East of the River Magazine August 2013 by Capital Community News

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District of Columbia Medicaid Managed Care Organization

We’re Your Trusted Health Plan Offering primary and specialty services for the DC Healthy Families and the Alliance Program Vision and Dental also available Special services include: transportation and 24 hour nurse help line Wellness Gift Card Incentive Program

For more information about how to become a Trusted Health Plan member, please call

(202) 639-4030 or

trustedhp.com

MORE INFORMATION If you do not speak and/or read English, please call (202) 821-1100 between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. A representative will assist you.' ‘Si no habla o lee inglés, llame al (202) 821-1100 entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 4:45 p.m. Un representante se complacerá en asistirle.’ ˆ¿·Eéoeƒ k¿k £M¨}¶μU ˆ~/’¨N £M¦}nlå ŠD}å: Š»ópý Š8:15 \—r ˆ^Š Nbpý 4:45 \—r mE’å μêšî ’å^¼ ˆmOE• l 202) 821-1100 ¨ª’åEåG¿:: £ƒ p’‹¨ ¨T«è•qG::

This program is funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance

‘Nếu bạn không nói và/hoặc đọc tiếng Anh, xin gọi (202) 821-1100 từ 8 giờ 15 sáng đến 4 giờ 45 chiều. Sẽ có người đại diện giúp bạn.’ ‘如果您不能講和/或不能閱讀英語，請在上午 8:15到下午 4:45之間給 (202) 8211100 打電話，我們會有代表幫助您。’

'영어로 대화를 못하시거나 영어를 읽지 못하시는 경우, 오전 8시 15분에서 오후 4시 45 분 사이에(202) 821-1100 번으로 전화해 주시기 바랍니다. 담당 직원이 도와드립니다.' Si vous ne parlez pas ou lisez l'anglais, s'il vous plaît appeller (202) 821-1100 entre 8:15 du matin et 4:45 du soir. Un représentant vous aidera.

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 3

latory Affairs

Vending Regulations Training Symposium “Capitalizing on the Thriving Vending Industry in the District of Columbia” - FREE OF CHARGE On June 18, 2013, the City Council voted to approve new Vending Regulations which will dramatically change the vending industry in the District.

Please attend our Vending Regulations Training Symposium to learn about: • Vendor Licenses (Classes, types, and requirements) • Sidewalk Vending • Mobile Vending (Food Trucks) • Vendor Employee Badges • Public Markets • Fees and Fines • New Vending Opportunities • And many other topics DCRA, OCFO/OTR, DDOE, DOH, FEMS, MPD, DDOT and others will be in attendance to answer questions related to vending.

The Training Symposium dates and times are: Session 1: Saturday, August 17, 2013 9:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, August 19, 2013 6:00 pm – 8:00pm Session 3: Saturday, August 24, 2013 9:00 am – 11:00 am Session 4: Monday, August 26, 2013 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Session 5: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Multiple language interpretation) Location: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington D.C. 20024

To Register, Go To: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/Conferences.action (Keyword: “Vending”)

If you need further assistance with registering for this workshop, please call the Small Business Resource Center at (202) 442-4538 or email claudia.herrera@dc.gov or india.blocker@dc.gov.

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 5

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | august 2013 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 10.............What’s on Washington

12.............East of the River Calendar 16.............The Bulletin Board 21............. E on DC • by E. Ethelbert Miller 22............. Benning Road Residents Question Potential SOME Development • by Charnice Milton 24............. Congress Heights Residents Voice Concerns Regarding Future Development • by Charnice Milton 26.............DC Streetcar Update • by Charnice A. Milton 27............. New Fort Stanton Recreation Center Opens • by John Muller 28.............Danger Spice • by Candace Y.A. Montague 30.............Smart Fun in the Summertime • by Stephen Lilienthal

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

32.............Artistic Hospitality • by Annette Nielsen

33.............Lights Up at the Anacostia Playhouse • by John Muller 34.............Cedar Hill Bar and Grill • by John Muller 36.............Luis Peralta Del Valle • by Francesca Lo Basso

38............. Mynd Up Features BK Adams’ Latest Work • by John Muller 39.............Buck Hill • by Steve Monroe 40.............Let’s Get Physical! • by Jazelle Hunt 42............. The Queen of Z-GoGo: A Profile of Danette ‘Dani’ Tucker • by Candace Y.A. Montague

KIDS & FAMILY

44.............Comfort and Care with Dignity • by Candace Y.A. Montague 46............. Protect Yourself from Being Scammed • by Joann Mangione

HOMES & GARDENS

43.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton 48.............The Classifieds

ON THE COVER:

New staff at the Uniontown Bar & Grill are ready to serve you. Photo: John Muller. Story on page 34.

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 7

Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides 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

Online Daily, Printed Monthly

www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com Look for Next Issue of East of the River on September 7 Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Food Editor: Annette Nielsen • annette@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 General Assignment: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.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 Retail Therapy: Marissa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Ralph Brabham • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Linda Samuel • lindabsamuel@yahoo.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 Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com

BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

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

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UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

IS A DID YOU KNOW? If you knowingly collect benefits by intentionally providing false or inaccurate information when you filed your claim, you are committing FRAUD. Examples include: • An individual returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits. • An individual works a part-time job but does not report his or her earnings to the state, thereby collecting more benefits than he or she is allowed.

UI Fraud is punishable by law! PENALTIES Can Include: • Criminal prosecution • Penalties and fines • Forfeiting future income tax refunds • Ineligibility to collect UI benefits in the future Don’t make your unemployment problem worse. If you think you may have committed UI Fraud, let us help you address the issue.

• An individual performs temporary work while collecting UI benefits, but does not report the earnings when filing his or her weekly claim. • An individual holds back information or gives false information to the state UI agency.

1.877.372.8360 Call us today or visit does.dc.gov to read more about UI Fraud.

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 9

s! ent v E ore rM o f ite ebs W Our See

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a month-by-month guide to events

Michael Graves Designed Scaffolding on the Washington Monument

Don’t miss having a long look at the scaffolding around the Washington Monument. The structural work is ongoing and the closest anyone at the National Park Service can come to the Monument’s reopening is 2014, but don’t miss the wrapping. The lights come on at dusk and stay on all night (488 lamps restore the marble tower’s glow). Michael Graves Associates tells us that the current scaffoling is from drawings done for the 1998-2000 millennium restoration work. Because everyone loved it, a bill was even introduced in Congress to keep the scaffolding up. Well it’s back now, due to the damage done by the 2011 earthquake. nps.gov/wamo

Pennsylvania college students join the 1963 March on Washington, the largest civil rights protest in history. Photo: Flip Schulke Archive

50th Anniversary of March on Washington

Photo: Courtesy Michael graves & associates

On August 28, 2013, citizens from across this country will gather in Washington, DC to commemorate and celebrate the historic March On Washington which occurred 50 years ago on August 28, 1963. Two important sites to visit during this time are the Lincoln Memorial and the new Martin Luther King Memorial. On Saturday, August 24, there will be a march along the historic 1963 route. On August 28, the actual anniversary of the march and the “I Have a Dream” speech, there will be an interfaith service at 9 a.m. at the King Memorial before a 1 p.m. celebration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, culminating with a ceremonial bell ringing at 3 p.m., the exact time of King’s famous speech. “Make Some Noise: Students and the Civil Rights Movement” at Newseum explores the new generation of student leaders in the early 1960s who fought segregation by making their voices heard and exercising their First Amendment rights. “Make Some Noise,” the Newseum will launch a three-year changing exhibit, “Civil Rights at 50,” which will be updated each year to chronicle milestones in the civil rights movement from 1963, 1964 and 1965 through historic front pages, magazines and news images.

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Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a county show for the 4-H members in Montgomery County to exhibit their prize livestock, garden and home economics projects. Their initial meeting on a cold, March night in Rockville in 1945 started what today is the largest county fair in Maryland. A network of more than 2,000 volunteers continue making contributions of their time, making the fair and agricultural center a vital part of the business community in Montgomery County. As the years passed, the facilities were continually expanded upon and upgraded, as well as the upgrading of the classes and prizes offered at the fair. Check out the fairway, the rides, the animals and exhibits on Aug 9-17 at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center, 16 Chestnut St. Gaithersburg, MD. 301-926-3100. mcagfair.com Image: Rex Reed, Amberlea Photography & Design, LLC

Asia After Dark: Chinese Martial Arts

Their motto is Art, Drink and be Merry. This will cost you $25 in advance and $30 at the door (includes one dirnk). On Saturday August 17, 7-11 p.m. at the Sackler Gallery you’ll enjoy live hip-hop scores of classic kung fu flicks with DJs Hop Fu; watch wushu martial arts performances; get in balance with tai chi demonstrations; decorate a teacup sleeve with mash-ups of Asian art designs; meet experts behind the Smithsonian’s new frontier of 3D imaging; get 3D savvy in building a laser-cut Cosmic Buddha; join gallery conversations with Chinese art curators Keith Wilson and Daisy Wang; and sip a special cocktail. The suggested attire: Chinese-inspired dress. You must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend. asia.si.edu/asiaafterdark

Crowd at a prior Asia After Dark event at the Sackler. Photo: Cory Grace

Arts & Humanities Festival at St. Elizabeth’s East

The Arts & Humanities Festival at St. Elizabeth’s East is a free festival showcasing the history, culture and community of Ward 8. Held on August 17 and 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., each day, the events feature an exciting scope of activities, live performances, art exhibits, readings and workshops that will be fun for the entire family. Artists and performers from all disciplines, including storytellers, exhibition artists, singers, bands, rappers, workshop artists, historians, actors, dancers, drummers and musicians will be a part of this family-friendly festival. The heart of this free festival is located at one of the District’s most prized historic campuses, St. Elizabeths East, in the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue SE. The East Campus will soon be the home of a new Gateway Pavilion currently under construction and slated to open in September 2013. stelizabethseast.com The African Heritage Drummers and Dancers will perform at the festival. Photo: Kia Hicks EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 11

Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat. Aug 16, 7-10 PM. DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities cordially invites you to Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat. A red carpet art exhibition revealing the untold stories of Washington DC’s signature sound, Go-Go. Join them in an evening of interactive art, music, photography, fashion, and poetry that will document the history of Go-Go from its African, Latin, Jazz and Funk roots to the present. Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat will celebrate pioneers of the indigenous genre featuring performances by Rare Essence and Black Alley Band. All-White-Attire Affair. 200 I St. SE. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Valet parking available, $5. 200 I St. SE. 202-724-5613

CALENDAR

Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Yards Park Marine Band Thursday Night Concerts (before the movie). Thursdays, 7:30 PM, through Aug 29. Yards Park is in the Capitol Riverfront at 355 Water Street SE, three blocks from Nationals Ballpark. Take the Green Line to Navy Yard (New Jersey Avenue exit). yardspark.org

Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat Aug 16, 7-10 PM. DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities cordially invites you to Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat. A red carpet art exhibition revealing the untold stories of Washington DC’s signature sound, Go-Go. Join them in an evening of interactive art, music, photography, fashion, and poetry that will document the history of Go-Go from its African, Latin, Jazz and Funk roots to the present. Go-Go Swing: Washington DC’s Unstoppable Beat will celebrate pioneers of the indigenous genre featuring performances by Rare Essence and Black Alley Band. All-White-Attire Affair. 200 I St. SE. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Valet parking available, $5. 200 I St. SE. 202-724-5613

Audience viewing ‘We Speak the Souls of Ancestors’ in the Gallery at 200 I (Eye) in the headquarters for the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Photo: Jati Lindsay

SPECIAL EVENTS Family-friendly Community Open House at the DC Streetcar Testing & Commissioning Site. Aug 10, 10 AM-noon. In anticipation of the system opening in the upcoming months, they invite you, their valued community members, to join the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the DC Streetcar Team for an Open House at the DC Streetcar Testing and Commissioning Site. Testing & Commissioning Site, 2860 So. Capitol St. SE. International Unmanned Systems and Robotics Exposition. Aug 12-15. “The largest display of robotics and unmanned systems hardware in the world.” Walter E. Washington Convention Center. auvsishow.org Truckeroo. 2013 remaining dates are Aug 16 and Sept 6, 11 AM-11 PM. Truckeroo is a monthly festival held at the corner of Half St. and M St., SE (across from the Navy Yard Metro Station on the Green line) showcasing food trucks from the Washington, DC area. It features 20 food trucks, picnic tables, games, cold drinks, plenty of shade and live music all day. Free admission. truckeroodc.com NoMa Beer Fest. Aug 17, 2-8 PM. All of DC’s favorite beer-makers converge for NoMa Beer

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Fest during DC Beer Week. Sample special summer ales and local favorites, with live music, DJs, games, and tasty food by Union Kitchen and local food trucks. All-local breweries include DC Brau, Chocolate City Brewing Company, District Chophouse, Capital City Brewing Company, Three Stars, Right Proper Brewery (opening soon in Shaw), and the Brewer’s Art (Baltimore). Reserve your beer tickets online now! $10 for 2 beers, or $10 for four sample tastings. Festival is in the parking Lot at 1250 First Street, NE. Entrance at First and N Streets, NE. NoMaBeerFest.org Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings through Aug 30. Guests admitted starting at 7 PM. Guests should be seated by 8 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc. mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil 2013 Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer. Wednesdays, through Aug 28, 7 PM with pre-ceremony pageantry starting at 6:45 PM. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army

Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hour-long sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial times to the soldier of the future. Summerall Field on historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. usarmyband.com Free Summer Saturdays at the Corcoran. This summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, enjoy special exhibitions and programming free of charge in addition to Gallery tours, select workshops, demonstrations, and performances for all ages. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202-639-1700. corcoran.org

SUMMER MUSIC, MOVIES AND THEATER Free Summer Concert at National Building Museum. Aug 11, 2 PM. WPAS Summer Steps with Step Afrika! National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org NoMa Summer Screen “Outlaw Heroes”. Aug 14-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Aug 21- (rain date). 7-11 PM. Movie location at L St. between 2nd and 3rd, NE. nomabid.org

Postgame Concerts at Nationals Park. Gavin DeGraw (August 31) and Montgomery Gentry (September 21) will comprise the lineup for the 2013 NatsLive Free Postgame Concert Series following select Nationals home games throughout the summer. The performances will begin approximately 15 minutes after the final out of each Nationals game. Fans who wish to attend the free concerts must have a valid ticket for that day’s Nationals game, which can be purchased at nationals.com/NatsLive. The Double Play Giveaway & Concert Packs are also available at nationals.com/flex for those who want to ensure their seat for each of the four postgame concerts. National Shrine Summer Organ Recitals. Sundays in Aug, 6 PM. Free. Free will offering accepted. All welcome. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com Screen on the Green. Aug 12-Tootsie. On the National Mall between 7th and 12th Streets. friendsofscreenonthegreen.org Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays, 7:30 PM (new time). US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org U Street Movies. Aug 21 and Sept 18. Contact harrison@ustreet-dc.org to help organize or donate. Movies shown at the Harrison Recreation Center field, V St. between 13th and 14th sts. NW. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to come early to picnic in the park and listen to music spun by local DJs. movies. ustreet-dc.org Rhythm in NoMa Concerts. Aug 29, Sept 26; 6-8 PM. Connect with business partners, family or friends while listening to a variety

of popular musical styles, from Motown to funk to quiet jazz ensembles. location TBA. nomabid.org Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series. Fridays, 8:30 PM. Here’s the lineup: Aug 16, Crowded Streets; Aug 23, Alma Tropicalia; and Aug 30, Framewerk. Yards Park is in the Capitol Riverfront at 355 Water Street SE, three blocks from Nationals Ballpark. Take the Green Line to Navy Yard (New Jersey Avenue exit). yardspark.org Air Force Band Concerts. Fridays in summer, 8 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs.) Expect a pleasing mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays, through Aug 30 (rain or shine), 5-8 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202289-3360. nga.gov Live American Roots Music. Friday and Saturday nights in summer. The National Building Museum has partnered with Hill Country Barbecue Market to present Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue, a unique branded outdoor experience featuring Hill Country’s award-winning Texas-style barbecue, icecold Shiner beers, and signature cocktails on the Museum’s spacious and picturesque West Lawn. Throughout the summer, the space features live American roots music on Friday and Saturday nights, presented by Hill Country Live, Hill Country’s Austin-inspired music program. National Buildiong Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Summer Breeze Jazz Concert at THEARC. Aug 18, 3 PM. Anacostia Diaspora Group presents the Summer Breeze Jazz Concert featuring Jazz Saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr. and The Marcus Mitchell Project! $25. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Free For All “Much Ado About Nothing”. Aug 20Sep 1. The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Free For All is a much-loved Washington tradition, offering free performances of a Shakespearean classic to the general public. Tickets for each performance of Much Ado About Nothing will be made available to the public on the day of the show by visiting Sidney Harman Hall as well as through an online lottery system. Seating is general admission. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org Labor Day Concert at the Capitol. Sept 1, 8 PM (gates open at 3 PM). The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S.

