East of the River Magazine July 2017 by Capital Community News

JULY 2017

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AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH & WELLNESS 18

Food Desert Solutions by Candace Y.A. Montague

Releasing Black Hair Relaxers by Candace Y.A. Montague

Hiking and Biking the Anacostia by Bill Matuszeski

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

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The Bulletin Board

Rebuilding Southern Avenue by Cuneyt Dil

N E X T I S S U E : a u g u s t 12

IN EVERY ISSUE

30 32

08 What’s on Washington

Why Do They Run? by Christine Rushton

Stanton Square Breaks Ground by John Muller

10 Calendar

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

48 The Classiﬁed

50 The Crossword

Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe

ON THE COVER: Raymond Coates, manager of the East Capitol Urban Farm, proudly shows the harvest from his gardens. Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague. See story on pg. 18.

Pulling Them Back From the Brink: Legal Counsel for the Elderly by Christine Rushton

REAL ESTATE 38

Pesky People and Pests Too! by Jessica Wynter Martin

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

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Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 • 202.543.8300 • capitalcommunitynews.com Executive Editor: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2016 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

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Have You Liked Us Yet? East Washington News, Serving the Ward 8 communities!

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PHILLIPS AFTER 5 ANNUAL TRUKFEST On Aug. 3 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.,

NATIONAL DANCE DAY AND NSO CONCERT ON THE MALL On July 29, the National

come hungry for the annual food truck Phillips after 5. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks, venture into the museum to create a food painting inspired by the art of Markus LĂźpertz. Listen to jamming music from Granny & The Boys. Reservations are strongly recommended. This popular Phillips after 5 event tends to sell out in advance. Tickets are $12; $10 for visitors 62 and over and students. Members always admitted for free, no reservation needed. The Phillips Collection is at 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org.

Symphony Orchestra welcomes Music Director Gianandrea Noseda to DC with a free concert on the Mall. Celebrate National Dance Day with interactive dance routines and lessons, performances and live music. Try group lessons to teach the official National Dance Day routine. National Dance Day activities begin at 4 p.m. and the NSO concert begins at 7 p.m. Both events, on the Mall between Fourth and Seventh Streets NW are free; no tickets required. kennedy-center.org.

Photo: Maria Vizcaino

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SHAW SKATE PARK

Shaw Skate Park, 11th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW, is open year-round, daily, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Skate, unsupervised. No waiver required. The 11,000 square-foot park includes a concrete surface with precast concrete skate park ramps, grindoxes, and half-pipes. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation recommends that adults supervise children. All skaters should use standard safety equipment. dpr.dc.gov/page/ shaw-skate-park-renovation. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy of Shaw Main Streets.

The National Symphony Orchestra, Gianandrea Noseda and National Dance Day. Courtesy of the artist.

ANDREW WYETH: IN RETROSPECT AT THE BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM OF ART To mark the 100th anniversary of Andrew Wyeth’s birth, the Brandywine River Museum of Art presents an exhibition of over one hundred of his finest paintings and works on papers selected from major museums and private collections. “Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect” is the first in-depth chronological examination of Wyeth’s career since 1973. The exhibition explores how the artist’s work evolved over the decades. It connects him more fully to traditions in American and European art. His career arc is explored with displays on the critical responses to his work and his immense public success. New interpretations will be offered on the significance of outside influences, such as film and war; as well as on the subjects and themes that occupied him throughout his career. On exhibition through Sept. 17, at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA. brandywine.org/museum.

AMERICAN ROOTS OUTDOOR CONCERTS AT THE BOTANIC GARDEN The summer concert US Botanic Garden (USBG) series, first offered in 2015, celebrates American roots music. Concerts are held outdoors in the National Garden Amphitheater surrounded by the beautiful Regional Garden of native plants. In case of rain, join the band inside the Conservatory in the Garden Court. All these free concerts run from 5 to 7 p.m. Amphitheater seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Here is the lineup: July 13, Forlorn Strangers (Americana/country); July 27, Cathy Ponton King (roots rock); Aug. 10, Gaye & the Wild Rutz (blues and roots); Aug. 24, Dede Wyland (bluegrass); Sept. 14, David Bach (jazz); Sept. 28, Jason Ricci (blues). Visit USBG.gov/RootsConcerts for more information. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden

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WRIGHT ON THE WALLS AT THE NBM

Through Sept. 4, 2017. The National Building Museum celebrates the 150th birthday of Frank Lloyd Wright by opening a hands-on coloring space titled “Wright on the Walls.” It features an interactive, large-scale “coloring book” inspired by the architect’s work and visitors are encouraged to color in directly on the drawings. Washable dry-erase markers will be provided to visitors in Wright on the Walls; visitors are asked not to bring their own coloring supplies. Admission is included in the Museum’s admission fee of $7 to $10. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. nbm.org. Photo: Allan Sprecher

LOTUS JAZZ NIGHT AT KENILWORTH PARK

July 22, 5 to 7PM. Lotus Jazz Night features live jazz at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to celebrate the end of this year’s week-long Water Lily and Lotus Festival. Bring family, friends, and a blanket and picnic to enjoy the show along with the jaw-dropping backdrop of the pink American lotus. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Nucleus will perform jazz and R&B at the Lotus Jazz Night. Photo: Courtesy of Friends of Kenilworth Park

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OUTDOOR MUSIC, MOVIES AND CEREMONY SummerSet DC Lunchtime Concerts. (formerly Music on the Mall), Tuesdays and Thursdays, through July 20, noon to 2 PM. On the National Mall at Jefferson and Seventh. Sunset Parades at Iwo Jima Memorial. Tuesdays, 7 to 8 PM. Lawn seating. Bring blankets and chairs. No public parking available at the Memorial grounds on Parade evenings. Guests may park at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors’ Center for a small fee. Marine Barracks provides a free shuttle bus service from the Visitors’ Center to and from the memorial grounds. barracks.marines.mil. Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movies. Thursdays, 7 PM. Here’s the remaining lineup: July 13, Moana; July 20, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; July 27, Arrival. Movies start at sundown. Canal Park, Second and Eye Streets SE. capitolriverfront.org. Jazz in the Garden at the NGA. Fridays, 5 to 8:30 PM. The free concerts feature locally and nationally acclaimed musicians performing a wide va-

riety of musical genres. The full schedule is at nga.gov. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, between Seventh and Ninth Streets, Constitution Avenue NW. Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Fridays. 8:45 to 10 PM. Features music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” US Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. Reservations suggested. barracks.marines.mil. Air Force Band Concerts at the Air Force Memorial. Fridays in summer, 7:30 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. airforcememorial.org. Military Band Concerts at the Capitol. Weeknights in summer, 8 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Thursdays, US Army Band or US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. West side of the Capitol. There’s plenty of parking near the Botanic Garden. NoMa Summer Screen. Movies start at sunset. They encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because the site is covered in asphalt. Bring blankets, frisbees, and picnic coolers when the doors open at 7 PM. July 12, Man of the Year; July 19, First Kid; July 26, Wag the Dog. Movies

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are at NoMa Junction @ Storey Park, 1005 First St. NE, at the corner of First and L Streets NE. nomabid.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Summer Evening Concerts at the National Arboretum. July 13, Deja Belle (R&B and Neo-Soul); July 20, Rocknoceros (Children’s); July 27, Unified Jazz Ensemble (Jazz). Concerts are 7 to 8:30 PM with no rain dates. All concerts are free, but reservations are required at fona.org/events/summer-evenings. Tickets will become available two weeks before the concert date.

Wright on the Walls at the NBM. The National Building Museum celebrates the 150th birthday of Frank Lloyd Wright by opening a hands-on coloring space titled “Wright on the Walls.” It features an interactive, large-scale “coloring book” inspired by the architect’s work and visitors are encouraged to color in directly on the drawings. Washable dry-erase markers will be provided to visitors in Wright on the Walls; visitors are asked not to bring their own coloring supplies. Admission is included in the Museum’s admission fee of $7 to $10. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

Tunes in the Triangle. Thursdays, 6 to 8 PM. July 20, Phil Kominski. Fifth and K Streets NW. mountvernontriangle.org. Bethesda Summer Concerts. Concerts are 6 to 8 PM. July 13, Chuggalug; July 20, Joker’s Wild. Veterans Park at the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues, Bethesda, MD. bethesda.org.

Truckeroo. July 21; 11 AM to 11 PM. Truckeroo is familyfriendly and features live music, cold drinks, games and more. 1201 Half St. SE. thebullpendc.com/truckeroo. Tour de Fat. July 22, 4 to 9 PM. Event features mobile karaoke, dance contests, bike rides, live music, craft beer and philanthropy. 136 N St SE. newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.

Golden Cinema at Farragut Park. July 14, Finding Dory; July 21, Big; July 28, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Aug. 4, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Movies at 7:30 PM. Rain dates are Aug. 11 and 18. Farragut Park is at Connecticut Avenue and K Street NW. goldentriangledc.com.

Flying Circus Air Shows. Sundays, 2:30 to (about) 4 PM. Adults, $15; $7, kids through 12 and under 5, free. The Flying Circus Aerodrome is located at 5114 Ritchie Rd. in Bealeton, VA. flyingcircusairshow.com.

Navy Memorial Concerts on the Avenue. Tuesdays; July 11, 18, 25; and Aug. 1; 7:30 PM. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NE. navyband.navy.mil.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Rockin’ the Block Concert Series at Canal Park. Concerts are 6:30 to 8:30 PM. July 12, Daniel Hill; Aug. 2, Mike McHenry Trio; Sept. 6, Zach Cutler. Rockin’ the Block will also feature food and beverage vendors, a moon bounce and lawn games for all ages. Canal Park, Second and Eye Streets SE. capitolriverfront.org. Strathmore’s Live from the Lawn Summer Concerts. Concerts start at 7 PM. July 12, Karen Jonas; July 19, Look Homeward; July 26, Bug Ray & The Kool Cats. Free. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD. strathmore.org. American Roots Music at Botanic Garden. July 13 and 27; Aug. 10 and 24; 5 to 7 PM. Free, no preregistration required. National Garden Amphitheater, US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov. Cinematery at Congressional Cemetery. July 14, 8:30 PM. Gates open at 7:30 PM. Enjoy a screening of The Maltese Falcon. BYOB and dinner, too. No dogs. $10 suggested donation at the main gate. congressionalcemetery.org. Bethesda Outdoor Movie Series. Movies start at 9 PM. July 18, The Wizard of Oz; July 19, Field of Dreams; July 20, Dead Poet’s Society; July 21, Hidden Figures; July 22, La La Land. Free admission. Movies are shown at the corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. bethesda.org. Sunset Summer Films at Stone of Hope. July 27, Moana. The film begins at 8 PM; seating at 7 PM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and food. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Free. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. thememorialfoundation.org.

City Under Siege by Vincent Brown. East of the River panel discussion, July 13, 6 to 9 PM. Photographer Vincent Brown has made it his mission to document the lives of individuals who are often overlooked as the city evolves. In his first ever solo exhibition, “City Under Siege,” Brown shares a selection of images he’s captured over the past two years. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. 11th Annual East of the River Exhibition. This annual event provides a platform for the creative talent emerging from the Southside of the District. Artists Elana Casey, Sheila Crider and Amber Robles present their highly anticipated mixed media exhibitions. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. Honfleurgallery.com. DC Artists East Exhibition. The inaugural DC Artists East Exhibition features work of the many artists who are members of the DC Artists East website. This show celebrates the launch of the site, which seeks to promote artists making work in Ward 7 and 8. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. The Hut: Jenny Hates Techno, Rex, and Lovey. July 14, 8 to 11 PM. The Hut is proud to present three rocking bands. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Movies at the ACM. July 20, 6 to 8 PM, Environmental Film Festival Screening: Tidewater (2017; 40 min); July 28, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Check It (2016; 60 min.), film and discussion. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. All The Way Live Tuesdays: Dior Ashley Brown. July 25, 7 to 9 PM. This is a monthly Hip-Hop Series featuring a diverse array of performers and musicians. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. TWB@THEARC Summer Classes. Mondays, 6:45 to 8 PM; Adult Barre, Tuesdays, 7 to 8 PM; Wednesdays, 6:45 to 7:45 PM,

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FORT DUPONT PUBLIC ICE SKATING SCHEDULE

July 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31, noon to 2 PM. Public skating is $5 for adults (13-64); $4 for seniors and children (5-12); $3, skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. 202-5845007. fdia.org. Photo: Courtesy of Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena

Blue Monday Blues in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. July 10, Mark Wenner’s Blues Warriors; July 17, Lil Margie Live!; July 24, Robert Penn Blues Band; July 31, Cathy Ponton King Band. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at Hill Country. July 11, Roselit Bone; July 13, Kurt Crandall; July 14, Ben Miller Band; July 15, The Highballers; July 18, the Crane Wives; July 20, Kara Grainger; July 21, Supersuckers, The Upper Crust; July 22, Hollertown; July 25, Zane Campbell; July 27, Vintage #18; July 28, The Woodshedders; July 29, Stealin’ The Deal; Aug. 1, Whiskerman; Aug. 4, Nikki Hill; Aug. 5, Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons. Hill Country Live, 410 Seventh St. NW. hillcountry.com/dc. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. July 14, Michael Thomas Quintet; July 21, Mavis Waters Jazz Ensemble; July 28, The Wolfolk Group. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at the Lincoln. July 18 and 19, Eric and Tim; Aug. 9, Tajmo-the Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band. The Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. thelincolndc.com. Music at Sixth and I. July 23, Ride; July 27, Xavier Rudd: The Change Coming Tour; Aug. 3, SiriusXM’s Coffee House Live Tour: Joshua Radin & Rachael Yamagata; Aug. 9, Natalia Lafourcade. Sixth and I, 600 I St. NW. sixthandi.org.

