp confirmed what many residents have known since 2009: there are no plans to revive the Minnesota Avenue extension project, which aimed to close a gap between Mead Street and Sheriff Road. This announcement came after months of confusion and rumors about the project, which many residents, including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) Dorothy Douglas (7D03), protested as a danger to at least 50 homes. However, the discussion began again after she accused another commissioner, Antawan Holmes (7C07), and DCA President David Smith of trying to restart the project. Deanwood was affected by a spate of violent crimes in 2013 that culminated on March 14, when 31-year-old Akinwole Williams was shot and killed at 1000 44th St. He was walking home from the Deanwood Metro station when he was murdered during an attempted armed robbery. During the July 22, 2013, ANC 7C meeting Commissioner Holmes suggested that DDOT look into restarting the extension proj-

ect. He argued that with the increase in crime, the gap made it difficult for emergency services to travel throughout Deanwood; closing that gap could help improve safety. “I spoke with DDOT at the time because I knew they looked into it in the past,” he explained. “I knew that the community could get it back on track.” However, not all residents agreed with Commissioner Holmes. “From my understanding ... the decision had already been made not to build the extension on Minnesota Avenue,” said Commissioner Douglas, whose single-member district (SMD) would be affected by the project. “And my concern and the residents’ concern was that this matter had been resolved and voted on. So why is it coming back again?” Another concern she raised was that neither she nor her constituents were consulted before Holmes proposed the project. “There was never any conversation with [Holmes] at all,” she said. “But he’s telling everybody in the community that the citizens of Deanwood, the people who live in my area, are in favor of it. We were never in favor of it.” Douglas also stated that Smith asked her for a letter of support for the project during a Ward 7 Democrats meeting earlier this year, which she refused. Smith, who argued that the present conversation about the extension predates his DCA presidency, gave his account during the March meeting. “I received a tweet last month from Mr. Holmes, [stating] that David Smith and the Deanwood Civic Association were supporting no build,” he explained. “So I got in my car, left my kids, went to the meeting to make sure to clarify that we had no

Clearing the Confusion on the Minnesota Avenue Extension no plans for extending the road by Charnice A. Milton

position. We still have not taken a vote.” While there are no current plans for the Minnesota Avenue extension, Commissioner Holmes believes that safety around the gap is still an issue. “I would like to see all five Deanwood ANC commissioners come together to discuss the issue and report concerns from the constituents to see if we can go forward,” he said. “We should have an engaged discussion with DDOT about this, not a written assault toward me and the DCA.” Smith agreed, stating, “We cannot afford to be divided.” Addressing Douglas, Smith told her, “Whatever you need, whatever your residents need, that’s what we’re going to push for ... But if you slander us, you will hurt our effectiveness in advocating.” However, Douglas stands by her comments. “This should’ve never even come up in the first place,” she said. “[Holmes] didn’t live in the area; he doesn’t represent the residents or homeowners in that area. So that’s the bottom line: it’s totally disrespectful.” u

East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news / District beat

Who Let the Dogs Out? an oversight triumverate takes over to guard the public interest by Jonetta Rose Barras

istrict residents remain concerned about government waste, fraud and abuse. They say that in recent years, agencies charged with preventing such behaviors have been asleep at the gate. A bank clerk first alerted law enforcement to Harriett Walters’ $48 million embezzlement scheme. A political candidate raised questions about D.C. Council member’s Harry Thomas illegal nonprofit, which he used to steal thousands of dollars in grant funds that had been earmarked for disadvantaged youth. Reporters uncovered the unscrupulous dealings between two developers who misrepresented their relationship to win a multimillion-dollar school construction contract. “Residents have been left to find out what’s really going on versus what agencies are supposed to be doing,” says Terry Lynch, a civic activist. An $11 billion operation, the District government is a city that is also responsible for county and state functions. Tracking activities can be labyrinthine. However, as Lynch notes, a cast of residents and nonprofit advocates have traditionally functioned as a second tier of overseers, when traditional agents of the government seemed to have fallen short. Mary Filardo, executive director of the 21st Century School Fund, jokes that she’s developed “cataracts and macular degeneration, trying to follow things.” Now, some people feel things are changing. The days of lazy or ineffective government investigative agents may be over. “I feel so much better,” says Marie Drissel, a Kalorama resident who has monitored government agencies for decades. “There is much greater protection.” That rise in confidence is because there is a new team of watchdogs: Karl Racine is the city’s first elected attorney general; Daniel W. Lucas is the District’s independent inspector general. Kathy Patterson, a former Ward 3 D.C. Council member with a reputation for strong oversight, is the current D.C. Auditor. Some residents pre-

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dict this new crew will be far more aggressive than their predecessors, and will better coordinate their efforts to rid the city of dodgy workers and incompetent contractors. If, as some residents believe, the government is rife with incompetence and corruption, then that trio may represent a new municipal Cerberus--the three-headed figure in Greek mythology employed as Hade’s watchdog. And much as with this famed guardian, they may also prefer live prey. “There are plenty problems out there, waiting to be unveiled,” says Lynch. “We have a team that is going to really work together—and work hard to get things done,” says Drissel.

Putting The Bite in Oversight The triumvirate may not be salivating at the gate, but by law, they can do more than bark. Together, they are the city’s sharp-toothed system of defense against waste, fraud and abuse of government programs and taxpayers’ money. Racine leads a $55 million operation that could be compared to a well-financed law firm. His office handles mostly civil litigation--a brief that includes preventing the skimming of District resources through theft or unsubstantiated lawsuits against the government. He also protects the public, often taking legal action against unscrupulous businesses. He is pushing for more money for Fiscal Year 2016 to help strengthen his ability to protect consumers and more swiftly respond to problems in the bureaucracy Under his predecessor, the AG’s office helped to create the foundation for the criminal case against disgraced councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., (D-Ward 5) and against the boards of two charter schools. It may have been the only office of the trio where the incumbent actually provided a satisfactory performance. Still, the AG mostly served as the chief legal officer for the city or more expressly the executive branch. Now, however, as an elected officer answerable only to voters, Racine has much more room to maneuver, scoping out a larger terrain while in-

creasing opportunities to contain or confront wrongdoers. Except for being unable to prosecute criminal cases, his powers are like those of other state attorneys general. Racine says he will be guided by what voters told him they wanted during his campaign: “an independent third party they could rely on to just focus on the law and ethics.” With his sphere of influence, the IG, by law, serves a five-year term, and can only be removed for cause. His budget is much smaller than the AG’s— only about $15 million, one-third of which is earmarked for specific activities. Lucas supervises preparation of the city’s comprehensive annual audit, which details how government agencies spent the previous year’s budget, and the quality of the District’s internal financial management structure. Most residents eyes glaze over such reports—not Drissel. At a recent council public hearing where the audit was the subject, she says “I took notes when he was speaking. It was so good. I was riveted by his presentation.” Lucas’s office also can conduct management reviews, inspections, evaluations and investigations of any District agency he chooses. In 2014, the IG opened 74 criminal investigations; 63 were represented to the Office of the U.S. Attorney for possible prosecution, but it accepted only 29 of those cases, according to documents presented to the council. “Historically, the majority of previous [DC] IGs have had some type of legal background. I do not,” Lucas says. “What I do have is a strong and

Karl Racine

Daniel Lucas

longstanding background in IG work. “What I am bringing to the District is a paradigm shift,” Lucas continues. “Instead of being fixed to a rigid plan or reacting only to deficiencies,” he wants his office to be proactive and flexible enough “to ward off immitigable risk or harm.” An effective IG certainly can alter the trajectory of an entire agency. Consider what happened when a report was issued about the shenanigans of presidential secret service agents during a trip to South America. The scrutiny led to agents being fired and the appointment of a new director. “The previous [DC] IG turned out to a dud,” says Drissel, adding Lucas “clearly knows his role.” That’s the same view many have about Patterson. The Office of the City Auditor is to the council what the Government Accountability Office is to Congress. In other words, the auditor acts as the investigative arm of the legislative branch, providing reports about issues that may assist members in better conducting oversight. Ward 8 activist Phillip Pannell remembers the office’s heyday in the 1980s when it operated at its optimum. Otis Troupe was in charge then. He was tough and often released scathing reports about the misadventures of then-Mayor Marion Barry’s administration. “[Troupe] went through things with a finetooth comb,” continues Pannell. “Patterson seems to be very impartial and fair. She says she intends to “coordinate as closely as possible” with the legislature “to see that the work we produce is relevant and impactful. “I would like us to be more nimble than we have been and to be more mindful of new developments,” she adds.

ing and predictive analytics” within the city’s financial management systems that could easily identify areas ripe for theft because of weak oversight. “My overarching goals are to more aggressively find and affect changes that improve the District’s effectiveness and efficiency of operations,” adds Lucas. Ditto says Patterson, who with only about $5 million has the smallest budget. But as a former council member, she knows the inner-workings of the government and has proved her ability to gather critical information. Working with council Chairman Phil Mendelson, she says she expects to reduce “statutory requirements” that intrude on her ability to swiftly chase down larger issues. “We’re trying to make sure we’re not just doing good work, but doing work that has more focus.” Patterson says she is establishing a program evaluation unit, revisiting the agency’s fiscal year 2015 work plan, to focus more on council priorities, including assessment of the efforts of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services to meet the 2007 recommendations of the Task Force on Emergency Medical Services, better known as the Rosenbaum Task Force. Patterson is overseeing the final report by the National Academy of Sciences on the Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007. Later this spring, she expects to release a report on how the city has spent its capital dollars. That excites Filardo, whose organization estimates as much as $4 billion has been spent on school modernizations, and the city is only 50 percent into its renovation program. “It’s been like a money train,” she says, adding the funds haven’t been well spent. “There is room for a lot of heavy lifting that will help the council in its oversight,” says Patterson, adding that she expects to collaborate with her counterparts. The day after we spoke, she was meeting with the IG about an audit of the city’s housing programs. “‘We may want to make sure nothing is slipping between the cracks.” u

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East of the River Magazine April 2015

3

neighborhood news / The numbers

Going, Going, Gone how dc’s vanishing affordable housing is affecting us all by Wes Rivers

t’s getting harder and harder to afford an apartment in DC. Virtually no low-cost housing is available in the private rental market and rents continue to rise at a break-neck pace. This is squeezing the budgets for many residents, and it is putting an increasing number of families in desperate situations without a stable place to live. The lack of affordable housing not only affects the ability of residents to thrive, but it also affects the ability of the District to remain economically strong. When families put all they have toward rent, they cut back on food and spend less to support local businesses. When parents cannot afford bus fare, they lose their jobs. When children live in homes with mold or rodents, they can get asthma, the leading cause of school absences. When families who cannot afford to live in DC are forced to move, it is increasingly difficult to operate a strong service industry. This year the Mayor and DC Council can take steps to ensure that residents with a wide range of incomes can afford to live in this city and contribute to its vitality. They must develop a comprehensive housing strategy and find new resources to pay for programs that provide struggling residents a stable home.

