East of the River Magazine May 2016 by Capital Community News

m ay 2 0 1 6

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

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

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

New Government Facilities & Projects:

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

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

on June 14th, RE-ELECT

To Join Her Effort to Move Ward 7 Forward

Call 202.550.0029

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

East of the River Magazine May 2016

Next Issue: June 4

Celebrating Seniors

Training Seniors

Safe at Home

Get Your Affairs in Order

by Pattie Cinelli

by Candace Y.A. Montague

by Skip Thompson

neighborhood news

In Every Issue

The Bulletin Board

Alexander Takes Off the Gloves

The Prodigal Son: Vince Gray Returns to Ward 7 by Jonetta Rose Barras

Events DC Asks for Ward 8 Community Input

by Jonetta Rose Barras

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Washington

East of the River Calendar

Ward 8 Rematch

The Classified

The Numbers

The Crossword

by Christine Rushton

by Ed Lazere

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

In Pursuit of the Perfect Shot

Goodbye, Chateau

Five Truths About Cervical Cancer

Jazz Avenues

by Phil Hutinet

by Queshonda Moore

by Candace Y.A. Montague

by Steve Monroe

REAL ESTATE

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Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

KIDS & FAMILY

No Taxation Without Representation, cartoon by Clifford Berryman, November 20, 1920, Records of the U.S. Senate Collection. See Kids and Family Notebook on page 58.

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

Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

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East of the River Magazine May 2016

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What’s on washington

ZooFari ZooFari, Thursday, May 19, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., is a culinary event featuring more than 100 of the top DC restaurants and vintners – all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. In addition to an evening of food, fine wines, cocktail tastings with celebrity bartenders, and giveaways, ZooFari offers a night of live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and much more. All proceeds support the zoo’s mission to save species. General admission is $200. Purchase tickets at nationalzoo.si.edu. Tickets for ZooFari at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are on sale now. Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo

PG County Gateway Open Studio Tour (#OST2016) Gateway Community Development Corporation welcomes you to the 12th annual Gateway Open Studio Tour in the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District, home to one of the area’s most innovative and creative arts communities. On Saturday, May 14, noon to 5 p.m. (after party, 5 to 8 p.m. at 39th Street Gallery), Gateway Arts District artists, studios and galleries open their doors to the public. #OST2016 is an exciting and family-friendly event that features live art demonstrations, kid-friendly activities and live music. You’re on your own but to do this right, you’ll visit Brentwood, Mount Rainier and Hyattsville. Find a map at gatewayopenstudios.org. Open Studio Tour (OST) 2015 shows of Peter McClintock in his studio with patrons.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

National Memorial Day Parade

East of the River Election Debates

On Monday, May 30, 2 p.m., the National Memorial Day Parade will start at the corner of Constitution Ave. and Seventh Street NW. It will proceed west down Constitution past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The parade was launched in 2005 by the American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee in Washington, DC. Since 2008 the parade has been televised and broadcast live to our troops stationed overseas. It is the largest Memorial Day event in the nation, a testament to the public’s desire to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. americanveteranscenter.org

The Federation of Civic Associations will sponsor a DC City Council Candidates Forum on Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m. at East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 2220 Branch Avenues SE. The forum will include candidates for the Ward 7 and At-Large city council seats.

The National Memorial Day Parade is now the largest Memorial Day event in the country, with more than 250,000 spectators annually, thousands of participants, and a national television broadcast across the United States.

On May 31, from 6 to 9 p.m., We Act Radio will host a Ward 7, Ward 8 and At-Large debate at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. The subject is “What are the Ward 7 and 8 candidates’ plans to preserve longtime residents and small businesses East of the River?” The voter registration deadline for the June 14, 2016, Democratic Primary is May 16. Register to vote online at vote4dc.com. For more information about voting in DC, visit dcboee.org.

Bourbon & Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage On Sunday, May 15 (rain or shine), 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy live bluegrass music, sip bourbon on the verandah, play lawn games, and savor the springtime grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home at the second annual Bourbon and Bluegrass event of President Lincoln’s Cottage. Your $50 ticket ($25 for ages 12 through 17; under 11, free) includes live music from local performers, two drink tickets, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and desserts. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and food. Proceeds go toward preservation efforts at President Lincoln’s Cottage. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW. lincolncottage.org Photo: Courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage

East of the River Magazine May 2016

CALENDAR

calendar MAY

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

MeMorial DaY WreaTh laYing aT arlingTon. May 30, 11 AM. Arrive much earlier. Expect heavy security. There is free parking and a free bus to the ceremony. Either one can see the wreath laying or hear the speech but not both. Arlington National Cemetery. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org. President Obama addresses the Memorial Day audience in the Arlington Cemetery Amphitheater. Photo: Courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery

East of the River Magazine May 2016

CALENDAR

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Blessing of the Bikes at National Cathedral. May 27, 5 PM. The National Cathedral welcomes members of Rolling Thunder at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend for a “Blessing of the Bikes.” Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org. “Flags-In” at Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day Weekend. Each year, the Third Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried both at Arlington National Cemetery and the US Soldier’s and Airmen’s National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Arlington National Cemetery. 703607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org National Memorial Day Concert at Capitol. May 29, 8 to 9:30 PM. Gates open at 5 PM. The National Symphony Orchestra performs the first of three outdoor holiday concerts. Free on the West lawn of the US Capitol. Memorial Day Observance at the WWII Memorial. May 30, 9 AM. 1750 Independence Ave. SW. wwiimemorial.com. Memorial Day Wreath-laying at Air Force Memorial. May 30, 9 to 10 AM; concert, 11 AM to noon. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. Follow signs. airforcememorial.org. Rolling Thunder. May 30 at noon. “Rolling Thunder” is an annual motorcycle rally held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of motorcycles depart from the Pentagon at noon roaring across Washington, DC, as a tribute to American war heroes. Assemble at Pentagon north parking lot. Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. May 30, 1 PM. Each year on Memorial Day veterans and their families congregate at “The Wall” to remember and honor those who served. Many deliver thoughtful and patriotic speeches. vvmf.org. National Memorial Day Parade. May 30, 2 PM. The parade starts at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW and proceeds west down Constitution Avenue past the White House ending at 17th Street. americanveteranscenter.org. Women in Military Service Honors Memorial Day. May 30, 4 PM. The program includes formal military honors, remarks from servicewomen and the Women’s Memorial traditional Rose Petal Ceremony. Ceremony takes place at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. womensmemorial.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS National Cathedral Gargoyle Tower Climb. May 12, 1 PM. This climb focuses on the Cathedral’s two western towers and includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

The Washington Ballet Presents

coppélia

The Magical Toy Shop on May 21 at 1 PM and 5 PM; and May 22 at 1 PM. This is a charming ballet about an eccentric doll maker. Tickets start at $25. Community tickets for Ward 7 and 8 residents are $15. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Claire Rathbun in Coppelia The Magical Toy Shop Photo: Dean Alexander

air walkway wrapping around these two towers about 125 feet above the ground. $50. cathedral.org. Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. May 13, 14 and 15; 6 to 9 PM. Visitors can bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries. $36$48. mountvernon.org. St. Sophia’s Greek Spring Festival. May 13 and 14, noon to 10 PM; May 15, noon to 7 PM. Saint Sophia’s festival brings the best of Greek food, drink and culture to the DC area. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th St. NW. saintsophiadc.com.

OUTDOOR MOVIES, MUSIC AND CEREMONY Marine Barracks Row Evening Parade. Fridays through Aug. 26, 8:45 to 10 PM. The Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. Reservations highly recommended a month in advance. There is also a general admission line with no guarantees. barracks.marines.mil. Twilight Tattoo at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Wednesdays through Aug. 3 (No performances on July 6 or July 13.) at 6:30 PM. Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long, liveaction military performance that blends the precision and discipline of the Third US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) with the orchestral sounds and pop music from The US Army. twilight.mdw.army.mil. Yards Park Friday Night Concerts. May 20, New Belgium Tour De Fat Performance; May 27, Jimi Smooth & HitTime; June 3, For The Win; June 10, The Reflex; June 17, DC Jazz Festival Artists; June 24, Jah Works; July 1, The B Street Band; July 8, Jeff From Accounting; July 15, The Texas Chainsaw Horns; July 22, Sara Gray; July 29, Sly 45; Aug. 5, Justin Trawick; Aug. 12, Lovely Rita; Aug. 19, The 19th Street Band; Aug. 26, Lloyd Dobler Effect; Sept. 2, Almost Journey. These free concerts are 6:30 to 8:30 PM on the Great Lawn of Yards Park. Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. yardspark.org.

East of the River Magazine May 2016

CALENDAR

Sunset Parades at Iwo Jima Memorial. May 31 to Aug. 16, 7 to 8 PM. The Sunset Parade features the music of “The Commandant’s Own”, The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. NoMa Summer Screen. June 1, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark; June 8, Princess Bride; June 15, Guardians of the Galaxy; June 22, Jumanji; June 29, Fast Five; July 6, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure; July 13, Life of Pi; July 20, O Brother, Where Art Thou?; July 27, E.T.; Aug. 3, Apollo 13; Aug. 10, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; Aug. 17, Jurassic Park; Aug. 24, rain date. Movies are at dusk at Storey Park Lot, 1005 First St. NE. nomabid.org. Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movies. June 2, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; June 9, Inside Out; June 16, Ocean’s Eleven; June 30, Star Wars The Force Awakens; July 7, Mean Girls; July 14, Jurassic World; July 21, Minions; July 28, Creed; Aug. 4, Pitch Perfect 2; Aug. 11, The Martian; and Aug. 18, Skyfall. Movies at Canal Park, Second and Eye Streets SE, begin at sundown. Arrive as early as 7 PM.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Free Shipping Exhibition. Through May 15. Exhibition by graduating Corcoran students. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. theatreprometheus.com. Capital C Is For Color-The Washington Color School. May 8, 2 to 4 PM. Art historian Lisa Lipinski talks about the art and artists involved in this Washington, DC centered art movement of the 1970s. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Eclectic Tuesdays at Anacostia Arts Center. Tuesdays, 7 to 9 PM. This is a 13-week performance series with a wide array of performers ranging between dance, music, poetry, magic and theatre. Here’s the lineup: May 10, Chocolatease Burlesque Dance; May 24, Mini Metro Mambo with Cubano Grooves Latin Jazz Performance and Discussion; May 31, The WopBops Upbeat Doo Wop and Rock; and June 7, CC Hill Jam Session Acoustic Music. Free. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Double Time Jazz@THEARC: Robert Glasper Trio. May 13, 8 PM. $25-$45. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org. Harpist Jeff Majors at Anacostia Arts Center. May 21, 7 and 9 PM. Harpist Jeff Majors will perform inspirational fusion music of jazz, gospel and R&B. $40. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Playback Theater Ensemble. Every fourth Wednesday, 7:15 to 9:15 PM. A healing and hilarious and beautiful experience by a cast of stunning women of color. $10 suggested donation. Read more at thehbctheater.com. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Uncovered at Vivid Solutions. May 27 to July 15. Artwork of Photographer Todd Franson and Painter/Illustrator Scott G. Brooks has lived behind the headlines of Metro Weekly covers for years. Unadorned by text and logos, Uncovered exhibits their lush and provocative work that has captured the people, moments, and movements of LGBT culture in DC for over two decades. Vivid Solutions Gallery, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. vividsolutionsgallery.com. ACT Black LGBTQ Theater Showcase. May 29, 8 and 10 PM. African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returns with its 18th annual Black LGBTQ Theater Showcase in observance of DC Black Pride Weekend. $15. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Going to a Place Where You Already Are. June 2 to 26. Roberta has always agreed with her husband Joe that there is no heaven, no afterlife, just life. Their granddaughter Ellie has never even stopped to think about it. With humor, humanity and the guidance of an Angel, Brunstetter’s hopeful new play explores life, family and moving on. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon PL. SE. theateralliance.com.

MUSIC AROUND TOWN Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. May 7, Cate Le Bon; May 8, DC Air Sex Championships; May 11, Crystal Fighters; May 12, Screaming Females; May 13, We Are Scientists; May 14, Fruit Bats; May 15, Verite; May 16, Lany-The Make Out Tour; May 19, Twin Peaks; May 20, Beach Slang; May 21, Rodney; May 24, Islands; May 28, T.S.O.L. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Music at the Atas. May 7, Liner NotesWorldwide Underground; May 8, Capital City Symphony-Great Masters, Young Stars; May 28, Great Noise Ensemble-Van Gogh; June 3, Sirius Quartet. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-3997993. atlasarts.org. Music at the U Street Music Hall. May 8, Lukas Graham; May 9, Låpsley; May 10, Animal Collective (DJ Set with Avey Tare & Geologist); May 11, BERNHOFT and The Shudderbugs and Opiuo; May 12, Claude VonStroke; May 13, Half Moon Run and Rudimental (DJ Set); May 14, Breakbot; May 17, Floating Points (live); May 18, Jacob Whitesides and JLIN; May 19, Mykki Blanco and Eats Everything; May 20, Digitalism Live; May 21, Blaqk Audio and Panty Raid; May 22, Corinne Bailey Rae; May 24, The Summer Set; May 26, TroyBoi; May 27, Four Tet; May 28, Elite Force; June 2, Viceroy; June 3, Mark Farina; June 4, Feed Me Disco with Eau Claire. U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 202-588-1889. ustreetmusichall.com. Music at 9:30 Club. May 8, Frightened Rabbit; May 9, Old 97’s & Heartless Bastards; May 10 and 11, Animal Collective; May 12, Parquet Courts and Titus Andronicus; May 13, Grimes and Penguin Prison; May 14, The Kills; May 16, Yeasayer; May 17, Say Anything; May 20, White Ford Bronco; May 21, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons; May 25, JMSN; May 26, Caravan Palace; May 28, Hot In Here: 2000s Dance Party; May 29, RJD2; May 31, Christine and the Queens; June 1, Nada Surf; June 2, Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires; June 3, Kaytranada. 815 V St. NW. 877-435-9849. 930.com. Sunday Concerts at the Phillips. Concerts at 4 PM. May 8, Metropolis Ensemble; May 15, United States Navy Band; May 22, Jack Quartet; May 29, The Phillips Camarata. $30, $15 for members, students, and visitors 6 to 18; includes museum admission for day of the concert. Reservations recommended. phillipscollection.org/music. Blues Night in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. May 9, Memphis Gold Blues; May 14, 2016 (Saturday Noon to 7 PM), 1st Annual Westminster Blues Festival; May 16, Shirleta Settles & Friends; May 23, Dr. S.O. Feelgood; May 30, Queen Aisha Blues. $5 cover. Children are free under age 16. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-4847700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at Black Cat. May 9, The Spook School; May 10, Ought Priests; May 11, Wild Nothing; May 12, Hop Along Speedy Ortiz; May 13, The Obsessed; May 14, Depeche Mode Dance Party and Fresh to Death; May 16, Big Black Delta; May 17,

East of the River Magazine May 2016

CALENDAR

Rogue Wave; May 19, Turtle Recall; May 20, Rome Fortune The Range; May 21, Agoraphobic Nosebleed; May 22, Minor; May 23, Car Seat Headrest; May 24, The men that will not be blamed for nothing; May 25, The Effects; May 26, Paperwhite; May 27, Kill Lincoln; June 2, Hit the Can; June 3, Pinkwash. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com.

Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop; May 29, Plastic Cup Boyz. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolndc.com.

Church of the Epiphany Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. May 10, Duo Amaral Jorge Amaral & Mia Pomerantz-Amaral; May 17, Robert Simonds, violin; May 24, Jocelyn Swigger, piano; May 31, Ralitza Patcheva & Jeremy Filsell, pianos. Free, but offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-3472635. epiphanydc.org.

“Notes from the Crypt” Chamber Music at Congressional Cemetery. May 22, and June 19; 4 PM. These one-hour concerts are held about once a month in the historic Chapel. The program is followed by a wine and cheese reception. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org.

Music at Hill Country. May 10, Gurf Morlix; May 13, The Woodshedders; May 14, Tony Furtado, Gurf Morlix; May 20, Alex Vans & the Hide Away; May 29, Possessed by Paul James; June 2, Ian Moore & The Lossy Coils; June 4, Johnny Grave & the Tombstones. Hill Country Live, 410 Seventh St. NW. hillcountry.com/dc. Music at The Howard. May 11, Buckethead; May 13, MYA and Reggaefest vs. Soca; May 13, Middleway Music Studio Concert XII and 4Ever Chuck; May 15, Curren$y; May 17, Trend; May 18, The Foundations of Punk; May 19, The Foreign Exchange; May 20, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone; May 22, DC ?uestlove; May 23, The Arrival; May 24, Bersuit Vergarabat and Caramelos de Cianuro; May 25, Saul Hernandez; May 27, Joe; May 28, TweetThe Charlene Tour; May 31, Tatran; June 3, Max Major’s Think Again. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.

