East of the River Magazine june 2017 by Capital Community News

JUNE

2018

STAYCATION GUIDE

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Summer in the City by Kathleen Donner

Our River: The Anacostia by Bill Matuszeski

Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe

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IN EVERY ISSUE

N E X T I S S U E : J u LY 7

06 Calendar 56 The ClassiďŹ ed

The Bulletin Board

DC Council Chairmanship by Jonetta Rose Barras

Norton Faces Her First Democratic Challenger in 10 Years by Gavrielle Jacobovitz

58 The Crossword

59 Poetry Corner

Andria Thomas Brings Her Toolbox of Skills to Shadow Senate Race by Bonny Wolf

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Threats to Federal Programs Strain DC Housing Resources by Keely Sullivan

Mamatoto Village Receives Financial Support from March of Dimes by Candace Y.A. Montague

HOMES & GARDENS 49

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY ON THE COVER: Photo: Courtesy of DPR. See Story on pg. 22

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

June is Homeownership Month Explore the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency’s Homeownership Resources

Homeownership Program Updates · DC Open Doors Mortgage Loan Assistance Program new Maximum Borrower Income Limit for Conventional and FHA loans is now $140,640 · Mortgage Credit Certificate Program new Maximum Sales Price Limits are now Non-Target Areas - $625,764 and Target Areas - $764,823

Lender’s Fair June 23rd at DCHFA 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Meet one-on-one with lenders and housing counselors to learn how you can qualify to become a homeowner in the District using DC Open Doors, HPAP, EAHP and/or the Mortgage Credit Certificate Programs.

Homebuyers’ Informational Sessions First and third Wednesday of each month. June 6 and June 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at DCHFA Register for all three events by visiting www.DCHFA.org

815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001

202.777.1600 WWW.DCHFA.ORG

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Continuing education

Move your career forward with UDC! Register today for our Spring Courses Face-to-face Courses • • • • • • • • •

Project Management Principles and Practices Leadership Skill in the Workplace Workplace Communication in the 21st Century Team Building to Produce Highly Effective Teams in the Workplace Meeting and Event Planning Creative Writing First Aid and CPR We are now hiring Divorce Recovery instructors for classroom Au Pair Weekend based classes in

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Email: ccdc_cce@udc.edu • Ed2Go • Gatlin Education • Center for Legal Studies 801 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 305 WDC 20002 | 202-274-5536 | ccdc_ce@udc.edu For details visit: ed2go.com/udccc

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Editorial Staﬀ

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

Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art:

Dining: Literature: Movies: Music: Theater: Wine Girl:

Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Phil Hutinet • phutinet@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • cmccall20003@gmail.com Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Elyse Genderson • elyse@cellar.com

Real Estate

Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com Heather Schoell • heathersdo@gmail.com

Kids & Family

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

Homes & Gardens

Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com Rindy 0’Brien • rindyobrien@gmail.com

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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities check our website at hillrag.com. The publisher reserves the right not to publish any ad for any reason.

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F A G O N

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

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JUNE

INDEPENDENCE DAY DC Strings Orchestra Outdoor Concert. July 4, 7 to 9 PM; at 9:15 PM, watch fireworks from the hilltop. Join DC Strings Orchestra (dcstrings.org) and local artists in a concert celebrating America’s Birthday. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/frdo. What to the slave is the Fourth of July? at Frederick Douglass NHS. July 4; 9, 10 and 10:15 AM, house tours; 11 AM and 7 PM, actor Darius Wallace delivers Douglass famous speech ìWhat to the Slave is the Fourth of July?î on the front porch of the house; noon to 6 PM, self guided tours of the house with rangers in different rooms to answer questions; 1 to 5 PM, become a bicentennial Junior Ranger and earn a limited edition badge. Enjoy activities for children and families on the lawn; 8 to 9 PM, enjoy a Fourth of July themed full orchestra concert by DC Strings on the front porch of Douglassís Cedar Hill home. Listen to music as you settle in to watch the fireworks; 9:15 PM, watch fireworks from hilltop. Frederick Douglass NHS, 1411 W Street SE. nps.gov. Celebrate Independence: Music of Hamilton’s Time. July 2, 6 PM. Join David and Ginger Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute

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for a performance of music Alexander Hamilton and the founding fathers knew well. The concert celebrates the Second of July, the day the Continental Congress voted for American independence. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. societyofthecincinnati.org. July Fourth National Symphony Orchestra Concert Full Dress Rehearsal. July 3, 8 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Find a much smaller crowd at the concert rehearsal. Concertgoers are allowed on the Capitol grounds starting at 3 PM. Alcohol may be confiscated. Free. nso.org. Washington Nationals Postgame Freedom Fireworks. July 3, 6:05 PM game vs Red Sox. Fireworks start at about 9 PM, depending on game length. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. July 4, 9 AM to 5 PM. Observe an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens with a special keynote address, daytime fireworks at 1 PM, military re-enactments and a wreath laying ceremony. Enjoy free birthday cake, a visit from General and Mrs. Washington and a performance by the National Concert Band. Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA. mountvernon.org. Capitol Hill July Fourth Parade. Stepping off at 10 AM, the parade that runs north on Eighth Street SE from I Street to Pennsylvania Avenue SE features kids on bikes, fire trucks, marching bands, school groups, dogs with their owners, vintage cars and DC politicians. Parade contact is philguire@gmail.com.

SUNSET SUMMER FILM SERIES AT THE MLK MEMORIAL STONE OF HOPE

Thursdays at 8 PM, June 22, Marshall. Seating begins at 7 PM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and food. Alcoholic prohibited. Admission is free; the first 100 people receive a gift. TheMemorialFoundation.org. Photo: Courtesy of The Memorial Foundation

Palisades Parade and Picnic. July 4, 11 AM. Lineup is at 10 AM on Whitehurst Pkwy. All are invited to join. No registration necessary. Following the parade, there is a free picnic for all at the Rec Center featuring hot dogs, watermelon, drinks, live music and moon bounces. palisadesdc.org. Annual Independence Day Concert at the National Cathedral. July 4, 11 AM. Cathedral organists Benjamin Straley and George Fergus are joined by Washington Symphonic Brass and the US Navy Sea Chanters in presenting a program of patriotic favorites. Free. cathedral.org. Independence Day Parade. July 4, 11:45 AM. Marching bands, fife and drum corps, ﬂoats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian and drill teams celebrate Independence Day. Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th Streets NW. July Fourth Fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra Concert. July 4, 8 PM. US Capitol west lawn. Fireworks at about 9:15 PM. No one is allowed on the Cap-

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itol west lawn until 3 PM. Come early with a picnic and a blanket to the grounds of the Capitol for the National Symphony Orchestra Annual Independence Day Concert. The fireworks can be seen from all over the mall, from many rooftops and from across the river. Alcohol may be confiscated. The fireworks and concert go on except in the case of extremely bad weather. Free. nso.org. Independence Day Concerts at Air and Space. July 4, 11 AM, noon and 1 PM. Concerts feature vocal and instrumental selections from a variety of musical genres including big band, jazz, popular, patriotic and classical. airandspace.si.edu. Air Force Memorial Independence Day Celebration. July 4, 8 PM. Features the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA. Free. airforcememorial.org. USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration. July 7, 6 to 10 PM. Visitors celebrate America’s 242nd birthday and Alexandria’s 269th along the Potomac River waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park and enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, patriotic birthday cake, food vendors and fireworks. visitalexandriava. com/alexandria-birthday-celebration.

OUTDOOR MOVIES, MUSIC AND CEREMONY Marine Barracks Evening Parades. Fridays, 8:45 to 10 PM. The Evening Parade, held every Friday evening in summer, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. Parade is at the Marine Barracks on Eighth Street SE. Reservations suggested. barracks.marines.mil/Parades/Evening-Parade. 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 variety of musical genres. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, between Seventh and Ninth Streets on Constitution Ave. NW. The full schedule is at nga.gov. Military Band Concerts at the Capitol. Weeknights in summer at 8. 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. aoc.gov. US Navy Band Concerts on the Avenue. June 12, 19 and 26, 8 PM. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. navyband.navy.mil.

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Yards Park Summer Concerts. Fridays, 7 to 9 PM. June 15, Black Masala; June 22, Shane Gamble Band; June 29, Jah Works; July 6, Jimi Smooth Band; July 13. capitolriverfront.org/ yards-park. Cinematery at Congressional Cemetery. June 15. BYOB and dinner, too. No dogs. $10 suggested donation at the main gate. Visit congressionalcemetery.org for movie title and start time. East of the River Jazz Night. June 16, 3 to 5 PM. Hear great music and check out the different plants that bloom at different times of the year. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Union Market Drive-in Movies. Fridays. July 6, 8:55 PM, Like Water for Chocolate. Movies are held in Union Market’s parking lot, 1309 Fifth St. NE. Each family-friendly showing is free for walk-up film fans viewing in the picnic area or costs $10 per car. Food is delivered on wheels by The DC Rollergirls. unionmarketdc.com/events/union-market-drive-in-2018.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD The People’s Free Film Festival. June 15, 7 to 10 PM. Showcase of documentaries about past and present agents of social change. The feature presentation will be Passin’ It On. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Book Talk with Von Martin. June 16, 2 to 4 PM. Join the author as he discusses his book, “Voices of Pan Pioneers of Trinidad & Tobago: The Beginning of a Global Legacy.” It is an examination of these highways of cultural enrichment that is a fascinating look into the Caribbean cultural landscape. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Summer Solstice Cinema at ACM. June 23, 4 PM to midnight. The Anacostia Community Museum doors will remain open until midnight. In addition, the museum will be screening specially selected movies in their program room. DC Cab, 4 PM; Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, 6 PM; XXX: State of the Union, 8:30 PM; The Exorcist, 10 PM. All screenings include buttered popcorn, soda, candy bars and water. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Dr. Badlove and the Remedies. June 26, 7 to 9 PM. Blending deep funk, hip-hop, dancehall riddims and go-go beats with live vocals, smooth electronic guitar, bass, synthesizer rifts and infectious digital drumming, Dr.

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GIANT NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE June 23, 11 AM to 9 PM and June 24, 11 AM to 7 PM. Barbecue, live entertainment and giveaways. $12 each day; $20 for both days. Kids under 12 are free. Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Seventh Streets NW. bbqindc.com.

Badlove consists of multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Barrie Williams, drummer/ singer Phil Marnell; lead singer/rapper Chris Bulbulia and singer/dancer Rachel Johnson. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com.

son and The James Brown Experience; July 7, Sail On-The Beach Boys Tribute. City Winery, 1350 Okie St. NE. citywinery.com/washingtondc. Music at Pearl Street Warehouse. June 9, Kingsley Flood; June 10, Kingsley Flood; June 12, Sam Lewis; June 14, Ben Caplan; June 15, Ruthie and the Wranglers; June 16, Roosevelt Collier Trio; June 17, Mike & the Moonpies; June 20, EP Jackson & the Last Show; June 22, The Iguanas; June 29, The Calling; June 30, Seth Glier; July 7, Jonny Grave CD Release Party. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. pearlstreetwarehouse.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

“Hidden in Plain View” The Secret Wonders of Kenilworth. Join a 45-minute ranger led tour to learn about the history and nature of Kenilworth and the surrounding tidal marsh. Walks are weekdays, 10 AM, 1:30 and 2:30 PM; and weekends, 10 and 11 AM; 1:30 and 2:30 PM. nps.gov/keaq. 2018 Lotus & Water Lily Festival. July 21 to 28 (save the date). The Lotus and Water Lily Festival is an annual event that celebrates global culture in the wild wetlands of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. At this free family fun celebration, visitors enjoy cultural exhibitors, hands-on activities, lotus tea tasting, traditional Latin, Asian and African performances and the spectacular lotus and water lilies in full bloom.

Music at the Lincoln. June 9, Gomez; June 16, Aunty Donna-Big Boys; June 17, Yann Tiersen; June 21, What Happened 2 Chocolate City. The Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. thelincolndc.com.

MUSIC AROUND TOWN DC JazzFest. Through June 17. With more than 125 performances in 40 venues, DCJF will present an amazing array of emerging and master-level talent that includes more than 90 bands and 300 artists. dcjazzfest.org.