SPORTS AND FITNESS Adult Pilates; Wednesdays, 7:45 to 9 PM; Thursdays, 7 to 8:15 PM, Adult Ballet; Saturdays, 8:30 to 9:30 AM, Adult Zumba; Saturdays, 2:15 to 3 PM, Adult African. Single classes are $12. A discount of $6 is granted to adults from the zip codes 20020 and 20032. A valid ID is required to receive the discount. Class cards good for 12 classes are $100/$60 for Wards 7 and 8 residents. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. thearcdc.org.

MUSIC AROUND TOWN Signature Theatre’s Sizzlin’ Summer Nights Cabaret Series. Through July 22. Two and a half weeks of live music and performances by Signature favorites and DC area stars with a different performance every night. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. sigtheatre.org.

Music at Black Cat. July 8, Risk!; July 9, The Artisanals; July 11, The Flatliners; July 13, Witch Taint; July 14, Royal Headache; July 15, Rent Party; July 16, The Kickback; July 18, Count Vaseline; July 20, Wylder; July 21, Venn; July 22, The 9-Singer-Songwriter Showcase; July 24, Algiers; July 25, School of Rock All Stars; July 27, Cumbals Eat Guitars; July 29, Kill Lincoln; July 3, Harry J & the Bling; Aug. 2, Holograms; Aug. 5, Venzella joy, Micki Miller. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com. Music at U Street Music Hall. July 8, Gigamesh; July 9, Kap G & JR Donato; July 12, Beth Ditto; July 13, Why Don’t We; July 14, Rush Plus & 1432 R; July 15, Myles Parrish; July 20, The Hip Abduction; July 21, Frank Iero and DJ Dan; July 28, Free Range: Will Eastman b2b Ayes Cold; July 29, Breakbot; Aug. 4, Mat.Joe. U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 202-588-1889. ustreetmusichall.com.

Music at The Howard. July 8, Chicken & Mumbo Sauce; July 14, Mali Music; July 15, Reggae Fest with Elephant Man; July 18 and 19, Beres Hammond; July 22, The Sweet Spot Washington DC White Party: Karaoke Edition and The Untouchables feat. Scarface & Backyard Band; July 29, Soca Inferno. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.

Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. July 8, Rooftop DJ-Ozker-Sync and Rooney; July 12, Sir Sky; July 13, Woods; July 14, Darkest Hour; July 15, White Ford Bronco; July 18, Dragonforce; July 21, This Wild Life; July 22, Aztec Sun; July 23, Thurston Moore Group; July 27, Jagwar MA; July 28, In Your Memory CD Release; July 29, Nite Jewel “Real High” Tour; July 30, Jaymes Young; Aug. 1, The Rocket Summer. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Music at 9:30 Club. July 8, Mitski; July 11, Kyle Mooney Live; July 14, The Dollop; July 15, Desus Nice & The Kid Mero; July 16, Bitch Sesh Live; July 20, Amadou & Mariam; July 21, Sister Hazel; July 22, Uhh Yeah Dude; July 26, Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes); Aug. 1, Rag’n’Bone Man; Aug. 2, Petit Biscuit; Aug. 4, Michelle Branch; Aug. 5, Mew; Aug. 8, Little Dragon. 815 V St. NW. 877435-9849. 930.com.

Summer Organ Recitals at the National Shrine. Sundays, 6 PM. July 9, Marina Omelchenko; July 16, Benjamin LaPrairie; July 23, Peter van de Velde; July 30, Dan Aune; Aug. 6, Michael Emmerich; Aug. 13, Peter Latona; Aug. 20, Iris Lan; Aug. 27, Sergio Orabona. No charge for admission; a free will offering will be accepted. All are welcome. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.com.

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Washington Nationals. July 8, 9, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30; and Aug. 7. Nat’s Park. washington.nationals.mlb.com. Washington Mystics Basketball. July 19 and 28; Aug. 6. Verizon Center. mystics.wnba.com. DC United at RFK. July 22, 7 PM vs Houston Dynamo. dcunited.com. Yoga Gatherings at the Botanic Garden. Saturdays, 10:30 to 11:30 AM. WithLoveDC is a movement to spread love, joy, and acceptance throughout the District. WithLoveDC offers free yoga gatherings at the US Botanic Garden. This program is first-come, first served with limited space available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats. No pre-registration required. usbg.gov. Yoga Mortis at Congressional Cemetery. Wednesdays, 6 PM. Classes are one hour and appropriate for all experience levels. No reservations are required; suggested donation is $15. congressionalcemetery.org. Outdoor Public Swimming Pools. East of the River outdoor public pools are: Anacostia Pool at 1800 Anacostia Dr. SE; Benning Park Pool at 5100 Southern Ave. SE; Douglass Pool at 1921 Frederick Douglass Ct. SE; Fort Stanton Pool at 1800 Erie St. SE; Kelly Miller Pool at 4900 Brooks St. NE; Oxon Run Pool at 501 Mississippi Ave. SE; Ridge Road Pool, 830 Ridge Rd. SE. Kenilworth Pool, 1300 44th St. NE. All outdoor pools are open weekends, noon to 6 PM; weekdays, 11 AM to 8 PM. All DC pools are free for DC residents. Have picture ID. dpr.dc.gov. Barry Farm Indoor Pool. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 AM to 8 PM; and Saturdays and Sundays from

9 AM to 5PM. Free for DC residents. 1230 Sumner Rd. SE. 202-730-0572. dpr.dc.gov. Deanwood Indoor Pool. Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 8 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov. Ferebee Hope Indoor Pool. Open weekdays, 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-6453916. dpr.dc.gov.

MARKETS AND SALES Ward 8 Farmer’s Market. Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM. Market is in the parking lot behind Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3200

Sixth St. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com. SW Arts Market. Every second and fourth Friday, 4 to 10 PM. July 14 and 28. Fourth and M Streets SW. marketswdc.com. First Fridays at Community Forklift. Aug. 4, 6 to 8 PM. Sale features different bands, artists, and food trucks each month. Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD. communityforklift.org. Southwest DC Community Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM. Fourth and M Streets SW. dreamingoutloud.org. Capitol Riverfront FRESHFARM Market. Sundays, 10 AM to 2 PM. 1101 Second St. SE. freshfarm.org.

Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 6 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open weekends, 9 AM to 6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh St. SE. easternmarket-dc.org. Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market. Sundays, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 20th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW. freshfarmmarket.org. Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays after 10 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh Street SE. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays to Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. unionmarketdc.com.

CIVIC LIFE DDOT Public Space Committee Meeting. July 27; 9 AM. The Public Space Committee meets monthly to review and render decisions on a variety of types of permit applications for the use and occupancy of the public right of way that do not fall within the regular permitting process such as sidewalk cafes; over-height retaining walls; over-height fences and security bollards. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, 2nd Floor, Hearing Room. ddot.dc.gov/ page/public-space-committee-meetings. Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30 to 8 PM. Zion Baptist Church of Eastland Gardens, 1234 Kenilworth Ave. NE. Contact Rochelle Frazier-Gray, 202-352-7264 or richelle.frazier@longandfoster.com. Central Northeast Civic Association. Third Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 PM. Dorothy Irene Height Public Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. For more information, email miricotc@gmail.com or call 202-388-1111.

KENILWORTH PARK WATER LILY & LOTUS FESTIVAL

July 15, 10 AM to 4 PM. The Lotus & Water Lily Festival celebrates the profusion of flowers all around the garden and the cultures that celebrate these flowers with music, dance, crafts, tours and children’s activities. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Photo: Tim Ervin

Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon to 2 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900. Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capi-

tolviewcivicassoc.org. Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7 to 9 PM. UPO’s Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Marshall Heights Civic Association. First Saturday, 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Benning Park Recreation Center, 5100 Southern Ave. SE. For more information, contact info@marshallheightsdc.org or call Keith Towery at 240-340-2198. Anacostia High School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday, 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R Streets SE. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Ward 7 Education Council Meeting. Fourth Thursday, 6:30 PM. Capitol View Library, 5001 East Capitol St. SE.

ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b@earthlink.net. ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. anc7c@verizon.net. ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 7D06@anc.dc.gov. ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 7E@anc.dc.gov. ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE. ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. anc8adc.org. ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Streets SE. anc8b.org. ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW.

Have an item from the Calendar? Email it to calendar@hillrag.com.

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SPECIAL ISSUE

THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUR FAMILY IS A

AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH & WELLNESS IN DC

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Food Desert Solutions HOW TO SCORE PRODUCE AND GROCERIES IN EAST DC by Candace Y.A. Montague

e know the stats b y n o w. Three grocery stores for nearly 150,000 residents in Wards 7 and 8. Almost half the food deserts in the District are located in Ward 8. Twenty-six percent of the homes in DC that struggle to put food on the table have children that reside there. Food insecurity is a problem that plagues hundreds of families in DC daily. There have been glimpses and whispers of change happening but so far nothing has been done. What’s the solution? Think outside of the store. There are many options for getting quality, aﬀordable, and fresh food.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

There’s no better place to get fresh local produce than the farmers’ markets. Eastern Market and DC Open Air Farmers Market at RFK Stadium have been offering fresh produce for decades. Arcadia Farm, a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, sponsors eight farmers’ markets throughout Wards 7 and 8. They are open Tuesday through Saturday. Most markets in the DMV accept SNAP benefits as well as farmers’ market vouchers. Some are Metro accessible.

HEALTHY CORNERS

Go to the corner store and get your weekly stock of fruit and veggies. DC Central Kitchen has expanded its Healthy Corners Program into additional locations in food deserts around the District. Erica Teti-Zilinskas, director of communications and marketing

for DC Central Kitchen, explains that Healthy Corners has blossomed to fill gaps in and around neighborhoods. “Healthy corners started in 2011. We have grown. In 2014, we doubled the number of stores we serve from 32 to 70 corner stores. Healthy corners was developed to break the stereotype and change the opinion that healthy food may not be purchased in every neighborhood. The critics are right. If you don’t make the food available, no one will buy it. It’s really about partnering with small business owners to sell them a range of products that we offer, from cut fruit to whole produce to packaged snacks.” Grubbs Southeast Pharmacy and Mini Mart, located on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, was one of the first locations to have a large produce display. On June 23, Grubbs relaunched and expanded the selection of produce through the Healthy Corners program. The event offered raffles, food tastings, and a cooking demo with ingredients sold at the mini mart. Supporting the healthy corners program puts dollars back into the community through the job training program. “We have corner store events several times a week. We have cooking demos. We also have a job training program, and the money from the corner store program is put into culinary training for jobs. We provide jobs here at DC Central Kitchen,” adds Teti-Zilinskas.

GROCERY DELIVERY

Imagine erasing all of those transportation, childcare, and bring-your-ownbag woes with just a few clicks on your phone. Several companies offer grocery delivery. Yes, in Wards 7 and 8. Safeway and Peapod by Giant offer grocery delivery. They even have an app for customers to order by phone. Instacart is a delivery service that offers a wide selection from Safeway, Giant, Costco, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, and even Petco. It also offers employment opportunities. Hatina Netsai Covington, Ward 8 resident and Instacart shopper, explains how the program works. “Instacart is an online platform to get groceries from various stores delivered to your home. In my zip code, 20032, they do Costco, Giant, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Safeway, Petco, and CVS. You choose items from an online menu and provide your payment information. Shoppers have an app on their phones where they receive batches (orders). We are paid an hourly rate plus percentage bonuses for speed and peak shopping times. Last week I made $156 for about 10½ hours’ work. This week I made $198 for 15 hours. It's not a terrible hustle, especially for someone like me who actually enjoys grocery shopping.” Amazon Prime offers delivery as well. And with the recent acquisition of Whole Foods, the selection is bound to cover all the bases. Sounds a lot better than standing in long lines at the selfcheckout.