Capitol each year, the Sunday before Labor Day. Call the NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202-416-8114 after 11 a.m. in the evnent of inclement weather. Annual 1812 Overture Concert. Due to construction at the Sylvan Theater, there will be no 1812 Overture concert at the Washington Monument this summer.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Make Gyotaku Fish Prints. Aug 13, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. How do Japanese fishermen record their catches? They roll ink or paint onto their catches and press them against a piece of paper to make a print. Using rubber fish, you, too, can make your own record in this workshop led by visual artist and educator Jay Coleman. For all ages. Free, for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Northeast Performing Arts Group Presents “ON BROADWAY”. August 16-17, 7:30 PM. The award-winning Northeast Performing Arts Group is presenting their 34th annual Summer Production “ON BROADWAY at THEARC Theater. “ON BROADWAY” is a dansical salute to Broadway past and present. Come be entertained, educated and uplifted. This dansical will touch the hearts and change minds of every soul. The performers range from ages 3 thru 25 years of age. $15$25. $10 tickets for kids under 10 years-at the door. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-388-1274. nepag.org River Arts Workshop: Save Our River. Aug 16, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Join visual artist and educator Jay Coleman as he leads workshop participants in creating a work of art focusing on local wildlife and the importance of saving our rivers as inspired by the related exhibition. All workshop materials are provided. Just bring your creativity and imagination. Free, for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu On Freedom’s Trail Bus Tour. Aug 17, 10:30 AM-2 PM. What was it like for black Americans living in the area in December 1862? War had come, and no city south of the Mason-Dixon Line except Washington, D.C., enjoyed the spirit of freedom for all of its citizens. Join historian C.R. Gibbs in examining examples of black enterprise, organization, and community spirit in the District, Alexandria in Virginia, and Prince George’s County in Maryland. For ages 16, up. Free, but space is limited; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu George Washington Carver Nature Trail Tour. Aug 21, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Walk the museum’s Dr. George Washington Carver Nature Trail and learn how the principles of Kwanzaa are used to explain the benefits of natural recycling, the insect community, medicinal plants, and other outdoor offerings. A brief film on the life of Dr. Carver is shown before the walk. For ages 8, up. Free; for reservations, call 202-633-4844. AnacosEAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 13

Courtesy of Fort Dupont Ice Arena

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating Aug 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 30, 31 and Sept 2 at various times. DC’s only indoor ice skating. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org

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

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Metro Mambo: The Drum Circle and Washington, DC. Aug 24, 2-4 PM. Since its inception, the very title of the Metro Mambo series referenced cultural exploration. Hosted by Jim Byers (WPFW 89.3 FM’s Latin Flavor), graduate student Megan Sutherland explores the social tapestry of the drum circle and its special place in the fabric of Washington, D.C. After the presentation, join the community in a festival of rhythm in our own drum circle! Free, but space is limited; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Know Your Neighborhood: Good Hope Road Tour. Aug 29, 6 PM. Explore the history of the Anacostia neighborhood and other sites near the Anacostia Library with Kalem Umrani, Chairman of the Barry Farm Historic Heritage Committee. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-715-7707. dclibrary. org/anacostia Respite Care: For Caregivers. Sept 10, 5 PM. Respite care information for caregivers.Is it time to consider respite care? Respite care information for caregivers.Is it time to consider respite care? The Lifespan Respite program is initiating new programs designed to help connect caregivers with the necessary resources to assist them with regaining perspective and finding comfort in even the most difficult caregiving situations. This program is free and open to all. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning

Ranger tours of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Every Saturday through Sept 7, 10 AMnoon. Join a Ranger for tours of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. They will lead visitors to some of the remaining Civil War forts in the Nation’s Capital. Visitors are asked to contact Ranger Kenya Finely at 202-426-7723 for more information on the specific program themes. Fort Dupont Park. nps.gov/fodu Knitting and Crocheting at Francis A. Gregory Library. Mondays, 9:30 AM. Knitting will be the primary focus, but crocheting lessons and support will continued to be provided. All levels of experience welcome. Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-6986373. dclibrary.org/francis In Mynd Up, BK ADAMS•I AM ART. Through Aug 30. Exhibitionre creates the playfulness and energy of being free. His goal is “2 become 2 change 2 grow 2 be imbedded 2 be one with 2 be a part of every canvas 2 be in every sculpture 2 be a walking exhibit.” Mynd Up is the artist’s first solo exhibit with Honfleur Gallery. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com Chocolate City Rest in Peace Steven M. Cummings. Through Aug 30. Steven M. Cummings moved to Washington, DC in 1991, at the beginning of the end of the majority black city, and began photographing the people of the city engaged in their daily lives. After living here for 22 years, the final curtain is beginning to draw. He has come to realize the city is chocolate no more. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsgallery.com

Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement. Through Sept 15. Based on research by the Anacostia Community Museum on the history, public use, and attitudes toward the Anacostia River and its watershed and on review of urban waterway developments in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Louisville, London, and Shanghai, Reclaiming the Edge explores various issues regarding human interaction with natural resources in an urban setting. It looks at densely populated watersheds and at rivers as barriers to racial and ethnic integration. The exhibition also examines civic attempts to recover, clean up, re-imagine, or engineer urban rivers for community access and use. 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Tour Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Open daily, 7 AM-4 PM. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is about 700 acres and is part of Anacostia Park. The park includes the gardens, Kenilworth Marsh, ball fields and recreational facilities. It is the only National Park Service site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. Stop by the visitors center and ask if a ranger is free to show you around. You can also borrow a guidebook and binoculars if you leave a driver’s license. Free.1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. www.nps. gov/kepa A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover, or see with new eyes, this traditionally African American enclave in Far Northeast when you follow “A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail.” Fifteen poster-sized street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs

and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood. To pick up the trail go to Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. and Division Ave. NE. Walk one block south to Foote Street, at the edge of Marvin Gaye Park. The 90-minute, self-guided tour will bring you along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, up 49th St. and along Sheriff Rd. back to Minnesota Ave. and the Metro station. Walk the trail at your own pace and take time to enjoy this small town in the city. Don’t forget to pick up a free trail guide from businesses along the way. 202-661-7581. culturaltourismdc.org Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Tours are at 9 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3 PM and 3:30 PM. Ranger led tours are the only way to see the inside of the Frederick Douglass house. Tours are ticketed, and there are a limited number of tickets available for each tour. Tour tickets are available by reservation or on a firstcome, first-served walk-in basis. Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee their place on the tour. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960. nps. gov/frdo

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS DC United Soccer Home Matches. Aug 24. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-5875000. dcunited.com Nats Baseball. Aug 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31; Sept 1. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. WednesdaySunday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behindthe-scenes look at Nationals Park. $12$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals. mlb.com Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate weekends, sunrise to sunset. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour free skate “rental” has started but sizes and supplies are limited. During summer months, open daily. Go east on Penn. Ave. across Anacostia River and make the first right turn onto Fairlawn Ave. and another right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202-472-3873 Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month, noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703-505-3567. dcroadrunners.org Free Yoga Classes at Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Every Thursday, 7-8 PM. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind and get grounded. Even if you’ve never done yoga before-this class is for you. Open

to people of all abilities, ages and body types. All you need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library or call 202715-7707. 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary.org/anacostia Free Yoga Classes for Adults at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library. Every Saturday, 9:30 AM. This program is free and open to the public. Free Exercise Classes at Kenilworth Elementary School. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6-7 PM. Bring your own mat, water and towel. 1300 44th St. NE. For more information, email peppypromotions@gmail.com or call 301-395-1013 Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9 AM-9 PM; Sunday, 9 AM-6 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. dpr.dc.gov

MARKETS Ward 8 Farmers Market. Open Saturdays, 9 AM-2 PM. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Saturdays, 10 AM-4 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food, fruits and vegetables, flowers. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3-7 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-6985253. easternmarket-dc.com 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. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com

CIVIC LIFE Annual Norton Job Fair. Aug 21, 10 AM-3 PM. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold her 16th annual Job Fair at the Washington Convention Center, 800 Mount Vernon Pl. NW-between 7th and 9th Sts. NW. There will be practical workshops for people seeking employment from 10-11 a.m. This year’s job fair is expected to feature over 100 employers with opportunities for federal, state, local and private-sector jobs. The job fair is open to DC residents only. Job-seekers must bring a photo ID, utility bill, or other proof of residency. 202-225-8050. norton.house.gov ANC’s do not meet in August. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 15

BULLETIN BOARD Health and Jobs Fair at Parkside

Luis Peralta Del Valle painting in his studio in Anacostia, East of the River. Photo: Luis Peralta Del Valle

On Saturday, Aug 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Neighborhood Associates Corporation (NAC), working in partnership with Wig Capitol Foundation (WCF), will offer residents of the Kenilworth-Parkside community in Ward 7, a Health & Jobs Fair, at the Chancy Spruell Center at 3517 Jay St. NE. Paradise’s health and jobs fair will feature employers and exhibitors including Providence Hospital, The Art Institute of Washington, H Street Country Club and many others. Exhibitors are encouraged to contact event organizers to avail themselves of this opportunity. For more information, contact either Ms. Crystal Hughes at 240-646-4528, wigcapitol@yahoo.com or visit wigcapitolfoundation.com.

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to Provide Funds to Facilities Projects

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has awarded $535,488 to arts and humanities organizations in the District of Columbia through the second round of the Cultural Facilities Projects program for fiscal year 2013. The Cultural Facilities Project grants are awarded to arts and humanities organizations within the District of Columbia that own or rent facilities designed to present performances, exhibitions or professional training so that all DC residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city. Grants provide funding for one of the following areas: purchase of a currently leased venue, planning/design or implementation of capital improvement projects or purchase of long-term fixtures and equipment. Eleven arts and humanities organizations receive funding totaling $535,488 to support capital purchase and project-based programs. The

Luis Peralta Del Valle Wins East of the River Distinguished Artist Award

Anacostia Arts Center was awarded $54,500 and Building Bridges/THEARC was awarded $36,000. The program was created to help organizations provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences for all District of Columbia residents and ensure that facilities are safe, comfortable and efficient, so that arts and humanities organizations may expand audiences and enhance their art form. Applications intended to support or spur economic development initiatives, as well as those that demonstrated environmental responsibility and sustainable building practices, were encouraged.

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Common Sense Parenting Classes

Classes will be held twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. 5-7 p.m., starting Aug 26 and will be facilitated by parenting consultant Vivian Ledbetter. If you want to sign up for classes, email Vivian at bellledbetter@gmail.com.

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Classes are at 3917 Minnesota Ave. NE.

DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative Wins $25M from US Dept. of Education

The grant, which leverages over 30 million in donations and partner programming, will be used to help transform education, healthcare, and other services available to children and their parents living in the Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood. DC Promise Initiative provides a transformation continuum of cradle-to-career services to the children and parents. The organization will receive the $25M over five years to provide wraparound services and community support to families across four schools and their communities: Neval Thomas Elementary; Kenilworth Elementary, Chavez Parkside Middle School’ and Chavaz Parkside High School. DCPNI is one of only seven US communities out of 60 applicants to receive the US. Dept. of Education Promise Neighborhood implementation

RCH Development Corporation (ADC) and the Gautier Family announce that Luis Peralta Del Valle is the winner of the second annual East of the River Distinguished Artist Award. ADC will host an awards ceremony on Aug. 10 at Honfleur Gallery to formally present Peralta Del Valle with his prize. Peralta Del Valle was selected based on his artistic excellence as well as for the impact he has made serving his immediate and extended communities in Washington, DC through the arts. A panel of individuals active in the Washington, DC arts community reviewed the submissions and selected Peralta Del Valle as the 2013 East of the River Distinguished Artist. This year’s panel included: Zoma Wallace (Art Bank Coordinator for DCCAH), Shaymar Higgs (Founder & Head Designer, Peerless Creatives), Catherine Buell (Executive Director, St. Elizabeth’s East), Terence Nicholson (Owner & Founder, 5 Rings Arts Services; artist; musician), and Sharon Gautier (art collector and family representative). Moving forward, ADC plans to continue selecting and honoring one EotR artist with the $5,000 award each year. This award epitomizes the goals of ADC and the Gautier Family to create a home for the creative economy, artists, arts and cultural organizations to fulfill its mission of revitalization and sustainable economic development in historic Anacostia. Join ADC, the Gautier family, our esteemed panel and Luis Peralta Del Valle on Saturday, Aug 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Honfleur Gallery. Award will be given promptly at 7 p.m. Following the event, the LUMEN8FINALE! closing party for the summer-long LUMEN8ANACOSTIA festival will be held next door at the Anacostia Arts Center from 7:30-11 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

grant. DCPNI partners currently operate programs serving over 1000 neighborhood children. The offerings span DCPNI’s education pipeline, ranging from early learning interventions and elementary school supports all the way up to college preparation assistance, career education, and family and community support services.