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STARTING JUNE 4 EVERY SATURDAY | 10 AM – 3 PM 3200 6TH STREET SE

Behind Martin Luther King Elementary School • Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables • Smoothies, baked goods, fragrances, BBQ and more from local vendors • Cooking demonstrations, free samples and tours of our on-site community garden • Information and activities to support healthy and green living

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. May 13, Dred “Perky” Scott: A Baltimore Vibe; May 20, Warren Wolf’s World; May 27, Chuck Redd & Young Blood. $5 cover. Children are welcome and free under age 16. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. St. Martin’s 2016 Pentecost Concert. May 15 at 5 PM. This concert is a collaboration of Jewish tradition and Christian inspiration, bridging the gap between faith and religion in a spirit-based, unifying musical event. St. Martin’s of Tours-DC, 1908 North Capitol St. NW. $15. Children 16 and under are free. Music at Sixth and I. May 9, Distant Cousins; May 15, Safam. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-408-3100. sixthandi.org. Music at the Lincoln. May 15, Ozomatli plus Big Tony & Trouble Funk; May 21,

Society of the Cincinnati Concert. May 21, 10:30 AM, Beau Soir Ensemble. Free. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org.

SPORTS AND FITNESS DC United at RFK. May 8, 7:30 PM vs. New York City FC; May 13, 7 PM vs. New York Red Bulls; and June 1, 8 PM vs. Seattle Sounders FC. dcunited.com. Washington Nationals Baseball. May 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. washington.nationals.mlb.com. Practice with Love Yoga Gathering at the Botanic Garden. Saturdays through fall except, Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, Labor Day weekend and Oct. 1; 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Free. Bring your own mat. usbg.gov. Zumba at THEARC. Mondays, 7:15 to 8:15 PM. Ditch the workout, join the party! Latin Dance-Fitness fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Adult Yoga at THEARC. Saturdays, 8:45 to 10 AM. Vinyasa Yoga is a practice where postures or asanas are connected through the breath for a transformative and balancing effect. It builds heat, endurance, flexibility and strength. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Adult African Dance at THEARC. Wednesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Taught by Sylvia Soumah, founder of Coyaba Dance Theater and teacher at The Washington Ballet, Adult African Dance classes provide a friendly environment to learn West African dance. Come feel the beat. $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org.

Adult Kundalini Yoga at THEARC. Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:45 PM. Experience Kundalini Yoga, a science that works on your energy system using various hand and finger positions (mudras) body postures (asanas) and chants (mantras). $6 for 20020 or 20032 residents. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. Free Weekly Jazzercise Class. Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Jazzercise is a 60-minute workout that incorporates cardio, stretch and strengthtraining exercises. Bring weights and a mat. 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs in the ground floor community room. Yoga @ the Library. Saturdays, 10 to 11 AM. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Yoga mats are available. Classes are taught by a Yoga Activist and are held on the lower level of the library in the Larger Meeting Room. Free. Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning.

MARKETS AND SALES SW Market. Fourth Friday of every month, May 27, June 24, Aug. 26, Sept. 23 and Oct. 28, 4 to 10 PM. Featuring arts and crafts, jewelry, accessories, bath/beauty, furniture, furnishings, accessories, collectibles, live-music, food trucks and a beer garden. Market at the Waterfront Station at Fourth and M Streets, SW. marketswdc.com. Ward 8 Farmer’s Market. Saturdays, starting June 4, 10 AM to 3 PM. Market is in at new location at the parking lot behind Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3200 Sixth St. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com. SPARKET-A Creative Market at Crystal City. Wednesdays through June 29 and Sept. 7 through Nov. 16; 11 AM to 2 PM. The Market is on the sidewalk of 1800 block of Crystal Dr., adjacent to the Crystal Shops mall. sparketacreativemarket.blogspot.com. Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. May 14 and 15 (rain or shine), 10 AM to 5 PM. Festival features more than 120 contemporary artists selling their original fine art and craft. There will be live entertainment, children’s activities and food from local restaurants. Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle along Norfolk and Auburn Avenues. Free. bethesda.org.

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1718 14th St. NW Union Market www.peregrineespresso.com East of the River Magazine May 2016

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

CALENDAR

H Street NE FRESHFARM Market. Saturdays, 9 AM to 12:30 PM (new hours). Located at H and 13th Streets NE. freshfarmmarket.org. Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com. Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 20th Street and Mass. Avenue NW. 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org. Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting). Set up after 10 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays to Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-6527400. unionmarketdc.com. Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays, 8 AM to 4 PM. 1819 35th St. NW.

CIVIC LIFE

costia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday, 6 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R Streets SE. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.

ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE. 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b@earthlink.net. ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-98-5100. anc7c@verizon.net. ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc. dc.gov. ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. DC Scholars Public School, 5601 East Capitol St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov. ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE. ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org.

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

ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Streets, SE. 202-6101818. anc8b.org.

Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30 to 8 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202450-3155.

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

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.

ANC 8E. First Monday, 7:30 PM. Eagle Academy, 3400 Wheeler Rd. SE.

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

Have an item for the calendar? Email calendar@hillrag.com u

Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org. Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7 to 9 PM. UPO’s Ana-

East of the River Magazine May 2016

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Special Issue

East of the River Magazine May 2016

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Training Seniors

The Benefits of Exercise at Any Age by Pattie Cinelli

ast month my cousin, who is in her 50s, told me that she has been doing resistance training for the past six weeks for her lower body. She has been swimming, biking and walking for years. She said, “Now I know why you have no aches and pains – you are fit and strong!” My cousin felt the difference strength training could make for her, an active woman who has begun to feel the effects of living more than a half a century even though she has been a regular exerciser most of her adult life. I’m a Baby Boomer. I’ve always enjoyed exercise. While I’m not a competitive athlete, I love the way I feel while I’m exercising and afterward. The movement

in sync with my breathing is powerful. As I’ve aged I continue to exercise, but I’ve changed what I do and how intense I do it. I no longer do nine high impact aerobics classes a week. Instead, I enjoy a different form of intensity when working out: yoga, Pilates, Barre, core, strength and stretch with plenty of warm up and recovery time built into my routine. When I feel an ache or pain I pause. Sometimes I work through it. Other times I rest to repair. At my age I have to think more about what I’m doing and respect what my body is telling me. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to lose strength or your ability to function well in daily life. But it does mean that if you’ve never exercised, now is the time to start and if you are exercising, you need to make sure your program is balanced. Walking or gardening is fine. It helps build endurance. However, you need to include exercises for strength which builds muscle, increases your metabolism, helps keep your weight and blood sugar in check; exercises for balance, which helps strengthen legs and core muscles, and exercises for flexibility which gives you freedom of movement.

Why Exercise is Important as We Age

Pat Morgan holding a baby panda during her tour in China last year.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Exercise is not a luxury. It is a necessity over which we have control. I believe it’s as important as drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and controlling stress. The National Institutes of Health report that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of seniors who are frail or have disease that is associated with aging. They also report that regular physical activity and exercise can also delay or prevent many diseases and disabilities associated with aging such as diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, minor aches and pains and dementia; and may reduce overall death and hospitalization rates.

Baldwin Tom at El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Not only do you feel better if you exercise but you also will heal faster. Injuries and wounds take longer to heal as people age. Regular exercise by older adults may speed up the wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent according to Senior Journal.com. Exercise can also improve your thinking and your memory. It stimulates every muscle, organ and joint in your body. It gets fluid moving and parts working. Improvements from just a little movement can be miraculous in older individuals. My friend’s 94-yearold father could no longer lift his arm high enough to hang his coat on a rack. After a few months with a physical therapist he can now raise his arm almost straight up over his head.

You Just Have to Do It. You Don’t Have to Like It Our bodies are amazing machines. They know how to move, how to compensate and how to heal. They also are the only ones we have. Not everyone likes exercise. But everyone wants to live well and function optimally until our last breath. My client of more than 10 years,

YEARS

Pat Morgan, now 77, realized the value of exercise as an older person. “I don’t really like to exercise, but I like being able to move freely, travel and lead an active life. I never exercised as a kid, never took part in sports. I never established the habit of physical activity nor associated it with any pleasure.” Pat joined a gym in her early 60s to remedy a frozen shoulder. “I had gym buddies who shamed me into more or less regular exercise. We also walked a couple of miles four or five times a week (with the promise of an expresso afterward). Pat’s gym buddies faded away and so did her regular exercising. It wasn’t until she developed sciatica and it healed she became determined never to experience that pain again. “I hired a personal trainer to help me analyze what exercise was best for my needs. Now I work out once a week, walk a great deal, stretch, use a foam roller and lift weights. I go to a Rolfer once a month to help counteract my tendency to tense up, particularly in my neck and shoulders.” Pat is not alone in needing to release built up tension. When training older adults I have found that most are in need of reprogramming the basics after years of bad habits. We work on improving posture, correct walking, lifting, bending and releasing tension. Forward flexion can lead to a host of physical ailments not only in the neck and shoulders but also in the lower back and hips as well. As we age we want to bring our bodies back into balance so we can move with ease.

Improve How You Move and Exercise When Baldwin Tom became my client more than two years ago at age 72 he already had a life-long habit of physical activity. As a young man he

played all sorts of sports. “I’ve always loved the feeling after exercising, even the soreness from it. It tells me something ‘good’ is happening.” Baldwin’s attitude towards exercise is practical. Does he like exercise? No, he said, because it’s work. But yes, he added, because of the results of the work, especially when shown how to work specific muscle groups. “I know that being in shape will help me rebound from the stresses and strains better. Healthiness provides a good mindset about oneself.” For Baldwin, staying competitive and having goals keeps exercise a priority. He is currently working toward competing for a position on the U.S. National Dragon Boat team for 2017. Baldwin’s attitude toward exercising has changed from his younger days of exercising. “Then I wanted to look good, be stronger and compete. It was fun. I just did it with little warm up or cool down. Now exercise is necessary to maintain vitality and resilience. It’s more work than fun, and I need more time to warm up and look for different modalities to get muscles and tissues to be optimally functional.” Aging is a part of life. It’s up to us how we want to experience it. If we don’t move our bodies regularly, we will become rusty, stiff, creaky and cranky. We need to find variety and regularity in our workouts. We need to listen to our bodies now more than ever. We need to incorporate stretching, body work (massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Rolfing, etc.) into our routine. The quality of our whole life – mentally, emotionally and physically depends on it. Pattie Cinelli is a holistic personal trainer and a health/fitness journalist who has been living on the Hill and writing her column for more than 25 years. For more information about Pattie please visit her website: www.pattiecinelli.com. ◆

ERFSC is celebrating 20 years this year, and we want YOU to be involved.

SPECIAL EVENTS 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting “20 Years of Service: Fulfilling the Dream” Wednesday, May 18 | 6:30pm to 8:30pm Washington Seniors Wellness 3001 Alabama Avenue, SE, DC RSVP to rpeoples@erfsc.org KEEN Senior Prom Thursday, May 19 | 5:00pm to 9:00pm St. Luke’s Center • 4923 E. Capitol St, SE, DC RSVP to Robin Gantt at 202-534-4880 20th Anniversary Block Party Saturday, July 23 | 12pm to 6pm Unity Health Care Parking Lot 3924 Minnesota Ave NE, DC 20019 RSVP to rparke@erfsc.org 20th Anniversary Holiday Party Thursday, December 15 | 6pm to 10pm Newton White Mansion 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD

Visit us online at www.erfsc.org Facebook & YouTube: EastRiverFamily • Twitter: ERFSC East of the River Magazine May 2016

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CELEBRATING SENIORS

Safe at Home

DC’s Office on Aging Pilots a Program to Keep Seniors Injury Free article by Candace Y.A. Montague, photos by Tori Goldhammer

ging in place has become a priority with the rapid changes occurring in the District. Many families worry about their elderly loved ones losing their homes, but there is an additional concern when it comes to the senior population. Falling in or around the home can lead to serious repercussions physically, financially, and emotionally. In July 2015 the Safe at Home (SAH) Act was introduced during a session of the DC Council by councilmembers Charles Allen (Ward 6), Anita Bonds (At-large), and Jack Evans (Ward 2). The purpose was to establish a home modification grant for qualifying lowincome seniors and adult residents with disabilities to make safety improvements to their homes. Seniors who own homes or renters with their landlord’s permission can now qualify for up to $10,000 in home upgrades. The bill also allows an SAH tax credit for people who foot the bill on their own (50 percent of the modification cost or $5,000, whichever is less).

Needs Assessment The Safe at Home program is a pilot. An occupational therapist will visit the home to evaluate individual needs. The therapist will do up to seven assessments including vision, strength and balance, cognition, and medication. Tori Goldhammer, program manager for the SAH program of the DC Office on Aging (DCOA), explains that the initial setup is “a little combination of an interview and visit; getting a little bit of information about their medical history and what the senior’s goals are. We don’t go

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EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

CB Stairlift VMc Railing

in places in the house where they never go. If the most important thing to them is taking a bath then we focus on that.” Based on the evaluation SAH will purchase small items such as bath mats, lamp remote-control systems, and furniture risers. Larger installations such as stair lifts, grab bars, or ramps can be done by contractors who are trained to

work with seniors. “Having an occupational therapist evaluate the homes with the seniors should help them feel very comfortable that they are being taken care of,” adds Goldhammer.

Common Falls Not So Common It is a myth that falling is a natural part of the aging process, but the statistics don’t reflect it. According to the Center for Disease Control, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries annually. One out of five falls causes serious injuries or head trauma. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fall injuries due to factors such as balance problems, poor vision, muscle weakness and foot problems, and medications that can make them sleepy or dizzy. Head trauma can be a very grave issue for seniors who take blood thinners. Elderly people with cognitive issues such as dementia are at an elevated risk of falling. In fact, 60 percent of elderly people with cognitive impairments fall annually. Some studies suggest that people with gait abnormalities have an increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline. Falling, whether it results in injury or not, can also take its toll on mental state and quality of life. When older adults fear falling they tend to avoid social activities and stay indoors (over half of falls take place at home). This can lead to increased physical decline and depression. Social interaction wards off depression, and exercise can strengthen bones and protect people from injury, so staying active is critical. The best defense is for seniors to get educated about fall risks and prevention. The DCOA offers fall prevention training periodically throughout the year.

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East of the River Magazine May 2016

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CELEBRATING SENIORS

We are in your

Toilet Riser and Handles

Neighborhood! Including Washington DC’s first-ever hospital-based inpatient hospice unit. Capital Caring is the largest and most experienced hospice and palliative care provider in the region. Since 1977, we have offered world-class pain relief and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and compassion to more than 75,000 local families. Call us any time to learn how we can help you and your loved ones.

800-869-2136 www.capitalcaring.org

Georgetown Seeks Volunteers for New Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment Georgetown University is seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical trial of Aducanumab, a potential new treatment that, in an early phase study, has demonstrated promise in slowing mental decline in Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose is to evaluate the possible benefit and safety of the drug in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease.

You may be eligible if you:

Funding Fall Prevention

•

Prevention has proven to be much more cost effective than treatment. A stair lift costs on average $5,000. Compare that to the price of one year in a nursing home for a patient who never recovers from a fall (in excess of $100,000) and you have the argument for a funding program. The funding for SAH has been carved out of a larger effort, the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP), which provided dollars for home improvements. AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly collaborated with AARP DC and other advocates to work

• • • •

Are between 50-85 years of age Are in good general health Are fluent in English Have a study partner (friend or relative with whom you are in contact at least 10 hours/ week and who can accompany you to study visits) Are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment

For more information, please contact: Kelly Behan 202-687-0413 keb53@georgetown.edu 2

Super pole

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with the Committee on Housing and Community Development headed by Councilmember Bonds. The groups persuaded the council to allot money for individuals who need smaller items and do not seek to apply for large dollar amounts. Since final council approval, DCOA has received hundreds of calls asking for help. In just a few months close to 40 projects have been approved and completed. Rochelle Bobroff, senior attorney for AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly, says SAH has been essential. “I have personally talked to seniors who say their bathrooms are not on the same floor as the kitchen or bedroom. So if they have a walker or a cane, going up and down steps is a real risk. They managed it yesterday but will they manage tomorrow?” Investing in SAH projects for seniors yields excellent returns: “It’s money well spent for the District and a quality-of-life improvement for the seniors.” What SAH won’t cover are bigticket items that are more structurally related such as buckled floors or damaged walls. The funding is for low- to moderate-income seniors. Individuals aged 18-59 with disabilities are also welcome to apply. “There is an income requirement. The idea is, this is not for the District’s millionaires. But low- to moderate-income families who don’t have $5,000 to put in a stair lift can get the help they need,” adds Bobroff. SAH is a pilot to measure the need for this type of program, so there

will be a push to make it permanent. Given the current interest and volume of applications submitted so far, Safe at Home might be safe for good. For more information about Safe at Home call 202-638-0050 or visit the DC Department on Aging website, www.dcoa.dc.gov. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. ◆

LOOK OUT FOR OUR ANNUAL

African American Health & Wellness COMING JULY 2, 2016

Basement Rails

For years The East of the River has been empowering our readers with honest, culturally relevant health coverage.

A FEATURE SECTION INCLUDING ARTICLES ON:

Fitness | Health | Prevention | Nutrition | Treatment

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING PLEASE CONTACT SALES TODAY: 202.543.8300 LAURA ext.22 • KIRA ext.16 • ANDREW ext.19 • CAROLINA ext.12

East of the River Magazine May 2016

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CELEBRATING SENIORS

Get Your Affairs in Order For An Orderly Estate by Skip Thompson

ou may be quite willing to plan an investment strategy for your retirement years. After all, it can be enjoyable to think about traveling the world, pursuing your hobbies or participating in any of the activities you’ve associated with an active retirement. However, once you do retire, you’ll need to “shift gears” somewhat to focus on your legacy. Specifically, to protect your loved ones and ensure your intentions are clear and carried out, you’ll need to do some more planning – and you’ll need to share your thoughts with your family.

