APRIL 2022
PG.4
E AST OF THE R IVER M AGAZINE A PRIL 2022 N E X T I S S U E : M AY 7
WHAT’S ON SPRING ARTS Edition
IN EVERY ISSUE 54 55
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Crossword The Classifieds
32 The Washington Navy Yard: A Long History Briefly Told by William Zeisel
15 Green DC
36 Bulletin Board
16 Are Curbside Recyclables Actually
Recycled? Part Two of a Four-Part Spotlight DC Investigation by Mark R. Smith
19 Much Accomplished, But Much
More to Do: A Message from Tommy Wells,
by Kathleen Donner
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 42 Meet Ahmad Queenan:
Northeast’s Inspiring Science Teacher by Anthony D. Diallo
44 Changing Hands
by Don Denton
Director, DOEE
22 The Old Man of Anacostia: An
Interview with Brenda Richardson by Philip Pannell
KIDS & FAMILY 46 Notebook
by Kathleen Donner
24 Eager Beavers – What An Increase in Beavers Might Mean for the District by Elizabeth O’Gorek
ON THE COVER: Photo: Elizabeth O’Gorek
26 Our River: The Anacostia: Blue Plains - Working For All Of Us
by Bill Matuszeski
30 Green Calendar
by Kathleen Donner
Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of: Capital Community News, Inc. PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 www.capitalcommunitynews.com www.hillrag.com
MIDCITY
F A G O N
GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL
FAGON
EDUCATION
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2022 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
03
WHAT’S ON SPRING ARTS Edition
AZALEA PEAK BLOOM AT THE ARBORETUM
If you only go once, the time to go to the US National Arboretum is when their famous azaleas are in bloom. The early azaleas typically bloom in the second week in April; the late azaleas in the second week in May. Peak bloom is in between. The Arboretum grounds are open every day except Christmas from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The R Street entrance is closed to cars after 2 p.m., weekdays. Bicycles, pedestrians, official visitors, volunteers, tours, and contractors are still allowed in through R Street. Cars are always able to exit through the R Street gate. usna.usda.gov/discover/ gardens-collections/azaleas.
DC HIP HOP ARTISTS BRING THE GROOVE TO DANCE PLACE
Dance Place invites local Hip-Hop/Street and Club dance artists based in the greater Washington, DC region to celebrate the rich history of Street and Club dance culture. The Dance Place/DC Cypher will host three events on April 23 and 24 centering the experience of ciphering in these social dance forms. There will be a panel discussion on April 23, 4 p.m. in Arts Park; a Cypher dance performance at 6 p.m., also in Arts Park; and an indoor pay-what-you-can ticketed performance on April 24, 6 p.m. Dance Place is at 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org.
“WATERGATE: PORTRAITURE AND INTRIGUE” AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery presents “Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue,” an exhibition exploring the 50th anniversary of the watershed moment through portraiture of the era. The June 17, 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices at the Watergate complex quickly escalated to a political and legal crisis that reached the highest levels of the United States government—including President Richard M. Nixon. The word “Watergate” came to mean the burglary itself, the subsequent cover-up of White House complicity and Nixon’s use of federal agencies to obstruct justice. The exhibition explores the relationship between portraiture, investigative journalism, activism and politics. “Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue” is on view at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G Streets NW, through Sept.5. npg.si.edu.
NATIONAL CANNABIS FESTIVAL
MENDELSSOHN’S ELIJAH AT THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
On Sunday, April 10, 4 p.m., commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday with the dramatic retelling of the life of the prophet Elijah and the epic return of the Jewish people to Israel. Brought to new life by the Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra, the quiet intimacy of the Cathedral’s Great Choir will enliven the beginning of Holy Week with selections including “Lord, bow thine ear to our prayer,” and “He, Watching Over Israel.” $25 to $65. Online, pay-what-you-wish, access is also available. Registrants will be sent a link on April 10. cathedral.org.
The sixth annual National Cannabis Festival, the East Coast’s largest ticketed cannabis gathering, returns to Washington’s RFK Campus on Saturday, April 23 with performances from Wiz Khalifa and Ghostface Killah, a wide range of exhibitors, and a culinary pavilion complete with cooking demonstrations led by top chefs, talks and eating contests, among many other attractions. The weekend begins on Friday, April 22 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the National Cannabis Policy Summit, where lawmakers and advocates convene to discuss the most pressing cannabis policy issues. On Sunday, festivities wrap up as homegrowers from across the MidAtlantic present their THC and hemp flower and vie for the highest honors at the National Cannabis Championship. Early-bird tickets now on sale at nationalcannabisfestival. 04
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Image: “Watergate Breaks Wide Open” by Jack Davis, watercolor and ink on paperboard, 1973. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of TIME magazine.
Photo: Doug Van Sant
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
05
SPRING ARTS Edition
MOUNT VERNON’S REVOLUTIONARY WAR WEEKEND
On April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine), Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and greet General Washington. Activities are included in admission price: $28 for adults, 12+; $15 for age six to eleven; five and under, free. There is a $2 price reduction for early online ticket purchase. mountvernon.org.
Lois Mailou Jones, The Green Door, 1981, watercolor over graphite on wove paper. National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, William A. Clark Fund)
AFRO-ATLANTIC HISTORIES AT THE NGA
Photo: Rob Shenk
ONE WITH ETERNITY: YAYOI KUSAMA IN THE HIRSHHORN COLLECTION
Come closer to Yayoi Kusama through five of her artworks in the Museum’s collection, including two Infinity Mirror Rooms, immersive spaces that will heighten your sense of being part of something much larger than yourself. The exhibition also includes sculptures, an early painting and photographs of the artist. Throughout the eight-month exhibition, free sameday timed passes will be distributed at the Museum, Thursdays to Sundays, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis until all the day’s passes have been claimed. Each person over the age of 12 may claim up to two passes, based on availability. hirshhorn.si.edu. Visitor experiencing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—My Heart Is Dancing into the Universe (2018), part of the 2022 exhibition One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Photo: Matailong Du
06
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
For centuries, artists have told and retold the complex histories of the African Diaspora. Afro-Atlantic Histories takes an in-depth look at the historical experiences and cultural formations of Black and African people since the 17th century. More than 130 powerful works of art, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, and time-based media by artists from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, bring these narratives to life. This exhibition was initially presented as Histórias Afro-Atlânticas in 2018 by the Museu de Arte de São Paulo in Brazil. Afro-Atlantic Histories is at the National Gallery of Art, West Building, from April 10 to June 17. On April 30, the John Wilmerding Community Celebration will invite audiences to experience the art and culture of the African Diaspora with music, dance, and spoken word. nga.gov.
ELIZABETH CATLETT SCULPTURES AT THE NMAAHC
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has installed three sculptures created by acclaimed artist Elizabeth Photo: Josh Weilepp/NMAAHC Catlett. The more than five-foot-tall sculptures “Offering Education,” “Offering Life” and “Rejecting Injustice” are on long-term display as visitors enter the museum through Heritage Hall. The installation of these sculptures, which symbolize motherhood and the dignity, struggle and uplifting of African Americans, is one of many ways in which NMAAHC celebrated Women’s History Month in addition to amplifying stories through its Hidden Herstory initiative. The pieces will join a selection of her groundbreaking woodcuts currently featured in “Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience.” in the Rhimes Family Foundation Galleries on the museum’s fourth floor. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Timed-entry passes are required and available at nmaahc.si.edu.
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
07
SPRING ARTS Edition
CHARM CITY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
On April 29 and 30, the Charm City Bluegrass Festival is back at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore for its fifth year featuring the best in national and regional bluegrass. Here’s some of the lineup: Hiss Golden Messenger; Yonder Mountain String Band; The Lil Smokies; Larry Keel; Hackensaw Boys; Armchair Boogie; AJ Lee & Blue Summit; Fireside Collective; The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys; Charm City Junction; Dori Freeman; Hampden Bluegrass All-Stars. Single beer tickets to full two-day VIP passes are on sale now at $6 to $179. Twelve and under, free. charmcitybluegrass.com.
CAT POWER AT THE LINCOLN
Charlyn Marie “Chan” Marshall better known by her stage name Cat Power, is a singer-songwriter, musician, occasional actress, and model. Cat Power was originally the name of Marshall’s first band but has become her stage name as a solo artist. Cat Power’s sound seems to be constantly evolving, with a mix of punk, folk and blues on her early albums, and elements of soul more prevalent in her later material. Cat Power is at the Lincoln Theater on Friday, April 15, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). $40. Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW. thelincolndc.com.
John Douglas Thompson and Alfredo Narciso. Photo: Henry Grossman.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE AT SHAKESPEARE
Shakespeare’s remarkable exploration of justice returns to Washington, stoking the debate on what is right, what is fair, and what is lawful – and who gets to decide. Shakespeare’s most provocative problem play compels us to examine our own prejudices and the true nature of mercy. The Merchant of Venice is at the Michael R. Klein Theatre, 470 Seventh St. NW, Through April 17. shakespearetheatre.org.
MOUNT VERNON SPRING WINE FESTIVAL & SUNSET TOUR
On May 13, 14 and 15 (rain or shine), 6 to 9 p.m., taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s most popular event of the year. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the Shops at Mount Vernon and wine valet service are open until 8:45 p.m.; cellar and Mansion are open until 8:30 p.m. Friday entrance, $59; Saturday, $63 and Sunday, $53. mountvernon.org.
SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW RETURNS LIVE
The Smithsonian Craft Show returns to the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, on April 20 to 24. For the show’s 40th year, they’re planning a five-day celebration that will feature the major contemporary artists and outstanding innovators now shaping new futures for craft. The theme is New Directions—new directions in design and production, ways to embrace sustainability, use of new materials and technologies, and more. Greet 120 jury-selected artists, working in a range of media and price points. Look for basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, glass, furniture, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood. Browse by artist and/or category at smithsoniancraftshow.org. Paper: Flavia Lovatella
08
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
09
SPRING ARTS Edition
LEXICON LANE (WORD SLEUTHING ADVENTURE) OPENS AT PLANET WORD
Planet Word, the nation’s only museum dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language, has just opened a new permanent space. “Lexicon Lane: A Word-Sleuthing Adventure” challenges visitors to solve a variety of different word puzzles. While the rest of the museum, housed in the restored historic Franklin School building, offers cutting-edge technology and contemporary gallery design, Lexicon Lane immerses the visitor in a completely different environment. The new experience is located on the third floor in a space designed to resemble an old village. Bespoke, eccentric, and mysterious, this quaint town offers 26 unique puzzle cases full of clues leading visitors to surprising solutions. Planet Word, 925 13th St. NW, is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free with a $15 suggested donation. planetwordmuseum.org/lexicon-lane.
Lexicon Lane: A WordSleuthing Adventure opened at Planet Word March 26. Image: Courtesy of Planet Word
DIANA KRALL AT THE WARNER WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S “CARMEN” Bold, uninhibited, and strong-willed, Carmen lives life on her own terms. She’s the woman who everyone wants – but she wants nothing but freedom. After she escapes trouble by seducing Don José, she sets her eyes on the bullfighter Escamillo. But when Don José’s jealousy finally catches up to Carmen’s fiery act of betrayal, her freedom will lead to shocking consequences. $45 to $299. Carmen is at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House from May 14 to 28. kennedy-center.org.
Isabel Leonard
DIONNE WARWICK AT THE WARNER
Dionne Warwick is a singer, actress, television host, and former Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. She is also one of the most-charted vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Hot 100 between 1962 and 1998. She is best known for “Walk on by”, “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Alfie.” Ms. Warwick is at the Warner Theater, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on May 13, 8 p.m. $45 to $95. livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAJv7aA/warner-theatre-events.
10
E ASTOFTHE R IVER DCN EWS . COM
Diana Jean Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist, and singer known for her contralto vocals. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, including over six million in the US. On December 11, 2009, Billboard magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the decade (2000–2009), establishing her as one of the best-selling artists of her time. To date, she has won three Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. Diana Krall is at the Warner Theater, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on May 3, 8 p.m. $55 to $125. livenation.com/venue/ KovZpZAJv7aA/warner-theatre-events
CHESAPEAKE BAY BLUES FESTIVAL
The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival is on May 21 and 22 (music starts at 11 a.m., both days) at Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. Joss Stone on Saturday, 7 p.m. and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Sunday, 7 p.m. lead the lineup. Here’s the rest: Samantha Fish, The Spinners, Bernard Allison, North Mississippi Allstars, Altered Five Blues Band, Ally Venable, Elektric Voodoo, Danielle Nicole, Wayne Baker Brooks, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Gabe Stillman, and CBBF All Star Band. $100 each day and $130 dayof; under twelve, free. bayblues. org.
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
11
KRAFTWERK 3-D AT THE ANTHEM
SPRING ARTS Edition
United Arab Emirates: From poetry to perfume, explore past and present traditions of the region as resources for connecting communities and envisioning a sustainable future.
SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been a collaboration with cultural practitioners, communities, and heritage professionals to spark curiosity, catalyze intercultural exchange, and create participatory experiences that nurture human connection. Themes for this year’s Festival are United Arab Emirates (From poetry to perfume, explore past and present traditions of the region as resources for connecting communities and envisioning a sustainable future.) and Earth Optimism (Meet scientists, anthropologists, and other specialists to learn about conservation in action at the Smithsonian and in our communities.). The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is on the National Mall from June 22 to 26 and June 30 to July 4. festival. si.edu.