World-Class Soccer Stadium Plans Announced

Mayor Gray and the ownership group of four-time Major League Soccer champion DC United announced the signing of a publicprivate partnership term sheet to build a 20,000-25,000-seat, worldclass soccer stadium in the Buzzard Point area of Southwest. The new stadium, to be located adjacent to the Fort McNair Army base, will be bounded by Half St. and Second St. SW, between R and T Sts., is anticipated to be complete in time for the 2016 season. The Mayor also announced that the deal anticipates a creative development plan, including a series of land swaps to support the approximately $300 million project and spur additional development without having an impact on the District’s debt cap. While the development plans and eventual stadium construction take shape over the next three years for the soccer stadium and Anacostia municipal center, officials from the District’s Department of General Services (DGS) will develop a relocation plan for tenants at Reeves as well as other District agencies that may be moved to the new Anacostia complex when it is complete. Every effort will be made to keep select tenants in the vicinity of Reeves for continuation of service to their target Ward 1 constituents.

Professional Development Course: Strategically Communicating Your Nonproﬁt’s Mission

On Wednesday, Aug 14, 10:00 AM-noon, learn to develop a holistic communications program which connects to your strategic plan with Dionne Clemons of Brighter Strategies. Learn how to tie your organization’s strategic plan into a holistic

communications program that is designed to communicate the best message through the right channels. They will discuss how to measure your goals against organizational and communication’s specific goals. Registration fee is $49 for Center members; $89 for all others. Fee is $25 for nonprofits serving East of the River communities. Parklands Community Center Suite at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

Volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Volunteers engage in a wide variety of community service activities including the lily pond restoration, removal of invasive plants, painting, planting, pruning, trash removal and other projects, as needed. These activities do require the ability to kneel, squat, lift, and perform routine gardening and clean up functions over a period of three to four hours-sometimes in warm, cold, or rainy weather. Advanced work may involve wading through lily ponds, streams, and tributaries of the Anacostia River, or the use of kayaks, flat boats, and canoes. Volunteers are invited to join the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens board members on the fourth Saturday of most months to improve and maintain the gardens from 9-11 a.m. They also invite volunteers to help during big events such as Earth Day, the Lily Festival and Public Lands Day. To register or to learn more about volunteer service activities, contact Tina at 202-494-0456, or tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens. org. They are happy to work with individuals and groups to develop a one-time volunteer experience and/ or create long-term service project. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org

Paddle Night on the Anacostia

Come “rediscover” your Anacostia River with free canoeing and kayaking! Join the Anacostia Watershed Society every Thursday, 5-7:30 p.m., at the Anacostia Community Boathouse, 1900 M St. SE, this summer and relax on the water with the whole family. They’ll provide everything you need for a great paddling experi-

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

SATURDAYS: 9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM AT THEARC!! Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat. To be eligible to win a tasty prize, TEXT 313131 and ENTER W8FM. We will send you occasional texts about our farmers’ market, including special offers!

We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (up to $15 per week, while funds last) Yes we accept EBT or SNAP, from DC, MD or any other state.

1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot

www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com Have Questions? Want to be on our mailing list? Contact us at ward8fm@gmail.com

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 17

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) For ECI Payroll and HRIS Solution RFP NO. 0016-2013 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors with the capacity to provide Payroll and Human Resources Management Software Applications; data conversion and development of an application interface with DCHA’s existing software applications; ongoing technical support and installation and testing services; and, implementation services including end-user training, product customization and other services. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 300, Contracts and Procurement Administration, Washington, D.C. 20002 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, July 29, 2013. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00 a.m. (ET) on Friday, August 30, 2013. Contact the Issuing Office, LaShawn Mizzell-Mcleod on (202) 535-1212 or by email at lmcleod@dchousing.org for additional information.

Dr. Karen Y. Cooper Comprehensive & CosmestiC Center, LLC

Enhancing lives, one smile at a time 3801 Minnesota Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20019

202.399.2300

Oral cancer screening saves lives, set yours today! 18 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Students and Mentors celebrate during a May 7 ceremony at the Bolling Club, on the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Leckie Students Receive Mentors and Free Laptops

In 2011, Leckie Elementary School pioneered a remarkable partnership with the Area Coalition for Education-Excellence (ACE-E), with 86 members of the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling ( JBAB) volunteering as Leckie ES mentors for students in grades 2-5. Since that time a plethora of students at both Leckie ES and neighboring Hart MS have benefitted from this coalition. ACE-E, a non-profit education charity, offers direct support to Chapter 1 students by providing technology-based mentoring in local public schools near military bases and other federal installations. The goals of ACE-E are to serve as a vehicle for unification, collaboration and coordination amid regional community, private sector, government and military volunteer resources. This school year, several students and staff members from Leckie ES and Hart MS were invited to attend an awards banquet held at the Bolling Club, at JBAB, where select students were honored. The student honorees and their mentors, identified in parentheses, are Aerielle Wiggins (Shelley Kolb), Jade Fox (Danielle Head), Novalee Kramer (Amy Gibson), Hevin Simon (Dawn Fears), Ahjae Horne (Claudiann Atkinson), Chava Mack (Halli Driesslein), E’rieal Davis (Anthony & Tamara Calandra) and Jailynn Banks (Rhoda Wharton). Each student was presented with a computer with newly loaded MicroSoft Office software. ence! Paddle night includes a wetland ecology tour. Participants will learn about the ecology of the surrounding wetlands and forests. From a canoe or kayak, participants will have the chance to see wildlife including beavers, muskrats, waterfowl and herons; as well as the rich flora of the riparian corridor including trees such as river birch, green ash, Eastern cottonwood and invasive plants like tree of heaven. Feel free to bring any field guides, binoculars, and/or a hand lens to investigate the flora and fauna you will encounter. Other dates for the trip are Sept 5 and Oct 3. Registration is required. To register, visit anacostiaws.org.

District’s Free Summer Meals Program Expanded

Starting on Saturday, July 27, free summer meals will be offered on Saturdays across the District at select Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and DC Public Library (DCPL) locations for children up to 18 years of age. The District ranks first in the nation, by percentage, in reaching children who meet the qualifications for the USDA Free Summer Meals

program. The program provides free, nutritious meals and snacks during the summer months at government and non-profit organizations throughout the District. No registration or application is necessary. Kids can simply show up at a free summer meals site during mealtime. Meals are offered from noon-2 p.m. In Ward 7, Saturday meals are offer are served Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE and Dorothy I. Height/ Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. In Ward 8, Saturday meals are served at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center, 100 Joliet St. SE and Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

Mayor Gray Cuts Ribbon on Renovated Recreation Center

On Saturday, July 20, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebration of Fort Stanton Community Day at the newly renovated Fort Stanton Recreation Center and Playground. The newly renovated Fort Stanton Recreation Center is the first LEED Silver building in Ward 8. Amenities will include a gymnasium, fitness room, se-

nior room, computer lab, multipurpose room, teen/game room, kitchen and large foyer with natural light. Fort Stanton playground is the 5th of 32 citywide projects to be completed under the Play DC initiative. It is part of the District’s “Fort Circle” parks, which are built on grounds that formerly were part of the Union fortifications that ringed the District during the Civil War. The playground has a fort theme. All play equipment is custom-made, and amenities include a poured-inplace rubber surface, inclusive play equipment, climbing features and an ADA-compatible merry-go-round. Fort Stanton Recreation Center is at 1812 Erie Street SE.

Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)

2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE

202.889.8900

American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted

Construction Starts at Car Barn Training Center Site

DDOT has started work at the new Car Barn Training Center site, located at the corner of 26th St. and Benning Rd. NE. Phase 1 will include the tracks and temporary facilities necessary to support system testing and certification for initial passenger service. Phase 2 construction is expected to begin this fall. This phase will include the actual Car Barn Training Center building, which will include space designated for community use. By phasing construction in this way, the District will be able to provide passenger service prior to the completion of the CBTC facility. For more information on the DC Streetcar program, visit dcstreetcar.com.

William O. Lockridge Community Foundation Honors Ten Outstanding Students

On June 22, the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation honored and awarded academic scholarships to ten high school students from Wards 7 and 8. The ceremony was held at the William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library located at 115 Atlantic St. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 19

SW. The 2013 “William O. Lockridge Spread Wings Scholarship Awards” recipients are Tiffany Adams (Ballou High School)-Eastern Nazarene College; Michael Burrell (Ballou High School)-Morehouse College; Sskayla Edwards (Ballou High School)-George Mason University; Gaylon Foster (Accotink Academy)-Virginia Union University; Vincent Howard (Dunbar High School)-Virginia State University; Jasmyne Poindexter (Anacostia High School)-Bennett College; Shanequa Turner (Ballou High School)-North Carolina AT&T; Alexis Young (Anacostia High School)-Florida A&M University; Danae Roach (Ballou High School)Trinity College; and Alonzo Tabron (Anacostia High School)-Saint Augustine’s University. Scholarship awards were in the amounts of $1,000 and $1,500 for the upcoming academic year. WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org

DC Water Conducts Taste Test Challenge: Bottled vs. Tap Water

Is it tap or not tap? This is the question that DC Water’s Outreach Team will ask customers at a series of blind taste tests conducted across the District. These taste challenges, also known as “Water Wednesdays,” are designed to engage customers about the District’s drinking water and encourage them to drink tap water. Participants will sample bottled and tap water, to determine which tastes better. The 125th participant will receive a prize and take a picture with the Water Drop. More than 800 people participated in similar taste tests last summer and more than half ranked tap water as better tasting than bottle water or did not taste a difference between the two samples. DC Water promotes tap water as a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water. The Ward 7 Taste Test Challenge will be on Aug 21 (raindate, Aug 22) at the District Department of Employment Services, 4052 Minnesota Ave. NE. The Ward 8 Taste Test Challenge will be on Aug 28 (raindate, Aug 29) at The Zone, 3939 South Capitol St. SE. 20 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

DC Streetcar Construction Update

Construction work along H Street/Benning Road to ready the corridor for DC Streetcar continues. Stage 2 of the Western Turnaround work is set to began on July 31 and continues through mid-October. The Western Turnaround refers to the extension of the streetcar tracks from 3rd St. NE to the top of the Hopscotch Bridge. Elements include construction of a streetcar platform where passengers may board or leave the streetcars with access to Union Station and tracks to allow the streetcar to reverse course and proceed eastbound through the corridor. Advance warning signs will be posted in work areas. The schedule is subject to change due to weather, material and equipment availability and other unforeseen conditions. DDOT encourages all motorists to Stay Alert and follow all signs as they travel through this corridor. More detailed construction related notices, including specific dates and locations, are available by request. Send an email to construction@dcstreetcar.com and indicate you wish to receive H/Benning updates.

Digital Commons Opens at MLK Library

While many public libraries are offering some element or elements of what Digital Commons offers, MLK Library is the first to offer this size of space and number of services and programs focused on digital learning, digital literacy, and digital collaboration! Digital Commons is a new, state of the art incubator space for the tech enthusiast, small business start up and the tech novice. Digital Commons is equipped with a 3D printer, a self-publishing book machine, a Skpe station,video phones, the latest eReader devices, smartboards, more than 80 public computers, spaces for meet ups and collaborative creation and more. Located on the first floor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, it’s your one stop shop for all of your technology needs. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/mlk. u

Praying for Miracles Not To Melt

ugust remains my favorite month in this city. Maybe it’s because I never have enough money to get away and other people do. I’m a solitary type of guy. August finds me sweaty and hot. Humidity rocks! I’ve never been a lover of cold or winter - no sleds or skis for me. Did Eli Whitney invent the shovel after the cotton gin? What’s the difference between snow and cotton when it comes to lifting and you’re getting up in age? When you become older you start thinking about your back hurting much like the pitch count in a game. Which brings me back to baseball. This is the month one sits in the ball park and prays for miracles not to melt. Nothing worse than a team having a losing streak and falling behind a division leader. August is the month when players smell September and playoffs. Some hitters get hotter than the weather, while a dead arm can be a nightmare for a pitcher who was once a flame thrower. It’s worse than losing sight of the strike zone. It’s a writer’s block in front of a crowd. In a few weeks I’ll start following wins and loses. Every game will matter. This will be around the time relationships fail. A late summer argument beginning at the beach might end on the boardwalk. Your favorite player starts to slump. A no name kid begins to make a name for himself. Is this why the ball park is called a field of dreams? In a hot August night I could be one fan among many; one crazy cheering individual stretching in the seventh inning, looking around at a sea of red hats and jerseys, a big pond of curly Ws overflowing with excitement and suspense. Why would I want to be anywhere else? This August will mark the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. What if baseball was our barometer or measuring stick of how much our country has changed? Is improved race relations a pennant chase? Who is our MVP or Rookie of the Year in 2013? I remember after the Watts Riots of 1965 how every summer was predicted to explode into a festival of violence and anger spilling into our urban streets. We pulled together special commissions and compiled reports in order to explain the ills of our nation.

by E. Ethelbert Miller

We relied on stats and numbers long before the arrival of moneyball. Back in 1963, King said the following: “In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.” If you are in the minority, America will make you sweat at times. Baseball reminds us that we commit errors - not fouls or penalties, but errors. Fifty years ago King challenged our country to fulfill its promise to all of its citizens. Our playing field when it comes to economics must be fair with everyone having an opportunity to move beyond first base. So, this August I tip my cap to King, knowing that it’s hotter than July. But who ever said things would be easy? At the beginning of every baseball game we pause for a moment and listen to the singing of our national anthem. If one imagines a slight chill in the air it might come from great expectations and our inability to hit the curve. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He is the author of several books of poetry and two memoirs. Mr. Miller is the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University as well as the board chair for the Institute for Policy Studies. u

Darrin D. Davis, Principal Broker/Owner

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Bid Package No. 1

Renovation of Scattered Sites located at 1379 F Street, N.E, 1373 Emerald Street, N.E., and 1326 E Street, N.E., Washington, DC

RFP No. - DCHE 2013-3

THE DC HOUSING ENTERPRISES (“DCHE”) is seeking to solicit proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction services for substantial rehabilitation of scattered site row house dwellings located at 1379 F Street, N.E, 1373 Emerald Street, N.E., and 1326 E Streets, N.E., Washington, DC. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS will be available at the DC Housing Enterprises 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, beginning Monday, July 22, 2013. PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE – upon completion of the selection process a pre-construction conference with be scheduled with the successful offeror.

SEALED BIDS ARE DUE: Friday, September 6, 2013 @ 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 | AUGUST 2013 H 21

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Benning Road Residents Question Potential SOME Development

ast year, So Others Might Eat (SOME) purchased 4414 and 4430 Benning Road and an adjacent lot on 45th Street in the hope of developing a new job training center, along with office space and affordable housing. While SOME has a history of charitable work east of the Anacostia River, some residents feel like they have not been well-informed about the organization’s plans and partners.

History

According to a deed dated October 11, 2012, SOME bought the three land parcels from Benning Station LLC for $10.00 “...and other good and valuable consideration...” after previous development efforts failed three years earlier. According to a November 2012 statement from Linda Jo Smith and Father John Adams, SOME’s Chairperson and President, respectively, “The location was selected based on multiple factors including the [then] high unemployment rate of 14.5% and the convenient location to the Metro, allowing residents from across the city to easily access services.” While there is currently a licensed employment training center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, “...in a short time we recognized the need for expan22 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Charnice Milton

sion to help District residents prepare for the highest-growing employment sectors in our region.” In addition to the employment training center, the organization plans to move their administration offices and partner with Unity Health Care. Currently, Unity’s East of the River location operates out of two trailers on 45th Street; moving into the new facility will give them a chance to expand their medical and dental services. In the longterm, SOME will allow plans to develop about 220 affordable housing units for families and single adults, a sit-down deli shop, and over 200 parking spaces.