June 10, The Bad Plus; June 11, Tia Fuller; June 12, The Baylor Project; June 13, Homage to a Master: Keter Betts featuring Ben Williams; June 14, Raul Midon; June 15, JD Wilkes; June 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21 Joan Armatrading; June 19, Red Wanting Blue with Liz Brasher; June 22, Jazzmeia Horn; June 23, Greg Laswell; June 29, AJ Ghent; June 30, Masters of the Telecaster Featuring Jim Weider, GE Smith & Tom Principato-Tribute to Roy Buchanan; July 1, Keith Busey’s “70’s Best” Show; July 6, Mousey Thomp-

Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. June 9, Kingsley Flood; June 5, Brick+Mortar; June 8, Mykki Blanco and Booty Rex Pride Party; June 9, Cupcakke; June 10, Shamir; June 12, The Horrors; June 14, Angelo Moore & The Brand New Step; June 15, Middle Kids; June 16, Young Widows; June 19, Maps & Atlases; June 22, Face to Face; June 23, The Sword; June 24, Dessa; June 26, We Are Scientists; June 29, War on Women; June 30, Paperhaus. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Music at Union Stage. June 9, David Ramirez: Bootleg Tour; June 10, Hot Snakes; June 11, They.; June 13, Pianos Become the Teeth; June 15, I Don’t Know How but They Found Me and PeMusic at The Howard. June 9, Dru Hill; June 13, Monsieur Perking Duk; June 16, Tracyanne and Danny; June 17, Near Northiné; June 14, The Joe Budden Podcast w/ Rory & Mal; east; June 22, White Ford Bronco; June 23, The NaJune 22, August Alsina; June 27, Capleton; June 30, ked & Famous; June 24, Bad Bad Hats; June 26, Sheck Reggae Fest vs. Soca; July 3, Maxi Priest. Howard TheWes; June 27, Super Doppler; June 28, Mike Love; atre, 620 T St. NW. thehowardtheatre.com. June 29, Anthony Green; June 30, Nellie McKay and June 16, 3 to 5 PM. Hear great music and check out the different That Big 80s Party; July 3, The Dynamic Duo; July Music at City Winery. June 9, Pharoah Sanders w/ plants that bloom at different times of the year. Kenilworth Aquatic 6, Renegade-The Reunion; July 7, Vintage DC/Roots William Henderson, Nat Reevss & Jonathan Blake;

EAST OF THE RIVER JAZZ NIGHT

Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Photo: Jeanine Cummins

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Rock Songs. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. unionstage.com. Music at The Anthem. June 9, Belle & Sebastian; June 12, Vance Joy; June 16, DC Jazzfest at the Wharf. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com. Blue Monday Blues in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. June 11, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew; June 18, Scott Ramminger & the Crawstickers; June 25, Linwood Taylor Band. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at the Atlas. June 14, Yacine Boulares’ AJOYO; June 16 to 24, The InSeries: The Emperor of Atlantis. Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Jazz Night in Southwest. Fridays, 6 to 9 PM. June 15, Swingin’ with Alex Jenkins; June 22, Remembering Donnie West; June 29, Tribute to Art Blakey; June 30, Thinking About Jazz2018 Art Blakey: Jazz Messenger. $5 cover. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org.

SPORTS AND FITNESS Outdoor Public Pools. East of the River outdoor public pools open Memorial Day weekend. They are: Anacostia Pool (closed Mondays) at 1800 Anacostia Dr. SE; Benning Park Pool (closed Thursdays) at 5100 Southern Ave. SE; Douglass Pool (closed Wednesdays) at 1921 Frederick Douglass Ct. SE; Fort Stanton Pool (closed Thursdays) at 1800 Erie St. SE; Kelly Miller Pool (closed Mondays) at 4900 Brooks St. NE; Oxon Run Pool (closed Mondays) at 501 Mississippi Ave. SE; Ridge Road Pool (closed Thursdays), 830 Ridge Rd. SE.; Kenilworth Pool (closed Mondays), 1300 44th St. NE. All outdoor pools are open weekends, noon to 6 PM; weekdays after school year ends, 11 AM to 8 PM. All DC pools are free for DC residents. Have picture ID. dpr.dc.gov.

CIVIC LIFE Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov. 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. Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7 to 9 PM. UPO Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600.

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Saturdays through Nov. 17, 10 AM to 2 PM. In the parking lot behind Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3200 Sixth St. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com. Central Northeast Civic Association. Third Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 PM. Dorothy Height Public Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. For more information, contact Michele or Rick Tingling-Clemmons, 202-388-1111. Deanwood Citizens Association. Fourth Monday, 6:30 PM. Deanwood Recreation Center, 1300 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30 to 8 PM. Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord St. NE. Contact Rochelle Frazier-Gray, 202-352-7264 or richelle.frazier@longandfoster.com. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

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

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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. HCD Housing Resource Center, 1800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. anc8adc.org.

Fort Dupont Civic Association. First Monday, 7 PM. 100 42nd St. NE. FortDupontCivicAssociation.com.

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

Ward 7 Education Council Meeting. Fourth Thursday, 6:30 PM. Capitol View Library, 5001 East Capitol St. SE.

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.

Anacostia High School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday, 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R Streets SE. Benning Ridge Civic Association. First Wednesday, 6:30 to 8 PM at the Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Rd. SE

Photo: Courtesy of the Ward 8 Farmer’s Market

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@

ANC 8E. First Monday, 7 PM. Eagle Academy, 3400 Wheeler Rd. SE.

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

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WHAT IS A PUBLIC BANK?

Join the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) for a series of public meetings on a proposal to establish a public bank in the District of Columbia. District of Columbia residents, small business owners and other stakeholders will learn: • • •

What is a public bank? What are the core tenets of public banking? What other states and municipalities have public banks?

Find out more on:

July 25 @ 6:30 p.m. at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE, WDC 20032 To register: https://disb.dc.gov/page/public-banking-district For more information, visit disb.dc.gov or call (202) 727-8000 E ast

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East of the River

ation StaycSummer 2018

Summer in the CitY It’s All About Being Outside

Photo: Courtesy of the Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival

by Kathleen Donner

fun, successful DC summer can best be had outdoors: outdoor dining, swimming, bicycling, hiking, boating, sun bathing, exercising, reading, listening to music, watching movies, visiting the monuments and front porch sitting. It’s all here. A lot of it’s free. In summer, Washington is remarkably informal. You can spot some very powerful people in shorts showing knobby knees strolling through Eastern Market or having coffee at an outdoor cafe. Wildly democratic and unique for a major city, we don’t look down on tourists. In fact, it’s everyone’s patriotic duty to visit us. So, relax, remove your stockings, slip into comfortable shoes, bring the dog and enjoy this great city for exactly what it is.

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC In 2018, the 9th annual Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival joins the District of Columbia in celebrating the “Year of the Anacostia.” Nestled between the banks of the Anacostia River, Kingman Island has become a park dedicated to preserving natural resources and educating District youth about conservation and becoming better stewards of the natural world. This year’s festival is on June 9

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from noon to 8 p.m. at 575 Oklahoma Ave. NE. General admission tickets are $35; $45 at gate Children are free under 10. It features multiple stages, over eight hours of performances by dozens of local Bluegrass, Folk and Americana artists, food and drink, artisan merchants, outdoor activities including kayaking, boat tours and several activities for children. Read more at kingmanislandbluegrass.info. The Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW welcomes everyone this summer with their American Roots Music Concert Series, every other Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Here’s the lineup: June 14, Hank, Pattie and The Current, progressive bluegrass; June 28, Davis Bradley, Appalachia/Americana; July 12, Justin Trawick & The Common Good, Americana/bluegrass; July 26, Seth Kibel, jazz; Aug. 9, Moonshine Society, blues/rock; Aug. 23, Ruthie & The Wranglers, country. Provided seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis or bring your own blanket or chair. National Garden Amphitheater. The rain location is Conservatory Garden Court. usbg.gov. On Wednesdays through Aug. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., The Wharf welcomes lovers of music, water and boats to its Transit Pier for free concerts. Haven’t visited The Wharf yet? This is a perfect introduction. Here’s the lineup: June 6, Lloyd Dobler Effect; June 13, Jarreau Williams Band; June 20, Justin Trawick and The Common Good; June 27, AZTEC SUN; July 4, David Thong Band; July 11, Brent & Co.; July 18, The Woodshedders; July 25,

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Photo: Courtesy of the Marine Corps Marathon

La Unica; Aug. 1, Pebble to Pearl; Aug. 8, Monster Band; Aug. 15, Dixie Power Trio; Aug. 22, 19th Street Band. wharfdc.com. Since its debut in 2014, Moonrise Festival at Pimlico Race Course, has grown into one of the most anticipated East Coast summer festivals. This year will be held on Aug. 11 and 12, both days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Musical styles span from heavy-hitting bass to hip hop, live electronic acts to house music and everything in between. The event also features art installations, a vendor village, food and beverages. The lineup is at moonrisefestival.com/lineup. As with most of summer festivals, the earlier you purchase your tickets, the lower the price of admission. Pimlico Race Course is at 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD. moonrisefestival.com.

GET IN SHAPE

Marine Corps Marathon training is a great way to start running. Whether or not you commit to doing the marathon, you can still train. You’ll be

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5k or 10k-ready quickly. Runcoach is the official training program for the Marine Corps Marathon. On average participants see a 7 percent improvement in race finish time over prior races. Develop a personalized plan and set goals. Each plan includes an individualized training schedule; daily or weekly workout emails; individual pace assignments; cross training guides and links to video demonstrations; access to the memberonly forum; live chat feature with real US based running coaches; and GPS enabled iPhone and Android Apps that track your performance with real-time splits, maps and audio feedback. Go to marinemarathon.com/events/marathon/mcm-info/training. District Running Collective (DRC) is an urban movement that consists of runners of all levels that take to DC streets to promote culture, health, community and diversity through running. Meet up at Exhale Bar & Lounge, 1006 Florida Ave. NW, and run with them every Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. “We are looking to positively impact DC through running. We do our best to build a

community of runners that reflects our beautiful city and its diversity. Our goal is take make running feel less like a chore, but a lifestyle. There are a lot of running clubs/groups that meet but we look to change some of the stigma that is associated with running. “ districtrunningcollective.com. Get active in the fresh air this summer, as outdoor fitness classes return to both Capitol Riverfront parks. Free classes are available Sundays through Saturdays for all fitness interests and levels with instructors from Orange Theory Fitness, VIDA Fitness, Barre3, Freedom Group Exercise, Powered Fitness and Mimi Rieger Trainers. Here’s the schedule: Monday, 7 p.m., Yoga with VIDA (Yards Park); Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Conditioning with Orangetheory (Yards Park); Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Barre Yoga with Barre3 (Canal Park); Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Freedom Barre with Freedom Group Exercise (Yards Park); Fridays, 7:30 a.m., Strength Training with Powered Fitness (Canal Park); Saturdays, 9 a.m., HIIT with VIDA (Yards Park); and Sundays 9 a.m., Yoga with Mimi Rieger Trainers (Yards Park). All classes are free. Just show up. capitolriverfront.org.

WATCH SOMEONE ELSE SWEAT

Since 1909 the Congressional Baseball Game has been an annual bipartisan event beloved by all and enjoyed by thousands. Members of the United States Congress from each party solidify friendships off the floor and on the field. Over the last century the Congressional Baseball Game’s popularity has contributed to its evolution into a foundation called Congressional Sports for Charity that supports worthy and effective DC area charities, including The Washington Literacy Center, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation among others including charities that will show their gratitude to the US Capitol Police officers and those injured at the Republican practice shooting on June 14, 2017. This year’s game is June 14, at Nationals Park. Gates open at

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Photo: Courtesy of Congressional Sports for Charity

5:30 p.m.; first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Reserved seats are $15; general admission, $10. Tickets and rosters are at congressionalbaseball.org. The DC United Audi Field Inaugural match is on July 14, 7 p.m., vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here’s the rest of the season: July 25, 7:30 p.m., vs. New York Red Bulls; July 28, 7 p.m., vs. Colorado Rapids; Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., vs. Portland Timbers; Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m., vs. Philadelphia Union; Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., vs. Minnesota United FC; Sept. 29, 7 p.m., vs. Montreal Impact; Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., vs. Toronto FC; and Oct. 21, 3 p.m., vs. New York City FC. Audi Field features a fan plaza outside the main gate, the rooftop patio with sweeping DC views, a team store and a rooftop bar. Get tickets at dcunited.com. The Citi Open Tennis Tournament is on July 28 to Aug. 5, at the Rock Creek Tennis Center, 5220 16th St. NW. Single session tickets range from $15 to $120 depending on the seat location and session. Week long passes range from $200 to $750. Registration is now open for those interested in volunteering at the tournament at citi.allow.me/volunteer. citiopentennis.com

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GET OUT ON THE WATER

If learning to sail is on your bucket list, visit dcsail.org. They have adult and children’s sailing lessons and refresher courses, April through October. DC Sail is the community sailing program of the National Maritime Heritage Foundation. Their mission is to promote and sustain affordable educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment. DC Sail empowers its participants to develop self-respect and sportsmanship, foster teamwork, and cultivate sailing skills and an appreciation for maritime-related activities. Sailing opportunities are available for adults and youth aboard small boats as well as their 65-foot schooner, American Spirit. See their boats at The Wharf/Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St. SW and Diamond Teague Park Piers at 99 Potomac Ave. SE. dcsail.org. The Potomac Riverboat Company’s newest water taxi service offers direct routes between the Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. Pick up a water taxi at Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW; 3100 K St. NW; Cameron St, Alexandria, VA; and 145 National Plaza, National

