SEPTEMBER 2014
EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE
When:
A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Planning
When:
SBRC One-on-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License
When:
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
When:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Where:
1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024
Where:
1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (E-268), Washington, D.C. 20024
Time:
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Time:
By appointment only between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=38910
To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com
When:
How to Open a Small Business in D.C.
When:
When:
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
When:
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where:
1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (E-200), Washington, D.C. 20024
Where:
1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (E-200), Washington, D.C. 20024
Time:
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Time:
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=38911
Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer
To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=38417
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 3
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
CALENDAR
08......... What’s on Washington 10......... East of the River Calendar
30
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
18......... Can Bowser Get A Mandate? • by Andrew Lightman 20......... “Pitch”-ing the Perfect Deal • by Wes Rivers 22......... The Bulletin Board 30......... The Anacostia: Our River • by Bill Matuszeski 32......... Reactions to New DCPS School Boundaries by Charnice A. Milton
34......... The Challenges of Returning to Society by Stephen Lilienthal
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 36......... Jorge Zamorano of Banana Café by Annette Nielsen
39......... Jonathan French, Visual Historian by Phil Hutinet
39
36
40......... Race, Perspective, and Bookstores by Virginia Avniel Spatz
42......... Adonis Miller’s Eastern Perspectives of Washington • by Phil Hutinet 44......... Jazz Avenues • by Steve Monroe
REAL ESTATE
45......... Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
KIDS & FAMILY
46......... Kids & Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 52......... Friendship Opens New School in Congress Heights • by John Muller 54......... Tennis Lessons Teach More Than Good Sportsmanship • by Candace Y.A. Montague
THE CLASSIFIEDS 56......... The Classifieds
CROSSWORD 58 ........ The Crossword
ON THE COVER:
Capitol Day by Adonis Miller. See story on page 42.
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 5
Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Look for Next Issue of East of the River on October 11 Online Daily, Printed Monthly | www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com
Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Dave Kletzkin • dave@hillrag.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Mariessa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Rindy O’Brien • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Kyungmin Lee • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Dave Kletzkin, 202.543.8300 X22 • dave@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Billing: Sara Walder, 202.400.3511 • Sara@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to editorial@hilllrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 7
“Spark” at Anacostia Playhouse
Theater Alliance opens its 12th season with the world premiere of “Spark” by Obie Award-winning playwright Caridad Svich. This gritty, powerful drama tells the story of a veteran returning from war, her family, and their ongoing battle to overcome economic challenges, emotional conflict, and the specter of war that haunts them. “Spark” also opens a deeper dialogue about society’s responsibility to address our veterans’ physical, emotional, and mental needs and break the cycle of abandonment in families. Sept. 4-28 at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE. theateralliance.com
Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon
On Sept. 20-21, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., the Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon features 50 colonial-attired artisans demonstrating 18th-century crafts and selling traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherwork, weaving, and furniture. Eighteenth-century cricket games will be played throughout the weekend. “General Washington” will be on hand overseeing the lively Revolutionary War military drills and 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, and puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises are free of charge. mountvernon.org
A fire-eater entertains the crowd at last year’s fair.
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Mayoral Debate at American University
The first mayoral debate of the general election season is at American University’s Katzen Art Center Abramson Recital Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7:00 p.m. It is co-hosted by American University, the Kennedy Political Union, the Palisades Citizens Association, and Ward 3 Vision. The debate will be moderated by NBC 4’s Tom Sherwood and include a media panel with The Washington Post’s Clinton Yates and WAMU’s Patrick Madden and Kavitha Cardoza. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate.
Art All Night: Nuit Blanche
On Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, Art All Night: Nuit Blanche will encompass five Main Street areas. Art All Night presents an eclectic evening of music, activities, and visual and performing artists. Based on a festival concept that began in Paris, Art All Night offers residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to engage with DC arts and artists. This year’s festival will include the Dupont Circle, Shaw, North Capitol, H Street NE, and Congress Heights main streets. Each neighborhood will host its own unique mix of artistic programming for audiences to enjoy free of charge. facebook.com/pages/Art-All-Night
Shanna Lim, “The Room – A Living Exhibition,” performs at last year’s Art All Night: Nuit Blanche.
Our Favorite Fall Festivals
The oldest of our favorite fall festivals is Adams Morgan Day, which is always the second Sunday in September, this year Sept. 14, noon-7:00 p.m. on 18th St. NW between Florida Ave. and Columbia Rd. (ammainstreet.org) The massive (and growing) H Street Festival is on Saturday, Sept. 20. It starts about noon but the real action is later in the day. (hstreet. org) A week later, on Saturday, Sept. 27, the Barracks Row Fall Festival returns. (barracksrow.org) SW Artsfest, “breaking new ground” in the Southwest neighborhood near the Waterfront Metro station, is over the long weekend, Oct. 3-5. swdcartsfest.org
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 9
CALENDAR
Courtesy of Ward 8 Farmers Market
Ward 8 Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 9:00 AM- 2 PM. The market is at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com SPECIAL EVENTS Truckeroo. Sept. 12; 11 AM- 11 PM at the corner of Half St. and M St. SE. The event will have over 20 food trucks, live music all day, shade and picnic tables, and games. truckeroodc.com
lomats, congressmen, and “Captains of Industry”, the Kalorama neighborhood offers a mix of many cultures and architectural gems. Tickets include a self-guided map detailing the architecture and history of each stop. $35 in advance; $40 at the door. For tickets or more information, visit woodrowwilsonhouse.org/events.
Rock-N-Roar at the Zoo. Sept. 12, 6-9 PM. Get ready to Rock-N-Roar at Friends of the National Zoo’s annual outdoor concert featuring the popular band, The Fray. Ticket prices range from $45 to $55. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Go to nationalzoo.si.edu to learn more.
Friday Night Live at National Harbor. Fridays through Sept. 19, 6-9 PM. Performances include local and nationally touring bands playing a variety of genres: pop, rock, soul, funk, blues, country and jazz. Go to nationalharbor.com for more information.
Kalorama House and Embassy Tour. Sept. 14, noon-5:00 PM. Long the home of dip-
DC Vegfest. Sept. 20, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. More than 100 exhibitors will showcase
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a wide range of products, services and resources to help consumers learn more about why eating a plant-based diet and choosing vegetarian foods is one of the best ways to help protect our health, the planet and animals. Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. dcvegfest.com
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Park After Dark. Sept. 20, 6-10 PM. The annual fundraiser at the Great Falls Tavern in Potomac, MD, will benefit the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Tickets are $175. CanalTrust.org
Bedazzling Beads at Anacostia Community Museum. Sept. 9, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Join jewelry artist and entrepreneur Elena Aikens as she facilitates a seed bead workshop for adults. Learn to create bead jewelry for a special occasion. Call ACM at 202-633-4844 to register for this program. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Go to anacostia.si.edu for more information.
Anacostia Watershed Society 25th Anniversary Celebration. Sept. 22, The festivities will take place 5-8 PM at the Osteria Morini at the Capitol Riverfront. Tickets are available at aws25.eventbrite.ca.
Anacostia Watershed Society Paddle Night. Sept. 18. Canoes and kayaks will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from 5:00-7:30 PM for anyone who wants to paddle, and AWS staff
will be available to assist participants on the river. Register at anacostiaws. org/calendar. Meet at Ballpark Boathouse in Diamond Teague Park, located at Potomac Ave. SE. Metro Mambo Time Machine. Sept. 20, 12:30-3:30 PM. Joe Conzo, author of Mambo Diablo: My Journey with Tito Puente, shares his archives of rare unreleased and live recordings by Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez. After the discussion, dance to the big band sounds of Orquesta La Leyenda. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Four Movie Screenings at ACM. Celia the Queen, Sept. 21, 2-4 PM. The Pruitt-Igoe Myth. Sept. 27, 2-4 PM. The Return of Sara Baartman, Sept 28. 2-3:30 PM. Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth, Sept. 29, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Guild Of Adventist Musicians presents: “Listen World” at THEARC. Sept. 21, 4:00 PM. A concert Featuring, young, musically gifted, and up & coming musicians. $15. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Home Sewn: Quilts from the Lower Mississippi Valley. Through Sept. 21. The first in a series of collections focused exhibitions, Home Sewn features quilts created by Annie Dennis (1904– 1997) and Emma Russell (1909–2004). Quilts represent classic American quilt patterns and techniques passed down through five generations. This exhibition examine the generational, social, and economic fabric of an African American quilting community in rural Mississippi. In addition, fieldwork and interviews with present-day African American women quilters give voice to the continuing tradition of quilting in these communities. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu WPA Fall Arts Fair at THEARC. Oct. 5, noon-5:00 PM. Join neighbors for a free event perfect for the whole family. Spend the afternoon immersed in DC’s rich artistic community. Featuring everything from face painting to food trucks to an instrument petting zoo, WPAS connects families, the neighborhood, and the arts through interactive performances and imaginative workshops. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
SPORTS AND FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball. Sept. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 at Nat’s Park. Tickets start at $5. Go to washington.nationals. mlb.com for more information
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 11
CALENDAR Nat’s “Pups in the Park” Games. Sept. 7, 1:35 PM and Sept 24, 7:05 PM. Discounted tickets available for everyone in the family, including pets. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support the Washington Humane Society. Tickets are $25 for humans and $10 for dogs. The $10 dog ticket will benefit the Washington Humane Society. washington.nationals.mlb.com DC United at RFK. Sept. 24, 8:00 PM vs. Tauro FC; Sept. 27, 3:00 PM vs. Philadelphia; Oct. 3, 8:00 PM vs. Sporting KC. RFK Stadium. dcunited.com Adult Dance and Fitness Classes at THEARC. Mondays, 7:15 PM, Yoga; Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Zumba; Wednesdays, 7:45 PM, Ballet; Saturdays, 9:00 AM, Zumba. Drop-in rates are $12. For residents of 20020 or 20032 (with a valid ID), drop-in rates are $6. Class card which covers 12 classes and are good for up to 4 months are $100. For residents of 20020 or 20032 (with a valid ID), class cards are $60. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr. dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 8th St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Ranger Fit Challenge at Anacostia Park. Thursdays, 6-7 PM at the Anacostia Park-Skating Pavilion. Challenge fitness course along the river trail with Rangers available to advise, encourage and promote healthy lifestyles. This event is free. For all ages. 202-472-3884.
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Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; KenilworthParkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Yoga @ the Library. Every Saturday, 10:00 AM. Wear some comfortable clothing and bring a mat; yoga mats are also available for use during the class. The classes are taught by Yoga Activist and are held on the lower
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CALENDAR 3:00 PM The market is at the intersection of Grant Ave. and Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park, MD. Items available for sale include antiques, collectibles and funky finds. grantavenuemarket.com Alexandria Art Market. Second Saturday of the month (rain or shine), through Oct., 10:00 AM-4:00 PM in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, adjoining the Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA (corner of Commonwealth Ave. and Mount Vernon Ave.). The variety of original artwork from over 25+ artists will be displayed for sale including, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and glasswork. 703627-7656. TheDelRayArtisans.org The Route 1 Farmers Market & Bazaar. Saturdays, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM and every first Friday, 4-8 PM, through Sept. 27. Located in the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District at 4100 Rhode Island Ave. in Brentwood, MD. U Street Flea. Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. The U Street Flea Market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, fashion, jewelry, imports, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and more. The market is in the parking lot, next to Nellie’s Sports Bar (three blocks east of U Street Metro), at 912 U St. NW. ustreetflea.com
National Public Lands Day at Kenilworth Park
Sept. 27 (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. 200 volunteers needed to help with park improvement projects such as the removal of cut lotus from the park’s ponds, transplanting perennials, removing invasive species, and picking up litter. Light snacks available for volunteers. Bring a water bottle. Wear appropriate clothing--long sleeve shirts, long pants, and no open toe shoes. Gloves and all equipment provided. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. Visit friendsofkenilworthgardens.org to learn more.
Clarendon Night Market. Alternate Saturdays, May 17-Oct. 25, 3-9 PM. It features a diverse mix of art, crafts, fashion, jewelry, imports, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and more. Bistro lights will be strung among the tents creating a festive evening shopping bazaar. It is in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, 3140 N. Washington Blvd. at the intersection of Washington, Wilson and Clarendon Blvds in North Arlington, VA. ClarendonMarket.com
Clean-up volunteers at last year’s service day. Photo: Courtesy of the Friends of Kenilworth Gardens Wildflower level of the library in the Larger Meeting Room. This class is free and open to the public. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Oct. 5. Registration now open. Call (703) 587-4321 or visit wilsonbridgehalf.com for more information.
SALES AND MARKETS Aya Community Markets @ Minnesota Avenue. Thursdays, through Nov. 20, 3-7 PM at 3924 Minnesota Ave. NE in the parking lot of Unity Health Care. dreamingoutloud.net MidWeek Market Stand at THEARC. Tuesdays, through Oct. 28, 4-7 PM, THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. dcgreens.org Grant Avenue (flea) Market in Takoma Park. Sept. 14 and Oct. 12, 10:00 AM-
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Performing at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Sept. 13, Celebrating Community Festival will be Wildflower (R & B Band).
RFK Stadium Farmers’ Market. Open Saturdays, year round (weather permitting), 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. The market also has merchandise vendors. It can be seen in the RFK parking lot from the interestion of Benning Rd. and Oklahoma Ave. NE. Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays. Set up (depending on the weather) after 10:00 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3-7 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 AM8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year-round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 5th St. NE. 301-6527400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends, the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. Eastern Market is located on the 200 block of 7th St. SE. Call 202-698-5253 or visit easternmarketdc.com to learn more. Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Saturdays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. The market is on the 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Shoppers may find antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books and photographs to name some items. 1819 35th St. NW. georgetownfleamarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7:00 AM-9:00 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. Call 202-484-2722 for more information.
CIVIC LIFE Mayoral Forum on Arts Education. Sept. 8, 7:00-8:30 PM. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE. DC Appleseed 20th Anniversary Celebration. Sept. 16, 6:00-7:30 PM. Enjoy a reception and hear a panel of regional leaders discuss the changes in the District over the last 20 years and where the District is headed in the next 20 years. Tickets are $300. Carnegie Institution for Science, 1530 P St. NW. dcappleseed.com Spanish Language Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Sept. 24, 5:00-7:30 PM at the Office on Latino Affairs, Reeves Municipal Building, 2000 14th St. NW. This free clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet oneon-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. dcbar.org Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE #238 (202) 678-8900. norton.house.gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202581-1560. Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202698-2185. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 PM at Kenilworth Elementary School Auditorium, 1300 44th St. NE. Contact Javier Barker, j58barker@yahoo.com or 202-450-3155. Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-8894900. 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, 7-9 PM. UPO Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6:00 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R Sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.