Here Are Some Moves to Consider: •

•

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List your assets and debts. Your family needs to be aware of your assets and debts, so share this information with them while you are alive and well. Create a durable power of attorney. Give a trusted friend or family member a durable power of attorney to pay bills and make financial choices on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Choose an executor. An executor is the person or entity you name in your will to carry out your wishes. An executor has a variety of responsibilities, so pick someone who is honest and capable of dealing with legal and financial matters. Talk with an attorney about how best to name your executor. Update your will. You might have written a will many years ago, but, over time, many aspects of your life may have changed. Review your will with your attorney to ensure it reflects your current wishes. Review benefits of a living trust. A simple will may not be enough to accommodate your estate-planning needs. You might want to consider establishing a living trust, which provides you with significant flexibility in distributing your assets and can help you avoid the time-con-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

suming, expensive and public process of probate. To create a trust or other estate-planning documents, you will need to work with a qualified legal professional. • Review your beneficiary designations. The beneficiary designations on your financial accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.) and your insurance policies can even supersede the directions on your will, so it’s essential that you update these designations to reflect events such as divorce and remarriage. And make sure your beneficiaries have the facts they need to claim their benefits. • Share location of your legal documents. Your loved ones should know where you keep documents such as your birth certificate, will and living trust. If you keep these items in a safe deposit box, tell your family where you keep the key. • Encourage two-way communication. It’s obviously necessary to communicate your final wishes to your family members – but listen to their wishes and concerns, too. For example, ask your children to agree on who gets those objects of special concern to them, such as furniture, mementos and heirlooms. As you can see, you’ll need to take several steps to fulfill your intentions – and the above list is certainly not exhaustive. So plan carefully, engage the appropriate team – financial advisor, attorney, tax professional – and put your plans in motion. By being proactive, you can greatly ease the burden on your loved ones in the future. This article was written by Skip Thompson, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Thompson is a proud Hill resident. He plans to open an office in the neighborhood towards the end of 2016. Thompson can be contacted at skip.thompson@edwardjones.com. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. ◆

YEARS

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In Celebration of Older Americans Month, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc., ADRC KEEN Seniors Program is pleased to host

The Seventh Annual Ward 7 Prom for Seniors

“Cruisin Through The Years” Thursday, May 19, 2016 • 5:00pm – 9:00pm St. Luke’s Center 4923 East Capitol St, SE • Washington, DC 20019

Music by: DJ Nate D Skate, WPFW 89.3 FM Dinner, Dancing and Special Guest TICKETS: Early Bird Special: Single Tickets $30.00 – Couples $55.00 After May 6 th (Last day of Early Bird Special): Tickets $35.00 each Dress Code: All White For more information, contact Robin Gantt at 202-534- 4880 ext. 110 or Chicquita Bryant ext. 125

East of the River Magazine May 2016

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neighborhood news

wHole Foods MarKet at gateway dc returns Whole Foods Market will return for its third season of the successful Whole Foods Market at Gateway DC, on the St. Elizabeths East Campus. Events DC, Whole Foods and the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development are in the process of finalizing a complete 2016 calendar. The Whole Foods Market is currently confirmed one Saturday of each summer month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The kick-off date is Saturday, May 21. Gateway DC, now managed by Events DC, takes a fresh approach to engaging the community and promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles. For more information, contact Events DC at 202-249-3000.

“a” is For anacostia tour

Raymond Tolson. Photo: Courtesy of Serve DC

rayMond tolson receives Mayors coMMunity service award Answering Mayor Muriel Bowser’s call, Raymond Tolson helped District seniors and the disabled dig out from the historic January 2016 Snow Blizzard. The 69-year-old Ward 7 DC Resident Snow Team member was featured in the lead story Jan. 24 on the CBS Evening News and on CBS This Morning on Jan. 25. CBS’ Kris Van Cleave reported: “Sixty-nine-year-old Raymond Tolson volunteered to help dig out the elderly. When the city suggested two of his neighbors, he did their homes and eight more.” Tolson has been profiled in this paper before. He proudly distributes it to his neighbors once a month.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

On Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join Dr. Courtney Davis, educator, entrepreneur and author of “A is for Anacostia” for a storytelling tour of several historic sites found in Anacostia. All participants receive a signed copy of the book. The bus leaves promptly at 10:30 a.m. from the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. There is a $10 transportation fee. Register and pay the fee at anacostia.si.edu.

ddot Hearing on Benning road iMproveMents The District Department of Transportation invites the community to a public hearing Thursday, May 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Department of Employment Services Building, 4058 Minnesota Ave. NE, to review the findings of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed Benning Road and Bridges Transportation Improvements.

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The EA considers alternative approaches to extending the existing line east of the Benning Road Metrorail Station. The study area encompasses Benning Rd. NE, from Oklahoma Ave. to the Minnesota Ave. and Benning Rd. Metrorail Stations. It evaluates the environmental and cultural effects of the proposed improvements. Public comments will be accepted until June 2, 2016, 5 p.m. Following the public comment period, the report will be finalized.

of the Department of Small and Local Business Development, DC Main Streets serves as the citywide coordinating program that provides services and funding for the 10 Main Streets programs in the District of Columbia. These programs revitalize communities by retaining and recruiting businesses, improving commercial properties and streetscapes and attracting consumers.

Congress Heights Revitalization Launched

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the US National Park Service, the tenth in a series of annual BioBlitzes hosted by the service and the National Geographic Society will be held in parks in the area. A bioblitz is a quest to discover living organisms. During these rapid biological surveys, scientists and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds work together to compile a â&#x20AC;&#x153;snapshotâ&#x20AC;? of biodiversity in (usually) less than 48 hours. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life including all living creatures, their habitats, natural processes and the connections between these things. BioBlitz! at Kenilworth Park is on Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to noon. Email tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens with any questions. Read more at friendsofkenilworthgardens.org.

On April 11, Mayor Bowser announced three new DC Main Streets programs designated to support new businesses and create jobs: Destination Congress Heights, Tenleytown Main Street and Van Ness Main Streets. Last year, seven DC Main Streets programs celebrated the opening of 30 new businesses and the creation of 1,200 new jobs. DC Main Streets is a nationally recognized program with two of its programs, Barracks Row and H Street NE, receiving the distinguished Great American Main Street Award. A third, Shaw Main Street, is a finalist expected to receive the 2016 honor. The mission of DC Main Streets is to lead sustainable, community-driven revitalization programs that promote economic development, strengthen their neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents. A program

Help Kenilworth Park BioBlitz!

Medical Mission at Home Event On Saturday, May 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Medical Mission at Home ar-

East of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news / bulletin board

rives at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1600 Morris Rd. SE. All medical services are free. No insurance needed. Services, provided on a first come, first served basis, include dental care, medical testing, and spiritual care. For more information or to volunteer, visit medicalmissionathome.org. The Ascension Medical Mission at Home is designed to deliver healthcare, social and support services to those who might not otherwise have access in locations where individuals are physically located such as places of worship, schools, community centers, homeless shelters and food pantries.

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance Wins Award On April 23, Department of Public Works Director Christopher J. Shorter presented a Certificate of Commendation to Ward 7’s Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance for participating in the Helping Hand neighborhood cleanup program. For more information on the organization, visit popebranch.blogspot.com.

DanceAfrica, DC 2016 Festival The 28th annual DanceAfrica festival celebrates the dance and music of the African Diaspora t Dance Place and on the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market from May 31 to June 5. Featuring some of the best African dance companies in the metropolitan area, the festival includes master classes, an African marketplace, free outdoor and ticketed indoor performances. Indoor performances take place at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St., NE. Outdoor events take place on the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market, 716 Monroe St. NE. For a full schedule. visit danceplace.org. Featured Indoor Performers include Griot Baba Chuck Davis, African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Coyaba Dance Theater, Dance Place Step Team, Ezibu Muntu African Dance Theater, Farafina Kan, Ayanna Gregory, KanKouran West African Dance Company, POETICS, Sankofa Dance Theater and Soul In Motion. Featured Outdoor Performers include ASA! Kelenya, Cheick Hamala, Culture Shock Washington DC, Coyaba Dance Theater, DC Casineros, Duende Quartet, East of the River Steel Band, Malcolm X Dancers & Drummers, People Objects Play, Sahel, Sankofa Dance Theater, Tam Tam Mandingue and Zumba with Wilma Consul.

Unapologetic Negritude DMV ARTs presents an exhibition entitled “Unapologetic Negritude” curated by artist Michael Hyman. The show is as much a homage to a black aesthetic as it is a stark critique on social matters in the world today. Artists from around

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the world celebrate the New Negritude movement. The exhibition is at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, from May 17 to June 19. anacostiaartscenter.com.

Volunteer at Frederick Douglass House Become a steward of Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass’s home, by joining the VolunteersIn-Parks (VIP) program. Volunteer individually or with a group. Volunteers operate the front desk at the visitor center, remove litter and invasive plant species, assist with special events, work on projects and give educational programs and tours of the house. All ages are welcome. Groups can volunteer special events, to fulfill community service hours or just to support the site. Fill out an application at nps.gov/frdo/getinvolved/volunteer or call 202-426-5961. The Frederick Douglass House is a 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/frdo.

Eclectic Tuesdays at the Anacostia Arts Center Eclectic Tuesdays is a free, 13-week performance series with an array of performers ranging from dance, music, poetry, magic and theatre. Upcoming performances include on Chocolatease Burlesque Dance on May 10, 7 to 9 p.m.; Mini Metro Mambo with Cubano Grooves Latin Jazz Performance and Discussion on May 24; The WopBops Upbeat Doo Wop and Rock on May 31; and CC Hill Jam Session Acoustic Music on June 6. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com.

The Washington Urban Gardening Movement During the early 1960’s, the community gardening movement began. It proved to be one of the “unifying” elements bringing people and neighborhoods together during this turbulent time. On Saturday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. to noon, join Derek Thomas, WTTG Fox 5’s The Garden Guy, as he puts the history of public community gardens into context of the Twelve Years exhibition and how their formation and ideology has continued to contribute to the current green movement in Washington. Thomas also examines the need for continued work in the food deserts of Washington DC, and how programs that teach our citizens to garden contribute to the city’s ever changing tapestry. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Overdrive Drop-In Clinic On June 1, 1 p.m., discover what digital collections your local library has to offer. Drop in at the Francis A. Gregory Library and discover downloadable movies and music on Overdrive. Explore the digital catalog and get hands-on

help using Overdrive to access DC Public Library’s electronic collection of fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks and videos. A library card is all that’s needed. Can’t stay? Instructional sheets will be provided. Call 202-698-6373 for more information. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library is at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. dclibrary.org/francis.

Calling All History Buffs and Art Enthusiasts Join the Anacostia Community Museum Docents Program. Become a trained docent and take tour groups through the museum’s exhibitions. Bi-lingual speakers are particularly encouraged to apply. Call Shelia Montague Parker at 202-633-4823 or email parkers@si.edu.

Get C.R.I.S.P. Community Raised, Inspired & Sourced Produce (C.R.I.S.P.) provides regular, easily accessible and affordable fresh produce. Brought to you by THEARC Farm, C.R.I.S.P. is a subscription program that provides produce to community subscribers on a weekly basis from May to November. Subscriptions are offered in four and six-week terms to DC residents. C.R.I.S.P. subscriptions start at $10 a week and are offered in individual and family sizes. Weekly pickups in Ward 8 are at THEARC Farm, Turning Natural or Mamatoto Village in Ward 7. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis. DC residents participating in WIC, SNAP, TANF, Senior FMNP, Medicaid, and/or Produce Plus are strongly encouraged to apply. Only 40 subscriptions available per season. Read more and apply for C.R.I.S.P at thearcdc. org/thearcfarm.

Volunteer to Restore Shepherd Parkway Volunteer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, May 14, June 11, July 9, and Aug. 13. Meet at the picnic tables near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Avenues SE. Gloves, bags, and light refreshments are provided. Wear boots and work clothes. For more information, contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@ yahoo.com or 301-758-5892. Visit shepherdparkway.blogspot.com.

Meditation Workshops Join DC Public Library and CALMFIDENCE Institute for meditation workshops on Thursdays, May 26 and June 23, 7 p.m., at Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis.

“April 1968: Through Chinatown’s Eyes” The civil disturbances and street violence after the assassination of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. had a profound impact on

! g n i z a m A Now is the time to create an

all of DC. It had no less an impact on the city’s Chinatown. On Saturday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., there is a screening of “April 1968: Through Chinatown Eyes” by Penny Lee, followed by a panel discussion on the historical events of April 1968.

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Jazz pianist Helen sung On May 21, 2 to 4 p.m., New Yorkbased pianist Helen Sung performs jazz standards and original compositions accompanied by her trio of musicians. Sung is a graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance and has worked with such luminaries as the late Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Steve Turre, Wayne Shorter and MacArthur Fellow Regina Carter. The performance is at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Free HoMeBuyers seMinar Statistics prove that homebuyer education contributes to successful homeownership. Learn how to purchase a home in the District of Columbia using a DC Open Doors mortgage product. DC Open Doors holds a free homebuyers seminar on Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency, 815 Florida Ave. NW. For more information, contact Deborah Jones at HomeBuyerSeminar@DCHFA.org or 202-777-1600. dchfa.org.

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swiMJitsu: swiMMing sKills plus Fun On Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to about 6:45 p.m., DPR will participate in SwimJitsu, an annual nationwide event presented by USA Swimming and the North American Sports Group. Centered in the sacred traits of wisdom, speed, and agility, SwimJitsu participants, a.k.a. “swimjas,” complete entertaining obstacles such as balancing across beams, swimming through trenches and cannonballing off the top of Mt. Swimja. Once participants conquer the course, they can claim the title of Grand Master Swimja. SwimJitsu is fun for particiEast of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news / bulletin board

Volunteers at THEARC Farm

volunteer at tHearc FarM THEARC FARM is an urban farm developed to involve the Ward 7 and Ward 8 community in nature, nutrition, and healthy eating. A project of Building Bridges Across the River, the farm consists of 25 raised beds, eight in ground rows, a culinary herb garden, medicinal herb garden, an eighteen-tree orchard, community compost bins, a hoop house and a pollinator garden. During the summer and fall months, THEARC’s farm provides affordable, organic fruits and vegetables to the community as well as educational programming, field trips, volunteer opportunities, tours and community events. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays, 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s always something to do. There are great activities for everyone including youth in need of service hours, families, and active seniors. Call 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org.

pants of all ages and skill levels, even those just beginning their swimming journey. The District is one of 14 cities hosting this oneday, one-of-kind event. The DC SwimJitsu event will take place at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. Registration is required. To find more information on SwimJitsu, visit SwimJitsu.com.

Flip your Fridge For savings and a reBate Fridge getting old? Replace it with a new ENERGY STAR certified model. Save money and get a rebate. If all old refrigerators were replaced with ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators, it would prevent about 13.4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually; each person could save $260 in energy costs over the next five years. Visit energystar.gov/flipyour-

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fridge for more information. Rebates are $50 to $75. For the rebate program, visit dcseu.com.

learn to Keep Bees The DC Department of Parks and Recreation has announced a new beekeeping program in partnership with the DC Beekeepers Alliance. In an effort to support urban beekeeping and to increase pollination in the District, residents of the District of Columbia may apply to keep their personally-owned honeybee hive on one of seven DPR designated beehive sites. To participate in the program, individuals must be District residents, complete a twelve hour beekeeping course and submit an application available on DPR’s website. Space is limited. For more information, the application and frequently asked questions, visit dpr.dc.gov/service/urban-beekeeping-program.

proposed driver education regulations suspended The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles has indefinitely suspended the driver education requirement for residents who are first time drivers regardless of their age. In 2014, DC DMV drafted regulations that would have required all first time drivers to pass a driver education course administered by a private vendor. Implementation was scheduled for May 1, 2016 However, the agency has decided to further review the impact on residents. New drivers still must have a valid DC DMV learner permit. For more information on obtaining a driver license, visit dmv. dc.gov/service/driver-services.

New Online Book Club Rush Hour Reads is a new online book club for readers who want to share a love of classics and other compelling short reads, but don’t necessarily want to meet. The MLK Library reading list features books that can be read in less than a week. Share thoughts on the rush hour reads at their weekly online brown bag book chats. Visit dclibrary. org/node/52219 for a list of the books being discussed and instructions on how to participate.

Inpatient Hospice Opened Capital Caring, the largest hospice and palliative care in the area, has opened Washington’s first ever hospital-based, inpatient hospice Center. Located at Providence Hospital, The Capital Caring Center provides world-class service to individuals living with advanced illnesses. capitalcaring.org.

“Petal” to the Parks Bike Ride Explore DC’s landmark greenspaces by bicycle. On May 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a guided tour through Rock Creek Park, the National Mall, and Anacostia Park, ending at the National Arboretum. At the Arboretum, enjoy the World Bonsai Day Festival, the ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit and a scavenger hunt to find “Petal”, the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s very own garden gnome. Visit eventbrite.com, call 877-442-5666 or email ncbf@ ncbfdc.org for complete details and registration.