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Photo: Courtesy of DC Sail

Harbor, MD. One-way adult pricing is $10 and $7 for kids. Round-trip is $18 and $12.60 for kids. There’s also a Washington Monuments Cruise; a Mount Vernon Cruise; a Wharf Sightseeing Cruise; an Alexandria Seaport Cruise; and a Canine Cruise. Tickets and more details are at potomacriverboatco.com. Boating in DC (BIDC) offers rents kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boards, bikes and hydro bikes at more than four locations. Learn sculling, canoeing, Photo: Courtesy of DPR paddle boarding and kayaking. No disability should prevent someone from enjoying the water. BIDC offers all-access kayaking at their Thompson Boat Center location. They have equipment to make kayaking accessible for all. Sessions include all equipment, life jacket and a boat with instruction both on and off the water. BIDC operates the Thompson Boat Center, 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, The Wharf Boathouse, 700 Water St. SW and The Ball Park Boathouse, 1492 Fourth St. SE. For rental hours, visit boatingindc.com. Capitol SUP, located at 1492 Fourth St. SE, rents kayaks paddleboards and SUPS. Their hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lessons are available for SUP basic and race skills. capitalsup.com

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GET IN THE WATER

Public spray parks are small outdoor parks equipped with kidfriendly fountains that are perfect for splashing around and escaping the summer heat. The fountains are turned on from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. Find a spray park, listed by ward, at dpr. dc.gov/page/spray-parks. For a more immersive experience, find DC outdoor pools, by ward, at dpr.dc.gov/page/outdoor-pools. DC indoor pools operate year-round with varying hours in summer to accommodate kids’ camps. Find them at dpr.dc.gov/page/ indoor-pools. Sandy Point State Park is a 786-acre Maryland State Park on the Chesapeake Bay, at the foot of the Bay Bridge. It is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing, crabbing and boating. In summer, the southern portion of the beach has on-duty lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is $5 for Maryland residents; $7 for non-residents. Take route 50 east for about 40 miles. Watch for signs. Maryland Seafood Festival is at Sandy Point State Park on Sept. 8 and 9. It’s a weekend full of delicious seafood dishes, interactive cooking demonstrations, competitions, kids’ activities and more. mdseafoodfestival.com. Enjoy river tubing on the Potomac River where it meets the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry. Each trip is about two hours long, depending on river conditions. To make a day of it, ask to be shuttled back to the tubing starting point and do it again. River guides are available as well. People tubing must be at least 12 years old, weight 50 lbs. or more, and swim. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or reserve a guide. At the end of

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The Capital Wheel, National Harbor’s 180’ Observation Wheel

the trip, freshen up in their bathhouse equipped with sinks, toilets and hot showers. Rate are $20 to $30 per trip. Harpers Ferry is about one hour and 15 minutes from Washington, DC. harpersferryadventurecenter.com.

GET ALOFT

a Sunday afternoon out of town. Gates open at 11 a.m. Shows begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at about 4 p.m. After the airshow, the audience can come on to the airfield and meet airshow performers for about 30 minutes. Watch a parachute jumper opens the show as he glides down while carrying the American flag. Gander at a wing walker waving while hanging from his ankles below the biplane’s bottom wing. Adult admission is $15; $7 for kids through 12; under five, free. The Flying Circus Aerodrome is located 14 miles south-

east of Warrenton, VA and 22 miles NW of Fredericksburg, VA. They are just off Route 17, 5114 Ritchie Rd. in Bealeton, VA. flyingcircusairshow.com. Terrapin Adventures invites you to experience the thrill of gliding through the trees 30 feet in the air at speeds up to 20 miles per hour on their 450-foot zip line. First, climb a ladder and cross a swaying cable to get to the zip platform. Then, take off and let gravity do the rest. Participants must at least eight years old, at least four-feet tall and between 60 and 275 pounds. The experience is $15. They also have a climbing tower, high ropes, a giant swing and a doggie dash. Walk-ins are fine, but they prefer reservations. Open daily in summer. Terrapin Adventures is at Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD. terrapinadventures.com.

ENJOY MUSEUMS AFTER HOURS

The White House Historical Association presThis is the summer to ride the National Harbor ents Jazz on Jackson Place, a summer concert Observation Wheel. Soar 180 above the Potomac series held in the courtyard of historic Decatur River waterfront for 12 to 15 minutes in a climateHouse, on Lafayette Square. controlled, fully-enclosed The $35 ticket includes gondola. Visible sights inlive music, hors d’oeuvres, clude the National Cathedral, open bar, tours of Decatur Washington Monument, MaHouse and a chance to win sonic Temple, City of Alexanraffle prizes. Jazz on Jackdria, Prince George’s Counson Place is from 6:30 to ty and the lush parklands 8:30 p.m. Here’s the linethroughout the DC-Maryup: June 14, Clarinetist land-Virginia region. Adult Oran Etkin; July 12, Basstickets are $15 ($13.50, over ist Adi Meyerson; and Aug. 60); and $11.25 for children, 9, Drummer Sanah Kadou3 to 11. The Wheel opens at ra. Decatur House is named 10 a.m. on weekends in June after its first owner and ocand daily in July and August. cupant Stephen Decatur. Otherwise it opens at noon. whitehousehistory.org. The National Harbor ObserExperience the vation Wheel runs 365 days Freer|Sackler After Hours a year. thecapitalwheel.com. with programming combinThe Flying Circus Air ing art, film, music and food. Jazz on Jackson Place event at the White House Historical Association. The event series, held Show is a great way to spend three times during the summer season, celebrates its 12th year in 2018.

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Photo: Courtesy of the National Geographic

On June 23, 5:30 p.m. to midnight, celebrate the 2018 summer solstice at this special after-hours event, with museums open until midnight across the Smithsonian. On Fridays@Freer|Sackler, July 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 3, 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy live music on the museum steps, drinks on the plaza and in the courtyard, Asian flavors by local chefs, and evening access to their exhibitions. Plus, catch a Hong Kong Film Festival screening starting at 7 p.m. The twenty-third annual Made in Hong Kong Film Festival is organized by the Freer|Sackler and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is at 1050 Independence Ave. SW. freersackler.si.edu. Phillips after 5 is a lively mix of art and entertainment, including live music, food, and cash bar on the first Thursdays of the month from 5 to 8:30 p.m. On June 7, enjoy Jazzin’ at the Phillips. On July 5, celebrate 100 years of ‘mate-ship’ between the United States and Australia at Phillips after 5. Adult admission is $12. $10 for students and seniors (over 62). Those 18 and younger are free. Tickets to Phillips after 5 include entry to special exhibitions and the permanent collection galleries. Advance ticket purchase is strongly advised as this popular event tends to sell out. The

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Phillips Collection is at 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org.

AND WHEN IT’S RAINING...

Visit the National Geographic Museum and travel back in time to the mid 1980s during the height of the Cold War. National Geographic Explorer-atLarge Robert (Bob) Ballard was sent on a top-secret mission to investigate the remains of two nuclear submarines. After successfully investigating the submarines in the North Atlantic, Ballard discovered the RMS Titanic. Titanic: The Untold Story will be told among historical naval artifacts such as the HOV Alvin, the titanium research submarine that dove to a depth of 12,540 feet to document the wreckage. Additionally, the exhibition contains a collection of artifacts belonging to survivors that have not been reunited since the night the ship sank in 1912. The National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ngs.org. In the Newseum Ethics Center, interactive kiosks challenge visitors to tackle real-life reporting

dilemmas and see how real journalists responded. Find activities by century, topic, theme, grade and format. Learn to weed out propaganda; analyze turning points in history and identify fake news. From July 1 to Sept. 3, Newseum is free for up to four kids, 18 and under with a paid adult. There also a small discount for online ticket purchase. Newseum, open daily, except some holidays, is at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org. “The Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, explores the era that shaped Oprah Winfrey’s life and early career in TV, her talk show that dominated daytime TV for 25 years. Examine the ways in which she has influenced American popular culture. The exhibition features original artifacts from Harpo Studios in Chicago and from Smithsonian collections as well as video clips, interactives and photographs. “Watching Oprah” is on through June 2019. Museum entry is by timed-pass. Because the timedpass policy is fluid, visit nmaahc.si.edu/visit/ passes for current details. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. nmaahc.si.edu.

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Vacation on the Anacostia This Year! Our River: The Anacostia

his monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue is devoted to travel and vacation. For many this means seeking out exotic or famous places to visit. But there are many things you can do this summer on or along the Anacostia River that are difficult to match wherever you might end up going. Here are some examples of what our river offers.

Out on the Water

If your interest is rowing or paddling, I suppose you could try the Thames in London, the Seine in Paris, San Francisco Bay or the Hudson in New York. But you will not find much peace and qui-

The Anacostia traveler. Photo: Wordpress.com

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by Bill Matuszeski et, and other vessels will be threatening, to say the least. Seeking out smaller rivers may be a solution, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure the East River is much quieter than the Hudson. Plus, you have to learn where to rent your boat or where to launch your own. Back on the friendly Anacostia, you have many options. You can rent canoes and kayaks and launch them or your own vessels at the new Wharf development in Southwest or in the Yards Park near the baseball stadium, as well as in Bladensburg. You can launch your own vessel at Kingman Island, and other put-ins are in the planning stage. Now, you might be interested in more of a wilderness paddle, far from any of the above, but The put-in at Kingman Island. Photo: Bill Matuszeski have you seen the Anacostia above the New York Avenue bridge? Not a sign of humanity in sight! river, and they have some capacity to get under At least for a while. the railroad bridge, depending on the tide. OrThe other boating ganize a group for a tour and call them! experience on the Anacostia involves moVisiting Gardens tor power. The CSX If you travel the world to see gardens, as many railroad bridge above do, there are many cities to inspire you. London Pennsylvania Avenue has great displays in Chelsea, Buckingham Palprevents most moace and the Kew Gardens. Vienna offers the Unitor craft, most of the versitat Botanical Garden, and Schonbrunn. Chitime, from moving furcago has the Chicago Botanical Garden, and the ther north, so the river Morton Arboretum. from there to BladensBut not many places can match the offerings burg is pretty much a right along our river. There is the incredibly beauhaven for rowers and tiful Brookside Gardens, off Glenallan Avenue bepaddlers. The DC govlow Randolph Road east of Georgia Avenue; it is ernment, however, has adjacent to the Northwest Branch, and the Sligo supplied the Anacostia Creek Trail begins just to the south. Watershed Society and Along the tidal river we have the US NationRiverkeeper with boats al Arboretum with 445 acres of open space and to provide free group extensive experimental gardens of all types; and tours up and down the

right across the river the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a special set of ponds and lakes featuring plants of all kinds that thrive in that environment. All three of these gardens provide not only respite; they are active scientific study centers, offering their new discoveries and plants to the world. All offer pleasure and learning to visitors.

WaLKING IN THE WILD

Lots of folks take trips to escape the city in summer, and the residents of the Washington, DC, area are no different. Many seek out wilderness experiences far from crowds and builtup areas. The nearby Appalachians offer respite for hikers and campers, but others go west, or north to Canada or overseas for more exotic trails and natural beauty. The Anacostia is known as an urban river and it can never compare to a wild and scenic river through wilderness. But there are many places where you can seek out isolation from others and be enveloped by nature. These are readily accessible by trails that you can often reach by walking from your house. In other cases, you need to drive a bit or take the Metro. One of the more distant places to consider is Sandy Spring, a town in eastern Montgomery County where the farthest branch of the Anacostia begins. Turn south off Md. 108 on Meetinghouse Road and park at the old Quaker Church, which was a station on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves. Walk down the road and through a couple of gates until you see a cluster of trees and bushes ahead of you. That is where the Sandy Spring emerges from the ground and our river begins. You can spend hours walking the fields and woods of the area before returning to the city.

Call Kira Means 202-400-3508 or kira@hillrag.com for more information

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Another special wild place is the Northwest Branch Trail between the Adelphi Mill Historic Site on Riggs Road and the Beltway. This is a five-mile roundtrip walk in a deep ravine with hardly a building in sight. The only sound is the stream alongside you rushing over rocks. Although the trail gets rough, you can continue on foot under the Beltway and up the stream for miles.

bIKING ON TRaILS

The wilderness upstream of New York Avenue. Photo: Bill Matuszeski

Riding a bicycle is a great way to learn about new places and people, and there are tours taking you all over the world. I have just returned from an amazing trip through Puglia, the heel of Italy. The great advantage of biking along the Anacostia is the extensive network of 85 miles of trails – you don’t have to share the road with cars and trucks. You can choose trails through deep woods carpeted in wildflowers, quiet neighborhoods, open parklands or along rushing streams. An added bonus is that you can take your bike on Metro at no extra charge (except before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on weekdays) out to the end of a trail and ride home.

DINING aL FRESCO

One of the pleasantest things to do on vacation is to dine out of doors at great restaurants. It is a major drawing point for visitors to cities like Paris, along the Amalfi coast and throughout the Caribbean. But dining en plein air has come to the Anacostia! It seems like every month a new restaurant opens with outdoor seating at The Wharf in Dining al fresco at The Salt Line on our river. Southwest or in Yards Park. More are sure to come for such newly developing areas as Buzzard Point and Poplar Point. It is not just great food – there are at least three top seafood restaurants with outdoor seating in Yards Park alone. You have the added bonus of river views. Sometimes we all need to get away – far away to a different land. But it’s nice to know that many of the things we are looking for have popped up in recent years on and along our river, and they are here year-round whenever you want to escape. Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of: MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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F A G O N

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, a DC member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. He is also board vice-chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum.