Rents Continue to Surge The District has seen an influx of residents, including many college-educated young people, which has increased demand for housing and pushed up rents. While the population growth has expanded the city’s tax base and helped the economy recover from the recession, it is seriously crimping the ability of many residents to find a place to live. Rents have grown rapidly for nearly all residents – whether they live in low-cost, basement apartments or in luxury, high-rise lofts. But the impact has been greatest on low- and moderate-income households that heavily rely on lowcost units. The number of low-cost apartments was cut in half over the last decade. Apartments with monthly rent and utilities below $800 fell from 58,000 in 2002 to only 33,000 in 2013, according to DCFPI’s latest study of US Census Bureau data.

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The number of units remaining below $800 roughly matches the number of federally and locally subsidized housing units. This suggests that there are very few, if any, low-cost units in the private market. Without any private options, it’s no wonder that there are 70,000 households on the waiting list for the DC Housing Authority’s programs.

Household Budgets Strained On top of surging rents, the District’s economy is not producing the jobs or wages thousands of residents need to afford rent. About 40 percent of the District’s renters have had flat incomes since the beginning of the rental boom. Residents without a college degree faced declining wages and higher rates of underemployment, meaning they had to take part-time jobs when they would prefer to work full-time. Shrinking paychecks and higher costs mean that residents are putting larger shares of their incomes toward rent and cutting other necessities – like food and transportation – to make ends meet. Very low-income households are feeling the greatest pinch on their budgets. Two-thirds of lowincome households spend more than half their income for housing. But they’re not alone. More and more, moderate-income residents are being

squeezed. Even households with incomes up to $54,000 have seen their rent increase dramatically, with one-third now facing a severe housing cost burden.

Housing Instability Is Bad for Everyone Families that spend the majority of their limited budgets on housing costs face instability that can lead to barriers to employment, education, and good health. More resources going toward housing means less for food, health care and transportation. High housing costs may force families to rent substandard housing with health hazards like mold and rodents. It may also force families to move a lot or double up with another struggling family. These situations can introduce toxic stress that may make it difficult for parents to hold down a job or kids to concentrate in school. What’s worse is that housing instability can add to the city’s growing number of families that are homeless. The limited affordable options have made it hard for the District to manage a skyrocketing number of homeless families, because transitioning out of shelter and finding homes is so hard. So what is a family to do? Many residents are forced to move in search of better wages and more affordable places to live. An exodus of workers out of the District can threaten the city’s economic vitality. Without a variety of workers with a wide range of incomes living here, the District will be unable to sustain certain parts of the economy, including our strong service industry.

The Mayor and DC Council Need to Do More To help residents maintain a stable home, policymakers need to develop a comprehensive strategy that produces more affordable rental units. This includes supporting programs that build more low-cost apartments, pre-

serving what few affordable units we have left, and providing resources to programs that help District residents pay the rent. An important component of this strategy will be Mayor Bowser’s commitment to put $100 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund. However, it will take more resources to make these promises a reality. The Mayor and Council should look for new revenue to meet housing needs while also maintaining investments in other critical services across the city. One way to do this is to spend some of last year’s $200 million surplus, rather than stick with current rules that require the city to save every penny. Not all of that money is available, but some of it could be used to provide temporary relief for what has become a crisis. Mayor Bowser and the Council also could raise revenue in a fair way. DC has

the lowest taxes for residents in the region, including property taxes that often are thousands of dollars less than our neighbors in Virginia or Maryland. Additional tax rates at the high end of our income tax or raising property taxes on DC’s highest-value homes can raise significant revenue in an equitable way. The fiscal year 2016 budget will be released this month, and it is important that the Mayor and the Council take it as an opportunity to make significant investments in affordable housing. This would provide stability and opportunity for District residents and help DC maintain its growing economic vitality. Rivers is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia, and to increase the opportunity for residents to build a better future. u

District Of Columbia Housing Authority Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Architectural & Engineering Services RFP NO. - 0018-2015 THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY (“DCHA”) is seeking to solicit sealed bids from qualified, professional Architectural/Engineering Firms to provide architectural and engineering services. The exact nature and extent of the services will vary as detailed within the above mentioned solicitation. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS will be available at the District of Columbia Housing Authority Procurement Office, 1133 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services, Washington, D.C. 20002-7599 (Issuing Office); between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org beginning Monday, March 23, 2015. SEALED PROPOSALS ARE DUE: Thursday, April 23, 2015 @ 11:00 a.m. at the Issuing Office identified above. Please contact Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at 202-535-1212 for additional information. East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news / OUR RIVER

Progress and Pitfalls in Paradise our river: the anacostia article and photos by Bill Matuszeski

sk folks to name their favorite part of the Anacostia River and many will point to the stretch below the New York Avenue bridge, where the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on the east bank and the National Arboretum on the west create a sense of a faraway paradise filled with forests, water birds, hawks, owls, and even eagles. As you float along, it is difficult to believe that you are inside the city limits. Let’s take a look at a large part of that paradise, the 446-acre National Arboretum, and how what is happening there affects Our River. While the Arboretum is run by the US Department of Agriculture as a research facility, it also serves as a place for recreation, observation, and learning about plants, and as lungs for the city. For some it is simply a great place to get away to. Mike Stevens, executive director of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District, calls it his “Zen space.” While it is often overlooked by tourists and even locals from other parts of the city and suburbs, that could begin to change with a great many things happening there. First and foremost, it is about to open to the public seven days a week. This is currently scheduled for April 15 and will surely occur by the end of the month. After budget cuts by Congress last year, the Arboretum was forced to close to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) has been able to raise the funds to reopen it and keep it open. To help celebrate, bald eagles have returned to nest there for the first time since the 1940s. Their nesting area is off limits to humans until June, which means if you want to see the azaleas in bloom this year you have to get out of your car and walk to those areas still open. No just driving through! A new dock being designed at the Arboretum River entrance will accommodate more and larger boats for those who want to visit or picnic on the shoreline. A new Arboretum director is about to be named and will team up with the new FONA executive director, Tom Costello, to add to these projects.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Hickey Run with warning sign.

The last segment of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is currently under construction between Benning Road in the District and the Bladensburg Marina in Maryland, on the east side of the River. It is scheduled to open in less than a year and will pass through the Aquatic Gardens. It will unify 70 miles of trails along the river and its tributaries, but it will not reach the Arboretum. To do that there is in design a 410 foot pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the trail over the river to the Arboretum entrance gate. At the same time, development along New York Avenue includes plans for a bike trail from the Metropolitan Branch Trail near Union Station to the Arboretum entrance. This will allow folks to start at Union Station and join the Anacostia trail system by going out New York Avenue through the Arboretum and over the new bridge, creating a range of trail options for riders and walkers. Consideration is being given to establishing a special “dawn to

dusk” FONA membership to allow access before and after work hours for bikers, runners, and hikers within the Arboretum. Perhaps more important to the river itself is all the work being done to restore the streams on the Arboretum grounds. Most are essentially storm sewers when they enter the Arboretum under New York Avenue. Working with the City Department of the Environment, the Arboretum and the Friends have started to bring these streams back to life and to remove the pollutants that are choking them and the Anacostia. The focus is on the role of plants in bringing back water quality. Starting where the largest stream, Hickey Run, enters the property, a major facility was installed to remove trash and petroleum-based pollution. Once the city gets the maintenance contracts in place to keep this facility operational, which has been an ongoing problem, we will see continued improvements. The first full stream restoration – on Springhouse Run – will start this spring. It will connect the stream to two ponds, one of which will become a cypress swamp, and will replace the current channeled waterway with a series of pools, riffles, and meanders ending in acres of emergent wetlands near where the stream enters Hickey Run. There will be boardwalks and educational signs; garden clubs have been trained and engaged in the collection and planting out of native grasses and flowers, which are being grown in the Arboretum greenhouses. It all promises to add a wonderful new area to enjoy and learn about streams and native plants. But all is not well with these old streambeds and the waters they are carrying. As the cleanups have proceeded, a typical problem in urban streams has appeared in both Hickey and Springhouse runs: residual levels of raw sewage have emerged where they were hidden earlier by other pollutants. These “illicit discharges” to the storm sewers are caused when someone by error connects a line that should go into the separate sanitary sewer line. Now the city must determine where these connections have been made and force corrective action. This is not difficult

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Spring bulbs in the Arboretum.

or expensive technology; it simply requires the city to award the contracts for the studies, which continue to be delayed for reasons no one can explain. Even more serious, several years ago a large DCWater sanitary sewer broke where it ran along Hickey Run, and it took months for the agency to get the spill under control. Meanwhile, raw sewage ran down the stream into the Anacostia. Since then, the DC Department of the Environment and DCWater have been unable to agree on a settlement, which should provide the funds to restore the stream and pay a penalty for Clean Water Act violations by both the city and DCWater. Instead they continue to stall and refuse to discuss options to redesign the routing of the pipe with the Arboretum. And they have left the scene of the crime in a mess for literally years. The lesson, my friends, is that even those who look like they are here to do good need to be constantly watched if we are going to restore Our River. What can you do? A number of things come to mind from the experience and efforts in the National Arboretum: • Provide strong support to complete expansion of the trail system, including the bridge to the Arboretum from the east side of the River. • Keep the pressure on the DC Department of the Environment to issue the contracts to build and maintain what they have committed to do. • Press DCWater to settle the sewer-line spill case, provide the funds to restore Hickey Run, and clean up the mess they have left. Finally, come out and enjoy the Arboretum seven days a week! And don’t forget this year’s Garden Fair on April 24 and 25. You can take home some spectacular plants for your garden, and your money will go to support the programs of the Friends of the National Arboretum to keep all these improvements coming to help Our River! u

Site of the bridge to the trail under construction on the other side.