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CALENDAR
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Offering attendees a Go-Go workout at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum Sept. 13 Celebrating Community Festival will be Go-Go Fitness. Image: Sierra Johnson
ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-5843400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us
ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-6101818. anc8b.org
ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net
ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244.
ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G 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, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org
ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202-561-0774. u
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Can Bowser Get A Mandate?
W
hat do you call a candidate that wins an election by one vote? Mayor! Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser faces a situation qualitatively different from any previous Democratic nominee for mayor. Typically, Wards 5, 7 and 8 provide a cushion of blue support to Democratic candidates. These eastern wards proved either apathetic or hostile to her during April’s primary. In their absence, she may not be able to secure a real mandate to govern.
How Bowser Spent Her Summer Vacation
Unlike her mentor, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty whose shoe-leather campaign achieved a landslide with victories in every city precinct, Bowser appears to be aiming for a bare majority rather than a mandate. Since winning her party’s primary this past spring with a plurality, Bowser has maintained a very low profile. Aside from a blowout fundraiser on her birthday, her public schedule has been light, and her policy pronouncements few.
Muriel Bowser. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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by Andrew Lightman
Floating like a butterfly above the political fray, Bowser has avoided the sting of engagement with her two major opponents, Councilmember David A. Catania (I-At Large) and Councilmember Carol Schwartz (R-At Large). Refusing all invitations to summer public debates, she has yet to share a stage with the two. Rather than get in knife-wielding distance of her competitors, Bowser spent the summer raking in the cash and endorsements. In the aftermath of the primary, she quickly earned the homage of her Democratic rivals Councilmembers Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Vincent B. Orange (D-At Large). She also garnered endorsements from her colleagues on the dais: Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), Marion S. Barry (DWard 8) and Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 8) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large). Popular former mayor Anthony A. Williams soon joined their ranks. The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, an important voice in the city’s Democratic LGBT establishment, also gave her the nod. Mayor Vincent C. Gray has thus far withheld his blessing. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Ward 3 Councilmember Mary M. Cheh (D) have chosen not to join their colleagues, maintaining a polite neutrality. Labor followed in the footsteps of the District’s elected officials. The DC AFL-CIO and Council 20 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees quickly fell in line. The latter represents the largest number of District employees. Both gave Bowser the nod. The police union, which had been a strong supporter of Wells in the primary, bucked the trend throwing its support behind Catania. Dollars followed endorsements. Bowser started the summer with $716,869.76 in the bank. Between June 11 and Aug. 10, she raised another $511,160.52. As of Aug. 10, she had $1,026,632.42 in cash on hand. Her haul included thousands of dollars from corporate donors. Yet, can cash and blessing of the Democratic establishment secure Bowser’s residence on the top
floor of the Wilson Building? The answer lies in who shows up at the polls in November.
November Low Turnout Likely
In the Democratic primary last spring, 73 percent of registered Democrats failed to visit the polls. Only 99,395 ballots were cast. This turnout was fully five percentage points below the previous record low turnout (32.1 percent) set in the September 1998 contest between Williams and Kevin P. Chavous. In both 2006 and 2010, there was a five to 10 percentage point drop in voter participation in the general election as compared to the Democratic primary. In contrast, the 1998 and 2002 contests saw three to four point rises. These increases in voter interest were the result of competitive campaigns mounted against the Democratic nominees by Schwartz. History tells us therefore that low voter participation in an earlier Democratic primary is a solid predictor of low turnout in the November general election. If voters perceive the latter to be uncontested, their engagement is likely to drop further. If the race is perceived as competitive, participation may increase by a few percentage points. So, voter turnout in the General Election should range between 27 and 31 percent. In other words, 121,000 to 139,645 voters, 76 percent of whom are registered Democrats. Come November, Catania, Bowser and Schwartz are going to be fighting over relatively few voters.
Eastern Ambivalence
In April’s Democratic primary, voter apathy increased from west to east mirroring a substantial collapse in support for Gray across the city’s eastern wards. 114,901 Democrats in Wards 5, 7, and 8 simply boycotted the polls. Only 26.64 percent of registered Democrats voted in Ward 5, 21.52 in Ward 7 and 15.54 percent in Ward 8. Historically, voters who skip the polls in the primary seldom
bother to make the trek in November. Unfortunately for Bowser, Wards 5, 7 and 8 are among the ‘bluest’ in the city containing many of its traditionally highest-voting precincts such as the much-storied 110 in Hillcrest. In the past, these localities have swung strongly behind the Democratic nominee in November providing an unassailable base in the District’s general elections. In the 2010 primary, Gray amassed 39,180 votes in the city’s eastern wards or 54 percent of his total victory. As the favorite son of Ward 7, he did not have much ground to gain in the subsequent general contest. With opponents writing Fenty’s name onto the ballot, Gray increased his take in Wards 5, 7 and 8 by 4,336 votes for a total of 43,516 that constituted 44.41 percent of his solid November victory. In the 2006 primary, Adrian F. Fenty amassed 20,685 votes, 34 percent of his total, from the city’s eastern wards. In the general election, with no significant opponent on the ballot, his take of the same localities increased by 16,666 votes to 37,351 votes to constitute 35 percent of his total. This substantial swing ratified Fenty’s triumph in the primary, providing him with an electoral mandate for reform. Bowser is likely seeking a ‘Fenty bounce’ from the city’s eastern wards. However, 2014’s General Election may chart new waters.
No Fenty Bounce
On April 1, Bowser garnered a total of 42,045 votes in the Democratic Primary, winning with a 43.38 percent plurality. The city’s northern wards powered Bowser past her opponents. She gathered 8,730 votes from Ward 3. Ward 4 gave her another 8,223. Together, they contributed 40.32 percent of her total. In Wards 5, 7 and 8, only 31,227 Democrats bothered to vote at all. Of these, 9,650 voted for Bowser, accounting for 23 percent of her plurality. Gray received 16,408 votes. History tells us that the record low turnout in eastern neighborhoods is not likely to change by much in November. So, there are only 21,577 voters, mostly Gray supporters, up for grabs in Wards 5, 7 and 8. To get a Fenty Bounce, Bowser will have to convince a substantial number of them to move to her column. This will not be easy given that Gray has steadfastly refused to release his core supporters by giving Bowser the
nod. Lastly, a substantial number of these voters are older African-American women, a demographic that substantially rejected Bowser in pre-primary polling. Despite her #ALL8Wards rhetoric, Bowser will not be seeking her margin of victory in November in the city’s eastern wards.
The 51 Percent Solution
In the absence of a push from the traditionally blue voters of Wards 5, 7 and 8, Bowser will be looking to cobble together a majority from her existing base and the supporters of her former Democratic opponents, Wells, Evans and Gray in Wards 1, 2, 3 and 6. In the run up to the Democratic primary, Bowser successfully argued that she alone of all the competing candidates could evict Gray from the Wilson Building. Absent polling, there is no way of establishing what percentage of her plurality was made up of strategic voters, who voted against Gray rather than for Bowser and may need to be resold on her candidacy in November’s contest. Bowser’s greatest opportunities lie in the city’s northern precincts. In her home ward, which had the highest voter turnout in the primary (35 percent), there are 5,900 Gray supporters to lure to her column. In neighboring Ward 3, continued Washington Post endorsements will likely secure her dominance. In Ward 6, 6,013 Wells supporters and 3,731 Gray adherents are up for grabs. Here, Bowser will benefit from Wells’ strong endorsement and elements of his ward organization. However, she will also have to contend with the opposition of former Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose, who is chairing Catania’s election bid. In Ward 1, Bowser faces the challenge of holding on to her 5,463 votes, while adding from the 2,228 Wells and 2,802 Gray supporters. Given the traditional strength of the LGBT vote in this ward, the historic nature of Catania’s candidacy may play a role. A similar situation exists in low-voting Ward 2, where Bowser must secure her 3,966 votes while seeking converts among the 3,300 adherents of Evans, Gray and Wells. Strong campaigning by Wells and Evans could turn the tides here. In the end, all Bowser needs in November to secure her perch on the top floor of the Wilson Building is one more vote than her opponents. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 19
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
“Pitch”-ing the Perfect Deal
A Fair and Responsible Way for DC to Support a New Soccer Stadium
D
C caught the soccer buzz this summer. The World Cup dominated televisions across the city, and DC United played a superb start to the season. The enthusiasm for soccer adds to our cultural fabric and highlights DC’s diversity. That helps explain why many area residents are excited about the plans for a new stadium for DC United – at Buzzard Point, near Nats Park – that would allow the team to move out of their current home at RFK stadium. But in the midst of that excitement, we should not forget that the stadium deal proposed by Mayor Gray is complex and contains many possible pitfalls for DC taxpayers. There are hefty city subsidies – covering more than half of the costs – even though the greatest financial benefits will go to the team. The plan includes complicated land swaps including trading the Reeves Center to a private developer in a no-bid process. And it will have big impacts on residents in at least two communities – at Buzzard Point and near the Reeves Center. This means the DC Council still has a big job when it takes up the stadium deal as early as this fall, to address its financial fairness and transparency and to make sure it benefits all affected communities.
Drop The Swap
Mayor Gray’s stadium plan looks a little bit like a DC version of the game Monopoly. At the heart of the deal, the District would trade the Reeves Center for cash and some of the land needed at the stadium site. The city would acquire other stadium parcels by trading other pieces of city-owned land near the Sursum Corda housing development to Pepco. 20 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Wes Rivers Just as any Monopoly player knows, high-stakes property deals can be intense and controversial. A closer look at the Reeves Center trade shows why this is better as a game than in real life. The mayor wants to turn over the Reeves Center, at 14th and U Streets NW, to local real estate developer Akridge. In return, the city would get cash and land from Akridge at Buzzard point. Akridge would continue to own some land near the stadium site that presumably would become ripe for development with a new soccer stadium. This deal raises several concerns. First, the Akridge land swap looks shady and isn’t really needed. Gray administration officials say that the city needs to sell city properties to get money for stadium land, rather than borrowing money, because the city is close to its borrowing limit or “debt cap.” They say a land swap would also be a fast way to get stadium land. But the District could just as easily sell the Reeves Center to the highest bidder –Akridge or another company – and use the proceeds to purchase land at the stadium site. That’s important because the mayor’s team and Akridge settled on a sales price – $56 million – that is well below some recent appraisals. What’s more, we all know that property in DC’s hottest neighborhoods, such as 14th and U, often sells for more than its appraised value. Without putting the Reeves Center out for bid, the District could be offloading an important public asset at a price well below value. Second, the mayor’s plan would turn decisions of re-developing an important public property entirely over to Akridge. Usually when public property is sold, the District sets con-
ditions on how the site can be redeveloped, taking into account the needs of the community. However, under the proposed deal, there are no such stipulations, and Akridge would not be required to seek or respond to public input. Community members have raised concerns of the lack of affordable housing and the need for daytime retail and commercial activity. Control of the Reeves Center gives the District the ability to shape the continued development of the U Street area. The District shouldn’t give up that control just because it needs cash quickly.
Stadium Costs: Dc Shouldn’t Pay More Than Its Fair Share
Mayor Gray’s plan would have the city buy land and pay for cleanup and new infrastructure, up to a cap of $150 million. But the District also would take on several expenses outside of the cap – putting taxpayers on the hook for more than half of the stadium’s costs. While it’s true that professional sports stadiums usually get some financial help from their host city or state, that is based more on fear of losing the team than on any hard economic analysis. It’s important to remember that DC United stands to benefit hugely from a new stadium – higher ticket sales, control of concessions, naming rights, an increase in the team’s value, and more. So it makes sense to have the team pay as much of the stadium’s costs as possible. The proposed stadium legislation caps the city’s obligation at $150 million for buying and preparing the land. (City officials estimate actual costs may be about $120 million.) However, contrary to the wide-
ly-publicized notion of a “50/50” deal, the District also would give DC United property and sales tax breaks estimated at $44 million. This would be partially offset by a $2 ticket surcharge the city would collect, but not until after 10 years. That would total $10 million. Another cost not discussed is the relocation of the operations and agencies within the Reeves Center. When Akridge takesacontrol, it will temporarily lease space to the District at a cost of $15 million. Once the lease is up, the District must relocate agencies and the traffic operation center located there, at a cost of $14 million. In total, the District would pay $183 million to complete all aspects of the project. With the team poised to make a lot of money off of this venture, it does not seem fair that taxpayers take on the bulk of the costs.
A Winning Goal: Ensuring Communities Benefit
A new soccer stadium will allow fans across the region to enjoy games in an accessible, world-class venue. But it also will have an impact, potentially disruptive, on the nearby community. It only makes sense that the stadium deal address possible negative effects and include new benefits for the community surrounding the new stadium. The District will need to ensure basic protections for the residents of Buzzard Point: preserving affordable housing, alleviating game-day traffic and parking congestion, making the area safe for walking and biking, and providing adequate public transportation. Neighbors also want the city to mitigate environmental hazards that surface as industrial lands are
redeveloped. The city is working toward some of these goals already. It produced a transportation study and is working to produce transportation management and operations plans. Most stadium developments also include new amenities to ensure that the community thrives along with the team and the fans. Community benefits agreements (CBA) are binding and hold the city and the developer accountable to the community for specified new amenities. In Southwest, a CBA could address concerns raised by the community by providing access to job and apprenticeship opportunities, recreation and after-school programming for neighborhood youth, and rehabilitation of recreation centers. Community groups are already in preliminary discussions with the team and the City Administrator, and all parties have expressed an interest in a CBA. Because the soccer deal involves several neighborhoods, the city should look to foster similar community benefit agreements with neighbors of the Reeves Center and with Sursum Corda residents. DC is a soccer town and will likely make some financial contribution to help DC United build a new home. But in representing a city with a lot of needs and limited financial flexibility, the DC Council should rethink the approach to how the city and the team share that burden. Costs should fall more to those who primarily benefit – DC United – and new development and amenities should improve the lives of all affected residents. If those conditions are met, a new stadium would be a true community asset and a vehicle for positive development in Southwest. Rivers is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderateincome DC residents. u
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BULLETIN BOARD Luncheon committee members (seated) Gloria Logan and Karen Williams and (standing) Julie Rones, Charles Cotten and Robin Marlin. Photo: Kathleen Donner
Hillcrest Community Civic Association 25th Anniversary Luncheon
Theater Alliance Announces Season 12
Theater Alliance, at Anacostia Playhouse, announces the start of its 12th Season with an impressive lineup of three world premieres by award-winning playwrights. Additionally, the Theater Alliance welcomes the return of the holiday classic Black Nativity, and the third annual Hothouse reading series that will develop four new pieces from DC based playwrights. The season launches in September with the World Premiere of Spark by Obie award-winning playwright Caridad Svich. In the holiday season, the company will present a revival of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, which is returning after a two year hiatus and for the first time produced at the Anacostia Playhouse. In the spring, as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, the season continues with Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea by Nathan Davis, a winner of the Lorraine Hansberry playwright award. The main stage season concludes with the World Premiere of Occupied Territories, a modern adaptation of Seneca’s Trojan Women, developed by director Molye Maxner and written by award winning poet and playwright Matthew Buckley Smith. Theater Alliance will offer Subscription Flex-Passes which provide the maximum flexibility to audience members to participate in the season at their convenience and at a substan22 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
tial discount to the price for individual tickets. Subscriptions and individual tickets can be purchased at theateralliance.com.