Vocalist Lena Seikaly appears on June 10 at The Hamilton Live and on June 16 at The Alex in Georgetown. Photo: Leah Appel

by Steve Monroe

DC Jazz Fest Is Here!

The DC Jazz Fest is back with a bang. This year’s festival, which started on June 7 and lasts until June 18, presents stars like Robert Glasper, Maceo Parker, Christian Scott a Tunde and Ben Williams at the District Wharf in Southwest; Delfeayo Marsalis, Regina Carter and Terence Blanchard at The Hamilton Live Series; Chucho Valdes & Gonzalo Rubalcaba at the Kennedy Center; and of course, Jazz in the ‘hoods at venues all over town. The DC Jazz Fest DC JazzPrix finalists for the annual band competition are: Baltimore’s The Cornerstore, developed by bassist Kris Funn; the Emmet Cohen Trio of New York; Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead of New York; the Roxy Coss Quintet of New York and the Sanbone Pagode Oquestra Ensemble of Brazil, with the finals June 16 at the District Wharf. For complete information, including show times and ticketing information, visit www.dcjazzfest.org.

Congratulations, Larry Appelbaum and Lea Gilmore!

Congratulations to our area’s Jazz Journalist Heroes for 2018, Larry Appelbaum, 2018 Washington DC Jazz Hero, and Lea Gilmore, Baltimore Jazz Hero. Appelbaum, known worldwide as a WPFW-FM Radio programmer, is a senior music reference librarian and jazz specialist in the Music Division of the Library of Congress, where he has worked for nearly

40 years. As former supervisor of the library’s Magnetic Recording Laboratory, he transferred, edited and mastered many classical, jazz and folk recordings for commercial release. His status as a jazz hero for all time was secured in 2004, when he discovered in the Library of Congress’s archives a complete and revelatory November 1957 Carnegie Hall recording of the Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane, made by Voice of America but ignored for nearly half a century. The recording, which more than doubled the documentation of those two musicians’ brief but significant collaboration, was restored and released the following year on Blue Note Records as “Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall.” Gilmore, one of the world’s most respected inspirational vocalists, as well as a writer, social justice advocate and lecturer on human rights, has been said to command a “rich and passionate voice … a gift from her soul to our ears.” The jazz, blues and gospel vocalist has lent her voice, literally and figuratively, to advocacy for the underserved around the globe and in her own backyard. Named by Essence as one of “25 Women Shaping the World,” she is a winner of the Blue Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive award, for her historical work on women’s contributions to that music, and a recipient of the 2016 Golden Formstone Award from Baltimore’s Creative Alliance, for her efforts with arts and commitment to social justice.

‘DC Jazz’ Coming in June

Look for the June 2018 release of “DC Jazz – Stories of Jazz Music in Washington, DC,” by editors Maurice Jackson and Blair A. Rubles, from Georgetown University Press.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS: … Benito Gonzalez, June 9, Twins Jazz … Shacara Rogers, June 9, The Alex/Graham Georgetown Hotel … Terence Blanchard/E-Collective, June 9, Hamilton Live … JazzForum/Tom Teasley, “Drumming through Time & Culture,” June 11, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Recital Hall/Bldg. 46-West … Allan Harris/Lena Seikaly, June 10, Hamilton Live … Ola Onabule, June 11, Blues Alley … Allyn Johnson/Meet the Artist – Paul Carr, UDC Recital Hall/Bldg. 46-West … Carl Grubbs Ensemble, June 13, Liberty Senior Center/ Randallstown … Yacine Boulares’ AJOYO, June 14, Atlas Performing Arts Center … Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, June 14-17, Blues Alley … Michael Thomas Quintet, June 15, Jazz in the Garden/National Gallery of Art … Swingin’ with Alex Jenkins, June 15, Westminster Presbyterian Church … John Russell Lamkin III, June 15-16, Twins Jazz … Henrik Meurkens, June 22, Jazz in the Garden/ National Gallery of Art … Nicki Parrott, June 24, Jazzway6004/Baltimore … Lena Seikaly, June 16, The Alex … Marshall Keys Ensemble/Music of Eddie Harris, June 17, Penn Hill Shopping Center … Terri Lyne Carrington/ Esperanza Spalding/Nicholas Payton, June 21-22, Blues Alley … Gene Lamont/Remembering Donnie West, June 22, Westminster … Alison Crockett, June 23, The Alex … Reginald Cyntje, June 24, DC Jazz Jam/The Brixton … Herbie Hancock, June 24, Music Center at Strathmore … Kent Miller Group, June 24, Twins Jazz … Nicki Parrott, June 24, Jazzway6004/Baltimore … The JoGo Project, June 26, Blues Alley … Tiffany Lloyd, June 27, Blues Alley … Joshua Bayer, June 29, Jazz in the Garden/National Gallery of Art … Keith Killgo/Tribute to Art Blakey, June 29, Westminster … Thinking About Jazz/Art Blakey, June 30, Westminster … Mark Whitfield Band/Sy Smith, June 30, Blues Alley … Rochelle Rice, June 30, The Alex … JUNE BIRTHDAYS: Josephine Baker, Dakota Staton 3; Oliver Nelson, Anthony Braxton 4; Monty Alexander 5; Jimmie Lunceford, Grant Green 6; Tal Farlow, Tina Brooks 7; Kenny Barron 9; Chick Corea, Geri Allen 12; Jaki Byard, Erroll Garner 15; Lucky Thompson 16; Eric Dolphy 20; Jamil Nasser 21; Milt Hinton 23; Reggie Workman 26; Andrew Hill 30. 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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Volunteer at the Kenilworth Gardens On June 23, 9 a.m. to noon, join the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with a day of volunteer service. This incredible national park site showcases historic ponds with spectacular water lilies and lotus, tidal marsh and habitat for abundant wildlife. Help protect, restore and promote this jewel along the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. Register at friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. The park also needs volunteers for “The Water Lily & Lotus Cultural Festival” on July 21. Positions include: assisting with set-up and breakdown; staffing the Welcome Tent; greeting visitors and answering their questions. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org.

Anacostia Vegan Pop-Up Good As Green to Historic Anacostia, a nationally sought-after vegan popup has opened in Historic Anacostia. Throughout the month of June, founder and former personal trainer Najla T. Williams, will be preparing vegan breakfast and lunch dishes. Good As Green is open from Tuesday through Sunday at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. goodasgreen.net.

$2.6 Million in Grants Awarded

WALKING TOUR OF 11TH STREET BRIDGE PARK

On June 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m., join the 11th Street Bridge Park staff and learn about DC’s newest civic space. The site tour is an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, equity work and updates. Meet at Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. Read more and RSVP at bridgepark.org/event/june-walking-tour. Image: Courtesy of OMA+OLIN

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Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has awarded over $2.6 million in Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Reimbursement Grants to 53 small businesses. Ward 7 awardees are Capitol Wings Factory, Helen Mart and Powell Manufacturing Industries, Inc. Ward 8 awardees are Duende District, Honfleur Limited Arts, Martin’s Foodtown, PJ’s Cut and Style Salon, Pro Cut Barbershop and Reel Brothers Enterprise. For more information visit greatstreets.dc.gov/ page/small-business-business-grants.

VOICE LIFELINE AND BROADBAND LIFELINE Did you know? You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone or Fios Internet bill. Discounts for basic telephone or Broadband Lifeline service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents. Verizon Washington, D.C. Voice Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge.

The Commons Opens The 55,000 square foot “The Commons” campus is the collaboration between Horning Brothers, the Horning Family Fund, Martha’s Table and Community of Hope. Its objective is the healthy development of children and their families of Ward 8’s Fort Stanton and Hillsdale neighborhoods. The facility provides comprehensive programming including early childhood education, nutrition programs, parental supports and out of school programs for children. The Commons at Stanton Square is located at 2375 Elvans Road SE. thecommonsdc.org.

Ward 8 Farmer’s Market Open Ward 8 Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays through Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the parking lot behind Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3200 Sixth St. SE. Confirmed vendors include: Licking Creek Bend Farm; LaVan Anderson Gardens; Tommy Gunnz Loaded Grill; Fish-R-US; Matinah’s Magic Muffins & Sweets; Peace International; Oh Sugah Skincare and Ms. Cathy Lovings Jewelry & Accessories. ward8farmersmarket.com. Reduce waste and fertilize DC gardens by saving used coffee grounds, stale bread and fruit and vegetables scraps in a plastic bin and dropping them off at the Ward 8 Farmer’s Market on Saturdays for composting.

The Cost of Criminalized Blackness On June 18, 6 to 8:30 p.m., on the eve of Juneteenth, join Black Lives Matter DC, Keep DC 4 Me, and Stop Police Terror Project-DC for a community conversation on decriminalizing blackness. Come and engage in a candid discussion surrounding the legacy of struggle, strength and joy in the black community. Free food, childcare and an interpreter will be available. Anacostia

Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. Broadband Lifeline: Verizon Washington, D.C also offers a monthly Lifeline discount to qualified customers who subscribe to Fios Internet service. Eligible customers will receive a $9.25 monthly discount. * Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing.

Eligibility:

District residents who have been certified by the Washington DC Voice Lifeline Program as eligible may apply for the Economy II program or Broadband Lifeline service for customers who subscribe to Fios Internet. To apply, schedule an appointment with the Washington, DC Voice Lifeline Program by calling 1-800-253-0846. Households in which one or more individuals are receiving benefits from one of the following public assistance programs or have an annual income that is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline may be eligible. ü Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) ü Medicaid ü Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ü Veteran’s Pension Benefit Veteran’s Survivors Pension Benefit ü ü Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

Restrictions: ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü

No other working telephone service at the same location No additional phone lines No Foreign Exchange or Foreign Zone service No bundles or packages No outstanding unpaid final bills Bill name must match eligible participant No separate Lifeline discount on cellular or wireless phone service Business lines are not eligible Phone number must match eligible participant Must be a current Verizon customer or establish new service with Verizon

Contact Washington, DC Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline Program at 1-800-253-0846 to apply To find out more information, you may also call the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), which administers Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline for the FCC, by calling (888) 641-8722 or by accessing its website at www.LifelineSupport.org. Economy II and Broadband Life are Lifeline supported services. Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline are government assistance programs. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Verizon also provides Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline Services to residents of federally recognized lands who meet Native American Lifeline criteria. Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline services are non-transferable benefits. Voice Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

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CENTRAL NORTHEAST CIVIC ASSOCIATION HOLDS FOOD JUSTICE CONFERENCE

Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com.

Honfluer Gallery Calls for Artists Honfluer Art Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE, is accepting proposals for solo and group exhibitions for the 2019 season. Deadline for submissions is June 21. Submit to terence. archdc@gmail.com. Submissions should include the following: a description of show; an Artist Statement; resume and up to 10 samples. HonfleurGallery.com.

Vivid Calls for Artists

On March 23 to 25, the Central Northeast Civic Association, in collaboration with Gray Panthers of Metropolitan Washington convened “The Why Conference: Food Justice and Our Right to Food.” Attended by more than 100 residents over the threeday period, the meeting helped attendees understand why hunger exists in the world’s wealthiest nation. On May 19, the organizers held a “thank you” celebration at Dorothy Height Public Library. The participants enjoyed high quality vegan fare, compliments of Coy Dunston’s Secrets of Nature Health Food restaurant on South Capitol Street. The Why Conference: Food Justice and Our Right to Food Conference participants. Photo: Courtesy of Central Northeast Civic Association

Vivid Gallery, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, is accepting proposals for solo and group exhibitions for the 2019 season. Deadline for submissions is June 21. Submit to terence.archdc@ gmail.com. Submissions should include the following: a description of show; an Artist Statement; resume and up to 10 work samples. For video Mp4 no longer than 3 min.

Help Clean-up Shepherd Parkway Shepherd Parkway volunteers hold their signature community clean-ups on the second Saturdays of the month (June 9) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers meet in the picnic area near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Avenues SE. Gloves, bags and light re-

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freshments are provided. Wear work boots and clothes. Contact Nathan at nathanbharrington@gmail.com.

Lane Closures on Benning The DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) is closing two lanes of traffic on Benning Rd. NE, 42nd to East Capitol. Curbside parking on some blocks of the street will also be restricted through June 18, weather permitting. At least one lane will be open to the traffic in each direction. The closures and restrictions are needed for construction work that includes milling and paving.

Work will be done weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parking restriction signs will be posted at least 72 hours in advance. These signs notify the community of the duration and dates of “No Parking” and provide contact information for the engineer in charge. Traffic controls will be in place to warn drivers approaching the areas. Motorists should anticipate moderate delays.

DC Circulator Route Changes

DDOT has announced service improvements for the DC Circulator starting June 24. They include reconfiguration of the current Union Station to Navy Yard (US-NY) and Potomac Avenue and Skyland via Barracks Row routes (PS) and the addition permanent late-night service between McPherson Square and Union Station. All DC Circulator-exclusive paper fare passes are discontinued. More Information on all DC Circulator service changes can be found at dccirculator. com/2018servicechanges.