Springhouse Run, showing signs of sewage in the water.

East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news

United Medical is ready to hit the streets to provide primary care with a new mobile unit. Photo: United Medical Center

United Medical Center Hears You how united medical center is taking community feedback and creating results by Candace Y.A. Montague

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

n 2013 Huron Healthcare went on a mission to find out how to improve United Medical Center (UMC). But they didn’t just want to put a bandage on an open wound. They wanted to provide longterm solutions to a problem plaguing residents in wards 7 and 8: lack of quality health care. They surveyed community members and physicians, conducted three town hall meetings, and interviewed stakeholders to get answers. The feedback helped create a strategic plan as a roadmap for winning back the community’s trust and helping to improve health outcomes overall.

Bouncing Back United Medical Center stands on Southern Avenue at the border of Southeast DC and Prince George’s County. It is surrounded by a community with high rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and obesity among other health issues. It is also in a community where residents have little confidence in the ability of UMC to serve their health needs. In fact, a 2012 survey found that 85 percent of the residents from wards 7 and 8 who were admitted to a hospital did not choose the one in their backyard.

Most people who follow news of the hospital know that its journey has not been easy. The Morris Cafritz Memorial Hospital, which was a thriving institution in the 1960s, fell from grace some 30 years later when it was Greater Southeast Hospital. Owners changed, the quality of care waned, and along the way financial woes spurred the DC Council to save the hospital from bankruptcy. However, through the years the institution has endured the trials and continued to serve the public. Now the nearly 50-year-old institution, which posted a striking $13.8 million loss in fiscal year 2012, has an operating budget this year with no funds from the city at all. It has more than 30 days of cash on hand and ended the first quarter of the year ahead of budget. Following the strategic plan, UMC has been seeking grant funds to help pay for the cost of care. So far the hunt has netted $693,000 in new funding. Jim Hobbs, vice president of business development and physician recruiting, says grant funding is important for UMC to stand on its own two feet. “Grants are very important from a financial and program standpoint. Last fiscal year we received only a small amount of money from

the city. This year’s budget is the first year since the city took over the hospital that we are receiving no operating funds from the city.”

pRiMaRY CaRe seRViCe fRoM dooR To dooR Part of the feedback from the community is the demand for better access to primary care that wouldn’t require people to take off from work or do lots of travel. United Medical’s plan to open a primary care clinic at a site in Congress Heights was stalled by unrelated legal issues. Instead it has extended its primary-care access to 12-hour days, Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours. Charletta Washington, vice president of ambulatory and ancillary services, says that with longer hours patients have more opportunities to be seen by a primarycare physician in a non-emergency setting. “We want to be able to catch patients when they get off from work. Or if they wake up on Saturday morning and say ‘I don’t feel well. Let me go to the emergency room,’ we want to give them options to see one of the primary-care physicians instead. We want to give them options other than the emergency room.” Additionally UMC has worked to mobilize its primary care around the community. March 25 saw the debut of the hospital’s comprehensive mobile health clinic. The clinic is a vehicle 38 feet long and 12 wide that will make scheduled visits to neighborhoods, senior communities, and public housing developments, Monday through Saturday. Staffed by a nurse practitioner and medical technicians, the unit will provide another alternative to the emergency room. Yvette Alexander, Ward 7 Councilmember and chair of the Health Committee, says “primary care is the key to a healthy community. We must do all we can to provide access to under-resourced areas, and that’s what this mobile unit will accomplish: access and awareness to our East of the River residents. It is my hope that we will improve health outcomes.”

Hobbs adds that healthcare requires more than just healing patients when they present symptoms. “The van allows us to get the screenings and assessments done early on, and that’s very important. Healthcare isn’t just about delivering health services. It’s about understanding the social determinants of health such as transportation issues, legal issues, even food issues. It’s about integrating all of that.” The health unit will begin making rounds during the second week in April to provide wellness visits, chronic disease management, screenings, and urgent care. Another challenge for residents has been juggling cancer care services. Oncology services may be scattered, and it can be difficult for patients to find a one-stop shop east of the river. United Medical has entered into an agreement with Sibley Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital to provide more oncology services at the hospital. Hobbs explains that reducing the number of stops for cancer patients will give them the convenience they deserve. “We’re providing an onsite clinic through Sibley Oncology Clinic at UMC. We’re able to provide screening, assessment, and diagnostic services. What we want to do is streamline the process that a patient has to go through. We have a nurse practitioner on duty to help them and their families navigate through the system and get the care they need. UMC would be their medical cancer home so to speak.” Improvements to services don’t necessarily mean that United Medical Center is out of muddy waters yet. The hospital saw a dip in ER visits and admissions in February and still has to find a place for its stand-alone primary care clinic. There are more goals to be met. But it is clear that its leaders and staff are motivated about giving the community exactly what they asked for – a hospital that meets the health and wellness needs of community members with quality, culturally sensitive, comprehensive care. For more information about the mobile health unit or primary care visit www.united-medicalcenter.com. u

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202-626-5100 www.dcpsc.org East of the River Magazine April 2015

neighborhood news

“L

et me show you how serious this is to me,” says Wesley Hamilton, a 32-year-old veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in an auto repair facility at 1110 U St. SE in Anacostia as he lifts up his right sleeve to reveal a biceps and forearm covered in carthemed tattoos. “This sparkplug was the start,” beams Hamilton, executive director of the AYT Institute, an organization that provides technical training to men and women seeking careers in the auto-mechanic industry. Throughout the past winter Hamilton, a master automotive technician, spoke at numerous community meetings throughout Ward 8 and canvassed small businesses and employment training centers with flyers promoting AYT. Opening two years ago in a building just off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue that in the 1970s was the Weights, Measures and Markets Branch of the Department of Economic Development and in 2011 was proposed to be a medical marijuana facility, AYT is outfitted with administrative offices, traditional classrooms, a study hall, library, and a large garage with car lifts. A variety of programs and classes offered at AYT run in length from three to six months to a year. The goal, according to Hamilton, is to meet students where they are in their careers and to assist them in receiving the necessary licenses to advance. “We can go as far as the student wants to go,” Hamilton says. Students are accepted on a rolling basis. To date AYT’s Anacostia location has graduated 40 mechanics versed in transmissions, brake systems, fuel pumps, and the ins and outs of both domestic and foreign cars. “Studies show that in body shops across the country the most qualified auto-mechanic is about 65 years old,” Hamilton says. “There’s a great need to backfill that, not just in our area but around the country. Your labor rate is going to be somewhere between $60 and $100 an hour.” Pupils at AYT represent a range of life experiences, from veterans using their military benefits to cover class costs to returning citizens. With the assistance of Jennifer Gibbs-Phillips, an education consultant who served as the principal of Coolidge High School and assisted the

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AYT Institute Trains New Auto-Mechanics by John Muller

formation of the Washington Middle School for Girls, AYT is working with partners from nearby Community College Preparatory Academy and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to enroll more students. Hanging around AYT on a recent weekday was Delonta Hawkins, who served in the US Navy for six years. As a student at AYT for less than three weeks, Hawkins says, “I’ve learned things about cars I should have known, like how to change the oil and how to rotate tires. Before coming here I had never touched the inside of a car. I just thought you turn the key and push the pedal and it goes.” Hawkins, who worked in intelligence with the Navy and maintains a security clearance, says he hopes to work as a bus mechanic for Metro after graduating from AYT.

History of AYT Although less known than the Excel Institute, founded by former Washington Redskins lineman George Starke, AYT and its founder serve as equal inspirations and examples of reaching back to help others. The training institute is an outgrowth of Gary Zhu, who immigrated to the Washington area from the People’s Republic of China more than two decades ago. After founding AYT Auto Group in 1993 in Northeast Washington as a master automotive technician, Zhu saw a steady need for qualified mechanics and in turn started the AYT Institute in 2007 to begin the process of launching new careers in the auto industry. AYT maintains full-service repair shops in the heart of Chinatown and in Ivy City on West Virginia Avenue in Northeast Washington, as well as locations in the Maryland suburbs of Capitol Heights, Clinton, and Upper Marlboro. Although Zhu maintains a low profile, the lobby of the Anacostia center is lined with awards and certificates from the city honoring his work. More than a couple of mayors and elected officials are pictured embracing him. Zhu says that his personal mantra and that of those who graduate from the AYT Institute is, “We take miles of pride in understanding your vehicle from bumper to bumper.” (Left to right) Delonta Hawkins, Wesley Hamilton, Jennifer Gibbs-Phillips, and Gary Zhu stand in front of a 1976 Camaro in the auto repair facility of the AYT Institute at 1110 U St. SE in Anacostia. Photo: John Muller.

For more information on the AYT Institute and how to enroll, visit their offices at 1110 U St. SE or go to www.ayti.us/ or www.ayti. org/. You can also call 202-797-1008. u

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Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna (in blue) helps students and parents create pizzas from fresh ingredients. Photo: Charnice A. Milton

A Visit from Auntie Oye’ by Charnice A. Milton

n the morning of March 13, Ms. Hampton’s class received a special visitor, Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna, or “Auntie Oye’,” as she prefers to be called. Yaa-Anna has been leading her culinary storytelling workshops at Leckie Elementary School for the past months, in which she teaches healthy and easyto-make recipes to families. Today, 11 parents and relatives joined their children as they made pizzas and fruit salad. “In all my years of doing this,” she said with a laugh, “I have never seen more than four parents!” While getting parents to participate is a challenge, Yaa-Anna believes that the message of good nutrition is needed, especially in Ward 8.