Kraftwerk is a German band formed in Düsseldorf in 1969 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. Widely considered innovators and pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk were among the first successful acts to popularize the genre. The group began as part of West Germany's experimental krautrock scene in the early 1970s before fully embracing electronic instrumentation, including synthesizers, drum machines, and vocoders. $65 to $150. Kraftwerk 3-D is at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on June 19, 8:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). theanthemdc.com.
SIX AT THE NATIONAL
(DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED, DIVORCED, BEHEADED, SURVIVED.) From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power. This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. Six is at the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from July 5 to 10. broadwayatthenational.com. Brittney Mack (Anna of Cleves, center) with (l-r) Anna Uzele (Catherine Parr), Abby Mueller (JaneSeymour), Andrea Macasaet (Anne Boleyn) & Adrianna Hicks (Catherine of Aragon)
DRUMFOLK BY STEP AFRIKA AT ARENA STAGE
Electrifying percussive dance fused with contemporary art forms fuels Step Afrika!’s latest production, Drumfolk, inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739 and the Negro Act of 1740 in South Carolina. State laws mandated that enslaved Africans could not assemble or use their drums which were used to signal the uprising. They took away the drums, but they could not stop the beat. This is the rich story of a movement that could not be stopped and transformed African American culture from then to the present day. The immersive production will be the first of three as part of a multi-year collaborative partnership between Step Afrika! and Arena Stage. $76 to $95. Drumfolk is at Arena Stage May 31 to June 26. arenastage.org. Photo: Jacob Andrew Iwinski
12
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
MEAN GIRLS AND JERSEY BOYS AT THE KC
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Pictured (L-R): Danielle Wade (Cady Heron), Megan Masako Illinois. How will Haley (Gretchen Wieners), Nadina Hassan (Regina George), and Jonalyn Saxer (Karen Smith). Photo: ©2021 Jenny Anderson this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. $45 to $199. Mean Girls is at the Kennedy Center Opera House from April 5 to 24. /// They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. $49 to $149. Jersey Boys is at the Eisenhower Theater from June 14 to 26. kennedy-center.org.
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY For existing and aspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you!
WEBINAR: LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (CBE) Wednesday, April 6, 2022 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/56493
WEBINAR: HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MADE IN DC CERTIFICATION Thursday, April 7, 2022 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/55601
WEBINAR: NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WITH THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (DCPTAC) Thursday, April 7, 2022 1:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/55481
WEBINAR: FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: MODULE 2, THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/56311
WEBINAR: ALL THINGS NON-PROFIT Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/55690
WEBINAR: FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: MODULE 3, THE BUSINESS PLAN Thursday, April 28, 2022 2:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/56321
Open for Guided House Tours & Self-Guided Garden Visits Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm Sunday Noon – 4 pm tickets: tudorplace.org
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE Monday - Friday By appointment between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: “TALK BUSINESS AFTER HOURS” Monday and Wednesday By appointment between 4:00pm - 6:00pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538 | dcra@dc.gov
1644 31st Street, NW | 202-965-0400 E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
13
14
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
East of the River presents
n ee r G C D Special
Issue E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
15
n e e r G DC
Are Curbside Recyclables Actually Recycled? Part Two of a Four-Part Spotlight DC Investigation
B
by Mark R. Smith
efore dawn, the concrete tipping floor at cycled? This investigation has found that despite the Fort Totten Transfer Station in Northeast city’s commitment to a world of Zero Waste, actual resDC is quiet, and mostly cleared. It is basiidential recycling of trash has fallen. cally an empty shed that serves as the landThis article is the second in a Spotlight series on ing spot for the District’s daily recyclables. DC recycling. It investigates the fate of recyclables colA little before 6 a.m. private haulers start to check in lected by DPW at the curbside, examining their comat the weigh station and dump their hauls. Thus beplicated journey from blue bins to reuse. gins an ersatz vehicular parade that runs well into the mid-afternoon. The DC Dept. of Public Works (DPW) recycling trucks join Plastic bags are an expensive the line later in the morning, checking in at danger, constantly tangling recycling equipment. They should the weigh station first before dumping their never be used to hold recycling. loads on the tipping floor. Photo: Andrew Lightman It’s a busy, crowded and loud scene, with a cacophony of engines and hydraulics punctuated by the grunts of aging forklifts and big-clawed grapplers. DPW staff manages the traffic, processing the evolving pile of recyclables into a semblance of order. Which brings us to Melinda. Readers may recall that Melinda, a resident of Northwest, from last month’s installment, enjoys a soda or two. As a conscientious steward of the environment, she places her empty plastic bottles, along with her cardboard and paper products, in her DPW-provided blue bin. Melinda knows her bottles will end up on that very tipping floor after pickup by a DPW recycling truck. Since plastic bottles are considered especially clean recyclables, she is confident hers will be recycled into another bottle or may be used to make a park bench, clothing, furniture, containers or myriad other products. But will this happen? How much of what is deposited in blue bins is actually re16
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Curbside Pickup Drive through the District on trash pickup day. The curbside is dotted with those ubiquitous blue recycling bins, which the DC government provides to 105,000 single-family dwellings and multi-family buildings containing three or fewer units. Homeowners like Melinda deposit their recyclables in these containers and carry the bins to curbside. DPW employs 80 workers and 24 trucks based at W Street NE and Lot 8 of RFK Stadium, to collect recycles deposited in these blue bins. They run 115 routes throughout the District. “Their (DPW’s) workers are very good at picking up and moving the recycled products. In recent years, they’ve also worked on trying to limit the contamination in what they pick up and take to Fort Totten,” said Chris Weiss, executive director of the Washington-based DC Environmental Network. “So there are good things to say on that front.” DPW trucks haul approximately 30,000 to 40,000 tons per annum, which constitutes 10 percent of the city’s singlestream (mixed) recyclables. They deliver their loads to the Fort Totten Transfer Station, located on Bates Road NE.
Tipping The Recyclables After all of the recycle trucks “tip” their loads at Fort Totten, DPW employees conduct a visual inspection. “It’s not 100 percent scientific, but the workers get a good idea of what looks bad, especially with the crazy stuff that ends up getting tipped, including cinder blocks, plastic window
WIDE SHOE OUTLET
FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS OVER 50+ years of experience FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Savings in store and online
simplywide.com Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots • Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking • Cradles • Easy Street
10 off
$
Lots & Lots
Wide Width Shoes
All Sales
Limited Time simplywide.com
10
%
OFF
SERVICE *New Clients only. Exp. 04/30/2022
All Day Comfort
4279 Branch Avenue Marlow Heights, MD 20748
301-702 1401
FREE ESTIMATES Check us out on Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor
ROOFING & GUTTERS FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS NEW ROOFS EXPERTS IN PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ROOF COATINGS AND REPAIR ALL TYPES OF ROOFING GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS CHIMNEY REPAIRS BRICK AND MASONRY WATERPROOFING BRICK TUCKPOINTING BLOWN-IN INSULATION
202-262-4168 I HstewartRoofing.com LICENSED BONDED INSURED
E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
17
#Ward8Votes The Ward 8 Democrats is hosting “Your Choice, Your Vote,” a virtual candidates’ forum on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at noon for Delegate to Congress, At-Large Council, and Council Chair. This is your opportunity to hear directly from Democratic candidates vying for your support for these important offices. Join us as we explore their records, ideas, policy proposals, and vision for our Ward, the District, and the nation.
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/Ward8Votes
18
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
A Message from Tommy Wells, Director, Department of Energy & Environment
blinds,” etc., said Charlotte Dreizen, a former program analyst with DPW’s Office of Waste Diversion and now a sustainability manager for a DC-based trade association. The crews either accept or reject the pile on the tipping room floor. If the load is acceptable, the crew transfers the recyclables into a larger, privately-owned long-haul truck for a 24-mile journey north on Route 95 to a processing facility owned by Waste Management (WM) in Elkridge, MD. “For any given load (of recyclables on the tipping room floor) that has more than 20 percent contamination, the entirety of that load will be moved to the trash pile, as recycling facilities can’t handle an infinite amount of contamination.” said Dreizen. All trash is later placed on another DPW truck for a trip to either one of the city’s landfills or the Covanta waste-to-energy plant (incinerator) on Furnace Road, in Lorton, VA. “Typically, they (DPW employees) see loads that are pretty good, though there are no official agency numbers,” Dreizen said. “A couple of times a day if a load of recycling comes in at 50 percent contamination, the contract with WM dictates that WM can reject it. So rather than taking it to Elkridge and wasting money on time and gas, plus polluting the air with the truck’s emissions, they just throw it in the trash.” To that point, Neil Seldman, director of the Waste to Wealth Initiative for the Washington-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) estimates that 20 percent of recyclable loads tipped out on to the floor at Fort Totten are found to be contaminated. DPW was unable to confirm Seldman’s and Dreizen’s statements. However, statistics of recycling can be gleaned from the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation & Environment’s Oversight Committee’s DPW hearings: In particular, the agency res we approach Earth Day 2022, I pause to reflect upon our work over the past five ported the recycling diversion rate for DPW residential collecor six years at the DC Department of Energy & Environment. It is a privilege to tion for the past four fiscal years. The rates were: work with so many smart and dedicated people devoted to restoring and protect• FY 18 – 25.24% ing the natural health of our city. And there have been some surprises along the way. • FY 19 – 25.1% The first is the prediction of a rapidly changing environment due to glob• FY 20 – 25.0% al warming has happened far faster than I could have imagined. Our city is experiencing unprece• FY 21 – 23.9% dented flooding and high heat for longer periods putting many of our residents and Important city The recycling diversion rate is defined as the weight of assets at risk. While I am proud DC is leading the nation in implementing innovative programs to diverted waste (recyclables) divided by the weight of all waste mitigate climate change, there is always a sense that it is not nearly enough. It is clear we must fothen multiplied by 100. So, over the last four fiscal years the cus on adaptation and resilience in the face of major environmental change. The climate has already diversion rate for residential trash pickup has fallen 1.34 perchanged for the world and our city must prepare for what is to come. The team at DOEE has made cent. Not a positive trend. (https://zerowaste.dc.gov/sites/dethis task its primary focus. fault/files/dc/sites/zerowaste/CY%2018%20Diversion%20 The second surprise is found in the results of all the efforts we are making to restore streams, elimReport%20Final%203%2010%2021.pdf ). inate toxic pollution, prevent our sewer systems from overflowing and restore natural habitat throughDPW has not published an Annual Waste Diversion Reout DC. We have seen nature do its part meeting us more than halfway in repairing natural habitats. port since 2018 (see the adjacent table). In that year, DPW Eagles, ravens and other species of birds not seen in nearly 100 years have returned to the city. Beacollected 140,987.45 tons of solid waste from the curbside vers and other wildlife are returning to our rivers as well. This is a miraculous phenomenon to observe and at community drop-off locations. The largest portion of as we restore nature to DC. this, 18.79 percent, were “single stream recyclables.” SingleWe have made substantial progress as a city implementing new green infrastructure, deploying sostream recycling is a system wherein recyclables, including lar energy and cleaning up our waterways. Much of this has been accomplished because of the support newspaper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, etc., are placed in of our residents and the resources made available through our tax dollars. On this Earth Day we know a single bin for pickup by a truck to be sorted later. we have done much to lead the nation, but we also know there is so much more to be done. At the time of its most recent DC Council perfor-
Much Accomplished, But Much More to Do
A
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
19
n e e r G DC mance hearing, the agency testified that 2021 Diversion Report had been completed, but not been released. The report had not been published at the time this article was written. At a late March 2022 roundtable presided over by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh (D), Seldman and other veterans of the DC recycling industry all expressed frustrated by the DPW’s lack of transparency when dealing with the community. The national average recycling diversion rate is somewhere between 32 and 35 percent, stated Seldman. “A strong figure would be about 45 percent, he added. Cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (Ore.) and Bethlehem (NY) “are all at or above 70 percent. Any city that is doing well is at or above 40 percent,” Seldman pointed out. So, what happens to the recyclables deemed sufficiently uncontaminated enough to process at Elkridge?
Processing Recyclables At WM’s facility in Elkridge, the materials are weighed, dumped on WM’s own tipping floor, where they are evaluated again for contamination. Those that are accepted are moved to a conveyor belt. Line workers shuffle through the items in the facility’s pre-sort area. They remove everything not recyclable such as dirty diapers or soccer balls. Most importantly, they toss out those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags along with their contents. DC’s recyclables are then comingled with those of other jurisdictions. Recyclables at Elkridge are made up of: 40% - plastic, glass, aluminum cans and bimetal cans; 35% - corrugated cardboard ; 25% - other paper products. After sorting the recyclables with its various machinery, WM bails the materials to sell as a commodity at market price. “One day, it may be purchased by a company in North Carolina, another day by a company in the Midwest,” said Dreizen, “and still another day by one of WM’s international clients. It depends on the market and quantities.” Twice a year DPW and WM cooperate to measure percentages of glass, paper, cardboard and contamination in DC’s recyclable stream, Dreizen said. “It’s usually a couple of people who make the trip from DPW to see the material that it is managing.”