Symposium: Revisiting our Black Mosaic
On Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in partnership with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Anacostia Community Museum museum hosts a full day of discussions on race, immigration, gentrification, education, museums, and community in DC. The program references the museum’s 1994 landmark exhibition “Black Mosaic,” a multicultural, multilingual exhibition which examined race, nationality, and ethnicity of black immigrants in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Reservations for this free symposium and its related break-out sessions can be made by going to bm20acm.eventbrite.com. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu
Deanwood Aquatic Center to Close for Cleaning
DPR’s indoor, year-round aquatic centers undergo a yearly scheduled maintenance to deep clean the pool and facility. Each pool has a separate closure schedule and occasionally facility closures will overlap. Deanwood, at 1350 49th St. NE, is scheduled for closure from Nov. 3-23.
The Hillcrest Community Civic Association’s 25th Anniversary Luncheon is on Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Conference Center on the campus of Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NW. Paul Savage, former President of the HCCA, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The luncheon will feature Jim Byers as keynote speaker. Mr. Byers is a former Hillcrest resident, Walking Town DC tour leader, WPFW 89.3 FM radio host, and author of the chapter on “East Washington Heights & Hillcrest” of “Washington at Home.” President of the DC Chamber of Commerce Harry Wingo, will discuss the DC business community as it relates to Hillcrest. A tribute will be paid to Mayor Vincent Gray, a Hillcrest resident and HCCA Member. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased at eventbrite.com. Search for “Hillcrest”. The luncheon will feature a silent auction featuring donated items from Blues Alley, the Capital City Symphony, DC United, Gold’s Gym, Langston Golf Course, Mount Vernon, Newman’s Own Foundation, Newseum, The Phillips Collection, President Lincoln’s Cottage, Theater Alliance and the Washington International Horse Show. All proceeds from the auction will go to the HCCA Scholarship Fund. Anyone wishing to donate an item for the auction should contact Kathleen Donner at kathleendonner@gmail.com or 202-758-0318.
“Cheap Thrills” at the Anacostia Arts Center
Through Oct. 4, over 40 artists from the DC Metropolitan Area will exhibit more than 70 varied works all selling for $500 or less at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The show’s artist roster includes Krystal Alston, Sondra Arkin, Andrew Bain, Charles Bergen, Tarra Louis Charles, Andrew Cohen, Jared Davis, Dana Ellyn, Diane English, Brian Filipowich, Yvon Fleurival, Jonathan French, Adrienne Gaither, Sherill Anne Gross, Piper Grosswendt, Alexandra Hasson, Jay Hendrick, Eve Hennessa, Ellen Hill, Aaron Hughes, Amy Hughes Braden,
Lexi Jordan, Rebecca Kallem, Seth Kaplan, Melanie Kehoss, F. Steven Kijek, Yaroslav Koporulin, Larry Lairson, Zofie Lang, Jennifer Lillis, Jane Mallen, Anne Marchand, Samuel Margai, Raegan Mathis, Carolina Mayorga, Terence Nicholson, Janelle Ortiz, Dino Paxinos, Luis Peralta, Marie Ringwald, Matt Sesow, Alexandra Silverthorne, Samuel Tefcon, Gail Volrath, AlisonWaldman, Angela White, and Andrew Wodzianski.
Diabetes Support Group at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library
The group is for anyone diagnosed with diabetes, pre-diabetes or caring for a diabetic. Healthcare professionals will give information and answer questions on food choices, exercise and medicine. They meet the third Saturday of every month at noon. Light refreshments served. This program is free and open to all. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning
HIV/AIDS in At-Risk Populations Community Forum
On Thursday, Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m. hear representatives from leading AIDS organizations talk about the nation’s highest atrisk groups of people for HIV/ AIDS. Program repeats on September 18 with new speakers. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu
District’s Healthy Food Retail Program Adds Ward 8 Store
Liff ’s Market, 600 Alabama Ave. SE, in Ward 8 received its first deliveries through the District’s Healthy Food Retail Program in July. In partnership with DC Central Kitchen’s “Healthy Corners” program,
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BULLETIN BOARD the Healthy Food Retail Program has expanded to over 60 small food retailers since 2011. DC Central Kitchen has developed and implemented low-cost distribution of healthy foods to corner stores located in “food deserts” which overlap with underserved neighborhoods. The HFRP is designed to (1) expand the commercial distribution and placement of fresh produce and healthy foods into eligible small food retailers, (2) improve the display areas, exteriors, and interiors of corner stores or other small food retailers to improve their ability to profitably provide fresh and healthy foods, and (3) enable corner stores and other small food retailers to accept federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The program provides participating retailers with free refrigeration equipment and free marketing assistance to educate customers about healthy product lines. Business counseling is also offered to help owners of small grocery stores.
Eastbrooke Apartment Groundbreaking
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY SOLICITATION NO.: 0049-2014
Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY (DCHA) is seeking a qualified professional firm or a Post-Secondary Institution of Higher Education to conduct a Comprehensive Community Needs Assessments of families residing in various public housing and mixed-income developments in the District of Columbia. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, August 25, 2014; and on DCHA web site at www.dchousing.org SEALED PROPOSALS RESPONSES are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00am on Thursday, September 25, 2014. Contact the Issuing Office, LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod on (202) 535-1212 or by e-mail on or lmmcleod@dchousing.org for additional information.
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On Aug. 13, Mayor Gray, Ward 7 Councilwoman Alexander, District of Columbia government leaders, the development team, members of Washington Interfaith Network, financial partners, and community residents attended the groundbreaking for Eastbrooke at Beulah Crossing. Located at 323 62nd St. NE. in Deanwood, the new construction development will provide 39 affordable apartment homes. The infill project is being developed on a vacant lot that lay decaying and blighted for decades in the residential community. The project is the result of a of a public/private partnership led by the development team of Atlantic Pacific Communities and UrbanMatters Development Partners, L.L.C. The 39 multifamily units feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments with open floor plans and off-street parking. Additional amenities include a resident fitness area, computer lounge, library, and bike storage.
New Video Shows Diversity and Pride of Ward 7
The East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc has released a video capturing the essence of Ward 7 using the “Happy” song made popular by Pharrell Williams. The video was shot over three weeks at various locations in Ward 7 including Fort Dupont Ice Skating Rink, The Shimp Boat, the new Park 7 Apartments, The Nats Academy, Francis Gregory and Dorothy Height Libraries, and The Chateau. The video is on the ERFSC website at erfsc.org, their Youtube page (EastRiverFamily) and their social media networks. The Ward 7 Happy Video was videographed by Brandon Best and Nicole Whitmire and edited by Brandon Best with creative direction and coordination by Mae H. Best, Rosie Parke and Rudy Davis.
Mayor Gray Cuts the Ribbon on Ward 8’s R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center
On Aug. 13, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and DC government officials joined with community members to cut the ribbon on the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, formerly the chapel on the St. Elizabeths East Campus in Ward 8. The R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, a name selected by the community, stands for Relate, Innovate, Stimulate and Elevate (Rela8, Innov8, Stimul8 and Elev8). The center will serve as a flexible meeting, tech and demonstration space. It is designed to build interest in the redevelopment of the St. Elizabeths East Campus as an innovation hub by drawing in the surrounding community and creating bonds with Ward 8 residents. The Demonstration Center will feature two large demonstration and lecture halls for conferences, technology displays and innovative exhibits; a Digital Inclusion Center with a state-of-the-art computer lab offering computer training for residents, seniors, small businesses, and others; and a flexibly designed demonstration, entrepreneurship, and career conference area intended to host a range of programs.
Tenant Summit
The District of Columbia Office of the Tenant Advocate will present its annual Tenant and Tenant Association Summit on Saturday, Sept. 13. This year’s theme is “Tenant Knowledge is Tenant Power.” Registration opens at 8 a.m and the program begins at 9 a.m. The summit will be held at the Gallaudet University’s Kellogg Conference Center, 800 Florida Ave. NE. The summit serves as a forum to bring together tenants, tenant associations, housing attorneys and advocates, policy experts, community leaders, and District officials to discuss matters of concern to tenants in the District of Columbia. The day will include a major address and other remarks by prominent speakers, topical panel discussions, legal clinic, elderly/disabled registration clinic, exhibits, prizes and giveaways, and lunch. Admission, lunch and parking are all free. Gallaudet operates a free shuttle service with pick-up and drop-off at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station (Red Line), located at 200 Florida Ave. NE. ota.dc.gov
Alexandria Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial Dedicated
On Sept. 6, the City of Alexandria will officially dedicate the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, presenting visitors with the newest way to experience Alexandria’s extraordinary African-American heritage. The memorial, featuring a powerful sculpture by artist Mario Chiodo and bas-relief by Joanna Blake, commemorates the 1,700 free AfricanAmerican men, women and children interred on its grounds after escaping bondage during the Civil War. The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial is at 700 Church St., Alexandria, VA. Visitalexandriava. com/Freedmen
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 25
BULLETIN BOARD DDOT Releases Proposed Rules to Revamp the Visitor Parking Pass Program
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
The District Department of Transportation has announced the publication of proposed rules that will modify the annual Visitor Parking Pass (VPP) program, and clarify the process for eligible households to receive, and use a 2015 visitor parking pass. The rules are open for a 30-day comment period, and DDOT welcomes comments on the proposed regulations. The VPP program allows guests of District residents to park for more than two hours on residential blocks. The current 2014 passes, which would have expired on Sept. 30, 2014, have been extended, and are valid until the end of the year. Starting Jan. 1, 2015, DDOT proposes that the annual VPP be effective for a calendar year. These proposed rules will require eligible households (within Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2F) to register either online at vpp.ddot. dc.gov or by phone at 202-6712700 to receive an annual VPP. The revision to the program will help DDOT better manage the demands, and evaluate program needs going forward. Depending on the outcome of the comment period, DDOT anticipates opening up registration in late Oct. 2014. To view or to comment on the proposed rules, visit dcregs.dc.gov.
DDOT ADA Transition Plan Public Meeting
On Thursday, Oct. 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m., the District Department of Transportation will host a meeting to gather input from the public for DDOT’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan. The plan will craft a framework for making the District’s public rights of way accessible to individuals with disabilities by identifying and prioritizing barriers. Public rights of way typically include sidewalks, pedestri26 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
RD an paths, curb ramps, street crossings, driveway crossings, crosswalks, median crossings, public transit stops, and pedestrian-activated signal systems. The meeting is at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Lecture Hall, 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. Parking available in the church lot. wmata.com
preservation, award-winning programs, and innovative initiatives such as the Students Opposing Slavery program at President Lincoln’s Cottage, the only privately funded National Monument in the nation. Registration is $40 per person at lincolncottage.org/ Freedom5KXC14.
DDOT Releases Proposed Rules Requiring Safe Routes for Pedestrians and Bicyclists near Work Zones
DC Health Link Launches Small Biz Health Insurance Mobile App
The District Department of Transportation has announced the publication of proposed rules that require entities that operate construction sites blocking a sidewalk or bicycle lane, to provide safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists through or around work zones. These proposed rules, which implement provisions of the Bicycle Safety Amendment Act of 2013, state that these safe routes must be equal to the pedestrian or cyclist accommodation that was blocked. Also, the safe pedestrian or bicycle route must be free of obstructions and surface hazards such as loose gravel or uneven surfaces, and must follow the path of the original pedestrian or bicycle route as closely as is practical. Read more at dcregs.org.
Run in Lincoln’s Footsteps at the 5K at President Lincoln’s Cottage
On Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m., runners will become a part of history when they join Olympic champion Joan Benoit Samuelson at the first annual Freedom 5K XC at President Lincoln’s Cottage. After winning the Boston Marathon twice, Ms. Benoit Samuelson went on to become the first woman to ever win the gold medal in the Olympic marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Freedom 5K XC, a unique cross country event open to the general public, provides a rare opportunity for runners and walkers alike to race on the 250 acre Armed Forces Retirement Home campus, where President Lincoln and his family resided during his presidency. All proceeds and donations support
DC Health Link’s new small business mobile app is designed to be an educational guide for small businesses looking to browse health plans and enroll in health coverage through a licensed health insurance broker. The app delivers streamlined access to information and resource tools for small businesses currently only offered through DCHealthLink.com.
Littering Enforcement Pilot Program Expanded
The Metropolitan Police Department has launched citywide enforcement of the District of Columbia’s anti-littering laws, expanding it from a pilot program used in the Fourth and Sixth Police Districts, and allowing officers to issue $75 Notices of Violation to any pedestrian observed littering. Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, anyone violating the littering law may be issued a ticket. If an officer sees a person dropping waste material of any kind on public space, in waterways, or on someone else’s private property, the person may receive a $75 Notice of Violation for littering. Anyone issued the NOV is required to provide their accurate name and address to the officer. Those who refuse or fail to provide their accurate name and address can be arrested and, upon conviction, be fined an additional $100 to $250. Failure to respond to a littering ticket by either paying the fine or appealing the ticket to the Office of Administrative Hearings will result in a doubling of the fine. MPD officers will continue to issue $100 traffic tickets to the driver of any vehicle where an officer observes either the driver or any passenger toss trash of any EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 27
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BULLETIN BOARD Caption: Angela Kwan
Shepherd Parkway Clean-up and Call to Action
The next clean-up is on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at the picnic tables near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Aves. SE. Gloves, bags, and light refreshments will be provided. Wear boots and clothes that can get dirty. Documentation of community service hours is provided for high school students. For more information, contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@yahoo.com or 301-758-5892. The group that has been cleaning up Shepherd Parkway over the last three years are now asking government leaders to do their part. They’re asking for signatures for the “Call to Action” at petitions.moveon.org/sign/shepherd-parkway-call?source=c. em.cp&r_by=123324. After you have signed, be sure to tweet it and post it to your Facebook wall. kind onto someone else’s private property or onto any public space, such as streets, alleys, or sidewalks.