About the Workshops Originally from Liberia in West Africa, Yaa-Anna, a nutrition educator

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and storyteller, is the founder and director of the Palaver Hut, a nonprofit focusing on traditional African storytelling. In the past Yaa-Anna took her family culinary storytelling workshop to Maury and Tyler Elementary schools, both located in Capitol Hill, and expanded it through the Family Cooking Summer Camp Workshop. In a 2014 interview with the Hill Rag, Yaa-Anna described her workshops as “hands-on” experiences. “I share the many ways one food can be used,” she said. “Once they see how it can be used they have a better appreciation and understanding for that food. They take a culinary journey to other countries, which truly intrigues them.” Yaa-Anna’s goal for the workshops is to encourage families to make and eat healthy food together. “Studies have shown that children in families who eat together decrease their chances of getting into trouble,” she explained. “I want to see parents make time to make food with their children and talk together.”

Coming to Ward 8 While Yaa-Anna did not originally plan to come to Ward 8, Leckie teachers who saw her program asked her to bring her program to the school. As a result she applied for a mini-grant through the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC). The organization awards $1,500 to $3,000 grants twice every fiscal year. “Part of this work is really connecting the family and giving opportunities for young people and their parents and guard-

) e . n

ians to engage further in their own development,” said Dionne Reed, FSFSC’s community engagement director. “What I like most about it is the opportunity to use cooking as a tool to connect the families together by way of explaining the importance of healthy living and healthy eating habits.” One reason why Yaa-Anna wanted to bring her program to Ward 8 was because of its reputation as a food desert, meaning that there is little to no access to affordable healthy food. “It’s a complex issue,” she said. “Parents aren’t cooking or eating with their families. Instead, they’re eating fast food.” While healthy food can be expensive, it is still possible to live a healthy lifestyle. “Take charge of your health,” she encouraged, “don’t depend on people outside of the community.”

hoW it Works Usually visiting Leckie in the morning or after school, Yaa-Anna dresses participants in their “uniforms” (chef jackets and hats) while encouraging them to wash their hands. Every session focuses on creating dishes she knows children love, like pizza and macaroni and cheese, while introducing them to fresh, non-processed ingredients like vegetables. “All of my workshops are hands-on,” Yaa-Anna said. “The children can see how things are made.” Also, participants are encouraged to talk about the process while they complete each recipe. In some cases the students write stories about their food. Afterwards Yaa-Anna distributes surveys and recipes to the adults. “I’m hoping that the teachers will incorporate more culinary arts in their curriculum,” she explained. While some parents could not make the afternoon sessions, many came during the day. “My daughter actually asked me to come,” said Lydale

Nelson, father to Lynnea. “It made it special, so I made sure that I came today.” Tiera Wilkins, mother to Treazure, agreed, saying, “You should participate and want to volunteer with your kids. They remember stuff like this. You don’t want your children to feel left out.”

ChAnging perspeCtives One of the issues Yaa-Anna faced was changing people’s perspectives on health programming. “People always think that there are poor people in Ward 8,” she said. “I have never met a poor person in Ward 8; just people who don’t prioritize.” She further argues that Ward 8 communities have the resources to create programming like the culinary storytelling workshops; however, people must make them priorities. “Some parents suggested bringing a celebrity,” Yaa-Anna said. “I don’t have that kind of money! It’s better for that money to go toward the programs.” Now that Yaa-Anna has finished the last of her six commissioned workshops, she hopes to continue serving Ward 8. She already has FSFSC’s support. “She and I had a conversation when she first came to the pre-application conference,” said Reeder. “She said that she loved and knew the benefits of healthy eating and healthy living, and she’s done that for so many other cultures. Now it’s pressing on her to do it inside the African-American culture.” However, Yaa-Anna wants support from the parents. “If you want things like this to happen more, you have to write; you have to tell your principal,” she said to a group of parents. “If you want this, just ask.”

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Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna (in gray sweater), also known as “Auntie Oye’,” poses with a class at Leckie Elementary School. Thanks to a mini-grant from the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Yaa-Anna brought her Capitol Hill-based culinary storytelling workshops to Ward 8. Photo: Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna

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East washington life

Eastland Gardens Flower Club by Charnice A. Milton

f you’ve ever traveled past Kenilworth Park or the entrance to Eastland Gardens, chances are you have seen the work of the Eastland Gardens Flower Club (EGFC). The club successfully lobbied to beautify the former dump site, owned by the National Park Service (NPS), and also won a $30,000 grant to do so. “We planted evergreens and conifers there,” said Althia Harris, an EGFC member who moved to Eastland Gardens 15 years ago. While the club has 16 regular members, it upholds a long tradition of community service. “We’re a small group,” said Harris, “but we are powerful.”

EGFC Today “In the past the club was a chance for neighbors to have tea and coffee and do fun things,” said Javier Barker, current president of EGFC. “It’s totally different today. We are focusing on creating a safe community.” Gardening is still a focal point for the flower club. “Mrs. [Alethea] Jordan is our resident horticulturalist,” said sixyear member Regina King. “I learned how to beautify my yard, although I haven’t been able to do it as much.” EGFC remains civic-minded, participating in monthly cleanups, one of which

is set to launch this April 25 as part of Earth Week. “We usually partner with area universities for the cleanups. Students from Caesar Chavez and members from DCPNI [DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative] come as well,” said Harris. “We want to make sure that the organization continues to keep the community beautiful.” EGFC has increased its outreach efforts in recent years. One major accomplishment is the aforementioned book on Eastland Gardens’ history. “I did a lot of research for the book,” said King. “I’ve been living in this community for over 20 years and I learned things I didn’t know about it.” Another accomplishment was producing a brochure about the neighborhood’s architects and builders, which features facts about the flower club and prominent residents like Davis. Also EGFC supports multiple community organizations, including the Girl Scouts and the Friends of the Arboretum.

Fundraiser at the National Arboretum For the last seven years (with the exception of 2013 and 2014) the EGFC’s largest fundraiser has been a tram tour at the National Arboretum. This year’s event will be held on May 9, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. “It’s really an azalea tour,” said King. “The blooms don’t stay long, but they’re almost as popular as cherry blossoms.” After the hour-long

History Eastland Gardens is a unique neighborhood. Bounded by Interstate 295 and the Watts Branch tributary, and neighbor to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the area is known for its plant life. It is also a neighborhood built by African-American architects, a point of pride during the 1930s to 1950s. The book “Images of America: Eastland Gardens” (2011) recounts the neighborhood’s architectural and cultural history. “There is an overwhelming sense of renewal and endless possibility for spring gardening in Eastland Gardens,” it states. “In this haven, gardening conveys the message of stewardship and sustainability and a sense of control over the environment.” The book later states that EGFC “was a natural outcome of neighbors meeting over fences or gathering during evening walks to discuss their gardens, plants, and yards.” Founded in 1956 by neighborhood activist Rhuedine Davis, the club was a social success and a civic one. In addition to participating (and winning awards) in flower show competitions, EGFC also sponsored community cleanups and neighborhood tours, as well as maintaining gardens at Kenilworth Elementary and senior homes. In a time when African Americans could not participate in flower clubs, EGFC became the first black flower club to join the National Capital Area Garden Clubs and to exhibit at the National Arboretum. For her efforts Davis was named Women’s Doer of the Year in 1965 through Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification program.

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Eastland Gardens Flower Club members enjoy a picnic lunch after the National Arboretum tram tour. The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser. Photo: EGFC/Javier Barker

File Current Taxes File Past Due Taxes IRS Issues? WE CAN HELP! tour participants will be treated to a catered box lunch picnic as well as discussion and games. Space is limited as the tram can fit a max of 40 guests. All proceeds go toward cleanup materials, future events, and improving outreach.

Why the Club is importAnt EGFC members agree that preserving the community’s history and culture is an important part of their club. “This is an area where you can raise a child,” said Barker. “No yard is fenced off. We know each other by name because everyone is neighborly and friendly. This is the village feeling we want to preserve.” Harris agreed, calling East-

land Gardens “a nice hidden treasure.” She also sees EGFC’s work as a way to be environmentally responsible. “The nearby creeks are flooded with trash from 295,” Harris explained. “It keeps the neighborhood from being desirable.” King sees EGFC as a community-building organization. “It’s a way for residents to get to know and protect one another,” she declared. “If someone needs something, we can help. It keeps the community unified.” The Eastland Gardens Flower Club meets every second Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m. For information, including future meeting locations, email webmaster@eastlandgardensdc.org or visit eastlandgardensdc.org. u

Eastland Gardens Flower Club members participate in their annual Earth Day Cleanup. Photo: EGFC/Javier Barker

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Earth Day to-Do

Groundswell staff. Photo: Groundswell

homeowners and renters unite to buy greener energy. sign up now! by Catherine Plume

ith Earth Day coming on April 22 it’s the perfect time to sign up for competitively priced green energy for your home or apartment. In April and May Groundswell, a DC-based nonprofit, is signing up homeowners and renters to participate in a bulk purchase that will result in very affordable prices for wind energy. Any resident of the District, Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania, whether homeowner or renter, may join the bulk-purchase group at www.groundswell.org/energy or by calling 202-630-5586. A great video on the website explains how the process works. Applications will be accepted through mid May, and your wind energy purchase should be effective by the June billing cycle. Even if you have solar panels on your roof, some of your electric energy comes from the grid. By signing up for wind energy you can ensure that all of your electricity is green. If you think you’re already on a windpower contract but want to participate, send Groundswell an email at energy@groundswell.org. Switching to wind energy is easy. There will be no change to the equipment that delivers electricity to your abode, and you’ll still receive just one bill from PEPCO. When you switch to wind, the winning company will work with PEPCO to move you to wind power. You won’t have to do any-

thing. If you move you can cancel your contract with no fees. Groundswell vets all of the companies that bid for the group’s business. They collect information about the company (such as where their wind energy is produced, efforts to avoid production in bird migratory routes, etc) and pass it along to the bulk-purchase group. You’ll be at no greater risk for power outages, but the money you pay for electricity will go to a wind farm instead of a coal or (fracked!) natural gas plant. Wind energy is generated by capturing wind