While the DC recycling rate stands at about 20 percent for cans, bottles, cardboard and paper products off to the trash pile, according to the DPW and to ILSR, “the amount of material in the general waste stream is much more than that,” he said. “Many plastic soda bottles, for instance, are in the regular trash, which is why DC has a very low recycling rate compared to other cities.” For its part in this equation, there has been much turnover in recent years at the top spot at the DPW, which some observers point out as part of the issue. A request by Hill Rag to interview current DPW Solid Waste Management Administrator Valentina Ukwuoma, who oversees recycling, was declined. Blake Adams, manager of the DPW’s Office of Waste Diversion, did respond to an interview request, after DPW public affairs initially answered most questions regarding this article via email. All of DPW recycling residential efforts will remain ineffective, however, if the public does not understand what to and what not to deposit in the agency’s blue bins.
Public Ignorance
After it’s bailed, recycled product at WM is loaded onto trucks and sold on the open market. Photo: Mark R. Smith
20
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Though the posted rate is 20 percent, “I estimate that about 50 percent of the cans, bottles and paper products in the trash stream are recyclable,” said Seldman, but do not end up in the blue bins “due to the lack of recycling culture and incentives in the District.” “The DPW is trying to get people to recycle better, by providing feedback to households about what not to recycle and to not put their recyclables in plastic bags,” said Seldman, “but what they are not doing is expanding the number of households that recycle.” “Nor are they doing three things they need to do,” he said. “Raise public awareness efforts with bus and train ads, flyers, newspaper ads, etc.; start a school education program with re-
cycling-based curricula and industry internships for high school and junior college students; and create incentives to recycle, like unit pricing for garbage collection which is used in thousands of US cities. That can increase recycling by about 40 percent.”
Wish Cycling Whatever the numbers, there is one major issue that stems from the general public’s need for more information,
WHAT NOT TO RECYCLE What does not go in your blue recycling bin? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Recyclables in plastic bags Plastic bags, period (take them to your local grocer) Plastic film Plastic wrap Batteries and electronics Clothing and shoes Food waste Food-soiled plastic/ paper containers Glass Paint and other household hazardous wastes Plastic window blinds Scrap metal, wood and furniture Styrofoam “Tanglers,” like hoses, wires, cords and holiday lights Textiles, clothing and linens Wet cardboard/paper Yard waste, wood, flowers
At http://zerowaste.dc.gov, users can type the name of an item into a search bar and see if it can or cannot be accepted.
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
21
n e e r G DC
The Old Man of Anacostia An Interview with Brenda Richardson
T
by Philip Pannell
o paraphrase Frederick Douglass, the lion of Anacostia, we must embrace our environment in all its grandeur and all its disgrace.
Brenda Richardson, a Ward 8 resident, was recently named the coordinator for the Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative (APACC), a coalition of three dozen community organizations involved with issues facing the Anacostia River and Park and their adjacent neighborhoods. She is a graduate of Ballou High School, the University of Michigan and received her Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. She served as the deputy chief of staff for the late Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and as a DC Library Board Trustee. She is the vice chair of the Friends of Oxon Run Park and co-chairs the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s Poplar Point Committee. 1. How, why and when did you develop an interest in the environment? I developed an interest in the environment when I was working on Dave Clarke’s campaign. He was very pro-environment. I started to go to environmental meetings at Federal City College and walked into a room of mostly men who were
working on environmental policy, but folks from my community were not in the room. It was at that time I began to learn more about environmental justice and how women had to step up to the plate to advocate against the injustices in our disfavored communities. 2. There are very few Blacks in the environmental movement in DC. Why do you think that is the case? Environmental issues are not on folks’ radar screens because it is not a priority like making sure food is on the table, you have a roof over your head and dodging bullets. It is also a long-term commitment to be well-informed on some complicated issues like electrification, floodplain mitigation, heat islands as well as rising sea levels and their impact on communities of color. For example, we need more trees east of the river to improve our air quality and provide shade. There is a direct correlation between rising heat sensitivity and violence. However, oftentimes residents in disinvested neighborhoods do not want more trees because that blocks one’s view; people can hide behind trees and hurt you or drug dealers hide their weapons and drugs in trees. Clean and green practices in dispirited areas can only make things better. 3. In DC, crime and violence are at the top of the list of issues for most DC voters. Can any approaches to this problem be found in environmentalism? Absolutely, there are deterrents to crime and violence in environmentalism. Clean streets make a difference in how residents feel about their neighborhoods. But how often are the streets of Ward 8 swept clean by DPW? Trees play a tremendous role in reducing heat sensitivity that can lead to crime and violence. But some folks don’t want trees in neighborhoods because it is a sign of gentrification. Brenda Richardson can be reached at brichardson@cleanwater.org
Philip Pannell is a long time Ward 8 community activist. He can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. u
22
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
communication and education. That’s dealing with contamination and its ugly neighbor, “wish cycling.” “There is much ‘wish cycling,’ going on, which occurs when the public – through lack of instruction/education or indifference – throws out Christmas lights, aerosol cans, dirty diapers, small (or large) appliances, etc., said David Biderman, executive director for the Silver Springbased Solid Waste Association of North America. “People are generally not good recyclers and there are fires in facilities every day due to propane tanks and lithium batteries being tossed into the blue bins. And plastic bags,” Biderman said, “are a MRF’s (a materials recovery facility or “murph”) number one enemy. MRFs have to shut down several times a day to pull the plastic bags out of the recycling equipment.” It’s a key aspect of the process that the public needs a better understanding of. “I don’t want to call out the public, but I think the local governments and solid waste companies can do a better job of training the general populace about what’s recyclable and what’s not,” he said. “The numbers are improving, but we have ways to go.” Seldman concurred. “We need heightened educational efforts by the District and the companies involved to educate the public,” he said. “Know that the greater the contamination, the more expensive recycling is for the city.” What generally happens today is that the workers who
pick up the recyclables can put a sticker on items and plastic bags that are not recyclable. “The next option is to simply not pick up the loads and let them pile up,” he said. “People get the message.” The biggest reason to get recycling done right is to keep as much rejected material as possible away from landfills and incineration. “We don’t want [anyone] to send any trash to incineration,” said Weiss. “There are a million reasons to not do that and it’s what the entire world is struggling to move away from. We are also trying to move away from landfills; there are many problems there, too. We want a system in DC that motivates residents to recycle the waste.” This four-part investigation on District recycling continues in May. The third installment investigates the much larger world of commercial recycling. Where does it actually go? How much of it is properly disposed of? This series is supported by a grant from the Spotlight DC: Capitol City Fund for Investigative Journalism. Spotlight DC encourages the submission for proposals by independent journalists. For more information on Spotlight, visit www. spotlightdc.org. Mark R. Smith is a freelance writer based in Odenton, Md. He writes for The Business Monthly, in Columbia, Md., where he also served as editor-in-chief for almost 15 years; earlier, he spent 16 years contributing to The Daily Record, in Baltimore. He has also recently worked for Expansion Solutions, the Georgetown University Law Center and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, as well as many other publications during the past three decades. u E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
23
n e e r G DC
Eager Beavers
What An Increase in Beavers Might Mean for the District
T
he District is located at the confluence of two rivers, a city built around streams, marshes and wetlands. It’s the home of 800,000 people. It is also the perfect habitat for beavers. Over the past few years, residents and visitors have increasingly spotted the sleek, orangetoothed rodents and their activity in and around the city’s waters. One of those places is Kingman Island, where Friends of Kingman Island Vice President Lora Nunn and her family like to explore along the shoreline, looking for what her two children call ”beaver evidence”; trunks stripped of bark; trees felled, leaving pointed stumps; dams in the water. If they are very lucky, they will spot a beaver itself, swimming in the water under the bridge between Heritage and Kingman Islands. “They leave significant evidence on a tree that is unmistakably beaver,” said Nunn. “The kids love seeing it.” The beaver activity is proof of a tremendous resurgence. What does that mean for the District’s environment, its wildlife and its residents?
Fashion Victims When Europeans arrived, there were between 60 and 400 million beavers on the North American continent; by 1850, the year the top hat fell out of fashion, and
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
with it, demand for beaver pelts, they had been eradicated from many states. They could only be found in rare pockets around what was then the nascent District. But over the past 30 years, beavers have returned to the District in increasing numbers. They’ve reestablished themselves to about 25 percent of their pre-colonization population. District Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) doesn’t do a beaver census, but frequency counts indicate the area population has actually stabilized over the last ten years. The feeling that there are more beavers in the last few years might be as much perception as reality, said DOEE fish and wildlife biologist Lindsay Rohrbaugh. People have increasingly been outside during the pandemic. “A lot of people are just enjoying their parks and noticing the beavers,” she said. There’s a cap on how many beavers can populate the District, experts say. First, they don’t tolerate other beavers with their areas. Second, there’s only so much territory. “Absolute beaver numbers are always going to be limited by the fact that they can only occupy stream channel and flood plains,” agrees City Wildlife’s Dr. John Hadidian, formerly a scientist with both the Humane Society of the US and National Park Service (NPS). “That’s something that [only] extends 100 to 300 feet from the water, depending on tributary size. “
Giving A Dam
A beaver family has moved into Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Courtesy: NPS Capital Parks East.
24
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Beavers are nature’s engineers, so well-known for their abilities that a determined beaver is the logo for the MIT athletic teams, the Engineers. Beavers dam rivers and streams to create ponds where they build their underwater homes, or lodges. In their lodges, they raise multi-generation families—babies, called kits, will live with their parents for two years, helping to raise the next yearlings. Their environmental modifications can have many benefits. Beaver dams slow the flow of water, creating new wetlands that can become the ideal habitat for birds and animals like muskrats, shorebirds and ducks as well as amphibian and plant life. The dams also act as natural filtration systems, capturing pollutants and silt before they can enter the river.
Beaver activity is tremendously beneficial to the District, said Jorge Bogantes Montero, Stewardship Program Specialist for the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). Last fall, he and a group of volunteers were going down Nash Run, a tributary of the Anacostia River located roughly along the 4400 block of Douglass Ave. NE. The District restored Nash Run in 2016, part of an effort to reduce stormwater erosion and flooding that also created the perfected habitat for beavers. The project restored one acre of wetlands and more than 1,400 feet of stream, planting 99 canopy trees, more than a thousand bushes and creating a floodplain to dissipate the energy of stormwaters and to lower erosion. It mirrors the work of beavers, who create multiple pools that slow stormwaters. The AWS team was walking upstream, focused on the area’s mussel population, when they realized the path of the stream looked different. “I said, that’s weird,” Bogantes recalled. “I wonder why that is.” Walking up to the culvert where the tributary passes under the parking lot of New Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, they found a big beaver dam. When they returned in February 2022, Bogantes counted up to four more dams. Many stream restoration systems are inspired by the work of beavers, he said, but the DOEE project attracted nature’s experts in engineered waterland restoration. “The beaver dams you see at Nash Run are exactly doing that,” he said, “slowing down the water, filtering nutrients, trash, sediment. It’s exactly what we need.” “We just have to evaluate the side effects [on] the people.”
Nice Gnawing You While the return of beavers to Nash Run is helping DOEE meet goals such as stormwater mitigation and pollutant filtration, their return can create conflict with humans. The beavers are cutting down some of the trees DOEE planted during restoration. They’re also affecting the homes of human neighbors. During his last visit one neighbor told Borges that he liked the beavers fine – it’s the water he’s worried about. “The beaver is ponding, so there are big ponds
Leave It To Beaver
Beaver activity is tremendously beneficial to the District, said Jorge Bogantes Montero, Stewardship Program Specialist for the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS).
getting closer to his house—the water line is probably 20 feet from the house now,” Borges recounted, “so you have to think about basement water issues, flooding that you have to start worrying [about] if you are a neighbor of those beaver habitats.” Other neighbors have expressed concerns. Just a few months ago, NPS rangers at nearby Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens noticed a family of beaver had moved in and built a lodge between two large ponds in the northeast end of the park. While beavers frequently visit the park, this is the first time they’ve tried to move in, said NPS spokesperson Sean McGinty. “It’s looking like they’re trying to make a home here, to stick around and try to possibly raise some young,” he said. But Kenilworth Park is home to exotic species of plants and large meadow restoration sites, growth that can be severely endangered by damming. It’s technically illegal, even for beavers, to cut down trees in a National Park, McGinty said. Rangers are keeping an eye on the water lily and lotus pools and watching for any beaver engineering that could create unsafe conditions, such as blocking or flooding pathways. Rangers also want to make sure that both beavers and people remain safe as they interact; for instance, they don’t want people to try to feed beavers or touch them.