Raising Awareness

While Smith, a Ward 7 resident, said that she informed Councilmember Yvette Alexander about the new development, 7D05 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Janis Hazel said that the community is not aware of it. “I asked SOME to do an outreach campaign in the summer and do an ANC presentation in the fall,” she said. However, the only thing she saw was a June meeting with ANC commissioners, civic association leaders, and other stakeholders. “It was short-noticed,” Hazel said. “They didn’t send the invitation early enough

for people to respond.” Fr. Adams stated that the meeting was not rushed, but acknowledged that not everyone was available to attend. “We did give out materials to those who attended the meeting in the hopes that they will spread the word to their constituents,” he said. Hazel intends to do this in her area; she enlisted help from Summer Youth Employment participants to go door to door to raise awareness. Although Adams plans to make formal presentations for ANCs and other community groups in the fall, he believes that positive word-of-mouth would be instrumental in gaining community support.

Carlyle Group’s Involvement

Former ANC commissioner Rick Tingling-Clemmons and his wife, Michele, are worried about the potential development; however, their attention is focused on one of SOME’s donors. “When I found out that the Carlyle Group was involved, it threw up a red flag,” Rick said. The Carlyle Group is a global asset management firm based here in Washington, DC. Carlyle has been in the real estate market since 1997. According to their website, the firm “... focuses on opportunistic investments in

the major metropolitan markets...primarily in the residential, hotel, industrial, office, and retail sectors.” “When Carlyle moves into an area, they bring their own people to the project,” Michele explained. “That doesn’t always include community members.” However, Adams stated that SOME never received financial support from the Carlyle Group. The $5 million they received came from Carlyle’s co-founder and managing director William Conway, Jr. and his wife, Joanne, through their non-profit, the Bedford Falls Foundation Charitable Trust. In fact, William Conway is SOME’s Housing Development Initiative Chairman and pledged $5 million towards the effort. In recognition of their efforts, SOME honored the Conways by naming their newest housing development “Bedford Falls.”

Working Together

While SOME is depending on word-of-mouth to raise awareness, Adams believes that their reputation east of the Anacostia River will help gain more community support. However, some residents still have questions about the development. “We are more than willing to meet with groups if they ask,” he said. “So far, what we do resonates with folks.” The Tingling-Clemmons hope that SOME and their partners are dedicated to invest in their community. “We are willing to work with and support SOME and their development partners,” said Rick, “but only if they do the same.” To learn more about SOME, its programs, and upcoming developments, visit some.org or contact them at 202-797-8806 or web@ some.org. u

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Congress Heights Residents Voice Concerns Regarding Future Development by Charnice A. Milton

t was not until Sharece Crawford received a Congress Heights Civic Association (CHCA) meeting notice along with a pamphlet that she.found out about an upcoming mixed-use development anchored by the Congress Heights Metro Station. “When I saw the plans, I had a lot of questions,” she said. “Has this already taken place? What are they looking for?” As the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for the area (single-member district 8E04), Crawford is concerned for her constituents; therefore, she and other residents are making their opinions known.

Congress Heights Town Center

During the June 10 CHCA meeting, Geoffrey Griffis of City Partners LLC presented plans for the new development. City Partners and Sanford Capital LLC, known collectively as Square 5914 LLC, have purchased three parcels of land on the corner of 13th Street and Alabama Avenue, and plan to bring a town center-style environment to the area surrounding the Metro station’s southern entrance. The development has two components: an eight-story building and another with over 200 residential units. A large courtyard surrounded by ground floor retail, along with wider sidewalks would make the area safe for pedestrians and Metro customers. In May, the partnership submitted a plannedunit development (PUD) application to the Zoning Commission. If the Office of Planning approves, then a public hearing could be held sometime in the fall. However, to make a better case, Square 5914 needs the community’s support.

Informing the Community

According to the DC Home Rule Act, “... timely notice shall be given to each advisory neighborhood commission of requested or proposed zoning changes, variances, public improvements, licenses, or permits of significance to neighborhood planning and development within its neighborhood commission area for its review, comment, and recommendation.” This 24 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Pedestrians wait for the bus outside the Congress Heights Metro Station. During June’s Congress Heights Civic Association meeting, Geoffrey Griffis of City Partners LLC presented plans to develop the area, surprising many residents. Photo: Charnice A. Milton

means that developers are required to discuss new projects with the affected ANC. Griffis said that he emailed ANC 8E, but never received a reply. He did send each Commissioner a package explaining the project, which Crawford said she received around June 2, although the material was dated May 2. “After that meeting, I realized there were people that were actually still living in the properties in question,” she said. “I knew that if I didn’t know, nine times out of ten, the people who lived there didn’t know either.” Crawford went doorto-door, passing out fliers informing residents on the potential plans and future meetings (including one held on June 21) with Square 5914 and other partners. “The development isn’t the worst thing from my perspective,” she said. “I think that fact that no one knew about before it hit the media is the problem.”

Two Different Opinions

For Ruth Bowell, a 40-year resident on Alabama Avenue, the news surrounding the development was not a surprise; it was how quickly the process was moving. After hearing about the project through word of mouth, she attended the informational meeting. “No question was answered,” she said. “They didn’t discuss issues like moving the current residents.” She also accused Sanford Capital, who owns the apartment buildings surrounding the Metro station, of neglecting its properties, leaving grass uncut and using it as a dumping ground. “I talked with the owner and he said that it’ll be taken care of,” she said. “Two weeks later, it hasn’t been taken care of.” Carter Nowell, Sanford’s founder and principal, stated that there will be plans to move current residents to new spaces in the neighborhood and give them special consideration if they wanted to move back.

However, Bowell does not expect this to happen, saying, “They’ll just buy you out.” While many residents are frustrated with Square 5914, others, like Khadijah Tribble, have a different perspective. “I don’t think Ward 8 residents will be pushed out of the process,” she explained. “However, we can’t keep pushing developers away. We can’t always look at things from an either/ or perspective. There’s always an opportunity for common ground.” Tribble did acknowledge that displaced residents could have a hard time moving back if they cannot afford the new rates. “I would like to see most of that time and energy against the developers towards learning about homeownership and finding better housing values,” she said. Tribble is not the only one that showed support for the development; some audience members voiced appreciation for the architecture and small business opportunities.

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Moving Forward

With more meeting opportunities in future, ANC 8E and Square 5914 are working towards a more collaborative relationship; recently, they began discussing potential contingency plans for displaced residents who want the option of moving back without a change in rent. Griffis already stated that their plans will change according to the community’s needs. However, Crawford stated, “My concern is not in regards to development. We want development; we want to see our community grow...What we don’t want is for the residents that live here to be pushed out of the community. And we don’t want to be treated as if we don’t live there.” u

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Bid Package No. 2

• • • • • •

Renovation of Scattered Sites located at 727 5th Street, N.E, 731 5th Street, N.E., and 56 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC

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RFP No. - DCHE 2013-4

812 H Street NE

202.621.9667

www.hstreetcare.com

THE DC HOUSING ENTERPRISES (“DCHE”) is seeking to solicit proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction services for substantial rehabilitation of scattered site row house dwellings located at 727 5th Street, N.E, 731 5th Street, N.E., and 56 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS will be available at the DC Housing Enterprises 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, beginning Monday, July 29, 2013. PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE – upon completion of the selection process a pre-construction conference with be scheduled with the successful offeror

SEALED BIDS ARE DUE: Thursday, September 12 2013 @ 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 | AUGUST 2013 H 25

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

DC Streetcar Update by Charnice A. Milton

n July 16, Anacostia residents attended the final public meeting for DC Streetcar’s Anacostia Extension at Savoy Elementary School. Ending a process that began in 2010, residents had the opportunity to see and comment on the results of an Environmental Assessment (EA) that would help identify the best track alignment for the upcoming streetcar line.

The Process

Project manager Circe Torruellas discusses the Anacostia Extension’s initial list of ten alternative routes. Thanks to community input, the DC Streetcar team pared the list to two options. Photo: Charnice A. Milton

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According to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal agencies must determine how a proposed project and its alternatives could potentially affect the human environment. One way to do this is by completing an EA, which allows federal and local agencies, as well as the public, to participate. Part of the process is the public involvement program, which allows residents and other stakeholders to discuss the project with representatives from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). “Our first project meeting was back in January of 2011,” said Circe Torruellas, DDOT’s project manager, during the meeting. “We came out and the community shared some their initial ideas on whether they wanted a streetcar or they didn’t want one.” While the original

plans had the Anacostia Extension beginning at the Anacostia Metro Station, travelling along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, and ending at the 11th Street Bridge, the community’s feedback helped create ten alternative routes.

Goals and Needs

The DC Streetcar team identified two major needs for the Anacostia Extension: confronting the area’s mobility issues and providing an investment for a strengthened and stabilized neighborhood. Those needs led to four goals. First, the project should provide mobility improvements to a transit-dependent area. Second, it should foster economic development opportunities. Third, the project should also foster environmental preservation and sustainability. Finally, it should accommodate population and employment growth.

Possible Alternatives

Following the goals and a list of additional criteria, DC Streetcar pared the initial list of ten alternatives to four. One alternative, located on MLK and 13th Street, was eliminated because its negative impact on noise and vibration levels and buildings in the historic district. Another alternative was eliminated after a conceptual engi-

neering and traffic analysis. This leaves DC Streetcar with two remaining alternatives. The first, Alternative 4, would pass through downtown Anacostia’s core, benefiting from MLK’s redevelopment process. However, if implemented, the area could lose up to 84 on-street spaces and create a complicated alignment with the Anacostia Metro Station. The second option, Alternative 9, would use the CSX tracks to create a shorter and faster route that would benefit from the potential Poplar Point development. However, this option is two blocks away from MLK, making it less accessible than Alternative 4. The team could also consider a “nobuild alternative;” while this option does not propose any traffic disruptions or additional costs, it does not fully satisfy all the goals.

Community Response

While many community members discussed the Anacostia Extension’s future, others are already thinking about which alternative should be chosen. “I liked option 4,” said Don Wilson, an Anacostia resident. “It would connect more business and serve more people. With option 9, it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind.’” Les Johnson, another resident, agrees: “I’m opposed to Alternative 9; it’s too out of the way and it would serve less people.”

New Fort Stanton Recreation Center Opens

Wilson is one of many residents excited for the new streetcars. “I like how progressive it is,” he explained. “There will be more opportunities for amenities and business growth. It’s a step in the right direction.” Some, like long-time resident Frances Battle, questioned the need for streetcars. “We had them years ago, but the city took them up and left the buses,” she explained. However, Battle was open to listening to the DC Streetcar representatives. “If they can explain it to me, then I might change my mind,” she said.

by John Muller

Next Steps

The FTA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has been reviewing the EA since June and should be finished by the end of July. In August, the EA will be available for a 30-day public review, including a one-week display at the Anacostia Library. The community’s comments will be cataloged and utilized to help make a selection among the two alternatives. By September, the final document will be submitted for review and a decision regarding the line’s environmental determination should be made by September. Ronaldo Nicholson DDOT’s chief engineer, reported that they have “substantially completed” the Operation and Commissioning Center located at South Capital Street and are planning to extend the current testing track up Firth Sterling Avenue towards Howard Road. “With effort, I would say by next spring or summer, we could tie it into the Anacostia Metro Station, which would complete the initial line segment,” he explained. Nicholson also stated that they are working with Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to complete a traffic demand study to determine whether to open the line to customers. Otherwise, it will be used for commission and operator training. For more information regarding the Anacostia Extension for DC Streetcar, contact Circe Torruellas at 202-6712847 or info@dcstreetcar.com. Visit DC Streetcar’s website at dcstreetcar. com or follow them on Facebook (dcstreetcar) and Twitter (@dcstreetcar) for updates. u

Mayor Gray addresses the community at the opening of the new $12.5 million Fort Stanton Recreation Center. Photo: John Muller

ith a heat index upwards of one hundred degrees, the opening of the new Fort Stanton Recreation Center at 1812 Erie Street SE could not have come at a more appropriate time. Last month Mayor Vincent Gray, city officials, members of the DC National Guard, and hundreds of area residents gathered to celebrate the latest public works project east of the river. According to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the newly constructed $12.5 million Fort Stanton Recreation Center is the first LEED Silver certified building in Ward 8. Amenities include a new indoor gymnasium and a fitness room complete with treadmills, elliptical machines, dumbbells and kettlebells. The center also includes a senior room, computer lab, multi-purpose room, teen/game room, kitchen and large foyer with natural light. The well-known basketball courts, baseball field, and swimming pool have been joined by a new playground. At the ribbon cutting, after referring to the old Fort Stanton Recreation center as a “field house,” Mayor Gray said, “We have set out over the last two and half years to really level the playing field.” The Mayor continued, “This is one of the more uniquely designed recreation centers that we have in the city. One of the things we decided is that we are not going to have a cookie cutter model where you go from one recreation center to the other and the only difference is where they are located rather than what they look like.” Acknowledging neighborhood notables, Mayor Gray announced, “We are naming the multi-purpose room for Ms. Hutchinson,” alluding to Louise Daniel Hutchinson who authored the definitive book “The Anacostia Story: 1608 – 1930” in 1977. “And the Senior Room is being named for Ms. Addie Cook.”

Neighborhood Reactions

Comparing the new recreation center to the old

Coach Mario Baten of the Fort Stanton Longhorns. Photo: John Muller

one is like night and day, residents said. “Honestly, the previous rec was a dump,” said Mario Baten, Athletic Director of the Fort Stanton Longhorns youth football teams. Baten, who grew up on Douglass Road SE, knows the challenges and temptations facing young people in the neighborhood. “This center will give the young men a new sense of pride and purpose. Of course, the equipment will help for better physical conditioning, but our whole goal is to build better citizens.” Known as “Coach Mario,” Baten coordinates ten coaches across five teams of youths ages five to fourteen who compete in the DC Pop Warner League. “It’s a very big improvement,” said Cassandra Wallace, who lives across the street from the recreation center and attended the opening with her two daughters and son, who plays on the Longhorns. “This is not just for the children. It’s for the whole community, the older residents of Southeast, too.” “I used to go to the old rec, but it was just small,” said Tyja Wallace, 13, an Honor Roll student at Kramer Junior High School. “All you really could do was play table tennis. There were basketball courts but no playground.” The new playground at Fort Stanton is the fifth of thirty-two city-wide projects to be completed under the Play DC initiative, launched last fall. As a part of the District’s “Fort Circle” parks, which are built on grounds that were part of the Union Army’s fortifications that ringed Washington during the Civil War, the playground has a distinctive fort theme. All play equipment is custom-made, and amenities include a poured-in-place rubber surface, climbing features and an ADA-compatible merry-go-round. Programs offered at Fort Stanton will include DPR’s Young Ladies on the Rise program for teenage girls, Senior Walk and Talk/Chew and Chat activity for seniors over 50, line dancing for all ages, and Poetically Speaking for teens, adults and seniors. For more information call Fort Stanton at 202-671-1040. Coach Mario can be reached at 202-758-4064. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 27

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Danger Spice

Department of Health Campaign to Prevent Youth from Using Synthetic Marijuana by Candace Y.A. Montague

ou may have noticed colorful, three-ounce packets being sold from behind the counter of many corner stores and gas stations around the city. Bearing cool names like Jazz, Spice, Scooby Snax, Zombie World, Potpourri, or K2 and decorated with characters like Scooby Doo, they appear to be harmless or even funny. Recent arrivals in the District, they have landed in the hands of youth looking to get high. Kids may smoke the contents like marijuana, but that’s where the similarities end.