Just in time for Earth Day! Join Groundswell’s “Switch the District Campaign” and power your home with the wind. Photo: Groundswell

in the atmosphere and converting it into mechanical energy and then into electricity. Wind power has significantly lower carbon emissions than natural gas and coal and is a sustainable and renewable power source. Why is wind energy now an option for homeowners and renters? Deregulation of the electricity supply market means anyone can now choose to opt out of coal and opt for renewable energy as an electricity source. Unfortunately wind energy often comes at a significantly higher price than what PEPCO offers through its (largely coal) energy options. As bulk purchases, by definition, have a large number of clients, wind energy providers are willing to sell their electricity at a discounted price, making it a much more competitive option. Groundswell bulk purchases have saved participants an average of 15 percent compared to what they would pay to switch on their own. Switching to wind energy through Groundswell will likely cost you no more than $4 extra per month. Wind energy production is booming across the country. According to a March report in the Washington Post the US Department of Energy predicts that by 2050 wind could provide as much as one-third of the national energy supply. Elizabeth Lindsey, interim CEO of Groundswell, notes that “environmentalism is for all DC residents. By working together, we can make this city more sustainable and more inclusive.” Join the switch to wind energy now! Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist and a writer and blogger for the DC Recycler: www.dcrecycler.blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. u

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Millennial Filmmaker, a Victim of DC’s Crack Epidemic, Breaks Silence and Embraces Future by Christina Sturdivant

Naeemah Powell. Photo: Naeemah Powell

An Unlikely Success Story In January 2015 Naeemah Powell, a twenty-six-year-old resident of Congress Heights, received a certificate in digital filmmaking from the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts in Georgetown. Adding to her bachelor’s degree in theater and film from St. Augustine University, Powell has an academic foundation that she hopes will prepare her for a long career in the arts and media. While many view achievements in higher education as a necessity in 21st-century America, Powell’s road to success was not an easy course. Powell was born in December 1988 in the trenches of DC’s crack epidemic. Two months before her birth, The Washington Post reported that nearly 220 youth had been shot or stabbed in the District during the first eight months of the year, an average of about one victim per day. Police attributed the incidents to drug battles. Powell was not a victim of physical violence associated with the crack epidemic that dubbed DC the murder capital of America, but she witnessed her father actively use and deal crack throughout all quadrants of the city. As an innocent bystander she was one of many youth whose stories often go unheard when addressing this tragic era in DC’s history.

Giving a Voice to the Children For her final project at Boston University, her original documentary, “Through the Eyes of the Children: The Crack Epidemic,” Powell shared her story and the stories of three others whose parents were lost in DC’s drug wave. “I would see my father and his drug addict friends in the house and they would be in the room getting high,” she says. “It was a really scary period because you would see these people who are acting weird, but you don’t know why they’re acting weird.” The most trying times at home came when her father needed money to support his addiction. “He became really aggressive, angry and irate,” she recalls. “It made me feel unsafe with him around because of his behavior patterns.” Her frequent anxiety led to a skewed view of society and those around her. “A normal child would look at people and not immediately think of their faults and try to embrace them, but when you see the ups and downs of people all the time, you’re a little bit more apprehensive when it comes to allowing people into your world because you don’t really know their agenda,” she says. Often uprooted from her home for financial or safety reasons, Powell lived in more than a dozen neighborhoods, each marked by rampant drug use. Attempting to avoid trouble, Powell spent most of her free time indoors. One of the few friends that she made was Alicia Thomas, whom she met at John Tyler Elementary School in Southeast. Also featured in the film, Thomas recalls growing up in Southeast and witnessing everything from people getting shot, to getting robbed, to having sex in cars. She also recalls witnessing her mother suffer from drug abuse. “As the first-born child, responsibilities were enormous,” she says. “You play that mom-anddad role looking out for [your siblings],” says Thomas, who remembers an experience when

her mother left her and her siblings with no food for two days. At age five she walked in the middle of the night to her grandmother’s home, where she found stability from her unsafe environment. Thomas’s mother, though, could not be saved from addiction. She was found dead when Thomas was 12 years old. “She called me over and when I came she was crying,” recalls Powell. “I asked what’s going on and she said ‘my mom died.’ I was like, Whoa.”

The Healing Process Amid perilous conditions, finding coping mechanisms becomes a big part of survival. Powell’s strength came through music and spirituality. “Whenever my mother and father would get into arguments, I would sing and praise God and it would create some type of healing for me and release pain that I didn’t understand,” she says. She continued to use the arts as a vehicle for expression. She attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and eventually graduated from Crossland High School in 2007. Powell considers her documentary one of her biggest forms of expression yet. “I’m on a course in my life where there has to be forgiveness to move forward, and that has a lot to do with why I did the movie – to release that energy so I can have more of an open heart,” she says. Recognizing the importance of sharing her story, Powell hopes to have the film aired on television by the end of 2015. For more info she can be reached at Naeemahpproductions@ gmail.com. u

East of the River Magazine April 2015

East washington life

No Opportunity Wasted Inc. by Charnice A. Milton

n a snowy Saturday morning, eight returning citizens gathered in the office of No Opportunity Wasted Inc. (NOW), located on the top floor of Iverson Mall in Temple Hills, Md. It was the first session of the Elevation Support Group, a roundtable discussion about community, political, and personal issues. “Hopefully this Elevation Support Group will be something that will grow,” Dana Tinnen, NOW’s chief program officer, told the group. “You guys will come back and we can discuss solutions, how we can help each other, what we can do.” The support group is one program NOW uses to find new opportunities for returning citizens.

NOW’s Beginnings Alphonso Tillman is an entrepreneur. He has founded two businesses, Elite Human Resources and Professional 50 State Protections (Pro 50), and a nonprofit, which employ a total of 268 people. However, on January 23, 2013, he was sentenced to two years of prison and three years of supervised release for failing to account for and pay employer taxes. “I spent 18 months in federal prison,” Tillman stated. “I was going through something I didn’t think I would have to go through.” During this time Tillman noticed that the prison did not offer rehabilitation or job training. “I was meeting people that were coming out with no skills,” he said. “When I got out, I asked, How can I change this?” In October 2014 Tillman founded NOW, a workforce development organization for returning citizens. While the office is located in Maryland,

NOW’s work focuses on those living in DC and its surrounding metropolitan area, with plans to expand to the Eastern Shore. “There are so many opportunities that people don’t know about or get a chance to see,” Tillman said of the organization’s name. “We’ve got to take advantage of each and every little one ... For me, it’s just letting people know what’s out there, how we really can do this.” Although NOW received its nonprofit designation in January, the staff has been developing and offering courses including GED prep, business strategies, mock interviewing, and a commercial driver’s license program, with the goal of making clients not only employable but ready to start their own businesses.

The Difference According to Tillman the difference between NOW and similar organizations is that it provides job placement opportunities through Elite HR. “Their whole focus is to help us help you,” Tillman told the support group. “So, once people go through this training, specifically when we know that you’re 10 to 15 days out before comple-

tion, we already have a list of employers that are committed to giving you a chance.” Afterwards the organization keeps in contact with the clients and their employers to see how they are doing. “One of the things I saw when I started investigating nonprofits was that they had the training component. Everyone does training, but nobody does placement,” he explained. “I’ve been doing placements since 2008 and I though it to be a great mix.” As a result, he argues, NOW aims to bring a more holistic approach to helping returning citizens. Since NOW’s launch eight clients have been placed in jobs and as of February were still employed. NOW has at least 20 applications for job placement and has a goal of helping between 30 to 40 clients by the end of the year.

Partnerships NOW has created partnerships with other returning-citizen-focused organizations. “This organization is basically about us networking and us helping us,” said Courtney Stewart, executive director of the Reentry Network for Returning Citizens. “But it’s also about integrity; it’s also about having a plan ... It’s about being honest with people like us.” Andre McGant, community outreach specialist for the DC Corrections Information Council (CIC), attended the support group after getting an invite from Tinnen, one of McGant’s former counselors. “It’s a big draw for me,” he said. “You don’t know how vital it is,” he remarked. CIC is “looking for a way to filter the reentry prisoners, and I’m letting them know about NOW.” McGant explained that the next step is for NOW and CIC to exchange information, which CIC would pass on to other returning citizens.

Next Steps During the support group meeting Tillman revealed that the lease for NOW’s office would end in August and that he was looking for new office space either in DC or Maryland. “That’s one of the things we have been talking about with the Department of Economic Development in DC as well as Maryland and, to be honest, it’s whoever cuts us the best deal,” he explained, “because we’re bringing jobs. We’re going to bring opportunities and we’re bringing training platforms. The most important thing to me is to place people, to get them into jobs and positions ... but we’ve got to get the facilities to be able to facilitate what we need to do.” Andre McGant (second from left), community outreach specialist for the DC Corrections Information Council (CIC), meets with No Opportunities Wasted (NOW) staff members Dana Tinnen, chief program officer (far left), and Alphonso Tillman, executive director and founder (second from right). Photo: Charnice A. Milton

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

No Opportunity Wasted Inc. is located at 3737 Branch Ave., Suite 120, Temple Hills, MD 20748. For more information call 301316-2002 or visit alt@nooppwasted.org. u

/ jazz avenues

A JAMming time for Appreciation From 1957 to 1962, [Johnny] Griffin enjoyed a promising and prolific period. He worked with Art Blakey (“Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk,” Atlantic), and then replaced John Coltrane in Monk’s quartet (“At the Five Spot,” Milestone), Griffin also proved himself master of the “blowing session” in hard-driving competitive jamming with Coltrane and Hank Mobley (“Blowing Sessions,” Blue Note) … His awesome speed sometimes leads him to pack an overabundance of ideas into each chorus, but the occasional excess is more than compensated by his clarity, logic, and wit. —“Jazz Portraits: The Lives and Music of the Jazz Masters,” Len Lyons and Don Perlo (William Morrow and Co., 1989) It is that special month of the year for appreciating jazz, and this humble observer and chronicler takes this opportunity to express much appreciation for the many years of enjoying fabulous artists doing their thing. Just looking at this month’s April birthday folks below (quite a star-studded month, by the way) brings wonderful remembrances of those I was blessed to see perform live, including Jimmy McGriff, Stanley Turrentine, Randy Weston, Freddie Hubbard, Carmen McRae, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Herbie Mann, Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente, Slide Hampton, Charles Mingus, Johnny Griffin, Joe Henderson, Percy Heath … We also pause to appreciate the institution and originator of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Smithsonian Institution, where it all began in 2002 with curator and author John Edward Haase. And at press time we heard the National Museum of American History would launch the JAM celebration with a special announcement of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation’s donation of a $2.5 million endowment toward the expansion of jazz programming and the installation of a colorful, large painting featuring well-known jazz stars. Among many events, JAM features the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra playing for the “Lush Life: Billy Strayhorn Centennial” on April 11 in Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History; and “An Afternoon of Ella with the Brad Linde Expanded Ensemble,” April 25, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. See www.smithsonianjazz.org.