GROW YOUR OWN

Grubbs Southeast Pharmacy and Mini Market on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue celebrates the relaunch of the Healthy Corners Program. Photo: DC Central Kitchen

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Last year, the University of the District of Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) opened the East Capitol Urban Farm at the intersection of East Capitol Street and Southern Avenue, on the fringe of Ward 7. Raymond Coates, 58, is a returning citizen and manager of the urban farm. He loved landscaping and wanted to find a way

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to get more plants and gardens in his neighborhood. “I used to work in landscape. I tried to figure out how to make gardens on the sidewalk strips in my neighborhood. I started learning about food and food deserts. I learned that this organic food market offers a great opportunity for lower-income and disenfranchised people. Most people do it as a hobby at this level. We can package and distribute this ourselves.” The garden plots are available for neighbors to plant vegetables and fruits at no cost. “This space is an attempt to regenerate the spirit of ownership within the commuRaymond Coates, manager of the East Capitol Urban nity. What you grow, you Farm, proudly shows the harvest from his gardens. Photo: take. It’s yours,” explains Candace Y.A. Montague Coates. For more informaward to working with Martha’s Table tion about how to gain a plot, email on future projects.” them at sustainability@udc.edu. The market offers fresh seasonal proFREE FOOD GIVEAWAY duce as well as healthy pantry staples. Joyful Food Market is giving away free Visitors can receive produce and panfood this summer. Yes, free food. This is try items five times this summer: July 14, not fake news. On select Fridays in July July 28, Aug. 11, and Aug. 18, from 3 to and August, Joyful Food Market, a col5 p.m. No pre-signup or income restriclaboration between Martha’s Table and tions. Bring your own bag. Visit www. Capital Area Food Bank, offers free grothearcdc.org/events/joyful-food-marketsceries on the grounds of THEARC on free-food-market-0 for location and times. Mississippi Avenue. A pilot program is underway for Nikki Peele, director of marketseniors to receive free groceries deliving and community engagement for ered to their homes. The Good Food THEARC, explains that they are deProgram offers groceries or three meals lighted to have Joyful Food Market per day, four days a week, to seniors back again this summer. “THEARC who are receiving meals from the DC is so happy that Joyful Food Market is Office on Aging’s home delivery proreturning to THEARC this summer. gram. The program is beginning with The five Joyful Food Markets that are 75 participants who live in areas with scheduled at THEARC this summer the highest concentration of food deswill provide fresh fruits and vegetables erts. Contact the DC Office on Aging along with pantry staples to families in for more information at 202-724-5622. Wards 7 and 8. It’s not only serving a great need – healthy eating – but also Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter creates an opportunity for the commufor Capital Community News. nity to come together. Joyful Food Market brings much joy to the communities we serve at THEARC, and we look for-

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Releasing Black Hair Relaxers WHY GOING ‘NATURAL’ IS THE HEALTHIER CHOICE FOR YOUR BODY AND TRESSES by Candace Y.A. Montague

alk into any black hair salon on a Saturday morning and you will find creative chaos. Blow driers blasting, sinks with water flowing, hot irons smoking through millions of hair strands in smooth waves. It’s a workshop for sure. And work is the name of the game. There is a great amount of subliminal pressure from the multi-billiondollar beauty industry that tells women of color that their natural hair and skin aren’t suitable for conventional beauty standards. So, while stylists work from the outside to tame black hair, chemicals work on the inside to keep it tamed beyond the shop. What are the long-term health eﬀects of applying harsh chemicals to scalp and hair follicles? How can black women make the switch when going natural, without going into shock?

THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF RELAXERS

Many published studies show a correlation between hair relaxers and problems with the female reproductive system. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2012 revealed that black women who use relaxers were two to three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Dr. Melanye Maclin, an African-American female-development dermatologist based in Bowie, Md., explains that scalp is skin and it absorbs what is applied to it. “We don’t realize that the chemicals can absorb through our scalp. The scalp has a very rich blood supply. When you feel that burning sensation, you sit there and take it because you want your hair to be as straight as possible. You don’t realize that once you feel that tingle or burn, your body is letting you know that the nerves are being activated in that area. If the nerves are being activated, the blood vessels are being affected. Those blood vessels have to be getting some kind of negative eﬀect.” Some women may feel that they play it safe by using a “no-lye” relaxer. These reCommon hair relaxers found in local beauty supply stores can cause major damage to the body as well as the hair. Photo: Candace Y.A. Montague

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PJ’S BARBERS

& STYLISTS

laxers contain chemicals such as calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate. Although these straighteners are advertised as causing fewer lesions and burns, there is very little evidence to support the claims. No matter how you label it, chemical relaxers are designed to permanently change the structure of hair. Think kiddie perms are safer? Not really. Dr. Maclin suggests you avoid putting any relaxers into children’s hair. Let the follicles mature and let their internal hormone system mature. “Is it straight hair today or grandchildren tomorrow?”

IT’S MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION

There are hundreds of medications that could potentially cause hair loss including pills for blood pressure, thyroid issues, and even select vitamins. Yo-yo dieting (constant weight gain and loss) has also been linked to hair loss because of the deficiency in protein. Even with all of the variables aﬀecting general health, none has a greater eﬀect on hair health than basic care. “There are a lot of folks who will try to blame the medications, but really it’s the last thing on the list that causes the problem,” says Dr. Maclin. “If they started a new medication and are having widespread hair shedding, then, yes, it’s probably the medication. But most medications are not causing the problems. It’s our hair-care practices that are doing the most damage.” Hair loss caused by medications is typically reversible once you stop taking the prescription.

MISTAKES AND HEALTHY FIXES

Where do black women go wrong in this hair game? Excessive processing is one problem. Dawn Mazyck, licensed cosmetologist, natural hairstylist, and owner of Dawn Michelle Salon on the edge of Ward 7 in District Heights, Md., explains how women do the most damage to their mane. “I think getting relaxers too close together will damage your hair. It’s supposed to be every six weeks. But women will get spot relax-

ers and put it on the back and the sides. You’re not supposed to do that because it’s a corrosive chemical. Some people can go six months without a touchup.” Getting hair color in close timing with relaxers can cause breakage too, especially light color. “You’re guaranteeing over-processing. If you’re going for a darker color or rinse, it’s not as big of a deal. But if you want a bleach, you should wait about four weeks before you put a relaxer in.” Should black women throw out the relaxers with the bath water? Not so fast. Dr. Maclin says that if a woman is not experiencing any issues with the current relaxing routine, such as hair thinning or reproductive problems, it should be fine. She suggests that the scalp be heavily based with petroleum jelly before applying relaxers and hair dye. There are also natural hair relaxers on the market that will soften the hair but won’t produce the same results as their chemical correlatives. For those who are ready to make a healthy transition, Mazyck offers two suggestions. “You can do locs. I have locs. Locs are easy to maintain. You can also do braids with the added hair. Nothing too heavy like big box braids. That’s easy too because you can wait until [the relaxer] grows all the way out before you cut it off.” Switching to natural doesn’t mean less maintenance though. Dr. Maclin and Mazyck both agree that natural hair needs moisture. “Your hair will break off if you don’t keep it moisturized, just like it would with a relaxer,” adds Mazyck. Natural hair can also be straightened with a blow drier or flatiron with the proper amount of heatprotection product. It is up to the individual woman to decide which style she can maintain. Got a question for Dr. Maclin? Email her at drmacmd@gmail.com or call 1-888-699-HAIR. Want a consultation with Dawn Mazyck? Email her at dawnmichellesalon@gmail.com or call 1-866-999-4246. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News.

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Our River: The Anacostia

Hiking and Biking the Anacostia WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE article & photos by Bill Matuszeski

he number of folks interested in hiking and biking the Anacostia keeps growing, as does the number of people asking me the best places to go and how to get there. So, I decided to dedicate this summer article to just those issues. Let’s look first at some of the most interesting places to hike close by, and then go farther afield. After that, let’s shift to biking trails. Remember, you can take your bike on Metro at no additional cost up to 7 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays and any time on weekends.

HIKING THE ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL

The Riverwalk Trail runs along both sides of the river from the Frederick Douglass (South Capitol Street)

Bridge to Benning Road, and now on the east side from there to the Bladensburg Park and Marina. The entire loop from the Douglass Bridge to Benning Road and back is about nine miles, and the roundtrip to Bladensburg adds another eight, but it can be broken into segments and hiked a section at a time. Douglass Bridge to 11th Street Bridge Loop – about two and a half miles. This includes the stadium, Yards Park, and the Navy Yard on the Capitol Hill side, and some very open and wild areas along Poplar Point on the Anacostia side – a nice mix of open and developed, old and new. The views from both bridges are impressive and memorable, and crossing the 11th Street Bridge will give you an idea of how the new bridge project will spread parks, gardens, and entertainment spaces to the old bridge piers that you can

The Riverwalk Trail over the CSX bridge above Pennsylvania Avenue in Anacostia.

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walk out to now. 11th Street Bridge to Pennsylvania Avenue Loop – about two miles. It includes boathouses along the west side and Anacostia Park, with the great pirate ship playground and picnic pavilion on the east side. Pennsylvania Avenue to East Capitol Street Loop – about three and a half miles. The boathouses continue, and you pass by the edge of the Congressional Cemetery, and RFK Stadium parking on the Capitol Hill side (not the scenic route), but the views over the water are nice and the other side features the Aquatic Resources Education Center and a spectacular pedestrian bridge swinging over the CSX tracks which cross the river there. East Capitol Street Bridge to Benning Road – about two miles. On the Anacostia side this is woods and fields that connect to the new extension to Bladensburg; on the east side it is RFK Stadium parking lots, but you can take a great detour and explore Kingman and Heritage islands. Benning Road to Bladensburg – the new section, an eight-mile roundtrip. It has wild sections along the river, a hike across the Kenilworth playing fields, a connection to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a 1,000foot walkway out over the river and under Amtrak and New York Avenue, and a virtual wilderness all the way from there to Bladensburg Marina and (whew!) a public restroom.

OTHER HIKES TO TRY

The Marvin Gaye Trail along Watts Branch in Anacostia. This new trail starts near where Gaye grew up and spent time escaping his tough father by sitting along Watts Branch, composing songs. The trail starts a block from Capitol Heights Metro, Blue or Silver lines, and follows the stream through parks for about three miles to either the Riverwalk Trail or the Minnesota Avenue Metro, Orange Line. Along the way is a lot of interesting history – a nightclub where Gaye first performed, which is now a training center for green jobs; the campus established by Helen Nanny Burroughs as a training center for young black women, among other things. The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, with a series of trails and boardwalks open to the public and now connected to the Riverwalk. The National Arboretum, filled with interesting walks and displays. Check out Fern Valley, Mount Hamilton (great views of the distant Capitol and monuments), and the Asia Garden. The Northwest Branch from Adelphi Mill to the Beltway, a remarkable four-mile roundtrip through a deep valley next to a rushing stream and waterfalls, and not a building in sight. Park at the mill along Riggs Road and head upstream. You can even cross under the Beltway and continue on a rough trail not suitable for bikes.

Lake Artemesia near Greenbelt, a virtually unknown gem created by the need for sand and gravel for the Metro. Unfortunately, it is between two distant Green Line stations, College Park and Greenbelt, but you could walk from either. The lake is an oasis of calm with pavilions and waterbirds, but never many people. Sandy Spring, source of the Anacostia. The best for last: the farthest origin of the river is in upper Montgomery County near the village named after the Sandy Spring. It was a Quaker settlement and a stopping point on the Underground Railroad. Very interesting museums to visit. But then follow signs to the Quaker Meeting House, park, and follow the trail through the fence and out into the fields. You will soon see a grove of small trees under which emerges the Sandy Spring. There are many miles of hikes in the surrounding parklands and protected areas.

BIKE TRIPS

Much of what is described above for hikers is also accessible to bikers, plus a lot more. Paint Branch Trail. There is essentially one extended trip on the Northeast Branch, a combination of the Paint Branch and the Northeast Trails, which meet at Lake Artemesia, described above. To get to the starting point, take the Metro Green Line to the Greenbelt Station (from Capitol Hill, you save a lot of time riding to Union Station and taking the Red Line to Fort Totten, then switching to Green). From Greenbelt Station, go out the west entrance and pedal north to within sight of the Beltway and then left or west on Edgewood Road to Route 1. Continue west on Cherry Hill Road, the first street south of the Beltway ramps, past the IKEA to the start of the Paint Branch Trail on the left at the bottom of the grade. The trail winds through an interesting landscape – a forest taken down by a tornado a few years ago – then enters the University of Maryland campus. Follow the signs to stay on the trail. Cross under Route 1 in a bike tunnel and follow the trail to Lake Artemesia, a nice rest stop. Continue on the Northeast Branch Trail to Bladensburg and home

– about 21 miles total. Sligo Creek Trail. This is the longest trail ride in the watershed. It starts at Brookside Gardens, continues through Wheaton Regional Park, becomes the Sligo Creek Trail after a few blocks of residential neighborhoods, and joins the Northwest Branch near the West Hyattsville Metro Green Line station, three miles above Bladensburg – about 28 miles total to the 11th Street Bridge. Take the Metro Red Line to its end at Glenmont, take the east side elevator, and bike over to Glenallan Avenue, taking it south to the entrance to Brookside Gardens. Go through the gardens to the south end, where there is a gate allowing you to enter Wheaton Regional Park. Find your way through the park and exit to cross Arcola Avenue, continuing straight past a school on your right to the head of the Sligo Creek Trail. The trail is a pleasure of curves and bridges, and parts have few or no streets and not much traffic. Eventually it joins the Northwest Branch above West Hyattsville Metro, Green Line, which you can take home; or continue on the trail to Bladensburg and DC. Northwest Branch Trail. Unlike the two trails described above, this one has no Metro stop near the far end to allow you to take a one-way ride home. But you can take the Green Line to West Hyattsville and pick up the Northwest Branch for a short roundtrip ride of 10 miles to the Beltway. Or ride back home an extra eight miles or so. The ride is through fields and woods to Adelphi Mill on Riggs Road, where it enters a deep wooded ravine with a rushing stream for the last two miles. See the hike described above for more detail on this very special trail section. So, get out and explore, and really enjoy getting and staying fit while learning more about our river. It’s a win-win-win! Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, a member the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River, and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River.

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KENILWORTH POOL OPENS

Kenilworth Pool, 1300 44th St. NE, is now open daily, except Mondays, on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. Have DC photo ID. dpr.dc.gov/page/kenilworth-pool.

Documenting the Anacostia Community Forum at the ANC On July 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore the ways in which DC residents have documented the Anacostia River and its communities. Discover the impact such documentation can have on the health of the river and the neighborhoods along its banks. Discussions will include how the various visions and experiences of individuals can help to create a multi-layered sense of place that is honored by all, the multitude of ways in which documentation can take place, the power created by such efforts and the importance of youth participation in the placement of their river and communities in the historical record. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Joyful Food Market at THEARC Brought to you by Martha’s Table and the Capital Area Food Bank, this community market provides no-cost fresh fruits, veggies and nonperishable items. The market is open to all, no pre-registration is required. On July 14, and

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28; and Aug. 11 and 18; 3 to 5 p.m., join them at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, for an afternoon of music, cooking demonstrations and more. Take a tour of THEARC Farm and learn about other great food and health eating programs taking place at THEARC. Bring bags. marthastable. org/programs/healthy-eating.