The Free Admissions to the Phillips This summer, The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, offers free admission to everyone under the age of 30 until Sept. 3. This offer begins just in time for their

MEET YOUR DCPSC COMMISSIONERS

upcoming special exhibition, “Marking the Infinite: Contemporary Women Artists from Aboriginal Australia,” on view through Sept. 9. PhillipsCollection.org.

Commissioner Willie L. Phillips

Chairman Betty Ann Kane

Commissioner Richard A. Beverly

AT T H E N E X T

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4161 South Capitol St. SW.

DC Survey the Homelessness The 2018 “Point-in-Time Annual Census and Survey” of persons and families experiencing homelessness in the District has been released. This year’s count was conducted on Jan. 24, 2018. It captures the number of people either staying in the shelter system or sleeping on the street. It shows that the total number of persons experiencing homelessness in the District decreased by 7.6 percent from 2017 and 17.3 percent from 2016. Family homelessness decreased by 20.8 percent since last year and by nearly 40 percent since the 2016 count. While the number of individuals experiencing homelessness increased by 5.2 percent between 2017 and 2018, there was a net decrease in the percentage of unsheltered individuals. This means more individuals were in a shelter program the night of the count.

Facing Foreclosure? DC residents who are behind on their mortgage, being sued by their lender, behind on their property taxes or confronting a potential mortgage scam may call the foreclosure prevention hotline at 202-265-2255. Depending on circumstances, DC residents may receive free housing counseling from a HUD approved, non-profit housing counseling agency and free legal services. The hotline is staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages will be taken during all other hours and returned by the end of the next business day. Services may also be reached at info@housingetc.org. Have an item for the Bulletinboard? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com.

JUNE 16, 2018 9 AM TO 1 PM AT THE SW FARMERS MARKET (4TH AND M STS SW ) · Meet your Commissioners and learn how the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia serves you. · Come learn about: Energy Efficiency, Conservation, DC Consumer Bill of Rights and Consumer Services, Utility Discount Programs, Your Choice of Energy and Telecom Providers, and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards. · Bring the kids for face painting, balloons and activities.

LEARN MORE:

WWW.DCPSC.ORG

Follow the “DCPSC” on

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DC Council Chairmanship

More Than TWO Policy Wonks by Jonetta Rose Barras

ost questions asked of the Democratic candidates for DC Council chair – incumbent Phil Mendelson and his opponent Ed Lazere – have centered on public policy issues: affordable housing, improving the quality of education and tax cuts, for example. Those are all important concerns, but is policymaking all there is to the chairman’s job? Does the position require a unique set of skills and talents? “A chairman must have leadership skills, integrity, an ability to balance competing interests and build consensus, a good sense of humor and strong interpersonal skills,” said Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, who served on then-Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s staff for seven years. He has been a ward representative in his own right for three years. The chair “must care more about the District than his own personal interests,” added Todd. Not inconsequentially, the chair also must be able to count to seven. He must whip the votes in the 13-member legislature to help ensure passage of bills or to serve as a bulwark against a possible mayoral veto. Drilling down into that part of the job description,

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which is arguably the most significant aspect of the position, isn’t sexy, however. It doesn’t evoke passionate rants and vehement rebukes. When the person holding the post of chair has the right skills for the job, good things can happen, including having that strong, organized check on the executive. District voters need only look at the current Congress as indisputable evidence of what can go wrong when the legislative branch is rudderless. At a recent forum, sponsored in part by Capital Community News, at least two queries probed this area: how the chair could ensure the executive spends money as intended by the council and how the council might be restructured for maximum effectiveness. “I bring a lot of experience and leadership from the advocacy community. The council needs a bold leader to face the issues confronting us,” Lazere has said, boasting that he has met with every member of the council and the mayor. He made those forays as lobbyist and executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI), a division of the national nonprofit Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Mendelson has described his style closer to that of Linda Cropp, who was chair during the era of the congressionally mandated financial control board and through the eight-year

tenure of Mayor Anthony A. Williams. She ran for mayor in 2007 but was defeated by Adrian M. Fenty. Interestingly, Cropp is the chair of Mendelson’s reelection campaign. He has said that his responsibility as chair is to help councilmembers reach consensus, to create an environment for collaboration and to ensure a high standard of integrity and ethics. “I have been a leader, not just a leader but an effective leader,” said Mendelson.

Destination Politics

Mendelson may have had his eye on politics long before arriving at city hall. He came from Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1970s to pursue a political science degree from American University. By 1978, he had been elected as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, where the adage “All politics is local” gets played out at its most micro level. Before that he made himself a household name in Ward 3 during the fight to prevent the razing of McLean Gardens, a 43-acre housing complex. Later, he was hired as a staffer for Ward 3 Councilmember Jim Nathanson and former chair David Clarke, the first white person to lead the local legislature. In 1998, Mendelson was elected at-large councilmember. In 2012, when then-chair Kwame Brown was forced step down after pleading guilty to federal bank fraud charges, councilmembers selected Mendelson as their interim leader. In a special election, District voters concurred. In 2014, he was reelected to a full four-year term. The father of a teen daughter, Adelaide, and a Capitol Hill resident, Mendelson is no stranger to District voters. He has a record from which they can

assess his leadership and management skills. Ads he has run on social media include a host of people – all ages, races and classes – praising him. But he also has critics, including a few of his own colleagues and the mayor, who have cursed him, sometimes literally. People may remember Mayor Bowser famously used the F word in accusing Mendelson of misrepresenting her homeless shelter proposal. After concluding, with the help of disgruntled residents, that the mayor’s shelter plan was too costly, advantaging developers and property owners, the council followed Mendelson’s push to have the facilities built on government land. That saved the city as much as $165 million. Nine members signed on initially to the change; that super majority was a signal to Bowser that Mendelson had enough votes to override any mayoral veto she might have been contemplating. By the final vote, Mendelson had corralled the entire council to follow him, not the mayor. Bowser subsequently went along for the ride. Mendelson has steered the council through other controversies including gun control, securing minimum autonomy over the local budget, creation of an independent attorney general, tax reform and paid family leave. The latter two have prompted some to accuse him of playing to the rich and the business community, a charge Mendelson has strongly denied. Nevertheless, it hasn’t stopped Lazere from repeating the accusation on the campaign trail.

The Circuitous Route

A 30-year District resident, Lazere arrived in the nation’s capital from Sioux

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City, Iowa. Like Mendelson he came for college and stayed. He lives in Brookland with his wife of 28 years. He has two adult sons, who in their youth attended DC Public Schools. During those years, Lazere and his wife were very active in school affairs. He was on the local School Advisory Team at School Without Walls, an application high school that is considered the cream of the crop. He was a scout leader in his community for 15 years, and he has been president of Temple Micah. While Lazere has never run for office, he hasn’t been far from the political scene as the executive director of the DCFPI. He and his staff have conducted research around the city’s finances and advocated for certain public policies, especially affordable housing. He has served on several government-established commissions including the Tax Review Commission created by the council under Mendelson and led by former mayor Anthony A. Williams. Though Lazere voted for the recommendations made by the commission, he fought hard against tax breaks for wealthier District residents. As the council began to implement the changes proposed by the Williams commission, Lazere became one of its most consistent critics, pushing hard to prevent cuts. “I have long been a supporter of having a progressive system,” Lazere told voters gathered last month at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Southwest. “I was opposed to the estate tax cut. I was opposed to cutting income tax,” he continued, adding that money to finance those cuts could have been spent to provide additional services to low-income residents.

The Road Divides

How are voters to decide whom to choose when there is such commonality around critical issues? The measure for judging who should or shouldn’t be chair may settle around experience and leadership. “I know how to get things done,” Lazere has said, touting his advocacy experience and the fact that he has been at the helm of an organization for 20 years. The District government may seem like a nonprofit, but it is a $14 billion corporation, charged with state, county and city functions. The executive is responsible for daily operations. As equal partner, the council must know how the pennies are being spent, where abuse is occurring and whether a policy it approved is actually being implemented with fidelity and effectiveness. The council’s budget alone is $20 million. In his role as chair, Mendelson manages the overall budget approval process. He takes the annual plan submitted by the mayor, divides it among committee chairs, then reviews the recommendations they make. He develops a final, multi-year plan that must be approved by his colleagues and the Congress. It is a

beast of a job, which requires, as Todd has noted, the ability to traverse varied terrains and negotiate competing interests. Lazere is not worried by that piece of the job, however. He knows and understands government financing. Each year his organization prepares an analysis of the mayor’s plan; he also has worked with a coalition of nonprofits to advocate for certain changes. Still, some residents are disconcerted by his stated intention of spending more taxpayer money as the fundamental solution to challenges facing the city and the council. For example, when asked about restructuring the council to strengthen the check on the executive branch, Lazere asserted the legislature needs more staff. He proposed establishing an office of research and oversight. “I am looking to strengthen oversight.” From his description at several forums, the new office could operate like an in-house DCFPI, researching best practices around the country while drilling down in government agencies to determine what is happening and how services could be improved. That idea isn’t so new. Vincent C. Gray, during his tenure as council chair, created an Office of Public Policy charged with a similar mission. Within a year or two, it dissolved without any fanfare. Lazere has said that as chair he also would use his “advocacy skills and energy to hold the mayor more

Policy Wonks Singing Together

Lazere and Mendelson may differ about taxes but on most public policy issues they mirror each other. Their approaches diverge at times, but they are essentially interested in accomplishing the same things. If a resident attending one of the forums closed her eyes during the discussion, she couldn’t be faulted for getting confused about who was talking. The candidates agree that the system of public education in the nation’s capital is badly broken. Separately, they agonize over the best method to provide more low-cost housing. They want more input from residents into the comprehensive plan developed by the Bowser administration. Each has declared himself “a progressive” Democrat, although Mendelson is somewhat more fiscally conservative than Lazere. Truth be told, however, the title of progressive is a distinction truly without a difference in the District, where the heart of every politician bleeds for the poor and working class.

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Candidates for the Chair debate in front of the Ward 8 Democrats. Photo: Courtesy Ward 8 Democrats

accountable.” As an example, he cited the problem at Ballou Senior High School where students graduated in 2017 although they lacked the requisite academic and attendance requirements. “I would hold a press conference at the school to call the mayor out for not spending the money the way she should have.” Mendelson countered that “when it comes to oversight, I don’t shy away from that at all.” He also has been willing to tussle with the mayor. There were four houses, for example, that residents in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8 wanted renovated. They were deteriorating with each year and were a blight on a community struggling to improve its reputation and the quality of life for its residents. With Mendelson leading the charge, the council forced the mayor to act. “We got the [ownership of the] houses transferred, and they’re being renovated now.” Further, he said the council doesn’t need another office. “There are 10 or 11 staffers per member,” enough for legislators to get their work done. He said he has put more resources into the Office of the General Counsel; a lawyer from that office is assigned to work with each council committee, extending the expertise beyond existing staff. Mendelson said he has strengthened the budget office for the council. The most important hire the council has made under him to enhance oversight has been former councilmember Kathy Patterson. As city auditor, she works for the council and, by law, can probe any government agency or assess any public policy, including examining what other cities and states are doing. So, it looks like the choice in the Democratic primary on June 19 may boil down to how residents answer these simple questions: Does more guarantee improved leadership, greater accountability from the executive, better oversight and higher quality of life for citizens? Or is more just that – more? Jonetta Rose Barras, a freelance writer based in Washington, DC, is the executive producer of The Barras Report television show.

Vote in the Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Primary Election Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. During the Primary, only Democratic, Republican, DC Statehood Green, and Libertarian voters may vote on the candidates. However, every registered voter, including unaffiliated and minor party affiliated voters, may vote on the Initiative Measure that will appear on the ballot. Contests on the Ballot: • • • • • •

Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives Mayor of the District of Columbia Chairman of the Council At-large Member of the Council Ward Member of the Council for Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6 Attorney General of the District of Columbia

• • • •

United States Senator United States Representative National and Local Party Committee Members Initiative Measure No. 77, the “District of Columbia Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2017”*

* All voters, regardless of party affiliation status, will be asked to vote “YES” to approve or “NO” to reject the Initiative Measure in the Primary. For the complete text of the Initiative Measure, please visit our website at www.dcboe.org

Want to Vote Early?

Early Voting will start at One Judiciary Square on June 4, and at ward-based Early Voting Centers on June 8. Early Voting Centers are open daily (including weekends) through June 15, 2018 from 8:30am until 7pm.

Early Voting Centers Monday, June 4 — Friday, June 15 Ward 2: One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW (Paper & Touchscreen Ballots) Friday, June 8 — Friday, June 15 (Touchscreen Ballots only) Ward 1: Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard Street NW Ward 3: Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Avenue NW Ward 4: Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW Ward 5: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE Ward 6: Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th Street NE Ward 6: King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N Street SW Ward 7: Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street NE Ward 8: Malcolm X Opportunity Center, 1351 Alabama Avenue SE

Need More Information?