Nomadic Jazz Cometh Nomadic Jazz, a new force for music in northern Virginia, will present its first concert on May

JazzAvenues by Steve Monroe

munity Museum for Jessica Boykin-Settles’ intense, moving, and sometimes chilling tribute tour of the life of Billie Holiday via video and audio clips and photos, and music by vocalist Boykin-Settles, pianist Bormet, bassist Karine Chapdelaine, and drummer Tina Raymond.

Bravo Anthony Pirog A belated congrats to our guitarist Anthony Pirog on the autumn release of his debut album, “Palo Colorado Dream,” a starkly entertaining blend of music embracing elements of jazz and rock and more, with bassist Michael Formanek and Ches Smith on drums and electronics. See www.anthonypirog.com.

The Michael Thomas Quintet performs, April 24, at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

2, says founder Debbie Hodnett. It will feature Inner Urge, with Nasar Abadey on drums, Thad Wilson, trumpet, Fred Foss, alto sax, Elijah Jamal Balbed, tenor sax, Allyn Johnson, piano, and Herman Burney, bass. The event is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., May 2, at the Durant Art Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, Va., two blocks from King Street Metro. See www.nomadicjazz.com.

InPerson … Bravo WWJF V Bravo Again, Amy K. Bormet At the Washington Women in Jazz Festival event on March 18 at the Hill Center for the Arts, festival impresario Amy K. Bormet was smiling and pleased at the overflow turnout for that event, which featured trumpeter Carol Morgan and saxophonist Leigh Pilzer playing a tribute to Gerry Mulligan. “There have been great crowds so far,” said Bormet, whose fifth annual festival was highlighted by diverse lineups of young and seasoned performers and also performers from Sweden. A few days later another good crowd gathered at the Smithsonian Anacostia Com-

April Highlights: … Dianne Reeves and Friends, April 11, Kennedy Center … East River Jazz/Celebrating Strayhorn, “Performing Arts and the Queer Aesthetic,” April 12, Francis Gregory Library … Jazzforum/ “A Celebration of the Life of Shirley Horn,” April 13, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall/Bldg 46-West … UDC Small Jazz Ensembles, April 14, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall … Jazz Night Legends Series/Fred Foss, April 17, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Keith Killgo, April 17-18, Twins Jazz … Levine Music JazzFest, April 1719 (see www.levinemusic.org) … Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra/Sean Jones, April 22, Blues Alley … Airmen of Note, April 23, National Museum of American History … Michael Thomas Quintet, April 24, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Anthony Nelson, April 24-25, Twins Jazz … Thinking About Jazz/Billie Holiday A 100th Birthday Celebration, April 25, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Calvin Jones Big Band Festival, April 27, University of the District of Columbia Auditorium/Bldg 46-East … Andrew White, “A Love Supreme,” April 28, 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

East of the River Magazine April 2015

Real Estate

New Housing Development in Congress Heights Adds over 100 New Units by Phil Hutinet

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

eveloper Roger Black started his real estate career selling new homes in the 1980s. The idea came to him while he was still in high school, when he worked during his spare time for his sister, who sold new homes. He handed out brochures in highly trafficked pedestrian areas of the models she was selling. As an adult he began working for Stanley Martin, selling homes in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The company was bought out many times and Black finally decided to strike out on his own. Black concedes that despite his transition to development, he is “still selling.” He explains that “it doesn’t matter what you do in life; when you have an idea you still need to sell it.” Black’s most recent idea focuses on transforming a once derelict five-acre parcel of land at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and 4th Street SE into a residential development. Once a fenced-in property requiring a 24-hour-a-day detail to maintain security, the lot now sports new residential units. Black’s company, BlaCo Construction, partnered with real estate marketing firm McWilliams Ballard to sell townhouse and apartment units at Woodcrest Villas. The 1200 square-foot apartments, built on two levels, look like four-story townhouses on the outside. Some of the multilevel townhouses are actually 2200 square-foot townhouse-condos. Standard features in every unit include stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors, quartz countertops, a finished lower-level recreation room, and a ceramic tile entry in the foyer. The townhouse units, which include an oversized one-car garage, are 22 feet wide, about twice the width of many Capitol Hill townhouses. Black believes that “people do not like to be nickel-and-dimed. They want to move into a well-appointed home.” When asked why he would consider investing east of the river when so many new home builders continue to build in exurban communities in Maryland and Virginia, Black describes the huge sums of money either already invested or planned for Ward 8. Development “is coming and it’s coming hard. Look at all the money that DC and the federal governments are investing; they are pouring billions of dollars into the area. The Saint Elizabeths campus is happening slowly but it is happening. Look at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Look at the millions invested in Ballou High School. It’s absolutely incredible and it is across the street from Woodcrest Villas.” Black also mentions the mass-transit improvements to the neighborhood such as the extension of the Green Line into Anacostia and Con-

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l r s

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Get Your East of the River

e s n , . t

Location

Address

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 4417 Douglas St NE Randall Memorial Baptist Church 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 1400 41st St , SE Fort Davis Recreation Center 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 St Timothys Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave SE Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library 3660 Alabama Ave , SE 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE National Capital Parks--EAST 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 & 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 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE 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 4100 South Capitol St , SE PNC Bank 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 Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library 115 Atlantic St , SW 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

For more distribution locations, contact 202.543.8300 x.19

MIDCITY

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

East of the River Magazine April 2015

4

gress Heights and proposals for adding a streetcar line east of the river. Black uses the new 11th Street bridge as another example: “It seemed logical [to invest here] when a $365 million road improvement project is built just to get people in and out of Anacostia with a new bridge.” While many economic indicators, such as infrastructural improvements, favor investing in the housing markets east of the river, housing prices remain more volatile there than in other DC neighborhoods. During the last market boom, which ended in 2008, the five-acre property where Woodcrest Villas resides sold to another developer in 2004. Initially 42 duplexes were planned when the market was red hot, but the developer had overpaid for the lot, the housing was never realized, and the lot went into bankruptcy. Many condo projects east of the river realized during the last boom suffered from devaluation in 2009 through 2012. However, the market has begun to change. Unlike many rental-to-condo rehabs done during the last boom, Woodcrest Villas is new construction, a product generally more sought after by consumers. Using his 30-plus years of experience, coupled with budget analysis and market research in the area, Black designed the new units to be larger and family-oriented. “People want new homes,” says Black, “because they don’t have the time, the money, or the know-how to rehab older properties. People just want to move in and get on with their lives. In DC there are very few communities that are new homes like Woodcrest. There is Dakota Crossing by the new Costco but they are 3050 percent more expensive.” Black is quick to point out that not everyone can afford a $750,000 town-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

house on Capitol Hill. Priced between $280,000 and $420,000, a mortgage at Woodcrest is commensurate with what people already pay in rent for comparable housing in the neighborhood. From a location perspective, the community is less than a mile to Congress Heights Metro station. Black notes that “with I-295, Alexandria is minutes away and townhouses there go for $800K. If you look at it logistically, with upside the market here completely makes sense.” Some might point out that many people in DC cannot afford homes at Woodcrest Villas even at these pricepoints. When asked about the specter of “gentrification” recently raised by some media outlets in reaction to Woodcrest Villas, Black responds: “In the bigger scheme of things, within DC and within the Beltway, these homes are some of the most affordable. DC has a voucher program to help residents own, and you can legitimately make that work at Woodcrest.” As a case in point Black remarks astutely that “some people are buyers and others are life renters for various reasons.” Homeownership does come with added responsibilities and expenses that many people do not want to incur. Regarding displacement, Black observes, “we’re not evicting people; this was a vacant piece of land that had been neglected for years. We’re building to a price-point commensurate with the neighborhood, with beautiful finishes you would find in more affluent communities, all of which encourages people to become homeowners.” For more information on Woodcrest Villas visit www.woodcrestvillas.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

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.