Mayor Gray and DC Health Department Officials visit merchants in the Petworth Neighborhood to educate them on the harmful effects of selling Synthetic Marijuana products. Photo Lateef MangumDC Government

The Lows of a FakeWeed High

K2/Spice is a manufactured substance intended to make people feel high. Synthetic marijuana is a shredded mixture of plant material and chemical additives. Some brands are sprayed with fruit flavors to make them more appealing. Users smoke the product to get high, but the effects are not exactly like those of marijuana. The user may experience rapid heart rate, vomiting, or seizures, or become highly agitated, confused, hyperactive, or have tremors. The effects can be similar to the effects of someone on PCP, so doctors treat a person who is high on synthetic weed with a sedative to try and calm them down. There is no 28 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

commonly available test to determine whether a person has used synthetic weed. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in nine high school seniors has tried K2/Spice. In 2011 an estimated 11,406 synthetic weed users went to the emergency room, 75 percent of whom were between the ages of 13 and 29. The DC City Council banned the sale of synthetic drugs in December 2012, but several gas stations and convenience stores continue to sell them without age restriction. Bath salts have also been used for the same purpose as synthetic marijuana. Similarly, use of

bath salts has caused many youth to go to the emergency room and has generated more than 6,000 calls to poison control centers across the country, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Synthetic marijuana is still a mystery in a lot of ways. Although it acts on the same receptors in the body as regular marijuana it is chemically different. There are about 30 different synthetic cannabinoids and most of them have not been studied on human beings. Dr. Cathleen Clancy, associate medical director of the National Capital Poison Center and associate professor at George Washington University Emergency Medicine Department, says that synthetic weed is still a big unknown. “The effects are widely variable. People can become very agitated and paranoid. Or they can sometimes have something called couch lock where they become very stiff and don’t move a lot. Also, it’s important to note that no one is checking what’s in these little containers. So even if we did know the dose of what is in the container no one is checking to be sure it’s actually accurate. So when they use it

they are treating their brains like guinea pigs.”

Fake Weed + You = Zombie

In June 2012 the DC Department of Health received an early warning from the Metropolitan Police Department that teens age 13+ were beginning to display a pattern of bizarre behavior. Since then DOH has taken swift action to combat the growing use of K2/Spice. Notes Interim Director Dr. Saul Levin, “We got a focus group of teens together and asked them, What kind of campaign do you think we could create to get the kids’ attention? We created the ‘Danger: Fake Weed + You = Zombie’ campaign. The kids really resonate with it.” The zombie campaign can be seen on billboards, buses, and the Metro, and even made an appearance in Times Square in New York hours after Mayor Gray announced its launch. The campaign targets youth ages 13+ who are looking to smoke “legal” marijuana. Early intervention and education are critical at this stage because there is so much that is unknown about the long-term effects of K2/ Spice. Dr. Levin theorizes that this kind of drug can affect brain function. “If this gets away from us, we could have kids getting seriously harmed from these substances being sprayed onto this herb. It will affect their health and their cognitive processes. I believe it will affect their cognitive function.”

Why not Just Legalize Marijuana?

The increase of synthetic marijuana adds to the discussion about legalizing marijuana. Isn’t it better to allow people to smoke the natural product as opposed to witnessing a desperate search for a high from a manufactured replica? The DC City Council has been entertaining arguments about legalizing marijuana lately.

According to The Washington Post, Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) plan to introduce legislation this summer that would lessen the penalties for marijuana possession if offenders were caught with small amounts of cannabis. Marijuana is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule I category of controlled substances because of its potential for abuse. It has been praised for its power to control nausea and for stimulating the appetite of cancer patients. Yet some studies have shown that adults who smoked as teens show more memory deficits and trouble with overall concentration than their peers. Studies about marijuana and its benefits have not been conclusive. For every study that says marijuana is safe to use, there seems to be another that says it’s not. Dr. Levin cautions that even though marijuana has minimal visible side effects, it can cause long-term health problems. “Marijuana is a tobacco product. So anyone smoking it is taking in smoke that damages the lungs. Also, the psychoactive products of marijuana are dangerous. Sometimes we forget that. They are both very dangerous drugs to youth because their brains are still developing.”

Resources

The DC Department of Health has resources to help parents, teens, community leaders, and schools learn more about synthetic marijuana. Visit k2zombiedc.com for more details, facts, quizzes, and parental guides about how to discuss it with teens. You may also find the campaign on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ k2zombiedc, on Twitter, www. twitter.com/k2zombiedc, and on Instagram, www.instagram.com/ k2zombiedc/#. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance health writer in Washington, DC. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 29

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Smart Fun in the Summertime

Science in the Summer Teaches Kids Science Can Be Fun and Interesting by Stephen Lilienthal

just in time to take SIS. It’s a good time in several ways for kids their age to start learning about STEM (Science. Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics).

ecently, Ms. Stacie Graham, a science teacher from Fairfax County, was ready to teach a Science in the Summer (SIS) class at the William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library on Atlantic Street, SW. But the students and staff from the Sunshine Early Learning Center from southeast DC were missing, delayed because of bad weather. Eventually the children and staff come. Soon they’re watching Graham explain how to do cool experiments, including one in which a balloon charged with static electricity is held over a pile of salt. The charge makes the salt move. The kids perform the experiments too. Roosevelt, a Sunshine student, is smiling. He’s having fun learning. Sunshine’s kids may have come late for class, but they are arriving

Science in the Summer

SIS keeps kids learning when they are not in school. Kids from second to sixth grade who participate in SIS attend four classes lasting an hour where they learn about basic principles of science, and watch and perform themselves interesting, safe experiments that can be accomplished using basic household materials. SIS started in the mid-80s when Dr. Virginia Cunningham, who worked for the pharmaceutical company, Smith Kline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline), developed a program to better acquaint kids with science. DC kids at a Science in the Summer program.

30 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

The program takes place in several metropolitan areas, including DC, where the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) oversees its implementation. This year, 13 neighborhood libraries in the DC Public Library (DCPL) system have served as sites for SIS programs including East of the River libraries Anacostia, Benning, and Lockridge/ Bellevue. SIS has also been held in suburban DC library systems and Boys and Girls Clubs too. “[Public] libraries are great places to hold the classes. They are community-based organizations with lots of books and other resources. It’s a good place for kids to come during the summer,” says Betty Calinger, who manages SIS for AAAS.

Science Can Be Cool

Not every child will become a scientist but Calinger sees the program contributing to something just as important: scientific literacy. That becomes more important as we move into an age in which familiarity with scientific concepts becomes more important in everyday life and professional careers. (See sidebar) Kids learn that science is not some unknowable hocus-pocus. They learn about understandable scientific principles and see how those principles apply to everyday life. They learn that persistence is important as scientists observe, investigate, develop hypotheses to test, retest, and ultimately develop conclusions. One instructor, Ms. Shana Farmer, who teaches middle school science

at Cesar Chavez’ Parkside campus in Ward 7, tells her class of fourth to sixth graders at the Benning library in northeast DC: “Scientists are not always correct. It’s okay. That’s why we have to make predictions.” That’s what’s great about SIS. Lesley Mason, who oversees SIS for DCPL, says: “There’s no pressure to perform” to strict academic standards. “Kids can enjoy the moment” while learning.

Class At Anacostia

Ms. Sherita Williams, a DCPS schoolteacher, instructs SIS at the Anacostia library. “I want to help introduce you to the world of science,” she tells her small class of second and third graders who’ve come on a Saturday afternoon. Ms. Williams introduces the children to the atom and electrons, neutrons, and protons. She then explains about the different types of magnets, and what the words “attract,” “repel” and “lodestone” (a stone with magnetic properties) mean in science. Later, the kids race cars by holding a magnet which exerts a pull over the toy’s own magnet. A class the next week conducted by Ms. Williams deals with electricity, and the children in an older class conduct experiments using a battery, wires, light bulbs, and a switch. A student, Isaiah, who is entering fourth grade at Ketcham Elementary, is still young enough to exclaim, “Yeah, I got it” when he makes his circuit work by having the light bulb turn bright. Not everything comes

easily for Isaiah, but he keeps persevering, sometimes receiving guidance from Ms. Williams, and eventually succeeds. Kayla and Samori attend, respectively, the Center City Public Charter School and the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, work together as a team and independently. They learn about the differences between series and parallel circuits. Think of lights on a Christmas tree. Using a series circuit, one light going out means the others will not work too. A parallel circuit allows one light to not work but the others to remain lit. When the program ends, the students receive certificates and the guidebooks that contain experiments that can be performed safely and inexpensively at home.

Kids and Parents Speak

Isaiah likes SIS “ ‘cause I like to make things.” Samori likes SIS because “It was fun. I learned a lot about electricity and electromagnets.” Asiya Copeland, a SIS attendee at Benning, says she receives lots of science instruction at her school but had never seen a lodestone before. Asiya’s mother, Ms. Amina Copeland, a kindergarten teacher for DC Public Schools, is enthused too. Another parent, Vanessa Williams, a registered nurse and mother of Samori, sat through classes for the younger children. Her daughter, Jasmine, who’s of kindergarten age, received permission to attend with parental participation. She credits Sherita Williams (no relation) with making the program accessible for a younger student. “It’s an excellent, hands-on science program,” says Ms. Williams. Expressing a sentiment shared by several mothers of SIS attendees, Ms. Williams adds, “I would like to see the library offer a program like this year round. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. u

The Hidden STEM Economy

recent report by the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program discusses the “hidden STEM economy,” crediting work in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics with helping to drive economic growth. The report uses a broader definition of STEM by including maintenance, repair, and construction professionals whose jobs require in-depth knowledge of STEM and which pay well but which often are dismissed as “blue-collar.” What that means to Roosevelt, the Sunshine student who attended SIS at Lockridge, and Rachel, a SIS participant at Anacostia, is that in about a decade from now when they start moving toward a career, STEMrelated careers should offer good employment opportunities. Rachel or Roosevelt could stay in the DC area and do well without a bachelor’s degree provided that they master a specific area of STEM such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). But if they want a very lucrative career, which DC can certainly offer, then they will need to least a bachelor’s degree and, quite likely, a master’s degree or higher. There are other areas, such as Birmingham, Alabama and Wichita, Kansas that have plenty of jobs in STEM but bachelor’s degrees are not currently required. Who knows what direction the lives of Rachel or Roosevelt will take ten years from now. But, thanks to SIS, they are having fun and learning this summer. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 31

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Artistic Hospitality Earl Rodriguez & Family

very year for the past seven years, Earl Rodriguez has brought together friends and family from across the District and the country to his Anacostia home. The gathering celebrates his Trinidadian roots through food, art and music – and is named the “White Party” as the guests are asked to wear white to play off the décor – flowing strands of white fabric draped throughout the house and around the garden, used as tenting, in mobiles and parts of larger sculptural pieces. Earl’s mother, Joyce Rodriguez, who lives in New York City, makes the trip to DC to help out with the cooking. “I taught all of my kids to cook. It’s a family tradition,” she says. “We start cooking early in the morning on the day of the party, as early as three o’clock.” Sterling, Earl’s brother, comes up each year from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He is a HVAC professional, but enjoys cooking. “I learned to cook by watching my mom and I developed a knack for being in the kitchen. I began to experiment with food and enjoyed watching and listening to people’s comments in reaction to the taste that they were probably not expecting.” While brother Earl hosts this grand event, overseeing every detail, Sterling laughs and says, “It is especially fun for me to cook at my brother’s party because I love cooking side by side with my mother who thinks she might be the only one in the family that can cook.”

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by Annette Nielsen Earl describes the fun they have together. “I told her that we don’t need to wash the fish, just cook it. That made her upset, because West Indians believe that all meats have to be washed and spread with lime or lemon before you cook them. Then, I quickly explained to her that I had already washed the fish and seasoned it! We all had a good laugh.” There are probably over 25 dishes from roti to curried goat, crab, fish broth, jerk chicken, Trini Pelau (a popular dish with rice, chicken and pigeon peas), curried potatoes – all made by hand, from traditional recipes (see below for a recipe for Mango Chow). Sterling says that there is a joy in cooking for a few hundred people. “Simply because everyone loved the food – I believe that if you cook not just for people to eat the food, but for people to eat and enjoy the food, then your food will have meaning.” Earl, the hands-on entertainer, makes certain everyone is welcomed. “I greet every guest to make them all feel at home.” His residence has been the location for many art-focused events since he purchased in Anacostia about a decade ago. Rodriguez is a noted artist, and you might see his work represented in the LUMEN8 Anacostia events, or see one of the murals he has painted on local buildings. “The fabric we use in the design and to decorate at this event really represents the fabric of life – how we’re woven into each other’s lives, our community – and this party is a celebration of that.”

Top Left: Sterling (left) and Earl Rodriguez, brothers – make a fine team for the annual party that celebrates food and music representative of their Trinidadian roots with about 300 family members and friends in an artistic setting. Top Right: The artistry of the party extends to the outdoor space where draped fabric is hung throughout the garden. Bottom: Earl’s brother, Sterling Rodriguez, preparty in the kitchen prepping vegetables to go into the noted restorative, post-party fish soup.

Lights Up at the Anacostia Playhouse

S Mango Chow, a vibrant and flavorful tradition at the annual party combines slices of mango, garlic, citrus juice and chadon beni, a Trinidadian herb most similar to cilantro.