Pepco Residential Customers Receive $54 Pepco customers this month will see a $54.59 credit on their monthly bill. This is one of many benefits brought by the recently completed merger between Exelon and Pepco. The credits will be automatically applied to each household’s bill as part of a broader package of benefits resulting from the merger. For more information, visit www.pepco.com.

disABILITIES Expo Caring Communities World Of Possibilities invites you to join them for the

Fifth Northern Virginia World Of Possibilities disABILITIES Expo on Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston, 4610 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA. Register for this free event at expo.caringcommunities.org.

Nats “Pups in the Park” Remaining “Pups in the Park” games are Saturday, May 14, 7:05 p.m. vs. Marlins; Friday, May 27, vs. Cardinals; Monday, June 13, 7:05 p.m. vs. Cubs; Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:05 p.m. vs. Phillies; and Saturday, Oct. 1, 4:05 p.m. vs. Marlins. Ten dollars of every dog ticket purchased benefits the Washington Humane Society. All those with tickets for Pups in the Park must enter through the Right Field Gate. Before entering the gate, drop off a signed waiver for your dog’s up-to-date shots. All Pups in the Park attendees must print, sign and bring the waiver with them to Nationals Park. Tickets are $26 for owners and $10 per dog. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Capital Bikeshare Expands Access The District Department of Transportation has introduced the Capital Bikeshare Community Partners Program to help improve access to Capital Bikeshare at an affordable price. Through partnerships with area social service providers, nonprofits and DC government agencies, District residents receiving need-based services can purchase an annual membership for Capital Bikeshare for $5. Initial Capital Bikeshare Community Partner Program participants include: Back on My Feet DC; DC Dept. of Human Services; Unity Health DC; Whitman-Walker Health; Community of Hope; and The DC Center for the LGBT Community. Organizations that become Capital Bikeshare Community Partners are able to offer their clients Capital Bikeshare memberships with a $5 annual membership fee; 60-minute ride time per trip; free Capital Bikeshare helmet; guided instructions on how to use the system and cycling classes with the Washington Area Bicycling Association. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

East of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news

Alexander Takes Off the Gloves by Jonetta Rose Barras

ncumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander is rocking to the old-school music filling the air around the Shell service station on Benning Road NE. Casually dressed in a black knit top and khakicolored slacks, she acts as if it were an ordinary day in the community she has represented since 2007. In fact, she is opening a second reelection campaign headquarters, creating a physical presence near River Terrace and Kingman Park neighborhoods–areas of the ward where she hopes to attract more voters. Although the crowd joining her on this overcast Saturday afternoon is sparse and consists mostly of campaign workers, Alexander shows no signs of concern. She minimizes the fact that in the June 14 Democratic primary she faces her toughest opponent, former Mayor Vincent C. Gray, the man she once called friend and mentor. “My ground crew is strong and supportive,” says Alexander, all smiles and moving to the beat of the music, as if preparing for a party rather than a major political fight. Alexander’s supporters– both inside and outside Ward 7 – paint a portrait of a hardworking legislator and committed public servant. They dismiss Gray’s criticisms of her while accusing him of running merely to satisfy his ego and pursue a self-serving agenda of revenge against Mayor Muriel Bowser, who bested him in 2014. “Yvette goes to work every day, and she is about Ward 7,” says Johnnie Scott Rice, a stalwart civic leader who lives in the Fort Dupont Park area. “Vincent Gray is a snake, and a snake is known to bite you.” In a long rant, spiced with a few unprintable words, Rice blasts Gray for his treatment of women throughout his political career as councilmember, council chairman, and chief executive. “Do you remember Dawn Slonneger?” she asks. Slonneger left her job at Covenant House Washington to serve as a volunteer in Gray’s 2004 council race, becoming his chief of staff after the election. She continued in that position as he climbed into the chairman’s seat in 2008.After Gray won his 2010 bid for mayor, he met with Slonneger briefly about her possible positions in

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the new administration. In short order, according to sources, she found herself being escorted by a security guard from her office in the chairman’s suite inside the John A. Wilson Building. (Slonneger could not be reached for comment.) “Vincent Gray is a user. You might as well call him a pimp. He has no loyalty,” says Rice. “I am eager to keep Yvette,” says Bernice Perry, a senior citizen in the Penn Branch-Hillcrest community who describes the incumbent as an “honest and warm” person. “We don’t have miracle workers. But Yvette is the best for us,” adds Perry. Gloria Hightower may not be a Ward 7 resident but she is a huge Alexander fan. A former campaign worker for Muriel Bowser’s 2014 mayoral campaign, Hightower credits Alexander with advancing workforce development issues, pushing for Ward 7 economic development, implementing grand-parenting policies, improving education, and expanding affordable housing. “I really want people to get to know her.”

ily moved to the Penn Branch neighborhood. Ward 7 has been her home ever since. Unlike the old neighborhood, which was dominated by row houses, cars, and dense population, Penn Branch offered detached homes with backyards for parents to build swings and children to run around.“It felt a little more like the suburbs to me than when we were closer to downtown,” Alexander says. Alexander graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1979. Six years later, in 1985, she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University. She has held management positions in the healthcare industry, and from 2002 until elected to the council she worked in the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. While her career may have taken various turns, Alexander is that true native Washingtonian, born, bred, and educated in the District. “It’s home; it’s family; it’s neighbors, people I have grown up with who are friends,” she says of Ward 7.

Another Home Girl

Storm Clouds Gathering

Alexander was born across town in Shaw near Fifth Street NW. When she was young, her fam-

There are early signs, however, that some of Alexander’s neighbors and friends aren’t supporting her reelection. A recent poll paid for by Gray’s

Ward 7 Councilmember at the Ribbon Cutting for the new DMV Benning Ridge Service Center.

DC Board of Elections Invites You To Vote

June 14 Primary Election Early and Absentee Voting! May 31*/June 4-June 11, 2016 (including Sunday June 5, 2016) One Judiciary Square* Columbia Heights Community Center Chevy Chase Community Center Takoma Community Center Turkey Thicket Recreation Center Sherwood Recreation Center King Greenleaf Recreation Center Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library Malcom X Elementary School During Early Voting, vote at any of the above Early Voting Centers. On Election Day, you MUST vote at your home precinct. Or, request an Absentee Ballot by June 7, and Vote by Mail! (ballots must be received in our office by 8:00 pm on June 14,2016) Call (202) 727-2525 with questions, or visit www.dcboee.org

The District holds Closed Primaries Confirm your Party Status by May 16!

East of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news

The Kenilworth Recreation Center ground breaking.

campaign showed him with a double-digit lead: 52 percent over Alexander’s 23 percent. Further, Gray’s labor endorsements include SEIU 32BJ, a union representing thousands of service workers. Union opposition isn’t foreign to Alexander. In the 2012 Democratic primary, labor joined in a seemingly unholy alliance with the DC Chamber of Commerce to support her opponent, Tom Brown. Ironically, Alexander is a strong labor proponent. She says that in 2003, just after joining the city’s insurance department, she became a union shop steward with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 20, Local 2743. Alexander brought in 3,730 votes in 2012, despite labor’s opposition. Her two nearest competitors were Kevin B. Chavous, with 1,916 votes, and the unions’ candidate, Tom Brown, who received 1,950 votes. When she ran for her first full four-year term in 2008, Alexander had fared better. She received 4,486 votes. That was only 856 votes less than Gray when he ran for his first term in 2004. Alexander’s closest opponent in that 2008 contest was Robin Hammond Martin, who received 1,539 votes. Turnout in that race was low; only 15.35 percent of the 45,947 registered voters actually cast a ballot. In each of those campaigns Alexander faced a crowded field. This time around, however, she has only three opponents: Delmar Chesley, Grant Thompson, and Gray. But the election is really a fight between Alexander and the former mayor. Some political wags expect Bowser to bring her prodigious fundraising and organizing team, commonly called the Green Machine, to Alexander’s aid. After all, they are close allies. “She has been outspoken with her support for me. A lot of her backers have raised money,” says Alexander. “I’ve run three times, and there has been pretty consistent support of me. I feel I can stand on my own.”

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Missing in Action? If there were a sound track to Alexander’s political career it might be,“Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” While active on social media, providing biweekly emails and periodic legislative updates, her critics and Gray supporters say, she has been missing in action. Alexander is no slouch in the Wilson Building. She has played a significant role in passage of successive multi-billion-dollar city budgets. She led the Committee on Aging and Community Affairs, and draws praise from Perry as “wholeheartedly, 100 percent supporting seniors.” Alexander also presided over the Committee on Public Service and Consumer Affairs. She currently leads the Committee on Health and Human Services, where she exercises over-

sight of the city’s various social-service and healthcare agencies including the Department of Behavioral Health. She’s also a member of the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the Committee on Education, and the Committee on Workforce and Community Affairs. Alexander has introduced, co-introduced, or sponsored dozens of ceremonial resolutions including one celebrating the Hillcrest Community Civic Association’s 20thanniversary (2009). Many of the proposals she advocated have become law. Some people may challenge her claims of economic development achievements, but Alexander helped provide a strong foundation, pushing through critical tax abatements for churches and other organizations including the Fort Chaplin Park South Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses Inc. (2009), 800 Kenilworth NE (2010),Park 7 and4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs(2011), Parkside (2012), and Carver 200 Low-Income Senior Housing (2012). She worked for passage of the School Safety Act of 2008, which required the Metropolitan Police Department to report on the safety of children affected by school closings. She vehemently opposed both school closings implemented under mayors Adrian M. Fenty and Gray. However, the fields of health and human services may be where Alexander has had the greatest impact. She supported the Emergency Care for Sexual Assault Victims Act of 2008 and the Healthy DC Act of 2008, which among other things increased Medicaid fees for services and raised the tax on cigarettes. Alexander pushed for passage of the Anti-Sale of Single Containers Beverage Act in 2008. She advocated approval of the Behavioral Health Care System Act, which brought improvements in mental health services for children; those most in need of such assistance live in communities east of the Anacostia River. Alexander pushed for limitations on the location of marijuana cultivation centers (2012), arguing that such businesses would burden commercial corridors. Continuing in that theme, in 2013 she won passage of the moratorium on Class A and Class B alcohol licenses in Ward 7. She then fought for approval of the Omnibus Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2014, which among other things limits the amount of window advertising in liquor stores, particularly in areas with youth traffic. She oversaw the implementation of the city’s Health Care Exchange. She also pushed for the creation in 2013 of healthcare enterprise zones to provide incentives for medical-care providers in areas deficient in services. In recent budgets Alexander voted in favor of extension of cash subsidies under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. She supported increased funding for domestic violence programs. She secured $5 million to help renovate the Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center.

Councilmember Alexander reads to Educare students.

. o . -

Alexander says her constituent services team “responds to more than 1,500 calls a month. Sometimes when a constituent has an issue, it does not always work out in that [person’s] favor,” she continues. For example, she says, a resident may need help paying a utility bill, but may no longer be eligible for a grant from Energy Assistance. “When people question my record,” Alexander says, “I tell them they need to look at what’s happening in the ward. I tell them they need to ask the same questions of my opponent.”She advises them to ask Gray about his record. “Considering that he was councilmember, chairman, [and] the mayor, his record should be quadruple mine.” Oddly, Alexander and Gray seem to be battling for credit that is not theirs to claim. Consider, for example, that each has highlighted the ward’s renovated libraries and schools, including H.D. Woodson High School, the Dorothy Height and the Anacostia public libraries, and the Deanwood Recreation Center. Those projects were started or completed in the administrations of either Mayor Anthony A. Williams or Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. Neither Alexander nor Gray attended the ribbon-cutting for Deanwood, according to published reports. Not unlike Gray, Alexander promises to find a new anchor business for Skyland Shopping Center, push for extension of the streetcar to downtown Ward 7, and redevelop Penn Branch. “Now Gray is talking about doing something there, when he passed Penn Branch everyday for four years as mayor and did nothing,” one of her supporters observed wryly.

tHe long sHadow oF 2010 There is clearly no love lost between the former mentor and mentee; or among their supporters. A DC Superior Court judge recently released court documents offering more details in the $630,000 “shadow campaign”of 2010 that played a major role in securing Gray’s mayoral win. Alexander’s campaign combed through the news accounts and shared information thought to be of interest to Ward 7 voters. One communication to residents sought to highlight allegations, contained in court documents, that Gray’s son used $10,000 in secret funds to pay Howard University students who had worked for the 2010 campaign. “You need to think about what sort of man puts his own son in a position that his son could go to jail for being in-

volved in his shadow campaign,” Alexander’s campaign said. The communication launched a Twitter war between the opposing camps. An earlier email from Alexander’s campaign quoted from a Washington Post column written by Colbert King that stated, “In 2010 Gray sat at the helm of a campaign team willing to cheat to win.” Not all of Alexander’s supporters were happy with the emails she distributed, however. “Yvette doesn’t need to be quoting anything from the Post; half the people out here don’t even read the Post. She needs to talk about what she wants to continue doing for the ward,”says Rice. Besides, Alexander opened an area of attack in which she may be slightly vulnerable. There may not have been any criminal investigations of her prior campaigns, but the Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) hit her with a $4,000 fine in 2010 for commingling campaign and constituent services funds. Last month, OCF fined her for late filings. In particular, Treasurer Derek Ford was required to pay $300 while her constituent services fund was charged $1,450. “I take responsibility for not cracking the whip [on Ford],” Alexander told the Washington City Paper. To be fair, none of the mistakes in Alexander’s campaigns compares to those of the 2010 Gray mayoral effort, much less the $630,000 secret shadow operation. The nearly five-year probe of Gray’s official campaign remains open even though the criminal investigation has been shuttered. Alexander’s supporters remain outraged over those shenanigans of 2010. Gray “doesn’t deserve to be elected,” says Hightower, growing animated. “He lost his values; he lost his principles and his ethics. He knew better.” The sun breaks through the clouds near the end of Alexander’s campaign event. The team, wearing red, white, and blue shirts, takes group pictures, unfazed by the magnitude of the upcoming battle. On May 21 a debate, sponsored by the Federation of Civic Associations, at the East Washington Heights Baptist Church will bring the two sides together. “I’m going to fight for Yvette,” says Rice, vowing to stand and “speak the truth” about the opponent. “It’s time for these old people to stop holding young people down. It’s not right what Vincent Gray is doing. It’s a selfish act.” “I’m not alone in my thoughts,” continues Rice. “And, I’m talking to my neighbors.” u

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East of the River Magazine May 2016

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neighborhood news

The Prodigal Son: Vince Gray Returns to Ward 7 by Jonetta Rose Barras

ight blue and yellow political posters cluster in the front yard of the Greater Tyson Temple Church on 31st Street SE, signaling to passersby that a campaign event may be in progress. Actually, it’s the third in a series of town hall meetings featuring the man who is at once former mayor and former chairman of the DC Council. Vincent C. Gray has returned to the ward that launched his career to reclaim the title of Ward 7 councilmember. Inside the church a sprinkling of folks awaits his arrival. Gray is late, but no one in the crowd of about 40, mostly middle-aged adults, appears anxious or annoyed. Finally he strolls in, casually dressed in a striped polo shirt and dark colored slacks. Gray glad-hands a few individuals before supporter Connie Chicksmith introduces him with a story about their initial meeting. It was a cold day in January 2005. There had been a huge fire at the Marbury Plaza apartment complex. A toddler and mother had died and a firefighter had been seriously injured along with 19 other residents. The owner stood accused of poorly maintaining and managing the property, according to published news reports. “I told Gray we needed someone to help us,” Chicksmith tells the town hall audience. Gray turned the tables, asking her to be his point person. Things eventually improved for the tenants. The newly sworn councilmember became a mentor to Chicksmith, encouraging her to move forward with her education. “It proved there are people around who really mean good for the community,” she says. Gray recalls being “in office only nine days” when the tragedy occurred. “I went down there, and people had been moved into the Hillcrest Recreation Center. The owner in New Jersey had done a number of things that I did not like. I stepped up and told him I was going to work hard to see there was new ownership.” The story of Marbury Plaza exemplifies the essence of Gray’s character and his contributions, say his supporters. According to Geo T. Johnson, a former leader of Council 20 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Gray is “diligent in carrying out his duties. People know that about him, he’s like the Prodigal Son coming back and saying, ‘Now let me get to work on things from the beginning in Ward 7.’”

A Known Commodity Anyone who has been in the city for the past 10 years knows Gray’s biography. As the director of the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) he lobbied to close Forest Haven, a mental health facility rife with deplorable conditions and patient abuse. As director of the DC Department of Human Services in Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly’s administration, Gray made important reforms to the city’s foster-care services. As head of Covenant House Washington, a nonprofit organization that helps troubled and homeless youth, he oversaw the construction of a multimillion-dollar facility. At the Tyson Temple town meeting Gray sprints through that history, including a mention of his father, who for a time was an orderly at

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Vince Gray with supporters after Town Hall meeting in April. Photo: Sedrick Muhammad

Freedmen’s Hospital, and his mother, a domestic. “They were good people. They were fighters,” says Gray, adding that he will be “someone who will fight for the people in Ward 7.” His showing in previous elections suggests people have believed Gray’s assertions. In his first political race in 2004 against incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Kevin Chavous (D), Gray captured 5,342 votes. Chavous only managed earn 2, 631, according to the DC Board of Elections. In the 2006 race for the chairmanship of the DC Council, against Ward 3 Councilmember Kathy Patterson (D), Gray racked up 11,314 votes to her 2,382. The mayoral contest of 2010 wasn’t very different: Ward 7 cast 14,518 votes for Gray.