There are devices that can maintain water levels—pond levelers—that can also help resolve flooding conflicts, though none are yet known to be in use in the District. Trees can be protected with spray repellents, or more effectively, with wire mesh. NPS has employed the latter measure for some time. McGinty said rangers are monitoring the situation. If there is a significant negative impact, he added, NPS might have to consider relocating the beavers. NPS hasn’t done that in years, maybe not since the infamous beaver family moved in to the tidal basin around the Jefferson Memorial in 1999 and chopped down four cherry trees and five cedars. But McGinty said plans are being formulated should beaver management become a problem. Rohrbaugh at DOEE said they have made recommendations to residents and contractors and even the Pentagon for beaver remediation, usually suggesting residents use mesh fencing to preserve trees. But they won’t relocate beavers. “We don’t do that, it’s not part of our work. The beavers are meant to be there,” she said. If an area is prime habitat, she added, another beaver will likely try to stake a claim to the area anyway. Beavers and humans are existing in a sort of a tense relationship because of their mutual effect on our built environment, said Hadidian. But we also need them to mitigate some of the problems our cities have caused, such as storm flooding and habitat destruction. “You can create win-win situations very easily with beaver,” said Hadidian. People are becoming much more tolerant of living with wild animals, he adds. “It’s just a matter of understanding them better, understanding how to resolve conflicts and incorporate them into their lives.” Learn about City Wild Life at citywildlife.org/. See the District’s State Wildlife Action Plan at doee.dc.gov. Learn more about Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens at www.nps.gov/keaq/ ◆
Try a Class at Wesley! There is still time to register for classes at Wesley this summer! Explore your interests, start a degree, do post-graduate study…there is something for everyone!
Online, on campus or a mix of both… Evenings, weekends…
Wesley has a course that fits into your busy schedules! Here’s just a sample of upcoming classes: • Music and Social Justice • Social Justice & Cinema: Racism, Colonialism & the Rights of the Marginalized • Biblical Storytelling • The Church and the Civil Rights Movement • Spirituality and EcoJustice • Introduction to Disability Ministries and Deaf Ministries
We’d love to help you find the learning opportunity that’s right for you. Contact the Wesley admissions office at
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or (202) 885-8659. See the full list of classes at www.wesleyseminary.edu/admissions E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
25
n e e r G DC
Blue Plains - Working For All Of Us Our River: The Anacostia by Bill Matuszeski
A
Blue Plains, with the Potomac River on the Left and I-295 on the right. Photo: DCWater
26
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
long the Potomac, virtually in the back yard of Anacostia, is Blue Plains, a remarkable place that we are so lucky to have. Blue Plains is nothing less than “The Largest Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant In the World.” How it got that recognition and what it does for us is a rather complicated tale, but worth getting to know. The south end of Blue Plains, where the Cleaned Blue Plains is part of DCUp Waters are discharged into the Potomac. Photo: Bill Matuszeski Water, which also provides drinking water to 700,000 DC residents plus visitors. So rather than the sewers overflowIn addition to this, it treats ing into our rivers whenever it rains, they wastewater for 1.6 million additional reswill now deliver near 100% of the overflow idents of nearby developed areas, includto Blue Plains. A tremendous effort is uning Montgomery, Prince Georges, Fairfax derway to not only treat this sewage, but to and Loudoun Counties. Blue Plains treats develop a range of potential future uses for an average of nearly 300 million wastewaits components. This effort has produced ter gallons per day, has a design capacity for a range of re-use options under the leader384 million and a peak capacity with temship of Chris Peot, a longtime Capitol Hill porary storage of more than a billion galresident who is Director of Resource Recovlons per day. ery. During treatment, bio-solids and enerDavid Gadis is the Chief Executive gy are extracted and re-used. The bio-solOfficer and General Manager of DCWaids are marketed to agriculture and garden ter. He ensures that DCWater delivers on supply companies. Other processes in the diits commitment to virtually eliminate comgesters produce enough electricity to cut the bined sewer overflows into the Potomac, Blue Plains bill by a third. the Anacostia and Rock Creek. We have alThese are only examples of a full range ready seen amazing results from its $2.7 bilof innovative treatments that take the plant lion investment in a massive system of deep beyond a “primary” or “secondary” desigtunnels and other projects in the Anacostia, nation and make it an Advanced Wastewater with real progress toward the ultimate goal Treatment Plant. of a 98% reduction of sewer overflows—the highest percentage reduction goal in the Advanced Treatments metropolitan area, by the way, and among The whole process of this advanced treatment the highest on earth!
covers a wide range of options and an extended period of time. Key elements are: (1) Screening and Grit Removal: A set of screens removes objects, large particles, rocks and other non-degradables. They are loaded into trucks and taken to a landfill. (2) Primary Clarifiers: In a coneshaped tank, solid particles settle on the bottom, and wastewater flows outward over a set of weirs. Fats, oils and grease are skimmed off the top, solids settle to the bottom, and both are directed to Solids Thickening (see #8.) (3) Secondary Reactors and Sedimentation: Secondary Treatment is a biological process using activated sludge. The microbes need both oxygen and food. Air is blown into tanks for oxygen. Wastewater contains the food, which the microbes consume and grow more microbes. A portion of the microbes are kept to sustain the process; the rest are recycled with the biosolids. (4) Advanced Treatment: Most treatment plants stop treatment after completing 1,2 and 3 above. What follows establishes Blue Plains’ reputation as an Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility. (5) Nitrification: The first step is to oxidize the nitrogen from ammonia to nitrate. This is done in nitrification reactors using microbes and a large amount of air. (6) Denitrification: As a second step, the newly formed nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas, which can be safely released to the atmosphere. (7) Multimedia Filtration and Disinfection: The remaining treated plant flow is filtered through sand and anthracite. It is disinfected and residual chlorine is removed. The final plant effluent looks the same as drinking water. (8) Solids Thickening, Dewatering: Solids are removed from the settling tanks, put through grit removal and sent to gravity thickeners. Solids from the secondary and nitrification processes are sent to tanks where they are floated to the surface. The two solids are combined in a blending tank and are de-watered.
Now Available ONLINE @
in the Whole Foods Section
The best corn you’ve ever had 100% ALL NATURAL!
Available at I N T H E F R OZ E N V E G G I E S S E C T I O N
NO added sugar, additives, coloring or preservatives
More info and recipes at: larrysweetcorn.com E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
27
Chris Peot, who has the lead at Blue Plains for much of the activities to reuse all the by-products of advanced sewage treatment. Photo: Bill Matuszeski
“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises 513 11TH ST. SE (EASTERN MARKET METRO)
202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTAT I N G E X H I B I TS O F LO C A L A RT I S TS 28
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
(9) Thermal Hydrolysis and Anaerobic Digestion: High heat and pressure eliminate pathogens, preparing “food” for the hungry microbes in the digesters, which produce methane and biosolids. The methane is used to fuel turbines, which produce a net 10 megawatts of electricity and steam to feed to other processes. (10) Bio-solids End Use: The biosolids product is Class A so it can be safely applied in both Urban and rural areas. Much is hauled to farmlands, forests, reclamation projects and local soil blenders who can use it themselves or bag it and sell it through stores with the commercial name “BLOOM.” It is basically returning carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil. (11) Filtrate Treatment Facility: This group operates the DEMON process, using anammox bacteria to remove nitrogen without using methanol, which saves costs. (12) Enhanced Nutrient Removal: A recent project has reduced further the level of nitrogen discharged into the Potomac. This lower level will reduce the growth of grasses in the River that deplete nitrogen and harm fish habitat. With this in place, Blue Plains is now producing effluents with some of the
Reusing all the materials produced by the clean-up is the key to Advanced Treatment; this material becomes a safe fertilizer for plants of all kinds, from farmers’ crops to home flower gardens. Photo: Bill Matuszeski
lowest levels of nitrogen in the country. All in all, Blue Plains is a very impressive place to visit. And the priorities it sets provide major support for all the efforts to restore the Anacostia and other rivers in our region. Next time you open your water bill, think of all those wonderful benefits you are getting from the check you write. And keep pushing for more and faster progress whenever and however you can! Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of Friends of the National Arboretum and on Citizen Advisory Committees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia. ◆
Tour Blue Plains If you want to visit and see Blue Plains for yourself, you can sign up now. The tours have been suspended due to Covid, but you can reserve for a future date, and word is the tours are about to reopen. Check www.dcwater.com/ request-tour. Once you are onsite you will be impressed and absorbed by all that is happening to protect our health, the lands and waters around us.
G E T YO U R B E A N S DELIVERED
660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1718 14th St. NW Union Market www.peregrineespresso.com E AST
Order With Joe’s Coffee App
JOE.COFFEE
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
29
n e e r G DC
Adopt a Cherry Tree The Trust for the National Mall invites you to Adopt a Cherry Tree. This program supports the National Park Service’s year-round efforts to preserve and protect the beloved cherry trees. You can make an individual gift, start or join a crowdfunding team, and help spread the word. Donations at any level are welcome. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch.
Green Calendar Year-round #BloomCam. Brought to you by the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and Earthcam, is a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin, one of the most popular sites in Washington, DC. https://www.bloomcam.org/ offers year-round views of the cherry trees and their seasonal changes to viewers worldwide. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch. Ward 8 Woods Monthly Cleanups. Ft. Stanton Park Volunteer Days--every first Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shepherd Parkway Community Cleanup, every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at ward8woods.org/volunteer. DC Food Waste Drop-Off Sites. Year-round sites are Columbia Heights Farmers Market, 14th and Kenyon streets. NW, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dupont Circle Farmers Market, 1500 20th St. NW, 8:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Eastern Market, 635 No. Carolina Ave. SE., 9 to 1 p.m.; Palisades Farmers Market, 49th Pl. and MacArthur, NW, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Brookland Farmers Market, 716 Monroe St. NE, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; First Baptist Church of Deanwood, 1008 45th St., NE, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find seasonal sites at dpw. dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.
Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup. April 23, 10 a.m. to noon. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the coveted t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.
Moonset and Sunrise Over Capitol Columns at National Arboretum. April 15, 4:30 to 7:15 a.m. Join Cap-
Living Earth Festival: Saving Sacred Spaces. April 22 to May 15. Panel discussions and film screenings at the American Indian Museum. Across the country, sites sacred to Indigenous communities are at risk due to environmental changes, population growth, tourism, and natural resource extraction. americanindian.si.edu/calendar.
Turkey Run Park Trail Opened.
Through April 22. This documentary photography exhibition brings together the work of over 50 photographers and video artists from around the world to visualize the climate crisis—its causes and consequences—as a large-scale immersive experience. Kennedy Center’s REACH Campus. CoalandIce.org. 30
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Making America’s Public Lands: The Contested History of Conservation on Federal Lands. April 19, 1 p.m. (online). archivesfoundation.org/event/making-americas-public-lands.
An Intro to the 2022 City Nature Challenge. April 20, 7 to 8 p.m. The City Nature Challenge is the area’s “spring census” of local plants, bugs, and wildlife. At this training session, you can get the basics about how to participate in the event. Read more at anacostiaws.org.
Potomac River Cleanup at Theodore Roosevelt Island. April 9, 9 a.m. to noon. Join Potomac Conservancy at Theodore Roosevelt Island for a day of preventing litter from entering the Potomac so the nation’s river can remain beautiful, drinkable, and fishable. Register at potomac.org.
COAL + ICE: an immersive photography + climate experience
ital Photography Center in the wee hours of the morning for this special access opportunity to photograph the moonset and sunrise over the lighted Capitol Columns at the National Arboretum. $109. A per person donation to the National Arboretum is included in the class price. fona.org/events_ programs.
A half-mile section of trail within the George Washington Memorial Parkway at Turkey Run Park (adjacent to the C-1 parking area) has been opened. It took more than four years to complete. The trail allows for safe and easier access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which parallels the Potomac River.
Earth Day Springhouse Run Volunteer Day. April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help keep the restored National Arboretum’s Springhouse Run stream healthy by pulling invasive vines and weeds. fona.org. Arboretum Garden Fair & Plant Sale. April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Members get early admission.). Prepare your garden for the year with our fantastic array of plants, vendors, and expert gardening advice. Enter on New York Avenue. Shuttle will take you to the Visitor’s Center. fona.org.
Volunteer with Earth Conservation Corps. Earth Conservation Corps recruits motivated youth from Anacostia River neighborhoods and empowers them to lead a year of local habitat restoration. Across thirty years, corps members have inspired the movement to restore the Anacostia River and constructively fight the foundational issues of environmental justice, underemployment and crime. Complete the Volunteer Interest Form at earthconservationcorps.org. u
SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Re
bat
10% OFF
DC
es
SE
Ava U ilab l
e
$25 OFF
LIST PRICE ON ANY EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS *Exp.4/30/2022
Any Service Call *Exp.4/30/2022
18 Month, 0% Interest Financing
FAST SERVICE FAST INSTALLATION Serving Capitol Hill Since 2001
REUSE FIRST, THEN RECYCLE! IT’S EASY! 1. Toss dry, undamaged, reusable packaging and hard-to-recycle materials into the REUSE! Bin. 2. We collect your REUSE pick up on your designated day FROM YOUR HOME! 3. We sort, track, process items as needed to maximize material recovery.
• Residential & Light Commercial
4. Material is sent to local end markets and partners for REUSE instead of landfill or incineration.
• Roof Top Package Units
5. Items that cannot be REUSED will be donated, recycled, or processed into new products.
• Highly Experienced Technicians • Low Prices • Free Estimates On Replacements • Convenient Financing • Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Specializing in:
Equipment: Change outs & Complete Ductwork Systems + High Velocity Systems WE SERVICE & INSTALL ALL MAKES & MODELS
202-333-1310
www.polarbearairconditioning.com Your crew was really clean and tidy. Plus, they were very pleasant to work with.We really appreciated that. – Linda, Capitol Hill
All Credit Cards Accepted
For a full list of what we collect and to sign up visit:
Plastictree.com 202-964-0025 | info@plastictree.com
E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
31
neighborhood news
The Washington Navy Yard A Long History Briefly Told
T
by William Zeisel
he Washington Navy Yard is not what it seems. Arguably it is not a navy yard at all. Back in 1800, when the base opened, navy yards constructed, equipped and repaired naval vessels. Today’s Yard builds and maintains no ships, casts no anchors or cannons and functions mainly as a command and ceremonial center. The Yard has a public face, like the majestic Latrobe Gate on Eighth and M streets SE, or the impressive naval museum and historical center, or the gun park sprinkled with cannons and other trophies. But it has also had a less visible and even secret side, with labs that helped perfect naval communications and radar and factories that built giant guns and manufactured munitions.