Neighborhood

Close Price BR

FEE SIMPLE 4306 D ST SE ANACOSTIA 1623 Q ST SE

$227,500

4409 C ST SE 1529 FORT DAVIS ST SE

$225,000 $215,000 $195,000

2 2 2

3194 WESTOVER DR SE 2142 BRANCH AVE SE 2948 M ST SE 1619 30TH ST SE 725 32ND ST SE 2346 Q ST SE

$525,000 $470,000 $165,000 $163,319 $135,000 $430,000

4 5 2 2 2 4

CHILLUM HILL CREST 52 MILMARSON PL NW $625,000 4 13 MADISON ST NW 229 QUACKENBOS ST NW

$438,000 $410,500

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 43 FORRESTER SW 843 XENIA ST SE 3219 6TH ST SE 506 BRANDYWINE ST SE 3786 1ST ST SE 832 YUMA ST SE

$320,000 $260,000 $256,000 $245,000 $135,000 $120,000

3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

5216 BASS PL SE $325,000 4 5402 CALL PL SE $265,000 5 192 54TH ST SE $239,000 2 5531 B ST SE $183,500 2 DEANWOOD 4636 A ST SE $179,800 2 4715 CLAY ST NE $435,000 5 4695 A ST SE $149,000 2 $320,000 4 4410 FOOTE ST NE 5044 CALL PL SE $137,000 3 3802 E CAPITOL ST NE $299,000 3 5044 CALL PL SE $110,000 3 4701 KANE PL NE $275,000 3 5623 B ST SE $90,000 2 30 53RD ST SE $265,000 3 221 54TH ST SE $53,000 2 5085 SHERIFF RD NE $260,000 4 5020 JAY ST NE $225,000 4 RANDLE HEIGHTS 4030 CLAY PL NE $203,000 4 1832 VALLEY TER SE $245,000 3 5373 BLAINE ST NE $190,000 3 3440 24TH ST SE $110,000 2 227 62ND ST NE $182,450 3 Search listings at 3421 25TH ST SE $88,350 2 4809 SHERIFF RD NE $168,000 2 cbmove.com/steve.hagedorn 125 36TH ST NE $162,500 3 4704 BROOKS ST NE $162,319 3 CONDO Licensed in DC & MD 5038 JAY ST NE $155,000 2 1045 47TH ST NE $79,900 1 MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4800 C ST SE #301 $82,900 2

Steve Hagedorn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

FORT DUPONT PARK 4121 STANLEY ST SE 3922 Q ST SE 4318 G ST SE 4336 G ST SE

$360,000 $307,000 $272,900 $235,000

5 3 3 3

RANDLE HEIGHTS 1819 24TH PL SE #103 u

$81,000

Direct: Cell: Office: Fax: Email:

202-741-1707 202-841-1380 202-547-3525 202-547-8462 shagedorn@cbmove.com East of the River Magazine April 2015

KIDS & FAMILY

notebook by Kathleen Donner

BEST Kids Superhero 5K & Fun Run The BEST Kids 2015 Superhero 5K & Fun run is a celebration of the everyday heroes that make a positive impact in the lives of kids in DCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foster care system. hey invite everyone to join them for their annual run on a scenic course through East Potomac Park. There are many ways to participate including running/walking the race, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering. This family-friendly and stroller-friendly race is on Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m. and begins at 972 Ohio Dr. (East Potomac Park). Due to Park Permits, there is no race day registration. $30.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

The half-mile fun run is free, simply sign up at bestkids.org. All participants must arrive by 7:30 a.m. due to race road closures. There will be activities for kids throughout the morning and an awards ceremony afterward. The kids are also encouraged to greet and congratulate the 5K runners at the finish line. Parents can run with their children but they need to sign up individually. bestkids.org The Superhero 5K and Fun Run is a great event for people of all ages.

NAACP Youth Council Sponsors a Ward 8 Candidate Forum & Job Fair The Ward 8 Youth Candidate Forum & Job Fair is on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W St. SE. Middle and high school students are invited to come out and voice their concerns in an open forum to the next lawmaker, become a member of the DC NAACP Youth Council and land a job! Young people will have an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. All candidates have been invited to participate. Ward 8 high school juniors and seniors who are 16 years and older will also have the opportunity to apply for a youth election poll worker job. The pay for these positions is $50-$180 on Election Day or community service credit. The event will feature a voter registration drive to encourage young people to register to vote and get information about the voting process. Open to all and free to attend.

Anacostia Community Museum Youth Poetry Slam Competition On Saturday, April 25, 5-7 p.m., 18 middle and high school student finalists recite their best work and compete for cash awards. Guest judges will be looking at each contestant’s originality, style, and elocution. These teens are the best of the best from an open audition held at the Fort Stanton Recreation Center last December. Stop

CAPITOL HILL | NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE Eagle Academy Public Charter School – Capitol Hill fosters character development and builds a strong foundation for all students in a Tier1 learning environment for PreK3 – 3rd grade. Visit us today and apply online at www.myschooldc.org.

1017 New Jersey Avenue SE • Washington, DC 20003 (202) 459-6825 – Capitol Hill Campus www.eagleacademypcs.org • @eagleacademypcs

East of the River Magazine April 2015

KIDS & FAMILY by the museum and support these young poets during this special National Poetry Month program. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Lloyd D. Smith Foundation, P.O. Box 10473, Washington, DC 200209994 by April 16. To download an application, visit lloyddsmithfoundation.org or email the Foundation at info@lloyddsmithfoundation.org. Call Mary Ann Smith at 202-584-1826 for any questions.

Child Car Seat Inspections atTHEARC

Drawapalooza Art Club at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library

With a mission to ensure children are properly secured in safety seats and belts, DC Safe Kids, in partnership with Children’s Health Project of DC, holds child safety seat inspections at THEARC every Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org

Drawapalooza Art Club is for kids and teens. Participants will create art using a variety of media. Drawapalooza Art Club meets on April 30 and May 14, (and every other Thursday thereafter) in the Childrens Room at 5 p.m. in the Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning

Wii Move at Anacostia Library Wii Move is a fun gaming activity to attend with friends to get into the action and adventure. So come on and make a move. For ages 9-14. Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-715-7707. dclibrary.org/ anacostia

Lloyd D. Smith Foundation Scholarships for Ward 7 Students The Lloyd D Smith Foundation is offering college scholarships for 2015 high school graduates of Ward 7. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded. Applications must be received by the

The Washington Ballet Presents The Sleepy Beauty at THEARC Save the date for a timeless fairy-tale of a beautiful princess, an evil sorceress and 100 years of sleep broken by the kiss of a handsome prince. Performances are on Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20-$50 and on sale now at thearcdc.org.

Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School Signs Lease in NE Washington The Children’s Guild signed a 60,000-square-foot lease for its first charter school in Washington. The school will open at 2146 24th Pl. NE in Ward 5 in fall 2015 for 450 students in K-8 grades who live in the District of Columbia. Transportation for students will be available. Offering an enriched physical environment with supportive academic programming, hands-on project-based learning, character development and arts integration as well as information and communication technology, The Children’s Guild uses the philosophy of Transformation Education, a student-centered approach to teaching and learning based on the belief that school culture is one of the most powerful teaching tools available in

education today. Open houses will be held on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 23 and 30 and May 7. childrensguild.org

“Day of the Dog” Kids’ Fun Run at Congressional Cemetery The kids’ Day of the Dog Fun Run at Congressional Cemetery is on Saturday, May 2 at 11:35 a.m. It’s $10 for the un-timed kids’ run (around a 2k distance). congressionalcemetery.org

“ColorStruck: With the Skin I’m In!” by Northeast Performing Arts Group “ColorStruck: With the Skin I’m In!” is a thought provoking dance musical wrapped in the effervescence and energy of the Northeast Performing Arts Group. On Friday, April 17, 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. NW, come experience an educational expression of history, human behavior, images of color and change. See how today’s youth overcome the destructive forces of color bias and create hope for embracing humanity. This musical is told through the eyes of children through dance. Come to be entertained, educated, and uplifted by performers ranging from ages 3 through 25 years of age. Featuring the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. $15, advance; $20 at the door. Tickets are available for pur-

Ward 8's Hendley Elementary School team placed 9th in the DC Citywide Chess Tournament on Mar. 14. Students are shown with Coach Ben Washington. Photo: Michael Usher

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

East of the River Magazine April 2015

chase at nepagcolorstruck2015.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 202-388-1274 or neperformingartsgroup@outlook.com.

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after select Nationals games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Dates this year are: Apr. 19; May 10 and 24; June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; Aug. 9, 23, and 30; Sept. 6, 20 and 27. An adult must accompany runners to the field. One adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as 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 7th inning, however fans that 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 St. washington.nationals.mlb.co

Saturday Morning at the National Free Performances for Children On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. there are free live performances for children in the National Theatre Helen Hayes Gallery. Tickets are required and distributed first come, first seated. Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202-783-3372. Here’s the remainder of the spring line-up: Apr. 18, Baltimore Improv Group--Life is Improvised; Apr. 25, Virginia Virtuosi--Rhythms Around the World. Read more at thenationaldc.org.

Fly-In to Victory Family Day at Udvar-Hazy Center On Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be a number of WWII aircraft from the “Arsenal of Democracy: World War Two History Flyover” at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. Family day. It’s free but parking is $15. airandspace.s.edu

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Dresses 4Dreams Boutique Dresses 4Dreams Boutique is on April 15, 4-7 p.m. at Family Matters of Greater Washington, 1509 16th St. NW. Teenage girls can come and select free dresses, shoes and accessories. Each girl will have the opportunity to win professional hairstyles, manicures, and/or make-up applications. familymattersdc.org

Birth & Babies Fair at Hill Center On Sunday, April 26, noon-5 p.m., more than 40 exhibitors will present their services and products for new families in the Hill Center Exhibit Hall. The 2015 Birth & Babies Fair will feature three programming tracks: pregnancy and prenatal health; the first year and beyond; and caregiver self-care and emotional well-being. Attendees will enjoy and learn from classes, hands-on training and cooking demonstrations. A raffle with birth-and-baby-related prizes will benefit local nonprofits. This event is sponsored by Midwives of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The individual ticket is $25 ($40 for a family registration). Slightly higher at door. More information can be found at dcbirthandbabiesfair.com. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. HillCenterDC.org

Making Civil War Toys at Anacostia Community Museum On Sunday, April 26, 2-4 p.m., join Teaching Artist Jessica Smith (aka “Culture Queen” ) from Culture Kingdom Kids, LLC in exploring the pastimes of children during the Civil War period through storytelling, music, movement, arts and crafts. Participants will learn about the playtime toys that were popular during the Civil War as well as have the opportunity to make their own toys as a takeaway. Each participant also receives a complimentary copy of the museum exhibition Family and Visitor’s Guide which includes puzzles, games, and an exhibition treasure hunt. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Female Youth Empowerment Community Forum at Anacostia Community Museum On Saturday, April 18, 2-4 p.m., docu-

mentary filmmakers, Donna and Tony Fair will show excerpts from their film, Don’t Hate Me which explores the internal struggles of girl’s self-esteem and how girls can receive guidance and support from mentors. Forum will be held at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Diwali: A Cultural Adventure at the Anacostia Community Museum On Sunday, May 3, 2-4 p.m., children’s author Sana Hoda Sood talks about her book Diwali: A Cultural Adventure, based on the traditional Hindu Festival of Lights. Following a reading of the book, children can participate in a hands-on workshop with artist Shweta Lengade using the traditional henna ink medium. The program is being presented in recognition of South Asian Heritage Month and to celebrate diversity. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

The Phillips Collection Unveils Prism.K12 Teaching Tool for K-12 Educators The Phillips Collection announces a new education initiative, Prism.K12, which connects the 21st-century museum to K-12 education by focusing on the integration of the visual arts with core subject areas. Prism.K12 grew out of the museum’s work in the field of K-12 teaching and learning, and includes multimedia teaching kits, national educator initiatives, and comprehensive local school partnerships. The Phillips developed Prism. K12 in response to what it saw as a national need for easily-accessible, lowrisk arts integration strategies in the classroom. The six Prism.K12 strategies or “rays”--identify, compare, connect, express, emphathize, and sympathize--were developed over 10 years of investigation, discussion, and collaboration with researchers and K-12 educators around the country. Using the Prism.K12 rays to brainstorm arts-integrated lessons, teachers can readily craft and implement arts-integrated lessons that seamlessly innovate and enhance their curricula, regardless of the subject matter. Visit the Prism. K12 website at teachers.phillipscollection.org

Marine Corps Marathon “Run Amuck” Registration Opens Registration opens on Apr. 8 for the June 13 Marine Corps Marathon Mini “Run Amuck” race for ages 8 and up. The two mile race is appropriately wild fun for rowdy runners, outrageous athletes and fun-loving families. Register at marinemarathon.com.