For more information on the upcoming election, on voter registration, to confirm your registration information, or to find your polling place, please visit www.dcboe.org or call (202) 727-2525. E ast

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Congresswoman Norton Fights Trump’s Cuts to Medicade. Credit: Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office

Norton Faces Her First Democratic Challenger in 10 Years

his June, congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will face her first challenger in the primaries in eight years: former Obama administration official Kim Ford. A month before the primary, Ford and Norton debated for Ward 8 Democrats on is-

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by Gavrielle Jacobovitz

sues like voting rights and gun laws, and Norton secured the group’s endorsement. The two candidates have similar goals, such as statehood and economic development. Yet their campaigns differ on how to get there. When asked about her decision to challenge Norton, Ford clarified: “I don’t think it’s running against Eleanor, per se. I think it’s running for the delegate to the House of Representatives.” Eight years ago, Douglass Sloan, a senior

political analyst, ran for Norton’s seat—he got 9.2 percent of the vote. Can a race against a 14-term incumbent be a race for, and not against?

On Statehood

When Ford was a child, she wandered the halls of the Longworth House Office Building, watching the two parties solve issues together, she remembers. Her

mother was a public servant as well, a Clinton administration official. (From tree, to apple, Ford laughed.) After 27 years, Ford says it’s time for a change in strategy—a bipartisan approach to Statehood. Norton will introduce the Statehood bill only when Democrats take the House. Andria Thomas, a DC activist running for shadow senator, said Norton’s stance aligns with the coalition for Statehood’s five-year strategy—she wouldn’t “waste our valuable resources now in trying to win over other Republicans,” without all Democrats on board. Norton has pursued Statehood in Congress ever since she took office. In 1993, she created the “New Columbia Admission Act,” which was ultimately defeated in the House. Fifteen years later, her “District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007” was thwarted by a Republican filibuster in the Senate. Some say her efforts aren’t sufficient—this motivated Sloan’s campaign. John Capozzi, former Shadow U.S. Representative, told Hill Rag that “all approaches [to Statehood] are good as long as we involve more people” and that both candidates “have the ability to break people into the fight.” The Congresswoman said she’ll ask for a vote with a Democratic majority in the House, and will introduce a Home Rule package, including bills for budget and legislative autonomy for the District. “I have made more progress on Statehood than ever,” she said. Norton, according to Bo Shuff, Executive Director of D.C. Vote, has been a “driving force behind both the efforts on DC Statehood and the efforts to turn back Congressional interference,” with DC Statehood having more cosponsors now than ever before. Norton’s partisan strategy, Ford contends, means DC will have to “hope, wish and pray” that the Democrats wilttake back Congress. “The problem with this is that has happened three times in the last 27 years.”

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development and vocational training in DC, noting “significant unemployment,” particularly in Wards 5, 7, and 8. His support for the candidate comes despite “immense reverence for the congresswoman.” And all her goals, Ford added, are designed for a 10 year timeline. “I do not believe that these elected positions are supposed to be for life,” Ford said.

But Could Anyone Win?

Kim Ford is challenging Congresswoman Norton in the Democratic Primary for Congressional Delegate. Credit: Kim Ford's Campaign.

The Wharf, the Workforce

Before Ford quit her job to run for delegate, she worked on the Department of Education’s 11th floor, overlooking the Wharf. She watched “them tear down the old Wharf and build this new shiny thing.” But she wasn’t seeing many DC residents or businesses involved in the construction, or neighboring residents benefiting. Norton boasted about the development of the waterfront, in which she acquired federal land for DC. Mayor Bowser made the Wharf hire at minimum 51 percent DC residents, 20 percent from Ward 8. Dorothy Brizill, Executive Director of DC Watch, referenced Ford’s remarks about the Wharf, following her research on the candidate. “That’s a nice useful image to create. But she never goes beyond that. What would she have done differently?” With similar goals, the candidates diverge in means. While Ford focuses on jobs and workforce— DC residents interning on the Hill, student loan forgiveness—Norton focus on land and building developments, though also mentions her efforts against spiralling college costs, spearheading DC Tag. Next term, Norton will have seniority. With a

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Democratic majority, she could chair the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, acquiring jurisdiction over the Metro, where, she said, “we’re in the fight for our life.” Voters don’t want to start all over again with “somebody who has not much knowledge of the circumstances of the kind you’d have if you had been a DC official,” she explained. Norton’s seniority would be a “major benefit to the District” with a Democratic house, Brizill noted, as opposed to Ford, who would have a “tremendous learning curve.” Regardless, Ford believes transportation shouldn’t be the priority at all—she’d join the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. She mentioned DC giving back federal funding, in reference to the city returning affordable housing resources to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Karl Racine, DC’s attorney general, supports Ford. Racine told Hill Rag that Norton is a “civil rights icon who’s contributed in an extraordinary way” to DC, but that he supports Ford “because I believe it’s time for new ideas and I believe that Kim Ford is well qualified and has the type of new ideas that can move the District of Columbia forward.” Racine referenced Ford’s experience running workforce

Ford has the support of D.C.’s attorney general, and has raised over $106,000 to date for her campaign. Norton hasn’t faced a challenger in the primaries since 2010 and, in general elections, she has consistently garnered from 80 to nearly 100 percent of the vote. Is a challenge to Norton doomed from the start? To Sloan, the difference between he and Ford was that he didn’t have Ford’s funding, but as a former ANC commissioner, and having worked in the Mayor’s office and the city council, he had local recognition. When Brizill first looked up Ford’s name, the day before we spoke, she realized: “I knew nothing about her.” In assessing a candidate, Brizill’s first question is: “What have you done?”—to warrant a promotion, to be DC’s representative. “Eleanor Holmes Norton for 55 years has been on the forefront of progressive change in DC and America,” Bernard Demczuk, Assistant Vice President for DC government relations at George Washington University told Hill Rag. “What’s Kim done? Work in the federal government?” Whether any contender can beat Norton, not merely an incumbent, but a revered activist and household name, remains to be seen. Ford mentioned the office’s obscurity as an obstacle to a delegate campaign in DC. It’s difficult, she said, to run an educational campaign. “Not just trying to educate people about me and my background, what I believe we can do, but also educating them on the role.” Nevertheless, even after his loss, Sloan’s campaign was impactful. “I was able to make such a big stink about [Statehood],” Sloan said, noting statehood activists credited him with influencing Norton to put a statehood bill on the floor. And, regardless of the winner come June, Thomas sees having conversations in candidate forums in the first place as a “good thing.”

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Andria Thomas Brings Her Toolbox of Skills to Shadow Senate Race by Bonny Wolf

he election of Donald Trump turned many Americans into political activists. Andria Thomas came armed with a PowerPoint presentation. If there’s a will, she believes there should be a feasible, fact-based, actionable way. The 43-year-old Ward 6 resident of Hill East is running a challenger’s campaign to be one of two DC shadow senators. After nearly a dozen years working on tech startups and as a management consultant in Chicago and Washington, she has acquired analytical skills she hopes to use on behalf of DC rights. “A management consultant is like a doctor to companies,” she says. “You come in to assess problems, develop strategy, make concrete plans, get buy-in and create partnerships.” She wants to use those skills to help find the right prescription for DC statehood. After Trump’s election, Thomas founded Resist and Rise (now Indivisible Capitol Hill), a community action group with goals she outlined in her PowerPoint. The lead goal was to defend DC’s right to selfgovern. Her group collaborated with Hands Off DC and DC Vote to organize families and children – all dressed in red, the color of the DC flag – to visit Senate offices to advocate for DC rights. The group’s second goal was to “amplify the voices of other.” While DC’s citizens have no voice in their governance, others do. Thomas wants to get people throughout the US to encourage members of Congress to support statehood for DC. Working

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with groups such as Herd on the Hill, members of Thomas’s organization help connect constituents with congressional representatives. “They often purposefully leave their mailboxes full,” Thomas says, “so we march into the office with an iPhone and a constituent on the line and ask them to take the call.” Thomas learned early about the importance of self-governance. She attended H-B Woodlawn, an alternative public high school in Arlington, Va., that had regular “town meetings” on Andria Thomas school issues. Students’ votes had the same weight as those of the teachers. “I remember one meeting where we were discussing buying tape recorders for language classes, and the students voted it down,” early retirement and the family settled in Arlington. she says. “They didn’t think that’s what the school At the University of Virginia, Thomas was a math should spend money on.” and English double major. Thomas also began to It was also at Woodlawn that Thomas, who says study martial arts as an undergraduate. “That’s where she was an introvert, began to find her voice. “I was I developed my leadership skills,” she says. With a so shy when I was young,” she says. “Feeling comcertain degree of proficiency, students begin to train fortable speaking with others was a long time comothers. 10 years of teaching myo sim karate is what ing.” It is a difficult image to conjure up after watch“forced me out of my shell,” she says. ing her confident, smooth delivery to potential voters. During a decade in Charlottesville – when she met Thomas was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese her husband, scientist Aaron Datesman, while hiking mother and Foreign Service officer father from TenOld Ragg – she worked at tech startups. She went on nessee, two months before the fall of South Vietnam. to get an MBA and an MS in public policy from CarnAfter tours in Colombia and Thailand, her father took egie Mellon University so she would be able to make

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE

the connection she sought between business and public service. Trump was elected six days after Thomas gave birth to her second daughter, Minerva, named for the goddess of wisdom. Her older daughter, Magnolia “Maggie,” is six and shares the middle name Caralie with Frances Perkins, the first female US Secretary of Labor. After the election, Thomas says she spent three months “rage tweeting.” Then she realized she had found the way to use her expertise for political action. “My skills really seemed to fit the need,” she says. “Part of what you do as a management consultant is speak persuasively to others. You have to tell a story, craft a narrative. You look at the evidence then boil it down to a concise summation that people can process. And then you make a plan.” After maternity leave, she kept up activism for DC rights in her spare time, but says she was getting frustrated. She saw so much opportunity for change and so little happening. “Nothing was going to change unless we changed some of the people in power and changed the ways in which we’re advocating for ourselves,” she says. She gave notice at Dalberg Global Development and began to look for a job in political advocacy. A few days into her search, she attended DC Council oversight hearings on statehood, where she heard the DC shadow delegation – two senators and a representative – answer questions about what they had done in the past year. “It wasn’t super inspiring,” she says. No one had filed to run against Sen. Michael Brown in the June election. “Strategic thinking, planning and ability to get things done would really go a long way,” she says. “So why is nobody running?” Just 27 hours after she left the oversight hearing, she was at the Board of Elections picking up the paperwork. Candidates need 2,000 signatures to get on the ballot. Thomas got 4,800 in 13 days. She has been endorsed by At-

torney General Karl Racine, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, DC for Democracy, Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, SEIU 32BJ, UNITE HERE Local 25 and Ward 6 ANC Commissioner Denise Krepp. She is also the candidate for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. Thomas is passionate about statehood. “I love DC,” she says. But she says residents suffer from “statehood fatigue.” They have become complacent, despite recently voting overwhelmingly in favor of statehood. “We have a unique opportunity here that we need to take advantage of,” she says, referring to the new activism and the coming midterm election. “There is now an interest in fundamental democratic rights.” She says citizens need what in business school is called a “quick win,” something visible. “If, based on our efforts, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tom Garrett (R-Va.) take back their absurd bills that are trying to effectively nullify DC’s gun laws, I would call that a win,” says Thomas. She also recognizes the need for a robust social media campaign. The shadow senator is an unpaid position with no real authority, but Thomas, who works part-time for the Leadership Now Project, thinks it can be an effective platform for statehood. Through Resist and Rise, she knows many of the statehood activists, people she hopes to continue to collaborate with if she is elected. She understands she doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Plans for achieving statehood exist. But Thomas would like to add new strategic thinking, energy and commitment. She would like to add her voice.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED 2019 MOVING TO WORK (MTW) PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and comment period to solicit comments on the agency’s proposed 2019 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan. MTW is a HUD program that allows select public housing authorities to design and implement innovative programs and policies with the intent to: 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage residents to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for low-income families. The Public Hearing will take place on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 6:00 PM at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE in the 2nd floor Board Room. Written comments will be accepted thru Monday, June 25, 2018 via email at MTW@dchousing.org or by mail sent to Kimberley Cole, Director of Planning, DCHA, 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002. To request a copy of the plan, please call (202) 435-3389; send an email to MTW@dchousing.org; or download the plan from the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org/mtw2.

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Threats to Federal Programs Strain DC Housing Resources by Keely Sullivan

St. Elizabeth’s mental health hospital is in development to become the new practice facility for the Washington Wizards, as well as host games for the Washington Mystics and the Capital City Go-Go.

ly, the city is on track to open a $65 million practice facility for the Washington Wizards on the east campus of the former St. Elizabeths mental health hospital. The facility is expected to draw thousands of visitors to a part of town many of the city’s lower-income families call home. DC Housing Finance Agency Executive Director and CEO Todd A. Lee supports the new developments. “Ward 8 is what I would consider a high opportunity area for the city,” he said. “Partially because of the public investment … partially because as the city’s population continues to grow, people are having to cross the river in order to find somewhere to live. And the development community is going to follow that demand.” Ms. J worries that might drive up housing prices and threaten cheaper homes. “I welcome new neighbors who like flowers as much as I do,” she said, “but my concern is the pushing out of those who are on the other end of the economic spectrum.” Lee also acknowledged the importance of maintaining a careful balance. “As higher-income residents choose Ward 8, we need to make sure that we’re doing all that we can to protect those who earn moderate to sub-moderate incomes so they can stay there, or, if they choose to live in that neighborhood, they have options,” he added.