Early Days
Several years before Washington became operational as the nation’s capital, the US government decided to place a naval yard on the Anacostia River, a stream located far from the ocean but with good depth of water and access to the timber needed
View of Navy Yard in 1866, showing the “experimental battery” in foreground and 11th Street Bridge in background. Photo: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
Latrobe Gate looking from the Yard’s interior, 1923. US Marines guard the entry while a streetcar makes the turn at the intersection of M and Eighth streets SE. Photo: Library of Congress
32
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
to build ships. The Yard completed its first warship, the sloop Wasp, in 1806, and more would follow during the next five decades, like the 74-gun ship of the line Columbus in 1819. Military bases attract people, not only soldiers or sailors and civilian employees but those who provide essential services like groceries, liquor and entertainment. The Navy Yard, as Washington’s largest industrial establishment, had an especially large draw. The scale of operations varied. Originally the workers numbered in the hundreds, but in its fat-cat days, through World War II, the Yard employed thousands of women and men – some 26,000 at its peak in the mid-1940s.
The paychecks of these workers fed the surrounding neighborhoods on both sides of the Anacostia River. During the 1850s, real estate developers created Uniontown, on the south side of the river, to provide housing for city workers, who could walk to work on a crossing at 11th Street SE known as the Navy Yard Bridge. Uniontown prospered and became a core of what is now known as the community of Anacostia. On the north shore of the Anacostia River, a settlement called Navy Yard Hill had its own public market, village green and churches. The neighborhood was largely working class and racially mixed, in keeping with the profile of the Yard’s employees. The Navy hired workers
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
33
neighborhood news
The Neighborhoods
Not all local residents benefited from the Yard’s money machine. Just east of the Yard was Pipetown, a mixed-race neighborhood of shacks and taverns that was one of the poorest and most lawless parts of the city. In January 1884, a police lieutenant named Greer, of the Eighth Precinct, speaking to a newspaper reporter after having visited Pipetown, declared, “I would almost rather be led out and shot than to be compelled to witness so much human misery and woe again.” Pipetown gained a degree of immortality in Pipetown Sandy, a novel by John Philip Sousa, the March King, who grew up on G Street SE nearby. Immediately north of the Navy Yard, other poor neighborhoods extended from M Street up to Virginia Avenue. During the Depression years, when federal funds became available, the District began constructing subsidized housing, including two projects near the Navy Yard, the Ellen Wilson Dwellings and the Carrollsburg Dwellings, completed in 1941. The Wilson homes were for whites, the Carrollsburg homes for blacks. The city’s original housing agency, the Alley Dwelling Authority, built approximately one unit of whites-only housing for every two units of black-only, to account for the greater poverty level among the city’s African Americans. The authority’s successor, the National Capital Housing Authority, abandoned the segregationist racial policy in 1952, declarSuperintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee in her Navy Yard office, 1918. Canadian-born Higbee became the first woman to ing that its new projects would not discrimreceive the Navy Cross, for her service in World War I. In World War II, the inate in accepting tenants. When the CarNavy named a destroyer after her, USS Higbee, which served in the Pacific rollsburg Dwellings complex was extended theater. Photo: Library of Congress north from M Street in the late 1950s, the 612 new units got their own name, Arthur wherever it could find them, including Irish and German Capper Dwellings, to honor a US senator immigrants and other whites, but also free blacks and even from Kansas who had championed affordable housing. slaves. Black workers and slaves usually got the worst jobs The Capper homes were integrated, at least on paper, and lowest pay. but the reality was different. White flight to the suburbs The complicated and sometimes tense relations and an influx of African Americans was growing the proamong these workers are mentioned in the diary of Miportion of low-income black residents while reducing chael Shiner, who worked at the Yard from 1813 to 1865, that of whites. first as a slave and then, after 1836, as a freedman. For about a decade, Shiner was owned by the Yard’s clerk, Thomas Howard, who kept a portion of Shiner’s pay. In Serious Business line with the relaxed slavery that prevailed in the District, The Yard itself was also changing, in both function and Shiner seems to have had quite of bit of latitude in moving size. Its ability to manufacture anchors, chains, steam about town, as he did to attend services at the local Ebengines and other heavy gear essential for the whole enezer Methodist church or to take meals and drinks at Navy made it ideal for the development of heavy ordthe Capitol Hill restaurant run by a former slave, George nance. In 1845 the Yard established a facility for the Lee. Shiner witnessed many notable events, such as the design and production of fuses, rockets and mines (ofcity’s burning by British troops in 1814 and its first race ten called torpedoes back then). riot, in 1835, begun by white workers at the Navy Yard. Under the direction of a naval officer, John A. Dahlgren, the yard became the Navy’s gun capital. Dahlgren 34
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
designed the Navy’s biggest weapons, some capable of throwing projectiles weighing hundreds of pounds. To test his designs, Dahlgren constructed an “experimental battery” in the Yard, a one-story building for firing new guns into the Anacostia River. Fortunately, the guns of the day had a limited range, and the massive shells would have fallen harmlessly into the water, but it must have been a heart-stopping experience for a riverman to hear a ka-boom! and the roar of a projectile overhead, followed by a huge water splash. For the next century, the Navy Yard designed and often constructed the guns that adorned US warships like the Arizona and the Missouri. But as military art and technology developed new capabilities, so did the Yard. When wireless communication, aka the radio, appeared ca. 1900, the Yard began a school to train naval radio operators. As medical practice improved, the Navy formalized its nursing service and gave it a headquarters at the Navy Yard. Thomas Edison suggested that the Navy might profit from having its own high-tech lab, and the Navy agreed. In 1923 it created the Naval Research Laboratory, now housed a little ways down the Potomac in a collection of buildings topped with white domes that look like oversize ping-pong balls.
A Changing Tide
New capabilities needed new spaces. The Yard’s original site was relatively small, stretching from M Street to the water and from Ninth to Fifth streets SE. It expanded with
Frontispiece for Pipetown Sandy, a novel by John Philip Sousa published in 1905. The novel’s protagonist was a resident of Pipetown, one of Washington’s toughest neighborhoods. Image: Wikisource
Cicil M. Coles of the National Youth Administration instructing Juanita E. Gray to operate a lathe machine preparatory to her employment at the Navy Yard, 1943. This former domestic worker was one of many African American women trained for the Yard during World War II. Photo: Library of Congress
the world wars, especially during World War II, when it grew to cover 127 acres with acquisition of a large tail of land on its western side. But after the war, the scale of operations fell so much that in 1963 the Navy declared the western 63acre parcel as surplus and gave it to the GSA – the federal government’s property-management arm. Shops and foundries that once produced weapons of war stood empty, the economic flow into local neighborhoods slowed, M Street became a mean street that cab drivers drove with unease. Finally, starting in the 1990s, the GSA was able to find non-military tenants, who began turning the land and the buildings to new uses. Swords were beaten into – beer mugs, pizza trays and woks, while cabin cruisers replaced battlecruisers. Patrons at trendy eateries and groggeries in the Yards, the residential complex and pleasure resort constructed on the Navy Yard’s old tail, now work knives and forks instead of lathes and drill presses. Southwest resident William Zeisel is a partner in QED Associates LLC, a consulting firm that has conducted extensive research on the history of the DC area. He is co-author of the official history of the University of the District of Columbia. ◆
METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
HOMICIDE VICTIM
DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT
VICTIM’S NAME
Charnice Milton
LOCATION
2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE DATE/TIME
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Up to $25,000 Reward
9:40 PM
On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at approximately 9:40 pm, Ms. Charnice Milton was shot and killed in the 2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The Metropolitan Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in gathering information regarding this homicide.
CONTACT
Detective Chanel Howard (202) 437-0451 Detective Robert Cephas (202) 497-4734 Homicide Branch (202) 645-9600
(cell) (cell) (main)
H O W TO H E L P O U R I N V E S T I G AT I O N
This case is being investigated by the Department’s Homicide Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the detective(s) listed above or the Command Information Center (CIC) at (202) 727-9099. Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
35
neighborhood news / bulletin board
Black Georgetown History Through Immersive Theatre
Composed by Ronald “Trey” Walton, with music direction by Evelyn Simpson Curenton and featuring some of DC’s brightest performers, “Voices of Zion” represents a community-wide collaboration among partners in the social, spiritual and business sectors: ANMT, Mt. Zion-FUBS Cemeteries, Dumbarton United Methodist Church, Quilts4DC, Coalition of African American Performing Artists, Rotary Clubs of DC and Bethesda, United Presbyterian Church, Georgetown University, Headstones and History, Oakhill Cemetery, Dumbarton House and the Colonial Dames of America Oakhill. A special preview performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m., as part of DC’s Emancipation Day celebrations at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE in Anacostia. The preview is offered at $25 per ticket at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/6046/event/1262051.
The Ward 8 Democrats Forum, April 23
is hosting “Your Choice, Your Vote,” a virtual candidates’ forum on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at noon for Delegate to Congress, At-Large Council, and Council Chair. This is your opportunity to hear directly from Democratic candidates vying for your support for these important offices. Join us as we explore their records, ideas, policy proposals, and vision for our Ward, the District, and the nation. #Ward8Votes Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/Ward8Votes
Thriving East of the River
Join Scott Kratz, senior vice president of Building Bridges Across the River, on Tuesday, May 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., for a discussion about community-centered work allowing local residents to stay and thrive in place. The event will address investments in affordable housing and small business and workforce training. Joining will be Harold Pettigrew, Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif ); Kimberly Driggins, Washington Housing Conservancy; and Latrena Owens, St. Elizabeths East. Thriving East of the River is at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE. Register at www.bbardc.org.
Enslavement to Emancipation Screening
“Enslavement to Emancipation” is a television documentary chronicling the history of the Compensated Emancipation Act of April 16, 1862, freeing the enslaved people of Washington, DC. The screening is on Thursday, April 14, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 36
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Hang with Down to Earth Season Artists & Partners
On April 23, noon to 3 p.m., visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, to hang out and meet the artists and partners of the Down to Earth artist-in-residency program of the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The artists created their works focusing on the climate crisis and its relationship with systemic racism. Celebrate Earth Day and Down to Earth’s connections and discoveries. Participants who want to make a day of it are welcome to join the Earth Day clean-up at the park from 9 a.m. to noon. www.kenaqgardens.org
DCHFA, Your in in the District. DCHFA, Your Homeownership HomeownershipResource Resource the District. DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District. DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeDC Doors is your key to homeownership in the DCOpen Open Doors city. This program offers competitive interest rates and ownership inis the This program offers DC Open Doors yourcity. key to homeownership in the lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust competitive interest and lower mortcity. This program offers rates competitive interest rates and DCmortgage Open Doors lower insurance costs ontrust first trust homebuyer or aDoors D.C. resident gage costs on first mortgages. in the DC insurance Open is your key to homeownership , be purchasing a home in interest the city. This program offers competitive rates and You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident District of Columbia. lower mortgage insurance costsa home on firstintrust DC Open Doors , be purchasing the homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for District of Columbia. DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the
DCOD. Youor must, however, be purchasing homebuyer a D.C. resident city. This program offers competitive interest rates and
, bedeferred purchasing a for home in the HPAP provides interest free loans down lower mortgage insurance on first trust a home in the District ofcosts Columbia.
District of Columbia. serves free as a deferred co-administrator HPAP provides interest loans forofdown homebuyer or a D.C. resident this DC Department of Housing and Community , be purchasing home inof the Development’s (DHCD) first-time home abuyer Home Purchase serves as aAssistance co-administrator District of Columbia. program. this DC Department of Housing and Community HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down Program (HPAP) Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer HPAP provides interest program. servesfree as adeferred co-administrator of this DC of Housing and Community loans for Department down payment and closing cost HPAP provides interest free deferredhome loansbuyer for down Development’s (DHCD) first-time assistance up to $84,000 combined. DCHFA program. years or older who have fallen on insurance servesbehind as a co-administrator of serves as a co-administrator of this DC and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. this DC Department of Housing and Community Qualified District homeowners can receive up to Department of have Housing and Community years or older who fallen behind on insurance Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer and tax payments as a result of their reversehome mortgage. Development’s (DHCD) first-time program. Qualified District homeowners can receive up to buyer program.
yearsprovides or oldermortgage who have fallen behind on insurance DC4ME assistance with optional and tax payments result of their reverse mortgage. down payment assistanceastoa D.C. government Qualified District homeowners can receive up to employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time DC4ME District government employees,assistance includingwith employees DC4ME provides mortgage optional ofdown District instrumentalities, payment assistance tofallen D.C. assistance government DC4ME provides mortgage years or government-based older who have behind on with insurance independent agencies,as Public Charter Schools, employees. DC4ME isD.C. offered toof current full-timemortgage. and tax payments a result their reverse optional down payment assistance to D.C. and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's District government employees, including employees Qualified District homeowners canCouncil receive to employer falls under the oversight ofassistance the ofupoptional ofgovernment District government-based instrumentalities, employees. DC4ME is offered DC4ME provides mortgage with the District of Columbia. independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, payment assistance to D.C. government todown current full-time District government and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time employer under the oversight of the of employees, including employees of Council District Districtfalls government employees, including employees the of District of Columbia. District government-based instrumentalities, government-based instrumentalities, COVID-19 DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with Schools, optional independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance to independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter down payment assistance to D.C. government and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time employer falls under the oversight the Council of Schools, and organizations, the pandemic. Qualified borrowers can provided receiveof a loan of COVID-19 District government employees, including employees the District of Columbia. upapplicant/borrower’s to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage employer fallsassistance under to DC MAP provides financial ofup District government-based instrumentalities, for to sixCOVID-19 months. those affected by thethe impacts the independent agencies, D.C.ofPublic Charter Schools, the oversight of Council ofCOVID-19 the District pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's oftoColumbia. up $5,000falls per under monththe to put toward their employer oversight of themortgage Council of COVID-19 for to six months. theup District of Columbia.