Little Lights Urban Ministries Wins Again Little Lights Urban Ministries is the $10,000 grand prize winner of United Way of the National Capital Area’s online giving day, Do More 24. Raising $109,041 within a 24-hour span, Little Lights won for the third year in a row. Over 320 individuals donated to Little Lights during the daylong competition. The nonprofit provides yearround, educational enrichment programs for residents of public housing at its six locations throughout Capitol Hill and Anacostia. Little Lights’ just opened a new site focusing on service to Benning Terrace public housing residents. Competing against other sizable

nonprofits with budgets over one million dollars, Little Lights rallied its supporters with a simple message: Living in public housing does not have to dictate what a child’s future will look like. littlelights.org.

Teen VIBE Session at the ACM On July 21, 7 to 9 p.m., Hip-Hop & Neo Soul duo, BlaqueStone, hosts an evening of open mic, freestyle and creative expression. As BlaqueStone supplies the beats, teens can express themselves creatively in spoken word, poetry, rap, fashion, dance, drawing and other artistic ways. Recommended for ages 13 to 19. Refreshments provided. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

ARCH presents FUSION From its inception in 2013, the Anacostia Arts Center has received most interest from young, smart boutique owners. There is clearly a deep enthusiasm and strong creative pulse for the fashion arts east of the river. FUSION, the response to that, will

run through Aug. 19 at 2208 MLK Jr Ave. SE: featuring The Den, July 8 through 23; and Nubian Human, Aug. 5 through 19. Each boutique will determine store hours. Maryam Foye is the founding artistic director of HBL Theater Company, LLC. The Den: Reading Room and Artist Exchange is a project of HBL theater. The vision is to serve as a safe space that promotes community engagement, creative entrepreneurship, self-efficacy and art as activism. As a Playback Theater practitioner, the bulk of her work is collecting, retelling and documenting the stories of people of color, women and children. Nubian Human features cultural goods along with art of various mediums reflecting the African Diaspora and Black culture. The store promotes collective interaction, community development and global responsibility through a fresh and artistic platform. Owner and Lead Curator Anika Hobbs, has always had an interest in the convergence of fashion, interior design, and business.

LGBTQ and Faith Panel On Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., leaders of the faith based and LGBTQ communities come together to tackle a subject that is seldom discussed in our houses of worship. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

DCHFA Closes First HPAP Loan The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) has announced its first closing of the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) This program enables lower and moderate-income individuals and families to purchase affordable housing in DC. Ward 7 residents Leonidas Saturria Rosario and Lurden Martinez de Saturria were the first to receive assistance from HPAP since DCHFA became the program’s co-administrator. After more than five years of living in a small apartment with their three children, Lurden and Leonidas are now the proud owners of a four-level townhome in Ward 7’s Deanwood neighborhood. On June 20, DCHFA began offering an additional loan product, Freddie Mac’s super conforming mortgages, with a maximum loan limit of $636,150. The higher loan limit lowers mortgage financing costs for borrowers located in high-cost areas by decreasing the minimum down payment requirement. This assists more moderate income, up to 120 percent Area Median Income (AMI), households purchasing a home located within the District. DCHFA has also launched its Closing Cost Grants Giveaway with grants available to qualifying borrowers in the amount of $1,500. Potential buyers that are interested in receiving a closing cost grant should visit DCOpenDoors.com and contact one of the participating lenders. The maximum borrower income for all DC Open Doors loan programs is now $132,360, widening the range of buyers that may qualify.

Ward 8 Food Waste Drop-Off Launched The Department of Public Works has launched a farmers’ market food waste drop-off at the Ward 8 Farmers Mar-

ket. Food waste brought by residents will create compost, a nutrient rich soil amendment that helps grow new food and plants. District residents can now visit the Ward 8 Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind the Martin Luther King Elementary School at 3200 Sixth St. SE, to compost at no cost. Residents are encouraged to drop off the following types of food scraps: vegetables, fruits, grain, bread, pasta and coffee grounds. The first 30 drop off participants will receive a free basil plant. For the most up-to-date information on the program, residents may visit dpw.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.

Plans for RFK Memorial Move Forward Events DC recently unveiled plans for the new Robert F. Kennedy Memorial at a luncheon with Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and members of Senator Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy’s family. The new monument will be a living memorial and a museum and a major focal point of the new RFK Stadium-Armory Campus. The new Robert F. Kennedy Memorial has been reimagined as an interactive destination where families can gather with neighbors, and friends to learn more about the life and work of the late US Senator and presidential candidate. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Senator Kennedy’s death, making the time right to establish a new and lasting memorial to his life. The monument will be located where RFK Stadium now stands. RFK Stadium was built in 1961 and originally named DC Stadium. The name was changed in 1969 in memory of Kennedy, who was the brother of President John F. Kennedy. Read more at rfkcampusfuture.com.

District Bound to the Paris Climate Accord On June 5, Mayor Bowser signed a Mayor’s Order to reaffirm DC’s support of the Paris Climate Accord. The Mayor’s Order renewed the District’s commitment to the historic agreement to reduce global carbon emissions. As a member of the C40 Cities, a network of the world’s largest cities to address climate change, the Bowser Administration pledged to cut carbon emis-

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ter deterrent. (4) Lock It Up. Keep car doors and windows locked always.

Capitals to Host Blood Drive Kettler Capitals Iceplex The Washington Capitals and Inova Blood Donor Services will host a blood drive on July 15, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. Appointments are required. Blood drive donors will receive a bobblehead of forward Andre Burakovsky as well as a Capitals T-shirt. Donors can make an appointment now by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or by signing up online at nhl.com/capitals/donate. To give blood, donors must be feeling generally well on the day of their donation, be at least 16 years old with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the past eight weeks for whole blood or 112 days for double red cells.

Fair Housing Information Available

MODERNIZATION OF KENILWORTH RECREATION CENTER CELEBRATED

On June 17, Mayor Bowser celebrated the reopening of Kenilworth Recreation Center, a $17 million modernization project in Ward 7. Formerly located at Kenilworth Parkside, the new facility includes a multi-purpose room, fitness center, senior and teen rooms, gymnasium, outdoor pool, computer lab, and boxing and locker rooms. Designed to meet LEED Gold Certification, the center will also include amenities such as a green roof, pervious pavement, bio-retention ‘rain gardens’; a bicycle repair station and an electric vehicle charging station, the first-ever at a Department of Parks and Recreation center. Kenilworth Recreation Center is at 4321 Ord St. NE. dpr.dc.gov. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D), Eastland Gardens Civic Association members and Department of Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson celebrate modernization of Kenilworth Recreation Center. Photo: Courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation

sions by 80 percent by 2050. Over the past two years, the Administration launched Climate Ready DC for a more sustainable environment; proposed the DC Green Bank that will help create jobs, expand solar power, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has finalized the largest wind power purchase agreement deal in the United States; and began work on the largest onsite municipal solar generation in the country.

Tips for Avoiding Vehicle Thefts As part of Back to Basics DC, Mayor Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department officers are sharing safety tips for preventing vehicle thefts and break ins, includ-

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ing locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight. Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight. The best way to prevent theft from an auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Secure GPS Devices. While many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, MPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with them. Use Your Trunk. Put valuables in the trunk or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far bet-

Housing Counseling Services, Inc. offers free education and guidance to any housing providers who want to learn more about fair housing regulations in DC. Private landlords and a major management companies are responsible for making sure policies remain in compliance with Federal and local fair housing regulations and that all staff understand fair housing rules. Contact HCS at 202-667-7337 for more information or to schedule a free, fair housing workshop for your staff or managers.

Know Fair Housing Rights Is a landlord or housing provider is discriminating against you? Don’t be silent. Speak up and find out what your rights are under DC fair housing law. The DC Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the housing market based on 18 protected traits. These laws apply to everyone in housing, including landlords, building managers and even maintenance staff. Contact Housing Counseling Services, Inc. at 202-667-7006 or housingetc.org.

New DC DMV Driver Licenses and Identification Cards The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) is now issuing driver licenses and identification cards with the jurisdiction as DC. The new credential has the Cherry Blossom design as the driver licenses and identification cards that DC DMV began issuing in November 2013 with the jurisdiction as District of Columbia. Currently, DC DMV has four different credentials in circulation and all are valid until the expiration date. A resident who does not currently have a REAL ID credential that has a black star in the upper righthand corner must provide the required documentation to obtain one during a renewal, duplicate or change of address transaction.

Field Trip Experiences Applications Open The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is now accepting applications for the District Arts and Humanities Initiative: Field Trip Experiences (FTE) Grant Program for FY 2018. Grants will be awarded to support non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt, arts and humanities organizations offering comprehensive field trip experiences for students in the District of Columbia’s public schools. Funding may be used to support the cost of field trip tickets, associated transportation costs, professional development opportunities for classroom educators or pre/post-field trip workshops for students. Funding may also be allocated to necessary personnel support for the planning and implementation of the program. Organizations may apply for up to $75,000. For more information, visit dcarts.dc.gov. Deadline to apply is July 21, at 4 p.m.

Rebuilding Southern Avenue by Cuneyt Dil

Capitals Announce Home Opener The Washington Capitals has announced the club’s home opener for the 2017-18 season will be on Oct. 7 vs. the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. at Verizon Center. The Capitals are 142-1-1 all-time in-home openers at Verizon Center and will face Montreal in their home opener for the second time in franchise history (2014-15).

Comment on Desert Storm War Memorial The National Park Service, in cooperation with the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association, is accepting comments from the public on the site for the proposed National Desert Storm War Memorial. Two locations within the District of Columbia have been identified for consideration as a site for the memorial: the west terminus of Constitution Avenue NW near 23rd St. NW, and the Memorial Circle area of George Washington Memorial Parkway on Columbia Island. Comments are being accepted through July 24 on parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?park ID=427&projectID=62216&docume ntID=81194. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email bulletinboard@hillrag.com.

outhern Avenue, which divides the District and Maryland, is a hilly thoroughfare that residents have complained for years is plagued by speeders and unsafe intersections. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) now plans to begin upgrading infrastructure and traffic patterns along nearly two miles of the avenue, from South Capitol Street SE to the United Medical Center. Wider sidewalks, new bus bays and stops, and bicycle lanes are among the upgrades planned, unveiled to the community at a June 15 public meeting. Responding to complaints, DDOT officials said pedestrian and traffic safety is their top aim with the project, which began in 2012. Upgraded streetlights, pedestrian ramps that are compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more crosswalk markings are planned across the avenue. The first part of the two-phase project will tackle South Capitol Street to Barnaby Road and is slated to begin next year, once final designs are approved this winter. Phase two for the rest of the avenue will start in 2019. At the Southern Avenue and Indian Head Highway intersection, a gateway into DC, more trees and plants and a pedestrian plaza will replace what residents call an eyesore. A new bus bay on the east side of the street will ease backups. At the community meeting, attended by about 50 residents, vocal criticism met plans to reduce traffic to one

lane on some portions of Southern Avenue, currently a mostly two-lane road in both directions. The plan calls for creating dedicated turning lanes in select intersections as a way to prevent cars from backing up, while maintaining a second all-traffic lane. Beyond those intersections, traffic would return to two lanes. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, who was not at the meeting, did not return requests for comment on the project. Several residents said they believed that the lane modification would cause slowdowns on the avenue, often used by commuters. “We need two lanes on the entirety of Southern Avenue,” said Sandra Seegars, former council candidate and longtime community voice, to project managers, who defended the proposal but said they would consider feedback. DDOT’s Abdullahi Mohamed responded that traffic analyses performed suggest the proposed configuration for intersections would reduce queuing and improve traffic safety. “We had a couple fatalities, and speed was one of the reasons,” Mohamed told residents. “When we say one lane, we don’t mean we’ll reduce the capacity of those intersections.” Seegars and others remained skeptical, however. DDOT did not respond to a request for followup comments. “The one lane is not going to work, because there’s too much traffic,” said Olivia Henderson, the chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8D, after the meeting. She and other ANC 8D commissioners at the meeting pressed DDOT officials to attend their ANC and present the project plans for further public review. Inserting bicycle lanes also drew the ire of some residents, who thought it would slow down traffic and be unsafe for bicyclists. As currently designed, a northbound bicycle lane would be created on the avenue from the Bonini Road intersection to Southview Drive. On the west side of that stretch of road, street parking would be removed to make way for two southbound traffic lanes. For the rest of Southern Avenue, the project would create “shared lanes” for bicycles and vehicles. At the meeting, residents also gave their own suggestions to the project team. ANC 8D Commissioner Absalom Jordan suggested the city create a “Barnes Dance” crosswalk at busy intersections, which allows for pedestrians to cross an intersection in any direction while traffic comes to a complete stop. (The city recently added one in Columbia Heights, following the popularity of one in Chinatown.) At the least, Ward 8 resident Sterling Johnson said, she would like to see signalized crosswalks be timed longer for pedestrians, an issue at the South Capitol Street intersection and elsewhere. Others suggested blinking lights and neon road markings to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings. One of the top problems is cars not abiding signs, residents said. Plans for the pedestrian plaza at the Indian Head Highway intersection drew favorable reviews from residents. Renderings envision shady trees and a renovated streetscape, along with a rehabilitated Winkle Doodle Branch bridge. Bioretention gardens would capture rainwater on that intersection and across the avenue. Henderson just hopes that the city will look after the often litter-ridden corner, where homeless congregate, after construction is completed. “That’s a real blighted corridor,” she said.