Kids’ Farm Month at the Zoo Celebrate Kids’ Farm, sponsored by State Farm, throughout the month of April with special activities and events. Every day, they’ll have special animal encounters, keeper talks, and demonstrations. Every weekend, the first 500 children can take home a special farm sticker. Visit the lion/tiger information booth to pick up the sticker. State Farm Day at the zoo is Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m-1 p.m. There will be 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. Special performances featuring children’s entertainment will take place on the lion/ tiger stage. Girl and Boy Scouts will receive a free Kids’ Farm patch. nationalzoo.si.edu

President Takes Action to Ensure Strong Consumer Protections for Student Loan Borrowers President Obama has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Education and other federal agencies to work across the federal government to do more to help borrowers afford their monthly loan payments including: (1) a state-of-the-art complaint system to ensure quality service and accountability for the Department of Education, its contractors, and colleges, (2) a series of steps to help students responsibly repay their loans including help setting affordable monthly payments, and (3) new steps to analyze student debt trends and recommend legislative and regulatory changes. Read more at whitehouse.gov. u

East of the River Magazine April 2015

KIDS & FAMILY

Ward 8 Gets First Power Lunch Program us coast guard employees mentor students at savoy elementary school to promote better reading habits by Christina Sturdivant

n a Tuesday afternoon in March, Rosemary Dixon, a third grader at Savoy Elementary School in historic Anacostia, spends her lunch with Jeff Lester, an employee at the United States Coast Guard. In their second session of weekly lunch dates they both recognize their mutual love for pizza and books. “Right now we’re working on Judy Moody,” said Lester, who volunteers with the power lunch program led by nonprofit Everybody Wins! DC. Dixon and Lester are one of over a dozen duos gathered in the library after being selected for the program’s launch in February. Teachers recommended students who struggle with reading or could benefit from an extra boost to take their skills to the next level. Mentors were given the opportunity to volunteer through a partnership between Everybody Wins! DC and the Coast Guard, which is housed a few miles up the road from Savoy. Each year in the program students will have the opportunity to read at least 30 books outside of the classroom. In a city like DC, being a good citizen means taking the time to give back, and the options for that are limitless. While Lester had never previously volunteered with children, he thought the power lunch program would be a natural fit. “I’ve got a daughter the same age and I felt like I’ve done pretty good work with my own daughter, teaching her how to read and telling her stories and things like that, so I thought it was a good way to break free from work for an hour and be able to contribute,” he said.

Early Reading Makes a Difference While four hours a month may not seem like much for Lester, his time spent with Dixon will have a lasting impact. The District’s public school system has a long history of stu-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

dents with failing standardized test scores and chart-topping rates of high school dropouts. City data in 2013 revealed that 58 percent of public school students graduated on time compared to 79 percent of DC students who attended charter schools. Often something as simple as an investment in reading from an early age can solve academic and social setbacks for youth. “Those students who are not reading at least by fourth grade are generally on track not to graduate,” explained Lucinda Mulzac, program director at Everybody Wins! DC. And 80 percent of students who end up in the juvenile justice system are not literate and sometimes have not really been properly diagnosed, she said. “A large percentage of our children who are [in the criminal justice system] have not been able to have someone say to them that reading is important and that you can succeed,” she added. “And

just building on that foundation of reading, being able to advocate for yourself, being able to establish goals that say you will graduate and hopefully you will go on to college and finish college can thereby shift the paradigm in your own community or your own family,” she said.

It Takes a Community Youth on some sides of town have it even worse. In 2012 a list of the District’s lowest performing schools was released in Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s five-year strategic plan, “A Capital Commitment.” The plan contained a pledge

to increase proficiency rates at these 40 schools by 40 percentage points no later than the 2016-17 academic year. Of the 21 elementary schools listed, over half were in Ward 8, including Savoy. “This area is what we call East of the River, and unfortunately there are some negative things happening in the neighborhood,” said Tiffany Dyson, librarian at Savoy, who has worked aggressively for the past five years to combat a series of elements that could stop her students from adopting good reading habits. “You have to work so much harder to promote reading when you’re competing against video games and television,” she remarked. “And then it’s twice as hard if you’re not getting a budget to buy books that students enjoy. It’s a battle that we continue to fight across the district – trying to get budgets for school libraries – and to me, I can’t even wrap my head around a school that’s in the bottom 40 schools in the District and not even having a budget. It just does

the students a disservice.” Over the years Dyson has personally applied for grants, received book donations from authors, and thought of creative ways to bring new resources to the library. But she recognizes that pushing a passion for reading is not her sole responsibility. “What makes up a school community is being able to work together with parents, students, and the faculty,” she declared. At the first series of power lunches in Ward 8, Dyson was also grateful to welcome the Coast Guard employees to Savoy’s tribe. “I think the most important thing for the kids in this particular community is to see positive role models,” she said, “and to have someone from the outside, from an organization, come in is very positive and very refreshing for the kids.” For more information visit www.everybodywinsdc.org or contact Catherine Gartland at 202-216-9467 ext. 204. u

Mentor and student on Savoy Elementary’s first day of power lunch sessions. Photo: Everybody Wins! DC

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We are looking for a full time Assistant Director and a part-time Lead Teacher for the 2015-2016 school year. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to AlexisYMTinsley@HillHavurah.org . Come join our wonderful community! East of the River Magazine April 2015

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East of the River Magazine April 2015

“State Mistakes”

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

by Myles Mellor Across:

1. Waste pipe 7. Self-images 11. Pack animals 19. Wakefulness 20. “The ___,” 1931 John Ford film 21. Pathologically thin 22. State specializing in outer garments? 24. State specializing in carpet? 25. Daytime serial 26. Changeable 28. Flexible flyer 29. Parrot 30. New Jersey five 32. Confine 33. Sidelong glance 34. Ancient Lycian city in Asia Minor 36. Birthstone after sapphire 38. Sofia Coppola, to Talia Shire 40. Simplifies for easy use 45. Shipyard sight 50. State specializing in soft drinks? 53. Some consonants 55. State specializing in garden tools? 56. Set straight 57. Wished undone 59. ___ hero 61. Capital near Casablanca 62. Gaming table fabric 64. Closely linked series 65. Starfleet Academy grad. 66. State specializing in office supplies? 68. Zinger 71. Lederhosen 73. Chisels 74. Like saltwater taffy 76. Have another cup of coffee 79. Faineant 80. Schwarzenegger film 81. ___ terrible 82. Dive type 84. State specializing in clergy apparel? 87. State specializing in engineers? 89. Stew 91. Abscond 93. American sounding rockets 94. Dairy airs? 98. Be captured 101. Seat of Illinois State University

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104. Kon-Tiki Museum site 107. PC “brain” 108. ___ ferox 109. Depopulates 111. Close-mouthed person, slangily 113. State specializing in winter wear? 115. State specializing in optometry? 117. Witness 118. Warble 119. “Tell it to the ___” 120. Last 121. They, in Trieste 122. Winter coat

Down:

1. Having a throat ailment 2. More gimcrack 3. Ways to escape 4. Bloodless 5. Training group 6. Russell Cave Natl. Mon. locale 7. Like some piano keys 8. Willowy 9. Like Cheerios 10. Maze word 11. ___ Books, digital library 12. Seamless 13. Phobos, to Mars 14. ___ tempore 15. Breviloquent 16. Deportee 17. Allonge 18. Carangid fish 19. Indian state 23. Dog tooth 27. Perfect, e.g. 31. Foofaraw 33. Dutch cheese 35. Sleep ___ 37. Mushrooms 39. Black Sea peninsula 41. Cost of living? 42. Shakespearean suffix 43. Percussive group 44. Poet Hughes 46. Figures 47. “So that’s it!” 48. Intimidate 49. Boy toy? 50. Oliver’s request

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 51. Qom home 52. Tapered points 54. Meat cut 58. Compact weapon 60. Football’s Armstrong 62. “Lulu” composer 63. Chips in 64. Whorls of sepals 66. Entrance 67. Namely 68. ___ Verde National Park 69. Overdue 70. Apprentice 71. Literally, “king” 72. Grimm character 74. Outcropping

75. Zenana 76. Moisten flax 77. Lansing-to-Flint dir. 78. Ozone depleter, abbr. 79. Neighbor of a Vietnamese 80. Antiquity 83. Invitation heading 85. Counter 86. Casualty 88. Boys 90. Congii 92. 20th century movement 95. High-___ 96. Kickoff 97. Irrational numbers 98. “Peter and the Wolf” bird

99. Main line 100. Early French cubist 102. 1962 and 1990 Tony winner Robert 103. Insect genus 105. Fast 106. Bond hearings 108. Winston Churchill’s “___ Country” 109. “___ the Fourth Generation” (Asimov story) 110. U2 guitarist 112. Buttonhole 114. Social suffix 116. Low-fat meat

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.