815
DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance to those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 Visit www.DCHFA.org pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage how COVID-19 for up to to sixapply months.to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance to Visit www.DCHFA.org FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of homeownership programs. how to apply to any of DCHFA’s up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.
815 FLORIDA NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 E AST OF THE•RWWW.DCHFA.ORG IVER M AGAZINE A PRIL 2022 37 Visit AVENUE, www.DCHFA.org
how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG
Visit www.DCHFA.org
neighborhood news / bulletin board
Deer Populations Management in DC Parks
Photo: Dionne McDonald
The National Park Service will implement a deer management plan in selected national parks in Washington, DC, and Maryland. The plan will guide management to support long-term protection, preservation and restoration of native plants and natural and cultural landscapes that may have been damaged owing to excessively large deer populations. The White-tailed Deer Management Plan applies to the following DC sites: Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, Fort Mahan, Fort Dupont, Fort Davis, Fort Chaplin, Fort Stanton, Fort Ricketts, Fort Greble, Battery Carroll and Shepherd Parkway. Read the planning
Nationals Honor Cherry Blossoms with City Connect Uniforms
Spring in Washington means two things: baseball and cherry blossoms. The Washington Nationals have combined these two features, revealing the club’s cherry-blossom-themed City Connect uniforms. The Nationals are the first of seven clubs participating in this year’s Nike MLB City Connect series. They will wear the uniforms during selected games through the 2022 season and will debut them during the home-opening weekend on Saturday, April 9 (7:05 p.m. vs. New York Mets) and Sunday, April 10 (1:35 p.m. vs. the Mets). www.nationals.com/cityconnect
Juan Soto in a DC City Connect uniform.
Community Benefits Coming to The Wharf
The vision for Phase 2 of The Wharf development is becoming a reality on the Southwest waterfront. The individual elements will finish at different times during this year and the project will be fully completed before the end of 2022. Employment will be available with the opening of Phase 2. At least one job fair will be held in the Southwest community later this spring. The Tides, a mixed-income residential rental building with units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, will include market, affordable and workforce units for households earning 30%, 60%, 100% and 120% of area median income. Initial tenant move-in will be this summer. www.thetidesDC.com documents at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=119547.
Tea at THEARC
Celebrate Building Bridges Across the River’s 17 years of serving residents east of the Anacostia River at the Wacky and Whimsical Tea for THEARC on Sunday, May 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. The festive event, hosted at THEARC campus, offers an afternoon of fun for the whole family. The tea also features children’s games and activities, exciting performances, door prizes and more. Tickets start at $20. Contact Sara Lange with questions at slange@thearcdc.org or (202) 889-5901 x 100.
DC Library’s Haiku Contest
Celebrate National Poetry Month by participating in DC Library’s Haiku Contest. Haikus have three lines of 5 syllables/7 syllables/5 syllables. Create your own 17-syllable masterpiece on one of the following topics: your love of books, reading or the library; something small that gives you joy; DC in springtime or noticing your neighborhood. Poets of all ages can enter and submit up to two haikus. Prize-winners will take home library swag and eternal glory. Winning poems will be posted in the libraries and on the DC Library website in May. To enter, pick up a paper form from any library branch or enter online at www.dclibrary.org.
Mosaic Theater Company Announces Season
The 2022/23 season is the first season selected and planned by Mosaic’s new artistic director, Reginald L. Douglas. The lineup aims to spark conversation across DC with productions and special events that engage artists and community members around issues of and for the moment. Here’s the lineup: “The Till Trilogy” by Ifa Bayeza, Oct. 7 to Nov. 20; “Mexodus” by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson (workshop production of new musical in development), Dec. 8 to 18; “Bars and Measures” by Idris Goodwin, Feb. 1 to 26; “Unseen” by Mona Mansour, March 29 to April 23; “Murdered Men Do Bleed and Drip” by Jennifer Barclay and Hannah Khalil (workshop production of new play in development), April 28 to May 7. www.mosaictheater.org
Synetic’s Ukraine Benefit Performance of “The Servant of Two Masters”
Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, presents Synetic Supports Ukraine, a benefit event on Friday, April 29, at 8 p.m. All proceeds will go to United Help Ukraine. Synetic Supports Ukraine will open with a short concert of contemporary sacred vocal works by the artists of Lyrica Classic, a collective of Russian and American musicians. Following a brief intermission, Synetic Theater will present its current production of “The Servant of Two Masters.” Tickets are $45 to $100 at www.synetictheater. org/synetic-supports-ukraine/.
Second COVID-19 Booster Now Available
The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending a second booster dose for individuals 50 and older, as well as certain individuals who are immunocompromised and at higher risk for severe COVID-19. Eligible individuals who received their initial booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on or before November 30, 2021, may now receive a second booster of either vaccine. Find a DC vaccination center at www.coronavirus. dc.gov/covidcenters. E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
39
neighborhood news / bulletin board
Juan Soto in a DC City Connect uniform.
Local Artists Highlight Climate Crisis and Ward 7 Indigenous History
The Down to Earth exhibit at Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE, through April 15, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, through April 30, shines a light on the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Ward 7’s past, present and future with a sharp focus on the climate emergency and its intersectionality with systemic racism. This exhibit is the culmination of work over the past year with four different artists and includes clothing, maps, oral history and oil paintings. The two exhibit sites, along with artwork created over the past year, will feature conversations with the artists and an Earth Day cleanup. www.capitalfringe.org
The US Botanic Garden Reopens
The United States Botanic Garden fully reopened on April 1. Admission is free and timed tickets are not required. The Conservatory has resumed normal hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; the gated outdoor gardens are open spring-summer hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens will continue to be open dawn to dusk. All of the Conservatory’s interior rooms will be open starting April 1, and the Children’s Garden and Southern Exposure seasonal outdoor courtyards are planned to reopen April 22, weather permitting. www.usbg.gov
National’s Home Run Charity 5K
The Washington Nationals Home Run Charity 5K returns for its second virtual Home Run on April 22 to 29. Each registrant will receive a race kit with exclusive gear including a t-shirt, finisher medal, race bib, towel and drawstring bag. Early bird registration, $65; early bird registration and finish-line party, $100. www.give.nats4good.org 40
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
$200 Bicycle Incentive for DCPS Employees
Get Paid to Pedal gives District public, private or charter-school teachers and school staff a $200 reimbursement (while program funds last) toward the purchase of a bicycle at District bike shops and online retailers. To date, the Get Paid to Pedal program has helped 107 teachers and other school staff purchase a new bicycle. www.goDCgo.com/bike-incentive
Washington Nationals Announce Season Details
The Washington Nationals have announced several details for fans in advance of the 2022 season. Single game tickets for all 2022 regular season games are on sale now. Fans coming to Nationals Park will enjoy expedited entry with the implementation of CEIA OpenGate technology at all entrances. Fans entering the ballpark no longer need to remove keys and wallets from their pockets or have their bags searched, but instead will walk through the screening system in a single file line before presenting their tickets. All bags larger than a clutch must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and may not be larger than
ANC-8B
Monthly Community Meetings
3rd Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm Next Meeting: April 19, 2022
16 x 16 x 8 inches. Fans with medical or diaper bags may use the ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate gates to have their items inspected. Fans may bring a small clutch (5 x 7 x ¾ inches or smaller) in addition to or instead of a clear bag. Visit www.nationals.com for more information.
Free Tax Services in DC
Capital Area Asset Builders encourages individuals and families to take advantage of trusted and high-quality free tax preparation services offered to lowand moderate-income DC residents in all eight wards and online. DC residents who in 2021 earned $58,000 or less are eligible for free personal income-tax preparation services. The services are provided by IRS-certified community volunteers who will assist with submitting federal and DC personal income taxes. For more information, visit www. caab.org/en/dceitc.
Clemency Board Application Process Launched
Mayor Bowser has launched an application process for letters of recommendation to the District of Columbia Clemency Board. The Clemency Board considers applications from people convicted of DC Code offenses and, if clemency is warranted, helps applicants receive pardon or commutation. Details of the application process can be found at www.clemency.dc.gov.
DFHV Sets $1 Taxi Surcharge
The Department of For Hire Vehicles has added a $1 surcharge to taxi fares. The surcharge will help offset the effects of the US ban on Russian oil and high prices at the gas pump. The surcharge will stay in place for 120 days unless rescinded sooner by DFHV Director David Do. www.dfhv.dc.gov/page/ taxicabfares ◆
Join Zoom Meeting by Video: Where: Zoom.us Meeting ID: 944 9344 8524 Passcode: 3275KC1
Dial in by Phone: Where: 1-301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 944 9344 8524 Passcode: 6755143
ALL ARE WELCOME
Georgetown Canal Boat Rides Resume
For the first time in more than a decade, a canal boat is back in Georgetown. Measuring 80 feet long and 12 feet wide, the new boat is modeled after designs for packet boats that plied the canal during its early years. The boat will connect visitors to the stories of the people who helped build and sustain the nation’s capital, as well as the technology that made the canal possible. Rides on the boat, based near Thomas Jefferson and 31st streets, start in late April and go through the end of October. Days, times and ticket prices will be announced soon. www.georgetownheritage.org E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
41
east washington life
Meet Ahmad Queenan Northeast’s Inspiring Science Teacher
C
hildren sometimes catch the acting bug at an early age while others find their passion rooted in sports or music. Ahmad Queenan was a little different; he wanted to do something to inspire others, so he became a teacher. “When I was growing up my mom was the director of a career counseling center. She really inspired me. I was only about 12 but knew then that I wanted to help people,” Queenan recalled.
Forming Roots in Ward 7
Queenan, along with his girlfriend and her daughter, Tsjenna Daley and Eden Jones, are recent transplants to Ward 7 and the Deanwood area after purchasing their first home together a little less than one year ago. The science teacher finds the 20-minute commute from home to work convenient. The semi-detached four-bedroom house on Fitch Place was once a vacant structure that has been stylishly remodeled. The Deanwood community, like all parts of the federal city, is in continuous flux and steadily changing. It is
by Anthony D. Diallo
a two square mile neighborhood deeply steeped in history. Deanwood is the birthplace of worldly renowned singer Marvin Gaye. The northeast neighborhood was initially developed on a former plantation site and was once the home of women’s rights activist, Nannie Helen Burroughs. According to www.culturaltourism.org, though most people refer to the community simply as Deanwood, the area encompasses earlier established neighborhoods like historical Burrville, Lincoln Heights, and Whittingham. Besides the affordability on a fourth-year teacher’s salary, Queenan loves the Deanwood neighborhood for its proximity to downtown and access to highways and surrounding communities. Daley, a native Washingtonian who met Queenan through his cousin and her coworker, commented that their “blended family has every intention of thoroughly enjoying all amenities that Deanwood affords.”
Eastern Shore Native
The now 33-year-old Queenan was reared by a single parent, his mother, Theresa Queenan, who had separated from his father, Oscar Rider. Queenan grew up in Salisbury, Maryland and credits his mother for instilling and cultivating his altruistic spirit. Queenan always liked science and math despite once being advised by a junior high school teacher not to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Queenan said that he enjoyed a fortuitous meeting with the same teacher years later that allowed Queenan to show off his biology degree, earned from Morgan State University in 2011. Deanwood reminds Queenan of certain facets of the Eastern Shore. Although Deanwood is part of the
42
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
sprawling nation’s capital, it is nestled away from much of the development ongoing throughout Washington, DC. Deanwood is considered a close-knit community and Queenan fondly recalls the closeness and familiarity he felt growing up in that same quiet, country-style environment.