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Why Do They Run? DC’s Missing Teens Put a Spotlight on Failings in the City’s Services

article by Christine Rushton | photos by Sasha Bruce

teen makes a call to police. Her mom’s boyfriend tried to stab her. The one before had tried to choke her. She wants a protection order placed on this one, so she goes down to the courthouse alone, only to find her mom there with the boyfriend. She’d like to leave her mom’s house, but she’s 18 and trying to figure out a plan. Worse, her story isn’t unusual. Many of her friends have similar stories. One caught her mom’s boyfriend peeking at her in the shower. She couldn’t do anything about it because she’s pregnant and needs a place to stay. But when he tried to rape her a

Sasha Bruce Youthwork members gather in front of the shelter .

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few months later, she escaped to a local domestic violence shelter. These are the stories Jamila Larson and her staff at the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project hear from the teens, both girls and boys, who come through the program. Abuse and neglect top the reasons why children flee their homes and into often dangerous situations, said Larson, executive director of Playtime Project. “If any teen is getting 80 percent of love from their family, they aren’t running away,” she said. “We need more safe places for teens to talk with someone and help them problem-solve.” More than a thousand teens run off each year in the District, and that’s only the recorded estimate from those who report to police, according to the missing persons records of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Fleeing domestic violence situations, homelessness, or inadequate parenting, or seeking the allure of a better life, teens were quietly racking up examples of failures by the city’s community, leadership, and services to stop putting its children at risk. That was, until the MPD’s Chanel Dickerson changed a policy and released live alerts of “critical missing person” reports. The District quickly found itself at the center of a national uproar over what many thought was an epidemic of trafficking in the nation’s capital. Not the case. But as leaders of the District and service programs responded and Mayor Muriel Bowser launched her task force on the issue, the city realized it needed a more comprehensive, consistent process for reaching out and helping teens facing these situations at home, especially those caused by a disparity of income in the poorer communities.

WHEN POLICE GET THE CALL

Children can go missing each day, as observed in DC’s missing persons reports. Sometimes, police officers report that children were left unsupervised and had to fend for themselves. Other times, a child might fall asleep on a bus and wake up in the wrong neighborhood. But a few cases show the larger picture of what officers see when they investigate. In the case of a 12-year-old male, police have recorded him missing 11 times since the start of 2017. He voluntarily leaves home, and the longest he’s gone missing was three days. Detectives spoke with the boy’s guardian and family members to find out where he hangs out, what may have changed in the time from the last report, and what social media they might use. Detectives spotted the boy on day two of a report, but the boy fled. Finally, the adult that had sheltered and fed the boy saw his picture on a news report and turned him in to police. In another case, a 16-year-old girl has been reported missing at least eight times since the start of 2017. She voluntarily leaves home, and the longest she went missing was for two days. Detectives again searched all of her regular hangouts and spoke with family and friends. But the girl finally turned herself into her social worker. The cases often stem from problems in the home. MPD Captain Michelle Caron said that police officers investigate each case each time the child is reported missing. But these children will continue to leave home if they don’t get the services or support they need, from family or otherwise.

HUMANIZING THE STATISTICS IN REALITY

DC’s rate of reported critical missing teens hasn’t increased. In fact, the numbers in the last five years have actually decreased, said MPD’s Dickerson, head of the Youth and Family Services division. The average came to about 200 a month in years prior, but 2017 sits at about 190 right now. Investigators closed about 99 percent of all missing person cases (teen and other ages) between 2012 and 2016. Compared to other cities, DC sits well under the average for cases reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of 13-to17-year-old children between 2012 and 2016: Chicago reported 1,820, Fort Lauderdale 1,768, Miami 1,597, and DC 115. (But not all cities are required to report their missing cases to NCMEC, and social services in Illinois and Florida require it, which can skew the numbers.) Of the more than 1,000 cases reported so far this year in DC, only 29 remain open (as of April 23), according to MPD’s missing person’s reports. Of the to-

UNDERSTANDING THE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED

Sasha Bruce Youthwork offers youth ages 12-24 a 24-hour safe shelter from issues like domestic violence, and for more than four decades has given them food, clothes, and a place to clean up, mainly in Wards 6, 7, and 8. Most have been neglected or abused by their families, said Zakiya Williams, who handles development at the nonprofit shelter program. Sasha Bruce works to provide wraparound service at every step in the process, Williams said. It focusDanielle represents the many youth who’ve received help from Sasha Bruce es on housing and reuniting families, to escape domestic abuse. but if that’s not possible it finds alternatives, no matter the time. “If sometal cases, more than 700, or about 65 percent, are listed thing doesn’t work for you, we try to as youth cases. Though the numbers seem low, Dickprovide help,” Williams said. “We are not putting you erson remains firm in her stance: “One young person through a system that makes you answer to multiple that’s missing is one too many.” programs – we stick with you.” MPD officers who receive 911 reports of missSasha Bruce serves about 200 in its shelter proing persons go to the location, determine the child’s gram, about 1,500 youth across all programs, and age, and send a report to the command center. Police about 5,500 families annually, Williams said. Young have to search homes for children age 12 and under women and men who seek help often come from imbecause sometimes they hide, and anyone under age poverished situations or homes with a lack of re15 is classified as “critical missing,” Dickerson exsources and education. The numbers haven’t gotten plained. But MPD has the ability to classify any perworse over the years, but that doesn’t mean people son or teen as critical if officers identify substance can ignore the issue. abuse or other urgent issues. “The spike in visibility, we’re excited that people Since Dickerson came on in December 2016, she are interested and are becoming more aware of what has worked to use social media to publicize the cases, we’ve been doing for so long,” Williams said. Wilmost recently with the push in March that caused an liams and Sasha Bruce hope the spotlight forces poliuproar with local and national media and leaders. The cy change in the city. methods of the investigators have not changed. They HOMELESSNESS ADDING still go to the home, query friends and family, and keep TO TEEN STRESSORS at it until the teen is located. But now the discretion levHomeless teens face an extra stressor triggering the inel has changed. “I wanted to ensure every case receives stinct to run, said Playtime Project’s Melanie Hatter, the same level of attention,” Dickerson said. “That’s communications coordinator for the program. They what MPD is doing differently.” live in one room – mom, dad, siblings – where teens She also wants the mayor’s task force handling the have no outlet. “There’s no place for them to act out missing teens situation to develop a set of questions or or just sort of be a regular teenager,” she said. “Many an assessment officers can use when investigating casof them are taking on responsibilities that are way over es. This would help them reach out to the available and their head.” pertinent DC agencies to help combat the underlying Many run straight into the clutches of a pimp masproblem that caused a teen to leave home. querading as a boyfriend, or sex trafficking operations “No matter what door the young person goes or abusive relationships. through, they would get the help they need,” DickerHatter equates the problem to a lack of resources son said. “Everyone has the best interests of the child and case management in DC’s services, especially at in mind right now, but we all kind of operate indepenthe DC General Family Homeless Shelter (1900 Masdently.” If police can connect a youth to a service that fits sachusetts Ave. SE). Teens need help getting the retheir situation, they may feel more comfortable opening sources DC offers. Staff need training on how to spot up about sexual violence, domestic abuses, or trafficking at-risk children. in a way they may not with an officer, she said.

DC needs to stop treating voluntary runaways as not in crisis. Hatter remembers a 14-year-old teen who ran off several times from the shelter and her family situation. “The last time she ran off, she ended up in California with a pimp who was selling her on the street,” she said. Larson recommends several steps the District can take: • Improve affordable housing for families • Offer accessible parenting and education support to help overwhelmed families • Provide more support services in shelters and in schools • Add social and mental health services, not just housing services, for families in crisis “In DC, we have an extremely high poverty rate,” Larson said. “Any time there is a high rate, there are going to be family crises.”

THE TASK FORCE’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Mayor Bowser’s runaway and missing teen task force brought together leaders from DC’s top services: Fair Girls, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Missing and Exploited East of the River, Children’s Law Center, Break the Cycle, Latin American Youth Center, Covenant House, Courtney’s House, Casa Ruby, Amara Legal Center, and the NAACP. In May, the task force released a plan to have police work with Sasha Bruce to help evaluate each runaway teen before they are returned home. The city’s Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) will build up the program at Sasha Bruce with more staff and an evaluation standard. DC has also launched a new website, www. missing.dc.gov, as a guide for anyone to understand who is considered a missing person, how the police classify the cases, and what resources are available for runaways, and also a list of the open and closed cases. Sasha Bruce leaders are encouraged by this plan, said James Beck, vice president of planning, development, and evaluation. “Our staff will welcome young people reported as missing and brought to us by MPD, with the goal of offering a safe respite from the dangers of the street,” said Beck, “and then working with family members and guardians to help to resolve issues which have precluded family stability.” On the shelter side at Playtime Project, the staff view this as a good start, said Hatter. But there is still work to do. “Within the population we serve – youth living in temporary housing – the bigger issue is the current lack of affordable housing and limited social services to address issues before they escalate and push a teen to run in the first place.” The project is also looking for its first full-time social worker to help build stronger connections between children and their parents in homeless situations.

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Stanton Square Breaks Ground

Construction Begins after Half a Century

fter half a century, construction has begun on a vacant, eightacre parcel owned by local real estate developer Joe Horning at the junction of Pomeroy, Elvans, and Stanton roads, overlapping the Hillsdale and Fort Stanton neighborhoods in Southeast. Stanton Square consists of an upper and lower campus. The upper campus at 2375 Elvans Road SE will house a 57,000-square-foot commons, where Martha’s Table and the Community of Hope will locate. It will also provide space for community meetings and events. The lower campus at Pomeroy and Stanton roads will have 120 affordable rental units (one, two, and three bedrooms) at 30 percent, 50 percent, and 60 percent of area median income (AMI), including 13 units reserved for families supported by Community of Hope’s permanent supportive housing. There will be 42 market-rate townhouses for sale. Joe Horning and his wife Lynne, through the Horning Family Fund, have contributed $10 million toward the construction of The Commons, which

by John Muller

broke ground this spring. Although a man of significant means, Joe never forgot where he came from and where he started. He waited half a century to realize his vision, but, as they say, good things come to those who wait. East and South Washington have been waiting a long-time for equitable development. In Hillsdale and Fort Stanton the wait will soon be over.

A STORIED HISTORY

Names like William C. Smith, Douglas Jemal, and the Curtis Brothers are well known throughout Southeast DC. A lesser-known name, but of no less consequence, belongs to developer and philanthropist Joe Horning, a native Washingtonian in his 80s. Recently he shared the story of his beginnings with East of the River. “In 1958, I started looking for sites where I could start building housing,” he related. “Being a history buff, I had read of the section of Washington on the east side of the Anacostia River with its core population of African-Americans.” He toured the neighborhood and realized that the housing was attractive and well-maintained and conveyed a strong sense of community. “While new housing was rare, I felt that was driven by the lack of interest of developers who did not have confidence in the viability of this market. From my perspective, east of the river was a market waiting to happen. I felt it was the right place to put in practice, on the business side of my life, my philosophy of taking the road less traveled.” For his first project, he looked for some suitable vacant land. “My goal was to start small, building a walkup three-story apartment building. I was told about vacant lots that the city had foreclosed on because of Overall site plan for Stanton Square with expected completion in 2018. non-payment of real estate taxes. I

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found a site bordering an abandoned railroad track, but facing a block of well-kept houses.” Horning paid the taxes and built a walkup apartment, followed during the next eight years by more than 500 units east of the river. “My confidence from building new apartments in Ward 8 over an eight-year period motivated my stepping up and looking for larger sites to build a full-service housing community.” Jim Banks, then head of the DC Department of Housing, was a Ward 8 resident. “He knew of my work and thought I’d be interested in an eight-acre vacant site. The history of the site was fascinating. Washington was a Southern city, best exemplified by the covenants across large sections of the city preventing African-Americans from purchase of lots for housing. To compensate, Congress provided funding to be used to buy land east of the Anacostia River. Jim told me that although a few small houses had been built, there were only vacant lots, and Jim felt owners were open to selling.” Banks told the owners about Horning’s background in Ward 8, and when the land sale went through, the site was assembled for development. “The year was 1968. As we began pre-development planning, the historic civil disturbances of 1968 began across many sections of the city.” Funds dried up and interest flagged and did not revive for another 40 plus years.

COMMUNITY OF HOPE

In 2012, The Horning Family Fund and Community of Hope (COH), a DC nonprofit, began collaborating. According to COH CEO Kelly Sweeney McShane, “Our presence at The Commons is a natural extension of the services we have been providing for Ward 8 residents since 2006,” said McShane, “especially the last three years at our Conway Health and Resource Center.” Asked what the new location would mean for Fort Stanton and Hillsdale, McShane replied, “Our new neighbors are gaining a whole group of partners, advocates, and resources to help them achieve their goals of a thriving community.” COH plans to bring to the area “a robust counseling program that will serve the eventual residents of Stanton Square, families served by Martha’s Table, and over 1,000 other community residents.” Counseling will provide support for emotional wellness for persons afflicted with trauma, anxiety, stress, or depression. Additionally, COH will support the community through programs that work on housing stability. “When we opened our Conway Health and Resource Center we realized this community was ready for us to partner in a lot of ways,” explained McShane. “We found new strengths and new needs and have been excited to extend more services than we originally planned. The Commons means we get to broaden our services in an environment where the commu-

Joe and Lynne Horning celebrate the groundbreaking at The Commons at Stanton Square.

nity is strong and the partnerships are solid.” For more information visit www.communityofhopedc.org or call 202-540-9857 for medical or dental appointments.