Incumbent Adrian M. Fenty (D) earned only 2,795. Even in the 2014 Democratic primary, running for reelection and tainted by scandal, Gray garnered 6,201 votes in Ward 7. The winner, Mayor Muriel Bowser, received 3,003. As soon as Gray announced his intentions to reclaim the Ward 7 council seat, pundits began writing incumbent Yvette Alexander’s political obituary. A recent analysis gave Gray a commanding 29-point lead over Alexander. He’s been endorsed by several organizations including Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), DC for Democracy, and LiUNA, a labor union that represents construction works and public service employees.

Saturday, May 21 at 1 P.M. East Washington Heights Baptist Church â&#x20AC;˘ 2220 Branch Avenues SE The Forum Includes At-Large & Ward 7 Candidates for the DC Council Sponsored by The D.C. Federation of Civic Associations and East of the River Newspaper For more information, visit www.dcfca.org The voter registration deadline for the June 14, 2016, Democratic Primary is May 16. Register to vote online at vote4dc.com.

East of the River Magazine May 2016

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On the Stump “I’ve been a public servant all my life. I am looking to continue to be a public servant,” Gray tells the audience at the town meeting. Then he pivots to the subject of his opponent, Councilmember Alexander, a woman once described as his protégé. “I tried whenever I could to work with her. [But] I’ve been to enough meetings like this where people have said, ‘We haven’t seen you in years.’ They weren’t talking to me. They were talking about the current councilmember,” continues Gray. “I don’t have any doubt we need new leadership that will not walk away from key issues.” He repeats that refrain at every venue, accusing Alexander of community and political neglect. This line of attack often begins with a narrative of his efforts as mayor to build a new hospital east of the Anacostia River. Alexander was then head of the DC Council’s Committee on Health and Human Services. Gray proposed a $300 million modern facility with $90 million provided up front for planning and design. A new facility is critical, he tells the town hall audience, because “85 percent of Ward 8 and Ward 7 residents go west for medical services.” Alexander’s response to his proposal was to “take that money out of the budget and give it to other council members.” Alexander has a different recollection. The planning process suffered from a “lack of clarity and consistency,” she says. Much of the money went to other projects in Ward 7, she recalls. After laying the absence of a modern east-of-the river hospital at his opponent’s door, Gray ties her to the streetcar, arguing she hasn’t brought it all the way to Ward 7.That attack is somewhat ironic. When Gray was chair of the council he initially opposed the project. A barrage of telephone calls and emails from concerned District residents eventually convinced him to embrace it. Gray doesn’t mention that course correction, pointing out instead that the 37-mile system envisioned under his administration has been reduced to two to three miles. “It’s more of a novelty,” he states. “I feel very strongly the east-west line needs to be finished.” In response to questions by the Sierra Club he says that the reduction “will markedly diminish the economic development potential in key areas of Ward7.”

Economic Development: Ward 7’s Theme Song Economic development has been the central concern of Ward 7 residents since 2004. Recognizing that fact, Gray takes the audience on an audio tour of projects while exalting his record as mayor. He says his two trips to China helped bring investments that are being used for Skyland Shopping Center, a development he calls “his greatest frustration.” Gray inherited Skyland from Mayor Anthony A. Williams. Mayor Gray persuaded Walmart to serve as an anchor retailer. After that deal, he peacocked around DC, taking credit for perceived movement of a long stagnant project. But earlier this year, Walmart announced that as part of a larger corporate decision to withdraw from urban markets it would no longer build in Ward 7. Gray hopes the Office of the Attorney General will take legal action against the giant retailer. “We’ve got a lot of work to do on economic development,” he says, lamenting that a strategic plan created for the ward during his mayoralty is “lying dormant.” Gray says he is ready to act. He wants to totally gut Penn Branch: “If we want to do [it] right we have to start all over again,” he says. Minnesota Ave is “starting to take off.” Parkside is “rapidly developing into a minicommunity. I continue to think it is probably the fastest developing area in the District of Columbia. He fantasizes aloud about Pepco moving its Benning Road NE plant. Perhaps then Parkside and River Terrace will look out at each other across the expanse of the river, making them magnets for new arrivals. He also wants to review the comprehensive plan. Changes for Ward 7 “could be done by the councilmember introducing an amendment, which I would be happy to do.” More funding for early childhood and pre-kindergarten programs is

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also on Gray’s list. Those education programs have been the hallmarks of his career as council chair and mayor. “If I could put a fetus into a program, I would do that,” he jokes. He supports continued mayoral control of public education. He believes in performance evaluation for teachers. He doesn’t oppose closing nonperforming or under-enrolled schools. That may be because during his term as chairman and mayor, more than nine schools located east of the river were closed. If elected, Gray promises to increase the Metropolitan Police Department to 4,200 officers. At the town hall meeting he pledges to advocate for better public safety at Metro stations. While he was mayor, crime dropped significantly, he boasts. He attributes this to the work of former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Paul Quander, who recently died. However, Gray leaves out one essential fact: between 2010 and 2014 crime was down nationally, not just in the District. At the town hall meeting Gray promises to create a Ward 7 leadership council. That’s not new, however. In 2005, during his initial period as councilmember, he established a similar body. Johnson celebrates Gray’s accomplishments. “You tell a person by his track record,” says Johnson, adding that Alexander has done nothing notable. “[Residents] loved him [Gray] from the beginning. They loved him when he was mayor. The only thing that tarnished his record was the whole thing with the shadow campaign,” adds Johnson.

The Elephant in the Room A federal investigation opened in 2011, weeks after Gray was sworn in as mayor, triggered by allegations that he offered a job to a mayoral candidate, Sulaimon Brown, in return for Brown’s promise to drop out of the 2010 mayoral contest. During the investigation the public learned of a $630,000 shadow campaign financed by the District’s largest contractor, Jeffrey Thompson. The aim of this secret operation was to get Gray elected. During the four-year probe six people pleaded guilty to felonies or misdemeanors related to the offthe-books campaign, of which Gray claims he knew nothing. Gray had appeared to be riding out the controversy. In winter 2014, he was headed to a possible reelection. Then Thompson stated in open court that Gray knew about the shadow campaign and its activities. In the Democratic primary weeks later Gray lost to Muriel Bowser. Most of his Ward 7 supporters stuck with him, but he earned 5,113 fewer votes than in 2010. Incoming US Attorney Channing Phillips announced in 2015 that he was closing the Gray mayoral investigation. The Washington Post subsequently filed a lawsuit re-

questing that federal court documents be released. These files provided the public with new glimpses into the activities surrounding the 2010 Gray campaign. While the Post had previously reported that Gray had personally met with Leo Alexander, a candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary, at a private home in Mitchellville, MD, to discuss the latter’s exit from the mayoral race, recently released documents offer more details. According to those documents and articles published reports, Alexander wanted his debts of $50,000 paid by the Gray campaign. Also, he wanted a government position in the new Gray administration, preferably as the deputy mayor for economic development or alternatively a seat on the DC Council. As council chair and a key player in the local Democratic Party, Gray was in a position to influence selection of the person who would fill the Democratic at-large seat soon to be vacated by Kwame Brown, who was running for chair. In return for that cash and position, Alexander promised to leave the 2010 mayoral race. A $20,000 check was cut from Gray’s official 2010 campaign operation to Jeanne Harris, the bag woman for the shadow operation. According to court documents narrating Harris’s testimony, she was expected to use the Gray campaign money to pay Alexander. Harris told Alexander that he would receive only $20,000 toward retiring his campaign debt and that the position he sought would not be forthcoming. Alexander then declined to leave the race. Harris says she returned the $20,000 to Gray’s official campaign, according to court documents. Last month in published news reports, Alexander confirmed the veracity of this narrative. East of the River asked Darrin Sobin, director of Government Ethics and the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability, if ethical lines had been crossed. “While I can’t comment on specific facts or hypotheticals, I can say that the District’s ethics laws prohibit any government official from promising a government benefit to someone solely for that individual’s political support,” he said. The federal investigation may have closed. But one opened in 2011 by the DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) remains active. Earlier this year, the OCF released a separate report of its audit investigation that listed more than a half-dozen questionable financial transactions. These include understatement of receipts and expenditures and a failure to report thousands of dollars in contributions. Among other things, seven checks “totaling $103,348 payable to the Committee Treasurer” could not be validated as actually used for the purpose stated by the campaign operation, OCF auditors noted. “This investigative audit is being referred to the Office of Campaign Finance General Counsel for possible violations of campaign fi-

nance laws,” OCF auditors wrote in their report. Wesley Williams, OCF’s public information officer, says the matter is “still pending, and as you may know, investigations are confidential until completed.”

See No Evil Inside Tyson Temple there is no mention of shadowy political ethics. Neither the former mayor nor the audience opens that door. Supporter Mary Gray later tells East of the River that the investigation is “a closed matter.” She asks, “Why, all of sudden, is all of this coming up now?” Ignoring the role of the Post’s litigation in the revelations, Mary Gray and others in the former mayor’s camp believe Councilmember Alexander is behind the newly surfaced documents. “People are concerned about crime and schools and other issues that directly affect them,” explains Johnson about the absence of questions. “Besides, with our people we don’t want to keep beating a seemingly dead horse, especially when we have somebody we care about.” Not all Ward 7 residents agree. Civic leaders Paul Savage, Greg Rhett, and Maceo Thomas, for example, cite the murky nature of Gray’s 2010 campaign as the reason they have withdrawn their support for the former mayor. Savage also assails his record. “Gray did not deliver on key Ward 7 economic issues either as councilmember, chair or mayor,” he says. “He never stepped on the economic accelerator. When he was mayor, Ward 7 got nothing. We don’t have a decent supermarket, where Ward 6 now has eight,” Savage continues. While not fully satisfied with Alexander’s performance during her two terms on the council, Rhett says many Ward 7 residents may hold their noses and vote for her. Mary Gray voted for Alexander when she moved into the ward. She says she won’t do it again. Like Chicksmith, she measures Gray by her personal interaction with him. For her, Gray remains as accessible, available, and effective as he was on the day when the Marbury Plaza burned in 2005. “You’ll see me all the time, just like you see me now,” Gray promises the Tyson Temple audience. u

Events DC Asks for Ward 8 Community Input Community Benefits Coalition Formed by Christine Rushton

lans to build a 118,000-square-foot sports and entertainment arena on St. Elizabeths East campus in Ward 8’s Congress Heights moved forward on April 26 with the creation of a Community Benefits Coalition. Events DC with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched the coalition to engage local residents in the project and work toward implementing suggestions and requests for the new arena, set to open in fall 2018 on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. The $55 million project – of which DC invested $23 million, Events DC $27 million, and Monumental Sports $5 million – started conceptual designs in April with a local architectural firm, Marshall Moya Design, and Chicago-based firm Rossetti. They plan to begin vertical construction in spring 2017. The new coalition will allow for subcommittees and focus groups to make sure the development helps meet the needs of the community, said Events DC President and CEO Greg O’Dell. “We came up with a list of community-based organizations in Ward 8 with ANC 8C and 8E,” he said. “What we want is really to step back from the process and frankly engage all of those organizations.” In conjunction with Monumental Sports, the arena is set to act as the Washington Wizards practice space, the Washington Mystics home court, and an entertainment venue. It will hold roughly 5,000 seats, attract more than 350,000 residents and visitors a year, and bring 600 construction and 300 permanent local jobs to the ward.

Between Monumental Sports’ 19-year-lease and estimated tax revenues from ticket and income taxes, along with concession sales, the site is estimated to bring in roughly $4.5 million to the community each year. “It’s a game changer for us,” O’Dell said of the arena. “We’re so excited about the fact that it will be a catalyst hopefully for the community.” Other benefits include a paid summer youth program, a ban-the-box employment policy to give employment opportunities to ex-offenders, first-source hiring for District residents, job shadowing for at-risk students, and other local philanthropic investments in the St. Elizabeths East campus, according to the development website. A few concerns the community expressed at the April meeting include making sure the site offers healthy food options and that employers share job opportunities, especially for Ward 7 and 8 residents, said DMPED Deputy Director of Real Estate Martine Combal. “It’s an opportunity for St. Elizabeths to come into a new phase of its life cycle.” The arena can act as an investment anchor to attract businesses and companies to Congress Heights, she explained. When Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the arena in September 2015 it included the plan to further connect Wards 7 and 8 to the economies of the other wards. Other developments on the campus include the Relate, Innovate, Stimulate and Elevate (RISE) Demonstration Center and Gateway DC. u East of the River Magazine May 2016

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Ward 8 Rematch Challenger White Takes On Incumbent May by Christine Rushton

rayon White and Councilmember LaRuby May share a common goal – helping Ward 8 thrive. Come the June 14 primary, one of the candidates will win the position to implement that goal as the Democratic nominee for the DC Council. The 2016 battle comes a year after a highly contested special election to fill the late Marion Barry’s position, in which a much better funded May, a favorite of current Mayor Muriel Bowser, beat White, a protege of Barry, by 78 votes in a crowded field of candidates. After the election White worked for DC Attorney General Karl A. Racine, who has remained his patron. May has maintained her financial advantage in 2016, raising $183,000 to White’s $12,000, according to March’s campaign filings. If May reclaims her seat, Bowser will retain a supporter. If ousted, the council will gain a possible mayoral opponent.

Incumbent LaRuby May A 10-year-old girl walked up to LaRuby May a few months ago and asked the councilmember, “I remember you, do you remember me?” May said she didn’t. But the little girl continued and said that May had visited her school during her first few months in office and told the students how they could all be superstars. “You told me I was going to be a great artist one day, and I’m a great artist!” she told May. “When a little black girl comes up to me and remembers 11 months later that I affirmed greatness in her, for me, that’s a significant achievement,” May says, reflecting on the memory. May started making her way up the political ladder as a member of former Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry’s constituent-office legis-

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lative team in 2005, a position in which she drafted her first policy items for the Ward 8 community. Several positions and years later, she joined thenWard 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s campaign for the 2014 mayoral position. May acted as Bowser’s Ward 8 liaison. In that election BowsLaRuby May meets with Ward 8 residents on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2015. (Photo: May Campaign) er beat incumbent Vincent C. Gray. When May decided to run in 2015’s special election for the council, she immediately gained the support of Mayor Bowslifeguard positions, some of which, like the one at er, and she became a Bowser ally on the council after her win. Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, 3999 Eighth St. Councilmember May has fought for legislation to establish programs for SE, are year-round. her constituents in Ward 8. At the end of the day, however, she measures her “We’re going to chip away at it, providing opsuccess based on the individuals she impacts. portunities for employment and transferable-skills training for our young people to get employment,” says May. She is also looking for larger opportuniWalking the Streets ties to assist through targeted legislation. May walks the streets of Ward 8 with her staff after each workday. Together they collect trash and clean up. Unlike some of the commercial corridors in the District, Ward 8 has no clean teams, May explains. The trashed roads atHelping Residents tract mischief. “Some people may discount that and say it’s not helping peoStay in Ward 8 ple from killing each other,” May says. “But it is helping people regain a sense May, along with at-large councilmembers Anita of pride in their neighborhoods.” Bonds and Vincent Orange, introduced the Social May took the same approach to a youth employment opportunity in the Equity Empower Dreams (SEED) Act on March summer of 2015. The District needed to fill roughly 400 lifeguard positions. 1. It aims to help residents and employers stay in May canvassed youth in Ward 8 for applicants. The $11.50 hourly wage was Ward 8 despite rising living costs. Under its terms, generous when compared to that at other youth employment programs. But she explains, employers would receive a $2,500 it turned out many young people didn’t know how to swim. They couldn’t tax incentive if they hired someone from a youth participate in the certification process, and only five made it into jobs. May employment program; a $3,000 tax credit if they therefore created and funded the Ward 8 Lifeguard Academy to pay youth to hired a person returning from a jail sentence; and learn how to swim. The graduates this year can apply for one of the District’s a $3,500 tax credit if they hired a veteran, senior, or homeless person. Bonds co-sponsored the legislation in order to improve the quality of life for residents in communities like Ward 8. “I support efforts to uplift distressed communities where residents have greater opportunities to better healthcare, good jobs, and quality education,” Bonds said. May is a longtime advocate for affordable housing and childcare. In 2008 she founded Vision of Victory, a nonprofit focused on housing and childcare, where she served as executive director. Councilmember Barry nominated her for the position of DC Housing Authority Commissioner, and in 2009 she became its chair. In 2013 her organization joined with Allen Chapel AME to build Roundtree Residences, a 91-unit affordable housMay attends a Books and Barbershops launch for community mentoring on reading in Ward 8. (Photo: May Campaign) ing complex for seniors at 2515 Alabama Ave. SE.