DDOT Seeks Applicants for ADA Transition Plan Advisory Group
The District Department of Transportation is developing the framework for its ADA/ Section 504 Transition Plan. The plan will outline how DDOT intends to remove barriers for persons with disabilities who use various features in the public right-of-way: such as sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian street crossings, pedestrian signals and other pedestrian facilities in the District. To ensure that DDOT addresses users’ concerns, DDOT is organizing a Transition Plan Advisory
Group to participate and offer feedback on the draft Transition Plan framework. It is anticipated that the advisory group will meet approximately three times during the next 10 months. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the advisory group, must send in a brief write-up outlining their interest and how they can contribute to this process. This would include contact information, experience with people with disabilities, two references (including contact information), and any current organizations in which they are participating. Qualifications must be mailed or emailed by Sept. 26, to Cesar Barreto, DDOT ADA Coordinator, 55 M St. SE, 5th floor, Washington, DC 20003 or info@ddotadaplan.com. u
Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)
2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900
American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Anacostia Our River
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s time goes by, more and more of us are discovering our neighborhood river, the Anacostia. Whether enjoying the live music on a Friday night at Yards Park, paddling a canoe or kayak through what seems an almost magic wilderness near the Arboretum or the Aquatic Gardens, or just throwing out a fishing line along its banks, the Anacostia continues to surprise us. In part that surprise is because at heart the Anacostia is still a classic urban river, with a lot of problems caused by neglect and pollution. This article is the first of a monthly series that will try to get a handle what the Anacostia is, is not, and could be.
Progress on Eliminating Runoff
The Anacostia begins as a series of streams in the suburbs of Prince Georges and Montgomery counties with names like Paint Branch, Sligo Creek, Watts Branch, and Beaver30 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Bill Matuszeski photos Andrew Lightman
dam Creek. The watershed draining into the Anacostia includes such places as Cheverly, Wheaton, and Greenbelt, as well as Fort Lincoln and a large part of DC. It also drains nearly all of the Beltsville Agricultural Research facility of the USDA. The major branches join just above the Bladensburg Marina, which is also the limit of the tide coming in from the Potomac. The river was once navigable to Bladensburg by ocean-going ships, but that is a tale for another time. With this kind of a watershed
profile the river can be expected to have some problems. An oversupply of nutrients from fertilizer and other sources creates conditions that encourage algal blooms in warm weather. There is so much roof and pavement and other impermeable surface that storm water rushes off into streams bringing trash and eroding the banks to add heavy sediment loads. In large sections of the District the storm and sanitary sewers are combined so that, an average of once a week, they overflow and discharge raw sewage into the river, where it
sloshes back and forth with the tides. And there are heavy levels of toxics from sources that have long operated along the river. But progress is being made on a number of fronts. New and innovative provisions in storm-water permits under the Clean Water Act are reducing nutrient loadings and runoff from the first flush of storms by holding and slowly releasing the water. Many of these efforts involve homeowners by providing incentives or paying the cost of rain gardens, rain barrels, and the replacement of walks and driveways with permeable pavers. The new local controls on plastic bags and Styrofoam are also having an impact. The Long-Term Control Program for combined sewer discharges under DC Water is moving along with construction of large underground storage facilities that will reduce raw sewage discharges to once or twice a year. The traditional sources of toxics are being cleaned up under the Su-
perfund Program in places like the PEPCO plant on Benning Road and the Navy Yard.
A Toxic Legacy
All of these efforts will take years to complete, but they are underway and we are already benefitting with a cleaner river. However, the big remaining job is just getting started. This involves the issue of “legacy sediments,” the toxic material that lies on the bottom of the river as a result of all those years of release of chemicals, solvents, and other toxic materials from sources along the river that are in the process of closing down or cleaning up their discharges. Much of it has been there for decades, and since it is in areas subject to tidal ebb and flow it does not clear out as it would in a fastmoving stream. But it does not lie there inactive. During storms the sediments can be stirred up and re-suspended for a period, during which their toxics can be consumed by fish and other living resources. This is not an easy issue to deal with, which is one reason why it has received little attention until now. If we hope ever to be able to swim or to eat the fish in the Anacostia, it has to be done. The District Department of the Environment has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and others to develop a plan for toxic sediments. There are basically two stages. Stage One is evaluative; it will study what is in the sediments and where, and what the options are to deal with them. Sampling began this summer and Stage One is to be completed in 2017. Experts consider it an aggressive timetable. Stage Two will be the effort to carry out the recommendations of Stage One to deal with the legacy toxics. The scheduled completion date, 2025, seems a long way off, but it is a realistic date given the likely amount of work involved. A similar effort is underway in the upper Hudson River to deal with toxic sediments filled with poly-
chlorinated biphenyl’s (PCBs), one of the major pollutants in the Anacostia sediments. It is a seven year project currently in its sixth year and on schedule. One key issue is whether to try to treat (or “cap”) the sediments in place or remove them to another place for treatment and/or disposal. Capping is cheaper and does not require finding a permanent disposal site, but it has drawbacks. Where there is constant tidal flow and occasional storm-driven currents that may re-suspend sediments, capping has its limits. It is also a problem in an area with a lot of shallow water, where the new configuration may exclude boaters or damage vessels.
Hope for the Future
After years of costly efforts, we want the thing to work. The Hudson River project has proven the technology of removal with minimal disturbance and re-suspension of the toxics as they are removed with closed buckets. In addition to the government agencies cooperating on the legacy sediments project, two new groups are bringing focus to this and other clean-up efforts on the Anacostia. They join and draw support from a number of existing organizations such as the Anacostia Watershed Society, Riverkeeper, and Groundwork DC, as well as the government-wide Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership. First there is a new coalition of environmental groups called United for a Healthy Anacostia River. Second, Mayor Gray has established a Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, to be chaired by former Mayor Anthony Williams. Public involvement is the key to all these efforts, so get involved in all that’s going on. It’s our river! Bill Matuszeski writes on environmental issues. He is former director of the Chesapeake Bay Program and current chair of the Anacostia Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 31
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Reactions to New DCPS School Boundaries by Charnice A. Milton
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week before the first day of school, Mayor Vincent Gray adopted new school boundaries for the 20152016 school year. “Although there will never be a good time to make changes to our assignment policies and DCPS boundaries, the benefits of moving forward with your recommendations far outweigh the ongoing price of inaction,” he wrote to the DC Advisory Committee on Student Assignment on August 21. “The path of education reform we embarked on as a city in 2007 can only go so far without taking this critical next step.” While the ten-month process gives parents and guardians a full-year’s notice, some living east of the river are critical of the new plan.
assignment system. According to the Committee’s final recommendation, each student will have “...the right to attend a grade-appropriate school based on his/her place of residence, and adopt the updated and revised elementary and PK-8th attendance zones recommended by the Advisory Committee on Student Assignment.” This means that every child can continue attending their current school as well as the newly assigned school in the 2015-2016 school year. If a student is going to the sixth or ninth grade over the next three school years, they can attend their current feeder pathway or the newly-designated feeder school.
Background
According to the impact analysis, Wards 4, 7, and 8 will be most affected by the elementary school boundary changes, with over 1,000 students being reassigned; Ward 8 has the largest, with 330 being reassigned. However, 759 Ward 8 students and 482 Ward 7 will have a shorter walking distance to school and a large amount of Ward 7 students will attend a school with higher DC CAS scores. Middle schools will have the most amount of city-wide changes, with the proposal of three new neighborhood middle schools and one selective middle school east of the river. While the changes would affect Ward 4 the most (as there is no DCPS middle school), students in Wards 7 could attend
According to the introduction to Committee’s final recommendations, the city has not conducted a comprehensive school boundary study since 1968. Since then, there were multiple waves of school consolidations, demographics changed, and public charter schools now account for 44 percent of the city-wide student population. Deputy Mayor for Education Abigail Smith charged the Committee to review citywide policies, listen to residents, and develop recommendations. The Committee also attempted to address several challenges, including uncertain population and enrollment projections, fiscal inefficiencies, and an unpredictable school
How it Affects East of the River
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a school with higher DC CAS scores, and a large amount of affected middle school students east of the river would have a shorter walking distance to school. While 26 percent of high school students will be reassigned city-wide, Ward 7 will be one of the most affected, with 1,266 getting reassigned and 945 with only one option after previously having multiple. Of this group, 2,130 will be assigned to schools with lower DC CAS scores than their current schools. The analysis attributed this to portions of the current Eastern boundary getting reassigned to H.D. Woodson and Anacostia, along with the 11 percent of high school students living in the former Spingarn boundary.
One Committee Member Speaks
The Committee had 17 community representatives, four of which came from Wards 7 and 8. One of those representatives was EboniRose Thompson, who serves as chair of the Ward 7 Education Council. “I was worried that there wasn’t enough representation east of the river,” she said of the decision to join the Committee. “To be in that Committee, you really need to understand the landscape and the context of what’s happening.” Thompson said that the Committee had a lot to consider during the ten-month process. “I don’t think people realize how complex the process is,” she explained. “There were many competing needs. It hasn’t always been
Maps showing DCPS boundary changes for city-wide elementary, middle, and high schools. Credit: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education
comfortable, but in a good way.” While Thompson acknowledge that not all concerns were addressed, the Committee tried to weigh each consideration. However, she felt that the Committee had a “missed opportunity” when it came to school quality. However, they have created the circumstances to continue that conversation. “People want neighborhood schools,” she said. “However, it’s a question of investment.” Thompson believes that the investment is just as much a family’s responsibility as it is DCPS’; while DCPS can use the Committee’s suggestions, parents can continue to raise their expectations.
The Councilmembers’ Response
While Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry could not be reached for comment, Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander responded to the proposed boundary changes. “We do have a majority of children here in Wards 7 and 8,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense to limit their options.” Alexander said that she is supportive of school choice, but many schools located east of the river lack the needed resources and programming for students. “It’s my ultimate hope that children can attend neighborhood schools to get quality education,” she said. “Quality is the key. We are one city. It shouldn’t be any different anywhere else.”
Residents’ Response
So far, response from Wards 7 and 8 residents have been mixed. Jeanne Contardo, a Hillcrest resident who serves on the Hillcrest Association Education Committee and mother to an Anne Beers Elementary School student said that “things turned out pretty well” in her area. “Randle Highlands [Elementary] will now feed into Sousa [Middle School], as most wanted, and the Anne Beers boundary has been expanded,” she explained. “Also, of course, our application-only [middle school] has been inserted into the plan, though I think it’s worth noting that it listed Ron Brown as
the final location, while in fact this is an on-going conversation.” Ron Brown closed after the 2012-2013; however, the proposal selected the site, located in Deanwood, as an application-only school. While the Education Committee will support DCPS’ position, Contardo mentioned that the location could be unreachable, especially those living in Ward 8. Others, like Ward 8 Education Council President Absalom Jordan, are against the proposal, arguing that DCPS should focus on improving schools east of the river. “If you’re not trying to make all schools equal, then you shouldn’t change boundaries,” he said. Since a majority of Title I, or high-poverty, schools are located in Wards 7 and 8, he, like many parents and guardians, believe that going to an out-of-boundary school is a better choice for children. “There’s a child who lives in my building who goes to the School Without Walls,” said Jordan. “He’s getting more experiences there than he would here. While he applauds Ballou’s renovation, he is more interested in the quality of education there. “Until you improve school quality,” said Jordan, “there will always be issues.”
The Conversation Continues
According to the proposal, the DC Advisory Committee on Student Assignment’s vision for DCPS is “...a core system of high quality neighborhood public schools of right complemented by a set of high quality public school options.” However, many feel that fulfilling this vision does not start with redrawing boundaries and improving feeder pathways. However, Thompson disagrees. “This is a necessary step,” she said. “If there is no pathways, then schools won’t get the resources or money they needs.” Thompson expects that this will be a continuing conversation, even after Mayor Gray steps down next year. “I do appreciate that he accepted them, but they are recommendations,” she said. “Nothing is set in stone.” u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 33
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Challenges of Returning to Society Adult Education and Literacy Offer Keys To Ending Recidivism
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rowing up my father told me, ‘As long as you can fill out a money order, write a check, and count from one to ten, that’s all you need,’” recalls Loretta Kennedy-Adams, a returning citizen. But Kennedy-Adams soon discovered that what had worked for her father would not work for her when her younger sister was promoted in school while she stayed back. Her life became a “revolving door” involving stays in prison and jail. That experience coupled with low self-esteem, being sexually molested, alocohol, drugs, committing crimes, divorce, homelessness, set her life on a downward spiral. Asked how much time she spent in prison and jail, Kennedy-Adams responds forthrightly, “Fifteen years.” But now her life is taking an upward trajectory. That Kennedy-Adams’ experiences are hardly unusual in DC became clear at a recent forum discussion exploring the link between “Adult Education, Incarceration, and Reentry.” The Academy of Hope, a provider of high school completion programs and college preparation programs that is now a charter school serving adults, sponsored the forum. Not only do former inmates face discrimination from employers because of their pasts, many also lack the levels of education and skills needed to adequately compete in the job market.
A Huge Issue
“Every year we see 2,000 people return from prison to DC and the challenges they face are abundant,” 34 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Stephen Lilienthal program provides employment training and assistance on other problems to help returnees from prison to reenter the workforce. Jesse Jannetta, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute specializing in criminal justice issues, told the forum that “education works” in helping to curb recidivism. “[Better educated returnees] are more likely to get employment.” Ms. Kennedy-Adams was fortunate to obtain jobs but found them not to be particularly satisfying. She wanted to better herself.
Loretta Kennedy-Adams (sitting) shows her laptop to Diane Harris of Southeast Ministry.
A New Life
Cedric Hendricks, Associate Director of CSOSA (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency) which oversees parole and probation for the District. A 2009 Urban Institute/John Jay College of Criminal Justice publication, “From the Classroom To The Community” states: “Incarcerated individuals lag behind the general population not only in formal educational attainment, but also in educational performance and abilities.” Even though the study notes improvement, it finds many incarcerated individuals suffer from learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mental illnesses that are either “undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and un-
treated or improperly treated, which is part of the reason many incarcerated individuals have had difficulty succeeding in the public educational system in the past.” Of course, the DC City Council just voted recently to “ban the box” which should reduce an important obstacle to finding work. But Hendricks adds, “Many of the returnees have education and skills deficits.” CSOSA’S Community Supervision Program’s FY 2015 Annual Performance Budget Request, says that of the 8,000 former offenders under CSOSA’s Community Supervision Program several years ago, over 40% had failed to obtain a high school diploma or GED. CSOSA’s VOTEE
Kennedy-Adams, 49, left prison approximately five years ago, returned to DC, and was working in low-skill jobs. Eventually, she came to the point where “I just had to sit down and take a look at me and the things I was doing.” Jobs, she says, are much harder to find these days and education is often a determining factor in deciding hiring. Her father’s advice was failing her, she says, recalling how she would have to fill out applications and not be able to read the words. She recalls leaving a job because she was “intimidated” by the computer. More than that, Kennedy-Adams saw her own son and daughter, raised by her ex-husband, doing relatively well. Hobbled by her low level of education and skills, She had to depend on her children to teach her things, not the other way around. Past school failures discouraged her from taking advantage of educational opportunities while in prison.