Low-Cost Units Under Attack

resident of Ward 8 for nearly 10 years, Ms. J feels her neighborhood is changing. She says visitors need only drive around, right past the Congress Heights Metro stop and around Martin Luther King Avenue, to notice it. “Drive over this way sometime,” she suggested to me over the phone. “Go down 13th Street, and then you’ll see what I was talking about.” On 13th Street, a residential area, brick houses and apartment complexes line each side of the street. It was a warm spring afternoon, and residents were outside on their porches while children rode bikes up and down

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side streets. Sure enough, I drove up to a site only a few blocks from the Metro, fenced off along its perimeter with a couple of portable toilets, indicating construction work had begun. According to Ms. J, who requested that I call her by this name, development projects like the one I visited are popping up all over the neighborhood, and new residents may soon follow. Congress Heights “is having an explosion of building,” she said. “They’re building right across the street from me. All of the signs say ‘Sold.’” “There’s a building boom going on,” she added. The uptick in development comes with efforts in the District to revitalize southeast DC. Most striking-

According to a 2015 report by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI), the District has been losing nearly half of its low-cost units since 2002, as private investors opt for higher-rent units. A combination of steady disinvestment from federal housing programs and a strong housing market incentivizing the redevelopment of low-cost units has sustained the city’s ongoing housing crisis. Residents are displaced when stagnant wages can no longer keep up with rising rental costs. While spending cuts to housing programs on the federal level are nothing new, the District faces potential strains on its resources from intentions by the Trump administration to axe subsidies and tax incentives for low-cost projects. Last year’s passing of a sweeping federal tax overhaul saw key affordable housing tools at risk in early legislation drafts. Private activity bonds and lowincome housing tax credits (LIHTC), both of which attract private investors to fund public projects, were nearly cut until bipartisan negotiations restored them to final revisions. The tools make up two of a larger mix of federal and local resources to address the city’s affordable housing needs. “Our local tools are designed in a way where they’re intended to work with other financing tools,” said Claire Zippel, a DCFPI policy analyst. “Both the low-

income housing tax credit and housing subsidies that are funded through [the US Department of Housing and Urban Development] are equally crucial parts of the affordable housing spectrum.” However, early intentions to reduce the corporate tax rate deflated LIHTC’s value to investors even before the bill was on the President’s desk. According to Kelly Hunt, a legislative analyst with At-large Councilmember Elissa Silverman’s office, the tax incentive has decreased between 12 and 17 cents on the dollar for every credit, which she calls a “huge gap.” According to Hunt, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development had to increase funding for six developments after prices started to fall. Developers “will do another application cycle, and the gaps are going to be bigger and bigger every time.” “It appears,” said Zippel, “that for now the market for low-income housing tax credits has stabilized somewhat, but certainly any shock to resources that originate at the federal level, whether those are tax credit resources or subsidy resources, is going to impact how much money the District itself needs to put in to create or preserve the same number of units.” City officials admit they’re still determining how LIHTC might affect real estate transactions. In an email, District of Columbia Housing Authority Executive Director Tyrone Garrett said the agency completed financing for Ward 8’s Parkway Overlook Apartments with pre-existing rates, and it’s a waiting game for future contracts to realize the impact. “At this time, it is difficult to find an exact link,” said Emmanuel Brantley, communications director of the Office of At-large Councilmember Anita Bonds, chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. Brantley predicts the burden may fall on residents to shell out more for existing units. “What we can say is that as it currently stands, District residents may see greater tax liabilities and have less money to spend on housing.”

He added, “This obviously affects the committee, as we would need to work more creatively to bring about more affordability and perhaps at a faster rate.” According to Zippel, DC produces and preserves upwards of a thousand low-cost units a year. While she says the city has made monumental progress toward providing affordable housing and boasts one of the strongest inclusionary zoning programs in the nation, lowest-income residents still require an additional 26,000 units to meet their housing needs. Councilmember Silverman says constituents tell her that middle-income families also struggle to meet standard rent requirements in market-priced units. “I think a lot of people outside of the District would be surprised at what income levels people say, ‘I can’t afford to live here. I can’t buy a house,’” the councilmember added. Community activists like Dominic Moulden, a resource organizer for Organizing Neighborhood Equity (ONE DC), says more robust private development puts another strain on the city’s limited affordable housing stock. “If the city sells its public resources, like the old public housing, and puts it on the private market, you can’t solve the housing crisis,” Moulden explained. “You’re creating a housing crisis by growing the private market … even affordable housing in most instances is not affordable for people living paycheck to paycheck.” Ms. J’s neighborhood in Ward 8 contains some of the highest concentrations of housing vouchers in the District. She calls the area the final frontier. “It is the last place that is set to be gentrified in Washington, DC,” she said. While Ms. J is looking forward to seeing more investment in her community, she is not sure how the changes will affect the neighborhood’s current residents. “Maybe things are going to stay as they are,” she mused, “but change is probably going to come in one form or another for the entire Ward 8 community.”

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Mamatoto Village Receives Financial Support from March of Dimes

A Program Designed to Combat Preterm Deliveries Gets an Encore Boost by Candace Y.A. Montague

or the second year in a row, a community staple is getting financial support to expand its outreach and improve the health outcomes of women and babies. Mamatoto Village, a perinatal family support organization located in Ward 7, provides non-clinical assistance for DC expectant mothers. Recently the nonprofit received additional funding that will help it hire more helpers, boost salaries of select staff members and get educational materials. Mamatoto Village has received a grant from March of Dimes for its Comprehensive Maternity Support Program (CMS), which involves wraparound support for mothers in pregnancy and postpartum. It pairs expectant mothers with perinatal health workers who provide prenatal and postpartum support to mothers and their families. Participants receive health education, care coordination and social support during pregnancy and throughout the infant’s first three months. In operation since 2013, the program serves an almost exclusively African-American population in Wards 5, 7 and 8. The CMS program is designed to combat preterm deliveries, low birth weight and infant and maternal mortality and morbidity. Aza Nedhari, CEO of Mamatoto Village, explains how the funding will be put to use. “This grant will allow us to continue to work with mothers in the program, doing prenatal and postpartum visits and estab-

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lishing a birth control plan. The program is also going to address smoking cessation.” She adds that funding can also help with goals beyond pregnancy. “Additional funding will help with things outside of the program like pathways to

leadership where the clients work with team leaders. We can now offer an additional stipend on top of what they are getting paid. The education coordinator targets professional development. The rest of the grant will go to salary support and materials for the program.”

Pregnancy and Smoking Pregnant women have been cautioned against tobacco use since the 1960s, but the addiction to nicotine can be a hard habit to break even during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2.6 percent of expectant mothers in DC smoked at some time during pregnancy. The DC Department of Health Perinatal Health and Mortality Report for 2018 gives more specific data. It showed that 4.6 percent of non-Hispanic black mothers smoked during pregnancy, more than double their non-Hispanic white and Hispanic counterparts. Maternal tobacco use during pregnancy can lead to a number of health problems for the infant, including preterm birth, birth defects and low birth weight. Additionally, 20 percent of the preterm live births and 23 percent of low-birthweight infants born to non-Hispanic black mothers in the District were of mothers who had smoked prior to pregnancy.

The Case for Space When it comes to multiple children, timing matters. March of Dimes recommends that mothers try to plan for babies to be born at least 18 months or more apart. The intervals give the mother’s body time to recover.

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

Wait time between pregnancies also reduces the risk of health problems that can occur later such as developmental delays and asthma. Family planning is a service provided in the Comprehensive Maternal Support Program and was a selling point for March of Dimes to give the grant to Mamatoto Village. Anne Eder, maternal child health impact leader at March of Dimes, says Mamatoto’s vision and work was all the evidence they needed to decide to support the program. “We were excited by the fact that during the course of the program they offer support in two particular programs that we at March of Dimes have identified as important. One is smoking cessation and two to encourage the women to space their pregnancies at least 18 months apart so that they will have a greater likelihood of giving birth full term. Those were things that particularly attracted us to the program.” The probability of preterm birth (being born before the 37-week benchmark) is elevated when the intervals between pregnancies are shorter. A study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2014 found that black women are at the highest risk for preterm births due to insufficient birth spacing. When babies are delivered prior to 37 weeks, they miss critical time in the womb when organs such as the brain and kidneys complete development. The family planning service that Mamatoto offers can help women decide which birth control method best suits them in the postpartum phase and thus reduce the risk of getting pregnant again too soon.

Home Visitation Breaks Down Barriers Optimal prenatal care is often envisioned as regular visits to a physician’s office to check on biomedical needs. But what about the social support that happens beyond the walls of the examination room, where will that come from? Oftentimes expectant mothers, especially first timers, have questions, need assistance or want support as they go along their maternal journey.

Home visitations by a perinatal professional can address those concerns on a private, one-to-one basis. Mamatoto Village recognizes the need to remain in touch with expectant moms outside office hours. “Home visitation humbles the practitioner. It shifts the power dynamic,” says Nedhari. “When you’re in someone’s home and their personal space, you can see that person in a very different way. It centers the care around that individual person and not to the necessity of the practitioner. A lot of times with Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible populations there can be barriers to visits, particularly around transportation. There may be limited resources, and that person may be trying to get to you, but that ‘getting to’ is a barrier within itself. This gives us the option to say, ‘Do you want me to come to you or do you want to come to us?’” Eder adds that home visits help educate the family so that they can provide a better safety net for the momto-be. “We focus on the mother, but we don’t want to overlook the home. There may be some other issues going on in the mother’s life. We offer support to the mom as well as the family to increase the likelihood of the baby being born full term and the mother gets the support that she needs. If the community worker identifies that there is a need in the home that should be addressed, they have the resources to refer the mother and family to the appropriate services.” Healthy pregnancies lead to healthy mothers and babies, and that is the ultimate goal for Mamatoto Village and March of Dimes. With the right supports in place Mamatoto can continue the mission of caring for expectant mothers. If you would like more information about Mamatoto Village, visit www. mamatotovillage.org. If you would like to know more about March of Dimes, visit www.marchofdimes.org. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. Follow her on Twitter @urbanbushwoman9.

NEIGHBORHOOD

PRICE BR

1114 51ST PL NE 1060 47TH ST NE 822 52ND ST NE HOME 5118 JUST ST NE

$200,000 $180,000 $175,000 $136,000

ANACOSTIA HILL CREST 1255 U ST SE $503,500 3

1747 W ST SE 1743 W SE 1741 W ST SE 1604 U ST SE 1534 U ST SE

$468,000 $464,000 $462,900 $440,000 $280,000

4 4 4 3 2

2310 34TH ST SE 2826 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE 2927 HILLCREST DR SE 2727 N ST SE

55 LONGFELLOW ST NW 237 MISSOURI AVE NW 124 QUACKENBOS ST NW 45 NICHOLSON ST NW 41 MILMARSON PL NW

$659,000 $520,000 $470,000 $440,000 $635,000

3 3 3 3 3

1928 E ST NE 637 20TH ST NE

$618,700 $519,999 $250,000 $245,500

KINGMAN PARK 533 25TH PL NE $670,000 CHILLUM

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

4301 SOUTH CAPITOL ST SW $420,000 509 OAKWOOD ST SE $415,000 258 OAKWOOD ST SE $388,250 4043 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SW $375,000 601 SAVANNAH ST SE $330,000 144 FORRESTER ST SW $300,000 4629 6TH ST SE $238,875 3971 1ST ST SW $160,000

$550,000 $415,000

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5302 BASS PL SE 5306 BASS PL SE 5308 BASS PL SE 4608 BASS PL SE 5548 BASS PL SE 5359 CENTRAL AVE SE 5416 C ST SE 4614 B ST SE 849 51ST ST SE 4940 ASTOR PL SE 5040 A ST SE

4 4 3 3 4 2 4 4

$457,700 $439,900 $436,200 $408,000 $380,000 $361,500 $330,000 $315,000 $275,000 $260,000 $256,000

RANDLE HEIGHTS DEANWOOD

1022 49TH PL NE 4940 FITCH E 3945 AMES ST NE 4506 LEE ST NE 4627 JAY ST NE 265 56TH PL NE 516 58TH ST NE 4320 JAY ST NE 36 58TH ST SE 274 DIVISION AVE NE 529 45TH ST NE 4941 BLAINE ST NE 924 47TH ST NE 5224 CENTRAL AVE SE 5911 FOOTE ST NE 5056 JAY ST NE 3940 CLAY PL NE 238 56TH PL NE 271 56TH ST NE 23 58TH ST SE 4724 JAY ST NE 3942 BLAINE ST NE 5326 JAY ST NE 4600 BROOKS ST NE 3733 MINNESOTA AVE NE 5007 LEE ST NE