MARTHA’S TABLE

Since 1979, Martha’s Table has been a community anchor on 14th Street NW between V and W streets. Thirty-seven years later, Martha’s Table is on the edge of one of its biggest transformations. Widely respected as a family services organization throughout the city, Martha’s Table plans to open a 43,000-square-foot facility in the new Commons campus. “We were lucky to know Joe Horning of Horning Brothers, who has been developing property in DC for 55 years with a focus on community,” said Ryan Palmer, chief external

relations officer. “Joe and his wife Lynne wanted to be very intentional about developing it into a place where children and families could thrive.” Martha’s Table will relocate its headquarters at The Commons, while opening a new satellite location in Columbia Heights. “We have carefully conducted community assessments, formed authentic neighborhood partnerships, and have kept parents and community leaders at the table throughout the transition process,” confirmed Palmer. “We hope to be a valuable resource for local families, and we will be responsive to their needs above all else.” At The Commons, parents will be able to enroll children in early childhood education programs and neighbors will be able to receive no-cost groceries. “We’ve been working in Wards 7 and 8 since 2015 through the Joyful Food Market program (now in 29 elementary schools east of the river) and our Martha’s Outfitters location on MLK Avenue,” Palmer said. “Our expansion is an extension of the spirit that led Veronica Maz, our founder, to set up a hub for resources in an epicenter of great need.” “These partners welcomed us into their neighborhoods and we are eternally grateful,” noted Palmer. “This isn’t just about Martha’s Table. It’s about all of us.” For more information visit www.marthastable.org or call 202-328-6608.

View of the lower campus in the foreground with construction of the elevator shaft for The Commons in the background. Photo: John Muller.

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The Greater U Street Jazz Collective with songstress Sendy Brown, shown in performance last year, appears on July 17 at Vicino’s in Silver Spring. Photo: W.A. “Bill” Brower

by Steve Monroe

“[Billie] Holiday (1915-59) is widely recognized as the greatest jazz vocalist of all time, a performer who revolutionized the art of jazz singing in the 1930s and exerted a powerful influence on subsequent vocalists. At her peak from 1935 to 1945, her voice (modelled on those of Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith) was a unique blend of vulnerability, innocence and sexuality, attributes that won her a popular following. She had an uncanny ability to recompose well-known tunes as she sang them, creating memorable variations full of expressive leaps, pitchbending and contrasting tone qualities.” - “Jazz,” by Mervyn Cooke (London, 1998).

‘LADY DAY’ COMING LIVE TO ANACOSTIA PLAYHOUSE

The wonder of the music of Billie Holiday and the jazz of her era comes east of the river when the Anacostia Playhouse stages “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” on July 15 through Aug. 6. The play stars Anya Randall Nebel, with Tom Flatt as the director and music by Lanie Robertson. The story is from March 1959 in South Philadelphia, where Holiday is performing “in a run-down bar, during one of her last performances four months before her death in July 1959,” and “she sings, accompanied by Jimmie Powers on the piano, and tells stories about her life,” according to Anacostia Playhouse information. “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” premiered in 1986 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and has been staged in many other locations, including Broadway in New York. Tunes to be performed include “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone,” “When a Woman Loves a Man,” “Crazy He Calls Me,” “God Bless the Child,” “Easy Livin,” “Strange Fruit,” and “What a Lit-

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tle Moonlight Can Do.” Nebel has been a professional actress “regionally, nationally and internationally for the past 25 years,” according to publicity for the show. She also assists with the programming at the Anacostia Playhouse, where she has taught, produced, and done costume design. According to Nebel’s website, www.anyanebel.com, she has directed productions including “A Chorus Line,” “Evita,” and “Rent.” And in 2004 she appeared as Carol Ann in HBO’s “The Wire” and was featured in the national tours of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Showtimes at Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE, are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40; $30 seniors and students residents of Wards 7 and 8; $80 for tickets and after-party with food and entertainment. For more information call 202-290-2328 or go to www.anacostiaplayhouse.com.

INREVIEW … TARUS MATEEN’S ‘ARISING SAINTS’

Tarus Mateen’s website says, “Playing as part of a new generation of jazz crusaders, with award winning artists such as Jason Moran, Nasheet Waits, Marc Cary and Roy Hargrove, Tarus is the world’s best bassist.” Over the top hyperbole? Maybe not. His most recent album, “Arising Saints,” is a winner for area resident Mateen, whom we have enjoyed up close and personal for the last several years, playing genres spanning hip-hop, soul, funk, and all kinds of jazz. “Arising Saints” sizzles with Mateen tunes like “Africa Tarus,” a free flowing, ripping, rollicking jam with Mateen’s booming, grooving work on bass driving things to a fever pitch; the catchy, melodic title tune with Mateen exploring, plucking hard, and spiraling a gem of a lilting journey; “Be You,” featuring vocalist Brittany Tanner loving’s caresses; and maybe the highlight, the hypnotic “Ode for Yusef Lateef ” with Mateen’s bright grooves over the keyboard and guitar melodies. See www.tarusmateen.com.

JULY HIGHLIGHTS: … Sarah Hughes, July 9, Twins Jazz … Keigo Hirakawa Trio, July 12, Twins Jazz … Marty Nau, July 13, Twins Jazz … Capital Fringe Festival/ Tarus Mateen, July 13, Franklin Park … Michael Thomas Quintet, July 14, Westminster Presbyterian Church … “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” July 15-30, Anacostia Playhouse … Greater U Street Jazz Collective w/Sendy Brown, July 17, Vicino’s/Silver Spring … Twins Jazz Orchestra, July 20, Twins Jazz … Poncho Sanchez, July 20-23, Blues Alley … Mavis Waters Jazz Ensemble, July 21, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Ted Chubb Band, July 21-22, Twins Jazz … Annapolis Jazztet, July 22, Germano’s Piattini/Baltimore … Loston Harris Trio/Mark Whitfield, July 27, Blues Alley … Jack Waugh Quartet, July 27, Twins Jazz … The Wolfolk Group/Sendy Brown, July 28, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Cecil Brooks III, July 28-29, Twins Jazz … Robert Shahid w/The Greg Hatza Organization, July 29, Caton Castle/Baltimore … JULY BIRTHDAYS: Rashied Ali 1; Ahmad Jamal 2; Johnny Hartman 3; Hank Mobley 7; Louis Jordan 8; Billy Eckstine, Lee Morgan 10; Albert Ayler 13; Philly Joe Jones 15; Cal Tjader 16; Chico Freeman 17; Sonny Clark 21; Billy Taylor 24; Johnny Hodges 25; Carl Grubbs 27; Charlie Christian 29; Hank Jones, Kenny Burrell 31 Steve Monroe is a Washington, DC, writer who can be reached at steve@jazzavenues.com and followed at www.twitter.com/jazzavenues.

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Pulling Them Back From the Brink Legal Counsel For the Elderly Protect DC’s Seniors

s. Lula had no idea what to do. In her 70s and living on her own, she had no one to help her understand the foreclosure notice the bank had served on her condo in Ward 4. She’d lived there for 25 years. She heard about a legal counsel service for DC residents aged 60 and up and wondered if they could help her. They could. Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) affiliate of AARP, assigned LCE attorney Kerry Diggin to review Ms. Lula’s situation. “At the time we met with her, a foreclosure sale had already been scheduled,” Diggin said. “She was very much at risk of losing her home at 25 years.” Diggin found a mistake in the paperwork. Ms. Lula’s reverse mortgage qualifications had been revoked

Volunteers for Legal Counsel for the Elderly help with outreach at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo in 2016. Photo: Legal Counsel for the Elderly

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by Christine Rushton

because the mortgage lender didn’t have proof of occupancy. Somehow the paperwork didn’t get submitted or was lost. LCE quickly provided proof that Ms. Lula lived in her home, got the case dismissed in court, and cancelled the foreclosure sale. “I would be somewhere, sitting on the street, trying to figure out where to lay my head,” Ms. Lula said, explaining what would have happened if not for LCE. “It takes a team of people to help someone.” LCE has helped senior residents like Ms. Lula with income eligibility in DC for more than 40 years. Many of the cases pull residents back from the brink of losing their homes, from debt collectors, from evictions and fraud. As a wraparound free legal and social service with between 50 and 60 staff and around 800 volunteers, it serves on average 6,000 clients a year and brings them more than $16 million in total monetary benefits.

WHAT LCE CAN DO

LCE’s free service starts with a phone call to the Legal Hotline at 202-434-2120. Both administrative staff and attorneys take calls and filter the clients to the correct unit, said JoAnn Mangione, communications manager for LCE. The service has units to fit the needs of each client, including: • Legal Hotline, answering questions immediately in some cases • Alternatives to Landlord Tenant Court, preventing evictions, providing social work for house help, and more • Consumer Fraud and Financial Abuse Unit, handling foreclosures, debt collection defense, and consumer issues • Public Benefits and General Services Unit, covering Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and veteran’s benefits • Homebound Elderly Project (HELP), helping

Ms. Lula hugs LCE attorney Kerry Diggin after getting the foreclosure sale on her house cancelled. Photo: Legal Counsel for the Elderly

draft legal paperwork, checking on homebound residents, and ensuring no one is taking advantage of their situation • Long-Term Care Ombudsman, advocating for residents in assisted living, in communities, and in their own homes • Senior Medicare Patrol, helping beneficiaries avoid fraud “Our services empower, defend, and protect those seniors,” Mangione said. “That’s the work we do, that’s the joy we have in helping seniors.” All of LCE’s services handle civil cases, not criminal. A case can vary in complexity from writing up a will to challenging a landlord in court on improper care for an elderly tenant’s home. Whatever the case, LCE works to find the correct lawyer or services. Many of the cases involve foreclosures, like Ms. Lula’s, Mangione said. When someone falls behind on mortgage payments or property taxes, it can bring on evictions and foreclosure threats. LCE attorneys negotiate with mortgage companies to set up new payment plans and ways to work with the tenants to get payments through without them losing their homes. “Those are the kinds of incredibly gratifying cases that we work on,” Mangione said. The attorneys also work with the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Waiver (EPD) to get needed healthcare for seniors who want to live in their own homes. Paperwork and processes often lead to confusion, and that’s where LCE can help. “In many of our cases we succeed in giving clients their wish of living in their own places,” Mangione said. “It’s heartbreaking when someone has to leave their home and go into a nursing home.”

Get Your East of the River AN ARMY OF PRO BONO LAWYERS & VOLUNTEERS

In order to remain free, LCE receives funds from AARP as well as the DC Office of Aging (DCOA). It also works with several law firms and attorneys who offer their services on a pro bono basis. Sasha Leonhardt, an associate with Buckley Sandler LLP, has worked with LCE for about two years. He’s a part of a group of attorneys in the Young Lawyers Alliance, which connects lawyers with nonprofits. He helps in litigation cases and also in broader policy issues for elders. “There are a number of causes where it is difficult to find a lawyer to assist people because the cost of obtaining legal representation is so great,” Leonhardt said. So lawyers around DC offer their services to help alleviate the need and fulfill firms’ pro bono goals. Leonhardt described the work as challenging, rewarding, and critically important, and it isn’t always an individual situation. LCE helps change policy to affect all seniors’ rights. One case he’s working on involves rectifying an inconsistent regulation in DC law with regards to tax abatement for low-income residents.

SUPPORTING SENIORS, ONE CASE AT A TIME

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that many clients come to us on the brink and in tears and really scared,” Mangione said. That anxiety is what LCE tries to quell through extensive outreach to the community through partner organizations, visits to senior facilities and centers, and satellite legal offices. Legal paperwork and the programs or services seniors enter as they age can bring more confusion than help. LCE wants seniors to know they have help. That’s what residents like Ms. Lula want to share with other seniors – they don’t have to navigate the processes alone. “I appreciate them more than they will ever know,” she said. “This has been a great lesson in life for me.”

Location

Address

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

MIDCITY

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

For more distribution locations, contact 202.543.8300 x.19

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

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Pesky People and Pests Too!

by Jessica Wynter Martin, aka The Wynter Gardener

nother warm summer day is upon us, our flowers are in bloom, our fruits are fruiting, and the mosquitoes are biting as usual. This year like every other has more than just mosquitoes taking a bite out of my sweet treats. Pesky bugs, rodents, and people too are taking a bite or even an armful out of my hard dedication and work. What can we do as gardeners to keep these influences out? Let us first consider the types of pests we often deal with and how to plan and respond once they are sighted.

Red buggers eating up my potatoes!