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East of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news In her year as councilmember May has worked to create home-buyer’s clubs. The clubs spend 1824 months with potential buyers, cleaning up their credit, advising them on employment, providing home-buying resources, and teaching them how to care for a space not managed by a landlord. “We want to maintain that sense of community,” May explains. “You maintain that by allowing the people that are here, the people that have been through the more difficult lean times, to be here through the prosperous times.” On April 5 May and At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman introduced yet another bill that protects Ward 8 residents, specifically around the St. Elizabeths campus, site of the planned $55 million sports and entertainment arena. The Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2016 would double the Schedule H threshold of income-tax credit for renters and homeowners in the zone around the campus, and it would offer legal help for anyone wanting to buy or stay in their homes. It would help residents stay in the area despite rises in housing costs. “We heard from many residents – both in favor of the project and those with concerns – that rising property values and rents would make the area unaffordable for them to remain in their homes,” Silverman wrote in her announcement of the legislation. “We want these residents to benefit from our investment and not get pushed out.” May says that she works for transformative legislation like this because it’s important to invest in the people and culture already living in Ward 8. She doesn’t act as a “lip service” for issues that never get resolved. She believes she can help manage the change coming to Ward 8 so that current residents benefit first. “Change has happened in Ward 8, change is happening in Ward 8, and change will happen in Ward 8,” declares May. “Those are just facts.”

Making Ward 8 Her Home People may question May’s Ward 8 creds, since unlike her opponent Trayon White she grew up in West Pensacola, Fla. What doubters don’t realize, May says, is that West Pensacola and Ward 8 are similar communities. Both need leaders with strong voices. “My father used to tell us that when you grew up in a segregated community like he did, all the black folk lived together – black teachers, black doctors – you could see successful people,” May recalls. That tangible success showed her she could pursue whatever she wanted regardless of where she was raised, she says. As a black woman lawyer, she wants the youth in her neighborhood to see her as a model. When May moved to DC in 1997, working at the Gift Family Resource Center with inner-city youth and their families, one seven-yearold latched onto her message. Brittany Mooney remembers working with May nearly two decades ago. Mooney, a master’s degree student in public policy at American University, wants to be a lawyer just like May. “She [May] was studying law at the University of the District of Columbia, and I watched her study and pass the bar, and went to

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her graduation,” Mooney told East of the River. “She’s always there, and takes the time to talk with me.” May can advocate for Ward 8 in times when the residents need a voice, Mooney says. Almost 20 years later, and with her degree from the David A. Clark School of Law, May walks out the front door each day and hopes that just by living in Ward 8 she can inspire another child like Mooney. “No one is going to outwork me, no one is going to get up earlier or stay later,” she says. “And I’m making good on a promise to bring resources and investments to our community.” May’s next goal is the launching of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, with the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) organization, for African-American girls. Even if only 10 percent of the 300 slots get filled, that’s 30 more young black girls who know they can succeed in a STEM career, she observes. Despite the strong backing of Mayor Bowser and her Green Team, May faces a tough rematch against native Washingtonian and former Barry protege Trayon White.

The Challenger Don’t go looking for Trayon White at his campaign office at 3127-D Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. On any given afternoon he is more likely to be found talking to folks on the streets and at local gatherings in Ward 8. White, in his second campaign for the position, has bulked up his staff; added a new fundraising team headed by Kim Dickens, the woman who donated a kidney to former Mayor Barry; Trayan White and is no doubt aided by patron and former employer Attorney General Racine, who has donated about $500 to White’s latest campaign. Racine’s mother, Professor Marie Racine of the University of the District of Columbia, also donated $500. White started his community activism on the football field. He coached athletes at his former school, Ballou High in Ward 8, while studying at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Coaching allowed White to keep connected and give back to his alma mater, he says. The team’s success allowed them to travel, competing in the state championships, earning a place of pride in the community. However, the experience of coaching was bittersweet. “After my second year of college we had lost five of those men to homicide,” White recalls. “I felt like we were winning football games but we were losing our young men in

the community.” White decided to look for more opportunities to be of service to Ward 8’s youth.

Embracing a Life of Service After graduating from UMES in 2006 with a bachelor’s in business administration, White launched the now defunct Helping Inner City Kids Succeed (HICKS), which was dedicated to mentoring atrisk youth with the support of departments including the DC Justice Grant Administration. He worked with the group from 2007 until 2011. He also worked at the East of the River Police Community Partnership. In 2011 White won election to the Ward 8 seat on the State Board of Education. During the campaign he earned the support of Wanda Lockridge, widow of the late William O. Lockridge, who served for years as Ward 8’s representative on the Board of Education and the subsequent State Board. “What I think Trayon can do as a councilmember is really shine light on the needs of some of the people,” Lockridge told East of the River. “Government is about helping, when they can, those who need the help the most.” White served on the board until 2014, when he unexpectedly stepped down, citing a conflict of interest with another job he accepted with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation as a supervisor with its Roving Leaders program for at-risk youth. After losing to May in a special election for the Ward 8 council seat in 2015, following Barry’s death, White took a position offered by Attorney General Racine. There he worked as a community development specialist until the end of September 2015. White says that in his 2016 campaign he is drawing on advice from his mentor. He uses the same bright green color on ads and posters that Barry used, because it stands out above the rest. (Continues on Page 49)

Trayon White rallying with his supporters of his campaign for the Ward 8 council seat. (Photo: White Campaign)

East of the River Magazine May 2016

neighborhood news / The numbers

A Budget That Leaves DC’s Neediest Behind by Ed Lazere

or anyone concerned about growing income inequality in the District, the budget just released by Mayor Bowser feels a lot different from a year ago – for the worse. No doubt it has things to like; it maintains funds for affordable housing programs and it devotes more to schools, for example. But, while last year’s budget stood out for the many ways it responded to the needs of residents left behind by the city’s diverging economy, the new budget falls far short. With a severe affordable housing crisis, rising family homelessness, unemployment that remains high years after the Great Recession, and falling incomes among the poorest residents, the proposed investments do not come close to matching the need. Last year Mayor Bowser included record funding to meet the twin challenges of affordable housing and homelessness. The mayor proposed modest and reasonable revenue increases to make those investments possible. This year, however, the budget moves slowly on too many fronts. Homelessness will continue to be a highly visible problem. There will be no help to remove families struggling with high housing costs from the lengthy wait list for rental assistance. There are almost no new resources to improve job training. One bright spot is that education funding, which did not receive a notable increase a year ago, will

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get enough to cover enrollment growth and a modest increase in the per-pupil funding level. And this year the budget is affected by millions in tax cuts, with no offsetting revenue increases, limiting the ability to meet the needs of DC’s poorest households. This analysis is part of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s annual “Budget Toolkit,” which can be found at www.dcfpi.org.

A Modest Budget Coming Next Year Mayor Bowser’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget is $8.2 billion, an increase of less than one percent from this year, adjusting for inflation. That’s not enough to address rising school enrollment, affordable housing challenges, and other demands of a growing population. Some highlights: • Education. Funding for DC Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools, and other education functions will grow two percent, driven by an increase in the per-pupil school funding formula. That’s better than last year, when the formula wasn’t adjusted at all. • Housing and Human Services. Last year the budget for human services and housing expanded more than any other part. This year the proposed housing and human-services budget will grow just one percent, slower than most other parts. It maintains housing and homeless services funding from 2016 but does not add much more despite gaping needs. • Public Safety. Funding for the Metropolitan Police Department will remain flat, as will funding for the Fire and Emergency Services Department, following an increase in 2016 to fund private ambulances. • Public Works. Funding for public works will fall one percent in 2017, driven mostly by a reduced contribution to WMATA, the regional transportation system.

• Government Direction. The budget increases funding for a number of agencies that support basic government operations, including the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, the DC Council, and the Chief Technology Office. • Economic Development. A four-percent increase here is driven in part by funding for the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to allow it to digitize its permitting functions. • Financing. The District is devoting ever-larger amounts to support capital construction projects. The budget reflects higher amounts to repay bonds issued for such projects and more funding devoted directly to capital projects, known as “pay-go capital.”

Money for Low-Income Students Not Going Where It Should DCPS will get about $50 million in funding to meet the needs of low-income and otherwise “at-risk” students, but about half was allocated by DCPS to items that all schools are otherwise entitled to. For example, all high schools get an attendance counselor. Yet in some schools atrisk funds are being used to support this core position. This means that resources considered “extra” are being used for functions that are required through DCPS’ staffing model, rather than to fund additional services targeted on helping at-risk students.

Limited Housing Funds for DC’s Poorest Mayor Bowser committed $100 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund – DC’s main source to build or renovate affordable housing – for the second year in a row. This important investment will support construction or renovation of 1,000 homes for low- and moderateincome residents. But the budget does not make notable progress in providing rental assistance, which often is needed to help DC’s poorest households find affordable housing. There is no funding to help ensure that the Housing Production Trust Fund creates housing affordable for those with the most serious needs, and it will not make any progress toward helping the thousands of families on the DC Housing Authority waiting list. The budget includes two notable housing

(Continued from Page 46)

investments. It devotes $15 million to renovate dilapidated public housing units, and also raises the down-payment assistance available to lower-income first-time homebuyers from $50,000 to $80,000.

Not on Track to End Homelessness The mayor’s proposed budget provides more funding for homeless services – in fact, it is the city’s highest funding level ever for homeless services, a recognition of the size of the challenge. But the budget falls far short of the needs. Most notably it provides too little to end chronic homelessness in 2017, a goal embraced by Mayor Bowser. Some 300 individuals will get help, but 1,100 are in need. One bright spot is an increase for a cost-effective new program to prevent families from becoming homeless. Over the past year the program has served 1,000 families who were seeking shelter, and 90 percent ended up not needing it. More for this program is a good thing.

Job Training Invests Little for a Better System The proposed jobs budget for next year is about the same as this year’s, including a large commitment to the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. But there is no money to move forward with plans to strengthen DC’s job training system, an urgent need. The District has developed a plan to strengthen job training programs, but none of the new efforts are funded in the FY 2017 budget. That may mean waiting a year to try new approaches.

Tax Cuts Hinder Funding The government’s limited ability to make needed investments in DC residents partly reflects the impact of tax cuts that have been implemented since the FY 2016 budget. The DC Council has prioritized a tax-cut package through specified “triggers” that will phase in the cuts based on the District’s tax revenues. The $45 million in tax cuts in FY 2017, implemented as a result of these automatic triggers, includes income-tax cuts for middle-income residents, but also for those with incomes up to $1 million; elimination of taxes for estates worth up to $2 million; and a cut in business income taxes. Triggers continue to be in effect, which means that additional cuts could be implemented after the FY 2017 budget is adopted. That would further sap revenues and limit the ability to fund schools, housing, healthcare, and other needs a year from now. The remaining tax cuts total $139 million.

Looking Forward At a time when DC’s overall economy is booming, but economic development is leaving many behind, we need investments to help residents keep up with rising housing costs and to move up the economic ladder. The budget is in the hands of the DC Council. Let’s hope they can make it happen. Ed Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in DC. Go to www.dcfpi,org to see a complete analysis of the DC budget. u

White spends much of his time interacting and engaging with his Ward 8 community. (Photo: White Campaign)

“Marion Barry taught me that if you can win the people, you can win the war,” he says, recalling his mentor’s advice during the 2011 campaign for the Board of Education. Conversations with Ward 8 residents have framed White’s political objectives.

White’s Issues On a recent trip to West Virginia, White met a woman who told him that the rising cost of living had forced her to leave the District. Citing this story, White proposes significantly increasing the city’s investment in low-income housing. He points out that most Ward 8 residents make only a fraction of the city’s 2015 area median income (AMI) of $109,200. “How many other people have taken flight?” White asks rhetorically. “What we have in DC is the great flight, where a lot of indigenous people won’t be here anymore.” The solution, he says, is a combination of displacement-free zones and tax incentives for Ward 8 businesses. Incentivizing business development brings jobs and a more walkable community, he explains. In concert with these measures White also wants to reduce property taxes for seniors. “There is a fear in our seniors that since Marion Barry is gone they won’t be cared for,” he says. “It’s my job to ensure them they are in my heart and they’re going to be a priority for me.” White does not limit his concern to the aged. He is critical of the current public school curriculum. It often focuses on lessons meant to help students pass state tests, he complains, not build skills applicable to the work force. White recalls taking the SAT five times before a college would admit him, yet he ended up graduating with a 3.7 GPA. White wants the education system to foster arts skills and basic employment skills so that students can thrive in the workforce post-graduation. Right now, he says, some students may have the ability to pass a test but can’t make it in a job. White also offers a critique of his main opponent.

A New Voice Ward 8 deserves a leader that comes “un-bought,” White says, referring to Mayor Bowser’s strong support of incumbent May. That alliance, in his opinion,

compromises May’s ability as a Ward 8 advocate. “Ward 8 hasn’t been a priority under the leadership of the city,” White says. “A lot of that comes to leadership from the mayor.” “I bring the integrity, the heart for the community, and I know the issues intimately – what the average resident is facing in Ward 8,” White says. “Ward 8 loves me, and I would like to transfer that to leadership on the council for Ward 8 and 7.” White may be right about Ward 8 being the center of a larger struggle.

A Battle Over Identity and Power Many political observers see the Ward 8 election as a proxy fight between the mayor and the attorney general. The former is supportive of May, one of her strongest allies on the DC Council. The latter, widely believed to harbor his own mayoral ambitions, would benefit from emplacing a strong partner in Ward 8. Whatever the motives of two of DC’s top influencers, the people in Ward 8 know they want a councilmember with a fearless voice. “In order to get anything passed in the city council it takes seven votes,” said Phillip Pannell, executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council and a 34-year DC resident. “But if you really feel there is an issue in your community, you’re going to introduce and push for it even if you’re the only voice out there.” He added he wants to see someone in office that advocates for more community engagement and getting people involved in local school and neighborhood environments. “Congress Heights on the Rise” blogger Nikki Peele agrees. As an advocate in the ward, she knows that people want the city to take them seriously. They want a voice and a leader who can convey that, something she thinks is attainable with the growing interest in running for a council seat. “People feel like they can run, and feel like they have a chance to win,” Peele explains. “People feel like they have something to say.” On June 14 the people will make a public statement about whom they prefer, May or White. u

East of the River Magazine May 2016

In Pursuit of the Perfect Shot

ative Washingtonians have an unmatched perspective of this city as they have seen enormous changes take place since the turn of the 21st century. With the vertiginous article by Phil Hutinet, photos by Diriki Rice pace of development in the past decade, many have sought to make sense of this experience by documenting the change they’re seeing. Within this framework, Mount Pleasant resident Diriki Rice, who grew up in Adams Morgan, has, through the photographic lens, captured the city’s evolution first through its architecture, then by documenting its residents and their interaction with the “new” DC. Rice, a 37 year old freelance broadcast technician, has worked two careers in parallel over the past 17 years. Back in 1999, when Rice first joined the workforce, one of his mentors suggested he learn photography. Following his advice, Rice took his first class at the DC Jewish Community Center on Sixteenth Street NW and read a number of technical publications and photography books to perfect his craft. “At first, I was really frustrated with the whole process,” explains Rice Photo: Nenad Mladenovic who, like many novices feel discouraged as they are honing their skillset. “I made the mistakes and learned from them. Now, I’m more comfortable with the process,” says Rice. While Rice describes his style as “photojournalism,” in the early years, Rice captured images of the city’s architecture. “I shot buildings because I loved the architecture of the city.” Rice drew inspiration from architecture books as he understood a story-line subtext within the images he saw. Back in 1999 through the early 2000s, Rice observes that “all of the buildings were crumbling around me.” His love-affair with DC’s older buildings jump-started his photographic career as his passion for his native city’s architecture provided him with an unlimited amount of material. As Rice’s confidence as a photographer grew, his subject matter began to shift from the city’s buildings to the people who inhabit and work

Diriki Rice Captures DCs Evolution

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

in them. As new residents move into DC and old industrial neighborhoods like the Navy Yard and Swampoodle get rebranded into the “new” neighborhoods of The Yards and NoMa respectively, Rice captures the energy of these changes through action shots of people and events. Much of his work also includes portraiture and even here, despite the image’s stillness, his subjects emanate radiance and activity. His portfolio also includes action shots from the Black Cat, city festivals and events at Yards Park. “A lot of people who see my work point that out to me [the work’s movement and energy]. I like energy. If you see a band and there is no movement, it’s dull. When band members move around and jump, it gets the crowd going. I need that push, that energy to keep doing that. If it’s not close enough it’s not good enough. It usually means you have to go outside your comfort zone.” Rice recently left his DC comfort zone to travel abroad for the first time, visiting a friend in Stockholm, by way of Reykjavik, Iceland. In Iceland, Rice rekindled his well of inspiration along the island-nation’s rugged North Atlantic coastline and eclectic capital. When asked about the diversity in his various photographic styles, Rice says that “artists go in different directions. No one wants to be just one thing.” He compares his various series to musicians who release different sounding albums as they seek new expression lest their craft grow redundant. As for the future, Rice is branching into documentary work. “I’m trying to do something of my own,” says Rice, “to make some mistakes and see where that takes me.” Without giving away too much, Rice discloses that the documentary will center on a nostalgic piece of DC history. To see more of Diriki Rice’s work visit his Flickr feed at www.flickr. com/photos/medium_cool. Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, a publication dedicated to DC’s visual arts. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com u

East of the River Magazine May 2016

East washington life

Goodbye, Chateau The Spot for DC Hand Dancing Is No More by Queshonda Moore

“H

ello. The Chateau is closed indefinitely. Mr. Coleman appreciates all your love and support throughout the years. Sorry. Once again thanks for all your love and support. The Chateau.” This voicemail recording of Ronnie Coleman, the son of the late Seresa “Nut” Coleman (owner of the Chateau), informed the public that the Chateau will no longer be the home of hand-dancing regulars and DCTV’s hand-dancing television program, “Breeze Country,” developed by Daniel “Breeze” Clayton.