$425,000 $415,000 $415,000 $411,000 $408,500 $406,000 $378,000 $370,000 $363,350 $362,000 $359,000 $358,000 $356,500 $355,000 $335,000 $335,000 $335,000 $315,000 $294,500 $294,000 $282,000 $275,000 $240,000 $240,000 $220,000 $202,000

1522 MISSISSIPPI AVE SE 1924 SAVANNAH PL SE 1432 TOBIAS DR SE 1914 MISSISSIPPI AVE SE 1938 SAVANNAH PL SE

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

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$625,000 $362,146 $355,000 $350,000 $282,800

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

CONDO CONGRESS HEIGHTS 1110 SAVANNAH ST SE #14 6 GALVESTON ST SW #301

$197,900 $70,000

1 2

DEANWOOD 210 43RD RD NE #202

$110,000

HILL CREST 2042 FORT DAVIS ST SE #201 3801 W ST SE #S 1501 27TH ST SE #407

$150,000 $93,100 $84,634

KINGMAN PARK 302 OKLAHOMA AVE NE #302

$304,900

RANDLE HEIGHTS 3103 NAYLOR RD SE #104

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kids & family

by Kathleen Donner

DCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ANNUAL TRUCK TOUCH

On June 30, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the DC Department of Public Works puts its trucks, helicopters, and big equipment on display. RFK Stadium Lot 7. dpw.dc.gov. Photo: Courtesy of DC Department of Public Works

Bright Beginningsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; New Ward 8 Center Bright Beginnings is preparing to open their new child and family learning center in Ward 8 this July. The new center will provide early head start programming for up to 120 infants and toddlers, as well as wrap-around services for families. Bright Beginnings operates early childhood and family learning centers that support homeless children and families. Their mission is to ensure that every child in the District of Columbia has a safe and nurturing learning environment; enters kin-

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dergarten academically, socially, and emotionally prepared to learn and to support families as they stabilize their lives and move toward self-sufficiency. The ribbon-cutting and grand opening is July 27. bbidc.org.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Reopens The Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, reopens July 9 for camps and public skating. Public skating is weekdays, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; and Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. These hours are subject to

change without notice. Skating is $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $3 for skate rental. fdia.org.

Free Summer Meals The Capital Area Food Bank has announced that it will once again provide critical summer meals for DC children. Meals are provided through the Summer Food Service Program at Cedar Heights Community Center, 1510 Butler St. SE; Congress Park, 1345 Savannah

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Don’t Miss Our 2018 SUMMER-FALL EDITION PRE K-12

ON STANDS AUGUST 11, 2018 A RESOURCE FOR THE EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT OF STUDENTS IN WASHINGTON DC We are DC’s Leading Resource for Education!

Interested in advertising in this special supplement? A CAPITAL COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLICATION Please CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM contact your Sales Rep today! 202-543-8300 • Carolina x12 • Kira x16 • Andrew x19 Look for our education news every month in the:

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kids & family

MARINE CORPS MARATHON’S RUN AMUCK

Run Amuck, the MCM’s messiest mud and obstacle event, offers runners arduous obstacles and plenty of mud along a four-mile course on June 23, at Butler Stadium. Run Amuck offers wild fun for rowdy runners (ages 8, up). Run Amuck participants will attack the mud trench, lumber through a low crawl, beat a water blast and submerge in a super sloppy mud pit, just three of more than 20 challenges along the hideously hilly course tucked into the wooden terrain of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Registration and directions are at marinemarathon.com/events/run-amuck. Photo: Courtesy of the Marine Corps Marathon

St. SE; Horton’s Kids, 2500 Pomeroy Rd. SE and RCCG New Wine Assembly, 1516 Olive St. NE. For up-to-date information about where to find free Summer Meals, visit fns. usda.gov/summerfoodrocks.

and a beverage at the Mom Expo. The run is on Aug. 11, 10 a.m., at National Harbor, 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD. Read more and register at thestrollerrun.com.

The Stroller Run

Don’t miss your chance to see the comic strip characters of the lovable “Peanuts” gang comic brought to life in Summer 2018. This hit Off-Broadway musical is directed by acclaimed playwright and director Aaron Posner. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty and Schroeder as they sing and dance their way through the timeless struggles of childhood. This show features catchy songs and is the perfect family outing. Best for ages 5, up. June 23 to Aug. 12, at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.

The first event of its kind, a fun 5k that benefits local children’s charities. Decorate a stroller, dress up the kids and “run like a mom or a dad.” This race is less about clocking time and more about getting out of the house, being active with kids and socializing with other active parents. Afterward, drop the kids off with their new friends at the free Stroller Run Kid’s Camp (Child care professionals provided by Care.com), and enjoy some shopping

Charlie Brown

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SHAKESPEARE FOR THE YOUNG

On June 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE and July 2 at 2 p.m. at Bellevue Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW, see “Midsummer Magic.” Based on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” it is an interactive show for 2 to 8-year-olds. Three puppeteers bring the characters of Puck, Oberon, Titania, Fairy and Bottom to life with their story of love, mischief and forgiveness. Children are introduced to a puppet William Shakespeare, who helps tell the story. A song and a workshop with ukulele will held after the end of the show. On Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE, see “The Tiniest Tempest.” Based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” this is an interactive show for 4 to 10-year-olds. Four puppeteers bring the characters of Miranda and Prospero, Antonio and Alonso, and Caliban and Ariel to life with their story of hurt and love as well as revenge and forgiveness on an island. The puppets are both large-bodied and shadow puppets. A stick puppet of William Shakespeare helps start the story. The workshop with ukulele and song follows. ShakespeareForTheYoung.com. Titania wakes up in Midsummer Magic. Photo: Sarah O’Halloran

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Tinker Bell Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. Or, at least, everyone thinks they do. Experience it from Tinker Bell’s point of view. A new twinkling light shines on all the beloved characters including, Wendy, the Lost Boys, Peter Pan and the nefarious Hook. For all ages. It’s on stage at Glen Echo through June 22 to Aug. 20. Tickets are $19.50 and can be purchased at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.

NMWA Young Learners Tour Young Learner Tours, exclusively for children ages 3 to 6 and their guardians, are designed to get little bodies moving, minds thinking, hands making and mouths

talking about works of art. Participants go on an adventure through the galleries and look closely at works in the collection. They learn about the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), practice museum manners and discover art concepts through developmentally appropriate discussions, a themed story and handson activities. The tour is on June 17, noon to 1 p.m., at the National Museum of Women in the Arts at the corner of New York Avenue and 13th Street NW. Free. Reservations required by June 14. nmwa.org. Have an item from for the Kids and Family Notebook? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com.

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XWORD

www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

“Complete the Lyrics” by Myles Mellor Across:

1. Sputnik launcher 5. Hawk’s advocacy 8. Guitar great, last name 15. Nonsense 19. Lo-fat 20. Can come as a pellet 21. Mild and pleasant 22. Words with ‘’the minute’’ and ‘’date’’ 23. Lyric that ends in “on fire” 26. Amateur 27. Surveyor redo 28. Melodious 29. Totally gone 31. Farewell 32. “All ___ are off!” 33. Short poems 34. All-male affair 38. __ school 39. Reddish brown 40. Eccentric wheel 43. Floor space 45. Where spores are formed 47. Angel 51. Photovoltaic device 53. Matter 55. “Little Miss Dynamite” 56. Mainly nocturnal cat 57. Matterhorn, e.g. 59. Witness protection areas 63. No-frills 64. Gas or electric service 66. Long vowel mark 67. Lyric that ended in “my life” 70. Surgeon’s tool 72. Stays away, with “oneself” 73. Study of suffix 77. Small house, in London 79. Remain on the bench 80. Orbital high point 81. Word connector 82. Greek letter 83. Careless

85. Old Spanish money 89. Mistakes 92. Determination 93. “That’s right!” 94. Kuwait’s currency 96. And so on, abbr. 98. Disrespectful person 100. Gorilla, e.g. 103. Handel oratorio 105. Monetary coins of Iran 110. President 111. “The Hobbit” locales 113. Sarajevo’s region 114. Palm species 115. Lyric ending in “what you want” 118. Profit in London 119. Bright wraps 120. Website abbreviation 121. Yen 122. Nest of a squirrel 123. “Hiding” place 124. Sporting facility 125. Views

Down:

1. With violet or conservative 2. Fathered 3. Art pens 4. Do up again 5. Judicious 6. Top student 7. Called it a day, for short 8. Lug 9. Ms. Carmen 10. Starting points 11. Not name 12. What the kids won’t eat 13. Naturally belong 14. Realizes 15. Providing protective supervision 16. Express a thought

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Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 17. Peacock walk 18. Basketball rims 24. Burden of proof 25. Butter holder 30. Stereo knob 33. Cat burglar, e.g. 35. Finesse 36. “What ___ the odds?” 37. Cold dessert 40. Stimulating leaf 41. Guinness and others 42. Bad-mouths 44. Reptilian type of sandal? 46. Coloring, in a way 48. Further

49. Hammer part 50. Boys 51. Show grief 52. Elaborate 54. Almost at the final 58. Military academy freshman 59. Hordeola 60. “Star Wars” Solo 61. Edible mollusks 62. Medical branch 64. Total 65. ___ too much 68. Downing Street number 69. Says 70. Highway division

71. Rescues 74. Arch type 75. Trains, with in 76. Thus far 77. Rand McNally graph 78. “Voila!” 80. Palo ___ 84. Pink lady ingredient 86. Gluttony 87. Milosevic predecessor 88. Commentator 90. Turn into something else 91. He dyes to live 95. Brit’s sleep problem 97. Woman’s bow 99. Kind of weight 100. Endocrine or pituitary 101. Potato press 102. Relation on the mother’s side 104. Worcester sauce, with Perrin’s 106. Problem 107. Incensed 108. Feudal lord 109. Fills to the brim 111. Survey 112. Hit hard 113. Soothing substance 116. Ornamental vase 117. Dryly amusing

POETRY CORNER

Dear Clergy, Something from my heart I want to share, As locked up over a cause I hold dear. Like Paul, we are in bonds to see a people free, Yet the actions of myself and others you declare as unwise and untimely. How can we claim to love a God we cannot see, Yet treat his Negro children violently? How can random lynching, entertainment if you will, Be justified in your eyes when the commandment says, Thou shall not kill? When Scripture says we are all members of the body, To exclude me from that image on the basis of color is somewhat bias. If Jesus loves all the children of the world, does he stop when they become full grown? Or does his love expire because of your exegetical say so? If I’m a hand, am I not a part of the body? If I’m a foot, am I not a part of the body? Does one part of the body discontinue its use? Does it not continue its function because some quarrel between parts ensues? So, what do we do? Recognize we are many but one, Each contributing to the function of the whole to get the necessary job done. Your contribution is no more or less important than mine, Yet this work of justice demands our attention for it is way overdue, past time. We are so hasty to rush in for knowledge and understanding we do not lack, Does injustice exist here? We question and gather the facts. Then on the basis of that information, we then seek to negotiate, For the urgent need of brothers and sisters in this community is why we can no longer wait. Then we must evaluate ourselves, self-purification, Reflecting on maintaining integrity and nonviolence in the face of such humiliation. When we see according to Augustine “an unjust law is no law at all,” We recognize the time for direct action, and with faith we must stand tall. Yet peaceful protest you say must be condemned, But unjust violent actions by others you fail to mention. To understand the frustrations of those of color, you will not even try. You turn your head in denial, as by your silence you assert our cause to be a lie. That I have to distinguish the just versus the unjust seems somewhat insane,

Monica Leak is a graduate of Appalachian State University (BA) and South Carolina State University (MA) and North Carolina Central University (MLS). Leak is the editor and a contributing writer of, Faith of our Founders 100 Daily Devotionals to Inspire, Encourage and Propel the Finer Woman. She contributed writings for Lenten devotionals The Road to Calvary Surviving a Season of Suffering and Resipiscence, a Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy. Leak currently works as a speech-language pathologist in southern Maryland and as a seminary librarian in northern Virginia.

As clergy we are commissioned to teach the truth and complexities of the word, not just the simple or the mundane. Do you not see bravery in the face of oppression? Those humiliated yet maintaining integrity? Are the dogs and water hoses targeting youth just a figment of imagination? To be taunted, disrespected and called out of your name what you would call Christian? Can we preserve the evil of segregation? Where is your concern, your righteous indignation? And you wonder why the church, young people no longer trust? The world is changing around them, and without a word from you, they feel frustration, disgust. As we look at the days ahead to continue to fight for what is right, We continue with love in hearts and grace that endures with God’s arm of protection through the night. For those who are of the oppressed yet long to be free, and they cannot wait forever. When part of the body hurts, the whole body feels the pain, For we are all in this together. I will close with the words of the Apostle Paul, written in Ephesians 4:3, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This we will continually do. I would hope that you would give voice and prayer to our call. I will yet pray for you. For the love of Christ and the case of peace, The clergy of color