The Turnaround
Fortunately, after receiving advice from her landlord, a pastor, she discovered Southeast Ministry (SEM), SE DC non-profit which provides GED and adult basic education instruction, and which prides itself on providing help to “people who have made mistakes and are prepared to turn their lives around.” Now her studies play a “big role” in her life. “Here is the very first time I have ever sought to get a GED,” she says. And she is very enthusiastic about the help she receives at SEM. “If I am stuck, one of the students will help me.” Her tutor, SEM instructors and staff are also “more than willing to help me. I feel respected.” Kennedy-Adams has impressed SEM’s staff and instructors with her progress in her studies. Riley Grime, her instructor in mathematics, credits her for possessing a “resilient” attitude that permits her to work through the underlying concepts of mathematics problems she initially experiences difficulty in grasping. She is “always willing to help her classmates” notes Ms. Grime. But some of Kennedy-Adams’ own lessons are not in the official curriculum. Kennedy-Adams took the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Test) before entering classes. Her scores were low but she progressed rapidly, moving from “beginning ABE (Adult Basic Education) literacy” to “low intermediate basic education” within six months. SEM administers the CASAS periodically to monitor how its students are learning. Kennedy-Adams recalls feeling she had done poorly on the mathematics test. “She was shaken up and upset,” recalls Grime. When the test was graded, Kennedy-Adams had improved her score by 11 points. “Loretta as thrilled and relieved
when we told her. Afterwards, we talked about confidence and believing in yourself,” recalls Grime.
The Future
Kennedy-Adams has taken computer classes in the past at SEM but, lacking a computer to use regularly, the knowledge she gained faded. Now, she proudly displays a laptop and she remains intent on obtaining a GED and better-paying employment. The week of September 22nd is Adult and Family Literacy Week in DC. Ms. Kennedy-Adams’ life story demonstrates why adult literacy and adult education is important. Too many DC residents fall on the wrong side of the knowledge inequality gap. Education is an important key to unlocking the true potential many other DC adults. More policymakers are coming to realize that. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer who volunteers with the Academy of Hope.
Academy of Hope (202) 269-6623 www.aohdc.org
CSOSA
220-5300 www.csosa.gov
DC Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (202) 715-7670 http://orca.dc.gov/
Southeast Ministry
(202) 562-2636 www.southeastministrydc.org
Hiring People on Supervision webpage CSOSA www.csosa.gov
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 35
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE Banana Café’s Jorge Zamorano, at home in his kitchen, preps the limes for his family mojito recipe, a drink he’s been making for decades.
At the Chef’s Table
Jorge Zamorano of Banana Café
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by Annette Nielsen; photos by Andrew Lightman
man of many talents, Jorge Zamorano, owner of the much-loved Banana Café and Piano Bar, started honing his hospitality skills at age seven. “My Cuban grandfather gardened all the time. There was a daily after-school ritual where he would take my hand and lead me on a tour of the family’s garden. He’d show me what he’d accomplished there that day, tending the bananas, plantains, mangoes, and flowers. We’d pick mint from the garden and he would say, ‘Fix me a mojito and I will let you light my cigar.’ I’d wrap chunks of ice in a towel and crush them with a mallet and then make the drink.”
A Caribbean Childhood
Zamorano was Cuban born, but the family moved to Puerto Rico soon after. With an affinity for the visual arts, he enrolled in classes as a child. “Since I was 10 my mom took me to art lessons. She always supported my 36 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
love of the arts and we frequently visited museums, and we always had lots of art books around,” says Zamorano. His paternal grandparents lived with Zamorano and his parents and siblings, and the kitchen was always bustling with his grandmother preparing the next meal of the day. Living in a fairly traditional household, his father sold wholesale gas and major appliances while his mom taught for a short time. “My grandmother was the cook. She prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner – her kitchen was sacred.” While Zamorano says he was a picky eater, he was often told to sit in the kitchen with his grandmother as she cooked. “I learned how to prepare her dishes by watching everything she did.” When it was time for Zamorano to enter college he attended Loyola in New Orleans and studied business. “Starting with my first semester I worked at the legendary Commander’s Palace. I fell in love with the
a taste of
Old Havana!
Banana Cafe & Piano Bar Zamorano Family Arroz con Pollo You’ll notice a base of onions, bell peppers and garlic, also known as sofrito – the Holy Trinity of LatinCaribbean cooking. Similar to the French mirepoix (a mix of chopped celery, onions, and carrots), sofrito is aromatic and savory. With origins in Spanish cuisine it can include variations used as a sauce, as a base for beans, rice, and stews and as a condiment. You’ll also enjoy the coveted pegado, or crusty coating, at the bottom of the pot after you’ve prepared the chicken and rice. Zamorano prepared this dish in a caldero, a versatile, cast aluminum cooking vessel (like a casserole dish, with rounded edge, manufactured by a company called Imusa) with great heat distribution. The natural finish seasons over time, and versions that have been in the family for many years darken as they age. Jorge Zamorano’s version of arroz con pollo includes a garnish of white asparagus, a nod to his mom, who always cooked with them. 3 chicken legs, with skin 4 chicken thighs, with skin ½ cup olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 large red bell pepper (stem, ribs, and seeds removed), chopped 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped ½ cup bacon, chopped ½ cup olives stuffed with pimiento, sliced ¼ cup capers (optional) 3 cups white rice (mediumsized grain) 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces or 1 cup) 1 bottle of beer 3 cups of chicken broth 2 bay leaves 1 package of sazon con culantro
y achiote (a seasoning easily found at your local supermarket. Goya is a popular brand. Annatto, or achiote, derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, gives a slightly peppery, nutty, and sweet flavor and yellow-orange color.) 2 teaspoons ground oregano 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper ½ cup green peas (canned), drained (for garnish) 1 jar white asparagus spears, drained (optional, for garnish) Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to large frying pan over medium high heat. Trim the chicken pieces (cut off excess fat) and season with salt, pepper, and cumin; brown chicken on both sides. Work in batches so you don’t crowd the chicken. Remove chicken to a platter and set aside. Remove excess oil and add bacon; stir for a couple of minutes. Add chopped onion, red pepper, and keep stirring. Sauté for a few minutes and when the onions turn translucent add the garlic. Add rice and spices; stir for a couple of minutes to brown and the rice begins to be coated. Add the bottle of beer (something similar to Negra Modelo or your beer of choice), chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir for a minute and add bay leaves, capers, and olives. Stir well, return chicken to pot to make sure the chicken pieces are submerged under the broth so they will finish cooking. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce to low heat, cover and cook for 30 minutes. Serve on a platter, add green peas as garnish as well as white asparagus spears (optional). Serve with a side dish of fried plantains.
Brunch All Weekend Saturdays & Sundays
10 AM TO 3 PM REGULAR MENU ALSO AVAILABLE
Where Every Customer is Family! Serving the Finest Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin Cuisine. 202-543-5906 500 8th Street, SE www.bananacafedc.com
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 37
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE food business.” He stayed in New Orleans for a number of years.
Coming to DC
When Zamorano moved to DC in 1986 he worked at the Intercontinental and Henley Park hotels, and while he aimed for and attained a food and beverage director position, his parents were hoping he would study art in Italy. “While I thought I should be in business, I never stopped painting. Finally one day I called my parents and told them my heart wasn’t in what I was doing, that I wanted to leave the hotel business. They had been waiting a long time to hear those words.” He had been living on Capitol Hill when Banana Café (formerly the Lone Star Cantina) was run by Jaime Vargas, who opened the restaurant on 8th Street in 1994. “Jaime invited me over to see his new restaurant. We had a coffee together and he asked me to help out at the restaurant. Over time I started selling my art work from the restaurant, too.” A few years later, Jaime decided to sell the restaurant and Zamorano thought it was a great opportunity to jump into the business. “I suggested that he sell me half of the restaurant and see where we were at after six months,” says Zamorano. “It all worked out and we shifted the menu from just Tex-Mex, adding Cuban and Puerto Rican specials.” He inherited the line cook, Walter Guiterrez, who is still working with him today as the chef. Zamorano had always loved piano bars and at one point leveraged his car for the grand piano that now is the focal point of the piano bar at Banana Café. During the time that Zamorano was
The preparation of Zamorano’s arroz con pollo includes a garnish of white asparagus, an ingredient his mother always included with one of his favorite family meals.
Zamorano’s arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), his family’s easy, go-to recipe for delicious comfort food.
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getting involved with the restaurant he also met Darren Love, the manager who is now his life partner. Love brought him to beautiful Cumberland, Md. (near where he grew up), and for a time Zamorano operated a couple of restaurants there as well. The two enjoy traveling, and when they have free time spend it in Rehoboth, cooking meals with and for their friends. “My dad is very social,” he remarks, “and we always had lots of big parties. We’d always make snacks of cheese, crackers, sardines, and olives stuffed with anchovies.” It’s a tradition he still enjoys today. The consummate host, Zamorano easily prepares a mojito – squeezing the limes, muddling the mint, adding some Puerto Rican rum (he says any type will do and favors a coconut rum) with a splash of soda water. While he enjoys mojitos, Zamorano has started his own tradition after he takes his nightly walk with their cocker spaniels. “I love to walk them around the neighborhood and then sit outside under a tree with a bloody Mary.” Banana Café, 500 8th St. SE, 202-5435906. bananacafe.com Annette Nielsen, food editor of the Hill Rag, has been engaged in food, farming, and sustainability issues for nearly two decades. Her experience includes catering, coordinating artisanal and farm-based food events and teaching cooking classes. She’s the editor of two Adirondack Life cookbooks and is at work on an Eastern Market cookbook. Nielsen heads up Kitchen Cabinet Events, a culinary farm-to-fork-inspired event business. A native of the Adirondacks, she’s a long-time resident of both New York City and the District. annette@hillrag.com. u
Jonathan French, Visual Historian Winner of the 2014 East of the River Distinguished Arts Award by Phil Hutinet
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nacostia resident Jonathan French has recently won the annual “East of the River Distinguished Artist Award” given to an East of the River artist for excellence in an artistic medium. His award-winning career as a photographer started out accidentally. Early in life he had no aspirations of becoming an artist or even a photographer. As a high school student visiting Washington, DC for the first time, the Library of Congress impressed him most. “I thought to myself, what a great place this would be to work.” True to his
Tierra Bomba
No Return
steadfast nature, French realized his dream of working at the Library of Congress where he still works at present as a catalog technician. After graduating from college, French moved to Washington and began his technical training in catalog science at what was then known as the Washington Technical Institute, now a part of the University of the District of Columbia, “I had to take an art class to fulfill my graduation requirement so I decided to take photography.” French’s first memorable experience on his journey to becoming a photographer happened while returning home to Jersey City, NJ dur-
ing a summer break. A friend of his, who was studying sociology, asked if French could take pictures for a class project of people living in the Bowery in Manhattan which was a poor neighborhood at that time. He returned to DC to complete his coursework, unimpressed with what he had captured on film. “I ended up throwing the pictures away thinking they were terrible” confesses French. “Then a professor [at the Washington Technical Institute] found the pictures, thought they were great and had me work as his assistant!” Upon completing his technical training, French began to work at the
Library of Congress, settled down and raised a family. Horrified by the results of a family portrait taken at a department store, French decided to take matters into his own hands. “I knew I could take much better pictures than that!” And, in that moment, his career as a photographer began. Inspired by his own family photos, French photographed his nieces and nephews and took family portraits for others which eventually landed him freelance work with the National Child Development Center. During that time, French attended an Al Jarreau concert at the Warner Theater and happened to have his camera on hand. A frantic press manager, short on a staff photographer, asked if French could take pictures of the event. “She gave me a press pass and the next thing you know, I’m taking pictures of the concert and hanging out behind the scenes with Al Jarreau and members of the Congressional Black Caucus!” Having always had a passion for history and geography, French longed to travel and explore. In 1983, he made his first international trip to Senegal. He and a friend took the ferry from Dakar to Gorée Island, the notorious transit point where European slavers shipped African captives to the Americas. On Gorée Island, at the Maison des Esclaves (house of slaves) lies the Point of No Return where
any African who passed through would be forever separated from his homeland until the abolishment of the slave trade. “Where did all these people go?” French wondered. Deeply marked by this experience, it was at this moment that French’s photographic interests shifted from portraiture to examining cultural issues. With a newfound interest in the African Disapora in the Americas, in 1986, French moved to Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands which he used as a base for island hopping, visiting Antigua, Trinidad and Dominica where he first came into contact with the Carib Indians. After his time in the Caribbean, French returned to Washington in 1988, reassuming his post at the Library of Congress and photographed major events that took place around the city like demonstrations and other mass gatherings. He has since travelled extensively throughout the Americas, capturing the quotidian life of both native peoples as well as people of African descent. One of his most recent projects includes taking experienced photographers to Tierra Bomba Island, off the coast of Cartagena, Columbia, to teach local Afro-Columbian villagers photography. Over the years, French has shown extensively in the DC area at Hamiltonian Gallery, Honfleur Gallery, Harmony Hall, The Alexandria Black History Museum and Touchstone Gallery. He has shown work in his home state of New Jersey in Newark and in North Carolina. Internationally, he has had two solo shows in Cuba, exhibited work in Ghana, Uganda and in France through Honfleur’s partner gallery in Paris. In 2008, French received Washington, DC’s prestigious “Mayor’s Emerging Artist Award.” “For me, winning the neighborhood award is like coming home to family.” French intends to use the proceeds from the $5,000 cash prize to continue funding his project in Tierra Bomba, Columbia. 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 | September 2014 H 39
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Race, Perspective, and Bookstores Local Shops Promote “A Fuller Picture of Life” by Virginia Avniel Spatz
“A
merican children are growing up with a distorted sense of reality,” says children’s author and activist Zeta Elliott. In children’s books published today,“white children see themselves reflected endlessly, whereas children of color rarely see themselves at all.” Elliott’s claim, and the statistics that support it, may surprise DC readers familiar with Sankofa and Teaching For Change (TFC) bookstores. These stores, as well as our public library system, highlight voices of color through a variety of cultural activities as well as books. But this access to diversity may obscure an important fact: Less than 10% of children’s books published each year in the U.S. are by or about people of color. (See sidebar.) “When you think that people of color make up 75% of the world, this tells you that what is being written about and offered to children is a very small part of humanity,” says Enid Lee, international consultant on anti-racist, inclusionary and equitable education. Moreover, Elliott and Lee agree, children’s books about people of color tend to focus on oppression, primarily slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. Missing, says Elliott, are fantasy, time-travel, dystopian stories and other novels. “Where are the books that get kids so excited that they want more? Those are the stories they’re being denied...that truly empower and light the imagination of our kids.” Seeing themselves reflected in literature is essential to sense of self for children of color and promotes literacy. In addition, Lee says: “All of our children, regardless of background, deserve better and a fuller picture of life.” Mainstream publishers’ unwillingness to carry books by authors of color means that outlets willing to carry books by independent and self-pub40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
lishers are doubly important in bringing diverse authors to the public. And without community support, these resources may not survive.