Born to be an Educator
Queenan currently is a science teacher at the Social Justice Public Charter School located at 5450 3rd Street, NE. Part of the school’s mission is to create learners to be scholaractivists who will become designers of a more just world. He plays a large part of the school’s Restorative Justice Program in STEM focus. According to Latiese Orakwue, Queenan possesses qualities of a gifted educator. “He was my son’s fifth grade teacher at Van Bokkel-
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
43
east washington life
Changing Hands
en Elementary (within the Anne Arundel County Public School system) in Severn, Maryland. That year in 2020 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 everything was virtual. I noticed that address, sales price and number of bedrooms. (Queenan) was very attentive. The kids gravitated toward him.” Orakwue, who works as a civil engineer designer for Elite Engineering in 3943 Clay Pl NE $490,000 3 RIVER TERRACE Greenbelt, Maryland said her son, Jer4334 Gault Pl NE $470,000 4 3362 Blaine St NE $478,000 3 4320 Jay St NE $454,000 3 emiah Riley, really excelled in Queen5118 Brooks St NE $450,000 3 an’s class. 209 62nd St NE $430,000 3 “He couldn’t wait to log in every 5501 Jay St NE $419,000 4 CONDO morning. Mr. Queenan made his entire 730 50th St NE $415,000 2 BARRY FARMS 4215 Foote St NE $415,000 4 class and every subject fun. He incorpo2617 Douglass Pl SE #101 $255,000 2 836 Division Ave NE $385,000 2 rated a lot of interactive games that en1104 49th St NE $380,000 2 hanced the learning process. Mr. QueenCAPITOL RIVERFRONT 4912 Minnesota Ave NE $375,000 2 an is the first African American male 1211 Van St SE #PH1 $1,299,900 1 802 52nd St NE $375,000 2 teacher that Jeremiah ever encountered. 331 54th St NE $353,450 4 CONGRESS HEIGHTS 4217 Gault Pl NE $350,000 3 Mr. Queenan connected with Jeremiah 1112 Savannah St SE #24 $214,999 1 228 56th St NE $339,000 2 and the other students by teaching math 212 Oakwood St SE #B2 $195,000 1 541 47th St NE $310,000 3 and English on a sports level,” Orakwue 625 Chesapeake St SE #204 $114,000 2 4500 Lee St NE $225,000 3 said while hinting that both she and her FAIRFAX VILLAGE FORT DUPONT PARK son still miss Queenan as a teacher. 2124 Suitland Ter SE #202 $155,000 1 464 Burns St SE $485,000 4 Van Bokkelen Elementary Principal 409 Burbank St SE $480,000 3 FT DUPONT PARK Jan Haberlein honored Queenan by rec3983 Alabama Ave SE $475,000 4 3960-3960 Pennsylvania Ave SE #T5$200,000 2 ognizing his outstanding work by using 733 Adrian St SE $457,000 3 702 Ridge Rd SE $445,000 3 Queenan’s Student Learning Objectives KINGMAN PARK 1527 Fort Dupont St SE $445,000 3 (SLO) as a model for the school’s School 1710 Gales St NE #2 $390,000 2 1629 Fort Dupont St SE $444,900 3 NEIGHBORHOOD PRICE BEDS 1605 E St NE #1 $380,000 1 Improvement Plan (SIP). At that time 2956 M St SE $419,000 3 Queenan was able to move his fifth grad4211 Fort Dupont Ter SE $415,000 3 MARSHALL HEIGHTS 1655 Fort Dupont St SE $325,000 3 ers from the 50th percentile range to the 5045 C St SE #201 $314,900 2 FEE SIMPLE 1231 44th Pl SE $280,000 2 75th percentile range in one school year in 4820 C St SE #201 $165,000 2 742 Ridge Rd SE $290,000 3 ANACOSTIA 4508 B St SE #3 $152,000 2 two subjects, science, and social studies. 2262 High St SE $711,000 5 Queenan’s success in the classroom HILL CREST NAVY YARD 2006 Ridge Pl SE $545,000 3 1210 34th St SE $600,000 4 derives from his ability to make science re1300 4th St SE #915 $949,000 2 2264 Mount View Pl SE $520,000 4 1400 25th St SE $585,000 3 1300 4th St SE #603 $850,000 2 latable. While teaching a unit about cells, 1328 Morris Rd SE $500,000 3 1025 1st St SE #412 $715,000 2 1624 Ridge Pl SE $430,000 2 Queenan used the students as simulators KINGMAN PARK 1300 4th St SE #211 $635,000 2 1816 Minnesota Ave SE $345,000 2 to model the cells’ functions. The class556 25th Pl NE $649,900 3 37 L St SE #607 $569,900 1 room was thus turned into a hospital or BARRY FARMS LILY PONDS TRINIDAD 1420 Howard Rd SE $354,000 2 science laboratory and the elementary stu768 Water Lily Ln NE $407,900 3 1105 Queen St NE #4 $664,000 2 dents transformed into medical students. 3724 Roosevelt Pl NE $333,000 3 CARVER LANGSTON 1420 Staples St NE #PH3 $650,000 2 “The biggest continuous challenge I 211 34th St NE $300,000 2 812 21st St NE $429,500 2 1654 W Virginia Ave NE #3 $639,000 2 face is making sure that the students are 1420 Staples St NE #2 $575,000 2 MARSHALL HEIGHTS CONGRESS HEIGHTS always engaged. Everything nowadays 1105 Queen St NE #2 $565,000 2 5215 1/2 E St SE $536,000 4 562 Foxhall Pl SE $669,900 4 1247 Holbrook Ter NE #UNIT 1 $550,000 4 is vying for their attention – cellphones, 5309 B St SE $479,000 3 305 Atlantic St SE $498,000 3 1258 Holbrook Ter NE #1 $520,000 3 advertisements, the internet, TikTok. At 5551 B St SE $415,000 2 3009 8th St SE $486,400 4 1028 Bladensburg NE #36 $495,000 2 5121 H St SE $380,000 4 least one time each quarter, I ask my stu550 Foxhall Pl SE $445,000 3 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #17 $490,000 3 4825 Bass Pl SE $347,900 3 608 Chesapeake St SE $440,000 2 dents what they think science is and give 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #32 $487,000 2 227 Atlantic St SE $439,900 3 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #31 $485,000 3 them little surveys. They sometimes do NAVY YARD 5 Danbury St SW $410,000 3 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #27 $465,000 3 not feel that scientists look like them. I 418 L St SE $1,300,000 4 439 Newcomb St SE $328,000 3 1915 H St NE #3 $459,900 2 try to change that narrative as a norm.” 316 Raleigh St SE $308,500 2 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #42 $450,000 2 RANDLE HEIGHTS Just as the potential for a towering 637 Brandywine St SE $307,500 4 1104 Holbrook Ter NE #4 $394,500 2 1828 18th St SE $525,000 4 1120 Barnaby Ter SE $278,500 3 redwood tree rests in a miniscule seed 804 21st St NE #2 $390,000 2 1841 Bruce Pl SE $500,000 4 1102 Holbrook Ter NE #2 $327,500 2 and a giant tortoise awaits in an egg, so 2416 18th St SE $500,000 3 DEANWOOD 1028 Bladensburg Rd NE #25 $33,500 1 3212 Buena Vista Ter SE $470,000 4 too does untapped human capital dwell 5312 Central Ave SE $670,000 4 u 1403 Shippen Ln SE $455,000 4 4945 Fitch Pl NE $562,000 4 within the form of innocent children. 3501 21st St SE $455,000 3 4943 Fitch Pl NE $560,000 4 That is the gift bestowed upon effective 1837 T St SE $395,000 2 3944 Clay Pl NE $490,000 4 educators such as Ahmad Queenan. u 3437 24th St SE $300,000 2 44
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
YOUR DAILY ONLINE NEWS SOURCE
WARDS 7 & 8
EAST OFTHE RIVER DCNEWS .COM
WE TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY! ANIMAL CLINIC OF ANACOSTIA Candace A. Ashley, DVM
Serving the East of the River community for over 40 years! 2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900 I doctorashleydvm.com
E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
45
kids & family
by Kathleen Donner
Pandaversary at the Zoo
On April 16 and 17, the National Zoo will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas. Over the past five decades, the Zoo’s pandas have become international icons, beloved both for their adorable antics and their ability to bring colleagues from the United States and China together to collaborate for a common goal: saving the species from extinction. On Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy lion dance performances, panda-shaped Bao buns and calligraphy demonstrations, courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, speak with the Zoo’s scientists who study giant panda biology and ecology, and see the pandas receive special enrichment treats. On Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can enjoy a performance by Dong Xi, a musical collaboration between percussionist Tom Teasley and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian. The Zoo’s giant pandas also will receive enrichment treats as part of the celebration. nationalzoo. si.edu/animals/celebrating-50-years-giant-pandas. March 1, 1985. Giant pandas Hsing-Hsing (left) and Ling-Ling (right) at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
On Saturday, April 16, 1 to 9 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, April 17, 5 to 9 p.m.), celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards, with a full day of live music and engaging activities. This all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden and family-friendly hands-on activities. The evening is capped by fireworks set to music. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/event/petalpalooza.
The Other Side at the KC
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their AfricanAmerican side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a clever way to get around the grown-up rules together. Twenty years after its first publication, Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life with movement from choreographer and Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor for Dance Education Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down? $20. The Other Side, best enjoyed by age five and older, is at the Kennedy Center from April 21
Easter Monday at the Zoo
On Easter Monday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”. Throughout the day, the Zoo will offer familyfocused activities, from an Easter egg hunt with prizes to field games, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. And don’t miss a chance to meet Easter Panda. Free but parking is $30 and you must reserve a parking pass online before you visit. nationalzoo.si.edu. Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian National Zoo
46
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
E ast
of the
R iver M agazine
A pril 2022
47
kids & family
Arboretum Eagles Egg Hatches The Eagle Nest Cam at the US National Arboretum revealed that on Feb. 22, Mr. President and LOTUS celebrated President’s Day weekend by laying two eggs. One egg hatched on March 27, but the eaglet died. A second eaglet hatched on March 29 and was doing fine. Eagle eggs take about 35 days to incubate before hatching. During that time, Mr. President and LOTUS took turns incubating and rolling the eggs so they stayed warm and developed evenly. With the arrival of the eggs, Azalea Road and parts of the Azalea Collections were closed to visitors for about the next four months. PLEASE NOTE: This is a wild eagle nest and anything can happen. Things like predators, natural disasters as well as territorial disputes can affect this eagle family and may be difficult to watch. naeaglecam.org.
to 30. Saturday, Apr. 30 at 1:30 p.m. is sensory-friendly. kennedy-center.org.
Soar Together @ Air and Space Virtual Family Day
When you think of careers in air and space, you might not think of clothing designers, bakers or artists. However, there are jobs that require skills in artistry, creativity and visuals and this month (May), they’ll introduce you to some of these air and space career connections. Join them on May 13 and 14, all day, for live, virtual story times, their monthly Air and Space Adventures challenge game, and artifact exploration. airandspace.si.edu/ events/soar-together-air-and-space-virtual-family-daycrafty-and-creative-career-connections.
Story Time at Union Market
On Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., join Northeast Library as they travel to the roof of Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE, to bring a unique story time to babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Join them on the roof for books, songs, rhythm, rhyme and movement. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. This outdoor program is canceled in the event of a heat/cold emergency. dclibrary.org/northeast.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
From the moment the curtain rises, parents and children alike will be on their feet dancing along to a pop-infused soundtrack with new Sesame Street friends and live emcees Casey and Caleb. Planning a party isn’t easy when everybody has a different idea of fun, but with some help from the audience, it becomes the ultimate reflection of what friendship plus teamwork can accomplish. 48
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
Party guests will sing along to familiar songs, like “I Love Trash” and “C is for Cookie,” with Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster; dance to the beat with Elmo; take flight with Big Bird to learn about some of his fabulous feathered friends; and discover new cultures in an interactive Spanish lesson with Rosita. Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! visits Fairfax May 6 to 8, at EagleBank Arena. Tickets are at sesamestreetlive.com.
ant Edition” is available at kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems.
A Special LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Variant Edition
In March of 2020, millions of people of all ages from around the world first joined Emmy Award–winning writer and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems in his studio for weekday LUNCH DOODLES. To mark the second anniversary, Mo and the Kennedy Center are releasing a special new “Variant Edition” of LUNCH DOODLES, inviting everyone back into his studio to doodle, reflect on the past two years, and create art together. This new “Vari-
Mount Vernon hosts the nation’s largest Revolutionary War re-enactment. Photo: Rob Shenk
Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend
On April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine), Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18thcentury tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and greet General Washington. All activities are included in admission price: $28 for adults, 12+; $15 for age six to eleven; five and under, free. There is a $2 price reduction for early online ticket purchase. mountvernon.org.
Have you applied to Pre-K yet? Open to ages 3 and 4 FREE for all DC residents.
Introducing a free, new, safe and secure preschool option for all DC families. Apply today for Pride Pre-Kindergarten, presented by Perry Street Prep - a Tier 1 K-8 public charter school in the heart of Northeast. No income restrictions - minimum or maximum.
PROGRAM BENEFITS: • Full day, full week 12-month program • Includes meals and before or aftercare • Small Class Sizes with 1:9 Ratio
• Outdoor Learning Space • Music, Art, Field Trips, Spanish and more!
Register today on MySchoolDC.org or email Mrs. McCaskill (dmccaskill@pspdc.org) • Apply online at myschooldc.org limited seats available
• Now enrolling all students in PK-8th grade
• Tuition-free; before care and afterschool care offered 6:30am - 6:00pm
Give your cub the best in early childhood education - apply to Pride Pre-K today!