A DC Icon In 1967, Seresa “Nut” Coleman opened up a large ballroom located off Route 295 on Benning Road. He called it “The Chateau,” dedicated it to members of DC’s hand-dancing community. “Hand Dancing is a DC tradition,” said Alex “Byrd the Cameraman” Hooks, the Chateau’s photographer. If you’ve never seen hand dancing, Google “Breeze Country.” You won’t see youngsters wearing the latest Jordan’s doing the Nae Nae. The men and women are dressed up. “You may see someone come in with a gown on,” said Trina Butler, a Chateau Friday-night regular. Men and women are hand in hand, twirling, moving around steadily to oldies but goodies like “I

National Hand Dance Association at VFW in Suitland, MD. Photo by Executive Images

Only Have Eyes for You” by the Flamingos and “I Couldn’t Believe It” by David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Nut is known for his warm and positive attitude, which spilled over onto the people of the Chateau. “It didn’t matter what walk of life you came from, everybody was welcomed,” said Butler. “It was one of those places you went and you knew that you were going to have fun. You didn’t have to worry about guns, confusion, or fighting.” He even shook your hand when you came to the club. If you came to him in need, he gave. “For Thanksgiving, he would have food drives. He had cookouts in the River Terrace Community. If you needed something and came to him straight, he helped you out,” said Hooks. On

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Thursday nights Coleman opened his doors to people with disabilities. “Chateau was their life. They are devastated,” said Butler.

Fond Memories Starting in 1999, Butler and eight of her friends would sit at a table called the Corner Stone every Friday night. She reminisced on the moments when she saw members of the DC Council and entertainment legends such as Chaka Khan, Skip Mahoney and the Casuals, the Platters, the Jewels, the Chi-Lites, and the Stylistics. Patrons are wondering what can be done about closure of the Chateau. “I spoke to the gentlemen that frequent the club and they are heartbroken. They are reaching out, asking what can

they do,” said Fay Batts, an administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. She started a petition with change.org and posted it on Facebook. “I thought it was at least a start,” said Batts. “I didn’t think I would miss it this much. I had something to look forward to on Friday after a long week of hard work.” Batts has been going to the Chateau since she’s was 20, and that was more than 30 years ago. Said Hooks, “Everybody knew everybody. It was like ‘Cheers.’ There was hugging and kissing, no hand shaking. You were treated like you were a brother or a sister. If you weren’t there for a month, you were loved on like you were seen yesterday.”

the futuRe Batts called the real estate company that manages the building. “He explained to me they are not the owners. Even they got numerous phone calls about the reopening of the Chateau.” Batts asked whether the Chateau could have historical value. “It’s been in existence for at least 49 years,” she said. According to the National Register of Historic Places, which is part of the National Park Service, for a location to be considered historic it must be at least 50 years old, unless it can be proven to be exceptionally important. “Chateau is worth fighting for,” said Batts. I don’t want everyone to give up until there is a definite no to a reopen.” Ward 7 residents and patrons are finding their Thursday and Friday nights permanently changed. Coleman created a family on that ballroom dance floor and within the River Terrace community. “Mr. Coleman was a really good person to know and to be associated with. He will be missed as an entrepreneur and a giant,” said Hooks. Interested in hand dancing? Visit the National Hand Dancing Association (nationalhanddanceassociation.org) or the DC Hand Dance Club (www.dchanddanceclub.com). u

Cooked with Love

We deliver! 202-678-6262 mamaspizzadc.com 2028 MLK Ave., SE

(across the street from The Big Chair)

East of the River Magazine May 2016

5

East washington life

Five Truths About Cervical Cancer What Women of Color Need to Know about This Gynecological Cancer by Candace Y.A. Montague

“I Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor, is the founder of Cervivor. Photo: Cervivor.org

f I knew then what I know now I would have never missed my cervical cancer screening.” That is a reflection that Tamika Felder shares as she discusses living through cervical cancer. Her story, like many others, is a cautionary tale. She didn’t know what cervical cancer was prior to a fateful doctor’s appointment in 2001. “I didn’t even know something was wrong. When your body whispers to you, you need to listen to it. My body whispered to me. There was a little vaginal bleeding but I wasn’t even thinking about it. I went to see my doctor because it was time for a checkup. I was starting a new job so I had health benefits that I didn’t have previously. So I went back for a follow-up with my doctor. She said, ‘this is fine, this is fine. Let’s talk about your Pap.’” Tamika was diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer and had a radical hysterectomy, which would leave her barren at the age of 25. May is National Women’s Health Month. Although breast cancer is the most common cancer that women face, cervical cancer is too big to ignore. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 13,000 women will be diagnosed with this cancer in 2016. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Hispanic women have the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer, but black women have the highest death rates. Nearly 2,000 black women a year are diagnosed with this cancer; 40 percent die from it. The high death rates can be attributed to lack of healthcare access, insurance deficiencies, stigma, and late diagnosis. In the black community there is a taboo surrounding conversations about sex and reproductive organs. Yet the silence has proven to be deadly.

Five Truths to Bank On Tamika’s story is a reality for many black women who fall behind in checkups and develop a lat-

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

er-stage cancer. Here are five important things to know about cervical cancer. 1. The screening is not annual. The American College of Physicians recommends against annual screenings. Think in threes. A woman who has had three normal Pap tests only has to be screened every three years between ages 21 and 65. Pap testing should begin at age 21 regardless of sexual activity. 2. Cervical cancer is caused by a quiet yet common agent called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is a sexually transmitted (vaginal, anal, or oral) virus that can affect women and men. There are 40 different types of HPVs and they can be transmitted with few to no symptoms. You may already have it. In most cases, HPV clears up on its own. 3. Black women are at the highest risk. They are twice as likely to be uninsured and twice as likely to die from cervical cancer as their white counterparts, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Women in the District have high rates of insurance coverage thanks to the expansion of Medicaid. Under the Affordable Care Act a Pap test is covered as part of a wellwoman visit. Black women in DC should be able to get screened for cervical cancer regularly. 4. A Pap test and an HPV test are two separate tests. Just because HPV causes cervical cancer does not mean that a Pap is a universal measure. A pap test looks for precancerous cells. An HPV test looks specifically for the virus. Typically a gynecologist will do a Pap test during a woman’s visit. Co-testing – having both a Pap and an HPV screening – can occur every five years

Eating at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day? Ready to ditch the fast foods, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruit? Want more flavor and less salt in your meals?

Join 5 A DAY CSA for our Growing Healthy Families • • •

Cooking demonstrations with recipes packed with organically grown veggies and fruit from a local farm Conversations on health and wellness Health education on the nutrients needed to nourish your body

Anacostia Library 1800 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, D.C Sundays 2-3:30 pm if there is no concern about cancer. 5. Your daughter can be cured before she even gets a diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society 95 percent of all cervical cancer can be prevented through screening and HPV vaccine. This is what is known as prevention as treatment. There are three vaccines on the market: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervirax. They can be given to girls starting at age nine. The latest statistic shows that in the District only 56 percent of adolescent girls ages 13-17 were vaccinated against HPV in 2014. In the same year DC Public Schools expanded its vaccination requirements to include HPV for girls and boys up to grade 12. Parents have the option to exempt from this requirement.

Next Steps These days Tamika Felder, 15 years cancer free, has converted her testimony into a nationwide support network. “People think that when the therapy is over and you’re all healed that life will just go on as normal. That’s not true. Cancer makes life different. You will never be the same again. There are some components of your life that will remain the same but you are changed.” After her battle with cancer she sought support from fellow survivors but found very few. “They have many, many women who speak about breast cancer but I couldn’t find many cervical can-

cer survivors.” Felder decided to build her own support group instead. She founded Cervivor in 2015, a nonprofit organization dedicated to learning (she hosts Cervivor schools which are live learning events), supporting, and advocating for cervical cancer survivors and the people who love them. “Cervivor is an advocacy group that is focused on action. Our goal is to eradicate cervical cancer. That isn’t some faraway goal it’s a close goal. Cervical cancer survivors are unsung heroes. I call on them to share their stories. I built up a community of women to tell their stories. Not share just to be talking but with a goal.” Felder is also happily married and helping raise a stepdaughter. If a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, her life is most certainly not over. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best defense. Once it has been established that the cancer exists, a gynecologic oncologist is called in to develop a treatment plan with the patient. The treatment doesn’t necessarily mean hysterectomy. It could mean removing part of the cervix while leaving everything else in place. It all begins with a proper screening. For more information about Cervivor visit the website at www.cervivor.org. For more information about cervical cancer, including free cervical cancer screening for eligible women through Project WISH, visit http:// doh.dc.gov/service/breast-and-cervical-cancer-program-project-wish.

Community Supported Agriculture www.5adaycsa.com • (301) 595-0379

Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u

East of the River Magazine May 2016

East washington life / jazz avenues

Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe

Glasper Performs at THEARC; Rhythm Cafe Jazz in Anacostia THEARC Theater closes its Seventh Annual Double Time Jazz Spring series with a special show by the Robert Glasper Trio on May 13, and the Rhythm Jazz Cafe series brings acclaimed vocalist and pianist Helen Sung to the Anacostia Smithsonian Community Museum on May 21, as springtime jazz continues to bloom east of the river. Glasper, known for his melding of contemporary and modern jazz with hip-hop, soul, funk, and other genres, will perform with his trio from their latest album, “Covered,” recorded live at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. See www.robertglasper.com for more on Glasper. The May 13 show at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, is at 8 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets see www.thearc.org. The Rhythm Cafe Jazz series, a free jazz-artist education and concert program, has been featured several times annually over the past five years at the Anacostia Smithsonian Community Museum, including a show last month with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month. This month the Helen Sung Trio performs jazz standards and originals by Sung from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 21 at the museum, 1901 Fort Place SE. Based in New York, Sung is a graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory and has worked with many leading lights including Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, and Regina Carter. See www.anacostia.si.edu/events for more information.

DC Jazz Festival on the Way Our nationally celebrated DC Jazz Festival – June 10-19, with the prelude event on June 4-5, at the Phillips Collection – brings more jazz all over town with Jazz at Hamilton Live, Jazz at The Yards, and Jazz in the ‘Hoods. Performers include Regina Carter, Harold Mabern, Maceo Parker, Kurt Elling, Joey DeFrancesco, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Eddie Palmieri, Fred Foss, Kamasi Washington, plus many others, and a night celebrating Howard University Jazz at the Kennedy Center with Benny Golson, Dr. Fred Irby of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, and Dr. Arthur Dawkins, among others. Also, the new DCJazzPrix semifinalists, including DC’s Mark G. Meadows and The Movement, and New York bands New Century Quintet and Cowboys and Frenchmen, will perform on June 18 at The Yards in the first annual national competition to recognize and support “top rising jazz band talent.” See www.dcjazzfest.org for complete information.

InReview … Sriram Gopal, ‘The Fourth Stream’ “The Fourth Stream,” an impressive recording by percussionist Sriram Gopal, one of our area’s musician/journalists, brings fresh, jazzy world music with rock and funk flavors. Gopal has called DC his home for the last 10 years. In the CD, which marks his “40th year around the sun,” he has put together original compositions and some sterling musicians including

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Pianist, vocalist, and composer Helen Sung performs for the Rhythm Cafe Jazz show on May 21 at the Anacostia Smithsonian Community Museum. Photo: Kat Villacorta

guitarists Rob Coltun and John Lee, and bassists Kris Funn and Michael Bowie, for some superb sounds. Highlights include the whipping “Nadia”; a jamming melodic romp, the intriguing, lilting “Como Pod’a Groriosa”; the sax-driven, rollicking “Something Good”; and the hard-rock spiced “Sink.” But it’s all good, led by Gopal’s insistent, high-powered (when appropriate), empathetic, accented (when called for), and always melodic drum work. See www.sriramgopal.net.

Way to Go, Jazz Heroes! Congratulations to our own Brian Hamilton and Dick Smith, presenters of the music at the weekly Jazz Night at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Baltimore-Washington-corridor sax maestro Todd Marcus – who performs on May 12 at An Die Musik and May 19 at the Mansion at Strathmore – for being named Jazz Journalists Association 2016 Jazz Heroes. See www.jjaawards.org for complete information. May Highlights: ... Arturo Sandoval, May 7-8, Blues Alley ... Rochelle Rice/“Carmen McRae Reimagined,” May 11, Blues Alley ... Twins Jazz Orchestra, May 12, Twins Jazz ... Jamie Broumas, May 12, Blues Alley ... Robert Glasper, May

13, DoubleTime Jazz at THEARC ... Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival/Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Allison Miller, Carmen Lundy, Jane Bunnett, Terri Lyne Carrington, May 13-14, Kennedy Center ... Benito Gonzalez, May 13-14, Twins Jazz ... Georgetown Day School Jazz Ensemble, May 16, Blues Alley ... John Pizzarelli, May 1922, Blues Alley ... Tim Whalen Septet, May 2021, Twins Jazz ... Helen Sung, May 21, Anacostia Smithsonian Community Museum ... Makanda Project w/John Kordalewski, Joe Ford, Ku-umba Frank Lacy, May 21, Michigan Park Christian Church … Arturo O’Farrill “Boss Level” Septet, May 25, Blues Alley ... Twins Jazz Orchestra, May 26, Twins Jazz ... Larry Coryell Trio, May 27-28, Blues Alley ... Akua Allrich & The Tribe, May 29, Blues Alley ... Sarah Hughes, May 29, Twins Jazz ... May Birthdays: Shirley Horn 1; Richard “Groove” Holmes 2; John Lewis 3; Ron Carter 4; Mary Lou Williams 8; King Oliver 11; Red Garland 13; Jackie McLean 17; Fats Waller 21; Sun Ra 22; Archie Shepp 24; Miles Davis 25; Hilton Ruiz 29, Benny Goodman 30; Louis Hayes 31. Steve Monroe is a Washington, DC, writer who can be reached atsteve@jazzavenues.com and followed at www.twitter.com/jazzavenues. u

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

Neighborhood

Close Price BR

Fee Simple

Hill Crest

Anacostia 2528 ELVANS RD SE 1442 MORRIS RD SE 1259 U ST SE 2103 15TH ST SE 2242 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1904 Q ST SE 2105 13TH ST SE 2332 PAYNE TER SE

$418,000 $412,000 $389,000 $380,000 $250,000 $218,000 $183,750 $155,000

5 4 3 4 3 3 3 4

3020 NASH PL SE 1303 31ST PL SE 2505 36TH PL SE 2415 32ND ST SE 3617 36TH PL SE 1513 28TH PL SE 2940 M ST SE 3044 M ST SE 1702 28TH ST SE 3110 M PL SE

$402,000 $399,999 $360,000 $334,050 $321,500 $235,000 $206,000 $185,000 $180,000 $179,000

Chillum Kingman Park 221 UNDERWOOD ST NW

$860,000

Congress Heights 3834 1ST ST SE 4609 6TH ST SE 603 GALVESTON ST SE 4308 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SW 1252 BARNABY TER SE

$334,900 $290,000 $175,000 $128,500 $115,000

5 4 4 3 3 3

Deanwood 4424 BLAINE ST NE 5750 CENTRAL AVE SE 14 56TH PL SE 5041 MEADE ST NE 278 56TH PL NE 913 44TH ST NE 832 49TH ST NE 4224 EDSON PL NE 5092 JUST ST NE 821 52ND ST NE 4930 JUST ST NE 621 49TH ST NE 850 DIVISION AVE NE 1327 49TH ST NE

$390,000 $335,000 $335,000 $310,000 $270,000 $265,000 $250,000 $245,000 $245,000 $217,732 $180,000 $160,000 $150,000 $100,000

Fort Dupont Park 1118 CHAPLIN ST SE 1114 45TH PL SE 1145 46TH PL SE 4316 CHAPLIN ST SE 4337 GORMAN TER SE 727 ADRIAN ST SE

$410,000 $399,999 $320,000 $320,000 $299,999 $255,000

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

337 18TH PL NE

Marshall Heights

5078 KIMI GRAY CT SE 5503 BASS PL SE 5434 C ST SE

$335,000 $275,000 $150,000

Randle Heights

2416 17TH PL SE 3432 23RD ST SE 1816 S ST SE 1711 STANTON TER SE

$299,500 $265,000 $248,250 $110,000

3 3 2 2 3 2 2 3

Condo Congress Heights

914 BARNABY ST SE #301 750 BARNBAY SE #203 912 BARNABY ST SE #103

$81,750 $62,500 $62,000

Hill Crest 2013 37TH ST SE #101

$95,000

Randle Heights 1701 GAINESVILLE ST SE #202

4 3 2 3 2 3

$649,000

4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 2

$90,000

2 2 2

2700 30TH SE #248 u

$72,000

I want to be Your Agent!