Mango Chow

A mainstay in Caribbean cooking is an herb called chadon beni – also called culantro. While it’s aroma is similar to cilantro found in the US, the flavor of chadon beni is much more intense. Typically, it’s minced and combined with garlic to provide a flavorful addition to dishes like mango chow. 4-5 ripe mangoes 1 bunch chadon beni (if you are unable to find this herb, you may substitute cilantro) 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled Lemon or lime juice, to taste Salt Wash and peel the mango (vertically score the skin with a sharp knife and peel back the skin; slice the flesh in strips, avoiding the pit). Leave in slices or cut up the mango to your liking. Rinse the chadon beni (you may find chadon beni as small plants or in a specialty grocer.) In a blender, place chadon beni with garlic and a little water. Pulse until relatively smooth. In a large bowl, mix the chadon beni seasoning blend and mango together. Add lime or lemon juice to taste and season with a little salt. Note: For a spicier chow, you may add Scotch Bonnet pepper, pimento pepper or any pepper of your choice of pepper, to taste. This recipe can also be used for snacking on other things like pineapple, orange (not sweet), tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. Annette Nielsen is a writer and a cook who has been engaged in food, farming and sustainability issues for over 15 years, and is currently at work on an Eastern Market cookbook. A native of the Adirondacks, and a long-time resident of both NYC and DC, she lives in Southwest near the waterfront with her husband and son. Follow her on twitter: @The_Kitchen_Cab; reach her by email: annette@hillrag.com. u

by John Muller

ignage for the Anacostia Playhouse now hangs outside of 2020 Shannon Place SE, while inside the black box theater readies to stage its first season of productions. The well-chronicled challenges that have faced Adele Robey and Julia Robey Christian as they have transitioned their theatre from H Street NE to Anacostia are not yet over. “Our application for [tax-exempt] 501(c) 3 status has been in IRS limbo because of their backlog for almost a year,” Robey, CEO of the Anacostia Playhouse, told East of the River. “We can’t apply for any grants and can’t directly offer tax deductions. We are well over budget and well behind schedule due to so many unforeseen bumps in the road.” Despite the fiscal challenges the show must go on. On August 16 Theatre Alliance will open its inaugural production at the playhouse, presenting “Broke-ology,” a drama the New York Times described in 2009 as “about the strains eating away at the unity of a small, tight-knit black family in Kansas City, Kan.” Performances will run on Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 7pm until September 8th. General admission tickets are $25 and $15 for seniors and students with valid ID. Performances are being supported with a $75,000 grant from the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities. “We’re hoping this production starts a community dialogue,” said Colin Hovde, Artistic Director of Theatre Alliance. “Historically, Wards 7 and 8 have been underserved by the arts and we hope our productions, which are socially responsible, will be plays people will talk about.” Compared to THEARC’s 400-seat pro-

Signage for the Anacostia Playhouse at 2020 Shannon Place. Photo: John Muller.

scenium theatre, which Hovde says can be challenging to fill, the configuration of the Anacostia Playhouse will allow for more intimate productions with seating for 99 to 150. Following “Broke-ology,” John Johnson of Verbal Gymnastics will open a 2-week run of the monologue-based “I Am Anacostia.” Show dates in September are expected to be announced shortly. As the theatre moves closer to completion more performances will be added in the coming months. “We are currently in negotiations with DC Black Theatre Festival to do some regular programming at the Playhouse,” said Julia Robey Christian, COO of the Anacostia Playhouse. When asked about the vision of the playhouse, Robey says, “Right now I am thinking about the next 30 minutes, but in essence it’s to provide a space that does creative, interesting, thought-provoking work and helps provide a basis for sound economic development. When we were on H Street [NE] we tried not to put restraints on our theater companies so that they could be as creative as possible. The result was some of the best small theater in town. What people could do in a little black room was breathtaking. I have no reason to believe this will be any different and really look forward to see what those who use the space come up with.” To secure tickets for Theatre Alliance’s August 16 – September 8 production of “Brokeology” visit www.theateralliance.com or call (202) 241-2539 To donate to the Anacostia Playhouse visit www.anacostiaplayhouse.com/donate/ or send donations to Anacostia Playhouse, PO Box 15874 Washington, DC 20003. u

A look inside the confines of the Anacostia Playhouse. Photo: John Muller EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 33

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Cedar Hill Bar and Grill Sit-down Restaurant Returns to Anacostia

t doesn’t matter what you call it, Uniontown Bar & Grill or Cedar Hill Bar & Grill, all that matters is that after nearly a year’s wait, a sit-down restaurant has opened at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and W Street SE in Historic Anacostia. With a soft opening of the first floor space last month, the best is yet to come; by early October co-owner Gabriele Tripodo expects to open the much anticipated second floor which will be a lounge space capable of hosting live music, open mics, and private parties. Some changes have been made on the first floor. On a recent visit three flat screen televisions displaying the British Open, an NBA summer league game, and a professional soccer match hovered above the bar hugged by ten stools. Much heralded, the restaurant now has four beers on tap; Budweiser, Stella Artois, Michelob AmberBock, and Long Hammer IPA from Red Hook. “It’s the only tap in Ward 8,” Tripodo says proudly. Near the door is a pair of small tables with seats on either side while in the center of the room there are three large rectangular tables each surrounded by six high-rise chairs. When all the renovations are complete the facility will be able to accommodate 83 people upstairs for a total capacity of 151, including the downstairs restaurant, Tripodo says.

“I am a radical.”

When Tripodo came to the United States in 1990 he arrived in Dallas, Texas where he became a dishwasher. Within a decade he was in Washington, DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhood 34 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by John Muller

New staff at the Uniontown Bar & Grill are ready to serve you. Photo: John Muller.

running a franchise of Port City Java Café and Coffeehouse. In 2008 he purchased Union Liquors at the corner of 16th Street and Good Hope Road SE. During the five years that Tripodo has been in the neighborhood he has developed the reputation of being a fair merchant who applies the rules – such as carding anyone under the age of twenty-five and not allowing the sale of single cigarettes in his store – without prejudice. Being a businessman in Anacostia is not easy. During our conversation Tripodo shows me his iPhone with an application that allows him to monitor more than a dozen cameras that keep watch on his liquor store and the restaurant. With a tap he can look at a camera that watches

the interior of the restaurant. I raise my right hand which is reflected on his iPhone. “I am a radical,” Tripodo says with a glint in his eye. “In this country if you have a dream you can make it happen with hard work.” Of Italian and Eritrean ancestry, Tripodo proclaims, “I am American by law, by choice, and by love.”

Better Service & Quality

Despite the overwhelming enthusiasm that greeted and sustained the original Uniontown Bar & Grill, there was an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the quality of service and food offerings. But things seem to have changed. On my first visit, within two minutes, I was kindly greeted by Lataya

Brown, a current student at the University of the District of Columbia who lives a couple of blocks away. Brown, working as a waitress for the first-time, says she regularly came to Uniontown with a collection of her friends. “I loved it when it was open and I’m glad to be here now. It gives the neighborhood a place to come.” With a current staff of twelve, Tripodo says he is still taking applications on a walk-in basis. “I would rather we are over-staffed so everyone gets the attention they need.” The menu now offers four salads (Chef ’s, Chicken, Salmon, and House), a “Waterfront Shrimp Cocktail” either deep fried or steamed golden, and soup of the day. Entrées include an overstuffed club, signature hamburger, Cajun chicken sandwich, and a 10 oz. Angus steak, grilled salmon, and a grilled chicken filet. An espresso machine will offer cappuccinos and other caffeinated beverages. The goodwill the community and media afforded the former Uniontown Bar & Grill will surely return, along with commerce, as Tripodo says his goal is to “make this a positive place where everyone is welcome.” In the coming months the name of the restaurant will be confirmed as trademark issues have delayed a formal announcement. Then, Tripodo says, the restaurant will have a website and presence on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. Summer hours are tentatively scheduled for Monday thru Thursday, 11am – 12am, Friday and Saturday, 11am – 2:30 am, and Sunday 11am – 12am. For more information call (202) 450 – 2536. u

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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Luis Peralta Del Valle Art is Organic East of the Anacostia by Francesca Lo Basso

rom residents as varied as Frederick Douglass and Ezra Pound to Marion Barry and Marvin Gaye, the area east of the Anacostia River is rich with history. And this history is well-reflected in local artist Luis Peralta Del Valle’s artwork. Peralta Del Valle is the recipient of the second annual East of the River Distinguished Artist Award, presented by ARCH Development Corporation and the Gautier Family. As he welcomes me into his house and studio space off MLK Jr Ave. in the heart of Southeast DC, Peralta Del Valle is bent over his easel, hard at work on a piece in his latest series of paintings “Freedom is Organic.” All the paintings are acrylic depictions of the Statue of Freedom which adorns the top of the Capitol Building. Peralta Del Valle’s DC roots run deep. He’s been here since 1985 when he and his family fled political instability and years of civil war in their native country of Nicaragua. When they emigrated, Peralta Del Valle was just five years old. They settled in Columbia Heights at 14th Street and Park Road NW – a working class African American

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Luis Peralta Del Valle in his studio in Anacostia (Far left and net page top). His current series of art is based on the Staue of Freedom which sits atop the Capitol (image at left).

neighborhood infamous for the rioting that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The area was a ghost town for decades until the Columbia Heights metro station opened in 1999. “In my high school – Bell Multicultural – we didn’t even have a gym or a cafeteria,” reflects Peralta Del Valle. “The area was known for prostitution and gangs – I lost a lot of friends along the way.” He points to that loss as his reason for turning to art. “I realized I really needed to change my lifestyle,”

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he says. He picked up his first can of spray paint at thirteen and started painting graffiti murals throughout the District. “My friends and I used to skip school and go to the Graffiti Hall of Fame [the nickname for the metro tunnels starting around 14th and D Streets SW where taggers congregated in the 1990s] and the National Gallery.” By sixteen, he had already received his first commission. Home health fitness company Body by Jake donated a gym to his high school, and word of his reputation as a talented street artist quickly reached the company’s ears. “I had two weeks to paint an entire room in the gym so I hired a bunch of my graffiti friends to help me,” says Peralta Del Valle. “That was the first time I realized it might be possible to make a living off my art.” Judy Byron, founder of the Corcoran Art Mentorship Program (CAMP), saw Peralta Del Valle’s work and took him under her wing. Through CAMP he was able to take classes in fine arts, and later became a mentor assistant himself. “In school, they teach you to follow a process – do a sketch first, etc.,” describes Peralta Del Valle. “But I always feel like I’m in a hurry when I paint – like the painting is already there, I’m just discovering it.” Walking through Peralta Del Valle’s house – an artist’s haven where literally every spare wall is covered with vibrant paintings by Peralta Del Valle, his wife and their friends – the influence of classical art on his work is clear: all of his paintings and drawings weave the bold colors and geometric shapes of graffiti art with classical representations of religious figures and cultural icons. In the Freedom is Organic series, the images of the Statue of Freedom dominate the canvases, but closer inspection reveals the

silhouettes of an apple, a loaf of bread and a fish peeking out from behind her helmet and a bold kelly green pear painted wherever her face should be. The paintings are all being done on Yes! Organic Market and Harris Teeter paper bags glued to canvas and wood panels. For DC residents, the lurid red and green logos of these local supermarkets are probably more easily recognizable than the bronze figurine. “That’s why I wanted to do all these close up images of the statue,” says Peralta Del Valle. “It’s so high up on the building that no one really knows what it looks like.” Accessibility is a key theme of Peralta Del Valle’s work. In the artist’s statement on his website, www.luisperaltagallery.com, he writes: Art is to be used as a teaching tool to help people understand each others’ faiths and cultures. The arts have the power to influence any society and artists are responsible for spreading a message of hope. “To create art, you only need a regular number 2 pencil,” says Peralta Del Valle. “Art is the poor man’s way out.” Now in his early thirties, Peralta Del Valle runs the Luis Peralta Art and Design Company where he helps other artists gain exposure for their artwork and connect art advocates and collectors with local artists. “People ask me if I’ll ever move,” says Peralta Del Valle, “and I always wonder ‘why would I?’Everything I need is here in DC.” Peralta Del Valle’s work can be seen by appointment at his home studio by calling 301-3565699 or emailing luis@luisperaltagallery.com. Join Peralta Del Valle on August 10 from 6:307:30 at the Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE, for a free event during which he will be presented with his award. u

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at DCHA, Office of Administrative Services, 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 300, Washington, D.C. 20002 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, August 5, 2013. SEALED QUALIFICATION RESPONSES are due to the issuing Office by 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 37

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Mynd Up Features BK Adams’ Latest Work by John Muller

Two little girls sit in the grass at BK Adams' Mynd Up exhibit. Photo by John Muller.

“Y

ou’re it!” a young girl shrieked, tagging her friend and darting in the opposite direction as the recorded sounds of birds chirping set the mood. After five minutes of giggling and chasing each other around inside ARCH Development’s Honfleur Gallery, the two little girls sat down in the temporary grass and admired a collection of new work by art iconoclast BK Adams. Mynd Up, described as recreating the “playfulness and energy of being free” is Adams’ first solo exhibition at the Honfleur Gallery.. On opening night last month the youngest attendees seemed to enjoy thoroughly themselves, unmindful of the adults taking in the canvasses, sculptures, and three dimensional pieces that typify the range of Adams’ work. A swing, entitled “Forever Young,” hung from the ceiling, inviting anyone playful enough to take a ride. “I work in all kinds of mediums,” Adams says. “They help me to tell my story which is a collection of the experiences we all have every day.” When asked about the installation of the sod, which covered more than half of the floor, Adams says, “I grew up in DC when it was normal to walk in the grass. Now the grass is slowly disappearing.”

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Sod covers the floor of the Honfleur Gallery in its new exhibit. Photo by John Muller.

Known by his ambiguous trademark, “I AM ART,” Adams, a third generation painter, says, “I don’t know if that word supports my ideas. I am a horticulturist, an architect, a writer, a father, a husband, a brother, and a friend.” In 2006 Adams was invited to teach at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in northeast DC. “I titled the class, ‘WE ARE ART’ and it helped to get the kids ready to create art from the first day. It removed any fears they may have had. Back in 2008, when I decided to dedicate myself 100% to creating art I decided that, ‘I AM ART’ was the best way to describe how I live.” Although Adams has reservations about being called an “artist” he says the meaning of “I AM ART” is the blueprint to his life. “I come with no light switch that goes on and off.” Formerly the owner of The Eye Opener coffee shop in Mt. Rainer, Maryland for a decade, Adams says he was introduced to a property on Maple View Place SE in Historic Anacostia in the last month of 2008. Growing up near 11th and Harvard Streets NW in the 1970s and 1980s Adams says he was unsure of what to expect upon relocating to the historic neighborhood.