Book-selling for Change
Founded as a nonprofit in 1989, TFC’s mission is to help create “schools where students learn to read, write and change the world.” The organization publishes anti-bias materials and other resources for educators and operates a variety of progressive education programs nationally and locally. Ten years ago, Andy Shallal, then a TFC board member, asked the organization to help him develop a new gathering place. Since 2005, TFC has operated a bookstore at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. A second, smaller shop later located at Busboys’ 5th Street restaurant. The nonprofit is thriving, but the bookstores – like all brick-n-mortar stores, particularly independent and niche bookstores – face strong com-
petition from online, discount outlets. “We’re struggling,” says TFC director Deborah Menkart. “We’re not sure that we can continue to operate our bookstores.” “The books we carry through TFC are those that are frequently hard to find in other bookstores,” says Shallal, noting that unusual children’s books are the biggest sellers. Shallal also stresses the link between bookstore and community: “We invite our community to be partners in our bookstore by offering our space for book events and cultural events around books.”
A Matter of Perception
Educator and activist Allison R. Brown adds that the TFC bookstore is more than its books or events. “Between the titles, book signings, and patrons looking for smart titles to add to their libraries,” Brown argues, TFC bookstore changes perceptions. “TFC helps bridge the divide between perception
and reality for those who don’t perceive of people of color as intellectuals.” She adds a concern that gentrification will lead to loss of “places for people to make that connection. I think DC is a model of bridging that perception with reality solely because of the Teaching for Change bookstore. There isn’t another place like it in the city.” Barrie Moorman, 10-12th grade teacher at EL Haynes PCS, takes groups to TFC book events. She describes student surprise on finding various ages and backgrounds packing the house. “Ms. Moorman, real people read this book, too?” one asked. “School can sometimes feel isolated,” Moorman explains. And TFC resources “make what we learn meaningful.” Now in her tenth year, Moorman sees TFC’s bookstore “aligned with [her] own growth as a teacher.” She credits TFC staff with lessons that are “more culturally responsive and equitable” and says she has been “inspired, humbled, enlightened, and awakened by Teaching for Change.”
Only in Person
TFC is part of an online network of independent bookstores. Readers can purchase any book (including those by
Ayanna Gregory and young singers gather outside Sankofa, Watermelon Day 2014
Rush Limbaugh, who complained vociferously on-air that his books are not on TFC shelves) through that system. Buying any book through TFC’s IndieBound site, is a great way to support the enterprise, Menkart explains. Sankofa is not part of IndieBound, but its collection is available online. Regulars insist, however, that nothing substitutes for the real thing. “Being in a bookstore is an experience,” Brown explains. “To be in a bookstore with compelling, progressive, forward thinking titles focused on social justice and racial justice is powerful.” “My intellectual life has always evolved around niche bookstores,” including Sankofa, TFC, and the now-defunct Karibu, says Bomani Armah, educator, hip-hop performer, and homeschooling dad. “Unlike online and generic bookstores, the people who own, manage and run these stores have a sense of passion for their topics that usually exceeds their perceived economic value. The exchange of ideas between the bookshelves rivals the exchange of money at the sales counter...Being constantly updated with new books on African culture and history, or the latest philosophies and statistics on teaching has been the intellectual fuel that has fostered a whole community here in Washington, DC.” “Buying books online does not help build community,” says Shallal, adding: “Independent bookstores are a valuable community resource and must be preserved through support by the community.” “These stores will continue to thrive in these communities,” Armah concludes, “because their books aren’t about escaping reality, they are about embracing it, shaping it, celebrating it. Those things can only truly be done in person.” Visit Teaching for Change bookstore at 2021 14th St, NW and teachingforchange.org. Visit Sankofa Video Books & Cafe at 2714 Georgia Ave, NW and Sankofa.com. Virginia Spatz is feature reporter for We Act Radio’s Education Town Hall. Visit educationtownhall. org for more on #WeNeedDiverseBooks. u
S
ince 1985, the Cooperative Children’s Book Council (CCBC) has reviewed U.S. children’s books published each year and noted which were written and/or illustrated by African Americans. They now track other non-white authors and characters. CCBC finds that early 95% of books published for children each year are still by and about white people. Publishers Weekly reported, early in 2014, that the number of African-American bookstores nationwide had dropped from 300 in 2002 to just 85. Despite losses in recent years – Karibu, Sisterspace, and others – DC still has more African-American bookstores than most states, according to the African American Literary Book Club. AALBC.com now lists three DC stores: Children of the Sun (jewelry, oils, and books), DC Bookdiva (publisher and Mobile Bookstore), and Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe. Sankofa, 2714 Georgia Ave, NW, specializes in materials about people of African descent around the world; founded in 1997 by filmmakers Haile and Shirikiana Gerima, it is a selfdescribed “liberated zone or sanctuary for provocative black film and literature, that is all too rare around the country.” TFC’s collection has always been heavily weighted (90% of titles, at present) toward books that are by and about people of color, including American Indian, Asian, Latin, and other voices as well as African and African-American. For comparison, the entire state of Missouri, e.g., has one African-American bookstore, down from four a few years ago. u
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Children’s author Eloise Greenfield at Teaching for Change Bookstore event (photo: TFC) EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 41
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
A
nsel Adams once said “Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships.” This strongly worded declaration came from a man who passed away three decades before the advent of digital photography and the widespread use of image processing software such as Photoshop. Today, a new generation of photographers, who only know digital technology, have come of age in an era that has mostly relegated film developing to the annals of history. Adonis Miller, who was born and raised in the U Street NW corridor and now resides in Anacostia, counts himself among this generation. However, despite what one would expect, Miller does not manipulate his digital photographs using image correcting software. “I try to capture the moment as it is without trying to change it” he explains. He uses a manual process and tries to anticipate the moment before snapping a shot. “Sometimes you take a picture expecting to capture something and the next thing you know, you have captured something you either didn’t notice or didn’t expect.” Miller’s interest in photography began as early as Junior High School at Friendship Blow Pierce Academy in Eckington taking pictures for the school’s yearbook. He then attended Friendship Collegiate Academy in northeast DC where one of his teachers, Ms. Kauffman, took a strong interest in his work. At Friendship Collegiate Academy, Miller excelled at photography taking pictures for his High School Newspaper. Ms. Kauffman submitted a series of pictures Miller took of classmates protesting the indictments of the “Jena 6” in 2006 to the Washington Post which the editors published in the National News section of the newspaper. On the heels of his success, Miller applied to a two-and-a-half week program at Western Ken42 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Capitol Day
Adonis Miller’s Eastern Perspectives of Washington by Phil Hutinet
Capitol at Night
tucky University called Envision. During this time, Miller deepened his understanding of photography and perfected his technical skillset. Since graduating from High School, Miller has embarked on a number of commercial ventures as a photographer. The idea first came to him when he was asked to take pictures at a wedding to catch what the “official” wedding photographer may have missed. When the photos came back, the newlyweds looked at Miller’s pictures and were astonished to see how much better his images were than the photographer they hired. Since then, Miller has freelanced extensively taking family portraits, pictures of weddings, baby showers and other momentous occasions. Miller also thoroughly enjoys photographing his hometown. “People come from all over to see what I see every day” explains Miller, “I take pictures of the same things that they’re seeing but from a different angle.” Take for instance Miller’s snapshots of the Capitol Dome. To many, the Capitol symbolizes Washington, DC. People come from all over the country and the world to see this building and get a glimpse of the institution it houses. Like most Washingtonians, Miller sees these landmarks as backdrops to daily routines. However, depending on where we live, the Capitol dome’s vantage point changes remarkably. The throngs of tourists that descend upon Washington see the Capitol from the vantage point of the Mall or Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Capitol Hill Residents see the capitol from the vantage point of tree-lined East Capitol Street. Eckington residents see the capitol from the heavily trafficked North Capitol street just as their neighbors
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APPOINTMENT LINE: 202-465-7164 to the south, in Southwest and the Capitol riverfront have an almost industrial view of the dome as the skyline is broken up by the Capitol’s power plant. The hilly topography of the neighborhoods east of the Anacostia affords residents a multitude of vantage points to see the dome. When driving into the city on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, the landmark seemingly lures motorist forward. Seen from the crests of Anacostia’s hills, the Capitol almost looks like a model found in an architect’s office. Benning Road NE provides the sightline of Miller’s Capitol dome. He has captured two images of the dome, one during the day and one at night from a vantage point known only to local residents and commuters. This is not the vantage point of the tourists, the media or of residents who live west of the Anacostia River. Both images capture a side of Washington few people see. “DC is a small town but not in a bad way,” says Miller, “It just amazes me that a tourist and I can look at
the same building and see something completely different while being in the same town. I wanted to capture that with these photos.” Miller looks forward to continuing his work as a photographer and would like to explore new methods such as traditional wet lab processes and using software to treat his digital photos. “I’m interested in the artistry of photography and the different aspects of it.” He hopes to one day have studio space to grow his practice. Adonis Miller can be reached at 202486-8315 or at HYPERLINK “mailto:adonisd.miller@gmail. com” adonisd.miller@gmail.com, or #nikdon. 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
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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
jazzAvenues by Steve Monroe
Paul Carr Does His Organ CD, in Style
He’s dedicated himself to his craft to become a leading saxophonist and also an honored educator with his Jazz Academy. He’s found time to establish the annual Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. And he’s recorded with many of the greats and produced five albums as a leader. What’s left? “An organ record is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” said Carr in an email, “and for my sixth recording as a leader, I thought it was time to do it.” The result is “B3 Sessions (DCNY),” a combination of two different live sessions, one produced at Blue House Recording studio in Silver Spring with organist Bobby Floyd and the other at Avatar studios in New York City with organist Pat Bianchi. There’s a CD release party Sept. 17 at Blues Alley as part of the B3 Sessions Tour, with other dates Sept. 18 in Richmond, Va., and Sept. 20 in Philadelphia. Carr, the Houston native and Howard U. grad we now call our own, says, “I originally wanted to do a double CD release with two different organ bands, one with some downhome grooves and one with edge, yet still grooving. After recording both sessions and listening back, I discovered how well each session complemented each other and besides, who has the time to listen to two CDs anyway!! I put together a program of tunes from both sessions and I’m very happy with the outcome.” Carr’s swinging, grooving tenor sax is backed, for the D.C. session, by Floyd, Bobby Broom on guitar, Byron Landham, drums and Sam Turner, percussion. The New York session with Bianchi also has Paul Bollen44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
back on guitar and Lewis Nash, drums. Highlights include the tunes “Dorothy,” “We Kissed at Night” and “B3,” among others. See www.paulcarrjazz. com and www.bluehouseproductions.com for more information.
Bollenback’s “Portraits” Paints a Symphony
Speaking of guitarist Paul Bollenback’s work on Paul Carr’s new CD, Bollenback is also promoting his own fine new work, “Portraits in Space and Time” with Joseph Lepore on bass and Rog- Saxophonist, bandleader and educator Paul Carr celebrates his erio Boccato, drums/per- new “B3 Sessions” CD Sept. 17 at Blues Alley. cussion, on the Mayimba lights include “Dance Delicious,” Jazz label. The veteran Bollenback shows “Dance of Hands,” and “Joseph,” a off his intricate lyricism and com- haunting, plucking treatise by Lepore. positional breadth throughout the recording which evokes varied colors, InPerson ... Sankofa Cafe rhythms, shapes, times and genres. It felt like a roots music evening on Bollenback, to appear in the region Georgia Avenue that warm Thursday next at the Peabody Conservatory in night last month when a full house Baltimore Oct. 10, has woven his own overflowed at the Sankofa Café and classical jazz symphony on “Portraits” Bookstore on Georgia Avenue, many with liberal folk, pop, free and funk drawn for the books and fine foods accents, providing a CD that can ap- and African diaspora conversation, peal to those of all musical tastes. and many drawn by the music of “Little Island” for example is master craftsman Fred Foss on saxoan up-tempo, sweetly fashioned phone, Nasar Abadey on drums and ride evoking sun and sand and fun, James “Tex” King on bass. while “Bird in Sky” is a melancholy, The searing riffs from Foss’ alto thoughtful poetic work, and “Open saxophone melding with Abadey’s Hand,” starts somberly featuring whipping polyrhythms on drums Lepore’s sensitive bass, then whips and King’s every groovy and bluesy into an almost free-form rocker, with bass seemed to transport that section Boccato’s sizzling cymbal work a me- of the avenue across the waters and lodic treat all its own. Other high- back, the motherland’s beats echoing
up and down the street on tunes like “It Could Happen to You,” “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise,” and “I Can’t Get Started.” September Highlights: … Dwayne Adell, Sept. 9, Blues Alley … Sharon Clark, Sept. 12, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Transparent Productions/Darius Jones, Sept. 14, Bohemian Caverns … Shoshana Bush, Sept. 14, Twins Jazz … Paul Wingo Trio, sept. 16, 30, Bertha’s/Baltimore … Paul Carr B3 Sessions Tour, Set. 17, Blues Alley … James Zimmerman, Wayne Wilentz/Tribute to Oscar Brown, Jr., Sept. 19, Westminster … Patricia Barber, Sept. 19, Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club … Carl Grubbs Ensemble, Sept. 20, St. Paul’s School/Brooklandville Md. ... Congressional Black Caucus Jazz Forum/ Concert, Sept. 25, Washington Convention Center ...Terence Blanchard, Sept. 25-28, Blues Alley … Transparent Productions/Cooper-Moore, Sept. 28, Bohemian Caverns … September Birthdays: Art Pepper 1; Horace Silver, Clifford Jordan 2; Mickey Roker, Roy Brooks 3; Meade Lux Lewis 4; Andrew White, Buddy Bolden 6; Sonny Rollins, 7; Wilbur Ware 8; Elvin Jones, George Mraz 9; Roy Ayers 10; Steve Turre 12; Chu Berry 13; Oliver Lake 14; Cannonball Adderley 15; Joe Venuti, John Hendricks 16; Brother Jack McDuff 17; Emily Remler 18; Muhal Richard Abrams 19; Chico Hamilton 21; John Coltrane 23; Gary Bartz 26; Bud Powell 27; Kenny Kirkland 28; Buddy Rich, Oscar Pettiford 30. u Steve Monroe is a Washington, D.C. writer who can be reached at steve@ 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.