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Bugs and insects are what usually come to mind when thinking of common pests for gardeners and farmers alike. They fly, bite, and hide under the leaves of all our favorite green Notice the bag of chips strewn in the mix. A clear sign your garden has humans. treats and are a bane to growers worldwide. Aphids are the poster children for persistent garsmall webs forming and holes poked in the leaves. The den pests. The size of a ground-cherry seed, aphids mites reproduce quickly and can adapt/evolve to pestiare small, light blue-green insects that eat leafy greens. cides in days, so you’ll want to vary the control methThey reproduce asexually with as many as five billion ods described below to remove them without tossing eggs in one hatching and can quickly destroy a garden your plants. if left unchecked. While they are often found in the Caterpillars and worms can be devastating to light blue-green variety, they can also be found in red, crops. All is well, and in days your entire crop is eatwhite, and black and are usually seen underneath your en and left bare as they move on to the next. The varifavorite edible leaves. eties vary greatly, some caterpillars preferring to take These nasty little bugs just love to eat up all the over entire sections of trees in the summer while others soft new growth that your poor cabbages, kales, colwill settle for the freshest leaves of your spinach or othlards, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts worked so hard to er leafy green. Some, like the hornworm, will murder produce. This year, the red variety took to my indoor your tomato and tobacco plants in days, while others potato plants, my poor babies. Every day I squished such as the cabbage worm will stick to your, well, caband smashed, until I finally tried the good ol’ fashioned bages, kales, and other Brassica family leaves. soapy water spray, which just murdered the poor plant In general, the best remedy for all the varieties and let the aphids finish their work. Oh well, maybe above is a thumb, a forefinger, and a keen eye. Smash next year. every last one when you see them and smash again just Whiteflies are another pesky little pest, and just like in case. Not the smashing type? Most plants can hanaphids they ate up all my leafy greens this year. Due to dle a soap-water spray. Simply use dish soap, water, some of the larger pests discussed below, some of the and a spray bottle and spray the leaves, top and bottom. mustard I planted as a cover crop became weakened, For some pests you’ll need something stronger, and these suckers flew right in to enjoy the feast. Unand if you’re keeping it natural, 100-percent neem oil fortunately, I let my maintenance slip, and so went all of is what you need. Dilute and spray from top to botmy edibles, the kale, the cabbage, and the little collards tom and the undersides. The stronger the solution, the too, swarmed underneath with the little whiteflies. stronger the effect, but beware of putting in too much Spider mites are most common to indoor growers as it will block the light from entering the leaves. and are a special bane to cannabis growers as they like Want a chemical but nothing crazy? Try pyrethrin, their medicine homegrown like the rest of us. Small, a simple and cheap solution. Just like neem oil, you difurry, and reddish brown, these little fiends are found lute and spray and your problems will be solved. At on the underside of leaves of most plants. Look for least for the insect pests.

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Baby whiteflies growing on the mustard.

But wait, there’s more ... Ever seen a mole rat? At least that’s why my friend calls it. Mole is the more common name. It is a blind furry critter that burrows underneath the earth. While it won’t harm most garden plants, it will create nice little tunnels for other small animals. Rats, mice, and squirrels are all common rodents for us folk east of the river, and the signs are many but can be easy to miss. Rats and mice will look for clutter to hide in, any space that is warm, covered, and close to food. Look for gaps under concrete and spaces that haven’t been touched in a while, and droppings too. Of course, they will eat fruit, but they seek rotting goods and opportunities for shelter first and foremost. If they follow behind a mole, they can eat away at your root crops without you knowing until harvest day. Cleaning up your space, keeping food scraps out of your area (check the compost bin), and setting traps will keep them at bay. What’s the worst pest, you ask? Humans, of course! Signs of human intervention vary. Someone like me may accidentally broadcast a seed in your growing space or take a cutting from one of your herbs. We gardeners tend to be easy to spot when it comes to pestilence. We take cuttings from herbs and grab seeds from flowers. We’ll take a fruit or two but only the ripe ones. Only a keen gardener will notice the traces of a

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gardener’s touch. I might prune and weed a little just to make amends. The less plant-savvy human pests will take what they see, the opportunists we call them. I lost five of my large pumpkins this time last year, green as the leaves, hardly ready to be eaten. They took all the large ones they could see, bastards. Green tomatoes, yellow squash (it looked ripe but still had a way to go), and entire plants ripped up, all for a fleeting flower. The things these non-gardeners do! Drunken humans will urinate in your plants, calling it fertilizer without knowing the horror we gardeners face when our crop mysteriously grows yellow and dies. Some think they are weeding for you when they rip up your mint. Others step in it, not noticing what they are destroying as they photograph your garden for their Instagram page. Other humans don’t care about all of your efforts and just steal for the sake of doing it. You may even find your fruit smashed in someone’s yard a few houses over. Preventing human pests can be tricky. You have to identify how they are getting in, what kind of person is doing this, and if the motive is personal or not. My space is behind my apartment building near our parking lot, away from general traffic but known to many who don’t live here. I don’t need to concern myself about just anyone coming by, and my neighbors know it’s my space and generally respect my hard work. It’s

Notice the holes in the leaves. The whiteflies came in due to the mold.

the thieves who park stolen cars out back, the drunkards who come out to party, and petty jealous fools who take because they can’t grow, and can’t grow because they can’t tell a ripe pumpkin from an under-ripe one, poor devils. For most decent human beings, knowing they didn’t grow it is enough for them to keep a respectful distance, but we’re not talking about decent people here, we’re talking about thieves. Most true thieves will take what is of value. Some will come for your mower and other equipment, others will wait until the day most of your tomatoes are ripe to steal them. For some, a simple fence and lock will suffice, and for others lights, wires, and alarms will be needed. Don’t be afraid to defend your property rights, but sometimes poison ivy is punishment enough. While spiders, cats, and owls often are mistaken for pests, they are your guardians and indicators of trouble. Usually when we see spider webs, we consider the area unclean and just not cared for. It may signify these things to some extent, but most likely it is an indication of the balance of nature. Spiders eat most of the nasty insects listed above and will only venture into your space if they can eat. Rest assured, if you see spiders in your garden you missed the pests and they got to them first. Feral cats and wild owls will come to your space to pick off the birds, big bugs, rats, and mice that would make your life hell, if they didn’t get there first. Cats are a whiz at eating anything that moves, and bigger animals, such as racoons and deer, won’t mess with them due to those sharp little claws. Plant some catnip near (but not too close) to your garden to attract them to your space. If they already come by, consider a pan of cat food to make them feel at home. You’ll appreciate the difference. While the bees and butterflies buzz away, the birds will be kept at bay out of fear of the cat’s paw. Owls too will come at night, eating the mice and rats that would steal your fruit. Animal pests will avoid your garden space once it becomes known as a home to owls. As will all of these pests and other ailments, prevention is better than a cure. That means putting even more pressure on your preseason planting plan for pest control measures. Some pests can be warded off with simple design elements like a fence or screen, others by planting appropriately (see last month’s article on companion planting), and for still others you squish and pray for Passover, no ram’s blood needed. Look to my articles later this year as I guide us all through garden planning and incorporating pest control into the mix. Enjoy your summer! For more gardening tips, workshops, delicious recipes, and wonderful products follow the Wynter Gardener on Facebook and Instagram @Wyntergardener or email her at WynterGardener@gmail.com.

Fourth of July Sale!

homes & gardens / changing hands

Celebrate the birthday of America and 17 years of Ginkgo Gardens

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

25% to 50% off on selected perennials & annuals 25% to 50% off Table and Chair Sets HUGE savings on all types of pottery, statuary, garden ornaments, trellises, & fountains.... all 25 to 50% off

July 1st to 10th

Many other items will be marked down during this sale.

ASK ABOUT OUR LADY BUGS AND PRAYING MANTIS EGGS

17 Years on the Hill! www.ginkgogardens.com

DC’s Best Urban Garden Center

NEIGHBORHOOD

CLOSE PRICE

$515,000 $429,000 $405,000 $399,999 $399,900 $395,000 $395,000 $296,000 $280,000 $260,000 $189,000 $175,000

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

$427,900 $427,900 $427,000 $360,000 $355,000 $350,000 $343,000 $325,000 $320,000 $290,000 $274,000 $250,000 $249,000 $235,000 $229,000 $225,000 $210,000 $195,000 $190,000

4 4 3 4 5 3 4 3 4 3 3 2 3 4 3 2 4 3 3

$465,000 $460,000 $460,000 $440,000 $435,000 $412,180 $410,000 $371,500 $361,000 $350,000 $330,000 $325,000 $308,000 $277,000 $270,000 $210,335 $189,000 $180,000

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

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA

1730 17TH ST SE 2120 14TH ST SE 1633 W ST SE 1515 W ST SE 1611 BUTLER ST SE 1261 U ST SE 1462 BANGOR ST SE 1740 GALEN ST SE 2108 MINNESOTA AVE SE 2410 MINNESOTA AVE SE 1364 VALLEY PL SE 1326 DEXTER TER SE

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3422 5TH ST SE 420 NEWCOMB ST SE 3424 5TH ST SE 714 CONGRESS ST SE 1219 ALABAMA AVE SE 251 OAKWOOD ST SE 503 LEBAUM ST SE 816 HR DR SE 4133 4TH ST SE 1338 BARNABY TER SE 3646 HORNER PL SE 4015 1ST ST SW 335 RALEIGH ST SE 4641 6TH ST SE 4007 COLE BLVD SE 4017 1ST ST SW 3218 11TH PL SE 749 UPSAL ST SE 501 OAKWOOD ST SE

DEANWOOD

515 55TH ST NE 4608 BROOKS ST NE 836 48TH ST NE 20 53RD PL SE 4924 FOOTE ST NE 5342 AMES ST NE 5340 AMES ST NE 4516 CLAY ST NE 231 57TH ST NE 1126 49TH ST NE 314 DIVISION AVE NE 5804 EADS ST NE 4921 JUST ST NE 4038 GRANT ST NE 5527 JAY ST NE 121 56TH ST SE 5220 BLAINE ST NE 4204 CLAY ST NE

FORT DUPONT PARK 1645 FORT DUPONT ST SE

368 BURBANK ST SE 4317 DUBOIS PL SE 4358 G ST SE 4340 GORMAN TER SE 1442 41ST ST SE 4347 C ST SE 4256 SOUTHERN AVE SE 731 HILLTOP TER SE

HILL CREST

3513 CARPENTER ST SE 2604 29TH ST SE 3105 N ST SE 2942 M ST SE 3723 BANGOR ST SE 1817 BAY ST SE

KINGMAN PARK 627 21ST ST NE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5330 B ST SE 5056 BENNING RD SE 4815 BASS PL SE 5038 BENNING RD SE 5608 SOUTHERN AVE SE

RANDLE HEIGHTS

1487 HOWARD RD SE 1920 U PL SE 2305 SAVANNAH ST SE 1919 TREMONT ST SE 2515 18TH ST SE 1622 GOOD HOPE RD SE 2011 SAVANNAH PL SE 2021 ALABAMA AVE SE

2 3 3 2 3 2 3 2

$539,500 $528,000 $380,000 $329,000 $308,000 $627,000

3 4 3 2 3 3

$682,500

$470,000 $350,000 $330,000 $299,900 $160,000

8 3 2 3 2

$330,000 $320,000 $314,000 $293,000 $265,000 $250,000 $215,000 $134,500

3 2 4 3 3 3 2 2

$130,000

$75,000

$200,000 $112,000 $92,500

2 2 2

$30,500

$50,000

CONDO ANACOSTIA

2351 16TH ST SE #102

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

709 BRANDYWINE ST SE #304

HILL CREST

1620 29TH ST SE #204 3717 ALABAMA AVE SE #B 2008 38TH ST SE #101

RANDLE HEIGHTS

1907 GOOD HOPE RD SE #9

COOP HILLCREST

2800 TERRACE RD SE #544 $336,000

$329,000 $295,000 $279,000 $227,000 $225,000 $198,000 $166,000 $114,000

911 11th Street, SE • Washington, DC 20003 • 202.543.5172 • M-F 8-7 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 9-5

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kids & family

by Kathleen Donner

ory Library that features photographs of unique architectural enhancements on buildings and landmarks in the neighborhood. Each photograph has a number. Printed copies of the photographs are available for to take in search of the building or landmark. Find the building or landmark, and write the answer on the back of the copy to turn into the Librarian. Answers may be the addresses or names of buildings. Completed entries will be collected during the month of July. After Summer Reading in August, a winner will be selected. Can’t get enough photography? Be sure to visit DigDC, DC Public Library’s digital collection from their Special Collections division, featuring Washington photography, newspapers and maps. For more information, call 202-698-6373. Francis A. Gregory Library is at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. dclibrary.org/francis.

The Sign of the Times Photography Workshop Join The Sign of the Times with Mr. Greggs for a photography workshop for ages 10 through 15. This workshop teaches kids how to use cameras focusing on basic camera functions and good picture taking skills. All workshops will expose participants to books of famous, local and national professional minority artists in photography. This free program is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. dclibrary.org/benning.

Music Club! at Francis A. Gregory Library Enjoy listening to music? Like to know how songs are made and how popular genres of music developed? Would meeting up-and-coming musicians be awesome? Come to the Francis A. Gregory Music Club and enjoy listening to popular music styles, while learning how to make groovy tunes, and meeting local musical artists! This club meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m. It is for ages 8 through 12. Francis A. Gregory Library is at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. dclibrary.org/francis.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AT THE KENILWORTH PARK WATER LILY & LOTUS FESTIVAL

The Kenilworth Park Water Lily & Lotus Festival is on July 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lotus & Water Lily Festival celebrates the profusion of flowers and the cultures that celebrate these flowers with music, dance, crafts, tours and children’s activities. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Photo: Tim Ervin

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Hocus Pocus: The Magic of Ran’D Shine at Anacostia Playhouse The Magic of Ran’D Shine kid’s show is on July 24, 5 p.m., at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. Tickets are $10. anacostiaplayhouse.com.