BK Adams at the opening of Mynd Up. Courtesy Photo

“When I got here it was great,” Adams remembers. “It was wide open. There was a very small art presence here and instead of using the property for a home I started using it as a studio space.” Since then Adams’ image and trademark has been seen stickered throughout the city; his work has been featured at the Kreeger Museum off Foxhall Road, NW and the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Last year, Adams was the first recipient of the East of the River Distinguished Artist Award presented by the Honfleur Gallery. “Adams was selected for the award based on his artistic excellence as well as for the significant impact he has made on the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.,” says Duane Guatier, ARCH’s CEO. Adams donated the entire award’s prize of $5,000 towards the construction of a medical facility for women in Nairobi, Kenya. Next spring Adams will have a new exhibition at American University’s Katzen Arts Center. Mynd Up runs at the Honfleur Gallery at 1241 Good Hope Road SE until August 30th. For more information call 202-365-8392 or visit www. honfleurgallery.com. u

jazzAvenues Tribute to Buck Hill by Steve Monroe

D.C.’s Buck Hill Gets Well-Deserved Tribute

The Roger “Buck” Hill tribute, honoring D.C.’s own living legend of the saxophone, was a memorable event, with a great day of music and accolades in front of the large crowd that gathered June 30 at Queen’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Beltsville, Md. The Buck Hill Tribute Band led the way with noted educator and musician Davey Yarborough, saxophones, Michael Thomas, trumpet, Jon Ozment, piano, James King, bass and Keith Killgo, drums. The group played a jamming opening set featuring Hill originals, including “Jasing,” “The Sad Ones,” “Scope” and “Little Bossa.” Proving himself much more than just a great saxophone player, Hill’s composing talents have drawn acclaim for years. Bassist King said “The Sad Ones” ranks with any tune by anyone, and King played it lovingly, driving the haunting melody with his throbbing, lyrical lines. So, well known nationally and internationally for his golden saxophone sound and witty and lyrically fascinating riffs and solos, it was appropriate that the tribute highlighted Hill as the complete artist. Hill still plays occasionally, but sat out that day as the distinguished honoree. He was seated right in the front pew of the church -- and dressed to the nines in a bright blue dress shirt, tie and black suspenders that had little silver saxophones on them. Tributes came from family members and from long distance from those like saxophone guru Andrew White, drummer Billy Hart, Lenny Cujoe, Bootsie Barnes and Ted Carter, all praising Hill’s humble nature, his willingness to mentor other musicians and his work ethic that helped him become an icon in the industry for his dynamic saxophone stylings. Proclamations were read from Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, and musicians and others on site also honored Hill fondly. Many artists honored Hill with their playing in a jam session that lasted well into the evening, with an especially heartfelt number done by vocalist Sharon Clark, “I’ll Remember April,” that seemed to particularly capture the essence of the day. Thanks to Cheyney and Tonya Thomas,

Vocalist Sharon Clark sings “I’ll Remember You” at the June 30 tribute to Buck Hill, legendary saxophonist.

Undaunted Productions, the church and its Rev. B. Kevin Smalls, Rusty Hassan and Ellen Carter of WPFW Pacifica Radio, and everyone who had a hand in making the Roger “Buck” Hill Tribute a big success.

“LOVE” CD party at Twins Jazz

The D.C. unveiling of trombonist Reginald Cyntje’s “LOVE” CD is set for Aug. 9-10 at Twins Jazz, with good reviews already in for the recording (see reginaldcyntje.com) and with a sparkling CD release show performed by his band at Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club last month. Cyntje, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts graduate, has a winner in “LOVE,” a worthy follow up to his debut CD a couple of years ago, “Freedom’s Children.” Other special shows this month include vocalist Coniece Washington’s CD release party Aug. 16 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The New Jersey-raised Washington will perform songs from her debut CD of straight ahead jazz standards, “Love Changes,” with Vince Evans on piano, Jeff Neal, drums, James King, bass and Elijah Balbed, saxophone. Also there are a couple of special tribute shows this month, Paul Carr’s tribute for Wayne Shorter, at Westminster, and Akua Allrich’s tribute for Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba at Bohemian Caverns.

Transparent Productions 2013-14 Season

Bobby Hill Jr. has announced details on the upcoming season for the Transparent Productions jazz series. Highlights include the September Vision Music & Dance / on tour, October’s presentation

of Kevin Norton’s Breakfast of Champignon(s), November’s presentation of Taylor Ho Bynum’s Sextet, and a special March month of Women’s History Month performances. The series begins Sunday, September 15 with The Roy Campbell Quartet at Bohemian Caverns. See www.transparentproductionsdc.org. August Highlights: Marty Nau, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27, Twins Jazz … Butch Warren Love Token, Aug. 9, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Terence Blanchard, Aug. 9-11, Blues Alley ... Reginald Cyntje “LOVE” CD Release Party, Aug. 9-10, Twins Jazz … Amina Figarova, Aug. 12, Blues Alley … Coniece Washington CD Release Party, Aug. 16, Westminster Church … Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, Aug. 16-18, Blues Alley … Paul Carr, Tribute to Wayne Shorter, Aug. 23, Westminster Church … Akua Allrich Tribute to Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, Aug. 24-25, Bohemian Caverns … Sharon Clark, Aug. 30, Westminster Church August Birthdays: Big Nick Nicholas 2; Eddie Jefferson 3; Louis Armstrong, Sonny Simmons 4; Lenny Breau 5; Rahsaan Roland Kirk 7; Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter 8; Jack DeJohnnette 9; Claude Thornhill 10; Russell Procope 11; Earl Coleman, Pat Matheny 12; Mulgrew Miller 13; Stuff Smith 14; Oscar Peterson, Mal Waldron, Bill Evans 16; Ike Quebec, Duke Pearson 17; Oscar Brashear 18; Jimmy Rowles 19; Count Basie, Art Farmer 21; Bobby Watson 23, Claude Hopkins 24; Wayne Shorter, Pat Martino 25; Branford Marsalis 26; Lester Young 27; Kenny Drew 28; Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington 29; Kenny Dorham 30. u

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 39

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Let’s Get Physical! by Jazelle Hunt

very Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this past June, accomplished West African dance instructor Sylvia Soumah breezed into the sun-filled smaller studio at The Washington School of Ballet at THEARC like a gust of enthusiasm and humor. Her drummer silently prepared his djun djun drum while participants chatted and exchanged smiles. With a silly anecdote, a compliment to the newest person in the room, a word of encouragement, and a pulsing beat, Soumah’s Moving Wisdom class began. Sometime during the routine she yelled out, “Now we add the shake! Everybody shake something, I don’t care what it is!” Established in 2011, Moving Wisdom was designed for senior citizens to improve their quality of life and overall health through participation in dance classes that provide physical, mental, and social stimulation in an artistically enriching environment. The six-week classes are structured around an original, low-impact African dance routine, which is learned and rehearsed each session. “When I come teach my seniors, they go all out and don’t hold back because they know how precious time is. I love it, it makes my day,” says Soumah. “I’ve met some really wonderful women [through the series]. It’s like being with your mother or grandmother.” The program, funded by the DC Arts Commission and offered for free, served about 16 AfricanAmerican women of varying ages and abilities. There’s Geraldine Howard, a Government Accountability Office retiree who has danced all her life and is currently in her 18th year with one of D.C.’s prominent African drum-and-dance circles—despite having a pacemaker. There’s Mary Buckley, a retired State Department agent who exercises regularly, but 40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Moving Wisdom participants practice the routine to the beat of the djun djun. Photo: Jazelle Hunt.

ended up in class in an attempt to book Soumah’s dance company for a performance at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Shaw. There’s Kathleen Bradford, a retired Government Printing Office instructor who has never taken a series of dance classes, but put herself out there to try something new. And there was also Colanna L., who found out about Moving Wisdom on its last day and brought her six year-old budding dancer, Amanda along to participate. Even THEARC staff members joined in—theater director Kimberly Douglas came to dance on her lunch break, and volunteer “Mama Lu” participated when she was at THEARC to work at the front desk. Some of the women are familiar faces who’ve seen or danced with Sylvia before, either with her company, Coyaba Dance Theater, or in the first Moving Wisdom series. Others come for one or two classes. All are there because they’re interested in improving their health. “A reason I work [east of the river] is because there are a lot of ailments over here than can be taken care

Sylvia Soumah (dressed in black) instructs participants after the warm-up. Photo: Jazelle Hunt.

Sylvia Soumah (dressed in black) welcomes Farasha El as Amanda, the youngest participant, looks on.Photo: Jazelle Hunt.

of through exercise,” Soumah explains. “As you get older your body changes…but you can modify everything. And that’s life. It doesn’t have to take away from the energy of your movement.” Most of the participants maintain an additional form of fitness outside of class, from walking groups at Hillcrest Recreation Center to the vigorous partyworkout, Kazaxe. “For the last five years I’ve been concentrating on my health issues. I’m learning something new and [Moving Wisdom] is not as strenuous as a lot of exercises,” says Bradford, who walks and gardens in her spare time. “I’m learning to venture out and not be so selfconscious.” The participants may have come for the fitness, but they stayed for the sisterhood. After class, they lingered to chat, trade resources, and put their heads together to help Soumah find donated space to continue the classes after the grant date. “I like the energy, the instruction, and the people that come,” says Yvonne Davis, Congress Heights resident and Library of Congress retiree. “The fellowship is great. We’re all here to enjoy ourselves, and that

gets me moving.” On one day, a few ladies offered insight and a listening ear as Soumah confided her challenges with being a woman in a maledominated field. Another day, Davis shared her Tupperware catalogues and tales of her world travels, and performance artist Farasha El taught everyone about alkaline water and shared a few bottles. Mary Buckley invited everyone to Shiloh for its 150th anniversary celebration. Somewhere in the middle of the series, Soumah encouraged the class to join her onstage for Dance Jam Family Day, held July 6 at the Portrait Gallery. At the final class, the ladies shared their contact information with Soumah so she could inform everyone when she found a location to continue offering the series. And Moving Wisdom’s summer session ended congenially and uneventfully, as if everyone knew they’d be seeing each other again. Moving Wisdom resumes on September 10 from 11 a.m. to noon, and continues every Tuesday and Thursday, September through October at The Washington School of Ballet THEARC campus. Interested participants can simply drop in. For more information, call 202-274-4533. u

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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 41

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

The Queen of Z-GoGo: A Profile of Danette ‘Dani’ Tucker

A local fitness instructor fuses Zumba and GoGo music to create a unique movement

crowd of more than 150 women gathered in the Boys and Girls Club on Mississippi Avenue on a Saturday morning to kick off the start of Trusted Health Plan. The buzz in the air was almost tangible. The music began at the command of a voice on the microphone. Some of the women knew the moves and those who didn’t would figure it out along the way. But they all fell into the groove without reservation as the GoGo beat pumped through the speakers. It’s their time. It’s their music. It’s their style of fitness. Leading the entire gymnasium with her raspy, alto voice and locks flowing in the air is one Danette Tucker, the creator and ‘Queen’ of the combination of Zumba moves and GoGo music coined as Z-GoGo.

Who is this Queen?

Danette ‘Dani’ Tucker was born and raised in Southeast DC. She graduated from Banneker High School in 1988. She attended Howard University after graduation. Dani has always had an affinity for fitness. At the age of 35, she had a hysterectomy due to issues with fibroid tumors but her heart was not ready for surgery. She had to take a stress test. What started as a routine walk on a treadmill turned into an embarrassing moment that altered her attitude towards fitness. “I was on the treadmill and this 85 year old woman was next to me. They turned the speed up on me and I was struggling. She was just sailing and asking me ‘Are you alright?’ She basically whipped my ass. I had never been so embarrassed in all my life,” she laughs while recollecting. Tucker, 43, has experience in ballet, tap, and jazz dance that she credits as helping her transition into Zumba. So how did she make the leap from 42 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Candace Y.A. Montague bridge, VA. She is training teachers to instruct the course in Seattle, Fayetteville, and Atlanta very soon.

Trusted Partnerships

Danette Tucker instructs participants on the moves of Z-GoGo

a traditionally Latin based routine to Z-GoGo. ”I started with Jazzercise a few times a week and then I started going to the gym. I lost 80 pounds doing Jazzercise, Hip Hop dance, and African dance. I added Zumba to my routine but I wasn’t motivated to teach it because I didn’t like Latin music. Once I started taking it [Zumba] at the Soul Factory and seeing how it was being taught there I figured out how to put GoGo music into it.” Her routine for Z-GoGo is 80 percent GoGo music and 20 percent other music.

Word of Mouth

Her first class in February 2012 had only eight people. By Memorial Day, she had 459 people in her class. “It was all based on word of mouth. We hadn’t done hardly any advertising. Our classes are full. Every single class filled with Divas ready to work out.” She keeps the price at $5 and free for children so that everyone can participate. In November 2012, Tucker and her fellow instructors made a DVD of their routine. All 2,000 copies were sold by the end of the month. Go-Go Fitness LLC (the umbrella company over Z-GoGo) offers 14 classes in the District, Prince George’s County and Wood-

Partnerships has been one of the components that has sustained Z-GoGo over the past year. Danette Tucker’s oldest friend and business partner, Erica Berry has been with Z-GoGo since its inception. She gives credit for the growth to Ms. Tucker’s personality and relationships with the women. “Dani has a very magnetic personality. She makes every single person feel like she knows him or her personally. The women feel that she cares about them because she does,” says Berry. It’s that kind of care that creates a bond among the participants and keeps them coming back for more. Ms. Berry further explains, “The women are beginning to see that they can do more than they thought they could. It’s grown into a wellness movement where we take care of physical, mental, and spiritual health.” Trusted Health Plan, the newest Medicaid provider in the District, has also formulated a partnership with Go-Go Fitness LLC and Z-GoGo to help members stay fit and healthy. Trusted will provide transportation for their members to classes and pay the class fee for one year. Danette charges her good fortune to her faith in God. “None of this is possible without Him. It’s been amazing. And with Him we will keep Z-GoGo going.” For more information, visit www.gogofitnessllc. com, Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/zgogofitnessllc/ or on Twitter @zgogofitnessllc. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for East of the River. u

CHANGING HANDS

Washington MatheMatics sc ience technology, Pc hs

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.

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Close Price BR

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA

2102 16TH ST SE 1353 RIDGE PL SE 1421 RIDGE PL SE 1345 VALLEY PL SE 1610 Q ST SE 1612 Q ST SE

CHILLUM

6123 3RD ST NW

DEANWOOD

4407 SHERIFF RD NE 211 55TH ST NE 5825 DIX ST NE 311 59TH ST NE 3950 BLAINE ST NE 5030 CENTRAL AVE SE

FORT DUPONT PARK 4360 DUBOIS PL SE 4436 ALABAMA AVE SE 1688 FORT DUPONT ST SE 900 BURNS ST SE 1178 46TH PL SE 4322 SOUTHERN AVE SE 1131 45TH PL SE 819 ADRIAN ST SE 1549 FORT DUPONT ST SE 4237 HILDRETH ST SE 1613 FORT DUPONT ST SE 4619 HILLSIDE RD SE 4413 G ST SE 4143 ALABAMA AVE SE 1100 44TH PL SE 705 BURNS ST SE

$93,000 $145,500 $240,000 $279,000 $280,000 $305,000

3 2 2 4 3 4

$475,000

$75,200 $93,500 $135,000 $157,000 $230,000 $230,000

3 2 3 2 2 3

$93,000 $99,000 $118,500 $121,000 $149,000 $158,888 $176,900 $186,500 $203,900 $219,000 $242,000 $244,950 $249,500 $275,000 $325,000 $345,000

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

HILL CREST

2537 36TH ST SE 2909 N ST SE 3802 SUITLAND RD SE

KINGMAN PARK 602 21ST ST NE 602 21ST ST NE 2500 E ST NE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5515 B ST SE 5526 B ST SE 5545 B ST SE 5430 DRAKE PL SE

RANDLE HEIGHTS 1888 SAVANNAH PL SE 3315 22ND ST SE

$190,000 $230,000 $490,000

3 3 5

$207,000 $207,000 $397,000

3 3 3

$58,000 $175,000 $195,000 $315,000

2 2 2 3

$100,000 $202,500

3 3

$43,000 $58,000

2 2

CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS 310 ATLANTIC ST SE #101-B 4721 1ST ST SW #103

DEANWOOD

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HILL CREST

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RANDLE HEIGHTS

2838 HARTFORD ST SE #104 u

2 3

$59,000 $71,500

1 2

$74,000

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 43

KIDS & FAMILY

Comfort and Care with Dignity Hospice of Washington DC brings palliative care to Wards 7 and 8

ames Harbor rests comfortably and often during these waning summer days. On this particular day, Brenda Drayton-Hays, Clinical Director for Hospice of Washington, DC, awakened him during one of her daily visits to his room. He smiles paternally at her and Rahikya Wilson, Executive Director for Hospice of Washington, DC. Harbor, a retired mental health home worker, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has been in the nursing home at United Medical Center for years. He praised Hospice for making his stay more comfortable and for fighting on his behalf. “In the last two weeks I have felt as though I am in a different atmosphere altogether,” he said. Mr. Harbor was familiar with Hospice of DC since his wife also received care from them so he was happy to have their help. “Some people have forgotten what the mission is. The staff seemed a little lost. Either you’re going to make people comfortable or you’re going to make them miserable. What you guys have proven to me even if it’s shaky, it can be straightened. “ It is this kind of care and advocacy that Hospice of Washington, DC is hoping to do more of as they expand their services in Wards 7 and 8.