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Est.
Neighborhood
Price
BR
FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA
2103 13TH ST SE 1763 W ST SE
CHILLUM
113 MADISON ST NW 136 SHERIDAN ST NW CLEVELAND PARK 3631 TILDEN ST NW 3408 QUEBEC ST NW
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3206 5TH ST SE 612 BRANDYWINE ST SE 829 BARNABY ST SE 4133 4TH ST SE 1352 BARNABY TER SE 612 RALEIGH PL SE 741 CONGRESS ST SE
DEANWOOD
5302 CENTRAL AVE SE 4203 FOOTE ST NE 851 51ST ST NE 832 DIVISION AVE NE 4709 SHERIFF RD NE 4319 HUNT PL NE 845 50TH PL NE 5807 DIX ST NE 5038 JAY ST NE 6340 SOUTHERN NE 4321 MINNESOTA AVE NE 5304 JAMES PL NE
$189,950 $85,000
3 3
$399,999 $387,500
3 3
$2,250,000 $1,110,000
5 4
$249,000 $244,900 $239,000 $209,900 $152,000 $96,500 $85,000
3 3 3 3 2 3 3
$399,000 $261,000 $244,900 $208,000 $190,000 $180,000 $126,500 $125,000 $98,765 $95,000 $79,000 $60,000
5 4 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 3 2
HILL CREST
3001 N ST SE 2215 30TH ST SE 3200 GAINESVILLE ST SE 1208 34TH PL SE
KINGMAN PARK 1601 ROSEDALE ST NE
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5441 BASS PL SE
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2411 S ST SE 1836 VALLEY TER SE 1522 WHITE PL SE 3127 20TH ST SE 2429 SKYLAND PL SE 3425 24TH ST SE
$440,000 $325,000 $305,000 $230,000
3 4 4 3
$685,000
3
$95,000
2
$325,000 $260,000 $257,000 $245,000 $218,500 $110,000
3 3 3 3 3 2
$62,000
2
$102,500
1
$40,000
1
$125,000
2
$81,000 $33,000
2 1
A A 1
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EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 45
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
2013 Big Build. Photo: Emily Clack Photography
O
The Big Build: A Free Hands-on Family Festival of Tools, Trucks, and Construction
n Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., be a builder for the day at the Big Build festival. Amateur builders young and old can discover what it’s like to build a brick wall, carve stone, hammer nails, and much more as they work side by side with designers, builders, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Meet plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. At this year’s
46 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Big Build, attendees can climb aboard cranes and tractors, build a brick wall, construct a log cabin, carve stone, imagine a sculpture made of plumbing pipes, compete in a nail driving contest, and create a hardware wind chime to take home. This year, the Big Build festival highlights the exhibition PLAY WORK BUILD and the theme of play. Similar to the exhibition, Big Build will celebrate the connection between children’s affinity to construct imaginary worlds and the
professionals who create the built world around us. Children can help construct the World’s Tallest Construction Toy Tower (120’) out of Superstructs. Certified by the Guiness World Records during the afternoon of the Big Build, it will be the tallest free-standing tower ever constructed out of a toy! Additionally, a portion of F St. NW will be closed for exhibitors and the work trucks. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202272-2448. nbm.org
Anacostia Community Museum 47th Anniversary Celebrating Community Festival
On Saturday, Sept. 13, noon-4 p.m., stop by and help the museum celebrate its 47th anniversary. Enjoy free indoor/outdoor activities for the whole family that includes arts and crafts activities, live musical performances, face painting, storytelling, and more. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu
Kids Ride Free on Bus Program Begins
District of Columbia students at public and private elementary, middle and high schools can ride on the Metrobus and the DC Circulator at no charge, Monday to Friday, from 5:30-9 a.m. and 2-8 p.m. during the regular school year. Students are encouraged today to obtain their DC One Cards, register them online, and check their eligibility before they take advantage of this service. As in the past, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is requesting that students FLASH their DC One Cards when they enter the buses during the Kids Ride Free on Bus program hours. Students need to register and confirm their eligibility in the District’s School Transit Subsidy program on dconecard.dc.gov. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 47
Get Your East of the River Location
Address
River Terrace Rec Center & Elemantary School CVS - East River Park Safeway – NE 6th District Police Dept - Main Ward Memorial AME Kennilworth Elementary School Unity East of the River Health Center First Baptist Church of Deanwood Deanwood Public Library Hughes Memorial United Methodist Capitol Gateway Senior Apts Marvin Gaye Rec Center Watts Branch Recreation Center Langston Community Library Anacostia Neighborhood Library Benning Branch Library Marshall Heights CDC Kelly Miller Recreation Center Tabernacle baptist Church Randall Memorial Baptist Church East Capital Church of christ Seat Pleasant CARE Pharmacy 7-Eleven Riverside Center Mayfair Mansions Citibank: East River Park Chartered Health Center NE Vending Machines – Deanwood Metro The Minnicks Market Lederer Gardens Suburban Market Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Dave Brown Liquors Dave Brown Liquor A & S Grocery St Rose Pentecostal Church Malcolm X Rec Center St More Catholic Church Fort Davis Recreation Center Ferebee Hope Recreation Center Emanuel Baptist Church IHOP Restauarant Giant Food Store SunTrust Bank Parklands-Turner Community Library Manor Village Apartments Leasing Office Garfield Elementary
MIDCITY
FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
420 34th St , NE 320 40th St , NE 322 40th St , NE 100 42nd St , NE 240 42nd St NE 1300 44th ST NE 123 45th ST NE 1008 45th St NE 1350 49th ST NE 25 53rd St NE 201 58th St , NE 6201 Banks Pl NE 6201 Banks St , NE 2600 Benning Rd , NE 1800 Good Hope Road SE 3935 Benning Rd NE 3939 Benning Rd , NE 4900 Brooks St , NE 719 Division Ave NE 4417 Douglas St NE 5026 E Capitol St NE 350 Eastern Ave , NE 950 Eastern AVE NE 5200 Foote St , NE 3744 ½ Hayes St NE 3917 Minnesota Ave , NE 3924 Minnesota Ave , NE 4720 Minnesota Ave , NE 4401 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE 4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE 4600 Sherriff Rd NE 4601 Sheriff Road NE 4721 Sheriff Road Northeast 4721 Sherriff Rd NE 4748 Sheriff Rd NE 4816 Sherriff Rd NE 3200 13th st SE 4275 4th St SE 1400 41st St , SE 3999 8th St , SE 2409 Ainger Place SE 1523 Alabama Ave, SE 1535 Alabama Ave , SE 1571 Alabama Ave , SE 1547 Alabama Ave , SE 1717 Alabama Ave , SE 2435 Alabama Ave
7th District Station 2455 Alabama Ave , SE 6th District Police Dept - Satellite Station 2839 Alabama Ave , SE Service Cleaners 2841 Alabama Ave , SE Safeway – SE 2845 Alabama Ave SE Pizza Hut 2859 Alabama Ave , SE America’s Best Wings 2863 Alabama Ave , SE M&T Bank 2865 Alabama Ave , SE Washington Senior Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Ave , SE St Timothys Episcopal Church 3601 Alabama Ave SE Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library 3660 Alabama Ave , SE National Capital Parks--EAST 1900 Anacostia Dr , SE Kid smiles 4837 Benning Road SE Pimento Grill 4405 Bowen Rd SE East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Ave ,SE St Johns Baptist Church 5228 Call Place SE Capitol View Branch Library 5001 Central Ave , SE Marie Winston Elementary School 3100 Denver St , SE Subway 4525 East Capitol St Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 3800 Ely Pl , SE Anacostia Museum for African Amer History 1901 Fort Pl SE - Back Door Smithsonian Anacostia Marcia Burris 1901 Fort Place SE - Back Door DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation 3030 G ST SE ARCH 1227 Good Hope Rd , SE Anacostia Pizzeria 1243 Good Hope Rd , SE SunTrust Bank 1340 Good Hope Rd , SE Unity Health Care Inc 1638 Good Hope Rd , SE Bread for the City 1640 Good Hope Rd , SE Marbury Plaza Tenants Assoc 2300 Good Hope Rd , SE Dollar Plus Supermarket 1453 Howard Rd , SE Ascensions Psychological and Community Services 1526 Howard Rd SE Dupont Park SDA Church 3985 Massachusettes Ave SE Orr Elementary School 2200 Minnesota Ave SE Hart Recreation Center 601 Mississippi Ave , SE Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave , SE The ARC 1901 Mississippi Ave , SE Neighborhood Pharmacy 1932 Martin Luther King Jr , SE PNC Bank 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Bank of America 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE C Aidan Salon 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Big Chair Coffee 2122 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Animal Clinic of Anacostia 2210 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Max Robinson Center of Whitman-Walker Clinic 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE The United Black Fund 2500 Martin Luther King Ave SE The Pizza Place 2910 Martin Luther King Ave SE Metropol Educational Services, 3rd Floor 3029 Marin Luther King Jr Ave , SE National Children’s Center - Southeast Campus 3400 Martin Luther King Jr , SE Assumption Catholic Church 3401 Martin Luther King Ave SE Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE Congress Heights Health Center 3720 Martin Luther King Jr Ave , SE CVS - Skyland 2646 Naylor Rd , SE Harris Teeter 1350 Pennsylvania Ave SE Thai Orchid Kitchen 2314 Pennsylvania Ave SE St Francis Xavier Church 2800 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Pennsylvania Ave Baptist Church CVS – Penn Branch Congress Heights Recreation Center Johnson Memorial Baptist Church Ridge Recreation Center Savoy Recreation Center PNC Bank Rite Aid United Medical Center Benning Park Community Center Benning Stoddert Recreation Center Union Temple Baptist Church Senior Living at Wayne Place Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library Bald Eagle At Fort Greble Covenant Baptist Church Faith Presbyterian Church Henson Ridge Town Homes Office The Wilson Building CCN office Eastern Market YMCA Capitol View CW Harris Elementary School DC Child & Family Services Agency
3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE 3240 Pennsylvania Ave , SE 100 Randle Pl , SE 800 Ridge Rd SE 800 Ridge Rd , SE 2440 Shannon Pl SE 4100 South Capitol St , SE 4635 South Capitol St , SE 1310 Southern Ave , SE 5100 Southern Ave SE 100 Stoddert Pl , SE 1225 W ST SE 114 Wayne Place SE 115 Atlantic St , SW 100 Joliet St SW 3845 South Capitol St 4161 South Capitol St SW 1804 Stanton Terrace, SE 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW 224 7th ST SE 225 7th St SE 2118 Ridgecrest Court SE 301 53rd Street, SE 200 I Street SE
For more distribution locations, contact 202.543.8300 x.19
48 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
KIDS & FAMILY STAR (sing, talk and read) Family Festival at MLK Library
On Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m., learn how singing, talking and reading with a baby or young child now can help them later in school. It’s never too early to give children a smart start. DC Public Library’s STAR Family Festival will feature workshops for parents to support their child’s early learning; fun activities, crafts and games for children; free children’s books; live entertainment; safety, health and education resources for children; door prizes including $200 gift baskets and gift card giveaways; and photo opportunities with costumed characters. Lunch is provided. For more information, call 202-727-0321. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk
Race for Every Child Kids’ Dash
Saturday, Sept. 13. Race for Every Child supports children and families throughout the Washington area by raising funds for specialized medical care, research into childhood diseases, and important wellness and preventive services at Children’s National Health System. The 100-yard Kids’ Dash is a great way to encourage children to be active and healthy. Just one block long, the Kids’ Dash route is on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, starting at 12th St. and finishing at 13th St. It will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and participants will dash in waves, based on their age group. Kids’ Dash participants will receive a t-shirt, a Kids’ Dash bib and finisher’s medal. Children between the ages of 3-10 are eligible to participate. Children between the ages of 3-10 who would also like to participate in the 5K, may do so at no extra charge. Parents will not be allowed to “dash” with their child (unless under special circumstances). Registration deadline is Sept. 10. childrensnational. donordrive.com
“Are DC Schools Getting Better?” Panel Discussion at MLK Library
This panel discussion is on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. at
MLK Library. The discussion will be moderated by Amanda Ripley, author of “The Smartest Kids in the World”, about the state of DC schools. For more information, call 202-727-1183. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk
Women in Aviation and Space Family Day at Air and Space Museum
On Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.3 p.m., join the museum for a family day that celebrates the accomplishments of women in aviation and space exploration. From the days of the earliest pilots to today’s space program, women have been making significant contributions. During this event visitors will have the opportunity to meet female role models and learn about the women who inspired them. National Air and Space Museum, Independence Ave. at 6th St. SW. airandspace.si.edu
National Gallery of Art Launches Interactive “NGAkids Art Zone App” Inspired by the Collection
The National Gallery of Art has released a new children’s app, NGAkids Art Zone, now available for free on iTunes at nga.gov/ content/ngaweb/education/kids/ kids-app. Echoing the style of the NGAkids online interactives, this dynamic app contains eight new hands-on activities inspired by works in the collection, as well as a sketchbook for freehand drawing and a personal exhibition space where users can save and display art they create with the program. The child-friendly interface emphasizes creativity, discovery, careful observation, and artistic selfexpression, making the NGAkids app educational and fun for the whole family. Each activity offers various levels of complexity, making the app suitable for all age groups. It is optimized for ages 9-11, but younger children, as well as teens and adults, will find the program EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 49
SHINING
STARS
KIDS & FAMILY
M O N T E S S O R I ACADEMY, PCS PK3 - 3RD GRADE
MONTESSORI CERTIFIED AND TRAINED TEACHERS
ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN, 1ST AND 2ND GRADERS WE WELCOME 2 YEAR-OLDS TURNING 3 BY DECEMBER 31ST INTEREST APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE
INTEREST APPLICATIONS ARE ONLINE
(202) 319-2307 H www.ss-montessori.org 6015 Chillum Place NE 20011 H Ward 4
NOW ENROLLING! First Day of School is Tuesday, September 2nd and we are still enrolling. Open Houses: Waterfront Academy is hosting several Open Houses - join us and meet some of our school's leaders, tour the new facility and learn more about our great school!
Wednesday, September 10th- 8a-10a Wednesday, September 10th- 5p-7p Wednesday, September 17th- 8a-10a Wednesday, September 24th- 8a-10a Mamá y Yo: Fall Session of classes are starting again on September 19 and 20th. This class is a Spanish immersion Montessori “Mommy and Me” class. Your child, along with a caregiver or parent, will participate in a collaborative class, building on foundational vocabulary and skills each week. This class is for ages 18 months to 3 years old. Learn more and register at WaterfrontAcademy.org. Waterfront Academy is a dual immersion (Spanish and English) Montessori school with emphasis on charity and stewardship in the Catholic tradition.