Let s get together to review the market and design a winning strategy!

2 2

Co Op Hill Crest

Looking to Buy or Sell on the Hill?

Dee Dee Branand At

home on the Hill

605 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 Office: 202 547-3525 Cell: 202 369-7902 Email: dbranand@cbmove.com Web: www.deedeebranand.com

East of the River Magazine March 2016

KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

notebook by Kathleen Donner

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

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Girls on the Run 5K at Anacostia Park Girls on the Run, DC’s 10th anniversary spring 5K, is on Sunday, May 15 (rain or shine), at Anacostia Park. Celebrate the girls’ accomplishments, the community coming together, and empowering young girls to be their best. Run as a buddy runner or a community participant, and enjoy the morning. Arrival is at 8:30 a.m., race and festivities at 9 to 9:45 a.m. and fun run at 10 a.m. Register to run at gotrdc.org.

Chess and Checkers Club Every Wednesday students are invited to learn and play chess and checkers. Lessons and play happen 4 to 6 p.m. Children of all ages and levels are encouraged to join the fun. There will be prizes for children who participate. The games help kids develop their critical thinking skills in a safe, fun

and competitive environment. Mr. Lawrence, the children’s librarian, is in charge of instruction and coordination. William O. Lockridge Neighborhood Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW. 202-243-1185. dclibrary.org/bellevue.

“Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities” Program Comes to DC Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) - the program sponsored by Major League Baseball to promote the game of baseball to kids in underserved areas - is coming to Washington. The

, -

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APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336

Grays are donating baseball equipment and apparel to the John Philip Sousa Middle School baseball program. The school is located on Ely Place SE across the street from the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, where the DC Grays summer college baseball team plays its home games in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. DC Grays Baseball will operate seven teams - five baseball teams and two softball teams. Each team will play a 10game minimum schedule with a schoolbased baseball or softball team or with a DC Grays RBI partner program. One baseball team and one softball team will represent Washington in the 2016 Major League Baseball RBI East Regional Tournament in Bowie, MD, in August. There is not cost for kids or their families. DC Grays RBI will also sponsor a summer reading program for all participants, and will offer a “college access” seminar for the kids and their families to encourage preparing for college. dcgrays.com.

Kids smiles celebrates five years In April, Kids Smiles celebrated the five year anniversary of its flagship DC dental center at 4837 Benning Rd. SE. Launched in 2010 with the support of a $1.53 million grant from the DC Department of Health, Kids Smiles has provided over 5,000 low-income children with comprehensive oral health care; and over 22,000 children and adults with oral and overall health education. Funding from CareFirst, Quality Health Foundation, the Share Fund, Samuel D. Harris Fund of the American Dental Association Foundation and Oral Health America, has helped enable Kids Smiles to offer free care to under and uninsured children on an ongoing basis at no cost to participants. kidssmiles.org.

our Girls rocK aWards Awards are to be presented on Saturday, May 21, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE to “Young Ladies on the Rise.” Categories include: academics, hon-

or roll recognition; athletics, participation in athletics at school or at DC Parks and Recreation as well as community service. Our Girls Rock was created to recognize the achievements of “Young Ladies on the Rise” participants. The awards celebrate their accomplishments encouraging other participants to raise the bar and strive higher. To register, visit https://dcdpr.asapconnected.com/CourseDetail. aspx?CourseId=12299.

tWelve years tours to treasure at the acm Families are invited to a docent-led tour of the exhibition Twelve Years That Shook and Shaped Washington (1963– 1975). Afterwards kids can go on a selfguided treasure hunt with an exhibition family guide to test their knowledge. They’ll receive a free gift for completing the hunt. Each Tours to Treasure program lasts approximately 60 minutes. Tours are appropriate for families and children (six years, up). Tours are on May 10 and 22; 11 a.m. to noon. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Pre-K 3 through 4th grade

Building a strong foundation for learning

For the 2016-2017 school year Bridges PCS will be in our new location:

100 Gallatin St. NE, Washington, DC 20011.

www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Voted one of the Best Preschools in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013 -2016!

JaZZ ‘n families fun days This year Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days are on June 4 and 5. It is the Phillips Collection annual free weekend featuring live jazz performances throughout the museum. The weekend features musicians improvising to paintings in the galleries; art-making workshop with jazz-inspired activities; an instrument petting zoo; a documentary film screening; a scavenger hunt through the galleries; gallery talks; storytelling; and a Museum Shop tent sale. The Phillips Collection is at 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org.

the Girl Who forGot to sinG badly Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents are packers. They squeeze fruit into tins, foxes into boxes, even bikes into brown paper bags. All the while, Peggy sings

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KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

with the voice of an angel - a grossly unfortunate angel who can’t sing at all. But one day, work stops working, and the jobs stop coming, and Peggy steps outside to find that everyone in her city has gone. In this one-man show, storyteller extraordinaire Louis Lovett unfolds his mysterious crate of delights to lead audiences on an untamed, epic adventure that crosses snowy lands and wild seas. As Peggy desperately tries to save the day - encountering a clever mouse called Hildegard, a rotten villain named Peter and several other fascinating characters along her travels - children learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats and the courage to sing gloriously on or off-key. Performances are May 20 to 22 at the Kennedy Center. Most enjoyed by ages 7, up. Tickets are $20. Performance is approximately one hour with no intermission. kennedy-center.org.

tumaini dc rooftoP day Party On May 21, 3 to 8 p.m., Tumaini DC, Inc. will host its annual Rooftop Day Party and Silent Auction to raise funds for its Summer Social Justice Exploration Program benefiting Wards 7 and 8 youth. Join them in the heart of the vibrant H Street Corridor on the rooftop of Avery’s Bar and Lounge, 1370 H St. NE. Tumaini DC, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit agency based in Washington, DC that provides mentoring, workshops, educational support and social services to at-risk youth and their families. This is the second year of hosting a charity day party, and 100 percent of the donations will support the fiveweek Tumaini DC Summer Social Justice Exploration in partnership with DC Superior Courts. tumainidc.org.

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

Wizard of Oz is at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., May 3 to 15. thenationaldc.org.

renWicK in bloom family day Spring is in bloom at the Renwick Gallery! Create crafts that explore the various flowers that are in bloom, the trees that are budding and the bugs that are coming out. Music brings spring to life, and Smithsonian Gardens brings the blooms indoors with live plants and gardening ideas. Renwick in Bloom Family Day is on Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Renwick is at Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th St. NW. americanart.si.edu.

“the maGic horse” Joe’s Movement Emporium and Zerkalo Musical Theater join on May 15, 4 p.m., to bring a magic horse to stage. This steed helps Ivan, the son of a peasant, carry out the many unreasonable demands of the Tsar. This magical adventure is loosely based on the Pyotr Pavlovich Yershov poem, The Humpbacked Horse (Konyok-Gorbunok). Perfect for children of all ages, this pay-what-you-wish event follows Joe’s mission to increase access to incredible arts experiences. There is a $20 to $40 suggested donation. Contact Neena@joesmovement. org for more information. To learn more, visit the website or call 301-699-1819. Joe’s Movement Emporium is at 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt Rainier, MD. joesmovement.org.

Kids set sail Kids Set Sail offers beginner and intermediate camp for 7 to 14-year old children over the course of eight oneweek sessions throughout the summer. Young sailors with a broad range of experience share the same sessions. First session starts June 27; last session, Aug. 15. DC Sail offers partial scholarships of $250 (final cost, $100) per week to applicants who meet the criteria outlined in its scholarship application. The organization works on a case-bycase basis with those who need further assistance. Learn more and register at dcsail.org/youth-kss.

sPace day at air and sPace Space Day on Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an annual favorite at

the National Air and Space Museum. Visitors enjoy STEM-inspired hands-on activities, meet an astronaut and learn about space from experts from the Museum and NASA. airandspace.si.edu.

One Destiny at Ford’s Learn about Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. Actor Harry Hawk and Ford’s Theatre co-owner Harry Ford revisit the events of April 14, 1865. Reconstructing the sequence of events, they grapple with the question: “Could John Wilkes Booth have been stopped?” This 35-minute presentation explores the key facts of the assassination, capturing the emotions of that fateful night. This production is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $5 to $10. In spring, One Destiny is offered six days a week; in summer, six evenings a week. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 202-347-4833. fords.org.

Wolf Trap’s Free Family Ticketing Program Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts has announced Young at Arts, a new accessibility initiative designed to connect families with the performing arts. For select summer 2016 shows, patrons may purchase one adult ticket and receive one free youth ticket. They may buy up to 10 tickets, five adults and five youths. For a complete listing of performance dates and program information, visit wolftrap. org/youngatarts.

NSO Kinderclassics: Fancy That! On Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Kennedy Center, graphic artist Marie Cheek joins NSO violinist Marissa Regni onstage to help illustrate the idea of “decorating” your music in a unique, visual way. NSO Kinderclassics are most enjoyed by ages 4 and up. Performances are 50 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20. Come early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before each Kinderclassic, this hands-on activity in the KenEast of the River Magazine May 2016

KIDS & FAMILY / NOTEBOOK

nedy Center Hall of States gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. kennedy-center.org.

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids, aged four to 12, may run the bases after select Nationals games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Remaining dates are May 15 and 29; July 3, 17 and 24; Aug. 7, 14 and 28; and Sept. 11. There must be one adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street. washington. nationals.mlb.com.

$1 Hot Dogs and Giveaways at Nat’s Park On Tuesday, May 10, 7:05 p.m., at the game vs. the Tigers, purchase $1 hot dogs at select locations in the park. There is a Bryce Harper MVP Bobblehead giveaway on Wednesday, May 11, 7:05 p.m. to first 25,000 fans; a Nationals Music Speaker giveaway on Saturday, May 14, 7:05 p.m. to the first 25,000 fans; and a Max Scherzer No-Hitter Bobblehead on Monday, May 23, 7:05 p.m. to the first 25,000 fans.

Continental Navy Camp at Anderson House There is a Continental Navy Camp this summer at Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. The camp runs from July 25 to July 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a program for boys and girls on the Revolutionary War at sea. During the week, campers will learn about the daily life of sailors along with major sea battles of the Revolutionary War. Campers will dress in period costumes and enjoy hands-on activities including sewing signal flags, tying knots, learning sea chanteys and making shell art. The program is appropriate for ages 8 to 12. The cost is $400. For more information and to register, contact Kendall Casey, museum education manager at kcasey@societyofthecincinnati. org or 202-495-7127. societyofthecincinnati.org.

EastoftheRiverDCNews.com

Awesome Con at Convention Center Awesome Con, June 3 to 5, is DC’s own comic con. It celebrates all aspects of pop culture, including comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay and more. Awesome Con is one of the largest family-friendly events of its kind in the nation with a large area dedicated to kids programming and events including celebrity voice actors from Adventure Time on Cartoon Network, Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney XD, and the Skylanders video games. Don’t forget to join their kids costume parades, happening all three days. Awesome Con takes place at the Washington Convention Center. Tickets start at $35. Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by a paid adult. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is at 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW. awesomecon.com.

Family Matters Awards Gala The Family Matters of Greater Washington Annual Awards Gala is on Thursday, May 26, 6 to 10 p.m., at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW. Attended by more than 300, the Gala includes live entertainment, a silent auction and live auction and stirring testimonials from Family Matters’ clients. Tickets start at $250. There will be an open bar cocktail reception, live entertainment and dancing, a three-course meal and wine service. For more information, contact Cynthia A. Davis, Chief Development Officer, at 202-289-1510 ext. 188 or cdavis@familymattersdc.org.

Imagination Bethesda The 22nd annual Imagination Bethesda, a children’s street festival celebrating children and the arts, is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Musical performances and professional children’s entertainers will light up the stage, while hands-on, art & craft activities will line the streets along Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Additionally, the festival features face painters, balloonists, giveaways and more. The performance stage hosts Bach to Rock, C-Unit Dance Studio, Dansez! Dansez!, Rainbow Rock Band, Rocknoceros, Ryan Buckle and The Curiosity Crew. For more information, call 301215-6660 or visit bethesda.org.

Amending America Family Day at the National Archives Only 27 times out of 11,000+ proposals have Americans changed, or amended, the Constitution. On Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come explore some of the successful and not so successful proposals and learn how to change the Constitution. Attendees should use the National Archives Special Events entrance on Constitution Ave. at Seventh St. NW. archives.gov. No Taxation Without Representation, cartoon by Clifford Berryman, November 20, 1920, Records of the U.S. Senate Collection

Looking for Roberto Clemente Sam and Charlie are best friends and baseball fanatics in Pittsburgh, PA, in the year 1972. Puerto Rican superstar Roberto Clemente is the hero of the Pittsburgh Pirates, having led the team to victory after years of losing. When a mysterious fly ball transforms Sam into a Little League Superstar pitcher, he is invited onto the most prestigious Little League team in town. However, Charlie is rejected for being a girl. Charlie forms her own team with the less athletic kids and her new friend Tommy, a boy with a disability. Sam and Charlie ultimately discover what it truly means to be a “hero” when their final game coincides with Clemente’s fateful decision to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Best for ages 5, up. Show runs through May 22 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-280-1660. imaginationstage.org.

Sleeping Beauty Yet another elegant production created by the Puppet Co., “Sleeping Beauty” combines romance and adventure in a story of fairies, frogs, kings and queens. And, of course, a sleeping princess and the gallant prince destined to find her. Told with rod puppets and wonderful special effects, the show is a real treat for princesses and princes, big and small. On stage at Glen Echo through May 29. Recommended for ages 3 and a half and up. Running time is 40 minutes. Coming soon are Li’l Red & the Pigs, June 2 to July 17; and Peter and the Wolf, July 21 to Aug. 28. thepuppetco.org. Have an item for the Kids and Family Notebook? Email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

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East of the River Magazine May 2016

“Classic Movie Lines”

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

by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:

1. Sodium, e.g. 7. Like some eyes 14. Turkish capital 20. Went wrong 21. Good enough 22. Hindu wives 23. Devices capturing inward images? 26. Preﬁx with lock or knock 27. Common Market inits. 28. Kind of house 29. Green land 30. Hands 33. Marmalade ingredient 34. Most plentiful 36. Skeleton’s place? 39. Highlands hillside 41. Very, in music 42. Granola bit 43. Nuclear ___ 45. Jabber 47. Homely tangelo? 50. The greenhouse gas is expelled? 55. Art movement 56. Sewer access 57. Needle point? 58. Fed. agency 60. Stair part 63. Cotillion girl 64. Bubbler 66. Regret strongly 69. Hankering 72. Glove compartment item 74. Embroidery stitches 75. Prepares meat, in a way 77. ___ ipsa loquitur 79. Absolute 81. Kind of testing 82. Prankster’s projectile 83. More bare 86. Inkling 90. Structure storing a realm’s valuables? 95. Christian name 96. Degree in math? 97. Saturn satellite 98. Future ﬁsh 99. Layers 102. Proof goof

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103. Some cigarettes 105. Shock 108. Author Roald 110. Container weight 111. Gray wolf 112. Muhammad’s trainer 114. Fall behind 116. Kind of water 120. Scheme for regulating rights? 125. Contributes 126. More gangling 127. In a spooky manner 128. Student, at times 129. Ocellus 130. Mortarboard attachment

Down:

1. Floating, perhaps 2. Describe 3. Granny ___ 4. Capers 5. Island chain? 6. Bachelor’s last words 7. Hornswoggle 8. Like some proportions 9. Truncation indication: abbr. 10. Baked entree 11. Brush off 12. Kind of seal 13. Not kosher 14. Rockcress 15. ‘60s hot spot 16. Stocking type 17. High spot 18. Backs 19. It’s a plus 24. ___ Age 25. Sonatas, e.g. 31. Judges 32. Case 33. Big Sky ___ 35. Chitchat 36. Open to all 37. Poor, as excuses go 38. Auricular 39. Double star 40. Horse coloring 41. Nile slitherer 44. A bit

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 45. Tolkien creature 46. Tiny creature 48. Slow, musically 49. Bonehead 51. Tender spots 52. Atlantic food ﬁsh 53. Untilled tract 54. Klutzy 59. 3,600 secs. 61. Invigorate 62. Beef on the hoof 65. Pungent 66. Trip producer 67. Bearded 68. Dolphins’ home 70. Pioneer in Surrealism 71. Not o’er

73. City in Colorado 76. College frat. 78. Jamaican music 80. “How ___!” 84. Kind of alcohol 85. Bottomless 87. Calamitous 88. Form of ether 89. Matures 91. Comfort food 92. Coast Guard ofﬁcer: abbr. 93. Victim of Pizarro 94. “Laughable Lyrics” writer 100. “Seinfeld” regular 101. Monthly budget item 102. Beachwear 104. Gentlemen: abbr.

105. Was out 106. Chef’s hat 107. Borders on 108. Break down 109. Peerless 110. Business card abbr. 113. Whorl 114. Sundae topper 115. Medicinal plant 117. Inventor Elisha 118. Strike out 119. ___ nitrate 121. Get prone 122. Service award 123. Harden 124. Pro vote