A history of end-of-life care

While hospice in the United States is relatively new, the concept goes back to the 1940s. A British woman named Cicely Saunders inspired hospice. She was a nursing student during World War II and saw how badly people suffered when they were dying. She believed that people needed relief from the physical and psychological pain that comes with death, and that people deserved to die with dignity. Saunders’ philosophy came across the Atlantic Ocean with an American nurse named Florence Wald. She established the first hospice in America in 1974 in Branford, Connecticut. There are now more than 3,000 organizations that offer hospice care in the United States. 44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

by Candace Y.A. Montague

Rahikya Wilson, MSW, left and Brenda Drayton-Hays, BSN, RN right, visit with James Harbor, a patient at United Medical Center

In 1982, the Medicare Hospice benefit was established under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act giving federal funding to hospices across the country to provide assistance to eligible families. One of its chief lobbyists was Andrew T. Parker, founder and former president of American Hospice. Parker, a reverend from Jacksonville, Florida, believed that patients come first. He was once quoted as saying, “It takes moral courage to do hospice work. It is not about us, it’s about the patients and family members.” Parker passed away in 2009 but his work continues on through advocates and workers of hospice all across the country.

No Grim Reaper

It’s common to associate the word “hospice” with death, but it is so much more than that. Hospice doesn’t bring death by any means. By the time a hospice is called in, death is imminent. The pur-

pose of their organization is to make sure that the patient is not in pain, alone, and fearful for their family. Wilson says, “Hospice to us means quality of life and making those last days as comfortable as possible. Focusing on [the patient] being pain free. We provide the finest individualized care.” For starters, hospice offers help with in-home care for patients who wish to be at their residence. There are hospice nurses, counselors, social workers, aides, and volunteers available whenever the patient or their family need assistance. When a patient is discharged from a hospital with an order for hospice care, representatives from HWDC meet with the family immediately to discuss what the needs of the family are and to make a plan on how to keep the patient comfortable while alleviating stress on their loved ones. Drayton-Hays explains that a nurse will visit the home and review the pain medications, physical surroundings and space issues that can present a problem when attempting to bring in things such as hospital beds or oxygen tanks. Everything else is attended to as the situation arises. If their beloved doesn’t look well in the middle of the night, a qualified nurse is just a phone call away. Wilson says that Hospice of Washington DC is there for the families to meet their needs, not tell them what their needs are. “When I meet a new family I ask them what they need. Everybody may have the same diagnosis, but we have to focus on each patient on an individual basis. Their need might not be about pain. It might be a family issue or a bereavement issue. They might need respite care or connections with a spiritual leader. We handle those concerns one by one.”

‘I wish I would have known about them sooner’

Annette Lynch, 51, came to know about Hospice when her mother was dying of stage 4 breast cancer. Her mother, Bernice Lynch, seemed to be on the road

to recovery before the cancer returned and metastasized. “She lost the feeling in her legs and she just couldn’t walk much any more,” her daughter recalls. The elder Lynch became paralyzed and had to use a wheelchair to get around. “She had her surgery at UMC [United Medical Center] and was getting treatment at Howard. When Howard couldn’t do much more for us, they introduced us to Hospice of DC. My mother fell in love with the staff right away and they loved her back.” Bernice recalls how Hospice helped her manage her mother’s care and helped her deal with what was happening. “I wish I had known about them even sooner than when we were introduced. They really helped me because I needed to process what was happening. It was all going so fast. I’m very grateful for them.” Bernice Lynch passed away peacefully on May 25 at age 70. With education, Hospice of DC is hoping to change the face of its name from one that brings death to one that provides comfort. As more people become familiar with their services they will feel more comfortable talking about it and referring it to families. “Hospice tends to be a dirty word. Doctors don’t want to say hospice. And if a doctor is not OK with it because he doesn’t understand it, he’s not going to push it. We give people options. Hospice can follow a family and keep the pain controlled and do bereavement counseling for 13 months after death,” states Mrs. Drayton-Hays. “The success story for Hospice is that patient that transitioned peacefully surrounded by their loved ones.” Hospice of DC is available to Medicaid and Medicare patients as well as Veterans through the Veterans Administration. HWDC accepts patients regardless of their payer source. For more information, visit www. americanhospice.com/washington_dc or call 202-574-6994 or fax number (202) 905-0011. Candace Y.A. Montague is a health reporter for East of the River. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 45

KIDS & FAMILY

Protect Yourself from Being Scammed by Joann Mangione

etting scammed is not just a by-product of getting older like grey hair. There are highly successful business people, professors and other professionals with higher education and the benefit of younger age, who still get duped. But, the predators do target the elderly more. The average age range for scam victims is between 55 and 65 years old. The prey may be lonely and inclined to trust a friendly person with an upbeat, helpful and caring manner about them. Take for example, a southeast woman who was about to lose her home to foreclosure. A predator saw her property listed and approached her with a plan to provide her with a loan to make the back payments she owed to the mortgage company. The scammer does stop the foreclosure. So, why is this bad? After all, the person gets to stay in her home. It’s a problem because the loan wasn’t a loan at all. He in fact, had transferred the deed to the house into his own name, and took all the equity in the process. To make matters worse, this woman finds herself facing an eviction suit filed by the person who gave her the “loan” when it turns out that one of the pages he fraudulently talked her into signing was a bogus lease on her own house. When the homeowner failed to make the “rent” payments to the scammer, he sued to evict her. In addition, taking advantage of the victim’s confusion about the true nature of the transfer, the scammer deprived her of finding a sustainable solution to her original foreclosure problem – something an attorney or housing counselor acting in the homeowner’s best interest could have helped with. The story ends well for this neighbor, because the Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE), an affiliate of AARP, was able to get her name off the loan, get her house back with all the equity and then helped her find a solution that kept her in her home. Doug Shadel, the author of AARP’s book, 46 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

Legal Counsel for the Elderly Supervising Attorney, Amy Mix and client.

Outsmarting the Scam Artists, says the key to defending against fraud is the ability to recognize it. Here’s what to look for:

have won a million dollars or a big prize, but you first have to pay an administrative fee or taxes before you can receive it. (FYI – it is illegal for a sweepstakes to ask for payment.)

1. The caller or salesperson enthusiastically describes how much money you will make and what you might do with it, in an attempt to get you excited and make a quick decision to buy.

4. The scammer warns you that if you don’t pay right away, you’ll lose the deal: often scammers will create urgency by telling you the offer will expire soon.

3. The scammer will tell you that you might

6. The con artist will tell you that the offer is top secret and you shouldn’t tell anyone about it. This is intended to

2. The scammer is asking lots of personal questions such as, how many kids and grandchildren you have, where you work, how long have you lived in your house – all done to build rapport and to profile you so the scammer can customize the pitch.

5. The scam artist refuses to tell you how much of the donation goes to the actual charity versus to the person calling. Legitimate charities are required to tell you this if you ask.

keep the law and possibly wiser family or neighbors away.

7. Scammers want to keep you from making an informed decision so will often claim there’s no time to send written material.

8. Scam artists will tell you the economy is collapsing and so you should buy gold, or crime is on the rise, so you should buy a security system. Fear is a great motivator.

and took out a series of mortgages on the house. The home that had been paid off before the son began this scheme was soon encumbered by a $180,000 mortgage that was in foreclosure. Legal Counsel for the Elderly successfully filed a lawsuit to get the house back in her name and resolved the son’s outstanding mortgages on the house. Shadel suggests watching out for red flags that may mean a neighbor or family member is vulnerable or has already fallen victim to a scheme:

9. The seller offers free gifts such as a CD or DVD in return for your willingness to sit through a presentation or buy a product.

1. The phone rings off the hook inundated with calls seeking charitable donations or offering deals.

You may think you won’t ever be duped and maybe that’s true. But, as our city is made up of a number of close-knit neighborhoods, it’s worth the time to learn how to spot a scammer to protect yourself, your family or even a neighbor.

3. Payments or frequent withdrawals are made and paid to unfamiliar companies.

10. A sale item is suddenly sold out, but a much better item is available for more money.

Family Members Can Be Scammers Too

Perhaps the saddest statistic when it comes to scams is that according to the National Council on Aging, more than 90% of all scams against the elderly are committed by a family member. In another instance in southeast, an elderly woman had worked long and hard to pay off her mortgage. However, her son persuaded his mother to give him power of attorney (POA) and things took a terrible turn. Using his mother’s POA, the son added his name to his mother’s home of over 45 years

2. You see lots of cheap new stuff around the house such as watches, pens and small appliances. Products of this nature may have come from order-to-win scams.

4. A person engages in secretive behavior.

5. A person has financial troubles. Watch for a sudden inability to pay for basic necessities or bills. 6. They demonstrate mood swings; the person is worried and anxious.

Joann Mangione is a Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Legal Counsel for the Elderly, an AARP affiliate, champions the dignity and rights of seniors in Washington, D.C. LCE provides free legal services for D.C. residents most in need. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013 H 47

To place a classiﬁed in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.8300 x12 or email Carolina@hillrag.com

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in my opinion

The Lessons of Trayvon Mentoring, Not Protest

by Ivory Johnson

he African American community’s reaction to the George Zimmerman trial was as predictable as the verdict itself. Some protested, others thought we needed a renewed discussion about race and there were those who demanded an intervention by the Department of Justice. But here’s what I know: 72 people got shot in Chicago over the July 4th weekend; and right now there are more black men in the grips of the criminal justice system than there were slaves in 1850. The white man might be out to get us, but he sure didn’t murder my friend Stephan Pool last Labor Day weekend three blocks away from Nationals Park. Prisons generate ten times more money than the NFL makes in TV revenue each year, a $70 billion industry that decides how many penitentiaries to build based on second and third grade reading scores. Lo and behold, only 20 percent of DC’s fourth grade public school students are proficient in reading. The miscarriage of justice in Florida notwithstanding, the time to protest was when Tyler Elementary School had planks of plywood covering the windows before the neighborhood was gentrified. So what’s the plan? Will more black men serve as mentors to young boys; or will we continue to sign online petitions in overwhelming numbers? Political action sounds great until you realize that folks are getting shot a block away from the President’s house in the Windy City. The 100 Black Men of America is an organization whose sole purpose is to mentor young men. They have leadership academies, science programs and have built 12 charter schools throughout the United

50 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM

States. The Big Brother Big Sister program is looking for committed positive black role models. Fraternities have mentoring programs of their own, making a difference in our community one child at a time. For those who doubt the impact community service could have, the following is a thank you note written by an eighth grader who was mentored by my fraternity in the spring: “Thank you for helping us tie ties and helping us respect women and other people. Also thank you for helping us be more like a man.” My number one objective as the father of a 15-year-old son is to keep him alive. He’s already witnessed his minority cross country teammates handcuffed at gunpoint by police officers for running too close to the train tracks while his white teammates (who ran side by side) were unaffected. He has friends who’ve lost relatives to inner city violence. He saw Stephan laid out in a casket and read his obituary that said, “Stephan Manuel Pool, decorated Iraq War veteran, college educated, network engineer, Department of Justice.” It’s been said that 2012 voter turnout in the black community remained high because of voter suppression efforts, attracting what I call the “oh hell no” vote. Trayvon Martin must become the catalyst for the black community to demonstrate to our so-called lighter counterparts that we will fight for our children block by block, book by book. Only then, can we expect others do the same. Ivory Johnson owns the local financial planning firm Delancey Wealth Management and lives a stone throw from Barracks Row. ◆

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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 National Capital Parks--EAST 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE Kid smiles 4837 Benning Road SE Pimento Grill 4405 Bowen Rd SE East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Ave ,SE St Johns Baptist Church 5228 Call Place SE Capitol View Branch Library 5001 Central Ave , SE Marie Winston Elementary School 3100 Denver St , SE Subway 4525 East Capitol St Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 3800 Ely Pl , SE Anacostia Museum for African Amer History 1901 Fort Pl SE - Back Door Smithsonian Anacostia Marcia Burris 1901 Fort Place SE - Back Door DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation 3030 G ST SE ARCH 1227 Good Hope Rd , SE Anacostia Pizzeria 1243 Good Hope Rd , SE SunTrust Bank 1340 Good Hope Rd , SE Unity Health Care Inc 1638 Good Hope Rd , SE Bread for the City 1640 Good Hope Rd , SE Marbury Plaza Tenants Assoc 2300 Good Hope Rd , SE Dollar Plus Supermarket 1453 Howard Rd , SE Ascensions Psychological and Community Services 1526 Howard Rd SE Dupont Park SDA Church 3985 Massachusettes Ave SE Orr Elementary School 2200 Minnesota Ave SE Hart Recreation Center 601 Mississippi Ave , SE Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave , SE The ARC 1901 Mississippi Ave , SE Neighborhood Pharmacy 1932 Martin Luther King Jr , SE PNC Bank 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Bank of America 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE 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 CVS – Penn Branch Congress Heights Recreation Center Johnson Memorial Baptist Church Ridge Recreation Center Savoy Recreation Center PNC Bank Rite Aid United Medical Center Benning Park Community Center Benning Stoddert Recreation Center Union Temple Baptist Church Senior Living at Wayne Place Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library Bald Eagle At Fort Greble Covenant Baptist Church Faith Presbyterian Church Henson Ridge Town Homes Office The Wilson Building CCN office Eastern Market YMCA Capitol View CW Harris Elementary School DC Child & Family Services Agency

3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE 3240 Pennsylvania Ave , SE 100 Randle Pl , SE 800 Ridge Rd SE 800 Ridge Rd , SE 2440 Shannon Pl SE 4100 South Capitol St , SE 4635 South Capitol St , SE 1310 Southern Ave , SE 5100 Southern Ave SE 100 Stoddert Pl , SE 1225 W ST SE 114 Wayne Place SE 115 Atlantic St , SW 100 Joliet St SW 3845 South Capitol St 4161 South Capitol St SW 1804 Stanton Terrace, SE 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW 224 7th ST SE 225 7th St SE 2118 Ridgecrest Court SE 301 53rd Street, SE 200 I Street SE

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