1800 Perry Street NE, Washington, DC 20018 E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
49
Kids Welcome at Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup
Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup--a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. On the Saturday following Earth Day, thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. Registration is now open for the 2022 cleanup which is on Saturday, April 22 10 a.m. to noon. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the coveted t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.
Amidon-Bowen Elementary PTA Virtual Auction Fundraiser
Amidon-Bowen Elementary’s online auction is on April 27 to 29. Auction items include sports tickets, gift cards for local businesses and travel/adventure tickets. All proceeds support Amidon-Bowen students from technology purchases and expanded after school activities. Visit auction site and bid at biddingowl.com/AmidonBowenPTA. To donate items to the auction or for questions, contact amidonbowenauction@gmail.com.
Summer Acceleration Programs DCPS Students Announced
This summer, DCPS is inviting all students enrolled currently in pre-K4 through fourth grade to be part of the Elementary Summer Acceleration program. This five-week program will take place on weekdays from July 5 to August 5 and offer a full-day of learning, fun, and friendship. Registration for the program has opened at dcpsreopenstrong. com/summer/#ESA. Space is limited, and families will be directed to the school in their assigned neighborhood feeder pattern when registering online. Registration has also opened for current students in grades five through 50
E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m
eight where they can explore their career interests through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Enrichment program from July 5 to Aug. 5. Current students in grades five to eight also can grow their math skills through the Algebra Accelerator program on weekdays from July 5 to Aug. 5. Rising ninth grade students will start their high school experience by attending Summer Bridge at their school from Aug. 8 to 12. During this orientation week, students will enjoy a variety of activities, such as team building games, scavenger hunts to get to know their new schools, excursions and field trips, creative projects, performances, and presentations about high school and beyond. dcpsreopenstrong.com/summer.
Free KN95 Masks for Children at DC COVID Centers
All DC Health COVID Centers now offer free child-sized KN95 masks. DC residents can obtain two packages of children’s masks each containing five masks. In addition to masks for children, all COVID Centers will continue to provide access to vaccinations, boosters, adult masks, take-home rapid antigen tests, and PCR tests. DC Health has eight COVID Centers with one in each Ward. All sites are open six days a week, as late as 9 p.m., and sites ro-
SERVING GRADES 6-12
YOUR LEGACY STARTS HERE. Apply today for School Year 2022-2023. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org. #ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back! Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection.
WHY PAUL PCS FOR 6-12 GRADE?
• Tier 1 High School; on average 1:15 ratio for MS and HS classes • Guaranteed seat for Paul middle school families into Paul IHS • SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College Application Assistance
• Over 20 competitive Jr. Varsity and Varsity Athletic teams • Free daily breakfast, lunch, and Extended Day after school programs • Highly Rated 6-12 Special Education Services, IEP/504 Support, and Counseling After you apply, visit us during our Paul PCS Saturday Enrollment Hours: Saturday, April 23rd 8:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, May 14th 8:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday, June 11th 8:30am - 12:30pm
Visit www.paulcharter.org to learn more. Questions? Email: Enrollment@paulcharter.org
5800 8th Street NW Washington, DC I (202) 291-7499 E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
51
EARLY CARE AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Ages 6 weeks to 12 Years Old Monday - Friday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM OUR PROGRAM OFFERS
• Developmentally Appropriate Programs • Toilet Training • Certified Educators • Education Field Trips LOCATIONS: • Income-Based Tuition MINNESOTA • Summer Camp 4021 Minnesota Ave., NE 202.397.1170
ANTIOCH 1105 50th St., NE 202.397.8754 GOOD HOPE ROAD 2503 Good Hope Rd., SE 202.582.0323
www.commresh.com
FRANK TUTORING
Need SAT Help? One-on-One Local Tutoring Service Nicolas Frank, an experienced tutor, near-perfect scorer, and UCLA student will help your child improve and meet their goals.
Nico Will:
Teach your student strategies to fully understand exam questions and SAT logic Analyze and target your students weaknesses to efficiently increase their score Provide ample practice material, indepth questionanalysis, and useful tips
Rates start at $60 hour
Additional subjects offered grades 5-12:
Math
English
Calculus
Spanish
Algebra
History
Physics
Chemistry
Rates start at $35 hour
tate days off so that on any day of the week multiple COVID Centers are open across DC. Proof of residency is required. coronavirus.dc.gov.
Bluestone Lane Café Opens Inside National Children’s Museum
Bluestone Lane, the Australian-inspired coffee, café and lifestyle brand has opened its newest downtown DC location inside National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Bluestone Lane has curated a menu for their National Children’s Museum location that emphasizes healthy, fun, and delicious options for young eaters and adults. Bluestone Lane will share a home with the Museum inside their Playzone, a lightfilled, glass-enclosed space on the Museum’s entry level. The café is double-entry: Museum visitors will be able to grab a drink or bite by entering from within the Museum, while members of the public can enter through a separate entrance on Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Bluestone Lane is operating during Museum visitor hours, currently Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
Fort Ward Museum Reopens
Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The Fort Ward Museum interprets the site’s history and offers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year. The Museum and Historic Site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city’s role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians. The historic fort provides visitors with an excellent understanding of Civil War-era military engineering. About 90% of the fort’s earthwork walls are preserved and the Northwest Bastion has been restored and reconstructed to its original condition. Fort Ward Museum is now open Fridays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The historic site is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, consistent with Fort Ward Park hours. alexandriava.gov/FortWard.
ALL or TEXT (202)-417-5240 I nico.frank8@gmail.co www.franktutoring.com CALL or TEXT (202)-480-2985
nico.frank8@gmail.com
52
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Applications Open for DPR Summer Camp
This summer, DPR will have a wide range of summer camp offerings for ages three to thirteen. Reg-
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur…and a dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. That’s just the beginning of this hilarious, fractured, symphonic take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, as retold by Mo Willems. This new classic is presented by favorite performers and the National Symphony Orchestra, featuring original music by indie pop icon and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds. $25 to $55. Best for age five, up. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, April 30 at 2 and 4 p.m. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory-friendly. kennedy-center.org.
istration for camps will open on a rolling basis during the week of April 4. To ensure their programs are accessible, DPR will again offer reduced rates to qualifying DC residents. dpr.dc.gov/page/ about-camps.
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras Applications Open
With a nationally recognized artistic staff, a dedicated professional staff, and a host of volunteers, AYPO annually selects and trains more than 400 of the area’s most talented young musicians. Students up to age 21 are encouraged to audition in June for the opportunity to participate in one of their six orchestras and six instrumental ensembles. Auditions will take place virtually this season with video submissions due Friday, May 27. Rehearsals for the 2022-2023 season will start on Monday evenings in September and continue through May. aypo.org. ◆
100 Gallatin St. NE Washington, DC 20011
Pre-K 3 through 5th grade Building a strong foundation for learning
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL GRADES FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR ADDITIONAL SLOTS FOR STUDENTS WITH HIGH LEVEL SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS. ENROLLING FIVE PRE-K CLASSROOMS FOR THE FALL OF 2022. EXPANDED NUMBER OF SLOTS FOR KINDERGARTEN AND 3RD TO 5TH GRADE.
Apply for admissions at:
www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336 Open Houses School Year 2022-2023 *All sessions will be virtual using ZOOM video conferencing. To register please call (202) 545-0515 or email info@bridgespcs.org to get information on how to join the session.
English
Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm April 26th • May 24th
Spanish
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm April 26th • May 24th
Hover your phone camera over this QR Code to register for an open house or apply to the school.
w w w. br i d g e sp c s . org I 2 0 2 . 5 4 5 . 0 5 1 5 Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A PRIL 2022
53
www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
XWORD “Two steps forwards, two steps back”
by Myles Mellor Across: 1. Carved family emblem 6. U.S. Open champ, 1985-87 11. Teaching inst. 14. Made like 18. Island, to a Venetian 19. Big name in kitchen foil 20. Stray 22. Unrobed 23. Got off the mountain 25. Going up the mountain 27. Aria, e.g. 28. Fruity drinks 29. Wild 31. Hearty steak 32. Manipulator 33. Relief 34. Paper purchase 35. Those who put confidence in someone 39. “Well said!” 42. Parts of a herd 46. Publishers 47. Word origin abbreviation 48. Cruelty 51. J.F.K. postings 52. Cry plaintively 53. Eggstone 54. Golf meeting place 55. Significant 17th century religious work 61. Heads of state 63. ____if it could (contraction) 64. Place to unwind 66. Villain 67. Real estate ad abbr. 68. Oldest independent country in Africa 72. A Cadillac 73. Denebola’s constellation 74. Young hares 75. Copies another’s software, in a way 81. Government security agency, abbr.
83. Many 84. Go bad 85. “___ Smile” (1976 hit) 89. Luxury boat owner 91. “The Joy Luck Club” author 92. Censored and replaced 95. Pigeon pen 96. Talked up? 98. Pendant gem shape 99. Crimson colors 102. Dummy 103. Sound boosters 104. Anouk of “La Dolce Vita” 106. Uncluttered 108. Swing around 109. Land with 60% of the earth’s population 113. Gaining ground from the enemy 115. Relapsing 118. Red Sea city 119. Couturier Cassini 120. Make giddy 121. Dog 122. Org. 123. Famous falcon 124. Grooves 125. Chief German city of Ruhr River valley
Down: 1. Twitches 2. 1952 Olympics host 3. Work hard 4. “Tickle me” doll 5. Queen of the fairies 6. Fire truck attachments 7. Seniors 8. Sgts. and such 9. Stock exchange index 10. Sluggishness 11. Booty 12. Mexican quarters 13. ___cup (odd sound) 14. Between the thorax and pelvis
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 15. Hurtful sensation 16. Sea eagle 17. B.S., e.g. 21. Bash 24. Assuaging agent 26. Org. that has many guards 30. ___ Simbel, Egypt 32. Colorado Native American 33. Finnish bath 34. Hook up again 35. Dead heat 36. What U can follow 37. 2002 Winter Olympics site (Abbr.) 38. Film genre 40. Three or more harmonious notes 41. Interactive online game 43. Scuba gear 44. End for Siam 45. Compass point
47. Speaker’s platform 49. Orch. section 50. Laugh sound 52. Winter comment 53. Picks 56. Personal statement intro 57. Driver’s need: Abbr. 58. “Is that so!” 59. Cowell of Idol 60. Emphasized 61. Blair and others, for short 62. Take back 65. Undergrad degrees 67. Snorkler’s interest 68. Fast time 69. The Beatles’ “___ Got a Feeling” 70. Spelling stinger? 71. Go off 73. Hotelier Helmsley 74. Sphinx animal
GAMES AND PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE!
Tues, Thurs, & Friday: 11am -10pm Wed: 11am – 8pm Sat + Sun: 10am – 7pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Steps from Eastern Market Metro)
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff • Board Games • Card Games • Puzzles • Building Toys • Events
202-544-1059 • labyrinthdc.com 54
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
76. Port vessel 77. Raised railroads 78. Frolics 79. Telephone button 80. Reunion attendees 81. Wall Street locale 82. ___ Paulo, Brazil 86. Shower month 87. ___ Speedwagon (“Keep on Loving You” band) 88. Payroll processing company 90. Writer, Hesse 91. Platform for experimentation 92. Discombobulates 93. Place for a pin 94. Speech stumbles 97. Chatter 98. Address 100. Night of poetry 101. Like New York’s Radio City Music Hall, informally 104. Contributes 105. Folk-singer Burl 106. Joint with a cap 107. Holiday findings 108. Great deal 109. Flurries 110. Letter salutation word (pl.) 111. ‘’Bus Stop’’ playwright William 112. Opposed, in Dogpatch 113. Auto insurer with roadside service 114. Breed 116. Pie ___ mode 117. Crystal meth, in slang
AIR & HEATING
HAIR SALON P D EL E H NT A W
Look Fabulous
To place a classified in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.3503 or email Carolina@hillrag.com
UNISEX HAIR SALON
Men’s Haircut - $15 Locs/Twist Specials - $50 Weaves Sewn - $100
PAINTING
1ST TIME CUSTOMER ONLY
Nail Technician on Site MANICURES • PEDICURES • FULL SET
CLEANING SERVICES PROFESSIONAL CLEANING AT AN AFFORDABLE RATE
202.581.1700 | 2203 Minsesotta Ave. SE / lookfabulousunisexhairsalon
MASONRY Serving Capitol Hill & SW DC for Over 30 Years!
$20
Locally Owned
Off Your First Clean NEW CLIENT SPECIAL
DAILY • WEEKLY • BIWEEKLY • MONTHLY PET & FAMILY FRIENDLY GET STARTED WITH YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!
703-719-9850 703-447-5500 standardcleaningservicesinc.com REFERENCES • BONDED & INSURED
ELECTRICIAN
GEORGE HALLIDAY
MASONRY CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING • Restoration Cleaning on Historical Brick & Stone
PLUMBING
Just Say I Need A Plumber®
• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement
• Basements & Waterproofing • Experts in New & Traditional Masonry
Chimney Repointing, Lining & Repairs! NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!
202.637.8808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured
G G ROOFING
Dial A Plumber, LLC®
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •
Licensed Bonded Insured
•
Kenny
202-251-1479 DC P
L U M M E R
’
S
L
I C E N S E
#707
WE STOP LEAKS! • Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
LIC. BONDED. INS
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC.
•
WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
ROOFING
• Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs •
75 years in service
BBB
Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