60 I Street SW WaterfrontAcademy.org 50 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
enjoyable and artistically motivating. These activities are designed for children to use, unassisted, in a recreational context (although teachers do use them as an entertaining addition to a traditional curriculum). This absorbing, self-directed interaction creates a personal connection to art that often lasts a lifetime.
Getting Kids Involved in Saving Energy
Kids are bundles of energy, but how much do they know about the energy they use every day? As schools go back in session, parents should start a conversation with their kids about the importance of energy efficiency in their everyday lives. Show kids the effect of their own carbon footprint with the fun, animated calculator on earth-
day.org/splash_page. It doesn’t just inform them about their personal environmental impact; it empowers them with simple actions that help them reduce it. For other kid-friendly resources, check out energystar.gov or dcseu.com.
DCschoolHUB.com Launches Childcare and School Search Website
DCschoolHUB’s features a geolocator for ease of searching, chat rooms where schools and care centers can connect one-on-one with prospective parents, and forums where parents can pose questions to one another. They can even ask “experts” questions on everything from how to navigate the financial aid process to potty training tips. Who’s Got Spots allows schools and care
canart.si.edu
Mentor a Middle School Student
Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage
On Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy the Soldiers’ Home grounds as the Lincoln family did at this free festival. Family members of all ages will enjoy the live entertainment and activities inspired by the Lincoln family and their life at the Soldiers’ Home. Make a top hat. There will be pony rides and a petting zoo featuring Tad Lincoln’s favorite animals (peacocks, goats, geese, and more), a Civil War encampment, Civil War-era games, live musical performances of Civil War-era tunes, and food vendors and picnicking grounds. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at Upshur St. at Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. Free parking is available on-site. 202-829-0436. lincolncottage.org Photo: Courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage
centers to post current and anticipated spots or seats. DCschoolHUB.com.
Hispanic Heritage Family Festival at the American Art Museum
On Saturday, Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., bring the whole family to the Smithsonian’s kickoff celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Held in conjunction with the exhibition Portraiture Now: Staging the Self, the day includes musical performances, interactive demonstrations, arts and crafts, storytelling and gallery tours. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts. NW. ameri-
In a city where 59% finish high school and only 9% get a college degree, 93% of Higher Achievement graduates finish high school, and 76% graduate from college. Higher Achievement is creating lasting change in the lives of youth. Be a part of that change in the DC Metro area. For more information about the commitment and center locations, or to fill out an application, visit higherschievement.org/volunteer.
Savanna’s Treasure
Wild new children’s book, Savanna’s Treasure, proves that danger, adversity and even poachers are no match for the power of unlikely friendships. Chris Behrens’ Savanna’s Treasure shares the story of two unlikely allies who literally take on the troubles of the world. Nobody would think that a baby elephant and a mouse could fight off poachers and pirates but this engrossing and educational narrative showcases the boundless potential afforded by never giving up and sticking close to those one loves. Savanna’s Treasure is published by Xlibris.
ZooFiesta
On Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., celebrate Hispanic Heritage month at ZooFiesta. See animal demonstrations and learn about animals native to Latin America, such as golden lion tamarins, sloths, Andean bears, and anteaters. Meet Zoo experts and learn how they are working to save these species and more. Family activities include animal feedings, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, educational activities highlighting conservation research in Central and South America, and authentic gourmet cuisine at a Latin American inspired food bazaar. ZooFiesta is free, so the entire family is encouraged to come! Admission is free, however parking is $22. The National Zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 51
KIDS & FAMILY
L-R: Sophomore Joseph Adams, Jr., senior Trayona Lawrence, and Principal Doranna Tindle at the new Friendship Technology Prep Academy.
Friendship Opens New School in Congress Heights
F
or years a vacant McDonald’s sat on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE just past the West Campus of Saint Elizabeths on the edge of the commercial district of Congress Heights. The blight is no more; in its place Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy has erected a new $18.9 million, three-story high school with 25 classrooms,six labs for computer, 52 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by John Muller
engineering and science classes, and a greenhouse which welcomes its first years of students and faculty this fall. Tech Prep, which serves sixth through 12th graders, joins the adjacent elementary and former high school buildings in a cluster on Milwaukee Place SE that now emits the spark and the synergy of a small education village. “When Friendship opened its first school in
Ward Eight more than a decade ago we promised parents that we would build schools that were respectful of the children who attended,” says Donald Hense, founder and chairman of Friendship Public Charter Schools which now has six school campuses across the city. “The buildings would always be first class. We believe that this facility, which is one of the most advanced technologically
of any in the greater metropolitan area, fulfills that promise. What is taught in the school will be subjects that will prepare our young people to succeed at any college or university in the nation.” Hense, a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, has been able to lead the construction of new Friendship facilities through the issuance of $60 million in bonds through the District of Columbia’s Industrial Revenue Bond program to purchase and renovate Friendship’s schools. On a recent visit to Tech Prep Academy, I was provided a tour by 15-year old sophomore engineering student Joseph Adams, Jr. and 17-year old senior history student Trayona Lawrence who bristled with pride at the opportunities their new building will afford. “We have more equipment and now we have a real robotic lab,” said Joseph, who holds a 3.8 GPA and served as captain of last year’s robotics team. Explaining the difference between a Vex starter set, “more plastic,” and a Tetrix starter set, “more metal,” the young man was already thinking ahead to the upcoming First Tech Challenge which attracts engineering and robotics students from across the city. “I like our chances this year,” he said. One of 30 students in Tech Prep’s initial graduating class, Trayona remarked, “We’ve been waiting on the new school for years. It’s really a school of tomorrow for the children who live in DC today.” Captain of last year’s debate team and a contributor to the school’s online journal, Trayona has her sights set on attending Clark Atlanta University and becoming a history teacher. “The new Tech Prep facility is a brick and mortar representation of Mr. Hense’s vision for what a secondary school should be: both metaphor and practical space,” principal Doranna Tindle wrote in an email. Tindle was named Prin-
cipal in June 2012 and previously served as Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach at Friendship Collegiate Academy. “Tech Prep is a symbol for the promise and possibility that exists in our students and the surrounding community. Tech Prep is a practical space that helps us carry out our collegegoing STEM mission, providing state-of-the-art engineering and science labs, cutting edge technology, and green design.” As validation of the Friendship model, last year, the school’s charter application was approved by DC Public Charter School Board for another 15 years. Ballou High School Construction Continues A short walk down the street from Tech Prep, a state-of-the-art facility is rising anew out of the hillside at 4th Street and Mississippi Avenue SE. At a cost of $142 million, students from Frank W. Ballou Senior High School will discover a cutting-edge, modern school upon their return from winter break in January 2015. Built to accommodate up to 1,400 students, the new Ballou will have 37 classrooms as well as science labs, auto mechanic training and cosmetology training centers, a culinary arts kitchen, a greenhouse, performing and visual arts spaces, and a swimming pool. The second phase of construction, including a new football stadium and auxiliary field, is scheduled to be completed in August 2015. u
WA S H I N G T O N T E N N I S & E D U C AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N Fall Classes Starting for Ward 7 Residents Contact Mike Ragland, Tennis Director 202-660-0132 mragland@wtef.org East Capitol Campus | 200 Stoddert Place, SE 20019
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEpTEMbER 2014 H 53
KIDS & FAMILY
Tennis Lessons Teach More Than Good Sportsmanship
The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation aims to prepare students for life through tennis
A
sk Dallas Otigba, a precocious, athletic 14-year-old Ward 7 resident, what’s different about playing tennis at Tennessee State University and she’ll tell you it’s the way they play tennis. “They hit the ball different. They approach it in a different way. Some people attack it. But they just hit it differently. I’ve never seen anyone hit like that before.” Something else she had never seen before her trip down south was a rabbit. “I thought that was real interesting.” That one experience with out of town travel and touring has kindled her interest in other cultures beyond the District and she is eager to attend college. “I think college is going to be real fun.” For many of the students in the Center For Excellence Program at the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, the recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee was a series of firsts. Dallas and her teammates got a chance to tour two other colleges during their visit: Vanderbilt University and Fisk University. They got a chance to meet and greet their peers in a non-competitive sequence of tennis matches. (They were victorious over their Southern opponents.) They marveled at the African-American historical artifacts stored at Fisk including shackles from slavery days and the Abraham Lincoln Bible. Chris Green, 13, said that was the best part of the tour. “I didn’t know he had a separate Bible. And we 54 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Candace Y.A. Montague; photos by Gerald Weston learned that some of the Bibles in slavery days were changed to keep them in slavery. They didn’t have any hope.” Exposure to universities and cultures in other states provide youth with stimulation and ammunition to dream of life beyond sports. That’s one of the goals of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation.
Athletics and Scholarship
The Center For Excellence Program has approximately 100 students in the after-school program. The students are divided into beginners and advanced players. Students know that this center values education over sports. The rule is homework then tennis. The goal is to prepare the students for life through training and hard work. Students must present report cards every quarter. Developing study habits is imperative. Gerald Weston, Counselor at WTEF, says schoolwork is of the utmost importance. “Some of them weren’t used to doing homework. We make it known that they are going to do their homework. And if it’s not done properly they will have to redo it.” Washington Tennis and Education Foundation aims to improve the lives of underserved children and youth through sports and academic support. Students in the Center for Excellence Program come in five days a week to the
after-school program at the East Capitol campus off of East Capitol Street in Southeast. They receive homework support as well as math and reading tutoring. Once their work is checked, they can practice their tennis skills on the courts indoors or outdoors. The privately funded program is free of charge (including racquets and tennis outfits) and no Ward 7 student is turned away. The center picks up students from various schools and remains open until 7 pm.
Shifting the Focus
Although basketball and football are favored sports, WTEF tries to show youth that there are other sports that are just as demanding and rewarding. Weston says children today must look beyond traditional sports if they want financial assistance for college. “Most of our kids only know two sports: basketball and football. We try to explain that the chances of getting a scholarship for tennis are much greater than football or basketball.” Many coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) actively seek minority scholars who can play tennis. Parental support can be difficult at times. Moving from home to home, job demands or waning interest can present obstacles when trying to support their kids who are enrolled in the program. “Sometimes parents are in situations where they have their own issues.
That can make it hard for them to support the kids and their endeavors. But we try to work around it as much as possible,” says Weston.
Isn’t Tennis for White People?
African-American athletes can be found in just about every sport imaginable but because AfricanAmericans players dominate the National Football League and the National Basketball League it is easy to miss diversity in other sports. “There are two things we hear from the kids about tennis. It’s a sissy sport and it’s for white folks. Neither of which are true. You might be on the court for three to four hours with very few breaks in between sets. And it’s not a team sport where you have help out there. It’s just you. So it takes a lot of stamina to be able to play.” As for a sport for white people, not so much. Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison and the famous Williams sisters are proof that African-Americans excel at this sport. Black neighborhoods are seeing more tennis courts being revived or created such as the South East Tennis and Learning Center on Mississippi Avenue in Ward 8. Thanks to the efforts of former first lady of DC Cora Masters Barry, the SETLC opened in 2001. WTEF plans to continue the program for students in Ward 7 in the upcoming fall. Adults are also
Students in the Center For Excellence Program toured three universities in Nashville during a recent tennis playing tournament.
welcome to visit the center for fitness classes and tennis lessons. Creating more opportunities for exposure to other cultures and sports and building stronger athletes and even stronger scholars is the way WTEF invests in the future. For more information about the Washington tennis and Education Foundation, visit www.wtef.org. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | September 2014 H 55
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“You Can Call Me Al” by Myles Mellor Across:
1. X-Men villains 6. Penny ___ 12. City play place 19. Quarter 20. Airport area 21. Little sound 22. Iconic film director 25. Clear, in a way 26. Incite 27. Knowing about 28. Finnish river 29. Starting place 31. Scratches (out) 33. Automatic 35. Tennessee’s state flower 38. Still sleeping 40. Conclusion starter 42. West Indies native 47. Chess pieces 48. Tip-top 49. Boyfriends 51. Highland 52. Astronaut 56. Small passenger vehicle 57. Digital money 58. Flag 59. Grave marker 60. Pans 61. Mail Boxes ___ 62. Solemn stretch 63. Paul and Neal 66. Go downhill 69. Islam denomination 73. Catch 74. Fed. tax program 75. The “A” in James A. Garfield 80. Tube 82. Endured 84. Brazilian river 86. Russian novelist 89. Short overskirt 90. Primed 91. Effluvium 92. Witch 93. Fragrant compound 94. Rubberneck 95. Enclose a room 96. Come-on 97. Farm equipment 99. Eastern pooh-bah
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
102. Ghanian monetary unit 104. Normal prefix 108. On the safe side? 110. Cocoon contents 112. Roast host 116. American inventor 120. Beat 121. Walls 122. At the top 123. Stepped 124. Ukrainian port 125. Italic language
Down:
1. Raconteur’s offering 2. “Carmina Burana” composer 3. Some computer keys 4. Muralist Rivera 5. Outfield surface 6. Minute bit 7. Abraded 8. Stream 9. Enough 10. Morse bit 11. Bounce back, in a way 12. Scraps 13. Cravat 14. Maximum 15. Leader 16. Golden Triangle country 17. Middle Earth creatures 18. Kindergartener 19. Defective 23. Balkers 24. Sudden flow 30. Former Portugese province 32. Sports figures 34. Pomp 35. Mosque officials 36. Kindled anew 37. Cockeyed 39. “Humanum ___ errare” 41. Theater admonition 43. Fourth in a series 44. Chain of hills 45. Twain’s ___ Joe 46. Special Forces cap 48. Old Jewish scholars 49. Motions 50. Greek consonants
58 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 51. Lickety-split 53. Zippo 54. Old Spanish kingdom 55. Small amphibians 60. Tribulation 61. Poet’s palindromic preposition 64. Muhammad’s religion 65. Aim 66. In a languid manner 67. Court call 68. Low point 69. Suffix with sea or moon 70. Nathan and others 71. Bungling 72. Hopping joint? 74. Goad
76. Put on the line 77. Divinely inspired poet in India 78. Indo-European 79. Animal woe 81. Seize 82. Cold one 83. Honshu port 84. ___ report 85. New World lizard 87. Payor 88. Tiller’s tool 94. ___ oldies 95. Chips at 96. Pertaining to the edge of a body part 98. Pop
100. Church property 101. Corridors 103. Vast extents 104. Contract 105. Apple spray 106. Make over 107. Pink-slipped 109. Proof word 111. MasterCard rival 113. Anatomical sacs 114. Snap 115. Building add-on 117. Boolean logic operator 118. Certifiable 119. Indochinese language