Fort Davis Photo Scavenger Hunt Explore Fort Davis. Win Summer Reading prizes this July by stopping by the Francis A. Gregory Library to participate in the Fort Davis Neighborhood Photo Scavenger Hunt. Visit the display at Francis A. Greg-

The Art and Science of the Chocolate Chip Cookie On Aug. 13, 1 to 4 p.m., learn about the wonderful plants that go in to making chocolate chip cookies at the US Botanic Garden. Exploratory stations will be placed throughout the Conservatory where visitors can learn about sugar, vanilla and chocolate. A chocolatier on site will teach how chocolate is made. Free; no preregistration required. usbg.gov.

Newseum Summer Fun Through Labor Day, the Newseum waives admission for visitors 18 and younger. Up to four kids visit free

For the 2017-2018 school year Bridges PCS is in our new location:

100 Gallatin St. NE Washington, DC 20011

Pre-K 3 through 5th grade Building a strong foundation for learning

APPLY FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR APPLY TODAY FOR ALL GRADES ADDITIONAL SLOTS OPEN FOR GRADES 3, 4 and 5

Apply for admissions at:

www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336 APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON A CONTINUING BASIS

Open houses for the 2017-2018 school year will be held on:

PUPPETS AT ANACOSTIA PLAYHOUSE

The shows are free and are at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings, July 22 Aug. 26 and Sept. 23. Shakespeare for the Young puppeteers are dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to young children, ages 2 and up, through a fun and interactive experience. All shows feature a workshop after the performance with song, movement and interactive play. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.com. A scene of Oberon, Titania, and Bottom from Midsummer Magic Photo: A. Houston

Fri. from 9:30 am - 10:30 am: July 14 & 21

Wed. from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: July 5

*You must register for these sessions by calling (202) 545-0515. Limit 30 people per session.

w w w. br i d g e sp c s . org

202.545.0515

Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Voted one of the Best Preschools in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013 -2016!

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Discovery Theater on the Mall

SUPERHERO FAMILY DAY AT SAAM

Pow! Bam! Kaboom! It’s an action-packed day of superheroes. Arrive dressed as a favorite character. No costume? Come as a superhero’s secret identity and make a mask at the crafting station. Show off powers in a series of challenges. Let those villains know that there is nothing can’t be overcome. No weapons, wings or full masks. Superhero Family Day is on July 22, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Smithsonian American Art Museum,

with each paid adult or senior admission. Summer Newseum admission prices are adults (19 to 64), $24.95 plus tax; seniors (65+), $19.95 plus tax; kids through 18, free. newseum.org.

SAAM Arcade On Aug. 5 and 6, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Smithsonian American Art Museum is turning into an arcade! Participate in game building workshops, listen to musicians inspired by digital works and play more than 100 video games. This free two-day takeover includes classic arcade games like Asteroids, Pac-Man, Tron, Arkanoid, Don-

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Photo: Bruce Guthrie

key Kong, and more. Play classic arcade games; show off pinball skills. Try new indie games. Get to know the developers. Rock out to live performances of video game music as players race the clock in a live speed run. Chill to string quartet arrangements of favorite video game theme music. Cheer as players compete in an Esports Championship. Create new games in handson game building workshops. Snack on chips, pizza, soda, beer and more

from the Courtyard Café. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Streets NW. americanart.si.edu.

Little Builders Storytime Come to the National Building Museum on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for an interactive read-aloud, for children aged 3 to 5, in the Building Zone’s book nook. After the story, participate in a hands-on activity. The Aug. 1 book is The City Kid and the Suburb Kid by Deb Pilutti. Little Builders Storytime does not require an RSVP. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

On July 5, 6 and 7 at 10:30 and noon, hear Taratibu. The Taratibu Youth Association (TYA) is an ensemble of young artists representing the performing arts of the African diaspora. With eclectic and diverse musical influences, TYA performs percussive dance styles from stepping to traditional South African Gumboot. For ages 5 to 16. On July 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 10:30 a.m. and noon, watch Rhythm & Beats with Max Bent. Max takes us with him as he takes the mic to make some crazy- good mouth music. This astounding human beatbox introduces kids to the most powerful musical instrument ever: their own bodies. For ages 5 to 12. On July 18, 19, 20 and 21 at 10:30 a.m. and noon, enjoy Summer Magic with Dave Thomen. Come celebrate an American summer on the National Mall with D’s Magic. Dave performs illusions with boxes, hoops and maybe even a rabbit and magic hat! For ages 5 to 12. On July 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. and noon, SOLE Defined puts an exciting twist on percussive dance by turning their bodies into human drums. For ages 5 to 12. These shows are at the Smithsonian Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, on the National Mall. Tickets are $6 per child, $3 for under two and $8 for adults. discoverytheater.org.

Family Events at the DAR On July 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., use the whole building to create a story. It begins at the museum entrance. Design an adventure! On Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., find out what how people made clothes in the early days of America. Brush and spin wool to make yarn, then weave it into cloth. These are free, walk-in events. Daughters of the American Revolution Headquarters is at 1776 D St. NW. 202628-1776. dar.org.

Botanic Children’s Garden Opens The US Botanic Children’s Garden has reopened in the Conservatory. Visit the new platform discovery structure: a se-

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ries of terraced platforms create a climbing structure with overhead arching aluminum posts that mimic the architectural style of the Conservatory. Fabric and metal leaf shapes provide overhead interest and shade for a group of seats that resemble oversized watering cans. A kiwifruit tunnel fashioned from metal replaces the previous vine tunnel. Cables positioned to resemble spider webs will soon be covered by newly planted kiwifruit plants as they grow and enclose the tunnel. An area defined by metal and wood walls provides children a space to dig with child-sized tools and learn about composting. Metal sculptures appear as oversize dandelions with steel “seeds” attached at the tips of wires. When the wind blows, the “seeds” and wires sway. Concrete formed to look like mushrooms at various heights form seats to accommodate children of all sizes. USBG.gov.

ROCKNOCEROS CONCERT AT THE ARBORETUM

There is a Rocknoceros concert on July 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the US National Arboretum. The concert is free, but reservations are required at fona.org/events/summer-evenings. Tickets available two weeks before the concert date. usna.usda.gov. Photo: Courtesy of the Rocknoceros

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids ages 4 to 12 can run the bases after some Sunday home games. Kids Run the Bases immediately follows the game. Remaining dates this season are July 8; Aug. 26 and Sept. 16. An adult must accompany runners to the field. One adult per child on the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street SE. washington. nationals.mlb.com.

Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Children This summer families can enjoy performances by top-notch “kindie rock” musicians and entertainers under the tented Backyard Theater Stage on Thursdays in July at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Here’s the lineup: July 13, The Amazing Max; July 20, Falu Bazaar; July 27, Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights. Tickets for parents and children are $8 in advance and $10 day-of. Admission is free for kids two and under. Performances are at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater Stage, adjacent to the his-

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toric Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD. Picnic blankets and low beach chairs welcome. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100.

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure Alice follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland. All the familiar characters have been transformed into live guitar-toting Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians! She takes advice from a Zen Caterpillar and a wise Cheshire Cat. She has tea with the unwelcoming Mad Hatter, and argues with the childish Tweedledee and Tweedledum. When the vicious diva Red Queen tries to destroy her, Alice fights back only to find herself in a battle of the bands with the Jabberwocky, a many-headed monster who embodies all her fears and insecurities. Alice ultimately outperforms him on keyboard and drums; she is crowned at last, and returns home, a stronger and happier girl. The writers have successfully translated Carroll’s irrational Wonderland to our own times and added lyrics and a beat that will make you want to twist and shout! This show is best for ages five, up. Tickets are $15 to $35. The show runs through Aug. 13, at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-280-1660. imaginationstage.org.

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Glen Echo When Junie B. Jones, with her two bestest friends in the world, loses her new furry mittens to some “stealers,” she investigates. But Junie B. might have something she forgot to return, too. Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook is on stage at Glen Echo through Aug. 14. It is recommended for all ages. Tickets are $19.50. adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

The Wizard of Oz The Wizard of Oz follows closely the original story in L. Frank Baum’s first, best known and best-loved of the classic Oz tales: There are more adventures than included in the film: more

of Baum’s original dialogue is included. the witch plays only a minor (less scary) role. On stage at Glen Echo, through July 23. This show is recommended for ages pre-K to sixth grade. Running time is 45 minutes. Tickets are $12. In grand circus tradition, Circus features a collection of clowns, deathdefying acrobats, and an amazing menagerie of fauna from the farthest reaches of the globe. Many of the acts were built more than 50 years ago by Christopher’s parents for “Len Piper’s International Marionette Circus.” On stage at Glen Echo, July 27 to Aug. 27. This show is recommended for ages pre-k to sixth grade. Running time is 36 minutes. Tickets are $12. thepuppetco.org.

The Real World Science Behind Harry Potter On July 30 from 1 to 4 p.m., in honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is offering family-friendly tours that explore the real world of science and medicine behind J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The cost is $6 per person; children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets go on sale for timed entry at shop.AlexandriaVA.gov. This event sells out, so purchase in advance. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA.

¡Ratón en Movimiento! Returns to Imagination Stage Imagination Stage will close the 20162017 Season of My First Imagination Stage with ¡Ratón en Movimiento! This is the bilingual version of the popular Mouse on the Move directed by Jenna Duncan. ¡Ratón en Movimiento!, best for ages 1 to 5, runs in Imagination Stage’s Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre through July 30. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $14, with a $5 lap fee for children under 12 months. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-2801660. imaginationstage.org. Have an item for the Notebook? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com.

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“Finding the One”

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

by Myles Mellor Across:

1. Signal-carrying, in a way 7. A bob, shag, pixie, buzz... 14. Military uniform cloth 19. Smoke out 20. Close to land 21. Mathematician 22. Romantic question 25. Like bread for pigeons 26. Later’s opposite 27. “___ in black” 28. Untrue 29. Long 30. ‘’__-Pan’’ (Clavell novel) 32. Features of some fonts 34. Duck and down preceder 39. Infamous insecticide 41. Hat material 44. Kind of cross 45. These hang around on a farm 46. Gobbled up 48. Way out 50. “My boy” 52. Serb or Croat 53. Immediate falling for 59. Special perception, for short 60. Pull over sound 61. Stink 62. Super server, in tennis 63. “Hollywoodland” star, Affleck 64. Jogged 65. .0000001 joule 66. Resin 69. Meter feeder’s need 71. Term of address in a monastery 74. Legal thing 76. French philosopher 78. “Here’s lookin’ at you, ___.” 79. Now, I see! 81. Common yule color 83. Fleece provider 85. Protection 86. Memorable song 90. Dentist’s advice 91. Jedi in Star Wars, first name 94. Romantic Beatles’ song 96. Renovate 98. Coloring 99. Equivalent

100. Myanmar monetary unit 101. Bluegills 103. “Andy Capp” cartoonist Smythe 106. Folded manuscript sheet 108. Winter month, for short 111. Mix-up 112. Off the mark 114. Pigs’ digs 116. Dictionary abbreviation 118. Alpine gear 120. Holed up 121. Hopper 123. Gut flora 125. Sad love song from Alicia Keys 131. Put together 132. Adult doodlebug, insect-carnivore mix? 133. Cringe 134. Euripides drama 135. Ones taking five 136. Lays to rest

Down:

1. Full of gossip 2. Split 3. High ground 4. Turn over 5. At this point 6. August baby 7. Great Depression rail rider 8. From the top 9. Philosophy suffix 10. Poet’s challenge 11. Like many CIA ops 12. Greek Muse of astronomy 13. No. on a business card 14. Bingo relative 15. Staying in shacks 16. Rope-a-dope boxer 17. Barbie Doll’s beau 18. Indignation 23. Condo, perhaps 24. U.S.N. officer 31. Ocean voyage locale 32. Fancy ice cream shape 33. Light musket 35. Licenses, for example 36. “Get rid of it,” to a proofreader 37. Generations

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 38. Are you coming? 40. Bar 42. Dissatisfied customer’s demand 43. Angle between the stem and the leaf 45. Dislodge from the saddle 47. Bo Derek film 49. Ruler opposed by the Bolsheviks 51. Eyeball 53. Chinese fruit 54. Greek mountain nymph 55. Best-known 56. Lift 57. Playing with a full deck

58. Roman garment 60. Bed 63. Witnesses 66. No. 2 in the statehouse 67. Pop up, as a conversation topic 68. Ex or Ab follower 70. Madly in love 72. After-lunch sandwich 73. Remote control button 75. Glass beer mug 77. Replace bullets 80. Unite 82. Wears 84. Chinese calligrapher ___ Qing

ANNUAL USED GAME SALE

Live and silent auctions for the hotter ticket items Sat. July 22, 10 am - 7 pm & Sun. July 23, 11 am-6 pm *All funds raised will be used to buy local teachers games for their classrooms, to support Labyrinth’s afterschool game clubs, and to buy new demos for our game library.

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* Storewide sale (roll a 20-sided die for a discount) and special events.

To sell games or sign up as a bidder for the auction go to www.labyrinthgameshop.com

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE | 202.544.1059 | www.labyrinthgameshop.com 50

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87. Beauty salon workers 88. Full of foliage 89. “Show and tell” for a client 90. Household nuisance 91. Eyeballs 92. Swiss capital 93. “I had no ___!” 95. X marks the ___ 97. Blockhead 102. Deltoid 104. Torch type 105. West African storytellers 107. “___ that special?!” 109. Develop gradually 110. More tranquil 112. Cry before firing 113. Not for minors 115. Long (for) 117. Cambodian cash 119. Soda nut 121. Crude dude 122. Taverns 124. Lump 125. “It Must Be ___” 126. Four quarters 127. Walletful 128. Place for a plug 129. Material-forming tool 130. Special effects: (abbr.)

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